Fred Upton

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I commend the speakers that have spoken on this bill and those who helped lead the way in the Senate as well. Again we have seen bipartisan cooperation. I rise today in support of S. 1455, the College Scholarship Fraud Prevention Act of 1999. This bill will prevent unscrupulous businesses from defrauding vulnerable students and their families seeking to finance their education. In essence we identified a scam that needs to be corrected and we have done it with common sense, bipartisan legislation. I urge my colleagues to follow the lead of the other body and pass this legislation this afternoon. Students in Michigan and across the Nation are targeted by corrupt companies who prey on their hopes and dreams for a college education. A college education is one of the most important investments a person will ever make. College is not only a place where students decide what professions to follow but, more importantly, a place that begins their journey into adulthood. While education is central to students, it is even more vital to our Nation. Our political system depends on an educated citizenry who are able to make informed decisions. Also in light of the continual technological advances, businesses require an educated workforce. Thus, we want to encourage more students to in fact pursue a college education. But each year crooked companies send literally thousands of letters out to hopeful students offering bogus scholarships. Scam artists target some of the most vulnerable members of our society. They collect millions of dollars, not thousands but millions of dollars, by preying on the hopes and dreams of students who desire to improve their life through higher education. The FTC, the Federal Trade Commission, has been aware of this growing problem. In fact, in 1996 the FTC initiated Project Scholarship Scam, a nationwide crackdown on fraudulent scholarship search services. Though the FTC is dedicated to stopping these con artists, the FTC can only file civil charges that include redress to defrauded consumers and injunctions prohibiting or restricting future market activity. In most cases, the defendants settle with the FTC because evidence of their fraudulent conduct is so overwhelming. For example, in one case Student Assistance Services paid $300,000 to defrauded consumers and agreed not to offer further scholarship services and to pose, in fact, a $75 bond before telemarketing. Reluctantly, the FTC can only use injunctions to deter these con artists from their activities because they lack the authority to prosecute them on criminal charges. It is clear that what this bill will do is in fact provide more protection for the most vulnerable members of our community, needy students and their families, than ever before. I urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan legislation and commend the remarks of my previous colleagues who spoke in support of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I know that my good friend, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee), and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman Goodling), I was part of that choir that they were preaching to. They had me convinced early on that this bill and funding for IDEA was certainly the right way to go, particularly as I talked to my local school districts, parents, and families back home. This bill, H. Con. Res. 399, recognizes and honors the 25th anniversary of the passage of IDEA. We strongly believe, everyone I think in this Chamber believes strongly, in the goal of IDEA that every child, every child, should have the opportunity to receive a quality education. We have worked hard to ensure greater access to education for all students with disabilities. We have also worked increasingly to improve the quality of the education that children with disabilities receive. Over the last 4 fiscal years, IDEA has seen a dramatic increase of $2.6 billion. That is 115 percent increase in the Federal contribution. Prior to that, the Federal contribution was only 7 percent. Now, in fact, the Federal Government contributes 13 percent of the average per-pupil expenditure to assist with the excess cost of educating a child with a disability. A lot of us would like to see that be increased even beyond 13 percent and get quite a bit closer to the original goal, which is 30 or 40 percent. During this Congress, the House passed H. Con. Res. 84, the IDEA full-funding resolution that passed 413-2. The resolution stated that IDEA is the highest priority among Federal elementary and secondary education programs and that, in fact, it should provide full funding to school districts as originally promised by the Congress. The House also passed H.R. 4055, the IDEA Full Funding Act of 2000, by a vote 421-3. This provides an authorization scheduled for reaching the Federal mandate to assist States and local school districts with the excess costs of educating children with disabilities. This bill sets a schedule for meeting the Federal Government's IDEA funding commitment within an achievable time frame. In the last Congress, we completed the reauthorization of IDEA. The amendments of 1997 brought many improvements to the education that children with disabilities receive. It focused on three things. It focused the law on the education to a child it is to receive rather than upon process and bureaucracy. Amendments gave parents greater input in determining the best education for their children by boosting the role of their parents; and they gave the teachers the tools that they need to teach all children well by reducing the amount of paperwork expected of teachers so that now they will have more time to spend with the students. This is important legislation. It is an important program, and the Congress should step up to the plate to help our local schools deal with the pressing need that continues to grow in all of our congressional districts. Again, I compliment Members on both sides of the aisle, particularly the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman Goodling), for getting this bill to the floor; and I look forward to its passage.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. I thank the gentleman from the great State of Michigan for yielding. Mr. Speaker, this concurrent resolution allows the enrolling clerk to make technical corrections and citation changes.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, earlier this year I sat in this Chamber with many of my colleagues listening to a very long State of the Union speech. It was long for a lot of reasons, but one of them was that there were a lot of applause lines. Many Republicans and Democrats, in fact, stood during one of those, as I did, when the President talked about ending the marriage penalty tax. This is a bipartisan bill. It was a bipartisan bill in both the House and the Senate. It is not one side trying to jab the other. This is not a tax cut for the rich. It does not help any special interests except for working couples. What is wrong with that? Many of these couples, in fact, are struggling to try to make ends meet. They are living from paycheck to paycheck to paycheck. We need to override this veto. We need to override this veto for American families in all 50 States. I hope that my colleagues would join me in voting to override that veto later this morning.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my friend, Robert Dolsen, upon his retirement after 26 years of dedicated service as the Executive Director of the Region IV Area Agency on Aging. Over the years, Bob has made a tremendous difference in the lives of thousands of elderly and their families in St. Joseph/Benton Harbor and surrounding communities. He has been a great community leader. Bob established the Region IV Area Agency on Aging in 1974 as a small operation with a staff of four. Today, the Agency operates with a staff of 60 and a budget of over $10 million. Through the Agency, over 5,000 families are receiving the support services they need to maintain their independence through life's transitions and changes. Bob has long recognized that one of the greatest challenges facing our community and our nation is the aging of our population and the need for long-term care services. He is providing great leadership on this issue. We are growing old--fast. Today, those 65 and over comprise 12 percent of our population. In just 30 years, those 65 and over will comprise nearly 20 percent of our population. One in five Americans will be a senior citizen. Rising to this challenge, Bob established the first demonstration project for Michigan's home-based long-term care system. It was successful and led to the State's initiation of a Medicaid waiver for home-based services and to the statewide replication of care management through Area Agencies on Aging. Bob is recognized state-wide and nationally for his knowledge of aging issues, and especially long-term care. He has testified before Congressional committees on 9 different occasions, he is a frequent speaker and trainer at statewide and national conferences, and he was the 1992 recipient of the Harry J. Kelley Award from the Michigan Society of Gerontology for outstanding service in the development of policy and programs for older persons. He is a founding member of the Great Lakes Alliance, an interstate corporation to facilitate cooperation and communication on age-related issues among six states, and he is a founding member of the Healthy Berrien Coalition, an initiative designed to mobilize key community resources to bring the health status of Berrien County's citizens up to or above national and state standards. Last year, it was my pleasure and honor to co-host a forum on Aging in America with the Coalition. Bob also serves on the Public Policy Committee of the National Association of Area Agencies on Aging and was on the Association's Board of Directors for 8 years. He is the past president and a current Board member for the Area Agencies on Aging Association of Michigan. In addition, Bob has served on the Board of the Michigan Society of Gerontology, the Statewide Health Coordinating Council, and the Governor's Long-term Care Task Force. With all these responsibilities, Bob still finds the time and energy to serve on the United Way Allocation Committee, an advisory group recommending local United Way awards, and to actively participate in and be a benefactor of the St. Joseph-Benton Harbor Rotary Club. Southwest Michigan is a much better place for all of its citizens, and especially for the elderly, because we have been blessed with Bob Dolsen. He has touched each of our lives in ways large and small, and always with a gentle grace. I know everyone in Southwest Michigan joins me in wishing Bob Dolsen well upon his retirement and in thanking him from our hearts for all he has done and is doing for our community.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I wish to rise tonight to pay tribute to a very good friend, Ron Lasch. I came as a staff Member to this body more years than I would like to think ago, and Ron was always a friend, whether I was a staffer, whether I was a Member of Congress, whether I worked at the White House or here on the Hill. For many years and many decades, in fact, Ron Lasch watched virtually every debate, every vote on this floor more than probably any other American, in fact. His retirement, his surprise retirement this week did catch a lot of us surprised because Ron Lasch was a good friend. He was a confidante, a member of the staff that would sit in the back that really did know everything. Yet, he did not tell everything unless he was asked. We would ask him about amendments. Today, as an example, I chaired a hearing on our nuclear labs and the security that has been lapsing at them out West, a hearing that literally took 8 or 9 hours today. Lo and behold, as we had a number of votes on the floor, a number of us came to find out what the order of the amendments were, what precisely they did. Ron Lasch was always one that could tell us. He had sat here during the debate. He knew what was going on. His word was his bond. You could rely on Ron Lasch to get the right information. It was a little trouble today sitting in the back trying to figure out which amendments were coming up and precisely what they did. It took a little extra time. We miss Ron. We miss him already, not 24 hours after he announced his retirement. As we would sit with him in the back, he had great patience. We would sit with him sometimes for 20, 30 minutes talking about things going on on this House floor, and continually Members would be coming asking him, what is going on, what time are we going to get out, what amendments are coming up? And always he had the same patience with virtually every one of us. As we tried to work our will on this House floor, on parliamentary procedures, how to instruct conferees, how to have a re-vote, he had invaluable advice, as he knew all the rules. He made sure that he could train us, as well. He had a wealth of information. At the end of every session he and I always had a little special thing. He had a little crystal ball, and I hope that he leaves that in the cloakroom, as he would make his prediction as to when we would get out of session, maybe what time, what day. Usually we were all wrong and he was always right. As I look at the folks that have gone before him, the great folks here, the Billy Pitts, former Speakers, J.J. Cullen, he ranks with all of them. He knew what was going on. We are going to miss him. When Jim Ford left this place, I think it was Roll Call or the Hill asked him about his thoughts. They said, You know, Jim, for all the years that you have been here, you could write a book, and based on the book sales you could probably go to the Bahamas. And Jim Ford's response was, no, I could buy the Bahamas if I wrote that book. Well, Ron Lasch could probably do more than that. He loved this place. He had great respect for the institution. We will miss him, and I know the staff, Peggy and Jim and Tim and Jay, Joelle, Martha, all of us here will miss his wisdom, his insight, his hard work, his loyalty, and just him. I yield to my friend, the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young).

Mr. UPTON. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Speaker, I just want to note that there are a number of Members tonight that would have liked to have paid tribute. Because of the particular hour that it is, I just want to recognize them and recognize that their statements will appear. The gentleman from New Hampshire (Mr. Bass), the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Kolbe), the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp), and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) all from the bottom of their hearts have nothing but good things to say about our friend, Ron Lasch. We hope we see him, and we hope that he has some type of privilege so we see him in the weeks ahead, so we can pay our firmest respects for all of his hard work and great service to this country.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks to pay tribute to our friend Ron Lasch, who surprised a good number of us with his retirement earlier this week.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bateman) switch places in the queue, as the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bateman) has an important dinner this evening, if we might do that.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming my time, I thank the gentleman for his assurance, and I look forward to working with him in the future to make sure that we get needed assistance back to our growers in the Midwest. Amendment Offered by Mr. Coburn

Mr. UPTON. I yield to the gentleman from New Mexico.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word for the purpose of entering into a colloquy with the chairman of the Subcommittee on Agriculture of the Committee on Appropriations. Mr. Chairman, I want to bring to your attention the fire blight problem which destroyed many apple and pear crops in Michigan. While back home this past week, I personally saw the devastation in literally orchard after orchard along the road. In May, a severe disaster struck Michigan, all but destroying the apple and pear crops in this highly intensive agriculture region. In addition to extremely wet, warm, and humid weather conditions throughout the month, a severe thunderstorm passed over southwest Michigan in May, causing severe damage to fruit trees and fruit crops. The thunderstorm's hail, high wind, and heavy rain scarred and wounded the leaves, limbs and fruit on the trees. In the case of apple and pear trees, these wounds provided an avenue for the fire blight to enter the trees, causing severe and widespread disease. The result is that nearly 7,650 acres of the 17,000 acres of apple trees in this region have been severely affected by fire blight. Some of the remaining 9,000-some acres are affected as well, depending upon apple variety; but the trees are expected to recover in future years. Of the acreage severely affected, we suspect that nearly some 2,000 acres of apple trees will, in fact, die. The remainder may be saved, but their production in the future will certainly be significantly reduced. My governor, Governor Engler, in conjunction with myself, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra), the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers), the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Smith), and Senator Abraham have requested Secretary Glickman to designate the affected counties in Michigan as a disaster area, which should help to some degree. However, more must be done. I am pleased to report that Senator Abraham in the other body is working with his colleagues to provide some additional funds for relief as this body considers the fiscal year 2001 agriculture appropriation bill. I would ask the gentleman from New Mexico (Chairman Skeen) that as this bill moves through the legislative process that the gentleman work with our colleagues in the other body to provide much-needed relief to growers in southwest Michigan whose crops have been devastated by this fire blight.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the bipartisan Medicare prescription drug plan that we are now considering this evening. No senior citizen should be forced to forego needed medication, take less than the prescribed dose, or go without other necessities of life in order to afford life-saving medication. I have watched and I have heard stories and seen seniors literally cutting their pills in half so that they can make it last just a little bit longer and at a little bit less cost. Helping provide this benefit is important. As I have had a whole wave of town meetings across my district earlier this spring, I can remember one man who brought a bag of prescriptions with him and he said, ``Mr. Upton, I know you are an optimist. Can you get this bill done in 2 weeks, because that is when this prescription is due and when I have to get it renewed?'' And I pledged to him I would work very hard to try to get a bill through this House this year but, sadly, not within the 2-week time frame that he wanted. As a member of the House Prescription Drug Task Force, I had several core goals, tests that this bill does indeed meet. First, I wanted to make sure that seniors are not forced into a one-size-fits-all plan run by a distant, faceless, Federal bureaucracy and all that means in rules, regulations, restrictions, and red tape. Second, I wanted my constituents to have the same type of plan of choice that the President, all of us as Members of Congress, and the rest of the Federal workforce does. I want my constituents to have the ability that I have to select from plans that are competing for premiums on the basis of how well the restraining health care costs, providing access to high quality care. I urge all Members to support this bipartisan plan.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to come today before this House and the American people to formally recognize and honor Superintendent Larry Wile of the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency for his 40 year dedication to educating Michigan's children. He has been a friend of mine and a steady friend of education. He has always had the interests of the students first. Superintendent Wile began his career as a teacher and administrator in the Climax-Scotts Schools, a community in my district. This June, after 40 years of service, he will retire as Superintendent of the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency. Larry Wile has had a distinguished professional life. He served as an administrator in Michigan's Comstock Public Schools. For twenty-eight years, he has served southwest Michigan first as the Assistant Superintendent and then Superintendent of the Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency. Mr. Speaker, I'm here to acknowledge Superintendent Wile as a brilliant example for many young Michiganders. Throughout his service, Larry Wile has exemplified leadership, perseverance, and above all, hopefulness for the future of our great country. In addition to serving as an educator, Larry Wile has also served as the Chairman of three notable organizations: the State Association of Intermediate School District Administrators, the Regional Principal's Organization, and the Kalamazoo County School Officers Association. He continued his tradition of excellence as a member of the Kalamazoo County Chamber of Commerce Legislative Committee. Superintendent Wile personifies what it means to be a true public servant in today's society. For forty years, and indeed, his entire life, Larry Wile has shown a concern and a proactive attitude in regard to his community, a passion for instilling ethics and knowledge into his students, and ultimately, a love for his family. Mr. Speaker, I believe I speak for every member of this Congress and all those who have been touched by Superintendent Wile's care and intellect when I extend to his wife Rosie, his children and grandchildren our congratulations and best wishes for a retirement filled with happiness and productivity. I now respectfully ask you to make these remarks a part of the permanent record of the Congress in order to ensure that future generations of educators, students, and the American public have the opportunity to be inspired by the contributions of Superintendent Larry Wile of Kalamazoo, Michigan.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me, and as a Member of Congress who has two Weed and Seed sites in his district in Michigan, one in Benton Harbor and one in Kalamazoo, I know very well how valuable the Weed and Seed is to the people who live there. I commend the chairman for recognizing the value of the Weed and Seed program and recognizing that the best solutions to crime problems are customized to neighborhood needs, which is at the very core of the Weed and Seed program. The bill before us tonight provides $33.5 million for Weed and Seed, which is the amount that was appropriated in the fiscal year 2000 bill. However, in previous years, the Department of Justice was permitted to reprogram other funds to the Weed and Seed program, increasing the level of funds available to the program. For instance, in fiscal year 2000, the program received $40 million. Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask if the gentleman from Kentucky might be able to give me an assurance that he will work to assure that the Weed and Seed program will receive at least as much funding in 2001 as we received in fiscal year 2000.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this amendment to restore funding for the Legal Services Corporation. Justice for some is no justice at all. As my colleagues may recall, the Legal Services Corporation was created in 1974 to provide financial support for legal assistance in civil proceedings to persons unable to afford legal services. Legal services for people who cannot afford it. The Legal Services Corporation is the Government's vital and often only link between our disadvantaged constituents and meaningful access to the courts and our legal system. Too many in our Nation lack real access to our justice system. Access to the justice system and righting a wrong should not be a privilege of the wealthy but instead a right for all. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations of the Committee on Commerce, I am among the first to go after fraud and abuse. However, we must remember that it is also our job to correct the mismanagements within government programs to ensure that these programs continue to fulfill their obligation. A number of years ago, yes, there were problems with the Legal Services. But with Congress' help, the Committee on the Judiciary adopted a number of significant restrictions and restructuring; and in fact now the Legal Services Corporation has become an institution that the Congress, Republicans and Democrats, can be proud of. We must continue to invest in this important program that continues to fulfill the American principle of equal justice under the law. I welcome this opportunity to highlight a few of the examples of how the Legal Services Corporation has benefited my district in Michigan. The Legal Aid Bureau of Southwest Michigan helped a mother of three keep her home and avoid eviction after a corrupt landlord alleged nonpayment of rent. In fact, the family's rent was paid up to date. However, the landlord applied the rent to the cost of water repairs that were actually his fault, not the family's. Through the assistance of the Legal Aid Bureau, the court dismissed the fraudulent claim and awarded the family enough money to relocate. Without this assistance, who knows where they would be today? Two mentally disabled constituents rented a condemned apartment and their slumlord threatened to physically throw them out. Through court action, the Legal Aid Bureau retrieved all of the money which my constituents had paid to the slumlord. I ask who would represent these people if it were not for Legal Services? The governor of the State of Michigan, John Engler, understands the importance of providing legal assistance to low-income residents. I have a letter from the Michigan governor in support of providing long- term stable financial support for civil legal aid. He recognizes that in Michigan only 20 percent of the civil legal needs of low-income residents are being met. In Michigan, there is one lawyer for every 340 folks. However, there is only one civil aid lawyer for every 6,500 citizens with low income. I encourage my colleagues to remember that access to the justice system and righting a wrong should not be a privilege of the wealthy but a right to all. Please support this amendment to ensure that all Americans have access to our justice system. Justice for some is no justice at all. State of Michigan, Office of the Governor, Lansing, MI, October 4, 1999. Dear Friends: As Governor and a Michigan attorney, I endorse the State Bar of Michigan's Access to Justice for All (ATJ) Development Campaign. I have delivered my pledge to the ATJ Campaign and am writing today to encourage all members of the State Bar to do so as well. Only 20 percent of the civil legal needs of Michigan low- income residents are being met, despite the volunteer service of many lawyers and the civil legal aid programs in our communities. Although there is one lawyer for every 340 people in Michigan, there is only one civil legal aid lawyer for every 6,500 citizens with low-income. This affects 1.5 million Michigan residents who qualify for civil legal aid. These low-income families need legal assistance on essential family, housing and consumer issues. We expect all Michigan residents to use our institutions to resolve their disputes, and we must make certain that everyone has meaningful access to our justice system. Across Michigan, lawyers are taking the lead to address this important issue. The ATJ Development Campaign, a permanent endowment using private funds, has been established by the State Bar to ameliorate this societal problem. Earnings from the endowment will be distributed to our community legal aid programs, allowing the principal to grow. The State Bar is underwriting the costs of this bold development campaign for the first three years. The ATJ Development Campaign will provide long term, stable financial support for civil legal aid. Additionally, the State Bar is undertaking other unique initiatives to give Michigan a stronger, more efficient and effective legal aid system. That State Bar's ATJ Campaign is historic. No other state bar has undertaken a comparable development campaign. In recognition, the American Bar Association awarded the prestigious Harrison Tweed Award to the State Bar of Michigan. Please join me and deliver your pledge to the ATJ Campaign. Justice for some is no justice at all. Sincerely, John Engler, Governor.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Chairman, I want to underscore what the gentleman indicated that is in my district now in the last 2 weeks, we have seen gasoline go over $2 a gallon. I would think that now, more than ever before, that we need the research that this provision provides which would allow the PNGV, in essence, to support the technology that will, indeed, improve fuel efficiency. I commend the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula), chairman of the Subcommittee on the Interior, for recognizing this important benefit for PNGV. I urge my colleagues to defeat the Sununu amendment which would strike the important funding for it in the bill. If not now, when? This is the time that we ought to do it. Our constituents are screaming about the high cost of gasoline. We need to help the universities and other researchers provide the adequate funding so we have more fuel efficient automobiles. That is what this provision does. Obviously, an amendment to strike it would take away that ability for all consumers across the country. I urge defeat of this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the Sununu amendment. Unfortunately, this amendment shortsightedly overlooks the enormous benefits our wise investment in the Partnership for a New Generation of Vehicles--PNGV--makes to improve technologies to increase fuel economy and improve emissions without sacrificing affordability, utility, safety and comfort in today's family cars. Investment in PNGV for agency programs most directly relevant to its technical objectives amount to about $130 million annually--99% of which goes directly to supplier companies, national labs, and universities who engage in research and development in areas including: advanced batteries for electric vehicles, hybrid electric vehicles, lightweight materials, vehicle recycling, fuel economy and further reductions of emissions. Federal partners involved in this research include the Departments of Commerce, Energy, Transportation and Defense, along with the EPA, the National Science Foundation, NASA, and 21 federal labs. Make no mistake, the benefits which our wise investment in PNGV are enormous. This effort is advancing America's technology base, improving national competitiveness and the productivity of America's factories, preserving U.S. jobs, keeping the U.S. economy growing, minimizing transportation's impact on the global environment and achieving sustainable development by fostering environmentally friendly transportation solutions, and reducing reliance on foreign oil. Speaking of foreign oil, many of our congressional districts around the nation are experiencing drastic increases in gas prices at the pump. In my district alone, prices are near the $2 per gallon mark for regular unleaded at the self-service pump, and my constituents are demanding relief. So now, more than ever, we need the research which PNGV supports for technologies which can improve fuel efficiency. I applaud my colleagues on the Interior Appropriations Subcommittee for recognizing the important benefits of PNGV, and I urge my colleagues to defeat the Sununu amendment, which would strike the important funding for it in the bill.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, this bill is brought up under suspension of the rules, and usually those measures are brought up when they are noncontroversial. Until about a month or two ago this issue was very controversial. In fact, a year ago there were probably some of us on both sides of the aisle that were ready to do battle, with swords. This has been a tough battle, and I want to particularly commend the thoughtfulness and the hard work of my colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith). There were a number of us that were able to get together with the gentleman from Texas on both sides of the aisle. We had a number of associations across the country as well, whether they be the White House, whether they be the Governors Association, the Chamber of Commerce, or Republicans and Democrats. The gentleman from New York (Mr. LaFalce) and I headed up the charge, on our side. And I had the privilege over the last couple of years, with others in this body that are on the floor now, of participating jointly with our Canadian counterparts, our colleagues from Canada. This has been the number one issue the last number of years. Why is that? In my home State of Michigan, we have more than a billion and a half dollars of trade that literally goes across the bridge into Canada every day. Every day. We have thousands of Americans and Canadians that cross the border to work, whether it be at hospitals or other places. And, sadly, under the old rules, I guess those that are still present today until this legislation becomes law, under that section 110, had it been allowed to come into play, it would have meant a delay for days, perhaps, for people to go simply from one side of the border to the other, whether it be for dinner, for a job, or whatever it might be. Thanks to the leadership of people on this floor today, particularly my colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Houghton), the gentleman from New York (Mr. McHugh), the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Stearns), and others, we were able to have a meeting of the minds. And in fact, we have legislation now that, when it is passed this afternoon, and thanks to the leadership of many in the Senate as well, instead of coming to war over this issue, like we almost did last year, in essence we are able to come shoulder to shoulder and do something for the American good that will help both countries, and Mexico as well, but our interest certainly has been Canada, for those of us from Michigan. But we are going to resolve this issue by using our heads and our minds and our words. I just want to commend again my colleague from Texas for allowing us to take this bill on a fairly rapid course through his subcommittee, our leadership by getting it to the floor today, and, in essence, getting away next year, instead of having that date come into play, when literally our borders would be locked and sealed and folks would be unable to cross the border for whatever purpose. In fact, this opens the door in a meaningful way; and one that I think was certainly the intent of the legislation that was passed.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, I have had the opportunity to speak to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak) this morning. He thanked the leadership for the moment of silence, and also the staffs of the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) and my staff, and also his staff has been terrific in putting together this event on, obviously, a pretty short notice. I also want to thank Northwest Airlines which has bent over backwards to allow us to charter a plane to fly to Wisconsin tomorrow. The gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak) also indicated he wanted me to thank the leadership for postponing votes allowing Members to be able to attend the service tomorrow afternoon and evening. I would just like to thank the Dean of the House for this 5 minutes and would ask Members that would like to attend the service tomorrow if they could contact either the office of the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) or my office. We will make sure that those arrangements are taken care of.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, we have all received thousands and thousands of e-mails from our constituents who have been outraged about erroneous reports that Congress was soon going to consider Congressman Schnell's bill H.B. 602P, which purportedly would impose a surcharge on literally every e-mail sent by an individual. Yes, yes, that rumor is false but around the same time another e-mail campaign suggested that the FCC was in fact going to impose a per minute access fee on Internet use, and again our constituents flooded our offices with e-mails to express their outrage. It is undisputed that the FCC's unelected bureaucrats currently do have the power to authorize permitted access charges on Internet use, their claims that they have no intention of doing so disregarded. As we all know, the road to hell was paved with good intentions, and one need look no further than the e-rate tax to know how the FCC's unelected bureaucrats have recently used their authority to increase the Government's take by a billion dollars through an increase on every American's long distance charges. The question is this: Should we trust the unelected bureaucrats at the FCC to keep their hands out of the pockets of Internet users, or should Congress pull the plug once and for all? Our constituents have e-mailed us. They have talked to us through letters to the editor. They have come to our town meetings and they have said that they want us to pull the plug once and for all. That is why we need to pass this legislation this morning. H.R. 1291 will prevent a stop-watch from being placed on the Internet so that our constituents are not charged by the minute when they surf the Web or when they e-mail their friends, families, customers or even us, Members of Congress, for that matter. Our constituents are already paying for the phone service and a monthly fee usually to their Internet service provider as well. Clearly, if our constituents were charged by the minute when they surfed the Web or e-mailed, this would drastically increase the cost and dramatically inhibit their use of the Internet, perhaps as much as $400 over the course of the year. This would disproportionately impact folks who communicate by e-mail, particularly families with children in the military overseas, or children who are in college far away from home, brothers and sisters, families who are scattered across our Nation, even around the globe, and seniors on fixed incomes who have begun to communicate by e-mail to their grandkids. We cannot let this happen and this bill would prevent it. I am pleased that 141 of our colleagues from both sides of the aisle have cosponsored this legislation. I commend the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bliley), the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell) for all their efforts to ensure that this bill is on the floor today. I introduced it almost a year and a half ago and I am pleased to say we hope to pass it this morning.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to come today before this House and the American people to formally thank and honor a true American hero, Capt. Joseph Avveduti, for his great and long service to our nation. Captain Avveduti served as commander of the U.S.S. Kalamazoo from September 1995 to August 1996, and will be retiring from the U.S. Navy in July of this year. His retirement will not only be a great loss to our Armed Forces, but our nation as a whole. Joseph Avveduti first came to my attention as commander of the U.S.S. Kalamazoo, a vessel whose namesake is Kalamazoo, MI, a city in my district. Like the residents of Kalamazoo, Captain Avveduti represents the best America has to offer. In reviewing his distinguished service record, Captain Avveduti's dedication to his country is immediately evident. Throughout his many years of meritorious service to our country, he has been awarded the Bronze Star, three Meritorious Service Medals, the Air Medal and the prestigious Legion of Merit in addition to service and campaign medals too numerous to name here. Captain Avveduti should be embraced as a shining example for many young men and women who are entering our Armed Forces today. After graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1974, he was designated a naval aviator and served his initial aviation tour with the helicopter Anti-Submarine Squadron in Jacksonville, FL. Mr. Speaker, Captain Joseph Avveduti has not only spoken of dedication and service to our nation throughout his career--he's lived it. Between 1983 and 1985 while serving as the assistant air officer of the U.S.S. Guam, Joseph Avveduti saw combat in Grenada and in Beirut, Lebanon. Just a few years later, Captain Avveduti was once again called to arms to defend democracy during Operation Desert Storm. During this conflict, by all accounts, Captain Avveduti served valiantly aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga in the Red Sea as part of the team that successfully defeated Saddam Hussein and restored freedom to the people of Kuwait. After returning to the United States, in 1997 Captain Avveduti graduated from the National War College here in Washington, DC, and, in his tradition of continuing dedication, he currently holds the Chief of Naval Operations Chair at that institution. Mr. Speaker, I believe I speak for every Member of this Congress and a grateful nation when I extend to Captain Avveduti, his wife Carol, and his sons Joseph and David, our best wishes for a happy, healthy, and productive retirement. Because I am humbled by his dedication and achievements, I ask your indulgence in making these remarks part of the permanent record of the Congress so that all Americans, now and in the future, can read and reflect on the honor, distinguished service and achievements of a great American--Capt. Joseph Avveduti.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I certainly appreciate the kind words from my friend, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Dingell), and to close I yield the balance of our time, 4 minutes, to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin). (Mr. TAUZIN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Gutknecht), my friend and a leader on this issue.

Mr. UPTON. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton), a member of the Committee on Commerce. (Mr. BARTON of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)