Fred Upton

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Reclaiming my time, Mr. Chairman, I would just like to point out that this is a small step but it is a small step in the right direction. Full accountability, full offsets, keeping our promise to the American taxpayer is something that I think we all believe in here, and if we are going to be a fiscal conservative and think about the dollars going out, we have to support this amendment to make sure it is 100 percent pure.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Tiahrt amendment. I have to say, and I mentioned this earlier today on the House floor, when a number of us met with the Speaker and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young), the new chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, earlier this year, we talked about this bill and how we would like to support it but, for a number of reasons we were not able to. Much to the credit of Speaker Hastert, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young), the chairman of the committee, and now the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Tiahrt), we are really offsetting all of the costs of this supplemental appropriation bill. Because of that, we are not adding to the debt. We are not adding to the deficit. We are looking to make this bill work in the right way. I think all of our colleagues should support this bill and this amendment to make it even stronger than the committee reported out. I rise in strong support.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleague Rep. Ed Towns in introducing the ``Poison Control Center Enhancement and Awareness Act.'' I am also pleased to note that Rep. Bilirakis, the chairman of the Subcommittee on Health and the Environment, which has jurisdiction, is an original cosponsor of this bipartisan bill. Poison control centers provide vital, very cost-effective services to the American public. Each year, more than 2 million poisonings are reported to poison control centers throughout the United States. More than 90 percent of these poisonings occur in the home, and over 50 percent of poisoning victims are children under the age of 6. For every dollar spent on poison control center services, seven dollars in medical costs are saved. In spite of their obvious value, poison control centers are in jeopardy. Historically, these centers were typically funded by the private and public sector hospitals where they were located. The transition to managed care, however, has resulted in a gradual erosion of this funding. As this funding source has been drying up, poison control centers have only partially been able to replace this support by cobbling together state, local, and private funding sources. The financial squeeze has forced many centers to curtail their poison prevention advisory services and their information and emergency activities, and to reduce the number of nurses, pharmacists, and physicians answering the emergency telephones. Currently, there are 73 centers. In 1978, there were 661. The ``Poison Control Center Enhancement and Awareness Act'' will provide up to $28 million per year over the next five years to provide a stable source of funding for these centers, establish a national toll-free poison control hotline, and improve public education on poisoning prevention and poison center services. The legislation is designed to ensure that these funds supplement--not supplant--other funding that the centers may be receiving and provides the Secretary of Health and Human Services with the authority to impose a matching requirement. Further, to receive federal funding, a center will have to be certified by the Secretary of Health and Human Services or an organization expert in the field of poison control designated by the Secretary. I encourage my colleagues to support this very cost-effective investment in the safety and health of the American public, especially our children. If you would like further information or would like to cosponsor this legislation, please let me know or call Jane Williams of my staff at 5-3761.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. I yield to the gentleman from Minnesota.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Chairman, I rise first to thank my kind colleagues the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster), the chairman of the full committee; the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest) who has been very understanding as we have worked through this language; the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble), always a friend of the Coast Guard; and also my Great Lakes colleagues, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Stupak) in particular; the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Barcia) and others that I conferred with before I offered this amendment this afternoon. Mr. Chairman, I rise in offering this amendment to protect Great Lakes lighthouses. As I am sure the chairman is aware, lighthouses are a very important part of Great Lakes culture and they stand as a testament to the importance of shipping in the region's political, economic and social history. In Michigan alone, the U.S. Coast Guard plans to designate approximately 70 of these structures as surplus Federal property and turn them over to the GSA for disposal. Unfortunately, the standard Federal property disposal process is very confusing, complicated, and it does not facilitate transfers to nonprofits. This is especially troubling because in many cases, a local, not-for-profit historical organization has dedicated tremendous resources to preserving and maintaining those lighthouses. In the city of South Haven, Michigan, this very situation occurred only last year. For years, the Coast Guard leased an historical lighthouse keeper's dwelling to the Michigan Maritime Museum that was going to be used as a curatorial center for maritime artifacts. The property was taken away from the museum, turned over to the GSA for disposal and after many months the GSA offered to sell the property back to the museum for $300,000. My colleagues have to be aware that they will be seeing this type of situation again and again as the Coast Guard hands these properties to the GSA for disposal. Fortunately, a group of Michigan historical preservation leaders have formed a group known now today as the Michigan Lighthouse Project which is dedicated to lighthouse preservation and maintenance. I am glad to report that the Coast Guard has been working hand in hand with the Michigan Lighthouse Project and I applaud their current cooperation and encouragement for their continued involvement. This amendment states that the Coast Guard shall continue to offer advice and technical assistance to organizations in the Great Lakes region which are dedicated to lighthouse stewardship. Specifically the Coast Guard is urged to promptly release information related to the timing of when a property is going to be excessed by the GSA. That is needed so that organizations can mobilize and be prepared to take action. Mr. Chairman, I wish that this amendment might be able to go further, but I know that we are going to have some discussions when this bill goes to conference. It is my hope that this body will accept this amendment so that not only the Coast Guard but GSA and other Federal agencies will create a fairer and equitable Federal disposal process that in fact recognizes the historic nature of lighthouses and their wonderful contribution to Great Lakes history.

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. UPTON. But as I think about all these lighthouses in so many different ports throughout the Great Lakes, Mr. Chairman, they are something that needs to be preserved, and we think about, too, the safety of all those boaters. Whether one sails across Lake Michigan at night, or Lake Superior, Lake Erie, Lake Huron, they are important, and they stand as a beacon for every community in terms of historical significance, and I appreciate the gentleman's support and also that of my Michigan colleagues that were instrumental in getting this amendment adopted. Mr. Chairman, again I appreciate the help of the full committee here in helping me prepare the amendment and the time this afternoon.

Mr. UPTON. Just to finish up my time, Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentleman's support. I know that it has been there from the very onset, and we worked in a very strong bipartisan basis to make sure this was done, and as I live along the Great Lakes in St. Joseph, Michigan, and I think about all the harbors all the way up to Mackinaw and Lake Superior, these are needed, they are very precious, and this amendment, I think, will really help to preserve those in the future.

Mr. UPTON. I yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remind the House that Saturday, February 27, 1999 is National TRIO Day. That day has been set aside to focus the nation's attention on the needs of disadvantaged young people and adults aspiring to improve their lives through education. We recognize as a nation the importance of supporting our talented but needy citizens today if we are to benefit from their contributions tomorrow. I am sure the House shares my commitment to providing this support. Title IV of the Higher Education Act of 1965 generated a series of programs to help low-income, first generation, disabled Americans enter college and graduate. Initially, there were just three programs--hence the TRIO title. Today there are five. These include the Educational Opportunity Centers Program, the Ronald E. McNair Post-Baccalaureate Achievement Program, the Student Support Program, the Talent Search Program, and the Upward Bound Program. TRIO Programs help students overcome class, social, academic, and cultural barriers to higher education and provide a variety of services critical to academic success, such as advising, career exploration, mentoring, and tutoring. TRIO Programs make a difference. For instance, students in the Upward Bound Program are four times more likely to earn an undergraduate degree than students from similar backgrounds who did not participate in TRIO. Participants in the TRIO Students Support Program are more than twice as likely to remain in college as students from similar backgrounds who did not participate in the program. Mr. Speaker, an excellent model of a TRIO Program can be found at an institution in my home district. At Western Michigan University in Kalamazoo, participants in the Student Support Program have a remarkable track record of success. Their achievements include the following: 95% of all students who receive program services for two consecutive semesters return to school for a third semester. More than 75% of undergraduates in the Student Support Program had grade point averages at or above 2.5 during the 1997-98 school year. More than 98% of Student Support Program students who apply for graduation during their junior year graduate. Statistics are a useful measure of the Student Support Program's success at Western Michigan University. However, stories of students' personal accomplishments in the face of adversity also testify to the program's impact on individuals lives. Consider, for example one shy and uncertain young woman who entered the Student Support Program three years ago as a freshman. Unfamiliar with the academic world and undecided about her direction, she gradually gained confidence in her own potential and ability. Eventually she was inspired to help other students adjust to the demands of college life by becoming a Peer Mentor in the program. She is now knowledgeable and secure enough to offer others the support she once needed herself. Next year she will graduate with a bachelor's degree in Social Work. Another bright and promising student in the program struggled with a learning disability that affected the way he processed information. In spite of this, he was determined to earn a degree in business. As he battled on through math and accounting, often repeating courses, his Peer Mentor provided unwavering support and encouragement. This young man overcame countless challenges and, in December 1998, realized his dream when he was awarded a bachelor's degree in business. Mr. Speaker, thanks to the Student Support Program at Western Michigan University, these two students are examples of the thousands of students in a position to make their best contributions to our society.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I have never been hesitant to work with any Member, Republican or Democrat, to get things done for our country. I count good friends on both sides of the aisle. To me, this vote is not about politics, it is about respect, integrity, our laws and, yes, the Constitution. One of the highlights of my life was serving in the White House. There was never a time that I have not had the greatest respect for the office of the President. Etched in the marble fireplace under President Lincoln's portrait in the White House is a quote taken from a letter written by President Adams to his wife Abigail in 1801. It reads, I pray heaven to bestow the best of blessings on this House and on all that hereafter inhabit it. May none but honest and wise men ever rule under this roof. We have millions of public servants in this land, some serve as governors, some as legislators or school board members. In every one of those roles, we will never agree always on the best course that they choose for our Nation or community. But as Americans we need to respect them and their decisions. That is what our democracy is all about. The key bedrock of every public official is their oath of office. Integrity does count. I do not know of a single Michigan community that would tolerate a public official violating that oath. The charges and evidence contained in these articles are indeed most serious. Perjury to a grand jury, obstruction of justice, what kind of message do we send to America if we set a lower standard for the highest public official in this land? You have to tell the truth, even when it is not easy, even when it is not convenient. That is the basic tenet and foundation of our society. The question for us today is whether there is enough evidence for us to try this case in the Senate. I believe that there is sufficient evidence, and I will vote to impeach the President with a clear conscience.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, many of you may not have heard of the passing a few weeks ago of our former colleague, Congressman Garry Brown, who represented southwest Michigan. Through more than a decade of service in the House of Representatives, Garry Brown will be remembered as an ambassador from a more genteel era of politics. Brown served six terms in the U.S. House of Representatives, from 1966 to 1978, where he was known for his hard work and solid command of the issues. Brown's personal foundation was rooted in his high ethical standards. His belief that Members could remain close friends while disagreeing over the issues helped carry him through some of the most difficult times in our Nation's history. His service to his Nation was not limited to the House. Preceding his congressional career, Brown was a brave member of our armed services during the Second World War in Japan. After the war, he worked for the FBI before he came home to Schoolcraft, MI, to enter State politics. A delegate to the Michigan Constitutional Convention, he played a major role in crafting the present State constitution. Later in life, Garry Brown returned to his farm in Schoolcraft, MI, where he spoke of the pride and joy he gained in his role as an elder statesman. He will be remembered as the gentleman from Michigan in every sense of the word. He led his life with dignity, served his community with respect, and lived with a profound love for his country. Mr. Speaker, please join me in sending my condolences to his daughter, Ms. Frances Brown, and to all of Gerry's family and friends. Congressman Garry Eldridge Brown will be sorely missed by us all.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, it has been a great delight for me to serve as Speaker pro tempore during part of this great tribute to a wonderful man who loves this House, Jerry Solomon. I have had the opportunity to know the gentleman from New York (Mr. Solomon) for a long time from my days when I served for Ronald Reagan and now as a Member of this House. We all love this House. No greater love comes from a man with terrific respect, Jerry Solomon. It is a great tribute to you that, as you finish this year, we have a balanced budget; and now we can, in fact, use that surplus to reduce the debt. That is the next battle. I can remember the days and the issues where we met together on so many different times moving the Solomon budget. Yes, it was bipartisan. We got one Democrat, we got 19 Republicans, and we fell far short of getting the battle won. But somehow, some way, today we prevailed. It is because of your great efforts in so many different ways that we do love this House and we love the men and women who serve it. Thanks to people like you, a man with courage, with heart, thoughtfulness and compassion, a great man that we look forward to seeing again. Thank you, Jerry.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the accomplishments of a great community leader and a good friend, Mr. Wes Freeland. This year, after more than thirty years, Wes is stepping down as Kalamazoo County Administrator. Though his career with the county may be drawing to a close, his service to our community will continue as Wes takes a position with the Kalamazoo Foundation. Under his steady hand and trusted leadership, Wes guided the county's finances through good economic times and bad. He has played a role in guaranteeing our region's growth and helped paved the way for many more years of financial stability. Wes will continue to play a leading role in helping to shape the region. The Kalamazoo Foundation is dedicated to supporting our community by providing a wide variety of resources to support education, housing, and economic development. Mr. Speaker, I know that all of my neighbors in Kalamazoo County join me in thanking Wes for his many years of support, dedication and leadership. I urge my colleagues to join me in congratulating Wes for his great work and wishing him all the best in his new position.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Mr. Speaker, what is fast track? Fast track allows the President to negotiate trade agreements with other countries. Does Congress lose its right to approve those treaties, those agreements? No, they do not. Absolutely not. This body, this Congress, will then vote yes or no based on the merits of the trade agreement that may be negotiated. I would like to think that every Republican and every Democrat in this body does in fact care about jobs. Let me tell you about some of the jobs in Michigan, an exporter, by the way, to the tune of $38 billion in exports last year. I visited a multinational company recently that showed me a letter from their general manager down in Chile. That letter talked about the importance of Chile's market, their leadership, the gateway to a very important market in the world. That general manager in that letter asked that the Michigan company stop sending goods manufactured in Michigan and change to their facility in Canada. Why? Well, Canada, thanks to their free trade agreement, their strategy, their trade agreements they have been able to reach because they had fast track, do not have to pay tariffs on their goods going down to Chile. That is right. That same good produced in Canada has an automatic 11 percent discount compared to the same product manufactured in Michigan. We cannot do that. Why? We do not have fast track. This bill allows that to happen. We see this happening time and time again across the country. Without fast track, there are incentives in fact for companies to send their manufactured goods from other countries.

Mr. UPTON

Mr. UPTON. Madam Chairman, I yield myself 20 seconds. I would just note for the previous speaker who is opposing the bill that the CRS, Congressional Research estimates will mean at least $1.9 million more than under the current law for all school districts in Connecticut, averaging about $9,300 per school. Madam Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson), whose school districts in this State would receive at least $2.3 million more under the Dollars to the Classroom act, averaging again $9,300 more per school and $425 per classroom.

Mr. UPTON. Madam Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) whose district will receive $31.5 million more under this program.

Mr. UPTON. Madam Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from the great State of Michigan (Mr. Smith) whose district will benefit from this.

Mr. UPTON. Madam Chairman, I yield myself 30 seconds. I would just note to the previous speaker that these programs are not eliminated. They continue. They will continue in Hawaii, they will continue in Michigan, they will continue in Ohio. We just changed from Father Knows Best in terms of the Federal Government to the local schools are going to decide what is best for those students, and that is where those dollars are going to be utilized. I would note to the gentlewoman from Hawaii that under this bill, the authorization bill that Hawaii is going to get $1.8 million more under this program which accounts for about $9,300 per school and $425 per classroom. Madam Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner), whose district will benefit from this program.

Mr. UPTON. Madam Chairman, I yield myself 20 seconds. Madam Chairman, I would note again that reducing class size is an eligible activity under this program, and the State of New York, under this bill, would get $13 million more than current law. Madam Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Peterson), a member of the committee whose State would receive $16.8 million more.

Mr. UPTON. Madam Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Scarborough) who is on the Speaker's Task Force on Education Reform, and whose State of Florida receives $3 million more under this legislation.

Mr. UPTON. Madam Chairman, the last time I looked, our school boards were local, they are not Federal. As I look at the decisions that they make, whether it be in curriculum or different programs for the students that they serve in every community, they have a very tough job. They do it very well. As I look at a number of the programs that have been consolidated, some 31 programs to the tune of a little bit more than $2.5 billion, this bill that we are taking up today allows them the flexibility to use the dollars as they decide. I visited just about every school district in my district over the last year and visit a school virtually every week. I have seen programs work and I have seen programs that have not worked. One of the programs that works I think terrifically is the math and science program that we have across our district. That program is well under way in many areas across the country. Now that it is under way, in the future, if this bill passes, they can use funds that are already in place for something else. The gentleman before me spoke about reducing the classroom ratio. They can do that under this bill. That is a very admirable goal. My brother is a public school teacher. As a parent, I know the importance of having a small teacher-student ratio. If that is a priority as it should be under this bill, they can do exactly that. We do not need a Democratic substitute to this bill that solely does that because it is redundant. It is already included in the bill. This bill allows the flexibility for school boards and staff across the country to make sure that the dollars that they are receiving go to the areas that they want to be a priority. They can mix and match. They can take those funds. They are not cut. The reason why virtually every State is going to receive more money is because this bill allows for that.

Mr. UPTON. Madam Chairman, how much time is remaining?

Mr. UPTON. Madam Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Hilleary), a member of the powerful Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Mr. UPTON. Madam Chairman, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt), whose school district in his State will receive at least $8.3 million more under the act.