Tom Udall

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the Mountain View Middle School in Rio Rancho, NM. Mountain View was recently chosen by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School and is one of only 198 schools in the United States that received this prominent award. The Rio Rancho public school system is a model of first-class learning, and Mountain View is a product of this exemplary system. It embodies all the characteristics for which all schools should strive. It was my pleasure to meet recently with the principal of Mountain View, Kathy Pinkel, and congratulate her personally on this esteemed accomplishment. Joining me in offering congratulations was John Jennings, the mayor of Rio Rancho. On that occasion, Ms. Pinkel described the tireless labors that the faculty and staff have contributed to reach this crest of pride. This is excellent news for the Rio Rancho community. This is one of the top education awards in the country, and I applaud all those involved in ensuring that education is a top priority in Rio Rancho. I call special attention to the faculty and staff at Mountain View--they obviously have a great passion for what they are doing, and this award is verification of their dedication. Also, community cooperation is crucial in making a school exceptional. I pay special tribute to the parents and also all the citizens of Rio Rancho who continue to be actively involved in the public school system. Such cooperation is crucial in order to make a school exceptional, and the entire Rio Rancho community can be extremely proud of this combined effort. Blue Ribbon Schools are selected based on their effectiveness in meeting local, State, and national educational goals. Schools chosen for the award must display the qualities of excellence that are necessary to prepare young people for the challenges of the new century. Blue Ribbon status is awarded to schools that have strong leadership; a clear vision and sense of mission that is shared by all connected with the school; high quality educators; challenging and up- to-date curriculum; policies and practices that ensure a safe environment conducive to learning and schools that help all students achieve high standards. Education is one of my top priorities in Congress. A strong and diverse education is an essential building block for the youth of society, whether it is today, or 100 years from now. Mountain View Middle School has been providing students with the tools to exceed in the tasks they will encounter throughout their lifetimes. It is imperative that we recognize and continue to support this educating process and all of those who contribute to it. Mountain View Middle School in Rio Rancho, NM, has been a strong influence in the lives of the students they have taught and the entire community they have served. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this time to ask my colleagues to join me in acknowledging this accomplishment. I congratulate Mountain View Middle School on its Blue Ribbon award and thank all those involved for their invaluable contribution to the State of New Mexico and to the entire Nation.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, as we move from budget and taxes to appropriations, we learn the true priorities of our colleagues on the other side of the aisle. We have seen a trillion dollar tax cut, and we have seen this trillion dollar tax cut divided into smaller pieces: Marriage tax and estate tax. But the bottom line is these are tax cuts which are targeted at a very few of our most privileged in our society. Now we bring forward today an education bill which provides no money for critical school modernization, for class size reduction, and for targeting low performing schools. Mr. Speaker, I urge all of my colleagues to vote against this misguided legislation.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, twenty-one days ago the National Park Service in the Bandelier National Monument initiated a prescribed burn located near Los Alamos, New Mexico. Despite adverse and unpredictable weather conditions, the Park Service elected to ignite this fire. As all of you are aware, control of that fire was quickly lost resulting in the destruction of over 200 homes and over 44,000 acres of land. Although now under control, the fire continues to burn today. The legislation titled ``The Cerro Grande Compensation Act'' would expeditiously compensate those individuals who have suffered losses as a direct result of this fire. Specifically, this bill would compensate individuals, businesses, homes, public buildings, and Native American tribes for personal injuries and property losses sustained as a result of this tragedy. This legislation is only a first step in an attempt to make these victims whole again. Particularly those who lost everything in the fire and have a long road ahead after recovering from their losses. I will continue to work with the New Mexico delegation and the Clinton Administration to see that a plan is quickly put in place to compensate the victims of the Cerro Grande fire. Through this painful experience I am confident that we as Members of Congress and the Federal Government will continue to show compassion and understanding to those who have been affected by this disaster, and do everything we can to make them whole.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee).

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mr. George Miller).

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young).

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young).

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I claim the time in opposition, and yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I wish to claim the 10 minutes in opposition, and I ask unanimous consent to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young) for purpose of control.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr).

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller).

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr).

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, my understanding is that in the last 5 years, while the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula) has chaired the subcommittee, that the appropriations for maintenance have been $54 million below the President's request; is that correct?

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, there is a pretty incredible story here tonight. I think of how the Congress has acted in the best interest of the American people. I want to congratulate the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young) and the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), the ranking member, on how they pulled together what were two very different, divergent bills. It took the leadership of both of these gentlemen, working long and hard over 30 hours with Members and testing I think all of our patience. These were very tough-minded sessions, no doubt. We listened to each other, and I think we really acted in the best interests of the American people. But what this amendment does here this evening is delay funding until fiscal year 2009. And so, what we are talking about, as the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Tauzin) has said, is $13 billion, $13 billion that was spent from the fund and other places and who knows where. But this one amendment would make us wait once again. The programs that need to be funded now are important programs. They are programs that need adequate funding in this fiscal year. Park plans, farmland, open space are under tremendous development pressure now. Coastlines and marine resources are highly stressed now. Wildlife need habitat now. Inner city kids need recreation areas now. Why would we want to wait until the 109th Congress to fund these programs? I think it is about time that we move on with the legacy that Teddy Roosevelt talked about when he talked about conservation and when he set such a great example. He said at the time, and I quote, of all of the great questions which can come before this Nation short of the actual preservation of its existence in a great war, there is none which compares in importance with the central task of leaving this land even a better land for our descendants than it is for us. That is what I think those of us that are supporting CARA are trying to do under the leadership of the gentleman from Alaska and the gentleman from California. This amendment would gut that effort, it would delay the funding, it would set us back in terms of urgent needs. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Farr).

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Inslee). (Mr. INSLEE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Chairman, on March 8, 1964 The New York Times ran the following editorial: Behind the effort to enact the Wilderness bill and the Land and Water Conservation Fund bill--the two most vital pieces of conservation and recreation legislation before Congress this year--is recognition of a dread alternative: once the primeval lands fall under the bulldozer's blade, they are forever lost. . . . Secretary of the Interior Udall has rightly called these bills ``pieces of landmark legislation which will be remembered for years to come.'' My father is still right. The Land and Water Conservation Fund Act as well as the Wilderness Act is still remembered. And, I believe it is as important today as it was when he was Secretary of the Interior. I will let you in on what I think the secret is to the continuing importance of the Land and Water Conservation Fund. My father and others working on this bill were successful because these initiatives were the result of bipartisan input that looked ahead to the generations yet to come. Even the idea for creating a Land and Water Conservation Fund came from a bi-partisan commission. On Lawrence Rockefeller's Outdoor Recreation Resources Review Commission were: four Senators, 2 Democrats and 2 Republicans, four Representatives also split 2 and 2, and 7 presidential appointees including groups as diverse as the Wilderness Society and the American Cattlemen's Association. This bi-partisan foundation translated its work into sound proposals and Congress then passed the Land and Water Conservation Fund Act with virtually unanimous support. In the year 2000 we need to pass that secret along. As you well know, H.R. 701 is sponsored by both Chairman Young and Ranking Member Miller and has broad bi-partisan support in the House. This gives us the opportunity to take the secret of the 88th Congress' success and demonstrate that the 106th Congress can also work together to pass landmark legislation. Because they had joined with each other in a meaningful, bi-partisan dialogue, individuals like my father and his colleagues were able to leave all of us the invaluable gift of protected wildlands and wildlife. It's now our turn as the heirs of their generation to do the same thing for our children. The Land and Water Conservation Fund has helped all of us in our respective states by protecting invaluable lands and resources. For example, in my district in New Mexico over $25 million in federal and $10 million in state funds have been awarded for some of the following projects: federal funding Chaco Culture National Historic Park. Bandelier National Monument. state/local funding Chama--Chama Playground. Las Vegas--Rodriguez Baseball Park. Raton--High School Recreation Park. Zuni--Recreation Park Development. Gallup--Red Rock Campground. As you can see from these examples, not only are the provisions of the Land and Water Conservation Fund aimed at helping support federal projects, they also help much needed state and local programs. That is why I support CARA and invite all of my colleagues-- regardless of which side of the aisle they sit--to participate in this legislative effort. As I conclude, I'm reminded of John Chafee who loved to quote Teddy Roosevelt's observation that ``of all the great questions which can come before this nation, short of the actual preservation of its existence in a great war, there is none which compares in importance with the central task of leaving this land even a better land for our descendants than it is for us.'' Thank you for supporting this bill. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Gilchrest).

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for yielding me the time. I also want to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Gallegly) for his leadership on this, the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young), and also the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), our very able ranking member. This bill honors those who have died after their service in the Vietnam War but as a direct result of that service. I would like to share one example of a Vietnam war veteran who many of my colleagues may have heard of and who exemplifies why we are acting today. His name is Lewis B. Puller, Jr. who took his own life as a result of posttraumatic stress disorder. Lew, as he was called, was a seriously wounded Vietnam War Veteran, Pulitzer Prize winning author of ``Fortunate Son'', and son of the most decorated U.S. Marine in history, ``Chesty'' Puller. Although Lew's book was an inspiration to many, he ultimately took his own life because of his inability to deal with his wounds, his dependence on drugs and alcohol, and because of posttraumatic stress disorder. While Lew Puller's case has been a higher profile than others have, there have been thousands of Vietnam War veterans who have suffered the same casualty. This bill sends a clear message that our Nation has not, nor will it ever, forget the Vietnam veterans who have fallen as a result of these unfortunate and often invisible traumas. I urge my colleagues to support this very worthy bill.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today I speak about the issue of worker compensation. Today, the administration, Secretary Richardson, President Clinton, and Vice President Gore announced a worker compensation program for workers at the national laboratories all across this country. Workers have worked at these nuclear establishments and plants for many years, and many of them have been injured as a result. This has been a very sad chapter in the history of the United States. The Department now acknowledges these occupational exposures and has decided to turn over a new leaf. I rise today to introduce legislation that deals with this situation. In New Mexico, about 3 weeks ago, I attended a hearing in my district where workers came forward; they talked about how patriotic they were. They talked about how they were serving their country for many, many years, and as a result of their work they believed they came down with cancers, with beryllium disease, with asbestosis, with a variety of other illnesses. These were very heart wrenching stories. Among the New Mexicans who shared their testimony is Mr. Jonathan Garcia, who worked at Los Alamos National Laboratory for over 16 years. Mr. Garcia has radiation-induced leukemia. Mr. Garcia has been robbed of his health, but not his dignity. Gene Westerhold worked for over 44 years cleaning up plutonium and hazardous chemicals for Los Alamos National Laboratory. Mr. Westerhold was told at one point that he was prohibited from working in certain areas due to his high radiation exposures. Yet, when he sought information of his exposure history, he was told his records were lost, Mr. Westerhold is a survivor. Ms. Darleen Ortiz, whose father died of cancer after having spent his life cleaning up toxic materials at Los Alamos, is a survivor. Ms. Hugette Sirgant, a widow of a Los Alamos National Laboratory employee, has bravely taken on the role and responsibility as an advocate for both victims and survivors. And lastly, Mr. Tomas Archuleta was exposed to beryllium, plutonium, asbestos, solvents, toxic metals and hazardous chemicals. Mr. Garcia, Mr. Westerhold, Mr. Archuleta, Ms. Oritz, and Ms. Sirgant are survivors. These brave people have asked for my help in crafting legislation that would help them. Today, I introduced a piece of legislation that will be comprehensive. It will deal with all of the injuries that occurred and that were talked about at the Los Alamos hearing. It is comprehensive in the sense that it will cover beryllium; it will cover radiation. It will cover asbestos, and it will cover the chemicals that these workers were exposed to. Under this legislation, the workers will be able to come forward to demonstrate their exposure and their illness in a program similar to the Workman's Compensation program that is in place for the Federal Government. My legislation will also provide that during the 120 day period while their claim is pending, Los Alamos National Laboratory workers will be able to get health care for their ailments related to their workplace exposures free of charge at the nearest Veterans Hospital. And the burden is on the government, because many of these individuals came forward and talked about how they had worked their whole life, and they knew they were exposed, but then, when they asked for their records, there were no records. Their records were lost. So under those circumstances, we clearly have to put the burden on the Government. Although my bill is specifically directed to New Mexico, I know there are many other of my colleagues around the country that have this same situation in their districts. They are Democrats and Republicans and all areas of the United States are affected. So I think this is a great issue for us to join together in a bipartisan way, and I urge my colleagues to work together to craft a solution to this problem at the national level. The reason I think it is so important is that these workers were true patriots. They were people that loved their country, cared about their country, and worked for their country at a critical time for us. We now need to do something for them.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the issue of worker compensation. Today, the administration, Secretary Richardson, President Clinton, and Vice President Gore announced a worker compensation program for workers at the national laboratories all across this country. This has been a very sad chapter in the history of the United States. Workers have worked at these nuclear establishments and plants for many years, and they have been injured as a result, many of them have been injured, the Department now acknowledges, as a result of occupational exposures. The Department has decided to turn over a new leaf, and I applaud their position on that; and I rise today to put a piece of legislation in the hopper to deal with this situation. In New Mexico, about 3 weeks ago, I attended a hearing in my district where workers came forward. They talked about how patriotic they were; they talked about how they were serving their country for many, many years and, as a result of their work, they believed they came down with cancers, with beryllium disease, with asbestosis, with a variety of other illnesses. They were very heart-wrenching stories. Today, I introduce a piece of legislation that will be comprehensive legislation. It will deal with all of these injuries that occurred and that were talked about at Los Alamos. It is comprehensive in the sense that it will cover beryllium, it will cover radiation, it will cover asbestos, and it will cover chemicals that these workers were exposed to. The legislation provides that the workers will be able to come forward, very similar to the Workmen's Compensation program that is in place for the Federal Government. They will be able to demonstrate their exposure and what the illness was. My legislation will also provide that during the 180-day period, while their claim is pending, that they will be able to get health care for free at the nearest Veterans Hospital. And the burden is on the Government, because many of these individuals came forward and talked about how they had worked their whole life, and they knew there were exposures; but then, at the end of their period of time, they asked for their records and there were no records. Their records were lost. So under those circumstances, we clearly have to put the burden on the Government. So I would urge my colleagues today, while my bill is specifically directed to New Mexico, I know there are many other colleagues around the country that have this same situation in their district. There are Democrats and Republicans. All areas of the United States are represented. So I think this is a great issue for us to join together in a bipartisan way and craft a solution to this problem at the national level. The reason I think it is so important is that these workers were true patriots. They were people that loved their country and cared about their country and worked for it at a very crucial time for us, so we need now to do something for them.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt that the last few years have shown us the promise of the 21st century. Our economic growth has been spurred by the stunning development of the high-tech sector and Internet commerce, which have created tremendous new opportunities and new jobs. These opportunities promise only to grow in this century. I am aware that declining computer prices have kept inflation down . . . and that e-commerce will soon be a $400 billion business. The Internet is in its 11th year of annual doubling since 1988. There are over 44 million hosts on the Internet and an estimated 150 million users, worldwide. By 2006, the Internet is likely to exceed the global telephone network. Moreover, tens of millions of Internet- enabled appliances will have joined the Internet. We don't want government doing anything that would mess up all of that success. I believe the private sector should lead. But frankly, it is also government's duty to make sure companies follow the will of the people. As Teddy Roosevelt told businesses almost 100 years ago, ``whenever great social or industrial changes take place, no matter how much good there may be to them, there is sure to be some evil.'' The fact is we have a protect the consumer. To me, privacy is the make-or-brake issue for all electronic commerce. If consumers feel when they buy a book or browse a magazine on line, that someone is keeping a personal profile on them, they'll stop buying books. If they feel that when they apply for loans at different banks, a third party can learn about their personal finances, it will be the last time they bank on the Internet. More than 80 percent of Americans are concerned about threats to their privacy when they are on-line. More than 90 percent want businesses telling them how they will use personal information. When 80 or 90 percent of Americans agree on anything, you know this is serious. The legislation that Congressman Campbell and I propose is simple. We are recommending the establishment of a seal--much like FDIC or Good Housekeeping that instantly assures the consumer that the Internet site they are about to use holds itself to an internationally recognized set of basic privacy principles. This seal would be completely voluntary. Users would learn to recognize the seal as a guarantee that their personal information will not be collected or used without their consent. I foresee small businesses particularly favoring this proposal because many of these companies have not yet established good reputations as have the larger, well known companies have. Here's a proposal that could touch every business owner in the country. Here's an idea that could give consumer's the confidence that their information is indeed private and is in safekeeping. This is an era of truly sweeping changes. I want to tell the Chamber about a small business in my district: De La Pena Books. The proprietor, Bart Durham began the store as a ``By Appointment Only'' business dealing with old, rare, and antiquarian books which he operated from the De La Pena House, one of Santa Fe's historic homes which he owned at the time. Bart advertised in AB Bookman's Weekly and ran a direct mail business. By 1983 he had amassed quite a collection of books about New Mexico and published ``Catalog No. 1, New Mexico'' containing over 900 separately priced books about New Mexico history dating from the early 1800's. Mr. Durham mailed about 200 of these catalogs to his customers who responded quite favorably. Cataloging then became the method that I used to sell the majority of my books. In 1990 his business began the open retail shop operation in the Santa Fe's Design Center. This move spurred the business into book sales of a more general nature and in 1996, the shop space next to Nicholas Potter Books on Palace Avenue became available. Sales increased substantially and all was fine until the rents on the property were significantly increased. To begin to pay that kind of rent meant that he would have to sell more books than his modest operation could locate and buy. The only alternative Bart Durham could see was to go on-line. He gave his notice and rented a three bedroom apartment where two of the rooms became dedicated to De La Pena Books. He designed his own web page, subscribed to some book locating services, and the business was off and flying. The first thing that he noticed was that all his ``dead stock'', books about the world beyond the limits of New Mexico, started flying out the door. His gross sales dropped off a little, but the net sales increased. Bart no longer needed to tend the shop for 8 hours a day and was free to do as he wished with his new found time. Now, whenever Mr. Durham comes home, he goes on-line, check his e- mail, makes the electronic deposits through customers' credit card numbers, wraps up the sold books for shipping, and takes them to the post office in the morning. As he purchases new titles, he writes their quotes and posts them on-line. In his own words, Bart said to me: ``I love the book world, my computer, my web page, the on-line and e-mail phenomena, and the freedom that I enjoy to do as I wish with most of my time.'' Mr. Speaker, this legislation is intended especially for small Internet businesses like DelaPena books. These small business owners often do not have a reputation that allows the average Internet surfer to feel comfortable purchasing from their goods. However, a small e- commerce business can willingly place the seal on their site and inspire confidence and trust in consumers. This is an equal chance bill that will help large entities and the independent merchant alike. Please give this voluntary on-line privacy and disclosure act your serious attention-for all Americans.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a bill to fund the expansion annex of the historic Palace of the Governors in Santa Fe, New Mexico. This is a companion bill to S. 1727 introduced in the Senate by Senator Pete V. Domenici. The Palace of the Governors is the last remaining structure of a compound built between 1605 and 1610 by the Government of Spain. For centuries the compound, known also as ``Las Casas Reales'', served as a military and administrative center for the Spanish colonial empire, and functioned as the legislative chambers and official residence for those who governed New Mexico under the Flags of Spain, Mexico, and the territorial United States. This included 66 Spaniards, 17 Mexicans, and 22 U.S. Territorial Governors. Moreover, during what is known as the Pueblo Rebellion of 1680, the Pueblo Indians of New Mexico converted the historic structure into an Indian village until the Spanish return in 1692. In 1909, the capitol for the New Mexican territorial government was moved to a more modern building, and the Palace of the Governors was designated as the Museum of New Mexico. Today, the Museum's collections include over 15,000 artifacts and priceless art works, 530,000 photographic images, 15,000 books, 450 linear feet of manuscripts, and 6,000 prints and maps. These precious items are irreplaceable historical and cultural artifacts, as they represent time periods spanning from the initial European exploration and colonization of the Southwest in the 16th century, to the birth of the atomic age and the exploration of space in the twentieth century. Some of Museum's artifacts include helmets and armor worn by soldiers in the expedition of Don Juan De Onate who established the first capital in the United States in July of 1598, and led the first permanent European community in the United States. These proud and independent people, whose direct descendants thrive to this day in New Mexico, introduced horses, cows, donkeys, sheep, and agricultural technology. Together with the Native Americans they contributed to what is New Mexico's rich culture. As another example of its fascinating holdings, the museum also houses the Railway station clock that was shot as Pancho Villa invaded the United States. The clock, its pendulum stopped by a bullet, captured the exact moment in time, when the last invasion of the continental United States took place. Today, the Palace is visited by thousands of visitors from around the world who tour the exhibits, and then purchase fine Native American artwork sold by Native peoples under the portal in front of the Palace. This trade between cultures has taken place daily for hundreds of years, and is a testament to the interaction between different cultures. Tragically, these many unique examples of Spanish, Native American, Mexican, and U.S. history face imminent destruction if immediate measures are not taken to provide safe and adequate storage, and proper exhibit facilities. Currently the major portion of the collections has no protection from loss by fire, flooding or disintegration and the buildings where the collections are stored are over 90 years old, with a steam heating system that contributes deterioration of the collections. Recognizing this disastrous situation, a group of my fellow New Mexicans have undertaken the task of planning for the construction of a modern and technologically advanced annex, the size of which will permit the rich multi-cultural history of the southwest to be made available to present and future generations. Over time they have raised almost $6 million from state, city, and private sources to acquire a building, the land, and planning for the new annex. The amount, however, is far from sufficient enough to meet the projected total project cost of an additional $32 million. Thus, it is imperative that Federal funds be provided. The bill I am presenting today will help ensure these treasures are protected and funds are provided, so that we save the irreplaceable collections of the Palace of the Governors from the danger of being forever lost. The bill would authorized $15 million dollars through the Department of Interior, and will assist the Palace of the Governors construct and also equip their new annex. It will also make the vast collections available for exhibition to future generations of Americans and for study by scholars who currently cannot access them because of a lack of appropriate facilities. Mr. Speaker, the Palace of the Governors is not only an irreplaceable jewel in New Mexico's history, but the history of our Hispanic Southwest and our country as a whole. I urge that we act to support this aspect of our nation's history with the foresight that will reward our children with these unique, historical, and cultural gifts drawn from our country's amazing diversity.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, Americans understand that, without campaign finance reform, attempts to restructure our healthcare system, create a prescription drug benefit, improve our communities, protect our environment will all be for naught. The big, important issues will remain trapped by the pressures of special interests and big-money politics. The fight for campaign finance reform will not go away. I personally pledge to continue to make campaign finance reform one of Congress's most urgent priorities. However, opponents of real reform continue to create a legislative logjam. Deadlines are set and ignored. June will mark the fifth anniversary of President Clinton and then House Speaker Newt Gingrich shaking hands before a group of senior citizens and pledging to create a bipartisan campaign finance reform commission. As we all know, nothing ever came of it. This last session, I was very encouraged when the Shays-Meehan bill passed the House by a large bipartisan vote. This important legislation, while not the ultimate solution, is a significant step forward. It would ban soft money contributions and deal with sham issue ads, which are so prevalent. Despite the House's action, Shays-Meehan has met its death in the Senate. The other body was unable to terminate debate on this crucial issue. We lost the opportunity to make a real change. I am fortunate to represent a very historic congressional district in northern New Mexico. During the winter recess, I traveled around my district and spoke to the people. In gathering after gathering, the issue of campaign finance reform kept coming up. I assured them that I would fight to put campaign finance reform on the front burner. Voters in my State are so concerned that they are pushing for a publicly financed State system, which will be voted on in November. This constitutional amendment has solid grassroots support. The State senator that introduced this constitutional amendment, Dede Feldman, and her colleagues in the State legislature should be applauded for having the courage to bring this issue to the forefront. I had the opportunity today to proudly march with Granny D, the campaign finance reform champion who arrived in our Nation's capital. The determination of this 90-year-old woman and her crusade for reform is truly inspiring. I want to thank Granny D for her courageous efforts. I honestly believe that, if our country's founders were here to witness today's campaigns, they would join us in this endeavor. Indeed, Alexander Hamilton wrote: ``It will not be alleged that an election law could have been framed and inserted in the Constitution which would have been applicable to every probable change in the situation of the country; and it will not therefore not be denied that a discretionary power over elections ought to exist somewhere.'' We have got to reform this system and preserve our precious democracy.