Tom Udall

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today Members of this Chamber will have the opportunity to sign the prescription drug discharge petition that will bring this issue to the floor of this body. Members will have to decide, will they help the people of their districts or continue the price discrimination of the big drug companies? Many New Mexicans have told me how the high cost of prescription drugs affects their lives. One of my constituents, Suzette Binder of Santa Fe, wrote to me: We are crippled financially because of diabetic pill costs for which there is no generic brand. We live in retirement on the same money we had 10 years ago. But the money goes like the wind and drug costs are one of the major causes. Do what you can. Mr. Speaker, during the January recess, I heard from many people that expressed similar sentiments to me. I firmly believe widespread price discrimination is wrong. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to sign the petition. No one in America should ever have to decide between needed medication and food.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of the Stewardship, Education, Recreation and Volunteer (SERVE) Act of 1999. This legislation, introduced by my colleague and cousin, Mr. Udall of Colorado and which I am proud to be a co-sponsor of, will energize and expand existing efforts to enhance the outdoor, education and recreation experiences of the great outdoors for many Americans. Our Nation's national parks, national forests, wildlife refuges, recreation areas and public lands are enjoyed by nearly two billion visits each year. These wonderful areas provide Americans with sightseeing, wildlife watching, hunting, fishing, hiking, and camping opportunities, just to name a few. In my District alone, visitors can experience a wide range of education and outdoor recreation opportunities. From the Chaco Culture National Historical Park, which provides Americans a brief glimpse into the daily life of the region's first inhabitants, to the Bureau of Land Management's Bisti/De-Na-Zin Wilderness with its dramatic moon like landscape, to the high country mountains and streams of the Santa Fe National Forest that provide excellent hunting, fishing and camping opportunities. Visitors to our Nation's public lands often don't realize that behind the scenes of these magnificent natural and historical areas that visitors have come to see and learn about, are a cadre of volunteers who have selflessly given their time and expertise to the American people to make their experiences memorable. For without the hard work, dedication and enthusiasm of the volunteers, Federal land management agencies would not be able to stay ahead of the maintenance and enhancements our national treasures require. In the 1980's, a program was established to encourage Americans to become more involved in the management and protection of their lands for current and future generations. By all accounts, this program showed promise. Federal land management agencies such as the National Park Service, U.S. Forest Service, Bureau of Land Management, and U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service were given a long needed tool to recruit and recognize individuals who donated their energy, time and expertise to enhance our federal and public lands for all Americans to enjoy. Unfortunately, other priorities and funding issues have placed this program on the back burner. It is now time to revitalize, re-energize and expand our Nation's volunteer and educational outreach program. Mr. Speaker, this legislation would not only restore a past volunteer program, but expand and strengthen it by providing more powerful tools to Federal land managing agencies. This legislation would direct the Secretary of Agriculture and the Secretary of the Interior to establish a national stewardship award program to recognize individuals, organizations and communities who have distinguished themselves by volunteering their time, energy and commitment to enhancing the priceless legacy of our Nation's public lands. As a minimum under this legislation, the Secretaries would establish a special pass to all our national parks, forests, refuges and other public lands to recognize volunteers for their exemplary efforts. Mr. Speaker, this legislation would also encourage an attitude of land and resource stewardship, and responsibility towards public lands by promoting the participation of individuals, organizations and communities in developing and fostering a conservation ethic towards the lands, facilities and our natural and cultural resources. Specifically, this legislation would encourage Federal land management agencies to enter into cooperative agreements with academic institutions, State or local government agencies or any partnership organization. In addition, the Secretaries would be enabled to provide matching funds to match non-Federal funds, services or materials donated under these cooperative agreements. Providing educational opportunities has been one of America's greatest achievements and is one of the greatest gifts one generation can give to the next generation. This legislation encourages each Federal land management agency to play a role in education by cooperating with States, local school districts and other education oriented entities to (1) promote participation by students and others in volunteer programs of the Federal land management agencies, (2) promote a greater understanding of our Nation's natural and cultural resources, and (3) to provide information and assistance to other agencies and organizations concerned with the wise use and management of our Nation's Great Outdoors and its natural and cultural resources. Mr. Speaker, I am confident that this chamber realizes the importance of this bill in recognizing the invaluable role volunteers play in the stewardship of our Nation's cultural and natural resources. Therefore, I ask immediate consideration and passage of this bill.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce a bill that will allow our National Laboratories to more effectively perform their missions while also promoting economic development in the communities that surround the facilities. Specifically, this bill creates a win/win scenario for both the National Laboratories and the adjoining communities. The National Laboratories will advance their missions by benefiting from the cutting edge technology possessed by universities and companies near them and the community benefits from the creation of needed high quality infrastructure that will boost innovation and create job growth. In recognizing the potential of involving the national laboratories in technical collaborations with institutions in their surrounding communities, Congress has in the past encouraged cooperative research and development agreements (known as ``CRADAs''). This legislation builds upon the success of the collaborations. Specifically, this bill will: Create an advocate for small business at each national laboratory who will focus on increasing the involvement of small businesses in the national laboratory's procurement and collaborative research; create a technology partnership ombudsman at each laboratory who will guarantee that the national laboratory remains a good partner; allow the Department of Energy to use more flexible contracting authority; and streamline current process concerning the cooperative research and development agreements; to make these agreements more appealing to technical organizations, such as companies and universities. I have a national laboratory in the district that I represent, Los Alamos National Laboratory. As with other national laboratories, the Los Alamos National Laboratory has a very important relationship with the people in the surrounding communities and the region. As I am sure with all communities that surround our national laboratories, there is a need for greater economic prosperity. This bill creates a long term solution to this problem. Besides assisting the national laboratories in fulfilling their missions, this bill also lays the foundation to create high paying jobs that will directly benefit our communities. This is a companion measure to a bill introduced in the other chamber by Senator Jeff Bingaman from New Mexico. This is an initiative that he has pursued for many years and I would like to recognize him for this effort. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to support this worthy legislation.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, it makes me very proud to rise before the House of Representatives to recognize Manuel Montoya from Mora, NM. Just a few weeks ago Manuel began his studies at Oxford, England as a Rhodes Scholar. Manuel is a graduate of the University of New Mexico and is one of only 32 students nationwide to earn the much coveted scholarship named in honor of philanthropist Cecil Rhodes. And just last year Manuel also earned the distinguished Truman Scholarship. I want to recognize Manuel for bringing honor to his family, his community and to New Mexico. Manuel was born and raised in Rainsville, in the County of Mora. He lost his father at an early age. Through his faith and his gifts, he has turned tragedy into inspiration and misfortune into strength, both for himself and for those around him. The County of Mora is one of the most economically disadvantaged counties in our country. The county confronts all of the challenges that affect rural America today. Although stricken by poverty, Mora is one of the wealthiest counties in spirit in our country, rich in culture and history with its Hispanic Heritage, rich in beauty with its mountains, valleys and rivers, rich in people that place the highest value on family, honor and respect. And Mora is rich in faith and rich in hope. The best of Mora is personified in Manuel Montoya and he has made our State and his community very proud. On behalf of all New Mexicans I want him to know that he is in our thoughts and we look forward to his many successes. Manuel, La Gente de Mora y de Nuevo Mexico estan Contigo. Thank you Mr. Speaker, I ask that a copy of the newspaper article recognizing Manuel's accomplishments also be placed in the Record. [From the Santa Fe New Mexican, Dec. 8, 1999] Mora Native Wins Rhodes Scholarship (By Kim Baca) As a boy, Manuel-Julian Rudolfo Montoya of Mora wrote stories about his father--his favorite hero next to Batman. In his stories, his father helped him and the family. Montoya was 7 when his father died, but the child never forgot the things his father taught him--especially things about trust, honor and leadership. It may be those things that helped the 21-year-old University of New Mexico senior become one of 32 American students named a Rhodes scholar Saturday. ``I am not proud of the accomplishment, but what it means to all those people that helped me get there,'' Montoya said. ``This is by no means my scholarship; it belongs to a lot of people--to my family, to my friends, my community. It belongs to UNM and everybody has the right to celebrate that.'' The prestigious scholarship program was created in 1902 by British philanthropist and colonial pioneer Cecil J. Rhodes to help students from English colonies and the United States attend Oxford University in England for two or three years. The scholarship, which pays all college and university fees, is one of the oldest international study awards available to students. Montoya, a 1995 Mora High School graduate, has a long list of achievements. After graduating as valedictorian, he was awarded the Regents Scholarship, a four-year grant given to New Mexico's highest achievers. While in college, the English and economics double major helped establish a rural honors program for high school students in honor of his father. Earlier this year, he was named a Truman Scholar--a national scholarship project named after President Harry S. Truman and given to college juniors who have extensive records of public service and outstanding leadership potential. After he was awarded the Truman scholarship, his advisers in the honors program at UNM encouraged him to apply for the Rhodes program. Rebecca Vigil, Montoya's English teacher at Mora High School, said news of the scholarship comes as no surprise to her. ``He has always been dedicated and committed. I always thought he would succeed.'' she said. ``It's great that he has received this honor, not just for him but the entire community.'' Mary Lou Sanchez, a guidance counselor for Mora schools, also remembers Montoya as an exceptional student. ``His written and verbal communication was always outstanding,'' she said. ``He has always been a leader.'' In addition to playing pool, guitar and writing poetry, Montoya is also helping build a museum in Mora. The museum will contain the history and genealogy of Mora residents. Montoya's mother Mary Louise Montoya, said her son has always been a quick learner. His first language was Spanish, but he learned English immediately. ``He was a lector at our church at the age of 7,'' she said. ``He taught a confirmation class when he was still in high school.'' Montoya is one of a dozen Rhodes scholars residing in New Mexico. The last person to receive a Rhodes scholarship at UNM was in the 1970s. In September, Montoya will leave for England and study law. After his term at Oxford, Montoya plans to go to Stanford University law school. ``It's my dream to become a litigator and provide legal services for the underprivileged,'' he said. Montoya would also like to create a think tank to study public policy.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor the life and memory of a great American, Mr. John Kay. John was a constituent of mine from Rio Rancho, NM, who passed away in October. He was a personal friend and a strong advocate for veterans, John had a very distinguished career, having retired from both the U.S. Army and the Central Intelligence Agency. He loved our country and was very proud to have dedicated his life to serving it. During his military service, John served with distinction in WWII and in the Korean conflict. In recalling his own military career, he was very proud of his service during WWII where he served with the infamous 9th Reconnaissance troop of the 9th Infantry Division. A unit that fought courageously in virtually every major campaign of the European theater. What made John so special was his open hearted and generous nature. After his retirement from the CIA, he dedicated himself to informing his fellow veterans about the issues important to them. Specifically, he was the author of a monthly column in a local newspaper dedicated to helping veterans. Mr. Speaker, John Kay was a true gentleman who constantly searched for new proposals and reforms in an attempt to help his community. He was always open minded and he was always generous in his assistance to others. He will be sorely missed by myself and by his community.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, on October 31, 1999, the headline of the Sunday Journal North edition of the Albuquerque Journal read: ``Pueblos, Spain Forging Ties.'' That headline and the accompanying article recognized ground-breaking events whose importance extends beyond the Third Congressional District of New Mexico. Events that are living proof that centuries-old wounds to the dignity of our Native American communities, particularly our New Mexico Indian Pueblos, can be healed through good will on the parts of the leaders of those Pueblos and the government involved. In this case, that government is the government of Spain. Students of American history know that four and a half centuries ago our American Southwest was explored by the government of Spain, which eventually led to Spanish settlement there four centuries ago. Those 1598 Spanish colonists led by Don Juan de Onate did not find themselves alone: they settled in the midst of Indian Pueblos that had been thriving, vital established communities since time immemorial. The relationship between the Spanish settlers and the original Pueblo Indian inhabitants were filled with conflict and occasional violence. Through it all, the Pueblo Indian communities, including the Pueblo of San Juan where Juan de Onate established the first Spanish capitol of New Mexico, struggled endured and held on to their culture, their traditions and even their internal government. On April 3, 1998, acting on behalf of the 19 Indian Pueblos that comprise the All Indian Pueblo Council of New Mexico, San Juan Pueblo Governor Earl N. Salazar became the first tribal official in the history of New Mexico and the United States to invite an official representative of the Government of Spain, its Vice President Francisco Alvarez-Cascos, to visit San Juan Pueblo in commemoration of the four- hundredth anniversary of the permanent meeting of the two cultures. That invitation was made because in the view of the San Juan Tribal Council after four hundred years, reconciliation and healing were important. In the words of one San Juan Pueblo spiritual leader, ``It was not right to teach our children to hate.'' What an incredible and brave statement that was! As a result of Governor Salazar's invitation, on April 26, 1998, the Governors of New Mexico's 19 Pueblos, led by this remarkable young man, Governor Salazar, met with Vice President Alvarez-Cascos and Antonio Oyarzabal, Spanish Ambassador to the United States. The meeting was also attended by many of New Mexico's state and local government dignitaries. At that meeting, Governor Salazar reflected: ``Today is a historical day for all of us because for the first time since that contact at Oke Oweingeh four hundred years ago, we, the descendants of our respective peoples and nations, are meeting to reflect upon the past and present, and together chart a new course of the relationship of our children and their future.'' Speaking for the Spanish delegation, Vice President Alvarez-Cascos stated ``It is in the future history, the one we need and want to write together, that we will find reconciliation, fruit of a new will for two cultures who have learned to overcome the pain and suffering of the past, two people who want to know each other better, who want to build a new friendship.'' Subsequently, Governor Salazar, his wife Rebecca, Governor Gary Johnson of New Mexico and First Lady Dee Johnson were extended an official invitation to visit Spain. The objective of the visit was to build on the foundation established during the April 26, 1998 meeting hosted by Governor Salazar and the nineteen New Mexican Indian Pueblos. The official visit to Spain, which became known as ``Re-encuentro de Tres Culturas'' or the ``Re-encounter of Three Cultures''--referring to the Indian, Spanish and American cultures--took place on November 18 through 23, 1998. The United States Ambassador to Spain, Ed Romero, a descendant of those first Spanish colonists in New Mexico, also took part in the meetings and events. At the official reception, Governor Salazar, whose mother Maria Ana Salazar is full blooded San Juan Tewa Indian and whose father is State Representative Nick L. Salazar, a Hispanic elected official in New Mexico, delivered a blessing in Tewa. The essence of that blessing was ``Now it is time for all of us to sit down and establish a framework for how we will work with each other to establish an enduring relationship based on honor, trust, mutual respect, love and compassion.'' During the Re-encuentro de Tres Culturas, the Prince of the Asturias, His Royal Majesty, Felipe Bourbon, made a special visit to meet Governor Salazar, Governor Johnson and the rest of the New Mexico delegation which included State Representative Nick L. Salazar, Espanola Mayor Richard Lucero and Rio Arriba County Commissioner Alfredo Montoya. The King, along with other high-ranking Spanish Officials, witnessed the performance of the Sacred Buffalo Dance performed my Pueblo Indian members of the delegation from New Mexico. In appreciation for his courageous leadership, His Majesty presented Governor Salazar with a medal making him a member of the Order of Isabel De la Catolica, grade of encomienda. The medal is awarded to individuals whose ``Pure Loyalty'' by deeds and actions have helped to foster better relations between Spain and America. Governor Salazar is the first Indian Governor upon who this honor has bestowed. As noted in the October 31, 1999 Albuquerque Journal article, the courage of Governor Salazar and the rest of the New Mexico's Pueblo Indian leaders is beginning to bear fruit beyond the reconciliation of these traditional peoples of the United States and Spain. The New Mexican Pueblos and Spanish government representatives have now entered into an agreement creating an exchange program for teachers and students. The agreement, in the form of a Memorandum of Understanding, was signed by the Indian Pueblo governors, the Spanish Ministry of Culture, Spanish Vice President Alvarez-Cascos, the New Mexico Office of Indian Affairs and the Santa Fe Indian School. As Governor Salazar indicated, Pueblo Indian history is tied to Spain. As a consequence, the Pueblos ``decided to renew * * * and develop a relationship that has long-term interests for both sides.'' He also noted that the Memorandum of Understanding is a first step toward forming more agreements with Spain in the future, such as trade and commerce pacts. Governor Salazar's efforts deserve recognition because they have now become an important part of the history of New Mexico and our country. And because they demonstrate that, as Elizabeth Kubler-Ross once said, ``there is nothing that cannot be healed.'' All it takes is people with courage and a commitment to justice and reconciliation. Governor Salazar never planned for all of this to happen. He simply followed the path of his spirit in an effort to work for the people of his Indian Pueblo and for his Hispanic citizens in the surrounding Espanola Valley. As someone else has said, ``there is no holier place than that where an ancient hatred has yielded to forgiveness.'' For creating such a place in the heart of our American Southwest, he deserves our thanks and deepest appreciation.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce a resolution recognizing the growing observance of Earth Day. On April 22, 1970, 20 million Americans celebrated the first Earth Day. Since Earth Day's first observance, the number of Americans celebrating Earth Day and the number of countries observing Earth Day has steadily risen. In fact, Earth Day is now observed in more than 140 countries. Every year on April 22, millions of Americans and millions of people throughout the world participate in activities that call attention to harmful human activities that impact our natural environment. These calls have not gone unanswered. Since the first observance of Earth Day, Congress has passed the Clean Air Act, the Clean Water Act, and the Endangered Species Act in an effort to halt and roll back the harmful impacts of human activity. In addition, we have seen the creation of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, and just recently, in the House Committee on Resources, we witnessed a successful bipartisan effort to provide funding for an array of conservation and wildlife programs. Earth Day provides an opportunity to learn about the positive actions we can take to improve energy efficiency; to develop safe, renewable energy sources; to design goods that are durable, reusable, and recyclable; and to eliminate the production of harmful wastes while protecting our environment and encouraging sustainable development throughout the world. Mr. Speaker, this resolution recognizes the importance of Earth Day and calls on the House of Representatives to recognize that Earth Day should be established to draw attention to the impact of human activity on the natural environment, to alert the world to environmental threats to human health and well-being, and advocate personal actions and public policies to promote and preserve a healthy, diverse, resilient, and productive world for our children and our children's children. This is a companion measure to one already introduced in the other chamber by Senator Jeff Bingaman of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I ask this body to support this worthy resolution.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, I do not intend to object, but I rise in strong support of Senate bill S. 791, the Women's Business Centers Sustainability Act of 1999. This is the Senate version of H.R. 491, which the House recently passed under suspension. With the passage of this bill, we will ensure that the women's business centers keep their doors open, and that the program will continue to grow with new centers in previously underserved areas. Mr. Speaker, I would also like to thank the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly) for all her hard work and leadership on this bill. Mr. Speaker, under my reservation, I yield to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly) to explain her unanimous consent request.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I also, just to finally summarize here, want to thank very much the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Hansen), chairman of the Subcommittee on National Parks and Public Lands, for his hard work on this and for his being able to address this very quickly. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, this bill will authorize and direct the Bureau of Reclamation to conduct a feasibility study with regards to the rehabilitation of the municipal water system of the Jicarilla Apache Reservation, located in the State of New Mexico. I am very pleased to be joined by several of my colleagues in sponsorship of this important bill. They include the gentleman from New Mexico (Mr. Skeen) and the gentlewoman from New Mexico (Mrs. Wilson), as well as the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young) and the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), ranking member, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee), the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth), the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy), and the gentleman from California (Mr. Becerra). Mr. Speaker, the Jicarilla Apache Reservation relies on one of the most unsafe municipal water systems in the country. While the system is a federally owned entity, the Environmental Protection Agency has, nevertheless, found the system to be in violation of the national safe drinking water standards for the last several years. Since 1995, the water system has continually failed to earn renewal of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination permit. The sewage lagoons of the Jicarilla water system are now operating well over 100 percent capacity, spilling wastewater into the nearby arroyo that feeds directly spoke the Navajo River. Since this river serves as a primary source of groundwater for the region, the resulting pollution of the stream not only affects the reservation, but also travels downstream, creating public health hazards for families and communities both within and well beyond the reservation's borders. Alarmingly, Jicarilla Apache youth are now experiencing higher than normal incidences of internal organ diseases affecting the liver, kidneys, and stomach, ailments suspected to be related to the contaminated water. Because of the lack of sufficient water resources, the Jicarilla Tribe is not only facing considerable public health concerns, but it has also had to put a break on other important community improvement efforts, including the construction of much-needed housing and the replacement of deteriorating public schools. For all of these reasons, the Tribal Council has been forced to declare a state of emergency for the reservation and has appropriated over $4.5 million of its own funds to begin the process of rehabilitating the water system. Following a disastrous 6-day water outage last October, the Jicarilla investigated and discovered the full extent of the deplorable condition of the water system. Acting immediately to address the problem, the tribe promptly contacted the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service, the Environmental Protection Agency, and other entities for help in relieving their situation. Yet, due to the budget constraints and other impediments, these agencies were unable to provide financial assistance or take any other substantial action to address the problem. In particular, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, having found itself to be poorly suited for the operation and maintenance of a tribal water system, has discontinued its policy of operating its own tribal water systems in favor of transferring ownership directly to the tribes. Unfortunately, however, the dangerous condition of the Jicarilla water system precludes its transfer to the tribe until it has been rehabilitated. Fortunately, the Bureau of Reclamation is appropriately suited to assist the Jicarilla Apache and the BIA in assessing the feasibility of the rehabilitation of the tribe's water system. In consultation with the Jicarilla Apache Tribe, the Bureau of Reclamation has indicated both its willingness and ability to complete the feasibility study should it be authorized to do so as required by law. Recognizing this as the most promising solution for addressing the serious water safety problems plaguing the Jicarilla, I and my fellow cosponsors introduced this bill to allow this important process to move forward. I hope the rest of our colleagues will join us in passing this bill to remedy this distressing situation.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. UDALL of New Mexico asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, this legislation provides for a transfer by the Secretary of the Interior of real property and improvements at an abandoned and surplus ranger station in the Carson National Forest to Rio Arriba County. This site is known locally as the Old Coyote Administration Site, and it is located near the town of Coyote, New Mexico. This site will continue to be used for public purposes, and may be used as a community center, fire station, fire substation, storage facilities, or space to repair road maintenance equipment or other county vehicles. Mr. Speaker, the Forest Service has moved its operations to a new facility and has determined that this site is of no further use. Furthermore, the Forest Service has notified the General Services Administration that improvements to the site are considered surplus and the sites are available for disposal. In addition, the lands on which the facility is built is withdrawn public domain land, and falls under the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Land Management. Since neither the Bureau of Land Management nor the Forest Service has future plans to utilize this site, the transfer of the land and the facilities to Rio Arriba County would create a benefit to a community that would make productive use of it. This county is one that has a heavy Federal land presence. This will enable them to utilize the land that they have not been able to have and be able to do some very productive things. In summary, this legislation creates a situation in which the Federal government, the State of New Mexico, and the people of Rio Arriba County all benefit. I urge my colleagues to support this bill. It is a good bill. I also want to thank our senior Senator from New Mexico, Senator Domenici, for all his hard work on this bill over the years.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduce a bill that would allow a business, Akal Security, located in Santa Cruz, New Mexico, to receive payment for services it performed for the United States Government almost a decade ago. In the Spring of 1991, Akal Security performed guard services as emergency work during the Desert Storm situation. Specifically, security services were performed at a record storage site located in St. Louis, Missouri. The storage site was leased to the Army Corps of Engineers and was further leased to the Army Reserve Personnel Center (ARPERCEN). The services were orally ordered by the United States Corps of Engineers for the month of March, 1991. On April 3, 1991, Akal submitted its invoice for $10,208.74 for services performed. After multiple requests, the Department of the Army has still not payed the bill owed. To date, there has never been any question that the services were in fact ordered by the COE and rendered by Akal Security. In December, 1992, the Deputy General Counsel of the Department of the Army notified Akal Security that the guard services could not be procured because it could cause a violation of 10 U.S.C. Sec 2465. This section provides that the ``Department of Defense may not be obligated--for the purpose of entering into a contract for the performance of--security-guard functions at any military installation or facility.'' The only recommendation of the Deputy General Counsel was that Akal could seek private relief legislation. Mr. Speaker, correspondence from a Colonel Greiling in 1995 indicates that the Army Reserve Personnel Center had information from the Federal Bureau of Investigation that ARPERCEN records storage sites could possibly be a target for terrorist activity. In consideration of the information from the FBI and the subsequent oral request made by the Corps of Engineers, Akal Security acted responsibly and deserves compensation for the services performed during a time of heighten national security. After researching this issue and being in contact with the Department of Defense, I have come to the conclusion that an Act of Congress is needed to pay for these services that were incurred. This bill only concerns the invoice amount of 1991 and does not concern interest on the principle since then. The introduction of this bill today is the continuance of an effort that was begun in earlier years. This bill is identical to a bill that was introduced in the last Congress by my predecessor, Congressman Bill Redmond. Thank you Mr. Speaker for your consideration of this matter and I encourage my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce legislation that will improve tribal judicial systems through training, technical assistance, and civil and criminal legal assistance. Recently, a nationwide survey conducted by the Department of Justice's Bureau of Justice Statistics found that American Indians are victimized by violent crime at two times the rate of the general population. The staggering poverty, unemployment and violent crime statistics of many Indian communities is a contrast to other communities that are experiencing strong economic health, low unemployment, and decreasing crime rates in other parts of America. Mr. Speaker, equal access to justice is important to all Americans. As a past U.S. Assistant District Attorney and the former Attorney General for the State of New Mexico, I had numerous opportunities to work with tribal court judges, tribal court administrators and tribal court personnel. I became aware of the work of such Indian legal services programs of the Legal Services Corporation as Indian Pueblo Legal Services in New Mexico, and DNA Peoples Legal Services on the Navajo Reservation. These tribal judges and Indian Legal Services program attorneys deal with many of the same kinds of cases that make up state dockets: traffic, domestic violence, child welfare and assault, to name a few. But often these court personnel and legal representatives face staggering caseloads and are only able to draw upon limited resources such as the availability of law books, computers, personnel, or staff training. The legislation I introduce today would do three important things. It would authorize the Attorney General to award grants from within existing programs at the Department of Justice. The grants would be used for the purpose of improving tribal judicial systems through training, technical assistance and civil and criminal assistance. Second, the bill would provide that the Attorney General may award grants and provide technical assistance to Indian tribes for the development, enhancement and continuing operation of tribal justice systems. These grants and technical assistance may be used for such activities as code development; the development of intertribal courts and appellate systems; probation services, sentencing and alternative sentencing and diversion programs; juvenile justice services and multi- disciplinary protocols for child physical and sexual abuse; and traditional tribal justice practices and dispute resolution methods. And last, the legislation would amend the Indian Tribal Justice Act of 1993 to extend the authorization for appropriations under the Act from fiscal year 2000 through fiscal year 2007. The Indian Tribal Justice Act of 1993 authorized base funding through the Bureau of Indian Affairs for the more than 250 existing tribal justice systems at a level of $58.4 million annually. However, no funds have yet been appropriated under the act. This bill is intended to be a complement to, rather than a substitute for direct federal funding to tribal governments in the area of tribal justice. Because tribal court judge organizations and Indian Legal Services programs do not wish to compete with tribal courts, the bill provides that the grants authorized under the act are outside of the Department of Justice's funds for the tribal courts program. Finally, Mr. Speaker, this is a companion bill to legislation already considered by the other Chamber, S. 1508, which was introduced on August 5, 1999, by Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today I introduce legislation, which is being co-sponsored by my colleagues J.D. Hayworth of Arizona and Chris Cannon of Utah, that provides for the leasing of oil and gas rights on certain lands held in trust for the Navajo Nation or allotted to a member of the Navajo Nation. This legislation would correct a serious problem facing the Navajo people in Arizona, Utah and New Mexico--the issue of ``fractionated lands.'' From the late 1800's through the early 1900's, the Federal Government attempted to force Indian people to assimilate by allocating parcels of traditional tribal lands to individual tribal members. This practice resulted in alternating parcels of lands being owned by individual tribal members, the state, the federal government, or other private landowners. Navajo owners were granted an undivided interest of their entire allotment as were their heirs. An undivided interest meant that the heirs received an interest in the entire original allotment rather than a portion of the original land. For example, if four heirs were to receive equal interest to a 160 acre parcel, each heir would recieve a 25 percent interest in the entire original allotment--not 40 acres. Over time the number of owners with an interest in an allotment is compounded or fractionated. This unique system has not served the Navajo people well. After nearly a century, this allotment policy has become a nightmare for the Navajo people. Keeping records straight has become an impossible task. In many cases, owners can no longer be located while some individuals are completely unaware that they are heirs to an interest in a parcel. Many times, title to a parcel is clouded when just one owner dies without a legal will. Over the years, Congress has tried to deal with fractionated lands and other issues governing Indian land ownership without success. These issues are complex and will not fully resolved overnight. In the mean time, I believe it is appropriate to consider a stop-gap measure aimed at stimulating near-term economic development on fractionated Navajo lands. The bill I am introducing today will facilitate the leasing of Navajo allotted land for oil and gas development by authorizing the Secretary of the Interior to approve oil and gas leases on Navajo allotted lands when less then 100 percent of the owners agree to such lease--a mechanism that is already available to non-Indians in most states. Mr. Speaker, this is a companion bill to a bill that has already been introduced in the other chamber on July 1, 1999, by Senator Bingaman of New Mexico and co-sponsored by Senators Hatch and Bennett of Utah, and Senator McCain of Arizona.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to tell you that our friends on the other side of the aisle have picked the lockbox on the Social Security lockbox that they talk about so much. As Democrats, we have said that we would protect Social Security. We have done that in our votes and we have shown that consistently. That is not the case with our friends on the other side of the aisle. Let us take the case of the $18 billion; $18 billion of gimmicks. One of them, almost a third of that is the U.S. census which has been in existence since this Nation started. That is not an emergency. They have said we have $18 billion in emergencies. These are not emergencies. They are gimmicks. What we need to do is focus in this body on making sure we do not raid Social Security, we do not rely on gimmicks, and we be truthful with the American people.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, let me first of all begin by thanking the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly) for her original cosponsorship and her leadership on this bill and also thank the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez), the ranking member, for her very active support of this legislation that is critical for the further promotion of women's businesses throughout our country. The Women's Business Centers Sustainabililty Act of 1999 is an essential enhancement of the Women's Business Center Program, which will strengthen and improve this important service. As all of us are aware, the contribution of women-owned businesses to our economy has grown exponentially over the past few decade. Today the eight million women-owned firms in this country contribute more than $2.3 trillion annually to the U.S. economy and offer jobs to one out of every five U.S. workers. Moreover, women-owned businesses are now starting at twice the rate of other businesses in the United States; and by the year 2000, it is expected that nearly one out of every two businesses will be owned by a woman. In my home State of New Mexico, women-owned firms now account for 41 percent of all businesses, provide employment for over 35 percent of the State's workforce, and generates 21 percent of all sales. This success is even more remarkable in that it places New Mexico as the third most successful of all States in its number of women-owned business incorporations. This noble statistic identifies women-owned firms as necessary and as a necessary and essential part of New Mexico's efforts to improve the lives of all of its residents. I would like to briefly tell my colleagues about Agnes Cordova of Taos, New Mexico. She has combined her cultural heritage with business acumen to create ``Sube,'' a multimedia, bilingual educational program designed to teach Spanish to preschool and early elementary children. The set of flashcards, board games, videotapes with original music, and computer software have all been well-received in the local area, and plans are being hatched for broader marketing efforts. Each component is offered separately so parents can afford the educational supplies that can supplement formal language education. Agnes is now planning to develop materials for older kids, as well. By matching her heritage with business opportunity, Agnes is creating economic opportunity for herself and helping to preserve the unique culture of northern New Mexico. One of the efforts responsible for the success of women-owned businesses in New Mexico and elsewhere throughout the country is the Small Business Administration's Women's Business Center program. Currently there are 59 centers in 36 States, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico. These centers provide technical assistance, business information, and counseling and other specialized assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged women entrepreneurs. The services provided by women's business centers include assistance in gaining access to capital, procuring government contracts, and helping women to work their way off public assistance. In New Mexico alone, the six women's business centers run by the Women's Economic Self-sufficiency Team, WESST Corp., have already facilitated the start up and growth of over 600 small businesses, provided technical assistance to over 3,500 client firms, and conducted business-training activities for over 6,000 individual women entrepreneurs. Most importantly, 81 percent of the clientele of these women's business centers have been low-income individuals and 47 percent have been women of color. Nevertheless, in spite of their demonstrated contributions to the national economy and to individual women nationwide, recent surveys and testimonials have highlighted that many women's business centers have been forced to cut back on services or prematurely close their doors when they lose the support of the Small Business Administration's Office of Women's Business Ownership. Today, 25 percent of the women's business centers initially funded by the SBA are closed. Of this 25 percent, many are only partly operational. In fact, while several of the WESST Corp sites in New Mexico that have already lost SBA funding have been unable to continue providing programs, others have suffered considerably in their missions due to this critical loss of support. This is why I introduced the Women's Business Centers Sustainability Act of 1999. This legislation will allow recompetition for Federal funding by women's business centers which have completed a funding term and will raise the authorization of appropriations for fiscal year 2000 and fiscal year 2001 women business center funding to ensure adequate funding for qualifying existing and new centers over the next 4 years. This funding will allow the SBA to continue to promote the establishment of even more women's business centers in communities throughout the Nation as well as to ensure adequate, continuing support for already established, effective centers. The women's business center program has helped countless women start and expand their own businesses. It is vital that we continue to support this valuable program. I invite and encourage all of my colleagues to join me in supporting this legislation and I look forward to its bipartisan approval today. Once again, Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Talent) and the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly) for their support and for the support of the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez). None of this effort could have been completed without their leadership and support. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez). She is our ranking member and she has provided great bipartisan leadership in this committee.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Let me first of all say that the action of the Committee on Small Business in this bipartisan passage of this bill I think is very important. I want to once again thank the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Talent), the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Velazquez) and also the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Kelly). The Committee on Small Business, its hallmark has really been bipartisanship. We have been very productive in the 9 months we have been working on issues. I daresay we have one of the most outstanding records of any committee in this House. I would also like to thank all of the staff members for their very hard work on this bill and what they have done to help shape it and bring it to this point and particularly recognize Michael Day. Mr. Speaker, let me begin my remarks today by thanking the Chairman and the Ranking Member for their active support of this legislation that is critical to the further promotion of women's businesses throughout our country. The Women's Business Centers Sustainability Act of 1999 is an essential enhancement of the Women's Business Center Program, which will strengthen and improve this important service. Over the past few decades the contribution of women-owned businesses to our economy has grown exponentially. Today, the 8 million women- owned firms in this country contribute more than $2.3 trillion annually to the U.S. economy and offer jobs to one out of every five U.S. workers. Moreover, women-owned businesses are now starting at twice the rate of all other businesses in the United States, and, by the year 2000, it is expected that nearly one out of every two businesses will be owned by a woman. In my home state of New Mexico, in particular, women-owned firms account for 41% of all businesses, provide employment for over 35% of the state's workforce, and generate 21% of all sales. This success is even more remarkable in that it ranks New Mexico third of all the states in women-owned business incorporations--a statistic that identifies women-owned firms as an important part of New Mexico's efforts to improve the lives of all its residents. One of the efforts responsible for the success of women-owned businesses is the Small Business Administration's Women's Business Center program. Currently, there are 59 centers in 36 states, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. These centers provide technical assistance, business information and counseling, and other specialized assistance to socially and economically disadvantaged women entrepreneurs. The services provided by women's business centers include assistance in gaining access to capital, procuring government contracts, and helping women to work their way off public assistance. In New Mexico alone, the six women's business centers run by the Women's Economic Self-Sufficiency Team (WESST Corp.), facilitated the start-up and growth of over 600 small businesses, provided technical assistance to over 3,500 client firms, and conducted business-training activities for over 6,000 individuals. Most importantly, 81% of the clientele of these women's business centers have been low-income individuals and 47% have been women of color. The impact of women's business centers in New Mexico is illustrated through a number of success stories that were told by Agnes Noonan, Executive Director of the WESST Corp., during a recent hearing on women's business centers: Heidi Montoya's desire to run her own firm grew out of the frustrations of working for years as a draftsperson for a company which offered few benefits and no retirement opportunities. In 1989, Heidi took the leap, opening Builders Hardware of New Mexico, which sells commercial grade doors and frames and finish hardware. Heidi and WESST Corp. joined forces when Heidi attended an orientation meeting, and WESST Corp. granted Heidi a loan for a computer that enabled her to create a presence on the Internet and market more effectively to government agencies. Since 1993, Builders Hardware's gross sales have increased by 129%. A single mother, Heidi maintains a second office at home for after-school hours. Two years ago, Diane Barrett was receiving food stamps, sleeping on a friend's floor and struggling to provide for her son. But she also had a background as a chef. In 1996, Diane approached WESST Corp.'s regional office in Las Cruces, which helped her create a business plan and receive a $5,000 loan to open a bakery and cafe. Since then, Diane has expanded the seating area, added a dinner menu, and is currently employing 19 people. In 1998, Diane's Bakery and Cafe was selected as the Mainstreet Business of the Year in Silver City, New Mexico. Recently interviewed by the Travel Section of the New York Times, Diane is a great example of how hard work and commitment to a business pays off. Norma Gomez, a native of Mexico, came to the United States in the 1980's. On welfare, with three children and limited proficiency with English, Norma had difficulty being taken seriously when the opportunity arose to open her own business. With her small savings, she opened her shop in a strip mall in Farmington, only to find the overhead exceeded her income. She came to WESST Corp. for help with planning, marketing and financing assistance. With technical assistance from WESST Corp., Norma relocated, adopted an inventory tracking system, and developed a long-term business plan. WESST Corp. also convinced suppliers to provide Norma with accounts and better terms. The result of these efforts was a 300% increase in profits in the first year. Agnes Cordova, of Taos, New Mexico, has combined her cultural heritage with business acumen to create ``Sube!''--a multimedia, bilingual educational program designed to teach Spanish to preschool and early elementary children. The set of flash cards, board game, videotapes with original music, and computer software have all been well received in the local area and plans are being hatched for broader marketing efforts. Each component is offered separately so that parents can afford the educational supplies that can supplement formal language education. Agnes is now planning to develop materials for older kids as well. By matching her heritage with business opportunity, Agnes is creating economic opportunity for herself and helping to preserve the unique culture of northern New Mexico. Nevertheless, in spite of their demonstrated contributions to the national economy and to individual women--recent surveys and testimonials have highlighted that many women's business centers have been forced to cut back on services or prematurely close their doors when they lose the support of the Small Business Administration's Office of Women's Business Ownership. Today, twenty-five percent of the women's business centers initially funded by the SBA are closed--and of this twenty-five percent, many are only partly operational. In fact, while several of the WESST Corp. sites in New Mexico have already lost SBA funding and have been able to continue providing programs, others have suffered considerably in their work due to the loss of support. To address this problem, the Women's Business Centers Sustainability Act of 1999 will allow re-competition for Federal funding by Women's Business Centers which have completed a funding term, and will raise the authorization of appropriations for FY 2000 and FY 2001 Women Business Center funding from $11 million to $12 million per year. The Women's Business Center program has helped countless women start and expand their own businesses. It is vital that we continue to support this valuable program. I invite and encourage my fellow colleagues to join me in supporting this program. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Napolitano).

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce a bill to authorize and direct the Bureau of Reclamation to conduct a feasibility study with regards to the rehabilitation of the municipal water system of the Jicarilla Apache Reservation, located in the State of New Mexico. I am very pleased to be joined by several of my colleagues in the introduction of this important bill--including the other two Representatives from New Mexico, Congressman Skeen and Congresswoman Wilson; as well as Congressmen Kildee, Hayworth, Young, Miller, Kennedy, and Becerra. Sadly, Mr. Speaker, the Jicarilla Apache Reservation relies on one of the most unsafe municipal water systems in the country. While the system is a federally owned entity, the Environmental Protection Agency has nevertheless found the system to be in violation of national safe drinking water standards for several years running--and, since 1995, the water system has continually failed to earn renewal of its National Pollutant Discharge Elimination permit. The sewage lagoons of the Jicarilla water system are now operating well over 100 percent capacity--spilling wastewater into the nearby arroyo that feeds directly into the Navajo River. Since this river serves as a primary source of groundwater for the region, the resulting pollution of the stream not only affects the Reservation but also travels downstream--creating public health hazards for families and communities both within and well beyond the Reservation's borders. Alarmingly, Jicarilla youth are now experiencing higher than normal incidences of internal organ diseases affecting the liver, kidneys and stomach--ailments suspected to be related to the contaminated water. Moreover, because of the lack of sufficient water resources, the Jicarilla Tribe is not only facing considerable public health concerns, but it has also necessarily had to put a brake on other important community improvement efforts, including the construction of much needed housing and the replacement of deteriorating public schools. For all of these reasons, the Tribal Council has declared a state of emergency for the Reservation and has already appropriated over $4.5 million of its own funds to begin the process of rehabilitating the water system. Following a disastrous 6-day water outage last October, the Jicarilla investigated and discovered the full extent of the deplorable condition of the water system. Acting immediately to address the problem, the tribe promptly contacted the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the Indian Health Service, the Environmental Protection Agency and other entities for help in relieving their situation. Yet, due to budget constraints and other impediments, these agencies were unable to provide financial assistance or take any other substantial action to address the problem. In particular, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, having found itself to be poorly suited for the operation and maintenance of tribal water systems, has discontinued its policy of operating its own tribal water systems in favor of transferring ownership directly to the tribes. Unfortunately, however, the dangerous condition of the Jicarilla water system precludes its transfer to the tribe until it has been rehabilitated. Fortunately, the Bureau of Reclamation is appropriately suited to assist the Jicarilla Apache and the BIA in assessing the feasibility of rehabilitating the tribe's water system. In consultation with the Jicarilla Tribe, the Bureau of Reclamation has indicated both its willingness and its ability to complete the feasibility study should it be authorized to do so as required by law. Recognizing this as the most promising solution for addressing the serious water safety problems plaguing the Jicarilla, I and my fellow cosponsors are introducing this important bill to allow this process to move forward. I hope the rest of our colleagues will similarly join us in passing this bill to remedy this distressing situation.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Mr. Speaker, today we have a rare opportunity to build on one of the best ideas America has ever had. The creation of our national parks system has provided invaluable opportunities for the protection of our natural resources and for recreation and enjoyment of those resources by visitors from around the country and around the world. The legislation before us will add a new park to the list, which includes places like Yellowstone, Yosemite, Grand Canyon, and Denali. We urge our colleagues to support it. S. 323 will abolish the existing Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Monument in western Colorado and create in its place the Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, along with a new national conservation and wilderness area. The redesignation of this monument is an important step because it will allow us to better protect the valuable natural and cultural resources that make this area unique. Because our national parks are so special, however, this is not a step we take lightly. This new park will be significantly larger than the existing monument. The bill also adds approximately 4,500 acres to the park and authorizes the purchase of another 2,500 acres in the future. In addition, it creates a new 57,000 acre National Conservation Area, 18,000 acres of which will be designated as wilderness. With these additions, these new parks will offer a variety of resources, scenery and, recreational activities characteristic to our national parks. In addition, this legislation deals with difficult land management issues such as grazing and the use of off-road vehicles in a way that is consistent with the long-term protection of this sensitive area. We are especially pleased that the legislation, as amended, now includes agreed-upon language with regard to use of off-road vehicles that is consistent with other national conservation area designations. We would like to thank the sponsor of this legislation as well as the gentleman from Utah (Chairman Hansen) and the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young) for working with us to craft a bill we can all support. I should also mention the role of another Udall in making this new park a reality. The gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall) and his staff played a critical role in perfecting this bill, and I know this new park means a great deal to the gentleman from Colorado and his constituents. I urge my colleagues to support S. 323. I also would like to say to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. McInnis) that this is a very important moment for the State of Colorado. It has been 85 years, and it is a very special moment for the State of Colorado. I think the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. McInnis) has played a very key role in this far- sighted piece of legislation that we pass today. It truly is, as the gentleman has said, a bipartisan effort with the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall), the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. McInnis), Senator Ben Nighthorse Campbell all working together through the Committee on Resources to see that this is done and now is a reality happening here on the House floor. I would also like to thank all of the members of the staff of the Committee on Resources that have worked on this issue, and also Stan Sloss on the staff of the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall) I know has worked very hard.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, we do not have any objections to this legislation that is before the House today, H.R. 1934, the Marine Mammal Rescue Assistance Act of 1999. I commend the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Saxton) and his staff for working in a truly cooperative bipartisan manner with minority Members on the Committee on Resources to craft this important bill. All Members should vote for this bill. Few events catch the public's collective emotion more than episodic strandings or mysterious fatalities of marine mammals. With growing concern, members of the Committee on Resources continue to hear of numerous incidents of unusual or unexplained mortality events effecting marine mammals. Perhaps most troubling, many of these stranding and mortality events are affecting marine mammal populations that are considered robust and healthy; and regrettably, while the frequency of standings is increasing, we still know relatively little about what is causing this to occur. In 1992, Congress amended the Marine Mammal Protection Act to add a new title IV with the purpose to establish a coordinated Federal, State, and private effort to address the problems and challenges associated with marine mammal strandings or unusual mortality events. In many respects, Madam Speaker, the marine mammal health and stranding program established under title IV has been effective. Nonetheless, Madam Speaker, we have fallen short of the goals established for this program, in some cases especially the need for better analysis of rescued and diseased marine mammals and the need for additional research to determine if there are cross-over connections between marine mammal strandings and human health threats in the marine environment. Much work still remains to be done. Moreover, costs of stranding rescue operations have risen sharply, so sharply in fact that some stranding facilities have had to sacrifice other programs which has had the effect of dampening effectiveness. This legislation will give marine mammal stranding facilities better tools and financial assistance to meet this and other unmet needs of the program. The grant program authorized in this bill will help relieve the financial burden currently affecting many network stranding facilities; and importantly, these new grants could be used to support valuable new research on dead marine mammals without cutting back funds necessary to support the humane care and treatment of recovered live animals. We also hope that the advisory group created by this bill will be effective in developing priorities for funding these new grant proposals. I know that the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega), the ranking member of the Subcommittee on Fisheries Conservation, Wildlife and Oceans very much appreciates the cooperation of the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Saxton), the subcommittee chairman, to ensure that these grants may be used to enhance scientific investigation and are not simply used to offset operating expenses at stranded facilitates. Also, the gentleman from American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavaega) also appreciates the chairman's cooperation to ensure that this legislation provides for the fair distribution of grant dollars to all stranding network regions and also provide sufficient funds to allow the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration to administer the new grant program. We still contend that it makes sense to set aside some discretionary funds for emergency or technical assistance since these funds would allow NOAA to fill in the gaps in coverage or to address unexpected needs that arise in the field. Ultimately, experience will determine whether this additional flexibility is needed. Madam Speaker, the marine mammal health and stranding program is vital to the protection and rehabilitation of thousands of marine mammals annually, but the program can be improved. I believe the new grant program created by this legislation will provide additional financial resources to support the national network of stranding facilities, will increase our understanding of marine mammal ecology, and will increase public awareness of the health and safety of the coastal marine environment. I urge all Members to support this bill. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. UDALL of New Mexico. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. (Mr. UDALL of New Mexico asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)