Peter Visclosky

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall vote No. 480, I was unavoidably detained and unable to record my vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' I ask that this statement be inserted in the appropriate section of the Congressional Record.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to commend the 1972 National Black Political Convention's 25th Anniversary celebration. This event will take place tomorrow, September 27, 1997, at the Genesis Convention Center in Gary, IN. With great vision and dedication, the citizens of Gary, IN successfully hosted the First Black Political Convention 25 years ago. In 1972, 10,000 African-Americans trailblazed their way to Gary to bring together mainstream political leaders, labor officials, and ordinary people to forge a landmark and milestone in our country's struggle for economic justice and fair share of political power. In 1972, there were 300 African-Americans elected to public office, nationwide; today, there are 7,000 in Federal, State, and local office. In 1972, there were 12 Members of Congress, and in 1997 there are 40 African-Americans in the U.S. Congress. The issues facing African- Americans today are different now than in 1972. The conference this weekend signals the shift from marches to the political arena, to using the political arena as the most effective avenue of opportunity. In 1972, the convention agenda focused on political and economic empowerment, human development, international policy, communications, rural development, environmental protection, and self-determination. Twenty-five years later, some of the original organizers, including then Gary Mayor Richard Hatcher, are bringing together many of the same players for an anniversary celebration. U.S. Representative Maxine Waters of California, chairwoman of the Congressional Black Caucus, will speak at the Genesis Center tomorrow evening. Many social conditions continue to place African-Americans at a disadvantage in finding employment and adequate housing. As a result, the public is being asked to join in the celebration for a weekend of solidarity and discussion, which will focus on striving to eliminate the burdens plaguing African-Americans. A host of the Nation's most respected academic and political activists, including Dick Gregory, Dr. Ron Walters, Ron Daniels, U.S. Representative Danny K. Davis, and Dr. Ron Karenga, have confirmed their attendance. I am proud to be a part of this celebration and would also like to commend the efforts of the members of the Gary Committee to Commemorate the 1972 National Black Political Convention: Richard Gordon Hatcher, James Holland, Dozier T. Allen, Morris Carter, Judy Cherry, Carolyn McCrady, and a host of other participants working to make this anniversary celebration a success. As the U.S. Representative of Indiana's First Congressional District, I am proud to represent the place of my birth, Gary, IN. I look forward to continuing to work with my African-American colleagues in making this country a better place for all people. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commemorating the 25 year anniversary of the 1972 Black Political Convention and to encourage public participation in carrying out their vision into the future.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate the Indiana State League of United Latin American Citizens [LULAC] as it hosts a reception in honor of LULAC national president, Belen Robles, tonight, September 26, 1997, at the Empress Casino in Hammond, IN. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Indiana LULAC State officers, Maria Pizana, Vicki Lipiniskis, Terry Serna, Andrew Martinez, Amelia Velez, and Louise Martinez, for the leadership they have displayed in organizing this special event. This marks the first time the Indiana State LULAC has honored a National LULAC President. Founded in 1929 in Corpus Christi, TX, LULAC was established to protect the constitutional rights and freedoms of Hispanic-Americans. Over the years, LULAC has improved the social and economic status of Hispanics through its activism in the areas of equal justice, housing, employment, and education. By 1954, LULAC had earned recognition for winning two landmark civil rights cases, which served to integrate the Orange County, CA school system, and secure jury duty rights for Mexican-Americans in Texas. Since that time, LULAC has worked hard to achieve full access to the political process for all Hispanics, as well as equal educational opportunity for Hispanic children. LULAC councils across the Nation work toward this goal by holding voter registration drives and citizen awareness sessions, sponsoring health fairs and tutorial programs, and raising scholarship money for the LULAC national scholarship fund. In addition, LULAC's activism has expanded to include the areas of language and cultural rights. In response to a recent increase in anti-Hispanic sentiment, LULAC councils have fought back by holding seminars and public symposiums on language and immigration issues. The Nation's oldest and largest national Hispanic civil rights organization, LULAC continues to be a strong voice in the struggle for equal opportunity for Hispanic-Americans. The Indiana State LULAC has faithfully worked to fulfill the National LULAC mission through a strong commitment to community and education. The Indiana LULAC emphasizes the protection of civil and human rights for Hispanic citizens and immigrants, and it strives to achieve this goal by educating the Hispanic community. Extremely youth oriented, Indiana LULAC hosts annual career days and college fairs, provides numerous educational workshops and seminars for students, and offers several leadership training opportunities to students. In addition, Indiana LULAC continues to award scholarships to academic achievers throughout the State and, to date, has awarded over $200,000 in college scholarships. In the future, the Indiana State LULAC aspires to open a LULAC National Education Center, which would provide counseling and tutorial services, scholarships, and low-interest loans to help Hispanic students attend college. Belen Robels, the first female LULAC national president, has brought a new vision to LULAC. Belen, who works for the U.S. Customs Service, strives to structure LULAC more like a business in order to bring about a greater continuity within the organization. As a result, she has developed a 5-year strategic plan, which will establish a full-time national executive director for LULAC's Washington, DC office. In addition, LULAC is embarking on a membership campaign with the ambitious goal of increasing its current membership of 110,000 to 1 million members. As a law enforcement officer, Belen is knowledgeable about immigration issues, and she uses this knowledge to ensure that Hispanics will receive protection under current immigration law. In addition to her work with LULAC, Belen Robels is on the board of the El Paso Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, vice-chair of the National Hispanic Leadership Agenda, and she serves on the Federal Better Relations with Mexico Committee. In 1967, Belen Robles received a bronze Chamizal Medallion from President Lyndon Johnson in recognition of her efforts in the Cabinet-level hearings on Mexican-American affairs in El Paso, TX. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the national and State of Indiana LULAC organizations for their tremendous efforts in uniting Hispanic-Americans. All involved in the success of these organizations should be proud of their efforts in working toward equality for Hispanic-Americans.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to congratulate the Hammond Technical Vocation Appreciation Society as it holds its first annual ``Thanks for the Memories'' Recognition Dinner tonight, September 26, 1997, at the After Four Supper Club in Cedar Lake, IN. I would also like to take this opportunity to commend the Society's board of directors, Stan Bafia, Dave Carlson, Chester Lobodzinski, Tom Martin, and Marvin Snorton, for the work they have put forth in planning this special event. The Hammond Technical Vocation Society was founded in November 1996, for the primary purpose of paying overdue recognition to past faculty members of Hammond Technical Vocation High School, Hammond Tech. Tonight's dinner will be in recognition of four outstanding former educators and coaches of Hammond Tech High School, who have displayed the utmost in pride and dedication throughout their careers. Special recognition will be given to this year's selected honoree, retired educator and coach, George Bereolos. Former coaches, Dale Vieau, the late Swede Carlson, and the late Richard Milton Wilson, will also be honored on this occasion. Hammond Tech will forever be remembered for its 1940 State Championship Basketball Team, whose three remaining members, Bob Haack, Richard Haack, and John Thomas, will be recognized at the dinner tonight. An educator and coach for 42 years in the Hammond School System, George Bereolos' accomplishments in the classroom and on the court are shining examples of the pride and dedication he exhibited in his work. A 1934 graduate of Hammond High School, George earned a degree in education from Indiana University after his service with the U.S. Army as a first lieutenant during World War II. In addition to teaching social studies, George assumed the added responsibility of head basketball coach in 1954. George's coaching career also included positions with the track and football teams. George currently resides in Munster, IN. Dale Vieau, Swede Carlson, and Richard Milton Wilson were very devoted teachers and coaches at Hammond Tech, as well. Dale Vieau, a 1944 graduate of Hammond Tech, coached for his alma mater for approximately 32 years, and within the Hammond School System for 38 years. Dale served as coach of the basketball, baseball, and cross country teams. Swede Carlson, a 1938 graduate of Ball State University, was a history and social studies teacher for Hammond Tech. Before his retirement in 1979, he worked with the golf and football teams during his 34-year coaching career. Upon earning his teaching degree from State Normal School, now the University of Wisconsin, Richard Milton Wilson began Hammond Tech's physical education and athletic programs. In the early years of the program, Richard coached every sport with one assistant. An excellent athlete, Richard played football with the Green Bay Packers from 1919 to 1921. In the early 1980's, he was inducted into the Green Bay Packer Hall of Fame. Although Swede Carlson and Richard Milton Wilson have both passed away, memories of their spirit and love for teaching will always remain. Hammond Tech was founded in 1919, when Fred S. Barrows began a vocational high school in the attic of Central High School on Russell Street in downtown Hammond, IN. In the first year of the school's existence, there was only one teacher and one student. However, only 3 years later, Hammond Tech students filled the halls of the Central High School building when a new Central High School was built on Calumet Avenue. Hammond Tech remained at this location until the summer of 1949, when a new Hammond Tech High School was built on Sohl Avenue. Although the State of Indiana closed Hammond Tech in 1980, the school will always be held in high esteem for the strong dedication and concern of its faculty, as well as the academic and athletic accomplishments of its student body. Today, Hammond Tech still holds the record for the highest high school graduation rate in the nation, at 98.6 percent. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating the Hammond Technical Vocation Appreciation Society and this year's faculty honorees for their lifetime of dedication to their school and its students. I commend all of those who have played a role in successfully keeping the memory of Hammond Tech alive over the years, as the pride and spirit of its faculty and former students serves as an inspiration to us all.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to congratulate the Reverend Dr. Robert Lowery on the 40-year anniversary of his dedicated service to St. Timothy Community Church in Gary, IN. Dr. Lowery will be honored by St. Timothy Church during a 3-day anniversary celebration, which will include a gala banquet to be held at St. Timothy Community Church on Saturday, September 27, 1997, at 6 p.m. The banquet, which is entitled ``A Tribute: The Man and His Message,'' will be in honor of Dr. Lowery's service to his parish, as well as his demonstrated commitment to improving the communities of northwest Indiana. On September 27, 1957, Dr. Lowery began his ministry at St. Timothy Community Church as an interim pastor armed with several degrees and an enthusiasm for serving the community. With a masters of divinity from Garret Theological Seminary and a doctorate of ministry from Chicago Theological Seminary, Dr. Lowery was well prepared for the self-defined role he would accept to spiritually guide, sustain, and shepherd the members of his parish and community. Since his arrival at St. Timothy Community Church, Dr. Lowery has devoted his time to providing guidance and training for the youth of northwest Indiana, planning and supporting positive urban initiatives, and addressing crucial issues related to education, health care, crime, and teenage pregnancy. Dr. Lowery has carried out his youth-, education-, and urban- development-oriented agenda through his voluntarism with a number of prominent community service organizations. Currently, Dr. Lowery serves on the board of directors for the Northwest Indiana Boys and Girls Club, an organization which provides educational, social, and recreational services for young people, supports the Marion Home, a residential facility for young pregnant women, and is a Scoutmaster for Gary Boy Scout Troop 53. Through his work with such distinguished organizations as the Gary Educational Development Foundation and the Northwest Indiana Urban League, he has been instrumental in structuring a comprehensive framework for educational programs, which divert the energies of youth into productive activities. Dr. Lowery has also aided urban development during his tenure as an executive board member for the Northwest Indiana Urban League, Referral Emergency Services, and the Lake County Mental Health Association. In addition to faithfully serving numerous other organizations, Dr. Lowery holds an associate professorship at Indiana University-Northwest, where he teaches in the area of church society and psycho-dynamics of minority problems. Over the years, Dr. Lowery has been recognized by a number of institutions for his outstanding commitment to northwest Indiana communities. As a result of his theological and humanitarian efforts, he was awarded an honorary doctorate of humane letters from Purdue University-Calumet in 1996, and an honorary doctorate of divinity from the Chicago Theological Seminary in 1991. In addition, he has received countless awards for his community service efforts from such organizations as the Boy Scouts of America, the NAACP, the March of Dimes, and the Lake Area United Way. Some of the more prominent service honors bestowed upon Dr. Lowery include the 1990 State of Indiana Sagamore of the Wabash Award, the 1996 Calumet College St. Joseph the Worker Award, and the 1997 Indiana University-Northwest Chancellor's Medallion Award Citation. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Dr. Lowery on his outstanding accomplishments during his 40 years of service to St. Timothy Community Church and its surrounding communities. His wife, Josephine Mathews-Lowery, and their daughters, Gay Marlene Lowery, Lynn Michele Lowery-Darby, and Jan Avis- Lowery, should be proud of his efforts, as his leadership has served as a beacon of hope throughout the Gary community. Dr. Lowery's devotion to improving the quality of life for the people of Indiana's First Congressional District is truly inspirational.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to congratulate St. Joseph the Worker Croatian Catholic Church in Gary, IN, as it celebrates its 85th anniversary as a parish this Sunday, September 28, 1997. I would also like to take this opportunity to congratulate Father Benedict J. Benakovic, parish pastor, on this special occasion. The 85th anniversary festivities will begin with a Mass of Thanksgiving at 11 a.m. at the church, celebrated by the Most Reverend Dale J. Melczek, Bishop of Gary. After the service, a banquet will be held at the Croatian Center in Merrillville, IN. I would also like to commend the members of the St. Joseph the Worker Parish Council for the work they have put forth in the planning of this momentous event. Members of the 1997 parish council include: Fred Benich, John Benich, Frank Bestich, Peter Bianco, Francis X. Coman, Mary Coman, Charles Doherty, Antoinette Dorochoff, George Flores, Irene Flores, Charlene Gyurko, Mary Horan, Patricia Howorth, Sophia Kruzic, Jasmine Kuyachich, Mary Mandly, Richard Mandly, Ann C. Marlow, Marta McCobb, Karl Metz, Marie Michalak, Marian Nicksich, Peter Podnar, Ann Wozniak, Charles Yelusich, and Paul Yurkas. The founding of St. Joseph the Worker Croatian Catholic Church began in 1906 with the arrival of Croatian immigrants to the growing city of Gary, IN. A mixture of small business owners and steel workers, the immigrants immediately experienced prejudices and a language barrier. To foster a sense of belonging and community, they colonized and sought a parish of their own, where the church services would be spoken in their native language. With a large donation from the Gary Land Co., a Croatian Catholic church, called Holy Trinity, was built in 1913. Holy Trinity Church, which would later be named St. Joseph the Worker, prospered over the years with the hard work of its clergy and parishioners. Shortly after the church's founding, Rev. Charles Jesih of Croatia began St. Joseph's expansion when he founded a parochial school for the education of the parish's youth. In 1919, a three-room school opened in the church hall, and, in 1921, a convent was completed to accommodate the nuns who taught at the school. With the onset of the Depression, the parish encountered problems of debt and the relocation of parishioners to the Glen Park area of Gary. By the 1940's, it had become apparent that the church would need to relocate, and in spite of the debt incurred during the Depression, construction of a new church, school, and convent was completed in 1945. As the parish continued to grow, it was determined in 1950 that an even larger church would be needed to accommodate new parishioners of different nationalities. Under the leadership of Father Venceslav Ardas, funds were secured from individual parishioners and church organizations for the construction of what would become a beautiful Romanesque style church. The church was completed in 1956, and consecrated St. Joseph the Worker in May of that year. Since its founding, St. Joseph the Worker has continued to celebrate its Croatian heritage as an integral part of parish religious and social life. Over the years, ties to Croatia were maintained with the dedicated service of Croatian-born pastors, the preservation of masses in the Croatian language, and a concern for events transpiring in the homeland. With the disintegration of the former Yugoslavia, St. Joseph the Worker parishioners eagerly joined Croatians throughout the world in providing humanitarian aid to victims of the war-torn region. In the early 1990's, the parish celebrated both the recognition of Croatia as an independent nation and the visit of Cardinal Franjo Kuharic, Archbishop of Zagreb. The founding of such social organizations as the Croatian Catholic Union and the American Croatians United also contributed to the preservation of the Croatian heritage in the Gary community. Through the dedication of St. Joseph parishioners, these organizations sponsored numerous festivals and projects, which have served to introduce traditional Croatian food, music, and customs to future generations. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating the St. Joseph the Worker parish on the 85th anniversary of its founding. As someone of Croatian descent, I commend the leadership that past and present parishioners and clergy have displayed in preserving their ethnicity while faithfully fulfilling the ideals of their Catholic religion. I wish St. Joseph the Worker parish continued prosperity and many blessings for a bright future.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate a long-time friend of mine, Gary City Councilman Cleo Wesson, on his receipt of the Indiana Association of Cities and Towns [IACT], 1997 Meritorious Service Award. Cleo will receive this honor tomorrow, September 24, at the IACT annual conference, which is being held at the Fort Wayne Hilton in Fort Wayne, IN. The Meritorious Service Award is presented by AICT to Indiana public figures who have devoted 40 years or more of noteworthy service to their communities. Cleo Wesson, who has displayed outstanding leadership qualities as a Gary City Councilmember for 38 years, has been selected as one of two people in the State of Indiana to receive the Meritorious Service Award, an honor which is in its first year of existence. Cleo began his distinguished career of service when he enlisted in the U.S. Air Force upon his graduation from Gary Roosevelt High School. After his return from the military, Cleo began his political career when he was elected to the Gary Common Council in 1959. As the representative of Gary's Fifth District, Cleo has served in a variety of roles, including Precinct and Vice Committeeman, and 7-year president of the Common Council. He has served on every council committee, been elected delegate to the State Democratic Convention, and has served as Secretary to the Lake County Democratic Central Committee for a number of years. In recognition of his years of service, Cleo earned the title ``Dean of the Gary Common Council'' on May 16 of this year. During his tenure as councilman, Cleo has worked tirelessly toward the betterment of the entire City of Gary. The construction of three neighborhood parks in the Fifth District, the effective restructuring of the police department, and the ordinance establishing in house demolition, were all projects conceived of and/or sponsored by Cleo Wesson. It was through the in house demolition ordinance that an unsightly junk yard at 21st and Madison Street was demolished, and in its place the Barbara Leek Wesson Community Center was erected. Other projects Cleo undertook include the relocation of the No. 4 fire station to 25th and Madison Street, the establishment of the Gary Community Mental Health Facility, and the founding of the Marina Committee and the Historical and Cultural Society. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Cleo Wesson on his receipt of the 1997 Meritorious Service Award. His numerous endeavors in the field of public service have left an indelible mark on the city of Gary, as well as Indiana's First Congressional District.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call for an end to the terror in Israel and to condemn those who seek to end the peace process by striking at innocent civilians. Over the past month and half, the citizens of Israel have been the victims of several ruthless and cowardly acts of terrorism. On July 30, two suicide bombers killed 15 Israelis and wounded over 170 others in a popular marketplace. On September 4, bombers struck again at a busy pedestrian shopping mall, killing 5 people and wounding more than 150. The extremist Muslin group, Hamas, has claimed responsibility for both attacks, with the goal of derailing the Middle East peace process and destroying Israel. While I believe that the peace process should continue to move forward, it cannot do so unless Chairman of the Palestinian Authority, Yasir Arafat, and other Arab leaders, begin to take seriously their role in stamping out acts of terror throughout the region. A main tenet of the Oslo Accords is that Israel will give land to the Palestinian people only if they can demonstrate their commitment to peace by taking an active role in putting an end to violence and terrorism. It is clear from recent events that Chairman Arafat and the Palestinian Authority are not living up to this commitment. While the Israeli government has taken active steps to adhere to the Oslo Accords, the Palestinian Authority has cut off negotiations with Israel and violated the Oslo agreement by terminating security cooperation with Israel that was intended to crack down on terrorism. And in an act that says a great deal about Palestinian leaders' attitude about terrorism, within days of the July bombing that killed 15 Israelis, Arafat publicly embraced an extremist Hamas leader. These are hardly the actions of a man who is committed to ending terrorism and forging a lasting partnership with Israel. I am encouraged by the fact that Madeleine Albright has undertaken her first visit to the Middle East since becoming U.S. Secretary of State. I call on Secretary Albright to tell Chairman Arafat and other Arab leaders that the United States is fully committed to pursuing a lasting peace in the Middle East, but will not back down in the face of those who would use terrorism as a weapon against peace. Secretary Albright should also make it clear to Arafat that he cannot continue to inflame passions in this situation by blaming the Israelis themselves for these acts of terror. Following the bombing in July, and again this month, Arafat claimed that the Israeli government should be held partially responsible for these atrocities because it has created a hostile environment for Arabs living in the region. This type of irresponsible scapegoating only encourages further acts of terrorism and undermines the entire peace process. Mr. Speaker, the Middle East peace process is at a genuine crossroads. At this tenuous time, the United States must recommit itself to moving the process forward while helping to protect Israel against those who are waging a war of terror against the Israeli people. I call on all of my colleagues to assist in this effort, and I offer whatever encouragement I can to the Israeli people at this difficult time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to take this opportunity to congratulate 20 students from four Hammond, IN, high schools for winning the national robotics competition, FIRST [For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology], held at Walt Disney World's Epcot Center on April 10 through 12, 1997. Sponsored by Beatty Machine Manufacturing Co., Team Hammond entered 1 of 156 robots from 30 States and Puerto Rico, which resulted in 113 operating robots at the nationals. Beatty Machine's Team Hammond won the elimination matches to capture the first place national title. Members of Beatty Machine's Team Hammond include: Karl Fink, Tara Hasting, Laurie Michnal, April Roque, and Steve Wiant, of George Rogers Clark High School; Jim Ferguson, Dave Mohamed, Ebony Townsend, Kris Vankleek, and Owen Wels, of Gavit High School; Matt Jakubczyk, John Ly, Nicholas Piatek, James Severa, and Jeff Spector, of Hammond High School; and Wendy Camancho, Amber Lahners, Natalie Payonk, Danelle Rivera, and Chris Sikich, of Morton High School. The employees of Beatty Machine and its sister corporation, Bemcor, worked in conjunction with Team Hammond to design and build the winning robot during an intense 6-week period. The 116-pound remote-controlled robot worked to place inner tubes on a central post during 2-minute competitions. After winning the Midwest-Regional championship in March, Team Hammond was courted aggressively at the national competition by such Fortune 500 competitors as Motorola, Delco Electronics Corp., and Procter and Gamble. However, Team Hammond succeeded in eliminating the competition, some of which budgeted as much as $500,000 for this year's entry. In addition to winning the first place title, the team was awarded the Honeywell Leadership in Control Award. This honor is awarded by a panel of distinguished judges to the team, which demonstrates leadership in the application of electronic control systems. According to a FIRST spokesperson, ``Beatty Machine had a very, very strong team and good strategy.'' In honor of their accomplishments, Team Hammond was awarded special recognition through a joint resolution in the Indiana State Senate and House of Representatives on April 25, 1997, and also met with Indiana Governor, Frank O'Bannon, in April. In addition, the team was featured on ESPN's 1-hour special covering the national competition on Saturday, August 23, 1997. The team expects appearances on other television shows, as well as a visit to the White House later this year. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating the Beatty Machine Team Hammond students on their outstanding accomplishments in the field of science and technology. I would also like to commend the employees of Beatty Machine for the leadership they have taken in the education of our community's youth. All involved in this project should be proud of the hard work and dedication they have put forth to succeed and achieve.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I would like to commend the work of the chairman, the gentleman from Alabama [Mr. Callahan], as well as the ranking member, the gentlewoman from California [Ms. Pelosi]. I recognize the committee faced a number of very difficult issues, and I believe that they have done the very best job possible. While I support the general thrust of the bill, I am very concerned about the specific issue of the current United States relationship with several countries located in the Caucasus, specifically Turkey, Greece, and Armenia. The committee has decided to provide assistance to all three countries and has conditioned some of the aid. This conditioned aid is a reasonable response by the United States to a difficult situation. However, I am concerned about the very unreasonable attitude Turkey has displayed with respect to the conditions that we are placing on our assistance. I would like to remind the House that last year this Chamber cut economic support fund assistance to Turkey on two separate votes. This year, the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Bilirakis], others and I will not be offering an amendment to cut United States assistance to Turkey. That decision, at least for myself, is based only on the firm understanding that Turkey will act responsibly during the next 12 months. Mr. Chairman, I want to make it clear that I do support the consensus policies on the Caucasus and Turkey developed by the committee. However, it is important for Turkey to understand that the assistance we are providing this year is not a blank check. The situation in Turkey must improve or next year I do not believe the House will be as accommodating as it has been this year.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, the most important thing that we can do for our children and their children is to balance the Federal budget. Unfortunately, I fear that we will snatch defeat from the jaws of victory by enacting expensive new tax cuts before the budget is actually balanced. Mr. Speaker, it is clear to me that the best tax cut we can give to the American people is to balance the Federal budget. It has been shown that by balancing the budget we can stimulate economic growth and reduce interest rates on everything from home mortgages to car loans. Keeping these considerations in mind, I firmly believe that we must resist the destructive idea of granting tax cuts at this time. There is little question that we have made tremendous progress in reducing the deficit in the past 5 years. From a record high of $290 billion in 1992, projections cited last week indicate that the deficit may fall below $45 billion by the end of this year. Unfortunately, this body missed a golden opportunity last week to make sure that we would finally reach a balanced budget by the year 2002. By rejecting a commonsense measure that would have applied enforcement procedures to the budget resolution, both parties put other interests above that of balancing the budget. This raises serious questions about a real willingness to make the tough choices needed to get us to a balanced budget. Given the failure of the House to enact enforcement legislation, it is now more important than ever to keep our eyes on the goal of balancing the budget and finishing the job. Achieving this goal can only happen one step at a time. The first step should be to reduce spending by reforming entitlement programs. With America's population aging and people living longer, the number of beneficiaries in programs such as Medicare is growing much faster than the working population. For this reason, Medicare and other entitlement programs are projected to run out of money early in the next century unless we make basic reforms to these programs right now. Secondly, if no changes are made to Medicare and other spending programs, all the progress we have made in reducing the deficit will be in vain. It should also be pointed out that the enormous growth of entitlement spending is threatening the discretionary programs that allow us to invest in the future of this country. Estimates from the Congressional Budget Office show that by the year 2002 mandatory spending will consume 70 percent of the Federal budget. We depend on discretionary programs for building roads, putting more police officers on the street, and making our economy more productive. We must use the opportunity before us to slow the growth of mandatory spending and achieve a more sustainable balance. While cutting spending is the first step in balancing the budget, I believe we will take a giant leap backward if we compound our current fiscal problems by granting significant new tax cuts that will increase the deficit. Studies show that the cost of the tax bill approved by the House on June 26 is heavily backloaded, hiding the bill's true cost and threatening to unbalance the budget shortly after it is designed to be balanced. It is clear to me that many Members of this body are only interested in using the balanced budget debate as a pretense to grant expensive new tax cuts. We are now so close to finally balancing the budget, it makes absolutely no sense to me to start moving in the opposite direction with tax measures that will drive up the deficit. If we would simply pass the spending reforms called for by this year's budget resolution, and do no harm by enacting new tax cuts, we would balance the budget before the end of the century and achieve a surplus of at least $20 billion in the year 2002. This, I believe, is the wisest course of action because it allows us to invest for the future needs of this country, and ensure that we do not produce a budget that is a 1-year wonder, balancing in the year 2002, but becoming unbalanced shortly thereafter. Mr. Speaker, now more than ever it is imperative that Members of both parties, along with the President, come together in a unified effort. We must take this opportunity to pass meaningful entitlement reform, hold off on granting expensive tax cuts until we can afford them, and keep our promise to balance the budget once and for all.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to extend my sincere congratulations to Hoosier Boys' Town as it celebrates its 50th anniversary. In particular, I would like to congratulate Hoosier Boy's Town Executive Director, Anita Dygert-Gearheart, board of directors, staff, and volunteers, who should be proud of the outstanding service their efforts have provided the young people of Indiana's First Congressional District. Hoosier Boys' Town is beginning its 4-day anniversary celebration today on its campus in Schererville, IN. The Hoosier Boys' Town Board of Directors, residents, staff, former residents, friends, and volunteers, have invited the general public to join them in celebrating the organization's 50 years of service and commitment to the communities of northwest Indiana. Founded in July 1947, Hoosier Boys' Town was established by a beloved priest from East Chicago, IN, Msgr. Michael Compagna, in an effort to help disadvantaged youth fully utilize ``their God-given potential.'' Msgr. Compagna's vision was to create a village composed of small cottages, with facilities offering emotionally disturbed boys a supportive and loving family environment. After 3 years of internal debate, Hoosier Boys' Town became a reality as it opened in the form of a home for disadvantaged boys, where Father Compagna's mission of providing a healthy environment for children in need materialized through the administration's guiding beliefs in individual worth and the value of education and community. Over the years, Hoosier Boys' Town has upheld Monsignor Campagna's mission through its continued devotion to children at risk of failing in society. The organization currently administers an array of programs geared toward children experiencing problems of neglect, abuse, chemical dependency, abandonment, and learning disability. Countless youths and their families find a caring haven in the community-based residential, educational, and treatment centers of Hoosier Boys' Town, which focus on the enhancement of body, mind, and spirit. Hoosier Boys' Town success in positively changing the lives of young people has not gone unnoticed, for the organization has recently received accreditation of its services by the Council on Accreditation of Services for Families and Children, Inc. Accreditation attests that the services provided by Hoosier Boys' Town fulfill the community's needs in a safe, professional, and quality-conscious manner. While the progress Hoosier Boys' Town has made from the time of its inception is apparent, the organization is fully aware that a vision for the future is necessary for continued growth and service. Hoosier Boys' Town's vision includes the expressed goal of becoming the premier residential treatment facility in northwest Indiana for children and their families. In order to achieve this goal, the organization is launching its first ever Capital Campaign, which is expected to raise the $2.5 million needed to build a multipurpose building, serving as both an education and dining facility. Currently, Hoosier Boys' Town educate 40 to 50 young people each day and serves approximately 400 meals daily. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Hoosier Boys' Town on the occasion of its 50th anniversary celebration. The hard work and dedication everyone involved with this distinguished organization has put forth is truly inspirational.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I appreciate the gentleman yielding time to me, and would appreciate being able to engage in a colloquy with the chairman of the committee. Mr. Chairman, the transportation appropriation measure before us today contains $2 million for the Northern Indiana South Shore commuter rail line. The House report states that this funding is to be used to complete a major investment study. However, previously appropriated funds will be sufficient to complete the major investment study and it will be completed later this year. The critical problem facing the commuter rail line is the tremendous increase in ridership over the past several years and the lack of adequate car space to meet this growth. Would the chairman agree that this $2 million could be used to allow the Northern Indiana Commuter Transportation District to acquire additional rail cars to relieve overload on the commuter rail line?

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for his willingness to work with me in accommodating northern Indiana and the Chicago metropolitan transportation needs.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the bipartisan Budget Enforcement Act, and I want to thank my colleagues, the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Barton] and the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Minge] for their hard work in bringing this bill to a vote today. The lessons of the previous budget plans are that agreeing to balance the budget is not going to provide a solution. For example, in 1982 the budget resolution called for a balanced budget by 1984. We did not. In 1985, under Gramm-Rudman I, we were told we were going to balance the budget by 1991; we did not. In 1987, under Gramm-Rudman II, we were told that the budget would be balanced by 1993; and it was not. During the 1990 budget agreement, we were told that finally the budget would be balanced. It was not. There was a common thread in all of these agreements. There were no enforcement provisions included. Critics today have said that the proposal before us is not perfect. I would respond that neither is the budget agreement we are attempting to enforce. We should not let the perfect be the enemy of the good we want to do today. Critics have charged that our enforcement provisions are unpalatable. I could not agree more. I remind our colleagues that this is an enforcement bill. It should not feel good if we do not keep our agreement with the American people. Critics charge that the legislation is too soft on the revenue side. Guilty. But look at the letter that the Republican leadership has sent out. I am convinced that what started out as a budget agreement to balance the budget this year is simply a facade to hide a tax cut. Please support this imperfect legislation. It is an imperfect world but we want to do good today. We do want to enforce an agreement to balance the budget by the year 2002. I congratulate my colleagues, the gentleman from Minnesota [Mr. Minge] and the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Barton] and all of the Members who have participated in a bipartisan fashion in this endeavor. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Bipartisan Budget Enforcement Act, and I want to thank my colleagues, Joe Barton and David Minge, for their hard work in bringing this bill to a vote today. There is hardly a Member of this institution who does not believe that balancing the Federal budget is important to the future of this country. For 35 years, the U.S. Government has failed to balance its budget, running deficits of up to $290 billion per year. Since 1980, runaway deficit spending has caused the national debt to more than quintuple in size. The debt is now more than $5.3 trillion, or about 70 percent of the country's gross domestic product [GDP]. Compare this figure to 1979, when the national debt stood at $829 billion, or 33 percent of GDP. The size and scope of the current Federal debt have a terrible negative impact on the lives of working American families. By consuming nearly 15 percent of all Federal spending, interest on the debt acts to crowd out funding for programs that could be used to invest in our country's infrastructure, hire more police officers, and sustain a healthy economy. The debt also contributes to higher interest rates for everyday expenses, such as home mortgages and car loans. In the end, balancing the budget will reduce interest rates, spur economic growth, and put more money in the pockets of American families. The failure of past efforts to balance the Federal budget shows how important it is to enforce balanced budget plans like the one Congress and the President agreed to in June. The lessons of previous budget plans prove that agreeing to balance the budget does not guarantee that the budget will actually be balanced. No fewer than four times over the past 15 years, Congress has approved agreements that were supposed to get us to a balanced budget, but failed to actually do so. For example, in 1982, the budget resolution called for a balanced budget in 1984. Yet, the budget was not balanced by that date. In 1985, under Gramm-Rudman I, we were told that the budget would be balanced in 1991. It was not. In 1987, under Gramm-Rudman II, we were told that the budget would be balanced in 1993, but it was not. During the 1990 budget agreement, we were told that, finally, the budget would be balanced in 1994. Again, it was not. The common thread in each of these failed attempts to balance the budget was the lack of a meaningful enforcement mechanism. Over the years, many of us have come to realize that the only way to achieve a balanced budget is to pass legislation that would add meaningful enforcement procedures to the budget process. That is why for the past two Congresses, I, along with Congressman Stenholm and Congressman Minge, have introduced the Balanced Budget Enforcement Act. Originally sponsored by then-chairman of the Budget Committee Leon Panetta and, after that, our former colleague from Minnesota, Tim Penny, this legislation was one of the first comprehensive efforts to address the issue of budget enforcement. The Budget Enforcement Act before us today is the next logical step in the fight to enact meaningful enforcement legislation. Forged by a bipartisan group of Members from across the ideological spectrum, this legislation takes a commonsense approach to enforcing the budget process. It acknowledges that our best hope of actually balancing the budget is to put every section of the budget on the table--accountable for actually balancing the budget by the year 2002. Put in simple terms, this bill puts in place critical enforcement procedures by establishing caps on the mandatory spending and a floor on revenue at the levels set by this year's budget resolution. If spending goes above the targets, or the tax cuts explode beyond what is projected, comprehensive enforcement procedures will be triggered to make sure that the budget remains on track to balance and the deficit stays under control. I would like to warn Members against complacency. Though the economy is doing well now and the deficit has been reduced over the past several years, there is no guarantee that these rosy economic times will continue. One of the major failings of past balanced budget agreements is that they failed to anticipate downturns in the economy, and were thrown off track by these changes. Passing this enforcement legislation is the best way to ensure that the balanced budget stays on track, even in the event of an economic downturn. In many ways, the vote on this bill will be a measure of the Congress's willingness to make the tough decisions needed to balance the budget--this vote is a test of our resolve. Critics have said that its not perfect. I would respond that neither is the budget agreement we are attempting to enforce, and we should not let the perfect by the enemy of the good we can do today. Critics charge that our enforcement provisions are unpalatable. I couldn't agree more. I remind my colleagues that this is an ``enforcement'' bill. It's not supposed to feel good if you fail to keep your promise. Critics charge that the legislation is too soft on the revenue side. Well, given the letter that the Republican leadership has sent out in opposition to this bill, it's clear to me that they are using the balanced budget agreement as a facade for a tax cut and this was the strongest provision we were going to be allowed in a bipartisan measure. We have tried many times to reach a balanced budget, but failed in each case because the Congress lacked the political will to follow through on its promises. Passage of this legislation will ensure that the Congress does not walk away from the promise it has made to the American people to balance the budget by 2002. It will restore the faith of the American people that the Congress has the will to balance the budget, and show that we are not afraid of making the difficult choices needed to get us there. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of the Bipartisan Budget Enforcement Act.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate the Fraternal Order of Police [FOP], Lake County Anton Lodge No. 125. Yesterday, the Lake County FOP began hosting the annual Indiana State Fraternal Order of Police Golf Tournament at Broadmoor Country Club in Merrillville, IN and Summertree Golf Club in Crown Point, IN. Specifically, I would like to congratulate Lake County FOP chairman, Patrick Tracy, and co-chairmen, Robert Porras and Tony Ramirez, on the leadership they have displayed in organizing this event. The Lake County Anton Lodge is expecting the 2-day event to attract over 400 golfers throughout the State of Indiana. Several executive officers of the Indiana Fraternal Order of Police will be in attendance at this tournament, including State president, Mike Cook, State vice-president and Anton Lodge No. 125 president, Tim Downs, national trustee, Robert Imborek, and former national president of the Fraternal Order of Police, R. Pat Stark. The largest and most commanding voice on behalf of our Nation's law enforcement officers, the FOP was founded in 1915 in Pittsburgh, PA, with the intent of improving the working conditions of police who were assigned long and tedious shifts 365 days of the year. Since 1915, the organization's membership has grown to nearly 2,000 local lodges, with almost 270,000 members nationwide. The FOP has, over the years, successfully served as a unifying voice for the men and women protecting our communities by providing its members with the latest developments in labor and employee relations through both an aggressive schedule of seminars and several prominent publications. Due to the dissemination of information pertaining to bargaining, employee relations, and representation, more labor contracts are negotiated by FOP lodges than by any other professional police association. The FOP proudly attributes its success to the foundation of its organization, which is best described in the phrase ``Police Representing Police.'' The Fraternal Order of Police has also effectively represented the interests of its members through the pursuit of an aggressive national legislative agenda, advancing issues important to rank-and-file law enforcement officers. The National Legislative Program of the FOP, the most active and comprehensive of any law enforcement organization in Washington, is committed to legislation which will support better living and working conditions for law enforcement officers, improve safety for officers on the job, and continue to increase the level of efficiency and professionalism of law enforcement. Through its local lodges, the Fraternal Order of Police plays a crucial role in bettering the relationship between law enforcement and local communities. Local FOP lodges have been active in such programs as youth sports, drug and crime awareness programs, and other community activities which have served to integrate the efforts of police forces and individual citizens in combating crime. It is through the support of events, like the annual golf tournament, that the FOP can continue its fine work in strengthening our communities. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the Fraternal Order of Police, Anton Lodge No. 125, as it hosts the Annual Indiana State Golf Tournament. The work the Lake County Fraternal Order of Police has done for our communities has undoubtedly improved the quality of life in Indiana's First Congressional District.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the 23d anniversary of Turkey's invasion, and subsequent occupation, of Cyprus. In 1960, Cyprus gained its political independence from the British Empire. Fourteen short years later, however, this independence was shattered when 6,000 Turkish troops and 40 tanks invaded the north coast of Cyprus and proceeded to occupy nearly 40 percent of the island. The ensuing fighting killed thousands of Cypriots and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes. Today, there are 1,619 people still missing, 5 of whom are U.S. citizens. Twenty-three years after the invasion, we gather to remember those who died and to ensure that the world never forgets that Cyprus is a land divided. More than 35,000 Turkish troops continue to occupy Cyprus in violation of international law. A barbed wire fence cuts across the island, separating families from their property and splitting this once beautiful country in half. I am pleased that President Clinton has taken positive steps to resolve the situation in Cyprus, including his recent appointment of Ambassador Richard Holbrooke as a special envoy to Cyprus. I strongly encourage Ambassador Holbrooke to hold Turkey accountable for its brutal occupation of Cyprus and to ensure that the island is returned to its rightful owners. The occupation of Cyprus is one of the reasons that I offered an amendment to the Fiscal Year 1997 Foreign Operations appropriations bill that would have effectively cut $25 million in United States economic aid to Turkey. This amendment, which the House overwhelmingly approved by a vote of 301 to 118, sends a clear message to Turkey that its illegal and immoral occupation of Cyprus will not be tolerated by this country. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to join with my colleagues in standing up against Turkish oppression in Cyprus. I would especially like to extend my thanks to the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Bilirakis] for his tireless work to ensure that the people of Cyprus are not forgotten. Twenty-three years is a long time to wait, but it is my sincerest hope that our actions will help persuade Turkey to end its unlawful occupation of Cyprus.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. He said, Mr. Chairman, ``Since I have been chairman, we have never had a single hearing on this subject. No witnesses have offered any testimony on this subject.'' The chairman was right. The chairman was right. That is why the gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Istook] and myself introduced authorizing legislation in this Congress. That is why 54 of our colleagues have joined us in a bipartisan fashion to sponsor that legislation and to ask for hearings. Here we are, almost 13 months after the fact, and yes, no hearings have been held and the gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Istook] and I have been very, very patient. The final objection raised on the floor today is that this is a new tax, and nothing could be further from the truth. We are simply suggesting that there should be an even playing field; that compacts ought to be entered into to preserve the revenue flow of the States and the locales, to preserve the ability of private business to compete in this society. That is all we are doing. There are no new taxes here involved. I would urge my colleagues on the facts and the issues involved, not to the emotion, and on a bipartisan basis, to please on this vote support the Istook-Visclosky amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I would use the time remaining to emphasize that this is a bipartisan proposal between the gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Istook] and myself. What we were trying to do was to ensure that States and locales have the resources to provide for the people that they represent; to provide for a fair playing field for entrepreneurs in this country. I would emphasize we are not imposing a new tax. We are not taking anything away from Indians in the United States of America. What we are simply asking for is appropriate negotiations as far as State compacts. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support this endeavor.

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

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise for four purposes. First of all, as the cosponsor of this amendment, I rise to emphasize to the body that this is a bipartisan proposal authored by the gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Istook] as well as myself. My second purpose in rising is to ask that we view this issue on the merits and the factual basis. Such words as intolerance, disgraceful, bitter, mean-spirited, angry, stolen, have all been used today during the debate, but we ought to look at the factual basis as to what the gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Istook] and myself want to do. The first thing we want to do is as a national Government, we are asking States and local governments to do more, but we are not providing them in this instance the tools to collect the necessary revenue to proceed. Second, for all those entrepreneurs who want to make a living and pay taxes themselves and support their families, they are placed at a significant competitive disadvantage. That is all we are trying to do. In my remaining time, the fourth point I want to address is what we are not trying to do. The gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Istook] and I often disagree. One area we have never disagreed on is the issue of the Constitution of the United States. We are not violating any provision of that document, and the High Court of this land has said that the collection of taxes on sales to non-Indians does not violate tribal sovereignty or any treaties the United States has with tribes. We are not attacking the sovereignty of Indians. I would also point out that our country has agreements and treaties with other sovereign nations as far as the collection and disposal of taxes. Finally, if we were trying to do something that was in violation of the sovereignty of these nations, a number of Members who have stood up in opposition to our amendment have also talked about the compacts and the value that these compacts have already had that have been entered into by various units of government and the tribes. That is all we are asking be done. That has been found to be constitutional. The second argument put forth today is that we have essentially called for a shutdown on the transfer of tribal lands. We are trying to kill that process. We are asking for a moratorium. The fact is, and I would acknowledge that this is not the most precise amendment that has ever been offered on this issue, we tried to do that last year on June 20, and we were prohibited from doing so today. We have tried to address this issue surgically in authorizing legislation that has not had hearings held on it, despite the fact that there are now 56 cosponsors of that legislation. What we are simply saying, to capture people's attention and to make sure this situation is addressed, is if the desire to purchase new lands takes place, we have to submit that process to the congressional authorization and appropriation process and it can proceed. We do not prohibit them. The issue of the compacts, we have compacts. The system is working just fine. The problem is the U.S. Supreme Court on six different occasions has said that the States have the right to collect these taxes, but the Court has barred the States from filing suit. There is no incentive at all on behalf of any of the tribes to enter into good faith negotiations. All we are trying to do is to level that playing field to ensure that there is an incentive by the tribes to sit down in good faith, with governmental entities of good faith, to make sure that these compacts do proceed so we can protect State and local revenues as well as small entrepreneurs. There has been a dispute as to what is really the loss of revenues. I went to St. Mark's grade school in Gary, IN. All I know is if you are selling a tank of gasoline and not paying 7\1/2\ cents to 34\2/10\ cents of that gasoline you are losing revenues. If you are selling a pack of cigarettes and not collecting 2.5 cents per pack up to 81\1/2\ cents per pack, you are losing money as an institution of the Government. States like New York are claiming they are losing up to $100 million; New Mexico, $2.7 million; California, $30 to $50 million a year. We are told that, by a number of speakers, we have not held any hearings. What we need are hearings. I could not agree more. On June 10 of last year, when the gentleman from Oklahoma [Mr. Istook] and I offered the amendment we were not allowed to offer today, the chairman of the authorizing committee in the House, the gentleman from Alaska [Mr. Young] got up on this House floor, he got up and said, ``Since I have been chairman of the Committee on Resources, not a single Member of Congress has introduced a single bill on this subject.''

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate St. John the Evangelist School, in Saint John, IN, on the completion of its recent sesquicentennial celebration. St. John the Evangelist School is a parochial elementary school under the jurisdiction of the Catholic Diocese of Gary. Upon its founding in 1846 by the Brothers and Sisters of the Holy Cross from Notre Dame, IN, St. John the Evangelist was the first school opened within the town of Saint John. With the beginning of the Civil War, the parochial school was closed, and was reopened after the war as a public school. In 1903, the school returned to its Catholic origin and was in use until the building of the present school in 1969. Due to increased enrollment, a second floor addition was built in 1988. St. John the Evangelist has a current enrollment of 351 students. The Saint John community began commemorating the 150th anniversary of St. John the Evangelist School on Friday, April 18, 1997, with an all- day celebration, entitled ``150 Years of Quality Catholic Education.'' The day's events, which took place in the school gymnasium, included a prayer service, a giant birthday cake, and a program put together by the St. John the Evangelist students. The student program depicted the theme ``Eras of Education'' with costumed, musical presentations of past decades. Eighth-graders in turn-of-the century garb portrayed the construction of the Panama Canal, a malaria outbreak, and such inventions as the airplane, toaster, and Model T. Ford. Each class within the school researched an assigned era and similarly presented their interpretations. School Principal, Sister Angela Mellady, commented that the students learned a great deal about American history, as well as the heritage of their school, while planning the event. Some celebration activities which will take place throughout the year, include the wearing of St. John the Evangelist birthday celebration shirts each Friday in place of the student uniform, and an appreciation luncheon for local businessmen who have supported the school throughout the years. The anniversary celebration will close with a 150th birthday reunion this coming Saturday, July 12, 1997. Approximately 1,000 St. John the Evangelist alumni have been invited to the reunion, where past experiences and memories will be shared. Mr. Speaker, I would like to once again extend my most heartfelt congratulations to St. John the Evangelist School on achieving its sesquicentennial anniversary. Everyone involved in the school's growth and success over the years should be commended, as the values and quality instruction provided to students have undoubtedly served as a cornerstone of education in the Saint John, IN community.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to congratulate Maj. Gen. C. ``Dean'' Sangalis on his receipt of the 1997 Navy Award. Today, Dean will be presented with this award at the Radisson Hotel at Star Plaza in Merrillville, IN, where there will be a testimonial luncheon featuring time-honored military customs and traditions. The Navy Award is bestowed upon individuals who have demonstrated outstanding achievements, dedication, and years of honorable service to their God, country, branch of service, and community. Throughout his life, Dean Sangalis has served as an exceptional example of a good American. As a U.S. Marine and World War II veteran, Dean has demonstrated the enduring qualities of loyalty, honor, and service to our country. In 1946, at age 19, Dean enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and, shortly thereafter, served with the 1st Service Battalion, 1st Marine Division, in Tientsen, China, and the 1st Marine Provisional Brigade on the island of Guam. He completed his initial tour of duty in April 1948, as a member of the All Navy Olympic Wrestling Team at the U.S. Naval Academy in Annapolis, MD. Dean was again called to active duty in June 1952, and began his rise up the ranks in September of that year when he was commissioned a second lieutenant. While on active duty, Dean served as a platoon commander of I Company, 3d Battalion, 9th Marines in Japan, and I Company, 3d Battalion, 7th Marines, 1st Marine Division in Korea. He completed his tour of duty with the Marine Detachment, Great Lakes, IL. Dean Sangalis further excelled during his 30 years of service as a Marine reservist. Some of his accomplishments in this capacity included serving as commanding officer in various companies and fulfilling high- level administrative responsibilities. During Dean's assignment as commanding officer of the 2d Battalion, 24th Marines, the battalion was awarded the General Harry Schmidt Trophy as the most outstanding infantry battalion in 1971. Dean also served as: director of the Marine Corps Reserve Support Center in Kansas City, MO; assistant division commander, 4th Marine Division, New Orleans, LA; and commanding general, 2d Marine Amphibious Brigade. Dean was promoted to major general on May 18, 1985, and received his last designated assignment as commanding general, Marine Corps Base, Camp Lejeune, NC, in 1986. Maj. Gen. Sangalis joined the retired reserves on December 1, 1987. In addition to his outstanding military career, Dean Sangalis secured a successful professional career within the insurance industry. From 1959 to 1992, Dean was district agent for Northwestern Life Insurance Co., specializing in a variety of areas within the field. While with Northwestern Life, Dean has served as a member of several prominent professional organizations, and has received numerous honors, including the 1975 State of Indiana Underwriter of the Year Award. Over the years, Dean Sangalis has also devoted countless hours to many volunteer agencies in Indiana's First Congressional District. Dean has served as chairman of the American Cancer Society, fundraiser for the YMCA, and a member of the board of directors for the Boys and Girls Clubs of Northwest Indiana. He is also a member of the Merrillville Rotary Club and the Schererville Chamber of Commerce. Currently, Dean is on the fundraising committee of Trade Winds Rehabilitation Center. In recognition of Dean's outstanding volunteer leadership, the Northwestern Mutual matching gifts plan for agents and employees will present him with a $5,000 check for the Northwest Indiana Boys and Girls Club later this month. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Maj. Gen. C. Dean Sangalis on his receipt of the 1997 Navy Award. Dean's wife, Velda, their children, Callista, Theodore, Vanessa, and Christopher, and five grandchildren can be proud of his accomplishments. His strong devotion to country, and service to his community, truly embody the spirit of volunteerism.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Mr. Paul DeMoura of Swan Sea, MA, who is one of the top collectors of hats and caps in the United States. Paul has collected hundreds of hats and caps from all over the United States and the world. Paul's father, Mr. Raymond DeMoura, served in Company ``B'' of the 78th Medical Battalion during World War II. The 78th Medical Battalion acquired the reputation for excellence in its assistance and treatment of the wounded during World War II. Members of the 78th Battalion proudly recount that not one life was lost while tending to the injured and evacuating them from the front lines. The men of Company ``B'' are the primary source of Paul's hat and cap collection. A very religious individual, Paul says a prayer for each of the men who presents him with a new hat or cap. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Mr. Paul DeMoura for his status as one of the top hat and cap collectors in the United States. I wish Paul and his parents, Raymond and Evelyn DeMoura, all the best the future can bring.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to recognize Carl B. Stankovic and the men of the Eighth Armored Division Association. These brave men served in Company ``B'' of the 78th Medical Battalion during World War II. The men of Company ``B'' will be celebrating their 48th Annual Convention Reunion in King of Prussia, PA. Along with their families, they will be engaging in a week of festivities, taking them through the Fourth of July weekend. The 78th Medical Battalion acquired the reputation for excellence in their assistance and treatment of the wounded during World War II. The battalion is proud that not one life was lost while tending to the injured and evacuating them from the front lines. This unique group of veterans should take pride in their versatility at having been able to transfer their successes from country-to- country, as they traveled through England, France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, and Czechoslovakia. They coined themselves ``The Thundering Herd,'' which undoubtedly refers to their unfaltering strength while traversing vast country sides. The great sacrifices made by those who served in World War II have resulted in the freedom and prosperity of our country and in countries around the world. The responsibility rests within each of us to build upon the valiant efforts of these soldiers, so that the United States and the world will be a more free and prosperous place. To properly honor the heroism of our troops, we must make the most of our freedom secured by their efforts. We will be forever indebted to our veterans and their families for the sacrifices they made for our freedom. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in saluting the men of the 78th Medical Battalion, Company ``B'' as they observe the 48th anniversary of their battles for freedom.