Peter Visclosky

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Murtha) for controlling time on this amendment. Mr. Chairman, the amendment that I have before the House is the same amendment I offered in full committee 2 weeks ago and, that is, to provide $800 million a year for 3 years to provide assistance on the so-called legacy costs to the domestic steel industry to assist the industry in solving their problems as far as pension costs and health care for retirees, to allow the industry to save itself, to consolidate and to continue to melt steel in the United States of America. Why am I and others offering this amendment today to this bill? Because it is a matter of utmost national defense. On August 26 of this year, President George Bush said, ``If you're worried about the security of the country and you become overreliant upon foreign sources of steel, it can easily affect the capacity of our military to be well supplied. Steel is an important jobs issue. It is also an important national security issue.'' But why should we today ask the American taxpayer to help a specific industry in this country? It is because they have been injured through no fault of their own by foreign interests. On June 22 of this year, Trade Ambassador Zoellick on behalf of President Bush initiated a section 201 investigation by the International Trade Commission into allegations that serious injury has occurred to the domestic steel industry because of illegally traded steel over the last some years. I would point out to my colleagues that this is the first presidentially initiated 201 investigation in the last 16 years. On October 22, a little over a month ago, the ITC, comprised of 3 Republicans and 3 Democrats, found that serious injury had occurred to this industry. At this point in time, I would also point out that this is an industry that has done everything possible to save itself. Under the voluntary restraint agreements of the 1980s, the industry has invested $60 billion in itself. Its productivity has increased 156 percent since 1980. And no one on the planet Earth makes steel more efficiently than our domestic industry. It now takes only 3.5 man-hours per ton to produce a ton of steel compared to 10 man-hours per ton two decades ago. As far as the technology involved with the industry, it is on the cutting edge. Almost 50 percent of the steel purchased by automakers today was not even produced 7 or 8 years ago, given the changes. But I would point out to my colleagues, this is not only an economic issue but it is a human tragedy in the making. These improvements have occurred over the last two decades because 300,000 American citizens gave their economic life. And now we find that injury continues to occur because of illegal trade practices. The Trade Ambassador has suggested before any final implementation of relief under an ITC recommendation, the industry must consolidate. The industry needs this relief on liability in order to proceed. Why today? Because the industry cannot wait until next year. The ITC recommendation is not due until December 19, and the President's final action does not have to occur until February 16. But what has happened over the last 36 days since I last appeared before the Committee on Rules in an attempt to offer this amendment to the economic stimulus package? At that time and on that day, on October 23, I indicated to my colleagues in the Committee on Rules that we were losing a steel company at the rate of one every 3 weeks. That was October 23. Today I stand before you and tell you we are losing steel and mining companies at the rate of one every 7 days. Since October 23, USA Metals in Texas declared bankruptcy. Since October 23, Acme Steel in Illinois ceased all operations and are trying to sell themselves for $1. Since October 23, Geneva Steel in the State of Utah has ceased operations. Since that same date, LTV Corporation filed to protect its assets. And last week in the State of Michigan, Empire Mine idled all of its facilities indefinitely. I would conclude my remarks on my amendment by reminding my colleagues, we are talking about American citizens who are losing their jobs, families who are losing their income, and I would ask for their consideration.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I would ask to be recognized. Mr. Chairman, I will not concede the issue of relief being necessary for the domestic steel industry. I would concede that the amendment that was offered here today is violative of the rule we are operating under. I would simply want to withdraw that amendment. Before I do that, I want to sincerely thank the chairman of the full committee, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young); I want to thank my chairman on the Subcommittee on Defense, the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis); as well as the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), who managed the time, for the courtesy in allowing us to keep this very important issue before this institution and the American people. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent to withdraw my amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sorrow and a heavy heart that I offer my heartfelt condolences to the family of a pioneer in the communities of Northwest Indiana. Mr. Mamon Powers, Sr., a construction worker and owner of Powers and Sons Construction Company, died on Tuesday, November 13, 2001, following a long struggle with illness, and will be laid to rest on Saturday, November 17, 2001. Mr. Powers was 80 years old. Mamon Powers, Sr. was born of humble means in the small town of Churchill, Mississippi. The son of a preacher and homebuilder, Mamon learned the virtues of hard work and strong faith at an early age. Although African-Americans were only allowed to attend school through eighth grade in Churchill at that time, Mamon refused to be encumbered by the bonds with which society attempted to restrict the rights of African-American citizens. He continued his education by attending Campbell College, now known as Jackson State University, and by serving his country in the United States military. To the benefit of Northwest Indiana, Mamon Powers, Sr. came to the city of Gary after serving with the military. He went to work in the steel mill, but quickly learned that he would not be successful because racial barriers prohibited many African-Americans from joining the union. However, Mamon's love for the community and his determination to succeed led him to work for Means Developers. With the addition of Mamon's knowledge of construction and his desire to make the city of Gary a better place, Means Construction developed one of the city's finest neighborhoods, Means Manor. Mamon Powers, Sr. began his own construction company in the early 1950's and eventually became one of the first African-American members of a union in the city of Gary. Over the years, he developed his business into the most successful African-American construction company in the state, and one of the 100 largest in the country. Powers and Sons Construction Company was also recognized nationally by the Small Business Administration in 1997 for its minority business development initiatives. He was responsible for the construction of hundreds of private homes in Northwest Indiana, as well as the construction of many commercial buildings. His professional career made an impact on the community that cannot be measured simply by the number of buildings he created. His love for his work was revealed in his creations, and it inspired the citizens of Gary to take pride in their community. While Mamon was dedicated to his work, his love for his family and his community remained his top priority. He was committed to his late wife, Leolean, and their six children, Mamon, Jr., Mark, Demetrius, Claude, Florita, and Marquita. He served on the Methodist Hospital Board of Directors and as a member of the Lake County Community Development Committee. In 1989, he was inducted into the Steel City Hall of Fame for his outstanding contributions to Northwest Indiana. Earlier this year, the Frontiers Service Club nominated Mamon for the prestigious Gary Drum Major Award for extraordinary set-vice in the community. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in offering our condolences to the family of Mr. Mamon Powers, Sr. Mamon was a true inspiration to everyone who knew him, and his work in Northwest Indiana will survive as a tribute to his memory. He impacted the lives of many in our community, our state, and our country, and I am proud to have had the opportunity to represent Mamon Powers, Sr. in Congress.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to announce that the Asian-American Medical Society will be hosting the 25th Annual Asian-American Medical Society Gala on Saturday, November 10, 2001, at Avalon Manor in Hobart, Indiana. Each year, this society honors prominent, extraordinary residents of Northwest Indiana for their contributions to the community. In recognition of their tremendous efforts for the betterment of Northwest Indiana, they are honored at a banquet and awarded the prestigious Crystal Globe Award. This Saturday, Lourdes M. Dennison will be presented with the Crystal Globe Award for her dedication and devotion to her community. Lourdes M. Dennison exemplifies the sense of selflessness that is prevalent among the citizens of Indiana's First Congressional District. Her dedication to improving the welfare of the citizens of Northwest Indiana is evident as one learns of the various organizations that are enriched by her involvement. As a registered nurse, Mrs. Dennison's abilities focus upon caring for individuals whose lives are affected by an illness or by a disability. Drawing upon the knowledge gleaned from this intimate patient/caregiver relationship, Mrs. Dennison has extended her commitment to others by serving on the boards of the Hospice of Calumet Region, the Lake Area United Way, the Tradewinds Rehabilitation Center, and the Saint Mary Medical Center Foundation. In addition, she served as the past president of the Lake County Medical Auxiliary. Mrs. Dennison offers her services and time to other professional organizations as well. She has been involved with the Women's Association of the Northwest Indiana Symphony Society, with the Endowment Board of Northern Indiana Arts Association, and with the Indiana Dunes Environmental Learning Center, all of which play an essential part in the cultural development of the First Congressional District. Furthermore, in spite of her taxing schedule, Mrs. Dennison received her real estate education from Indiana University, a feat that has allowed her to be an active partner in real estate developments in both Lake and Porter counties. While the above mentioned endeavors consume a significant amount of her time, Mrs. Dennison manages to serve on the Catholic Board of Trustees. The medical, cultural, and religious communities of Northwest Indiana are all enriched by her active participation. By recognizing the efforts of Mrs. Dennison, a native Filipino, the Asian-American Medical Society offers to the Asian-American community a role model whose achievements have contributed significantly to the betterment of Northwest Indiana. As a testament to her professionalism, she was granted the honor of being named a lifetime member of the Philippine Professionals Association. Her success is to be applauded. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Lourdes M. Dennison for receiving the 2001 Crystal Globe Award from the Asian-American Medical Society. Her service and dedication inspire us all to greater deeds.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure and high regard that I congratulate a very special group of women within Indiana's First Congressional District. On Friday, November 9, 2001, the members of Church Women United of Gary, Indiana will be holding their Recognition Dinner at Turkey Creek Banquet Facilities in Merrillville, Indiana. Church Women United is a national ecumenical movement of Christian women whose life centers around prayer, Bible study, advocacy and action. Founded in 1951, Church Women United is organized in over 1,400 local and state units in the United States and Puerto Rico. The members of Church Women United are Protestant, Roman Catholic, Orthodox and other Christian women who are called by the Holy Spirit to act for justice on behalf of women and children throughout the global community. Biblically based through their shared Christian faith, the women are gifted by their diversity of race, economics, age, culture and theology. Church Women United brings Christian women together for spiritual nourishment and faith based advocacy. The Church Women United local and state units are active in a broad spectrum of community ministries, including prison ministries, food pantries, tutoring and child care, and job skills training. On a national level, Church Women United works in coalition with partner groups around common issues and concerns. On Friday, the Gary Chapter of Church Women United will honor all of its past presidents for their devotion to Christianity. Those being honored include: Clara Guster Nicholson, elected in 1971; Mary Glidewell, elected in 1980; Mynette Cope, elected in 1987; Maxine Watts Levels, elected in 1992; Velma Richardson, elected in 1996; Susie Threatt, elected in 1999; and current president, Madlyn C. Adams, elected in 2001. These women have come together in fellowship to witness to their faith in Jesus Christ and, enabled by the Holy Spirit, to go out together in every neighborhood as instruments of reconciling love. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating the past presidents of Church Women United of Gary, Indiana for their strong commitment to social justice, to human rights, to civil rights and to the welfare and benefit of women and children so that all may flourish.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Madam Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding me time; and I also want to compliment the gentleman and my good friend, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English), who has introduced this resolution. The gentleman is the chairman of the Congressional Steel Caucus in the House. The resolution that we have here before us today is very important because the industry, as I think all of my colleagues understand, is imploding as we debate this resolution today. I think the first order of business is to make sure that we do not backslide in any way, shape, or form as far as the existing protections that are put into law. Why do we need the gentleman's resolution today? First of all, we want to ensure that there is a clear message from the House of Representatives to the new administration that preserving our trade laws as they exist today is a primary focus and of primary importance to us. Second, it is clear that some would like to see our antidumping and antisubsidy laws changed, and it is important to also send our trading partners a clear message that we will not tolerate this. Finally, some of our strongest allies, because of travel uncertainties, may not be at the WTO conference in the coming week to assist us in ensuring that there is no backsliding on this issue. But while I am here to congratulate my good friend, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English), and to fully support the legislation he has introduced, which I am a cosponsor of, I would also use my time today to remind our colleagues that the task is not yet finished as far as assistance to the domestic steel industry. I would point out to my colleagues that Al Tech Specialty Steel Corporation of the State of New York ceased operations on June 29 of this year. Laclede Steel Company in the State of Missouri ceased operation in August this year. I would remind Members that Qualitech Steel in Indiana ceased operations on January 26 of this year. I would remind my colleagues that Gulf States Steel in the State of Alabama ceased operations in this year, the month of January. I would remind my colleagues that on May 18 of this year, Northwestern Steel and Wire, located in the State of Illinois, ceased operations. I would remind my colleagues that CSC Limited in the State of Ohio ceased operations this year. I would further remind my colleagues that Trico Steel also in the State of Alabama ceased operations this year. Great Lakes Metals, Limited, in East Chicago, Indiana, my congressional district, ceased operations in July of this year. Edgewater Steel, Limited, of Oakmont, Pennsylvania, ceased operations on September 28 of this year, as well as Acme Steel Corporation, also of the State of Illinois. It is not just companies that have ceased operations. It is not just the 10 million additional tons of steel that are no longer melted and produced in the United States of America that are important to all of us. What is important are the 140 people that lost their job in Pennsylvania on September 28. What is important are the 40 people in East Chicago, Indiana, who lost their jobs this year. What is important are the 320 people in Alabama who lost their jobs this year. What is important is the 1,225 people in Warren, Ohio, who lost their jobs this year, or the 1,600 people who lost their jobs at Northwestern Steel and Wire. What is important are the 1,906 people in Gadsden, Alabama, who lost their jobs this year, or the 350 people who used to have a job at Qualitech Steel in the State of Indiana, or those who also worked at Al Tech Specialty Steel, 790 individuals who lost jobs. I would emphasize that these are individual citizens we are here to represent, and those are good-paying jobs with good benefits; and there are families and households and mortgages that attach to this issue. We have jobs, we have people, and we have a national defense issue here. Over the last 23 years we have seen 30 million tons of steel capacity closed in the United States of America. In the last 12 to 18 months, we have added another 10 million tons of capacity that have now closed. The problem as I see it is we are the only industrialized Nation on the planet Earth who cannot produce enough steel now to meet our own needs. I am very pleased that because of the pressure many of us brought with H.R. 808, that the gentleman is also a cosponsor of, that more than a majority of the House have cosponsored, the administration has initiated an investigation by the ITC. The ITC last month found, to no one's surprise, that serious injury has occurred to the domestic steel industry. There is a remedy phase, and then the administration must make a decision as far as the implementation of that remedy. We have also seen an improvement as far as changing the existing loan guarantee program that was put in place in 1999, increasing that guarantee from 85 percent to 95 percent to give qualified steel companies who have a good business and a reasonable chance of success of making it. But the industry also needs financial help. Several weeks ago I attempted to have an amendment offered on the House floor to provide $800 million a year for 3 years to help ameliorate the problems that the industry is facing as far as their legacy costs. My concern is if we do not act between now and the middle of December in this body to provide this industry with those dollars, it will cease to exist. I have five major facilities along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. I would not represent to the Speaker or to any of my Members that those facilities are going to disappear. But my great fear on behalf of the people involved, on behalf of the communities involved, and on behalf of our national defense is when they cease to operate, foreign investors will buy parts. They will close all of our melting capacity. We will no longer make steel in the Great Lakes States. We will process steel in the Great Lakes States. I think that would be a travesty, and I would use my time allotted by the gentleman from Michigan to make that point and implore my colleagues to consider the financing that is necessary for the domestic steel industry to solve their problems.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate some of the most dedicated and skilled workers in Northwest Indiana. On November 2, 2001, in a salute to their workers' durability and longevity, the Sheet Metal Workers Local #20, of Gary, Indiana, will honor their members with fifty, forty, and twenty-five years of continued service. These individuals, in addition to the other Local #20 members who have served Northwest Indiana so diligently for such a long time, are a testament to the proto-typical American worker: loyal, dedicated, and hard-working. The men and women of Local #20 are a fine representation of America's working families. I am proud to represent such dedicated men and women in Congress. The Sheet Metal Workers Constitution states, ``. . . to establish and maintain desirable working conditions and thus provide for themselves and their families that measure of comfort, happiness and security to which every citizen is entitled in return for his labor, from a deep sense of pride in our trade, to give a fair day's work for a fair day's pay.'' For fifty years, the following individuals have followed this creed: Robert Molnar, Eugene Rucker, and Leland Thompson, In 1961, Donald Odell and Gerard Wardell began their own forty years of membership in the Sheet Metal Workers trade union. In addition to the great service and dedication displayed by the fifty and forty-year Sheet Metal Workers Local #20 members, the individuals with twenty-five years of continued service that will be honored include: Bruce Bassett, Richard Beres, Michael R. Birky, Randall Bohn, George Fedorchak, Joseph P. Lain, Nancy Fields, James P. Fredianelli, Jeffrey R. McClelland, Paul Popa, Jay K. Potesta, Mark E. Williams, and James A. Zimmer. I would also like to congratulate those individuals that graduated from the Residential Apprentice program. These individuals include: William Aicher, Jason Atwood, Brian Bajda, Daniel Elkins, Daniel Geeding, Timothy Howard, Richard Mann, Rober McGuire, David Mostello, Daniel Nelson, Shawn Novak, Mark Rehtorik, and William Wolfe. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating these dedicated, upstanding members of the Sheet Metal Workers Local #20 for their hard work in fulfilling the ``American Dream.'' I offer my heartfelt congratulations to these individuals, as they have worked arduously to make this dream possible for others. They have proven themselves to be distinguished advocates for the labor movement, and they have made Northwest Indiana a better place in which to live and work.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Edwards), a very valuable member of the subcommittee.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Holt).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bentsen). (Mr. BENTSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Bonior), the minority whip.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall) for purposes of a colloquy.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers, and I simply would conclude by again thanking the gentleman for a terrific work product, and that it is very pleasing to me that the Alabama-Indiana connection has been reestablished on this subcommittee. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I will be happy to continue to work with the gentleman on the matter.

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

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, before I recognize the next gentleman, I would want to agree with the points that the previous speaker, my good friend the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Wicker), made and particularly the point that this was not just a failure of the current administration, whatever the circumstances, as far as timing, or the Clinton administration, and would reiterate in my opening remarks I mentioned in constant dollars since 1967 we have seen the Corps budget drop from $7 billion to $4.48 billion, so that clearly is a generational failure by administrations and Congresses of both parties. It is time we all collectively come together to come to grips with this and make a solid investment in the United States of America. So I appreciate the gentleman's comments. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Green).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. The gentleman is correct.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. The gentleman is correct.

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

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Callahan) and congratulate him on the work product that the subcommittee has brought before the House today. The gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Callahan) is the chairman, but he is also my classmate from the class of 1984 and also my good friend. He has been a delight to work with. He is very serious about the work product, but not serious about himself. He is very deliberate, and he is very conscientious. He has done a very good job. The gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Callahan) also enumerated by name each member of the staff on both sides of the aisle, and I would like to add my own personal gratitude for the work that the staff has done. We would not be here today without them. Mr. Speaker, this is a very good solid work product. It is good for the American economy. It is good for the national security. I would hope that all Members of this body do support this bill. I do, however, want to make two comments. One is that I would hope as the administration looks at its budget request for 2003, that it send a realistic budget for our investment in our economic infrastructure and our national security. On the economic front, I would point out that while we did the absolute best that we could with the resources possible, in constant dollars in fiscal year 2002, the appropriations for the Army Corps of Engineers civil works has drastically declined. In fiscal year 2002, we appropriated $4.486 billion compared to $7 billion in constant dollars for 1967. Additionally, a similar ratio would exist for the general construction dollars. I would point out that backlog for the Army Corps of Engineers totals about $40 billion, and backlog for operation and maintenance for this year alone is estimated to be about $835 million. I hope as the administration and as the Congress looks ahead to the next year, that we recognize a greater investment in our economic infrastructure is going to be necessary. There has also been a lot of debate on the House floor in the last several days as far as nuclear nonproliferation; and within our financial limitations, we tried to do the best job possible, but there remains problems. As we look towards a supplement for the coming year and again in investment in ensuring that these weapons of mass destruction cannot be proliferated world-wide, we will have to make a greater investment, and again would call upon the administration. I would call upon the Congress to do a better job in a comparative fashion in fiscal year 2003. At this time, however, the chairman has covered the elements of the bill. He has done it well. It is a good bill, and I ask my colleagues to support it. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman's yielding time to me. I rise in support of the Democrat substitute to H.R. 3150. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Democratic substitute to H.R. 3150, the Secure Transportation for American Act. This substitute measure would federalize all airport security-screening personnel and restore the feeling of personal security the airline industry lost in the wake of the September 11th terrorist attacks. This is a serious safety issue, one that directly concerns the life and death of innocent Americans, and as such, the solution to this problem should not be politicized. It has become abundantly clear in recent weeks that the current system of security checks performed by private firms in our nation's airports do not work, and simply giving the Federal Government oversight over this flawed system will not satisfy the safety standards we, as Americans, should require in air travel. Since September 11th, the news media has presented countless accounts of security breaches at airports by both employees and customers. On a flight from New Orleans to Phoenix a passenger alerted the flight crew to a loaded weapon he had unknowingly brought onboard the airplane, a weapon which was not detected by airport security prior to his boarding the flight. We have also seen evidence of criminals and non-U.S citizens employed by these private firms, overseeing the passenger and luggage screening on both our domestic and international flights. We need to look no further than right here at Dulles International Airport where Argenbright Security Inc., a foreign corporation, recently agreed to settle Justice Department allegations that the company violated a court order by, among other things, continuing to hire screeners with criminal records. Argenbright got a second chance. Airline passengers will not. As the old adage goes, fool me once, shame on you, fool me twice, shame on me. Statistics have shown that the national turnover rule for airport screeners is around 120 percent annually. This should not come as a surprise to anyone, as a majority of the screeners receive little training and are often paid less than most the food services employees located within the same airport. With federal law enforcement personnel manning the security operations, we would develop a highly professional security operation, with the proper compensation and benefit programs to attract the right people. This solution would greatly improve the safety of not only airline passengers, but as the events of September 11th have shown, all Americans. For the first time in our nation's aviation history, parents are struggling with the question of not only whether it is safe for them to fly, but specifically whether it is safe to bring their children along on a commercial airliner. As the father of two young sons, I can sympathize with this difficult dilemma. I want to be able to return to my district and assure all mothers and fathers that I am committed to doing what is necessary so they can safely take their children on family vacations or visits to their grandparents, without the lingering safety doubts we now face. Airplanes are the primary mode for long distance transportation in this country, and will be for the foreseeable future. It is our duty as federal legislators to restore the confidence of the American people in the safety of air travel. That is why I urge my colleagues to support the Democratic substitute and ensure the safety of the airline industry.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great honor to pay tribute to Neighborhoods Incorporated, a nonprofit organization that promotes and enhances neighborhoods through resident training, innovative lending programs and other community sponsored activities in Hammond, Indiana. Through the efforts of Neighborhoods Incorporated and its executive director, Keith Speaks, Indiana's First Congressional District, and Hammond in particular has worked to improve their neighborhoods. Communities are transforming in Northwest Indiana due to an organized campaign to help revitalize neighborhoods and businesses along the Indiana and Illinois State Line. The Neighborhood of Lights program is an example of how neighbors are actively working together to take their neighborhoods back. This program is a grassroots coalition of neighbors and businesses from Hammond and Calumet City working together to improve the quality of life in the State Line corridor. The purpose of the Neighborhood of Lights program is to unite the communities and to beautify the area. These goals are achieved by improving properties, promoting security measures, and most importantly by empowering neighbors and businesses to take an active role in their neighborhood. Businesses on both sides of the State Line are effected by what is happening in these neighborhoods just as much as the residents. Creating partnerships between the residents and businesses in the neighborhood truly creates a formidable force, which is effective in creating an improved atmosphere for both families and businesses to prosper. Through the work of organizations like Neighborhood Incorporated, communities and lives are being transformed. Neighborhood Incorporated works to promote home ownership and to strengthen neighborhoods by helping to deliver improved affordable housing. Additionally, they offer a variety of services designed to address the demand of the local neighborhood. For example, they support the growth and development of resident leadership, rehabilitate homes, and collaborate with other organizations to improve the neighborhood image and restore pride and hope in the community. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in thanking Mr. Speaks for his tireless dedication to improving the quality of life in Indiana's First Congressional District. Through the efforts of Neighborhoods Incorporated, individuals have come together at all levels to help their neighbors, their neighborhood schools, churches, block clubs, and their own families for the generations to come.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I thank the gentleman for yielding time. Mr. Speaker, I would point out that the United States of America is the only industrialized nation on the planet Earth who cannot produce enough steel to meet its own needs. The word ``war'' has been mentioned frequently this morning on this floor and I would point out it is those specialty steels made by the domestic steel industry that are necessary for those nuclear attack submarines and those armored vehicles. Unfortunately, we have an industry in stress. Edgewater Steel in Pennsylvania has ceased operations. Great Lakes Metals in Indiana has ceased operations. Trico Steel in Alabama has ceased operations. CSC Ltd. Steel Company in Ohio has ceased operations. Northwestern Steel & Wire in Illinois has ceased operations. Laclede Steel in Missouri has ceased operations. Al Tech Specialty Steel in New York has ceased operations. The gentleman from New York (Mr. Quinn) and I went to the Committee on Rules yesterday to ask for $2.4 billion over 3 years to allow this vital industry to consolidate and save itself. We were turned down, but IBM gets $2.3 billion. Vote ``no'' on the rule.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it gives me great pleasure to honor two dedicated citizens of Indiana's First Congressional District on the occasion of their retirement from the Inland Steel Company of East Chicago, Indiana. Jesus ``Jesse'' Salvador Vargas and Robert ``Bobby'' A. Hill, both longtime members of Local Union 1010 of the United Steelworkers of America, will be honored at a Retirement Party to be held on Friday, September 21, 2001 at American Legion Post 369 in East Chicago. A native of Monterrey, Mexico, Jesse Vargas has been employed in the Transportation Department at Inland Steel since 1965. During that time, Mr. Vargas has been extremely active in Local Union 1010. He has held many appointed positions, including serving on both the Sports and Community Service committees. Mr. Vargas has also been elected Safety Man for the Transportation Department, and has been selected to represent Local 1010 at many United Steelworkers of America International Conventions. Throughout his career, he has shown his dedication to his Union Brothers and Sisters by traveling across the nation to assist them in strikes, lockouts, and organizing drives. Now retiring with his wife, Rubia, after a 36-year career, Mr. Vargas serves as an outstanding example of the dedicated Union craftsmen and laborers that built our nation. Bobby Hill, an employee of Inland Steel and member of Local Union 1010 for 43 years, has provided exemplary service and leadership to both his employer and his union. Hailing from Haysi, Virginia, Mr. Hill grew up the youngest of nine children. Since 1958, he worked as a Switchman, Conductor, and Engineer at the Indiana Harbor Works. Mr. Hill has also served diligently in numerous elected positions at Local 1010, including Safety Steward for the Transportation Department, Guide, Trustee, and Head Trustee. As a member of the Community Service committee, Mr. Hill volunteered his services across the Calumet Region. Like Jesse Vargas, Mr. Hill traveled across the country to assist his brethren in strikes, lockouts, and organizing drives. Bobby Hill will be greatly missed by his colleagues at Inland Steel and Local 1010 as he retires with his wife, Mary Ann. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my colleagues join with me today in thanking these two men for their lifetime of service, and in wishing them well in their retirement. Bobby Hill and Jesse Vargas have given many hours of their precious time in service of their Union brethren. The sacrifices made by dedicated workers like Mr. Hill and Mr. Vargas have made American labor the safest, most efficient, and most quality- driven labor force in the world. I wish them both a long, healthy, and happy retirement.