Peter Visclosky

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I congratulate one of Northwest Indiana's most distinguished citizens. Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr., of Griffith, Indiana, was recently selected to receive the 1998 Hispanic Magazine's Lifetime Achievement Award. The award was presented to Dr. Andrade in San Francisco on August 25, 1998. Presented by Bank One, this award is in recognition of Dr. Andrade's career as a community organizer, national leader, television commentator, motivational speaker, and co-founder of the United States Hispanic Leadership Institute (USHLI). Born in Brownwood, Texas, Dr. Andrade began his lifelong quest to empower Hispanic Americans while still a youth. He credits his mother, Julia Andrade, for instilling in him a sense of humor and a strong work ethic. Dr. Andrade utilized both while working through twelve years of public school and five years of college. Since beginning his distinguished career over thirty years ago, Dr. Andrade has made headlines as the first Latino in the nation to be arrested for using his Spanish-language skills to teach high school civics, the first Latino State Director for nonpartisan voter registration in Texas, the youngest Chairperson of a Community Action Agency in Texas, and the only Latino political commentator on an English-language television station (WLS-TV, ABC's Chicago affiliate) in the nation for six years. In addition, Dr. Andrade was an influential organizer of the United States Hispanic Leadership Conference (USHLC), now in its sixteenth year. Indeed, through his outreach, political expertise, and motivational speaking, Dr. Andrade has influenced a whole generation of young Hispanic American leaders. To further their education and opportunities, the ``Juan Andrade Scholarship for Young Hispanic Leaders'' was established in recognition of his tireless efforts to motivate and train young Hispanic leaders. Since 1994, this fund has awarded over one hundred thousand dollars in scholarships to young Hispanic leaders. Moreover, Dr. Andrade has not only influenced many of our nation's future leaders, he has influenced and helped mold many of today's business, civic, and national leaders. His exemplary efforts have been acknowledged by many; he has been named the ``Chicagoan of the Year'' by the Chicago Sun-Times, one of the ``100 Most Influential Hispanics in America'' three times by the Hispanic Business Magazine, and a ``Distinguished Alumni'' by Howard Payne University. Though Dr. Andrade has been honored for his lifetime achievement, he intends to continue his endeavors. In addition, he plans to spend time with his wife, Maria Elenia, and their four children and two grandchildren. As President John F. Kennedy said, ``It is time for a new generation of leadership, to cope with new problems and new opportunities. For there is a new world to be won.'' His words are as poignant now as they were on that Fourth of July in 1960. As our country heads into the twenty-first century, we must address many new problems and issues. Dr. Andrade is preparing tomorrow's leaders to deal with these multi- faceted problems and issues. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Dr. Juan Andrade, Jr. for his selection as the 1998 recipient of Hispanic Magazine's Lifetime Achievement Award. Dr. Andrade's efforts to train a new generation of leaders to solve our future problems and create new opportunities for our nation is the work of a true visionary. His vision and self-sacrificing labors to accomplish his goals have positively changed our country for the better. From Indiana's First Congressional District to Washington, D.C., we have seen the Hispanization of America. I am confident that with dedicated, upstanding citizens like Dr. Andrade helping our young people mature into adult leaders, the future of the United States is safe and in good hands as we enter the twenty-first century.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I ask to be heard at the appropriate time on the question of whether this resolution constitutes a Question of Privilege.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I thank the Speaker.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, Pursuant to House rule IX, clause 1, I rise to give notice of my intent to present a Question of Privilege to the House in the form and resolution as follows: Mr. Speaker, the resolution reads as follows: A resolution, in accordance with House Rule IX, clause 1, expressing the sense of the House that its integrity has been impugned because the antidumping provisions of the Trade and Tariff Act of 1930, (Subtitle B of Title VII) have not been expeditiously enforced; Whereas the current financial crisis in Asia, Russia, and other regions have involved massive depreciation in the currencies of several key steel-producing and steel-consuming countries, along with a collapse in the domestic demand for steel in these countries; Whereas the crises have generated and will continue to generate surges in United States imports of steel, both from the countries whose currencies have depreciated in the crisis and from steel-producing countries that are no longer able to export steel to the countries in economic crisis; Whereas United States imports of finished steel mill products from Asian steel-producing countries, the People's Republic of China, Japan, Korea, India, Taiwan, Indonesia, Thailand, and Malaysia, have increased by 79 percent in the first 5 months of 1998 compared to the same period of 1997; Whereas year-to-date imports of steel from Russia now exceed the record import levels of 1997, and steel imports from Russia and the Ukraine now approach 2,500,000 net tons; Whereas foreign government trade restrictions and private restraints of trade distort international trade and investment patterns and result in burdens on United States commerce, including absorption of a disproportionate share of diverted steel trade; Whereas the European Union, for example, despite also being a major economy, in 1997 imported only one-tenth as much finished steel products from Asian steel-producing countries as the United States did and has restricted imports of steel from the Commonwealth of Independent States, including Russia; Whereas the United States is simultaneously facing a substantial increase in steel imports from countries within the Commonwealth of Independent States, including Russia, caused in part by the closure of Asian markets; Whereas there is a well-recognized need for improvements in the enforcement of the United States trade laws to provide an effective responsibility to such situations: Now, therefore, be it Resolved by the House of Representatives, that the House of Representatives calls upon the President to: (1) take all necessary measures to respond to the surge of steel imports resulting from the financial crises in Asia, Russia, and other regions, and for other purposes; (2) pursue enhanced enforcement of United States trade laws with respect to the surge of steel imports into the United States, using all remedies available under those laws including offsetting duties, quantitative restraints, and other authorized remedial measures as appropriate; (3) pursue with all tools at his disposal a more equitable sharing of the burden of accepting imports of finished steel products from Asia and the countries within the Commonwealth of Independent States; (4) establish a task force within the executive branch with responsibility for closely monitoring United States imports of steel; and (5) report to the Congress by no later than January 5, 1999, with a comprehensive plan for responding to this import surge, including ways of limiting its deleterious effects on employment, prices, and investment in the United States steel industry.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman yielding and I would first want to thank the chair of the committee for the expeditious, speed-of-light consideration of this legislation that literally was introduced a month and a half ago as well as thanking my colleague from Illinois for ensuring that it was heard before Congress adjourned. I also would be remiss if I did not thank the members of the Indiana delegation who joined me in this effort. Mr. Speaker, I do rise to urge my colleagues to support this legislation to rename a post office in East Chicago, Indiana in honor of Lance Corporal Harold Gomez. Corporal Gomez was the first resident of East Chicago to die during the Vietnam War and his community would like to honor him in this special way. Corporal Gomez was born in East Chicago in 1946. After working briefly at Inland Steel Company, he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps and was sent to Vietnam in 1966. Corporal Gomez quickly became a fire team leader in a rifle company of the Third Marine Corps in Vietnam. He was awarded the Silver Star Medal posthumously for valiant leadership and bravery during his service, earning particular praise for his actions during the February 21, 1967 battle in which he died. Corporal Gomez's military awards also include the Purple Heart Medal, Combat Action Ribbon, Presidential Unit Citation, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Rifle Sharpshooters Badge. In Harold Gomez's short life, he touched many lives and was admired by both friends and colleagues. I am deeply honored to offer this legislation to honor a true hero of northwest Indiana and our country. Corporal Gomez distinguished himself in combat and is a source of inspiration to many citizens of East Chicago and the rest of the northwest Indiana community. He is worthy of this honor. On behalf of northwest Indiana's many veterans, I am proud to support this legislation to name an East Chicago post office in honor of Corporal Harold Gomez.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is truly my distinct honor to congratulate one of Northwest Indiana's hidden treasures: Carolyn Moore, of Munster, Indiana. The Owner and President of Laughing Cat Productions, Carol's work, ``Citizens Financial Services History,'' has been recognized with a Telly Finalist Award. Since 1986, when she founded Laughing Cat Productions, Carol has been serving businesses, schools, and individuals who wish to have a video produced. Winning a Telly Award is a significant honor, and raises Carol to the top of her field, not only in Northwest Indiana, but across the entire United States. The Telly Awards are a national competition for people and companies who create videos, commercials, and films; Carol earned a Finalist Award in the category of corporate image. The Telly Awards Organization was founded in 1980 to showcase and offer recognition to outstanding non-network and cable television commercials. Past winners include the Ford Motor Company, the American Medical Society, and Pepsi. Carol's Award and Recognition places her among the best in the advertising business. When I think of Carol, however, the first image which comes to my mind is not her successful professional career, but her extraordinary community activism. Whenever a project has needed a leader or an issue has needed to be addressed, Carol has stepped forward to accept the challenge. I cannot emphasize how much her involvement in the community means to me, and to our region. Well before her career in advertising and production, Carol served our community as one of its most dedicated and successful activists. Beginning in 1978, she helped lead Northwest Indiana's endeavor to create a local television station. Her vision was realized in 1985, with a federal grant of one million dollars for a local television station from the Development of Commerce's National Telecommunications and Information Administration. Today, the residents of Northwest Indiana enjoy the fruit of Carol's labors: WYIN Channel 56, the region's only local broadcast station. Carol's community activism did not stop in 1985, however. For over a decade, she has worked with the Northwest Indiana Literacy Coalition, and today serves as a member of the Board of Directors. She is a member of both the Munster and Gary Chambers of Commerce, serves as the President of the Communicators of Northwest Indiana, and is currently the Vice President of Marketing for the Northwest Indiana World Trade Council. Though Carol is dedicated to her career and community, she has never limited her time and love for her family. Longtime residents of Munster, Carol and her husband Dave have raised three children; Jillian, 27; Douglas, 23; and Owen, 21. Outside of her work and volunteer service, Carol enjoys spending her time reading, sailing, and golfing. She plans to continue her work as President of Laughing Cat Productions, and hopes to slowly expand the company. In addition, she intends to maintain her high levels of community service and involvement in the local media. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Carolyn Moore for her truly well-earned honor, and, though often unrecognized, for her exemplary efforts to improve our region. Carol's community activism and desire to improve our community is commendable and praiseworthy. Whether through advancing the public's literacy awareness, championing the cause of local and public television in Northwest Indiana, or pursuing the economic re- vitalization of Northwest Indiana, Carol's actions have left an indelible mark on Indiana's First Congressional District. We are indeed fortunate to have such a dedicated and self-sacrificing citizen.

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 September 18, 1998, in a salute to their workers' durability and longevity, the Sheet Metal Workers, Local #20, of Gary, Indiana, honored their members of fifty years, forty years, and twenty-five years 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 union men and women; 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: John Bitner, Alan Bradford, Henry Eckstein, Clem Gora, Arthur Kekeis, Raymond Klodzen, Ton Mason, Andrew Mushinsky, John Piecuch, Joseph Pollock, Allen Tucker, and John Wesbecher. In 1958, Eugene Bitner, Harold Couma, John Downing, Harry Hamilton, Franklin Klee, Ralph Lasky, and Frank Macewicz, Arthur Panek, Willie Peters, Levi Richmond, Thomas Schaeffer, George Sweat, and Jack Teitge began their own forty years of service to Northwest Indiana and membership in the Sheet Metal Workers trade union. In addition to the great service and dedication displayed by the fifty and forty-year continued service members, the members with twenty-five years of continued service were honored. They are Robert Allen, Howard Alward, Keith Benson, Joseph Bloomfield, Robert Bonner, David Condon, Henry Cook, Benjamin Dear, Randall Hamilton, Terrence Henney, Arthur Herr, Donald Hill, David Hoffman, Kevin Hoffman, Clifford Hynd, David Jorgenson, John Klein, James Knapik, Carlton Kobe, Jerry Krachinski, Thomas Labney, Gerald Levendouski, Raymond Levendouski, Dan Londacre, John McShane, David Masterson, Gus Martakis, Richard Mendez, Earl Miller, Marty Mushinsky, Floyd Nelson, John Oros, Joseph Poropat, Rocky Richardson, Joseph Ring, Steven Sasko, William Schaeffer, Michael Shammert, Louis Schest, Jacob Sherwood, Eugene Skalba, Charles Spicker, Robert Swisher, Michael Switt, Larry Tayler, Walter Thomas, Charles Thompson, Robert Vaughn, Frank Vidimos, Wayne Werdin, Roger Wright, and Paul Zander. As Orville Dewey said, ``Labor is man's greatest function. He is nothing, he can do nothing, he can achieve nothing, he can fulfill nothing, without working.'' The men of Local #20, in addition to all of the local unions in Northwest Indiana, form the backbone of our economy and community. Without their blood, sweat, and tears, Indiana's First Congressional District would not be a place of which to be proud, it would not be the place I love, nor would it be my home. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating these dedicated, upstanding members of Local #20, in addition to all the hard-working union men and women of America. Their hard labor and dauntless courage are the achievement and fulfillment of the American dream.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for setting aside this time to honor Mr. Yates. I have kidded Mr. Yates in the past that one of the advantages he has over me is that during the summer months potentially half of his constituents tend to live in my Congressional District along the southern shore of Lake Michigan. But what I would like to remember about Mr. Yates tonight is not only the fact that he is a true gentleman, in every sense of the word, but as the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski) just pointed out, his unflinching devotion and energies to preserving the environment of the United States of America as well as this planet and, in particular, the closeness to which he held the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore to his heart, one of the great natural resources of this country. I have a picture in my office of my son John when he was 8 years old, and he had a look of bliss on his face as he was jumping off a small bluff along the southern shore of Lake Michigan on the day a fence was torn down and the Dunes was expanded to include an area called Crescent Dune in the Michigan City area. It was the last 36 acres of undeveloped property along the 45-mile southern lakeshore of Lake Michigan. And that property was included for future generations forevermore because of the strenuous efforts and commitments of Sid Yates to the environment. It sat next to Mount Baldy, which was also included in the Indiana Dunes National Lakeshore, the highest geographic feature in Northern Indiana because of the efforts of Mr. Yates. But most importantly, I think, there are now environmental education centers, campgrounds and other facilities. So that whether it is the young students of our area, whether middle-aged individuals or senior citizens who want to learn more about their surroundings and the environment, they are now able to do that because of the good works of Congressman Yates. He is a gentleman in every sense of the word. He is dedicated to his family and to his country, and it has been a privilege for me to be able to serve with Mr. Yates for 14 years. And, again, I thank the gentleman very much for allowing me the opportunity to speak.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give my support to protecting 100 percent of the Social Security Trust Fund, and not using any of the projected surplus for tax cuts at this time. For over sixty years, Social Security has stood as one of our Nation's greatest success stories, providing all Americans with a basic level of retirement security. Social Security is a contract between the citizens of the U.S. and their government. The people in this country are entitled to know that in retirement they will have security, live in dignity, and be provided with health care. Today, two-thirds of retirees in this nation depend upon Social Security to provide over half of their annual income. Our constituents should know that we, as the leaders of this country, are looking out for not only their future, but the future of their children. A vital requirement for protecting that future is saving Social Security first. Our constituents should be able to trust that their contributions to the Social Security Trust Fund are being used as intended. I am opposed to cutting Social Security in order to provide tax cuts to those with higher incomes. As lawmakers, we owe it to the country to provide for the long-term fiscal health of Social Security and other federal retirement programs, and to ensure that these programs are available to future generations of Americans without increasing the payroll tax. Some have suggested we should enact a series of major tax cuts in anticipation of the projected budget surplus. What these individuals neglect to point out is that almost all of the money to pay for their tax cuts would be drawn out of the Social Security Trust Fund and other federal trust funds--trust funds that should be preserved for their intended uses. The best tax cut we can give to the American family is a truly balanced federal budget. A balanced budget will lead to lower interest rates and strong economic growth. I am firmly committed to a balanced budget--a budget that protects Social Security for future generations. In closing, let me say that the question of how to approach any budget surplus is one of the most important issues facing this country. I believe we should resist calls to spend the projected surplus and consider our options very carefully. Balancing the federal budget and keeping it balanced should continue to be one of this country's top priorities, and you can be assured that I remain absolutely committed to accomplishing these goals. We owe it to our constituents, our children, and ourselves to save Social Security.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to stand before the Members of the House tonight in a special order devoted to honoring our colleague, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hamilton) who will be retiring from this institution after serving for 34 years. The gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hamilton) has had a distinguished career, and I would note that literally, depending on the day the 106th Congress is sworn in next year, Mr. Hamilton may also hold the historical record of having served in this House longer than anyone else in the history of the State of Indiana. I am here tonight, and I know my colleagues are here tonight, not because of the quantity of the service of the gentleman from Indiana but the quality of the man and the quality of his service; the quality of his mind, which is exceptional; the quality of his service. He has been selfless every day of those 34 years as far as his commitment to the American people and to those who he has served internationally; and the quality of his person, his ethical conduct, his commitment to his God, to his family and, again, to the people that he has represented in the Ninth District of Indiana. Seventeen years ago, as a young man, I decided to run for the United States Congress, and at that time the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hamilton) gave me a gift. He gave me the gift of his intelligence and he gave me the gift of his support. Following my election, 14 years ago, as a Member, the gentleman from Indiana gave me additional gifts: The gift of his patronage in the House of Representatives and the gift of his counsel. To all of us, he has given the gift of his time, whether as chairman of the Joint Economic Committee, where he attempted to ensure that every American had the fairest chance for the best job in the world's strongest economy, whether it was chairing the House Intelligence Committee to ensure that our Nation was secure above all others, or whether it was his distinguished service on the Committee on International Relations as chair and ranking member, where he ensured that the voice of those least fortunate or those most in danger was always heard. But on a personal note, I must emphasize that what I will miss most about Lee Hamilton is our extended conversations about the Indiana University football team. I say that simply because Lee was the athlete I never was and never will be and would point out to those who might not know that while at Central High School, Lee was best known for his skill on the basketball court. And as a senior he led his team to the final game of the State basketball tournament in Indiana before being sidelined with an injury. Though Central lost the championship, Lee was honored with the Trester award given to the senior in the final four who best exemplifies excellence in both athletics and scholarship. In recognition of his athletic accomplishments, Lee was inducted into the Indiana Basketball Hall of Fame in 1982, certainly a very rarefied group. I would simply, in my remarks, wish Lee, his wife, Nancy, and their children Debbie, Tracy and Doug, every joy and every happiness that life has to offer. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a colleague and mentor, Lee Hamilton. Lee will retire this year after thirty-four years of distinguished service in the House of Representatives. The leadership Lee demonstrates in his roles as the senior member of our delegation and the Chairman of the International Relations Committee are only the most recent examples of greatness in a career that spans decades. When I first ran for Congress in 1984, Lee was a confidant and a valuable resource. When I won the Democratic primary, Lee became my patron. And, after I became a Member of Congress, Lee's opinions on policy and the issues of the day were among the first I sought. Needless to say, this House will be a different place for me, without Lee Hamilton. The one thing that each of us has a finite amount of, is time. One thing Lee has always been ready to share with me, and each member, is his time. On both the professional and personal levels, Lee never hesitates to lend an ear and impart sage counsel. I would point out that it is not just his friends and colleagues for whom Lee makes time. Lee has always striven to make sure the voices of those less fortunate, in our nation, and throughout the world, are heard. As Chairman of the Joint Economic Committee, he also worked to make sure that we have the strongest of economies in this country, and that every American has the chance to get a good job. When you think of Lee, you think of someone who is judicious, deliberate, and serious about his work, without being serious about himself. Aside from his interest in international affairs, Lee is deeply committed to the people of Indiana's ninth congressional district, the state of Indiana, and this nation. Now, Lee will take his commitment to public service to Indiana University, where he can keep a closer eye on the I.U. football program. Congressman Hamilton will be dearly missed in the counsels of government everywhere. He is a gentleman in the truest sense of the word. I wish Lee, Nancy, and their family continued success and happiness in the future. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), chairman of the Committee on International Relations.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I yield to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the participation of the gentleman from California (Mr. Campbell). I yield to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne). (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Burton), the senior Member of the Indiana delegation.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Campbell).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman's participation, and yield to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Kind).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman's participation very much, and now yield to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Ms. Carson).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I deeply appreciate the gentleman's participation and would yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I appreciate the remarks of the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Payne), and I do have some concern based on the comments made by the gentleman from California (Mr. Campbell) about Mr. Hamilton's impact on academic politics, but I guess only history will tell the story. Mr. Speaker, before I conclude my remarks, I would simply reference several essays that the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hamilton) wrote a number of years ago about the influence of religion on politics. I have kept those theses that Mr. Hamilton prepared, and was struck by the theme of both articles, and that is his abhorrence of those who are intolerant to others' ideas and the civility in which he connoted that we ought to, again, respect our differences of opinion, seek a responsible middle ground, and recognize that we have a country to govern in a moral perspective and that we ought to balance those two interests. I think it represents the gentleman that Mr. Hamilton is and every good thing that that term connotes.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is certainly my honor to yield to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Hamilton), our leader in the Indiana delegation.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his remarks. I yield to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula).

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman's participation and would recognize and yield to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Pease).

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would begin by saying that I support passage of H.R. 4060, the appropriation measure funding the energy and water projects for the United States of America for the next fiscal year. I particularly want to point out at this moment my particular regard for three of the members of the subcommittee who will not be with us next year because of retirements. First of all, the yeoman's service the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Parker) has provided to the subcommittee over years. I appreciate all of his efforts and the contributions that he has made. Secondly, I want to also thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Fazio) for all that he has done for his country, for this institution, for the committee on which we serve. The reason I am here today is the gentleman from California (Mr. Fazio) is about the business of this government doing the agriculture appropriation conference for the committee. Finally, Mr. Speaker, I think it is a tremendous coincidence for me personally that the first bill that I will manage for the Democratic side will, as I would understand it, be the last bill that the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. McDade) will be managing on the Republican side. Having met the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. McDade) in 1977 as a member of a congressional staff, I must say that I am honored by the pure coincidence and great privilege that this is the gentleman's last bill and my first. It is a moment that I will remember forever, and also the gentleman's friendship. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bentsen). (Mr. BENTSEN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on the special order just given.