Peter Visclosky

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 with great pleasure that I commend the City of Hobart, Indiana, for dedicating its newest park to the memory of the late Emily Silich. On Saturday, September 26, at 10:00 AM, Emily Silich's family and friends will gather to honor her memory. It is due to Emily's dream, vision, and extraordinary efforts that this park has been created to enrich the lives and neighborhoods of the people of Hobart, and the whole of Northwest Indiana. Emily Silich Park, as it will be named, began as only an idea, a dream. As the City Councilwoman for the Second District of Hobart, Emily sought to provide her constituents with their first park. From its humble beginnings in 1992, to the final culmination in 1998, this drive to provide a positive, clean, and public park for the Second District has been a study in determination and persistence. After Emily Silich passed away in 1995, her family and friends did not allow her dream to fade away. Instead, Silich's family and friends enlisted the aid of Mayor Linda Buzinec, the local YMCA Board, and Hobart residents. With the aid of the current City Councilman from the Second District, Carl Lindsey, land was purchased from the YMCA. Tom Silich, Emily's husband, and Carl Lindsey donated $3,000 and $500, respectively, in order to purchase land for the park. These efforts, and the work of countless others, has helped to realize one of Emily's goals. Emily Silich Park is located in Hobart, Indiana, on two acres of land. It has among its features a picnic shelter, and playground equipment for the children of the neighborhood. In the future, the Park Board is seeking to add tennis courts and other attractive features. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating the selfless efforts of the Silich family, Mayor Buzinec, and Councilman Lindsey. Through their hard work, dedication, and determination, Emily Silich's goal was realized. Citizens like Tom Silich, Robin Toneff, Carl Lindsey, and Linda Buzinec are examples of the true American ideal: Citizens improving themselves, their neighborhoods, and their communities. I am proud to serve such dedicated residents of Indiana's First Congressional District.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I also want to express my appreciation to the gentleman from California (Mr. Matsui) for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to fast track, given the experience historically we have had with NAFTA. We have had 124,000 jobs certified as having been lost because of NAFTA. I would remind my colleagues the math works out to 72 workers a day since the inception of NAFTA have lost their jobs. Before the end of business today, 72 more American citizens are going to be certified as having lost their job because of NAFTA. I rise in strong opposition to fast track. But in fairness to the other side, there are potentially some reasons why Members might want to vote for it. The average real hourly wage in 1973 was $12 an hour. In 1997, it was $12.28, about 1 penny a year increase. If Members think that is enough for the American workers they represent, maybe they do want to vote for fast track. If Members think that every household in America ought to have two workers for what one worker could provide in 1950, then fast track is for them. Thirty percent of American households in 1950 had one worker. Today, 53 percent need two workers. If Members think it is a good idea to have a trade deficit with Mexico and other countries instead of trade surpluses, this is the thing for them. In 1993, we had a trade surplus with Mexico of $1.7 billion. Today, our deficit is $14.5 billion. If Members think we ought to not have a strong steel industry in America, fast track is for them. We had a 100,000 ton steel surplus with Mexico in 1993. We have a 2.2 million ton deficit today. Health care, if Members do not think workers need health care benefits or pensions or need a job, fast track is for them. I grew up in a neighborhood, I grew up in an America believing that the next generation should be better off. That is what we should be about. Those are the negotiations we ought to undertake to make sure that every American worker, every worker worldwide, has an improved standard of living. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my vehement opposition to Fast Track legislation. The last president to have Fast Track used it to give us the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA). Since January 1, 1994, when NAFTA went into effect, our country has lost 124,000 jobs as a result of NAFTA. That breaks down to a loss of 72 jobs each day. 72 American citizens each day watch their jobs move out of this country and out of their communities. Before we leave tonight, an additional 72 Americans will be unemployed. But its not just a problem of losing jobs. America's workers are seeing a sharp decline in their quality of life thanks to NAFTA and unfair trade. If you don't care about workers' quality of life, then vote for Fast Track. The average real hourly wage for working Americans in 1973 was $12.00 per hour. In 1997, the average real hourly wage for working Americans was $12.28 per hour. That is an increase of one penny per year. One extra penny to pay bills, buy shoes for your children and put food on the table. If your family can survive on an annual raise of one extra cent per hour, then Fast Track is for you. 30% of American households in 1950 had two people working outside the home. Today, 53% of all families have two incomes. Two Americans today must work to make the equivalent of one income in 1950. If you believe that two adults in every household should have to work in order to support a family, then Fast Track is for you. Our neighbor to the South, Mexico, is one of our largest trading partners. In the fiscal year prior to NAFTA, FY 1993, the U.S. had a trade surplus of $1.7 billion with Mexico. In FY 1997, the U.S. had a $14.5 billion trade deficit with Mexico. If you think that we ought to increase our trade deficits with other nations, then Fast Track is for you. In 1993, The American steel industry saw a trade surplus with Mexico of 100,000 tons of steel. In 1997, the steel industry saw a trade deficit with Mexico of 2.2 million tons. If you think that we need to put the American steel industry out of business, laying off hundreds of thousands of U.S. steelworkers, then Fast Track is for you. Because of jobs lost to NAFTA, many of our citizens have had to take lower-paying jobs with no benefits and no pensions. If you think that our citizens are not entitled to have a job that provides health benefits for themselves and their children, then vote for Fast Track. If you think that the hard working men and women of this country do not deserve a pension for their retirement years, then, yes, Fast Track is for you. If it is fine with you that at the end of this day, at the end of this debate, 72 more people will be without work and unable to provide for their families, then vote for Fast Track. If you can live with the fact that you have sent American industry to foreign lands to make a profit without regard to workers' safety, human rights or the environment, then please, vote for Fast Track. The American Dream has always promised that the next generation would have a better life, not a lower standard of living. American workers should not have to lower their standard of living just to compete with foreign workers who make $3.00 a day. If you want to sacrifice the American Dream for the working people of our nation, then vote for Fast Track. I can't do that. I can't support raising hourly wages by a penny a year. I can't support forcing more and more households to rely on two incomes. I can't support turning trade surpluses into deficits. I can't support denying health insurance and pensions to workers. I can't support undercutting worker safety, human rights or the environment. I can't support sacrificing the American Dream for the workers of America. I cannot and will not support Fast Track.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to celebrate the activities of Hispanic Heritage Month. Governor O'Bannon has designated September 15 through October 15, 1998, Indiana's Hispanic Heritage Month. This proclamation is in recognition of the efforts Indiana's Hispanic-American population has consistently displayed to improve the State of Indiana, as well as Indiana's First Congressional District. In Northwest Indiana, you will find a vibrant, active, and proud Hispanic community. Thriving organizations such as the Latin American Community Alliance for Support and Assistance (LACASA) of NWI, Inc., Northwest Indiana Hispanic Coordinating Council, Hispanic Women's Forum of NWI, Union Benefica Mexicana, Puerto Rican Parade and Cultural Organization, Sociedad Mutualista Mexico, Raza de Bronze, Northwest Indiana Latino Historical Society, the Hispanic Catholic Center, National Association of Hispanic Nurses-Indiana Chapter, National Council of LaRaza affiliate, U.S. Hispanic Leadership Institute affiliates, National Council of Puerto Rican Women (NaCoPRW), League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), Indiana University Northwest's ALMA Latino student organization, Purdue University Calumet's Los Latinos student organization, Calumet College of St. Joseph's Los Amigos Latino student organization, Ivy Tech State College's Latino student organization, Valparaiso University's LIVE Latino student organization, to name a few, provide an effective avenue for promoting Hispanic interests and their shared cultural heritage. Active in every aspect of community life from labor organizer, police chief, and Federal district court judge to educators, Labor President, and clergy, the citizens of Northwest Indiana have a multitude of Hispanic-American role models to emulate. Indeed, as an increasingly important segment of the Northwest Indiana community, Hispanic- Americans are making many valuable contributions to our state and region. These valuable contributions have come not only culturally, but also in the areas of law, religion, agriculture, education, architecture, and technology. Without the contributions of Hispanic- Americans, the rich, diverse, ethnically flavored culture of Northwest Indiana would be incomplete. Mr. Speaker, Hispanic-Americans strive to earn and enjoy the promise and benefits that America, at its best, extends to all. I am proud to serve as the Representative in Congress for Northwest Indiana, with its diverse multicultural heritage, and I encourage my distinguished colleagues, and all citizens, to participate and enjoy events commemorating Hispanic Heritage Month.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to pay tribute to the Indiana State League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC), as it hosts the 1998 LULAC Midwest Conference. This year's conference, titled `Money Management and the Tools to Make It Work,' is being held on Saturday, September 26, 1998, in Hammond, Indiana. Giving the conference's keynote address is Rick Dovalina, LULAC's National President. He was elected this Fourth of July at the conclusion of the LULAC National Convention. I would also like to take this opportunity to commend Augustine Sanchez, Midwest LULAC Vice President, and the Indiana LULAC state officers, Maria D. Pizana, Terry Serna, Vickie Lipniskis, Belinda Medellin, Dave Jones, Amelia Velez, Louise Marinez, Alicia Rios, and Greg Chavez, for the leadership they have displayed in organizing this important event. Hosting the LULAC Midwest Conference is an honor and a challenge which the Indiana State LULAC has met with vigor and excitement. Founded in 1929 in Corpus Christi, Texas, 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. The first integrated the Orange County, California school system, and the second secured 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. One of LULAC's primary goals is to advance the economic condition of Latinos in the United States and Puerto Rico. The leaders of LULAC are striving to empower members of the Latino community to take control of their financial futures and obtain financial security for their retirement years. With a significant economic disparity between Latinos and the general population, LULAC is taking this opportunity to address this immediate, important issue. The League of United Latin American Citizens 1998 Midwest Conference offers workshops and information sessions to give participants the opportunities and techniques to learn about becoming financially secure, independent, and taking the initiative to become one's own boss. Proceeds for this conference will be used to fund scholarships, as well as youth and young adult educational projects for the Midwest. These programs include the Young Reader Programs, the Hispanic Leadership Opportunities Programs, and the Washington, D.C. Youth Seminars. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the Midwest and State of Indiana LULAC organizations for their extraordinary efforts to unite Hispanics. All involved in the success of these organizations, as well as their endeavors, should be proud of their efforts in working toward equality, independence, and success for Hispanic-Americans.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to pay tribute to one of Northwest Indiana's leading physicians, Dr. Heratch Doumanian, of Merrillville, Indiana. On Sunday, September 30, 1998, Heratch will be honored by the Asian American Medical Society for his selfless, exemplary service to society, the community, and the medical profession. This Sunday, for his dedicated, consistent community work, Heratch will be awarded the Crystal Globe Award, the Asian American Medical Society's highest service award. Each year, the Asian American Medical Society honors a prominent, extraordinary resident of Northwest Indiana for their outstanding 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. This year's recipient, Dr. Heratch Doumanian, is one of the most caring, dedicated, and selfless citizens of Indiana's First Congressional District. As a physician, Heratch serves as not only a respected member of the medical community, but also as a teacher, a mentor, and a community volunteer. He offers his services and time to many professional organizations including the Radiologic Society of North America, the American Medical Society, the Lake County Medical Society, the Indiana State Medical Society, the American College of Radiology, and the Asian American Medical Society. In addition, Heratch served as the President of St. Mary's Medical staff in 1995, is a present member of the St. Mary's Medical Quality Assurance Committee, and served as the President of the Asian American Medical Society in 1988. Since 1966, Heratch has served as a Radiologist at both the Diagnostic Outpatient Center, and the St. Mary Medical Center. In addition, he shares his knowledge as a teacher at the Indiana University Northwest Medical School. Before starting his work in 1966, Heratch attended the American University, in Beirut, Lebanon, and in 1957 he graduated from its Medical School. After graduation, Dr. Doumanian came to the United States and completed two Internships in Chicago, Illinois, at the St. Bernard Hospital from 1957-1958, and the Michael Reese Medical Center from 1959-1960. In 1960-1962, Heratch served our country as a Captain in the United States Army Medical Corps. After his military service, he completed a Residency at the University of Chicago Hospital, and he earned a Fellowship from the University of Minnesota, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. When his Fellowship ended in 1966, he moved to Northwest Indiana and began his successful medical and community work for the people of this region. While Heratch has dedicated considerable time and energy to his work as a physician, he has always made an extra effort to give to the community. He is currently very involved in the Armenian Assembly of America, and serves the organization as a Fellow Trustee. Additionally, he is a Parish Council Member of the St. Joachim and Anne Armenian Church, and is a member of the Armenian General Benevolent Union, Chicago Chapter. Although his work and community service often limits his time, Heratch has never limited the time he gives to his most important interest, his family. He and his wife, Sonya, have three children: Greta, a lawyer; John, a medical student; and Leo, also a medical student. The Hippocratic Oath discusses how a doctor or medical professional should conduct his life, public and private. ``. . . I will lead my life and practice my art in uprightness and honour; that into whatsoever house I shall enter, I shall be for the good of the sick to the utmost of my power, holding myself far aloof from wrong, from corruption . . .'' When Heratch moved to Northwest Indiana in 1966, he brought with him a dedication to uprightness and honor that has touched many lives. His dedication to the community and his family, in addition to his commitment to the unfortunate and sick are clear examples of one man working to the utmost of his power and ability. We in Northwest Indiana are lucky to be the recipients of his service. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Dr. Heratch Doumanian for receiving the 1998 Crystal Globe Award from the Asian American Medical Society. Truly, Heratch has earned this recognition. His service, dedication, and altruism inspire us all to greater deeds.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words, and I rise in strong support of the Radanovich-Pallone amendment to preserve the humanitarian aid corridor. I think I would want to begin my remarks by agreeing with one of the assertions made by the full committee chairman, the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Livingston), in indicating the bipartisan nature of this debate, the importance of the debate, and the fact that all of us have the same goal in mind, and that is energy security, from an economic and national security perspective, as well as the issue of peace. The debate that is taking place today is a debate about the difference of opinion as to how to achieve both those goals. We have a situation in the Caucasus today that is not perfect; that if all of us collectively could affect, we would want to make perfect. We have a static situation that we want to move in the right direction, and that, again, is the question of the debate: What is the right direction. I do want to make sure we put the debate in the proper perspective and to reflect on events of just an 11-day period of time 83 years ago, when on April 8th, tens of thousands of Armenian men were rounded up and shot. Hundreds of thousands of women, men and children were deported southward across the mountains to Silesia and Syria. On April 15th, the Armenians appealed to the German ambassador in Constantinople for formal German protection. The request was rejected on the grounds that it would be offensive to the Turkish government. By April 19th, 11 days later, 50,000 Armenians had been murdered. Much has been said today during the debate about the war that is taking place today. In 1989, the government, not the people, the government of Azerbaijan began to kill Armenians because they were Armenians. A war took place because the Armenian government then began to defend itself and its people. This Congress, President Bush, then signed into law the Humanitarian Aid Corridor in 1992. And progress was made 2 years later because there was a cease-fire put in place that, as I understand today, 4 years later, remains in place. I think all of us, again, regret that it is simply a cease-fire and not a lasting peace, but progress was made because of the actions of this institution and President Bush in 1992. As many speakers have indicated before, this is not a question of are we wanting to cut off aid to Armenians. That is not the question. We do not want to do that. Do we want to cut off aid to the Azerbaijan people? We do not want to do that. We remain very concerned on our side of the issue about ensuring that the Azerbaijan government acts responsibly. And, as again a number of speakers have indicated, they have it within their power by the close of business today to end the blockade and to then have that relief money flow through their hands. Over $130 million has been provided for Azerbaijan refugees over this period of time. And it is important for all of us to note that in 1995 the Armenian government indicated that they would allow relief supplies to flow through Armenia for the relief of Azerbaijan, in a remote area of that country, and the Azeri government refused to allow those goods and supplies to flow through Armenia. And I certainly question the government's, not the people's, intentions in this matter. The issue is, and someone has used the illusion that we are beating up one of these parties; that we are hitting them with a stick; that we are being unfair. We have a cease-fire in place. People are not being killed. As has also been indicated, people have talked to each other. And I think at this particular moment, if we would now lift the restriction, without the lifting of the blockade, what we are saying to the Azeri government is it is okay to blockade other countries; it is okay to provide for the restriction of commerce, medical supplies and humanitarian aid; it is okay, pursuant to Ms. Albright's letter to this institution, to try to extort money from our government. The chairman of the committee alluded earlier to the letter that Madeleine Albright, Secretary of State, sent to this institution. I find another passage very revealing. Mr. Chairman, I simply would ask my colleagues to vote in favor of the Pallone-Radanovich amendment.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with the greatest pleasure that I pay tribute to one of the leading citizens of Indiana's First Congressional District, Mr. Carl Traicoff, of Highland, Indiana. After serving as one of Northwest Indiana's most distinguished, compassionate, and dedicated teachers for twenty-seven years, Carl announced his retirement on Saturday, August 22, 1998. A 1956 graduate of Lew Wallace High School in Gary, Carl enrolled as a student at Kansas State University, which he attended for one year. In 1958, he transferred to Culver-Stockton University where, in 1960, he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Physical Education and Health. Carl continued his education at Northeast Missouri, now Truman State, earning a Master's degree in Physical Education, Health, and Administration. While attending graduate school, Carl also worked as a girls basketball coach, beginning his long and distinguished coaching career. From 1960 through 1966, he served as a basketball coach at the high schools of Louistown, Clarence, and Centralia. In 1966, he moved back to Indiana's First Congressional District and began teaching and coaching at Calumet High School, in unincorporated Calumet Township, Lake County, Indiana. As Calumet High School's coach, Carl posted 417 wins, for a career total of 477 wins. Indeed, along with these wins, his teams won four Sectional Titles, and he was honored by his fellow coaches as Coach of the Year six times. Though Carl is acknowledged for his coaching ability, his teaching successes have often been overlooked. He made his mark on the Calumet High School curriculum by instituting a Life Management course and influenced nearly every student that attended the Calumet High School by teaching this class, as well as Health, annually. This legacy, more than any coaching award, is what will live as Carl's greatest achievement. Indeed, his dedication and caring is represented through his four Teacher of the Year Awards, as well as his Inland Steel Teacher of the Year Award. Carl was always a dedicated and caring coach and teacher. Though he spent must time and effort on his players and students, this did not diminish his devotion to his wife, Margie, and their daughter, Karen. His professional success was complemented by an even more rewarding family life. Now that he has retired, Carl plans to spend much of his time with Margie and Karen, who now works for NASA. He also, he continues to serve as a member of the National Association of Basketball Coaches, the Indiana Basketball Coaches Association, as an instructor and local basketball camps, and as a teacher at Purdue University Calumet. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending Carl Traicoff for his lifetime of dedication, service, and leadership to the students and faculty of Calumet High School, as well as the people of Northwest Indiana. Carl's efforts as an educator and a basketball coach blended together to help kids make the most of their potential and earn their success in the world. Northwest Indiana's community has certainly been rewarded by the true service and uncompromising dedication displayed by Carl Traicoff.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. I want to take my time to profoundly thank the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), the chairman, and the ranking member, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan), as well as the staffs on both the majority and minority side, for their courtesy and consideration in ensuring that the COPS bulletproof Vest initiative was fully funded at the figure of $25 million. This initiative, which was enacted into law in June of this year, was originally sponsored by the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. LoBiondo) and myself. It received the bipartisan cosponsorship of 306 individuals in this body, and was passed overwhelmingly by both Houses of Congress. Essentially, it provides grants for police departments throughout this country to buy bulletproof vests to protect their officers. Prior to the tragedy of 10 days ago in the Capitol, the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), as chairman, and the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan), as ranking member, saw the dire need for this legislation, given the fact that before the end of today in America two police officers will be shot, and one out of every four police officers in America today does not have a bulletproof vest. So I do want to thank both gentlemen, the members of the committee and their staffs, for doing the right thing and for saving innumerable lives of police officers throughout the United States of America. Mr. Chairman, I rise to express my sincere appreciation to Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Mollohan for including funding for a new program, the COPS Bulletproof Vests Initiative. The bill before us directs $25 million for the creation of a new grant program to help provide state and local law enforcement officers throughout the country with bulletproof vests. Funding for this program was authorized in Public Law 105-181, which is based on legislation that I, together with our colleague from New Jersey, Mr. LoBiondo, first introduced in the House last November. The measure received strong bipartisan support in the House, attracting 306 co-sponsors before it was voted on and signed into law. Bulletproof vests and body armor have saved the lives of more than 2,000 police officers. Unfortunately, figures indicate that approximately 25 percent of the nation's 600,000 law enforcement officers don't currently have access to a vest. The Fraternal Order of Police, the National Sheriff's Association, the International Union of Police Associations, and the Police Executive Research Forum have all endorsed the bulletproof vest program that is funded by this bill. Once again, I wish to thank Chairman Rogers and Ranking Member Mollohan, as well as all of my other colleagues who helped bring this important program to fruition.

Mr. VISCLOSKY. I yield to the gentleman from West Virginia.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to mark the twenty-fourth anniversary of Turkey's invasion, and subsequent occupation, of Cyprus. It is extremely disturbing to me that every year we are compelled to gather in this chamber to remind the world of the horrible events that led to the division of Cyprus, and to remember those who were killed, injured, or displaced when Turkey invaded the island in 1974. It is clear to me and to most of my colleagues, as well as a vast majority of the international community, that Cyprus must be made whole again and Turkey must be held accountable for its reprehensible actions in dividing the island Fourteen years after gaining its independence from Great Britain, Cyprus was illegally and brutally invaded by 6,000 Turkish troops and 40 tanks. These troops proceeded to sweep over the northern section of Cyprus, occupying nearly 40 percent of the island. The ensuring fighting killed thousands of Cypriots and forced hundreds of thousands from their homes. Today, more than 1,600 people are still unaccounted for, five of whom are United States citizens. Twenty-four 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 and so-called ``Green Zone,'' which is patrolled by United Nations, cuts across the island, separating families from their property and splitting this once beautiful country in half. To this day, the Turkish government refuses to allow Greek-Cypriots who were forced to flee to the southern part of the island from returning to their homes. Last year, I was encouraged when President Clinton appointed special envoy Richard Holbrooke to help broker a peaceful resolution and unify the island. Unfortunately, Turkey refused to negotiate in good faith, and no agreement was reached. As Mr. Holbrooke put it, ``There is no doubt that the Turkish side was responsible for the collapse of the talks.'' Even though Mr. Holbrooke is taking over as the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, I hope President Clinton will continue to help foster a peaceful and united Cyprus. 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-four 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. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of two true American heroes. Capitol Hill Police Officer Jacob J. Chestnut and Special Agent John M. Gibson sacrificed themselves in the line of duty, putting their country and their commitment to democracy over their very lives. These men trained for the possibility of confronting violence, and when it came time, both acted professionally, responsibly, and heroically. We can only offer our most heartfelt condolences and prayers to the families of these inspiring men. Officer Chestnut was an 18-year veteran of the Capitol Hill police force, having spent twenty years as part of the U.S. Air Force before that. Officer Chestnut was a highly-trained professional, who spent the overwhelming majority of his life protecting others. Special Agent Gibson was similarly selfless, working long hours at the Capitol as part of the Dignitary Protection Detail, constantly protecting others by putting himself in harm's way. Those of us who work on Capitol Hill are used to seeing armed officers on a regular basis. We smile and chat with the friendly Capitol Hill police, and appreciate their warmth as people, and the sense of community they lend to our sometimes insular environment. They answer questions and direct tourists, just as Officer Chestnut was doing during the exact moment his killer confronted him. We rarely contemplate the seriousness of their task. However, protection is their ultimate goal. Not only were officers Chestnut and Gibson here to protect Members of Congress, visiting dignitaries, and the millions of tourists who visit the Capitol, they were here to protect our very system of government. The Capitol is one of the most open government buildings in the world, a fact that is directly attributable to the commitment of the Capitol Hill police. For instead of forcing us to make our Nation's capitol impregnable, closing the doors and letting only those with government business enter, the Capitol Police stand in the breech, using themselves as barriers, while allowing the ``People's House'' to truly belong to the people. Neighbors and family of Officer Chestnut and Special Agent Gibson describe them as generous, giving, and kind. But they were also hard- working, authoritative, and took their jobs very seriously. Because even though their task was comprised partly of peopling our Capitol community with friendly faces and helping hands, they were also here to provide us with the very serious service of protection from violence. And, just as they excelled at working with the public, Officer Chestnut and Special Agent Gibson both proved that they excelled at the task of protecting us, our staffs, and the public from mortal danger. Quite simply, we owe them our lives. And we owe them our lives not only for their actions last Friday, but for their habitual actions--smiling, chatting, continuing the routine of security, all the while putting their lives at risk, every single day. Mr. Speaker, these men are honored as heroes because they were called upon to make the supreme sacrifice, but they are also heroes because they were constantly prepared to make that sacrifice--for their families, for us, and for the country they believed in. Our words can not bring them back, but we can honor the men, and the values for which they risked, and sacrificed, their lives.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Ganske-Dingell substitute. Mr. Speaker, I rise this morning as a co-sponsor of the bipartisan Patients' Bill of Rights and a believer in the notion that doctors should make decisions about their patients' medical treatments, not insurance companies. Today's managed care plans are run by insurance industry bureaucrats whose first concern is the bottom line for insurance companies, not quality care for patients. These insurance industry bureaucrats seek to maximize profits for insurance companies by restricting treatment to patients and preventing doctors from providing proper care. In addressing this situation, the bipartisan bill, which is the basis of the Dingell/Ganske substitute, offers its protections to patients, who need to know that their insurance companies are not interfering with their access to quality health care. This bill is dramatically different than the Republican bill which seeks only to protect the insurance industry. Currently, 125 million Americans are enrolled through their employers in self-insured health plans, in which the insurance companies cannot be held liable for their decisions to restrict medical treatment, even if those decisions directly result in the death or maiming of the patient. The Congress should eliminate this legal protection for insurance companies, so that insurance companies can be held legally accountable for their decisions, just like everyone else. The bipartisan bill would offer Americans the legal protections of their individual states in holding insurance companies accountable for their decisions. The Republican bill on the other hand, would go the other way by restricting patients' legal rights and increasing the number of patients who are not protected by state malpractice laws from insurance companies. Americans need to know that they have access to adequate internal and external appeals processes if their insurance company denies them coverage for a treatment. While the bipartisan bill provides for an external review that is truly independent and bases the definition of medical necessity on ``generally accepted principles of professional medical practice,'' the Republican bill would allow the insurance company to determine what is considered medically necessary and who performs the external review. Americans need to know that they have access to emergency care when it is necessary, and we should encourage people to go to the emergency room when they experience severe chest pain--a sign of a possible heart attack. But the Republican bill fails to guarantee payment for care in such cases, leaving the health of Americans at risk. That's why the President of the American College of Emergency Physicians has said that the Republican bill ``will not bring peace of mind to anyone seeking emergency care when they need it.'' Americans need to know that their insurance companies are not restricting the range of treatments that their doctors are allowed to discuss, and are not offering financial incentives to doctors to limit patient care. While the bipartisan bill provides strong protections to patients in both of these circumstances, the Republican anti-gag provision is riddled with loopholes, and their bill doesn't even address the problem of financial incentives designed to limit care. Americans need to know that they will have access to a specialist when it is needed and not become a victim of managed care bureaucrats. The bipartisan bill provides this protection to patients; the Republican bill does not. With a set of consumer protections so weak as to be almost meaningless, the Republican bill is a cynical attempt to include erroneous provisions that have absolutely nothing to do with the problems of managed care such as provisions that would allow companies unrestricted access to your personal, confidential medical information and that would allow wealthy Americans to set up tax shelters through medical savings accounts. Mr. Speaker, the American people deserve strong protections from the insurance bureaucrats who seek to do nothing more than maximize profits by restricting care. Please join me in voting for real protections for patients and against further protections for insurance companies, and vote for the bipartisan substitute and against the Republican bill.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong opposition to President Clinton's decision to extend Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) trading status to the People's Republic of China for another year. I also express my full support for H.J. Res. 121, legislation introduced in the House of Representatives that would override the President's decision and revoke China's MFN status. I am opposed to continuing China's MFN status for three reasons: (1) China's continuing disregard for our nation's trade laws, which has led to a skyrocketing trade deficit; (2) China's atrocious record on human rights; and (3) China's efforts to assist countries such as Iran, Libya, and Pakistan in developing weapons of mass destruction. During my career in the Congress, I have worked hard to level the playing field for America's working families. I believe that if you work hard and play by the rules, you are entitled to a fair wage that allows you to buy a house, raise a family, and receive a good pension upon retirement. Unfortunately, these values are falling prey to foreign countries that aim to undermine U.S. jobs by producing goods with cheap labor and then violating our trade laws by importing those goods into the U.S. China is a prime example of a country that engages in this type of behavior. There is irrefutable evidence that China produces consumer goods using slave labor, child labor, and even military labor in order to keep production costs as low as possible. In fact, Chinese workers are paid an average of $2 per day. China then violates U.S.-China trade agreements, including intellectual property laws, quota rules, and numerous other U.S. trade laws as it imports its goods into the United States. It should come as no surprise that our trade deficit with China has risen from $3 billion in 1989 to a projected $63 billion for 1998. Trade figures for May 1998, show a 28 percent increase in the deficit compared with May 1997. These figures indicate that our trade imbalance with China is growing by more than $1 billion per week. Out trade deficit with China will only get worse because continuing to grant MFN perpetuates a fundamentally unfair tariff system. Under MFN, the average tariff rate on Chinese goods being imported into the U.S. is just 2 percent, while China sets a whopping 35 percent tariff on U.S. goods. Continuing the current system gives China no incentive to lower its tariff rates or respect the trade laws currently in place. Revoking MFN would increase U.S. tariffs on 95 percent of the goods being imported from China, which will put the brakes on the growing trade deficit and help balance the playing field for American workers. In the area of human rights, China's record speaks for itself. In 1997, the U.S. Department of State's annual report on human rights repeatedly chastised the Chinese for committing a range of human rights violations. According to the report, ``The [Chinese] government continued to commit widespread and well-documented human rights abuses, in violation of internationally accepted norms stemming from the authorities' very limited tolerance of public dissent, fear of unrest, and the limited scope or inadequate implmentation of laws protecting basic freedoms.'' The evidence is also clear that China continues to provide rogue nations such as Libya, Iran, and Pakistan with assistance in developing nuclear weapons and advanced ballistic missiles. China has supplied Iran with C-802 cruise missiles, which will allow Iran to deliver deadly payloads throughout the Middle East. China has also provided Pakistan with the technical assistance it needed to develop nuclear weapon capabilities. Recent reports even indicate that the Chinese were testing advanced ballistic missiles while President Clinton was visiting their country last month. Mr. Speaker, China was originally granted MFN status with the hope that doing so would encourage China to lower its tariffs, improve its record on human rights, and become a responsible member of the international community. Seventeen years later, China's record on these issues shows little improvement. It is time to reject those who say ``constructive engagement'' is the only way to deal with the Chinese government, and revoke MFN status until China commits itself to making trade fairer, people freer, and the world safer.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor and pleasure to commend the following residents of Indiana's First Congressional District for their display of bravery, community service, and altruistic heroism in rescuing over one hundred senior citizens from a fire in the Lake County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, in East Chicago, Indiana, on June 20, 1998: Foster Battle, Leroy Butts, Dion Cook, Dwayne Cook, Priscilla Cook, Jermaine Cousinard, Betty Gibbs, Johnny Gillis, Darcey Glenn, Mitch Glover, Andrew Gregory, Dwayne Jackson, Anna Rose Jefferson, Jackie Jones, Joey Jones, Johnny Jones, Tyrus Julkes, Bennie Sapp, Louis Sapp, Willie Scott, Alan Simmons, Tim Taylor, Waylane Upshaw, Louis Ward, and Arthur Washington. In recognition of their unselfish efforts, these valiant heroes were honored by the City of East Chicago in a ceremony on July 1st, in Riley Park. Though five residents of the nursing home were hospitalized, there would have been many more injuries, and even death, if not for the dozens of neighbors, friends, and passers-by who rushed to the scene of the fire. Minutes before the fire trucks and firefighters arrived from the East Chicago Fire Department, the intrepid rescuers were breaking windows with their hands and feet to evacuate the 112 residents from the blazing nursing home. Placing their own lives in danger, these brave humanitarians repeatedly entered the building, evacuated residents, and aided firefighters in caring for the injured until medical help could arrive. If not for their heroic efforts, many more could have been injured, or might have perished, in the fire. This neighborhood effort shows the importance of community and friendship to the people of Northwest Indiana. Without the teamwork, leadership, and effort shown by these heroes, an unthinkable tragedy might have occurred. Moreover, these dauntless efforts represent the real value, respect, and honor the region shows its senior citizens. This noble rescue shows what a neighborhood can accomplish when working in concert, as well as representing an ideal of every true American community in a crisis. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending the brave efforts of these upstanding citizens, as well as the East Chicago Fire Department, for their extraordinarily heroic efforts, last month, which saved the lives of the 112 residents of the Lake County Nursing and Rehabilitation Center.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct pleasure to commend the members of the Gary, Indiana, branch of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People (NAACP). Tonight, June 25, 1998, the Gary NAACP will hold its thirty-fifth annual Life Membership Banquet and Scholarship Diner at St. Timothy community Church, in Gary. This annual event is a major fundraiser for the Gary branch of the NAACP. The funds generated through this activity, and others like it, go directly to the organization's needed programs and advocacy efforts. In addition, the dinner serves to update and keep the community aware of the activities, accomplishments, and accolades of the local and national chapters of the NAACP on an annual basis. This year's banquet will feature the branch's own Dr. Randall C. Morgan, Jr., a resident of Valparaiso, as the keynote speaker. Dr. Morgan, a second generation life member, has been a proud Golden Heritage Member of the NAACP for fifteen years, and he is the immediate past President of the National Medical Association. Tonight, the Gary NAACP will honor seven of Northwest Indiana's finest leaders for their efforts to further equality in society. Joining more than five hundred outstanding civil, community, and religious leaders of the region, the following distinguished individuals will be inducted as life members of the Gary NAACP: Frances Boler, of Gary; Edward Evans, of Gary; Walter James, of Gary; Floyd Mask, of Gary; Gussie Mask, of Gary; Mozella Stone, of Gary; and James Thomas, of Munster. In addition, Richard Williams, of Gary, will be awarded a scholarship for his excellence as a student, an activist, and a leader. This four thousand dollar scholarship will help finance Richard's college education at a college or university of his choice. The Gary NAACP was organized in 1915 by a group of residents that felt there was a need for an organization that would monitor and defend the rights of African-Americans in Northwest Indiana. The national organization, of which the Gary branch is a member, focuses on providing better and more positive ways of addressing the important issues facing minorities in social and job-related settings. Like the national organization, the Gary branch of the NAACP serves its community by combating injustice, discrimination, and unfair treatment in our society. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Frances Boler, Edward Evens, Walter James, Floyd Mask, Gussie Mask, Mozella Stone, James Thomas, and Richard Williams, as well as the other members of the Gary NAACP, for the efforts, activities, and leadership that these outstanding men and women have utilized to improve the quality of life for all residents of Indiana's First Congressional District.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to congratulate the following individuals for their induction into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame: Ted Karras, Sr., of Gary, Indiana; Andy Kirk, of Merrillville, Indiana; Stewart Mattix, of Hobart, Indiana; Charles Stainer, of Valparaiso, Indiana; Harold Atterberry, of Morgan Township, Indiana; George Hall, of Kentucky; Bob Kuechenberg, of Florida; and Irv Cross, of Idaho. These eight outstanding sportsmen were inducted as members of the 1998 Indiana Football Hall of Fame class on Sunday, May 31, 1998. Since its founding in 1973, the Indiana Football Hall of Fame has been honoring prominent coaches, players, officials, members of the press, and citizens who have made lasting contributions to the advancement of football and sporting excellence. The Football Hall of Fame commemorates Indiana's prestigious football history throughout the century. Whether they were involved in football during the early twenties or the present day, the Indiana Football Hall of Fame is dedicated to recognizing those who were instrumental in creating, fostering, and adding to Indiana's excellent football legacy. Each of these eight newly-inducted members made outstanding contributions to Indiana football. Ted Karras, Sr., graduated from Emerson High School in 1952. After being named 1st Team All state and Parade All-American for his accomplishments in high school football, Ted attended Indiana University. After graduating from I.U. in 1956, he want on to play professional football for eleven years. He played with the San Diego Marines from 1956-1957, the Pittsburgh Steelers from 1958-1959, the Chicago Bears from 1960-1964, the Detroit Lions in 1965, and the Los Angeles Rams in 1966. After his football career ended, Ted taught and coached for 20 years in the Hammond Public School system. Although Ted retired in 1995, he continues to serve as an assistant coach for his son, Ted Jr., at Andrean High School in Merrillville. Andy Kirk's football career began at Horace Mann High School in Gary, where he played varsity football from 1934-1937. After graduating, Andy attended the Chicago Art Institute on scholarship for two years before leaving to find a new life in sports as a trainer. He worked in Gary at the YMCA, where he served as an apprentice masseur. In 1941, Andy earned a degree from the College of Swedish Massage. He entered the realm of high school sports in 1942 and spent the next thirty years there. He started at Horace Mann High School, spent ten years at Tolleston High School, three years at Lew Wallace High School, and, in 1960, commenced his long career at Andrean High School. He also worked for Saints Peter and Paul School for thirty years until his retirement in 1981. Andy still volunteers his time at Andrean High School. He and his wife of fifty-four years, Margaret, reside in Merrillville. Stewart Mattix is another Hobart High School graduate to be inducted into this year's Indiana Football Hall of Fame class. Stew earned two varsity letters before graduating in 1949. He went on to Ball State University, where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education in 1954. Before retiring in 1992, Stew was a teacher, an elementary principal, and an assistant superintendent. In 1958, he took over the field announcing duties for his high school team, the Hobart Brickies. For 34 years, the voice of Stew Mattix was heard all around the Brickie Bowl, as well as during practices he attended. Stew still resides in Hobart with his wife, Connie. Gary native Charles Stanier attended Horace Mann School from kindergarten through his final year as a senior. He graduated in 1959, but not before he earned recognition as a Captain, All-City, All- Conference, and the Chicago Tribune's All Area-Team for his great performance as both a linebacker and an offensive tackle. For his outstanding talent and dedication, Charlie earned a scholarship to Duke University where he was chosen as First Team Freshman Atlantic Coast Conference before his playing career ended due to knee injuries. In 1963, Charlie graduated from Duke and began his teaching and coaching career at Valparaiso High School. Charlie has served as a line coach under Tom Stokes and Mark Hoffman. He and his wife, Janice, live in Valparaiso, and they have three daughters, Jennifer, Rebecca, and Laura. Harold Atterberry began working as a member of the maintenance staff of the Portage Township schools in 1972. From then until his retirement in February of this year, he maintained the fields of Portage High School's football field in a professional, meticulous manner, befitting a professional football field. After twenty-five years, he retired and enjoys gardening and spending time with his wife, Nancy, at their home in Morgan Township. Before graduating from Edison High School in Gary, in 1954, George Hall played football, basketball, track, and baseball. After serving two years in the United States Army, George earned a Bachelor of Science Degree from Purdue University and a Masters Degree from Indiana University. After his college days, George became a football coach. For 29 years, 25 of which were in Hammond, George taught young men the sport of football. He is currently retired and living in Bowling Green, Kentucky. Bob Kuechenberg played football at Hobart High School, from which he graduated in 1964. After being named Team Captain and All-State End, he attended the University of Notre Dame, from which he graduated with a degree in economics. He played on Notre Dame's National Championship team of 1966, earned the team's Most Valuable Lineman award in 1967, the Fighting Irish's Defensive Lineman of the Year in 1968, and played in the East-West and All-American Bowls. Bob played for 15 years in the NFL with the Miami Dolphins. With the Dolphins, Bob played in five Super Bowls and earned his place on six different Pro Bowl teams. His accomplishments qualify him as one of the most versatile, effective, and durable offensive linemen throughout the NFL's history. Bob currently lives in Miramar, Florida, where he is the CEO of Kuechenberg Marketing. Irv Cross, a familiar face on CBS Television's ``The NFL Today'' show on Sunday afternoons from 1975-1990, is a 1957 Hammond High School graduate. He earned high distinction as the Calumet Region Times' Athlete of the Year for his outstanding accomplishments in football, basketball, and track. Irv went on to star at Northwestern University as an offensive and defensive end, as well as a fullback. He was named Northwestern's Athlete of the Year, and went on to play for the Philadelphia Eagles. After retiring as an active player he became a coach. He then followed up his career as a player and a coach with his notable accomplishments as a commentator and expert analyst on CBS. Irv is currently the Athletic Director at Idaho State University. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in congratulating Ted Karras, Sr., Andy Kirk, Stewart Mattix, Charles Stanier, Harold Atterberry, George Hall, Bob Kuechenberg, and Irv Cross for being inducted into the Indiana Football Hall of Fame. Their service, dedication, and success has left an indelible mark on Indiana football and Indiana's First Congressional District.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with the greatest pleasure that I pay tribute to an exceptionally dedicated, compassionate, and distinguished member of Indiana's First Congressional District, Mr. J. Donald Leek, of Gary, Indiana. After serving as the School City of Gary's Athletic Director for twenty-seven years, Don will retire on June 30, 1998. Upon completion of his last day, Don will be honored in Gary's Marquette Park with a final, formal salute for his service, effort, and dedication. A 1947 graduate of Roosevelt High School, Don was a phenomenal athlete and an excellent student. In addition to his four varsity letters in football and three in track, his outstanding efforts earned him Roosevelt's Most Outstanding Athlete award in 1947. In addition to these honors, Don was the city's low and high hurdler champion in 1946 and 1947, 1947 state runner-up in the high hurdles, and a member of the Panthers' 1947 state championship 880 relay team. Continuing his excellence in track, Don attended North Carolina Central University, where he was his school's conference champion in the low hurdles in 1950 and 1951, and the 60-yard high hurdles champion at the Junior National Indoor Track and Field Meet in New York City in 1950. Upon graduating from NCCU in 1951, Don was inducted into the Air Force and spent the next two years serving his country. After being Honorably Discharged as a First Lieutenant in 1953, he returned to Roosevelt where he began his coaching career in both football and track. Don's success as a track star contributed to his coaching ability, which helped him direct his teams to nine city championships, nine sectional championships, seven regional titles, and five state championships. In recognition of his coaching successes, Don was named the 1962 Coach of the Year by the Indiana High School Track Coaches Association. Don was also honored as Indiana High School Athletic Director of the year in 1975, and he was inducted into the Indiana Association of Track and Cross Country Hall of Fame in 1974. Though extremely dedicated to his work as a coach and athletic director, Don selflessly gives his free time and energy to his community, his education, and most importantly, his family. Don is a life member of the NAACP, as well as the Kappa Alpha Psi fraternity. He also volunteers for the Gary YMCA, is a member of the Indiana High School Athletic Directors Association, and served as President of the Civil Rights Hall of Fame Games. In addition to his degree from North Carolina Central University, Don graduated with an M.S. degree from Indiana University in 1967 and earned an advanced degree from Purdue University in 1976. Don, now seventy years old, plans to continue his daily regimen of walking at least two miles every morning. He also wants to spend more time with his wife, Barbara, their two daughters, Sandra and Cynthia, and his stepson, Cromwell O'Brien. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me in commending Don Leeks for his lifetime of service, leadership, and rededication to Gary and Northwest Indiana. Don's efforts as Athletic Director for the School City of Gary are legendary as one tool among many serving to help students stay motivated in the classroom. Don has rewarded the people of his community with true leadership and uncompromising dedication.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the critical importance of union organizing in protecting working families. ``The Day To Make Our Voices Heard'' campaign highlights successful organizing drives and shows how they improve workers' standards of living and working conditions. The campaign focuses public attention on the many obstacles workers face in exercising their right to union representation. This week's events are especially important in building coalitions among workers, union leaders, as well as political and community leaders--coalitions that will hold up the example of responsible employers and build public pressure against employers who trample the right of their workers to organize. In Northwest Indiana--the region I represent--and throughout our country, the opportunity to join a union means a guarantee that workers share in the benefits of increased productivity. The ability to join a union means that you will earn an average 34 percent more than a nonunion worker. The ability to join a union means that you are more likely to receive health benefits from your employer and higher quality benefits that will protect your family members in the case of a serious illness. The ability to join a union means that you are more likely to have a decent pension that will provide you and your spouse with a secure retirement. The ability to join a union means that you will have a greater say in how your workplace is run, which will lead to a safer and more productive workplace. And what has protecting workers' ability to join unions meant to our country? Over the past century, America's unions have helped build the largest middle class in the history of the world. As we move into the next century, good union jobs will continue to be essential to building and maintaining communities that are strong both economically and socially. Now you would think that the Congress would be doing everything it could to protect workers right to union representation. Sadly, that is not the case. Just this March, the Republican majority in the House pushed through legislation that would overturn a unanimous 1995 Supreme Court decision recognizing the right of all workers to seek employment, regardless of their membership in a union or their support for union representation in their new workplace. And every year, we see attempts in the Congress to cut funding for the National Labor Relations Board-- the federal agency responsible for preventing unfair labor practices by employers and unions. Mr. Speaker, it is high time that Members of the House make our voices heard in support of union organizing efforts across the country. We owe this--higher wages, better benefits, safer workplaces--and much more to the working men and women of America.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Fazio) for yielding me this time. First of all, I rise in strong support of the legislation before the House. Secondly, I rise to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Fazio) and the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman McDade) for continuing the bipartisan tradition of this subcommittee. As the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey) had mentioned earlier, we have two individuals before us who, while Republican and Democrat, always put the public's interest before their party's. They have always put the public's interest before their own, and have continued this subcommittee on a bipartisan track and have provided the House today with a quality piece of legislation. Mr. Chairman, on a personal note I would say to the gentleman from California (Mr. Fazio), I will miss him. This House will miss him. He is a good friend. He is a leader of our party and of this Nation. He is one of the most competent legislators I have ever known and is possessed of a kind heart. I really, really have appreciated the time I have been able to spend with the gentleman. Mr. Chairman, I would also say to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. McDade) that he too is a friend and is imbued with a great deal of integrity. As I said on an earlier occasion a couple of weeks ago, the most precious thing any of us have to give any other individual is our time, because that is the one thing we all possess in our lives that is limited. The gentleman from Pennsylvania has been selfless in the time that he has given me. He has given me his expertise. He has give me his wisdom. He has given me good advice. Unfortunately, sometimes I do not always want to hear that advice. But more times than not, I followed it to my benefit. Mr. Chairman, the gentleman too has been a great friend. We all will miss him. And from the bottom of my heart, I deeply appreciate everything he has done for me.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to commend the Order of American Hellenic Educational Progressive Association (Ahepa), Chapter Number 78, who in conjunction with the Daughters of Penelope, Mentor Chapter Number 81, will be hosting the 68th Hoosier District Number 12 Annual Convention in Merrillville, Indiana this weekend, June 19-21, 1998. On Saturday, June 20, as part of the convention's festivities, the following six outstanding members of the Order of Ahepa, and the Northwest Indiana community will be receiving their prestigious Fifty Year Member Pins: Mr. Spiro Cappony, of Griffith; Mr. James Kallimani, of Gary; Mr. Deno Manolopoulos, of Valparaiso; Mr. Nick Pangere, of Merrillville; Mr. John Trakas, of Crown Point; and Mr. Tony Zerites, of Crown Point. Each of these six men has dedicated fifty years of service to all facets of the Order of Ahepa, his community, and the noteworthy humanitarian charities and activities to which the Order or Ahepa donates effort, time, and money. These loyal and dedicated individuals share this prestigious honor with approximately fifty-seven additional Chapter 78 members who have already attained Fifty Year Member status. The Order of Ahepa is an international fraternal order with chapters in the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the Bahama Islands. It was founded in 1922 in Atlanta, Georgia, to help immigrants from Europe, especially Greece, assimilate into the American way of life. It taught the new arrivals the customs and language, and helped them to become good, productive citizens in their new, adopted country. Today, the Order of Ahepa is still concerned with aiding immigrants, as well as monitoring the current events in Greece, becoming involved with the region's community, and supporting the aging members of the Northwest Indiana Greek community. Nationally, the Order of Ahepa works with the United States Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) to build and maintain senior citizen apartments. Chapter 78 of the Order of Ahepa, based in Merrillville, is quite proud of the three 50-unit buildings that it maintains in conjunction with HUD and the Town Board of Merrillville. Indeed, I commend the Order of Ahepa for providing a safe, clean living environment for area seniors. Besides the outstanding senior housing program, Chapter 78 of the Order of Ahepa supports many other charitable organizations, including food pantries at the St. Constantine Cathedral in Merrillville and another one in Hobart, and St. Basil's Academy in Boston, Massachusetts. Besides helping other charitable organizations, the local Order of Ahepa Chapter directly helps such groups as Hearing Impaired Children in the Catholic Diocese of Gary; the Merrillville and Hobart Police Departments; the Hobart Fire Department's school fire safety awareness programs; the Greek Orthodox Cathedral; Our Lady of Perpetual Help's Ministry to the Physically and Mentally Challenged; and Holy Cross College in Boston. Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my other distinguished colleagues to join me saluting Spiro Cappony, James Kallimani, Deno Manolopoulos, Nick Pangere, John Trakas, and Tony Zerites, of the Chapter 78 Order of Ahepa, for their distinguished service, dedication, and leadership. Through their hard work and commitment, they have furthered the goals of the Order of Ahepa in bringing together the members of the Greek community for the betterment of everyone in Northwest Indiana.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I pay tribute to one of Northwest Indiana's most dedicated social workers, Shirley L. Story, of Gary, Indiana. On March 20, 1998, Shirley was honored at the Annual Social Worker of the Year and Citizen of the Year Awards Celebration with the Social Workers of the Year Award. The highest honor for a member of the National Association of Social Workers (NASW), this award is given yearly to a person who displays outstanding leadership, commitment, and professionalism beyond the normal clientele relationship. Shirley was honored for her exemplary work as a Social Worker Supervisor at St. Joseph's Carmelite School for Girls in East Chicago, Indiana. During her twelve years at the Carmelite School for Girls, Shirley has instituted programs dedicated to improving the lives of the young women with whom she has contact. Indeed, she has created such initiatives as the Independent Living Program, where high school seniors are allowed to rent an apartment. The girls pay bills, utilities, and work their own jobs learning valuable skills for their future. Shirley is also dedicated to improving the field of social work as a whole. She is currently serving her second term as a representative to the NASW Indiana Chapter, which allows her to share her knowledge and experience with other social workers around the state. Deeply committed to the community through her work, Shirley also volunteers much of her personal time. She is actively involved in her church, the New Revelation Church, in Gary. Some examples of the dedication Shirley has for her church include her service as the First Vice President of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Baptist State Convention of Indiana, Inc., the Recording Secretary in the Progressive Baptist Convention Midwest Region, and a Co-Sunday School teacher for young women. In addition, Shirley is active in the Delta Sigma Theta Public Service Sorority, Church Women United, and the alumna associations of Loyola University and Ball State University. Though certainly dedicated to her work and community, Shirley is also a caring, family-oriented person. Her children, Chisle Leah and Vaughn Michael, are twenty-one and nineteen, respectively. Chisle is a licensed cosmetologist and Vaughn will attend Purdue University this fall. Part of a family, Shirley often takes care of her nieces and nephews, especially the children of her sister who passed away three years ago. In addition, she often visits her relatives to spend quality time with them. Shirley plans to remain with the St. Joseph's Carmelite School for Girls. With the opportunities for creating new programs, positive effects of the community, and helping individuals in need, she is very satisfied in her current position as Social Worker Supervisor. However, Shirley has not limited her potential for good works in the future. She is considering opening a consulting firm to broaden her activities throughout the region. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in congratulating Shirley Story for being named Social Worker of the Year. Her dedication, service, and leadership to her community and her family has rewarded the people of Indiana's First Congressional District with one of the real heroes of our time.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct honor to commend Jack Parton, of Hebron, Indiana, for his exemplary service to Indiana's First Congressional District. Since 1982, when Jack was serving as the District 31 Director of the United Steelworkers of America, he has organized an annual golf outing to raise money for the National Kidney Foundation. This year, in honor of his great efforts and activities on behalf of the Kidney Foundation, Jack was honored by the foundation during the Cadillac Invitational Golf Tournament, on June 15, 1998 at the Broadmoor Country Club in Merrillville, Indiana. The 16th annual `Kidney Days Golf Outing' fundraiser for the National Kidney Foundation will be held on August 21, 1998. The event will take place at five golf courses in Northwest Indiana and is expected to include almost one thousand participants. Profits will be given to the Kidney Foundation to help the ailing and needy, with expected proceeds to be in excess of $4,000. In the previous 15 years of this event, over $100,000 has been raised and donated to the National Kidney Foundation. A strong leader of the United Steelworkers of America, Jack first joined in the union in 1959 as a member of Local 1014 at U.S. Steel's Gary Works, where he served two terms as its President. Jack was elected Director of District 31 in 1981, and he was subsequently re- elected in 1985, 1989, and 1993. In 1995, District 31 was re-organized into District 7, which now encompasses all of Illinois and Indiana, and Jack served as its first director. In March of 1998, Jack was installed once more as the District 7 Director. Dedicated to the union, Jack has assumed numerous important responsibilities, including chairing contract negotiations with Inland Steel, Ryerson, Acme Steel, Northwestern Steel & Wire, and LTV Steel, where he serves as Secretary of negotiations. In addition, Jack established the District 7 Labor/ Management Safety and Health Conference, which was the first district- level conference of its type in the USWA. In 1996, Jack served as the Secretary of the 1996 Convention Officers' Report Committee. Jack, while deeply committed to his work, is also dedicated to his family. He often travels back to Virginia to visit his mother and spend time with his other relatives. His future plans include working to facilitate the unification merger of the United Autoworkers and the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers with the United Steelworkers of America. Together with other union leaders, Jack will ensure that the membership of these three unions unites to form one comprehensive, united, and strong voice for working men and women. This newly invigorated union will be dedicated to serving, protecting, and aiding its membership. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to ask you and my distinguished colleagues to join me in paying tribute to one of the region's true humanitarian leaders, Jack Parton. Jack's service to his community, co- workers, and union is worthy of the highest praise and emulation. Northwest Indiana is lucky to have such a incredibly altruistic, dedicated, and upright individual.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my great pleasure to congratulate a prominent humanitarian activist, the Reverend Charles Doyle, of Beverly Shores, Indiana, for his lifetime of service, compassion, and leadership in Northwest Indiana. After forty-five years of service with the Catholic Church, Father Doyle is retiring. On Sunday, June 28, 1998, a celebration will be held in Father Doyle's honor at St. Ann's Church, where he has served as pastor for the last thirty years. Father Doyle has never believed that his work as a priest was limited to Sunday mornings. Even though he is extremely dedicated to the people of his parish, Father Doyle has never restricted his humanitarian activities to only his parishioners. Instead, he aids as many people as he can, no matter their situation. Indeed, Father Doyle's activism spans four decades and includes service as Chaplain at the Indiana State Prison, Chaplain of the Beatty Memorial Hospital in Westville, Indiana, priest for seven different parishes, Public Defender in LaPorte County, Indiana, and a member of the Indiana State Bar, with a specialization in criminal defense. In addition, Father Doyle has served as a board member of the National Institute Against Prejudice and Violence, the Calumet Chapter of the Indiana Civil Liberties Union, the Indiana Coalition Against the Death Penalty, and the Northwest Indiana Open Housing Center. He was also Counsel to the Michigan City Human Rights Commission, the Chairperson of the Indiana Chapter to the Citizens United for Rehabilitation of Errants, and a founding member of the Northwest Indiana Coalition to Abolish Control Unit Prisons. Father Doyle has been honored as an Honorary Chaplain for the Indiana House of Representatives. He has also received numerous awards including: the Whitlock Award, from the Indiana Civil Liberties Union; the Artisan Award, from the Academy of Fine Arts and Friends; and the Life Achievement Award, from the Indiana Public Defender Council. Born in Nappanee, Indiana in 1927, Father Doyle is a lifelong Hoosier, As a young man, he chose to serve God and graduated from St. Meinrad College and Seminary, with a Bachelor of Arts in philosophy, followed by his ordination. In 1962, Father Doyle continued his education by earning a Master degree in counseling from Loyola University. After marching with Martin Luther King, Jr., from Selma to Montgomery, Alabama in 1965, Father Doyle decided to turn to law as another way to further his ministry and to aid people. Turning this dream into reality, he graduated from Valparaiso University's Law School in 1974 and soon passed the bar examination. One of the true activists of the region, Father Doyle may be leaving the pulpit, but he will never abandon his work for social justice and prison reform. He plans to work for the goals of prison reform, abolition of the death penalty, and an end to the spirit of vengeance that pervades our society. Toward these ends, Father Doyle plans to write articles and lecture in high school and college classrooms to raise awareness and educate people about the true conditions in prison as well as on death row. Mr. Speaker, I ask that you and my other distinguished colleagues join me in commending the Reverend Charles Doyle for his lifetime of service and dedication to the people of Northwest Indiana and the citizens of the United States. Father Doyle's unceasing service has left an indelible mark on Indiana's First Congressional District and serves as a shining example for activists all over the world.

Mr. VISCLOSKY

Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Speaker, it is my sincerest pleasure to commend an outstanding leader of Indiana's First Congressional District, Monsignor Joseph F. Semancik. On Sunday, June 28, 1998, Monsignor Semancik will be honored by the Midwest Slovak Cultural Society during their annual Slovak Day Celebration. In honor of Monsignor Semancik's announced retirement, Sunday, June 28, 1998 has been designated as ``Monsignor Semancik Day.'' This highly anticipated event, in its twenty-fifth year, is a cultural celebration combining the best of religious, civic, and ethnic entertainment. Awarding this high honor to Monsignor Semancik clearly shows how valuable and indispensable he has been for the residents of Northwest Indiana, the Catholic Charities of the Gary Diocese, and all the people he has touched through the service of God. On Thursday, October 1, 1998, Monsignor Semancik will officially retire as the Director of Catholic Charities. Since he finished his master's degree in social work from Loyola University, Monsignor Semancik has spent the last thirty-eight years serving the Northwest Indiana Catholic community as one of the region's most accessible, compassionate, and dedicated spiritual leaders and social advocates. In 1958, Monsignor Semancik was directed by Bishop Andrew G. Grutka to study social work. Though spending most of his time helping others, Monsignor Semancik advanced his own learning by earning a master's degree from Loyola University in 1960 and a doctorate from the University of Chicago in 1977. Driven by his compassion, desire to help people, and education, he spearheaded the efforts that led Catholic Charities to become the great helping organization that it is today. During his long tenure as Director of Catholic Charities, his service on the Lake County Economic Opportunity Council, and the Lake County Community Development Committee, as well as his successful efforts in establishing the Indiana Catholic Conference, Monsignor Semancik has truly earned the love, respect, and admiration of everyone in Indiana's First Congressional District. Though Monsignor Semancik, at sixty-nine years of age, will soon retire from his position with Catholic Charities, he will maintain his position as Pastor of Sacred Heart Church in East Chicago, Indiana. As well, he will continue one of his lifelong passions: writing. Currently, Monsignor Semancik is planning to write a history of the Catholic Charities in the Diocese of Gary. He also plans to continue his long-standing tradition of researching and writing about Catholic Charities directors. These works, when completed, will go along with the work that he completed on the history of Slovaks in Indiana. Mr. Speaker, America is made a better place because of the tireless and unselfish service of her citizens. Monsignor Joseph Semancik is a man who has dedicated his entire life to helping those around him, resolutely working to aid the unfortunate and needy, and serving as an upright pillar of morality and conscience. In so doing, he has strengthened his community, Northwest Indiana, and whole of our country and society. I ask you, and my other distinguished colleagues, to join me in commending Monsignor Semancik for his lifetime of remarkable accomplishments, enduring service, and the unforgettable effect he has had on the people of his community.