Jim Walsh

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, most recent data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs estimate that roughly 23.6 million male and 1.2 million female veterans currently reside in the United States. Of which, 3,400 veterans served in World War I, 5.9 million in World War II, 4.1 million in the Korean Conflict, 8.1 million during the Vietnam era, 2.2 million during the Persian Gulf War era, and 5.8 million during peacetime. New York State is home to over 1.4 million veterans, and some 4,600 veterans reside in Cortland County alone. Veterans from across the State of New York will be descending upon the Country Music Park in Truxton, New York on Sunday, May 20th to attend festivities recognizing their service to the American people. As a Member of Congress representing Cortland County and Chair of the House Appropriations Subcommittee on Veterans Affairs/HUD and Independent Agencies overseeing the funding of all federal veterans benefits and health services, I rise today to recognize the dedication these New York State veterans and their families have shown in service to our nation. Americans of all ages owe a sincere debt of gratitude to the sacrifice of all veterans who have defended our country and preserved and protected the foundations of liberty and freedom both home and abroad. I anticipate that the event on May 20th will be a fitting tribute to their selfless service.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the work of a tireless village mayor in New York's 25th Congressional District, Mayor Mary Alice Bellardini of the Village of Homer. Mayor Bellardini retired as Mayor on March 31st after fourteen years at the village's helm. Prior to her initial election as mayor in March 1987, she served as a Cortland County Legislator for almost seven years. During her tenure, the Village of Homer prospered. She is credited with renewing the village's historical preservation and planning efforts, improving its public water system, expanding economic development efforts and beautifying the Main Street corridor, establishing weekly summer band concerts on the village green, improving public safety operations, and reopening the Water Street bridge as a pedestrian walkway. I have always regarded Mayor Bellardini as a strong partner in my work in Cortland County. Married to Harry Bellardini, the former Cortland County Republican Party Chairman, Mayor Bellardini is a proud Republican though always anxious to work in a bipartisan manner on behalf of her constituents. She has worked especially close with Democratic Village Trustee Virginia ``Ginny'' Swartwout--a twenty-six year veteran of village government, who also deserves special recognition for service to her community as she retires from her post this year. Besides her work on behalf or the people of Homer, Mayor Bellardini is committed to community service. She served as President of the New York State Conference of Mayors from 1995 through 1996. She still holds positions on the Boards of Directors for numerous organizations, including Alliance Bank, Central New York Blue Cross/Blue Shield, Excellus, Inc., the Home Store, and the Cortland County Business Development Corporation. Last year, Governor George Pataki named Mayor Bellardini to serve on a select Advisory Committee to the Quality Communities Interagency Task Force for New York State. A lifelong Cortland County area resident, Mayor Bellardini has three children and five grandchildren. Though Mary Alice believes that it's time for ``a fresh face and new blood'' in the village Mayor's Office, I am certain that her accomplishments and dedication as Mayor of Homer will live on for generations to come. I congratulate her on her retirement from public life, thank her for her over twenty years of service as an elected official, and wish her well in all of life's future pursuits. Her daily presence and involvement at village offices will certainly be missed.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, on March 6, the U.S. Senate voted 56-44 to repeal an OSHA ergonomics rule initiated by the Clinton administration that would affect over 102 million workers at over 6 million work sites. While Congress passed the Congressional Review Act in 1996, granting the authority to review and disapprove of many regulatory rules made by a federal agency, Congress has never passed a joint resolution of disapproval. I have strong reservations about the rule because it puts a significant burden on already struggling small businesses not only in my community in Central New York but across the United States. Currently, Congress is trying to maintain and strengthen the overall economy by encouraging small business entrepreneurship with a variety of economic stimulus programs. We must continue this effort in a positive manner as it is the small business person who creates jobs in each of our districts. The implementation of this rule would devastate employers with extra costs that would try to fix ergonomically related problems. Despite my opposition to this rule, our work on this issue cannot stop here. According to OSHA, improper ergonomic design of jobs is one of the leading causes cited for work-related illness. Congress must protect the thousands of employees that have had work-related injuries while at the same time protect small businesses that must deal with the complexity and cost of the standard. Through federal funding, studies by the National Academy of Sciences (NAS) have provided a thorough review of studies that showed significant statistical information between workplace injuries and musculoskeletal disorders. However, the scientific understanding of the problem has not been completed. With this in mind, I urge Secretary Chao to immediately review and revise the standard that meets the needs of all parties. I do believe in a comprehensive approach to ergonomics that addresses the concerns imposed against the current standard. By finding corrective actions that can redesign the workplace, we will ensure the health and stability of our nation's workforce.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, the people of Central New York lost their personal reporter last Sunday in Syracuse. Let me emphasize the word their because Luther F. (Gus) Bliven was that person for every day of his 71 year career with the Syracuse Post Standard. For someone to work for the same employer over a 71 year span is remarkable in itself. But to have earned both the respect and trust of the people who read your work over that same time frame is the trademark of greatness. Gus Bliven covered the state legislature in Albany for almost 50 years. During that time frame he reported on seven governors, hundreds of state legislators, countless hearings and more all night sessions then he ever wished. He was a ``reporters reporter'' as he developed the earned reputation of a no-nonsense but fair writer. He expected honest answers to his questions and when he got them the story reflected it. If he felt the response was less than truthful the story reflected that as well. You didn't want to ever be in that category. Gus covered my father when he was mayor of Syracuse. They didn't always agree but they respected one another as strait-shooters. My father paid him a high compliment when he said that Gus Bliven was the best but toughest reporter he had ever known. On Wednesday, February 28, 2001, this fine newspaperman was laid to rest. I won't be at his funeral because the House is in session requiring me to be here in Washington, but many people will join to say farewell to this news legend from Central New York. It almost seems fitting that as Christians begin the season of Lent, known as a time of getting closer to the Lord, Gus Bliven starts his journey home to God. He would have enjoyed this parallel.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 40th Anniversary Season of the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra, a fully professional residential orchestra of national acclaim, which serves the entire central and northern New York State region. The Orchestra includes 6 professional musicians and a conducting staff of international caliber and performs over 100 full-orchestra concerts throughout Central and Northern New York, reaching more than 200,000 audience members during its 38-week season. Now the 45th largest orchestra in the United States, the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra performs a vast array of programs including classics, pops, family, chamber orchestra, educational youth programs and free summer parks concerts. In addition, the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra presents The Nutcracker with a visiting ballet company each December and also plays for Syracuse Opera performances. Syracuse Symphony concerts are broadcast twice weekly on WCNYFM and the Orchestra proudly operates two youth ensembles--the Syracuse Symphony Youth Orchestra and Syracuse Symphony Youth String Orchestra. Beyond its Syracuse-based activities, the Orchestra performs a heavy schedule of concerts in under-served regional communities. In addition to subscription series in Watertown, Rome and Cortland, the Orchestra frequently tours New York State and, in recent years, Pennsylvania, New Hampshire, and Connecticut. The Orchestra has made four trips to Carnegie Hall and produced several recordings, including the most recent compact disc release under the direction of Daniel Hege. The Orchestra collaborates with dozens of local organizations each year, including the Syracuse Stage, Syracuse University Oratorio Society, Syracuse Children's Chorus, Syracuse School of Dance, and the Center of Ballet and Dance Arts. In 1999, their excellence in the arts was recognized when The Orchestra received the prestigious New York State Governor's Arts Award. I would like to take this opportunity to commend the Syracuse Symphony Orchestra for its many accomplishments throughout the past forty years and recognize its service to Central New York and surrounding communities. We wish its members and patrons every success in all future endeavors.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, today marks the 40th anniversary of the Peace Corps. Thirty years ago, I left my very comfortable middle-class home in Syracuse, New York for a thatched hut with a mud floor in the foothills of Nepal. I made a lot of friends. I gained a lot more knowledge than I imparted. But today, I stand before my colleagues, among other Members of Congress, who served in the Peace Corps. Many of us are back home providing productive lives and leadership throughout many sectors of our country. The knowledge of the world that these Peace Corps, former Peace Corps volunteers provide becomes more and more valuable as the world gets smaller. Congress needs to continue its strong support for this program. There are benefits certainly to the world in terms of better international relations, and it provides a constant infusion of new leaders to our country. So, Mr. Speaker, I urge strong support for the continued Peace Corps program.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, on February 28, 2001 Senior Master Sergeant George C. Finch, Jr. will retire as the Assistant Superintendent for the 174th Logistics Support Flight, New York Air National Guard in Syracuse, New York after 10 years at the position and 35 years of dedicated service in the United States Armed Forces. A native of Central New York, Sergeant Finch's long and distinguished career in the United States Armed Forces began after graduating from Whitesboro High School when he entered the United States Air Force in June of 1966 as an Administrative Specialist. Since then, Sergeant Finch has honorably served in United States military operations around the world including Operation Desert Shield in Saudi Arabia, where Sergeant Finch acted as the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Plans, Scheduling and Documentation. After his return from Saudi Arabia, Sergeant Finch was reassigned as the Noncommissioned Officer in Charge of Plans, Scheduling, and Documentation, of the 174th Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron, and subsequently the 174th Logistics Support Flight. Since then, Sergeant Finch has served in Operation Provide Comfort in Turkey and Operation Northern Watch, also in Turkey before finally being deployed to Prince Sultan Air Base, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia in March of 2000. Sergeant Finch's military decorations include the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Air Force Achievement Medal. His military unit awards include the Joint Meritorious Service Award with one oak leaf cluster and the Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat ``V'' Device and five oak leaf clusters. He also holds the Air Force Good Conduct Medal, the Air Reserve Forces Meritorious Service Medal with six oak leaf clusters, the National Defense Service Medal with one bronze service star, the Southwest Asia Service Medal with three campaign stars, and the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal. Other service awards include the Air Force Overseas Service Long Tour Ribbon, the Air Force Longevity Service Award with seven oak leaf clusters, the Armed Forces Service Medal with Silver hourglass device, Mobilization ``M'' device and numeral four. His Foreign Service awards include the Kuwait Liberation Medal from Saudi Arabia and the Kuwait Liberation Medal from Kuwait. On behalf of the 26th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Sergeant Finch on his well deserved retirement and to thank him for 35 years of service to our Nation. We wish him and his family the very best.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, today I want to congratulate a man from my New York's 25th Congressional District whose distinguished career has contributed to the growth and prosperity of a major employer in Central New York. This month, Mr. T. Hume Laidman will retire from the Carrier Corporation division of United Technology after 44 dedicated years of service. Since 1957, Mr. Laidman has served in five different divisions of Carrier, participating in the company's growth from a largely domestic supplier to a truly global leader in its industry. Mr. Laidman has personally overseen the opening of manufacturing plants on five continents, and since 1997 as Vice President of Operations for Carrier Refrigeration, he has played a key role in establishing its refrigeration division, which has its worldwide headquarters in Syracuse, as a $3 billion operation. Raised in Florida, Mr. Laidman spent summers as a youth visiting his godmother in Cazenovia, New York. After graduating from the University of Miami, Mr. Laidman decided to pursue his career and raise his family in Central New York. While his vocation frequently took him to various countries, Mr. Laidman still found time to volunteer locally for the ski patrol at Song Mountain for more than 40 years. Mr. Laidman's leadership at Carrier has contributed greatly to the organization's success and to its ability to support a large employee base, community organizations and civic betterment. On behalf of the people of the 25th Congressional District, it is my honor to congratulate Mr. Laidman on his well-deserved retirement and to thank him for 44 years of service to Central New York. We wish him and his family the very best.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, on January 27, 2001 a Gala Surprise Party will be held to honor the accomplishments of the West Genesee ``Wildcat'' Marching Band Director William Davern. Bill Davern will retire from this extracurricular activity following 16 years of dedication, hard work and many successes. He will continue to work as a teacher at West Genesee High School in Camillus, New York. Bill Davern's involvement with the ``Wildcat'' Marching Band began in 1975 when he participated as a band member from 1975-78. The West Genesee Marching Band has long since established itself as one of the premiere High School Marching Bands in the country. For the past 27 years the band has sustained a level of excellence few marching bands ever achieve in a single season. As band director for the past 11 years, Bill Davern continued the ``Wildcat'' tradition of greatness, elevating it to new heights. Prior to becoming Band Director in 1989, he worked as a band instructor since 1984. He leaves the ``Wildcats'' with 12 straight New York State Band Championships, four National Field Band Championships, a National Parade Championship and a plethora of other victories. I would like to take this opportunity to commend Bill Davern and the West Genesee Marching Band for their many accomplishments. The ``Wildcat'' Band has had an outstanding record for the past 27 years. Under the direction of Bill Davern, the band has set precedents in the history of the New York State Field Band Conference. His talent will be sorely missed by current and past band members, parents and school in this capacity.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, at the conclusion of this admissions season, Mr. Howell L. Hodgskin, Jr. will retire after twelve years of service to Upstate New York as our region's admissions field representative for the United States Military Academy at West Point. Mr. Hodgskin, a graduate of West Point and a one-time commissioned officer in the United States Army, has served as the U.S. Military Academy's liaison officer for seven different Members of Congress-- Sherwood Boehlert, John McHugh, Maurice Hinchey, Bill Paxon, Tom Reynolds, Amory Houghton, and me--as we annually seek to make nominations to the nation's service academies. After distinguished service in the Army, Mr. Hodgskin was employed as a program manager and radar engineer for the General Electric Company in Syracuse from 1956 to 1989. Since his retirement from General Electric, Mr. Hodgskin has proved invaluable as Upstate's Congressional liaison to West Point. His contributions have assisted Central New York's finest young people in their efforts to enroll in the United States Military Academy. As he prepares to step down from this important role, I salute him on behalf of the residents of New York's 25th Congressional District for his service and dedication to West Point and our nation. The best of luck always, Hodge.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, October 29, 2000, two Central New York high schools won their respective divisions at the 2000 New York Field Band Conference Championship in Syracuse, New York. West Genesee High School located in Camillus, New York won their 12th straight title in the National Division of the competition. C.W. Baker High School in Baldwinsville, New York placed first in the Division III large-school competition. Today, I would like to recognize the hard work, dedication and support of the band members, leaders and parents. Excellence has been achieved only through the dedication of so many, and I congratulate all of them on their success. Forty bands competed in the championship competition held at the Carrier Dome on the Syracuse University Campus. West Genesee competed against six other teams in the National Division. Since 1974, West Genesee has won 23 of the past 27 New York State Field Band Conference Championships. The 2000 ``Wildcat'' Band has 170 members in grades 9- 12. The end of the 2000 season marks the bands seventh consecutive undefeated year in New York State competition. C.W. Baker High School competed against nine schools in the Large School, Division III component of the competition. The win marked ``the Bee's'' third New York State Championship victory. The 2000 Baker High Band has 70 members in grades 8-12. I am pleased to congratulate all of the participants, supporters and leaders of West Genesee High School and Baldwinsville C.W. Baker High School Marching Bands.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, October 16, 2000, John J. McGuire, my former District Director in Syracuse, New York, and close, personal friend, died after a long battle with brain cancer. John served as an integral part of my staff since my election to Congress in 1988. Prior to that time, he served as a compliance officer for 11 years with the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor in Syracuse. John McGuire, a former Marine, was a highly decorated disabled American veteran. He is a past recipient of the Veterans Service Award from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, four Special Achievement Awards and the Federal Distinguished Career Award. After serving as a sergeant in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, John taught English both here in the United States and in the Balkans. With John's death early last week, his wife and children lost a terrific husband and father, and I lost a neighbor, a close advisor and loyal friend. The Central New York community lost a tireless worker and community advocate, and the entire nation lost a dedicated public servant and true American patriot. I submit the attached column by Mr. Sean Kirst printed in the October 18th issue of the Syracuse Post-Standard, which so eloquently details John McGuire's motivation and career, be included in the Congressional Record to commemorate his distinguished life. He certainly will be missed, but can never be forgotten.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, October 16, John J. McGuire, my former district director in Syracuse, New York, and close personal friend, died after a long battle with brain cancer. John served as an integral part of my staff since my election to Congress in 1988. Prior to that time, he served as a compliance officer for 11 years with the Wage and Hour Division of the United States Department of Labor in Syracuse. John McGuire, a former Marine, was a highly decorated disabled American veteran. He is a past recipient of the Veterans Service Award from the United States Department of Veterans Affairs, four Special Achievement Awards and the Federal Distinguished Career Award. After serving as a sergeant in the Marine Corps during the Vietnam War, John taught English both here in the United States and in the Balkans. With John's death earlier this week, his wife and children lost a terrific husband and father; and I lost a neighbor, a close adviser, and a loyal friend. The Central New York community lost a tireless worker and community advocate, and the entire nation lost a dedicated public servant and true American patriot. He will certainly be missed but never forgotten.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished chairman for yielding time and for his strong support and encouragement and advice throughout this process. I would also like to thank the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Young), the chairman of the full committee, for his help in bringing this bill forward, and also the gentleman from California (Mr. George Miller), the ranking member, who has been very helpful. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5375, a bill that will establish the Erie Canalway as a National Heritage Corridor. This bill is the culmination of years of hard work and dedication by the National Park Service and the State of New York, and dedication by Senators Moynihan and Schumer, as well as virtually the entire upstate New York delegation has indicated their strong support for this measure. In fact, Senator Moynihan has indicated he envisions this bill as part of his congressional legacy. This will probably be the last bill that Senator Moynihan will have his name associated with as it passes the Senate, and he would like very much to have this bill signed into law before he leaves office. Furthermore, there is broad-based local enthusiasm and interest throughout the State for a Federal designation of the Erie Canalway system and local participation in the development of an Erie Canalway plan is a critical component of this legislation. In 1995, at the request of Senator Moynihan and myself, Congress directed the National Park Service to determine whether the Erie Canalway system merited Federal designation as a National Heritage Corridor. In 1998, the National Park Service study concluded that the Erie Canalway is an outstanding resource of great significance to the Nation and that it clearly merited Federal designation as a National Heritage Corridor. In response to this overwhelming support for some type of Federal designation for the Erie Canalway system, I worked closely with the National Park Service and the State of New York throughout the 106th Congress to craft legislation that balances the State's need to preserve its outstanding ongoing management activities of the canal with the creation of a Federal management framework that assists the State and local communities throughout the canalway in their development of integrated cultural, historical, recreational, economic, and community development activities. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5375 was introduced on October 3 this year after several months of detailed negotiations with the National Park Service and the State of New York. The bill would designate the canal as a heritage corridor and would establish a 27-member commission that would be empowered to develop a comprehensive preservation and management canalway plan for the corridor within 3 years. Critical to the success of this commission is the fact that there will be broad-based local participation and involvement in the commission as each Member of Congress who represents the corridor will be able to appoint a local representative to the commission. This commission will develop a plan that enhances the historical, cultural, educational, natural, scenic, and recreational potential of the corridor in a way that complements the ongoing significant State role in preserving and protecting the Erie Canalway system. Mr. Speaker, the State of New York built this canal. It is what helped us to populate the western reaches of our State, indeed, the western reaches of the then-settled United States. The State still maintains the canal at an expense of approximately $60 million per year; and they have done a very, very excellent job of keeping it in operating order. Therefore, the governor needs to have the appointment authority, and I think most reasonable people would agree. What I envision coming out of this bill is a joint Federal-State cooperative effort where the National Park Service would provide necessary technical and financial assistance for education, interpretation, historic preservation, planning and recreational trail development and open space conservation, while the State of New York would maintain its ongoing operational management and maintenance of the Erie Canalway system. The system was the preeminent transportation corridor for the latter part of the 18th through the 20th century. Its role in American history is well documented. Therefore, I believe Federal designation is essential to preserve and maintain and interpret the canalway system in ways to reflect its importance and significance. Mr. Speaker, this bill has broad-based bipartisan support, and I urge my colleagues to adopt this measure so that we can continue to protect the canalway system for future generations.

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, on July 1, 2000, the Reverend Charles J. Beirne was named the 11th President of Le Moyne College in Syracuse, New York. Le Moyne College, a private four-year Jesuit college, has an enrollment of approximately 2,000 full-time undergraduate students in programs of liberal arts, the sciences and pre-professional studies. Le Moyne also offers a physician assistant program and graduate programs in education and business administration. Founded in 1946, Le Moyne is the second youngest of the 28 Jesuit colleges in the nation. Today I would like to recognize Fr. Beirne as his first academic year as President of Le Moyne College commences. Fr. Beirne brings impeccable academic credentials, remarkable life experiences and an enthusiastic attitude to an institution just reaching its stride of academic excellence. Previously, Fr. Beirne served in San Salvador as the academic Vice President at the Universidad Centroamericana. There he bravely replaced his comrade, Rev. Ignacio Martin Baro, S.J., who was murdered by the Salvadoran government forces. In addition, Fr. Beirne was academic Vice President at Santa Clara University, an Associate Dean at Georgetown University Business School in Washington, DC, and Principal at Regis High School in New York City and Colegio San Ignacio in Puerto Rico. Most recently, Le Moyne College has experienced great strides in its pursuit of academic excellence, receiving national recognition. This past year the US World and News Report ranked Le Moyne College sixth among all liberal arts colleges and universities in the North. I am pleased to commend Rev. Charles J. Beirne for his years of service to all people and to congratulate him on his appointment as President of Le Moyne College.

Mr. WALSH

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

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney).

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I would simply advise the gentleman that I agree with him.

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, can you advise us as to how much time is remaining on each side?

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Collins).

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to thank the leadership for giving us the opportunity to present this bill before the House today. I think, as we have said, it is a good bill and it is a bipartisan bill. I think we have worked well together all the way along. I think the House really did a great job. That is not to denigrate the Senate, but I think we clearly knew what our challenge was and we set out to do it. We worked together, and I think we can all be proud of this product.

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Knollenberg), a hard-working member of the subcommittee.

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) for the work that he has done on this important issue and bringing it to the subcommittee's attention. I share his concern for the findings in the New York State Department of Health's report, which show the high incidence of breast cancer in Rockland County and also on the East Side of Manhattan Island. I want to assure the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman) that I will work with him and with the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. Maloney) to find the best source of funding for the important research project in next year's appropriations bill.

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

Mr. WALSH

Mr. WALSH. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 4635, and that I may include tabular and extraneous material.