Jerry Weller

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. I welcome the opportunity to join with you. I see my colleagues here from Washington State and Pennsylvania. Of course, I come from the heartland, the State of Illinois, the land of Lincoln. Let me tell you, I have heard so much frustration coming from the taxpayers that I represent regarding our welfare system. Today, we have a welfare system in which, over the last 30 years, the taxpayers have invested $5 trillion. That is T, as in trillion dollars. What have we gotten as a result? Higher rates of juvenile crime, more children living in poverty today than ever before and higher rates of teenage illegitimacy. That is the result of our current welfare state. It has failed. We have got to change it. Like you, I am committed to changing our welfare system. I am proud to say that our welfare plan that passed the House this year emphasizes family and responsibility and emphasizes work and goes after those deadbeat parents that are not meeting their obligation to their own flesh and blood, their own children. I am proud to say that we passed a good welfare reform. But, at the same time, if we are going to say, okay, folks, it is time to get off welfare, it is time to go to work, we have to make sure that there are jobs there for them to go to work at. Under our program, our balanced budget, there are so many benefits for people who want to work. In the last few days, I have met with building tradesmen, members of a local labor union in my district, with the African-American leadership in my district, with the farmers, the small businesspeople and the students; and they all say, jobs are important. If we are going to move people off welfare and put them to work, we have got to make sure there are jobs there for them. It was interesting, there has been some what you would call independent statistics that really show why our economic plan is so important and why it is so important to balance the budget. These are not plans that come from the Democrats or the Republicans or information that comes from the Office of Management and Budget appointed by the President so it has got political leanings. You understand that. They say, if we balance the budget, we will lower taxes, lower interest rates and also have a stronger economy as a result. McGraw Hill, a respected think tank, an independent organization, released a study that they did for the National Association of Realtors which concluded that a balanced budget would result in a 2.7 percent drop in mortgage interest rates. What that means for a family in Illinois, in my home State, is that a family with a 30-year $50,000 mortgage at just a little over 8 percent interest would save $32,000 over the life of the loan. That is over $1,000 annually. That is an even bigger tax cut just by lowering interest rates. A college student, student loans, giving young people the opportunity to go to school, a college student borrowing $11,000 at 8 percent interest, a lower rate than they currently would get at their local bank or through the direct lending program, would save $2,100 over the life of the loan. Lower taxes, lower interest rates will create a stronger economy and create jobs. In fact, the Joint Economic Committee estimates that by lowering interest rates, brought about by a balanced budget because the Federal Government is no longer competing with our small businesses, those who want to go to school or our local families by lowering interest rates over 2 percent it would create 6.1 million new jobs over the next 10 years just because interest rates are lower. That is the best kind of tax cut. Lower interest rates, lower taxes, better-paying jobs. That is why I stand in support of balancing the budget for the first time in 26 long years, and I am proud to say I will be casting a vote tomorrow to balance the budget and live within our means just like every American family.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, last week, President Clinton was caught in the act of selling another huge whopper to the American people. This time Bill Clinton told an audience of fat cat Democrat contributors that he thinks his 1993 tax increases were a mistake. He then attempted to hide behind his mother by saying he forgot her advice about making a speech after 7 p.m. Mr. Speaker, I have not forgotten my mother's advice. My mother told me to go to Washington and cut taxes, save Medicare, reform welfare, and balance the budget. My momma wouldn't care how tired I was or about the time of day. My mother and my constituents gave me a clear agenda that I will not back away from. No more excuses, no more inside-the- beltway gimmicks. The American people want action and they want Congress and the President to do the right thing for America's future-- even if it means working late at night.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 117. I am proud to cosponsor this initiative with the chief sponsor, the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Blute]. Mr. Speaker, let us keep this issue real simple. This bill rights a wrong, that wrong that jeopardizes the safety of my constituents, seniors living in senior housing. Today HUD bureaucrats say my seniors must live alongside recovering drug addicts and alcoholics, a situation that has forced many seniors to live in fear. In fact, according to testimony from seniors living in the Chicago housing authority and other public housing authorities in Joliet, Will, Grundy, Kankakee, and LaSalle counties, many seniors have been victims of rape, physical assault, and other violent crimes and are afraid. According to many of the news articles that many of us are sharing, and I will include this in the Record, they are afraid even to leave their apartments to go to the store, simple daytime activities. H.R. 117 rights this wrong and lets local housing authorities keep senior housing for seniors. This is authority they have asked for. I urge an aye vote. Let us allow our senior highrises to be safe housing for seniors. Keep senior housing safe for seniors by putting this into law. Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record an article by Joseph Mallia: [From the Boston Herald, Feb. 22, 1994] Rape Victim Sues BHA--Says Attacker Should Have Been Evicted (By Joseph Mallia) A 92-year-old woman who was raped in her elderly-housing apartment two years ago is suing the Boston Housing Authority for failing to protect her from her assailant, another resident with a history of violence. The housing authority is responsible because officials knew the assailant, Eric Lee Davis Jr., was dangerous but failed to evict him, the woman maintains in her Suffolk Superior Court civil suit. The woman's name was not made public because she was the victim of a sexual crime. ``The elderly have been asking for help for years. But the only time the BHA or other agencies take notice is when a lawsuit is filed,'' said the victim's lawyer, Jeffrey A. Newman. ``This was a man who would assault them, threaten them, walk around without clothes--they were absolutely responsible to evict him.'' The attack ``severely psychologically damaged'' the victim the lawyer said. ``She has essentially lost her independence. She's untrusting and fearful.'' BHA officials could not be reached for comment last night. Davis, who is 6-foot 3-inches and weights 190 pounds, was found unfit to stand trial and was committed to Bridgewater State Hospital, Newman said. After he was charged, Davis gave police a tape-recorded confession, authorities said. Davis, who was 38 at the time of the attack, had faced a previous attempted rape charge in a 1986 assault on a 66- year-old woman, law enforcement sources said. That charge was dropped and Davis instead was civilly committed to Bridgewater State Hospital for treatment, and later released. Federal law allows disabled and handicapped persons to live in the Dorchester complex at 784 Washington St. which was designed for the elderly. And elderly tenants of public housing across the country face similar dangers, Newman said. For a year before the rape, Davis ``had harassed various tenants; had threatened them; had demanded money and food from them; had made a practice of roaming the hallways causing various tenants to be afraid to walk the hallways unaccompanied,'' according to court documentation. [[Page H 10657]] Davis also ``roamed the halls semi-naked; loudly expressed threats and desires to kill various people and to rape various people, including tenants and his own mother; he grabbed various tenants including the rape victims,'' the lawsuit claims. He also forcibly kisses the victim, and forced his way into elderly tenant apartments, the lawyer says. The lawsuit accuses the BHA and its officials with ``deliberate indifference to a known danger . . . the dangerous activities and proclivities of Eric L. Davis.''

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, today I'd like to honor the retirement of M. Sgt. Susan A. O'Connor from the Air Force Reserve. Master Sergeant O'Connor has served her country well. Enlisting in the Air Force Reserve on September 19, 1975, Master Sergeant O'Connor has spent her entire career at O'Hare LAP Air Reserve Station in Illinois. She served with distinction in the base operations field for 2 years and the command and control field for the past 18 years. Master Sergeant O'Connor has performed vital command and control functions as Air Force Reserve units became involved in worldwide events, including Somalia, Haiti, Rwanda, Bosnia, and, of course, Desert Shield and Desert Storm. She also provided outstanding support as our units from O'Hare deployed for operational readiness inspections and the rotational deployments to Panama, supporting airlift operations throughout Latin and South America. Throughout her tenure in the Reserves, Master Sergeant O'Connor has proven to be professional, knowledgeable, experienced, and dedicated. Her skills demonstrate a natural born leader and her positive outlook and work ethic are an inspiration to all. Her service to our country is greatly appreciated and respected. Congratulations to Master Sergeant O'Connor on her retirement effective September 30, 1995 and good luck in future endeavors.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor the 80th anniversary of the Polish National Alliance Group No. 1837. Formed on [[Page E 1732]] August 22, 1915, the group had 13 original charter members. The first was President Theodore Babicki and Vice President Thomas Kien. Originally, the group was all male. However, on September 1, 1942, 35 woman joined the PNA and has flourished to its current membership of 70. The Polish National Alliance assists religious, charitable, and military organizations, and the shut-in and ailing. The local PNA has contributed to many worthwhile organizations: Morris Hospital, the Paderewski Foundation in Pennsylvania, the National Vietnam War Memorial in Washington, DC, local Special Olympics. Clearly, the dedication and sincere efforts by the local PNA has benefited Grundy County and other worthwhile projects. The cause and hard work by the PNA is appreciated by all who have been touched by their kindness. Congratulations PNA and best wishes for many years to come.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. My Speaker, I would like to speak briefly about the importance of this legislation, H.R. 714, the Illinois Land Conservation Act, which has overwhelming bipartisan support from Members on both the Republican and Democrat side of the aisle. This is an innovative land reuse plan which was developed by a citizens planning commission, appointed under the direction of my predecessor, former Congressman George Sangmeister, resulted from thousands of hours of volunteer time from leaders in conservation, veterans' organizations, business and labor, educators, and many civic organizations. Briefly, the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, commonly referred to as the Joliet Arsenal, was declared excess Federal property in April 1993. A local citizens commission developed a plan for reuse of the site, which is encompassed in my legislation. The plan has received broad-based support from Illinois' major media, citizens organizations, veterans' groups, business, labor, conservation, and educators. The plan includes transferring 19,000 acres to the National Forest Service for creation of the Midewin National Tall Grass Prairie. The plan also includes a veterans' cemetery, which will occupy just under 1,000 acres on the arsenal property. There are also two sites, for a total of 3,000 acres, to be used for the purpose of economic development and job creation, and finally 455 acres will be used for a local landfill. Since this bill's introduction, I have worked closely with all the agencies involved and have made changes in the legislation to reflect issues that they have had concerns with. This is bipartisan legislation supported by the Governor of the State of Illinois, Republicans and Democrats in the Illinois delegation, and a large number of veterans, conservation, environment, business and labor, and private organizations. Clearly, H.R. 714 is a win-win-win for taxpayers, conservation veterans, and working men and women. I ask for and urge the bill's immediate passage with bipartisan support.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, yesterday the House passed H.R. 714, the Illinois Land Conservation Act, with overwhelming bipartisan support. While a similar bill passed the House last session, time was short and the Senate did not have time to act on the bill. I am pleased we were able to move the bill through the House and I am working with my Senators to ensure that the legislation moves quickly through the other body with bipartisan support. I would like to take a minute to speak briefly about the importance of this legislation. This bipartisan measure is supported by virtually the entire Illinois delegation, the Governor of Illinois Jim Edgar, a large number of veterans, environment and conservation organizations, business and labor, private citizens and a broad coalition of groups interested in making this project a reality. H.R. 714 serves as a model for communities looking at future use for closed and surplus military facilities. In April 1993, the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant was declared excess Federal property. Congressman George Sangmeister appointed a citizens planning commission that developed a re-use plan, which is encompassed in my legislation. This innovative land use plan could very well be seen as a model for converting base closures into peacetime uses. It will create the largest national tallgrass prairie east of the Mississippi, and will have enormous environmental, economic, and educational benefits to offer for many years to come. In our increasingly urbanized society, it is important to take note of the opportunity we have to preserve such a large tract of land for wildlife habitat and prairieland preservation, and also to incorporate a national cemetery to honor those veterans who have served their country, and to improve the economy and create jobs. The largest portion of the arsenal property, 19,000 acres, will be transferred to the National Forest Service for creation of the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. This is very crucial to a State that once had more than 43,000 square miles of prairieland, most of which has now been developed into towns and cities. Over 6 million people live within 45 miles of the land. Trails, camping, wildlife watching and other recreational activities are planned. The proposed prairieland is home to many species of birds and animals that are on both Federal and State endangered and threatened lists. Among these are the Upland Sandpiper, the Marsh Yellow Crest, and numerous species of fish, insects and plant life. The plan also includes a veterans cemetery which will occupy close to 1,000 acres on the arsenal property. This cemetery, which will be one of the largest in the United States, will serve more than a million veterans and their families within a 75-mile radius. The site of the cemetery, known as Hoff Woods, is a beautiful and tranquil setting of forests and rolling hills; a perfect location for a nation for a national cemetery. The plan also includes two sites, a total of 3,000 acres, to be used for economic development. These two sites are seen as ideal for job creation, and many manufacturing companies would find sites like these well suited to their needs. Not only is the land equipped for economic development, but there are a series of water wells and pumping stations with the capacity to pump up to 77 million gallons of water each day. This portion of the redevelopment plan is very important to the surrounding communities. This use of the land will put many local men and women to work and stimulate the economy. The Illinois General Assembly has already created the Joliet Arsenal Economic Development Authority to effectively implement this plan. This bill will also benefit the American taxpayer. Upon receiving the land, the USDA plans to sell surplus assets such as railway equipment and steel from the arsenal property. The Congressional Budget Office estimates a result of asset sale receipts totaling $3.5 million over fiscal years 1996 and 1997. Agricultural leases on the property currently bring in about $1.1 million in receipts annually. Also, USDA expects to collect annual user fees of about $3 million from visitors to the new Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie. In sum, CBO estimates that enacting H.R. 714 would decrease outlays by about $1 million in 1996, $1 million in 1997, and $2 million in 1998 for a total savings of $4 million over the next 3 years. The hard work and commitment of many people went into the success of this bill. Of course, I would like to thank former Congressman George Sangmeister, who initiated this process. I would also like to thank the Governor of Illinois Jim Edgar, and my fellow Illinois colleagues who have supported this concept plan. Special thanks go out to Fran Harty and Brent Manning of the Illinois Department of Conservation, Jerry Adelman and the Openlands Project, John Turner of the Conservation Fund, Ruth Fitzgerald of the Will County Center for Economic Development, Don Walden the head of my veterans advisory committee, and Lt. Col. Alan Kruse former Commander of the Joliet Arsenal. Of course, I also extend my gratitude to Chairmen Pat Roberts, Bud Shuster, Tom Bliley, and Floyd Spence; and to the majority whip Tom DeLay, and majority leader Dick Armey for their assistance in moving this bill through the House in a timely fashion. I am very pleased with the success of everyone's bipartisan efforts. The hard work and commitment by all involved demonstrates what can happen when people work together to make a difference. The plan approved by the House yesterday is a win-win-win for taxpayers, veterans, conservation, and working families. Mr. Speaker, I submit for the Record a Chicago Tribune article regarding the legislation to convert the former Joliet Arsenal. [From the Chicago Tribune, July 16, 1995] A Critical Moment For Joliet Arsenal Legislation to convert the former Joliet Arsenal to peacetime uses is a congressman's dream: It offers so much good in so many ways--for generations to come--that it is almost impossible to oppose. That's why it has enjoyed such broad-based and remarkably bipartisan support so far, from citizens, business people, preservation groups and local officials to the Illinois General Assembly, Gov. Jim Edgar, the Clinton administration and U.S. representatives and senators on both sides of the aisle. It has been moving efficiently through Congress, but now it faces another critical hurdle with the House Agriculture Committee--which holds lead jurisdiction on the legislation-- about to take it up for recommendation to the full House. If the committee approves--and it is strongly urged to do so-- the plan could have final approval by the August break. The legislation almost made it through the last Congress, until last-minute technical mischief by U.S. Sen. John Glenn (D-Ohio) stalled it. It was a blow to retired U.S. Rep. George Sangmeister (D-Ill.), who spearheaded the arsenal- conversion movement. His successor, U.S. Rep. Jerry Weller (R-Ill.), resurrected it with the pledge to make it his top legislative priority. That he has done, and the new version of the legislation may be even better than the old, clearing potential stumbling blocks, providing a more detailed transfer procedure and adding some additional benefits--including tapping the arsenal's vast water supply for development and for nearby communities. A less comprehensive Senate version would have to be reconciled, but U.S. Sen. Paul Simon (D-Ill.) is leading cooperation toward that end. The genius of the concept is its provision for mixed use, a model for this type of conversion. Of the 23,500 acres, almost 1,000 would be set aside for a new veterans' cemetery, the largest in the system and one desperately needed in the Midwest. Will County would get more than 400 acres for a landfill, with provision to give the Army space for non-hazardous waste from its arsenal cleanup. Some 3,000 acres would be set aside for industrial development under a state authority, generating both jobs and new tax revenue for local communities. And the centerpiece, of course, would be the transfer of 19,000 acres to the U.S. Forest Service to create the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, the largest of its kind east of the Mississippi--an oasis for human recreation and wildlife prosperity in reach of some 8 million people in a 60-mile radius. For all this, the Congressional Budget Office also estimates that transfer of the arsenal could save the federal government $4 million over 3 years. Too good to be true? Certainly too good to delay.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. My Speaker, I would like to speak briefly about the importance of this legislation, H.R. 714, the Illinois Land Conservation Act, which has overwhelming bipartisan support from Members on both the Republican and Democrat side of the aisle. This is an innovative land reuse plan which was developed by a citizens planning commission, appointed under the direction of my predecessor, former Congressman George Sangmeister, resulted from thousands of hours of volunteer time from leaders in conservation, veterans' organizations, business and labor, educators, and many civic organizations. Briefly, the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant, commonly referred to as the Joliet Arsenal, was declared excess Federal property in April 1993. A local citizens commission developed a plan for reuse of the site, which is encompassed in my legislation. The plan has received broad-based support from Illinois' major media, citizens organizations, veterans' [[Page H 7997]] groups, business, labor, conservation, and educators. The plan includes transferring 19,000 acres to the National Forest Service for creation of the Midewin National Tall Grass Prairie. The plan also includes a veterans' cemetery, which will occupy just under 1,000 acres on the arsenal property. There are also two sites, for a total of 3,000 acres, to be used for the purpose of economic development and job creation, and finally 455 acres will be used for a local landfill. Since this bill's introduction, I have worked closely with all the agencies involved and have made changes in the legislation to reflect issues that they have had concerns with. This is bipartisan legislation supported by the Governor of the State of Illinois, Republicans and Democrats in the Illinois delegation, and a large number of veterans, conservation, environment, business and labor, and private organizations. Clearly, H.R. 714 is a win-win-win for taxpayers, conservation veterans, and working men and women. I ask for and urge the bill's immediate passage with bipartisan support.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, today we witness a very sentimental and historic moment in Streator, IL--the groundbreaking for the Memorial Monument honoring the hundreds of civilian volunteers of the Illinois Valley area who operated a free canteen at the railroad depot during World War II. During this time volunteers from Streator and surrounding areas provided sandwiches, coffee, fruit, and cookies--in spite of food and gas rationing--for more than 1.5 million men and women in uniform who came by train through Streator. In some cases, the volunteers honored requests by the soldiers to call their families to let them know they were OK. At the darkest hours of the war--when young soldiers were being sent to the front-line to fight--this community came to the aid of the soldiers. The canteen was one of the greatest morale builders for our soldiers, and the efforts of the volunteers deserve to be immortalized in this statue. Many letters have been written to the canteen memorial fund since an article ran in Reminisce magazine highlighting how important the canteen was to soldiers. In some cases, soldiers who remember Streator and the free canteen wrote to thank the volunteers for the food and the memories. One veteran from Florida wrote ``I have never forgotten that troop train ride as it was a very uncomfortable trip, but the short stop at the Streator Station made up for the discomfort . . .'' And, another veteran wrote ``Your letter in the Jan/Feb 1995 issue of the Reminisce [[Page E 1422]] magazine reminded me that I was one of those 1.5 million GI's that you treated so royally. It made a tremendous impression on me at the time and in later years I would think of Streator and wonder about the good people who made that stop so memorable . . .'' It is truly amazing how people come together in times of need and the action taken by volunteers--area men and women--is what makes this country so great. Even the Boy and Girl Scouts contributed by collecting grease from kitchens to sell to the Government to make explosives. Everyone pitched in and contributed to the free canteen. Perhaps Mary Plimmer, an organizer and worker at the canteen said it best ``. . . In the beginning some doubted we could feed so many hungry servicemen, but those of us who believed in the canteen never once thought it would fail. We served the soldiers every day without fail between November 1943 and May 29, 1946, when the canteen finally closed. We shed some tears and had a few laughs on that closing day, but we were proud. The Streator Free Canteen was our contribution to our country--a contribution we were happy to make.'' So, this memorial is truly an opportunity for all of us to honor the people who gave their time, money, and resources to make the canteen such a success. We thank everyone who gave a part of their lives to help the service men and women of this great country. Your actions and good will has not been forgotten.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor the retirement of Associate Circuit Judge Michael Lyons, who has served Will County with distinction from 1975 to 1995. Born on August 11, 1916, Judge Lyons graduated from DePaul Law School and was licensed to practice law in 1940. He married Helen Glass in 1945 and together they raised six children, Robert, Thomas, James, John, Joan, and Diane. He also served in the U.S. Army Counter Intelligence Corps during World War II. Judge Lyons' specialty is in the trial of personal injury cases in the State and Federal Courts throughout the United States. While Will County is losing a very dedicated and respected judge and public servant, I wish him the best of luck in retirement. His insight and knowledge of the law will be greatly missed.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to commend Lt. Col. Alan Kruse for all his help with plans to redevelop the Joliet Army Ammunition Plant. Colonel Kruse very capably served as the commander of the JAAP, and has dedicated much time and effort to supporting plans to productively utilize this expansive area. Colonel Kruse was involved with the Citizens Planning Commission that endorsed a plan to use much of the land for conservation and recreation, as well as a veterans cemetery, two areas for economic development, and a county landfill. This plan has developed into legislation that is very close to passing both the House of Representatives and the Senate. Without the help of Colonel Kruse, seeing this project become a reality may not have been possible. It is so encouraging to have such aggressive, and dedicated people such as Al Kruse working toward this goal. I extend my sincere thanks and best wishes to Lt. Col. Alan Kruse. He will be missed in Joliet; and we would love to have him back soon to visit the Midewin National Tallgrass Prairie, and the Joliet National Cemetery.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to introduce legislation that will allow many Americans--the low and middle income, first-time homebuyers and minorities--to embark on a venture that is inherently part of the American dream. The bill I am introducing--the Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation Act of 1995--will give a helping hand to those who want to buy a home and make a better life for themselves and their families. Owning a home instills a sense of pride and responsibility and this bill will ensure that anyone in our society-- not just the wealthy--can afford to buy a home here in the United States of America. The purpose of this legislation is to establish a Government corporation to administer the highly successful single-family mortgage insurance program currently under the management of the Federal Housing Administration at the Department of Housing and Urban Development. Under a corporate structure, the single family program will be better equipped to respond more efficiently to the needs of Americans in pursuit of the dream of home ownership. The Corporation will be run by a Board of Directors made up of experts in housing finance and leaders in community action whose neighborhoods have been well served by FHA over many years. The board will appoint a President who will run the day to day operations like any other president. The act relieves the Corporation of burdensome civil service restrictions and procurement requirements and provides paperwork reductions that can hamper the productivity and progress of the noblest of objectives that we undertake. Also, like other corporations, the FMIC must carry on the FHA single family program tradition of being a self-sufficient enterprise. Congress can only appropriate funds for the FMIC to the extent that the Corporation has net income. Moreover, the Office of Federal Housing Enterprise Oversight will oversee the capitalization of the FMIC funds as well as the safety and soundness of its products. The FMIC will also continue the successful mission of the FHA only more efficiently. The act will expand homeownership opportunities for those segments of the market that need it most: first time homebuyers, lower income families, and minorities. The FMIC's greater flexibility will allow an even greater portion of this market to gain sorely needed access to capital and credit. The Federal Mortgage Insurance Corporation act of 1995 will continue the successful public-private partnership of FHA. More families will be able to share in American dream of homeownership and it does not involve a subsidy from the government. This is exactly the kind of effective governance that the American people expect and deserve. My legislation carries forward the message of the November 8 election: calling on us all to streamline and reduce bureaucracy and to do a better more efficient job, in this case promoting the basic American dream of homeownership.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, on November 8, this Congress heard a message pretty loud and clear, that it is time to eliminate and streamline the bureaucracy, to pass a budget for the first time in 28 years where we live within our means, and to cut foreign aid. On May 15, the Committee on International Relations passed the American Overseas Interests Act legislation to meet that commitment. In fact, this legislation represents six major changes from business as usual. It reduces unnecessary bureaucracy by folding three independent agencies into the State Department. Their functions and budgets will be reduced and folded into the State Department, which will take over their responsibilities. This legislation will eliminate several low-priority programs, and reduce U.S. funding for a dozen international agencies. The bill also follows through on our commitment to cut foreign aid. In fact, over the next 7 years this legislation will cut foreign aid by $21 billion as part of our commitment to live within our means. Legislation will also punish our adversaries and focus on vital U.S. interests. This is good legislation, Mr. Speaker. The American Overseas Interests Act keeps our commitment to eliminate and streamline the bureaucracy, to cut foreign aid, and to pass a balanced budget.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule and in support of living within our means. For over a generation, the tax-and-spend liberals who ran this Congress for over 40 years have stiffed our kids and our families with a massive national debt now totaling $4.8 trillion. That is $18,000 for every man, woman, and child in this room and throughout our country. The tax-and-spend liberals in the Democratic Party have behaved like a drunk out on the town with someone else's credit card. The children are the ones who will suffer, because liberals always leave someone else to pay the tab. This budget is our contract with our Nation's children. We will balance this budget to ensure that our children have a future free of debt and full of economic opportunity. We will balance the budget by cutting spending first. We will eliminate bureaucracy, wasteful spending, and programs that simply are not working. We will return power to families, communities, and States. We are providing tax relief for families. It is time for leadership. It is time to live within our means. It is time to protect Medicare and protect Social Security. Republicans are keeping our promise. I rise in support of the rule.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 961 and oppose the Boehlert substitute. Everyone here today supports clean water, and H.R. 961 works to keep our water clean. Chairman Shuster has done yeoman's work in bringing together all sides in a compromise fashion, and has earned overwhelming bipartisan support from Republicans and Democrats in committee with an overwhelming 46 to 16 vote when this legislation passed the committee. It has also earned bipartisan support from State and local officials. Let me list them once again. This is a list of some of the public sector groups that have endorsed H.R. 961: The National Governors Association, a bipartisan group; the National League of Cities, a bipartisan group Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators, a bipartisan group; American Public Works Association, a bipartisan group; Association of Metropolitan Sewage Agencies, a bipartisan group; Association of Metropolitan Water Agencies, a bipartisan group. In fact, I have with me a letter that the President of the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators sent to the committee, highlighting the many major improvements the States have repeatedly asked for and requested. Finally they were included in H.R. 961. I would like to quickly list those 12 items that the committee has agreed to help State and locals by including. In fact, the letter says that while the States have repeatedly requested from Congress and that by working together they believe that considerable strides have been made to more efficiently and effectively deliver environmental results. With its new comprehensive approaches, and I am quoting this letter, to non-point source, watershed and stormwater management, H.R. 961 sets forth a framework that better protects this Nation's waterways. They have listed below provisions which are consistent with the goals of States and this association has asked for in a bipartisan fashion. According to the Association of State and Interstate Water Pollution Control Administrators, H.R. 961 clearly anticipates and enhanced State management role relative to clean water program implementation. H.R. 961 maintains a firm commitment to the Clean Water Act's goals, with more flexibility at State and local levels to determine how they can be best achieved. The letter also says that H.R. 961 establishes a national program to bring nonpoint source pollution under control, which provides a comprehensive rather than site-specific demonstration program, an unambiguous goal to meet water quality standards within a specified deadline, increased program funding to assist States with expanded implementation activities. The fourth point they make in their letter says that H.R. 961 enables States to focus scarce resources on priority problems by providing 10- year permits, control strategies that consider the relative contributions of both point and nonpoint sources, the incorporation and active promotion of pollution prevention, and continued State certification authority under section 401 over hydropower facilities. The letter also points out that H.R. 961 establishes a comprehensive framework to address stormwater runoff that goes beyond the limited number of sources covered by current law and addresses the multitude of stormwater problems, sets an unambiguous goal to comply with water quality standards within a specified deadline, and gives State flexibility to tailor solutions to local circumstances. H.R. 961, according to this letter, encourages States to take the watershed approach to problem solving and consolidate planning and reporting requirements. H.R. 961 also, according to the letter, increases authorized funding for State implementation under section 106 in a State revolving loan fund. H.R. 961 also streamlines SRF requirements to assure the construction of more projects at less cost. H.R. 961 addresses the special needs of small and hardship communities, and H.R. 961 codifies a consensus agreement of the States, the cities, and the U.S. EPA on combined sewer overflows. H.R. 961 clarifies that as coregulators, States' consultations with U.S. EPA are not subject to the Federal Advisory Committee Act. Last, this letter points out that H.R. 961 requires Federal facilities to comply with the law to the same extent as other dischargers. with local and State officials, those who are responsible for administering and living with the Clean Water Act. For the first time, we have legislation----

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Chairman, this legislation is a bipartisan effort. H.R. 961 passed the committee with a vote of 46 to 16, clearly overwhelming bipartisan support. I urge Members of the House to support the committee, vote for H.R. 961, and reject the substitute.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, tonight we are here to honor a gentleman who has brought so much to Joliet and to this region. He is being honored by UNICO National as their Citizen of the Year for his struggle as a young boy growing up in Italy and for his many successes as a restaurateur here in Joliet. Mr. Anthony ``Tony'' D'Amico grew up in Eufemia, Italy as 1 of 11 children. Realizing his opportunities were limited in his hometown, he migrated to America in a steamship in 1920 at the age of 16. His first venture in America was in Pennsylvania where he worked at a steel company. He then moved to Joliet where he served as a member of the Local #75 Laborers Union for 22 years. However, Mr. D'Amico's true calling was the restaurant business. He ran the lunch counter in Anderson's Gas Station from 1947-1951 and then opened his own full-time restaurant in Troy called Tony's. The short, but popular menu made Tony's a well-known eatery. His success has not been short-lived. At the age of 91, Tony D'Amico is famous in Joliet restaurant history. He owns D'Amico's on Jefferson, D'Amico's 214, Earl's Cafe, the Sports Bar and Grill, and D'Amico's Catering, all employing 130 people. It is Mr. D'Amico's dedication, hard work and success that brings us here tonight to honor him. He is a model citizen who represents all immigrants that have molded this great Nation of the United States of America. So, thank you Mr. D'Amico for your inspiration and commitment to quality of life, heritage, family values and, of course, good food. Congratulations Tony D'Amico on being named ``Citizen of the Year.''

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, for the past 3 weeks, I have been traveling around my district and the one message my constituents relayed was by keeping our promises through the Contract With America, the Republican majority is working to restore the long, lost faith the American people have in Congress. This message is clearly reflected in the recent Wall Street Journal poll. For the first time in this poll's history, a majority of Americans approve of the job Congress is doing. In fact, just last September, this same poll showed two-thirds of the American people disapproving of the liberal Democrat Congress that preceded us. Mr. Speaker, the message is ringing loud and clear: The Republican majority has led to a different Congress. Through hard work we have proved that politicians can keep their promises. My constituents tell me they like what they see, and I will continue to make sure that we stay on the same track and keep our promises. Mr. Speaker, I include the Wall Street Journal poll for the Record. [From the Wall Street Journal, April 28, 1995] Washington Wire--A Special Weekly Report From The Wall Street Journal's Capital Bureau (By Ronald G. Shafer) Clinton shows renewed political muscle in the Oklahoma City aftermath. Buoyed at least temporarily by his handling of the bombing, he edges Dole in a 1996 matchup in a new Wall Street Journal/ NBC News poll, a reversal from recent surveys. He is preferred handily over Gramm or Wilson. The gap over Dole widens slightly when Perot or Powell are added as independents; they cut into GOP support more than Democratic. Clinton scraps plans to discuss Russia in a Sunday speech. Instead he will highlight two perceived policy strengths by linking his new crusade against terrorism and longstanding efforts toward Mideast peace. On Monday, he will help kick off a $10 million drive by Emily's List, a women's political group, to get Democratic women to the polls in 1996. Gender gap: In their matchup, Clinton gets a 14-percentage point edge among women, while Dole has an 11-point edge among men. Dole holds firm as the GOP front-runner as Gramm fails to catch fire. Dole is favored by 58% of Republicans and strict independents as the GOP presidential hopeful, far ahead of No. 2 Gramm at 14%. If Powell is added as a GOP choice, he surpasses Gramm as second behind Dole. The public shows a strong interest in independent candidates, with over a quarter of those polled picking such alternatives when offered the choice in matchups. Some GOP social conservatives, disillusioned that Gramm doesn't give more attention to their issues and distrustful of Dole, consider endorsing Buchanan. The Alexander campaign, trying to rub in Gramm's difficulties, sends the Texan's campaign an express package consisting of a life preserver labeled: USS Gramm. The GOP Congress wins high marks, but backing on issues is shaky. For the first time ever in the poll, a majority of Americans--47% to 40%--approves of the job Congress is doing; by contrast, two-thirds disapproved last September. House Speaker Gingrich wins 45%-36% approval, reversing previous negative views. The public cites Gingrich's positions on issues as his best attribute--but about as many disagree with his views as agree. The favorable ratings may temporarily reflect the GOP House's first 100 days, says Democrat Peter Hart, who conducted the poll with Republican Robert Teeter. Americans by 48% to 37% think Republicans will go too far on welfare overhaul. By 47% to 43% they favor government education and training programs to aid inner cities over private initiatives as pushed by the GOP. Combating street crime and violence is the issue that needs the greatest attention from the federal government, the public says. Dole's age: While 65% of the public don't think the 71- year-old senator's age would affect his ability to be president, just 18% prefer a candidate from the World War II generation and only 1% think the 70s is the best age for a president. Two in five older Americans feel Dole would be less able to handle the presidency. Moscow mission: Aides seek ways to promote Clinton's May trip to Russia at a time when relations are cooling. One idea: Clinton writes a letter to leading columnists explaining the bigger issues at stake, like nuclear disarmament. Some 46% of the public approves of his handling of foreign policy, up from 37% last month. Vietnam revisited: Americans by 70% to 22% think the U.S. made a mistake in sending troops to fight in Vietnam. Those who think so are evenly divided over whether it was a well- intentioned mistake or fundamentally wrong and immoral. Shaky confidence? Despite a surge of optimism picked up by some other polls, only 24% of those in this survey expect the economy to get better over the next year. That is down sharply from 31% at the end of last year and the lowest reading since October 1993. Tax overhaul? Yes. Flat tax? Not so fast. Two-thirds of poll respondents say the current income-tax system is unfair. And 51% back a ``complete overhaul,'' up from 37% last July, a sign that the tax-reform debate resonates with the public. But by a three-to-two margin, the public favors graduated rates to a single flat rate; even self-identified Republicans do so. Some Clinton aides predict the GOP tax-overhaul push could go the way of the president's health-care plan: Applause for the motives and unceasing complaints from likely losers. The administration tries to attack GOP proposals without appearing to defend the status quo. One possibility: A push for simplification. The public strongly prefers taxing wage and investment income equally; the GOP favors lower taxes on investment income to encourage saving. Minor memos: Foul mood: Only 40% of Americans call themselves Major League baseball fans, down sharply from 56% in July before the baseball strike with a big drop among young adults. * * * Was Sen. D'Amato polled? The public by 31% to 25% has a positive view of Simpson trial Judge Lance Ito, while 26% are judiciously neutral.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, after our historic first ever vote in the House on term limits last night, we now turn our attention to the last items in the Contract With America. It is now time to keep our promise with the American people by bringing up legislation to offer tax relief to senior citizens and working families. I am sure all of my colleagues remember the Clinton Democrat tax plan in 1993, the plan that raised taxes on Social Security benefits for the American elderly. Mr. Speaker, the Republican majority is going to repeal this Democrat tax and offer more tax relief for our grandmothers and grandfathers. Republicans are also bringing to the floor the Senior Citizens Equity Act which offers further tax relief for our elderly who are currently penalized by a system that cuts Social Security benefits for those who wish to continue working past the age of 65. Mr. Speaker, I just do not understand why the Democrats want to continue punishing senior citizens, and I hope the liberal Democrats will join with Republicans to help senior citizens.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. I thank the gentleman for yielding and for the opportunity to say a few words. As one of the new Members of Congress, one of the new kids on the block, I am one of those who cannot say that I served with Bob Michel. But I remember as a young man meeting Bob Michel for the first time at a political function in western Illinois. My impression was, ``This guy is a nice guy. Everybody likes him. How can he be a leader? Leaders have to make tough decisions, leaders have to stand up and sometimes say `no' for those who are in their flock whom they are trying to lead.'' Mr. Speaker, I just want to commend the Speaker and the sponsors of this resolution for honoring an all-around nice guy, someone that Illinois was very proud to send to the House of Representatives for 38 years, who distinguished himself here. Again, I thank the gentleman and, good job in moving forward on this resolution.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, our Contract With America states the following: On the first day of Congress, a Republican House will require Congress to live under the same laws as everyone else; cut committee staffs by one-third; and cut the congressional budget. We kept our promise. It continues that in the first 100 days, we will vote on the following items: A balanced budget amendment--we kept our promise; unfunded mandates legislation--we kept our promise; line-item veto--we kept our promise; a new crime package to stop violent criminals--we kept our promise; national security restoration to protect our freedoms--we kept our promise; Government regulatory reform--we kept our promise; commonsense legal reform to end frivolous lawsuits--we kept our promise; welfare reform to encourage work, not dependence--we kept our promise; congressional term limits to make Congress a citizen legislature--we are starting this today; family reinforcement to protect our children; tax cuts for middle-income families; and Senior Citizens' Equity Act to allow our seniors to work without Government penalty. This is our Contract With America.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, today, I congratulate the Veterans of Foreign Wars Cantigny Post 367 in Joliet, IL, as it celebrates its 75th anniversary and thank them for their hard work and dedication to the community and our country. For the past 75 years and more, the veterans have given their time, and in some cases their lives, and their service to America. Today we show our appreciation. Thank you for your lifelong devotion to democracy. The Veterans of Foreign Wars was organized in 1899 and is composed of Army, Navy, and Marine veterans--all of whom share a comradery and a distinct allegiance to both country and each other. Perhaps the objectives listed for the VFW organization describe its purpose best. ``To preserve and strengthen comradeship among its members; to assist worthy comrades; to perpetuate the memory and history of our dead, and to assist their widows and orphans; to maintain true allegiance to the Government of the United States of America.'' On March 28, 1920, the Chateau Cantigny Post No. 367 in Joliet was formed. Its name was derived from the men who served with the 1st Division and saw action at the Cantigny Woods. John Baron served as the first commander of the post which had 38 charter members. Since that day, Cantigny Post 367 members have contributed greatly to the community. They dedicate their time and energy to assisting hospitalized veterans through raising funds for Hines VA Hospital, Danville VA Hospital, North Chicago VA Hospital, the VFW National Home and the Veterans Home in Manteno, IL. The post also presents flags to high schools, ROTC groups and other civic organizations. It is a distinct pleasure to have such an honorable and patriotic group in the 11th Congressional District and I applaud your efforts. Congratulations on your 75th anniversary and please continue your hard work--it is truly appreciated.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, as one of the chief sponsors of the Family Reinforcement Act, I rise in strong support of the goals of child support enforcement provisions and the Personal Responsibility Act. All are Republican welfare reform initiatives. The condition of America's families is of utmost importance to the future of our country. We must act quickly and decisively to restore and encourage and protect our most fundamental unit of America society, the family. I am here today to voice my support for the common-sense goals of H.R. 4, reducing welfare dependency by ensuring that parents support their children, strengthening and streamlining the State-based child support system and giving the States the tools they need to get the job done. Too many single parent families have had nowhere else to turn but to resort to government support programs. Too many children go to bed hungry or do without, all because their deadbeat parents outrun the current bureaucratic and time-consuming child support collection system. This has got to stop. Republicans are working to change our child support collection system. Republicans want to help the needy children of America, particularly when we see that today $34 billion is owed to children today by deadbeat parents. In my own State of Illinois, that is $176 million on unmet obligations to the children of Illinois. Let us look at what is in H.R. 4 regarding child support. The Personal Responsibility Act has three goals in child support: to reduce welfare dependency by ensuring that parents support their children, strengthening the State-based child support system and giving the States the tools they need to get the job done. It provides for strong measures to establish paternity, requiring applicants and recipients of public aid to establish paternity for their children, granting States financial incentives for establishing paternity. The bill also provides better tools to locate absent parents, making additional information available to the States, including law enforcement systems and data on licenses, newly hired employees and members of organized labor. H.R. 4 also provides streamlined procedures to collect child support. In fact, if you look at the States' caseload, which has grown almost 150 percent since 1983, then you will discover that this plan helps States manage caseloads more effectively by providing expedited procedures to order genetic testing, enter default orders and issue subpoenas. It also removes the barriers that exist when parents reside in different States by requiring States to honor the child support orders of one State so no parent can avoid child support by leaving the State their child lives in. And it also puts in place tough techniques, tough tools so States can enforce child support orders, strengthening the States' enforcement capability by allowing States to use assets, income and even lottery prizes to satisfy child support debt. It also requires licensing agencies to collect social security numbers so States may match child support and licensing records and impose restrictions on licenses held by people who fail to support their children. With adoption of the Salmon amendment today, it allows States to place liens on property of deadbeat parents who fled their States, such as someone who would flee my home State of Illinois, to avoid their responsibility to their own children. Ladies and gentleman, H.R. 4 provides tough tools to help deadbeat parents be located and, of course, be forced to meet their responsibilities. If you look at the facts, if you look at the record, H.R. 4 helps kids. In fact, when you know the facts, that too many deadbeat participants have stiffed their own flesh and blood for far too long, then it is time to support the Personal Responsibility Act. Let us vote for real reform that helps kids, helps children. Let us pass H.R. 4 tomorrow on Friday.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. I thank the gentleman from Arizona for yielding this time to me. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Salmon-Waldholtz- Torkildsen amendment, which further strengthens the essential child support enforcement provisions contained in the ``Personal Responsibility Act,'' our Republican welfare reform initiative. It is unconscionable that 30 percent of dead-beat parents are able to shirk their responsibilities to their children because they reside in a different State than their children. In fact, in Illinois, little children were stiffed to the tune of $176.1 million in 1994 due to dead-beat parents who refused to meet their responsibility to their own flesh and blood. This has got to stop. Provisions in H.R. 4 go a long way toward solving this problem, and this amendment works hand-in-hand with these improvements by providing a simple, straightforward method of processing interstate collection. It simply allows liens on personal property filed in one State to be honored in a second State without having to go back to court, thereby avoiding unnecessary delays and judicial red-tape. It is better for the child and the taxpayer. Abandoning parental responsibility can no longer be tolerated--and the Personal Responsibility Act, with this amendment, brings us one step closer to providing America's children with the inherent parental support they need and deserve.