Anthony Weiner

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 216, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 217, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 218 had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 214, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 219, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 213, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Chairman, as much as some of my colleagues would like this to be a debate about the history of the second amendment, about whether or not we should govern clubs and sticks as well as guns, this is a very simple and narrow proposition that we are considering today; and that is, if a person walks into a shop where guns are sold on a Friday before a long weekend, and they want to purchase a gun, almost instantly 75 percent of those people that walk in there can walk out with that gun with no problem at all. But if that same exact person walks into a gun show, they could also walk out instantly, 75 percent of them. It is what happens to that other 30 percent, the ones where a flag comes up on that Friday and we are unable to determine why it is that that person has a flag. Just so we understand here, over 300,000 people have walked into shops and tried to buy guns that were not entitled to have them, criminals, people that were going to do wrong with them, people that I am sure our Founding Fathers would have said it is absurd to say that someone who is a batterer, someone who is rapist should be able to get that gun. I think my colleagues on the other side of the aisle understand that. I think they see the value of that. All that we are saying today with the McCarthy amendment, all we are saying today in rejecting the Hyde amendment and rejecting the Dingell amendment is make it exactly the same for a customer walking into a gun show. Just make the rules consistent. Let us take that 30 percent or so and say, ``Do you know what, let us wait and find out why you have a flag.'' What is the harm in leveling that playing field? That is all we are asking today. For those of my friends who are avid gun users who represent districts where guns are purchased heavily, I would ask them to ask their gun shop owners why it is they would be dealt with a different playing field than those who are in the gun show. What is the rationale? The rationale is plain and simple, I would say to the opponents of the McCarthy amendment. The National Rifle Association says they do not want it; therefore, we are not going to do it here. That does not make sense. Over 300,000 criminals have been prevented from getting guns at shops. Let us stop them at gun shows as well.

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, it has been a month since the tragedy at Columbine. The Senate quickly acted to make children safer. But what has this House done? What has this leadership done? Have we closed the gun show loophole? Today we will get the answer: No. Are we going to hold parents responsible for securing their weapons to keep them out of the hands of children? Today we are going to find out that the answer is no. Are we going to do anything to invest in smart gun technology, so only people who own the guns can fire the guns? Today we are going to find out that under this leadership, the answer is no. Instead, we are going to be doing the bidding of the National Rifle Association. But the Republicans have come up with a bill today, and among their brilliant strokes, they are going to require that every record store have the lyrics to every CD on display at every store. If Members want to know what it was that Pavarotti was singing, now they will know. But if they want to make our kids safer, they will have to wait until the Democrats take back the House.

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite my colleagues to pay tribute to Dan Foster on the occasion of National Cancer Survivors Day. Dan Foster, a two-year cancer survivor, has long been known for his commitment to community service and to enhancing the quality of life for all New York City residents. This gathering is a chance for all of us to pay tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to helping others. Dan Foster truly represents the best of what our community has to offer. On June 6, 1999, Dan Foster will talk from the Montauk Point Lighthouse to St. Patrick's Cathedral, covering a distance of one hundred fifty miles, in recognition of National Cancer Survivors Day. Dan Foster's walk is dedicated to all cancer survivors and in memory of those who have succumbed to the disease. This walk will also raise funds for Beth Israel Medical Center and ``The Circle of Hope,'' two organizations who have dedicated themselves to finding a cure for cancer. Beth Israel Medical Center has focused its efforts on understanding and managing the effects of colorectal cancer. ``The Circle of Hope,'' in conjunction with the Catholic Medical Center, will be establishing a palliative care program at the Bishop Mugavero Geriatric Center in Brooklyn, New York. The facility will be designed to provide terminal cancer patients with a sense of dignity as they near the end of their lives. Dan Foster's dedication to his friends and neighbors can also be seen in his columns for Gerritsen Beach Cares' monthly newsletter. In his columns, Dan, the organization's Health and Welfare Committee Chairman, reminds readers about the importance of regular check ups, exercise and proper nutrition as a means of combating the disease. Dan Foster has long been known as an innovator and beacon of good will to all those with whom he has come into contact. Through his dedicated efforts, he has helped to improve my constituents' quality of life. In recognition of his many accomplishments on behalf of my constituents, I offer my congratulations on his dedication and devotion to find a cure for cancer on the occasion of National Cancer Survivors Day.

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 168, had I been present, I would have voted ``Yea.''

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 167, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 169, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite my colleagues to pay tribute to the Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst on the occasion of its 72nd Anniversary Celebration. The members of the Jewish Community House of Bensonhurst have long been known for their commitment to community service and to enhancing the quality of life for all New York City residents. This year's gathering is not only a festive happening, it is a chance for all of us to celebrate and pay tribute to a group of individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping others. This year's honorees truly represent the best of what our community has to offer. Vic Damone, America's legendary vocalist and entertainer, is a Bensonhurst native and graduate of Lafayette High School. This year's recipient of the Coach Gold Alumni Achievement Award, Vic Damone has entertained audiences throughout the world and was recently presented with the prestigious Sammy Cahn Award by the Songwriters Hall of Fame. A JCH alumnus, Vic Damone remains friends with many JCH alumni including Larry King and Herb Cohen. Gerry Farber, this year's recipient of the Joseph W. Press Humanitarian Award, has long been known as a supporter of early childhood education at the JCH. When the JCH needed support to renovate its nursery school in 1992, Gerry and his wife, Gail, were as there to help see it through. Recently, the Farbers created an endowment for the benefit of the JCH's early childhood programs. Gerry is a Bensonhurst native and an alumnus of the JCH and maintains close contact with fellow alums throughout the country. In 1975, Gerry joined the investment firm of Weiss, Peck & Greer and currently serves as the manager of its Farber-Weber Fund. Each of this evening's honorees has long been known as innovators and beacons of good will to all those with whom they come into contact. Through their dedicated efforts, they have each helped to improve my constituents' quality of life. In recognition of their many accomplishments on behalf of my constituents, I offer my congratulations on their being honored by the Jewish Community Hour of Bensonhurst on the occasion of its 72nd anniversary celebration.

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite my colleagues to join the members of the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club in paying tribute to the memory of New York State Assemblyman Anthony J. Genovesi who died on August 10, 1998, at the age of 61. Anthony J. Genovesi, lovingly known as ``Tony,'' attended a private boarding school for his grade school education, followed by St. Francis Xavier High School. He graduated from St. Peter's College with a degree in Economics, and then from Fordham University School of Law in 1961. Following his admission to the New York State Bar in 1962, Tony Genovesi served Law Assistant to the Deputy Administrative Judge of the New York City Civil Court; Opinion Clerk, Civil Court of New York County, and Law Secretary, New York City Criminal Court. Anthony J. Genovesi has a great interest in and affinity for ``grass roots'' politics, with a specific interest in protecting our children and improving our public school system. He joined the Thomas Jefferson Democratic Club in 1967 and in 1975 he was elected as the 39th Assembly District's State Committeeman, a position he held until his death. Elected to the New York State Assembly in 1986, Anthony J. Genovesi was the Chairman of the Assembly Oversight, Analysis & Investigation Committee, and served on the Education, Judiciary, and Corporations and Public Authorities Committees. Anthony J. Genovesi lived his life by the axiom ``Help people. Help those without a voice. Help those who no one else would have the compassion to assist.'' This philosophy led him to become President of the Bergen Beach Civic Association; a member of Community Board 18; Jamaica Bay Citizens Committee; Knights of Columbus; Canarsie Mental Health Clinic; Rambam Canarsie Lodge of B'nai B'rith, and an active parishioner at St. Bernard's Roman Catholic Church in Bergen Beach. Admired and respected by friend and foe, Anthony ``Tony'' Genovesi possessed a great passion for life, a keen wit, fine intellect, a tireless work ethic and an uncompromising sense of honesty and fair play. He believed that the acquisition of power was not an end unto itself, but rather a vehicle through which to do things for people who were unable to help themselves. Tony Genovesi was an innovator and beacon of good will to all those with whom he came into contact. Through his dedicated efforts, he helped to improve my constituent's quality of life. In recognition of his many accomplishments on behalf of our community, it is fitting that the Environmental Center be dedicated in this memory. In keeping with his spirit, the Anthony J. Genovesi Environmental Center will teach our children about their environment and provide them with lessons in ecology and hands on experience in dealing with different life forms. This Center will exist as one of the shinning examples of Tony Genovesi's legacy, a man who was a giant among men and truly irreplaceable.

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite my colleagues to pay tribute to the members of Young Israel of Avenue K on the occasion of its 74th Annual Journal Luncheon. The members of Young Israel of Avenue K have long been known for their commitment to community service and to enhancing the quality of life for all New York City residents. This year's luncheon is not only a festive happening, it is a chance for all of us to celebrate and pay tribute to a group of individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping others. This year's honorees truly represent the best of what our community has to offer. Each of today's honorees, Drs. Fred and Sheri Grunseid and Shelly and Roberta Lang, have continuously surrounded themselves and their families in the warmth of Judaism through their involvement with Young Israel of Avenue K. Drs. Fred and Sheri Grunseid and Shelly and Roberta Lang have each accumulated many years of devoted service to Young Israel of Avenue K and the entire community. Through their repeated acts of generosity toward and on behalf of Young Israel, they have consistently proven themselves to be pillars of strength and support for my constituents. Each of today's honorees has long been known as innovators and beacons of good will to all those with whom they come into contact. Through their dedicated efforts, they have each helped to improve my constituents' quality of life. In recognition of their many accomplishments on behalf of my constitutents, I offer my congratulations on their being honored by Young Israel of Avenue K on the occasion of its 74th Annual Journal Luncheon.

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. I appreciate the opportunity, Mr. Chairman, to speak on this amendment. As my colleagues know, I think the amendment offered by the gentleman from Oklahoma is fraught with two fundamental problems. One is a philosophical inconsistency. I have come, in my brief time here, to view Mr. Coburn as a consistent, conservative voice in this Congress, something that he should be proud of perhaps. Yet by the same token we have an amendment here that is so counter to that philosophy that we here in this Chamber are now going to wade into the operations of doctors and physicians and clinical experts to decide how to interpret the word ``for,'' because that is what this comes down to. How Mr. Coburn interprets the word ``for'' is very narrowly. It says it is only RU-486. The American Medical Association, the American College, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, the American Medical Women's Association and others interpret it is that a whole litany of research will now be off the table because that word ``for'' is ambiguous, and that is the second problem with this bill. It is intellectually ambiguous. It is difficult to determine when research begins what the outcome might be. It is difficult for scientists sometimes to know when they are doing research on figuring out how to put a shuttle into space, that they might get technology that produces something far different. The same is true here, that the problem with this amendment is, it is crafted in such a way that the gentleman says it is to simply stop RU- 486 except if RU-486 turns out to cure cancer, then it is okay. Mr. Speaker, that is not a way for us to be operating in this Chamber. This is a very dangerous amendment. I understand the argument that the gentleman is making about abortion. I disagree with it with every ounce of my strength, but I understand that. The problem is with this amendment is it conceivably opens the door to prohibitions about all kinds of other types of research. It is simply not the type of business we should be doing here, and it is not the type of business that anyone that considers themselves in this body a conservative and is intellectually honest in that position should be taking.

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, there has emerged a national consensus that we have to deal with the problem of youth violence. Hollywood must help, parents must be involved, and, yes, I say to my colleagues, Congress must act as well. There are some commonsense proposals that have reached a national consensus level for good reason. We now have laws in this country to require child-proof caps on aspirin bottles, but we do not have any laws that require trigger locks on handguns. The Speaker of this House deserves great credit for speaking up this week and saying he agrees we need commonsense gun regulations. The other body has spoken, and overwhelming numbers of us in this body agree we need these changes in the law. So why the stall? Why not act now, right now, today? We will have an opportunity before the Memorial Day break to take that national consensus and close the gap that often exists between what people are saying in the country and what we do here in the Congress.

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite my colleagues to pay tribute to Edward A. Koziarz on the occasion of his being honored for his twenty-five years of service to the members of Plumbers Local Union No. 1, U.A. The members of the Plumbers Local Union No. 1 have long been known for their commitment to community service and to enhancing the quality of life for all New York City residents. This gathering is not only a festive happening, it is a chance for all of us to celebrate and pay tribute to a man who has dedicated his life to helping others. Edward A. Koziarz, truly represents the best of what our community has to offer. Edward A. Koziarz was born on November 13, 1936 in Ozone Park, New York. He and his loving wife, Annette, have three wonderful children and have taken great pride and joy in the successes of their four grandchildren. Edward A. Koziarz was initiated into Plumbers Local #1 and appointed as a United Association Organizer in June of 1974. Since his election on July 1, 1978, Edward A. Koziarz has served as Local #1's Business Agent, a post he holds to this very day. Edward A. Koziarz has also served his brothers in Local #1 by serving as a delegate to United Association Conventions in 1976, 1981, 1986, 1991 and 1996. Edward A. Koziarz has been among the pre-eminent labor leaders of New York City Civil Service Skilled Tradesman since 1974 and is one of the Founding Fathers of the New York City Comptroller's Prevailing Wage Council. Edward A. Koziarz has long been known as an innovator and beacon of good will to all those with whom he has come into contact. Through his dedicated efforts, he has helped to improve my constituents' quality of life. In recognition of his many accomplishments on behalf of my constituents, I offer my congratulations on his being honored by Plumbers Local Union No. 1, U.A. in recognition of his twenty-five years of service to the Union as an Organizer and Business Agent.

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite my colleagues to pay tribute to the members of Temple Beth Ahavath Sholom on the occasion of its Annual Journal Luncheon. The members of Temple Beth Ahavath Sholom have long been known for their commitment to community service and to enhancing the quality of life for all New York City residents. This year's luncheon is not only a festive happening, it is a chance for all of us to celebrate and pay tribute to a group of individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping others. This year's honorees truly represent the best of what our community has to offer. Fran Arnowitz and her husband Manny have continuously surrounded themselves and their children in the warmth of Judaism through their involvement with Beth Sholom People's Temple and Temple Beth Ahavath Sholom. Following Beth Shalom People's Temple's consolidation with Temple Ahavath Sholom, Fran Arnowitz became the Temple's Treasurer, a post she still holds. Fran is widely regarded as a hard worker who has dedicated herself to addressing the needs of the Temple and its members. Myron Klein, a long time member of Temple Ahavath Sholom prior to the consolidation, is a man who has distinguished himself through his service to the Temple that he loves. Mryon Klein has long been an active member of Temple Beth Ahavath Sholom's Brotherhood and serves as its Treasurer. In addition, Myron has taken a leading role in the Temple's fund-raising efforts and serves as the Chairman of the Goods and Services Auction which has raised thousands of dollars for the Temple. Each of today's honorees has long been known as innovators and beacons of good will to all those with whom they come into contact. Through their dedicated efforts, they have each helped to improve my constituents' quality of life. In recognition of their many accomplishments on behalf of my constituents, I offer my congratulations on their being honored by Temple Beth Ahavath Sholom.

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite my colleagues to pay tribute to the Church of Saint Rose of Lima on the occasion of its Eighth Annual Dinner Dance. The members of the Church of Saint Rose of Lima have long been known for their commitment to community service and to enhancing the quality of life for all New York residents. This year's Dinner Dance is not only a festive happening, it is a chance for all of us to celebrate and pay tribute to a group of individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping others. This year's honorees truly represent the best of what our community has to offer. Mario Russo and his wife, Diana, met in the Rockaways and were married at Saint Rose of Lima Church on November 30, 1941, by Rev. James Galvin. A carpenter by trade, Mario has worked on many of the Rockaway projects such as Hammels Houses, Arvene, Nordeck, Dayton and Surfside. Mario Russo has routinely worked on improving the quality of life of his friends and neighbors in the Rockaways. He has served as the head of the Somerville-Arvene Civic Association, President of the Arvene Civic Council and been a member of Community Board 14 for the last thirty years. In addition, Mario Russo, has been an active member of the American Legion, the Rockaway Civic Association, and his local Chamber of Commerce. For the last thirty-five years, Mario Russo has conducted a yearly campaign for Earth Day and Plant Up for Trees. Jo Ann Francis Celeste Mullaney Shapiro, has been an active member of the Rockaway community for over fifteen years. Her involvement spans from graffiti removal projects, increasing our police protection, improving our children's education, to fighting for our senior citizens. Jo Ann Shapiro is the Past President of the Rockaway Kiwanis Club and an active member of the Rockaway Beach Civic Association. She is a founding member of the Far Rockaway High School based Health Clinic and past Chairperson of its advisory board. She is an active member of the Business and Professional Women Club and the Peninsula Regular Democratic Club. Jo Ann has worked for the New York City Board of Education in Community School District 27 and served as her school's U.F.T. Chapter Chairperson. She is an active member of the Saint Rose of Lima Parish and serves as Assemblywoman Audrey I. Pheffer's Chief of Staff where she makes Rockaway's issues, her issues. Each of today's honorees has long been known as innovators and beacons of good will to all those with whom they come into contact. Through their dedicated efforts, they have each helped to improve my constituents' quality of life. In recognition of their many accomplishments on behalf of my constituents, I offer my congratulations on their being honored by the Church of Saint Rose of Lima.

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to invite my colleagues to pay tribute to Revitalization of the Southern Area of the Slope (ROSAS) on the occasion of its Community Service Awards Banquet. The members of ROSAS have long been known for their commitment to community service and to enhancing the quality of life for all New York City residents. This banquet is not only a festive happening, it is a chance for all of us to celebrate and pay tribute to a group of individuals who have dedicated their lives to helping others. This year's honorees truly represent the best of what our community has to offer. Simon Brooking is the President of the 6th Avenue & 15th Street Community Garden and a former ROSAS board member. He is a staunch advocate for community green spaces, composting and ROSAS' anti graffiti campaign. His painting company, The Flying Scotsman, helped art teacher Alison Conte and local children create a mural on 14th Street and 5th Avenue in Brooklyn. Simon and his wife Sheila have built a partnership with the Sierra Club to promote organic waste composting. Perhaps the Garden's greatest gift is providing area children with the opportunity to express themselves through their gardening and artistic talents. The Children's Creative Workshop, now entering its fourth year, is one such program that is available to Park Slope's children. Carolyn Greer has spent the last four and a half years with New York State Senator Marty Markowitz and has lived up to the Senator's mandate that his staff be responsive to the needs of his constituents. As the Senator's Director of Community Programming, she handled complaints, responded to issues and identified and addressed community needs. Carolyn Greer is a founding member of South Brooklyn Hockey, which has ice and roller teams, and serves on the board of the Russian American Kids Circus. She is the author of the PS 321 Newsletter and is the founder of the PS 321 Holiday Helper Project, an annual drive for new clothes that are donated anonymously to several hundred needy public school children. As ROSAS' Co-President in 1993 and 1994, Roger C. Melzer documented the extensive damage being done to Prospect Park by unrestricted barbequing, organized community meetings to discuss the problem and worked to have regulations and enforcement imposed. He remains a strong advocate for more enforcement, better maintenance and more capital funding to preserve the natural aspects of Prospect Park. As a twenty- year resident of Park Slope, Roger has been a regular participant at Community Boards 6 and 7 meetings where his focus has been to ensure that city agencies provide service to residents in Park Slope and Windsor Terrace and to facilitate new initiatives as a means of resolving neighborhood problems. All of today's honorees have long been known as innovators and beacons of good will to all those with whom they come in contact. Through their dedicated efforts, they have each helped to improve my constituents' quality of life. In recognition of their many accomplishments on behalf of my constituents, I offer my congratulations on their being honored by ROSAS.

Mr. WEINER

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Chairman, first I want to thank the chairman of the full committee and the chairman of the subcommittee for their great help and efforts that they have committed themselves to to try to make this bill as good as it can be, and while there are some areas of contention, they have at all times, in consideration of this bill, been cordial and decent about trying to deal with these concerns. At this time I am going to be offering an amendment with some of my colleagues, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Kucinich); the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Udall); the gentlewoman from Michigan (Ms. Rivers); the gentleman from New York (Mr. Crowley); the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Pallone) and others, to try to deal in a timely fashion with the very important and pressing matter that has emerged in recent years and shows no signs of abating, and that is the problem of noise emanating from our airports. As we have increased almost exponentially the amount of air traffic that there has been, we have also similarly increased the burden that is created to those of us who represent areas around airports, large and small. What my amendment would do, it would take the very valuable research that is done by NASA on noise research and bring it back up to last year's level and ensure that it stays there for at least the duration of this authorization. There was some concern raised in the full committee about whether we were taking from one program to add to another, and what we would do here is in fiscal year 2000 simply add $11 million for these programs that wind up being funded in this way. Mr. Chairman, this amendment does not in any level bust the budget. In fact, it restores last year's level for noise reduction. The overall aggregate number of the NASA authorization would again be the same as it was last year, but what this will do is allow us at this important time to continue research on the next generation of the most quiet aircraft that we can have. We are now, by the end of this year, going to be phasing in the Phase III aircraft, which are the most modern, the most quiet aircraft, but still are akin to having a thunderclap over one's head whenever they take off. This will allow us to do the research for Stage IV. This will allow us to have even more quiet aircraft in the years to come. The research that is being done by NASA may some day help us strike the delicate balance that we have been trying to reach in this House between the rights of air travelers, the rights of those who depend on air traffic for commerce, and those of us, and there are dozens of us in this House, who have areas that are nearby airports. We are in negotiations now with the European community, we are in negotiations now with the private sector to encourage the development of this quieter aircraft. Now is not the time for us to weaken that research by reducing the funding that this authorization does. This is an opportunity for us to send a message also to the private sector that we seek to have their participation as well. We send entirely the wrong message if we in our budget say, we are going to ratchet back our research into these important matters when we are trying to bring the private sector along. The chairman of the subcommittee has done great work in trying to encourage the private sector to do their research. I consider these funds to be leveraging those, and I think it would be helpful for us to do that now. This is an opportunity, and perhaps our last opportunity this year. We are going to be passing an FAA reauthorization bill that I believe is going to, regardless of how it emerges, increase air traffic. There are proposals to almost entirely deregulate all of our airports. That is going to mean another increase in air noise. This is, I would remind my colleagues, perhaps the last opportunity for us to go on record as being in support of whatever technological advantages we can support to bring about the quietest aircraft possible.

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Chairman, first of all, as the chairman is aware, we did not mark this up in the subcommittee so we did not have an opportunity to fully vet it. And when we did offer a similar amendment, the type that my colleague seems to be supporting, I won on a tie vote, a moral victory perhaps; and that is why I chose to draft it this way using the guidance of the gentleman. And I am comfortable with the idea of a $14 billion NASA budget this year, having an additional $10 million that does not exceed last year's level. I am comfortable with that amendment and I would urge my colleagues to support it.

Mr. WEINER. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?