Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to associate myself with the remarks of the distinguished gentleman from Florida.

As a sponsor of this resolution, I join our distinguished chairman, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney), and I am happy to help bring this publication to fruition. It has been a pleasure for me to work with the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Ney) on this and other such collaborative matters as they regard the history of our great institution and the history of this Capitol.

The gentleman from Ohio will recall that we worked together in developing a history of the House, and his long-standing appreciation of the history of this great institution of ours and history in general go a long way towards keeping those relationships that accrue on our committee and throughout this institution at a level of deep understanding about the process and the procedure that goes on in this glorious building on a regular basis.

The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica) has outlined the importance of Glenn Brown's landmark two-volume History of the United States Capitol. Clearly, history should be updated from time to time, especially with the kind of annotated pictures that we can now provide for people, which yet unfolds the richness of this great institution and this marvelous building.

People that come to work here on a daily basis and those that visit the Capitol cannot help but be in awe of the marble and the alabaster of Statuary Hall and all the great symbolism and history represented here. So for us not to make sure that these publications continue to go forward and further enlighten and provide historical research and data about our institution would be a travesty.

Therefore, I am delighted to join with the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica) and again want to applaud the outstanding leadership of the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Ney) and his willingness to collaborate on this specific publication, an interest that is both near and dear to both of our hearts with regard to historic preservation.

For more than two centuries, this Capitol has stood as a shrine to our democracy and a beacon to millions across the globe. We must preserve not only the bricks and mortar of this Capitol but also its history. The volume printed pursuant to this resolution will make a substantial contribution to that preservation. I urge an ``aye'' vote on this motion.

As the sponsor of the resolution, I join the distinguished chairman in support of his motion, and I am happy to help bring this publication to fruition. It has been a pleasure to work with the chairman in the past 5 years on matters of common interest, especially related to congressional history. The gentleman may recall that shortly after he became the chairman of the House Administration Committee, I visited his Longworth office and discussed placing a greater emphasis on the history of this institution. We have had significant success in this respect, as the gentleman had while serving in his state's legislature in Columbus. I look forward to working with the chairman further on history-related matters in the months and years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, the American people revere this historic Capitol, the temple of our democracy, and they are rightly proud of what it has come to represent. In the more than 227 years since our Founding Fathers charted a new course for our civilization, this experiment in self- government has not only survived, but flourished. The ideals symbolized by this Capitol inspire millions around the world, giving hope that they and their descendants may someday enjoy the liberty that Americans cherish.

Over a century ago, Congress celebrated the Capitols' centennial by publishing Glenn Brown's landmark two-volume History of the United States Capitol. Brown's handsome volumes chronicled the development of the Capitol and its art collection to that time. Brown's work set a new standard for architectural history, affecting the development of the Capitol, and of the capital city, in the years that followed.

The Capitol has changed considerably in the last century, and present generation should take care to document those changes and preserve the history of this magnificent structure for the future. Plans for an updated, annotated edition of the Glenn Brown History began as the Capitol's 2000 bicentennial approach, and Congress authorized such a volume in 1993. Today, only the final proofreading work remains, save for this renewed printing resolution, before the Government Printing Office can proceed to publish.

The new annotated volume will update the Glenn Brown work, correcting errors, adding new historical context and enhanced color photographs, among other improvements. The new edition, prepared by the Architect of the Capitol with the support of the U.S. Capitol Preservation Commission and the U.S. Capital Historical Society, will be published under the direction of the Joint Committee on Printing in consulting with the House Clerk and the Senate Secretary. The joint committee plans a single-volume format that is both economical and reader- friendly but, like the original, worthy of this splendid structure.

Mr. Speaker, I urge support for the motion. This body should ensure preservation of the Capitol's history, just as in 1999, with the gentleman from Ohio's strong support, the House passed my bill authorizing a written history of the House itself. That House history, being written by the distinguished historian Dr. Robert Remini, is well underway. As entertaining as he is learned, Professor Remini participated last November in the Cannon Centenary Conference on the modern speakership. Those fortunate to hear the professor's remarks left both enlightened and eager to read the completed work chronicling the House's role and contributions to America's history.

Mr. Speaker, for more than two centuries this Capitol has stood as a shrine to our democracy and a beacon to millions across the globe. We must preserve not only the bricks and mortar of this Capitol, but also its history. The volume printed pursuant to this resolution will make a substantial contribution to that preservation, and I urge an ``aye'' vote on the motion.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I wish to associate myself with the remarks of the distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica).

Mr. Speaker, I rise with a great deal of humility and strong support for House Concurrent Resolution 359, authorizing the use of the Capitol rotunda for the Days of Remembrance ceremony on April 22.

During the week of April 18, similar Holocaust remembrance days will take place all across this country, as the distinguished gentleman from Florida pointed out. As this body has done every year since 1979, Congress will use the historic rotunda location to reflect on one of the most painful moments in all of world history: the Holocaust.

This very special day of remembrance, along with the creation of the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum, was established by Congress to permanently honor these victims. They were created not only to remember those who perished but also to educate the world about human rights.

The 2004 Days of Remembrance asks us to honor the memory of the Jews of Hungary, who were deported 60 years ago in the final stages of World War II, and to honor those courageous individuals as well as the few organizations and countries who attempted to rescue them. This year's theme is ``For Justice and Humanity.'' It has specific poignancy for me as a Member from Connecticut, knowing that Hadassah Lieberman's mother was part of that.

I had the honor in Connecticut as Senate President to preside over the Days of Remembrances for 8 years. I often reflect on how solemn and important those ceremonies were, and still are. I can still see the survivors and their family members coming forward to light the candles and the solemnness of the occasion.

Given the current conflicts around the world, it is especially important to remember the message of the Holocaust victims who said, do not forget us. We cannot forget them or the evil that sent them to their deaths. Tragically, we need only to watch the nightly news to realize that this evil still exists in the world.

The ceremony we are authorizing today reminds us that when we respect the lessons of the past, we strengthen the values of every future generation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of this concurrent resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I again would like to associate myself with the remarks of the distinguished gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica), who is eloquent and noteworthy in his praise. This has been a historic afternoon in so many respects, pausing to honor the works of Glenn Brown in the historic writings as they relate to this great Capitol facility, pausing to reflect and remember and reserve the great rotunda to participate in the Days of Remembrance with regard to the Holocaust, and now to step forward and pay homage and honor a living legend.

I urge all Members to join all of us in supporting the distinguished chairman's motion. There can be no more appropriate use of the Capitol rotunda than for a ceremony to honor Dr. Dorothy Irene Height for a lifetime of achievement of social equality and justice.

The author of the original legislation, our distinguished colleague, the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson), could not be here today, but deserves credit for having had the persistency to make sure that not only would Dr. Height receive the gold medal, but also that we would, as this Congress is required, reserve the rotunda for this great ceremony.

It is important for me today to note that Dr. Height is in my home State of Connecticut at a book signing as I speak. I am pleased that the appropriate ceremony will be approaching next month.

Congress reserves its highest civilian honor for men and women whose contributions to American society exemplify the highest traditions and ideals of public service. By every measure, Dr. Dorothy Height's lifelong commitment to the principles of freedom, equality, and social justice compels this award.

Beginning during the administration of Franklin Roosevelt and continuing to the present day, Dorothy Height has fought to promote human and civil rights throughout our society. For decades she has worked tirelessly to promote the appointment of qualified women to senior Federal positions. As president of the National Council of Negro Women since 1957, Dr. Height has been an especially forceful advocate for the advancement of African Americans. In addition, and on a personal note, I would like to acknowledge the work of Mrs. Mary A. Ballard, who

leads the Hartford section of the National Council of Negro Women in my home district.

Mr. Speaker, as Congress recognized last year, there is no doubt that America is a far better place thanks to the labor and commitment of Dr. Dorothy Height on behalf of not only those among us who face the burdens of injustice but all of us. She deserves great credit. The use of the Capitol rotunda to award the gold medal to Dorothy Height is not only fitting; it is required and long overdue.

I urges all Members to join in supporting the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis).

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

(Mr. LARSON of Connecticut asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, it is fitting that we note today the passing of a distinguished former Member of this House, Paul Simon of Illinois. I thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Doolittle) for offering this motion, and I also thank the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello) for introducing this resolution.

I regret that I did not have the privilege of serving with Paul Simon. He retired from the Senate 2 years before I came to the House. I may not have served with Paul Simon; but like millions of Americans, I certainly knew of him and admired him greatly.

Paul Simon's reputation extended far beyond the geographic borders of the Land of Lincoln. Through a distinguished career that began at age 19 as a newspaper editor and publisher and led him to seats in both houses of the Illinois general assembly, lieutenant governorship, and on to both Houses of the United States Congress, Paul Simon enjoyed a reputation of honesty, integrity, and diligence. Known for his trademark bowties, Simon championed reform and the cause of the less fortunate than himself.

Mr. Speaker, Paul Simon, the statesman, was a great American who made a difference during his long career in public life.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello), the sponsor of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis), the most distinct voice in the House of Representatives and one of the most distinguished Members.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Missouri, the ``Show Me State'' (Mr. Clay).

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Emanuel), former advisor to President Clinton.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. Schakowsky), my neighbor and good friend.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Gutierrez).

Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of the time to the distinguished gentleman from California (Mr. Farr).

Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to the House's attention H.R. 3490, a bill introduced by the distinguished chairman of the Joint Committee on Printing and the House Administration Committee, the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney), and me to repeal a requirement that the Government Printing Office make certain payments to the Civil Service Retirement and Disability Fund in connection with voluntary separation incentive programs, or ``buy- outs.''

In a buy-out, an agency seeking to trim its workforce offers employees cash incentives to leave the rolls voluntarily, saving the agency and the taxpayers money. In 1998, Congress authorized buy-outs at GPO for 3 years, later extended through fiscal 2004. The new Public Printer, Bruce James, has used this authority for the first time this year. To defray the GPO program's cost, Congress provided $10 million in the fiscal 2004 Legislative Branch Appropriations Act.

Similar to buy-out provisions applicable throughout the executive branch at the time, the GPO-specific buy-out legislation requires the agency to pay 15 percent of the value of the salaries of those participating in the buy-out to the Office of Personnel Management, to be credited to the civil-service retirement fund. The 15 percent requirement necessarily raised the cost of buy-outs to agencies and discouraged their use. Last year, in the act establishing the Department of Homeland Security, Congress repealed the 15 percent requirement for the entire executive branch, leaving the Government Printing Office unaffected. A similar requirement on the General Accounting Office will expire next month.

Mr. Chairman, the Public Printer asked the Committee on House Administration for the provision that became H.R. 3490, and I believe the House should enact it. I know of no reason that, having repealed the 15 percent requirement for the executive branch, Congress should not repeal it for GPO as well. The Public Printer expects to save $21 million annually from buying-out 312 employees under the law as it now stands, a sizeable sum. By relieving GPO of the 15 percent requirement, the Public Printer could offer approximately 100 additional buy-outs, saving up to $7 million more, for a total of $28 million a year.

I want to thank the Public Printer, Bruce James, for bringing this matter to the committee's attention so promptly and thereby providing us the opportunity to realize these additional savings. It has been a pleasure to work with him and especially with his Director of Congressional Relations, Andy Sherman, to bring this proposal forward before the end of this session of the 108th Congress. While I am disappointed that we were unable to enact this bill before adjourning, I am hopeful we can do so shortly after the second session of the 108th Congress convenes.

Mr. Speaker, as this session of Congress draws to a close, the entire congressional family in the House of Representatives must confront the impending retirement of one of our most beloved members, Nurse Margaret Mary McHugh O'Neill. While we are happy for Margaret as she draws to a close her career in Federal service, those of us who bid her farewell are doubtless more than a little worried about how we will make do without her.

Irish by heritage, a New Englander by birth, and a saint by temperament, Margaret has surely touched the lives of countless men and women all over the world as she has worked in her chosen profession, nursing. As the proud wife of an Army officer, Margaret accompanied her husband Michael, and later their beautiful daughter Kathleen, around the world, setting a shining example of the best that the nursing profession has to offer. During her peripatetic career, Margaret has left her mark on the Army, the Red Cross, and elsewhere. Most recently, for the last dozen years Margaret has looked after the health and welfare of Members and staff of the House as an Occupational Health Nurse, posted in the Attending Physician's Health Unit in the Longworth Building.

Upon my arrival in the House in 1999, I had no idea how fortunate I was to draw a room assignment in the Longworth Building. But I quickly realized how lucky I was, and remain to this day. Shortly after being sworn in, my Administrative Assistant took my wife Leslie and my sick daughter Laura down to Nurse O'Neill so that Laura could be treated. Later that first year, he also took me down to visit the nurse. I have to say that my wife and I, as well as our children, were charmed by Margaret's wit and soothing disposition. My family, the staff in both my personal and House Administration Committee offices, and I have sought Margaret's wise counsel, in far more than just medical matters, more than she can ever know, and I am sure we are not alone in this respect. Always there to minister to the physically sick and injured, as well as to salve an occasional bruised ego, or even merely to offer a cheery moment's respite from the many pressures of Capitol Hill, the effects to Margaret's toils on behalf of the rest of us over the years have been nothing less than miraculous. If you don't believe me, ask anybody who has ever visited her office. On most days, her office has more closely resembled a delicatessen, as the door opened and closed dozens of times an hour as her many patients sought her help and advice.

I dare say sometime ago Margaret really should have installed one of those ``take-a-number'' dispensers so her patients could know how far down the queue they were. Of course, I use the word ``patients'' in the technical sense; the more correct term would be ``admirers,'' ``confidants,'' or perhaps most simply, ``friends.'' I am certain that in a long career of public service, Margaret has not grown rich in the material sense. But in the practical and spiritual sense, I am confident that Margaret is among the richest women on earth, blessed by the admiration, friendship, good wishes and prayers of the thousands of lucky persons whose good fortune it has been to have known and worked in her midst through the years.

While Margaret's congressional career may be drawing to a close much to our dismay, in truth, Margaret is merely expanding her horizons in search of others to serve professionally and spiritually. Margaret intends to continue her good works into her next career ministering to the needs of parishioners of St. Peter's on Capitol Hill, and studying theology. My staff and I find it comforting to know that Margaret will be nearby, where we can continue to seek her advice and counsel. Of course, being nearby, we hope and pray that she will visit us often, so we can continue and strengthen our friendship in the months and years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, all of us in the House family are privileged to know Nurse Margaret O'Neill. It has been a joy to work with Margaret, and all of us here in the House have been truly fortunate to benefit from her countless good works over these years. Please join me in thanking our dear friend Margaret for her tireless efforts in our behalf, and in wishing her, Michael and Kathleen the best as Margaret changes careers and duty stations yet again. May Margaret always look back fondly upon her days with the House, as we surely will.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate Mr. Christian ``Chris'' Hendricks, Deputy Inspector General of the House of Representatives, for his outstanding service to the House for the past 6 years, and to the Federal Government for over 27 years. Chris will retire at the end of this year. During his distinguished career, Chris gained wide experience in the Defense Department and other civilian agencies, as well as the House, and amassed considerable skill as a certified public accountant, certified internal auditor, and certified information systems auditor, to name only a few of his impressive professional credentials.

Chris certainly made good use of his experience here in the House, and my staff and I have found his counsel invaluable as we strive to continuously improve the House's financial and administrative operations. I particularly appreciated his diligence in ensuring that the minority members of the House Administration Committee have been kept informed. Chris has provided important advice on a wide array of projects ranging from the security of our computer systems, to the deployment of emerging technology and the development of critical financial systems, improved services to Members, and the safety and security of House facilities. Not only did Chris share his knowledge and expertise here in the House, he shared it with others through his active involvement in auditing organizations and by teaching others seeking to achieve professional certifications of their own.

A consummate professional, Chris will be sorely missed by all of his colleagues, but he can take great satisfaction in the improvements made here in the House that resulted directly from his contributions. Once again, Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Chris on his career and thank him for his outstanding service to the House. Please join me in wishing Chris and his wife Nancy much happiness as they pursue new challenges in the years ahead.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit this statement for the Record and regret that I was unavoidably detained on Monday, December 8, 2003, during rollcall vote Nos. 672 and 673 on H. Res. 493, a resolution waiving a requirement of clause 6(a) of rule XIII with respect to consideration of certain resolutions reported from the Committee on Rules. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 672 and ``nay'' on rollcall vote No. 673.

Mr. Speaker, although I have objections to the overall bill and I oppose the overall conference report on H.R. 2673, the Consolidated Appropriation Act 2004, I rise today to support the additional $1 billion dollars in funding that has been included in the Omnibus spending bill for the Help America Vote Act (HAVA). This funding is in addition to the $500 million request by the President and approved by the House in the Transportation, Treasury, and Independent Agencies Appropriations Act of 2004 section of this Omnibus spending bill.

HAVA was signed by the President over a year ago in response to the frustrations experienced by both voters and candidates during the 2000 election cycle. Reportedly, between four to six million Americans went to the polls in November 2000 and for a variety of reasons they were denied their right to vote and to have their vote counted. The causes for this denial of democracy range from faulty machinery to wrongful purges from voter lists to poorly designed ballots.

Thanks to the leadership of the bill's co-sponsors, my House Administration colleague, Chairman Bob Ney, and former Ranking Member Steny Hoyer, with HAVA we now have the foundation for a much more efficient voting system, and the much needed increase in funding over the $500 million requested by the President necessary for its full implementation.

The additional funding for HAVA will be used to educate voters about voting procedures as well as about their rights; make polling places more accessible to people with disabilities; create statewide voter registration databases that can be more effectively managed and updated; improve ballot review procedures, allowing voters to ensure that the ballots they cast are accurate; and create provisional balloting systems to guarantee that no eligible voter is ever turned away at the polls.

Lastly, I would like to commend the chief sponsors of HAVA in the Senate, Senators Chris Dodd (D-CT) and Mitch McConnell (R-KY), for their bipartisan efforts to secure the additional funding in the other body. But the fight is far from over; the Senate needs to confirm the four nominees chosen to run the new Election Assistance Commission (EAC). In addition to being charged with overseeing the full implementation of HAVAs, the EAC will function as the clearinghouse for information on election management. This information will be necessary to ensure that the 2004 election cycle runs smoothly, and I would urge the other body to act on these critical nominations as quickly as possible.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support the concurrent resolution sponsored by the distinguished Chairman of the Joint Committee on Printing and the House Administration Committee, the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Ney]. On November 12, 2003, it was my pleasure to attend the Congressional Research Service's conference exploring the transformation of the House speakership during the last 100 years. I was able to attend nearly all of this very interesting conference and was able to gain a much greater understanding of the way the speakership has changed over the years as well as the history of this great institution. I am hopeful that by printing the remarks made at this event and distributing copies to our colleagues, they will also be able to similarly benefit from it as well.

Entitled ``The Changing Nature of the House Speakership: The Cannon Centenary Conference,'' the symposium offered those of us keenly interested in the history of this institution a remarkable insight into the development of the speakership in the modern period. Under the leadership of Daniel Mulhollan, the Director of the Congressional Research Service, participants enjoyed remarks by our distinguished present speaker [Mr. Hastert], and all the living former speakers, Newt Gingrich, Tom Foley, and Jim Wright. Several other former members of the House, and a number of scholars, delivered remarks, including Dr. Robert Remini, author of the preeminent biographer of Henry Clay, a seminar figure in the development of the speakership during the 19th Century. Dr. Remini's presentation was, as always, especially thoughtful and entertaining, whetting the appetite of all of us eager to read the congressionally authorized history of the House, which he is now writing.

The resolution provides for the printing of the transcript of the conference as a House document, thus ensuring that the remarks and other materials discussed in this historic event will remain available for present and future Members, scholars, and others intrigued by the ongoing history of this honorable institution in which we have the pleasure to serve today.

I want to thank Dan Mulhollan and CRS for organizing the conference, and all who participated. I would also like to commend the chairman and his very able majority staff director for the Joint Committee on Printing, Maria Sophia Robinson, for introducing this printing resolution. I would also like to note the hard work of Mike Harrison who covers Joint Committee on Printing matters for me and whom I consider to be the minority staff director of the Joint Committee for the House. Just last month we expedited a housekeeping bill to resolve a longstanding problem affecting the Congressional Record Index Office. I am delighted that we have again moved so quickly to take up another issue under our joint committee's jurisdiction, I would like to call on my colleagues to join in urging the passage of this resolution.

The concurrent resolution was agreed to.

A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to submit this statement for the record and regret that I was unavoidably detained on my way to the floor on November 21, 2003 to vote on rollcall vote Number 636, on H.R. 3491, the National Museum of African American History and Culture Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to H.R. 1, the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003. Some may claim that this legislation is the answer to the high prices seniors are paying for their prescription drugs. That is far from true. The reality is that this legislation is a Medicare privatization plan masquerading as a prescription drug relief bill. The big winners in this bill are not the seniors that desperately need relief, but pharmaceutical companies and big business.

Does this conference report strengthen the Medicare program that seniors know and trust? The answer is no. It includes a premium support demonstration project that is the first step towards forcing all seniors to choose private insurers to get the prescription drug benefit they need, or to pay more to stay in the traditional Medicare program. This bill having any effect at all is contingent upon the willingness of HMOs and insurance companies to participate, and the track record does not paint a positive outlook. We in Connecticut remember HMOs pulling out of Medicare Plus Choice plans because they simply could not make a profit.

Does this conference report allow the Government to negotiate the costs of prescription drugs and provide relief to seniors? The answer is no. The bill specifically prohibits the Secretary of Health and Human Services from leveraging the tremendous buying power of the Federal Government to negotiate lower drug prices for 40 million Medicare recipients, a system the VA currently uses.

Does this conference report allow reimportation of drugs from other industrialized nations so that seniors will be able to purchase less expensive drugs? The answer is no. It ignores the reimportation measure that this House passed this summer and places the decision in the hands of health officials who have vocally opposed reimportation.

Does this conference report help low-income seniors who need help the most? The answer is no. First, the proposal actually reduces coverage for the 6.4 million lowest-income and sickest beneficiaries who qualify for Medicaid today. It prohibits Medicaid from helping these beneficiaries with copayments or from paying for prescription drugs not on the formularies of the private insurers administering the new Medicare benefits. It also leaves behind 3.9 million seniors that would have qualified under the Senate bill. One reason for this is the imposition of an invasive assets test. This means that seniors with modest savings will not receive any assistance with the cost of their premiums, the deductible, co-payments, or the cost of the medications while they are in the $2,850 coverage gap.

Does this conference report help cancer patients? The answer is no. It falls well short of the drug and practice reimbursements needed to provide millions of cancer patients with the care they need.

Will this conference report prevent employers from dropping health insurance for their retirees? The answer is no. Though incentives were added to encourage employers to maintain their retiree plans, the Congressional Budget Office estimates 2.7 million retirees will lose the existing coverage they rely upon and countless others may have their benefits reduced. Furthermore, it does nothing to protect retired teachers, firefighters, police officers, State and local government employees, and those who worked for nonprofit organizations.

Does this conference report help the hospitals and doctors struggling to meet the needs of their patients? The answer, surprisingly, is yes. It provides an increase in the Medicare Disproportionate Share Hospital cap for rural hospitals and urban hospitals with fewer than 100 beds. It increases payments for indirect medical education that would provide increased funding for the twenty Connecticut hospitals that have medical education programs. Also, it eliminates the 4.2% reduction in payments to physicians in 2004 and replaces it with a 1.5% increase for the next two years. These provisions are positive. But, this was intended to be a prescription drug relief bill and these positives are by far outweighed by the negatives of this legislation.

So, who are the winners in this conference report? The answer is pharmaceutical companies. They will receive the majority of the $400 billion that this legislation will cost. But, even better for them, they will not be forced to lower their prices. The Government will not be allowed to negotiate prices and seniors will not be allowed to purchase imported drugs from other industrialized nations. Apparently, the industry's army of lobbyists and $22 million in campaign contributions were effective.

Who are the losers? The answer is seniors, the ones this bill was meant to assist. They asked for prescription drug relief and we are trying to give them a Medicare privatization bill. That is why I urge my colleagues to join me in voting against this conference report.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the resolution commending Afghan women for their participation in the Afghan government. Overcoming a history of suppression under Taliban rule, the women of Afghanistan have worked to strengthen women's rights in Afghanistan's new democracy.

Prior to Taliban rule, Afghanistan had a Constitutional democracy that affirmed women's rights, including the right to vote and equal pay provisions. However, under control of the Taliban, women were silenced and denied basic-fundamental rights to healthcare, education and employment. Today, Afghan women have emerged to help build a brighter and more stable future for Afghanistan.

Afghan women are more involved than ever in the Afghanistan government. Currently, there are two women holding high-ranking positions in Afghanistan's transitional government. Additionally, on September 5, 2003, the third annual conference of Women for Afghan Women (WAW) met in Kandahar to draft an Afghan Women's Bill of Rights to present to President Hamid Karzai. These rights include mandatory education for all women, protection and security from gender abuse, freedom to vote and the ability to run for all elections.

Afghanistan is at a crucial transition point and it is imperative that the United States continue its support in promoting democracy and equality for both men and women of Afghanistan. I urge all of my fellow Members to vote with me in support of H. Res. 393 and commend the women of Afghanistan for their contributions and involvement in the Afghan government.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in unfortunate opposition to the Conference Report on H.R. 6, the Energy Policy Act of 2003.

After months of closed door deliberations between Majority Republicans in both chambers, the Conference Report is being rushed to the floor after being filed at 3 a.m. this morning. Additionally, in order to ensure that no one has an opportunity to actually read and examine the text of the Conference Report,

the rule they are bringing it to the floor under waives the normal three-day layover requirement in the House Rules established to ensure Members and the public have the opportunity to review what should be the public business of any operating democracy.

I remain concerned about many provisions that I understand are in the bill, some of which are provisions that were never considered by either legislative body in the House, and by the many provisions that were approved by both chambers and have mysteriously disappeared from the Conference Report. For example, the last minute inclusion of provisions that would give the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) the sole authority over natural gas pipelines, would leave my home state of Connecticut powerless to stop construction of natural gas pipelines through Long Island Sound. These provisions are opposed by Governor Rowland and many other Connecticut State officials. The bill waives Clean Air Act requirements, it bars the EPA from taking actions to protect drinking water, it promotes nuclear proliferation by reversing long-standing nuclear policies to not reprocess nuclear waste, it provides more than $23.5 billion in taxpayer subsidies to big energy companies and more than $11 billion to oil and gas companies, just for starters. That's from just a few minutes opportunity to actually look at the text of the bill, let alone determine what the long-term consequences of these actions might be.

Despite these problems, I do want to extend thanks to Science Committee Chairman Boehlert and his staff, who were able to stay above the bitter partisan fray the encompassed so much of the drafting. His leadership on the Science Committee, his willingness to discuss ideas and work with each individual member on his committee to craft a truly bipartisan bill that reflects the makeup of his Committee and the constituencies its members represent should be the model for legislative deliberations in this body rather than the exception. In particular, I have enjoyed working with the Chairman on the important fuel cell and hydrogen research provisions in the bill, including the establishment of a $25 million five-year fuel cell transit bus demonstration program and language addressing key fuel cell vehicle and research programs.

It is a shame that so many good efforts and intentions have been swallowed in what has become a haphazard collection of secret back room negotiations and special interest paybacks. The American people deserve an energy policy drafted by the legislative leaders they elected to Congress, not one written by lobbyists in downtown Washington, DC.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise in strong support of H.R. 3491 on this historic day and to congratulate the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis), a living legacy on the culmination of 17 years of work in this House to create this national museum within the Smithsonian. His effort has been part of a broader campaign spanning nearly 90 years to obtain recognition for the contributions of African Americans to our Nation's history and culture. The chairman has said it well. This is a proud day for all Americans and indeed for our country and for this great Chamber. This gentleman of vision will rise later and address this issue.

I also want to congratulate the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), member of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, as the chairman mentioned, along with the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. LaTourette), who has jurisdiction over the project. She vigorously presented the views of the citizens of our Nation's capital who live in the shadow of many museums, monuments, and other historic structures representing America's living history. She is, as we all know, the First Lady of Washington, D.C.

I would especially like to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Ney) and especially for the sensitivity and his deep appreciation for the historic significance and importance of this issue to his fellow colleagues and to this Nation we are all pledged to serve. He not only expedited the hearings, but he also brought this bill to the floor in a timely manner, so that to paraphrase Martin Luther King, we might be able to say here at last, here at last, thank God Almighty, this bill is here at last.

In addition, I want to thank the majority staff members, Paul Vinovich, who is here today, and George Hadijski. Their efforts, as people on this committee know, in order to move this bill forward were so critical, and again their great sensitivity and concern and outreach to all parties, I think, is testimony to how this committee works and certainly a tribute to the chairman of this committee, and I cannot thank them enough for what they have done this evening. It brings great pride to African Americans, Americans in general, and it makes it an honor for all of us to be a part of it.

I would be remiss if I did not commend the minority committee staff as well, Susan Brita of the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, and of course the irrepressible and irresistible Matt Pinkus for his great contribution to the Committee on House Administration and for their work on this bill and previous Congresses on behalf of the two House committees of primary jurisdiction.

We are also here today due to the work of the National Museum of African American History and Culture Plan for Action Presidential Commission, created by Public Law 107-106, which presented this report and recommendations to us on April 2, 2003. In addition to the Commission, the Board of Regents of the Smithsonian has consistently supported the museum while helping us create a new entity that can be appropriately managed within the traditional Smithsonian framework of governance.

I am equally proud of the fact that the AMISTAD America not only supports this, but will be a key part of this museum. I had the great honor to bring many of the members of the Congressional Black Caucus to Connecticut when we christened the Amistad, and indeed that was a highlight for me and so many of my colleagues to come to Connecticut and see the christening of this historic boat, and what a historic journey that has been as well.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 7 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis), who was responsible for this bill being on the floor.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the distinguished gentlewoman from California (Ms. Millender-McDonald), who is an outstanding member of our committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton), the first lady of the District, who is the ranking member on the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure that the chairman duly noted in his remarks who was so instrumental in bringing this legislation before us.

(Ms. NORTON asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, let me close by saying what great pride I have this evening, especially to stand with two colleagues who will definitely be in that museum, to be here with two outstanding Members of Congress who are a living legacy, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Lewis) and the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton). Their deeds speak so highly of their commitment.

This week we will celebrate or look back on the passing of President Kennedy. President Kennedy was fond of saying that communities reveal an awful lot about themselves in memorials, monuments that they create. What a great and lasting tribute my colleagues are leaving through their great efforts with the establishment and creation of this museum.

Mr. Speaker, I look forward to seeing this project through to its fruition.

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