Floor Statements

Mr. Chairman, on May 1, 2003, on rollcall vote No. 156, an amendment by Mr. Nick Smith of Michigan to H.R. 1298, I voted ``yea'' in error mistaking this amendment which I opposed for one by Mr. Smith of New Jersey, which I support. I meant to vote ``no''.

Mr. Chairman, I offer amendment No. 9.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself 3 minutes.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to commend the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Boehner) and the gentleman from Delaware (Mr. Castle) for their hard work and dedication to improving our Nation's special education system.

I also want to thank Sage Lansing of my staff for her work on this issue.

Mr. Chairman, this issue of our education system is very important. I had raised an issue of Impact Aid for our military men and women in a conflict that is just ending today, and I hope and pray that the committee takes up that issue at another time.

But I am here to talk about protecting the most vulnerable students in our schools. My amendment before the House recognizes that special education students face various challenges throughout their school day, and not the least of which are the dangers posed by drugs on school property.

My amendment recommends, but does not mandate, that random locker searches are an effective way of reducing the severity of the drug problem in a particular school. The decision to employ this technique is left to the discretion of each school administrator.

Two high schools in my district, Libertyville High School and Vernon Hills High School, have conducted locker searches which have been hailed by parents, students, and staff as an effective and necessary method for indicating to students that the use of and sale of drugs on school property is not to be tolerated. These searches are a proactive technique that will hopefully discourage students from using or selling drugs in school.

A U.S. Supreme Court case entitled New Jersey v. T.L.O. in 1985 set the precedent that school searches fall under the fourth amendment's reasonableness standard. The majority Court opinion said: ``Striking the balance between schoolchildren's legitimate expectations of privacy and a school's equally legitimate need to maintain an environment in which learning can take place requires some easing of the restrictions in which searches by public authorities are ordinarily subject. Thus, school officials need not obtain a warrant before searching a student who is their authority.''

The goal of this amendment is not to infringe upon a student's right to privacy; rather, it is intended to protect the entire school community from the dangers and health problems associated with the use and sale of illegal drugs.

I urge my colleagues to express their support for safe and drug-free schools by supporting the amendment.

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

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder).

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham), the ace of the House.

Mr. Speaker, with regard to the remarks of our colleague, Ms. Cubin, today, I want to express my lack of support for their tone and substance. In this temple of democracy, we should make our arguments with care and concern for the feelings of all Americans.

Mr. Speaker, seven carriers and air wings are deployed in Operation Iraqi Freedom. I want to focus on a Carrier Reserve Squadron being assigned to Carrier Air Wing Eight aboard the USS Roosevelt. The Squadron is Strike Fighter 201, VFA-201, flying the F-18 Hornet. They are part of the 11th Carrier Air Wing, Carrier Air Wing Reserve 20, headquartered in Atlanta.

This is the first naval reserve F-18 squadron ever mobilized aboard a carrier with an active duty wing, and 201's combat record demonstrates the capability of our reserve air crews. Since October VFA-201 mobilized over 100 Reservists transitioning to the F/A-18 Alpha Plus and deployed aboard USS Theodore Roosevelt in January.

Every aviator has crews and combat experience of over 1,000 flight hours, many logging more than 2,000 hours in type. Reservists of 201 provide leadership to the wing in strike planning, flight execution, and carrier operations. Their experience in operations around the world and in adversary tactics aid Air Wing readiness. This reserve squadron's boarding rate and landing grades exceeded all other active duty Air Wing Eight squadrons.

Early in the morning of March 23, the ``hunters'' of VFA-201 made history carrying out our initial strikes and destroyed a communications complex south of Baghdad. The pilots, sailors, and jets are performing magnificently. Morale is high and they are continuing to operate Air Wing Eight in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Naval Reserve TACAIR is alive, underbudget, and on target. This success story is what our Naval Air Reserve squadrons bring to the table in time of war: experience, peacetime active duty support, and surge capability. The Reservists are our best and brightest. They form the backbone of a low- cost military insurance policy America needs.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to this amendment and stand not so much out of concern for foreign policy, but out of concern for the 3,000 American men and women of the 173rd Airborne Brigade whose supplies are today delivered from Turkey.

To the proponents of this amendment, what would the soldiers of the 173rd do in northern Iraq if the diplomatic incident we cause leads to a cutoff in their supplies? The 173rd needs supplies in northern Iraq. Therefore, the United States needs Turkey.

Prior to my election, I served as a Navy air crewman who flew out of Incirlik Air Base in Turkey against Iraq. For 12 years, Turkey supported Operation Northern Watch and the thousands of Americans like me who flew into Iraq to protect the Kurds in the north.

Under the U.S.-Turkey alliance, the Kurds built two powerful armies in northern Iraq. It is those armies who rushed the Ansar al-Islam and other al Qaeda forces with U.S. special operations this week. Tonight, U.S. airborne and special operations forces are moving with the Kurds against Saddam. Their beans and bullets to fight Saddam are now rolling through Turkey on the way to the front.

Look at the past. Turkey sent troops to fight alongside us in Korea. Turkey sent troops to stand with us in Bosnia and in Kosovo, with me. Turkey replaced us in Somalia and stands with us in Afghanistan. We should not question our Commander in Chief on the eve of victory. We should not cause a diplomatic incident now. Think of the Americans in the 173rd, think of their supply lines, and vote ``no'' as the President, the Commander in Chief, the Secretary of State, the Secretary of Defense, my chairman, and the ranking Democrat member of this committee have urged. Vote ``no'' on this amendment.

Mr. Speaker, the record of evil compiled by Saddam Hussein and his sons Uday and Qusay is well known. Less well known is the record of his closest adviser. Meet Ali Hasan al-Majid al-Tikriti, better known as Chemical Ali. Chemical Ali is the enforcer of the regime. His presence signals Saddam's most vicious intent. While he was governor of the, quote, Kuwait Province in 1990, he implemented a program to ``Iraqify'' Kuwait through the arrest, torture and execution of Kuwaiti police, military officers and resistance members. In the years since, he has brutally suppressed uprisings by Iraqis in the north and in the south. In 1991 he appeared on Iraqi television, beating, kicking and executing Iraqi opposition prisoners.

Ali earned the name ``Chemical Ali'' because of his tenure as director of the Mukhabarat, the Iraqi Intelligence Service. On March 16, 1988, he ordered the use of chemical weapons against the civilians of Halabja, resulting in the deaths of over 5,000 innocent men, women and children.

Meet Lieutenant General Ali Hasan, a symbol of why the allies fight this war. Removing documented war criminals like this man from positions of power is the right thing to do both for the oppressed people of Iraq and for our global stability.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in commemoration of the 182 years that have passed since the Greek people's revolution from the Ottoman Empire. Nearly 400 years ago, the Greek people embarked on a powerful revolution against the Ottoman oppressors. As Bishop Germanos of Patras raised the Greek flag at Agia Lavras following the fall of Constantinople, the ancient Greeks forged a mighty wave of democracy and freedom.

Long after the triumphs of 1821, Greece continues to prove itself as a loyal ally of the United States and an internationally recognized advocate of democracy. Greece is one of only three nations in the world beyond those of the former British Empire to be allied with the United States in every major international conflict of the 20th century. I have little doubt this impressive and dependable relationship will continue throughout the 21st century and beyond. In the Balkans, Greece has played a steady hand of democracy in the face of regional unrest and instability.

As we continue in our efforts to free the world of terrorism, Greece again stands firm with the United States. Our efforts in the war against terror would not be as successful without the continued assistance from our allies in Greece. Greece's reliability as a stable democracy and key NATO ally is critical in our efforts to advocate international peace and stability.

As we celebrate 182 years of freedom and independence, I salute and thank the Greek people for their spirit and their ongoing pursuit of peace. To Greece, a free and democratic ally: ``Cronia polla hellas''.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a great ally of the United States.

Today, March 20th, marks the 47th year of Tunisia's independence. In 1797, the United States signed a Treaty of Peace and Friendship with the North African country of Tunisia. Over 150 years later, Tunisia peacefully gained independence from France. Today, we congratulate Tunisia as she celebrates 47 years as an independent nation.

The Republic of Tunisia has remained a steadfast friend to the United States, joining Allied forces during World War II and continuing support throughout the Cold War. Today, as we continue in our efforts against terrorism, Tunisia remains by our side as a Muslim nation and a loyal ally. Tunisia's ongoing efforts to work with the United States in the campaign to eradicate terrorism has been absolutely critical.

Tunisia's flourishing economy offers great hope for African and Middle Eastern countries, while she also continues to play an increasingly important role in the politics of the international community. One of Tunisia's most valuable assets has been its continued willingness to support a Middle East peace process. Despite being surrounded by nations engulfed in political turmoil, Tunisia continues to take an active role in combating international unrest.

I congratulate Tunisia on 47 years of independence and look forward to the United States' continuing strong relations with Tunisia for years to come. I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 47th Anniversary of Tunisia's independence.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. Kennedy) be removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1114.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished chairman for yielding me time and will answer my colleague that you cannot con doctors into anything. Doctors are not only trained professionals who can diagnosis what is wrong with you, they can diagnose what is wrong with our country.

I rise in support of H.R. 5. Without this bill health care in my State of Illinois will change for the worse. I am standing here representing Dr. Gina Wehrmann, who after paying her malpractice bill made less than the office manager in her practice and is now a pharmacist at Walgreens. I also stand with Dr. Scott Hansfield, head of obstetrics at Highland Park Hospital, who recently notified 2,500 of my constituents that he is leaving the practice of medicine and moving to a tort reform State.

The AMA has just put Illinois on the crisis list of liability watch for their practice. And in testimony before the Committee on Small Business, we learned that 85 percent of neurosurgeons have been sued in my State. Asked if this is too many, the plaintiffs' association said, no, 85 percent of neurosurgeons in Illinois were bad doctors.

I am worried about the plaintiffs' bar and its unintended war on women, forcing OB/GYNs out of my State of Illinois.

This is needed legislation. We need to pass it now. I commend the chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I request the attached copy of the annual statement of His Holiness the Dalai Lama marking March 10, 2003 as the 44th anniversary of the Tibetan Uprising of 1959 be included in the Congressional Record.

On March 10, 1959, the people of the Tibetan capitol of Lhasa surrounded the summer home of the Dalai Lama in a brave effort to protect him from the Peoples' Liberation Army's guns that were trained on his compound from across the river. These heroic Tibetans refused to leave even after the Chinese artillery fire began failing. The Dalai Lama eventually fled into exile in a futile effort to protect them; thousands died during the Chinese assault on the city, and thousands more died as the PLA moved to suppress a nationwide uprising against their increasingly repressive occupation of Tibet.

Under the leadership of His Holiness the Dalai Lama, Tibetan people inside and outside Tibet continue their non-violent struggle to preserve their unique cultural, linguistic and religious heritage. I am proud that the U.S. Congress is a beacon of support for the Tibetan struggle. I hope that His Holiness' statement will inspire all of us to re-double our efforts in support of a peaceful resolution to this tragic situation. As the lead sponsor of the Tibetan Policy Act, I was pleased to see the Congress come together last year in support of a dynamic U.S. policy on Tibet. This year, as we implement this landmark legislation, we must continue our historic support for a movement that embodies the values of our nation and our time: freedom of speech, freedom of religion, freedom from tyranny, equality, liberty, self- determination, and democratic self-government.

March 10th Statement

Our sincere greetings to our fellow Tibetans in Tibet and

in exile and to our friends and supporters all over the world

on the occasion of the 44th anniversary of the Tibetan

People's Uprising of 1959. While there were positive

developments on the overall issue of Tibet, we remain

concerned about the continuing marginalization of Tibetans in

their own country and Chinese actions on the human rights and

religious freedom of the Tibetan people in the past year.

The 16th Congress of the Chinese Communist Party ushered a

new era in China by smoothly transferring the leadership from

the third to the fourth generation. This is a sign of

political maturity and adaptability. The reforms, initiated

by Deng Xiaoping and continued under President Jiang Zemin,

have brought about great changes in China, especially in the

fields of economy, trade and in the conduct of international

relations. I welcome this development since I have always

drawn attention to the need to bring China into the

mainstream of the world community and have spoken against any

idea of isolating and containing China. Unfortunately, in

sharp contrast to these positive aspects, such a pragmatic

and flexible approach has been lacking when it comes to

upholding the basic civil and political rights and freedoms

of its citizens, especially with regard to those of the so-

called minorities within the People's Republic of China.

We were encouraged by the release of several Tibetan and

Chinese political prisoners of conscience during the past

year, Among them Tibetan prisoners such as Takna Jigme Sangpo

and Ani Ngawang Sangdrol who spent years in prison solely for

daring to express their views on Chinese policies in Tibet

and in particular on Tibetan history and who represent the

courage and determination of the Tibetan people inside Tibet.

I was pleased that the Chinese government made it possible

for my envoys to visit Beijing to re-establish direct contact

with the Chinese leadership and to also visit Tibet to

interact with the leading local Tibetan officials. The visit

of my envoys last September to Beijing provided the

opportunities to explain to the Chinese leadership our views

on the issue of Tibet. I was encouraged that the exchanges of

views were friendly and meaningful.

I had instructed my envoys to make every effort to pursue a

course of dialogue with the leadership in Beijing and to

seize every opportunity to dispel existing misunderstandings

and misconceptions in Beijing about our views and positions.

This is the only sensible, intelligent and human way to

resolve differences and establish understanding. It will not

be an easy task nor can it be accomplished within a short

period of time. However, it provides the Tibetan and Chinese

peoples a unique and crucial opportunity to put behind them

decades of bitterness, distrust and resentment and to form a

new relationship based on equality, friendship and mutual

benefit.

Successive Chinese leaders have acknowledged and promised

to respect with understanding and tolerance Tibet's distinct

culture, history and identity. In reality, whenever Tibetans

demonstrate allegiance and

concern for their own people the Chinese authorities resort

to their usual ``policy of merciless repression'', whereby

they are labelled as ``splittists'' and as a result arrested

and imprisoned. They have no opportunity to speak out the

truth. The recent execution of Lobsang Dhondup and the death

sentence given to Tulku Tenzin Delek without due process of

law are clear examples of this policy, which cannot resolve

the problem and therefore must be changed.

It is my sincere hope that the Chinese leadership will find

the courage, vision and wisdom for new openings to solve the

Tibetan issue through dialogue. Looking around the world we

cannot fail to notice how unattended conflicts with ethnic

roots can erupt in ways that make them extremely difficult to

solve. It is, therefore, in the interest of the People's

Republic of China to address such issues. A new creative

initiative to resolve the issue of Tibet would serve as a

very convincing sign that China is changing, maturing and

becoming more receptive to assuming a greater role on the

global stage as a reliable and forward-looking power. A

constructive approach to the issue of Tibet provides

important opportunities to create a political climate of

trust, confidence and openness, both domestically and

internationally. Such an expression of Chinese leadership

during this time of deep anxiety over international

conflicts, terrorism and ethnic strife in the world will go a

long way to impressing and reassuring the world.

It is necessary to recognize that the Tibetan freedom

struggle is not about my personal position or well being. As

early as in 1969 I made it clear that it is up to the Tibetan

people to decide whether the centuries-old institution of the

Dalai Lama should continue or not. In 1992 in a formal

announcement I stated clearly that when we return to Tibet

with a certain degree of freedom. I would not hold any office

in the Tibetan government nor any other political position.

However, as I often state, till my last day I will remain

committed to the promotion of human values and religious

harmony, I also announced then that the Tibetan

Administration-in-Exile should be dissolved and that the

Tibetans in Tibet must shoulder the main responsibility of

running the Tibetan government. I have always believed that

in the future Tibet should follow a secular and democratic

system of governance. It is, therefore, baseless to allege

that our efforts are aimed at the restoration of Tibet's old

social system. No Tibetan, whether in exile or in Tibet, has

any desire to restore old Tibet's outdated social order. On

the contrary, the democratisation of the Tibetan community

started soon upon our arrival in exile. This culminated in

the direct election of our political leadership in 2001. We

are committed to continue to take vigorous actions to further

promote democratic values among the ordinary Tibetans.

As far back as the early seventies in consultation with

senior Tibetan officials I made a decision to seek a solution

to the Tibetan problem through a ``Middle Way Approach''.

This framework does not call for independence and separation

of Tibet. At the same time it provides genuine autonomy for

the six million men and women who consider themselves

Tibetans to preserve their distinctive identity, to promote

their religious and cultural heritage that is based on a

centuries-old philosophy which is of benefit even in the 21st

century, and to protect the delicate environment of the

Tibetan plateau. This approach will contribute to the overall

stability and unity of the People's Republic of China. I

remain committed to this realistic and pragmatic approach and

will continue to make every effort to reach a mutually

acceptable solution.

The reality today is that we are all interdependent and we

have to co-exist on this small planet. Therefore, the only

sensible and intelligent way of resolving differences,

whether between individuals, peoples or nations, is through a

political culture of non-violence and dialogue. Since our

struggle is based on truth, justice and non-violence and is

not directed against China, we have been fortunate to receive

increasing worldwide sympathy and support, including from

amongst the Chinese. I express my appreciation and gratitude

for this consistent solidarity. I would also like to express

once again on behalf of the Tibetans our appreciation and

immense gratitude to the. people and the Government of India

for their unwavering and unmatched generosity and support.

With my homage to the brave men and women of Tibet who have

died for the cause of our freedom, I pray for an early end to

the suffering of our people.

The Dalai Lama.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday Steven Kazan, the prominent asbestos victims lawyer, informed the Congress: ``Asbestos litigation has become a nightmare because the courts have been inundated by the claims of people who may have been exposed to asbestos but who are not sick, who have no lung function deficit. This flood is conjured up through systematic, for-profit screening programs designed to find potential plaintiffs with some x-ray evidence `consistent with' asbestosis. Ironically, and tragically, in many States that x-ray evidence triggers the statute of limitations, literally forcing the filing of premature claims. These claims are choking the asbestos litigation system and keeping the courts from doing their real job, providing compensation for people who are genuinely injured by asbestos diseases.''

Mr. Speaker, the current state of asbestos litigation is a public health tragedy in which the claims of truly ill, terminally ill cancer patients and others who struggle to breathe are mixed together with those plaintiffs who suffer no impairments. In 2001, almost 90,000 individuals joined in asbestos-related personal injury suits against 6,000 entities, but only 10 percent of those claimants have any symptoms of asbestos-related illnesses. These legal tactics force defendants into settlements because they cannot take the risk of ``betting the company'' on pronouncements of a judge and jury. This first happened in 1982 when 16,000 asbestos personal injury suits forced Johns Manville Corporation into bankruptcy. Since then, the uncertainty of asbestos litigation has driven nearly 70 major American companies into bankruptcy.

During the past 20 years, 2,100 asbestos cases have been tried or settled at a total cost of $54 billion, with over half of the money used to pay lawyers. As the Wall Street Journal points out, that is more money than the cost of 9-11, Enron and WorldCom put together.

It certainly is a lot of money, but sick plaintiffs are not getting their fair share. The Manville Asbestos Claim Trust created by the bankruptcy court started paying claims in 1988 and was depleted in just 2 years. Today Manville pays just 5 cents on the dollar to claimants, and more money flows out to individuals with no impairments than to people who are truly sick. The truest victims of this tragedy are those who deserve quick and fair compensation for the illnesses they suffer.

However, this problem has more victims. The long-term economic cost paid by all Americans is staggering. According to the RAND Corporation, another $150 billion to $200 billion will be spent on asbestos litigation if nothing is done. To date, $54 billion has been expended. Without reform 423,000 American jobs will be lost. Local governments will spend millions on unemployment benefits, job retraining, and medical coverage for displaced workers and their families. Workers in bankrupt firms will not only lose their jobs, but their retirement security will slip away as they watch the value of their 401(K) accounts drop by 25 percent.

The ever-burgeoning caseload has spawned criticism even from Supreme Court justices who warn that the asbestos litigation crisis is slowing the administration of justice nationwide, and therefore, Congress must act. These complaints span the idealogical spectrum of the Supreme Court, including court liberals like Ruth Bader Ginsberg and moderates like David Souter. In 1999, Souter wrote: ``The elephantine mass of asbestos cases . . . defies customary judicial administration and calls for national legislation.'' Opining on the same case, Rehnquist, Scalia, and Kennedy also begged Congress to act. Others are joining the chorus.

Both the Washington Times and the Washington Post called on Congress to move asbestos litigation reform. Just 2 weeks ago, even the American Bar Association voted to support medical standards that would bring the cases of truly sick asbestos plaintiffs to the front of the docket.

Asbestos victims, business leaders, lawyers, and opinion leaders all agree. The need for reform is clear. Therefore, today I am introducing the Asbestos Compensation Act of 2003. This bill establishes medical criteria to expedite the claims of the truly ill and gives these victims access to quick and fair compensation. Any worker who feared he was exposed to asbestos could be tested by a qualified doctor in his area identified by the Justice Department. Those found to be injured would have the value of their impairments determined in accordance with a fair formula, and the worried well would retain the right to return at a later date if they developed symptoms of asbestos-related illness.

The Justice Department would contact corporations named by the workers as responsible for injuries, apportioning liability in accordance with the facts and a set liability formula. Many contacted corporations would accept these settlement offers since they would avoid the expensive legal battles of staying in court.

Mr. Speaker, this is a cloud on our entire economy, affecting 900 stocks in the stock market and the 401(K) and other retirement savings of all of our constituents. I ask for rapid support of

this legislation. This is the most important legislation after the President's tax package that this Congress will consider this year.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California (Chairman Hunter) and the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) for bringing this to the floor.

All of us Americans care for our forces but many of us who still wear the uniforms knows the names of the man Americans who are deployed overseas. Six of us here in the Congress still wear the uniform regularly, and just this weekend, I served in the Pentagon.

I have a privilege to represent a congressional district, including Great Lakes Naval Training Center where 90 percent of the men and women in our fleet deployed were trained, and Ft. Sheridan, where key Army aviation and intelligence functions are administered.

We think about the Americans abroad today. Specifically we think about the Americans at CFLIK at Camp Doha, at the 5th Fleet in Manama, Bahrain, at CENTCOM Forward in Qatar, at the ONW headquarters where I served at Incirlik, Turkey, at the OSW headquarters at Prince Sultan Airbase in Saudi Arabia.

We have a special thanks for the 174,000 reservists who have been called up, citizen soldiers, sailors and airmen, serving in Operation Noble Eagle to protect us here at home, Enduring freedom in Afghanistan and around the world, and of course for lack of a better term, Desert Storm II coming up.

But as a Navy guy, I want to give a special note of thanks to the four acres of freedom, wherever America needs and those are our carrier battle groups. I particularly want to thank the crews of the Roosevelt Battle Group, the Nimitz Battle Group, Constellation Battle Group, Truman Battle Group, and Kitty Hawk Battle Group. As we say to the young men and women, we wish you fair wind and following seas and a bravo zulu from the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give sad news to the House, that we have lost the police chief of Waukegan, Illinois, Miguel Juarez, last night in a tragic heart attack. Miguel Juarez led the police department in the largest city in my congressional district, he was the highest ranking Latino official in our city, and he was my friend. Miguel Juarez at age 50 passed away and completed a distinguished career.

Miguel was born in Chihuahua, Mexico, and came to the United States at the age of 1. He joined the U.S. Marines and served our country with distinction in Japan, Norway and Denmark and finished as a decorated veteran at Fort Sheridan in my congressional district. In 1979, he joined the Waukegan Police Force as a police officer, rising through the ranks continuously, until he became our chief of police in May 2001. But that only understates Miguel's contribution to our community. Miguel was a member of 22 different community organizations in our town.

I extend the House's profound condolences to Miguel's wife, Rosa, and his four children. Miguel was a unique man who spoke not just English and Spanish, but also Japanese. He was fully qualified as a SWAT team member, he taught gang awareness, and he accompanied me recently on a drug raid at a house in South Waukegan where I saw the professionalism and bravery of the team that he built under him. I want to extend my profound sorrow to the entire Waukegan municipal team.

In the language of his original country, I would like to say, Espero que tienes un buen viaje, Miguel, mi Amigo. Tenemos muchas lagrimas en Waukegan esta noche. It says, I hope you have a good trip, Miguel, my friend, and we are extending many tears in Waukegan this night.

Miguel Juarez, a leader, a Latino, my friend. We lost him last night. We will miss him greatly. The House should mark that time.

Mr. Speaker, as we prepare to go to war, I want to reiterate the importance of supporting our military families through the Impact Aid program. This program is vital to the education of millions of children across the nation.

Impact Aid was created in 1950 when Congress recognized the obligation of the Federal Government to assist school districts and communities that experience a loss in their local property tax base due to the presence of the Federal government. Between 1950 and 1969, the Impact Aid Program was fully funded by Congress. Since that time the funding

level has not kept pace with the amount required to cover the Federal Government's tax obligation. In Fiscal Year 2001, the program will pay approximately 46 percent of the total amount required to cover the cost of the two formula driven sections of the Impact Aid Program-Section 8002 (Federal Property) and 8003 (Federally Connected Children).

The result of this shortfall is that the education of our military children and other federally dependant students is suffering. Over 90 percent of funding for education comes from local funds such as property taxes. But what happens if that property is owned by the federal government and is off the tax rolls? Kids report to class with no property tax dollars needed for their school.

In the average $10 million American school district, $9.3 million are raised from state and local taxes. This system works well when the children attending the local school live on property subject to local tax.

This system does not work well when the federal government houses many children on land not subject to tax--such as a military base or Indian reservation. In these schools, the children report to class without financial backing--too many of these kids and the school district can go bankrupt.

Impact Aid is critically important because it benefits all children within a school district, not only the children who reside on military bases, Indian lands or Federal Low Rent housing projects. In the United States, 1,397 school districts receive Impact Aid funding. Enrollment in these schools total 13.08 million students of which 1.19 million are federally impacted. This is a compelling detail, because without Impact Aid all children in these federally impacted school districts suffer.

In my district, 36 percent of all students attending North Chicago's School District 187 are Impact Aid children. School District 187 spends an average of $6,500 per pupil on education, and herein lies the problem. The North Chicago school district receives only $3,250 per pupil from the federal government for their Impact Aid children. With over 1,400 Impact Aid students, District 187 finds itself over $4.5 million short in funding levels. This short fall creates a huge strain on the school district overall, decreasing the quality of education for every child in District 187.

While school administrators and teachers across the country appreciate Impact Aid payments, they are usually late and fail to cover the cost of all children attending school. For example, Highland Park's North Shore School District 112 spends approximately $11,000 a year to educate a student. The Impact Aid program provides just $500 per child. Local taxpayers living on civilian property must then pay the extra $10,500 per year to educate that child. At this rate, many Impact Aid children entering a school can bankrupt an entire school district.

This nearly happened in North Chicago's School District 187. This community is home to Great Lakes Naval Training Center where 50,000 naval recruits are trained annually. Hundreds of children from military housing came into the local school district each year. Several years ago, District 187 nearly went bankrupt under the weight of children coming to school from property that cannot be taxed. Impact Aid payments had been late and inadequate. Thanks to the work of my predecessor, Congressman John Porter, this school system was saved through additional appropriations.

The quickest way to take a soldier or sailor's mind off their mission, is to have them worrying about their children's education. Kids from military families come from some of the hardest working, most patriotic families, but the schools they attend sometimes face bankruptcy. This is because of the way we fund our nation's schools. Impact Aid honors our commitment to military families, and especially Native American Indians. It guarantees that those families who serve to protect our freedom are in turn protected by the federal government.

Our constitution commands that the first job of the federal government is to ``provide for the common defense.'' As we improve the pay and benefits of men and women in uniform, we must also support their kids and the local schools they attend. This may take many years to accomplish but the time is now to support schools that educate the children whose parents wear our nation's uniform.