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THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 18, 1998
The Honorable Cynthia A. McKinney
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-1011
Dear Congresswoman McKinney:
Thank you for your letter to the President on child care. It is clear that you share the
President's commitment to making child care better, safer, and more affordable for America's
working families. As you know, included in the President's child care initiative is a proposal
to modify the Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit (CDCTC) to provide greater tax relief to
low- and middle-income working parents. I know you have been a leading proponent of
reforming the CDCTC in the Congress.
In addition, the President's proposal: (1) makes a significant new investment in the child care
block grant, so that states can provide child care subsidies for more children in low-income
working families; (2) dedicates funding for enforcement of state health and safety standards in
child care, through, for example, increased unannounced inspections; (3) establishes a Child
Care Scholarship Fund; (4) creates an Early Learning Fund to provide challenge grants to
communities for activities that improve child care quality and safety and promote early
learning; (5) doubles the number of children served by Early Head Start and expands Head
Start; (6) builds the supply of after-school programs through a significant investment in the
21st Century Community Learning Center program; and (7) establishes a new tax credit for
businesses that offer child care services to their employees. In total, the President proposes
$21.3 billion over the next five years for these investments.
The President believes that by continuing to work together on a bipartisan basis and by
taking the best proposals from both sides of the aisle, we will achieve legislation that is right
for America's children and families. I look forward to working with you on this in the
months ahead.
Sincerely,
Bruce Reed
Assistant to the President
for Domestic Policy
CYNTHIA A. McKINNEY
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
2TH DISTRICT, GEORGIA
124 CANNON BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
COMMITTEE ON BANKING
(202) 225-1605
AND FINANCIAL SERVICES
FAX (202) 226-0691
FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS AND CONSUMER CREDIT
DISTRICT OFFICE:
GENERAL OVERSIGHT AND INVESTIGATIONS
246 SYCAMORE STREET
COMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL
SUITE 110
RELATIONS
DECATUR, GA 30030
(404) 377-6900
INTERNATIONAL OPERATIONS AND HUMAN RIGHTS
WESTERN HEMISPHERE
Congress of the United States
FAX (404) 377-6909
INTERNET ADDRESS:
house of Representatives
[email protected]
Washington, DC 20515-1011
JAN 5 AM10:39
December 16, 1997
The Honorable William J. Clinton
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
I applaud your recent announcement to include daycare relief to working
families in your State of the Union Address. As you look to achieve this, I
would like for you to consider my proposal for helping working families to
afford daycare.
At the end of this first session, I reintroduced the Family Dependent Care Act.
By making the tax credit refundable, expanding the income scale and
increasing the credit, more working families will have the opportunity to
benefit from the daycare credit. In the 104th Congress, I introduced similar
legislation and at the time, it was also included in the Democratic Families
First Agenda. Currently, the Family Dependent Care Act is gaining
cosponsors everyday and has been included in the second session Democratic
Agenda.
Again, I thank you for taking the initiative to helping working families. I
look forward to your support on this important issue. For your convenience,
I have enclosed a copy of the Family Dependent Care Affordability Act.
With the warmest personal regards, I remain
Sincerely,
Cynthia are McKinney
Member of Congress
Enclosure
"THIS MAILING WAS PREPARED. PUBLISHED, AND MAILED AT TAXPAYER EXPENSE"
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 23, 1998
The Honorable Rosa L. DeLauro
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-0703
Dear Congresswoman DeLauro:
Thank you for your letter regarding the President's child care initiative and for your strong
support of an ambitious investment in child care. The initiative builds on the leadership that
you have demonstrated in putting forward bold initiatives to improve the quality of care our
children receive, especially in their earliest years.
As you know, the President has proposed an historic child care initiative which will improve
child care for America's working families. The President's proposal invests $21.3 billion over
five years to help families pay for child care, build the supply of good after-school programs,
improve the safety and quality of care, and promote early learning.
The President's initiative will make child care more affordable by doubling the number of
children receiving child care subsidies to more than two million by the year 2003, increasing
tax credits for three million working families to help them pay for child care, and providing a
new tax credit for businesses that offer child care services for their employees. It will also help
improve the quality of care our children receive by enhancing early childhood development
through a new Early Learning Fund as well as by supporting enforcement of state child care
health and safety standards. Finally, the President's child care initiative addresses the huge
demand for care of school-age children by providing after-school programs for up to half a
million children per year.
Thank you again for your tremendous leadership on this important issue. We look forward to
working with you over the coming months to pass comprehensive child care legislation which
will meet the needs of America's families.
Sincerely,
BRNRl
Bruce Reed
Assistant to the President
for Domestic Policy
ROSA -
Thanks for inviting me to see you colleagues the
_H._ I think Democrats are in great shape!
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 14, 1998
MEMORANDUM FOR BRUCE REED
JENNIFER KLEIN
FROM:
SUSAN BROPHY
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE
Enclosed please find a copy of a letter that was sent to the
President from Rep. Rosa L. DeLauro (D-CT).
I do not believe this letter requires a Presidential response at
this time. Please review the attached material and respond
directly to the Member (s) of Congress. Please forward a copy of
the response to Chris Walker, Office of Legislative Affairs.
Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter. If you
have any questions, please feel free to call Chris at 456-7500.
Enclosure
436 CANNON BUILDING
CHIEF DEPUTY WHIP
WASHINGTON, DC 20515-0703
(202) 225-3661
COMMITTEE ON APPROPRIATIONS
59 ELM STREET
SECOND FLOOR
SUBCOMMITTEES:
NEW HAVEN, CT 06510
LABOR, HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES,
(203) 562-3718
AND EDUCATION
KILLINGWORTH/CLINTON
UNITED STATES
AGRICULTURE, RURAL DEVELOPMENT,
(203) 669-1181
FOOD AND DRUG ADMINISTRATION,
HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
AND RELATED AGENCIES
STRATFORD
(203) 378-9005
ROSA L. DELAURO
3D DISTRICT, CONNECTICUT
January 6, 1998
President William J. Clinton
The White House
JAN 7 PM6:04
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20006-9900
Dear Mr. President:
I am writing to express my appreciation for the leadership that you and the First Lady
have shown on the issues of quality child care and the needs of very young children. Your
White House conference on early brain development, conference on child care, and your
commitment to expanding Head Start, have brought attention and resources to deal with this
problem in a way which no other individual or group could have done alone.
I am particularly pleased to hear that you are planning to make a substantial child care
initiative an important part of your State of the Union speech and fiscal year 1999 budget. Last
November, I joined a group of Senators and Representatives in urging OMB Director Raines
to target $20 billion over the next five years to an initiative that would improve the quality and
accessibility of child care for American working families, and would like to thank you for
proposing such an initiative. I look forward to joining you at the White House tomorrow
afternoon to hear the details of your proposal.
As you know, I have proposed legislation that would provide grants to states to help
families afford good child care and create incentives to improve the quality of available care.
I urge you to ensure that the proposal you unveil tomorrow include a substantial commitment
to quality and access, particularly for the children of the poor and working poor who are most
vulnerable, who need quality care the most, and who are least likely to receive such care
without support. I assure you that I will do everything in my power to move such a proposal
through Congress this year.
I look forward to hearing the details of your initiative and to working with you on this
issue through the coming months.
Sincerely,
ROSA L. DeLAURO
Member of Congress
RLD/bjs
cc: Mrs. Hillary Rodham Clinton
Director Franklin Raines
Secretary Donna Shalala
Secretary Robert Rubin
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 18, 1998
The Honorable James P. McGovern
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515-2103
Dear Congressman McGovern:
Thank you for you letter to the President, and for your strong support of an ambitious new
investment in child care. As you know, the President's balanced budget includes $21.3
billion over the next five years to make child care better, safer, and more affordable for
America's working families.
The President's plan will: (1) make a significant new investment in the child care block
grant, so that states can provide child care subsidies for more children in low-income
working families; (2) dedicate funding for enforcement of state health and safety standards
in child care, through, for example, increased unannounced inspections; (3) establish a Child
Care Scholarship Fund; (4) create an Early Learning Fund to provide challenge grants
through states to communities for activities that improve child care safety and quality and
promote early learning; (5) double the number of children served by Early Head Start and
expand Head Start; (6) build the supply of after-school programs through a significant
investment in the 21st Century Community Learning Center program; (7) provide greater
tax relief for three million working parents with child care costs through reforms to the
Child and Dependent Care Tax Credit; and (8) establish a new tax credit for businesses that
offer child care services to their employees.
The President believes that by continuing to work together on a bipartisan basis and by
taking the best proposals from both sides of the aisle, we will achieve legislation that is
right for America's children and families. We look forward to working with you on this
important issue in the months ahead.
Sincerely,
Bruce Reed
Assistant to the President
for Domestic Policy
Thanks for pushing So hard on this issue!
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 14, 1998
MEMORANDUM FOR BRUCE REED
FROM:
SUSAN BROPHY
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE
Enclosed please find a copy of a letter that was sent to the
President from Rep. James P. McGovern (D-MA).
I do not believe this letter requires a Presidential response at
this time. Please review the attached material and respond
directly to the Member (s) of Congress. Please forward a copy of
the response to Chris Walker, Office of Legislative Affairs.
Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter. If you
have any questions, please feel free to call Chris at 456-7500.
Enclosure
JAMES P. McGOVERN
512 CAVYON BUILDING
3RD DISTRICT. MASSACHUSETTS
40
WASHINGTON DC 20515-2103
(202) 225-6101
COMMITTEE ON
DISTRICT OFFICES:
TRANSPORTATION AND INFRASTRUCTURE
Congress of the United States
34 Mrchanic STREET
FIRST FLOOR
WORCESTER. MA 01608/
SURCOMMITTELS:
house of Representatives
(508) 831-7356
SURFACE TRANSPORTATION
1 PARK STREET
WATER RESOURCES AND ENVIRONMENT
Washington, DC 20515-2103
ATTLEBORO, MA 02703
(508) 431-8025
January 5, 1998
218 SOUTH Main STREET
SUITE 204
FALL RIVER. MA 02721
(508) 677-0140
http://www.house.gov/mcgovern,
William Jefferson Clinton
President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW
Washington, D.C. 20500
'98 JAN 6 PM12:3:
Dear Mr. President:
I wish to express my deep appreciation and strong support for the issues you and the First
Lady have raised over the past year regarding early childhood development and access to quality
child care. On behalf of my constituents and colleagues, I would like to encourage you to make
these important issues of development and care for our youngest citizens -- those five years and
younger a centerpiece of your address to the nation on January 27th.
In meetings last November between White House officials and Members of Congress who
have taken the lead on these issues, we discussed a proposal that would target $20 billion over the
next five years toward improving the quality of early childhood development and increasing the
ability of working families to have access to quality early childhood development and child care
programs. In recent weeks, White House officials have made statements indicating a commitment
to achieve these goals through a combination of tax credits for families paying for child care and
increased funding for early childhood development and child care programs that enhance the
quality of care and access to these services.
I want you to be assured that I will strongly support such initiatives, especially those that
would allow more lower-income working families to place their infants and toddlers in a quality
developmental environment and those that would make funds available to states to enhance access
to and the quality of their programs for children five years and younger. I would hope that such
proposals initiated by the White House would be balanced between providing financial relief to
those families who can already afford child care and providing program funds for enhanced access
and quality care to working families of more modest means. I would also hope that proposals will
support state initiatives to improve the quality of early child care and increase access to that care.
It is essential that states be able to attract the very best child care providers by establishing high
standards and salaries commensurate with the training and education required for quality care.
Together, you and the Congress have already taken initial steps toward achieving these
goals. Last year's budget agreement included $4 billion over five years to expand the Head
Start/Early Start program, which is facing reauthorization during this session of Congress. And
THIS STATIONERY PRINTED ON PAPER MADE OF RECYCLED FIBERS
01/05/98 MON 16:22 FAA
last year, through the efforts of many of my colleagues and ne, the FY98 appropriations bill for
Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Education Departments included $114 million in
additional funding for key early childhood development programs.
Early childhood development and quality child care are key elements in providing for the
collective good of our nation. Their benefits are not just to the families and children themselves;
their benefits accrue to the whole of society. Programs and incentives that ensure quality care and
an environment in which every child in America might develop to his or her full potential will
contribute to a healthier, more productive nation. Such programs are an investment in America's
future, and I salute you and the First Lady for championing these programs.
I look forward to reviewing your proposals as they are announced and to hearing them
highlighted in the State of the Union Address later this month.
Juni Sincerely, Use Born
P.
McGovern
Member of Congress
CC:
First Lady Hillary Rodham Clinton
Franklin Raines, Director, Office of Management and Budget
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 23, 1998
The Honorable Tim Roemer
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Roemer:
Thank you for your letter regarding your legislation, which promotes employer-provided child
care through a business tax credit.
As you know, the President's child care initiative also includes a tax credit to businesses that
provide child care services for their employees, by building or expanding child care facilities,
operating existing facilities, training child care workers, or providing child care resource and
referral services to employees. The credit covers 25% of qualified costs, but may not exceed
$150,000 per year.
In addition, the President's child care initiative will make child care more affordable by
doubling the number of children receiving child care subsidies to more than two million by the
year 2003, and by increasing tax credits for three million working families to help them pay for
child care. It will also help improve the quality of care our children receive by enhancing early
child childhood development through a new Early Learning Fund as well as by supporting
enforcement of state child care health and safety standards. Finally, the President's child care
initiative addresses the huge demand for care of school-age children by providing after-school
programs for up to half a million children per year.
We look forward to working with you over the coming months to pass comprehensive child
care legislation. The President believes that by continuing to work together on a bipartisan
basis and by taking the best proposals from both sides of the aisle, we will achieve legislation
that helps Americans fulfill their responsibilities as workers, and even more important, as
parents.
Sincerely,
BRNRl
Bruce Reed
Assistant to the President
for Domestic Policy
THANKS FOR PUSHING So HARD ON THIS
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 23, 1998
The Honorable Deborah Pryce
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Pryce:
Thank you for your letter regarding your legislation, which promotes employer-provided child
care through a business tax credit.
As you know, the President's child care initiative also includes a tax credit to businesses that
provide child care services for their employees, by building or expanding child care facilities,
operating existing facilities, training child care workers, or providing child care resource and
referral services to employees. The credit covers 25% of qualified costs, but may not exceed
$150,000 per year.
In addition, the President's child care initiative will make child care more affordable by
doubling the number of children receiving child care subsidies to more than two million by the
year 2003, and by increasing tax credits for three million working families to help them pay for
child care. It will also help improve the quality of care our children receive by enhancing early
child childhood development through a new Early Learning Fund as well as by supporting
enforcement of state child care health and safety standards. Finally, the President's child care
initiative addresses the huge demand for care of school-age children by providing after-school
programs for up to half a million children per year.
We look forward to working with you over the coming months to pass comprehensive child
care legislation. The President believes that by continuing to work together on a bipartisan
basis and by taking the best proposals from both sides of the aisle, we will achieve legislation
that helps Americans fulfill their responsibilities as workers, and even more important, as
parents.
Sincerely,
BaRl
Bruce Reed
Assistant to the President
for Domestic Policy
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 15, 1998
MEMORANDUM FOR BRUCE REED
Jennifer Klein
FROM:
SUSAN BROPHY
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE
Enclosed please find a copy of a letter that was sent to the
President from Reps. Tim Roemer (D-IN) and Deborah Pryce (R-OH)
I do not believe this letter requires a Presidential response at
this time. Please review the attached material and respond
directly to the Member (s) of Congress. Please forward a copy of
the response to Chris Walker, Office of Legislative Affairs.
Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter. If you
have any questions, please feel free to call Chris at 456-7500.
Enclosure
Congress of the United States
Washington, DC 20515
December 23, 1997
The Honorable William J. Clinton
President
DPC
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Rud & Kien
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President,
We are writing to commend you for expressing your commitment to expanding access to
affordable, quality child care for working families. We share this goal, and look forward to
working with you to develop effective policies that will ensure our nation's children receive
the care they need to develop into healthy, intelligent, and productive adults.
As you contemplate a variety of policies designed to help parents balance work and family,
we thought you may want to consider legislation that we have sponsored in each of the past
three Congresses. The Child Care Availability Incentive Act (H.R. 988) would provide tax
credits to businesses that provide licensed on-site or site-adjacent dependent care to their
employees. In our view, child care available at the work site offers benefits to be realized
by both the employer and employee, including greater worker productivity, lower
absenteeism, and happier, less-stressed parents and children. H.R. 988 addresses a growing
concern of many parents in America, without creating another government program or
placing new mandates on businesses.
Each year, since 1993, our bill has received broad, bipartisan support. In the 105th
Congress, H.R. 988 has been cosponsored by 45 Members - -- 15 Republicans and 30
Democrats. We have attached a copy of our legislation, as well as a cost estimate by the
Congressional Budget Office, for your review. We welcome any comments and questions
you may have.
Again, we stand ready to work with you on a bipartisan basis to provide a brighter future
for our nation through the care of our children. Thank you for your consideration, and we
look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Tin Rosmar
DEBORAH PRYCE
TIM ROEMER
Member of Congress
Member of Congress
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
104TH CONGRESS, 1ST SESSION
KENNETH J. KES
CHIEF OF STARF
HOUSE
SENATE
MARY M. SCHMTT
RCHER. TEXAS.
808 PACKWOOD, OREGON,
DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF
HAIRMAN
VICE CHAIRMAN
(LAW)
HILIP M. CRANE. ILLINOIS
WILLIAM V. ROTH JR., DELAWARE
WILLIAM M. THOMAS. CALIFORNIA
ORRIN G. MATCH. UTAH
Congress of the United States
BERNARD A. SCHMITT
SAM M. GIBBONS, FLORIDA
DANIEL PATRICK MOYNIHAN, NEW YORK
DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF
CHARLES 8. RANGEL NEW YORK
MAX BAUCUS, MONTANA
IREVENUE ANALYSIS)
JOINT COMMITTEE ON TAXATION
1015 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515-6453
(202) 225-3621
Honorable Deborah Pryce
APR 04 1995
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Mrs. Pryce:
This letter is in response to your request for a revenue
estimate of H.R. 881, the "Child Care Availability Incentive
Act"
Specifically, this bill would grant employers a tax credit
equal to 50 percent of the expenses paid or incurred by the
employer during the taxable year in providing dependent care
services for employees. No tax credit would be allowed for
expenses paid by the employer which were reimbursed by the
employee for such dependent care services. For purposes of this
proposal the term "qualified day care center" means any day care
center (1) which is operated by the taxpayer exclusively for
purposes of providing dependent care services to employees,
(2) which is located on the business premises of the taxpayer or
on a site adjacent to such premises, (3) which complies with all
applicable laws and regulations of a State or unit of local
government, and 4) the operation of. which is part of a dependent
care assistance program.
As requested in your letter of March 29, 1995 we are
estimating this bill as if it were included in H.R. 1215 as
passed by the Committee on Ways and Means. It is assumed that
this bill would be effective for taxable years beginning after
December 31, 1995. The effect on Federal fiscal year budget
receipts is shown below.
Fiscal Years
[Millions of Dollars]
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
1996-2000
-54
-120
-165
-219
-283
-841
I hope this information is helpful to you. If we can be of
further assistance in this matter, please let me know.
Sincerely Kenneth J Kies
Center
for the
Child Care
Workforce
June 25, 1998
The Honorable Vic Fazio
Chairman
Democratic Caucus
U.S. House of Representatives
1420 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Representative Fazio:
We are pleased that the House Democratic Caucus has developed a
comprehensive child care proposal based on the plan which President Clinton outlined
last October at the White House Conference on Child Care. We welcome strong
Democratic leadership in Congress that recognizes the importance of improving the
availability of quality care for all American children. Because the cornerstone of quality
child care is the presence of consistent, stable, qualified and well-compensated
caregivers, we urge the Caucus to consider expanding three components of the proposal
to strengthen the capacity of child care programs to secure and retain highly-qualified
teachers and providers, and to reward those who have made a career commitment to this
field. The components are discussed below.
Quality Fund/The Early Learning Fund
The Early Learning Fund will support programs that strive to improve the quality
of care young children receive. The provisions already included in the Fund, such as
training and improved staff-child ratios, are necessary but not sufficient to upgrade
services. In addition, centers that pay better attract and retain more qualified teachers,
and are rated higher in program quality. We therefore recommend that the Fund include
specific language that authorizes and encourages states to identify and fund compensation
initiatives for the child care workforce as a strategy for improving child care quality. We
have enclosed our publication, Making Work Pay: Promising Practices for Improving
Compensation, which highlights successful models to address this issue.
Standards Enforcement Fund
Public concern about the health and safety of children currently ranks as one of
the most widely discussed topics in American society, and we applaud efforts proposed in
the Standards Enforcement Fund. In devising efforts to protect our children, one strategy
that is often overlooked is to use child care workers and parents as "internal regulators" of
child care facilities. We have enclosed a proposal developed by our organization last
733 15th Street, NW Suite 1037 Washington, DC 20005-2112
202/737-7700 202/737-0370 FAX Worthy Wage Campaign: 1-800-U-R-WORTHY
e-mail: [email protected]
year, Licensing Standards: Key Provisions for Child Protection in Child Care Facilities,
which outlines strategies for including child care workers and parents in monitoring the
health and safety of children. Integrating these provisions into the proposed plan would
be an appropriate and effective strategy for protecting the health and safety of children in
all child care settings.
Child Care Provider Scholarship Fund
Caring for children is a job that requires specialized training and skills, as
acknowledged by the Child Care Provider Scholarship Fund which promotes and
supports significant educational opportunities for entry-level child care workers. As
President Clinton articulated at the White House Conference on Child Care, however,
most child care workers have already completed academic training, and many have
achieved a child care credential or college degree. These experienced workers have made
a substantial investment in their careers which should not be lost - but presently, we
continue to lose a large proportion of them each year to other professions, because of the
difficulty of earning a livable wage in child care. Therefore, we encourage you to
broaden the scope of the Scholarship Fund so that those individuals who have already
obtained training in early childhood development and education can access resources to
continue in their professional development. We are enclosing a copy of C.A.R.E.S., a
legislative initiative recently passed by the California Assembly, as an example of this
type of strategy.
We applaud the Caucus's efforts to introduce a comprehensive child care plan in
this legislative session. We believe that expanding the scope of the Quality Fund/Early
Learning Fund, Standards Enforcement Fund, and Child Care Provider Scholarship Fund
in the House Democratic Child Care Proposal is crucial to providing better services for
children and families, and better child care jobs for teachers and providers. As the
Caucus works to finalize this proposal, please feel free to call us if we can offer any
assistance.
Sincerely,
Ilavey Whitebook
your P.Andes
Marcy Whitebook
Marci P. Andrews
Co-Director
Public Policy Coordinator
Encl.
Cc:
Joan Lombardi
Jen Klein
4-02-1998 38AM
FROM MARY BOURDETTE 96905750
P.2
CONG
Congress of the United States
Mashington, DC 20515
April 1, 1998
The Honorable Bill Archer
Chairman
U.S. House of Representatives
Committee on Ways and Means
1102 Longworth House Office Building
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Mr. Chairman:
We are writing to urge you to bring comprehensive child care legislation before the
Ways and Means Committee as soon as possible. As you know, President Clinton proposed an
initiative to improve the quality, safety and affordability of child care nearly three months ago
and many Members also have legislative proposals pending before the Committee. However,
the Committee has yet to hold even a single hearing on this issue which every day impacts the
safety and development of our children and the economic security of millions of working
Americans.
The facts on child care speak for themselves. In the nearly 18 million American
families with children under the age of six, 65% of their mothers work. Furthermore, even in
families where the mother is not in the workforce, 32% of preschool children participate in
some type of child care or early education program. These statistics clearly illustrate the
growing need for quality child care, but they do not depict the daily struggle millions of
American families have in paying for day care. For middle-income families with children
under the age of two, child care now represents their third largest expense, surpassed only by
housing and transportation. The picture for low-income families is even bleaker: those that
paid for care for children under the age of five lost 25% of their income to child care
expenses. And finally, let us not forget the scientific evidence illustrating that the quality of
day care will have a direct impact on a child's intellectual growth and future ability.
For all of these reasons, we believe the Ways and Means Committee should consider
comprehensive child care legislation before the end of this legislative session. We look
forward to your reply to this letter and to working with you to develop a proposal that will
help American families meet the dual challenges of working and raising a family.
Sincerely,
Rabara Member BARBARA of Congress B. KENNELLY B Kannelly
SANDER Sand Lex LEVIN
Member of Congress
MINTESCH RECYCLED -
4-02-1998 39AM
FROM MARY BOURDETTE 96905750
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CONG RENNELLI
The Honorable Bill Archer
Page 2
Robut I. Matrin
Member CHARLES of RANGER Congress
ROBERT MATSUI
Member of Congress
JIM time McDERMOTT M:Dermoth
Ber Cardin
BENJAMIN CARDIN
Member of Congress
Member of Congress
WilliamJ. Coyne
THURMAN
WILLIAM COYNE
Member of Congress
Member of Congress
birhard 2 have
MICHAEL McNULTY
RICHARD NEAL
Member of Congress
Member of Congress
Aalews Member JOHN LEWIS of Congress
Stark
PETE STARK
Member of Congress
XAVIER BECEBRA
Jan JOHN TANNER Jamm
Member of Congress
Member of Congress
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 25, 1998
The Honorable Steven R. Rothman
House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Rothman:
Thank you for your letter about the views of your constituents on child care. One of the goals of
the White House Conference on Child Care was to spark discussions all across the country similar
to the one you had with residents of Bergen County. We know that child care is a pressing
concern to millions of families, and we very much appreciate your efforts to help us hear the
views of Americans on this issue.
You raised three very important child care challenges: safety, access and cost. The President's
historic initiative to improve child care for America's working families responds to these child
care concerns. The President's proposal invests $21.7 billion over five years to help families pay
for child care, build the supply of good after-school programs, improve the safety and quality of
care, and promote early learning.
The President's child care initiative will make child care more affordable by doubling the number
of children receiving child care subsidies to more than two million by the year 2003, increasing tax
credits for three million working families to help them pay for child care, and providing a new tax
credit for businesses that offer child care services for their employees. It will also help improve
the quality of care our children receive by enhancing early child childhood development through
the new Early Learning Fund as well as supporting enforcement of state child care health and
safety standards. Finally, the President's child care initiative addresses the huge demand for after-
school care by providing such care for up to half a million children per year.
Thank you again for providing us with the views of your constituents on this important issue. We
look forward to working with you in the coming months to ensure that all of America's families
can fulfill their potential without having to worry that child care will be too expensive, unsafe or
simply unavailable.
Sincerely,
BRMBl
Bruce Reed
Assistant to the President
for Domestic Policy
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
October 31, 1997
MEMORANDUM FOR BRUCE REED
JENNIFER KLEIN
FROM:
SUSAN BROPHY
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE
Enclosed please find a copy of a letter that was sent to the
President from Rep. Steven R. Rothman (D-NJ).
I do not believe this letter requires a Presidential response at
this time. Please review the attached material and respond
directly to the Member (s) of Congress. Please forward a copy of
the response to Chris Walker, Office of Legislative Affairs.
Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter. If you
have any questions, please feel free to call Chris at 456-7500.
Enclosure
COMMITTEES:
ROTHMAN
COMMITTEE ON THE JUDICIARY
SUBCOMMITTEE ON CRIME
\
OFFICE BUILDING
COMMITTEE ON
OC.
20615
Congress of the United States
INTERNATIONAL RELATIONS
= 6061
- - - 225-5851
SUBCOMMITTEE ON INTERNATIONAL
DISTRICT OFFICES:
House of Representatives
ECONOMIC POLICY AND TRADE
25 MAIN STREET
E-MAIL:
COURT PLAZA
HACKENSACK, NJ 07601-7089
Washington, B.C. 20515
[email protected]
(201) 646-0808
FAX (201) 646-1944
WEB SITE:
130 CENTRAL AVENUE
house.gov/rothman
JERSEY CITY. NJ 07306-2118
(201) 798-1366
FAX (201) 798-1725
October 22, 1997
Hon. William Jefferson Clinton
President of the United States
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, DC 20500
Dear Mr. President:
DCT27:-2:22
Your White House Conference on Child Care could not have been
more timely. Over the past decade, the number of American families
with two working parents has expanded dramatically. In 1995, 62%
of all working women had children under six years old. The
question of what to do with our children while parents are at work
is certainly the family question of the 90s.
Just this past Monday, I had the opportunity to meet with
parents in my district who are seeking a better solution to their
child care problems. The meeting was held at the Corporate Child
Care Center in Little Ferry, New Jersey and included four parents:
Lloyd Domke of Ridgefield, Julie Blacker of Wood-Ridge, Joanne
Hazuda of Lodi and Diane MacNeill of Ridgefield Park. We were also
joined by Andrea Marinelli of Hackensack and Angela Ludvegsen of
Wanaque who work for the child care center and are parents
themselves.
We all have seen the "hidden camera" news stories of child
care services that abuse the children. Ensuring that parents have
a viable child care option -- in terms of cost and safety - - is
important to the health of all our families. And it is essential
to the health of our children.
The reality is that a bad child care experience can be the
difference between a healthy child and someone who has permanent
emotional scars. And the cost of care is often prohibitive. The
issues raised at this meeting centered on three topics: safety,
access and cost.
SAFETY
The Bergen County parents I met with want to mandate criminal
background checks for EVERY worker employed in child care
facilities. Only through background checks, would they feel safer
about putting their children in the hands of people they barely
White House Conference On Child Care
Page 2
know. Even at the most expensive child care centers, without these
background checks, their children are still at risk. And they
specifically noted that it should include everyone associated with
the agency from the director to teachers to janitors.
The other safety issue which concerned them was inspections.
In response to a recent series of investigative articles in the
Bergen Record, the State of New Jersey recently announced that it
would increase inspections at state licensed centers. Nonetheless,
the director of Corporate Child Care said that in the year she has
been at the center, they have NEVER been inspected. One of the
parents called the lack of inspections, "a sin.' They specifically
cited smaller child care centers, often times having fewer than
five children, that they said are rarely, if ever, inspected.
ACCESS
In Bergen and Hudson Counties, both parents often need to work
just to pay the bills. Many families do not have a relative living
close by who can take care of the child all day. So they turn to
child care. And often times, it is difficult to find and very
expensive. In NJ, we only have 2,830 licensed child care centers.
That may sound like a lot, but that is only 5 child care centers
per municipality. It is not getting the job done.
This has led to the proliferation of some small, less-equipped
child care centers more interested in turning a profit than caring
for kids. When looking for good child care, these parents said
they came across day care centers that were located in someone's
basement. They were not properly maintained, were very dark and
did not have educational toys for the children.
They also noted that, generally, day care centers are only
open until 6 pm. In northern New Jersey, the "9 to 5" job is often
a thing of the past. We need to encourage child care centers to be
more flexible to today's demands on our workforce. This not only
puts a strain on parents who may need to leave work early, but it
could mean that young children are left unattended in their home.
COST
Figuring out how to offer families quality child care at a
reasonable price is a problem unique to our generation.
Because we have so few child care centers, there has yet to be
true competition that would bring the cost down. Some parents said
that they knew people who chose not to work because it was better
financially for them to stay home and not pay for child care.
Obviously the parents had a lot of ideas when it came to how we can
help with costs. They mentioned increasing government subsidies
White House Conference On Child Care
Page 3
and offering tax incentives that encourage businesses to make a
greater contribution to child care.
We also need programs that encourage states to make this a
higher priority for themselves. In 1994, New Jersey spent 10 times
as much on corrections than it did on child care.
Thanks to your leadership, we already have increased federal
assistance to families in need of child care. Since 1993, federal
funding for child care has increased by approximately 68% and
provides child care services for over one million children. And in
1995, you directed the Department of Health and Human Services to
establish the Child Care Bureau to streamline child care
operations.
Earlier this year, I helped in your fight for additional funds
for the Social Services Block Grant program that goes towards child
care services. The Majority Party in Congress tried to cut $135
million from the program, but we stopped them. I also have co-
sponsored the "Working Families Child Care Act of 1997" to give low
income families access to child care.
CONCLUSION
I hope the White House Conference on Child Care can help us
figure out how our nation can better respond to the needs of
working families. This week I was provided a glimpse of the state
of child care in Bergen County. It is clear that we need to make
providing safe, affordable child care a national priority.
I am also concerned about the quality of services children
from around the country are able to receive. Are state standards
strong enough in every state so that children across America are
protected? What kind of immunization requirements do different
states have? I hope one of the results of the White House
Conference is to determine whether we need national standards for
child care safety.
I wish you the best of luck in conducting this conference.
This has been a priority for America's families. You should be
commended for making this a priority for your Administration. I
look forward to working with you on this issue in the weeks and
months ahead.
Sincerely,
Stave Nothwan
STEVEN R. ROTHMAN
Member of Congress
S52
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
January 27, 1998
in this whole economic expansion. But
again. It hasn't got the complexities of
huge success because there are 4 mil-
those at the bottom rungs of the eco-
many of the proposals the President
lion fewer people receiving welfare as-
nomic ladder have not gotten their fair
will be talking about tonight. It is
sistance, I think there has been a lot of
share of the extraordinary prosperity
basic and fundamental. Every Member
confusion. Welfare reform doesn't
that we are experiencing under Presi-
of this body has addressed this issue
mean that there are fewer people on
dent Clinton's leadership.
and voted on it one way or the other. It
welfare. It doesn't mean you reduce the
So I don't understand why there is
is going to be really a reflection of our
number of people receiving assistance.
such opposition to the very modest in-
values.
It means you reduce poverty. That is
creases that we are talking about, that
Finally, Mr. President, by not in-
what it is about. It works if you are re-
even if implemented will hardly permit
creasing the minimum wage, we leave
ducing the poverty for these families
workers to provide for their families
many workers so poor that they are el-
which are 90 percent women and chil-
and be out of poverty. As a result of
igible for government assistance pro-
dren.
the 1996 welfare reform legislation,
grams, such as food stamps. These pro
When I have been traveling around
many, many more people were thrown
grams are being paid for by other
the country it is heartbreaking The
into poverty. In many instances, they
workers' taxes. In effect, these employ-
Senator talks about after school. There
are not going to get the health care or
ees are subsidizing the businesses that
are 3- and 4-year olds home alone right
the day care that they need, depending
aren't paying a fair wage. I think that
now. That should not be the case be-
on a particular State's rules in this re-
is wrong.
cause mothers are told to work. There
gard. But there will be millions of
We will have a chance to review the
are also preschoolers who are in very
Americans who will be out there in the
latest economic information available.
ad hoc arrangements with a relative
job market without the health care for
We have to address that issue. We un-
for this week or that week, then some-
their children that Medicaid would
derstand it. Some of us believe that
body else the next week. We don't have
have provided or child care coverage
Americans who work hard and play by
affordable child care. In East LA in Los
that welfare benefits would have pro-
the rules ought to be able to get a liv-
Angeles there is a waiting list of 30,000
vided.
able wage as a matter of principle. To
for affordable child care. The President
What we are asking is that at least
achieve that goal, we have to address
will be speaking about that tonight.
we pay them a livable wage. I don't
the impact on inflation and job loss.
Mr. President, there are first- and sec-
think a single parent, with $10,000 or
We will make that argument and we
ond-graders.
$12,000, is going to have the kind of
will make it with a great deal of enthu-
I met a woman in Los Angeles who
child care that any of us would under-
siasm. Two articles from the Wall
broke down crying because she is so
stand or respect. Yesterday, I was in
Street Journal show that the increase
scared because her first-grader goes
Dorchester, Massachusetts, meeting
in the minimum wage did not cause job
home alone-she is at work-to a very
with parents about an after school pro-
loss or increase inflation. I will include
dangerous housing project, and is told
gram, which has been in effect for a
those articles in the RECORD at the ap-
to lock the door, and take no phone
number of years. It's going to be ex-
propriate place following my remarks.
calls. There are children who don't
panded. The mayor of Boston calls it
Here was the newspaper that opposed it
play outside right now.
the 2-to-6 program, and is trying to
hammer and tong the last time we had
So when the Senator from Massachu-
make available, in all parts of Boston,
the increase. I do not suggest that they
setts talked about child care, I just
after-school programs for children. It is
are going to editorialize in favor of it
want to emphasize the fact that wel-
a very ambitious program. We have
this time. But, nonetheless, the various
fare reform only means reduction of
seen our Republican Governor indicate
studies have shown that there is no
poverty. It means that children are in
that he is supporting the after-school
evidence that modest increases in the
safe places receiving good child care.
program. I listened to the parents who
minimum wage would harm the econ-
That is not happening.
were out there, who talked about what
omy or cause job loss.
Mr. President, I also want to point
happens after their children are 12
Mr. President, I don't know what will
out that there are too many mothers
years old. The State of Massachusetts
be in the President's State of the
who in our community colleges who
has a program that provides modest
Union speech tonight. There are some
are now told, "You cannot pursue your
support for this kind of program for
reports that he will indicate support
education. You have to work." The job
children up to 12 years old, but cuts it
for an increase in the minimum wage.
is $5.15, and if the minimum wage isn't
off there. Parents with tears in their
And if he does I hope that our Cham-
higher one year later they will be
eyes were saying. "We work hard try-
bers will show support for that pro-
worse off.
ing to provide for our families, and we
posal because I know it will make all
I am going to have an amendment for
just can't make it. Our children are
the difference in the world for millions
student deferment for those mothers
going home and staying in an empty
of Americans and their families. In-
because that is toward economic self-
house in the afternoon." They pray
creasing the minimum wage will allow
sufficiency, and another amendment
that they are not going to get them-
them to look to the future with a
that is going to require States to pro-
selves in trouble, that the worst thing
greater sense of hope.
vide to Health and Human Services the
that will happen to them is they will
Mr. WELLSTONE addressed the
data in 6 months as to how many fami-
just watch television. It might cost
Chair.
lies are moving toward economic self-
those parents $5 or $10 a week, maybe
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
sufficiency because you just can't
$20 a month to be able to have an after-
ator from Minnesota.
eliminate people from assistance and
school program. I expect that any sin-
Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, I
cut off assistance if people do not have
gle mom getting an increase in the
ask unanimous consent that morning
the jobs and decent wages.
minimum wage wouldn't think that
business be extended for 10 minutes.
Mr. President, I wanted to ask the
much of a problem. That is happening
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
Senator this question. The Senator
in many communities in this country.
objection, t.is so ordered
from Massachusetts was speaking to an
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under
Mr. WELLSTONE Mr. President, I
issue that I hear about everywhere I
the previous order, the 10 minutes allo-
have a couple of questions that I may
go, and it sounds like the President is
cated to the Senator have expired.
want to put to my colleague in just a
going to be speaking to it, which is
Mr. KENNEDY. I ask unanimous con-
moment.
that I think people in our country be-
sent for 4 more minutes.
Mr. President, the Senator from Mas-
lieve that If you play by the rules of
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
sachusetts touched on two concerns
objection, it is so ordered.
the game and you work 40 hours a week
that I want to speak about for a brief
Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, we
or thereabouts 52 weeks a year you
will have a chance to debate this issue.
period of time. The Senator mentioned
ought not to be poor in America. That
It 1s not one that should take a great
welfare. Earlier when I was speaking I
is what this is about. The last time we
deal of time to review. We have been
didn't talk about the welfare bill. But
had a debate on the minimum wage the
I want the Senator to know that as we
through this debate time and time
Senator from Massachusetts just in-
see the reports that this has been a
sisted that the Senate would address
January 27, 1998
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
S53
this issue. Does the Senator intend to
leased a study showing that in 1996,
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
make this such a precise priority for
38% of those seeking emergency food
objection, it is 80 ordered.
his work that one way or another all
aid are working-not unemployed. This
Mr. KENNEDY. Many of their par-
Senators are going to be voting on
is up from 23% in 1994. And, officials in
ents never went to college. These are
this? Are we going to have it on the
two-thirds of the cities cited low wages
teenagers. These students are trying to
floor of the Senate? Are we going to
as a primary reason for hunger. I don't
earn enough to buy their books and
have the debate? Are we going to have
know whether the Senator has this
maybe attend an athletic event once in
a vote on it so all Senators can be held
problem in rural communities in his re-
a while or be able to pay in order to
accountable to working families, or
gion of the Nation. But in urban areas,
rent athletic equipment. These stu-
not?
almost 40 percent of those seeking
dents-and yes, they are teenagers-are
Mr. KENNEDY. Absolutely, Senator.
emergency food aid are working, and
working long and hard, and they de-
We will vote on this issue, and the ear-
they still can't make it.
serve the increase, too.
lier the better as far as I am concerned,
All we are saying is that if you are
Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, the
so that minimum wage earners can
working you shouldn't have to go to a
Senator asked about Minnesota. Just
continue the progress that they have
soup kitchen. When you are working,
two final points.
made during the last 2 years. We will
you shouldn't have to bring your chil-
One, I was speaking on the floor ear-
vote on this measure. I think that
dren to a soup kitchen in order to be
lier and I said that I think most fami-
those who are opposed to it will give
fed. The minimum wage is designed to
lies are focused on how you earn a de-
the Senate the opportunity to vote on
prevent such problems. It has been a
cent living and how you give your chil-
it-at least I certainly hope they will.
part of the fabric of our society since
dren the care you know they need and
But the Senator is quite correct. We
the late 1930's, and it has been some-
deserve. I think the minimum wage bill
will vote on it one way or the other,
thing which has had bipartisan support
is an important step in that direction
and I think we take to heart that Con-
in the past. We are hopeful that it will
along with whatever we can do on af-
gressman GEPHARDT, Congressman
have bipartisan support this time. Ulti-
fordable child care and health care.
BONIOR and others have an identical
mately we will have it. But it had bi-
That is the key to family income in
bill. They are strongly committed. As
partisan support under President Bush,
this country.
Senators remember, there is a more
and President Nixon supported the in-
I spoke earlier about the record of in-
complicated rule process over in the
crease as well. And Republicans in this
equality. Secretary Reich had a very
House of Representatives. But there is
body have supported it, too.
important piece in the New York
no reason in the world that we in the
Many of our colleagues are con-
Times about it. But now we see, Mr.
Senate cannot have an opportunity to
stantly talking about the importance
President, a merger with education be-
vote on that measure and attach it to
of rewarding work in our society. But
cause, as a matter of fact, I say to my
legislation and send it. over to the
when you have people who are able-
colleagues and my friend from Massa-
House. We will do that and continue to
bodied, who want to work, and who
chusetts what I find when I travel
do it until we are successful.
have jobs-there is something wrong if
around Minnesota-and I was a college
Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, I
they can't make it on their own. There
teacher for 20 years-is that many stu-
am an original cosponsor. I am pleased
is something wrong if we do not try to
dents are taking 6 years to graduate
to hear that because that is part of
address that problem.
and not 4 years because now students
what I am here for as a Senator.
Mr. WELLSTONE. I have one final
are working on the average of 25 or 30
Let me ask the Senator from Massa-
question.
hours a week at two minimum-wage
chusetts one final question. We don't
The people who contribute don't have
jobs.
just look at polls. But does the Senator
a lot. They are not the heavy hitters.
So we now are talking about a piece
have, in terms of what people in the
They are not the ones always here in
of legislation that speaks to the issue
country have been saying about raising
Washington to lobby us.
of how families can have more income
the minimum wage 50 cents a year over
How does the Senator think we could
and also how students can afford their
the next 3 years-and we index it after
win this fight?
higher education. Many of these stu-
that-is there broad public support
Mr. KENNEDY. The Senator makes a
dents are 18 and 19. But let's not
that is a matter of simple elementary
good point because the organizations,
trivialize the teen part. They are
judgment?
the National Federation of Independent
young women and young men who are
Mr. KENNEDY. The Senator is cor-
Businesses, the National Restaurant
working hard to be able to go to
rect. It is interesting that studies from
Association and others are out there
school. You had better believe that this
this month show even greater support
already trying to discourage people
minimum wage bill is really of critical
for the increase than we saw when we
from supporting this program. We will
importance to these young people as to
began this debate in the last Congress.
have a chance to deal with their argu-
whether or not they are going to be
Most Americans understand that we
ments when we see what has actually
able to complete their education and
have had this extraordinary prosperity
happened in terms of the expansion of
do well financially.
for millions of Americans over the pe-
the restaurant industry and employ-
So the Senator is absolutely correct.
riod of the last 6 years. Most Ameri-
ment among restaurant workers. The
There is the strongest correlation to
cans understand that it has been work-
Senator is no less interested in ex-
education and affordable education
ing families who have made a dif-
panded employment or adequate in-
which I think all of us agree is an abso-
ference. Those families include mini-
come for restaurant workers than I am,
lutely crucial issue.
mum wage earners-teachers' aides,
and they still have done better with
Mr. President, today I am co-sponsor-
who work in classrooms; health care
our modest increases in the past, and
ing a bill introduced by my colleague
aides, who work in nursing homes; and
they will in the future.
and friend Senator TED KENNEDY, co-
people who clean office buildings in
I want to ask if the Senator will
sponsored by a number of others, a
communities across the country. Those
agree with me on one other propo-
measure which I consider to be one of
men and women work hard, and they
sition. We will hear during the debate
the most important items we can pass
take pride in their work. Many of them
that at least a quarter of these are
and enact this year-the "American
have children, and we all know how
teenagers who are making the mini-
Family Fair Minimum Wage Act of
hard it is to try to raise a family on
mum wage. In my State, tuition at the
1998.' Our bill would increase the mini-
$5.15 an hour. All those workers ask is
University of Massachusetts in Boston
mum wage by 50 cents a year during
to be treated fairly.
costs $4297. These students are still 18
each of the next three years. After
One of the most startling develop-
and 19 years old. They are teenagers,
that, it would index further increases
ments in the last few years is the num-
and many of them are working. These
in the minimum wage to increases in
ber of working families who are using
students need the money.
the cost of living.
soup kitchens, food pantries and home-
Mr. WELLSTONE. Mr. President, it
This 3-year increase of $1.50-raising
less shelters in cities across the coun-
is my time. I ask unanimous consent to
the federal minimum wage to $6.65/hour
try. The U.S. Conference of Mayors re-
have 4 more minutes.
by September 1 of the year 2000, and
H22
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE
January 27, 1998
TRIBUTE TO EDNA KELLY
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr.
did was to put himself into these pro-
(Mr. TOWNS asked and was given
LAHOOD). Is there objection to the re-
grams, to train these young people,
permission to address the House for 1
quest of the gentleman from Massachu-
take them off the street, to be sure
minute and to revise and extend his re-
setts?
that they learned many things that
marks.)
There was no objection.
would improve their quality of life. It
Mr. TOWNS. Mr. Speaker, I rise
is such a time now that we grieve the
today to announce to my colleagues
WISE INVESTMENTS IN AMERICA
death of William "Billy" Rolle, be-
the sad news of the passing of one of
cause he died an untimely death. But
our illustrious former New York col-
(Mr. DOGGETT asked and was given
Mr. Speaker, Billy Rolle shall always
leagues, Edna F. Kelly, who served in
permission to address the House for 1
be remembered as a man in Dade Coun-
this body from 1949 to 1968. Representa-
minute.)
ty who did a lot for many, many peo-
tive Kelly died at her residence in Al-
Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, Ameri-
ple, but most of all, he gave of service
exandria, Virginia at the age of 91 on
cans are focused on the President right
and invested in human lives, and for
December 14 of last year. Throughout
now, but it is important that they
that, we shall always remember Wil-
her 19-year career in the House, Rep-
focus as well on the agenda that he will
liam "Billy" Rolle, Frankie Rolle, his
resentative Kelly was recognized for
be outlining here this evening.
lovely wife of 46 years, his daughter
her expertise in foreign affairs, serving
As we finally resolve the budget defi-
Melanie, his son, little Billy, and the
as the chair of the Subcommittee on
cit, it is time to direct our attention
other children throughout Dade Coun-
Europe and retiring from Congress as
and our energy to other deficits that
ty that William "Billy" Rolle helped.
the third ranking member of the House
exist in this land: Deficits in child
Committee on Foreign Affairs.
care, deficits in our schools, deficits in
During her tenure, Edna Kelly was
health care and in our transportation
ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER
responsible for measures that settled
system. Too many Americans approach
PRO TEMPORE
displaced people after World War II and
the age of their 50s or 60s without the
The SPEAKER pro tempore. The
refugees for Russia and Eastern Eu-
security of health insurance. They risk
Chair will recognize Members for Spe-
rope. She also helped to create the
losing all that they have worked for
cial Orders until 5:30 p.m., at which
United States Arms Control and Disar-
with a health care emergency. They
time the Chair will declare the House
mament Agency.
get downsized and down and out when
in recess.
Edna Kelly was truly a legislative
it comes to health insurance and pro-
pioneer. To pay tribute to her achieve-
tection against a health care emer-
ments, I have requested time tomor-
gency.
1515
row, and I urge my colleagues to join
The President has properly advanced
SPECIAL ORDERS
me in sharing their thoughts on this
the notion of expanding and strength-
great lady and her accomplishments as
ening Medicare, and providing all of us,
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr.
a member of this House.
regardless of age, a health care con-
LAHOOD). Under the Speaker's an-
sumer Bill of Rights. Likewise, as we
nounced policy of January 7, 1997, and
SUPPORT THE PRESIDENT'S-CHILD
made progress last session on higher
under a previous order of the House,
CARE INITIATIVE
education, this session we should be de-
the following Members will be recog-
voting our attention to strengthening
nized for 5 minutes each.
(Mr. ALLEN asked and was given
the public education system and rec-
The gentleman from Guam (Mr.
permission to address the House for 1
ognizing that one of the best ways to
UNDERWOOD) is recognized for 5 min-
minute and to revise and extend his re-
back up families 18 to provide them the
utes.
marks.)
Mr. ALLEN. Mr. Speaker, when I ran
child care resources, through our tax
for this office, I called for a new na-
system and otherwise, to back up their
TYPHOON PAKA
efforts. These would be wise invest-
tional initiative on child care. I have
ments in America.
Mr. UNDERWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I
visited child care facilities throughout
rise today to express on behalf of the
my district. Every morning all across
people of Guam our heartfelt sym-
this country parents go to work and
TRIBUTE TO WILLIAM "BILLY"
pathies to all our fellow Americans
trust the most important people in
ROLLE
who are victims of winter storms and
their lives, their children, to someone
(Mrs. MEEK of Florida asked and was
who are still without electricity to
else. Thirteen million children under
given permission to address the House
keep themselves warm.
age six are in child care during the day.
for 1 minute.)
In other homes across the country,
Mr. Speaker, as the Nation's atten-
Mrs. MEEK of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I
children under the age of 6 are glued to
tion focuses on the plight of our friends
the television. They watch TV for
rise today in sadness for the loss of
and neighbors in the northeast, we in
hours because they have no place to go,
what I call an urban patriot, a young
Guam are quietly recovering from the
no activities to occupy their time. Too
man by the name of William "Billy"
devastation of a massive tropical cy-
much child care is of mediocre quality,
Rolle who resided in Coconut Grove,
clone, Typhoon Paka, which struck
but still not affordable to most work-
Florida. He not only resided there, Mr.
Guam on December 16th. Paka de-
ing families. This is not because child
Speaker, but he helped to build the
stroyed or severely damaged 8,000
care providers make big salaries.
youth of that community. Not only did
homes, injuring more than 200 people
Help is on the way. The President's
he build the youth, but he also helped
and leaving more than 3,000 families
proposal provides $21 billion over 5
the elderly. He closed the gap between
homeless. Of the homeless, more than
years to improve child care for Ameri-
youth and old age by working very
1,000 required temporary housing im-
ca's working families. It doubles the
hard with all people in Miami and in
mediately.
number of children receiving child care
Dade County.
The typhoon made a shambles out of
subsidies, and it increases the tax cred-
Billy Rolle was a jazz man. He played
hundreds of public and private build-
its for families and businesses.
the saxophone, not only from the
ings and facilities, schools, churches,
Our mission is simple: Leave no child
rhythmic standpoint of playing the
stores, businesses and parks. The is-
behind; support the President's child
keys on the saxophone, but he did it
land was stripped of foliage, and thou-
care initiative.
from the standpoint of training young
sands of trees as well as even concrete
people in music. He trained them in
power poles were mowed down. Ty-
athletics. He had an AAU track team.
phoon Paka pummeled Guam for 12
REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER
He did everything he could to help the
hours, causing an estimated $256 mil-
AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 1500
young people in Miami.
lion in damages.
Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask
Mr. Speaker, Billy Rolle did not have
Christmas in Guam was not as bright
unanimous consent to have my name
all the money that government puts
as usual, but the people of Guam cele-
removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1500.
into programs, but what "Billy" Rolle
brated a joyous and grateful holiday
H28
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE
January 27, 1998
many families that would like to adopt
will be an important part of the Presi-
And lastly, Democrats want, and the
children and just plain cannot because
dent's State of the Union address this
President will talk tonight about the
of the cost involved. We have changed
evening.
effort to achieve secure and com-
the tax code so there is now a $5,000
I think it is fair to say that for the
fortable retirement. For more than 50
adoption tax credit to help those fami-
last few years, and certainly in this
million American workers, there 18 no
lies that would like to adopt children.
past year in 1997, the Democrats have
pension coverage. And Democrats will
In summarizing. we have come a long
stressed the need for measures that ba-
work to promote pension plans among
ways in a few years. We are through
sically help the family, help the aver-
small businesses.
those broken promises of Gramm-Rud-
age family in this country, particularly
I do not want to take up a lot of
man-Hollings I and Gramm-Rudman-
those who have children, and a big part
time. I want to yield to my colleague
Hollings II, the budget deal of '90, the
of that has been affordable health care.
from Texas, who has been so much in-
budget deal of '93. That stuff is in the
We all realize, and Democrats in par-
volved over the last year, in 1997 and
past. Raising taxes to get to a balanced
ticular realize, that more and more
before, in bringing this pro-family, pro,
budget, that is in the past. That is not
people in this country do not have
child message to the floor of the House
what is going on out here any more.
health care insurance. And even if they
of Representatives. I would yield to her
Controlling the growth of Washing-
do have health care insurance, a lot of
at this time.
ton spending, slowing down how fast
times they are not getting the quality
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank
spending is growing in this govern-
of care or they do not have the access
the gentleman from New Jersey for his
ment. I would like to see this get down
to all the procedures that they should
leadership and for allowing us to have
to a zero at some point. So we have a
have.
an opportunity through a special order
long ways to go. But by slowing the
In addition to that, there is a real
to address the American people and to
growth of Washington spending, cou-
problem in this country in terms of the
emphasize the Democrats united mes-
pled by a strong economy, we have ac-
availability of child care for America's
sage.
tually reached a balanced budget not in
working families.
For many of us returning to Wash-
2002 as promised, but rather 4 years
And also pensions. Many of my con-
ington, we were certainly asked what
ahead of schedule.
stituents have complained to me about
would be the focus of this next year,
We are about to make the first pay-
lack of adequate pensions, people that
and I am very glad to say that we have
ment, and here is our vision for the fu-
were promised pensions, or thought
not strayed away, with the leadership
ture, we are about to make the first
that when they retired that pensions
of the President, from what are really
payment on that debt. And over a pe-
were going to be available to them and
truly important issues to this country,
riod of time we have the plan written
all of a sudden find out that they are
and that has to be more affordable and
to pay off the Federal debt so our chil-
not.
accessible health care.
dren can receive this Nation absolutely
So tonight the President will be
I could not have been more pleased
debt free. As we pay that debt off, So-
stressing this Democratic pro-family,
when the President announced more
pro-child message, and there are just
than 2 weeks ago the idea that individ-
cial Security is restored. The money
four points that I wanted to highlight.
uals 55 to 65 had a greater risk of losing
that has been taken out is part of that
One is the need for more affordable and
health insurance or coverage, and that
debt, so we pay that money back into
accessible health care for what we call
he wanted to stand on the side of those
Social Security and Social Security 18
hard working Americans who might
solvent for our seniors.
the near elderly, those seniors aged 55
have fallen on hard times because of
The third part of-the vision is that
to 65 that have a greater risk of losing
we continue to lower taxes on Amer-
employer-based health insurance but
downsizing and with an inability to
ican workers because we know the tax
yet are not eligible for Medicare.
have health coverage, that they would
Democrats are proposing a targeted
be eligible for Medicare. That is not a
rate in this country is too high. That is
where we are going.
and self-financing proposal which will
throw-away of good dollars, that is a
So as you listen to the State of the
enable Americans ages 62 to 65 to buy
providing an enhancement of dollars,
Union tonight, I think it is very, very
into Medicare by paying a premium.
and I think that is extremely impor-
And they will also provide coverage to
tantly.
important that we understand that if
you hear the word "expansion," that
displaced workers over 55 through
1600
means more Washington. And just tem-
Medicare and COBRA coverage for
I also want to say that I could not be
per your reaction to these new good
those whose companies renege on their
more enthusiastic about a consumer
programs with an understanding that
commitments to provide retiree health
bill of rights as it relates to health
expansion means the American people
benefits.
care.
send more money to Washington so
Also, Democrats are very conscious
I have experienced it personally. I
Washington can decide how to spend
of the fact that there are problems
know how families sometimes are sub-
that money as opposed to Washington
with managed care in this country, and
jected to difficult decisions; and, there-
spending less money, leaving it in the
we are going to work, and the Presi-
fore, when they need a consumer bill of
pockets of the American people for
dent will talk tonight about high qual-
rights most, it is when they need medi-
them to decide how they can best spend
ity health care through a consumer
cal care, and decisions have to be
their money in their families.
Bill of Rights that he has proposed. No
made. We need to be able to ensure pa
patient should be denied high quality
tients that the patient-doctor relation-
care. Care should be based on medical
ship is a sacred relationship. It will not
DEMOCRATS UNITED BEHIND PRO-
needs and not financial ones.
be tampered with because of financial
FAMILY, PRO-CHILD MESSAGE
So a big part of the Democratic agen-
concerns and because someone has to
OF PRESIDENT
da this year will be managed care re-
save money moving people from one
The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under
form and basic consumer protections
hospital to the next, dumping people
the Speaker's announced policy of Jan-
for individuals in HMOs or managed
out of hospitals. I think that is ex-
uary 7, 1997, the gentleman from New
eare organizations.
tremely important.
Jersey (Mr. PALLONE) is recognized for
Also, Democrats want to invest in
I would like to add two other points
60 minutes as the designee of the mi
child care for America's working fami-
about the importance of the State of
nority leader.
lies. The President will announce a his-
the Union and unity of Democrats lead-
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I must
toric initiative to improve the quality
Ing out in this country along with my
say that I do not intend to use all of
and availability of child care for all
colleagues who are thinking along the
the time this evening. I will be joined
parents. Democrats are working to en-
lines of making this economy better
by the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms.
sure that parents no longer have to
but also working with people who need
JACKSON-LEE) and we wanted to briefly,
make choices between work or not
our help most, that is America's work
if we could, talk a little bit about the
working that basically revolve about
ing families, child care.
Democrats' unity behind the pro-fam-
whether or not they have access to
Chairing the Congressional Chil
ily and pro-child message that we know
child care.
dren's Caucus, I had the pleasure of
8
January 27, 1998
CONGRESSIONAL RECORDHOUSE
H29
16
being with the First Lady when she had
Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle-
because these issues are what people
the Child Care Symposium just before
woman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE).
really care about. We all are coming
we left in the late fall of 1997 for our
Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr.
back today, and most of us have had
district work session. And everywhere I
Speaker, I thank the gentleman from
discussions in our district with seniors,
have gone, the working families, men
New Jersey (Mr. PALLONE) very much
visited schools, had many meetings,
11
and women, single parents, two-parent
for yielding.
hearings on Medicare, on child care, on
families, have talked about the big
Let me say that I would be very hesi-
issues of concern to real people. My
chunk that child care takes out of
tant, very hesitant and quite concerned
constituents wanted us to come here
their paychecks. We need to find a way
if we were to take on the cry of fire in
and solve problems. That is what this
to be catalytic, to be helpful in making
a crowded theater with respect to So-
is all about. We are here to solve prob-
sure that we have a child care system
cial Security, when it has worked for
lems.
d
that works.
years and years and years.
My colleague referred to the terrible
My colleague, the gentleman from
Let me conclude by mentioning some
conditions of some of our schools. We
se
New Jersey (Mr. PALLONE), mentioned
other very important items that I see,
talk about educating youngsters. We
something very, very important and
at least at this juncture, in this State
talk about standards. We talk about
that was the pension system, or Social
of the Union that we can be very proud
more teachers. But if the school build-
Security. For some reason or another,
of. That is why Democrats are unified
ings are falling apart, then it is pretty
people think that because Democrats
around the President's message.
difficult to focus attention on the
e
helped bring about Social Security
Do we realize that the President is
agenda in those buildings.
that we don't know how to fix it or to
offering to present to the American
I have visited some schools where
work with some of the problems. Our
public 100,000 new teachers for grades 1
there is plastic on the ceiling holding
position is, let us not eliminate it; let
to 3, a school construction plan that
up the walls. These roofs have been
us not accuse it of the wrongs; let us
generated out of the work? As I see the
leaking for years. And children are sit-
make sure we emphasize the rights of
gentlewoman from California (Ms. WA-
ting in classrooms under conditions
Social Security. It has given people the
TERS), chairwoman of the Congres-
that I certainly do not think most of us
privilege of being secure in their old
sional Black Caucus, a lot of work
would want our children to be in.
e
age without the big company pensions
went into this whole idea of school con-
So I was particularly pleased that,
p
that many people have had the pleas-
struction. And I see, I think, my good
after all of us have been working many,
ure of having but a lot of working men
friend, the gentlewoman from New
many years to build support for part-
and women in America have not had
York (Mrs. LOWEY), as well, who is
nership with local governments on
d
the pleasure.
coming to join us. These are important
school construction, that the President
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, reclaim-
issues that we must deal with in the
is taking a strong position to assist
d
ing my time, I did not mention Social
State of the Union and, as well, in
local governments to repair our
Security. But I know that the Presi-
looking to a program forthright.
schools
dent is going to emphasize it tonight.
So I think that we have a lot to be
Again, this is a partnership The
I think that the gentlewoman from
proud of. We have a mentoring program
al-Government is not just going to go
Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE) brings up a
that the President is going to be offer-
in and say, here you are, here is the
very good point; and that 1s, the Re-
ing; and I would say to anyone who
money. These are partnerships. And if
publicans I think want us to forget or
walks past a school, if they can take 5
we can develop partnerships in high-
want the American people to forget
ways and prisons and a whole myriad
that Social Security works. It has been
minutes to go inside and say something
o
to a student, they are going to see the
of uses, then it seems to me we should
d
working. People have gotten their
fruit borne on that over and over
be investing in our school construc-
a
checks. They have gotten their COLA
again.
tion. I was very pleased to see that in
a
on an annual basis.
It does bother me, I have to say, to
Then they have the continue moving
the President's initiatives.
some extent to hear these constant ref-
people from welfare to work, which is a
Also, when it comes to child care,
very important part of his message, as
many of us understand that if we are
erences to the fact that the system is
broken or that we need to find alter-
well as three points: an increase in em-
going to put people to work, we have a
natives to Social Security and dif-
powerment zones for those of us in
responsibility to be sure that our chil-
ferent private-sector options that are
urban areas, community development
dren, our future, are well-taken care of.
e
out there.
banks, providing tax incentives for
And, again, I want to congratulate this
I am not saying that we should not
low-income housing. And, of course, he
administration in putting forth the
study those things. But I think there
is going to continue, as we just cele-
proposal to really invest in child care
has been a concerted effort on the part
brated and commemorated the life of
and making sure there are enough slots
of our Republican colleagues and the
Dr. Martin Luther King, the race ini-
for the children in all of our commu-
Republican leadership to give the im-
tiative.
nities and also to be sure that there are
pression to the American people that
So I think we have a lot to share this
regulations in place so a mother who
the Social Security system is broken
evening, a lot to celebrate. Because we
put her child in child care or a father
e
and it cannot be fixed. That is simply
are on a new vision, a new path that
who puts his child in child care knows
not the case. Everyone gets a Social
continues, but we are still moving in a
that those children will be safe. So
Security check. People have gotten a
direction that helps those people who
child care is another proposal that we
COLA on a regular basis.
need the help most. And I am very glad
all have to rally around.
It is true that we need to study what
to join my colleague here on the floor
And Medicare extension. This 1s a
o
needs to be done to make sure that in
to speak about some very important
problem that is brought up to me all
e
the future that Social Security is there
items that will be raised tonight in the
the time. Why should people not be
and is intact, and Democrats are cer-
President's State of the Union.
able to buy into Medicare to be sure
e
tainly a big part of that and have been
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I thank
that they have the health care that
emphasizing that there does need to be
the gentlewoman; and I yield to the
they need? This is brought up in the
S
some attention paid to that. But, what
gentlewoman from New York (Mrs.
senior centers, in casual meetings, in
is the expression, let us not throw out
LOWEY), who has for several years now
the supermarkets. People are worried
the baby with the bath water?
been talking about the need for this
about health care, and this is a very
Social Security works, and we need
school construction program.
important proposal. I was very pleased
e
to emphasize that. Too often I hear
Mrs. LOWEY Mr. Speaker, I thank
that my colleague, the gentleman from
from the other side that somehow it is
the gentleman for yielding.
New Jersey (Mr. PALLONE), that he
d
broken or we need to replace it. I do
I was just walking by and I heard my
tried to quiet the fears of many people
not want our colleagues on either side
distinguished colleagues referring to
that Medicare is going broke.
of the aisle or the American people to
the important initiatives that are
We have reformed, we have strength-
think that that is the case. It is not,
going to be discussed in the State of
ened Medicare since its founding in the
and it is simply not true.
the Union, and I wanted to thank them
1960s. Yes, we have to make changes.
H30
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-HOUSE
January 27, 1998
We have to be sure that Medicare and
RECESS
The Senator from South Carolina
Social Security are solid programs
The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr.
(Mr. THURMOND);
when the baby-boomers come of age.
PEASE). Pursuant to clause 12 of rule I,
The Senator from South Dakota (Mr.
But Medicare and Social Security are
the Chair declares the House in recess
DASCHLE);
not going broke in 1 year or 5 years or
until approximately 8:40 p.m. for the
The Senator from Kentucky (Mr.
10 years.
We have to address the challenges
purpose of receiving in joint session
FORD);
the President of the United States.
The Senator from Maryland (Ms. MI-
ahead, make sure there are programs
Accordingly (at 4 o'clock and 12 min-
KULSKI);
for our baby-boomers so we can give
utes p.m.), the House stood in recess
The Senator from Louisiana (Mr.
them the benefits of these great, great
programs. But let us not frighten sen-
until approximately 8:40 p.m.
BREAUX);
The Senator from Massachusetts (Mr.
iors. They are worried and they are
KERRY);
worried for the children and for the
2055
The Senator from Nebraska (Mr.
children's children.
So I know my colleague is committed
AFTER RECESS
KERREY);
The Senator from New Jersey (Mr.
and I am committed and we are com-
The recess having expired, the House
TORRICELLI).
mitted to work to continue to
was called to order by the Speaker at 8
The Senator from Nevada (Mr. REID);
strengthen Medicare, to strengthen So-
o'clock and 55 minutes p.m.
The Senator from West Virginia (Mr.
cial Security. But let us not set off the
ROCKEFELLER);
alarm. I am very concerned that there
The Senator from North Dakota (Mr.
are people on the other side of the aisle
JOINT SESSION OF THE HOUSE
that are doing just that. Let us main-
AND SENATE HELD PURSUANT
DORGAN); and
tain our solid positions that these are
TO THE PROVISIONS OF HOUSE
The Senator from Vermont (Mr.
important programs, but we have to
CONCURRENT RESOLUTION 194
LEAHY).
TO HEAR AN ADDRESS BY THE
The Assistant to the Sergeant at
move ahead constructively and not set
the alarm bells
PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED
Arms announced the Acting Dean of
So education child care health care;
STATES
the Diplomatic Corps, His Excellency
Roble Olhaye, Ambassador of the Re-
these are all things that people care
The Speaker of the House presided.
public of Djibouti.
about; and that is why I am SO enthu-
The Assistant to the Sergeant at
The Acting Dean of the Diplomatic
siastic about the State of the Union
Arms, Mr. Bill Sims, announced the
Corps entered the Hall of the House of
this evening. I look forward to hearing
Vice President and Members of the
Representatives and took the seat re-
it. We just talked about a few of the
U.S. Senate, who entered the Hall of
served for him.
proposals. But food safety, genetic dis-
the House of Representatives, the Vice
The Assistant to the Sergeant at
crimination, this is a State of the
President taking the chair at the right
Arms announced the Chief Justice of
Union message that is solid, and it is
of the Speaker, and the Members of the
the United States and the Associate
dedicated to the people of this country.
Senate the seats reserved for them.
I want to thank my colleague, the
Justices of the Supreme Court of the
The SPEAKER. The Chair appoints
gentleman from New Jersey (Mr.
United States.
as members of the committee on the
The Chief Justice of the United
PALLONE), again for discussing the
part of the House to escort the Presi-
State of the Union. I know we are com-
States and the Associate Justices of
dent of the United States into the
mitted to making sure that this will be
the Supreme Court of the United
Chamber:
a productive session, that we are here
States entered the Hall of the House of
The gentleman from Texas (Mr.
to focus on what really matters to real
Representatives and took the seats re-
ARMEY);
people to solve their problems, and this
served for them in front of the Speak-
The gentleman from Texas (Mr.
is a good kickoff to an agenda that
er's rostrum.
DELAY);
matters to real people.
The Assistant to the Sergeant at
The gentleman from Ohio (Mr.
I thank my colleague again for lead-
Arms announced the Cabinet of the
BOEHNER);
ing this special order.
President of the United States.
Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I want
The gentleman from California (Mr.
The members of the Cabinet of the
to thank the gentlewoman from New
Cox);
President of the United States entered
York (Mrs. LOWEY) again. I think she
The gentleman from Arkansas (Mr.
the Hall of the House of Representa-
really summed up what tonight is all
DICKEY);
tives and took the seats reserved for
about, and that is trying it help the av-
The gentleman from Arkansas (Mr.
them in front of the Speaker's rostrum.
erage American, the family, the chil-
HUTCHINSON):
At 9 o'clock and 9 minutes p.m., the
dren. That is what my constituents and
The gentleman from Missouri (Mr.
Sergeant at Arms, Mr. Wilson
I am sure all of our constituents are
GEPHARDT);
Livingood, announced the President of
telling us; and, also, we are doing it in
The gentleman from Michigan (Mr.
the United States.
the context of this balanced budget.
BONIOR);
The President of the United States,
The President keeps saying over and
The gentleman from California (Mr.
escorted by the committee of Senators
over again, look, we passed the Bal-
FAZIO);
and Representatives, entered the Hall
anced Budget Act this past summer in
The gentlewoman from Connecticut
of the House of Representatives, and
1997. We are meeting the guidelines of
(Mrs. KENNELLY);
stood at the Clerk's desk.
that. Even within that we can still help
The gentleman from Arkansas (Mr.
(Applause, the Members rising.)
with some of these other pro-family
BERRY); and
The SPEAKER. Members of the Con-
measures. Many of them, as my col-
The gentleman from Arkansas (Mr.
gress, I have the high privilege and the
leagues know, either cost no money or
SNYDER).
distinct honor of presenting to you the
very little money and in the long run
The VICE PRESIDENT. The Presi-
President of the United States.
actually saved the Federal Government
dent of the Senate, at the direction of
(Applause, the Members rising.)
money. He keeps stressing that.
that body, appoints the following Sen-
I think that 18 important in the con-
ators as members of the committee on
text of what he is going to state to-
the part of the Senate to escort the
THE STATE OF THE UNION AD-
night. But I think it is a very auspi-
President of the United States into the
DRESS BY THE PRESIDENT OF
clous beginning for 1998; and we have to
House Chamber:
THE UNITED STATES
work hard, as Democrats, to make sure
The Senator from Mississippi (Mr.
The PRESIDENT. Mr. Speaker, Mr.
that the pro-family, pro-child agenda
LOTT);
Vice President, Members of the 105th
gets passed and that we can bring our
The Senator from Oklahoma (Mr.
Congress, distinguished guests, my fel-
Republican colleagues along.
NICKLES);
low Americans, since the last time we
Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance
The Senator from Florida (Mr.
met in this Chamber, America has lost
of my time.
MACK);
two patriots and fine public servants.
January 27, 1998
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD- Extensions of Remarks
E3
RETIREMENT OF POLICE CHIEF
Colonel Bank helped found, organize and
I hope my colleagues will join me in making
RAY WROBLEWSKI
train the United States Army's elite Special
sure that at-home parents will not be forgotten
Forces group which is known today as the
in the child care debate. And, I urge my col-
HON. JERRY WELLER
Green Berets. He was hand-picked to orga-
leagues to not forget the 70% of American
OF ILLINOIS
nize and develop the Army's Special Forces
families who provide child care in the home,
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
division because of his depth of knowledge
by supporting the Equitable Child Care Reso-
and experience in unconventional warfare.
lution.
Tuesday, January 27, 1998
Colonel Bank served his country through
Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, it is with great
several wars. In 1942 he was recruited for the
pride that I rise before you today to pay tribute
newly-formed Office of Strategic Services
AHCPR'S STUDY SUPPORTS PETE
to one of the many fine law enforcement offi-
(OSS). In 1944, he parachuted as part of a
STARK'S BILL
cers from the Eleventh District of Illinois. After
three man team into occupied France to pro-
32 years of service to the community and local
mote resistance there. While in France he
HON. FORTNEY PETE STARK
law enforcement, Beecher, Illinois Police Chief
sabotaged the Germans' efforts by blowing up
OF CALIFORNIA
Ray Wroblewski has decided to retire from the
railroad lines, bridges and electric networks.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
force.
He gathered resistance fighters which had in-
Thirty two years ago Chief Wroblewski start-
creased to 3,000 and turned back the Ger-
Tuesday, January 27, 1998
ed his career in law enforcement as a deputy
mans in a series of fire fights.
Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I introduced H.R.
in the Will County Sheriff's Office. After serv-
At the end of World War II, Colonel Bank
2726 which directs the Secretary to contract
ing with the sheriff's office for over a year, Ray
was sent to train Vietnamese troops. In an ex-
with certain hospitals for the provision of cer-
joined the Crete Police Department and
traordinary feat, Bank parachuted into Laos to
tain surgical procedures and related services
served the citizens of Crete, Illinois as a pa-
search for missing prisoners of war. After
under the Medicare Program. The Agency for
trolman for twelve years before moving on to
serving in Vietnam he was sent to Europe
Health Care Policy and Research's (AHCPR)
the Beecher Police Department. Starting out
again and assigned to Army counterintel-
October 1997 article, "Study Reaffirms Link
as a patrolman in Beecher, Ray worked his
ligence to catch Soviet bloc agents. By 1952
Between Angioplasty Outcomes and Hospital
way through the ranks to the position of Chief,
he was formally designated commander of the
and Physician Experience," adds to the list of
where he helped make the Beecher Police
10th Special Forces Group, the Green Berets.
reasons why the bill should become law.
Department one of the best law enforcement
Throughout his career Colonel Bank has
The article states that: "In the largest study
agencies in Illinois.
demonstrated his keen intelligence, his com-
of its kind to date, researchers have once
During his twenty years of service in Bee-
passion and his patriotism. He has engen-
again found that elderly patients undergoing
cher, Chief Wroblewski implemented a number
dered the utmost respect for his fellow man-
coronary angioplasty are well advised to have
of new programs and techniques that made
kind. His devotion and love of country form the
the procedure done in hospitals that perform
the streets safer for his fellow officers and the
foundation upon which he has built his beliefs.
200 or more angioplasties each year and by
residents of Beecher. Chief Wroblewski ush-
Colonel Bank was a hero yesterday and is
physicians who perform 75 or more
ered in a new age of technology at the Bee-
a hero today. His bravery, his devotion to free-
angioplasties each year. These patients suffer
cher Police Department with the installation of
dom and his love for his country fill us with
fewer complications and deaths than similar
onboard computers in the Village patrol cars,
pride and admiration. Happy birthday and best
patients who undergo angioplasties at hos-
while, returning the force to a Community Ori-
wishes!
pitals and physicians who perform the proce-
ented Police Department that works side by
dure less often"
side with local residents. Chief Wroblewski
The article confirms that Medicare contract-
was also instrumental in the formation of the
THE EQUITABLE CHILD CARE
ing with certain high volume, high quality hos-
department's new bike patrol, which will fur-
RESOLUTION
pitals will save money and deliver better
ther the goals of the community policing pro-
health care. One could say it is a two-for-one:
gram.
HON. WILLIAM F. GOODLING
saves money while improving quality.
Mr. Speaker, while Chief Wroblewski would
OF PENNSYLVANIA
Mr. Speaker, the sooner we pass H.R.
say little has changed in Beecher over the last
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
2726, the sooner we start saving lives and
twenty years, I think all of the citizens of Bee-
saving dollars.
Tuesday, January 27,1998
cher would agree that their community has
changed, and for the better, thanks to the ef-
Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, today I intro-
duce the Equitable Child Care Resolution. The
FRATERNAL ORDER OF POLICE:
forts and hard work of Chief Wroblewski. Re-
spected by law enforcement officers through-
purpose of this concurrent resolution is two
CALUMET CITY LODGE NO. 1
out the State of Illinois, Chief Wroblewski's
fold. First, to point out that 70% of families
leadership, caring and ingenuity will be missed
with preschool children do not pay for child
HON. JERRY WELLER
by the people of Beecher and the officers of
care. Second, that any quality child care pro-
OF ILLINOIS
the Beecher Police Department.
posal should also provide financial relief to
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
Mr. Speaker, Chief Wroblewski chose a ca-
families where there is an at-home parent.
Many of the child care proposals that are
Tuesday, January 27, 1998
reer in law enforcement because he enjoyed
helping people, and throughout his 32 years of
garnering attention merely expand commercial
Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to
service he did just that. I know I speak for all
child care and do not also address the needs
honor the hard work and dedication of the Fra-
of my colleagues and the folks back home in
of the vast majority (70%) of families who
ternal Order of Police, Calumet City Lodge No.
Beecher when I say, thank you Chief
struggle to provide child care at home or in
1. This lodge was founded on November 29th,
Wroblewski for all your years of service, and
the home of a close relative or neighbor."
1937 and on Tuesday, January 13th 1998
best wishes in your retirement.
The 70% of families who come up with cre-
they celebrated their 60th Anniversary.
ative solutions for their child care needs
The Calumet City Lodge was the first Lodge
should not be ignored. Many of these families
organized in Illinois. Sixty years ago, there
TRIBUTE TO COLONEL AARON
sacrifice a full-time income. We should also
were 10 members. Today this organization
BANK
focus on providing them with financial relief.
boasts 78 members on active duty and 35
As we debate the merits and problems of
members who have retired from the police
HON. LORETTA SANCHEZ
various child care proposals, this resolution
force. In fact, the oldest active member in the
OF CALIFORNIA
will serve to remind us that any quality child
country of the Fraternal Order of Police orga-
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
care initiative should provide assistance to
nization, George Perniciaro, is a member of
parents regardless of how those parents
the Calumet City Lodge.
Tuesday, January 27, 1998
choose to care for their children, be it by an
FOP Calumet City Lodge No. 1 has been
Ms. SANCHEZ. Mr. Speaker, I would like to
at-home parent, grandmother, uncle, close
dedicated to the community it serves in many
take this opportunity to honor Colonel Aaron
neighbor, or child care enter. No child care
ways. They sponsor a food and toy program
Bank on his birthday. Colonel Bank is one of
proposal that discriminates against families
for needy families in Calumet City during the
our great military leaders and one of our great
based on their particular choice of child care
holidays each year. They sponsor several Lit-
Americans.
should be actively considered.
tle League and Civic League Baseball teams.
S82
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
January 28, 1998
System in the Arizona Superior Court
voting. I think, whether the delays are
tory, nearly 6 million new homeowners
in 1993, and the Governor's Committee
on the Republican side or the Demo-
since 1992.
on Child Support Guidelines.
cratic side, let these names come up,
The booming economy and the bright
Judge Silverman has shown his com-
let us have debate, let us vote.
fiscal picture give us a wonderful op-
mitment to the United States Con-
In that regard, I am looking forward
portunity to continue to support a bal-
stitution and the rule of law by co-
to having our debate on the nominee I
anced budget, but one with a heart and
founding the Sandra Day O'Connor
had recommended to President Clinton,
one that makes critical investments in
Prize for Excellence in Constitutional
Margaret Morrow, who has the strong
important areas, many outlined by the
Law at the Arizona State University
support of Senator HATCH, many Re-
President-education. health care,
College of Law.
publicans on the Judiciary Committee,
health research, the environment,
Judge Silverman's academic creden-
and I am very hopeful we can get that
anticrime efforts, child care and, of
tials are equally impressive. He grad-
nomination resolved.
course, ensuring that Social Security
uated summa cum laude from the Ari-
I know that our leaders had agreed
will be fiscally sound well into the next
zona State University College of Law
that vote would take place before the
century.
in 1976 and was subsequently honored
February recess and I will be speaking
I am looking forward to working
by his alma mater twice, once in 1994,
with both leaders to find out a date
hard, on a bipartisan basis, with my
when the college of law presented him
certain.
colleagues as we write this budget. I
with its "Outstanding Alumnus
am privileged to serve on the Budget
Award," and again in 1997 when he re-
Committee where we will take the first
ceived the prestigious "Dean's Award."
ORDER OF PROCEDURE
crack at crafting a Senate budget. I
In short, Mr. President, I believe
Mr. KYL. Mr. President, at this time
also sit on other committees that will
Judge Silverman meets the highest of
I ask unanimous consent that imme-
carry through some of those priorities.
standards required for our Federal
diately following the vote at 2:15 and
I want to point out just a couple of
judges, and I have been very privileged
confirmation of the two additional
issues that the President talked about
to support his nomination as it has
nominations, there be a period of
which are very near and dear, not only
proceeded through the process and
morning business with Senators per-
to my heart but, much more impor-
come to the floor of the Senate. I urge
mitted to speak for up to 5 minutes
tant, to the hearts of the people that I
all of my colleagues to support the
each. I further ask unanimous consent
represent, the people of California.
nomination of Judge Barry Silverman
that at 3 o'clock p.m. today Senator
This important issue is after-school
for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
COVERDELL be recognized as under the
Allow me to conclude, Mr. President,
care. It is a little-known fact that juve-
previous order for 90 minutes, to be fol-
with this observation. It has been a
nile crime peaks up at 3 o'clock and be-
lowed by Senator DASCHLE or his des-
gins to go down at 6 o'clock. So, be-
pleasure to work with the White House
ignee for 90 minutes.
tween 3 and 6 our children need some-
on this nomination. From the time
Mrs. BOXER. Reserving the right to
that his name came forward, they
thing to say "yes" to. They need men-
object, will the Senator amend his re-
worked diligently to conclude the FBI
toring. They need help with their
quest to give the Senator from Califor-
homework. The after-school hours are
process, which does take some time.
nia 5 minutes at this time?
We received from the White House the
an opportune time for business to come
Mr. KYL. Mr. President, I have no
Sunday before Congress adjourned in
in and teach our young people about
objection. If under the previous order
November the file for Judge Silverman
business, teach them computers and
that is permitted, it's fine with me.
and the committee was able to get that
the many skills that they need to suc-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
ceed.
file in 1 day, the following Monday.
ORRIN HATCH, the chairman of the
objection, it 18 so ordered.
I have written a bill that would set
Judiciary Committee, who has been
up some model after-school programs. I
criticized for holding up some nomi-
was debating, should I offer it in the
WITHDRAWAL OF
nees, I must say, deserves a great deal
context of education or should I offer it
COSPONSORSHIP-S. 1028
of credit here for personally conducting
in the context of juvenile crime reduc-
the hearing for Judge Silverman. And
Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask
tion. After-school programs both im-
then the following day-this is now 3
unanimous consent that my name be
prove education and reduce juvenile
days after we received the file-sched-
removed from S. 1028 as a cosponsor of
crime.i
uling an executive session of the com-
that legislation.
The President is launching a huge
mittee so that we could send his nomi-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without
initiative there. He is also calling for
nation to the full Senate floor.
objection, it is so ordered.
and end to social promotion, 100,000
Chairman HATCH and I then re-
Mrs. BOXER. Thank you very much,
new teachers to help our children, and
quested the majority leader on the last
Mr. President. This is a forest bill that
something that is important, reducing
day of the session in November to clear
is very controversial. After I placed my
class sizes in the early grades. We need
this nomination so that the ninth cir-
name on it a study came out that basi-
to implement voluntary national
cuit could receive him and have his
cally, in my opinion, led me to believe
standards and we must rebuild our
services. Unfortunately, the demo-
that the bill in its current form would
crumbling schools and build the new
cratic leader was not able to clear
not be good for the Nation's forests.
schools of the 21st century. This Presi-
Judge Silverman on the democratic
dent is on his way to being the true
side and therefore about 2½ months,
education President. I want us to be
STATE OF THE UNION-1998
unnecessarily, the ninth circuit was
the true education Senate, and I very
without a judge in this particular posi-
AGENDA
much look forward to the time we will
tion. But I am particularly pleased
Mrs BOXER. Mr. President, last
spend on this Senate floor debating
that he is before us today and that we
night we learned from our President
education.
will very soon have an opportunity to
that the state of the Union is the
The President is calling our atten-
vote and to confirm Judge Silverman
strongest it has been in decades. The
tion to the current health care crisis.
for the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals.
"misery index," that is inflation and
We took a giant step in helping our
Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I am
interest rates combined, is at a 30-year
young people last year, by giving a
very glad that we are moving forward
low. Inflation is practically nonexist-
block grant to the States. They are
with judges today. We all hear, as we
ent. The Federal deficit is about to be
going to work on making sure our chil-
are growing up, that, "Justice delayed
eliminated. Over 14 million new jobs
dren are insured.
is justice denied," and we have, in
many of our courts, vacancies that
have been created in the last 7 years.
There is a big gap between the ages
have gone on for a year, 2 years, and in
We are seeing the lowest unemploy-
of 55 and 65, while people are waiting to
many cases it is getting to the crisis
ment rate in a quarter of a century at
get into Medicare, and the President
level. So I am pleased that we will be
4.7 percent today. And we have seen the
proposes a pay-as-you-go system to
highest home ownership rate in his-
handle some of those people, to allow
January 28, 1998
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
S91
rates, serious drug problems and dis-
grants. Charter schools are public
the Federal Government to be edu-
ciplinary problems. This gives kids at
schools freed of many of the regula-
cation anywhere in the Constitution. I
risk a chance to attend a public, char-
tions in turn for increased accountabil-
don't find it in any document that edu-
ter, private, or sectarian school where
ity in terms of student outcomes.
cation is in the purview and the prov-
the emphasis is on learning, not sur-
Without excessive regulation these
ince of the Federal Government. Yet
vival.
schools are better able to design pro-
this President says we, the Federal
Madam President, I just think it is
grams tailored to the needs of students
Government, representing the people
unconscionable policy to order children
and communities.
who pay the taxes, are going to hire
to go to schools that are certifiably un-
Madam President, I see we have been
100,000 new teachers. We are going to
safe and drug ridden.
joined by my good colleague from Ne-
federalize new teachers. We are going
Title IV. Testing and merit pay for
braska. I am going to turn to the Sen-
to build new schools across America,
teachers. It allows States to use Fed-
ator in just a minute or so here.
federalize our schools. But yet, of
eral funds to reward good teachers and
Under title VIII, the last title, we say
course, he fails to tell us how he in-
weed out the bad, and it will make it
the Federal Government should honor.
tends to do. that. Where are those re-
easier for States to carry out perform-
its agreement, which it made when it
sources coming from?
ance assessments of teachers and es-
imposed special education require-
At the same time he boasts, right-
tablish merit pay programs. Americans
ments on local education, to fund a siz-
fully 80, that we in fact have moved to-
across the board agree with these con-
able portion of it. We agreed to fund up
ward balancing our budget. So he takes
cepts. Reward good teachers, weed out
to 40 percent but we have never done it.
credit for that on this side. And then
the bad, and make it easier for States
You know, it's one of those stories,
on this side we have page after page,
to carry out performance assessment of
"The check is in the mail." It never
line after line, of new Government
teachers.
quite gets there.
spending proposals.
Title V. Reading excellence. This 18
Senator GREGG deserves a lot of cred-
Medicare has been running a deficit
similar to Chairman BILL GOODLING'S
it for this. He started the process last
the last couple of years. Yet this Presi-
bill in the House which passed the
year but this would finish it with $9.3
dent is proposing that we add more
House by a voice vote on November 8,
billion over the next 6 years to fully
people onto Medicare. This is at the
honor our commitment to fund special
same time the President and the Con-
1997.
ed, which we call IDEA. That would
gress have come together and said we
Madam President, it would provide
free up $9.3 billion for local commu-
need a Medicare commission, a biparti-
$210 million for teacher training and
individual grants for K through 12
nities to assess and take care of their
san Medicare commission to take a
reading instruction. It requires funds
own specific needs. That is the general
look at the seriousness of the problem,
to be spent on programs demonstrated
description of the proposal our con-
of the issue, of the challenge, and re-
by scientific research to be effective.
ference announced on January 20.
port back to the President next year.
like phonics. It gives parents of kids at
I now turn to my colleague and good
But, no, he decides not to wait for that.
friend from Nebraska, Senator HAGEL,
Child we are going to federalize
risk the ability to purchase additional
for up to 7 minutes.
child care? These are all important,
tutoring assistance through grants.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
critical issues for our country, for our
President Clinton's America Reads
ator from Nebraska is recognized.
people. Of course they are. But I think
program which cost $2.7 billion over 5
Mr. HAGEL Madam President, I
we might be better off if we would es-
years proposed sending semitrained
would like to make a couple of obser-
sentially continue this effort to cut
volunteers into the classroom. This is a
vations about last night, the agenda
Government, cut spending, cut pro-
flawed concept, when you would send a
for the second session of this 105th Con-
grams, cut taxes, and take the respon-
semitrained volunteer into a classroom
gress; what is ahead of us, what is
sibility of governing ourselves back to
that has already demonstrated that it
ahead for the American people, the
where it should be; back to the cities,
is not teaching a student to read. So
challenges that lie ahead for the world.
the school boards, the counties. Who
you would send an unprofessional vol-
As I listened intently and seriously
best understands the problem? I trust
unteer to help the student read bet-
last night, as I am sure all my col-
school boards. I trust teachers. I trust
ter-that is not logical. The reading ex-
leagues did, to the President's message,
parents. I don't trust bureaucrats. We
cellence title requires funds to be spent
questions came to me like, "Isn't the
are rapidly developing into this mono-
on programs proven effective by sci-
definition of the debate for this year
lithic centralization of bureaucratic
entific research to enable the teacher
and the defining of the debate that the
rule. People in the Department of Edu-
to improve his or her skills so that she
Congress will have into the next cen-
cation and all these areas are good peo-
or he can teach the student to read.
tury about the role of Government?"
ple, family people, but we just, year
Title VI is the teacher and student
That is the issue. What is the role of
after year, load more on them.
safety title. This title allows the use of
Government in our lives? How much
I ask this question when I hear a re-
Federal funds to move victims of vio-
Government do we want? How much
tort from my friends on the other side,
lence to safe schools. They could be a
Government can we afford? What do we
or from the President, that Medicare,
public, private or sectarian schools.
want Government to do for us? And
for example, and all these new pro-
The key here is if the student has be-
how much are we willing to pay for
grams, will pay for themselves; there
come a victim, there should be nothing
Government?
will not be an increase in spending; we
in the way of that school board's abil-
The President-and I have all eight
don't need to find more taxpayers'
ity to move the student to a safe place.
single-spaced pages of the text of his
money: Is there anyone out there who
It allows use of noneducational funds—
speech last night-gave a good speech.
can show me any time we have had a
Victims of Crime Act administered by
But the speech was about new pro-
Federal program that has gotten small-
the Department of Justice-for innova-
grams, the federalization of America.
er? Do Federal programs and agencies
tive programs to help victims and wit-
This is the same President who said 2
and bureaucracies and departments
nesses of crime on school property. And
years ago in a State of the Union Mes-
vanish after a few years? Oh, no, no;
it encourages the use of immediate no-
sage that the era of big Government is
they get bigger. And who has to pay for
tification and annual report cards to
gone. No more big Government. And
it? My children and your children. And
parents and teachers about incidents of
then the President said last night,
it gets bigger and bigger. Where have
violence and drugs at schools.
early on in his text, that we, today,
we cut Government in the 1990s? We
Title VII is the Charter Schools Ex-
have, "the smallest Government in 35
have cut it in one department. What
pansion Act title. This is similar to
years." I don't know how the President
department? Defense. Our national se-
Congressman RIGGS' bill which passed
measures that, but this body is going
curity has been cut over the last 10
the House 367 to 57 on November 7. This
to debate this year a $1.7 trillion Fed-
years in real dollars by 40 percent. How
provision of the legislation ensures
eral budget to keep this small little
many other departments and agencies
charter schools are eligible for their
Government going.
have been cut? None.
fair share of Federal funding, whether
He talks about federalizing edu-
So my point is this. Before we rush
it is title I, IDEA, or title VI block
cation. I don't find the responsibility of
into all these new programs and new
S92
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
January 28, 1998
Government and new federalization, we
Madam President, I trust those indi-
is it going to be BOOKS, or is it going
better sober up for a moment. This is
viduals in the thousands of cities and
to be bureaucrats? So why not let those
not a time for campaign rhetoric. This
towns across this country who know
on the State level, why not let those on
is not a time for campaign speeches.
your child's name, to make the impor-
the local level, who best know the
This is a time for clear-headed, strong,
tant decisions that impact the very
needs of our children, make those deci-
dynamic, smart, realistic leadership.
classrooms in which our children learn
sions, make those determinations? Per-
gutsy leadership. That is what America
much more than I trust bureaucrats in
haps it is books, perhaps it is comput-
demands. That 18 what America will
our Nation's capital. In an effort to
ers, or perhaps it will be a need for
get.
allow States and localities to make
more teachers so that children will
I say these things not because I am
these decisions, I, as part of the
have smaller class sizes. But I truly be-
opposed to the President or trying to
BOOKS legislation, will be introducing
lieve that those decisions must be
complicate the President's life. But we,
the Dollars to the Classroom Act, that
made at the local level.
too, have a constitutional responsibil-
will redirect about $3 billion of K-12
I believe the alternative, the Dollars
ity in this body. We have accountabil-
education dollars to the States, requir-
to the Classroom Act, demonstrates
ity to the people we represent. And this
ing only that 95 percent of that money
not only our commitment to the edu-
is one U.S. Senator who is going to ask
actually reach our children's class-
cation of our kids, but also proves that
some very tough questions about every
rooms. This money can be for books, it
there is a better way to implement this
one of these new programs.
can be for teachers, it can be for com-
commitment rather than creating an
I yield the floor.
puters-whatever the local education
ever-growing Federal bureaucracy and
Mr. COVERDELL. Madam President,
officials deem necessary and important
appropriating ever-larger sums of
I thank the Senator from Nebraska for
to the education of our children.
money which are failing to provide for
his remarks and the contribution he
While no one can deny the impor-
the real needs that our schools have.
made here this afternoon. I am going
tance of providing the best possible
So, once again, I applaud Senator
to now turn to our distinguished col-
education to our children, we also must
COVERDELL for his leadership in edu-
league, Senator HUTCHINSON from Ar-
implement these programs in the most
cation, his leadership on our efforts to
kansas, and yield up to 10 minutes to
responsible manner: by returning con-
improve education for all of the chil-
the Senator from Arkansas.
trol over the education of our children
dren in this country.
Mr. HUTCHINSON. I thank the Sen-
to the place that it belongs, the par-
I yield the floor.
ator from Georgia for yielding. First, I
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
ents and teachers and local commu-
want to associate myself with the re-
nities and local school boards. By doing
ator from Georgia is recognized.
marks of the Senator from Nebraska
Mr. COVERDELL. I commend the
that, we will ensure that education dol-
and his excellent analysis of the efforts
Senator from Arkansas. I think he very
lars are spent wisely on programs and
by our government to federalize not
adroitly draws the distinction between
activities which really benefit our chil-
our proposal, which frees these local
only education, but many other pro-
dren in the classroom.
communities to make decisions about
grams as well. And I applaud Senator
Currently, the vast majority of all
what they need, in distinction to the
COVERDELL from Georgia for his efforts
Federal education funding does not go
last 30 or 40 years where more and
in the area of education, and in par-
to school districts or classrooms. In
more and more we have somebody, as
ticular, his leadership on the Better
fact, in 1995, of the $100 billion the Fed-
you say, who couldn't recognize one of
Opportunities for Our Kids and Schools
eral Government allocated for edu-
the students, trying to set the prior-
Act, the BOOKS Act. I believe this bill
cation programs, only about 13 percent
ities, and all the assistance we send is
demonstrates that we, as Republicans,
actually got to the local level from the
with a mandate to shackle the local
have a deep concern about education in
Department of Education. That is a
school boards.
this country. We have a deep concern
travesty, and a national nightmare.
Everywhere I go-I don't know about
about improving education for our chil-
Madam President, the current sys-
yourself-but it 18 over and over I am
dren, who are precious to us. And we
tem of Federal bureaucrats attempting
being told that you all are going to
recognize that this is best done at the
to administer hundreds of education
have to decide. "You all have to let us
local level, where teachers know the
programs to our children is, to say the
teach these kids." Or, "Are you going
names of our kids, and can pick up the
least, highly inefficient, as reflected in
to keep mandating us and throttling us
phone and call the parents when the
falling test scores and increased illit-
down with all of your agendas?" And
need arises. These decisions are better
eracy rates.
while we have been doing that, we,
made at the local school district level,
Many students are not adequately
each year, have more and more data
the State level, and not by a greater
prepared to meet the challenges of life
suggesting that the children cannot do
and bigger Federal bureaucracy.
beyond high school, whether they go on
the basics, cannot read right, they can-
Last evening, in his State of the
to college, take a job, or attend a trade
not understand the basic science, and
Union Address, the President proposed
school. In fact, last year alone, 43 per-
they cannot add and subtract.
"the first ever national effort to reduce
cent of high school seniors scored
If they cannot do that, they cannot
the class size in the early
below the basic level in science, while
succeed in our society. I think you
grades
by hiring 100,000 new teach-
29 percent of all college freshmen were
have adroitly hit it. And I appreciate
ers." So I ask, is this really a genuine
required to take at least one remedial
your work on dollars to these local sys-
effort to reduce the size of our chil-
course. Most alarming is that 68 per-
tems.
dren's classes? Or is it just another ex-
cent of employers say that high school
We have now been joined, Madam
ercise of ever bigger Government, and a
graduates are not prepared to succeed
President, by the distinguished Sen-
move in that gradual effort toward fed-
in the workplace. These statistics
ator from Florida, Senator MACK. I
eralizing education in this country?
paint a very sad picture in a country
yield Senator MACK up to 10 minutes.
Why are new teachers, mandated
which prides itself on having the best
Mr. MACK addressed the Chair.
from Washington, the ticket to smaller
education system in the world. When
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
class sizes? It is well-documented that
limited Federal funding is spread so
ator from Florida is recognized.
many States across this Nation have
thin over such a wide area, the result is
Mr. MACK. Thank you, Madam Presi-
taken on the responsibility of reducing
ineffective programs that fail to pro-
dent.
the size of their classrooms; namely,
vide students with the basic skills they
I thank the Senator from Georgia for
California, Virginia, Massachusetts,
need to succeed.
this opportunity. I want to again com-
Connecticut and Wisconsin. The Gov-
So I ask my colleagues to join Sen-
mend the Senator for the leadership he
ernors of these five States have pro-
ator COVERDELL and my good friend
provided last year in focusing us on
posed hiring thousands of new teachers
from Nebraska, Senator HAGEL, and I,
this issue, leading the debate and the
using, not Federal dollars, but State
in asking hard questions. Which do our
effort to try to pass the A-plus edu-
dollars. This makes sense, allowing in-
constituents really prefer? In whom do
cation savings account with great lead-
dividuals closest to our children to
the citizens of America really place
ership. We appreciate what the Senator
make these kinds of decisions.
their confidence? The real question is-
is doing.
S94
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
January 28, 1998
a school board does not like an individ-
Again, I think one of the messages
that is on our minds today, I suppose,
ual. We ought to say there ought to be
that we do get is that in the charter
is the President's State of the Union
competence testing. Part of this plan,
schools-I guess there are others who
Address last evening in which he laid
known as BOOKS, calls for competency
are much more knowledgeable at these
out his agenda, not a surprise agenda,
testing and for merit pay.
things than I am, but because it is a
and talked about the issues he has been
Before I conclude, I would like to
very 1-school, it understands the
talking about now for several weeks,
point out that in the State of Florida,
importance of mom and dad being en-
with a new proposal each week, all put
70 percent of the community college
gaged. The teacher understands the im-
together in a State of the Union Mes-
freshmen require remedial education.
portance of moms and dads being en-
sage which had, I think, about 30 dif-
We have to change that. The cost to
gaged, and, clearly, the parents under-
ferent proposals of things to do.
the State of Florida is $50 billion a
stand if they are going to be able to
It seems to me that what we have to
year to handle this problem. Let's im-
keep their children in this charter
do now as a responsible Congress is to
prove our K-12 education system.
school, they have to be part of it.
decide on those items that we think
With that, I yield the floor and again
Again, I would make the case, wheth-
are priorities to this country, that we
thank the Senator from Georgia for
er it be a mother and a dad or single
think are priorities for success in fami-
tackling this initiative. I look forward
mom or single father, that if you can
lies in this country, economically,
to working with you on this important
engage them in the education process,
from a freedom standpoint, how-to-gov-
issue.
regardless of that background, in prob-
ern standpoint, and really press for
Mr. COVERDELL addressed the
ably 9 out of 10 cases-I am just saying
those. I must say that I feel rather
Chair.
this from my feeling; I do not have the
strongly about that.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
statistics-but 9 out of 10 times, if you,
I felt last evening that-the Presi-
ator from Georgia is recognized.
the parent, one or both, are engaged in
dent, of course, is certainly free to
Mr. COVERDELL. I commend the
your children's education, you are
have his own agenda-that was an
Senator from Florida. It is an abso-
going to improve the ability of your
agenda that had been put together by
lutely fascinating story. There are
child to learn. And. again, I think you
pollsters, an agenda that had been put
many of these around the country.
are going to find that you are going to
together to enumerate all those things
Just to make a point, of late when
create that environment, something
that would sound good to everyone
you read the statistics of 4 in 10 are all
different than we are doing today.
that was listening. an agenda that I
that can pass in urban city schools'
There is just so much we can learn
think, clearly, again the President is
basic standards tests, 3 in 10, 4 in 10 go
from this experience. Again, the an-
perfectly free to move his position,
to college, as you have noted, and have
swer that kept coming back, "It is the
move his position back toward the
to go back and learn these skills again.
teacher. It is the teacher. It is the
more liberal Democrat Party from
We are beginning to hear an echo that
teacher." I think people ought to rec-
which he has departed in the last sev-
these students were not educable, that
ognize that what Republicans are say-
eral years somewhat to establish more
there was something wrong someplace
ing is we value teachers. They are the
support for AL GORE when the time
else, something wrong at home, some-
ones who really make a difference.
comes. I think that is legitimate. I
thing wrong with society.
Again, if my grandsons are going to
don't happen to agree with that.
What kind of community was this?
succeed, they need to be exposed to
I think we ought to be moving for-
What was the surrounding like around
good teachers. We have to help create
ward to continue to do the things that
this school? Was this a very wealthy
an environment in which people, (a)
we have begun to do over the last sev-
suburb?
want to come into the teaching profes-
eral years, some of the things that I
Mr. MACK. No. As I indicated, it was
sion and, (b) once they are there, want
am particularly proud of, frankly, that
in the riot area in Los Angeles.
to remain and experience the excite-
this Congress has been able to do, to
Mr. COVERDELL. Would you sur-
ment of seeing young children learn.
bring forth a balanced budget. That,
mise that those students could not
Teachers help children realize how. im-
after all, is the responsibility of the
have possibly all come from very sta-
portant knowledge is to them and their
Congress. We have done that. We need
ble, two-parent families that you
future. Again, teachers are the ones
to continue to do that. We need to con-
might find in some communities?
who really make a difference.
tinue to try and control spending so
Mr. MACK. I could suspect you could
Mr. COVERDELL. The Senator
that we can move toward this idea of a
draw the conclusion they were some-
makes an excellent point. Who does not
balanced budget and beyond, to begin
what different than, say, what most
remember the teacher that affected
to work on the debt that is there, to
people think of as the traditional fam-
them? There is no one that does not re-
begin to do something about that $280
ily in America. But I would be careful
member that teacher.
billion we spend on interest every year
about drawing too many conclusions
Mr. MACK. I can name my first-grade
to service a $5.5 trillion debt. That, it
on that because I think there are some
teacher.
seems to me, ought to be the real focus
things about what was going on in this
Mr. COVERDELL. I thank the Sen-
of what we do.
school that also sends a message to
ator for the presentation.
Our responsibility now, I believe, in
moms and dads.
I turn to our distinguished colleague
the Congress is-we shall meet on Fri-
I think that one of the reasons for
from Wyoming. Senator THOMAS, and
day, our friends across the aisle will
success was because mom and dad were
yield up to 10 minutes to the Senator.
meet I am sure next week-to come to
involved. They made the determina-
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
grips with those kind of things we
tion. I mean, this was a private school,
ator from Wyoming is recognized.
think are the priorities for our agenda.
so they have to pay to go to that pri
Mr. THOMAS. I appreciate the Sen-
I don't think our agenda can be a laun-
vate school-some of them at great
ator from Georgia arranging for an op-
dry list of 30 or 40 things that appeal to
sacrifice. Some of them, frankly, from
portunity to talk about our agenda.
the polls but rather ought to be the
outside the community.
After all we have just returned now
kinds of things that are terribly impor-
But the point there is, if you go back
from recess, just returned from a time
tant to us.
to the charter school, for example, one
to talk with our constituents. I spent
I think we ought to talk about
of the things that most charter schools
all this time in Wyoming doing a num-
ISTEA. for example. We ought to get
require, as you know, is that they want
ber of town meetings, talking to people
out into the country to do the highway
parent involvement. In fact, when I
about various things they are inter-
maintenance, the highway building. We
was at the school in Liberty City, in
ested in.
didn't get that done last time because
Miami, mom and dad parents came
It is time for us, of course to talk
we got diverted talking about some-
into the classroom, as I was talking
about agendas, to talk about priorities,
thing else. ISTEA needs to be there. I
with the teacher, to discuss with him
to talk about what it is that we intend
think we need to continue to work on
the problems of their student. What
to do during what is already a rel-
the budget. There is probably nothing
was the problem? Or what should they
atively short work year, during an
more important than being responsible
be doing more at home to help?
election year. The thing, of course,
in the spending that we do. Again, I am
January 28, 1998
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
S95
pleased with what has happened with
you begin to reduce spending. This idea
will to balance its budget. It passed the
the budget over time. I am pleased for
of the era of large Government being
first tax relief in the last Congress.
what has happened in the last couple of
over is a good idea.
That was vetoed. A modified tax relief
years on welfare reform. The Congress
I was disappointed the President had
was passed last year. That was signed.
has moved forward, with the coopera-
done a complete reversal from 2 years
That is the first tax relief in 16 years.
tion of the President, after a couple of
ago when he announced that would be
Now, I don't know what the situation
vetoes. That is OK. But we need to con-
his objective. This certainly was not an
is in Wyoming but that tax relief pro-
tinue to do that, to provide the oppor-
effort to reduce and to change the era
posal leaves $750 million every year in
tunity to help people move off of wel-
of big Government.
Georgia checking accounts of working
fare into work, which is what most
Spending continues to go up, 16 per-
families, businesses, people sending
people want to do, of course. We have
cent last year, 24 percent on entitle-
kids to school and college, trying to
made some progress in moving away
ments. Over a period of time, entitle-
make ends meet. It left $750 million in
some from the entitlement program
ments continue to grow. Many of these
those accounts. It was not a particu-
that we have had. We have made some
programs that we talked about inevi-
larly large tax reduction. But it means
progress in terms of moving Govern-
tably will become entitlements. These
a lot. It puts about 2,000 additional dol-
ment closer to people, where Govern-
young people that are here on the floor
lars in the checking account of an av-
ment is more responsive at the State
as pages won't see those benefits be-
erage family.
level, and do those things at the State
cause they will not be sustained if we
Now, the point I am making is this,
level that we should do there
continue to grow at 24 percent a year.
and I would like to get the Senator's
As listened last night to the enu-
Madam President, I think we have a
comment, don't you find it interesting
meration of things that might be done
real opportunity. As I said, I enjoyed
that once the United States balanced
it seemed to me at least one of the con-
the President's State of the Union Mes-
its budget, once it has become more en-
siderations that has to be made is
sage. That is his agenda. Now it is our
gaged in managing its financial affairs,
where do you do these things most effi-
responsibility to have an agenda and to
how much more optimistic the people
ciently? Child care-everybody is for
put our priorities there, put our philos-
are, how many more of them of work-
having quality child care. Everybody
ophy there, our philosophy of a respon-
ing, how interest rates have stayed
wants to strengthen the child care pro-
sible Government, our philosophy of a
somewhat down, and how we are talk-
gram. The question first we ought to
financially accountable Government,
ing about surpluses for the first time?
ask is, where is that best done? What is
one in which we limit size and move as
Pretty remarkable, very remarkable. It
the role of the Federal Government in
close as we can to people to solve peo-
ought to be a lesson to every Congress
child care? What is the role of the
ple's problems.
and every President. This is a good
State government in these kinds of
The educational program that Sen-
idea. We better keep doing it.
things?
ator COVERDELL has recommended is
Mr. THOMAS. If I might, I certainly
I happened to have the privilege last
one that puts the responsibility in the
agree with the Senator. It isn't that
night of having my Governor accom-
hands of local people, parents. That is
difficult.
pany me to the State of the Union Mes-
what we need to do. Those are the
In other words, this is what our sys-
sage. I could sense as we went through
kinds of things we can do here to assist
tem is all about. Our system of private
last night's State of the Union Message
in those problems. So I am excited
enterprise, our system of limited Gov-
him saying to himself, "We can do that
about this year. I think we have an op-
ernment, our system of allowing as
better at the State level. We can really
portunity to do a great deal. I am very
much money as possible to stay in the
make those things work. I agree with
proud of having been in this Senate
hands of the citizens so they can invest
that
since 1994. I think we have made some
it and create jobs, that is what our sys-
There are a number of other things
real changes in direction. It is my hope
tem is all about. Through the years it
that I personally would like to see us
and my desire to help ensure that we
has been tested against socialism and
move forward on. One of my personal
continue to move in the direction of a
big government and the government
areas of interest is the national parks.
doing all these things, and throughout
more responsible Government, respon-
National parks are a national treasure
the world this system is the success. It
sive to the folks that we represent, the
for all of us. More and more people go
folks I have had a chance to visit with
is being copied everywhere. Sometimes
it is scary when we see ourselves mov-
to visit national parks. More and more
for 2 months and have come back with
people are interested. Yet we have less
ing away from our own system that has
some renewed dedication to the idea
been 80 successful, that everybody else
resources for national parks than we
that this Congress, this Government, is
has adopted.
need. National parks, some claim, are
responsible to the people, to the tax-
So the Senator 18 exactly right. That
as much as $8 billion in arrears on in-
payers, responsible for protecting lib-
certainly is what creates this kind of
frastructure. We need to work at that.
erty, responsible for being financially
an economic environment is the ability
That happens to be something- that I
responsible, responsible for reducing
to take the risk, to invest, to work, to
am most interested in.
taxes as much as we can, to leave the
earn, to keep and to do things for your-
I think most of all we need to be sure
money to the people it belongs to. I am
self and your family.
that we are responsible, finally. Spend-
excited about the opportunity.
Mr. COVERDELL. Madam President,
ing continues to go up. If we are going
So my friend, Mr. COVERDELL, I ap-
I appreciate the remarks of the Sen-
to balance the budget-why balance
preciate very much what you are doing
ator from Wyoming. I see we have been
the budget? Because revenues have
in this time to talk. I think we should
joined by the distinguished Senator
gone up. I think. the President's pro-
continue to talk about our agenda and
from New York. I welcome his presen-
posal goes far beyond what is going to
talk about the reasons we are doing
tation and yield up to 10 minutes to
be available for dollars. The President
what we are doing. I look forward to
the Senator from New York.
says we want to keep a balanced budg-
that happening this year.
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
et and then lists 30 items that will cost
Mr. COVERDELL. As always, Madam
ator from New York is recognized.
billions of dollars plus additional tax
President, I enjoyed the remarks of the
Mr. D'AMATO. Madam President, I
deductions there that will reduce reve-
distinguished Senator from Wyoming.
thank the distinguished Senator from
nue. So we find ourselves I am sure
He brings that clear Western thinking
Georgia for his leadership on this most
with spending far beyond our income if
to the Senate.
important issue. I believe that edu-
we do those things.
If I might add a thought, it is a little
cation is the most important issue fac-
Those, I believe, have to be the con-
hard to believe, but this Congress
ing our country.
straints. That is what I heard from my
passed the first balanced budget in the
We have focused a majority of our at-
people. That is what I heard from the
104th Congress. That was vetoed by the
tention on the need to give assistance
people of Wyoming. They said, look,
President. We did it again. So we
to those of our students who are col-
stay with that business of balancing
passed two. The President signed it. It
lege bound, and that is important. We
the budget. We not only want to bal-
is the first one in 30 years. In 30 years
have done, I think, a good job in ex-
ance the budget, we would like to see
Washington has never developed the
panding. for example, the Pell grants
January 28, 1998
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
S105
the country are facing similar prob-
tween 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the after-
Federal deficit made victims out of
lems.
noon. There is a delay between the last
children who never got the education
I was disappointed when I saw the
digit you dial and when the phone ac-
they required. Students were never
list of the 19 priority items that the
tually clicks in. That is because the
able to continue with assistance into
majority leader has placed before us in
phone system is overloaded with par-
higher education because of programs
this brief session that child care is not
ents calling their homes to make sure
we could not pass; young families that
on that list of 19. Child care is not on
their kids have gotten home safely.
could not get day care, and people,
that list. We went through the debate
So after-school care is a part of our
mothers and fathers, who could not fol-
on welfare reform a year or so ago. One
effort and a part of this proposal that
low opportunities because of it. There
of the promises made in this Chamber
we will put before this body.
were many victims of the Federal defl-
was that as we moved people from wel-
So with those thoughts I am urging
cit, and we each now need to be re-
fare to work, we would do something
our colleagues to see if we can't find
minded that the country's budget
about caring for the children of these
some common ground. Hopefully the
evolved into a surplus.
people who have been on welfare. What
majority leader will change that agen-
Alan Greenspan may have said it best
we are being told now, with this prior-
da to include child care on it with the
when he said we cannot just balance
ity list of 19, is that child care is not on
recommendation of the administration.
the Federal budget and think that our
that list; that working families who
We are not arguing now with an execu-
work is complete for if there is no in-
are trying to make ends meet in caring
tive branch over whether or not we
vestment in the Nation's future then
for their children are not going to be a
ought to do this.
we have still failed. That, Mr. Presi-
part of this agenda in the next 70 or 120
There are two bills here that it seems
dent, is where we find ourselves to-
days of a legislative process. I am hope-
to me we should move on. I am going
night. Part of our national mission is
ful that agenda can change, that it is
to raise this issue at every opportunity
accomplished. There will be a Federal
not written in concrete, that there will
I can in the coming weeks to see to it
budget surplus. Now the question is are
be an opportunity to make the case
that before this session of this Con-
we wise enough to recognize where the
that we ought to be able to come up
gress adjourns that this U.S. Senate
sacrifices have been? Are we smart
with a compromise bill if need be be-
will address child care, after-school
enough to plan for the future to assure
tween Republicans and Democrats that
care, and care for parents who want to
that the economic growth that we are
takes out the partisanship on this issue
stay at home, and that these parents
now experiencing can continue?
and says that we ought to be able to
are going to get some relief before we
Last night in the State of the Union
come up with some idea here that can
call it quits. I think it is a critical
Address the President outlined several
assist these working families.
issue and one that ought to be one of
specific investments that go to the
I know my colleague from Utah, Sen-
our top priorities rather than not a pri-
core of this question, each in a way ad-
ator HATCH, with whom I wrote the
ority at all.
dressing an aspect of the national in-
child care block grant program 13 years
frastructure. The first was Social Secu-
With that I yield the remainder of
ago, and my colleague from Kansas,
my time, if any of my colleagues want
rity.
Senator PAT ROBERTS, care very much
There are in our Nation 80 million
to take a few minutes before the time
about this issue. Senator. JEFFORDS
members of my generation born in the
expires. I see my colleague from New
cares about this issue, and had his own
years after the last world war. They
Jersey.
bill up earlier. Obviously, Senator
have worked hard. They are saving dill-
Mr. TORRICELLI I thank the Sen-
CHAFEE does. He has a bill in. I know
gently. They have participated in
ator from Connecticut for the time.
my colleagues from Maine, Senator
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
building this high-growth economy.
COLLINS and Senator SNOWE, and Sen-
Soon they begin to face retirement.
ator from New Jersey.
ator SPECTER have an interest in this.
The Social Security trust fund through
Mr. TORRICELLI. Mr President, the
I am just disappointed. I can't hide It-
State of the Union Address last
their savings and participation will
continue to run a surplus through the
that having invested 6 weeks of staff
evening reminds me of the words of
time and effort to try to come up with
year 2014. The current projections are
President KENNEDY who in 1962 came
that the same trust fund will expire by
a compromise bill that it all falls apart
before the Nation and he said, "It is
literally in the last few days after we
the year 2031.
my responsibility to report on the
Last night the President left us with
pretty much had a work product.
state of the Nation but it is all of our
a simple challenge. In facing the Fed-
So I am going to continue to raise
responsibility to improve it."
eral budget surplus let's deal with So-
this issue. I am glad the President did
Increasingly that is a responsibility
cial Security first. Let this generation
last night. I am glad he highlighted it.
that is being met. It is incredible now
of Americans now retire. My genera-
I think a lot of people in this country
to remember that when President Clin-
tion who will be facing it in all too few
understand in very graphic ways how
ton assumed office 5 years ago there
years know the trust funds will be se-
important this issue is to them for
was projected to be in 1998 a Federal
cure, permanent. Let's begin that plan-
their neighbors and their coworkers.
budget deficit of $357 billion. Indeed, in
ning now.
They understand it. They see every day
the budget that the President is about
Second, the President recognized
what goes on, how difficult this is, how
to submit there is a $10 billion deficit.
that in the 21st century the foundation
costly it is, and how worried people
And the reality is within a year the
of our Nation's economy and perhaps
are. After-school care is a big issue in
U.S. Government for the first time in
its principal national infrastructure
this context. We put over $3 billion
30 years will be conducting its affairs
will be our educational institutions. As
over 5 years in after school care. 5 mil-
in a fiscal surplus.
certainly as in the 17th century it may
lion children every day are home alone
For 3 decades, six Presidents of both
have been the construction of canals,
between 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock and 7
political parties in their State of the
as certainly as in the 18th and 19th cen-
o'clock. Any police chief in any town
Union Addresses have had it incumbent
tury it may have evolved into railroads
will tell you the problems that kids get
upon them to distribute pain-not to
to most certainly what now are insti-
into is not after 11 p.m. at night when
challenge the Nation to meet problems
tutions of higher learning in our
people want to put in curfews. Where
but to distribute sacrifice because of
schools.
kids get in trouble is in the afternoon
mounting deficits that left the U.S.
As part of the program to deal with
between 3 o'clock and 8 o'clock. That is
Government with no choice.
this reality, the President challenged
when trouble occurs. Seventy percent
There have indeed been many victims
us to create a Federal program to hire
of our schools in this country have no
of the deficit. It is common to talk
100,000 new teachers to enable the Na-
after-school care programs at all. It
about them in terms of taxpayers hav-
tion to reduce the class size for first,
seems to me that we ought to do some-
ing to pay an ever larger share of their
second, and third graders to 18 stu-
thing about that. I am not just talking
income in Federal tax with an ever-
dents, an extraordinary challenge with
about infants but young children in el-
larger share of their taxes going to in-
everything that it could mean for ex-
ementary schools. Try and dial a phone
terest on the national deficit. The tax-
panding the quality of American
in a relatively small community be-
payers were not the only victims. The
schools. But it did more.
January 28, 1998
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
S103
substantial number of people used to
to make a difference. One is in the very
offices than it is in our schools, and It
say education is not an appropriate
important area of lowering the dropout
18 time that we fix that problem.
issue for the Federal Government to
rate in our schools, reaching those at-
The final area I want to mention is
concern itself with.
risk students who historically have left
where I believe the President has made
Clearly, it is a great concern for the
high school before they graduate. We
some progress and this Congress has
people I represent in New Mexico. and
have oversized schools in this country.
made some progress and we need to
it is a great concern for working fami-
We have low expectations of many of
keep moving forward in, which is the
lies all over this country: but "It
our students. We have inadequate in-
area of world-class academic standards.
should not be a concern for people who
volvement of parents in the education
Too many schools still offer watered-
come to Washington to make the laws
of their children. As a result of all of
down academic programs, general edu-
or to appropriate funds or to allocate
these factors, over 500,000 students
cation tracks, and low expectations
tax dollars because this is not a na-
each year in this country drop out of
that will not meet the demands of local
tional responsibility." That was the ar-
school before they complete high
competition. The President has pro-
gument that we always heard. I think
school. Thirty percent of the young
posed $200 million in incentives to help
one of the great legacies that this
Hispanic adults in this country lack a
districts to set high academic stand-
President will leave and this Congress
high school degree because of that very
ards, to eliminate the problem of social
will leave is that there is a change in
problem. This is a national tragedy, in
promotion which he spoke about very
that attitude. There is a recognition
my opinion, and we at the Federal level
eloquently last "night, and to take
here in Washington, finally. that just
can do some things to try to assist
other measures to upgrade the quality
as every other industrial nation in the
with this problem.
of education in our schools. He re-
world considers education a national
I hope very much we will take the
quested roughly $13 million to pilot
concern as well as a State and local
lead of the President in doing that. He
and field test a new voluntary national
concern, here in America we need to
has proposed key programs such as
test in reading at the fourth grade
consider it a national concern as well
title I, the TRIO program, bilingual
level and math at the eighth grade
as a State and local concern as well. So
education, and several new initiatives
level. This test would be developed by
I think that is a major change and a
to make schools more conducive to
the National Assessment Governing
change for the better.
learning, to raise expectations and
Board, which is not part of the Depart-
Last year, Congress and the Presi-
lower dropout rates. He has proposed
ment of Education.
dent agreed on some very significant
$12 billion for class size reduction and
Mr. President, these three initia-
initiatives in the area of education-a
teacher training and a mentoring pro-
tives-the effort to reduce dropout
new HOPE scholarship for 2 years of
gram for at-risk middle school stu-
rates, the effort to provide technology
college, a $3 billion overall increase in
dents. He has proposed $150 million for
for our schools, and the effort to assist
education funding was included last
comprehensive reform. Now, that fund-
our local schools to achieve world-class
year. and funding for a new $210 million
ing would go to schools with a serious
academic standards-are all worthy
reading initiative. There were various
dropout problem that want to focus on
goals for us in this second session of
other initiatives in the education area
restructuring those schools and coming
the 105th Congress I hope very much
that were agreed upon by Democrats
up with ways to give attention to the
that we will follow the lead of the
and Republicans alike. So we have
at-risk student, to keep them in that
President and support these efforts
made progress 80 far in the 105th Con-
school, prevent them from dropping
with real resources. We will recognize
gress, and in the second session we can
out. That 1s an initiative that is worth
that our constituents do not want to
make more progress. I have heard some
our effort and support.
have us debate and debate and debate
speeches today and some comments
A second area, in addition to the
about whose responsibility it 1s to im-
today by my colleagues, particularly
dropout problem that the President is
prove the schools. They want to see
on the other side of the aisle, and they
providing leadership on and that we
progress, they want to see improve-
go along two lines. Number one is the
here in Congress have done a substan-
ment, they want to see their children
old argument that this is not a na-
tial amount on in recent years, is pro-
receive a better education. We have the
tional concern, education is not a na-
viding computers and access to the
power to do that by continuing what
tional concern, we should not be doing
Internet for the students in our schools
we started in the last session of this
more in this area. We ought to leave it
today. Technological literacy is an'es-
Congress-that is, putting more re-
up to local school districts 1f they want
sential part of being educated today.
sources into education, giving the pri-
to do it. Second, there is no money. We
We' need to ensure that the schools
ority to education that the President
may have the largest economy in the
throughout this Nation are equipped 80
talked about last night. I hope very
world, and we may be in a period where
that students who come through those
much we will do that. I believe the
the Union is strong and where the
schools have access to that technology.
President has shown a direction that
economy is strong and where we are fi-
The President 18 proposing significant
the American people want to see us fol-
nally getting to a balanced budget, or
fiscal year 1999 increases for key tech-
low. And I hope very much we will have
very near to it, but there is no money.
nology programs. For the. formula
the good sense to follow that direction.
"We now spend less than 2 percent of
grants to States there is $425 million in
Mr. President, I know there are oth-
our Federal budget on education and
fiscal 1997. For competitive grants, $76
ers who intend to speak. So at this
that is too much. We can't afford to
million for technology training for
point I yield the floor.
spend any more." That is the argument
teachers. And all of us understand that
Mr. DODD addressed the Chair
I hear.
you have to train the teachers to use
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr.
I don't think the American people
the technology in order that it can be
HAGEL). The Senator from Connecticut
agree with that. When I go to my State
used effectively by the students as well
is recognized.
and have town hall meetings and visits
in the classroom. The President is pro-
Mr. DODD. Mr. President, let me,
with people around New Mexico, I hear
posing increases in each of these areas.
first of all, commend my colleague
them say they are shocked to find that
I believe it is in the best interest of
from New Mexico for the very thought-
the Federal Government commits 80
this country for us to follow his lead in
ful statement on education, on the im-
little in resources relative to what the
that area.
portance of it. I did not hear all of the
Federal Government spends in other
The President's $10 billion school
statements made earlier. I know my
areas. So I think we are expected by
construction initiative will also help to
colleague from West Virginia, the sen-
the people who sent us here to do bet-
provide access to fully-wired, tech-
for Senator from West Virginia, Sen-
ter by education. The President is
nology-ready facilities for computers,
ator BYRD. discussed the issue of trans-
showing us the way to do that.
and the Internet can be readily inte-
portation and the importance of the
There are three areas in particular I
grated into classrooms. Schools are the
ISTEA bill, the intermodal transpor-
want to highlight today where I think
last area of our society where tech-
tation system bill, which has to be
he is showing some leadership. and we
nology is really having an impact. It 18
brought up very quickly here. I heard
need to follow that leadership and try
more prevalent in our homes and in our
our junior Senator from West Virginia
S104
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
January 28, 1998
discuss the issue of Medicare and
friends and you would accommodate an
a debate here and suggest somehow
health care. So a number of these
occasion when a crisis like that
that parents who need that second in-
items the President discussed last
emerged. Today, it is a daily effort, if
come are less caring about their chil-
evening in his State of the Union Mes-
a family is to make ends meet and ful-
dren because they make that choice,
sage have been the subject of some dis-
fill these obligations. The average cost
any more than I want to see us deprive
cussion here today.
of a child care setting is between $4,000
parents who make that choice to be at
I think all of us were very impressed
and $9,000 per child per year. If you are
home by not providing them with help
with the agenda the President has laid
making. as the average family does,
80 that they can do that.
out for this session of this Congress,
$30,000, $35,000, $40,000 a year, with two
So I am hopeful that we can come to
the remaining 70 to 120 days. The dis-
children that need some care because
some common ground here. We have
tinguished majority leader of the U.S.
they are minors or infants, you imme-
begun Welfare to Work. We have a lot
Senate, Senator LOTT, has indicated
diately get a sense of how difficult a
more people in the work force. We
this will not be a long session. So we
situation people can be placed in finan-
don't have the child care vacancies,
have a relatively short amount of time
cially.
and we don't have the high-paying
for an agenda that I think is important
What we have proposed is to expand
child care workers, as the average in-
for the country. I hope many of these
the block grants, to come up with some
come is $12,000 a year. I don't know
items will be considered in a strong bi-
tax credits-by the way, tax credits not
anyone who can now get along on that
partisan sense. Some will obviously
just to families who have children they
income. How do you attract good peo-
provoke some disagreements. Mini-
want to place in care, but to families
ple to care for our children in this soci-
mum wage and family and medical
who decide they are going to try and
ety?
leave are two items that come to mind
get along with one income. Some par-
There have been studies done re-
immediately. But I hope on things like
ents are going to stay home. We pro-
cently about the quality of child care
Medicare and Social Security and
vide the credits for them as well. We
programs around the country. Some 17
building our public schools and cam-
make it refundable, too, Mr. President,
States now have certification proc-
paign finance reform, we can find some
because people who make that $30,000
esses. Yet the Ziegler Child Study Cen-
common ground here and get the busi-
and below don't pay taxes. Yet, many
ter at Yale University would tell you
ness of the country done.
of them are out there just barely get-
that even in the States that have cer-
Mr. President, I would like to focus
ting along. If they don't have a refund-
tification and accreditation processes
some remarks, If I could, on a subject
able tax credit, they don't get any ben-
the quality of child care 18 embarrass-
that is I think critically important.
efit at all. So we refund the tax credits
ing. It is mortifying.
The President spent some time discuss-
for those families that either want to
So for States that do not have that
ing it last evening. It is one that I had
stay home with their child or place.
certification process you can imagine
worked on for about a month and a half
that child in a child care setting. be-
what It is like. In- fact, If you pick up
here, during the month of December
cause they need that extra help to get
almost any daily newspaper in any city
and a good part of the month of Janu-
along. On the stay-at-home parent
or any State in the country, you will
ary, with a bipartisan group of Repub-
idea-and I am delighted to see more
find a case almost on a daily basis of
licans and Democrats, and that subject
and more coming to this issue-I au-
parents who placed their child in what
is child carer
thored something called the Family
they thought was a safe, quality child
Unfortunately, in the last week, I re-
and Medical Leave Act, which was a
care setting only to discover, of course,
ceived some correspondence from our
source of some controversy back in the
that child 1s not safe, and lost its life
colleagues on the Republican side who
1980's. It took me 7 years. It went
as we have seen in numerous cases. So
decided to pull out of the effort basi-
through 2 vetoes, and as the President
we need to be far more conscientious.
cally to come up with another bill. I
said, it was the first bill he signed into
We: don't deal with quality here in
understand Senator CHAFEE of Rhode
law in 1993. That was basically a stay-
Washington. We don't set standards. I
Island has introduced a bill that, in
at-home parent idea. The idea was that
realize that is too high a hurdle to
many ways, reflects the work product
if your child is facing a medical crisis
probably overcome. So we let the
of those 6 weeks, where I had tried to
or serious problem that could be docu-
States set the standards. There is noth-
see in that quiet time if we could come
mented, that a parent could make the
ing in our Federal bill that mandates
out with a proposal that we could rally
choice to take 12 weeks away from
what standards are. But we do think
around here, Unfortunately-and this
their job, up to 12 weeks, without pay,
there ought to be at least health and
happens-these things break apart. I
without losing their job. We were the
safety standards. We require that for
hope at some point we will come back
only country that I could find among
our pets, If you leave them at a vet or
together again. This is important. We
industrialized nations that didn't per-
in one of these weekend kennels, you
have introduced a bill on our side, SQ
mit a family and medical leave policy,
get a State requirement of safety and
there are two bills out there. The
giving parents the ability to stay at
health standards for your pupples. It
President laid out some thoughts and
home and care for their children with-
seems to me, If we are going to require
ideas on 1t. Let me say to you, Mr.
out losing the job that they need.
that minimum standard for animals
President, how important this issue is.
So the idea of providing some assist-
that we might try it for our own chil-
We are talking about millions of fami-
ance for parents who want to stay at
dren in this country
lies in this country that are either sin-
home and care for their children. I
So our bill provides assistance to em-
gle parents raising children, or two-in-
think, is a very sound idea. I hope we
ployers and providers of child care, and
come parents that need both incomes.
don't get into the situation where we
to parents who want to have the secu-
They may have children and have to
cause stay-at-home parents and those
rity of knowing their children are in
pay the tremendous, cost of child care
who must work to be pitted against
safe places
because, obviously. you can't leave
each other, to cause a quarrel, if you
To give you, an idea of how serious
them home alone. Maybe they don't
will, between parents who don't have
this problem 1s, in the State of Florida
necessarily have grandparents or aunts
that choice. If you are raising 2 or 3
today, there is a need of 40,000 spaces
and uncles around to take care of them
kids on your own, the idea that you
for child care that are nonexistent in
on a daily basis. It poses a serious
have a choice to stay home and watch
the State. We are told with Welfare to
problem for parents. When schools
them is nonexistent. You don't have
Work that number will Increase by
close down for snow days during the
that choice. Or if you are a two-income
440,000 in the coming year. So you are
winter. What do you do with your chil-
family barely getting by or you want
going to have an explosion, I guess, of
dren when you have to go off to work?
to invest money that you are- earning
child care providers. What will be the
You have the job you need and the chil-
for their education, or to buy a better
quality? How much will the cost be? Is
dren you love: How do you reconcile
home, or to plan a vacation, you should
it accessible to people? The State of
these issues?
not be branded somehow as an
Florida may be an example where the
In the past, many of us grew up in a
uncaring parent because you made that
vacancy rate is particularly high. But
situation where you had neighbors and
choice. I don't want to see us get into
it is not unique. Other States across
January 28, 1998
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD SENATE
S105
the country are facing similar prob-
tween 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. in the after-
Federal deficit made victims out of
lems.
noon. There is a delay between the last
children who never got the education
I was disappointed when I saw the
digit you dial and when the phone ac-
they required. Students were never
list of the 19 priority items that the
tually clicks in. That is because the
able to continue with assistance into
majority leader has placed before us in
phone system is overloaded with par-
higher education because of programs
this brief session that child care is not
ents calling their homes to make sure
we could not pass; young families that
on that list of 19. Child care is not on
their kids have gotten home safely.
could not get day care, and people,
that list. We went through the debate
So after-school care is a part of our
mothers and fathers, who could not fol-
on welfare reform a year or 80 ago. One
effort and a part of this proposal that
low opportunities because of it. There
of the promises made in this Chamber
we will put before this body.
were many victims of the Federal defi-
was that as we moved people from wel-
So with those thoughts I am tirging
cit, and we each now need to be re-
fare to work, we would do something
our colleagues to see If we can't find
minded that the country's budget
about caring for the children of these
some common ground Hopefully the
evolved into a surplus.
people who have been on welfare. What
majority leader will change that agen
Alan Greenspan may have sald it best
we are being told now, with this prior-
da to include child care on it with the
when the said we cannot Just balance
ity list of 19, 1s that child care is not on
recommendation of the administration."
the Federal budget and think that our
that list; that working families who
We are not arguing now with an execu.
work is complete for If there is no in-
are trying to make ends meet in caring
tive branch over whether or not we
vestment in the Nation's future then
for their children are not going to be a
ought
to
do
this
we have still failed That, Mr. Presi-
part of this agenda in the next 70 or 120
There are two bills here that it seems
dent, #1s where we find ourselves to
days of a legislative process. I am hope-
to me we should move on II am going
night. Part of our national mission is
ful that agenda can change, that it is
to raise this issue at every opportunity
accomplished. There will be a Federal
not written in concrete, that there will
I can in the coming weeks to see to it
budget surplus. Now the question 1s are
be an opportunity to maké the case
that before this session of this Con-
we wise enough to recognize where the
that we ought to be able to come up
gress adjourns that this U.S. Senate
sacrifices have been? Are we smart
with a compromise bill if need be be-
will address child care after school
enough to plan for the future to assure
tween Republicans and Democrats that
care, and care for parents who want to
that the economic growth that we are
takes out the partisanship on this issue
stay at home, and that these parents
now experiencing can continue?
and says that we ought to be able to
are going to get some relief before we
Last night in the State of the Union
come up with some idea here that can
call it quits. I think it is a critical
Address the President outlined several
assist these working families.
issue and one that ought to be one of
specific investments that go to the
I know my colleague from Utah, Sen-
our top priorities rather than not a pri-
core of this question, each in a way ad-
ator HATCH, with whom I wrote the
ority at all.
dressing an aspect of the national in
child care block grant program 13 years
With that I yield the remainder of
frastructure. The first was Social Secu-
ago, and my colleague from Kansas,
my time, if any of my colleagues want
rity.
Senator PAT ROBERTS, care very much
There are in our Nation 80 million
to take a few minutes before the time
about this issue Senator, JEFFORDS
members of my generation born in the
expires. I see my colleague from New
cares about this issue, and had his own
years after the last world war. They
Jersey.
bill up earlier. Obviously, Senator
have worked hard. They are saving ail1-
Mr. TORRICELLI. I thank the Sen-
CHAFEE does. He has a bill in. I know
gently. They have participated in
ator from Connecticut for the time
my colleagues from Maine, Senator
The PRESIDING OFFICER The Sen-
building this high growth economy,
COLLINS and Senator SNOWE, and Sen-
Soon they begin to face retirement.
ator from New Jersey
ator SPECTER have an interest in this.
Mr. TORRICELLI Mr. President, the
The Social Security trust fund through
I am just disappointed. I can't hide it
State of the Union Address last
their savings and participation will
that having invested 6 weeks of staff
continue to run a surplus through the
evening reminds me of the words of
time and effort to try to come up with
President KENNEDY who in 1962 came
year 2014. The current projections are
a compromise bill that it all falls apart
that the same trust fund will expire by
before the Nation and he said, It is
literally in the last few days after we
the year 2031
my responsibility to report on the
Last night the President left us with
pretty much had a work product
state of the Nation but it is all of our
So I am going to continue to raise
a simple challenge In facing the Fed-
responsibility to improve it."
this issue. I am glad the President-did
eral budget surplus let's deal with So
Increasingly that 18 a responsibility
cial Security first Let this generation
last night. I am glad he highlighted it.
that is being met. It is incredible now
of Americans now retire My genera-
I think a lot of people in this country
to remember that when President Clin-
tion who will be facing it in all too few
understand in very graphic ways how
ton assumed office 5 years ago there
important this issue As to them for
years know the trust funds will be se-
was projected to be in 1998 a Federal
their neighbors and their coworkers.
cure, permanent. Let's begin that plan-
budget deficit of $357 billion. Indeed, in
ning now.
They understand 1t. They see every day
the budget that the President 1s about
Second, the President recognized
what goes on, how difficult this is, how
to submit there is a $10 billion deficit.
that in the 21st century the foundation
costly it is, and how worried people
And the reality is within a year the
of our Nation's economy and perhaps
are. After-school care is a big issue in
U.S. Government for the first time in
its principal national infrastructure
this context. We put over $3 billion
30 years will be conducting its affairs
will be our educational institutions. As
over 5 years in after school care. 5 mil-
in a fiscal surplus.
certainly as in the 17th century it may
lion children every day are home alone
For 3 decades, six Presidents of both
have been the construction of canals,
between 3 o'clock and 6 o'clock and 7
political parties in their State of the
as certainly as in the 18th and 19th cen-
o'clock. Any police chief in any town
Union Addresses have had it incumbent
tury it may have evolved into railroads
will tell you the problems that kids get
upon them to distribute pain-not to
to most certainly what now are insti-
into is not after 11 p.m. at night when
challenge the Nation to meet problems
tutions of higher learning in our
people want to put in curfews. Where
but to distribute sacrifice because of
schools.
kids get in trouble is in the afternoon
mounting deficits that left the U.S.
As part of the program to deal with
between 3 o'clock and 8 o'clock. That is
Government with no choice.
this reality, the President challenged
when trouble occurs. Seventy percent
There have indeed been many victims
us to create a Federal program to hire
of our schools in this country have no
of the deficit. It is common to talk
100,000 new teachers to enable the Na-
after-school care programs at all. It
about them in terms of taxpayers hav-
tion to reduce the class size for first,
seems to me that we ought to do some-
ing to pay an ever larger share of their
second, and third graders to 18 stu-
thing about that. I am not just talking
income in Federal tax with an ever-
dents, an extraordinary challenge with
about infants but young children in el-
larger share of their taxes going to in-
everything that it could mean for ex-
ementary schools. Try and dial a phone
terest on the national deficit. The tax-
panding the quality of American
in a relatively small community be-
payers were not the only victims. The
schools. But It did more.
S106
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
January 28, 1998
Recognizing that smaller school
taining a home today, two family in-
It is a big plan worthy of a big and a
classes is going to mean the need for
comes are often a necessity, and yet in
great nation.
more classrooms and facing the reality
modern America the ambitions of these
I hope and trust in this final year of
that fully. two-thirds of all American
women, the needs of these families are
the 105th Congress our vision will be as
schools are now substandard, two-
frustrated because they cannot get af-
big, our action will be as bold as the
thirds have at least one serious con-
fordable child care. It is hard to imag-
State of the Union Address this Con-
struction problem that must be ad-
ine any higher priority today for young
gress heard last night from President
dressed, potentially $100 billion worth
working families in America than as-
Clinton.
of necessary construction to bring
suring quality, safe, affordable child
Madam President, with that, if I
America's schools up to standards, the
care. Indeed, America remains almost
could, I should like to yield to the Sen-
President recommended a program
alone in the world in not helping our
ator from Oregon.
whereby the Federal Government
families meet this ürgent need and re-
The PRESIDING OFFICER (Ms. COL-
would not build the schools; that re-
sponsibility.
LINS). The Senator from Oregon is rec-
sponsibility would remain local. But
Through tax credits for businesses,
ognized.
we could reduce the cost of the con-
through a larger child care tax credit
Mr. WYDEN. I thank the Chair.
struction by the Federal Government
for working families, the challenge has
Madam President, by focusing on So-
paying the interest on the loans of
been laid before the Congress. More di-
cial Security reform, educational qual-
local governments and State govern-
rectly, the President said, "Not a sin-
ity, and strengthening the rights of
ments to build those schools.
gle American family should ever have
health care patients, last night's
Third, the President challenged this
to choose between the job they need
speech zeroed in on the issues that I
Congress to continue progress on ac-
and the child they love." Exactly, Mr.
have been hearing Oregonians talk
cess to quality health care in America.
President, and that is the challenge be-
about during the course of 12 town
Two years ago, this Congress assured
fore this Congress.
meetings this month. Certainly a budg-
that Americans could change their jobs
And yet, finally, I recognize that
et surplus, no matter how you count to
without losing their health care. This
having fought all of these years to bal-
create that surplus, is not going to
Congress assured that If a member of a
ance the Federal budget, to reach the
bring us into some sort of budget nir-
family was taken 111, they would not
point where an American President
vana if it is followed by more years of
lose their health care because they
could honestly predict a surplus in our
deficits. And I thought what was espe-
made use of it. Two years ago, we did
finances, we achieve nothing if we meet
cially constructive about last night's
right by the American people in ex-
these responsibilities but require high-
speech was it zeroed in on the critical
panding our health care opportunities.
er taxes on American families that
questions of retirement and health care
And a year ago we did 80 again, adding
cannot afford the increased burden. It
that clearly drive the budget and the
5 million American children, pre-
is notable that this balanced budget
deficit for the long-term. The fact is
viously uninsured, without access to
has been achieved and some of these so-
you cannot have long-term budget dis-
the system. We brought them into
cial objectives already met while the
cipline unless you deal with Social Se-
health care insurance through the Gov-
country has the lowest tax burden on
curity and health care, and I think last
ernment.
middle-income families in 20 years. But
night we heard a call to arms, to dig in
Now the question is even larger. The
it is important still to recognize that
on a bipartisan basis on those key
President challenged us in the State of
that burden can still be eased more
issues.
the Union Address to deal with the re-
through targeted, responsible tax cuts
Now, with respect to Social Secu-
ality of 160 million Americans who now
that do not add to the deficit but help
rity-and I am sure it is the case for all
have their health care delivered
meet some of these social objectives-
of our colleagues on both sides of the
through managed care systems. I know
tax cuts to encourage and expand child
aisle-I can report that in my State
something of this issue because only a
care, targeted tax cuts to help with the
more young people think that they are
week ago in New Jersey, meeting with
cost of financing education, tax cuts
going to have a date with an extra-
100 individuals, many of whom had had
that encourage savings and investment
terrestrial than think they are going
difficulties with their managed care
to maintain this rapid economic
to get a Social Security check. They
systems, I heard the stories that Amer-
growth that is producing these extraor-
look at these whopper payroll taxes
icans are experiencing every day-
dinary revenues.
that they are paying today, more than
members of managed care systems who
Mr. President, this is an extraor-
6 percent for the worker, more than 6
could not get the truth of their own
dinary time in the life of our country.
percent for the employer, millions of
files, people who needed to see special-
We can do good and great things but
Americans paying more in payroll
ists but were denied, people whose pri-
not by resting on what we have
taxes than they pay in income taxes,
vacy had been violated, people who
achieved. This economy has not grown,
and they see that essentially their re-
traveled needing access to emergency
our people are not productive, our in-
tirement contribution in the past has
rooms and could not get it because care
dustries are not competitive, we are
gone to a great extent to operate the
would not be received through their
not leading the world in finance and in-
budget.
managed care program.
dustry, no less in diplomacy, states-
I think it is fair to say-and there
The President's challenge last
manship and military power because
has been a considerable amount of dis-
evening was we can make managed
we have learned to rest but, rather, be-
cussion of this in the last few weeks
care work, and, indeed, in reducing
cause we have learned to challenge
-that the budget surplus in America is
costs it has worked. We have gone from
-not because we live off the growth of
to a great extent the Social Security
12 and 13 and 14 percent annual in-
previous years, the investments of
surplus in America. I think last night
creases in the cost of health care to 2.5
other generations but because we in-
we learned that the real challenge
percent last year. But saving money is
vest and save ourselves. That challenge
ahead-the President essentially called
only half the equation. The remainder
remains with us tonight, not to accept
for what amounts to a year-long na-
is assuring that what has been the fin-
things as they are but to invest, to edu-
tional teach-in on retirement finance
est quality care system in the world in
cate, to build,
in America-is to be straight with peo-
the United States 18 maintained and
There is a quote that I have through
ple. We are going to have to talk about
that managed care complements that
the years always admired from an ar-
the tough choices and in particular
system and does not frustrate it.
chitect in Chicago, Daniel Burnham,
how we protect the millions of Ameri-
Fourth, the President recognized the
who said in 1909 to his colleagues,
cans for whom Social Security is a life-
reality that fully 60 percent of Amer-
"Make no little plans, for they have no
line, vulnerable folks who every month
ican women today with children, with
magic to stir men's blood and will
are balancing their food costs against
homes to maintain, are also in the
probably never be realized. Make big
their medical bills and medical bills
work force-not always by choice, cer-
plans." Last night, in his State of the
against their pharmaceutical bills, and
tainly not usually by luxury. But with
Union Address, President Clinton made
the question is, how do we take care of
the cost of raising children and main-
before the Nation an ambitious agenda.
those vulnerable folks and still get
January 28, 1998
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
S107
ready for this demographic tsunami-
heard last night, stepping forward.
I thank my colleague from Oregon
75, 80 million baby boomers that are
stepping up to the key issues.
for his fine statement.
going to retire early in the next cen-
Madam President, what I was espe-
Mr. WYDEN. I thank my colleague.
tury.
cially pleased about with respect to
Mr. WELLSTONE. Madam President,
But it seems to me that if we spend
last night's speech was the call for bi-
I want to talk about the President's
the next year working on a bipartisan
partisanship. I think that is critical to
speech last night. Let me start out
basis to dig into these issues, look at a
taking on these key issues such as re-
with where I disagree with some of
variety of different approaches-I am
tirement and health care. Again, in our
what he had to say, and then let me
particularly attracted to the idea of
home State, that's the kind of govern-
talk about what I think were some of
trying to stimulate more private sav-
ment that we are trying to practice. I
the sharp differences between Demo-
ing; I think there are a variety of ways
can tell you that my colleague in the
crats and Republicans That is not to
in which that can be done-we will
U.S. Senate, Senator GORDON SMITH
say I am not interested in bipartisan-
have said on our watch, on our watch,
and I, after we ran against each other
ship, but I think, frankly) if there are
Madam President-and I have enjoyed
for the seat to replace Bob Packwood-
differences between the parties that
serving with you on the Senate Com-
of all people, we could probably have
make a difference, and people see a real
mittee on Aging-we will be able to say
come here and quarreled about all
debate and it is Important to their
that on our watch we did not duck the
kinds of issues. We have not wanted to
lives, that will be all to the good
tough and difficult questions. And cer-
make that part of our service. We
I think the President is dead wrong
tainly they are just as difficult with re-
wanted to make part of our service
in what he had to say about welfare re-
spect to health care as they are to re-
tackling these issues on a bipartisan
form. I never called it reform because I
tirement finance.
basis, in a way that makes sense for
think that takes for granted the very
I come from a part of the United
Oregon and our country. That is why,
question in doubt, as to whether or not
States where we have perhaps the high-
as new members of the Budget Com-
it is really reform. That there are a
est concentration of managed care in
mittee, we joined in the last session in
million or 2 million or 3 million fewer
the country. In fact, in my hometown
terms of Medicare reimbursement re-
women and children-those are the
of Portland, more than half of the older
form.
welfare recipients on welfare today-
people are in HMOs, are in managed
As the Presiding Officer of this body
than several years ago does not nec-
care, and the challenge always is, even
knows, regarding much of the Medicare
essarily represent reform. A reduction
in a hometown like mine where we
reimbursement system, since its incep-
of the caseload, reduction of people
have a lot of good managed care, how
tion the program has actually re-
who are receiving assistance, has noth-
do you hold the cost down while still
warded folks for being inefficient and
ing to do with whether or not you have
protecting the rights of patients in
penalized States for holding costs
reduced poverty. It is reform when we
those health plans.
down. Senator SMITH and I thought
have reduced poverty.
I am of the view that a lot of those
that was particularly unfair to our
I will just say for the record that, as
folks feel powerless today. Frankly,
constituents, who have done so much
I have had a chance to travel around
they feel powerless throughout the
heavy lifting to get the health care
the community, and a lot of poor com-
health system, whether they are in an
system back on track. We worked with
munities in our country, there are sev-
HMO or a fee-for-service plan or one of
other Senators, leaders on both sides,
eral things which I found which are
these hybrids that is a little bit of
and were able to make some very dra-
very troubling. I do not believe I do
each. And I think that we as a body dif-
matic changes in that reimbursement
any damage to the truth when I say
fer on lots of aspects about health care.
system. It has an eye-glazing name
this, and think all Senators need to
Certainly you can differ on the role of,
called the AAPCC, the Average Ad-
take note of it. First of all, it is simply
the Federal Government, State govern-
justed Per Capita Costs, but it's the
true that there are 3- and 4-year-olds at
ment, tax policy, and a variety of
guts of reimbursement. And I am con-
home alone. It is simply true that
issues, but I, for the life of me, cannot
vinced that when, on a bipartisan
there were long waiting lists for afford-
understand why any of us would not
basis, colleagues can work for those
able child care, long before welfare re-
support what we heard last night with
kinds of changes, and we were success-
form, and many of these children are
respect to patients being told about all
ful last session. we can certainly rise,
to the challenge that we were given
not receiving nurturing, important de-
their options in the health care sys-
tem. Disagree all you want about the
last night and move ahead with respect
velopmental care at the most critical
kind of services that ought to be part
to reform as it relates to health main-
years of their lives.
This is wrong.
of a health plan but let us not disagree
tenance
organizations-consumer
It is also true, as I said the other day,
on the fundamental right to know what
rights, like the right to full informa-
that there are first and second and
treatment might be available to you
tion and the right to appeal.
So I am optimistic, as we go forward
third graders who, when they go home,
and what your options are. The same
in the days ahead to tackle these
there 18 no parent there. I think it is
with the right of appeal, the right to
issues, Madam President. I think we
poignant. I think it is wrong that there
make sure that If you felt you did not
have an opportunity on our watch to
are fewer children playing outdoors
get a fair shake from the health care
say that we did not duck, that we un-
now because when many of these kids
system you would have an opportunity
derstand that these issues, with respect
go home they go into a housing project
to be heard and you could have another
to retirement and health care financ-
and they are told to go inside, not take
chance to make sure that your claim
ing, are the biggest issues that in the
any phone calls, not answer the door.
for services was addressed in a fair
past folks in politics ducked. We can-
That is happening in the United States
way. This issue, the question of pro-
not afford to do that any longer. I look
of America. We need to take note of
tecting the rights of patients in health
forward to working on a bipartisan
that.
plans while holding costs down, is the
basis with my colleagues on those
I think the President is also wrong
essence of our challenge in health care.
questions in the days ahead.
because we don't know where these
Of course you can hold costs down If
I yield the floor.
mothers are. We don't know what kind
you don't give people any care. That 18
The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen-
of jobs they have. And what 18 really
a walk in the park. Anybody can do
ator from Minnesota is recognized.
astounding to me, Madam President, is
that. That is not the kind of health
Mr. WELLSTONE. Madam President,
at the State level we are not collecting
care system we want. We want one that
I do want to say to my colleague from
the data. I think, as responsible policy-
both holds costs down and protects the
Wyoming that I shall stay within 10
makers, since 4 years, 3 years, 2 years
quality of health care in our country.
minutes. He is here on the floor. We
from now, depending upon the State,
We have been able to achieve some of
have had a chance to speak as Demo-
all of these women and children are
that success in my home State. I am
crats for a while. So I will try and stay
going to essentially be receiving no as-
convinced we can do it in every com-
relatively brief. When I say 10 minutes
sistance, they are going to be cut off
munity in Oregon and across the coun-
I mean by clock time, not by Senate
from all assistance, don't we need to
try, but it is going to mean, as we
time. So I really will try to do this.
know whether or not they have reached
S108
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD
January 28, 1998
economic self-sufficiency? These par-
they need. Of course we want to make
should, God knows, when students go
ents, mainly women-do they have jobs
sure that nurses and doctors can pro-
into schools that are 80 uninviting.
that pay a decent wage? Do they have
vide that care. Of course we want to
with ceilings falling in. Imagine, could
health care coverage? Can they afford
make sure there are some independent
we do our work if the heating didn't
child care? Where are their children?
appeals processes for ordinary people in
work? If the plumbing didn't work? If
We need to know that. That is where I
our country. Of course we want to
the air conditioning didn't work during
disagree with the President's analysis.
make sure that there are some basic
the summer? If we didn't have access
And I will have some amendments al-
consumer protections. And I think the
to Internet? If we didn't have access to
most on the first piece of legislation
President is right on the mark. What I
the best books? Could we do our work?
that comes to the floor of the Senate
am worried about, it is a challenge to
A lot of students are going to school in
where I will try. to get the Senate to
colleagues on both sides of the aisle, is
decrepit buildings, unsafe, that tell
address these problems.
that the Congress will sure enough pass
those students we don't value them.
Second, I think we have to do much
a bill. It will have a great acronym. It
If we are going to rebuild crumbling
better in higher education. I was a col-
will sound great and it will have that
schools, invest some money in that in-
lege teacher for 20 years and I believe
made-for-Congress look, because there
frastructure, I think we ought to also
that we didn't expand assistance gain-
will not be any teeth in it, enforcement
make sure that a certain percentage of
ing the best bang for the buck. The
teeth.
the jobs go to the adults, the fathers
way of targeting the assistance to
By the way, one way in which I would
and mothers of those children who live
those students in most need would
love to amend some of what the Presi-
in these communities. Because these
have been to dramatically expand the
dent was talking about last night, and
are communities that are ravaged by
Pell grant program. And if you are
I think we could get bipartisan support
high levels of unemployment. Let's
going to have tax credits, they have to
for this, is we ought to think about
combine rebuilding the schools with
be refundable. If you don't have tax
-Families USA has talked about om-
some job training and jobs for some of
credits that are refundable and you
budsmen, you know, through non-
the parents in the community.
have a student from a family earning
government organizations, through
If we are going to reduce class size we
less than $27,000, $28,000 a year-which,
nonprofits, where people would have
can talk about 100,000 more teachers,
somewhere to go so they can have basic
but there 18 also a role for teaching as-
by the way, is the income profile of
information about what their rights
sistants that can help a teacher in a
many, many community college stu-
are as consumers. We absolutely ought
classroom. That could provide employ-
dents-it doesn't do you any good. You
have no tax liability. You can't cash
to do that. We absolutely ought to do
ment for people who live in these com-
flow paying your tuition because you
that, It's a simple proposition. Either
munities without any jobs at all. So I
get it too late to pay your tuition, and
we are here to represent big insurance
would like to see us have more of a
you are not eligible anyway. So if we
companies or we are here to represent
focus in this area. To a certain extent
are going to talk about making higher
doctors, hurses, nurse's assistants,
I am talking about people who all too
other caregivers, and consumers.
often are faceless and voiceless here,
education more -affordable let's, for
The third point I want to make has
but I think it is extremely important,
gosh sakes, talk about these working
to do with jobs. I said it the other day
as a matter elementary justice, that
families
on the floor of the Senate. I will sum-
we focus in this area.
That is disagree.
marize. I will say it again. No matter
Finally, Madam President-I hope I
Agreement: I think the President's
focus on education, on early childhood
where I go, whether it be low-income
have stayed within 10 minutes-an
communities, poor communities, mid-
issue that you care a great deal about,
development, affordable child care, on
an issue that I wish all of us would care
health care, was extremely important.
dle-income communities, it doesn't
matter-and for that matter upper-in-
a great deal about, even if we disagree
Let me make but a couple of points for
come communities. People are focused
on the specifics. I do not know what
my Republican colleagues. As I 118-
tened to some of my Republican col-
on how to earn a decent living and how
other people flnd, but I tell you I think
leagues talk about the President's
to give their children the care they
an awful lot of people in our country, I
know they need and deserve. I am
am sorry, I think it is well over 50 per-
speech last night, I felt like what they
going, for a moment. to talk about low-
cent, are just disillusioned and dis-
were saying 18: Oh, this 18 just Govern-
income, since we don't talk that much
affected with politics. It is terrible. I
ment all over again. Americans, when
think people think that both parties
it comes to these pressing issues of
about low-income, poor people. I will
are owned and controlled by the same
your lives, there is nothing the Govern-
tell you that there are two challenges
investors.
ment can or should do,
here. One, the President talked about
I think that people think that when
Madam President if you own your
raising the minimum wage. Senator
it comes to their concerns and their
own large, corporation and you are
KENNEDY and I have been out on the
hopes about themselves, their families,
wealthy, then that's fine. But for most
floor. We talked about the legislation
their communities, their loved ones,
of the working families in this country.
we have introduced, 50 cents a year for
these concerns are of little concern to
affordable child care is a huge issue
3 years and then indexing it. I will tell
those of us in the Congress. I hate that.
For most of the working families in
you that is extremely important. Be-
I have two Republican colleagues on
this country, making sure that your
cause It is wrong when, people work
the floor with me from Wyoming and
children get a good education and a
full-time, all year round, and they are
from Colorado, both of whom I respect.
commitment to public education and
Betill poor in America. That should not
It does not matter if we disagree on
lowering class sizes and having more
be the case. When people work, play by
issues, this is one thing we do not want
teachers and having more teaching as-
the rules of the game, they ought not
to have happen. I mean, we do not want
sistance is hugely important to you. If
to be poor,
people to just kind of become 80 dis-
you are from a working family in our
My second point, however, 18 dif-
illusioned that participation becomes
country, you want to make sure, vis-a-
ferent. It doesn't do any good to raise
less and less. We lose our democracy.
vis an increasingly corporatized and
the minimum wage If people live in
So, Madam President. the final issue
bureaucratized health care system-lis-
communities where there is no work at
the President talked about-1 hope we
ten, managed care can be good or bad.
all. We have communities in our coun-
can move some campaign finance re-
It depends upon who manages the man-
try, ghettos and barrios in rural areas,
form. We cannot get all the big money
aged care. But the fact of the matter
where there is no work. And we really
out of politics. I wish we could. But if
18, the nine largest insurance compa-
do need to figure out ways of combin-
we could at least pass some reforms
nies own and control well over 60 per-
ing our initiatives while at the same
that would give people some confidence
cent of the managed care plans, and for
time providing some job opportunities
we are serious about trying to get some
them the bottom line has become the
for people to build up some skills and
of the money out of politics and make
only line.
then be able to transition to private
politics more responsive to the con-
So of course we want to make sure
sector employers. If we are going to re-
cerns and circumstances of their lives.
that people have access to the care
build arumbling schools-and we
we would be taking a big step forward.
January 28, 1998
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
S115
MTBE CONTAMINATION OF CALIFORNIA
composition to vehicle emissions and have
By Mr. CHAFEE (for himself, Mr.
GROUNDWATER
concluded that it may be possible to make
HATCH, Ms. SNOWE, Mr. ROB-
This legislation will allow refiners to
more gasoline without MTBE and still meet
ERTS. Mr. SPECTER and Ms. COL-
address the problems that have oc-
California's cleaner burning gasoline stand-
curred with the use of MTBE as it has
ards.
LINS):
S. 1577. A bill to amend the Internal
leaked into groundwater supplies.
If California refiners can meet the
Revenue Code of 1986 to provide addi-
Such problems were certainly not an-
stricter state clean air standard while
tional tax relief to families to increase
ticipated during the drafting of these
reducing or eliminating the use of a
the affordability of child care, and for
amendments, and therefore only exem-
chemical that is contaminating Cali-
other purposes; to the Committee on
plifies the need for a California exemp-
fornia water, it makes good sense to
Finance.
tion to this requirement.
give them the flexibility they need to
THE CARING FOR CHILDREN ACT
MTBE is a highly soluble organic
solve the problem:
Mr. CHAFEE Mr. President, I am
compound which moves quickly.
By amending the Clear Air Act to
through soil and gravel, therefore pos-
waive the requirement for oxygenates
pleased today to introduce the Caring
ing a more rapid threat to aquifers
in California, which already has in
for Children Act, legislation to help all
families with their child care needs.
than the other constituents of gasoline
place its own stricter standards, this
I want to thank my colleagues who
when leaks occur. MTBE 18 easily
legislation does not detract in any way
have worked 80 hard to put this bill to-
traced, but very difficult and expensive
from the gains in emission reductions
gether. Senator HATCH, who was a lead-
to clean up.
mandated in the Clear Air Act. It will
er in the development of the child care
Higher quantities of MTBE in drink-
simply allow for companies like Chev-
block grant, and is always a stalwart
ing water has a smell similar to tur-
ron to meet Clean Air Act require-
supporter of children Senator SNOWE,
pentine and a taste like paint thinner.
ments, while maximizing the advan-
who has worked on this issue for many
Although we do not have all of the
tages of increased flexibility in order
years. Senator ROBERTS, who has taken
data we need to determine the poten-
to respond more efficiently and effec-
an active interest in this issue. Senator
tial damage of MTBE to our water and
tively to any unforseen problems en-
SPECTER, who made an enormous con-
our health, we do know that it 18 in-
countered in the production of Califor-
tribution to the development of this
creasingly a problem for California:
nia cleaner burning gasoline.
bill. And Senator SUSAN COLLINS, who
MTBE has been detected in drinking
If exempting California from the oxy-
we are very fortunate to have on our
water supplies in a number of cities in-
genate requirement meant weakening
child care proposal.
cluding Santa Monica, Riverside, Ana-
the Clear Air Act in any way, I would
Last night, In his State of the Union
heim, Los Angeles and San Francisco;
be the first person to stand up and lead
Address to the nation, President Clin-
MTBE has also been detected in nu-
the battle against such an effort.
ton issued a challenge to Congress to
merous California reservoirs including
This bill does not weaken the Clear
develop child care legislation in a bi-
Lake Shasta in Redding, San Pablo and
Air Act, but instead 18 a step in the
partisan manner with the Administra-
Cherry reservoirs in the Bay Area, and
right direction, towards sound environ-
tion. Well, that 18 exactly what we are
Coyote and Anderson reservoirs in
mental policy.
doing today.
Santa Clara;
This narrowly-targeted legislation
Our proposal is straightforward and
The largest contamination occurred
simply makes sense. With this bill,
far-reaching. It makes the current
in the city of Santa Monica, which lost
California is once again taking the ini-
child care credit more equitable for
75% of its ground water supply as a re-
tiative to lead the way in ensuring the
lower and middle income families. And,
sult of MTBE leaking out of shallow
protection of the air we breathe, and
for the first time, makes the credit
gas tanks beneath the surface;
the water we drink.
available to families where one parent
MTBE has been discovered in pub-
By allowing the companies that sup-
stays at home to care for the children.
licly owned wells approximately 100
ply our state's gasoline to utilize good
That is a critical step and an impor-
feet from City Council Chamber in
science and sound environmental pol-
tant change for families across Amer-
South Lake Tahoe;
icy, we can achieve the goals set forth
ica.
In Glennvile, California, Near Ba-
by the Clear Air Act, without sacrific-
Raising children in today's world is a
kersfield, MTBE levels have been de-
ing California's clean water.
true challenge. In many families, both
tected in groundwater as high as 190,000
In short, when we pass this legisla-
parents must work in order to support
parts per billion-dramatically exceed-
tion, we will take another step forward
the family. Often, the child care ex-
ing the California Department of
in ensuring that protecting our air
penses consume all or most of one par-
Health advisory of 35 parts per billion;
qualify does not come at the expense of
ent's income. How often do we hear the
and
safeguarding our water.
refrain, particularly from women, that
250 underground fuel tank sites have
Mr. President, I ask unanimous con-
after they pay for day care, there is lit-
leaked MTBE in Santa Clara County
sent that the text of the bill be printed
tle or nothing left of their wages.
not far from water wells used by the
in the RECORD.
Another common complaint is from
residents of San Jose.
There being no objection, the bill was
parents who desperately want to stay
In the face of mounting evidence of
ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as
home and raise their children them-
extensive MTBE contamination in
follows:
selves-especially in those very criti-
California groundwater, several gaso-
S. 1576
cal, early years of childhood-but who
line manufacturers, including Chevron
Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
simply cannot afford to forego that
and Tosco (Union 76), have made it
resentatives of the United States of America in
second income.
clear they would like to have the flexi-
Congress assembled,
The legislation we are introducing
bility to use only the amount and type
SECTION 1. CALIFORNIA REFORMULATED GASO-
today responds to both of these con-
LINE RULES.
of oxygenate necessary to continue to
Section 211(c)(4)(B) of the Clean Air Act (42
cerns. We believe that parents should
meet the environmental specifications
U.S.C. 7545(c)(4)(B)) is amended by adding at
make their own decisions about who is
of clean burning gasoline.
the end the following: "If any such State
going to care for their children. The
Many manufacturers believe that it
that has received a waiver under section
government and the tax code should
is possible to meet California's more
209(b)(1) promulgates reformulated gasoline
not be promoting one choice over an-
stringent clean air standards using re-
rules for any covered area of the State (as
other.
duced amounts of, or in some cases, no
defined in subsection (k)(10)), the rules shall
By making more of the existing child
oxygenate in their gasolines.
apply in the area in lieu of the requirements
care tax credit available to lower and
In a recent letter to me, Chevron
of subsection (k) If the State rules will
middle income families, and making it
chairman Ken Derr+ expressed his be-
achieve equivalent or greater emission re-
available also to families where one
ductions than would result from the applica-
lief that while he believes MTBE 18 safe
tion of the requirements of subsection (k) in
parent stays at home, we are sending
if handled properly. his company is ex-
the case of the aggregate mass of emissions
the message that the choice 18 yours,
ploring other options. He says:
of toxic air pollutants and in the case of the
and we support your choice.
(Chevron has) taken another look at the
aggregate mass of emissions of ozone-form-
Our bill makes several changes to the
extensive body of data that relates to fuel
ing compounds.".
existing dependent care tax credit.
S116
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
January 28, 1998
First, the maximum credit percentage
SECTION 1. SHORT TTTLE; TABLE OF
(c) EFFECTIVE DATE.-The amendments
is increased from 30 percent to 50 per-
CONTENTS.
made by this section apply to taxable years
cent to provide more benefits to those
(a) SHORT TITLE-This Act may be cited as
beginning after December 31, 1998.
most in need. Second, the income level
the "Caring for Children Act".
SEC. 102. PROMOTION OF DEPENDENT CARE AS-
at which the maximum credit begins to
(b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.-The table of con-
SISTANCE PROGRAMS.
tents for this Act is as follows:
be reduced is moved from $10,000 to
(a) PROMOTION OF DEPENDENT CARE ASSIST-
Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents.
ANCE PROGRAMS.-The Secretary of Labor
$30,000, 80 that more lower-income fam-
TITLE I-TAX RELIEF TO INCREASE
shall establish a program to promote aware-
illes will qualify for the maximum
CHILD CARE AFFORDABILITY
ness of the use of dependent care assistance
amount of assistance. Third, we pro-
programs (as described in section 129(d) of
pose to completely phase out the credit
Sec. 101. Expansion of dependent care tax
the Internal Revenue Code of 1986) by em-
for wealthier families. Finally, families
credit.
ployers.
Sec. 102. Promotion of dependent care as-
where one spouse stays at home to care
(b) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.-
sistance programs.
for the children will be eligible for a
Sec. 103. Allowance of credit for employer
There is authorized to be appropriated to
credit similar to the one they would re-
expenses for child care assist-
carry out the program under paragraph (1)
ceive if both parents were working out-
$1,000,000 for each of fiscal years 1999, 2000,
ance.
2001, and 2002.
side the home and the child was in
TITLE II-ENCOURAGING QUALITY CHILD
SEC. 103. ALLOWANCE OF CREDIT FOR EM.
daycare.
CARE
PLOYER EXPENSES FOR CHILD CARE
We also acknowledge that we cannot
Subtitle A-Dissemination of Information
ASSISTANCE.
solve the entire child care problem
About Quality Child Care
(a) IN GENERAL-Subpart D of part IV of
through the tax code alone. Many low-
Sec. 201. Collection and dissemination of in-
subchapter A of chapter 1 of the Internal
income families do not have taxable in-
formation.
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to business re-
come, and therefore cannot benefit
Sec. 202. Grants for the development of a
lated credits) is amended by adding at the
from a tax credit. The Child Care and
child care training Infrastruc-
end the following:
Development Block Grant (CCDBG)
ture.
"SEC. 4SD. EMPLOYER PROVIDED CHILD CARE
provides critical funding to help these
Sec. 203. Authorization of appropriations:
CREDIT.
lower-income families-and I have been
Subtitle B-Increased Enforcement of State
"(a) ALLOWANCE OF CREDIT.-For purposes
a strong supporter of the program. Rec-
Health and Safety Standards
of section 38, the employer-provided child
ognizing the critical role CCDBG plays
Sec. 211. Enforcement of State health and
care credit determined under this section for
in subsidizing daycare for low-income
safety standards.
the taxable year is an amount equal to 20
families in the states, our proposal
Subtitle C-Removal of Barriers to
percent of the qualified child care expendi-
doubles the block grant over a five-
Increasing the Supply of Quality Child Care
tures of the taxpayer for such taxable year.
year period
Sec. 221. Increased authorization of appro-
"(b) DOLLAR LIMITATION.-The credit al-
Of course the problem with child
priations for the Child Care and
lowable under subsection (a) for any taxable
care is not limited to just afford-
Development Block Grant Act.
year shall not exceed $100,000.
Sec. 222 Small business child care grant
"(c) DEFINITIONS.-For purposes of this sec-
ability. Many parents cannot find an
tion-
available child care slot. Our proposal
program.
Sec. 223. GAO report regarding the relation-
"(1) QUALIFIED CHILD CARE EXPENDITURE.-
addresses this issue of accessibility by
ship between legal liability con-
"(A) IN GENERAL-The term 'qualified
providing a tax credit to businesses to
cerns and the availability and
child care expenditure' means any amount
build or renovate on or near-site child
affordability of child care.
paid or incurred-
care centers for their employees.
"(1) to acquire, construct, rehabilitate, or
Subtitle D-Quality Child Care Through
Finally, there is the issue of quality
expand property-
Federal Facilities and Programs
"(I) which is to be used as part of a quali-
daycare. Parents cannot be productive
Sec. 231. Providing quality child care in
fled child care facility of the taxpayer.
in the workplace if they are constantly
Federal facilities.
"(II) with respect to which a deduction for
worrying about the health and safety
TITLE I-TAX RELIEF TO INCREASE CHILD
depreciation (or amortization in lieu of de-
of their children in daycare. We have
CARE AFFORDABILITY
preciation) is allowable, and
all read the horrifying stories in the
SEC. 101. EXPANSION OF DEPENDENT CARE TAX
"(III) which does not constitute part of the
newspapers about daycare, facilities
CREDIT
principal residence (within the meaning of
that are unsafe or unsanitary, about
(a) PERCENTAGE OF EMPLOYMENT-RELATED
section 1034) of the taxpayer or any employee
the poor record of enforcement of
EXPENSES DETERMINED BY TAXPAYER STA-
of the taxpayer,
standards in many states.
TUS.-Section 21(a)(2) of the Internal Reve-
(1) for the operating costs of a qualified
while we acknowledge that the fed-
nue Code of 1986 (defining applicable percent-
child care facility of the taxpayer. including
aral government should not be setting
age) is amended to read as follows:
costs related to the training of employees,
standards for daycare providers, we do
"(2) APPLICABLE PERCENTAGE DEFINED.-For
"(111) under a contract with a qualified
believe the-states should set at least
purposes of paragraph (1). the term 'applica-
child care facility to provide child care serv-
ble percentage means 50 percent reduced
ices to employees of the taxpayer, or
minimum health and safety standards
(but not below zero) by 1 percentage point
"(iv) under a contract to provide child care
and enforce them rigorously. Our legis-
for each $1,500, or fraction thereof, by which
resource and referral services to employees
lation beefs up this enforcement by re-
the taxpayers's adjusted gross income for the
of the taxpayer.
warding states with a good. enforce-
taxable year exceeds $30,000."X
"(2) EXCLUSION FOR AMOUNTS FUNDED BY
ment record and penalizing those with
(b) MINIMUM CREDIT ALLOWED FOR STAY-AT-
GRANTS, ETC.-The term 'qualified child care
expenditure' shall not include any amount to
poor recordsive
HOME PARENTS.-Section 21(e) of the Internal
II very proud of this legislation,
Revenue Code of 1986 (relating to special
the extent such amount 18 funded by any
and proud that this group was able to
rules) is amended by adding at the end the
grant, contract, or otherwise by another per-
come together and produce this initia-
following:
son (or any governmental entity)
"(11) MINIMUM CREDIT ALLOWED FOR STAY-
"(3) QUALIFIED CHILD CARE FACILITY.-
tive. Child care is a problem that must
AT-HOME PARENTS Notwithstanding sub-
"(A) IN GENERAL,-The term 'qualified
be solved and we are committed to
section (d). in the case of any taxpayer with
child care facility' means a facility
doing that Hook forward to working
one or more qualifying individuals described
"(1) the principal use of which is to provide
with the President and my colleagues
in subsection (b)(I)(A) under the age of 4 at
child care assistance. and
in the Congress to find workable, af-
any time during the taxable year. such tax-
"(ii) which meets the requirements of all
fordable solutions for all families.
payer shall be deemed to have employment-
applicable laws and regulations of the State
Mr. President, I ask unanimous con-
related expenses with respect to such quali-
or local government in which It is located.
sent that the text of the bill be printed
fying individuals in an amount equal to the
including, but not limited to. the licensing of
in the RECORD.
greater of-
the facility as a child care facility.
There being no objection. the bill was
"(A) the amount of employment-related
Clause (1) shall not apply to a facility which
expenses incurred for such qualifying Indi-
is the principal residence (within the mean-
ordered to be printed in the RECORD, as
viduals for the taxable year (determined
ing of section 1034) of the operator of the fa-
follows:
under this section without regard to this
cility.
1577
paragraph). or
"(B) SPECIAL RULES WITH RESPECT TO A TAX-
Be # enacted by the Senate and House of Rep-
"(B) $150 for each month in such taxable
PAYER-A facility shall not be treated as a
resentatives of the United States of America in
year during which such qualifying individual
qualified child care facility with respect to a
Congress assembled
is under the age of
taxpayer unless-
January 28, 1998
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD SENATE
8117
"(1) enrollment in the facility is open to
any credit under subpart A B. ord this
(A) the provision d'healthful
employees of the taxpayer during the taxable
part.
vironments by child
year,
"(C) No RECAPTURE BY REASON OF CASUALTY
(B) the evaluation of child providers
"(11) the facility is not the principal trade
LOSS.-The increase in tax under this sub-
by parents; and
or business of the taxpayer unless at least 30
section shall not apply to a cessation of op-
(2) relevant findings In the field of early
percent of the enrollees of such facility are
eration of the facility as a qualified child
childhood learning and development.
dependents of employees of the taxpayer. and
care facility by reason of a casualty loss to
(b) INFORMATION AND FINDINGS To BE GEN-
"(111) the use of such facility (or the eligi-
the extent such loss is restored by recon-
ERALLY AVAILABLE
bility to use such facility) does not discrimi-
struction or replacement within a reasonable
(1) SECRETARIAL RESPONSIBILITY. Sec-
nate in favor of employees of the taxpayer
period established by the Secretary
retary of Health and Human Services shall
who are highly compensated employees
"(e) SPECIAL RULES.-For purposes of this
make the information and findings described
(within the meaning of section 414(q)).
section-
in subsection (a) generally available to
"(d) RECAPTURE OF ACQUISITION AND CON-
"(1) AGGREGATION RULES.-All persons
States, units of local governments, private
STRUCTION CREDIT
which are treated as a single employer under
nonprofit child care organizations (including
"(1) IN GENERAL-If. as of the close of any
subsections (a) and (b) of section 52 shall be
resource and referral agencies). employers,
taxable year. there is a recapture event with
treated as a single taxpayer
child care providers, and parents.
respect to any qualified child care facility of
(2) PASS-THRU IN THE CASE OF ESTATES AND
(2) DEFINITION OF GENERALLY AVAILABLE.-
the taxpayer, then the tax of the taxpayer
TRUSTS.-Under regulations prescribed by
For purposes of paragraph (1). the term "gen-
the Secretary, rules similar to the rules of
erally available" means that the informa-
under this chapter for such taxable year
subsection (d) of section 52 shall apply.
tion and findings shall the distributed
shall be Increased by an amount equal to the
"(3) ALLOCATION IN THE CASE OF PARTNER-
through resources that are used by, and
product of-
"(A) the applicable recapture percentage,
BHIPS.-In the case of partnerships, the cred-
available to the public Including such re-
sources as brochures, Internet web sites,
and
it shall be allocated among partners under
'/(B) the aggregate decrease in the credits
regulations prescribed by the Secretary
toll-free telephone Information lines, and
allowed under section 38 for all prior taxable
"(f) No DOUBLE BENEFIT.-
public and private resource and referral or-
years which would have resulted If the quali-
(1) REDUCTION IN BASIS-For purposes of
ganizations.
this subtitle-
SEC. 202. GRANTS FOR THE DEVELOPMENT OF A
fled child care expenditures of the taxpayer
CHILD CARE TRAINING INFRA-
described in subsection (c)(1)(A) with respect
"(A) IN GENERAL.-If a credit Is determined
STRUCTURE,
to such facility had been zero.
under this section with respect to any prop-
(a) AUTHORITY To AWARD GRANTS.-The
"(2) APPLICABLE RECAPTURE PERCENTAGE.-
erty by reason of expenditures described in
Secretary of Health and Human Services
"(A) IN GENERAL-For purposes of this sub-
subsection (c)(1)(A). the basis of such prop-
shall award grants to eligible entities to de-
section, the applicable recapture percentage
erty shall be reduced by the amount of the
velop distance learning child care training
shall be determined from the following table:
credit 60 determined.
technology infrastructures and to develop
The applicable
"(B) CERTAIN DISPOSITIONS.- during any
model technology-based training courses for
recapture
taxable year there is a recapture amount de-
child care providers and child care workers.
"If the recapture event
percentage is:
termined with respect to any property the
The Secretary shall, to the maximum extent
occurs In:
basis of which was reduced under subpara-
possible, ensure that grants for the develop-
Years 1-3
100
graph (A), the basis of such property (Imme-
ment of distance learning child care training
Year 4
85
diately before the event resulting in such Γe-
technology infrastructures are awarded in
Year 5
70
capture) shall be increased by an amount
those regions of the United States with the
Year 6
55
equal to such recapture amount. For pur-
fewest training opportunities for child care
Year 7
40
poses of the preceding sentence, the term 're-
providers.
Year 8
25
capture amount' means any increase in tax
(b) ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS.-T be eli-
Years 9 and 10
10
(or adjustment in carrybacks or carryovers)
gible to receive a grant under subsection (a),
Years 11 and thereafter
0.
determined under subsection (d).
an entity shall-
"(2) OTHER DEDUCTIONS AND CREDITS.-No
(1) develop the technological and logistical
"(B) YEARS.-For purposes of subparagraph
deduction or credit shall be allowed under
aspects of the infrastructure described in
(A). year 1 shall begin on the first day of the
taxable year in which the qualified child
any other provision of this chapter with re-
this section and have the capability of 1m-
care facility is placed in service by the tax-
spect to the amount of the credit determined
plementing and maintaining the Infrastruc-
under this section.
ture;
payer.
"(g) TERMINATION-This section shall not
(2) to the maximum extent possible, de-
"(3) RECAPTURE EVENT DEFINED.-For pur-
apply to taxable years beginning after De-
velop partnerships with secondary schools.
poses of this subsection, the term 'recapture
cember 31. 2003.
institutions of higher education, State and
event' means-
(b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS
local government agencies, and private child
"(A) CESSATION OF OPERATION.-The ces-
(1) Section 38(b) of the Internal Revenue
care organizations for the purpose of sharing
sation of the operation of the facility as a
Code of 1986 is amended-
equipment, technical assistance, and other
qualified child care facility.
(A) by striking out "plus" at the end of
technological resources, including-
(B) CHANGE IN OWNERSHIP.-
paragraph'(11).
(A) sites from which individuals may ac-
"(1) IN GENERAL-Except as provided in
(B) by striking out the period at the end of
cess the training:
clause (11), the disposition of a taxpayer's in-
paragraph (12). and inserting a comma and
(B) conversion of standard child care train-
terest in a qualified child care facility with
"plus". and
ing courses to programs for distance learn-
respect to which the credit described in sub-
(C) by adding at the end the following new
ing; and
section (a) was allowable.
paragraph:
(C) ongoing networking among program
"(11) AGREEMENT TO ASSUME RECAPTURE LI-
"(13) the employer-provided child care
participants; and
ABILITY.-Clause (1) shall not apply if the
credit determined under section 45D.".
(3) develop a mechanism for participants
person acquiring such interest in the facility
(2) The table of sections for subpart D of
to-
agrees in writing to assume the recapture 11-
part IV of subchapter A of chapter 1 of such
(A) evaluate the effectiveness of the infra-
ability of the person disposing of such Inter-
Code is amended by adding at the end the
structure, including the availability and af-
est in effect immediately before such disposi-
following new Item:
fordability of the infrastructure, and the
tion. In the event of such an assumption, the
"Sec. 45D. Employer-provided
training offered the Infrastructure: and
person acquiring the interest in the facility
child care credit.
(B) make recommendations for improve-
shall be treated as the taxpayer for purposes
ments to the infrastructure.
of assessing any recapture liability (com-
(c). EFFECTIVE DATE.-The amendments
(c) APPLICATION.-To be eligible to receive
puted as If there had been no change in own-
made by this section shall apply to taxable
a grant under subsection (a), an entity shall
ership).
years beginning after December 31, 1998.
submit an application to the Secretary at
"(4) SPECIAL RULES.-
TITLE I-ENCOURAGING QUALITY CHILD CARE
such time and in such manner as the Sec-
"(A) TAX BENEFIT RULE.-The tax for the
Subtitle A-Dissemination of Information
retary may require. and that includes-
taxable year shall be increased under para-
About Quality Child Care
(1) a description of the partnership organi-
graph (1) only with respect to credits allowed
SEC. 201. COLLECTION AND DISSEMINATION OF
zations through which the distance learning
by reason of this section which were used to
INFORMATION.
programs will be disseminated and made
reduce tax liability. In the case of credits
(a) COLLECTION AND DISSEMINATION OF IN-
available;
not 80 used to reduce tax liability. the
FORMATION.-The Secretary of Health and
(2) the capacity of the Infrastructure in
carryforwards and carrybacks under section
Human Services shall, directly or through a
terms of the number and type of distance
39 shall be appropriately adjusted.
contract awarded on a competitive basis to a
learning programs that will be made avail-
"(B) No CREDITS AGAINST TAX.-Any in-
qualified entity. collect and disseminate-
able:
crease in tax under this subsection shall not
(1) information concerning health and safe-
(3) the expected number of individuals to
be treated as a tax imposed by this chapter
ty in various child care settings that would
participate In the distance learning pro-
for purposes of determining the amount of
assist-
grams; and
S118
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
January 28, 1998
(4) such additional information as the Sec-
the amount appropriated for that fiscal year
(D) scholarships for low-income wage earn-
retary may require.
under section 658B.
ers:
(d) LIMITATION ON FEES.-No entity receiv-
"(B) DECREASED ALLOTMENT FOR FISCAL
(E) the provision of services to care for
ing a grant under this section may collect
YEARS 2000 AND 2001.-
sick children or to provide care to school
fees from an individual for participation in a
"(1) IN GENERAL.-The allotment deter-
aged children;
distance learning child care training pro-
mined for a State under paragraph (1) for
(F) the entering into of contracts with
gram funded in whole or in part by this sec-
each of fiscal years 2000 and 2001 shall be de-
local resource and referral or local health de-
tion that exceed the pro rata share of the
creased by an amount equal to 10 percent of
partments;
amount expended by the entity to provide
such allotment for the fiscal year involved
(G) care for children with disabilities; or
materials for the training program and to
with respect to any State that, with respect
(H) assistance for any other activity deter-
develop, implement, and maintain the infra-
to the preceding fiscal year, had a percent-
mined appropriate by the State.
structure (minus the amount of the grant
age of completed child care provider Inspec-
(2) APPLICATION.-To be eligible to receive
awarded by this section).
tions (as required to be reported under sec-
assistance from a State under this section, a
(e) RULE OF CONSTRUCTION.-Nothing in
tion 658E(c)(2)(G)) that was below the mini-
small business shall prepare and submit to
this section shall be construed as requiring a
mum inspection and enforcement percentage
the State an application at such time, in
child care provider to subscribe to or com-
specified under clause (11) for the fiscal year
such manner, and containing such informa-
plete a distance learning child care training
for which the allotment is to be paid.
tion as the State may require.
program made available by this section.
"(11) MINIMUM INSPECTION AND ENFORCE-
(3) PREFERENCE.-
SEC. 203. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.
MENT PERCENTAGE.-For purposes of clause
(A) IN GENERAL-In providing assistance
There is authorized to be appropriated to
(1), the minimum inspection and enforce-
under this section, a State shall give priority
carry out this subtitle $50,000,000 for each of
ment percentage Is
to applicants that desire to form a consor-
fiscal years 1999 through 2003.
"(I) for fiscal year 2000, 50 percent; and
tium to provide child care in geographic
Subtitle B-Increased Enforcement of State
"(II) for fiscal year 2001, 75 percent.
areas within the State where such care is not
Health and Safety Standards
"(111) REQUIREMENT TO EXPEND STATE
generally available or accessible.
FUNDS TO REPLACE REDUCTION.-If the allot-
(B) CONSORTIUM.-For purposes of subpara-
SEC. 211. ENFORCEMENT OF STATE HEALTH AND
SAFETY STANDARDS.
ment determined for a State for a fiscal year
graph (A), a consortium shall be made up of
(a) IDENTIFICATION OF STATE INSPECTION
is reduced by reason of clause (1), the State
2 or more entities which may include busi-
RATE.-
shall. during the immediately succeeding fls-
nesses, nonprofit agencies or organizations.
(1) IN GENERAL-Section 658E(c)(2)(G) of
cal year, expend additional State funds
local governments, or other appropriate enti-
under the State plan funded under this sub-
ties.
the Child Care and Development Block Grant
Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858c(2)(G)) is amended
chapter by an amount equal to the amount
(4) LIMITATION.-With respect to grant
by striking the period and inserting ". and
of such reduction.
funds received under this section, a State
provide the percentage of completed child
Subtitle C-Removal of Barriers to
may not provide in excess of $100,000 in as
care provider inspections that were required
Increasing the Supply of Quality Child Care
sistance from such funds to any single appli-
SEC. 221. INCREASED AUTHORIZATION OF AP-
cant.
under State law for each of the 2 preceding
fiscal years
PROPRIATIONS FOR THE CHILD
(e) MATCHING REQUIREMENT.-To be eligible
CARE AND DEVELOPMENT BLOCK
to receive a grant under this section a State
(2) EFFECTIVE DATE.-The amendment
GRANT ACT.
shall provide assurances to the Secretary
made by paragraph (1) applies to State plans
under the Child Care and Development Block
Section 658B of the Child Care and Devel-
that, with respect to the costs to be incurred
Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C. 9858 et seq.) on
opment Block Grant Act of 1990 (42 U.S.C.
by an entity receiving assistance in carrying
9858) is amended to read as follows:
out activities under this section, the entity
and after September 1. 1998.
"SEC. 658B. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIA-
will make available (directly or through do-
(b) INCREASED DECREASED ALLOT-
TIONS.
nations from public or private entities) non-
MENTS.-Section 6580(b), of the Child Care
and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 (42
"There is authorized to be appropriated to
Federal contributions to such costs in an
amount equal to-
U.S.C. 9858m(b)) is amended-
carry out this subchapter-
(1) in paragraph (1). in the matter preced-
"(1) for each of fiscal years 1996 through
(1) for the first fiscal year in which the en-
ing subparagraph (A). by inserting ", subject
1998, $1,000,000,000;
tity receives such assistance, not less than 50
to paragraph (5).* after "shall"; and
"(2) for fiscal year 1999, $1,500,000,000;
percent of such costs ($1 for each $1 of assist-
(2) for fiscal year 2000, $1,750,000,000;
ance provided to the entity under the grant):
(2) by adding at the end the following:
11'(5) INCREASED OR DECREASED ALLOTMENT
"(2) for fiscal year 2001, $2,000,000,000;
(2) for the second fiscal year in which an
BASED ON STATE INSPECTION RATE.-
(2) for fiscal year 2002. $2,250,000,000; and
entity receives such assistance, not less than
((A) INCREASED ALLOTMENT FOR FISCAL
(2) for fiscal year 2003, $2,500,000,000.
66% percent of such costs ($2 for each $1 of
SEC. 222 SMALL BUSINESS CHILD CARE GRANT
assistance provided to the entity under the
YEARS 1999, 2000, AND 2001.
PROGRAM.
grant): and
"(1) IN Subject to clause (111).
(a) ESTABLISHMENT.-The Secretary of
(3) for the third fiscal year in which an en-
for fiscal years 1999, 2000, and 2001, the allot-
Health and Human Services (in this section
tity receives such assistance, not less than 75
ment' determined for a State under para-
referred to as the "Secretary") shall estab-
percent of such costs ($3 for each $1 of assist-
graph (1) for each such fiscal year shall be In-
lish a program to award grants to States to
ance provided to the entity under the grant).
creased by an amount equal to 10 percent of
assist States In providing funds to encourage
(f) REQUIREMENTS OF PROVIDERS. -To be el-
such allotment for the fiscal year involved
the establishment and operation of employer
igible to receive assistance under a grant
with respect to any State
operated child care programs.
awarded under this section a child care pro-
(I) that certifies to the Secretary that the
(b) APPLICATION.-To be eligible to receive
vider shall comply with all applicable State
State has not reduced the scope of any State
a grant under this section, a State shall pre-
and local licensing and regulatory require-
child care health or safety standards or re-
pare and submit to the Secretary an applica-
ments and all applicable health and safety
quirements that were In effect in calendar
tion at such time, in such manner, and con-
standards in effect in the State
year 1996; and
taining such information as the Secretary
(g) ADMINISTRATION
14(II) that, with respect to the preceding
may require, including an assurance that the
(1) STATE RESPONSIBILITY. A State shall
fiscal year, had percentage of completed
funds required under subsection (e) will be
have responsibility for administering the
child care provider inspections (as required
provided
grant awarded under this section and for
to be reported under section 658E(c)(2)(G));
(c) AMOUNT OF GRANT.-The Secretary
monitoring entities that receive assistance
that equaled or exceeded the target Inspec-
shall determine the amount of a grant to a
under such grant.
tion and enforcement percentage specified
State, under this section based on the popu-
(2) AUDITS.-A State shall require each en-
under clause (ii) for the fiscal year for which
lation of the State as compared to the popu-
tity receiving assistance under a grant
the allotment is to be paid
lation of all States.
awarded under this section to conduct an an-
(11) TARGET INSPECTION AND ENFORCEMENT
(d) USE OF FUNDS.-
nual audit with respect to the activities of
PERCENTAGE.-For purposes of clause (1)(II),
(1) IN GENERAL.-A State shall use amounts
the entity. Such audits shall be submitted to
the target inspection and enforcement per-
provided under a grant awarded under this
the State.
centage 1s-
section to provide assistance to small busi-
(3) MISUSE OF FUNDS.-
"(I) for fiscal year 1999, 75 percent;
nesses located in the State to enable the
(A) REPAYMENT.-If the State determines.
"(II) for fiscal year 2000, 80 percent: and
small businesses to establish and operate
through an audit or otherwise, that an en-
"(III) for fiscal year 2001. 100 percent.
child care programs. Such assistance may in-
tity receiving assistance under a grant
"(111) PRO RATA REDUCTIONS IF INSUFFICIENT
clude-
awarded under this section has misused the
APPROPRIATIONS.-T Secretary shall make
(A) technical assistance in the establish-
assistance, the State shall notify the Sec-
pro rata reductions in the percentage in-
ment of a child care program;
retary of the misuse. The Secretary. upon
crease otherwise required under clause (1) for
(B) assistance for the start up costs related
such a notification. may seek from such an
a State allotment for a fiscal year as nec-
to a child care program:
entity the repayment of an amount equal to
essary 80 that the aggregate of all the allot-
(C) assistance for the training of child care
the amount of any misused assistance plus
ments made under this section do not exceed
providers;
Interest.
January 28, 1998
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
S119
(B) APPEALS PROCESS.-The Secretary shall
(1) ADMINISTRATOR.-The term "Adminis-
(1) STATE AND LOCAL LICENSING REQUIRE-
by regulation provide for an appeals process
trator" means the Administrator of General
MENTS AND ACCREDITATION STANDARDS.-The
with respect to repayments under this para-
Services.
Director of the Administrative Office of the
graph.
(2) EXECUTIVE AGENCY.-The term "Execu-
United States Courts shall issue regulations
(h) REPORTING REQUIREMENTS.-
tive agency" has the meaning given the term
for entities operating child care centers in
(1) 2-YEAR STUDY.-
in section 105 of title 5. United States Code,
Judicial facilities, which shall be the same as
(A) IN GENERAL-Not later than 2 years
but does not include the Department of De-
the regulations issued by the Administrator
after the date on which the Secretary first
fense.
under subsection (b)(1), except to the extent
provides grants under this section, the Sec-
(3) EXECUTIVE FACILITY.-The term "execu-
that the Director may determine, for good
retary shall conduct a study to determine-
tive facility" means a facility that is owned
cause shown and stated together with the
(1) the capacity of entities to meet the
or leased by an Executive agency.
regulations, that a modification of such reg-
child care needs of communities within a
(4) FEDERAL AGENCY.-The term "Federal
ulations would be more effective for the im-
State:
agency" means an Executive agency. a Judi-
plementation of the requirements and stand-
(11) the kinds of partnerships that are being
cial office. or a legislative office.
ards described in such paragraphs.
formed with respect to child care at the local
(5) JUDICIAL FACILITY The term Judicial
(2) EVALUATION AND ENFORCEMENT.Sub
level; and
facility" means a facility that is owned or
section (b)(2) shall apply to the Director de-
(111) who is using the programs funded
leased by a judicial office.
scribed in paragraph (1). entities operating
under this section and the income levels of
(6) JUDICIAL OFFICE-Th term "judicial of-
child care centers in Judicial facilities, and
such individuals.
fice" means an entity of the judicial branch
Judicial offices For purposes of that applica-
(B) REPORT.-Not later than 28 months
of the Federal Government.
tion, references in subsection (b)(2) to regu-
after the date of enactment of this Act, the
(7) LEGISLATIVE FACILITY.-The term fleg-
lations shall be considered to be references
Secretary shall prepare and submit to the
islative facility" means a facility that is
to regulations issued under this subsection.
appropriate committees of Congress a report
owned or leased by a legislative office
(0) APPLICATION.-Notwithstanding any
on the results of the study conducted in no-
(8) LEGISLATIVE OFFICE-The term "legis
other provision of this section. if 3 or more
cordance with subparagraph (A).
lative office" means an entity of the legisla
child care centers are operated in facilities
(2) 4-YEAR STUDY.-
tive branch of the Federal Government
owned or leased by a Federal agency. the
(A) IN GENERAL-Not later than 4 years
(b) EXECUTIVE BRANCH STANDARDS AND EN-,
head of the Federal agency may carry out
after the date on which the Secretary first
FORCEMENT
the responsibilities assigned to the Adminis-
provides grants under this section, the Sec-
(1) STATE AND LOCAL LICENSING REQUIRE-
trator under subsection (b)(2), the Architect
retary shall conduct a study to determine
MENTS.-
of the Capitol under subsection (c)(2), or the
the number of child care facilities funded
(A) IN GENERAL-The Administrator shall
Director described in subsection (d)(2) under
through entities that received assistance
issue regulations requiring any entity oper-
such subsection, as appropriate
through a grant made under this section that
ating a child care center in an executive Ia-
Mr. SPECTER Mr. President, I have
remain In operation and the extent to which
cility to comply with applicable State and
sought recognition to join my col-
such facilities are meeting the child care
local licensing requirements related to the
leagues in introducing the "Caring for
needs of the individuals served by such fa-
provision of child care.
(B) COMPLIANCE.-The regulations shall re-
Children Act," which will ease the 11-
cilities.
(B) REPORT.-Not later than 52 months
quire that, not later than 6 months after the
nancial burden of child care for Amer-
after the date of enactment of this Act, the
date of enactment of this Act-
ican families-for those parents who
Secretary shall prepare and submit to the
(1) the entity shall comply. or make sub-
work, and for those who thoose to stay
appropriate committees of Congress a report
stantial progress (as determined by the Ad-
home to raise their children for a pe-
on the results of the study conducted in a.o-
ministrator) toward complying. with the re-
riod of time. The sponsors of this legis-
cordance with subparagraph (A).
quirements; and
lation recognize the importance of af-
(1) DEFINITION.-As used in this section, the
(ii) any contract for the operation of such
fordable quality child care to the suc-
term "small business" means an employer
a child care center shall include a condition
that the child care be provided in accordance
cessful development of our children,
who employed an average of at least 2 but
not more than 50 employees on business days
with the requirements.
Our bill would expand the Dependent
during the preceding calendar year.
(2) EVALUATION AND ENFORCEMENT.-
Care tax credit to make it more acces-
(j) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.-
Administrator shall evaluate the compliance
sible to families who need It, double
There is authorized to be appropriated to
of the entities described in paragraph (1)
the authorization for the Child Care
carry out this section, $60,000,000 for the pe-
with the regulations issued under that para-
Development Block Grant, and provide
riod of fiscal years 1999 through 2001. With
graph. The Administrator may conduct the
grants to small businesses to create or
respect to the total amount appropriated for
evaluation of such an entity directly. or
enhance child care facilities for their
such period in accordance with this sub-
through an agreement with another Federal
section, not more than $5,000,000 of that
agency, other: than the Federal agency for
employees. This bill also includes pro-
amount may be used for expenditures related
which the entity 18 providing child care. If
visions from the proposal I introduced
to conducting evaluations required under,
the Administrator determines, on the basis
last year with my colleague, Congress-
and the administration of, this section.
of such an evaluation, that the entity is not
man Jon Fox, "The Affordable Child
(k) TERMINATION OF PROGRAM.-The pro-
in compliance with the regulations, the Ad-
Care Act," which provides a tax credit
gram established under subsection (a) shall
ministrator shall notify the Executive agen-
for employers who provide on-site or
terminate on September 30, 2002.
cy.
site-adjacent child care to their em-
SEC. 131. GAO REPORT REGARDING THE RELA-
(c) LEGISLATIVE BRANCH STANDARDS AND
ployees in order to reduce the child
TIONSHIP BETWEEN LEGAL LIABIL-
ENFORCEMENT.-
ITY CONCERNS AND THE AVAILABIL-
care expenses of the employee.
(1) STATE AND LOCAL LICENSING REQUIRE-
ITY AND AFFORDABILITY OF CHILD
Not all families choose the same op-
MENTS AND ACCREDITATION STANDARDS.-The
CARE.
Architect of the Capitol shall issue regula-
tion for child care, Many families rely
Not later than 6 months after the date of
tions for entities operating child care cen-
on relatives, centers operated by
enactment of this Act, the Comptroller Gen-
ters in legislative facilities. which shall be
churches and other religious organiza-
eral of the United States shall report to Con-
the same as the regulations issued by the
tions, centers at or near their work-
gress regarding whether and. If 80, the extent
Administrator under subsection (b)(1), ex-
place, or make other arrangements to
to which, concerns regarding potential legal
cept to the extent that the Architect may
liability exposure inhibit the availability
provide care for their children while
determine. for good cause shown and stated
and affordability of child care. The report
they work. In light of the diverse needs
together with the regulations. that a modi-
shall include an assessment of whether such
for child care in America, this bill rep-
fication of such regulations would be more
concerns prevent-
effective for the implementation of the re-
resents a good start toward expanding
(1) employers from establishing on or near-
quirements and standards described in such
the choices for American parents. And,
site child care for their employees;
paragraphs.
any such legislation must recognize
(2) schools or community centers from al-
(2) EVALUATION AND ENFORCEMENT.-Sub
that there is a need to provide some re-
lowing their facilities to be used for on-site
section (b)(2) shall apply to the Architect of
lief to families where one parent stays
child care; and
the Capitol, entities operating child care
at home.
(3) individuals from providing professional,
centers in legislative facilities, and legisla-
licensed child care services in their homes.
The need for affordable and acces-
tive offices. For purposes of that application.
Subtitle D-Quality Child Care Through
references in subsection (b)(2) to regulations
sible day care 18 critical given the in-
Federal Facilities and Programs
shall be considered to be references to regu-
creasing numbers of working parents
SEC. 231. PROVIDING QUALITY CHILD CARE IN
lations issued under this subsection.
and dual-income families in the United
FEDERAL FACILITIES.
(d) JUDICIAL BRANCH STANDARDS AND EN-
States. According to the Bureau of the
(a) DEFINITION.-In this section:
FORCEMENT.-
Census, in 1975. 31 percent of married
S120
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
January 28, 1998
mothers with a child younger than age
gling to balance career and child rais-
Our bill increases the Dependent Care
one participated in the labor force. By
ing. I urge my colleagues to join me in
Tax Credit (DCTC) for working parents.
1995, that figure had risen to 59 percent.
cosponsoring this important legisla-
Our bill raises the maximum credit
Almost 64 percent of married mothers
tion, and I urge its swift adoption.
from 30 percent to 50 percent. And, it
and 53 percent of single mothers with
Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, eight
raises the maximum income level for
children younger than age six partici-
years ago, Congress passed and Presi-
the maximum credit from $10,000 to
pated in the labor force in 1995.
dent Bush signed the landmark Child
$30,000. No change is made in the maxi-
The cost of child care for families is
Care and Development Block Grant
mum allowable expenses of $2400 for
also significant. Licensed day care cen-
Act. I was proud to have helped lead
one child and $4800 for two or more
ters in some urban areas cost as much
the effort, and I am proud of what our
children.
as $200 per week, and the disparity in
states have been able to accomplish
Thus, a family in St. George, Utah,
costs and availability of child care be-
since its implementation.
earning $30,000, with two children,
tween urban and rural grows greater
But, It is also clear that we must do
would receive a tax credit of $2400.
every day. For families which need or
more to help families. In my home
Under current law, this family's credit
choose to have both parents work out-
state of Utah, more than half of the
would be $960.
side the home, the burden of making
children under age 6 have either their
Both our bill and the proposal made
child care decisions is great. These fig-
only parent or both parents in the
by the Clinton administration begin to
ures serve to underscore the need for
workforce.
gradually reduce the percentage of the
action on the part of the Federal gov-
The "Child Care Connection," a four-
credit at $30,000, but the "Caring for
ernment to provide the necessary as-
county resource and referral program,
Children Act" reduces the credit at a
sistance to our nation's working fami-
reported last year that there were five
slower rate. Thus, families earning be-
lies.
major Salt Lake area zip codes that
tween $30,000 and $75,000 will receive a
As Chairman of the Labor, Health
had zero openings for infants.
Utah child care officials have re-
bigger tax benefit than under either
and Human Services, and Education
Appropriations Subcommittee, I am
ported that there are too few slots gen-
President Clinton's proposal or current
law.
pleased that this legislation would
erally for infants and toddlers and for
build on an existing federal child care
special needs children:
We can afford to provide larger bene-
It is my pleasure to be here today
fits for this income group because we
program by authorizing an additional
with Senators CHAFEE, SNOWE, ROB-
have recommended a phase-out of the
$5 billion over five years to the Child
Care Development Block Grant pro-
ERTS, and SPECTER, each of whom has a
credit entirely for families with in-
long track record of involvement in
comes of $105,000 or more. Under cur-
gram, bringing total spending for this
child care issues. We believe that we
rent law, there is no Income limit for
program to $2.5 billion annually by
have developed a comprehensive, yet
eligibility for the DCTC. This 18 one
FY2002. The CCDBG program which
works well in assisting low-income
realistic, child care proposal that will
tax credit that wealthy taxpayers do
augment the ability of the child care
not need.
families acquire child care and helped
block grant to serve families in each
But, our bill, the "Caring for Chil-
over 93,000 Pennsylvania families last
state.
dren Act," goes one step further. The
year. By increasing the authorization,
Of particular note, this proposal rec-
bill I have developed along with Sen-
we can help even more families with-
ognizes the choice that many families
ators CHAFEE, SNOWE, ROBERTS, and
out creating a new entitlement pro-
make to have one parent remain at
SPECTER would, for the first time, rec-
gram
home as primary caregiver. As impor-
ognize child care provided by a parent.
Our legislation will also require
tant as it is to assist low- and middle-
Our bill would extend eligibility for
States to create and enforce safety and
income families with necessary out-of-
the Dependent Care Tax Credit to fami-
health standards in child care facili-
home child care expenses-and our pro-
lies with young children in which one
ties, and provide money for the Depart-
posal will increase the Dependent Care
parent remains at home as caregiver.
ment of Health and Human Services to
Tax Credit for such families-it is also
How would this work? The bill would
disseminate information to parents and
important for us to realize the value of
impute monthly child care expenses of
providers about quality child care,
a parent in the home and that the sac-
$150 to families with children age 3 and
through brochures, toll-free hotlines,
rifice of a second income is also a child
under. For example, a family in Mor-
the Internet, and other technological
care expense:
gan, Utah, earning $30,000 a year and
assistance.
Additionally, our proposal will not
having one or more children under age
The "Caring for Children Act" com-
create major new programs in need of
3, would receive a $900 tax credit. It
plements my recent efforts to assist
permanent funding. We do not intend
works this way; 50% credit x $150
working families In the context of wel-
to spend federal dollars on bigger bu-
monthly imputed expenses x 12 months
fare reform and children's health Insur-
reaucracy in the name of expanding
= $900.
ance. When Congress debated welfare
child care. We want available resources
I would like to.see this tax break be
reform in 1995 and 1996, I worked to en-
to be put directly In the hands of par-
even more generous I will work toward
sure that adequate funds were provided
ents through tax credits and in the
that end: But, given our budget reali-
for child care, a critical component for
hands of states to address specific gaps
ties, this ground-breaking extension of
welfare mothers who would be required
in availability and enforcement of
the DCTC is feasible. And, I believe it
to work to receive new limited welfare
health and safety standards.
is an essential component of the "Car-
benefits. I am pleased that the welfare
Our bill takes a very balanced ap-
ing for Children Act.'
reform bill that became law provides
proach to the issues of affordability,
It is high time we recognize the value
$20 billion in child care funding over a
availability, and quality.
of stay-at-home parents. This tax cred-
six year period. Similarly, I was
Child care costs, of course, are a sig-
it in no way offsets their work or their
pleased to participate in the bipartisan
nificant part of a family budget. The
monetary sacrifices; but it does, at
effort In 1997 to enact legislation to
average cost of child care has been esti-
last, give a mother or father in the
provide $24 billion over the next five
mated at over $4000 per child. This 1s a
home standing in our tax code. It
years for States to establish or broaden
substantial increase from the $3000 av-
transforms the Dependent Care Tax
children's health Insurance programs.
erage it was when we enacted the Child
Credit from an employment-based cred-
In conclusion, Mr. President, I be-
Care and Development Block Grant
it to a child-based credit.
lieve that it is critical that the 105th
eight years ago. Clearly, low- and mid-
These two changes to the DCTC will
Congress not adjourn without enacting
dle-income taxpayers devote a larger
put money-their own money I might
legislation to assist families in their
share of their earnings to child care.
add-back into the pockets of Ameri-
ability to afford safe, quality child care
And, at a time when we are trying to
ca's families.
for their children, either at home with
move families off of public assistance
The "Caring for Children Act" also
a parent or another arrangement. Our
and into employment, child care has to
deals with the issue of availability. As
legislation will provide peace of mind
be a key element of transitional sup-
I mentioned, there are areas where
to millions of American families strug-
port.
child care-particularly infant care,
January 28, 1998
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
S121
automobiles, credit cards, and well-
Senators CHAFEE, SNOWE, ROBERTS, and
after school care, or care for special
needs children-is tough to find. The
baby care are available. I believe par-
SPECTER. I urge other senators to join
ents would welcome more information
us in this legislation.
substantial increase we are rec-
on what to look for in a child care cen-
Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, I am
ommending for the Child Care and De-
velopment Block Grant (CCDBG) will
ter or family-based care setting. I also
pleased and honored to join with my
provide states with the ability to ad-
believe that parents are the best form
colleagues to introduce legislation to
of accountability in child care. Second,
help meet the child care challenges fac-
dress shortages as well as to increase
to assist providers and child care work-
ing families around the nation. Our bill
support to low-income families.
ers enhance the quality of their serv-
is entitled the "Caring for Children
President Clinton has recommended
solving the availability problem by
ices, the bill would enable HHS to
Act."
creating two new programs, one for
award grants for the development of a
Child care, in the home when possible
after school care and one geared to
technology infrastructure for distance
and outside the home when both par-
early childhood. While I can appreciate
learning.
ents work, goes right to the heart of
the President's concern that there may
Many child care providers are in
keeping families strong. Unfortu-
rural areas. Traditional training in the
nately finding quality affordable child
be few choices out there for parents
form of workshops and college classes
care is one of the most pressing prob-
who depend on out-of-home care, I do
are not practical Programs for child
lems for families in Kansas and around
not believe it makes sense to create
new programs when the CCDBG al-
care providers that could be developed
the
country
and made available through distance
The Caring for Children Act takes
ready permits such programs. I think
the answer is not to second guess how
learning. however, could prove a viable
the first steps to address this challenge
alternative as well as a valued help, My
through a responsible approach. This
the states have chosen to allocate their
scarce resources under the block grant,
home state of Utah I might add, has
legislation expands child care opportu-
been a leader in the distance learning
nities without expanded government
but rather to give the states some addi-
tional resources so that they can bet-
arena. I have no doubt that such a for-
costs or intrusion in our lives. This leg-
mat would be eagerly received in my
islation builds into the existing net-
ter meet their own priorities.
We are proposing a $5 billion increase
state
work without adding more government
The "Caring for Children Act" con-
intervention or mandates This legisla
in the CCDBG over five years. These
tains several other provisions of inter-
tion will help families that have two
additional resources will give states
est. In order to test the effectiveness of
working parents and families that have
much more flexibility In their plan-
small business consortia as employer-
à stay-at-home parent. This legislation
ning. States will be able to provide sub-
based child care providers. the bill au-
will help to increase the supply of qual-
sidies for a greater number of the eligi-
thorizes $60 million over three years
ity of child care
ble population; they will be able to fi-
for demonstration grants.
First, in order to provide additional
nance child care programs in under-
To increase the awareness of the ex-
tax relief and increase affordability of
served areas of the state; they will be
isting Dependent Care Assistance Pro-
child care, we expand the Dependent
able to address particular shortages.
gram (DCAP), a tax provision that per-
Care Tax Credit (DCTC) by raising the
And, they will be able to better enforce
mits employees to authorize their em-
income level to $30,000 at which fami-
critical health and safety standards.
ployers to withhold up to $5000 of the
lies become eligible for the maximum
I am a firm believer that states
employee's salary in a DCAP account
tax credit. We also raise the maximum
should be able to set their own rules
for child care expenses to be paid by
percentage of child care expenses that
and regulations for child care provid-
the employer, the "Caring for Children
parents can deduct to 60 percent. These
ers. I do not believe that the federal
Act" authorizes $1 million a year for
changes make the DCTC more realistic
government can or should interfere
the next five years to the Secretary of
for families that face Increasing child
with child care affordability in our var-
Labor to conduct outreach to both em-
care costs.
ious states by setting national stand-
ployers and employees about this pro-
Increasing the income level and the
ards that are unrealistic. Moreover, to
gram and its benefits.
percentage of child care expenses that
the extent that child care standards re-
Finally. the bill would require that
are deductible will help families where
flect the values as well as the economic
child care facilities located in federal
both parents work But, we also recog-
conditions of any given state, the fed-
buildings for federal employees be held
nize that families who choose to have
eral government has no business micro-
to the same quality standards that
one parent remain at home have child
managing them.
apply to child care programs in the
care expenses as well Therefore, we ex
But, I also believe that states that
state in which the federal facility 1s lò-
tend eligibility for the DCTC to fami-
participate in the block grant pro-
cated.
lies with a parent. This
gram-and that would be all of them—
I believe the measure we have intro-
provides greater options to more fami-
have an obligation to ensure that chil-
duced is a balanced approach. It does
lies and leaves child care choices where
dren are in safe and healthy environ-
not depend entirely on the tax code to
they should be-with the family. In
ments. And. they have an obligation to
address child care issues, nor does it
order to target this credit to parents
see that such standards are adequately
depend solely on federal spending.
who need it the most and meet our fis-
enforced. A sanitary standard is no
It does not concentrate benefits on
cal responsibilities, the credit is
standard at all If it is unenforced.
only one income group. The DCTC ex-
It may not matter where you have
pansion is geared particularly to assist
phased out for higher income wage
your car washed, but it absolutely mat-
the middle class. The increase in the
earners.
Small businesses play a critical role
ters who is taking care of your child.
CCDBG is targeted to subsidies for low-
in providing child care options to mil-
Therefore, the "Caring for Children
income families.
lions of working parents. Unfortu-
Act" puts some teeth into the require-
It recognizes that we have to make
ment for inspections under the block
an investment in our children, but it
nately, small businesses generally do
not have the resources required to
grant. A state that inspects a threshold
does not propose new federal manda-
start up and support a child care cen-
number of facilities subject to inspec-
tory spending programs that can be-
ter. The "Caring for Children Act" in-
tion will be eligible for a 10 percent
come wildly expensive.
bonus. After the second year, a state
Our bill gives careful attention to
cludes a short-term, flexible grant pro-
failing to inspect a minimum number
each of the three cornerstones of child
gram to encourage small businesses to
of child care sites will be subject to a
care: affordability, availability, and
work together to provide child care
services for employees. This program 18
10 percent penalty.
quality.
Additionally, our bill authorizes $50
And, for the first time, federal child
more of a demonstration project that
million a year for HHS to undertake
care legislation will not ignore those
will sunset at the end of three years. In
families who choose to forego one in-
the meantime, small businesses will be
two important quality enhancing ac-
come to have a parent remain at home.
eligible for grants up to $100,000 for
tivities. First, more information about
I want to say again that I am proud
start-up costs, training. scholarships,
child care can be made available to
to sponsor this bill with my colleagues,
or other related activities. Businesses
parents. Consumer information about
S122
CONGRESSIONAL RECORDSENATE
January 28, 1998
must continue to meet state quality
ready on waiting lists for federal child
number of innovative ways. By expand-
and health standards. Businesses will
care in-half a million! Now, it is esti-
ing the Dependent Care Tax Credit, we
be required to match federal funds to
mated that, as welfare reform proceeds,
make it more affordable for parents to
encourage self-sustaining facilities
some 2 million parents across America
choose quality child care, but we also
well into the future.
will join the workforce and their chil-
leave the door open for a parent to stay
"Caring for Children" also includes
dren will require child care. A GAO re-
at home with their child. And we tar-
provisions to provide a tax credit of ex-
port from May of last year determined
get our tax benefits to those who need
penses up to $500,000 for employers who
that in Chicago, for example, the
them most: working American fami-
choose to construct, renovate, or oper-
known supply of child care would only
lies.
ate on- or near-site child care facilities
meet 14 percent of the need for infant
For two-working parent families
for their employees. And, "Caring for
child care in the first year of welfare
with child care. expenses, we raise the
Children" includes funding to promote
reform implementation. And within
income level at which parents can take
greater availability of the Dependent
three years, 3 out of 4 American women
the maximum credit from $10,000 to
Care Assistance Program (DCAP) for
with children under 5 will be working
$30,000, allowing more parents to take
families with children. This will allow
and in need of child care.
advantage of the maximum tax credit.
the Department of Labor to conduct
With the perspective of years spent
In addition, we raise the percentage of
outreach to businesses to promote
on this issue, I have come to the con-
child care expenses that parents can
awareness of the DCAP program.
clusion that what American parents
put toward their credit to 50% (up from
All children deserve quality care. Al-
need most are choices. The decision of
40%, under current law) of expenses up
though all states have health and safe-
how to care for a young child is a deep-
to $2400 for one child, or $4800 for two
ty standards in place, many times
ly personal and difficult one. Many feel
or more children. The credit will phase
these regulations are not enforced.
handcuffed by economic concerns, oth-
down 1% for every $1500 of income
"Caring for Children" includes incen-
ers worry about the safety of child
above $30,000, phasing out completely
tives for states to improve their inspec-
care, but all face different cir-
for families earning over $105,000 per
tion efforts and ensure that facilities
year. Under this new scheme, the maxi-
cumstances that make the decision
are in compliance with their own state
mum tax credit will be $1200 for one
making process unique.
standards. The bill also authorizes
Given the tremendous challenges of
child (up from $720), or $2400 for two or
funding for the Department of Health
more children (up from $480).
raising children today, and the extraor-
and Human Services to get more infor-
For the first time, parents who forgo
dinary range of issues facing families, I
mation in the hands of parents and
an income to stay at home to take care
believe the federal government should
help child care providers access child
of a child between the ages of 0-3 will
not be in the business of encouraging
care training programs.
be able to take advantage of the De-
one choice over another. Instead the
Finally. we authorize additional
pendent Care Tax Credit, By attrib-
government's role must be to ensure
funding for the Child Care and Develop-
uting child care expenses to stay at
ment Block Grant. This program sends
that families have viable options and
home parents of $150 per month, they
that the basis for decisions is the best
federal assistance to states, permitting
will be eligible for a maximum tax
interests of the child. If we are to care
them to allocate resources where they
credit of up to $900 per year, depending
are most needed in the state. We main-
about children we must care about
on their income. Applying the tax cred-
tain maximum flexibility and allow
choices, and not politicize the issue
it to parents who wish to stay home for
states to make decisions about how to
with partisanship or ideology.
children ages 0-3 acknowledges that
address their own child care chal-
That is the spirit in which we crafted
parents of infants and toddlers often
lenges.
our bill. Because it is not about pitting
face the toughest decisions between
Child care is an issue that impacts
one group against another. It is not
working or staying at home. particu-
each and every one of us. While parents
about starting a "mommy war". It is
larly in light of recent research in the
continue to struggle to meet the con-
about helping parents do the best they
area of early childhood development
stant demand of work and family, we
can for their children-no matter what
which demonstrates that care from one
must continue to do our part to expand
choice they make,
or two consistent, loving and stimulat-
child care options and protect our na-
The reality is that, despite our best
ing caregivers during these earliest
tion's most valuable resource, our chil-
efforts to date to make quality, afford-
years is crucial to brain development.
dren. I look forward to working with
able child care accessible, the myriad
The Caring for Children Act will also
all of my colleagues in this important
pressures facing American families
help defray the considerable/costs of
effort.
today still imperil their ability to pro-
child care for low-income families by
Ms. SNOWE. Thank you, Mr. Presi-
vide the best possible care for their
doubling funding for the Child Care and
dent, I am pleased to Join with my col-
children. In my home state of Maine,
Development Block Grant, to the time
leagues, Senators HATCH, ROBERTS,
one out of every five Mainers are work-
of $5 billion. This will create more
SPECTER, and CHAFEE to introduce a
ing multiple jobs. Across the country,
child care slots for low-income families
bill that I believe is an historic oppor-
63 percent of women with children
and double the amount of money de-
tunity to help ensure the well-being of
under age six are in the workforce, and
voted to improving quality, again leav-
our children and by extension the very
as a result, over 12 million children are
ing more options for parents.
well-being of our nation: the Caring for
cared for by someone other than a par-
And we also address the Issue safety,
Children Act.
ent during working hours In Maine,
because parents are still rightfully con-
I come before you as a veteran on
there are 42,000 women in the labor
cerned about safety. According to a US
child care issues who has worked to ad-
force with children under 6, and 64,000
News and World Report article last Au-
dress child care throughout my politi-
with children between the ages of 6 and
gust, a query of all 50 states and the
cal life, and was the lead Republican
17.
District of Columbia revealed that 76
cosponsor on the Act for Better Child
At the same time, child care costs
children died in day care in 1996. The
Care in 1989 the bill which set the
can range from $4,000 to $9,000 annu-
causes included drownings, falls, and
stage for the bipartisan package that
ally-with families earning less than
being struck by automobiles. And these
was adopted by the 101st Congress.
$14,000 per year paying more than one
numbers are low because, shockingly.
Since that time we have advanced the
quarter of their income in child sup-
some states do not even track day care
ball in profound ways that reflect the
port. As a result, families are often
deaths. In terms of oversight, the US
changing nature of the American fam-
forced to make a choice between two
News report revealed that in Virginia,
ily. but our work must never cease
unacceptable options: find care for
for example, the state had failed to
when it comes to our children. We
their children that may not be safe or
make mandatory twice-a-year inspec-
must build on our laurels, not rest on
appropriate, or stay home and hope
tions of 722 of its 4,200 licensed facili-
them: and that is precisely what this
that they can somehow still put food
ties in 1996; 159 centers were not visited
bill does.
on the table.
even once.
Consider the challenge: In California
Our bill respects parents' decisions
No parents should have to fear for
alone in 1997, 500,000 children were al-
and expands the choices available in a
their child's safety-no parent should
January 28, 1998
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD-SENATE
S123
ever get that dreaded call that their
sponsors to this bill. Additionally, Rep-
I recognize that there have been a
child was hurt at day care. Bringing a
resentative SHAYS will be introducing a
few questions about this bill. There are
young child to day care in the morning
companion bill over in the House.
concerns disseminating CRS material
should not be an act of faith-it should
The Congressional Research Service
via the Internet will remove its protec-
be an act of confidence. While states
(CRS) has a well-known reputation for
tion under the Speech and Debate
have the responsibility to set health
producing high-quality reports and
Clause. At present, no court case has
and safety standards, states need to be
issue briefs that are unbiased, concise,
directly addressed this issue. However,
held accountable for enforcing these
and accurate. Many of us have used
the Supreme Court acknowledged in its
standards by adhering to the inspec-
these CRS products to make decisions
concurrence to Doe versus McMillan
tion-schedule that they establish under
on a wide variety of legislative propos-
that a legislator's function in inform-
state law. Accordingly, our bill pro-
als and issues, including Amtrak, the
ing the public concerning matters be-
vides a 10 percent bonus In CCDBG
Endangered Species Act, the Line Item
fore Congress should be protected by
funding to states that meet targeted
Veto, and U.S. policy in Zambia. Also,
the Speech and Debate Clause, similar
inspection rates, while penalizing those
we routinely issue these products to
to communications which relate di-
by 10 percent that don't meet their ex-
our constituents in order to help them
rectly to the legislative process Fur-
isting responsibility to ensure health
understand the important issues of our
thermore, my bill gives the CRS Direo-
and safety. This gives our bill "teeth"
time.
tor discretion to not release material
to ensure that child care 18 safe and
This fiscal year, the American tax-
that he determines is confidential. This
children are protected
payer will pay $64.6 million to fund the
aspect of my bill has been upheld in
Finally, we encourage more Amer-
Congressional Research Service, News
similar circumstances where the U.S.
ican businesses to become partners in
papers, such as the San Jose Mercury-
District Court maintained the con-
child care by offering then tax credits
News and the Austin American-States
fidentiality of the underlying research
for child care operation, construction
man, and watchdog groups, such as the
used to create reports by Congressional
and renovation expenses up to $500,000.
Congressional Accountability Project,
support agencies. I am including in the
And recognizing that it 18 not always
have recently asked the Congress to
RECORD a letter by Mr. Stanley M.
feasible for small businesses to assist
allow the public access to CRS re-
Brand, a former General Counsel to the
with child care, we offer grants to
sources. The American people have
House of Representatives, who agrees
small employers to provide such care.
paid for these valuable resources and
that my legislation will not threaten
Businesses already have an incentive
have a right to see that their money is
CRS' protection under the Speech and
to provide child care in that parents
being well spent.
Debate Clause.
who are confident in their child care
Congress can also serve two Impor-
I am also aware of potential copy-
arrangements are more reliable, pro-
tant functions by allowing public ac-
right concerns If the CRS information
ductive workers. These initiatives will
cess to this information. First, public
is made accessible to the public. For
not only create more slots and make
access to these CRS products will mark
example, CRS has informed me that it
child care more affordable for parents
an important milestone in opening up
does not have a copyright agreement
and businesses alike, but it will help
the federal government. Our constitu-
that will allow it to make the maps
literally bring care closer to more par-
ents will be able to see the research
used in CRS products available elec-
ents.
documents which influenced our deci-
tronically. I believe We can work out
In closing, let me emphasize that this
sions and understand the trade-offs and
an equitable solution to resolve any
bill is an investment in our nation's fu-
factors that we consider before a vote.
copyright concerns that would prevent
ture. It 18 a statement by the federal
This will give the public a more accu-
any CRS Report, Issue Brief, or Au-
government that there can be no great-
rate view of the Congressional deci-
thorization or Appropriations product
er cause-no more noble a purpose than
sion-making process to counter the
from being electronically disseminated
providing for our children. How a na-
prevailing cynical view of Members of
to the public.
tion raises its youth and the value it
Congress selling their votes to the
Another concern has been raised
places on giving children a chance to
highest campaign contributor,
Also, these CRS reports will serve an
about the 30 day delay between the re-
grow up safe, happy, and healthy
important role in informing the public.
lease of CRS material to Members of
speaks volumes to its greatness. This
Members of the public will be able to
Congress and their staff and its release
legislation won't make decisions easier
for parents but it will ensure that they
read these CRS products and receive a
to the public on the web site. This
have a full range of options available
concise, accurate summary of the
delay will make sure that CRS has car-
to them as they seek to do the very
issues that concern them. As elected
ried out its primary statutory duty of
best they can for their children. That's
representatives, we should do what we
informing Congress before releasing in-
why I'm proud to be here today and
can to promote an informed, educated
formation the public. Also, it will
public. The educated voter is best able
allow CRS to verify that its products
that's why I will work hard to ensure
to make decisions and petition us to do
are accurate and prepare them for pub-
the passage of the Caring for Children
the right things here
lic release in order to protect CRS from
Act. Thank you.
The Internet provides an ideal way to
liability problems and the American
By Mr. McCAIN (for himself, Mr.
inform the public while not distracting
people from being misinformed.
COATS, Mr. FAIRCLOTH and Mr.
CRS from its primary mission to serve
I would like to stress that opening up
ASHCROFT):
Congress. The Director of CRS can sim-
these select CRS products to the public
S. 1578. A bill to make available on
ply post CRS products on a web site,
will in no way compete with existing
the Internet, for purposes of access and
and then voters can look up informa-
commercial information services. The
retrieval by the public, certain infor-
tion without any extra effort by CRS
public will have access to selected CRS
mation available through the Congres-
researchers. The public will not be al-
products that are currently available
sional Research Service web site: to
lowed to write responses or research re-
only to Members of Congress and their
the Committee on Rules and Adminis-
quests to CRS, 80 that valuable CRS
staff. I firmly believe that the federal
tration.
time will not be diverted from helping
government should not be involved in
CONGRESSIONAL RESEARCH SERVICE
us to do our jobs. Confidential requests
competing with legitimate private in-
LEGISLATION
by Members of Congress will not be re-
dustry.
Mr. McCAIN. Mr. President, I would
leased to the public. It 18 my intent
This bill has received popular support
like to introduce a bill that will make
that CRS establish a separate web site
from across the country, and I am in-
Congressional Research Service Re-
that will serve the public without oth-
cluding in the RECORD a letter of sup-
ports, Issue Briefs, and Authorization
erwise causing CRS to do anything
port from many concerned industries
and Appropriations products available
drastically different from its current
and groups including America On-Line,
on a web site to the American people.
operations when it posts CRS products
IBM. Public Citizen, and the League of
Senator COATS, Senator FAIRCLOTH,
on the web site accessible to Members
Women Voters of the United States. I
and Senator ASHCROFT are original co-
of Congress.
hope that my colleagues will join them
January 28, 1998
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD- Extensions of Remarks
E41
the nation. Along with her late husband John
Mrs. de Menil also played a pivotal role at
age, $3,800 per year for each pre-school age
de Menil, who died in 1973, Dominique de
the Museum of Fine Arts in Houston. She
child. Employers, meanwhile. lose an esti-
Menil left indelible marks on the world of art
gave generously to foster the arts at Rice Uni-
mated $3 billion each year due to child-care
and the cause of civil rights.
versity and the University of St. Thomas. She
related absences by workers. For low-income
Dominique de Menil was born in Paris on
and her husband brought a young architect
working parents. child care is a perpetual
March 23, 1908. Heiress to the Schlumberger
emergency.
named Philip Johnson to Houston to design
Ltd. oil field service company fortune, she
FEDERAL ASSISTANCE
the modern campus at the University of St.
made Houston her home for more that 50
Thomas. Mr. Johnson, of course, went on to
The federal government has a few pro-
years and became its leading arts patron and
grams aimed at making child care better and
establish himself as one of the nation's pre-
benefactor. Mrs. de Menil received her bach-
more affordable: child care subsidies for low-
mier modern architects. In 1969, she and her
income families and those receiving welfare
elor of arts degree from the Sorbonne in 1927.
husband established the Institute for the Arts
benefits; a modest income tax credit for a
At twenty-three she married Jean de Menil, a
at Rice. She had a great appreciation for the
portion of child care expenses; a tax exclu-
young baron from a French military family. In
place of art in a strong community and worked
sion for employer-provided child care bene-
the early 1940s, they came to America with
to ensure that Houstonians from all walks of
fits; low-cost, nutritious meals and snacks
the expansion of Schlumberger and settled in
life could enjoy our city's many artistic and cul-
for poor children in child care; and Head
Houston. They became American citizens in
tural treasures.
Start, a part-day pre-school program for dis-
1962.
advantaged youngsters. These programs will
Whatever she did, Mrs. de Menil's intel-
In 1954, declaring that "art embodies the
cost the federal government about $12 billion
highest aspirations of humankind," the de
ligence, enthusiasm, and integrity served her
in 1997.
and all those she encountered well. She
Menils established the Menil Foundation to
KEY ISSUES
foster knowledge and understanding in the
brought a tireless energy, an unflagging drive
Recently. President and Mrs. Clinton
fields of art, architecture and philosophy. Its
and a passionate caring to each of her
hosted a conference at the White House
causes. Mrs. de Menil will be remembered for
primary focus has been the visual arts. In ad-
which focused on the three key child care
these qualities and her dedication to making
issues:
dition, Mr. and Mrs. de Menil were among the
founders of Houston's Contemporary Arts Mu-
the world a better place.
Availability
seum and responsible for nurturing it during its
Mr. Speaker, Dominique de Menil was one
The availability of care varies widely. Care
infancy.
of a kind. She was a person of strong opinions
is sometimes scarce for babies because of the
Mrs. de Menil and her late husband were
who cared greatly for justice and the welfare
lower child-to-adult ratio they require. Op-
of others. She will be greatly missed but never
tions are also limited for school age chil-
internationally known for establishing Hous-
ton's Rothko Chapel in 1971. Mrs. de Menil
forgotten by Houstonians, the many people
dren; in Indiana, only 37% of public schools
called the Rothko Chapel, which houses an
throughout the world with whom she worked,
offer extended day programs.
ensemble of large paintings by the abstract
and countless others who care about art and
Affordability
artist Mark Rothko that were commissioned for
human rights. We are all infinitely richer for
The expense of child care can place great
the chapel, a place "dedicated to meditation
her legacy and were blessed with her wisdom,
strains on the family budget. The 1996 wel-
fare reform law increased federal child care
and peace." The chapel is ecumenical, open
compassion, and dignity. As she Intended, the
funding by $4 billion over six years, yet only
to all religions, belonging to none. Outside the
artistic and humanitarian causes she cham-
one in ten eligible families receives sub-
chapel is a reflection pool with Broken Obe-
pioned will remain as her legacy.
sidies. Many communities have hundreds of
lisk, a Barnett Newman sculpture dedicated to
parents on waiting lists for assistance. Low-
the Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr., whose civil-
income working parents are competing with
CHILD CARE
welfare recipients moving into the workforce
rights work was close to the heart of Mrs. de
for limited child care funds. Some large em-
Menil. She hosted many distinguished visitors
for special programs, Including Bishop
HON. LEE H. HAMILTON
bloyers have stepped up efforts to help em-
bloyees meet their child care needs by build-
Desmond Tutu of South Africa. Tibet's Dalai
OF INDIANA
Ing on-site child care centers. providing re-
Llama, and South African President Nelson
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
ferrals, or giving employees pre-tax cash as-
Mandela.
Wednesday, January 28, 1998
sistance, but only 4% of American workers
A sense of the suffering and indignities
are eligible.
heaped on humankind was of great concern to
Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to
Quality
Mrs. de Menil. She founded the Rothko Chap-
insert my Washington Report for Wednesday,
Although there are many excellent child
el Awards, $10,000 prizes presented annually
December 3, 1997, into the Congressional
care facilities, too much of the child care in
to five recipients, often little-known individuals,
Record.
this country is unsafe at worst, mediocre at
who battled for human rights. She also joined
CHILD CARE CHALLENGES
best. States are primarily responsible for
with former President Carter to establish the
Finding high-quality. affordable child care
regulating the health and safety of child care
Carter-Menil Human Rights Prize of $100,000,
is a common challenge for working parents,
settings, and requirements vary widely. A
awarded every other year in Houston or At-
with profound consequences for the emo-
1995 study indicated that one in eight child
lanta. Mrs. de Menil also worked closely with
tional and cognitive development of chil-
care centers provided care that could actu-
the late Congressman Mickey Leland to fur-
dren, the workplace, and welfare reform. To
ally jeopardize children's safety and develop-
choose where your children will be for long
ment.
ther civil and human rights around the world.
hours is to choose the people and the envi-
But it's not enough just to keep children
After John de Menil died, Dominique de
ronment that will help shape them.
safe. Because of the importance of early
Menil continued the couple's projects, and she
I find Hoosiers ambivalent about child
childhood experiences on later learning.
masterminded a large, many-pronged program
care. Many accept that working mothers are
child care needs to provide age-appropriate
in the art and human rights. In 1987, the Menil
a reality and want greater investments in
activities, a low child-to-adult ratio. and lots
improving the quality of child care. Others
of attention from stable, nurturing adults
Collection museum in Houston opened to the
public. Designed by architect Renzo Piano, it
believe mothers should stay at home with
who understand child development. Yet this
their small children, or at least not be en-
is lacking in up to 6 out of every 7 child care
houses one of the greatest privately assem-
couraged by government subsidies to leave
centers by one estimate. One problem is that
bled collections in the world, numbering more
their children in the care of others.
turnover among child care workers is about
than 15,000 works of art. Museums in New
Child care has become an increasingly ur-
50% annually, primarily due to low wages.
York and Paris wooed Mrs. de Menil in hopes
gent issue for a number of reasons. First.
The average salary for a worker in a child
of acquiring the collection. But Mrs. de Menil
62% of women with young children work out-
care center is just over $12,000 per year-con-
was determined to keep the collection in her
side the home. Today, an estimated 13 mil-
siderably less than the average bartender
adopted home of Houston.
lion children under the age of 6 spend some
earns. With such low wages it is difficult to
In 1995, she presided over the opening of
or all of their day in child care. The effort to
attract highly skilled and experienced indi-
another building, also designed by Renzo
push welfare recipients into the workforce
viduals. Moreover, most states, including In-
Piano. The Cy Twombly Gallery houses a col-
also adds to the demand for child care, since
diana, do not require child care workers to
lection of sculptures and paintings by the
most of them are single women with young
have any training prior to beginning their
prominent American artist. In 1997, she pre-
children. Second, recent research has indi-
jobs. But increasing wages for child care
cated that the stimulation and attention
workers will drive up costs, making child
sided over opening the Byzantine Fresco
children receive from infancy until the age
care even less affordable.
Chapel, designed by her son Francois de
of 3 has a critical impact on their ability to
SOLUTIONS
Menil, containing two 13th-century Byzantine
learn and grow throughout the rest of their
The question for government is what It can
frescos from Cyprus.
lives. Third, child care is expensive: on aver-
do to make the child care situation better. It
E42
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD- Extensions of Remarks
January 28, 1998
is easy to see how more money might help.
William James once said, "The greatest use
erage of $24,231. Thus, Hawaii's 50 percent
but in this era of budget constraints, no
of life is to spend it for something that outlasts
FMAP rate is understated because cost of liv-
large infusion of cash is going to come from
it." Though Rob Ritter's term as president is
ing factors are not considered. Per capita in-
Washington. In some respects, that's appro-
over, the work he has done for Reseda will be
priate. Different communities have different
come is a poor measure of Hawaii's relative
needs, and my sense is that locally created
appreciated for many years to come. Mr.
ability to bear the cost of Medicaid services.
solutions forged by partnerships among busi-
Speaker, distinguished colleagues, please join
In addition to the high cost of living, the Har-
nesses, schools, churches, and government
me in honoring Robert Ritter, for his commit-
vard-Moynihan study finds that Hawaii also
are probably going to be most successful.
ment to our community.
has one of the highest poverty rates in the na-
Nonetheless, we do have a responsibility as a
tion. The state's 16.9 percent poverty rate is
nation to see that children are given the op-
portunity to prosper. Finding a way to pay
THE HAWAII FEDERAL MEDICAL
ranked eighth in the country, compared to the
child care workers a living wage and assure
ASSISTANCE PERCENTAGE AD-
national average of 14.7 percent. These high-
that they are professionally trained and su-
JUSTMENT ACT OF 1998
er cost levels are reflected in state govern-
pervised is crucial. Some suggest that great-
ment expenditures and state taxation. On a
er government regulation of child care pro-
viders would improve care, but others worry
HON. NEIL ABERCROMBIE
per capita basis, state revenue and expendi-
tures are far higher in Hawaii, as well as Alas-
that this would drive up costs and worsen
OF HAWAII
ka, than in the 48 mainland states. The higher
the affordability problem.
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
expenditure levels are necessary to assure an
President Clinton has proposed spending
$300 million to train 50,000 day care providers
Wednesday, January 28, 1998
adequate level of public services which are
who promise to stay in the field at least one
Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise
more costly to provide in our states. Of the top
year. He also pledged to devote more
today to introduce legislation to adjust the
10 states with the highest poverty rates in the
Americorps volunteers to after-school pro-
Federal medical assistance percentage
country, the Harvard-Moynihan study finds that
grams. Others have proposed raising the De-
[FMAP] rate for Hawaii to more fairly reflect
only 3 others have an FMAP rate between 50
partment Care Tax Credit, which has not
been increased since 1981, and making the
the state's ability to bear its share of Medicaid
and 60 percent. The other six states have
credit refundable for low-income families.
payments. I am pleased that my colleague,
FMAP rates of 65 percent and higher. Even
Still others believe that more child care is a
Representative PATSY MINK, has joined me as
more revealing is that of the top 10 states with
bad approach and favor providing incentives
a sponsor of this measure. I am also happy to
the lowest real per capita income, only Hawaii
for parents to stay at home with children or
join our Senate counterparts, Senator DANIEL
has a 50 percent FMAP rate.
utilize flexible work arrangements.
AKAKA and Senator DANIEL INOUYE, in putting
During consideration of the Balanced Budg-
We need to place a higher priority on meet-
ing the educational and emotional needs of
forth this legislation. In November 1997, a
et Act of 1997, the Senate included a provi-
young children. There are many difficult
similar bill, S. 1376 was introduced by Senator
sion increasing Alaska's FMAP rate to 59.8
questions surrounding the availability. af-
AKAKA.
percent for the next 3 years. Setting a higher
fordability. and quality of child care in this
The Federal share of Medicaid payments for
match rate as was done for Alaska would still
country. and plenty of room for argument on
each state varies according to the state's abil-
leave Hawaii with a lower FMAP rate than a
how best to achieve satisfactory arrange-
ity to pay. Because per capita income is the
majority of the states, but would better recog-
ments. But all of us have a stake in giving
determining factor for ability to pay, wealthier
nize Hawaii's ability to pay its fair share of the
every child a decent start. My strong sense is
state bear a larger share of the cost of the
costs of the Medicaid program.
that not nearly enough child care is of the
program through lower FMAP rates. In Hawaii,
quality that all children deserve. I have the
I hope to make my colleagues in the House
feeling that finding a way to improve child
per capita income is relatively high. Thus, the
of Representative colleagues cognizant of the
care is one of the next big challenges ahead.
State's FMAP rate is 50 percent, the lowest
need for this legislation and to earn their sup-
level. Under this bill, Hawaii's FMAP rate
port for its passage in the 105th Congress.
would be increased from 50 percent to 59.8
TRIBUTE TO ROBERT FRANCIS
percent.
RITTER, JR.
The rationale for the FMAP rate change is
quite simple. Hawaii's high cost of living skews
REGARDING THE ELECTIONS HELD
HON. BRAD SHERMAN
the per capita income determining factor.
IN GUYANA
Based on 1995 United States Census data,
OF CALIFORNIA
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
the cost of living in Honolulu is 83 percent
HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR.
higher than the average of the metropolitan
Wednesday, January 28, 1998
areas. More recent studies have shown that
OF GEORGIA
Mr. SHERMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to
for the state as a whole, the cost of living is
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
pay tribute to Robert Francis Ritter, Jr. who
more than one-third higher than the rest of the
has served as the President of the Reseda
United States. In fact, Hawaii's Cost of Living
Wednesday, January 28, 1998
Chamber of Commerce for the last two years.
Index ranks it as the highest in the country.
Mr. BISHOP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to
One only has to look at the choices Rob
Some government programs take the high
commend the people of the Republic of Guy-
has made throughout his life and his career to
cost of living in Hawaii into account and fund-
ana for holding multiparty elections on Decem-
realize his commitment to family. He has
ing is adjusted accordingly. These programs
ber 15, 1997. By most accounts, based on the
worked in his family printing business for 16
include Medicare prospective payment rates,
observations of international organizations on
years, alongside his mother, father, sisters
food stamp allocations, school lunch pro-
the day of the elections, the process was free
and brothers-in-law. Working together as a
grams, housing insurance limits, Federal em-
and fair.
team, the Ritter family has not only developed
ployee salaries, and military living expenses.
I congratulate the Guyanese people for their
a successful business, they have maintained
These examples show a Federal recognition
strong belief in the democratic process as
strong bonds out of the office as well. The Rit-
that the higher cost of living in noncontiguous
shown by an 88 percent voter turnout.
ter family also adeptly demonstrated their
states should be taken into account in fashion-
strength and unity at the softball city semi-
ing government program policies. It is time for
I regret that factions in the country called for
finals last season.
similar recognition of this factor in gaging Ha-
civil disobedience and that there was mass
As President of the Reseda Chamber of
waii's ability to support its health care pro-
looting and rioting for many days following the
Commerce, one of Rob's priorities has been to
elections.
grams.
create an environment in which the standard
An excellent analysis of this issue is in-
I encourage an audit of the elections by the
for families has been raised. He developed
cluded in the twenty-first edition of "The Fed-
Caribbean Community, (CARICOM) and call
and maintained the Facade Improvement Pro-
eral Budget and the States," a joint study con-
on all parties and opposition leaders to re-
gram and the Business Improvement District,
ducted by the Taubman Center and Local
spect the outcome of the audit as the final de-
which were started by Councilmember Laura
Government at Harvard University's John F.
cision and make a VOW to peace and stability
Chick. In addition, Reseda received $310,000
Kennedy School of Government and the office
in Guyana.
from the Los Angeles Neighborhood Initiative.
of Senator DANIEL PATRICK MOYNIHAN. Accord-
I call on the newly elected President Janet
Rob worked to ensure that all of these pro-
ing to the study, if per capita income is meas-
Jagan, a native of Chicago, to respect the rule
grams have a positive and lasting effect on
ured in real terms, the State of Hawaii ranks
of law and human rights in this fledgling de-
our community.
47th at $19,755 compared to the national av-
mocracy.
E54
CONGRESSIONAL RECORD Extensions of Remarks
January 28, 1998
Next we will convene a set of public forums
partnership between local school districts and
City and Central Missouri State University in
around the country over the next several
businesses to develop community-based solu-
Warrensburg, MO. After studying journalism at
months to hear the concerns of journalists as
tions to meet local child care needs. This inno-
the University of Missouri, Kirkpatrick became
well as other interested individuals. The fo-
vative legislative initiative will be in the form of
interested in the news business. From 1954 to
rums should reiterate two simple messages:
that journalists of all generations are con-
grants to local education agencies that are
1974, Kirkpatrick owned and operated several
cerned about the direction of the profession;
able to show the community's needs and com-
Missouri newspapers. He started his career at
and that they want to clarify their purpose
mitment to a new child care program.
the Warrensburg Daily Star-Journal and rose
and principles. We do not presume to enu-
This legislation does not mandate a Federal
to be editor of that newspaper. Later, he be-
merate those principles here, but hope to
program for child care that imposes some
came editor of the Jefferson City News-Trib-
have them articulated through the forums.
Washington-based requirements on local com-
une, then purchased the weekly Windsor Re-
These sessions, will include the public. We
munities. In fact, this bill combines the concept
view and later the weekly Lamar Democrat, in
will publish an interim report after each one.
of state and local control of education with the
the town of Harry S. Truman's birth.
At their conclusion, the group will release a
final report that will attempt to define the
time-tested concept of the public-private part-
While editing the Jefferson City newspaper,
enduring purpose of journalism, along with
nership. This bill makes it possible for local
Kirkpatrick was approached by then-Governor
its principles, responsibilities and aspira-
schools and businesses to work together to
Forrest Smith to write a newspaper column
tions.
create their own program that meets the
and speeches for Missouri's chief executive.
We see this as a beginning, a catalyst forg-
needs of their own community, whatever they
That is what really got him interested in poli-
ing new ideas and a renewed spirit of convic-
may be.
tics, which became his legacy.
tion. We plan to carry the dialogue forward
Specifically, the legislation would create a
Jimmy Kirkpatrick first ran for statewide of-
with a web site, videotapes of the forums and
competitive grant program, administered by
fice in 1960, when he lost his bid to become
through other means. We do not intend to
the Department of Education. The program
Missouri Secretary of State to rising Democrat
propose a set of solutions: this is an attempt
to clarify our common ground. Nor is our
would provide one-time start-up grants directly
star Warren Hearnes. He won the job four
motive to develop a detailed code of conduct:
to local school districts to explore and plan
years later, in 1964, when Hearnes was elect-
If journalism is a set of aims, how we fulfill
child care programs for children up to five
ed governor. Kirkpatrick was re-elected to his
them should change with changing times and
years old. Schools would be required to match
post as Secretary of State until his retirement
be left to each news organization to decide.
these grants with private funds. The "seed"
in 1985. During his tenure, he received 8.4
But if journalism is to survive, it falls to in-
money could only be used for planning and
million votes, making him Missouri's greatest
dividual journalists, especially in each new
implementation of child care programs by local
statewide vote-getter since statehood. In his
generation, to articulate what it stands for.
school systems and private businesses, not
twenty year tenure, Kirkpatrick made over
for construction or building renovation.
1900 speeches which kept him very close to
CHILD CARE CRISIS
My legislation: (1) Creates a competitive
the constituents about which he cared so
grant program administered by the Depart-
deeply.
HON. MARGE ROUKEMA
ment of Education; (2) provides a one-time
In 1985, Kirkpatrick retired to Warrensburg,
start-up grant directly to school districts; (3) is
MO, whereupon he became the statehouse's
OF NEW JERSEY
available for programs providing care for chil-
most familiar booster of Central Missouri State
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
dren ages 0 to 5 (or age of compulsory school
University. In fact, he served for 12 years on
Wednesday, January 28, 1998
education); (4) expects a commitment of
the university's Board of Regents, including
matching private dollars of 50% of the funding;
ten years as its president. Kirkpatrick was also
Mrs. ROUKEMA. Mr. Speaker, it is a sad re-
(5) cannot be used for building construction or
a guest lecturer at CMSU in history, govern-
ality that today's headlines are filled with sto-
renovation.
ment, political science, and journalism classes.
ries that spring from the everyday struggle of
This is not an untested concept.
The university recently honored Kirkpatrick by
working families to secure safe and depend-
My, legislation is based on a model program,
naming its new library after him.
able child care. The startling reality is the daily
the "Infant Toddler Development Center,"
Kirkpatrick's first wife, Jessamine Elizabeth
struggle of working women and men to secure
which has operated successfully for more than
Young, passed away in 1985 after a 58-year
affordable and safe child care.
years in my Congressional District.
marriage. He is survived by his second wife,
The trends in society and the American
It was initiated by Kathy Marino, a teacher/
Doris, one son, three grandchildren, four
workforce are clear. More families have both
principal in Ridgewood, New Jersey and has
great-grandchildren, and three stepchildren.
parents working. In today's society, many fam-
attracted much-deserved praise. It is the pro-
Mr. Speaker, Jimmy Kirkpatrick displayed
ilies need to have two parents working just to
totype of the grant proposal I am introducing
honor and integrity throughout his civic career.
make ends meet. A 1995 study by the Fami-
here today.
His admiration for and dedication to the peo-
lies and Work Institute found that 55 percent
We need to help families solve the child
ple of Missouri is unprecedented, and I am
of the women interviewed contributed half or
care problem. And we need to give local com-
certain that the Members of the House will join
more of their household income. Three out of
munities the means to put their proposals to
me in honoring the legacy of Missouri's own
five women with children under age 6 are
the test. If we want our children to get a head
"Mr. Democrat."
working, and must find someone to care for
start in life, we must improve child care in this
their children.
nation. Child care must be available and it
That burden is a heavy one and becomes
must be affordable but most of all it must be
TRIBUTE TO MARGARET BROCK
even more burdensome when reliable, quality
of high quality, both in terms of safety and
child care is not available.
educational benefits.
HON. ALLEN BOYD
Mr. Speaker, President Clinton has correctly
OF FLORIDA
identified child care as a growing American
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
crisis-a crisis that affects both the quality of
IN MEMORY OF JAMES C.
our citizens' work and the quality of their lives.
KIRKPATRICK
Wednesday, January 28, 1998
However, I regret that Mr. Clinton's broad pre-
Mr. BOYD. Mr. Speaker, rarely in my life-
scription implies a centralized government so-
HON. IKE SKELTON
time have I come to know an individual with
lution to a problem that should be solved in
OF MISSOURI
the character and qualities of my friend who
each local community. At a time when this
IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES
recently passed away, Margaret Brock. My
Congress is struggling to complete the task of
only regret is that I did not know her longer.
balancing the budget, the President has pro-
Wednesday, January 28, 1998
She was quite a remarkable woman, head-
posed a laundry list of tax changes, subsidies,
Mr. SKELTON. Mr. Speaker, I wish to take
strong and determined to succeed in every en-
block grants and Washington-driven standards
a moment today to speak about a man of dis-
deavor she chose to make her own. She was
at a cost of nearly $22 billion. Some of these
tinguished civic service and professional integ-
a self-made millionaire, not that money was
proposals have merit and deserve extended
rity. Missouri's "Mr. Democrat," James C.
what made her rich. It was her heart, her kind-
analysis and debate.
"Jimmy" Kirkpatrick, former Missouri Secretary
ness, and her ability to make every stranger
Mr. Speaker, there is another way that is far
of State, recently passed away at the age of
feel like family. Ms. Brock will probably be
more feasible and immediately affordable.
92.
best remembered for giving an ailing hospital
The legislation which I am introducing, legis-
A native of Braymer, MO, Kirkpatrick grad-
new life, in addition to building a much needed
lation that will encourage a new public-private
uated from Northeast High School in Kansas
nursing home and reviving a children's clinic
TO:
Eli Joseph
FROM:
Jennifer Klein
J.K.
CC:
Cathy Mays
DATE:
11/17/98
RE:
Congressional Correspondence
Attached please find a response to the 12/23/97 letter from Congresswoman Deborah
Pryce and Congressman Tim Roemer. We received but sent back to Legislative Affairs the
3/13/98 letter from John Conyers because it is actually about Iraq sanctions. We have no record
of the other two letters. Please feel free to call me at 6-2599 with any questions/concerns.
Cathy R. Mays
11/09/98 03:08:20 PM
Record Type:
Record
To:
See the distribution list at the bottom of this message
cc:
Essence P. Washington/OPD/EOP, Teresa M. Jones/OPD/EOP, Chantell S. Long/OPD/EOP, Paul J.
Weinstein Jr./OPD/EOP
Subject: Congressional Correspondence
Bruce received a memo today from the Office of Legislative Affairs. DPC has MANY outstanding
congressional letters from the past year.
You will soon be receiving copies of your overdue correspondence in the mail. I have indicated on
the tracking sheet when they were sent to you. Please respond DIRECTLY to Eli Joseph of the
Office of Legislative Affairs on the status of these letters (with a copy to me). If the letters have
been responded to, provide a copy of the response. If there was no action, you still need to close
the action out.
Thanks for your cooperation.
Message Sent To:
Christopher C. Jennings/OPD/EOP
Jose Cerda III/OPD/EOP
Cynthia A. Rice/OPD/EOP
Tanya E. Martin/OPD/EOP
Michael Cohen/OPD/EOP
Jennifer L. Klein/OPD/EOP
Leanne A. Shimabukuro/OPD/EOP
Julie A. Fernandes/OPD/EOP
ID# 252397
THE WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
INCOMING
DATE RECEIVED: FEBRUARY 10, 1998
NAME OF CORRESPONDENT: THE HONORABLE DEBORAH PRYCE
SUBJECT: EXPRESSES CONCERN REGARDING CHILD CARE
ACTION
DISPOSITION
ROUTE TO:
ACT
DATE
TYPE C COMPLETED
OFFICE/AGENCY
(STAFF NAME)
CODE YY/MM/DD RESP D YY/MM/DD
JOHN HILLEY
ORG 98/01/15 SB
A 98/01/15
REFERRAL NOTE:
BRUCE REED
RSA 98/01/15
Norecord
9 Klein
REFERRAL NOTE:
7
7
7
/
REFERRAL NOTE:
/
7
/
/
REFERRAL NOTE:
/ /
/ 7
REFERRAL NOTE:
COMMENTS: ADDITIONAL SIGNEE WITH SUSAN BROPHY RESPONSE
ATTACHED DATED JAN 15 98
ENCLOSURE
ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENTS:
1 MEDIA:L INDIVIDUAL CODES: 1240
MAIL
USER CODES: (A)R OH
(B)
(c)
*ACTION CODES:
*DISPOSITION
*OUTGOING
*
*
*
*CORRESPONDENCE:
*
*A-APPROPRIATE ACTION
*A-ANSWERED
*TYPE RESP=INITIALS
*
*C-COMMENT/RECOM
*B-NON-SPEC-REFERRAL
*
OF SIGNER
*
*D-DRAFT RESPONSE
*C-COMPLETED
*
CODE = A
*
*F-FURNISH FACT SHEET
*S-SUSPENDED
*COMPLETED = DATE OF
*
*I-INFO COPY/NO ACT NEC*
*
OUTGOING
*
*R-DIRECT REPLY W/COPY *
*
*
*S-FOR-SIGNATURE
*
*
*
*X-INTERIM REPLY
*
*
*
REFER QUESTIONS AND ROUTING UPDATES TO CENTRAL REFERENCE
(ROOM 75, OEOB) EXT-2590
KEEP THIS WORKSHEET ATTACHED TO THE ORIGINAL INCOMING
LETTER AT ALL TIMES AND SEND COMPLETED RECORD TO RECORDS
MANAGEMENT.
S
# #252397
Congress of the United States
Washington, DC 20515
December 23, 1997
JAN 5PM2:50 5
The Honorable William J. Clinton
President
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President,
We are writing to commend you for expressing your commitment to expanding access to
affordable, quality child care for working families. We share this goal, and look forward to
working with you to develop effective policies that will ensure our nation's children receive
the care they need to develop into healthy, intelligent, and productive adults.
As you contemplate a variety of policies designed to help parents balance work and family,
we thought you may want to consider legislation that we have sponsored in each of the past
three Congresses. The Child Care Availability Incentive Act (H.R. 988) would provide tax
credits to businesses that provide licensed on-site or site-adjacent dependent care to their
employees. In our view, child care available at the work site offers benefits to be realized
by both the employer and employee, including greater worker productivity, lower
absenteeism, and happier, less-stressed parents and children. H.R. 988 addresses a growing
concern of many parents in America, without creating another government program or
placing new mandates on businesses.
Each year, since 1993, our bill has received broad, bipartisan support. In the 105th
Congress, H.R. 988 has been cosponsored by 45 Members -- 15 Republicans and 30
Democrats. We have attached a copy of our legislation, as well as a cost estimate by the
Congressional Budget Office, for your review. We welcome any comments and questions
you may have.
Again, we stand ready to work with you on a bipartisan basis to provide a brighter future
for our nation through the care of our children. Thank you for your consideration, and we
look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
R/OH
D/IN Tin Rosmar
TIM ROEMER
Member of Congress
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 23, 1998
The Honorable Tim Roemer
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congressman Roemer:
Thank you for your letter regarding your legislation, which promotes employer-provided child
care through a business tax credit.
As you know, the President's child care initiative also includes a tax credit to businesses that
provide child care services for their employees, by building or expanding child care facilities,
operating existing facilities, training child care workers, or providing child care resource and
referral services to employees. The credit covers 25% of qualified costs, but may not exceed
$150,000 per year.
In addition, the President's child care initiative will make child care more affordable by
doubling the number of children receiving child care subsidies to more than two million by the
year 2003, and by increasing tax credits for three million working families to help them pay for
child care. It will also help improve the quality of care our children receive by enhancing early
child childhood development through a new Early Learning Fund as well as by supporting
enforcement of state child care health and safety standards. Finally, the President's child care
initiative addresses the huge demand for care of school-age children by providing after-school
programs for up to half a million children per year.
We look forward to working with you over the coming months to pass comprehensive child
care legislation. The President believes that by continuing to work together on a bipartisan
basis and by taking the best proposals from both sides of the aisle, we will achieve legislation
that helps Americans fulfill their responsibilities as workers, and even more important, as
parents.
Sincerely,
BRNDL
Bruce Reed
Assistant to the President
for Domestic Policy
THANKS For PUSHING So HARD ON THIS
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
February 23, 1998
The Honorable Deborah Pryce
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, D.C. 20515
Dear Congresswoman Pryce:
Thank you for your letter regarding your legislation, which promotes employer-provided child
care through a business tax credit.
As you know, the President's child care initiative also includes a tax credit to businesses that
provide child care services for their employees, by building or expanding child care facilities,
operating existing facilities, training child care workers, or providing child care resource and
referral services to employees. The credit covers 25% of qualified costs, but may not exceed
$150,000 per year.
In addition, the President's child care initiative will make child care more affordable by
doubling the number of children receiving child care subsidies to more than two million by the
year 2003, and by increasing tax credits for three million working families to help them pay for
child care. It will also help improve the quality of care our children receive by enhancing early
child childhood development through a new Early Learning Fund as well as by supporting
enforcement of state child care health and safety standards. Finally, the President's child care
initiative addresses the huge demand for care of school-age children by providing after-school
programs for up to half a million children per year.
We look forward to working with you over the coming months to pass comprehensive child
care legislation. The President believes that by continuing to work together on a bipartisan
basis and by taking the best proposals from both sides of the aisle, we will achieve legislation
that helps Americans fulfill their responsibilities as workers, and even more important, as
parents.
Sincerely,
BaRl
Bruce Reed
Assistant to the President
for Domestic Policy
THE WHITE HOUSE
WASHINGTON
January 15, 1998
MEMORANDUM FOR BRUCE REED
Jennifer Klein
FROM:
SUSAN BROPHY
LEGISLATIVE AFFAIRS
SUBJECT:
PRESIDENTIAL CORRESPONDENCE
Enclosed please find a copy of a letter that was sent to the
President from Reps. Tim Roemer (D-IN) and Deborah Pryce (R-OH)
I do not believe this letter requires a Presidential response at
this time. Please review the attached material and respond
directly to the Member (s) of Congress. Please forward a copy of
the response to Chris Walker, Office of Legislative Affairs.
Thank you very much for your assistance in this matter. If you
have any questions, please feel free to call Chris at 456-7500.
Enclosure
Congress of the United States
Mashington, DC 20515
December 23, 1997
The Honorable William J. Clinton
President
DPC
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, N.W.
Rud & Kien
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President,
We are writing to commend you for expressing your commitment to expanding access to
affordable, quality child care for working families. We share this goal, and look forward to
working with you to develop effective policies that will ensure our nation's children receive
the care they need to develop into healthy, intelligent, and productive adults.
As you contemplate a variety of policies designed to help parents balance work and family,
we thought you may want to consider legislation that we have sponsored in each of the past
three Congresses. The Child Care Availability Incentive Act (H.R. 988) would provide tax
credits to businesses that provide licensed on-site or site-adjacent dependent care to their
employees. In our view, child care available at the work site offers benefits to be realized
by both the employer and employee, including greater worker productivity, lower
absenteeism, and happier, less-stressed parents and children. H.R. 988 addresses a growing
concern of many parents in America, without creating another government program or
placing new mandates on businesses.
Each year, since 1993, our bill has received broad, bipartisan support. In the 105th
Congress, H.R. 988 has been cosponsored by 45 Members -- 15 Republicans and 30
Democrats. We have attached a copy of our legislation, as well as a cost estimate by the
Congressional Budget Office, for your review. We welcome any comments and questions
you may have.
Again, we stand ready to work with you on a bipartisan basis to provide a brighter future
for our nation through the care of our children. Thank you for your consideration, and we
look forward to your response.
Sincerely,
Tin Rosmar
DEBORAH PRYCE
TIM ROEMER
Member of Congres
Member of Congress
PRINTED ON RECYCLED PAPER
104TH CONGRESS. 1ST SESSION
KENNETH J. KES
CHIEF OF STAFF
HOUSE
SENATE
MARY M. SCHMTT
ACHER TEXAS,
808 PACKWOOD. OREGON.
DEPUTY CHIEF OF STAFF
CHAIRMAN
VICE CHAIRMAN
(LAW)
HILIP M CRANE, ILLINOIS
WILLIAM V. ROTH JR., DELAWARE
WILLIAM M. THOMAS. CALIFORNIA
ORRIN G. HATCH. UTAH
Congress of the United States
BERNARD A. SCHMITT
SAM M. GIBBONS, FLORIDA
DANIEL PATRICK MOYNIHAN, NEW YORK
DEPUTY CHIEF OF S"AFF
CHARLES B. RANGEL NEW YORK
MAX BAUCUS, MONTANA
(REVENUE ANALYSIS)
JOINT COMMITTEE ON TAXATION
1015 LONGWORTH HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
WASHINGTON, DC 20515-6453
(202) 225-3621
Honorable Deborah Pryce
APR 0 4 1995
U.S. House of Representatives
Washington, DC 20515
Dear Mrs. Pryce:
This letter is in response to your request for a revenue
estimate of H.R. 881, the "Child Care Availability Incentive
Act"
Specifically, this bill would grant employers a tax credit
equal to 50 percent of the expenses paid or incurred by the
employer during the taxable year in providing dependent care
services for employees. No tax credit would be allowed for
expenses paid by the employer which were reimbursed by the
employee for such dependent care services. For purposes of this
proposal the term "qualified day care center" means any day care
center (1) which is operated by the taxpayer exclusively for
purposes of providing dependent care services to employees,
(2) which is located on the business premises of the taxpayer or
on a site adjacent to such premises, (3) which complies with all
applicable laws and regulations of a State or unit of local
government, and 4) the operation of. which is part of a dependent
care assistance program.
As requested in your letter of March 29, 1995 we are
estimating this bill as if it were included in H.R. 1215 as
passed by the Committee on Ways and Means. It is assumed that
this bill would be effective for taxable years beginning after
December 31, 1995. The effect on Federal fiscal year budget
receipts is shown below.
Fiscal Years
[Millions of Dollars]
1996
1997
1998
1999
2000
1996-2000
-54
-120
-165
-219
-283
-841
I hope this information is helpful to you. If we can be of
further assistance in this matter
please Sincerely Kenneth let J me Kies know.
ID# 260440
THE WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
INCOMING
DATE RECEIVED: APRIL 17, 1998
NAME OF CORRESPONDENT: THE HONORABLE JOHN CONYERS JR.
SUBJECT: EXPRESSES CONCERN REGARDING THE RECENT CHILD
CARE FORUM IN HIS DISTRICT
ACTION
DISPOSITION
ROUTE TO:
ACT
DATE
TYPE
C COMPLETED
OFFICE/AGENCY
(STAFF NAME)
CODE YY/MM/DD
RESP
D YY/MM/DD
LARRY STEIN
ORG 98/03/27 JM
A 98/03/27
REFERRAL NOTE:
BRUCE REED
RSA 98/03/27
98/104/103
REFERRAL NOTE:
9 Klein
98/07/03
/ /
REFERRAL NOTE:
/
7
/
/
REFERRAL NOTE:
7 7
7 7
REFERRAL NOTE:
COMMENTS: ENCLOSURES
ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENTS:
MEDIA:L INDIVIDUAL CODES: 1230
MAIL
USER CODES: (A) D MI
(B)
(C)
*ACTION CODES:
*DISPOSITION
*OUTGOING
*
*
*
*CORRESPONDENCE:
*
*A-APPROPRIATE ACTION
*A-ANSWERED
*TYPE RESP=INITIALS
*
*C-COMMENT/RECOM
*B-NON-SPEC-REFERRAL
*
OF SIGNER
*
*D-DRAFT RESPONSE
*C-COMPLETED
*
CODE = A
*
*F-FURNISH FACT SHEET
*S-SUSPENDED
*COMPLETED = DATE OF
*
*I-INFO COPY/NO ACT NEC*
*
OUTGOING *
*R-DIRECT REPLY W/COPY *
*
*
*S-FOR-SIGNATURE
*
*
*
*X-INTERIM REPLY
*
*
*
REFER QUESTIONS AND ROUTING UPDATES TO CENTRAL REFERENCE
(ROOM 75, OEOB) EXT-2590
KEEP THIS WORKSHEET ATTACHED TO THE ORIGINAL INCOMING
LETTER AT ALL TIMES AND SEND COMPLETED RECORD TO RECORDS
MANAGEMENT.
&
DINE
WASHINGTON OFFICE:
JOHN CONYERS, JR.
2426 RAYBURN HOUSE OFFICE BUILDING
14TH DISTRICT, MICHIGAN
WASHINGTON, DC 20515-2201
PHONE: 202-225-5126
COMMITTEES:
RANKING MEMBER
Congress of the United States
DETROIT OFFICE:
JUDICIARY
669 FEDERAL BUILDING
SUBCOMMITTEE ON COURTS AND
house of Representatibes
231 W. LAFAYETTE
INTELLECTUAL PROPERTY
DETROIT, MI 48226
SUBCOMMITTEE ON THE
CONSTITUTION
Clashington, DC 20515-2201
#260440 PHONE: 313-961-5670
March 13, 1998
The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton
President
The United States of America
The White House
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW
Washington, D.C., 20500
Dear President Clinton:
Greetings! Enclosed, please find a petition with signatures that spontaneously
emerged during a Child care Forum which was convened by my office on February 21, 1998.
As you will note, the self-described "Children Caregivers" who attended the Child Care
Forum, in order to promote quality, affordable, accessible child care in the State of Michigan,
began to engage in conversations and impromptu caucuses around the issues related
to the Economic Sanctions which have been imposed against Iraq, and the negative
impact which affects women, children and innocent families at the estimated rate of
4,500 per month.
As you know, the Southeastern Michigan community boasts the largest number of
residents of Middle Eastern descent outside of the Middle East. Iraqian descendants,
among other Middle Easterners, attended the Child Care Forum in significant numbers, and
the issue of ending the Economic Sanctions against Iraq was supported by the width and
breadth of the participants who hailed from all backgrounds.
In addition, please be advised that eight days later, on March 1ˢᵗ, my office also
sponsored a Town Hall Meeting on Iraq which was attended by scores of constituents
who represented the Metropolitan Detroit community, encompassing students, peace
activists, African Americans, Iraqian Americans, Syrian Americans, Lebanese Americans,
Chaldean Americans, Jewish Americans, Italian Americans, Irish Americans, Clergy
representing varied denominations, including the Nation of Islam, and representatives
from the YWCA, the NAACP, the Center for Democratic Renewal, and civic/business
leaders. During that town meeting, during which I asked for dissenting voices, and
multiple issues; the most dominant theme presented by all participants (for and against
war with Iraq) was a unanimous sentiment opposed to the Economic Sanctions currently
enforced against the Iraqian citizens. The citizens are seen as innocent victims who
are already oppressed by the nation's ruler, and then further oppressed by the sanction
page two
policies of the United States of America.
Finally, please note that efforts are also underway to facilitate a potential CODEL
visit to Iraq to address humanitarian issues.
I would be pleased to discuss these and other related issues with you and your
designates further, at your convenience.
Thank you for your cooperation, as we continue to work with you to promote
peace, justice, freedom and dignity for all people.
Sincerely,
John Conyers, Jr.
Member of Congress
encl.
Original Petitions with signatures
from the Child Care Forum Sponsored
by Congressman Conyers
ID# 255754
THE WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
INCOMING
DATE RECEIVED: MARCH 10, 1998
NAME OF CORRESPONDENT: THE HONORABLE XAVIER BECERRA
SUBJECT: VOICES STRONG SUPPORT FOR THE RECENTLY
ANNOUNCED CHILD CARE PACKAGE AND THE
EXPANSION OF THE CHILD AND DEPENDENT CARE
CREDIT
ACTION
DISPOSITION
ROUTE TO:
ACT
DATE
TYPE C COMPLETED
OFFICE/AGENCY
(STAFF NAME)
CODE
YY/MM/DD
RESP
D YY/MM/DD
JOHN HILLEY
ORG 98/02/12 JM
A 98/02/12
REFERRAL NOTE:
BRUCE REED
RSA 98/02/12
98102124
Klein
REFERRAL NOTE:
98/02/24
/
/
REFERRAL NOTE:
7
7
/
/
REFERRAL NOTE:
7 7
/ 7
REFERRAL NOTE:
COMMENTS:
ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENTS:
3 MEDIA:L INDIVIDUAL CODES: 1230
MAIL
USER CODES: (A) D CA
(B)
(C)
*ACTION CODES:
*DISPOSITION
*OUTGOING
*
*
*
*CORRESPONDENCE:
*
*A-APPROPRIATE ACTION
*A-ANSWERED
*TYPE RESP=INITIALS
*
*C-COMMENT/RECOM
*B-NON-SPEC-REFERRAL
*
OF SIGNER
*
*D-DRAFT RESPONSE
*C-COMPLETED
*
CODE = A
*
*F-FURNISH FACT SHEET
*S-SUSPENDED
*COMPLETED = DATE OF
*
*I-INFO COPY/NO ACT NEC*
*
OUTGOING *
*R-DIRECT REPLY W/COPY *
*
*
*S-FOR-SIGNATURE
*
*
*
*X-INTERIM REPLY
*
*
*
REFER QUESTIONS AND ROUTING UPDATES TO CENTRAL REFERENCE
(ROOM 75,OEOB) EXT-2590
KEEP THIS WORKSHEET ATTACHED TO THE ORIGINAL INCOMING
LETTER AT ALL TIMES AND SEND COMPLETED RECORD TO RECORDS
MANAGEMENT.
&
CAPITOL OFFICE
C
ITEE ON WAYS AND MEANS
1119 LONGWORTH HOB
SUBCOMMITTEE ON HEALTH
WASHINGTON, DC 20515
PHONE: (202) 225-6235
CHAIRMAN,
FAX: (202) 225-2202
CONGRESSIONAL HISPANIC CAUCUS
DISTRICT OFFICE
1910 SUNSET BLVD., #560
Congress of the United States
LOS ANGELES, CA 90026
PHONE: (213) 483-1425
house of Representatives
255754
FAX: (213) 483-1429
XAVIER BECERRA
30TH DISTRICT, CALIFORNIA
FEB S PM2:07
February 6, 1998
The Honorable William J. Clinton
The White House
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear Mr. President:
We would like to voice our strong support for your recently announced child care
package. As members of the Committee on Ways and Means, we hope to work in close
concert with your Administration in crafting the tax portion of your plan.
The proposed expansion of the Child and Dependent Care Credit again
demonstrates your Administration's strong commitment to improving our nation's child
care system -- vitally important in this era of welfare reform. The mothers and families that
most need financial assistance in procuring child care, however, are the working poor --
who often lack positive federal tax liability. As you well know, these working Americans
pay a substantial amount in federal payroll taxes.
We hope that you consider submitting a refundable child care tax credit bill to the
relevant tax-writing committees. Such well-deserved tax relief will help low-income
American families to secure the child care they so desperately need.
Thank you for considering our views. We look forward to working with your
Administration in crafting a strong Democratic agenda for 1998.
1230/0A
Sincerely,
eyB
D/WA
you M=Dermatt
Pete Stand
ninchaseR.
ID# 255752
THE WHITE HOUSE
CORRESPONDENCE TRACKING WORKSHEET
INCOMING
DATE RECEIVED: MARCH 10, 1998
NAME OF CORRESPONDENT: THE HONORABLE MATTHEW G. MARTINEZ
SUBJECT: CONCERNS REGARDING CHILD CARE FOR CHILDREN
WITH DISABILITIES
ACTION
DISPOSITION
ROUTE TO:
ACT
DATE
TYPE C COMPLETED
OFFICE/AGENCY
(STAFF NAME)
CODE YY/MM/DD
RESP
D YY/MM/DD
JOHN HILLEY
ORG 98/02/11 JM
A 98/02/11
REFERRAL NOTE:
BRUCE REED
RSA 98/02/11
98/102124
REFERRAL NOTE:
9.Klur
98/102124
7
/
REFERRAL NOTE:
7 7
7 7
REFERRAL NOTE:
7 /
/
7
REFERRAL NOTE:
COMMENTS:
ADDITIONAL CORRESPONDENTS:
1 MEDIA:L INDIVIDUAL CODES: 1230 1210
MAIL
USER CODES: (A) D GA
(B)
(C)
*ACTION CODES:
*DISPOSITION
*OUTGOING
*
*
*
*CORRESPONDENCE:
*
*A-APPROPRIATE ACTION
*A-ANSWERED
*TYPE RESP=INITIALS
*
*C-COMMENT/RECOM
*B-NON-SPEC-REFERRAL
*
OF SIGNER
*
*D-DRAFT RESPONSE
*C-COMPLETED
*
CODE = A
*
*F-FURNISH FACT SHEET *S-SUSPENDED
*COMPLETED = DATE OF
*
*I-INFO COPY/NO ACT NEC*
*
OUTGOING
*
*R-DIRECT REPLY W/COPY *
*
*
*S-FOR-SIGNATURE
*
*
*
*X-INTERIM REPLY
*
*
*
REFER QUESTIONS AND ROUTING UPDATES TO CENTRAL REFERENCE
(ROOM 75,OEOB) EXT-2590
KEEP THIS WORKSHEET ATTACHED TO THE ORIGINAL INCOMING
LETTER AT ALL TIMES AND SEND COMPLETED RECORD TO RECORDS
MANAGEMENT.
&
255752
Congress of the United States
Washington, DC 20515
February 3, 1998
The Honorable William Jefferson Clinton
The White House
FEB 4 PM4:41
1600 Pennsylvania Avenue
Washington, D.C. 20500
Dear President Clinton:
We are writing to applaud your leadership on the issue of child care. The proposal which
you announced early last month is an important step forward in providing our nation's
families with access to desperately needed high-quality child care. As the details of your
proposal are being finalized, we would like to bring to your attention the importance of
including a focus on children with disabilities.
While all parents invest significant efforts in obtaining high-quality child care for their
children, the difficulties encountered by parents of children with disabilities are
enormous. Too often, existing child care providers do not have the facilities, training, or
experience to care for children with disabilities. It is our hope that your child care
proposal will take the steps necessary to decrease the difficulty encountered by parents
and child care providers of both non-disabled and disabled children alike. We stand
ready to work with you on this very important issue.
Should you have any questions regarding this correspondence, please have your staff
contact Alex Nock at (202) 226-2068 or Sharon Masling at (202) 224-6201. Thank you
for your attention to this matter.
Sincerely,
12/0/LA
1230/GA
ComHah
Mathw Matthew G. Martinez r. Maiting
Tom Harkin
Member,
Ranking Member,
Senate Committee on Labor
House Subcommittee on Early Childhood,
and Human Resources
Youth and Families
cc: The Honorable Richard Gephardt
Majority Leader