CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of RemarksE1636 August 7, 1998help all of us deal with this unique crisis, with-out penalizing them for their efforts. With Jan-uary 1, 2000 fast approaching, more informa-tion rather than less—shared sooner ratherthan later—may be the difference between in-convenience and disaster.

I am pleased to see the Administration hasproposed similar legislation to address thisissue. It is a worthy effort, although it may fallshort in some areas. For example, the Admin-istration bill protects statements that are good-faith mistakes but does not include protectionfor statements shown to be true. The bill intro-duced today by myself and Mr. DREIER willprotect all Year 2000 disclosure statements,giving companies incentives to provide moreinformation, not less.

Mr. Speaker, I hope we can quickly passthis timely legislation during this Congress,and I look forward to working with the Admin-istration and others on this important issue.Also, I welcome suggestions on how we mayimprove the legislation introduced today. TheY2K challenge is extensive and the stakes arevery high. I believe the legislation we have in-troduced here today is a critical step in suc-cessfully meeting that challenge.

I hope my colleagues will join me and Mr.DREIER in supporting this bill.f

PERSIAN GULF WAR VETERANSHEALTH CARE AND RESEARCHACT OF 1998

SPEECH OF

HON. JOSEPH P. KENNEDY IIOF MASSACHUSETTS

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Monday, August 3, 1998Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts. Mr.

Speaker, for the past seven years, since thePersian Gulf War ended, our veterans havesuffered from a myriad of symptoms with noend in sight—dizziness, severe headaches,chest pain, shortness of breath, aching jointsand depression, to cite just a few examples ofwhat they are going through.

Seven years ago, when the Persian GulfWar ended, a hearing was held here in Wash-ington to investigate reports that Persian GulfVeterans were suffering a series of mysterioussymptoms. But there were no veterans at thewitness table in the Committee room. So in1992, I held a hearing in Boston to gather tes-timony from sick veterans who could tell meabout their health problems. At that time, sickveterans were being called malingerers orworse, by the Defense Department. Peopledidn’t believe they were really sick.

But by early 1993, it was clear that therewas a problem. Literally hundreds of veteranswere calling my office to report of symptomsranging from skin rashes and respiratory prob-lems to kidney failure and cancer that they be-lieved were linked to service in the Gulf con-flict. The Pentagon continued to deny any linkbut was forced to take a closer look at thefacts once countries that were members of thePersian Gulf Coalition began reporting expo-sures of their own troops to chemical and bio-logical weapons.

Finally, in April 1996, the CIA released a re-port showing solid evidence that thousands ofchemical weapons had been stored atKhamisiyah and that our troops may havebeen exposed to those deadly agents after theallied forces bombed the storage facilities.

Now here we are, seven years after thewar. We’ve financed 103 research projects, ata cost of $49 million dollars, and we’ve had apresidential panel study the veterans healthproblems. But DoD and VA have not an-swered the veterans’ questions about whatcaused them to get sick and when they willget effective treatment.

The veterans are frustrated, and rightly so.They still suffer from a myriad of illnesses likestomach disorders and painful muscles andjoints, to name just a few of them. The veter-ans don’t want to hear the argument that theirillnesses are caused by stress.

When I talk to the veterans, they tell methey do want to know what caused them toget sick, but they also want research to bedone to find effective treatment into exposureto biological and chemical agents. That iswhat they believe is the key to the problem.

These are brave men and women who an-swered their country’s call at a time of need.They deserve a full accounting of how theirservice might be linked to these horrible ill-nesses that have so devastated their familylives and careers.

So based on the discussions I’ve had withPersian Gulf veterans over these seven years,I am pleased to have participated in negotia-tions to create a bi-partisan bill, HR 3980,‘‘The Persian Gulf War Veterans Health Careand Research Act of 1998’’ with ChairmanBOB STUMP, Ranking Member LANE EVANS,Health Subcommittee Chairman CLIFFSTEARNS, and Health Subcommittee RankingMember LUIS GUTIERREZ.

I don’t believe we have had a focused, co-herent federal research strategy. HR 3980 willgive the Persian Gulf Veterans confidence thatpriority is being given to researching their ex-posure to biological or chemical weapons, andthe resulting effects on their health, so that ef-fective treatment can be found and adminis-tered, to fight the detrimental effects of this ex-posure on the veterans’ health.

Through this bill, we will ensure priority isgiven to exposure to biological and chemicalweapons by setting up a Public Advisory Com-mittee to advise the Persian Gulf Veterans Co-ordinating Board on what kind of research totarget. I am pleased that members of this Ad-visory Committee will represent groups thatwere formed specifically to help Persian GulfVeterans. Their active participation on theCommittee will ensure that adequate, targetedresearch into exposure to biological andchemical agents will be done.

Physicians at the Department of VeteransAffairs, and at the Pentagon, don’t have atraining program to become updated on howto administer the latest treatment protocols asthey become available from research findings.This is essential, and is badly needed. I ampleased that HR 3980 includes provisions toprovide training to physicians at VA and thePentagon, so they can give the best possiblecare to our Persian Gulf veterans.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, this bill provides a pro-vision I sought to publish treatment protocolson the Internet and in peer-reviewed medicaljournals because many Persian Gulf veteransreceive health care in the private sector. If wepublish the research findings, private sectorphysicians who treat Persian Gulf Veteranswill have access to those treatment protocols.

It is my hope that HR 3980, ‘‘The PersianGulf War Veterans Health Care and ResearchAct of 1998’’ will restore the veterans’ con-

fidence in our government’s efforts to makethem well again, will give them a fresh start,and will take the needed steps to finally solvethe Persian Gulf veterans’ health problems.f

PERSONAL EXPLANATION

HON. RON PACKARDOF CALIFORNIA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Friday, August 7, 1998

Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I was absentfrom the House of Representatives on August6, 1998 for rollcall votes 406 to 416. Had Ibeen present, the following is how I wouldhave voted:

Rollcall No. 406 ‘‘YEA’’; Rollcall No. 407‘‘NO’’; Rollcall No. 408 ‘‘NO’’; Rollcall No. 409‘‘NO’’; Rollcall No. 410 ‘‘NO’’; Rollcall No. 411‘‘AYE’’; Rollcall No. 412 ‘‘AYE’’; Rollcall No.413 ‘‘NO’’; Rollcall No. 414 ‘‘AYE’’; RollcallNo. 415 ‘‘AYE’’; and Rollcall No. 416 ‘‘YEA’’.f

WHITE HOUSE REMARKS OFOFFICER GERRY FLYNN

HON. MARTIN T. MEEHANOF MASSACHUSETTS

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Friday, August 7, 1998

Mr. MEEHAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today torecognize and honor the stirring and insightfulremarks of Lowell Police Officer Gerry Flynnat a White House Rose Garden event yester-day, on the importance of preserving andstrengthening the Federal Brady Law. OfficerFlynn spoke eloquently about the price we payas a society when guns find their way into thewrong hands and the need to extend theBrady five-day waiting period. I congratulateOfficer Flynn for the honor bestowed upon himin being invited to speak at the White Housein front of the President, and I congratulatehim upon seizing that opportunity to do the en-tire city of Lowell proud. I am submitting Offi-cer Flynn’s White House remarks for theRECORD, so that his words may remain with allof us.

STATEMENT OF LOWELL POLICE OFFICERGERRY FLYNN AT THE WHITE HOUSE ON THEBRADY HANDGUN LAW

Good morning. As National Vice-Presidentof the International Brotherhood of PoliceOfficers (IBPO) and President of the LowellPolice Patrolmen’s Association, it is trulyan honor and a privilege to be here with youthis morning. On behalf of those of us in lawenforcement, it gives me great pleasure tospeak in support of an issue of such enor-mous importance as ‘‘The Brandy HandgunLaw.’’

Robert F. Kennedy once said, ‘‘It is a re-sponsibility to put away childish things, tomake the possession and use of firearms amatter undertaken only by serious peoplewho will use them with the restraint andmaturity that their dangerous nature de-serves and demands. For far too long, wehave dealt with these deadly weapons as ifthey were harmless toys. It is past time thatwe wipe this stain of violence from ourland.’’

Yet, thirty years after his death by a hand-gun, we are still attempting to wipe thestain of violence from our land—except thestain of violence has now spread into theclassrooms occupied by our children.

CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1637August 7, 1998Today, in every city in this country, there

are children in schools with handguns. Chil-dren who are exposed to violence on a dailybasis, children who feel they need protectionmore than they need an education. Childrenwho should be enjoying life rather than tak-ing one. ‘‘The Brady Handgun Law’’ provideshope for these children and their families.

For those who say that ‘‘The Brady Law’’infringes on the rights of the American peo-ple to keep and bear arms; ask them whatright does any American have to go into‘‘The House of the People’’ and kill twobrave men.

For those who say that ‘‘The Brady Law’’is too costly to the American taxpayer; askthem what price would they pay to ensurethat their families would not have to endurewhat the families of Capitol Police OfficersJacob J. Chestnut and John Gibson have en-dured.

For those who say ‘‘The Brady Law’’ is tooconfining and restricts would-be gun owners;ask them if they believed restrictions aremore confining than the one Jim and SarahBrady deal with on a daily basis.

In closing, I concur with Senator DickDurbin (D–IL.) when he states, ‘‘We cannotallow the gun lobby to override those in lawenforcement and endanger American fami-lies.’’

We must continue to have a mandatorywaiting period which allows local police de-partments throughout the country to con-duct their own background checks. Cur-rently, over 95% of this nation’s law enforce-ment officers use this system on a voluntarybasis because we know the waiting periodprovision contained in the original ‘‘BradyLaw’’ saves lives!

However, this November an amendmentsponsored by the NRA, shall mark a changein ‘‘The Brady Law’s’’ waiting period. Forthose of us on the Lowell Police Departmentthis November shall also mark the hollow20th anniversary of the last Lowell Police Of-ficer killed in the line of duty. He too waskilled by a handgun, while responding to anarmed robbery at a pharmacy.

So, Mr. President, Members of Congress, onbehalf of slain Lowell Police Officer ChristosG. Rouses and my two fallen brothers fromthe Capitol Police, we urge you to supportthis legislation in order to extend ‘‘TheBrady Law’s’’ waiting period.

Thank you and God bless the United Statesof America.

f

IN RECOGNITION OF PAULGARMON

HON. RALPH M. HALLOF TEXAS

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Friday, August 7, 1998

Mr. HALL of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I risetoday to pay tribute to a great American, Mr.Paul L. Garmon, of Rockwall, Texas. ManyAmericans have served their country proudlywearing the numerous uniforms of our greatarmed forces, and more Americans continueto serve our great nation as civilians. One ofthese great Americans is retired LieutenantPaul L. Garmon.

Last fall Mr. Garmon was honored as FortHood’s Honorary Retiree during its yearly Re-tiree Day activities in San Antonio, Texas. Inhis remarks at the retreat ceremony, Mr.Garmon recognized the service that veteranshave given to their country but reminded themthat they can continue to serve by servingtheir community—through their local civic

clubs, associations, churches and volunteerorganizations.

Mr. Garmon also praised the modern-dayarmy. ‘‘Today we have the best equipmentthat modern technology can produce,’’ he stat-ed. ‘‘To man this equipment, we have the besteducated, the healthiest, and the most dedi-cated soldiers that we have ever had. We alsohave some of the greatest leaders among ourgeneral officers that we have had since WorldWar II.’’ He paid tribute to three officers whohad a great impact on his military career andhis civilian life—Capt. Homer Kiefer (laterMajor General Kiefer), 2d Lt. Charles Brown(later Lt. General Brown), and Lt. William C.Westmorland (later General and Chief ofStaff).

Mr. Speaker, as we adjourn today, let us doso in honor of and with respect for this greatAmerican, Paul Garmon, and let us concludethis session with Mr. Garmon’s closing prayer:‘‘I pray that our nation will remain strong andfree until the trumpets of the Lord shall soundand time on earth is no more. God bless allof you, and may God bless America.’’f

WISCONSIN UNVEILING OF THEORGAN DONATION AWARENESSPOSTAGE STAMP

HON. THOMAS M. BARRETTOF WISCONSIN

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Friday, August 7, 1998

Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker,on Friday, August 14th, the Wisconsin DonorNetwork, the Wisconsin State Fair, and theUnited States Postal Service will sponsor theWisconsin unveiling of a U.S. postage stamphighlighting organ donation awareness. I ap-preciate this opportunity to share with my col-leagues the story of this unique partnership.

The Wisconsin Donor Network is celebratingits tenth anniversary this year. The Network’sinformation materials and presentations tocommunity and professional groups send apowerful message about the need for and ef-fectiveness of organ donation, and its multicul-tural information programs address the distinc-tive transplant needs and donation concernsof metropolitan Milwaukee’s African American,Latino, and Asian communities.

Wisconsinites have answered the call formore organ donors, making an impressivecommitment to give the gift of life. I am proudto note that, compared to organ donation pro-motion efforts by similar organizations nation-wide, the Wisconsin Donor Network rankedsixth in 1997, and fourth in 1996.

Our colleague, U.S. Senator MIKE DEWINE,of Ohio, proposed an organ and tissue dona-tion stamp, in 1996. The Postal Service roseto the occasion and produced a beautiful andcompelling design previewed last year at aCapitol Hill ceremony by then-PostmasterGeneral Marvin Runyon. I commend the Post-al Service for its partnership in this importanteffort to raise our nation’s consciousness con-cerning the critical importance of organ andtissue donation.

The Wisconsin State Fair has also been astrong supporter of the Wisconsin Donor Net-work’s efforts. The Network’s organ and tissuedonation awareness booth at last year’s StateFair was overwhelmingly successful, reachingthousands of State Fair visitors, and the State

Fair has welcomed the Wisconsin Donor Net-work back again this year. I can think of nobetter forum for the stamp’s Wisconsin unveil-ing than this year’s State Fair.

Mr. Speaker, the organ donation awarenesspostage stamp is a powerful symbol. It pro-vides a daily reminder that a simple selflessact can make the difference between life anddeath for another person. I ask that my col-leagues join me in congratulating the Wiscon-sin Donor Network, the Wisconsin State Fair,the United States Postal Service, and Wiscon-sin donor families and transplant recipients, onthe occasion of its issuance.f

RECOGNIZING EDWIN J.KORCZYNSKI FOR HIS VOLUN-TEER SERVICE

HON. ROD R. BLAGOJEVICHOF ILLINOIS

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Friday, August 7, 1998Mr. BLAGOJEVICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise

today to call attention to the heroic volunteerefforts of a constituent of mine from Chicago,Illinois, Mr. Edwin J. Korczynski.

On September 11, 1997, a fire erupted atan apartment building in the City of Northlake,Illinois, which resulted in severe damage tothe structure. Fortunately, a constituent ofmine, Edwin J. Korczynski, had spent the en-tire previous day planning an all-departmentHAZ/MAT drill, and upon learning about thefire, went to the scene and worked to coordi-nate volunteer efforts to serve the victims ofthe fire.

Mr. Korczynski’s volunteer efforts were cru-cial and have been recognized by the City ofNorthlake, the Polish American Police Asso-ciation and others as an outstanding exampleof heroism and public service.

I hope my colleagues will join me in rec-ognizing Mr. Korczynski for his brave andcommunity-oriented actions.f

A SALUTE TO MAJ. GEN. PAUL G.REHKAMP

HON. DAVID MINGEOF MINNESOTA

IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES

Friday, August 7, 1998Mr. MINGE. Mr. Speaker, I stand to honor

Maj. Gen. Paul G. Rehkamp. Recently, Gen-eral Rehkamp, of Marshall, Minnesota, retiredfrom the Army Reserve after more than 35years of service to our country.

In 1989, General Rehkamp assumed com-mand of the 88th Army Reserve Command.He chose a new motto for the command: ‘‘TheRight Place to soldier.’’ These words have fol-lowed the command ever since—and theyalso identify General Rehkamp’s career.

While a part of the 88th ARCOM, GeneralRehkamp was Chief of Staff, and DeputyCommander, before becoming Commander in1989. He was in command during key eventsthat proved to be profound changes for theArmy Reserve. He led units from the 88thArmy Reserve Command as they were calledto active duty for Desert Shield/Desert Storm.For this and other reasons, GeneralRehkamp’s leadership shined through and al-lowed the 88th to survive downsizing of theArmy Reserve.