[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 73 (Thursday, May 4, 1995)]
[Senate]
[Pages S6187-S6188]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]


            IMMIGRATION ENFORCEMENT IMPROVEMENTS ACT OF 1995

 Mr. SIMON. Mr. President, I am proud to be an original 
cosponsor of the Immigration Enforcement Improvements Act of 1995. The 
approach to immigration policy reflected in the administration's 
proposal is thoughtful and comprehensive, and I applaud it.
  The Clinton administration's bill recognizes, as do the people of 
this Nation, the need to formulate an effective response to the problem 
of illegal immigration, and proposes increased resources not only for 
border enforcement, but also increased resources to eliminate the job 
magnet that will continue to draw undocumented aliens into the Nation 
regardless of the success of our border policy. The proposal also 
strives to improve our ability to deport those aliens that have been 
identified as deportable.
  To achieve each of these objectives the administration has proposed 
stern measures, and, in its fiscal year 1996 budget request, the 
commitment of substantial resources; yet, at the same time, the 
administration's proposal contains little that feeds the rampant anti-
immigrant sentiment that has pervaded the immigration policy debate in 
recent years. Rather, the administration's proposal takes a measured 
yet aggressive approach to the problems we must face. In short, while 
it has taken an undeniably firm stance against illegal immigration, the 
administration has not succumbed to the belief that immigration in all 
its shapes and forms is a bad thing. Quite the contrary: this 
legislation reflects the fact that, as the President has said, an 
effective immigration policy must combine deterrence of illegal 
immigration with an encouragement and celebration of legal immigration.
  I look forward to working with the administration and my colleagues 
in the Senate to effect this delicate balance, and to implement an 
immigration policy that is both tough and fair. The administration's 
proposal is a great step in this direction.

[[Page S6188]]

                       TRIBUTE TO DR. RAY STOWERS

 Mr. NICKLES. Mr. President, I rise today to congratulate a 
fellow Oklahoman, Ray Stowers, D.O. on his recent appointment to the 
Physicians Payment Review Commission [PPRC].
  Dr. Stowers is an osteopathic, family practice physician from 
Medford, OK. Since his first year in practice, Dr. Stowers has remained 
dedicated to the advancement of rural family medical practice, 
evidenced by his service as a faculty member of the Oklahoma State 
University College of Osteopathic Medicine. During this time, Dr. 
Stowers maintained his office at the rural site for the Enid Memorial 
Hospital providing exceptional health care for the individuals in that 
community.
  One of Dr. Stowers' many successes occurred when he was appointed by 
the Governor of Oklahoma to serve on the board of the Task Force on 
Rural Health Care issues which was responsible for advising the 
Governor on the State's health care manpower needs, and for convening a 
statewide conference to discuss rural health care delivery issues.
  Dr. Stowers is also an expert in physician payment issues. Since 
1992, he has served on the American Medical Association's Relative 
Value Update Committee [RUC]. As the first osteopathic physician 
appointed to serve on this committee, Ray has facilitated greater 
understanding, collaboration, and teamwork between the osteopathic 
medical profession and the allopathic physician community, and has lent 
his considerable expertise on physician practices to the RUC 
proceedings. Since 1994, he has also served as the osteopathic 
profession's liaison to the American Academy of Physicians regarding 
reimbursement, certification, legislation, and managed care options.
  Since PPRC was established by Congress in 1986, an osteopathic 
physician has never served on the Commission. Dr. Stowers' appointment 
makes him the first osteopathic physician to serve on the Commission 
and the medical profession could not have put forth a finer candidate. 
Dr. Stowers represents what is best about medicine and physicians in 
America today. During the time when the trend to become a specialized 
physician is so strong and promises such great rewards, he has remained 
dedicated to the path of providing solo, rural family medicine for over 
21 years.
  Dr. Stowers has served his family, his profession, his community, and 
his State of Oklahoma well. The entire country will now benefit from 
the same service of compassion and integrity. Dr. Stowers, the State of 
Oklahoma is proud of your accomplishments. I am honored to join your 
family, friends, and colleagues in wishing you every success as you 
embark on your next challenge of serving on the Physician Payment 
Review Commission.


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