[Congressional Record Volume 142, Number 59 (Thursday, May 2, 1996)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E701-E702]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




   INTRODUCTION OF THE CONGRESSIONAL TRAVEL ACCOUNTABILITY RESOLUTION

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                            HON. GREG GANSKE

                                of iowa

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 2, 1996

  Mr. GANSKE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce the congressional 
travel accountability resolution. This resolution will increase the 
accountability of House Members for domestic and foreign trips made at 
taxpayers' expense.
  Currently, travel taken by Members of Congress is only partially 
reported and not all in one place. It is nearly impossible for someone 
to sift through the current travel reporting maze and determine who has 
been where and at what expense to taxpayers.
  Current reporting and disclosure requirements are inadequate. The 
public has a right to know how its money is spent. And most 
importantly, Members of Congress should be held personally accountable 
for their travel on the taxpayers' dime.
  This resolution provides accountability, responsibility, simplicity, 
and common sense. These are four things the American people are 
demanding of the Federal Government.
  This proposal has already received bipartisan support. I urge my 
colleagues to join me and support this long overdue reform.

[[Page E702]]



       CONGRATULATING THE SPRING SENIOR HIGH SCHOOL CONCERT BAND

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                            HON. JACK FIELDS

                                of texas

                    in the house of representatives

                         Thursday, May 2, 1996

  Mr. FIELDS of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate this opportunity to 
congratulate the Spring Senior High School concert band in Spring, TX, 
on recently winning the Sudler Flag of Honor, which is presented to the 
most outstanding high school concert bands in the United States and 
Canada.
  Under the direction of Mr. Bill Watson, Jr., the Spring Senior High 
School concert band is just the 34th band to have earned the Sudler 
Flag of Honor in the 14 years that it has been awarded. And it was one 
of just two high school bands nationwide to have been selected for this 
honor this year. The award is presented by the John Philip Sousa 
Foundation and is intended to recognize and salute high school concert 
band programs of international-level excellence.
  Winning the Sudler Flag of Honor proves what many of us have known 
for a long time: that the Spring Senior High School concert band is 
among the very best concert bands in North America.
  The Sudler flag is designed in red, white and blue and feature the 
logo of the John Philip Sousa Foundation. The flag becomes the property 
of the band. Each member of the band receives a personalized 
certificate and the band director receives a personalized plaque.
  To be eligible for the Sudler flag, a high school must have 
maintained a fine concert band for at least 7 years. Although the 
band's concert activities receive the most attention in the selection 
process, the high school's band program must be a complete one and must 
include a marching band, small ensembles, and solo participation by its 
members in contests and festivals. Also, the band conductor must have 
been at the same high school for at least 7 consecutive years and is 
expected to be involved in professional band and music education 
organizations and activities on the local, state and national level.
  Clearly, the Sudler Flag of Honor is one of the most significant 
awards that a high school band can earn. It requires that band members 
and their director work together to achieve not just musical 
competence, but musical excellence.
  Mr. Speaker, I know that you join with me in congratulating the young 
men and women of the Spring Senior High School concert band--as well as 
conductor Bill Watson, Jr.--on this significant achievement, and I know 
you join with me in wishing everyone associated with the band continued 
success in the years ahead.

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