[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 53 (Tuesday, April 29, 1997)]
[House]
[Pages H1938-H1943]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




           AWARDING CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL TO FRANK SINATRA

  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the 
bill (H.R. 279) to award a congressional gold medal to Francis Albert 
Sinatra.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                                H.R. 279

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.

       (a) Presentation Authorized.--The President is authorized 
     to present, on behalf of the Congress, to Francis Albert 
     ``Frank'' Sinatra a gold medal of appropriate design, in 
     recognition of his accomplishments as an entertainer and 
     humanitarian, which include--
       (1) having a career in the entertainment industry spanning 
     5 decades where he produced, directed, or appeared in more 
     than 50 motion pictures, recorded thousands of songs with 
     annual sales numbering in the millions, and won many major 
     awards in American popular entertainment including 7 Grammys, 
     a Peabody, an Emmy and a Best Supporting Actor Oscar; and
       (2) earning the Life Achievement Award of the NAACP, the 
     Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences' Jean Hersholt 
     Humanitarian Award, and the Presidential Medal of Freedom for 
     his humanitarian and social justice efforts.
       (b) Design and Striking.--For purposes of the presentation 
     referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary of the Treasury 
     shall strike a gold medal with suitable emblems, devices, and 
     inscriptions to be determined by the Secretary.
       (c) Authorization of Appropriation.--There are authorized 
     to be appropriated not to exceed $30,000 to carry out this 
     section.

     SEC. 2. DUPLICATE MEDALS.

       (a) Striking and Sale.--The Secretary of the Treasury may 
     strike and sell duplicates in bronze of the gold medal struck 
     pursuant to section 1 under such regulations as the Secretary 
     may prescribe, at a price sufficient to cover the cost 
     thereof, including labor, materials, dies, use of machinery, 
     and overhead expenses, and the cost of the gold medal.
       (b) Reimbursement of Appropriation.--The appropriation used 
     to carry out section 1 shall be reimbursed out of the 
     proceeds of sales under subsection (a).

     SEC. 3. NATIONAL MEDALS.

       The medals struck pursuant to this Act are national medals 
     for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
Delaware [Mr. Castle] and the gentleman from New York [Mr. Flake] each 
will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentleman from Delaware [Mr. Castle].
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  This afternoon, I rise in support of H.R. 279, the bill to award a 
Congressional Gold Medal to Francis Albert Sinatra, a man who is 
perhaps better known to many Americans as Old Blue Eyes, the Chairman 
of the Board, or simply the Voice.
  Mr. Speaker, the standard for a Congressional Gold Medal is that the 
recipient must be someone who has performed an achievement that has an 
impact on American history and culture that is likely to be recognized 
as a major achievement in the recipient's field long after the 
achievement itself. Frank Sinatra's career in music and entertainment 
clearly meets and exceeds this standard.
  Frank Sinatra is perhaps the greatest singer of popular American 
music of this century. His career spans over 6 decades. Sinatra's 
style, phrasing, timing and of course his voice have influenced and set 
the standard for American singers since World War II. In my home State 
of Delaware and across the country, there are radio stations that for 
years have devoted weekly shows of 3 hours or more to the music of 
Frank Sinatra.
  There are few musicians or singers whose music can inspire and 
sustain that type of long-term interest and enthusiasm. From his big 
band days with the Harry James and Tommy Dorsey orchestras to his 
seminal work on the Capitol label with the Nelson Riddle orchestra in 
the 1950's, Frank Sinatra became the preeminent American popular 
singer.
  He made the swinging Sinatra style of the 1960's and the 1970's the 
standard and continued to gain new fans in the 1980's and 1990's. Frank 
Sinatra helped define what Americans listen to and what people all over 
the world consider to be American music. From his own contemporaries to 
rock musicians today, everyone recognizes the impact Frank Sinatra has 
had on American popular music and culture.
  Mr. Speaker, this legislation did not materialize overnight. It 
represents the hard work of a number of Members, particularly the 
gentleman from New York [Mr. Serrano], the sponsor, with bipartisan 
help from his colleagues the gentleman from New York [Mr. King], the 
gentleman from California [Mr. Bono], and others. The gentleman from 
New York [Mr. Serrano] has been a longtime advocate of a Congressional 
Gold Medal for Frank Sinatra.
  This legislation has not received any special treatment. I told the 
gentleman from New York [Mr. Serrano] that it must demonstrate broad 
support by getting 290 cosponsors in the House. To their credit, the 
gentleman from New York [Mr. Serrano], the gentleman from New York [Mr. 
King], the gentleman from California [Mr. Bono], and other Members went 
to work to develop the support necessary to give Frank Sinatra the 
highest civilian honor this Congress can award. The bill has 302 
cosponsors, including bipartisan support from Members of the House 
leadership, and the gentleman from California [Mr. Horn] wants to be a 
sponsor, too. He just asked me.
  Mr. Speaker, before the ranking member of the subcommittee is 
recognized, I urge the House to show its high hopes, think of a summer 
wind, say I get a kick out of you and make 1997 a very good year by 
awarding this gold medal to the man who did it my way. I urge the 
immediate adoption of H.R. 279.
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  First of all, let me thank the gentleman from Delaware [Mr. Castle] 
for expediting getting this bill to the floor. As always, the gentleman 
has been most gracious with his time and flexibility to allow us to 
bring this bill out today. I also wish to congratulate the gentleman 
from New York [Mr. Serrano] for his sponsorship, his diligence, his 
tenacity. I am grateful that the gentleman has expedited this bill 
coming, furthermore, because the gentleman from New York [Mr. Serrano] 
has driven me crazy trying to make sure that at the point that he had 
his 290 signatures we would be willing to bring it to the floor.
  So I think this is a great day for us and a great day for the Sinatra 
family, Frank especially, and a great day for the gentleman from New 
York [Mr. Serrano] and the leadership that he has provided.
  I do not intend to take much time. Several Members have comments and 
remarks about Mr. Sinatra to make. But let me just say that although 
Mr. Sinatra is from Hoboken, NJ, he has always identified with the 
State and city of New York. Everyone knows his rendition of ``New York, 
New York.''
  Few, however, realize his accomplishments as a complete entertainer. 
He has won an Emmy, Grammy, Peabody, and an Oscar. He has also been 
honored

[[Page H1939]]

with the Presidential Medal of Freedom, the Academy of Motion Pictures, 
Arts and Sciences Humanitarian Award and a Lifetime Achievement Award 
from the NAACP.
  Other Members will undoubtedly comment on the more personal 
reflections about Mr. Sinatra, but from my viewpoint he is an American 
icon. His influence is still felt today as it was when he first entered 
into the entertainment field, and he represents an entire generation of 
complete and gifted entertainers that the younger generations would do 
well to emulate.
  With that, Mr. Speaker, I will close and extend my support for 
unanimous passage of this great honor and look forward to giving 
whatever support is necessary in assuring that Frank Sinatra is given 
his just and proper due as an American citizen and as one who has 
contributed so much to us.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from New York [Mr. Serrano], the sponsor of the bill.
  Mr. SERRANO. I thank the gentleman from New York for yielding me this 
time.
  Mr. Speaker, let me first of all thank the gentleman from Delaware 
[Mr. Castle], the gentleman from New York [Mr. King], and the gentleman 
from California [Mr. Bono], the leadership of both Houses, the 
gentleman from New York [Mr. Quinn], and the gentleman from New York 
[Mr. Flake] for giving me the support necessary to bring this bill to 
the floor and certainly the 303 cosponsors to sign on to this bill.
  I guess the best way to begin is the way I most like to start when I 
talk to people about Frank Sinatra. When my father came back from the 
Army after World War II, he brought home with him to Puerto Rico a set 
of 78 RPM records. It was my introduction to the English language, and 
it was my introduction to the voice of Frank Sinatra. I immediately 
fell in love with both. The English language I try to perfect on a 
daily basis, and the Frank Sinatra singing I was smart enough not to 
try to imitate. But throughout all of these 40 odd years, the love 
affair between Mr. Sinatra's talent and this person born in Puerto Rico 
and raised in the Bronx has been something that as I step back today 
even I find extraordinary.
  I own 290 Sinatra records, LP's, hundreds of CD's and tapes, 
pictures, books, over 30 films, on video of course. My e-mail address 
is Frank 2 even though my name is Jose, and one can hear Mr. Sinatra on 
my answering machine. I have been influenced by his singing to the 
point which I suspect is the reason why I am a New Yorker who says 
Tuesday rather than Tuesday because Mr. Sinatra would have never sung 
Tuesday. His language and his style was used by many to perfect their 
English.
  I do not remember the last day that I have not listened to a Sinatra 
record. I do not remember the last time that I passed up a radio 
station that was playing his music. His music to me is no different 
than his music to so many other people. It serves this incurable 
romantic with the ability to listen to the best music the world has 
ever heard. Whether it was a swinging ballad or a sad, tear-jerking 
ballad, Sinatra did it his way and did it better than anyone else.
  In the other language that I operate in, from Julio Iglesias to local 
singers like Danny Rivera, when you talk to them, they all tell you 
that the master of them all is and has been Frank Sinatra. Who stays at 
the top of their game for 60 years? We have had a couple of people here 
who stayed past 50, and we knew what a record they set. Longevity for 
him has been something to really look at. But then there is Frank 
Sinatra the humanitarian, Frank Sinatra the American citizen, the one 
who raised money for so many different organizations, the one who sold 
war bonds at the beginning of his career and, may I say, this bill 
mandates that the Mint will sell replicas of this medal to the public, 
and I suspect that at the end of the career Sinatra once again will be 
part of pulling a lot of money into the Treasury.
  For me personally, this is a very important day, because it is my way 
of saying thank you. It is my way of saying thank you to this 
individual who brought so much joy to the world through his singing and 
through his talent. It is my way, also, of saying thank you for not 
being afraid in a society that is pretty tough to cry in public, for, 
you see, Mr. Sinatra in his love songs cried on a daily basis, and we 
Americans are not supposed to cry.
  My father once told me, in Spanish, that the English language had 
taken a bad rap, that some people had suggested that it was not a 
romantic language, and my father Jose, I will never forget this, said 
to me, but if the language is sung and spoken properly, it is as 
romantic as Spanish, French, or Italian. Well, my father was right. And 
Mr. Sinatra was the living example and is the living example of the 
fact that English is indeed a romantic language.
  He is watching us today on TV at this very moment. His family is all 
watching the proceedings of the House. He has received the Presidential 
Medal of Freedom. He has received the NAACP Lifetime Achievement Award. 
He has received an Oscar for humanitarian work in addition to an Oscar 
for costarring in a movie. He has received every possible award you can 
receive in this country, in Israel and France, in Italy, in Brazil, all 
over the world.
  But today as the people's representative, we are all saying that we 
are a grateful Nation. We say thank you, Frank Sinatra, thank you for 
singing, thank you for performing, thank you for being you.
  I say personally, thank you, Frank Sinatra, for proving that my 
father was right. English indeed is a beautiful and romantic language 
and you showed the world how to do it right.
  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  To my friend, the gentleman from New York [Mr. Serrano], we have some 
time over here and if I could, if the Speaker would allow us to yield 
time to him to sing whatever he would like of Frank Sinatra's works. I 
even have a tape that my chief of staff said was his best, ``Only the 
Lonely.'' We could put that on and the gentleman could sing for a 
while. We would appreciate that.
  Mr. FLAKE. If the gentleman will yield, I think the gentleman ought 
to be made to sing it in Spanish and in English. I think that would be 
great for us.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from New York [Mr. Serrano] 
has done an admirable job on this legislation. It is not easy to get 
300 signatures of the Members of Congress to anything, for all that 
matters. We did sort of crack the whip on it, he has worked on it a 
long time, and I do congratulate him. This is a great day for him as 
well as the Sinatra family.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from New York [Mr. King].

                              {time}  1500

  Mr. KING. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Delaware [Mr. 
Castle] for yielding this time to me, and I thank him for the 
tremendous job he has done in moving this to the floor, and of course 
the distinguished ranking member, my neighbor in the next-door 
community of Queens, NY [Mr. Flake] for always being such a worthy 
advocate of so many good causes, and most importantly of course we have 
to commend and congratulate the gentleman from Bronx, NY [Mr. Serrano] 
for all he has done. And I fully concur with the gentleman from New 
York [Mr. Flake] in that the other gentleman from New York [Mr. 
Serrano] drove us all crazy in getting this done. There was not a day 
that went by that he was not on the floor working it, making sure that 
I was working and making sure that the gentleman from California [Mr. 
Bono] was working, making sure that everything was in order to make 
sure that this was done and done properly. I just want to thank the 
gentleman from New York, [Mr. Serrano] for once again showing the 
tremendous leadership that he shows on so many of the issues and, of 
course, to commend the gentleman from California [Mr. Bono] for his 
work, and also Senator D'Amato, who has attained the passage of similar 
legislation in the U.S. Senate.
  Mr. Speaker, Frank Sinatra is truly an American legend. Frank 
Sinatra, as much as anyone ever, deserves this gold medal which is 
being voted to him today. Frank Sinatra, as the gentleman from New York 
[Mr. Serrano] has pointed out, was and is an amazing singer, a person 
who was able to touch

[[Page H1940]]

the hearts of so many millions of Americans generation after 
generation. He was also an outstanding actor. He also, though, probably 
most importantly personified what it means to be an American. Frank 
Sinatra gave of himself to so many philanthropic causes and charitable 
causes, helped out so many people which most people do not even know 
about, always there, a helping hand, a person willing to help out and a 
person who fought his way up, a person who climbed out of poverty, a 
person who worked his way up all the way to the top to the very 
pinnacle of success, but never ever forgot where he came from.
  Mr. Speaker, as the gentleman from New York [Mr. Serrano] said, Frank 
Sinatra certainly did do it his way, and today this is a most fitting 
tribute to him and to his family for all that he has meant to so many 
generations of Americans. I know my father, my uncles and my mother and 
all of us always cherished the voice of Frank Sinatra and cherished 
what Frank Sinatra meant to so many people. And as a New Yorker, 
without any reflection on Chicago or whatever, I would say that ``New 
York, New York'' is the national anthem of New York. It was sung by 
Frank Sinatra and in many ways personifies the spirit of New York.
  So I am very proud to be joining with all of my colleagues today in 
supporting this legislation, and again I want to thank my friends, the 
gentleman from New York [Mr. Serrano] and the gentleman from Delaware 
[Mr. Castle] and the gentleman from New York [Mr. Flake] for their 
help, and I certainly urge the adoption of this resolution.
  Mr. MENENDEZ. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the sponsors of this 
resolution awarding the Congressional Gold Medal to Frank Sinatra. This 
honor is special for me since my congressional district is the birth 
place of the ``Chairman of the Board.''
  Frank Sinatra has been the idol of generations of Americans from the 
1930's onward. His unique voice has touched Americans of all races and 
nationalities. In addition to his talents as a singer, he has had a 
distinguished acting career, including earning an Academy Award for 
Best Supporting Actor in 1953 for his performance in ``From Here to 
Eternity.''
  His countless musical hits will inspire Americans for generations. 
Although his accomplishments in the field of entertainment are 
legendary, he has also donated his time and effort to charitable and 
philanthropic work for organizations such as the Red Cross and the 
National Multiple Sclerosis Society among others.
  With these accomplishments, he has distinguished himself as a great 
American. He serves as a notable example of the worthwhile 
contributions Italian-Americans have made to the Nation. From the 
Hoboken Four to Hoboken's No. 1, it is only fitting to honor Frank 
Sinatra, Hoboken's favorite son, with the Congressional Gold Medal.
  Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I stand before the House today to 
encourage each and every one of my colleagues to join me in recognizing 
the talents, accomplishments, and legacy of one Francis Albert Sinatra.
  The world has been paying tribute to Frank Sinatra for more than 50 
years, and I dare say will continue for another 550, so rather than try 
to top all the accolades that have already been heaped on this great 
artist, I will simply offer some thoughts on the impact Frank Sinatra 
has made on me and on the rich and diverse community that is the 3rd 
Congressional District of Massachusetts.
  Mr. Speaker, I have had the great fortune to attend a number of Frank 
Sinatra's live performances at The Centrum in Worcester, MA. To walk 
into that great hall and see the wonderful diversity of Sinatra lovers 
is testament to the impact this man has had on American culture. White, 
Black, young, old and in-between, Democrats and Republicans, we were 
all brought together by the common thread of our love and appreciation 
for the music of Frank Sinatra.
  Mr. Speaker, on a personal level, I owe much to the ``Chairman of the 
Board.'' It is a fact, Mr. Speaker, that I first wooed my wife with the 
lyrics of a popular Sinatra ballad, ``I've Got the World on a String.'' 
And I dare say, millions of my fellow Americans can track the progress 
of their romances through the lyrics and croonings of ``Old Blue 
Eyes.''
  Sinatra is romance, Mr. Speaker, Sinatra is love. Just listen to the 
titles of some of Frank's love songs: ``Almost Like Being in Love;'' At 
Long Last Love;'' ``Can I Steal a Little Love;'' ``Don't Take Your Love 
From Me;'' Everybody Loves Somebody;'' ``Falling in Love With Love;'' 
``I Can't Believe That You're in Love With Me;'' ``I Fall In Love Too 
Easily;'' ``I Love Paris;'' ``I Love You;'' ``I Wish I Were In Love 
Again;'' ``I Would Be In Love Anyway;'' ``Let's Fall In Love;'' ``The 
Look of Love;'' ``Love's Been Good to Me;'' ``Love Walked In;'' ``Love 
and Marriage;'' ``Lover;'' ``Melody of Love;'' ``The One I Love Belongs 
to Somebody Else;'' ``Our Love is Here to Stay;'' ``This Love of 
Mine;'' ``This Was My Love;'' ``To Love and Be Loved;'' and one of my 
favorites, ``What is This Thing Called Love?''
  Frank Sinatra did not invent American popular music; and he certainly 
was not alone among the many great artists, composers, arrangers, and 
musicians who--together--comprise the foundation of this most American 
of music forms. However, Mr. Speaker, it was Frank Sinatra who defined 
American popular music--from the moment he first appeared on the stage 
during the years of the Roosevelt administration--through the years of 
Mitch Miller, Elvis, the Beatles, heavy metal, disco, punk, rap, new 
wave, grunge, and everything in between. Sinatra endures, Mr. Speaker, 
because his music, his grace, his presence and his message are worth 
enduring.
  Say what you like, Mr. Speaker, but when our children, and our 
children's children look back on this great century--the American 
century--the paramount cultural icon of the period will be Francis 
Albert Sinatra.
  His voice, his style, his artistry, his class, all qualify him for 
this tribute today. As Frank's daughter, Nancy, put it: ``He is a man 
with a public image built partly on fact and largely on myth. He is a 
man who embraces consistency, yet embodies contradiction. A man who 
treats the room to caviar and champagne and himself to a sandwich and 
Coca-Cola.'' Well, Mr. Speaker, it is time for this body to treat Frank 
Sinatra to some caviar and champagne. It is time to recognize the man 
and his music. Frank, God bless you, thank you, and on behalf of all of 
your friends and fans in the 3rd Congressional District of 
Massachusetts, thank you for sharing your many gifts with us.
  Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, we have no further speakers and I yield back 
the balance of my time.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I encourage the passage of the legislation, 
and I, too, yield back the balance of our time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Snowbarger). The question is on the 
motion offered by the gentleman from Delaware [Mr. Castle] that the 
House suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 279.
  The question was taken; and (two-thirds having voted in favor 
thereof) the rules were suspended and the bill was passed.
  A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.
  Mr. CASTLE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee 
on Banking and Financial Services be discharged from further 
consideration of the Senate bill (S. 305) to authorize the President to 
award a gold medal on behalf of the Congress to Francis Albert 
``Frank'' Sinatra in recognition of his outstanding and enduring 
contributions through his entertainment career and humanitarian 
activities, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate 
consideration in the House.
  The Clerk read the title of the Senate bill.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the 
gentleman from Delaware?
  There was no objection.
  The Clerk read the the Senate bill, as follows:

                                 S. 305

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. FINDINGS.

       The Congress finds that--
       (1) Francis Albert ``Frank'' Sinatra has touched the lives 
     of millions around the world and across generations through 
     his outstanding career in entertainment, which has spanned 
     more than 5 decades;
       (2) Frank Sinatra has significantly contributed to the 
     entertainment industry through his endeavors as a producer, 
     director, actor, and gifted vocalist;
       (3) the humanitarian contributions of Frank Sinatra have 
     been recognized in the forms of a Life-time Achievement Award 
     from the NAACP, the Jean Hersholt Humanitarian Award from the 
     Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, the Presidential 
     Medal of Freedom Award, and the George Foster Peabody Award; 
     and
       (4) the entertainment accomplishments of Frank Sinatra, 
     including the release of more than 50 albums and appearances 
     in more than 60 films, have been recognized in the forms of 
     the Screen Actors Guild Award, the Kennedy Center Honors, 8 
     Grammy Awards from the National Academy of Recording Arts and 
     Sciences, 2 Academy Awards from the Academy of Motion Picture 
     Arts and Sciences, and an Emmy Award.

     SEC. 2. CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL.

       (a) Presentation Authorized.--The President is authorized 
     to present, on behalf of the Congress, a gold medal of 
     appropriate design to Francis Albert ``Frank'' Sinatra in

[[Page H1941]]

     recognition of his outstanding and enduring contributions 
     through his entertainment career and numerous humanitarian 
     activities.
       (b) Design and Striking.--For the purpose of the 
     presentation referred to in subsection (a), the Secretary of 
     the Treasury (hereafter in this act referred to as the 
     ``Secretary'') shall strike a gold medal with suitable 
     emblems, devices, and inscriptions, to be determined by the 
     Secretary.

     SEC. 3. DUPLICATE MEDALS.

       The Secretary may strike and sell duplicates in bronze of 
     the gold medal struck pursuant to section 2 under such 
     regulations as the Secretary may prescribe, and at a price 
     sufficient to cover the costs thereof, including labor, 
     materials, dies, use of machinery, overhead expenses, and the 
     cost of the gold medal.

     SEC. 4. NATIONAL MEDALS.

       The medals struck pursuant to this Act are national medals 
     for purposes of chapter 51 of title 31, United States Code.

     SEC. 5. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS; PROCEEDS OF SALE.

       (a) Authorization of Appropriations.--There is hereby 
     authorized to be charged against the Numismatic Public 
     Enterprise Fund an amount not to exceed $30,000 to pay for 
     the cost of the medal authorized by this Act.
       (b) Proceeds of Sale.--Amounts received from the sales of 
     duplicate bronze medals under section 3 shall be deposited in 
     the Numismatic Public Enterprise Fund.

  The Senate bill was ordered to be read a third time, was read the 
third time, and passed, and a motion to reconsider was laid on the 
table.
  A similar House bill (H.R. 279) was laid on the table.


    AUTHORIZING TRANSFER TO STATES OF SURPLUS PERSONAL PROPERTY FOR 
DONATION TO NONPROFIT PROVIDERS OF NECESSARIES TO IMPOVERISHED FAMILIES 
                            AND INDIVIDUALS

  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill 
(H.R. 680) to amend the Federal Property and Administrative Services 
Act of 1949 to authorize the transfer to States of surplus personal 
property for donation to nonprofit providers of necessaries to 
impoverished families and individuals, as amended.
  The Clerk read as follows:

                                H.R. 680

       Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Representatives of 
     the United States of America in Congress assembled,

     SECTION 1. TRANSFER OF SURPLUS PERSONAL PROPERTY FOR DONATION 
                   TO PROVIDERS OF NECESSARIES TO IMPOVERISHED 
                   FAMILIES AND INDIVIDUALS.

       Section 203(j)(3)(B) of the Federal Property and 
     Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 484(j)(3)(B)) 
     is amended by inserting after ``homeless individuals'' the 
     following: ``, providers of assistance to families or 
     individuals whose annual incomes are below the poverty line 
     (as that term is defined in section 673 of the Community 
     Services Block Grant Act),''.

     SEC. 2. TRANSFER OF SURPLUS REAL PROPERTY FOR PROVIDING 
                   HOUSING OR HOUSING ASSISTANCE FOR LOW-INCOME 
                   INDIVIDUALS OR FAMILIES.

       (a) In General.--Section 203(k) of the Federal Property and 
     Administrative Services Act of 1949 (40 U.S.C. 484(k)) is 
     amended by adding at the end the following new paragraph:
       ``(6)(A) Under such regulations as the Administrator may 
     prescribe, the Administrator may, in the discretion of the 
     Administrator, assign to the Secretary of Housing and Urban 
     Development for disposal such surplus real property, 
     including buildings, fixtures, and equipment situated 
     thereon, as is recommended by the Secretary as being needed 
     for providing housing or housing assistance for low-income 
     individuals or families.
       ``(B) Subject to the disapproval of the Administrator 
     within 30 days after notice to the Administrator by the 
     Secretary of Housing and Urban Development of a proposed 
     transfer of property for the purpose of providing such 
     housing or housing assistance, the Secretary, through such 
     officers or employees of the Department of Housing and Urban 
     Development as the Secretary may designate, may sell or lease 
     such property for that purpose to any State, any political 
     subdivision or instrumentality of a State, or any nonprofit 
     organization that exists for the primary purpose of providing 
     housing or housing assistance for low-income individuals or 
     families.
       ``(C) The Administrator shall disapprove a proposed 
     transfer of property under this paragraph unless the 
     Administrator determines that the property will be used for 
     low-income housing opportunities through the construction, 
     rehabilitation, or refurbishment of self-help housing, under 
     terms that require that--
       ``(i) any individual or family receiving housing or housing 
     assistance constructed, rehabilitated, or refurbished through 
     use of the property shall contribute a significant amount of 
     labor toward the construction, rehabilitation, or 
     refurbishment; and
       ``(ii) dwellings constructed, rehabilitated, or refurbished 
     through use of the property shall be quality dwellings that 
     comply with local building and safety codes and standards and 
     shall be available at prices below prevailing market prices.
       ``(D)(i) In fixing the sale or lease value of property to 
     be disposed of under this paragraph, the Secretary of Housing 
     and Urban Development shall take into consideration and 
     discount the value with respect to any benefit which has 
     accrued or may accrue to the United States from the use of 
     such property by any such State, political subdivision, 
     instrumentality, or nonprofit organization.
       ``(ii) The amount of the discount under clause (i) shall be 
     75 percent of the market value of the property except that 
     the Secretary may discount by a greater percentage if the 
     Secretary, in consultation with the Administrator, determines 
     that a higher percentage is justified.''.
       (b) Conforming Amendments.--Section 203(k)(4) of such Act 
     (40 U.S.C. 484(k)(4)) is amended--
       (1) in subparagraph (C), by striking ``or'' after the 
     semicolon;
       (2) in subparagraph (D), by striking the period at the end 
     and inserting ``; or''; and
       (3) by inserting after subparagraph (D) the following:
       ``(E) the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development, 
     through such officers or employees of the Department of 
     Housing and Urban Development as the Secretary may designate, 
     in the case of property transferred under paragraph (6),''.

  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to the rule, the gentleman from 
California [Mr. Horn] and the gentlewoman from New York [Mrs. Maloney] 
each will control 20 minutes.
  The Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from California [Mr. Horn].
  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  H.R. 680, originally introduced by the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. 
Hamilton], is a bill for the transfer of surplus personal property for 
donation to providers of necessities to impoverished families and 
individuals. This bill would authorize the transfer of surplus personal 
property to organizations that provide assistance to impoverished 
individuals. Currently Federal agencies declare about $6 billion per 
year in excess Federal personal property. The property is screened by 
other Federal agencies to determine whether the property is needed by 
another Federal user. The remaining property is declared surplus and 
donated to State and local governments, law enforcement agencies, and 
other eligible groups. Agencies then sell the remaining property, 
generally the oldest and most obsolete property, generating very little 
in proceeds, about $8 million annually.
  H.R. 680 would expand the list of entities eligible to receive 
surplus property by authorizing the donation of surplus property to 
charities that provide services to poor families. These groups would be 
eligible for the property on the same basis as State and local 
government agencies. This is especially important because State and 
local governments and charitable organizations are assuming an even 
greater role in social programs as Federal assistance policies are 
implemented. Private charities such as food banks and Habitat for 
Humanity are a major source of support for the poor. The administrator 
of General Services may establish under this legislation restrictions 
on resale as necessary to insure that any property transferred is used 
to promote the public purpose of assisting poor families.
  A volunteer conference known as the President's Summit for America's 
Future is currently being held in Philadelphia. This worthy goal of 
community voluntarism will be assisted by the passage of H.R. 680.
  In addition, H.R. 680 would make available surplus Federal real 
estate to self-help housing groups such as Habitat For Humanity. This 
would promote home ownership by providing a public benefit discount to 
such organizations.
  It is not intended that real property transferred under this act 
shall be used for any purpose other than providing for the 
construction, rehabilitation, or refurbishment of housing for 
occupation by low-income individuals who provided some portion of the 
labor associated with the housing. Congress does not intend to 
authorize the transfer of real property under this section for 
subsequent sale by any self-help housing organization except to the 
owner-occupant. The administrator of General Services shall condition 
the donation of this real property upon several requirements: First, 
that the housing be occupied by the owner-occupant rather than any 
rental tenant of the owner for a period to be established by the 
administrator; and second, that the self-help housing organization

[[Page H1942]]

limit the sale until after such reasonable period of time as the 
administrator considers necessary to promote home ownership while 
protecting the Federal financial interests. Through a contract or 
mortgage, the administrator shall require that the self-help housing 
organization ensure that any sale by the owner-occupant prior to the 
end of a 5-year period causes the property to revert to the self-help 
housing group.

  Additionally, the administrator of the General Services 
Administration may require by contract or mortgage the owner-occupant 
to repay any assistance given by the Federal Government or the self-
help housing organization if the property is sold within a longer 
period of time determined by the administrator. It is expected that the 
administrator would phase out this requirement after a period of 30 
years. Assistance under this authority is deemed to be the difference 
between the estimated fair market value and the amount which the self-
help housing organization paid; that is, the public benefit discount.
  Additionally, Congress expects that the public benefit discount shall 
be 75 percent of the estimated fair market value of the property in 
order to get at least a 25-percent return for the taxpayers who 
initially purchased the property. In setting the amount of the public 
benefit discount, the administrator should determine whether the amount 
of discount would interfere with or substantially defeat the intent of 
this act.
  I look forward to the passage of H.R. 680, and, Mr. Speaker, I now 
yield to the gentlewoman from New York [Mrs. Maloney], the ranking 
Democrat on the Subcommittee on Government, Management, Information, 
and Technology of the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight that 
developed this legislation in consultation with the gentleman from 
Indiana [Mr. Hamilton].
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume, and I rise in support of H.R. 680.
  Mr. Speaker, we all know that one person's junk can be another 
person's jewel. That is why the Federal Government must, like any other 
well run organization, offer those goods, that it can no longer use, to 
people who need them.
  Current law limits the Federal Government's ability to give. It 
allows donations only to homeless people. That is an admirable start. 
H.R. 680, as amended, extends the giving arm of government to people 
who may not have lost their homes but are needy. The change will allow 
food banks and other organizations to better serve those people who, 
according to local standards, are living in poverty.
  In New York City, I am assured that organizations such as City 
Harvest, the Phoenix House, Day Top Village and local branches of the 
Salvation Army, where the real war on poverty is waged, will be better 
off with passage of this amendment.
  In addition, we all know that land is one of America's most precious 
resources. When the Federal Government finds itself with more than it 
needs, it has a moral responsibility to use it to help others.
  H.R. 680, as amended by the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Boehner], would 
also allow the donation of Federal surplus land to nonprofit groups 
such as the Habitat for Humanity, which provides homes for low-income 
families. People will only have to contribute a significant amount of 
good old-fashioned sweat equity instead of dollars to the actual 
building of the home in order to qualify. Of course, all local building 
codes must be met. These provisions preserve the GSA central role in 
the disposal process and have been very carefully crafted to prevent 
abuse.
  My thanks to the gentleman from California [Mr. Horn] for seriously 
considering the concerns of the minority and incorporating them in the 
manager's amendment; the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Hamilton], the 
author of this bill, also deserves all our thanks for his efforts to 
achieve this clearly needed change to help the impoverished; and also 
the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Boehner].
  Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.
  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for her kind comments. 
She has been instrumental in developing most of the legislation that 
comes out of our subcommittee.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman 
from Ohio [Mr. Boehner] who has had a major hand in developing this 
legislation.
  Mr. BOEHNER. Mr. Speaker, I would like to congratulate my colleagues 
who serve on the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight for their 
work in moving this bill, and in particular the gentleman from 
California [Mr. Horn] and the gentlewoman from New York [Mrs. Maloney] 
for the work that they have done in putting this package together, 
particularly the manager's amendment, to help deal with those who are 
in need in our society.
  As we all know, President Clinton is in Philadelphia in an effort to 
promote volunteerism throughout the Nation, and I commend him for doing 
so. I think it is particularly appropriate today that we are 
considering H.R. 680. This legislation removes obstacles to 
volunteerism and literally puts tools in the hands of real people who 
want to make a difference in their own neighborhoods.
  While current law allows Federal agencies to use surplus property to 
help low-income families, it prohibits private volunteer groups such as 
Habitat for Humanity from doing so. I learned about this firsthand in 
my own community when the Voice of America found surplus property in my 
district. The local community, putting together a plan to use that 
property, wanted to include a section for a local Habitat for Humanity 
group and were told clearly by GSA that they could not do so and were 
prevented from doing so by Federal law.
  If our goal is to make it easier for individuals to do for themselves 
what Government cannot, then this simply does not make sense.

                              {time}  1515

  Habitat for Humanity and other volunteer groups like it have proved 
that they often do a better job than Government in helping low income 
families, but in this case Washington has not let them. H.R. 680 will 
finally solve this problem by simply adding private volunteer groups 
like Habitat to the list of community organizations that qualify for 
land that the Federal Government no longer needs. By giving these 
groups access to the land and tools that they need, they will be able 
to make a difference in their communities. I think we take a positive 
first step toward helping ordinary Americans answer the President's 
bipartisan call to community service. I hope that the President and 
others will join us in this important effort.
  Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I 
may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I would just like to add that as we speak, as we are on 
this floor, the President and former presidents are holding a 
bipartisan conference on volunteerism. This legislation is a concrete 
tool that will help not-for-profits and private volunteer organizations 
really participate more in volunteer efforts by enabling them to gain 
surplus property, both land and other surplus property, to meet needs 
for the poor in our country. It is an important piece of legislation. 
It is creative, it does not cost taxpayers one cent, and yet it will 
help many, many people.
  I congratulate my colleagues for working on this, particularly the 
gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Hamilton], the original sponsor, and the 
gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Boehner], for the meaningful amendment which 
he added.
  Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.
  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.
  Mr. Speaker, I think as most would agree from their comments, this is 
a very innovative, progressive piece of legislation, one that is 
bipartisan in nature, which will meet needs all over this country and 
help provide home ownership for a lot of our citizens who are at the 
poverty level in this country and cannot afford access to housing.
  Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the passage of this legislation.
  Mr. DOYLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H.R. 
680, which would

[[Page H1943]]

give more community organizations the ability to draw resources from 
the Federal Surplus Program.
  Families across the Nation donate unwanted but usable items to 
organizations such as Good Will and the Salvation Army who, in turn, 
distribute them to families in need. The Federal Government also 
donates excess personal property, through the Federal Surplus Program. 
Usable items such as office equipment, vehicles, furniture, clothing, 
and other supplies are transferred to the States, who serve as 
collection points and distribute the items to community organizations 
who assist needy families and individuals.
  However, current law limits the Government's donations through this 
initiative by restricting which organizations can receive the property. 
Subsequently, many organizations that could benefit from this program 
cannot participate. While the organizations currently taking advantage 
of this program are deserving of this benefit, so are many other 
entities that work to improve the safety and well-being of poor 
families in our communities. I would like to reiterate that this 
legislation does not give any organization or category of organizations 
priority to the donated items. It simply gives additional organizations 
the opportunity to participate in the Federal Surplus Program.
  Throughout Allegheny County in my home State of Pennsylvania, there 
are organizations dedicated to helping those who are less fortunate, 
but they do not fit into categories currently eligible to participate 
in the Federal Surplus Program. For example, the Twin Rivers and 
Pittsburgh affiliates of Habitat for Humanity build affordable housing 
for families with low incomes. Constitution equipment has been 
available through the Federal Surplus Program in the past, which could 
go a long way in helping these groups serve more families. However, 
under current law, Habitat affiliates are not eligible to receive such 
items. Additionally, food banks, such as the Hunger Services Network, 
the Lutheran Service Society, and the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food 
Bank, which provide vital nutritional support to so many families and 
individuals, would become eligible for the program if this legislation 
were passed.
  Many organizations, in addition to those I have mentioned today, 
would be helped by the passage of this important measure. For all of 
these organizations, and the individuals and families they serve, it is 
my hope that the 105th Congress can approve this legislation, and it is 
enacted into law.
  Mr. HAMILTON. Mr. Speaker and Members of the House. I rise today to 
express my strong support for H.R. 680, a bill I introduced that would 
amend the Federal Property Act to make Federal surplus personal 
property available for donation to nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations 
that serve the poor.
  I would like to take this opportunity, first, to thank Congressman 
Stephen Horn, chairman of the Subcommittee on Government Management; 
Congresswoman Carolyn Maloney, ranking Democrat on the subcommittee; 
Congressman Dan Burton, chairman of the Government Reform and Oversight 
Committee; and Congressman Henry Waxman, ranking Democrat on the full 
committee. I appreciate their support for and prompt consideration of 
H.R. 680 this year.
  I also would like to thank Congressman John Boehner for his 
leadership on this measure. His amendment relating to surplus real 
property has improved the bill, and I appreciate his involvement.
  I introduced this bill in previous Congresses and again this year to 
fill a significant gap in the donation program for Federal surplus 
property. The House approved an identical measure in the 103d Congress, 
and I am pleased the House is considering the measure again today.
  In 1976 Congress authorized the General Services Administration [GSA] 
to transfer surplus personal property to States so that it could be 
donated for public purposes. States established surplus property 
agencies to serve as central collection and distribution points for 
eligible recipients, including public entities and certain nonprofit, 
tax-exempt organizations, such as schools, hospitals, and groups whose 
sole mission is providing services to the homeless.
  This program has been successful in States throughout the country. 
Personal property made available through the program has included 
tools, office machines and supplies, furniture, appliances, medical 
supplies, clothing, construction equipment, communications equipment, 
and vehicles.
  There is, however, a major gap in the existing program. Under current 
law, surplus property cannot be made available for donation to many 
nonprofit organizations that serve the poor. Habitat for Humanity and 
good banks, for example, do provide services to the homeless, but this 
is not their exclusive mission. They also provide services to needy 
individuals who are not homeless, and, consequently, are ineligible for 
the donation program.
  Making Federal surplus property available to these organizations 
would greatly assist them in aiding the poor. It would help the food 
banks that provide food to shelters, soup kitchens, and food pantries, 
as well as groups that recycle building materials for use in the repair 
and construction of homes for low-income families.
  H.R. 680 would amend current law to make these organizations eligible 
for the Federal Surplus Program. The proposed change in law would not 
give these organizations preference, but just make them one of many 
eligible nonprofit entities.
  H.R. 680 is not controversial. The House approved an identical bill--
H.R. 2461--in the 103d Congress with bipartisan support. The CBO 
concluded at the time that the bill would result in no cost to the 
Federal Government or State and local governments. GSA supports this 
proposal. Senator Lugar has introduced an identical bill in the other 
body this year.
  Federal, State, and local governments have been looking to nonprofits 
to assume more responsibility for providing needed services to the 
poor, particularly in an era of budget constraints. H.R. 680 will help 
nonprofits provide those services more effectively by granting them 
access to donated Federal surplus property.
  I strongly support H.R. 680, and urge my colleagues to approve the 
measure.
  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I 
yield back the balance of my time.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore Mr. Snowbarger. The question is on the motion 
offered by the gentleman from California [Mr. Horn] that the House 
suspend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 680, as amended.
  The question was taken.
  Mr. HORN. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.
  The yeas and nays were ordered.
  The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursuant to clause 5 of rule I and the 
Chair's prior announcement, further proceedings on this motion will be 
postponed.

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