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April 5, 2001 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E541 EXTENSIONS OF REMARKS BACK TO HEALTH MONTH treatment of bonds and other obligations TRIBUTE TO TOM KRIEGISH issued by the American Samoa Government. HON. SUE W. KELLY Under current federal law, the territories of OF NEW YORK the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana HON. JAMES A. BARCIA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Islands, Guam, the Commonwealth of Puerto OF MICHIGAN Wednesday, April 4, 2001 Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands, have the au- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mrs. KELLY. Mr. Speaker, this past Sunday thority to issue municipal bonds to foster a was the first day of ‘‘Back to Health Month,’’ broad range of economic activity. These Wednesday, April 4, 2001 a national campaign created to increase bonds are exempt from income taxation by the Mr. BARCIA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to awareness of back pain as well as possible federal government, state governments, terri- causes and prevention. Sponsored by the torial governments, municipal governments, pay tribute to Tom Kriegish upon the occasion North American Spine Society, this month is and the government of the District of Colum- of his retirement as Chief of the Electrical Divi- designed to educate Americans about their bia. This is known as triple tax exemption. In sion of the state of Michigan’s Bureau of Con- spine and how they can prevent common back American Samoa, on the other hand, only in- struction Codes. Tom has spent 35 years to injuries. dustrial development bonds receive triple tax working in the electrical industry and for the The facts of back pain speak for them- exempt status. The income from all other past 15 years he has used his vast array of selves. Did you know that at some point in bonds is subject to taxation by federal, state knowledge and training to ensure public con- their lives, more than 80 percent of American and municipal governments. fidence in the safety of buildings and struc- adults will experience back pain? Or, that 1 The legislation I am introducing today will tures throughout the state. out of 14 adults will visit a physician this year give to American Samoa the same authority Such work is critical to the well-being of citi- already held by all other states and territories. due to back or neck pain, and that back pain zens all over Michigan and Tom has always is the second most common reason people The legislation deletes the current reference approached his job with extraordinary dedica- visit a physician? These statistics demonstrate to Section 103 of the Internal Revenue Code tion and energy. Tom’s work ethic and positive how important it is to raise awareness about which excludes interest on qualifying bonds attitude in dealing with management, co-work- this health problem that affects too many from income, as that cross reference is not ers and customers have served as a shining Americans. necessary. It is the intent of the legislation, example for others to follow. Tom has proved One famous American who suffers from however, that interest on qualifying bonds back pain is 1993 Major League Baseball Hall in his years of service that it is possible to ex- issued by the Government of American hibit character and professionalism in a job, of Fame inductee, Reggie Jackson. Jackson Samoa or any of its agencies be exempt from was a two-time World Series MVP and Major while simultaneously earning the friendship of taxation. As with other jurisdictions, the bonds those with whom and for whom you work. League Player of the Year in 1973. During his would not be exempt from federal, state or legendary career, Jackson was named to the local gift, estate, inheritance, legacy, succes- Tom’s successful efforts in ensuring the Major League All-Star team fourteen times. sion or other wealth transfer taxes which may electrical safety of Michigan homes and build- However, last July, like so many other Ameri- at any time be in effect. ings often took him on the road. His time away cans, following a spine injury, Jackson under- The legislation uses new language in de- from home certainly was a sacrifice for his went emergency spine surgery and has been wife, Vicki, and three daughters, Leslie, Sandy undergoing spine rehabilitation ever since. scribing the bonds to reflect changes made to the Internal Revenue Code in 1986. and Jill. Michigan residents owe a debt of Another highlight of ‘‘Back to Health Month’’ gratitude both to Tom and his family for an un- is an event to distribute information about Finally, this bill repeals current law on this failing devotion to duty. back pain. ‘‘Back to Health Day’’ on Capitol subject—Section 202 of Public Law 98–454 Hill will be held on April 24th, in the Rayburn (48 U.S.C. Sec. 1670). Any bonds issued after As an electrical inspector, Tom became a Gold Room. ‘‘Back to Health Day’’ will provide enactment of the new provision would be sub- legend for his ability to quickly react to a prob- an array of educational materials, including ject to the new law; any bonds issued before lem and solve it satisfactorily. His responsive- guidelines to a healthy back, exercises to that date would remain valid and be subject to ness came in handy during his frequent trav- strengthen your back, and how to prevent the current Section 1670 of Title 48. els in northern Michigan. Once, Tom, who was back pain. In addition, representatives from known to miss a curve or two on slippery win- the North American Spine Society will be on f ter roads, found his vehicle heading straight hand to discuss commonly asked questions for a dump truck hauling a backhoe. Showing about back pain, causes and prevention. I en- PERSONAL EXPLANATION his acumen for swift reaction, Tom regained courage my colleagues to join us for ‘‘Back to enough control of his vehicle to bury it in a Health Day’’ as we learn the most effective snowbank. Always faithful to the mission at ways to prevent and alleviate back pain. HON. CAROLYN B. MALONEY hand, Tom had plenty of time to reflect on I commend the North American Spine Soci- OF NEW YORK electrical inspections protocol while waiting for ety for organizing ‘‘Back to Health Month’’ and a wrecker to arrive. for their commitment to ensuring that Ameri- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES cans learn to keep their backs healthy. On a more serious note, Tom has always Wednesday, April 4, 2001 displayed a willingness to give back to the in- f Mrs. MALONEY of New York. Mr. Speaker, dustry to which he dedicated his life. His ac- TAX TREATMENT OF BONDS AND on April 3, 2001, I was unavoidably detained tive role in the Michigan Chapter of the Inter- OTHER OBLIGATIONS ISSUED BY and missed Rollcall votes numbered 76 and national Association of Electrical Inspectors, THE AMERICAN SAMOA GOVERN- 77. Rollcall vote 76 was on the motion to sus- including terms as President and Executive MENT pend the rules and pass H.R. 768, the Need- Board Chairman, have contributed greatly to Based Educational Aid Act. Rollcall vote 77 the industry and to the general public by de- HON. ENI F.H. FALEOMAVAEGA was on motion to suspend the rules and agree veloping professionalism and expertise among OF AMERICAN SAMOA to H. Res. 91, expressing the sense of the his peers. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES House of Representatives regarding the I ask my colleagues to join me in extending Wednesday, April 4, 2001 human rights situation in Cuba. our deep appreciation to Tom and his family Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I rise Had I been present I would have voted for outstanding service and in wishing them today to introduce legislation to clarify the tax ‘‘yea’’ on both H.R. 768 and H. Res. 91. well in all future endeavors. ∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor. VerDate 11<MAY>2000 01:36 Apr 06, 2001 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A05AP8.000 pfrm08 PsN: E05PT1 E542 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 5, 2001 RECOGNIZING DR. STARZL, A with distinction and dedication for three years further. Last year the Department of Energy PIONEER IN ORGAN TRANSPLANTS for the Secretary of the Navy and Chief of introduced new regulations on washing ma- Naval Operations under the Assistant Sec- chines, air conditioners, and heating pumps. HON. PHIL ENGLISH retary of the Navy (FM&C) as the Deputy Di- The federal government has become too intru- OF PENNSYLVANIA rector in the Appropriations Matters Office. sive; regulating people’s private lives. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES It is a privilege for me to recognize his many The Plumbing Standards Improvement Act outstanding achievements and commend him of 2001 does not implement any new restric- Wednesday, April 4, 2001 for the superb service he has provided to the tions or standards. It simply allows each indi- Mr. ENGLISH. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Department of the Navy, the Congress, and vidual consumer to make choices that best fits recognize the accomplishments of a great our great Nation as a whole. their needs. Washington has no business dic- man, one who is truly a living legend. Trans- During his tenure in the Appropriations Mat- tating to American consumers on the size of plant pioneer Thomas E.