1970 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 February 12, 2008 Lance Corporal Jose S. Marin-Dominguez The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bodied in the Declaration of Independence Jr. from Liberal died on May 14, 2006. question is on the motion offered by . . . I have often inquired of myself, what Staff Sergeant Henry W. Linck from Man- the gentleman from North Carolina great principle or idea it was that kept this hattan died on December 7, 2006. Confederacy so long together. It was not the (Mr. BUTTERFIELD) that the House sus- Lance Corporal Christopher B. Wasser from mere matter of separation of the Colonies Ottawa died on April 8, 2004. pend the rules and pass the bill, H.R. from the motherland; but that sentiment in Staff Sergeant Kevin L. Zeigler from Over- 5135. the Declaration of Independence which gave land Park died on August 12, 2006. The question was taken; and (two- liberty, not alone to the people of this coun- Private 1st Class Peter D. Wagler from thirds being in the affirmative) the try, but, I hope, to the world, for all future Partridge died on January 23, 2006. rules were suspended and the bill was time. It was that which gave promise that in Specialist Joseph L. Lister from passed. due time the weight would be lofted from the Pleasanton died on November 20, 2003. shoulders of men’’; Sergeant Ian C. Anderson from Prairie Vil- A motion to reconsider was laid on the table. Whereas, upon taking office and being lage died on January 15, 2007. thrust into the throes of the Civil War, Corporal Michael Raymond Speer from f President Abraham wrote the Eman- Redfield died on April 9, 2004. CELEBRATING THE BIRTH OF cipation Proclamation, freeing all slaves in Private Dustin L. Kreider from Riverton southern States that seceded from the Union died on March 21, 2004. on January 1, 1863; Specialist Lucas A. Frantz from Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I Whereas, on November 19, 1863, Abraham Tonganoxie died on October 18, 2005. move to suspend the rules and agree to Lincoln dedicated the battlefield at Gettys- Private Jeremy L. Drexler from Topeka burg, Pennsylvania with the Gettysburg ad- died on May 2, 2004. the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 281) celebrating the birth of Abraham dress, which would later be known as his Specialist Kyle G. Thomas from Topeka greatest speech, that harkened back to the died on September 25, 2003. Lincoln and recognizing the promi- promises of the Declaration of Independence Specialist Don Allen Clary from Troy died nence the Declaration of Independence in the first sentence: ‘‘Four score and seven on November 8, 2004. played in the development of Abraham years ago, our fathers brought forth, on this Sergeant Jacob Lee Butler from Wellsville Lincoln’s beliefs. continent, a new nation, conceived in Lib- died on April 1, 2003. erty, and dedicated to the proposition that Specialist Michael D. Brown from Wil- The Clerk read the title of the con- all men are created equal’’; liamsburg died on October 16, 2007. current resolution. Sergeant Benjamin C. Morton from Wright The text of the concurrent resolution Whereas Abraham Lincoln was reelected to died on May 22, 2005. is as follows: the Presidency on November 8, 1864, by 55 percent of the popular vote; Staff Sergeant Justin J. Galewski from H. CON. RES. 281 Olathe died on April 15, 2002. Whereas Abraham Lincoln gave the ulti- Sergeant Michael C. Barry from Overland Whereas Abraham Lincoln, the 16th Presi- mate sacrifice for his country, dying six Park died on February 1, 2003. dent of the United States, was born of hum- weeks into his second term on April 15, 1865; Specialist David E. Hall from Union Town ble roots on February 12, 1809, in Hardin Whereas the year 2009 will be the Bicenten- died on February 25, 2004. County, Kentucky; nial anniversary of the birth of Abraham Corporal Jeremiah S. Cole from Hiawatha Whereas Abraham Lincoln rose to political Lincoln, and the United States will observe 2 died on August 16, 2006. prominence as an attorney with a reputation years of commemorations beginning Feb- Sergeant 1st Class Bernard Lee Deghand for fairness, honesty, and a belief that all ruary 12, 2008; and from Mayetta died on September 15, 2006. men are created equal and that they are en- Whereas all Americans could benefit from Sergeant Charles J. McClain from Fort dowed by their Creator with certain studying the life of Abraham Lincoln as a Riley died on October 31, 2006. unalienable rights; model of achieving the American Dream Sergeant Jeffery S. Mersman from Parker Whereas Abraham Lincoln was elected and through honest, integrity, loyalty, and a died on November 9, 2007. served with distinction in 1832 as a captain of lifetime of education: Now, therefore, be it Sergeant Jerry W. Mills, Jr., from Arkan- an Illinois militia company during the Black Resolved by the House of Representatives (the sas City died on November 29, 2005. Hawk War; Senate concurring), That the United States Sergeant Evan S. Parker from Arkansas Whereas Abraham Lincoln was elected to Congress— City died on October 26, 2005. the Illinois legislature in 1834 from San- (1) requests that the President issue a Sergeant Alexander J. Funcheon from Bel gamon County and was successively re- proclamation each year recognizing the an- Aire died on April 29, 2007. elected until 1840; niversary of the birth of President Abraham Private 1st Class Ryan R. Cox from Derby Whereas Abraham Lincoln revered the Dec- Lincoln and calling upon the people of the died on June 15, 2003. laration of Independence, forming the moti- United States to observe such anniversary Specialist Joseph F. Herndon II from vating moral and natural law principle for with appropriate ceremonies and activities; Derby died on July 29, 2004. his opposition to the spread of slavery to and Specialist Dustin K. McGaugh from Derby new States entering the Union and to his be- (2) encourages State and local governments died on September 30, 2003. lief in slavery’s ultimate demise; and local educational agencies to devote suf- Sergeant Willsun Mock from Harper died Whereas Abraham Lincoln was elected in ficient time to study and appreciate the rev- on October 22, 2006. 1846 to serve in the United States House of erence and respect Abraham Lincoln had for Specialist Eric C. Palmer from Maize died Representatives, ably representing central the significance and importance of the Dec- on June 24, 2007. Illinois; laration of Independence in the development Staff Sergeant David R. Berry from Wich- Whereas Abraham Lincoln re-entered po- of American history, jurisprudence, and the ita died on February 22, 2007. litical life as a reaction to the passage of the spread of freedom around the world. Private 1st Class Chad E. Marsh from Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1854 which he op- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Wichita died on February 17, 2007. posed; ant to the rule, the gentleman from 1st Sergeant Timmy J. Millsap from Wich- Whereas Abraham Lincoln expounded on North Carolina (Mr. BUTTERFIELD) and ita died on April 25, 2005. his views of natural rights during the series the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. of Lincoln-Douglas debates in 1858 declaring Mr. Speaker, by naming this post of- SHAYS) each will control 20 minutes. fice building the Jamie O. Maugans in Charleston, Illinois that natural rights were ‘‘. . . enumerated in the Declaration of The Chair recognizes the gentleman Post Office, I hope that everyone in Independence, the right to life, liberty and from North Carolina. south central Kansas will come to the pursuit of happiness’’ and these views GENERAL LEAVE know and remember this young man brought Lincoln into national prominence; Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I and his sacrifice. Furthermore, I hope Whereas Abraham Lincoln, through a leg- ask unanimous consent that all Mem- that we can all recommit ourselves to acy of courage, character, and patriotism, bers may have 5 legislative days in honor those who have fallen in battle was elected to office as the 16th President of which to revise and extend their re- the United States on November 6, 1860; in defense of this Nation. I ask my col- marks. leagues to support this important ef- Whereas Abraham Lincoln believed the Declaration of Independence to be the anchor The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there fort. of American republicanism, stating on Feb- objection to the request of the gen- Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I yield ruary 22, 1861, during an address in Philadel- tleman from North Carolina? back the balance of my time. phia, Pennsylvania at Independence Hall There was no objection. Mr. BUTTERFIELD. I yield back the that, ‘‘I have never had a feeling politically Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I balance of my time. that did not spring from the sentiments em- join my colleagues in consideration of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:41 Sep 29, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR08\H12FE8.000 H12FE8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD February 12, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 1971 H. Con. Res. 281, which celebrates the Abraham Lincoln developed a political national memory as the man who ful- birth of Abraham Lincoln and recog- animus fueled by an unshakeable belief filled the promises of liberty and equal- nizes the prominence the Declaration in the natural rights espoused by the ity and humanity first put forth in our of Independence played in the develop- Founding Fathers four score and 87 founding Declaration. ment of Lincoln’s beliefs. years before he dedicated that sacred Mr. Speaker, the originator of this H. Con. Res. 281 enjoys the support ground at Gettysburg. Those natural resolution, DON MANZULLO, is on a and cosponsorship of 54 Members of rights were most clearly enumerated plane, so obviously we can’t yield him Congress and was introduced by Rep- by the Declaration of Independence as time. But I do want to point out that resentative DONALD MANZULLO of Illi- life, liberty, and the pursuit of happi- he offered this resolution and he has a nois on January 23, 2008. A similar ness. statement which will be inserted into measure, Mr. Speaker, S. Con. Res. 65, Addressing Independence Hall in the RECORD. has been sponsored by our friend, Sen- Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, in 1861, I would just like to say that on the ator RICHARD DURBIN. President Lincoln credited the wisdom 150th anniversary of Lincoln’s birth, As we honor Abraham Lincoln, it is of the Fathers with absolute clarity. ‘‘I Carl Sandberg, addressed Congress in important to note that the United have never had a feeling politically this Chamber after it had officially ad- States Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial that did not spring from the senti- journed. I highly recommend his ad- Commission was established by this ments embodied in the Declaration of dress to anyone who loves this great Congress in 2000 to plan the national Independence,’’ so he spoke. American President. observance of the 200th anniversary of President Lincoln’s service to his Mr. Sanderg pointed out that Lincoln Abraham Lincoln’s birth in 2009. country began in 1832 when he served went to Gettysburg believing he would The mission of the commission is to with distinction and was elected to the lose the next election, and in spite of commemorate the 200th birthday of rank of captain of an Illinois militia that, instead of doing what political Abraham Lincoln, emphasizing the company in the Black Hawk War. That consultants would urge someone to do contribution of his thoughts and his military service preceded his entry today, speak angrily about the South ideals to America and to the world and into politics when he was elected to the who couldn’t vote for him, to unite the serving as a catalyst for strengthening State legislature in 1834, where he North to support him, Sandberg point- freedom, democracy, and equal oppor- served the citizens of Sangamon Coun- ed out Lincoln spoke of the ‘‘brave men tunity for all. ty until 1840. living and dead who fought here.’’ He The commission, which is co-chaired In 1846, President Lincoln moved on didn’t speak of North or South. This by Senator RICHARD DURBIN and Rep- to serve in the U.S. House of Rep- magnificent President was trying to resentative RAY LAHOOD, is focused on resentatives, serving one term before heal the Nation. That came first. And informing the public about the impact he decided not to seek reelection and as Carl Sandberg points out, this was Abraham Lincoln had on the develop- return to private practice as a lawyer. at a time when American families had ment of our Nation and finding the Spurred by the turmoil that gripped their sons fighting on both sides, and best possible ways to honor his accom- the Nation after the passage of the in one particular instance in one bat- plishments. Kansas-Nebraska Act of 1854, Lincoln tle, a family lost both sons, one in Con- The commission states: ‘‘During the decided to reenter the public arena, federate gray and the other in northern gravest crisis in American history, lending his clarion voice to the cause blue. And they buried them on top of Lincoln preserved the Union, led the ef- of liberty. each other, with these words ‘‘Only fort to eradicate slavery, and articu- God knows which one was right.’’ b 1645 lated the best aspirations of American We can never study enough about democracy. We propose recalling these While speaking on the repeal of the this great President. The lessons he accomplishments in ways that will en- Missouri Compromise in Peoria, Illi- teaches us are lessons that we all could lighten and inspire us both today and nois, in July, 1854, then former Con- benefit from, still today, and in the fu- tomorrow. Remembering our past, we gressman Lincoln declared, ‘‘No man is ture. can better light the way to our future.’’ good enough to govern another man Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance For the next 2 years, there are nu- without the other’s consent.’’ of my time. merous events scheduled to commemo- In August 1858, Lincoln wrote, ‘‘As I Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I rate Abraham Lincoln. They include a would not be a slave, so I would not be want to thank the gentleman for his rededication of the a master. This expresses my idea of de- passion and for his comments on the here in Washington, DC, in 2009, citi- mocracy.’’ life and work of Abraham Lincoln. zenship ceremonies at Lincoln sites In his letter to Massachusetts Rep- Mr. CONYERS. Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. throughout that year, a redesigned 2009 resentative Henry L. Pierce in 1859, 281 celebrates the birth of Abraham Lincoln penny series and $5 bill series, a 2009 bi- Lincoln wrote, ‘‘Those who deny free- and recognizes the prominence the Declara- centennial commemorative dollar coin dom to others deserve it not for them- tion of Independence played in the develop- and commemorative stamps. selves.’’ ment of his beliefs. Mr. Speaker, I urge the swift passage In 1860, Abraham Lincoln took his I am honored and pleased to stand with my of this bill. political and moral philosophy to the friends in the Illinois delegation as we honor Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of White House in the midst of a national our 16th President on his 199th birthday and my time. crisis that would lead the Nation to kick off the nationwide bicentennial celebration Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I rise civil war. Abraham Lincoln’s singular of his birth. today to honor the life of our 16th vision that the Union must be pre- Abraham Lincoln has achieved universal President, Abraham Lincoln, on the served guided this Nation through its recognition as one of the greatest Presidents 199th anniversary of his birth in Hardin darkest days. in American history. Today we recognize the Country, Kentucky. Reelected with a clear majority in life and legacy of the man who had the moral In the history of this great Nation, 1864, Lincoln saw the forces of liberty courage and political acumen to end the the Presidency of Abraham Lincoln can prevail as the war ended with the abominable practice of slavery in America and be counted among the best of the best. Union intact and slavery abolished. On to save an imperiled Union from secession President Lincoln saved the Union not April 15, 1865, a mere 6 weeks into his and civil war. only from its dissolution through the second term, President Lincoln was We also emphasize the prominent role the Civil War, but from its own immoral struck down by an assassin’s bullet. Declaration of Independence played in Presi- practice of slavery. Two hundred years after he was born dent Lincoln’s political philosophy. President From his earlier years in Kentucky and 143 years after he sacrificed his life Lincoln often cited the Declaration of Inde- and Illinois to his time in the State for his country, Abraham Lincoln is pendence as a basis for his opposition to slav- legislature and his term in this House, bound up in the mystic chords of our ery and as his inspiration for saving the Union.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:41 Sep 29, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\H12FE8.000 H12FE8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD 1972 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 February 12, 2008 On his inaugural journey to Washington, Presi- later when he said, ‘‘All that I am or hope to be a key factor in his loss in the 1860 Presi- dent Lincoln stopped in Philadelphia at the site be, I owe to my angel mother.’’ dential election. where the Declaration of Independence had In 1830, , then re-married, Lincoln’s performance in the debates won been signed and declared, ‘‘I have never had decided to move the family to another new him national prominence and a reputation for a feeling politically that did not spring from the frontier—this time to the tiny village of Deca- courage, character, and patriotism. These fac- sentiments embodied in the Declaration of tur, Illinois, located in Macon County. Hard tors played heavily into his election to office as Independence.’’ In the , he working and intellectually inquisitive, Abraham the 16th President of the United States on No- defined the end of the war as a rededication Lincoln’s first foray into public service came in vember 6, 1860. to the ideals of that founding document. 1832 when he was elected and served as a Upon taking office, Lincoln was thrust into H. Con. Res. 281 calls upon the President captain of an Illinois militia company during the throes of the Civil War. Leading a parti- to issue an annual proclamation recognizing the Black Hawk War. Following his military tioned Union, Lincoln relied heavily on his po- the anniversary of the birth of our 16th Presi- service, Lincoln was elected to the Illinois leg- litical ideals born of the Declaration of Inde- dent. It recognizes the activities of the Abra- islature in 1834 from Sangamon County and pendence. On January 1, 1863, Lincoln issued ham Lincoln Bicentennial Commission, which was successively reelected until 1840. In what would become the most iconic document initiates two years of commemorations begin- 1846, Abraham Lincoln was elected to serve of his Presidency—the Emancipation Procla- ning on February 12, 2008. It also encourages in this great House, where he ably rep- mation, freeing all the slaves in southern local governments and schools to spend suffi- resented central Illinois in the seat now held States that seceded from the Union. His com- cient time studying President Lincoln and his by my good friend and colleague, Representa- mitment to the promises of the Declaration of devotion to the Declaration of Independence. I tive RAY LAHOOD. Independence were further evidenced in the urge my colleagues to give their enthusiastic Lincoln grew to prominence as an attorney opening lines of his greatest speech at Gettys- support to this important legislation. and a legislator with a reputation for fairness, burg: ‘‘Four score and seven years ago, our Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, it is with a honesty, and a belief that all men are created fathers brought forth, on this continent, a new great honor and a sense of humility as the equal, endowed by their Creator with certain nation, conceived in Liberty, and dedicated to senior Republican from the Land of Lincoln unalienable rights. He founded these beliefs in the proposition that all men are created that I offer this resolution to celebrate the the ideals of the Declaration of Independ- equal.’’ birthday of our Nation’s 16th President. I want ence—a document which, as President, he On November 8, 1864, Abraham Lincoln to first offer my deep thanks and gratitude to would cite frequently as his inspiration for sav- was reelected to the Presidency by 55 percent the chairman and ranking minority member of ing the Union and as the basis for his opposi- of the popular vote. He continued to act as a the Oversight and Government Reform Com- tion to slavery. During a speech at Independ- courageous and principled leader until he was mittee, Mr. WAXMAN of California and Mr. ence Hall in 1861, Lincoln stated, ‘‘I have assassinated by on April DAVIS of Virginia, respectively, for allowing this never had a feeling politically that did not 14, 1865. Abraham Lincoln died on April 15, resolution to come up on the floor to coincide spring from the sentiments embodied in the 1865. with President Lincoln’s birthday. I recognize Declaration of Independence . . . [it is these that this was an unusual procedure and that sentiments] which gave liberty, not alone to Abraham Lincoln’s profound and coura- normal committee protocol was waived to ex- the people of this country, but, I hope, to the geous belief in the equality of men and the sa- pedite consideration of this resolution to time world, for all future time.’’ Lincoln’s belief in credness of the American Union propelled him with Lincoln’s birthday today. I also want to the principles espoused by the Declaration forward as one of the greatest Presidents our offer my profound appreciation to my good formed the motivating moral and natural law Nation has known. Last Sunday, at a White friend and fellow Illinoisan, Representative principle for his opposition to the spread of House ceremony honoring Abraham Lincoln, President George W. Bush said, ‘‘he, of all the DANNY DAVIS of Chicago, who made all of this slavery and his belief in slavery’s ultimate de- possible to happen today. mise. successors to George Washington, none had Abraham Lincoln was born 199 years ago Lincoln found his belief in the equality of greater impact on the presidency and on the today to Thomas Lincoln and Nancy Hanks at men to be directly at odds with the passage of country . . . He was a fabulous man, a great Knob Creek Farm near Hodgenville, Kentucky, the Kansas-Nebraska Act in 1856. This legis- President. His life was one of humble begin- in Hardin County. Today starts a series of lation promulgated the concept of ‘‘popular nings, and steadfast convictions. And so we celebrations over the next 2 years to com- sovereignty’’—the idea that State citizens celebrate his deeds, we lift up his ideals, and memorate the life of Abraham Lincoln based should be able to determine the presence of we honor this good man.’’ on the Abraham Lincoln Bicentennial Commis- slavery in their State by popular referendum. Lincoln is a hero to so many of us here in sion Act, which was signed into law by Presi- Lincoln’s strong feelings against the passage this House on both sides of the aisle, as he dent Bill Clinton in 2000. These commemora- of the Kansas-Nebraska Act propelled Lincoln is to me. The prominence of President Abra- tions include a special kick-off ceremony at to return to politics, and he began a bid for the ham Lincoln is an undisputed fact of American Lincoln’s boyhood home, the redesign of the U.S. Senate. history. The man best known for freeing the Lincoln penny, a special bicentennial postage During his campaign for the Senate, Lincoln slaves and saving an imperiled Union has at- stamp, a rededication of the Lincoln Memorial, engaged in a series of seven debates with his tained iconic status among historians and citi- and a special joint session or meeting of Con- opponent, Stephen Douglas. Now known as zens alike as evidenced by best selling books gress for ceremonies and activities related to the Lincoln-Douglas debates, Lincoln’s elo- such as by Doris Kearns Abraham Lincoln. I am absolutely delighted quence and studied opposition to the spread Goodwin that documented the political genius that the House will join in this kick-off celebra- of slavery brought him into national promi- of Lincoln in winning the Presidency and gov- tion in Kentucky, albeit delayed because of an nence. erning the Nation. ice storm, with the debate over this resolution. The second of these debates was held in And yet, this man of great genius, compas- This resolution will continue honoring Lincoln’s Freeport, Illinois, a city in the district that I am sion and acumen lacks official Federal rec- legacy beyond the next 2 years by requesting privileged to represent, and was the origin of ognition for the day of his birth, February 12, the President to issue a proclamation every what is now known as the ‘‘Freeport Doctrine.’’ because what is popularly known as Presi- year in his honor as he does for many other Cornered by Lincoln into choosing between dent’s Day is legally Washington’s Birthday. great figures of American history. the notion of popular sovereignty or the prohi- While I do not wish to diminish the contribu- In the fall of 1816, Thomas and Nancy Lin- bition against outlawing slavery put forth by tions George Washington made to the estab- coln packed their belongings and their two the infamous Dred Scott Supreme Court deci- lishment of this great country, this resolution children—Sarah, 9, and Abraham, 7—and left sion, Stephen Douglas responded that slavery will finally give Lincoln his due without the cost Kentucky bound for the new frontier of Spen- could be prevented from any territory by the of a separate Federal holiday by simply re- cer County in southern Indiana. Abraham Lin- refusal of the people living in that territory to questing the President each year to issue a coln lived in Indiana for the next 14 years until pass laws favorable to slavery. Likewise, if the proclamation honoring this great man and en- he was 21 years old. However, in October people of the territory supported slavery, legis- couraging the people of the United States to 1818, when Abraham was 9 years old, his lation would provide for its continued exist- observe his birthday with appropriate cere- mother, Nancy Hanks Lincoln, died. His feel- ence. While this doctrine would see Douglas monies and activities. The resolution also en- ings for her were still strong some 40 years reelected to the Senate over Lincoln, it would courages State and local governments and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 12:41 Sep 29, 2010 Jkt 069102 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 9920 E:\BR08\H12FE8.000 H12FE8 erowe on DSK5CLS3C1PROD with BOUND RECORD February 12, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE, Vol. 154, Pt. 2 1973 local educational agencies to study and appre- proven its strength and resilience, Job Korea. These agreements will benefit ciate the reverence and respect Abraham Lin- creation grew uninterrupted for a our economy by providing greater ac- coln had for the Declaration of Independence record period of time, inflation re- cess for our exports and supporting in the development of American history, juris- mains moderate, unemployment is low, good jobs for American workers, and prudence, and the spread of freedom around and productivity continues to grow. they will promote America’s strategic the world. The economy is built upon a strong interests. I have asked the Congress to Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join foundation, with deep and sophisti- reauthorize and reform trade adjust- me in honoring Abraham Lincoln today and in cated capital markets, flexible labor ment assistance so that we can help recognizing the profound influence the Dec- markets, low taxes, and open trade and those workers who are displaced by laration of Independence had upon Lincoln’s investment policies. trade to learn new skills and find new political philosophy as a model for us to emu- Americans should be confident about jobs. late. the long-term strength of our economy, Fourth, we must make health care Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, I but our economy is undergoing a period more affordable and accessible for all yield back the balance of my time. of uncertainty, and there are height- Americans. I have proposed changes in The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ened risks to our near-term economic the tax code that would end the bias question is on the motion offered by growth. To insure against these risks, I against those who do not receive the gentleman from North Carolina called upon the Congress to enact a health insurance through their em- ployer and would make it easier for (Mr. BUTTERFIELD) that the House sus- growth package that is simple, tem- pend the rules and agree to the concur- porary, and effective in keeping our many uninsured Americans to obtain rent resolution, H. Con. Res. 281. economy growing and our people work- insurance. This reform would put pri- The question was taken. ing. vate health care coverage within reach The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the There is more we should do to for millions. My Budget also improves opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being strengthen our economy. First, we access to health care by increasing the in the affirmative, the ayes have it. must keep taxes low. Unless the Con- power of small employers, civic groups, Mr. BUTTERFIELD. Mr. Speaker, on gress acts, most of the tax relief that and community organizations to nego- that I demand the yeas and nays. we have delivered over the past 7 years tiate lower-priced health premiums. The yeas and nays were ordered. will be taken away and 116 million These policies would encourage com- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- American taxpayers will see their petition among health plans across ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the taxes rise by an average of $1,800. The State lines, help reduce frivolous law- Chair’s prior announcement, further tax relief of the past few years has been suits that increase patients’ costs, and proceedings on this motion will be a key factor in promoting economic promote the use of health savings ac- postponed. growth and job creation and it should counts. Fifth, we must increase our energy be made permanent. We must also f security and confront climate change. work together to tackle unfunded obli- COMMUNICATION FROM THE Last year, I proposed an ambitious gations in entitlement programs such CLERK OF THE HOUSE plan to reduce U.S. dependence on oil as Social Security, Medicare, and Med- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- and help cut the growth of greenhouse icaid, I have laid out a detailed plan in gas emissions. I am pleased that the fore the House the following commu- my Budget to restrain spending, cut nication from the Clerk of the House of Congress responded, and I was able to earmarks, and balance the budget by sign into law a bill that will increase Representatives: 2012 without raising taxes. fuel economy and the use of alternative FFICE OF THE LERK Second, we must trust Americans O C , fuels, as well as set new efficiency HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, with the responsibility of homeowner- mandates on appliances, light bulbs, Washington, DC, February 11, 2008. ship and empower them to weather tur- Hon. NANCY PELOSI, and Federal Government operations. In bulent times in the market. My Admin- my State of the Union Message, I pro- Speaker, House of Representatives, istration has acted aggressively to help The Capitol, Washington, DC. posed that we take the next steps to credit-worthy homeowners avoid fore- DEAR MADAM SPEAKER: Pursuant to the accelerate technological break- permission granted in Clause 2(h) of Rule II closure. We launched a new initiative throughs by funding new technologies of the Rules of the U.S. House of Representa- called FHASecure to help families refi- to generate coal power that captures tives, I have the honor to transmit a sealed nance their homes. I signed legislation carbon emissions, advance emissions- envelope received from the White House on to protect families from higher taxes free nuclear power; and invest in ad- February 11, 2008, at 4:12 p.m. and said to when lenders forgive a portion of their contain a message from the President where- vanced battery technology and renew- home mortgage debt. We have also able energy. I am also committing $2 by he submits the Economic Report of the brought together the HOPE NOW alli- President and the 2008 Annual Report of the billion to a new international clean Council of Economic Advisers. ance, which is helping many struggling technology fund that will help devel- With best wishes, I am homeowners avoid foreclosure by fa- oping nations make greater use of Sincerely, cilitating the refinancing and modi- clean energy sources. Additionally, my LORRAINE C. MILLER, fication of mortgages. The Congress Budget proposes to protect the econ- Clerk of the House. can do more to help American families omy against oil supply disruptions by f keep their homes by passing legislation doubling the capacity of the Strategic ECONOMIC REPORT OF THE PRESI- to reform Freddie Mac and Fannie Mae, Petroleum Reserve. DENT—MESSAGE FROM THE modernize the Federal Housing Admin- Finally, a strong and vibrant edu- PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED istration, and allow State housing cation system is vital to maintaining STATES (H. DOC. NO. 110–83) agencies to issue tax-free bonds to help our Nation’s competitive edge and ex- homeowners refinance their mortgages. tending economic opportunity to every The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- Third, we must continue opening new citizen. Six years ago, we came to- fore the House the following message markets for trade and investment. We gether to pass the No Child Left Behind from the President of the United have an unprecedented opportunity to Act, and no one can deny its results. States; which was read and, together reduce barriers to global trade and in- Now we must work together to in- with the accompanying papers, without vestment through a successful Doha crease accountability, add flexibility objection, referred to the Joint Eco- round. The Congress should also ap- for States and districts, reduce the nomic Committee and ordered to be prove our pending free trade agree- number of high school dropouts, and printed: ments. I thank the Congress for its ap- provide extra help for struggling To the Congress of the United States: proval of a good agreement with Peru, schools. Over the past 6 years of economic ex- and ask for the approval of agreements Many of these issues are discussed in pansion, the American economy has with Colombia, Panama, and South the 2008 Annual Report of the Council

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