25248 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE October 27, 2000 House, the gentleman from Alabama Whether it is the gentleman from In- onto the Internal Revenue Service. (Mr. BACHUS) is recognized for 5 min- diana (Mr. PEASE), former Eagle Scout, That does not sound like much. But utes. going back to work in Indiana or the under our form of law, the taxpayer Mr. BACHUS. Madam Speaker, Indi- gentleman from Indiana (Mr. had the burden of proof, which just ana is losing two great Representatives MCINTOSH), hopefully the next Gov- does not seem to be fair under our when this session ends: the gentleman ernor of Indiana, they are going to be sense of justice. from Indiana (Mr. PEASE) and the gen- missed in this body. Under the leadership of the gen- tleman from Indiana (Mr. MCINTOSH). f tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER), we I think I can speak for all Members changed that. We gave taxpayers 74 when I say that this is not only a loss GENERAL LEAVE new rights and protections in their for Indiana, it is a loss for this body. Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- dealings with the Internal Revenue Both of them are intelligent, hard mous consent that all Members may Service. We created an independent working Members of Congress. Both of have 5 legislative days within which to oversight agency to oversee the Inter- them have remained true to their prin- revise and extend their remarks on the nal Revenue Service. ciples, and both are dedicated to up- subject of my special order. We gave new protections for innocent holding the honor of this House and to The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. spouses. This is where, particularly in the American people. COOKSEY). Is there objection to the re- a case of a divorce, where the Internal I had the pleasure of serving with the quest of the gentleman from Florida? Revenue Service would go back after, gentleman from Indiana (Mr. PEASE) on There was no objection. usually, the wife who just signed the the Committee on Transportation and f return that her husband put in front of Infrastructure. He has the distinction, her; and they would go after her for and I know of no other Member that TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE BILL ARCHER things that were in the tax return that can make this claim, of attending were stated wrong, fraudulently or in every single meeting of that com- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under error. Now they have new rights, which mittee. But when one looks at where the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- is something that was very important. the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. uary 6, 1999, the gentleman from Flor- It prevents the IRS from seizing PEASE) came from and what he accom- ida (Mr. SHAW) is recognized for 60 min- homes without a court order. It seems plished before he came to Congress, utes as the designee of the majority peculiar that the IRS could have done that is not surprising. leader. this without court orders, but now they When one compares the gentleman Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, today I have to have a court order; and that is from Indiana (Mr. PEASE) and the gen- would like to rise in really celebration the right thing to do. tleman from Indiana (Mr. MCINTOSH), of a career of probably one of the most These things, among the others, were there are a lot of comparisons. Both of respected Members of this great body, the first overhaul of the Internal Rev- them are down-to-earth people. They and I am speaking of the gentleman are common guys. They are non- enue Service since 1952. from Texas (Mr. ARCHER). Human resources, he steered the wel- presumptuous. They are easy to meet, The gentleman from Texas (Mr. AR- fare and health care reforms into law. courteous. CHER) came to this House back in 1970 It may come as some surprise to the I had the great privilege of working after having served a short term in the Members of this body that both of with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Texas House of Representatives. But I them, in their educational back- ARCHER) on welfare reform. We have think he really came into his own in grounds, they excel. They do not try to done unbelievable things. We have cut 1994 when he became the Chairman of impress one with their IQ or their in- the roles in half in this country, and in the Committee on Ways and Means telligence. doing so, not just by shoving people off The gentleman from Indiana (Mr. after serving for several years as the the roles, but giving them pride in Ranking Republican Member. PEASE) graduated with distinction themselves to raise their own self-es- from Indiana University and his J.D. If there is one person in this body teem and expectations that we have of degree, Cum Laude, from Indiana Uni- that I really try to as much as I pos- them and they have of themselves. versity. sibly can to pattern myself after, my So many of these people have now be- Now, I know the gentleman from In- conduct and how I vote and how I view come the role models for their kids, diana (Mr. MCINTOSH) better. I knew things, it would be the gentleman from and that is terribly important. Eight Ruthie. My wife Linda and I knew their Texas (Mr. ARCHER). He has such a high million former beneficiaries are now daughter Ellie, who was born in 1997. moral standard that he sticks to him- working and have gained their inde- But it was not until sometime later self. pendence. What a wonderful thing that that I discovered that he came from a His ability to listen to the Members is. small farming town, Kendallville, in and his ability of inclusion on the Com- Child poverty now is at an all-time Indiana, and that he worked in a found- mittee on Ways and Means, it is sort of low. Out-of-wedlock birth rate ry to save money for his college edu- a rare thing that one sees that there is plateaued and now is declining for the cation. That university was Yale Uni- a coming together, because we see tax first time in an entire generation and versity. He is a Yale University grad- policy different, the two political par- longer. uate. ties. Prisoners are no longer receiving He worked in the White House under But under his leadership, he was a welfare checks. That is something that Ronald Reagan. He was asked by this key player in getting the 1997 balanced is hard to believe, that welfare checks House to chair the Subcommittee on budget with tax relief signed into law. were being paid to prisoners, but that Regulatory Reform and Paperwork Re- That tax cut was the first tax cut in 16 is what was happening. We put a stop duction. Now, on that subcommittee, I years. That shows his ability to work to that. Taxpayers have saved $30 bil- think one of his greatest accomplish- with the administration. lion. ments was spearheading efforts to I know that, on many occasions, he His goal was to preserve Social Secu- strengthen laws that protect the envi- has gone down and has met with Presi- rity. The Archer-Shaw bill was a per- ronment and health and safety. dent Clinton on a number of things, fect example of trying to work with in- At the same time, he did away with a some of which bear fruit and others clusion. All the hearings that we had, lot of silly, unnecessary, down right that have not. listening to our Democrat colleagues, stupid regulations. One required every I would like to just tick off a few of we incorporated into the bill their con- paving crew to work in a heavy shirt the accomplishments that the Com- cerns through the hearing process. and long pants on Indiana roads, even mittee on Ways and Means has done I would think that the gentleman if it were over 100 degrees. He was able under his leadership. He shifted the from Texas (Mr. ARCHER), probably one to work to eliminate laws like that. burden of proof off the taxpayer and of his great disappointments is that we

VerDate Aug 04 2004 10:08 Jan 17, 2005 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR00\H27OC0.001 H27OC0 October 27, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE 25249 did not get the bipartisan support and that I wanted to work for, a man of his wife Sharon, whom he dearly loves, the support from the White House that great integrity, a wonderful conserv- at his side, a very extensive family, he we felt we were promised. But I am ative, a man of principle, a man that has been a role model that they have confident in the next Congress that we stood for principle. modeled themselves after. His children will save Social Security. That plan The gentleman from Texas (Mr. AR- are role models in themselves to their that we will adopt may not have the CHER) was running as a Republican. own children. His legacy is truly his name of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Back in Texas in the late 1960s and family. ARCHER) on it, but it certainly will early 1970s, they did not elect Repub- Being the role model that he is, a have his spirit and the result of the licans, they shot them. To run as a Re- man that shows integrity works, shows good works. publican was pretty near a death sen- that being principled works, shows Beginning in the year 2012, we are tence if one really wanted to get elect- that if one loves one’s family and holds looking at a $120 trillion deficit in So- ed. But the gentleman from Texas (Mr. them together, it truly works. cial Security. One tries to think how ARCHER) stood up. He ran as a Repub- b 1515 many zeros are in 120 trillion. Just lican. His district saw his great worth, And so I am more than pleased to be think of it this way, it is 36 times the and they elected him. here in honor of BILL ARCHER. amount of the national debt. We talk He has served with such distinction. Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield to so much in this Chamber about getting Even when he served in the minority the gentleman from California (Mr. for so long, the majority would come to rid of the national debt, and we have a THOMAS). projection out there by the Social Se- him for advice on tax policy and the Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I thank curity Administration of an amount tax code. Then when he took over as the gentleman from Florida, one, for equal to 36 times, 36 times the national Chairman of the committee, most taking this time to honor our colleague debt. That will be just over 60 years be- Members, particularly those that are and our leader on the Committee on ginning in the year 2015. The gen- not as senior do not remember, but the Ways and Means, the chairman, the tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) tried Committee on Ways and Means carried, gentleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER). to change that. Mainly because of his I think, about 70 percent of the Con- I came to the House in 1978 and good works, we will be able to reverse tract with America. moved to the Committee on Ways and that in the next Congress. They drove that legislation and did Means in 1983. My predecessor from my He sponsored the bill and led the an outstanding job in telling the Amer- district in Bakersfield was a Congress- fight for the PNTR for China. As a con- ican people that we were going to do it. man by the name of Bill Ketchum, who servative, he was the right man to lead We showed them that we were going to was a member of the Committee on that. I think that it is certainly a do the Contract with America, and we Ways and Means during his tenure in great accomplishment for which we can did it under the Committee on Ways Congress. I already knew BILL ARCHER be proud. and Means and, most importantly, the by reputation through Bill Ketchum When he took over the Committee on leadership of the gentleman from before I came to Congress. Ways and Means as chair, he actually Texas (Mr. ARCHER.) BILL ARCHER has provided an ex- looked at our staff and reduced the It was hard to do because we were tremely important institutional link staff by one-third. This is something fought every step of the way in every- to an earlier period of this body when that I think is really totally innate, thing we were going to try to do. Most there was a different tone, a different the extent of that reduction in this people do not see it this way, but it is civility and, more importantly, a dif- Congress. true. The shutdown of the government ferent approach to work product. The The example of the gentleman from was caused by the President of the thing that I will remember most about Texas (Mr. ARCHER) is everywhere, I United States because he was opposed BILL ARCHER is that oftentimes we think, in what he was able to accom- to balancing the budget. Yet, the gen- know a person as an individual and a plish, particularly during his time as tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) stood person as a Member, and the way in chairman of the Committee on Ways there, and stood there with great, great which they conduct their business as a and Means. He certainly will be missed, strength in order to carry that out, and Member and the way in which they but his good works will be enjoyed by finally signed in 1997 the Balanced deal with various other personal as- the American people for generations to Budget Act. pects as a person are often different. I come. Along with the gentleman from Flor- do not know of anyone else who follows Mr. DELAY. Mr. Speaker, will the ida (Mr. SHAW), the most important a course in which his professional ac- gentleman yield? thing that I have ever done in my ca- tion is paralleled by his personal ac- Mr. SHAW. I yield to the gentleman reer and many of our careers was wel- tion. from Texas. fare reform. We found a system that Any time I have been in a closed Mr. DELAY. Mr. Speaker, I really ap- had failed. It had failed because of its room with the gentleman from Texas, preciate the gentleman from Florida liberal approach. It had failed the peo- and we have had to reconcile a dif- (Mr. SHAW) bringing this special order ple on the welfare system. It had de- ference, the reconciliation takes the honoring the gentleman from Texas stroyed families by being dependent on course of what is the right policy; what (Mr. ARCHER). The gentleman from the government. is the appropriate action, not what is Florida has already gone over his leg- Yet, with the President fighting us in it for me, this is necessary for my acy, and what a legacy it is. every step of the way, we passed that constituents. It served him well as a I happen to have the district that is legislation, and now we are reaping the compass, but it has not always pro- next to the district of the gentleman benefits. Families are coming back to- vided a smooth road. Because often- from Texas (Mr. ARCHER), and I have gether. Fathers are moving back in times he stood in the way of someone known the gentleman from Texas (Mr. with the mothers of their children. wanting to get something from a per- ARCHER) for many, many years. In fact, Children are looking up to their par- sonal or a district point of view, and he does not particularly like for me to ents as role models because they are sometimes that individual’s discretion tell people how long I have known him, receiving a paycheck. All of this is due was clouded by the desire to obtain a but back when I was going to the Uni- to the will and the stamina and the dis- particular end and what that gen- versity of Houston, my senior year in tinction of the gentleman from Texas tleman was going to do to comity, to 1970, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. (Mr. ARCHER). the Tax Code, and to policy by doing it. ARCHER) was running for Congress for Let me just say on a personal note, This institution has been well served the first time. At that time, it was the the gentleman from Texas (Mr. AR- by BILL ARCHER many, many times be- first campaign that I had ever worked CHER) is one of the finest men I have hind closed doors when his resolute de- in. I never met him. I did not meet him ever had the privilege of knowing. Be- termination to do what is right has for another 20 years. But I saw a man cause he is strong in his faith in God, prevailed.

VerDate Aug 04 2004 10:08 Jan 17, 2005 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR00\H27OC0.001 H27OC0 25250 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE October 27, 2000 Sometimes when one winds up being one that both Emily and I certainly derstanding of what the whole place in the majority, and obviously I served treasure. After hours, many, many was about in the thrust of the Com- with BILL ARCHER in the minority for times we have gotten together for din- mittee on Ways and Means. I think all almost 16 years, and I think we get to ner or have gone various places. I know of us here who are on the Committee know a person more when they are not that they have shown a keen interest on Ways and Means are very humble able to do something, and the way in in conservation on the continent of Af- about this. It is an extraordinarily im- which they conduct themselves when rica. One such trip, which was not a portant committee. One hundred per- they cannot do it, than when they are taxpayers’ expense trip, I must say, cent of the revenues and 60 percent of in a position of authority and they are was deep back in this Congo, where it the cost of the government goes able to do it. The civil manner in which took better than a day to get back through this committee. BILL ARCHER presented his arguments, where we were going. Then we would When one is involved in these ses- the determination, the preparation, is walk for miles and miles and miles sions with BILL, one understands not once again a model that all of us can through the forest. I can tell my col- only the functional parts but also the remember and would be a model for all leagues that I believe that 70-year-old historic parts. He has always led that of us to adhere to. man can walk further than I can. He way, so tremendously. When he became chairman, and Re- absolutely is in great shape. I can at- The gentleman from Florida (Mr. publicans became the majority, he car- tribute that, I think, to the time that SHAW) was talking about welfare re- ried that over to the conduct on the he spends on a tractor doing other var- form and was rather casual about it, I full committee. Those of us who are re- ious other things at his farm out in thought. Frankly, I think one of the turning, and we have a very high level Virginia, which I know he and his wife most extraordinary pieces of legisla- of confidence that we will be returning dearly, dearly love. Her love for ani- tion, I will say one of the top five to a Republican majority House and mals is something that is, I think, real- pieces of legislation that I have seen majority control of the Committee on ly, really quite incredible. since I have been here, is the welfare Ways and Means, though BILL ARCHER But I look forward to seeing more of reform. That was BILL ARCHER and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. SHAW). will not be with us physically, he will BILL ARCHER. I have an idea that his always be with us in spirit because days in government are not entirely The gentleman from Florida is very there will come a time behind closed behind him. He has so much yet to sort of modest about this whole thing. I think another thing is their con- doors when we have a difficult choice offer, and I look forward to working cept, which never went anyplace, and it to make, and the response should be, with him in the years ahead in other is too bad because it is a great concept, and will be, well, what would BILL AR- capacities. and it may someday, is the concept of CHER do. I hope that will be our guiding Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance the Social Security System. They had philosophy even when BILL ARCHER will of my time. a plan to fix it, and there would be an no longer be in the room. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. element of pain but not as much if we We wish him well, Mr. Speaker. We COOKSEY). The balance of the pending did nothing at all. He was always on look forward to the enjoyment and the hour is reallocated to the gentleman the forefront of things like that. time he will have to spend with Sharon from New York (Mr. HOUGHTON). One of the great things I think about and the family, but that time will be Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, there BILL ARCHER is that he was never arro- taken away from his colleagues and the are several of us that have remarks gant. Here was a man who had been in leadership he has provided us. He will about BILL ARCHER, and I will begin. the minority for a long time and all of I hope BILL and Sharon ARCHER are be sorely missed by those of us who a sudden he was thrust in the position watching this program, because I do served with him as individuals; he will of chairman of the Committee on Ways be much more sorely missed by this in- not believe anybody has said so many and Means. Under those circumstances, stitution in terms of the way he con- nice words to him to his face. We al- after having been dying for years of not ducted his public responsibilities. ways say things behind people’s backs, being able to be heard then suddenly I thank the gentleman from Florida and it is easier to say things in public being in the chairmanship, the way he once again for taking this opportunity many times than it is in private. I conducted meetings, the way he was for us to remember the real meaning of think we all have felt these things, but polite, the way he was respectful of BILL ARCHER. Do as BILL ARCHER would it is many times embarrassing to say people’s opinions, both the people on do. them on a one-to-one basis. the committee and also those people Mr. SHAW. I thank the gentleman So, BILL, if you are listening, I do not who were testifying, is really an exam- for those very fine remarks. want you to inhale all this stuff, but ple in statesmanship. In just a moment I will be yielding we really do believe it and want to ex- There is something about this man back the time, the balance of which I press our appreciation and what you that I think is important, particularly understand will be claimed by the gen- mean to us. in the stressful days that we are going tleman from New York (Mr. HOUGHTON) It is always hard to say good-bye to through. He never carried too heavy a to conclude this special order, but I somebody, particularly somebody for pack. In other words, he always could would like to just point out a couple of whom you have such respect. I am not sort of sense the humor and the per- extra things about BILL ARCHER which a tax lawyer. I am far from it. And one spective and the importance of this are tremendously important. of the great courses I have ever taken, place and, as a result, was a great ex- When I first went on the Committee when I came to this place, was from ample to all of us. I can remember tak- on Ways and Means, the first thing BILL ARCHER in terms of tax law. I do ing a trip, all of us have taken trips they would do when they started mark- not consider myself a great tax expert with BILL ARCHER, and on those con- ing up a tax bill was to close the doors. now, but whatever I have learned, I gressional delegation trips many times I can tell my colleagues that those ses- have learned from BILL ARCHER in a we see a person in full flower, particu- sions went a lot quicker and there were very solid and sort of relaxed way try- larly when he was with his beloved not as many speeches made, but he ing to explain the intricacies. wife, Sharon. Wonderful human beings. opened that process, which I think was One of the things which I, as a sort of The type of people that, although I do a very good thing to do. historian, have been interested in is his not live in Texas, I would like to say, Also, I would like to, just from a per- background, talking about institu- gee, I am so proud to have that person sonal standpoint, mention what great tional memory. Here is a fellow who represent me. That was the type of per- friends that he and Sharon have been was here when Wilbur Mills was here. son he was. to Emily and to me. In Congress we do Here was a fellow who was here when Mr. Speaker, I yield now to the gen- make some friends that last a lifetime, Russell Long was here. Those great ti- tleman from Arizona (Mr. HAYWORTH). and our relationship with the Archer’s tans of finance in our government gave Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I has been a very, very special one, and him, obviously, a bedrock and an un- thank the gentleman from New York,

VerDate Aug 04 2004 10:08 Jan 17, 2005 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR00\H27OC0.001 H27OC0 October 27, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE 25251 the chairman of the Subcommittee on when a sense of principle motivates there is often very few moments in Oversight of the Committee on Ways him, there is no debate. The gentleman time when we get to be on our own or and Means. from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) disagreed dealing maybe one on one with a col- Mr. Speaker, as we come together on with many of us yesterday and cast a league. this floor, not to engage in the great vote based on his firm and unwavering I have had that opportunity with our debates and the differences that oft- ideals. chairman. And I have to report to my times define us, but to speak with a Our other friend the gentleman from colleagues that he is a man of very united voice in honor of our chairman, California (Mr. THOMAS) mentioned high character. I have never seen him the gentleman from Texas (Mr. AR- times ‘‘behind closed doors.’’ And while do what I could refer to as the wrong CHER), who has decided, after three dec- those phrases are used as figures of thing, infuriating as that might be at ades of meritorious service, to leave speech, ‘‘in the dark of night,’’ ‘‘behind times. I tried to coax him into vio- our midst for private life, although I closed doors,’’ the fact is that we must lating maybe some of his own prin- have a feeling that he may be sum- sit down from time to time away from ciples, maybe some of his views, polit- moned to other duties in future days. the roar of the grease paint, the smell ical or personal views, on a couple of Mention was made earlier of BILL’s of the crowd, and try to deal with pol- different items. And he beat me every lovely bride Sharon and the menagerie icy. single time. But he was always fair of animals they keep in the Archer And I do not believe I am violating about it, even though he was tough. He household. I would note with some any confidences. I believe, Mr. Speak- was always forthright, and he always pride, Mr. Speaker, that the Archer er, were the chairman here today he gave me a heads-up. And I respect him family cat is from the Sixth Congres- would freely admit to all, as he did to for that. sional District of Arizona, having been us privately, his test for how to do this I just come here today to say that, picked up there by one of the Archer job in the people’s House, a test that while there are a lot of people who are children during their time at Northern may have in fact been magnified given leaving this particular Congress, he is Arizona University. So I feel a kinship the role he played as chairman of argu- one who ranks up there as one of the with the critters in the Archer house- ably the most powerful legislative ones that I will miss the most. hold. committee in the greatest Constitution Around here in Washington and Con- And from time to time being de- republic this world has seen. gress, many people come and go it scribed as one of the more animalistic He said quite simply it is this, I made seems. The beauty of our system is members of the Committee on Ways a promise to myself that, with every that, almost like sticking your finger and Means when tempers flare, when vote I would take, I would be able to in a pool of water, as soon as it re- the debate is joined, I must say, Mr. sleep at night and I would remain true moves, it fills in. There will be a new Speaker, I look with great respect on to my convictions. chairman. There will be another rep- the unique ability of BILL ARCHER to So said the gentleman from Texas resentative from his district in Texas. disagree without being disagreeable. (Chairman ARCHER). His actions have But the ripples on the water that the That is a remarkable gift. Because never wavered from that simple test. gentleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) time and again when we come to this And as recently as yesterday, at a time has left for freedom in this country well or when we meet in full com- of contentiousness again, he held firm. will ripple on for a very long time. And mittee, there are honest disagreements We may not agree on every issue, but for that I am grateful. I know his fam- and policy differences passionately we can all agree, Mr. Speaker, that the ily is grateful. All of America should be held. actions of our chairman are indeed spe- grateful. cial. I bid him adieu. b 1530 Many others join us to share their Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield The true mark of service and leader- reminiscences. I would simply say this to the gentleman from Pennsylvania ship for our chairman, Mr. Speaker, is again to reiterate. I am not at all cer- (Mr. ENGLISH). his remarkable ability to deal in an af- tain that our chairman is headed for Mr. ENGLISH. Mr. Speaker, I thank fable, evenhanded fashion with every retirement. I think he is so valuable in the gentleman for yielding. Member of the Committee, with every so many different ways that there are Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my issue that may be contentious in na- those who may follow us into Govern- colleagues in paying tribute to a man ture, with every disagreement in such ment service who may cast a keen eye whose retirement announcement was an agreeable fashion. It is a gift that toward his talents. But for now in this one of the things that I most dreaded escapes many of us, truth be told. role, as we prepare to conclude the in this Congress. So the gentleman from Texas (Mr. 106th Congress, we do not say farewell, When I came to Congress and came to ARCHER) the man leaves a legacy of we simply say, Mr. Chairman, we will the Committee on Ways and Means in kindness and civility, of unpretentious- try to follow your example and we ex- 1994, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. ness in a city where egos can clash, pect to see you again in other endeav- ARCHER) was a beacon. We had just where, Mr. Speaker, if truth be told, ors of public service. Because your wis- taken control. Revolution was in the most everyone who runs for public of- dom, your unpretentiousness, your air. And we were facing an enormous fice and the euphemism of the new cen- good common sense, and your grace task of moving, as the gentleman from tury has a healthy dose of self-esteem. under pressure are things that we can- Texas (Mr. DELAY) noted, 70 percent of The gentleman from Texas (Mr. AR- not leave simply to retirement. the Contract with America through our CHER) stands as a modest man of in- Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield committee and doing it right. We could credible abilities. to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. not have done it without leadership of The public policy side of the ledger NUSSLE). the character and quality of the gen- demonstrates this and has been enu- Mr. NUSSLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER). merated by speakers who have pre- the gentleman from New York for He has been noted by other speakers ceded me, including my good friend yielding. for his extraordinary civility in an in- from New York. Mr. Speaker, it has been said that stitution where that is an increasingly Welfare reform can be looked upon as character can be best defined by doing rare element. a bipartisan accomplishment driven by the right thing when no one is looking. I would like to say that the gen- the chairman of the Committee on I love that phrase. Because around here tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) has Ways and Mean, the first meaningful in Washington, D.C., particularly in always struck me for his stoicism, his tax relief in almost a decade and a half Congress, there are a lot of people strong principle, and the fact that under the chairmanship of the gen- looking out there and it is easy to play when it comes to principle, he has been tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) and to the camera and it is easy to play for absolutely unyielding. And yet, at the at times, even as recently as yesterday, the politics and everything else and same time, Mr. Speaker, he has always

VerDate Aug 04 2004 10:08 Jan 17, 2005 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR00\H27OC0.001 H27OC0 25252 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE October 27, 2000

been a superb legislative tactician. He My first choice was the Committee on The gentleman from Texas (Mr. AR- has been courageous and articulate the Judiciary because it had sub- CHER) first came to the House 2 years every time he has risen on the floor of committees dealing with crime and an- before I entered the House, initially this House. other one that oversaw immigration being elected from his hometown of This chamber has become kind of policy. At the time, it was not thought Houston, Texas, in 1970. hushed, because the gentleman from possible to serve on both committees From his earliest days as a Member Texas (Mr. ARCHER) always has some- at the same time, even though that of the House of Representatives, the thing extraordinary to say and the ex- was my hope. gentleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) pertise to back it up. He is one of those Well, a few days later, while the dedicated himself to the need to reform Members who brings to this body true Committee on Committees was meet- our outdated tax codes and made it his intellectual rigor. He has a profound ing, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. highest priority as the chairman of our understanding of the Tax Code, and ARCHER) called me and told me that he House Committee on Ways and Means. that has really been the hallmark of thought that if I changed the order of In fact, many Americans would have his term as chairman of the Committee my preference from Judiciary first and been unaware of the injustice of the on Ways and Means. Science second to Science first and Ju- marriage penalty or the death tax were It is notable that he opposed the 1986 diciary second, we could ‘‘throw a long it not for the research and diligence Tax Code when it passed, and with good pass’’ and perhaps connect so that I that the gentleman put into spot- reason, and every criticism that he would be on both. lighting these inequities. made of that Code has been proven I decided to leave it up to the Texas The gentleman from Texas (Mr. AR- true. He has consistently advocated its quarterback (Mr. ARCHER) and so put CHER) first sought election to the replacement, and perhaps this body my committee assignments, and there House when his incumbent Congress- will some day have the courage to take is nothing more important to a new man, a young man by the name of up his challenge and pull the current Member, in his hands. A couple of George Bush, decided to vacate his seat Code out by the roots. hours later he called back and said to seek election to the Senate. Yet, he has been involved in other that I had been appointed to both. It He is so beloved by his constituency, issues, as well. I became aware that he was obviously thanks to his strong arm which he represents so meritoriously, was a leading advocate of raising the and steady aim. that he has never been reelected to his earnings limit for persons with disabil- It is obvious to any Member of Con- congressional seat by less than a three- ities and carried that issue in a number gress who has ever worked with the to-one margin. His 30 years of service of Congresses. He has consistently de- gentleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) to this body and to his constituents fended the prerogatives of the House that his strong arm and steady aim has guaranteed that his shoes are going to been a characteristic he has always dis- Committee on Ways and Means, the be difficult to fill and he is certainly played. Whether it is giving Americans oldest committee in this body, and one going to be long-missed. However, his tax relief or ensuring the long-term that has always risen above the par- years of service underscore that a long, solvency of Social Security or revamp- tisan zephyrs that have troubled other healthy, and relaxing retirement is ing the Internal Revenue Service, the committees. warranted and fully earned. gentleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) He has preserved the traditions of the has as often as not completed that long b 1545 Committee on Ways and Means very pass. To BILL ARCHER and to his lovely much in the tradition of the giants who One other characteristic needs to be wife, Sharon, to their five children and have chaired that committee in this mentioned, and that is that he not only two stepchildren, we extend our best body, like John Randolph of Roanoke, has a strong record and steady hand, wishes for a happy retirement to- William McKinley, and in our memory, but he also plays fair and throws gether, with hopes they will often re- Wilbur Mills. We will miss the gen- straight with his colleague. He tells us turn to visit us. tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER). His the truth. We know we can rely on Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield shoes will be impossible to fill. what he tells us and what he really to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. But like Nathaniel Macon in the 19th thinks about any issue or any piece of PORTMAN), another distinguished mem- century, he has decided that he is at a legislation. His consistent record of ber of the Committee on Ways and stage in his life when he would like to doing what is best for the American Means. move on and do something else. We re- people, being straightforward in his Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank spect that. We wish him and Sharon dealings with others, and doing what the gentleman for having this special well. We will miss him sorely in future he thinks is right are attributes that order. Congresses. He has been for me an in- anyone in public life should aspire to. You know, it is hard to imagine this spiration and has been a source, I Mr. Speaker, the good thinking and place without BILL ARCHER. He will be think, of great institutional memory good judgment of the gentleman from very much missed; by me, by Members and stability. Texas (Mr. ARCHER) will be missed, but of this Congress from both sides of the Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield he will always remain an example of an aisle, by the Committee on Ways and to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. ideal congressman to us all. Means, arguably the most powerful SMITH). Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield committee in Congress, that he has Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I to the gentleman from New York (Mr. shepherded with such skill, and by this thank my friend from New York for GILMAN) the distinguished chairman of institution, by the House, as a body. yielding. the Committee on International Rela- Let us be frank here. Not all of us Mr. Speaker, one of my most vivid tions, my friend and associate. will leave such a void. Not all of us will memories as a new Member of Congress Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank have such a remarkable legacy. was my first meeting with the gen- the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speak- What is it about BILL ARCHER? He is tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) after er, I thank the gentleman from New a very special person. I have learned a I had only been in Washington a couple York (Mr. HOUGHTON) for conducting lot from him. He is a principled, fierce of days. I went to see the gentleman this special order. advocate of limited government, and because he was a member of what was Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join yet no one I know has deeper respect then called the Committee on Commit- with my colleagues in paying tribute for public service. tees, which now is called the Steering to a legislator who has been one of the I remember once being at an event Committee, which makes committee more remarkable and outstanding where BILL ARCHER was asked to speak. assignments. Members of this body, a gentleman Without notes he stood up and recited I was interested in serving on two whose impending departure is going to from memory Teddy Roosevelt’s great committees, the Committee on the Ju- be a genuine loss to the Congress and statement, in which he said, ‘‘The cred- diciary and the Committee on Science. to our Nation. it belongs to the man who is actually

VerDate Aug 04 2004 10:08 Jan 17, 2005 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR00\H27OC0.001 H27OC0 October 27, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE 25253

in the arena,’’ and BILL ARCHER feels you may need at a moment, and, at the Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield that in his heart. He has respect for all same time, make you feel encouraged to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. of us as Members of Congress, in part by it. BLUNT), the assistant majority whip. because of that respect for public serv- We are all going to miss BILL. I Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I thank ice. would like to share two observations in the gentleman for yielding to me and He is firm, he is tough, he is also ex- particular. We talk about how we re- for taking the time today to honor the ceedingly polite. Who in this chamber lated to him, what he meant to us as a tremendous service of Chairman AR- has not been greeted at one point by colleague, fellow Members of Congress. CHER. BILL ARCHER with a smile, extending I would like to reflect for a moment I very well remember the first meet- his hand saying, how are you? Even as on what he has meant to so many of ing I had with him as a freshman. It is Chairman, BILL ARCHER has been very the young people that have come easy for me to remember that, because careful not to demand loyalty from through here. My observation has been it was not that long ago. But he quick- members of the Committee on Ways all too many times, people come to ly responded to my request to come and Means. He rarely asks anybody for Washington a young idealist and leave over and talk to him about a piece of anything, and yet I know nobody who an old cynic. BILL ARCHER has beaten the Tax Code that affected colleges and is more loyal than BILL ARCHER. the odds on that one. He came here a universities. Leader DICK ARMEY reminded me re- young idealist, and he is leaving here I spent 4 years as a university presi- cently of a song that BILL ARCHER is as a not so young idealist. dent. I felt very comfortable about that fond of. One day here on the floor But I think it was because of the re- part of the Tax Code. I went over and I things were tough on an issue, I was lationship he was able to have with found out, of course, in significant de- having a difficult time as a relatively young people. I have seen that in my tail that the Chairman knew more junior Member of Congress, and BILL own Chief of Staff David Hobbs, who about that very, very small part of the ARCHER took me aside and told me many of us see now as a competent and Tax Code than I did. But we had a great about a song he used to are cite to his able person here, who had his begin- discussion. At the end of our great dis- kids to instill in them a sense of loy- ning here on BILL ARCHER’s staff. A cussion, he had not changed his mind. alty and brotherly love. It is a song Texas boy, graduate of the University He felt strongly that he saw this Tax about two combatants in the Civil War, of Texas, graduate of the Lyndon Code and the way it affected Americans one on the side of the North, one on the Baines Johnson School at the Univer- headed in a consistent direction; that side of the South. One goes down on sity of Texas, who admired BILL AR- was the direction toward greater sim- the Gray side of the line. The one on CHER and came here and was privileged plicity, a direction toward greater fair- the Blue side of the line says some- to come here and got his early training ness, a direction where he thought that thing like, did you think I would leave here. American families would benefit more you dying, when there is room on my David was the first hire I made when universally from the Tax Code, and horse for two? I came here in 1985. For all these years trying to eliminate those parts of the He sung that song to his boys so that I always said to David, I know you code that only benefitted a few, instead they would have brotherly love, but it really love BILL ARCHER more than me. of benefiting many. He has been con- goes to what BILL ARCHER believes, He never denied it. A couple of months sistent, he has been strong. He has de- which is there is nothing more impor- ago, BILL ARCHER pointed out to me, voted himself to an IRS that works tant than personal loyalty. ‘‘You know, your Chief of Staff really better, to a Tax Code that is hopefully BILL ARCHER will be succeeded in loves me more than he does you.’’ I fairer and more easily understood. Congress and in that district in Hous- said, ‘‘BILL, I don’t blame him. I love I know as he leaves here, he leaves ton where he gets something like 80 you more than I do me.’’ here understanding there is still a lot percent of the vote, and he will be suc- So he had a big influence. I know of work to be done in that regard, and ceeded at the Committee on Ways and there are probably thousands of stories there will be work for Congresses to Means as Chairman, but nobody will of that kind of influence on young peo- come to be done. But he has advanced replace BILL ARCHER. We are going to ple who managed to come here and find the cause of a fairer, simpler Tax Code. miss him, the Committee on Ways and their youthful idealism appreciated. He has been consistent in his ap- Means will miss him, and this institu- So, Mr. HOUGHTON, if I could end with proach to every Member. His door has tion will miss him. this observation, it is an observation I been open, from the lowest freshman Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield made last Thursday with the Texas del- on the totem pole to every other mem- to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. egation at lunch. We had a great privi- ber in this conference. He would take ARMEY), distinguished Majority Lead- lege to be in the majority. For many of time to explain to you his point of er. us we felt it was something of a mir- view, even though on your point of Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank acle in 1994 when we won the majority. view, by others, it could have easily the gentleman from New York for We have had an opportunity to do been argued quickly, well, you have yielding. Let me thank the gentleman things that many of us never thought only been here for a short period of from New York for taking this time. possible. time, or you do not understand the last Every now and then I think in our But when I look on the reflection of generation and how this debate has lives we ought to take time. We ought it, there is nothing that I have experi- gone on. But in fact Chairman ARCHER to just pause and reflect about the enced in the majority in the United was always willing to take time to ex- good people we are privileged to know, States House of Representatives that plain that debate, explain how we got the good people with whom we are priv- has warmed my heart more nor given to where we were, and his vision for ileged to work. me greater reason for optimism about where we yet could go. In my life, in all the years, either in this great land than seeing my friend I am hopeful that his service to academics or here, never has there BILL ARCHER be Chairman of the Com- America is nowhere near over. His leg- been more such a fine person I have mittee on Ways and Means. I believe it acy in this Congress will last for a long been privileged to know and with was the only job he ever wanted in this time, Mr. Speaker, but I think he has whom to work than BILL ARCHER. He Congress, and, believe me, BILL, few so much more to offer. I hope to see has been, for all of us, a source of en- people will ever be able to say with him willing to do that, and to continue couragement, of optimism. On some oc- greater accuracy and conviction, I got to make the kind of significant con- casions when we needed it, what should to do the only job I ever wanted in Con- tributions that he has made for a gen- I say, Dutch uncle-ish criticism, cri- gress, and I did it to the best of my eration now in this Congress. tique and so forth. But BILL ARCHER is ability, and have people say, in a cho- He has stuck with his commitment an interesting fellow in the way that rus of response, and no one, Mr. Chair- that this would be the time when he he could give you the kind of critique man, could have done it better. should leave the Congress, a mark that

VerDate Aug 04 2004 10:08 Jan 17, 2005 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR00\H27OC0.001 H27OC0 25254 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD—HOUSE October 27, 2000 he set half a dozen years ago; that he the 1981 tax cut together, the effects of which uary 6, 1999, the gentleman from South has decided to, absolutely, as he has are still being felt in today’s prosperity. And we Carolina (Mr. CLYBURN) is recognized done in every other instance, keep his suffered through the lost opportunities of the for 60 minutes as the designee of the commitments. 1986 Tax Reform Act and the disastrous 1990 minority leader. This is the committed time in his and 1993 tax increases. Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, when mind to leave the Congress. I hope it is BILL ARCHER has been a forceful and effec- this body ends this session, and I re- not a committed time in his mind to tive Chairman of the Ways and Means Com- main hopeful that it will, this august not be available to further service to mittee through some of its most difficult years. body is going to lose one of its most Americans, because he has a lot of These are partisan times, and, sadly, this par- productive and innovative Members, service, a lot of wisdom, a lot of his- tisanship has infected the work of the Com- WILLIAM L. CLAY, Sr. tory, a lot of heritage yet to share. mittee all too often. Through it all, BILL has BILL CLAY became a Member of this I thank the gentleman for yielding to kept to his principles, and kept his sense of body in 1969, over 30 years ago. He me, and for taking the time today to humor. came here as a young man, by his own recognize the great work and commit- BILL ARCHER knows as well as anyone in admission, filled with a bit of anger. ment of Chairman BILL ARCHER from the United States what is wrong with our tax BILL CLAY had grown up in a system Texas. system. And he sees all-too-well the unfortu- that gave very little respect to his Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I just nate trends of recent years, such as the in- skills, to his dreams, to his aspirations, have a few brief words at the end. I creasing use of tax credits and the use of the and he had fought as a young man in think our side is done. I think we have tax system as an alternative to spending. He order to make sure that opportunities expressed our feelings. But I would just has fought valiantly to resist these trends would be open for people such as him. like to say one more thing. while building a fire for fundamental tax re- So, when he got here, he was filled with WILLIAM ARCHER’s example, not what form. all kinds of anxieties. he has done, because what he has done Unfortunately, BILL’s legacy will not be the To get a good feel for who and what is very significant, his example is one enactment of fundamental tax reform. But it BILL CLAY is, one should read his book, of the finest I have ever seen, and he will be the laying of the groundwork for the re- Just Permanent Interests. I have on represents the greatest, I think, the forms to come. And they will come. Each of us occasion read various parts of that greatest characteristic that this coun- must stand on the shoulders of those who pre- book. In fact, I have a choice of the try has to offer. ceded us. The Ways and Means Committee, three or four copies that people have Mr. REGULA. Mr. Speaker, the legacy of and tax policy generally, will be standing on made gifts to me of, and I keep one of firm and principled ground years from now them in each one of my places of abode, BILL ARCHER is a gift of responsible govern- thanks to BILL’s leadership. one here in Washington and one at ment to the American people in a great diver- To quote Winston Churchill speaking of Lord home in the district. And every now sity of actions. Halifax: Many times I have heard the cry for a na- and then as we encounter various The fortunes of mankind in its tremendous things here on this floor and in our po- tional industrial policy. In truth, the tax code is journeys are principally decided for good or litical interactions, I go to a part of the nation’s industrial policy. BILL’s ‘‘steady as ill—but mainly for good, for the path is up- that book in order to get a sense of you go’’ leadership has made our code far ward—by its greatest men and its greatest some of the history that BILL CLAY has better than it would have been without his episodes. been a part of and some of the emo- strong role of participation. BILL ARCHER has participated in, and in tions that he experienced when he first I did smile when PHIL ENGLISH mentioned some cases presided over, some of the Ways arrived here. President McKinley, who represented my and Means Committee’s greatest episodes. By home county of Stark as a congressman, as virtue of his unbending adherence to principle b 1600 one of BILL’s distinguished predecessors as and fairness in the most tempestuous of Mr. Speaker, I have been able to chairman of Ways and Means. McKinley was times, he is also, in my opinion, one of its learn a lot from his experiences. And so a dedicated protectionist, however, in his last greatest men. when I arrived here, I sat with him, speech in Buffalo, he repudiated this policy. I f and we exchanged some of our great think BILL would have liked the reformed love of history. I am going to miss that FURTHER MESSAGE FROM THE McKinley rather than the congressional McKin- when he leaves after next month. ley. SENATE Mr. Speaker, a lot of us will miss his The people of this nation are in your debt A further message from the Senate wit and his wisdom. He is full of both; for dedicated service for them. by Mr. Lundregan, one of its clerks, an- but for the wit, sometimes we would My best to you BILL and Sharon for good nounced that the Senate has passed not have a good appreciation for the health and many fruitful years of happiness. without amendment a joint resolution wisdom. So I want to say to BILL CLAY Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, it is quite pos- of the House of the following title: and others who are joining me today sible I have known BILL ARCHER longer than H.J. Res. 117. Joint resolution making fur- how much we appreciate him, not just anyone in this Chamber. We met for the first ther continuing appropriations for the fiscal as a Member of the Congress, but his time 30 years ago at a Lincoln Day festival. year 2001, and for other purposes. personal friendship and interaction. BILL was serving in the Texas State legislature f I suspect that I have had dinner with at the time. I was told by mutual acquaint- GENERAL LEAVE him more often than he would like. ances that BILL was a strong conservative of Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I ask And, of course, I do not know, but I unwavering principles, and that he would soon unanimous consent that all Members think he has enjoyed every one of be elected to Congress. They were right on may have 5 legislative days within them, because I have yet to be success- both counts. which to revise and extend their re- ful in getting him to pick up a tab for In fact, the only time I have known of BILL marks on the subject of the special any of those dinners. wavering occurred about three years before order to follow. BILL CLAY has been a great guy. He we first met. BILL found it necessary to correct The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. has been a mentor to so many of us, a mistake he had grown up with. He switched COOKSEY). Is there objection to the re- and I consider it really a high part of from the Democratic to Republican parties. quest of the gentleman from South my being here to be able to say to my I have had the great honor and pleasure to Carolina? children and grandchildren that I sit next to BILL for 25 years now on the Ways There was no objection. served here in this body for 8 years with him, and that we became fast and Means Committee. We have fought many f fights together. We saw the power of the friends, and that because of that Committee exercised first-hand under Wilbur TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE friendship and because of that service Mills. We experienced the curious mix of Chi- WILLIAM L. CLAY, SR. together, I am a better person today cago-style politics applied to national policy The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under than I was when I got here. I thank under Danny Rostenkowski. We celebrated the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- him for it.

VerDate Aug 04 2004 10:08 Jan 17, 2005 Jkt 079102 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 0688 Sfmt 0634 E:\BR00\H27OC0.001 H27OC0