E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 104 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 141 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1995 No. 166 House of Representatives

The House met at 11 a.m. and was PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there called to order by the Speaker pro tem- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the objection to the request of the gen- pore [Mr. BARRETT of Nebraska]. tleman from Georgia? gentlewoman from Florida [Ms. ROS- There was no objection. f LEHTINEN] come forward and lead the House in the Pledge of Allegiance. f DESIGNATION OF THE SPEAKER Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN led the Pledge PRO TEMPORE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER of Allegiance as follows: PRO TEMPORE The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Repub- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The fore the House the following commu- Chair announces that fifteen 1-minutes nication from the Speaker: lic for which it stands, one nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. will be allowed on each side this morn- WASHINGTON, DC, ing. October 25, 1995. f f I hereby designate the Honorable BILL MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE BARRETT to act as Speaker pro tempore on FIDEL CASTRO’S VISIT this day. A message from the Senate by Mr. NEWT GINGRICH, Lundregan, one of its clerks, an- (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was Speaker of the House of Representatives. nounced that the Senate had passed given permission to address the House for 1 minute.) f without amendment a bill of the House Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, of the following title: PRAYER today, Cuban tyrant Fidel Castro will H.R. 1026. An act to designate the United leave the United States after having States Post Office building located at 201 The Chaplain, Rev. James David been the catalyst for the most shame- Ford, D.D., offered the following pray- East Pikes Peak Avenue in Colorado Springs, Colorado, as the ‘‘Winfield Scott ful behavior seen in a long time. It was er: Stratton Post Office.’’ disgusting to observe how many ig- nored the documented repression in Remind every person, O gracious The message also announced that the Cuba. God, that it is in giving that we re- Senate had passed with amendments in Let me remind world leaders that ceive, that we are blessed when we ap- which the concurrence of the House is while they dined with Castro, thou- preciate the unity that is Your will for requested, a bill of the House of the fol- sands of political prisoners remain in us. Teach us, O God, that we can never lowing title: be the people You would have us be un- Castro’s gulags. Let me remind the less we discern that our lives and hopes H.R. 1606. An act to designate the United American media, that while they asked States Post Office building located at 24 Castro about who will win the World and dreams are intertwined with one Corliss Street, Providence, Rhode Island, as another and that our good fortune is the ‘‘Harry Kizirian Post Office Building.’’ Series, 11 million Cubans continue to linked to the good fortune of others. As be denied their human rights. And let we have received the support of our The message also announced that the me remind United States business lead- family and friends through prayer and Senate had passed a bill of the follow- ers, and even some of my congressional encouragement and counsel, so may we ing title, in which the concurrence of colleagues that while they glorified give of ourselves in service to others the House is requested: Castro, Cuban workers continue to live and so do the work of justice and S. 1328. An act to amend the commence- in misery, as they are paid almost mercy. In Your name, we pray. Amen. ment dates of certain temporary Federal nothing in Castro’s new plantation judgeships. style economy. f f Ironically, in the midst of its 50th an- THE JOURNAL niversary celebration, the United Na- DISPENSING WITH CALENDAR tions was the clear loser, for that same The SPEAKER pro tempore. The WEDNESDAY BUSINESS ON organization which now wants to cre- Chair has examined the Journal of the WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 25, 1995 ate global taxes, accepted and idolized last day’s proceedings and announces Mr. NORWOOD. Mr. Speaker, I ask as one of its own, the last tyrant of the to the House his approval thereof. unanimous consent that the business hemisphere, and turned its back on the Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- in order under the Calendar Wednesday millions of Cubans who suffer under his nal stands approved. rule be dispensed with today. dictatorship. Shame on all.

b This symbol represents the time of day during the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

H 10749 H 10750 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 THE REPUBLICAN BUDGET gress battled long and hard to raise We want to capture this market (Mr. GEPHARDT asked and was taxes. They were successful to the tune share because what this means is that given permission to address the House of $260 billion. The American people we are losing $177,000 and $2 billion of for 1 minute and to revise and extend didn’t like that at all. So we had us a revenue right here. What we have to do his remarks.) revolution at the ballot box. A lot of is to have a strategy. That is why on Mr. GEPHARDT. Mr. Speaker, for the Members of the 103d Congress October 30 and 31 we are having this months now, I’ve had a hard time un- didn’t get reelected because of the tax large White House conference on travel derstanding how the Republican Mem- increase. The 104th Congress has a lot and tourism. This is the most impor- bers of this House could push a budget of new faces, including mine. The tant conference we are going to have that demands huge sacrifices from the American people asked us to balance by far this decade because it is address- many, to lavish huge tax cuts on the the budget; they asked us to return ing the economy of the 1990’s and the few. some of the money they send to Wash- 21st century. We now have in our Trav- I’ve had a hard time understanding ington. el and Tourism Caucus 304 Members. I how the Republicans could double Med- So Mr. Speaker, what will we do for am asking Members to join because icare premiums and carve up middle the people this week? In the budget this will be a historic week and a his- class incomes like a Halloween pump- reconciliation, we will pass a balanced toric conference. kin—all to give about $20,000 a year to budget; we will cut Federal spending; f people who earn half-a-million dollars and we will give back $245 billion to the working men and women of this coun- LET US HAVE A VOTE ON a year. YUGOSLAVIA Above all, I’ve had a hard time un- try. That’s less than the 103d Congress derstanding how any Member of this took out, but it will go to help fami- (Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi asked House could so brazenly and shame- lies, seniors, and the middle class. It is and was given permission to address lessly turn their backs on the middle simply a matter of keeping our word to the House for 1 minute.) Mr. TAYLOR of Mississippi. Mr. class to dole out new perks and privi- the American people and doing as they Speaker, I spent the weekend visiting leges for the wealthy. wish. American troops in what was Yugo- But now, I’m beginning to under- f slavia and those troops who are on the stand where all this injustice comes THE COMEBACK CITY ground today in Italy preparing to go from. My Republican colleague, FRED- into what was Yugoslavia. Mr. Speak- ERICK HEINEMAN of North Carolina, has (Mr. STOKES asked and was given er, we are doing a lot of important given us a unique window onto the Re- permission to address the House for 1 things in this body. I do not think any- publican world view—and why it’s so minute and to revise and extend his re- thing we do is silly. But there is noth- weighted toward wealth and privilege. marks.) ing more important than deciding the According to Congressman Mr. STOKES. Mr. Speaker, yester- fate of those young American men and HEINEMAN, his own salary—more than day, my good friend and colleague, women who have given their word to $180,000 a year, and I quote, ‘‘does not JOHN LEWIS, stood in this well and de- defend our country. make me rich. That does not make me livered a passionate speech supporting If this Congress does nothing, 25,000 middle class. In my opinion that makes the Atlanta Braves as they landed in young American men and women will me lower middle class.’’ Never mind Cleveland for game three of the World be sent into a situation where they that he earns more money than 97 per- Series. For those who might have gone know many of them will die. This Con- cent of all Americans. to bed early last evening, let me sum gress will have shirked its responsibil- Congressman HEINEMAN then builds things up for you. ity. on this delusional world view, to tell us In comeback city, last night, the Mr. Speaker, we can bring that bill that someone earning $750,000 a year is wind-chill factor hovered at 29 degrees. to the floor. We deserve a vote. Every simply middle class. Never mind that A little help from Mother Nature, Member of this body should decide ´ they earn more than 99 percent of all Eddie Murray, Kenny Lofton, and Jose whether or not those young men and Americans. Mesa, proved to be just what the Indi- women should be called upon, many of I suppose in Congressman HEINEMAN’s ans needed. The team was magnificent them to die, and a peace accord that fiscal fantasy land, slashing Medicare, in winning game three of the World Se- will not bring peace to that part of the cutting student loans, and kicking the ries. world. Tito could not do it in 50 years. elderly out of nursing homes—all to Mr. Speaker, to my colleague from The United States of America cannot pay for tax cuts for people earning hun- Atlanta, JOHN LEWIS, I would say, It do it in 1. We have to vote on this dreds of thousands of dollars per year— ain’t over ’til it’s over. To the fans and issue. is a true blue middle class agenda. players from the Atlanta Braves, I say, But if you live in the real world, it’s Welcome to Cleveland, the comeback f just plain wrong. The Republicans just city. NO UNITED STATES TROOPS TO don’t get it. If they would step out and f BOSNIA talk to hard-working, struggling fami- (Mr. RAMSTAD asked and was given TRAVEL AND TOURISM lies every once in a while, they’d un- permission to address the House for 1 derstand why their views are so radical (Mr. ROTH asked and was given per- minute and to revise and extend his re- and extreme. mission to address the House for 1 marks.) And then maybe they’d learn that for minute and to revise and extend his re- Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I the vast majority of Americans, the marks.) wholeheartedly endorse the remarks of Republican budget is more than un- Mr. ROTH. Mr. Speaker, I have taken the preceding speaker, the distin- fair—it’s more than a bunch of silly this time to make a point. If we want guished gentleman from Mississippi. I mistakes and assumptions—it’s an ab- a strong economy, then we have to act believe, as he does, that the President solute outrage. And in the name of now. Travel and tourism is the fastest is on the verge of making the mistake common decency, it deserves to be de- growing industry in America and in the of a lifetime. Without clearly defining nounced and defeated. world. Yet look at what other coun- our mission in Bosnia, without proving f tries are spending on just advertising. a compelling national interest or with- Greece for example $143 million. The out a precise plan of action, the Presi- THE 104TH CONGRESS KEEPS ITS United States is way down to $16 mil- dent is about to commit 20,000 to 25,000 WORD lion. What does that mean? That American combat troops to Bosnia. (Mr. NORWOOD asked and was given means this year we are losing a large Mr. Speaker, U.S. troops should not permission to address the House for 1 market share. Look at what is taking be ordered to keep a peace where no minute.) place. In 1993 we had almost 19 percent; peace exists. If Members believe peace Mr. NORWOOD. Mr. Speaker, in 1993, now we have less than 16 percent, and has been achieved in the former Yugo- the liberal Democrats of the 103d Con- it is going down. slavia, then Members believe Elvis is October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10751 alive. The President is clearly jumping taxes in 1995. Today their total is over the guardians of the old order, can an the gun in committing troops to 40 percent with Federal, State, and increase from $4,800 this year to $6,700 Bosnia. It is a dangerous move and has local taxes combined. in the year 2002 be considered a cut. all the makings of a very, very deadly Last November, the American people How is that a cut? It is an increase of quagmire. said ‘‘enough.’’ Republicans cam- almost $2,000. Mr. Speaker, there is no plan. There paigned on a promise to balance the Mr. Speaker, the American people is no compelling national interest to budget, and we will keep that promise. will not be fooled. They understand it send young American men and women No excuses. No gimmicks. It is time to is time for fundamental change. That to die in Bosnia. Mr. Speaker, there is balance the budget. is why we were sent here, and that is no compelling reason to take this ac- f why we will change things for the bet- tion. ter. Let us lift the arms embargo against A QUICK QUIZ f the Bosnian Moslems so they can de- (Mr. ENGEL asked and was given fend themselves, but let us not place permission to address the House for 1 THIS IS NOT A FAIR BUDGET United States troops in a deadly situa- minute and to revise and extend his re- (Mr. WYNN asked and was given per- tion. Let us not spend $2 billion of marks.) mission to address the House for 1 American taxpayers money. Mr. ENGEL. As we do budget rec- minute and to revise and extend his re- f onciliation, a quick quiz, Mr. Speaker, marks.) three questions: Mr. WYNN. Mr. Speaker, good morn- CONGRESS CUT NOT ONE PENNY First, why are Republicans cutting ing. Balancing the budget may be a FROM ISRAEL OR EGYPT Medicare and hurting seniors? A—to good idea. Tax breaks for the wealthy (Mr. TRAFICANT asked and was save the Medicare Program? B—to bal- is not. I want to talk about Medicaid. given permission to address the House ance the budget? C—to pay for a tax In this so-called reconciliation bill for 1 minute and to revise and extend cut for the rich? the Republicans cut $182 billion out of his remarks.) If my colleagues said ‘‘C’’ they are Medicaid. Now some people are saying, Mr. TRAFICANT. Mr. Speaker, ev- right. The Republicans are cutting ‘‘There you go, talking about the poor erybody realizes that cuts must be Medicare to help their rich friends. again.’’ No, I am talking about the el- made, but there is something definitely Second, who do Republicans care derly, the disabled, and the blind. They wrong here. Congress cuts seniors in most about? A—senior citizens? B— had not one public hearing. They cut America. Congress cuts housing in America’s children? C—the B–2 bomb- $182 billion. They tell us, well, it is to America. Congress cuts kids in Amer- er? make things better for future genera- ica. Congress cuts education in Amer- Again, if my colleagues said ‘‘C’’ they tions. ica. Congress cuts farmers in America. are correct. While the Republicans are Mr. Speaker, the future is now. The Congress cuts services in America. cutting Federal funding to Medicare future is my parents, my colleagues’ Congress cuts bridges and roads in and education, they are increasing parents. It is my colleagues’ parents, America. funding for the B–2 bomber, what even my colleagues’ grandparents, my col- I might be able to accept that, but, the Pentagon says we do not need. leagues’ aunts, and my colleagues’ un- on the other hand, Congress did not cut Third, which programs will be pro- cles who are in these nursing homes. In one penny from the aid to Egypt or Is- tected under Republican proposals? A— the year 2002, when they tell us they rael. Now, a Congress that can find Social Security? B—Medicare? C—Pork will have a great balanced budget, they money for Israel and Egypt while cut- barrel projects in Republican districts? will also be spending 30 percent less on ting all of this in America, in my opin- Again, the answer is ‘‘C.’’ While Re- Medicaid. They also are eliminating ion, is not only misdirected but out of publicans are hurting seniors by reduc- the standards that protect seniors from touch with America. ing their Social Security and Medicare oversedation, protect their nutrition, I am going to vote ‘‘no’’ on this budg- benefits, they are conducting business protect their health standards in nurs- et. We should treat everybody alike; as usual by increasing funding for fat ing homes. even if it is like dogs, treat everybody cat projects. The other night I met with the Alz- alike. Well, Mr. Speaker, all three answers heimer’s support group. They are wor- were ‘‘C.’’ ried. They are concerned that they f I guess the ‘‘C’’ stands for cuts—Re- may have to spend their children’s col- b 1115 publican cuts. Cut the heart out of our lege education to support their parents seniors by raiding Medicare. Cut the in nursing homes. They are concerned IT IS TIME TO BALANCE THE heart out of our children’s education. that the elderly are sometimes eating BUDGET Cut the heart out of America’s future. cat food because they cannot afford it. (Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma asked and f This is not a fair budget, and they was given permission to address the worsen the pain by adding tax breaks House for 1 minute.) THE AMERICAN PEOPLE UNDER- for the rich. We need to protect our Mr. WATTS of Oklahoma. Mr. Speak- STAND IT IS TIME FOR FUN- seniors. Reject the Republican budget er, this week the House will debate DAMENTAL CHANGE approach. H.R. 2491, the fiscal year 1996 budget (Mr. HAYWORTH asked and was f reconciliation. For the first time in a given permission to address the House generation, Congress will pass a bal- for 1 minute and to revise and extend REPUBLICAN MAJORITY DELIVERS anced budget. By the year 2002, the def- his remarks.) CLINTON’S CAMPAIGN PROMISE icit will be zero and we will be on our Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I lis- FOR A TAX CUT way to paying down the national debt. tened with great interest to the gen- (Mr. CHABOT asked and was given Mr. Speaker, this is the right thing tleman from New York [Mr. ENGEL] permission to address the House for 1 to do. For the first time in 25 years, play a game that really should be minute and to revise and extend his re- Congress has run out of excuses for not called, Who does he think he’s fooling? marks.) doing the right thing for America’s fu- I at least was happy it was a multiple- Mr. CHABOT. Mr. Speaker, President ture. Previous Congresses totally choice test because we will provide sen- Clinton’s reelection campaign is now in avoided the most basic financial re- iors something that has been lacking full swing, so once again he has flip- sponsibilities. They squandered billions in health care for the last three dec- flopped his position on taxes. Now the on frivolous, ineffective, and repetitive ades, a choice, the most fundamental President admits that he raised taxes bureaucracies. They repeatedly raised element of American freedom, the free- too much in his 1993 budget. Let us lis- taxes, making it appear that the prob- dom to choose what health care plan is ten to what the pundits around this lem was the American people’s problem best for them, and once again, Mr. Nation are saying: and not their own. Americans paid 37 Speaker, only in Washington, with the Eleanor Clift said, ‘‘This is just one percent of their income in Federal twisted Washington mathematics of notch below ‘Read my lips.’ ’’ H 10752 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 Margaret Carlson said, ‘‘It was pan- neighborhood in my district with real Obviously, this young man loves dering of the worst sort, and it’s inde- people, was that we need tax relief. America, and he has taken a very pa- fensible.’’ Mr. Speaker, one of them said, triotic stand. Morton Kondracke said, ‘‘It’s evi- ‘‘Taxes are killing the American peo- Most Americans believe that the dence of a character disorder on Bill ple.’’ young men and women in our Armed Clinton’s part.’’ Now the other side calls this tax re- Forces should not be sent overseas ex- Mr. Speaker, candidate Bill Clinton lief for the rich, but that is garbage, cept under the command of American promised a middle-class tax cut, but and they know it. Rich people do not generals and admirals. then President Bill Clinton raised have any more children than poor peo- The Members of Congress who are the taxes on the American people. This ple. most concerned with the treatment of week the Republican majority will de- As young ladies walked up to me Mr. New are generally the Members liver on those promised tax cuts, and it with one baby in their arms and an- who are among the strongest support- is about time. other dragging along behind them, I ers of the U.S. military. f asked them, ‘‘Could you use a thousand Our Armed Forces are going to dollars’ tax credit?’’ squander a great deal of public and WE CANNOT ALLOW THIS REC- Mr. Speaker, they said to me, ‘‘You congressional support if they continue ONCILIATION TO TAKE OUR bet I could.’’ to prosecute Michael New. ECONOMY HOSTAGE I ask my colleagues, ‘‘Whose money They could easily have found other is it, and who can better spend it?’’ (Mrs. KENNELLY asked and was duty for someone who was making a That side says government can spend it given permission to address the House reasonable, principled, and patriotic better. I say we can spend it better by for 1 minute and to revise and extend objection as was Mr. New. giving it to the American people. her remarks.) f Mrs. KENNELLY. Mr. Speaker, f RECONCILIATION WITH A ‘‘W’’ today, as we begin debating the rec- WELCOME TO THE GINGRICH onciliation, we are debating nothing REVOLUTION (Mrs. SCHROEDER asked and was less than the path the United States given permission to address the House (Ms. DELAURO asked and was given will take in the future. On issues from for 1 minute and to revise and extend permission to address the House for 1 education to the environment, health her remarks.) minute and to revise and extend her re- care to nutrition, the choices we make Mrs. SCHROEDER. Mr. Speaker, yes- marks.) will have an impact for many years. terday I talked about the words that Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, my Re- the Gingrich revolution uses to sneak But of all the choices we make, none publican colleagues say their tax pack- up on people and make them think is more critical than this: We cannot age benefits the middle class. I guess it that they are all warm fuzzies. Rec- allow our very significant differences all depends on how you define middle onciliation is one of those words. It over reconciliation to take our econ- class. omy hostage. We cannot allow a failure In today’s Washington Post one Re- sounds so warm and wonderful, but let to raise the debt ceiling to force Amer- publican Congressman explains that me say, unless you are in the middle ica into default. GOP tax credits for people making class that the Republicans have had de- I want to make just two simple $200,000 a year are not tax breaks for fined by them, by the gentleman from points (about this:) First, no matter the wealthy, because people making North Carolina, Congressman how stringent the budget action we $200,000 a year are not wealthy, they HEINEMAN, as those people from $300,000 take this week, the debt ceiling will are lower middle class. a year to $750,000, unless you are in still have to be raised. There is no way The Congressman is quoted as say- that middle class, reconciliation is to avoid it it without pushing us into ing: ‘‘When I see someone who is mak- spelled this way for you. default. ing anywhere from $300,000 to $750,000 a This is really ‘‘wreconciliation’’ for And second, no one knows what the year, that’s middle class.’’ the middle class. That is where I am, consequences of default could be be- If Republicans consider a person and I think we need to go into this cause it has never happened before. I, making $750,000 a year as middle class, much further and point it out before for one, see a real potential for world- I am beginning to understand how they this all happens and before people are wide economic disruption. I urge my can claim that this budget helps the lulled to sleep. colleagues to avoid politics or middled class. In fact, by GOP calcula- What happens to the elderly? Boom. grandstanding on this incredibly im- tions, NEWT GINGRICH might qualify for What happens to families? Boom. What portant issue. food stamps. Except there would not be happens to children? Boom. We are f food stamps, because they are being going to wreck families, children, and cut to help out those poor, struggling all sorts of people’s sustainable income TAXES ARE KILLING THE families making $750,000 a year. Wel- that has kept them in what we define AMERICAN PEOPLE come to the Gingrich revolution. as the middle class. So, pull it away, and away they fall. (Mr. SHADEGG asked and was given f permission to address the House for 1 This is wreconciliation; do not be minute and to revise and extend his re- A PATRIOTIC OBJECTION fooled by the word. marks.) (Mr. DUNCAN asked and was given f Mr. SHADEGG. Mr. Speaker, enough permission to address the House for 1 of the rhetoric from the other side. We THE TRUTH ABOUT BUDGET minute and to revise and extend his re- RECONCILIATION are engaged in a great debate here marks.) about the budget, about the issue of Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, tomor- (Mr. TIAHRT asked and was given tax cuts or deficit relief. row a courageous young man named permission to address the House for 1 Mr. Speaker, I just heard the minor- Michael New is to be arraigned for a minute and to revise and extend his re- ity leader come to this floor and say court martial. marks.) the Republicans were out of touch. He Mr. New’s offense is that he refused Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, Jay said they ought to take a step out and to wear the blue uniform of the United Thomas, who lives in Wichita, KS, said, talk to real working Americans. Nations on a peacekeeping mission to ‘‘I would just like to know where I Mr. Speaker, he did not know what I Macedonia. could go to hear the truth,’’ and, as we did last weekend because last weekend He has not refused to go overseas on heard before, supposedly we snuck up I spent hours in front of grocery stores the peacekeeping mission as ordered. on people, because he heard that nutri- and drug stores in any district, and I He simply has taken the position tion programs were being cut and that asked the American people the ques- that his oath upon entering military children would starve, but there have tion my colleagues and I are debating, service was to the United States—not been no reports of children starving. In ‘‘Do you need tax relief?’’ And their an- the United Nations—and he wanted to fact, nutrition programs are up 4 per- swer, and I did this in a working-class wear his U.S. Army uniform. cent in the Republican budget. October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10753 My colleagues heard that Medicare SUPPORT TAX CUTS Mr. WELDON of Florida. Mr. Speak- was at a $270 billion cut. Yet it has (Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas asked er, as we debate tax cuts this week, I gone from $4,800 per year to $6,700 per and was given permission to address think we should look to the example of year with more people in the system in the House for 1 minute and to revise President Reagan. 7 years, an increase. Plus it has a and extend his remarks.) In 1981, President Reagan cut taxes, lockbox provision so any savings goes Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. setting off the longest peacetime ex- right back into providing more health Speaker, last week in my home State pansion in American history. What care and not for tax breaks for the rich of Texas the President admitted what happened during the ensuing decade? More than 19 million high paying like we would hear some other people Republicans and the American people allegedly saying. jobs were created. already knew—he raised taxes too Real median family income increased And tax breaks for the rich; let us much. talk about that. When he knows that 13 percent. Two short years ago Mr. Clinton and The number of Americans trapped in women who have three children are the Democrats raised America’s taxes driving to work this morning so they poverty dropped by 4 million. by $258 billion, the largest tax increase The rich carried a greater percentage can provide for those children and the in American history. of the tax burden. tax breaks, I want that young woman Republicans now want to return that Now listen carefully. Of those in the to know that she will get $1,500, $1,500, money back to hardworking Americans bottom fifth income bracket in 1979, 65 of a tax break. She is not rich, she is by providing tax cuts for families, for percent jumped at least two income poor. seniors, and for America’s jobcreating brackets during the 1980’s. And more So where is the credibility? Listen, businesses. It is time to put the people made it to the top income bracket than Jay. The truth is that we are going to back in charge of their wallets. Let’s stayed in the bottom. balance the budget to preserve a future get government out of our pockets. My colleagues on the other side of for the children. We are going to pre- It’s nice to see the President admit the aisle: Do you want to help the serve and protect Medicare. We are his own mistake. Fortunately it’s not poor? Well then, cut taxes. going to reform welfare, requiring too late for him to right his wrong, he f work, bringing the work ethic back in, can let all Americans keep more of and we are going to give tax breaks to what they earn. Support tax cuts and FOCUS SHOULD BE ON THE families, all under the 7-year balanced sign the budget. It’s good for America. CHILDREN budget Reconciliation Act. f (Mr. JOHNSTON of Florida asked and f was given permission to address the REPUBLICAN BUDGET CUTS SCORN House for 1 minute and to revise and b 1130 RURAL AMERICA extend his remarks.) SUPPORT THE COALITION BUDGET (Mrs. CLAYTON asked and was given Mr. JOHNSTON of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Hubert Humphrey once said (Mr. PAYNE of Virginia asked and permission to address the House for 1 that ‘‘the moral test of government is was given permission to address the minute and to revise and extend her re- how that government treats those who House for 1 minute and to revise and marks.) are in the dawn of life, the children; extend his remarks.) Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, this those who are in the twilight of life, Mr. PAYNE of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, week we will vote on proposed budget the elderly; and those who are in the if you could vote for a bill that would cuts that ignore the past, disregard the shadows of life—the sick, the needy balance the budget in 7 years, cut the present, and worse: Scorns the future, and the handicapped.’’ deficit faster and deeper than any plan especially for rural America. Scorn is a harsh word to use in de- I would like to focus on the children. now on the table, and achieve real In the United States today, a child is budget process reforms, would you? scribing the impact of Republican budget cuts on our children, but con- born into poverty every 30 seconds. That’s the choice every Member of Yet my Republican colleagues are sider what these cuts will do to rural this House will face tomorrow when systematically throwing millions of the House votes on the Budget Rec- children in North Carolina. Almost a quarter of a million needy lower middle class families with chil- onciliation Act. We can vote for the dren into poverty. children in North Carolina, and 41⁄2 mil- bill that was written by the Republican By cutting Medicaid, school lunch lion nationwide will be dropped from leadership, or we can vote for a better programs, student loans, low income Medicaid. plan, the substitute bill that was devel- heating assistance, the earned income More than 60,000 North Carolina oped by the conservative Democratic tax credit, Federal housing assistance, young people will be denied a summer Coalition. aid for families with dependent chil- job, 4,000 will lose Head Start, and all It is the coalition’s budget that dren, and education they are cutting 129 school districts will lose money for spends less of our constituents’ short the hopes of the children of this Safe and Drug Free Schools, affecting hardearned money over 7 years. country. It is the coalition’s budget that con- threequarters of a million rural chil- These cuts will push millions of chil- tains real budget process reforms like a dren. dren into the shadows of life, and into line item veto that applies right now Nutrition assistance for North Caro- lives of uncertainty, insecurity, and and a deficit reduction lockbox that lina children is cut by more than 20 poverty. can’t be picked. percent, $500 million, affecting 320,000 In the United States, every 30 sec- And it is the coalition’s budget says children. onds a baby is born into poverty. Are its wrong to borrow money from our When combined with housing cuts af- we now shooting for every 15 seconds? kids to pay for big tax cuts right now. fecting thousands of North Carolina At some point, Mr. Speaker, my col- But that’s not all, Mr. Speaker. children, the elimination of heating as- leagues on the other side of the aisle Because the coalition rejects tax cuts sistance from 200,000 children, and the must ask themselves if giving a tax and doesn’t backload its spending cuts denial of child care help for 20,000 chil- break to the wealthiest Americans is as the Republican plan does, we are dren—scorn may not be a harsh enough worth the cost of our children. able to provide $100 billion more for word—cruel and inhuman might be f Medicare and $100 billion more for Med- more appropriate choices. icaid than their plan. And we don’t f PASSING THE RECONCILIATION slash spending for student loans and BILL IS THE BEST THING CON- agriculture. HELP THE POOR BY CUTTING GRESS CAN DO FOR THE AMER- The conservative Democratic Coali- TAXES ICAN ECONOMY AND THE POOR tion’s budget is tough and it is fair. It’s (Mr. WELDON of Florida asked and (Mrs. WALDHOLTZ asked and was a better deal for your constituents and was given permission to address the given permission to address the House mine. I urge my colleagues to vote for House for 1 minute and to revise and for 1 minute and to revise and extend it. extend his remarks.) her remarks.) H 10754 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. Mr. Speaker, we Mr. VENTO. Mr. Speaker, the House, stands as it relates to the variables of have heard a lot from the other side of with its budget, is set for the biggest their economic status. Mine were accu- the aisle about why we should not bal- gamble of the decade. The gamble is to rate for me and others like me. ance the budget, we should not reduce reduce the deficit. I do not think it will f Federal regulations, and why we should do that. More important, it is going to not cut taxes. Let me recommend to increase the human deficit, the human BULK SALES OF BUDGET my doubting colleagues that they get suffering in this country. It reneges on RECONCILIATION PACKAGE hold of the recent DRI-McGraw-Hill re- the basic commitments we have had to (Mr. GUTIERREZ asked and was port on the economic impact of the rec- decency and to families. given permission to address the House onciliation bill we will soon be consid- In fact, speaking of unfairness, last for 1 minute and to revise and extend ering. According to that study, the rec- week’s Wall Street Journal pointed out his remarks. onciliation bill will ‘‘bring down inter- that the Republican tax breaks in- Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Speaker, we’ve est rates for fixed rate mortgages by 2.7 creases taxes for those under $30,000 in- heard a lot lately about possible bulk percentage points, and those for adjust- come, because it eliminates part of the sales of NEWT GINGRICH’s book. able mortgages by 1.7 percentage earned income tax credit; because the Yes, reports say GINGRICH is doing ex- points by the year 2000.’’ child tax credit you have been hearing actly what he accused a former Speak- The result, said DRI, would be an 8- about does not help low-income people. er of. But, guess what? His $2 million percent boost in home values, and an In fact, of course, it cuts programs book is not the only thing NEWT GING- increase in household net worth for like education, Medicaid, school RICH is trying to sell in bulk. Here’s the Americans of over $1 trillion, $1 tril- lunches. The Medicaid program is com- new book—the GOP’s 1,500 page, budg- lion. pletely decimated by this Republican et-busting reconciliation package. In Mr. Speaker, passing this reconcili- budget measure. We are going to see it, NEWT GINGRICH is going to try to ation bill is the best thing we can do the reopening of the institutions for sell—in bulk—some gems of fiction for the people of our country, the mid- the disabled in our States. There is that you just won’t believe. dle class and the poor. No Government going to be inadequate funds to meet He’ll try to sell you on the idea that spending program could ever come basic health needs. we should give a tax cut to the wealthy close to achieving what balancing the The Governors in this country, good few while we cancel tax credits for the budget will do, if we just have the cour- Governors they may be, are not capa- working poor. And he wants you to buy age to do it. ble of the miracle of loaves and fishes. into the fiction that students don’t Mr. Speaker, I hope the President They cannot make something out of ever need a college loan. will put aside politics for a while and nothing. That is what they are being NEWT GINGRICH called his first book: join us to balance this budget. handed by the GOP proposed programs. ‘‘To Renew America.’’ f A block grant. This has all the grace of He should call this one: ‘‘How to cement blocks being dropped on our Undo America,’’ undoing decades of URGING MEMBERS TO COSPONSOR States. These block grants are going to BILL TO CREATE A NATIONAL what is good and decent and fair. This deliver stones back home in place of book might not be a best-seller, but it COMMISSION TO STUDY GAM- help. This Republican plan will espe- BLING certainly is a good example of how to cially hurt children—16 million kids re- sell-out. (Mr. WOLF asked and was given per- ceive Medicaid; they need their health mission to address the House for 1 care, education, and nutrition pro- f minute and to revise and extend his re- grams. REQUEST FOR IMMEDIATE CON- marks.) Mr. Speaker, reject this, reject the SIDERATION OF S. 1060, LOBBY- Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I want to let tax breaks for the affluent. Let us keep ING DISCLOSURE ACT OF 1995 the Members know that we now have 92 our commitments to our American cosponsors on our bill to create a na- families and to the kids, our hope for Mr. SKAGGS. Mr. Speaker, I ask tional commission to study the impact tomorrow. Let’s not gamble away the unanimous consent to take from the of gambling in the United States. children’s milk, health, and school Speaker’s table the Senate bill (S. 1060) Twenty years ago only two States had money. to provide for the disclosure of lobby- ing activities to influence the Federal gambling. Now almost every State but f Hawaii and Utah has gambling. Government, and for other purposes, This is a bipartisan bill. We have the ACCURATE PERSONAL REMARKS which has passed the Senate, and pro- majority whip and the minority whip. TAKEN OUT OF CONTEXT BY ceed to its immediate consideration. It is time we pass it, whereby we can THE DEMOCRATIC MINORITY The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. have a study to see, is there a problem (Mr. HEINEMAN asked and was given BARRETT of Nebraska). The Chair does of corruption? We know corruption permission to address the House for 1 not recognize the gentleman for that does follow. Is there a problem of minute and to revise and extend his re- purpose at this time. crime? Is there a problem of organized marks.) f crime? Is there a problem of teenage Mr. HEINEMAN. Mr. Speaker, the PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY addiction? Let us find out. Let us have depth of the Democratic agenda is no a national commission to examine it. deeper than a bumper sticker. Their Mr. DOGGETT. I have a parliamen- The bill is being cosponsored in the whole agenda in this 104th Congress has tary inquiry, Mr. Speaker. I have here Senate by Senator SIMON from Illinois, been out of context remarks, lies, and the Republican whip notice saying here and Senator LUGAR from Indiana. We distortions. That is the depth of their that the first item of business this hope to pass it in the House this year initiatives. morning will be the legislative branch and pass it in the Senate this year. I The minority leader, in his failure to appropriations, and the very gift ban urge all my colleagues who are not co- keep his party together, is now des- and lobby reform the gentleman refers sponsors, please call my office today to perately clutching for straws. The re- to. cosponsor the bill, H.R. 497, National marks of myself, FRED HEINEMAN, in an Is it true that after the vote of the Commission to Study the Impact of informal discussion with his hometown Democratic Caucus calling for imme- Gambling. paper as to what and who are rich, were diate gift ban reform this morning, f completely taken out of context. Now that that has been pulled from the they have been incorporated into the agenda and we will not have a chance THE REPUBLICAN BUDGET: THE Democratic platform to defeat the Re- to have a gift ban reform and lobby re- BIGGEST GAMBLE OF THE DECADE publican initiatives to save this coun- form considered today? (Mr. VENTO asked and was given try. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The permission to address the House for 1 My remarks were directed to my sit- Chair cannot comment on that particu- minute and to revise and extend his re- uation and my situation alone. Each lar inquiry. The Chair will recognize marks.) person can better judge where he or she the gentlewoman from Utah [Mrs. October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10755

WALDHOLTZ], for the purpose of calling tain provisions which exceed the scope ty and reliability of our Nation’s trans- a privileged rule. of differences between the House and portation systems. For example, the f the Senate. legislation cuts AMTRAK rail pas- Waivers under the rule are in accord- senger service by $158 million; it cuts b 1145 ance with previous tradition on appro- the Coast Guard by $281 million; it cuts priations conference reports, and in the Federal Transit Administration by CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2002, fact, the rule was reported out of com- $563 million; and it cuts the Federal DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPOR- mittee on a voice vote with no con- Aviation Administration by $178 mil- TATION AND RELATED AGEN- troversy or opposition. lion. CIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 1996 H.R. 2002 provides critical funding for Mr. Speaker, I would also like to Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. Mr. Speaker, by improving and investing in our Na- note that the House Democratic con- direction of the Committee on Rules, I tion’s infrastructure and transpor- ferees took unaminous exception to call up House Resolution 241 and ask tation needs. For example, the bill in- one provision in the conference report, for its immediate consideration. creases funding for the Federal Avia- amendment number 174, which allows The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- tion Administration in order to im- the Federal Aviation Administration lows: prove aviation safety. It provides $1.45 Administrator to waive current law H. RES. 241 billion for the airport improvement pertaining to labor management and Resolved, That upon adoption of this reso- program, which is the same level of employee relations. The reasons for our lution it shall be in order to consider the spending as last year, and provides Members’ objections to this particular conference report to accompany the bill $19.9 billion for total highway program provision will be one of the issues dis- (H.R. 2002) making appropriations for the De- spending. cussed during the course of debate on partment of Transportation and related At the same time, Mr. Speaker, the this legislation. agencies for the fiscal year ending Septem- bill recognizes the need to restructure Mr. Speaker, to repeat: we have no ber 30, 1996, and for other purposes. All and downsize the Federal Government. objections to this rule, and we urge its points of order against the conference report passage so that the House can proceed and against its consideration are waived. This bill includes provisions to termi- nate the Interstate Commerce Commis- to consideration of the conference re- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. sion, reduce transit operating assist- port. BARRETT of Nebraska). The gentle- ance funds, and cut administrative ex- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of woman from Utah [Mrs. WALDHOLTZ] is penses of the Department of Transpor- my time. recognized for 1 hour. Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. Mr. Speaker, I tation, including a requirement to con- Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. Mr. Speaker, for have no further requests for additional solidate the Department’s extensive the purposes of debate only, I yield the time at this point, and so I reserve the field offices, for a savings of $25 mil- customary 30 minutes to the gen- balance of my time. lion. tleman from California [Mr. BEILEN- Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. Speaker, importantly, this bill SON], pending which I yield myself such yield 5 minutes to the gentlewoman also changes how we make our funding time as I may consume. During consid- from Colorado [Mrs. SCHROEDER]. decisions in this Congress. This bill to- eration of this resolution, all time Mrs. SCHROEDER. Mr. Speaker, I tally eliminates funding for highway yielded is for the purpose of debate thank the gentleman for yielding time demonstration projects, which pre- only. to me. I basically take the floor to talk viously were a way to funnel more PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY about the FAA, because this is a rule money to favored lawmakers’ districts, bringing up the transportation appro- Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, I have a and instead uses these funds for the priations in which the FAA is getting parliamentary inquiry. benefit of the entire Nation. more money. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Under this bill, we spend next year Let me say that I am here today tleman will state it. virtually all of the highway trust funds pleading with the FAA to please, please Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, under collected instead of stockpiling those come clean with the Denver media and this particular resolution, is the legis- funds to mask the true size of the na- the people who live in Denver. Let me lative branch appropriation affected by tional debt. tell you why. this particular rule, or is it exclusively Mr. Speaker, this bill reflects fiscal Mr. Speaker, many of you know we the Transportation branch? responsibility, and at the same time had a huge snowstorm. We have a The SPEAKER pro tempore. This provides sufficient funding for our brandnew airport. I think people have rule will make in order the Department transportation and infrastructure read a lot about that new airport, and of Transportation Appropriation con- needs. they read a lot of negative things ference report. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to about what happened in the control Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, since adopt the rule and the underlying bill. tower at that airport during the snow- the gentlewoman from Utah [Mrs. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of storm. The roof started leaking like WALDHOLTZ] has herself circulated a my time. mad. They had water coming down letter on this gift ban issue, does this Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I over all of the instruments. They were resolution and rule permit the offering thank the gentlelady from Utah [Mrs. putting plastic over all of the instru- of gift ban or lobby reform legislation, WALDHOLTZ] for yielding me the cus- ments. The problem has been that the as the Republican whip notice said we tomary one-half hour of debate time, FAA will not let even one camera in would have an opportunity to consider and I yield myself such time as I may there to see it. this morning? consume. Yesterday another tile fell on one of The SPEAKER pro tempore. This Mr. Speaker, we do not oppose this the air traffic controllers’ heads. Luck- rule does not relate to that subject. rule. It is a traditional rule for a con- ily, she was not hurt, but they made Mr. DOGGETT. I thank the Speaker. ference report on an appropriations her sign all sorts of statements and all The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- bill, waiving all points of order against sorts of everything else. They have also tlewoman from Utah [Mrs. WALDHOLTZ] the conference report and against its had to remove two air traffic control- is recognized. consideration. lers, take them out of service because Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. Mr. Speaker, However, we would like to point out apparently the leaks are so bad that House Resolution 241 provides for the to the membership our concerns about there is no place to sit in those posi- consideration of the conference report the legislation that the rule makes in tions. for H.R. 2002, the fiscal year 1996 trans- order, which provides appropriations Now, here is the problem: Denver is portation appropriations bill. The rule for transportation programs for fiscal getting dinged for all of this. Every- waives all points of order against the 1996. body is going to laugh at Denver, laugh conference report. The waiver covers Our primary concern is that this bill at Colorado. Denver did not build that provisions relating to legislation and shortchanges, we believe, many valu- tower. That tower was totally under unauthorized items on a general appro- able services that the American people the control of the Federal Aviation Au- priations bill and, further, protects cer- have come to depend upon for the safe- thority. They oversaw it, and they H 10756 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 built it. They selected a contractor come the best all-weather and the You need a trip to the ski slopes? It who has had, I guess, some problems in safest all-weather airport in the world. is still permitted. You need a little the past with roofs. That has been the I am a pilot. I understand how impor- chateaubriand and Cabernet rumor; but whatever, they ought to be tant that is. We were so proud of how Sauvignon? It is still permitted. Do big enough to come out and talk about it worked on the opening day when we you need tickets to the World Series or the problems. had a terrible, terrible snowstorm and the Super Bowl? It is still permitted to No one expects a brandnew facility everything went like this. The ceiling be a gift to Members of this body. The like this to kind of open up and leak did not collapse or leak at that point only thing that is preventing that like it did when this kind of a storm and the ground radar was working problem being dealt with here as our comes through, then to be in this state properly, I guess, at that point. colleagues, Republican and Democrat of denial where they are denying access Mr. Speaker, we want it to work. alike have dealt with it in the U.S. so cameras cannot even come in and to This is like getting a new car and it Senate, is the obstructionism and the refuse to come out and really talk to falls down as you drive it out of the objection of Speaker GINGRICH and the people about what you are going to do showroom. Get it fixed, FAA, because Republican leadership. to get this up and going is very trou- we are getting impatient. Indeed, the first vote that we took on bling. Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I this issue when every single Repub- There were some other problems with yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from lican voted against gift reform was on the ground radar. I understand, and I Texas [Mr. DOGGETT]. the first day of this session, where peo- was very pleased, that the FAA was out Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, what is ple stood at this very spot and said, let there, they went out, they looked at it, happening here this morning is truly us change business as usual, let us they decertified it, but then they amazing. By this rule, we set the order clean up the relationship between leg- recertified it and turned it back on. of debate here in this House, and last islators and lobbyists, and the response Many of the people we have talked to night we were given an indication of of Speaker GINGRICH to that initiative out there have said that they just what the order of debate would be, and was that ‘‘it was an astonishingly nar- turned it off, they turned it on, it did again, as recently as a few hours ago row and self-destructive act.’’ not solve the problem. It is not seen in this morning we were given an indica- b that corner of the airport where it was tion of what the order of debate would 1200 seen at the time the almost-accident be in the official Republican whip no- What a comment by those who claim occurred. tice. That order was to consider the to be revolutionaries, who say they So we do not want the FAA trying to legislative branch appropriations bill. really want to change the way business paint over that either and put a happy With that in mind, the Democratic operates in this House. It is time to ad- face on it. Caucus met this morning and over- dress the issue of gifts, and no amount Mr. Speaker, the FAA has had a whelmingly voted to support the gift of press releases and no amount of model record in the world for air traffic ban legislation, the gift ban rule to be speeches can make up for the continual safety, and I absolutely cannot figure more specific, that the Senate has ap- delay. At every opportunity imme- out why we are kind of getting the proved on a bipartisan basis 98 to 0. diately after action is called for and a brushoff and why they are not dealing However, for some reason, bipartisan- united Democratic Caucus gets behind straight with the Denver media. If they ship in this building stops in the mid- this issue, the Members of the Repub- want to keep this reputation, they dle of the Capitol rotunda, because in- lican Party jerk it from the agenda. have to come clean. This is not a fun- stead of dealing with the issue of gifts The American people are not going to gus. It can thrive in sunshine, but if this morning, we are dealing with an- stand for continual delay, for contin- they do not let it in the sunshine, peo- other piece of legislation all along. ued obstructionism, for continued ob- ple will wonder what kind of a fungus What has happened is, a giant pulled jection to really changing the way this the FAA is growing. stamp should be put on the legislative business of the Congress operates. They The taxpayers and everyone else appropriations bill. Right after the want an open House. They want the made a huge investment. This invest- Democratic Caucus votes for reform, kind of revolution they were promised ment was to add to the capacity. This and tries to change business as usual but have not gotten from our Repub- airport would have been totally closed here, deal with this issue of gifts, what lican colleagues. down in this storm had it been the old happens? The measure is pulled. This is a bill about transportation. It airport. This is to be an all-weather Mr. Speaker, I maintain that it is ap- deals with railroads. It deals with high- airport. When you have the air traffic propriate for this body to focus on re- ways. It deals with airplanes. Whether control tower built so poorly that you forming itself before, not after, it deals you fly, you ride the rails, or you take are going to have water coming in and with all of these substantive issues. It a trip somewhere, this can still occur people are having to read the instru- is particularly ironic, given the fact today under the rules that do not apply ments under plastic because the water that the gentlewoman from Utah [Mrs. in this House. might short something out, and now WALDHOLTZ] has circulated a letter to Last year the Democratic Congress, you cannot even have as many people all of her colleagues in favor of gift ban before I ever got here, passed a rule to up there and you cannot even let the reform, and yet we have had oppor- deal with that, passed it twice, and it cameras in to see it because no one tunity after opportunity after oppor- was killed by Republicans in the Sen- wants to admit it happened on their tunity to vote on it, not just to talk ate. watch. That is why people are cynical about it, not just to issue a press re- This year we have asked for action about government. lease about it, not just to posture on it again. All we get is it pulled from So I plead with the FAA, I plead with about it, but to vote about it and do the agenda so that the legitimate de- them, to go and come clean. Let the something about these gifts, and the sires of the American people to deal media see what happened, tell us how Republican majority has continually with the issue of real reform in this you are going to fix that. Do not put it voted the other way, voted against re- body, changing business as usual, have on my city. They did not do that. You form from the first day of this session been thwarted. If the American people oversaw it. Take the responsibility. when a gift ban item came up. Through make their voice known that they Stand up, stand for something, because June, twice, through July, and in Octo- want real change, not just phony I think the citizens of Colorado are get- ber of this year, the last time the legis- change, we are going to get that ting to be a little impatient with all of lative branch appropriations were up, change. this, everybody pointing at everyone the same thing happened, and now Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. Mr. Speaker, I else and then locking the doors so today, when we have an opportunity to yield myself such time as I may noboby can really get in and see. look in this box and see what gifts peo- consume. If the contractor made a mistake, go ple can still be given, the snow is about I am glad to have an opportunity to get the contractor. Tell us how you are to fall, I understand, in Colorado, talk about what is really happening on going to fix it. Make sure that airport where the gentlewoman from Colorado gift ban legislation in this Congress. I does what the taxpayers paid for: Be- just spoke. am very encouraged, Mr. Speaker, that October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10757 we are going to have an opportunity to cosponsor of that legislation, to join us the one adopted in the Senate, it never give this issue the full hearing and vote in cosponsoring that legislation, so becomes law. on the floor that it deserves. that, when we move it to the floor, we We have seen that one of the reasons The gentleman who just spoke ob- can have true bipartisan support of we have never gotten this passed is this jected to the fact that one item was this important legislation. body has passed it before, and it goes pulled from the legislative agenda Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman to the other body, and it dies, or they today. However, Mr. Speaker, I think it from Texas [Mr. DOGGETT]. pass a different one or they never get is very important to note that last Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, I want- together. night pursuant to a request from the ed to be sure that I am clear about What I was hoping is that we could minority there was a unanimous-con- what the gentlewoman has said. As I accept what the other body has done sent agreement entered into to add 3 understand, her position is we do not and then start with that as a new high- hours of general debate on the budget take up gift ban this morning because er level of morality on this issue to reconciliation package. The minority we will have an announcement of a then begin a new, a higher debate. Oth- asked for that time; the majority de- time at some future time, sometime erwise, I fear, if we go to hearings, I cided to accede to their request, a this year, next year, when the majority mean we did not even have hearings on unanimous-consent agreement was en- leader will tell us that we can take up Medicare or Medicaid. tered into. gift ban. Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. Reclaiming my As a result, another item was pulled Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. Mr. Speaker, re- time, Mr. Speaker, I am glad to be able from the schedule to allow that 3 hours claiming my time, we are not taking to report to the gentlewoman that of debate to be added to our agenda for up gift ban this morning because it is whatever we do this gift ban does not today. not germane to the Transportation ap- need to go back to the Senate because But in particular, Mr. Speaker, on propriations bill. the gift ban is a rule of the House and the gift ban legislation, last week Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, if the will not need to be acted on by the those of us who have been working on gentlewoman will continue to yield, other body. So we have complete lati- this legislation from the beginning of and with reference to the scheduling, tude within the House to do what we this Congress received a commitment she is not suggesting, I am sure she was feel is appropriate without having to from our leadership, from the gen- here when I queried the gentleman consult with the other body. tleman from Texas [Mr. ARMEY], the from New York [Mr. SOLOMON], about Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the majority leader, that by the end of this this at the conclusion of business last gentleman from California [Mr. week he would make an announcement night. She is not suggesting that the DREIER]. as to when we would take up the gift additional 3 hours of debate which was (Mr. DREIER asked and was given ban legislation. Mr. Speaker, I am scheduled for tonight until the legisla- permission to revise and extend his re- proud to report that yesterday, Mr. tive branch appropriations was pulled, marks.) ARMEY, in a discussion personally with that that has anything to do with this Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, I would me, reaffirmed his commitment that gift ban, is she? like to once again, as my good friend by the end of Friday of this week, he Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. Mr. Speaker, I from Utah has, remind our colleagues will make an announcement as to when was not here when the gentleman dis- that we are debating the rule on the we will take up a vote on the gift ban cussed this with the gentleman from transportation appropriations legisla- legislation. New York [Mr. SOLOMON] last night. tion. I think that that is something Mr. Speaker, I think it is very impor- But I do know that the majority leader that we should recognize. tant that we allow this legislation to felt that it was important to allow the I was just a few minutes ago walking go through the hearing process before 3 hours of general debate that col- out in the Speaker’s hallway and was this measure comes to the floor for a leagues on his side of the aisle re- headed back up to the Committee on vote. I am not so vain, Mr. Speaker, as quested. And so this measure was Rules where we are at this point con- to believe that the bill is perfect in the pulled in an attempt to provide the sidering the rule for the reconciliation way that I introduced it, because the gentleman with the time that his side bill which will begin, as was said ear- gentleman said that I have circulated a has requested. lier, debate this evening and go letter on gift ban. I have done more Reclaiming my time, Mr. Speaker, I through tomorrow. than that, Mr. Speaker. I am the spon- think it is important that we move on. I heard the statement of my very sor of the gift ban legislation that I This is not germane to the discussion good friend from Texas somehow im- hope will come, that I believe will be of the rule that we are discussing. plying, or I inferred from this, that we the vehicle that we will discuss when Mrs. SCHROEDER. Mr. Speaker, will had not proceeded with the kinds of re- the gentleman from Texas [Mr. the gentlewoman yield? forms that he believed were necessary. ARMEY], the majority leader, makes his Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. I yield to the I have got to say that, having authored announcement. gentlewoman from Colarado. the opening day reforms, having But I am not so vain, Mr. Speaker, as Mrs. SCHROEDER. Mr. Speaker, I worked with, and I see my friend, the to believe that that bill cannot be im- just was wanting to make clear, the gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. OBEY], proved through the hearing process. It gentlewoman said that there is going during 1993 on the Joint Committee on has not gone through the hearing proc- to be hearings on the gift ban legisla- the Organization of Congress that was ess yet. That will be a part of the an- tion before it comes to the floor. established. And he worked on the nouncement that will come later this Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. Mr. Speaker, issue of congressional reform before; week. what I said was that the majority lead- we spent hours and hours and hours. Mr. Speaker, I am glad that the mi- er will be announcing by the end of the We had 37 hearings in 1993; 243 wit- nority party this morning voted in con- this week, as he announced last week, nesses came before us in 1993. The ference to support the gift ban bill. a time at which we will take up gift former majority leadership, as every- Frankly, Mr. Speaker, we have had ban legislation. As the sponsor of the one knows, did absolutely nothing with some difficulty in getting some cospon- measure, it certainly is my intent and the report that came forward. It was sors from the other side of the aisle. I have expressed that to my leadership not until we won this new majority, The gentleman from California, Mr. and believe that they will follow and frankly many Democrats on a reg- BEILENSON, my colleague on the Com- through with that to provide for a ular basis remind me of this, it was not mittee on Rules, was one of the very hearing to see if this is a measure that until we won the new majority that we first to join me in sponsoring that gift cannot be improved in some way. were able to implement the greatest ban legislation. I appreciate that. Mrs. SCHROEDER. Mr. Speaker, if reforms that this institution has seen I would say, Mr. Speaker, to my col- the gentlewoman will continue to in a half century. leagues on the other side of the aisle yield, one of the concerns I have had, We all know what those reforms have that we welcome their support and in- and I just am sharing this for informa- been. They have been for the most part vite them, including the gentleman tion, is that once we introduce and received extraordinarily well: changing who previously spoke, who is not yet a pass a bill here that is different from the committee structure, eliminating H 10758 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 proxy voting, insisting on congres- I suggest that, when the House has last 8 or 9 months because it reminds sional compliance with laws imposed had an opportunity to vote on this me about Lucy holding that football on other Americans. measure and has been continually for Charlie Brown. Each time we get To claim that nothing has been done thwarted, it is time to give us an op- close to being able to debate these is- in the area of reform, as many have, portunity to take up the issue again sues and bring them to the floor, the unfortunately, is absolutely prepos- today. There is no reason, this body football is taken away. Another reason terous. will finish its business by mid-after- is given to us as to why we cannot de- My friend from Utah is the sponsor, noon under this new schedule. There is bate gift reform and lobbying reform. I as she has just said, of legislation deal- absolutely no way that this Congress think it is important that we keep ing with the gift ban issue. As we look cannot reform itself today, if we were those two issues together. at overhauling the entire makeup of permitted to do so. b the Federal Government, this clearly is Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. Mr. Speaker, I 1215 a priority and something that we are yield myself such time as I may I certainly will be encouraged if we going to be considering. But I believe consume. do have a date certain for gift ban re- that it is crazy to in any way imply I would simply remind the body that form to be brought to this floor. I that this historic 104th Congress has we are trying to move forward on a think it is important that we do so, but not brought about major reforms. I rule for the transportation appropria- we cannot forget that equally impor- hope very much that the American tions budget. I think it is important tant issue of lobbying reform. I find it people and our colleagues will recog- that we move forward so that we can somewhat perplexing and ironic that nize that. reach the other items on our agenda now the leadership wants to divide With that, I urge strong support of today, not only this bill. We have im- these two issues, bring the gift ban re- this rule that is being carried by my portant discussions to enter into re- form to the floor, but not bring the lob- friend. garding the budget reconciliation bill, bying reform to the floor. Now why is Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I which is probably the most important this? Why do we not want to move yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from bill that this Congress will take up this them together? Both bills or both Texas [Mr. DOGGETT]. year. measures have gone through the Sen- Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, with all So I would simply say to my col- ate. They are both in excellent shape. due respect to my colleague from Cali- league that I do not think it is asking We should have the opportunity to de- fornia, while he may have made some too much of our majority leader to be bate these and move them forward. changes that Democrats recommended able to wait until Friday of this week I think that this legislative appro- in the last Congress, when it came to to make an announcement as to when priations vehicle is a very good vehicle, separating the lobby and the legisla- we will take up the gift ban measure and for my friends on the other side of tors, he has done absolutely nothing. and discuss other congressional reform the aisle who have not been through The only lobby this group cares about measures beyond that which we have this exercise before, I can assure them are the Girl Scouts and Catholic char- discussed here today so that we have that there are people, mostly people ities. They are all worked up about an opportunity to finish the budget who have been around here many, them lobbying. But when it comes to reconciliation bill, which we must many years longer than we have, who polluters, when it comes to loophole move forward on today and tomorrow. want to love these issues to death. lawyers, they have done nothing but to Then the very next day we can expect That is what they want to do, they fill this box to overflowing with gifts an announcement as to when we are want to love these issues to death. for Members of this House. going to move this important gift ban They do not want these issues brought The comments of the gentlewoman legislation and other congressional re- to the floor, and they are going to find from Utah are absolutely amazing. I forms forward. as many ways as they can to kill it. stood on this floor last night and asked Mr. Speaker, I would simply encour- That reminds me a little bit of the the gentleman from New York [Mr. age my colleagues on the other side of Paul Simon song ‘‘Fifty Ways To Leave SOLOMON] myself about the schedule the aisle who feel so strongly about Your Lover.’’ They are going to find 50 for today. There was no suggestion this issue to join me in sponsoring this ways to make sure these measures do that there would not be time today to legislation, as some of them have not not go into effect to affect this institu- take up the issue of gifts. Quite the yet done. tion. contrary, he indicated we would be de- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of So, I think the people truly inter- bating on into the evening with ref- my time. ested in reforming this institution, I erence to this issue. Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I think there are people on both sides, The suggestion that we need to have would say to my friend from Utah that have to step up and say, ‘‘Enough is a hearing is an unusual one because the we appreciate her patience. If she will enough is enough. It is time that the lobby reform bill, if the gentlewoman give us about 5 minutes more, we will gift ban legislation comes to the floor, will go up to the Speaker’s dais, she be done. will find it sitting there. It has been Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the and it is definitely time that the lobby- sitting there since it passed the Sen- gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. ing legislation comes to the floor as well.’’ ate, not even a referral from the BARRETT]. Speaker of the lobby reform bill. Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. It is unfortunate that the legislative With reference to the gift ban itself, Speaker, I just want to follow up on appropriations bill was pulled. I am it is true that there was a secret some of the comments that were made hopeful, perhaps naively so, but I am closed-door meeting in front of the by my colleague from Texas because I hopeful that we will have enough push Ethics Committee concerning the pos- think he has made some important from people from both sides of the aisle sibility of a gift ban. They have had points. that, when these measures come up weeks and months to act on it, just as I have been involved, as the gentle- again in the next day or two, that the this body has had an opportunity to woman from Utah knows, in the bipar- leadership will finally acknowledge the act. The suggestion that we ought to tisan effort to reform this institution. reality that there is support from a delay again today in order to wait not I do so because I fervently believe that majority of people in this institution for action but for another promise from institutional reform is not a Demo- to vote on it, and I truly hope that we the majority leader that maybe some cratic issue. It should not be a Demo- do get a chance to vote on it. day, some year, some week, some cratic issue. It should not be a Repub- Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, will the month we will get around to doing lican issue. It should be an issue that gentleman yield? something about this problem of gifts brings the parties together because it Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. I yield and lobby reform is the only thing is an issue that strikes at the integrity to the gentleman from Texas. crazy that I have heard, with all due of this institution. Mr. DOGGETT. Is the gentleman respect to the gentleman from Califor- I have to acknowledge, Mr. Speaker, aware that Speaker GINGRICH has kept nia who used that phrase. that I have been frustrated over the since July 26 the lobby reform bill that October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10759 the gentlewoman wants an announce- unanimous consent to take it up and propriations bill, or now in the trans- ment for us to wait on? It has been sit- consider it at this time so we can go on portation bill, because we cannot get ting there since July 26 and has not and vote it out of here right now if it an audience, and we cannot get a hear- even been referred to a committee for is such a great idea. ing, and when we raise it where it any hearing or any appropriate action. Mr. RIGGS. Reclaiming my time, might be vulnerable, we see the bill is Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. I was unanimous consent is certainly not taken from the schedule because there not aware of that until yesterday, and necessary for the gentleman to become may be a vote in support of this posi- again I think it is something that a cosponsor. All that is necessary for tion, and now we see that when it looks should move forward. the gentleman to become a cosponsor like gift ban is coming to a head, they Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. Mr. Speaker, I is for him to simply write something want to sever it from the lobbying bill. yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from out to that effect, and I would be happy The lobbying bill has been sitting at California [Mr. RIGGS]. to provide it in the slot down there—— the desk. We know that another bill Mr. RIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, I ask can be sent, it can be sent to con- gentlewoman from Utah [Mrs. unanimous consent to add my name as ference, and our colleagues can finesse WALDHOLTZ] for yielding this time to a cosponsor to the legislation of the this, and the public will never get lob- me. I just wanted to clarify a point. gentlewoman from Utah [Mrs. bying reform that they are clamoring I came over to the floor hearing a WALDHOLTZ]. for and that they are demanding from rather lively, but nongermane, discus- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. this institution. sion about a gift ban in the context of BARRETT of Nebraska). In the opinion Mr. Speaker, we cannot go through a the, as I understand it, transportation of the Chair the chief sponsor of the appropriations conference report, and I legislative dance. Our leadership went bill is responsible for that. through this legislative dance 2 years want to clarify a point that the gentle- Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, I am woman made earlier. The gentleman ago, and we ended up with no results. asking unanimous consent. Our colleagues can go this legislative from Texas [Mr. DOGGETT] is one of the Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. Mr. Speaker, I more eloquent and dynamic speakers in dance again, and those of us who are believe unanimous consent is not nec- interested in lobby reform, gift reform, the House, is thundering along with essary. We welcome the gentleman in righteous indignation about the fact and election law reform, and even cam- support of our legislation. paign finance reform, we can sit here that the House has not taken up a gift- Mr. DOGGETT. She could do it right ban related legislation to date. She and watch the dance, and nothing will now by unanimous-consent request. happen, and the public will be deprived. made the point that she is the primary The SPEAKER pro tempore. It is We are entitled, as Members of this sponsor and author of a gift ban for only the responsibility of the chief House, to better than that, and the House Members, and I want to clarify sponsor to add names. public is entitled to better than that. again that the gentleman from Texas is REQUEST FOR IMMEDIATE CONSIDERATION OF not a cosponsor of the gentlewoman’s What they are entitled to is the consid- LOBBY REFORM LEGISLATION eration of this legislation. legislation. Mr. DOGGETT. Then, Mr. Speaker, I Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, will the ask unanimous consent to take up and I appreciate proxy reform, but it does gentleman yield on that point? consider that bill at this time. no good if we do not allow proxy voting Mr. RIGGS. Actually, Mr. Speaker, I The SPEAKER pro tempore. The and the members who are sitting in the am asking the gentlewoman to clarify Chair has already denied that recogni- committee are there burping from the that point. tion earlier. dinners that they have had with lobby- Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I ists and others as they vote on legisla- woman from Utah [Mrs. WALDHOLTZ]. yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from tion that is before the committee. It is Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. That is correct. California [Mr. MILLER]. more important that we take care of Mr. RIGGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the severing of those relationships, the gentleman from Texas [Mr. Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Speaker, the reason that we are forced that we reform the lobbying practices DOGGETT]. to discuss this matter on a nongermane around here and we get on with cam- Mr. DOGGETT. The gentleman is paign finance reform. That is what we aware that I was the third person in bill is because we are not allowed to discuss this matter when it is germane. ought to do, that is what the public this House to call for a discharge peti- wants us to do, that is what they tion on the gift ban last spring, long The Republicans, I believe three or four times now, have opened up the rules of thought our colleagues were going to before the gentlewoman from Utah do when they voted for them in the last [Mrs. WALDHOLTZ] bothered to even ini- this House to make minor changes to the rules and the runnings of this election, but that is not what has hap- tiate any action, but if it is such a pened, and it has not happened because good idea, why do we not pass her bill House, and yet they have refused even Speaker GINGRICH, majority leader today? at that time to take up the gift ban. ARMEY, they continue to thwart the Mr. RIGGS. Reclaiming my time, I All that is necessary for the gift ban in path of this legislation and consider- would ask the gentleman, if he feels this House is for the Speaker just to ation of it to the floor of the House. that strongly, to the point where he say ‘‘no’’ to the lobbyists and just to has signed a discharge petition, why he say ‘‘yes’’ to letting the bill come up. We ought to be able to deal with that is unwilling or unable to cosponsor the It affects only the rules of the House, and deal with it now, and the contin- gentlewoman’s bill. as the gentlewoman has pointed out, ued delay, when we have the rules up, Mr. DOGGETT. I am not only willing and it can be done in a matter of mo- it is not the right time; when we have to cosponsor it, I am willing to vote for ments, and we can be done with it, and the bill up, it is not the right time; it today, and that is what I am asking we can then go to the public and show when we have the conference report up, for, a vote on her particular proposal, them what we have severed, that rela- it is not the right time, it is not ger- but what she wants is to delay it—— tionship with lobbyists and with others mane. That is the dance of legislation Mr. RIGGS. Reclaiming my time, who seek on a daily basis to shower the that has kept us away from these kinds then the gentleman would have no ob- Members of this House with gifts hop- of reforms for the last 20 years. jection then if we were to prepare a ing to seek an audience, time, effort, or Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. Mr. Speaker, I form now and add his name as a co- whatever on behalf of their interests. would simply point out that the last 20 sponsor of the gentlewoman’s bill. We Many of us have done this in our own years have been controlled by the gen- will just drop it right down here at the offices, but it ought to be the policy of tleman’s party. In the first 8 months slot where it is appropriate to add co- this House, and what is standing in the we have accomplished extraordinary sponsors of congressional legislation at way is the Speaker and the majority change in this Congress. We are going any time. If the gentleman would like leader who want to keep telling us to enact a bill this week that will bal- to write that out, I would be happy to about the procedure that they want to ance the budget over the next 7 years, drop it in the slot. consider as opposed to the changes in and then the very next day our major- Mr. DOGGETT. I would ask unani- the laws, and therefore, we have to ity leader is going to announce when mous consent to do it and further ask raise this issue on the legislative ap- we will take up this legislation. H 10760 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 I think we are making progress, Mr. all of that in place want to continue Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, reclaim- Speaker. I yield 5 minutes to the gen- the spending, and so they are looking ing my time, the fact is that what it at tleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. WALK- for every excuse possible to try to stop least has indicated is that the books ER], our colleague. the legislative appropriations bill from they kept were a mess and no respon- Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, I thank being successfully completed. sible auditing firm could even tell us the gentlewoman from Utah [Mrs. So now they have latched on to lob- what really went on, because the books WALDHOLTZ] for yielding this time to bying reform, or gift ban reform, or are almost undecipherable. They were me. whatever it is they can come up with. an absolute scandal in the way they This has been such a fascinating dis- They come to the floor with packages kept the finances of the House, and cussion, and, as my colleagues know, it wrapped like Christmas presents and so yes, it does appear that some people would be laughable if some of these on, every gimmick in the world. I am took advantage of that scandalous kind people on the other side actually were surprised they do not go out on the of bookkeeping. not taking it seriously. lawn and hold a hearing in the rain Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I I mean here is a party that literally again on the issue because every pos- yield such time as he may consume to controlled the House for 40 years and sible gimmick they come up with to the distinguished gentleman from Wis- never did any of these things, and now try to explain why they want the sta- consin [Mr. OBEY], ranking member of they are all upset because they have to tus quo, but in reality the reality of the Committee on Appropriations. wait a day or two. I mean it is a joke. what is happening here on the floor Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I had not in- These folks, as my colleagues know, for today is we have got a bunch of people tended to get into this. I came over years made certain that none of this who do not want to cut congressional here to talk about the Transportation kind of thing ever got to the floor. spending, they do not want the re- appropriation bill. However, since I do Mr. Speaker, there has been more re- forms, they do not want the congres- have some considerable experience form in the first 9 months of this Con- sional spending cut, and they will use with the history of reform in this gress than we saw in the entire 20 years every excuse. place, I think I would like to put in that I have served here, and the gen- Now I realize that I am engaging in a some perspective what I have heard tleman from California [Mr. MILLER] nongermane debate here as well, and here on this issue. who just spoke, he was here before I the only reason why I did it is because I was appointed by the Speaker in got here. the other side has decided they are 1975 to chair the House Commission on So the fact is that we are seeing a going to have nongermane debate on Administrative Review, which was sup- number of reforms, and they are just the floor, which does raise an interest- posed to do a top-to-bottom reform of not coming as fast as some of the other ing question. They claim that what the House administrative structures, people on the other side would like they want to do is something about write a new code of ethics, and produce them to come because they are now in lobbies and gifts. What makes us think new rules on outside income. That was a position, not having much to do, they that they will obey the rules that we probably the most bloody and brutal do not have much in the way of policy set up under those provisions any more experience I have ever had in this that they are pursuing, they are losing than they obey the rules of the House place. It cost me a lot of friends, be- issue after issue, and so they have now by coming out here and having these cause we did some very tough things decided that everything they thought nongermane discussions? The fact is that a lot of people did not like. was wrong during the 40 years that was that they are subject to a point of I can recall at the time when John their control, they now try to bring order, that what they have been dis- Rhodes, who was then the Republican over and put on the heads of the people cussing is totally beyond the rules of minority leader, appointed his mem- who now control the body. the House, it ought not be discussed bers of my commission. He had the I mean this is a joke, my colleagues, out here today, and they are discussing courtesy to come to me and say ‘‘DAVE, and I mean it is even kind of a crummy having more rules that they say that this is going to be a tough job for you. joke. they will obey those when they cannot Understand, I am appointing Bill Fren- Now let us get to the real issue of obey even the simplest ones on the zel as the ranking Republican,’’ but he why they want to bring the legislative House floor. said ‘‘Just because you get his vote on appropriations bill out here and debate b 1230 these issues does not mean you will get it. The fact is what they are really Interesting subject matter, but it is a any other Republican vote, because against is the fact that the legislative joke. frankly, the political pressures in this appropriations bill actually cuts spend- Mr. RIGGS. Mr. Speaker, will the place are going to take over, and what- ing for the Congress. It is a real re- gentleman yield? ever you are going to pass, you are form. We actually for the first time are Mr. WALKER. I yield to the gen- going to have to pass on your own side reversing the trend of ever-increasing tleman from California. of the aisle.’’ That is very much what congressional budget and are actually Mr. RIGGS. Mr. Speaker, would the happened. We brought the administra- reducing the amount of money that gentleman agree that House rules were tive reforms to the floor of the House, comes to the Congress. And guess broken blatantly in conjunction with reforms which, among other things, what? When that went down to the both the House Bank and Post Office would have created the first profes- President, the President vetoed that scandals, and that that was during, of sional administrator in the House. I am bill. course, the Democratic Party’s control convinced we would never have had the Now here was a bill that cuts the of the House of Representatives? banking problem or any of the other amount of money going to the Con- Mr. WALKER. Mr. Speaker, reclaim- problems if we had had a professional gress substantially, and the President ing my time, yes, and they did every- administrator at that time. vetoed the bill. Now we have got folks thing possible to try to prevent us from However, when the votes came, we defending the President’s position. bringing those matters to the House were clobbered. We had significant de- They want to have some reason to vote floor. They did everything they could fections on my side of the aisle, we had against this bill that cuts the Con- to try to stop us from looking at that. a majority voting for it, a big major- gress, and so the fact is what we are Mr. RIGGS. If the gentleman will ity, but we had some losses on my side really hearing is from people who do continue to yield, Mr. Speaker, would of the aisle, and we got not a single Re- not want to cut legislative spending. the gentleman agree that the ongoing publican vote to take up those reforms For 40 years they had that spending audit by one of the big six accounting that we had worked so hard on. climbing. They had staffs around here firms of congressional finances, of the Through the years, some of them were that burst the seams of the place. We House of Representatives’ books, has later adopted, but they were adopted had office buildings full of staff. indicated many prima facie violations on a piecemeal basis because we had Mr. Speaker, we are now trying to of House rules, and that that audit is not been able to get them all done on cut the budget, and we are going to ac- an audit of the administration of the that day. And in fact a few of them tually try and sell off an office build- House of Representatives by the Demo- were actually put into the rules of the ing, and guess what? The folks who put cratic Party? House this year by the new majority October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10761 party. I congratulate them for doing Mr. Speaker, in ending, I would say With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield back that. It is about 20 years late that they we are on the Transportation bill, and the balance of my time, and move the came to that position, but better late we have no objections to the rule. I do previous question on the resolution. than never. I will take help on those is- want to thank the gentleman from The previous question was ordered. sues anywhere I can get it. Wisconsin [Mr. OBEY] for his helpful The resolution was agreed to. However, I simply want to take this and I think useful review efforts to A motion to reconsider was laid on time to point out that we will probably pass some reforms in this place, and sa- the table. hear, just as we did a long time ago on lute him for his efforts. Nobody has Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to those reforms, we are going to hear a been more deeply involved in trying to the provisions of House Resolution 241, lot of hypocrisy, because there are get the right kinds of things done I call up the conference report on the going to be people who say that they around here than the gentleman from bill (H.R. 2002) making appropriations really do want reform on gift ban and Wisconsin. I also would like to con- for the Department of Transportation on lobby reform, but they are going to gratulate the gentlewoman from Utah and related agencies, for the fiscal year find every way procedurally to drag [Mrs. WALDHOLTZ] this year for her ef- ending September 30, 1996, and for their feet, hoping in the end we never forts, to wish her well, and to express other purposes, and ask for its imme- finish the job. That, frankly, is at least the hope that in fact we will be able to diate consideration. partially what I think is going on right vote soon on this particular matter. The Clerk read the title of the bill. now. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- I just want to warn Members, Mr. of my time. ant to rule XXVIII, the conference re- Speaker, that when we were involved Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. Mr. Speaker, I port is considered as having been read. (For conference report and state- in this fight over outside income, for yield myself such time as I may ment, see proceedings of the House of instance, we were importuned by a lot consume. October 20, 1995, on page H10488.) of Members not to proceed because it Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the efforts would be unfair to the Members. And the gentleman from Wisconsin has GENERAL LEAVE when we tried to put limits on outside made on congressional reform in the Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- income, for instance, I remember one past. I appreciate the efforts this Con- mous consent that all Members may Member of the House coming to me and gress has made in the last 10 months. have 5 legislative days in which to re- saying ‘‘DAVE, you don’t understand. It vise and extend their remarks on the Real progress was made in this new isn’t that my law practice takes any- conference report to the bill, H.R. 2002, majority, Mr. Speaker. We have al- thing away from my time. It is just and that I may be permitted to include ready limited the terms of committee that as I rise in seniority, the lobbies tabular and extraneous matter. chairmen, we have banned proxy vot- toss more business our way and I get a The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ing, so Members of Congress need to at- piece of the action.’’ I said, ‘‘Yes, I un- objection to the request of the gen- tend their committee hearings, rather derstand that is the deal. That is why tleman from Virginia? than simply allow someone else to ex- we are trying to change it.’’ And he un- There was no objection. ercise their authority for them. We cut derstood, all of a sudden, that this was The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- committee staffs by one-third. not a typographical error that we had tleman from Virginia [Mr. WOLF] will We have had a house audit that has in our bill, we were really trying to get be recognized for 30 minutes, and the resulted, unfortunately, in the prior something done with some teeth. gentleman from Texas [Mr. COLEMAN] I would simply say that there is, in books of this House receiving the low- will be recognized for 30 minutes. my view, nothing more important that est rating possible from the accounting The Chair recognizes the gentleman this institution can do to restore pub- firm hired to perform that audit. We from Virginia [Mr. WOLF]. lic confidence in it than to imme- have changed the committee structure, Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- diately deal with the issue of lobby re- and we intend to do more change of self such time as I may consume. form and gift ban. I have had it up to that committee structure in the fu- Mr. Speaker, today we present to the here with having to see television sto- ture. And, for the first time, we passed House the conference report to accom- ries about how Members will go off on the Shays Act, which will apply all of pany H.R. 2002, the Fiscal Year 1996 De- these phony seminars, that are really the laws regarding employment to Con- partment of Transportation and Relat- golfing vacations disguised as semi- gress, so Congress will live by the same ed Agencies Appropriations Act. nars, run by some interest group that laws that we impose on everyone else As Members know, the start of the lobbies this place. That should not hap- throughout the country. fiscal year began 3 weeks ago, and the pen. That should not be allowed. That These are real reforms, Mr. Speaker, time to conclude the remaining appro- should be outlawed today, not a week that were enacted by this Congress, priation bills wanes with each passing from now, not a month from now, but and I would suggest that those who be- day. The Department of Transpor- today. lieve in reform and want to see reform tation, like 11 other Government de- We tried to do that last year. We continue to pay attention to what is partments, is operating under the passed it in this House. It was bottled going to happen by the end of this strict terms of the continuing resolu- up in the other body by the majority week as we announce a schedule for tion. This conference report will pro- leader, and I would say the record on moving forward on additional reforms vide funding to further the important that is clear. I fully agree with the gen- that were not sufficiently supported in operation of transportation programs, tleman from California [Mr. MILLER] the past, but I believe will be passed by including air traffic control, Coast and the gentleman from Texas [Mr. this Congress. I welcome and am en- Guard operations, and other critical DOGGETT] when they say that this mat- couraged by the attention and the in- transportation safety programs outside ter ought to be disposed of now and im- terest from the other side of the aisle the continuing resolution. mediately. to join with those of us who have been The Transportation bill always re- I have been involved in these reform working on this issue to get these re- quires a delicate balancing act, and efforts for some 20 years. I know foot forms passed in this Congress. this year proved to be no different. The dragging when I see it, and I have seen With that, Mr. Speaker, I would sim- conferees have had to deal with com- an awful lot of it the last 3 months. I ply remind my colleagues that we are peting demands for very limited funds. think the gentleman from California voting on the Transportation appro- The conference agreement represents [Mr. MILLER] is right on when he de- priations bill, that this is an important the very best effort of the conference scribes where that foot dragging is bill that has received support from committee to achieve a balanced and coming from and why it has to change. both sides of the aisle. I would urge my fair bill, and may I say to colleagues on Mrs. WALDHOLTZ. Mr. Speaker, I colleagues to support the rule and the both sides, a bipartisan bill. This bill reserve the balance of my time. bill so we can move forward in making has been totally and completely bipar- Mr. BEILENSON. Mr. Speaker, I some substantial investment in trans- tisan. We did not make any decisions yield myself such time as I may portation infrastructure in our coun- in the bill based on partisanship, and consume. try. we hope and pray, Mr. Speaker, that we H 10762 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 can continue that for many years to Despite suggestions made, and I was limitation. In total, highway spending come. somewhat disappointed to see this, by will increase nearly half a billion dol- The conference report before the the National Air Traffic Controllers lars over comparable fiscal year 1995 House today totals $12.5 billion in dis- Union, the conference agreement does levels, to a level that is only half a bil- cretionary budget authority, and $11.4 not force the disestablishment of any lion below the fully authorized level of billion in new outlays. The conference existing management labor agreement $20.4 billion. report is below the subcommittee’s al- or lead to the dissolution of any union The conference report includes no location for discretionary budget au- currently representing the FAA em- special highway demonstration thority, and just at its allocation for ployees. projects, returning some $350 million outlays. The total budgetary resources Mr. Speaker, let me be clear about appropriated last year in Federal high- provided, including new budget author- this and quote from the statement of way aid to the States. Doing so pro- ity, limitation on obligations, and ex- managers, and I quote: ‘‘The conferees vides greater equity among the States empt obligations, is $13.1 billion in do not intend that the personnel man- and allows State Governors and depart- budget authority, and $37.3 billion in agement reforms in this bill force the ments of transportation to determine outlays. disestablishment of any existing man- the appropriate expenditure of limited The agreement represents an in- agement-labor agreement, or lead to Federal highway assistance. Federal crease of $1.5 billion in budget author- the dissolution of any union currently highway demonstration projects have ity over last year. However, this figure representing FAA employees.’’ gone the way of the past. is a bit misleading. If the totals are ad- It is interesting that when the air Mr. Speaker, I think everyone agrees justed to exclude a rescission of $2.6 traffic controllers came by to see us, that this is the right thing to do. Every billion in contract authority that does they raised the issue of the 5 percent member in the House and in the Senate not fall within the jurisdiction of the pay differential. The House went with will now be treated fairly. It will not Committee on Appropriations, but was the 5 percent pay differential, because matter that you happen to be particu- enacted by Congress this year, the con- we think it is important to support the larly powerful or famous or on a par- ference report actually reduces spend- air traffic controllers. The Senate did ticular committee or having voted a ing by $1.1 billion below comparable not. Yet now we hear not that the air certain way or having come from a cer- fiscal year 1995 levels. traffic controllers union is grateful tain region or having known somebody. I would like now, Mr. Speaker, to that this was done and they appreciate Everybody now will be treated fairly, turn to some of the specific provisions what the committee did. They now and I think that is something on which of the conference report. First, the con- come in with something that they both the Republican party and the ference agreement drops the Senate never raised with us during a meeting Democratic party can agree. provision which designates the Na- on the day of the conference when they Mr. Speaker, the agreement provides tional Highway System. I have been as- spoke to us; they never even raised the $2.053 billion for transit formula sured by the chairman of the Commit- issue. They never even raised the issue. grants, the midpoint between the These provisions, Mr. Speaker, would tee on Transportation and Infrastruc- House and Senate proposed levels. not become effective until April 1, 1996, ture that the conferees are making Within this amount, $400 million is allowing for sufficient and adequate re- progress on that piece of legislation, available for operating assistance, a re- view by the appropriate authorizing and that States will soon be in receipt duction of $310 million from last year’s committee. In the wake of the worst of some $5.4 billion in highway appor- level, and $100 million below the level year in aviation safety and with equip- tionments that are being held pending requested by the President. the enactment of the NHS. It is imper- ment failing on a nearly daily basis, as Recognizing the limited ability of ative that the NHS be designated very we heard from the gentlewoman from smaller and more rural transit provid- soon, as the withholding of $5.4 billion Colorado [Mrs. SCHROEDER] when she ers to respond to reductions in Federal in NHS and interstate maintenance talked about the Denver Airport situa- subsidies, the conference agreement funds threatens hundreds of thousands tion, FAA personnel procurement re- provides that operating assistance to of construction jobs and the Nation’s forms are necessary. In fact, people urbanized areas under 200,000 not be cut infrastructure. would come and say we need to do more than 25 percent from last year’s After the worst year in aviation safe- something. If you just exempt the FAA level. ty in decades, the conference agree- from procurement and personnel regu- ment provides $4.7 billion for the oper- lations, we can do some of these things, A total of $3.375 billion is provided ation of the Federal Aviation Adminis- and safety is so important. So we did for the Coast Guard. These funds are tration and the Nation’s air traffic con- this in order to bring about these safe- supplemented by an additional $300 trol facilities, $110 million over last ty changes, and we did it, I might say million to be transferred to the Coast year’s and slightly above the adminis- in fairness to the gentleman from Guard from the Department of Defense, and I appreciate the DOD appropria- tration’s request; let me say it again, Texas [Mr. COLEMAN], in a bipartisan above the administration’s request. way. tions subcommittee doing that, be- So I think when you come to the cause we would have been very hard b 1245 FAA, it is safety, safety, safety. pressed had we not had the good co- In addition, $1.9 billion is provided Mr. Speaker, the conference agree- operation of Chairman YOUNG and also for FAA facilities and equipment. ment, as I said, restores the reduction Senator STEVENS on the Senate side. In The conference agreement includes of $45 million for the 5 percent paid total, funds for the Coast Guard rise $159.6 million above the President’s re- bonus for air traffic controllers. How- $108 million over fiscal year 1995 levels. quest for equipment to enhance safety ever, in order to accommodate the $88.6 Program increases, however, came at and capacity of the aviation system, million estimated for this program, the the expense of other programs, like restoring funds to the FAA for safety conferees were required to hold funding Amtrak. Federal subsidies for Amtrak equipment, such as airport surface de- for the airport improvement program are curtailed by 20 percent, falling tection systems, wind sheer detection to the fiscal year 1995 level of $1.45 bil- from $793 million in fiscal year 1995 to systems, improved weather detection lion. The conference report drops con- $635 million in fiscal year 1996. Other and forecasting systems, and replace- troversial language relating to work- program reductions include: essential ment for computers at Aurora, IL, and ers’ compensation. The conference re- air service, down $10.8 million; the our other centers. port also provides new budget author- northeast corridor improvement pro- In addition, the conference agree- ity and obligation limitations for the gram, down $85 million; transit operat- ment also provides procurement and Federal Highway Administration total- ing assistance, down $310 million; tran- personnel reform for the FAA. These ing almost $20 billion. sit research and development, down reforms would permit the FAA to oper- The bill includes $17.550 billion for $6,8 million; pipeline activities, down $6 ate much more efficiently and are fully the primary Federal-aid highway pro- million. supported by and included, in part, and gram, and an additional $2.3 billion for In total, the conference report kills at the request of the administration. highway programs exempt from the 20 programs, including local rail October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10763 freight assistance, the interstate trans- port and in a joint statement of the the Majority Subcommittee staff: John fer grants for transit, the right-of-way managers. H.R. 2002 is a fair and bal- Blazey; Rich Efford; Stephanie Gupta; revolving fund, numerous Coast Guard anced and bipartisan bill. It represents Linda Muir; Deborah Frazier; and Ken and FAA activities, and supportive a compromise between the House and Marx; from the Majority associate service of the Federal Highway Admin- the Senate. It falls within the commit- staff: Lori-Beth Feld Hua; Glenn istration. tee’s 602(b) allocation, and has the sup- LeMunyon; Connie Veillette; Jennifer Consistent with the will of Congress, port of the administration. Miller; Bill Deere; Ray Mock; Sean the Interstate Commerce Commission Mr. Speaker, I spoke to Secretary Murphy; Steve Carey; and Paul is eliminated in fiscal year 1996 and is Pen˜ a on Friday, and he said that this Cambon; from the Minority Sub- funded at $13.8 million only for the bill would be signed, that the adminis- committee staff: Cheryl Smith; and first quarter of the fiscal year. An addi- trator was in agreement. In fact, all in- from the Minority associate staff: tional $8.4 million is provided for the dications, as I said, from the White Christy Cockburn; Kristen Hoeschler; successor to the ICC and once enacted House as well as the Office of Manage- Jim Jepsen; Barbara Zylinski-Mizrahi; into law by an authorization Adminis- ment and Budget, I assume, are certain and Paul Carver. trative activities of the Department that the President will sign the bill. I also want to thank Senator are also trimmed, including awards and Mr. Speaker, it does deserve the sup- HATIFELD, personally somebody that I bonuses, an 8 staff in the office of the port, frankly, of all of the Members, have always admired for many years. It Secretary and 10 political appointees and I urge its adoption swiftly. was a privilege for me to have the op- department-wide. The Department is I want to thank all of the members of portunity to work with him. He was a required to consolidate or colocate its the committee on both sides of the complete gentleman, and we really extensive field offices saving $25 mil- aisle for their help and their coopera- never had any differences that were lion in this fiscal year. tion. I also want to pay a tribute to all Mr. Speaker, the conference agree- of the staff members, and identify really the type that you sometimes ment prohibits training that is offen- them individually, for the good and the think about. So I just want to thank sive to Federal workers including the diligent work that they have done on Senator HATFIELD and his staff and the HIV-AIDS and diversity training which both sides. It was a new team, a new Members of that side for their work. was so controversial. operation, and they did a good job. I Mr. Speaker, I insert the following Mr. Speaker, additional details of the would like to acknowledge the follow- information for inclusion in the bill are addressed in the conference re- ing staff who worked on this bill: from RECORD: H 10764 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10765 H 10766 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10767 H 10768 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10769 Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of going to be with respect to air traffic we were going to be in the majority, my time. controllers and FAA employees some the first thing I asked for was a posi- Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield weeks prior to the conference, so the tion to serve on this subcommittee. myself such time as I may consume. chairman may recall that I had raised The reason I wanted to serve on this (Mr. COLEMAN asked and was given that issue with him. The conference subcommittee is because historically it permission to revise and extend his re- agreement does charge the FAA Ad- has been an opportunity to pick and marks.) ministrator with developing a new per- choose, like from a Christmas tree, spe- Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I want sonnel system which would give the cial projects for my own home district. to join with Chairman WOLF, the gen- FAA greater flexibility in hiring and I knew as soon as BOB LIVINGSTON tleman from Virginia, in supporting firing, determining promotions and told me that he had assigned me to this the conference report on H.R. 2002, the pay, training and location of employ- subcommittee that it was going to be fiscal year 1996 Transportation and re- ees. clear sailing for SONNY CALLAHAN be- lated agencies appropriations bill. The It is true, Mr. Speaker, that I op- cause my highway projects, my dem- conferees faced a tremendous chal- posed in conference the committee ma- onstration projects, my airport lenge, Mr. Speaker, in determining how jority decision to allow the FAA ad- projects, and everything, just like it to make critical investments in our ministrator to waive current law per- has been for the last 20 years, were Nation’s transportation infrastructure taining to labor management and em- going to be in that bill because I was under what were very tight budget con- ployee relations’ issues. sitting at the table bargaining. straints given us as a result of the ac- b How surprised I was at the first tions of this Congress on the budget in 1300 meeting when the chairman called us our 602(b) allocations. I think this is exactly the wrong together and said there are going to be We were $100 million in budget au- time to be doing that. When we discuss no demonstration projects. I smiled thority and $193 million in outlays the issue of being able to have a reor- somewhat, saying, yes, I know. But we below the original House 602(b) target ganization to put into jeopardy or to still are going to get them, is what I for the bill. Accordingly, we did not do cause fear among employees about thought in the back of my mind. what many of us on our side of the whether or not they will continue to But let me compliment the chair- aisle believed we should have done in have the ability to be represented by man. He stood his ground against some many, many areas. Nonetheless, I be- their current union management con- of the most powerful, some of the most lieve that this bill has the support of tract, whether or not we are going to persuasive people in the House and the the administration and that the Presi- rewrite labor law in this reorganization Senate, and he did not budge one inch. dent will indeed sign it. or not, I think is bad policy, particu- This is responsible government. Mr. Speaker, the statement of man- larly in an appropriation bill. No, I did not get the special 14 agers I think amply documents the We all know that we have authoriz- projects that I wanted to get. We will final product of the conferees on the ing committees in the House and the get them sooner or later, but we will do transportation bill as was alluded to by Senate to take testimony, to deal with it the responsible way, by giving the Chairman WOLF. issues such as these. My preference all money to the rightful committee or At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would along was that we not do that in this the rightful agency under our jurisdic- only make a few statements with re- legislation. tion, and we will do it in competition spect to the issue of reorganization I think the right thing to do is to let with a fair competition with all States. within the FAA. I understand that this those committees properly address the But we are doing this because of one was a critical issue, a matter of high matter through a much more delibera- man and certainly with the coopera- priority not just of the Republican ma- tive process than our appropriations tion of the minority. jority, but indeed Secretary Pen˜ a came could have given it had we even done I do not want to take anything away forward very early on, prior indeed to so. We really did not take into account from them, because I did not hear that this Congress even convening, telling various and sundry, oftentimes very much argument to his philosophy. But us how it was that the administration complicated, labor relations issues in for the first time in at least 20 years we intended to do the kinds of cuts, to any hearings. We just did not do that. have a responsible transportation bill make the kinds of streamlining that he I believe that in the transportation that no one can come back next month felt the Department of Transportation appropriations bill, with the personnel and say, ‘‘Look what you did. You gave should engage in in order to more ef- reform provisions not becoming effec- these special projects without any fectively serve the American people. tive until April 1, 1996, I am very hope- meaningful purpose all of this money I would say in that regard, Mr. Chair- ful that that will give time to the ap- simply because of political pressure man, that the Congress, in taking up propriate authorizing committees in and compromising, trying to get a overall the issue of having the FAA ad- the House and the Senate, ultimately a transportation appropriation bill ministrator, we require him in this leg- conference, and hopefully ultimately through this House.’’ islation to develop new personnel and signing into law, moving to correct Mr. Speaker, this Congress owes a acquisition systems for the FAA. I am what I consider to be a problem in this debt of gratitude to the chairman, and one, and I think I can speak for most of bill. It is simply we did not waive that this country owes him a great debt of the Democrats on our side in saying as one of the things we could have gratitude for the responsible way in that we support freeing the FAA from waived, and that is the reason I offered which he has handled this bill. many problems that may indeed be un- that amendment which failed, so that Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 dermining its ability to modernize the we could waive that and not do this in minutes to the gentleman from Wis- air traffic control system; and we want an appropriations bill. consin [Mr. OBEY], the ranking member to be sure, as does the chairman, that With that having been said, I will on the full Committee on Appropria- we respond efficiently to the needs of come back to some of the issues a bit tions. the aviation industry and all airline later. Mr. OBEY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- passengers. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of port of this conference report. I simply Air traffic control system failures in my time. want to make a few short remarks Chicago, New York, Leesburg, Oakland Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 about it before we vote. and, just recently, Dallas highlight all minutes to the gentleman from Ala- I think the agreement reached by the too dramatically that the FAA’s prob- bama [Mr. CALLAHAN], a member of the conferees is, for the most part, a fair lems are real and do need immediate committee. agreement that respects the priorities attention. Mr. CALLAHAN. Mr. Speaker, I of the House and recognizes the con- The personnel reform section of this thank the gentleman for yielding me flicting pressures on us as we try to legislation, I want to correct only one the time. work in a very difficult budget situa- statement made by the chairman and Mr. Speaker, admittedly at this time tion. that was certainly a lot of us were rais- last year when we became the major- I am especially pleased, on a personal ing the issue about where we were ity, or thereabouts when I knew that note, that my State has continued the H 10770 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 progress which it has made the past meet decent standards of decency in FAA reform will move further tomor- few years in receiving a fair share of dealing with the employees of that row when my friend, the gentleman Federal highway funds. I appreciate agency. I think Congress has a right to from Tennessee [Mr. DUNCAN], the the fact that this committee has been expect that and so do the workers at chairman of the Subcommittee on helpful in seeing to it that we do not that agency. Aviation, will hold a markup of the make or that we do not experience any Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 Duncan-Lightfoot independent FAA significant backsliding in that respect. minutes to the gentleman from Iowa bill. I would note that there is not as [Mr. LIGHTFOOT], a member of the com- Again, in closing, let me commend much in this bill as we would like to mittee. the gentleman from Virginia [Mr. have for highways or for airport invest- Mr. LIGHTFOOT. Mr. Speaker, I ap- WOLF] and the gentleman from Texas ments, but given the fact that the preciate the gentleman yielding me the [Mr. COLEMAN] as well as the sub- 602(b) allocation, which is set by the time. committee’s fine staff: John Blazey, Chair of the committee, provided less Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this Rich Efford, Stephanie Gupta, Lori- funding for that than we would have conference report. Beth Hua, Debra Frazier and Linda liked, the committee had no choice but I would, first of all, like to commend Muir. Without their help, we could not to produce a bill within those limita- the fine work of the gentleman from get any of this done. They have done a tions, and I think it has done a fairly Virginia [Mr. WOLF]; the chairman, and very fine job. reasonable job under those cir- the gentleman from Texas [Mr. COLE- I urge the adoption of this report. cumstances. MAN], the ranking minority member, in Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 I would note that there is a signifi- putting this package together. I think minutes to the gentlewoman from Cali- cant reduction in transit operating they have done an excellent job of de- fornia [Ms. ESHOO]. subsidies for communities around the veloping and guiding this important Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I thank the country. Communities are not going to funding bill through the entire process. gentleman from Texas for yielding me like that. I know some communities in I believe this is a conference report the time. my own district are going to be uncom- that we all can support. The House and Mr. Speaker, I rise for the purpose of fortable about it. I wish it could have Senate conferees have developed a engaging the distinguished chairman of been otherwise. But the fact is if the transportation funding bill which funds the Transportation Appropriations public is asking for budget cuts, they our Nation’s urgent infrastructure Subcommittee in a brief colloquy re- have to expect that they are going to needs while meeting the tough first- garding a critical bay area transpor- get budget cuts, and this is one of the year targets of our drive to balance the tation project. The Tasman Corridor places where those cuts are going to Federal budget. light rail project is an integral piece of bite. The aviation funding levels in this the local rail agreement fashioned by I hope that we can make some ad- bill will allow us to move forward with our regional metropolitan planning or- justments in the future, but, frankly, high-priority safety projects such as ganization, the Metropolitan Transpor- it is probably going to be tougher next the new air traffic control system tation Commission. All of the bay area year than it was this year. which will finally take us out of the jurisdictions are a party to this agree- I would make just one observation vacuum tube era. ment which represents the best in local with respect to the personnel reforms By rejecting a Senate proposal for planning and decisionmaking. When at the Federal Aviation Administra- new aviation taxes, we have taken the the California Supreme Court on Sep- tion that have been mentioned by both first important step toward rejecting tember 28 invalidated the so-called the subcommittee chairman and the the administration’s misguided claim Measure A, a half-cent sales tax dedi- gentleman from Texas [Mr. COLEMAN], of a pending aviation funding shortage. cated to many important highway, the ranking member. I think all of us Frankly, a close examination of future commuter rail, and transit construc- wanted to give the FAA additional aviation funding needs does not auto- tion projects in Santa Clara County, ability to reorganize its shop, but I matically suggest a need for more avia- the planned-for local match for the want to say that I think that a number tion taxes, and the conferees recog- Tasman project was assumed to be lost. of us have concerns about the lack of nized that fact. In fact, with the per- Due to the perseverance of all involved, protections which we feel are in this sonnel and procurement reform in the in the few short weeks since the ruling, bill for workers’ rights during that re- bill, we may find that we have more the Tasman Corridor plan has been re- organization process. The bill, in our than adequate money within the FAA. vised to reflect the new fiscal realities. view, does not preserve existing statu- The personnel procurement reforms It has been proposed that only the west tory requirements pertaining to labor- we have put in place will save tax- extension to Mountain View be built at management and employee relations’ payers’ money, at the same time accel- this time. This segment is compelling. issues, and that concerns us very much. erate the modernization of the FAA The 7.5-mile line is expected to cost I would simply say to the FAA that, and drag them out of the 1950s into the $125 million less than the original in exercising the prerogatives which 1990s. project, with 50 percent of its funding they will have under this legislation, I Contrary to what some might say, an derived from Federal Sec. 3 New Start would urge the agency to proceed with FAA personnel reform plan will not funds. Of the $122 million in proposed utmost caution; and I would urge them disband the unions. In fact, with the new starts funding, some $33 million to recognize basic elements of fairness gentleman from Virginia [Mr. WOLF] as has already been appropriated and as they deal with their employees. Be- chairman of this committee and his dedicated to the Tasman project by the cause, if they do not, I think this Con- strong support for Federal employees, MTC. The remainder of the funding gress will and should in short order be that is a great stretch of the imagina- will come from identified State, local right on their tail; and I think the FAA tion in the first place. But what it will and ISTEA flexible funding sources. will wish that they had behaved in a do is give the administrator the flexi- This revised plan has the unanimous sensitive manner. bility that the administration re- backing of the transit agency board, I would hope that, given the author- quested and needs to make FAA run in and I expect shortly will be approved ity which they have been given by this a more efficient way. by the MTC and later included in the committee, which I think is too broad, We have also included language in California Transportation Commis- I would hope that they would exercise the statement of managers rec- sion’s revised States Transportation that authority with great discretion. ommending the FAA establish a high- Improvement Program. We will be watching. level industry working group to assist Mr. Speaker, particularly in view of Let me also say that I will hope the in developing the FAA’s personnel and these positive developments, and in authorizers would take note of the lack procurement reform plans. This is the deference to the local and regional of clarity in this bill on that issue, and first step toward a permanent FAA planning process which has served us I would hope that the authorizers management advisory committee. well, I would ask if the chairman would see to it in legislation that they These FAA reform provisions are a agrees that if the revised Tasman develop that the agency does, in fact, start. I am pleased to say the cause of project secures all requisite Federal, October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10771 State, and regional approvals in a $350 million in Federal highway aid to some of the problems some of the cuts timely fashion, the $33 million in unob- the States. Doing so provides greater might cause. ligated balances referenced in the con- equity among the States and allows In addition, they are able to carry ference report may be provided by the State Governors and departments of forward some of the arguments that we MTC for the commencement of con- transportation to determine the appro- as Members literally in the committees struction on the Tasman West exten- priate expenditure of limited Federal and in conference do not always get to sion. highway assistance. hear. I particularly want to thank and commend the persons who work hard b This bill builds America. We provide 1315 a network of transportation that on the staff. Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, will the gen- moves America—its people, its prod- In addition, if I might, Mr. Speaker, tlewoman yield? ucts, its services—across town or I think it would be wrong for any of us Ms. ESHOO. I yield to the gentleman across the Nation. This bill provides as Members standing here today to from Virginia. necessary funding to make our citizens talk about a transportation bill that Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, yes, that is mobile and allow our goods and serv- has been nearly a year in the making my understanding. ices to get to market. It creates jobs, to not also signal our appreciation to Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I would builds our Nation’s infrastructure and certainly our colleagues on the com- like to thank the chairman for his un- ensures the safety of our traveling pub- mittee. I know a number have spoken derstanding. I am very grateful for his lic. from the other side. I only wanted to thoughtful response. This is a good, solid bill. I urge my highlight the fact that I have been on I would also like to acknowledge the colleagues to support it. my side of the aisle blessed with having gentleman’s staff that has worked with Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 wonderful cooperation, a lot of history, us on this. I look forward to working minutes to the gentleman from New by the way, from Members who are ac- with the gentleman in making certain York [Mr. NADLER]. tually more senior than I on this par- that the plan for the Tasman West ex- Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise ticular subcommittee. tension is financially sound, that it is today to thank the gentleman from I wanted to thank the gentleman accountable, that it is responsible and Virginia [Mr. WOLF], the chairman, and from Wisconsin [Mr. OBEY], the gen- that it continues to enjoy the impor- the ranking member, the gentleman tleman from Illinois [Mr. DURBIN], and tant broad-based support it has had in from Texas [Mr. COLEMAN], and all the certainly one of the more important the past. members of the conference committee Members because of his status as the Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentle- for holding fast in the face of strong ranking member on the Committee on woman from California [Ms. LOFGREN] opposition from the other body on sec- the Budget, the gentleman from Min- who would like to make some com- tion 501 of the House version of the nesota [Mr. SABO], and one of our ments on this. transportation appropriations con- newer Members but a Member who un- Ms. LOFGREN. Mr. Speaker, I would ference report. derstands mass transit in its very in- like to thank my colleague, the gentle- This section, an amendment origi- tricate forms, the gentleman from woman from California [Ms. ESHOO] for nally offered by myself and by the gen- Pennsylvania [Mr. FOGLIETTA], and all taking the lead in this colloquy as well tleman from Wisconsin [Mr. NEUMANN], of their staffs for their advice and as my other Bay Area colleagues on the gentleman from California [Mr. counsel as well. both sides of the aisle for coming to- ROYCE], and the gentleman from Min- Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gether in support of the Tasman light- nesota [Mr. MINGE], provides that no gentleman from New Jersey [Mr. rail project. funds appropriated in this bill may be PALLONE], who wanted to discuss some I particularly would like to thank used to tear down and move a few hun- of the issues pertinent to the Coast the chairman for reaffirming his com- dred feet at a cost of $300 million a Guard. mitment to local transit agencies and highway we just finished rebuilding in Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I thank their authority over transit funding de- place for $90 million. the gentleman from Texas for yielding cisions. The only purpose of this proposed time to me. Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 boondoggle was to support a proposed I wanted to indicate support for the minutes to the gentleman from Califor- luxury housing project being developed conference on two fronts. One is with nia [Mr. PACKARD], a member of the and to make the views of this housing regard to the office of pipeline safety. committee. project being developed in my district I think some of the Members know Mr. PACKARD. Mr. Speaker, I rise by Donald Trump and his business as- that almost 2 years ago now in my con- today in support of the fiscal year 1996 sociates. This measure was supported gressional district in New Jersey we transportation funding conference bill. unanimously by sides of the aisle and had an explosion, a natural gas pipeline Chairman FRANK WOLF deserves high shows how this body can come together explosion in the area known as Durham praise for his hard work and diligence on issues to benefit the American tax Woods. As a consequence of that, I re- in structuring funding for our Nation’s payer. Again, I want to thank the lead- alized how significant funding levels transportation infrastructure. ers of the conference committee for for pipeline safety were, not only in This bill continues Congress’ invest- their support in this matter. terms of what has to be done in terms ment in the Nations infrastructure, Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I have no of investigation but, even more impor- providing $12.5 billion in discretionary further requests for time, and I reserve tant, in terms of prevention. budget authority for highways, transits the balance of my time. The amount of money that is pro- systems, airports, and the Coast Guard. Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield vided in this conference bill for pipe- Also included in this bill, is a provision myself such time as I may consume. line safety is better, significantly bet- I wholeheartedly support. It denies I would only attempt to, if I could, ter than what I thought might result. I funding for HIV/AIDS awareness train- since I do not have any other requests am very pleased with that because I ing unless it specifically relates to the for time of any Members that are here know it will allow us to continue to do workplace rights of HIV-positive em- to simply add, if I might, in closing, the kind of work that needs to be done ployees or to the medical ramifications my appreciation for the fine work and to prevent accidents as the one that oc- of HIV/AIDS. hard effort of the gentleman from Vir- curred in Edison, in my district. In tight fiscal times such as these, ginia [Mr. WOLF], the chairman, and I also wanted to congratulate the Congress must evaluate all Federal the staff that they assembled, Mr. conferees and the bill on the fact that, spending and determine where we can Speaker. All of us know that we cannot with regard to the small boat Coast get the most bang for the buck. We do these jobs without the hard work of Guard stations, there is language that took a long hard look at the merits of a lot of very dedicated and fine men would prohibit their closures. Those of every program in our bill. and women who help us put together us who fought very hard on the House For example, the conference agree- these numbers so that they work, but floor, who felt that the small boat plan ment includes no special highway dem- also they negotiate many times for us that the Coast Guard had put forward onstration projects, returning some with the agencies so we can understand was not going to save a significant H 10772 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 amount of money and would actually had to wear on our side many hats this There was no objection. cost lives appreciate the fact that session. She had to juggle her respon- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- there is language in this bill now that sibilities of this subcommittee as well ant to clause 7 of rule XV, the yeas and would prohibit those small boat station as to the Subcommittee on the District nays are ordered. closures. of Columbia. She has done an exem- The vote was taken by electronic de- It was not something that was going plary job, and then Ms. Coburn also vice, and there were—yeas 393, nays 29, to save money. So I think that it is from my office staff who has worked not voting 10, as follows: consistent with the effort on the part with the committee on all of these is- [Roll No. 735] of the committee to try to reduce ex- sues. YEAS—393 penditures, but allowing those stations Mr. DELAY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong to close would not have accomplished support of the Transportation appropriations Allard Dickey Houghton Archer Dicks Hoyer that fact. So I want to congratulate, conference report. It is a responsible billÐone Armey Dingell Hunter thank again the gentleman from Texas that I believe all Members can support. Bachus Dixon Hutchinson as well as the chairman of the sub- I want to thank my chairman, Mr. WOLF, for Baesler Doggett Hyde committee for their efforts in the con- Baker (CA) Dooley Inglis having the patience over the last few weeks Baker (LA) Doolittle Istook ference and urge support for the con- waiting to get this bill through conference and Baldacci Dornan Jackson-Lee ference bill. onto the floor. On his first trip through the Ballenger Doyle Jacobs Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the process as chairman, he has done a masterful Barcia Dreier Jefferson Barr Duncan Johnson (CT) balance of my time. job of crafting this legislation that is before us Barrett (NE) Dunn Johnson (SD) Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield today and I commend him on his efforts. Barrett (WI) Durbin Johnson, E. B. myself such time as I may consume. It is important to note that there are many Bartlett Edwards Johnson, Sam Again, in closing, if I might, Mr. good things in the bill which keep us on mes- Barton Ehlers Johnston Bass Ehrlich Jones Speaker, I have only one other speaker sage. This bill, while providing for a strong na- Bateman Emerson Kanjorski who may or may not be able to be here tional infrastructure, also includes many policy Bentsen Engel Kasich because of a conflict in meetings. So in statements that will benefit our Nation imme- Bereuter English Kelly any event, if I could, the gentleman Berman Ensign Kennedy (MA) diately and in the future. A good example Bevill Eshoo Kennedy (RI) from Alabama [Mr. CALLAHAN], my must be the fact that there are no highway Bilbray Evans Kennelly friend, earlier referred to the fact that demonstration projects in this bill. What that Bilirakis Everett Kildee the chairman stood strong against any means is there are no unforeseen priorities Bishop Ewing Kim Bliley Farr King particular highway demo projects. that the States have to take into consideration. Blute Fattah Kingston One of our colleagues in the con- What this means is that there is more money Boehlert Fawell Kleczka ference from another State, however, for States to accomplish their priorities in a Boehner Fazio Klink did correctly point out that he was Bonilla Fields (TX) Klug timely manner. Having no highway demonstra- Bonior Flake Knollenberg from a State that was not as populous tion projects in the bill gives the legislation in- Bono Flanagan Kolbe as Virginia or Texas or California and tegrity, and it gives the States confidence in Boucher Foley LaFalce that indeed sometimes it is necessary the way we conduct business. This is what the Brewster Forbes LaHood to provide the highway funding instead Browder Ford Lantos American people and the State governments Brown (CA) Fowler Largent of doing airport improvement projects expect and this is what they deserve. Brown (FL) Fox Latham or instead of doing bus or transit new In my home State of Texas, a donor State, Brown (OH) Frank (MA) LaTourette starts. Therefore, he felt it was per- Brownback Franks (CT) Laughlin highway spending will increase by $31 million Bryant (TN) Franks (NJ) Lazio fectly legitimate that we indeed as over last year's level. Hopefully, this increase Bryant (TX) Frelinghuysen Leach members of our respective committees will assist the State in their construction of Bunn Frisa Levin in the House and the Senate be able to some important projects including several U.S. Bunning Frost Lewis (CA) provide funding for highways. Burr Furse Lewis (GA) Highway 59 projects through my district. The Burton Gallegly Lewis (KY) As the gentleman from Alabama [Mr. conference agreement also approves contin- Buyer Ganske Lightfoot CALLAHAN] knows, as the gentleman ued funding for Houston metro's regional bus Callahan Gejdenson Lincoln from Virginia [Mr. WOLF] knows, we Calvert Gekas Linder plan. Houston Metro is noted for having the Camp Gephardt Lipinski have not stopped anybody over on the lowest cost-per-new-rider index in the Nation. Canady Geren Livingston authorizing committee from also au- The continued funding for this program will as- Cardin Gibbons LoBiondo thorizing and providing contract au- sist in the efficient movement of people, Castle Gilchrest Lofgren thority for specific highway dem- Chabot Gillmor Longley goods, and services through the Houston Chambliss Gilman Lowey onstration projects. That has happened area. Chenoweth Gonzalez Lucas in the past under ISTEA. We are told it With regards to airports, the conference Christensen Goodlatte Luther may happen in the future. I think we Chrysler Goodling Maloney elected to fund airport improvement programs Clay Gordon Manton have got a ways to go. I think this is a at last year's level. In the face of both compet- Clayton Goss Manzullo good beginning. ing funding demands and ironclad budget con- Clement Graham Markey I know that the chairman recalled straints, I am pleased that were at least able Clinger Green Martini that in an actual vote on the House Coble Greenwood Mascara to halt the downward funding spiral that air- Coburn Gunderson Matsui side, all of the Democrats on our side ports have experienced over the last 3 years. Coleman Gutierrez McCarthy of the aisle did not oppose him. Indeed, However, in light of future air travel demands, Collins (GA) Gutknecht McCollum to a person, we supported his effort to I feel that it is important that Congress be Collins (MI) Hall (OH) McCrery not—we think this is a good begin- Combest Hall (TX) McDade ready with a plan that allows for the proper fi- Condit Hamilton McDermott ning—to not designate highway demo nancing of our airport infrastructure in the fu- Conyers Hancock McHale projects. Many of us think that per- ture. Cooley Hansen McHugh haps we can move forward next year Costello Harman McInnis Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill, a bill all Cox Hastert McIntosh and do the same thing, when it comes Members can support. I urge all Members to Coyne Hastings (FL) McKeon to transit. Maybe we should do exactly support this responsible measure before us Cramer Hastings (WA) McKinney the same thing when it comes to buses today. Crane Hayes McNulty and other kinds of projects of that na- Crapo Hayworth Meehan b 1330 Cremeans Hefley Meek ture. Cubin Hefner Metcalf We think it is a good beginning, Mr. Mr. COLEMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield Cunningham Heineman Meyers Speaker. So, therefore, I want to fi- back the balance of my time. Davis Herger Mfume de la Garza Hilleary Mica nally only thank specifically two Mem- Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, I, too, yield Deal Hinchey Miller (CA) bers without whom I could not have op- back the balance of my time. DeFazio Hobson Miller (FL) erated my first term as ranking mem- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. DeLauro Hoekstra Minge ber of a Subcommittee on Appropria- BARRETT of Nebraska). Without objec- DeLay Hoke Mink Dellums Holden Moakley tions, Ms. Cheryl Smith and Christy tion, the previous question is ordered Deutsch Horn Molinari Coburn for their hard work. Cheryl has on the conference report. Diaz-Balart Hostettler Mollohan October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10773 Montgomery Richardson Stump The Clerk read as follows: tleman claims it does. Neither the Moorhead Riggs Stupak Moran Rivers Talent Mr. DEUTSCH moves that the managers on House nor the Senate version of the Morella Roberts Tanner the part of the House at the conference on line-item veto contained any retro- Murtha Roemer Tate the disagreeing votes on the two Houses on active provisions dealing with targeted Myers Rogers Tauzin the House amendments to the bill S. 4 be in- tax benefits. Myrick Rohrabacher Taylor (MS) structed, within the scope of the conference, The House version did contain retro- Nadler Ros-Lehtinen Taylor (NC) to insist upon the inclusion of provisions to Neal Rose Tejeda require that the bill apply to the targeted active language regarding the applica- Nethercutt Roth Thomas tax benefit provisions of any revenue or rec- bility to appropriation measures for Neumann Roukema Thompson fiscal year 1995, but that authority was Ney Royce Thornberry onciliation bill enacted into law during or Norwood Sabo Thornton after fiscal year 1995. not extended to revenue measures. The Nussle Salmon Thurman The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. gentleman’s motion calls upon con- Oberstar Sanford Tiahrt ferees to apply the targeted tax provi- Obey Sawyer Torkildsen BARRETT of Nebraska). Pursuant to Olver Saxton Torricelli rule XXVIII, the gentleman from Flor- sions to any revenue or any reconcili- Ortiz Scarborough Towns ida [Mr. DEUTSCH] will be recognized ation measure enacted into law during Orton Schiff Upton for 30 minutes, and the gentleman from fiscal year 1995. At the same time, the Owens Schroeder Velazquez motion urges the conferees to stay Oxley Schumer Vento Pennsylvania [Mr. CLINGER] will be rec- Packard Scott Visclosky ognized for 30 minutes. within the scope of the conference. Pallone Seastrand Vucanovich The Chair recognizes the gentleman These instructions are inconsistent. We Parker Serrano Waldholtz EUTSCH cannot have it both ways. Pastor Shadegg Walker from Florida [Mr. D ]. Paxon Shaw Walsh Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield If the gentleman had not included Payne (VA) Shays Wamp myself 1 minute and 10 seconds. the phrase ‘‘within the scope of the Pelosi Shuster Ward Mr. Speaker, on February 6 of this conference,’’ he would have been delib- Peterson (FL) Skaggs Watts (OK) year, this House passed by a 294 vote a erately instructing the conferees to go Petri Skeen Waxman Pickett Smith (MI) Weldon (FL) line-item veto bill. The Senate subse- beyond the scope of the conference, Pombo Smith (NJ) Weller quently passed the vote as well. It took which the gentlemen well knows would Porter Smith (TX) White 7 months. We went through the winter, be a violation of the rules of the House, Portman Smith (WA) Whitfield Poshard Solomon Wicker the spring, the summer, and then we and subject to a point or order. Pryce Souder Wise came into the fall, just about the fall Because he did include this phrase, Quillen Spence Wolf again, and September 20, conferees we can only conclude that this entire Quinn Spratt Woolsey were appointed. motion is purely politically driven, a Radanovich Stark Wyden Rahall Stearns Wynn I think there is a question, really, of poor attempt to try and embarrass Ramstad Stenholm Young (AK) the sincerity of conferees and appoint- those Members who happen to support Rangel Stockman Young (FL) ing conferees when it has taken this both the line-item veto and the land- Reed Stokes Zeliff Regula Studds Zimmer long. This is an idea which not only has mark balanced budget we will be ap- the support or the voting support of proving here on this floor tomorrow. NAYS—29 the majority of the Members of this Because the gentleman’s motion is Ackerman Hilliard Schaefer House, but I really think a clear major- inherently contradictory, I urge that Andrews Kaptur Sensenbrenner ity of the American people as well; 38 we accept the motion and can honestly Becerra Martinez Slaughter Beilenson Menendez Torres States have line-item vetoes. If we are state that we will follow the instruc- Borski Payne (NJ) Traficant talking about fiscal restraint, this is tions. We will make the line-item veto, Clyburn Peterson (MN) Waters the way to go. as it applies to targeted tax benefits, as Collins (IL) Pomeroy Watt (NC) What this proposal does, Mr. Speak- retroactive as possible within ‘‘his Danner Roybal-Allard Williams Filner Rush er, what this motion to instruct says is amendment,’’ the scope of the con- Yates Foglietta Sanders if we are going to have a line-item ference, which, according to the gentle- NOT VOTING—10 veto, let us get the job done. Let us man’s motion, is not retroactive at all. apply it to 1995 appropriations bills and Abercrombie Sisisky Weldon (PA) b 1400 Chapman Skelton Wilson budget bills. Fields (LA) Tucker Mr. CLINGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield Funderburk Volkmer such time as he may consume to the myself such time as I may consume. b 1353 gentleman from New York [Mr. SOLO- Mr. Speaker, they are important MON], chairman of the Committee on groups and I seek their support. The Ms. KAPTUR, Mrs. COLLINS of Illi- Rules. organization that you mention is not nois, Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD, Mr. BOR- Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I will be one of them. SKI, and Mr. FOGLIETTA changed brief. We are in the midst of a pro- Let me also mention that I would their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ longed hearing on the reconciliation like to offer a wager to the gentleman Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of bill up in the Committee on Rules. We from New York [Mr. SOLOMON], of Flor- Texas and Mr. CLAY changed their have listened to five witnesses over 31⁄2 ida oranges versus New York apples, as vote from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ hours. We have 65 more to go. Hope- the whether this is ultimately adopted So the conference report was agreed fully, we will be able to bring the Mem- into law. In front of the world I offer to. bers a bill tomorrow. the gentleman that wager. If the gen- The result of the vote was announced Let me just say to the gentleman tleman is willing to accept it, I would as above recorded. from Florida [Mr. DEUTSCH], if he will be happy for him to accept it. A motion to reconsider was laid on pay attention over there, without all Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I would the table. the discussion, he mentioned or ques- be glad to take the gentleman’s bet. f tioned the sincerity of the conferees. Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 Mr. Speaker, I am not going to ques- minutes to the gentlewoman from Illi- MOTION TO INSTRUCT CONFEREES tion his sincerity. I do not think we nois [Mrs. COLLINS], the ranking mem- ON S. 4, THE SEPARATE ENROLL- should do that. He is a friend of mine, ber of the Committee on Government MENT AND LINE ITEM VETO ACT and he is a good Member of this body. Reform and Oversight. OF 1995 But, I just have to point out, it is (Mrs. COLLINS of Illinois asked and Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I offer a strange that his name appears on the was given permission to revise and ex- motion to instruct conferees on the National Taxpayers Union list of big tend her remarks.) Senate bill (S. 4) to grant the power to spenders, and yet, he is up here talking Mrs. COLLINS of Illinois. Mr. Speak- the President to reduce budget author- about the sincerity of the conferees on er, I support the motion to instruct of- ity. the line-item veto. That bothers me a fered by the gentleman from Florida The SPEAKER pro tempore. The little bit. [Mr. DEUTSCH]. Clerk will report the motion to in- First, let me just say this. The The line-item veto was always in- struct. amendment does not do what the gen- tended to apply both to appropriations H 10774 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 and to targeted tax benefits. House to certain individuals or special inter- I guess my concern and the reason I conferees have already been instructed ests, and therefore, we agree with the am rising today in support of my col- to make the line-item veto applicable underlying premise of the motion, but league from Florida is that the line- to current and future fiscal year appro- no retroactivity language is in either item veto has a great deal of bipartisan priations. The motion offered by Mr. the House or Senate versions dealing support; and it seems amazing, here we DEUTSCH reemphasizes that current with tax benefits. Because it is outside are at the end of the tenth month of and future targeted tax breaks should the scope of the conference, it will be this year and we have not seen it come also be covered. subject to a point of order in both the back to us out of conference commit- Some have suggested that after re- House and the Senate. tee. In fact, again, as my ranking mem- ceiving publicity for passing the line- I think the gentleman from Florida ber on the committee mentioned, this item veto, Republican proponents of and others realize that we still have a is the second instruction that we have this legislation wanted to deny Presi- fight on our hands to get a strong line- had. dent Clinton use of the line-item veto item veto in the hands of the Presi- We need to see that as part of the against appropriations bill and against dent. We still have a fight to put to- Contract With America and one of the special interest tax breaks. gether the right number of votes to put items I supported to my colleague from Floor debate earlier this year sug- this over the top. I believe we are mov- Massachusetts, because I think it is a gested that the majority wanted to ing, and the conference committee is good program, it is something that not move ahead in a bipartisan way and moving, toward agreement with the just future Presidents, but this Presi- also to encourage cooperation between Senate, and we are getting close to pro- dent should do. the legislative and executive branches. ducing a report that will once and for Mr. Speaker, I remember several Speaker GINGRICH said at that time: all give the President of the United months ago that this bill was part of For those who think that this city has to States a strong line-item veto, as I the Republican’s Contract With Amer- always break down into partisanship, you think most of us support. ica. In fact, the majority took great have a Republican majority giving to a Mr. Speaker, I must say, as it regards pains to pose on former President Rea- Democratic President this year without any the sincerity question, as a member of gan’s birthday and provided, as my col- gimmick an increased power over spending, the conference committee, I certainly which we think is an important step for league Mr. OBEY tells us, holy pictures have observed that Members of the mi- and likes to say and show their devo- America, and therefore it is an important nority party who are appointed to this step on a bipartisan basis to do it for the tion to the Contract With America. President of the United States without re- conference from both the House and Well, I am sorry that President gard to party or ideology. the Senate have prefaced their remarks Reagan has not been able to enjoy the Mr. Speaker, I do not personally sup- consistently with the statement: I am actual gift that they were going to give unalterably opposed to a line-item port the line-item veto, but if it is the to him. The problem is, evidently, that veto. I am against a line-item veto. I answer to the country’s spending prob- maybe they like the idea of line-item do not want to give the President a lems that its proponents say it is, then veto, but maybe not for President Clin- line-item veto. ton. this President should have it now. So perhaps, if the conferees from the Once Congress cedes the line-item Again, I have had the honor of having minority on this conference committee veto to a President, it is unlikely ever items vetoed by both Republican and could join with us to do the right thing to get it back. In the future, there will Democrat Governors in Texas and what and give the President the line-item always be Presidents to whom the Con- is good for the goose is good for the veto, we could move this process for- gander. I would hope that before we gress may not want to give line-item ward. veto power, but they will not have that Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield stay here too long that we will see that choice. myself 10 seconds. Mr. Speaker, I would come out of the conference committee, If the majority truly believes that point out to my colleague from Massa- a real line-item veto that the President the head of the executive branch de- can deal with. chusetts [Mr. BLUTE] that the majority serves this power, then there is no ex- controls the conference committee and Again, I regret my colleague from cuse to deny him such power now. To there are Members of your party and New York, Mr. SOLOMON, our chairman deny it is to admit that the bill is my party that voted against this. The of the Committee on Rules, talking merely an exercise in political games- Republican party, the day it wants, can about my colleague being listed by manship, to be discarded once it has pass out of conference without a doubt. some lobby group as a big spender. served its purpose. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the That group that he mentioned, I no- Mr. Speaker, this is the second in- gentleman from Texas [Mr. GENE ticed a lot of folks from both parties struction that has been brought to the GREEN]. are on their list. Sometimes I wonder if floor on the line-item veto. I offered (Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas asked people are more interested in perpet- the first dealing with applicability of and was given permission to revise and uating their groups than they are actu- the line-item veto to appropriations, extend his remarks.) ally looking at the Federal budget. and my motion passed by voice vote. Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. Mr. Speaker, with that, I would hope Mr. DEUTSCH’s motion also deserves bi- Speaker, I want to thank my colleague that my Republican colleagues, to par- partisan support. His is especially from Florida for, one, bringing this mo- aphrase St. Augustine, will remember timely as we prepare to consider the tion to instruct to the floor and also saying, Lord, I am really for the line- omnibus budget reconciliation bill, for yielding myself 3 minutes. item veto, but just not yet. which contains numerous provisions Mr. Speaker, when the debate came Mr. CLINGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 deserving the President’s veto. up not only in our committee, and I minutes to the distinguished gen- Mr. Speaker, I urge a vote for the serve on the Committee on Govern- tleman from Florida [Mr. GOSS]. gentleman’s motion. ment Reform and Oversight, I sup- Mr. GOSS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Mr. CLINGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 ported the line-item veto both in the distinguished gentleman from Penn- minutes to the gentleman from Massa- committee and also on the floor. I sylvania [Mr. CLINGER] for yielding me chusetts [Mr. BLUTE], a very valued served 20 years in the legislature where this time. member of the Committee on Govern- we lived under the line-item veto, and Mr. Speaker, I think that some issues ment Reform and Oversight. I always joked I had the distinction of are coming out here that are rather Mr. BLUTE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the having line-item veto by both Repub- clear. Chairman for recognizing me and for licans and Democrats when I was in the First of all, I think everybody under- his leadership on this important issue legislature, so it was bipartisan. stands that bringing this subject up at for our country. We on the House side During my campaigns for a couple of this point is a fine time to again focus agree, I think with what the gentleman years people said, ‘‘Well, we need the a little interest on the line-item veto from Florida [Mr. DEUTSCH] is trying to line-item veto to control Federal for those of us who want it and have do and trying to accomplish. Mr. spending.’’ It is not the panacea to con- been working very hard to get it. In Speaker, 294 Members of the House trol Federal spending. It is just a small fact, we have been trying to get it out agreed to limit the use of tax benefits weapon in the arsenal to do it. of conference as rapidly as we can. October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10775 I am delighted to have the oppor- being pointed out that there are Demo- now. Let us pass this measure and let tunity to get up and say publicly to the crats opposed to this issue. There are us have this measure apply to appro- world we are working on this, and we also Republicans opposed to this issue, priation bills right now. Then we can are working on it as rapidly and as but they have been in the majority not all walk away with clean hands. That faithfully as we can, as we promised we that long. Maybe they have not gotten is what the American people want. would, to the body. it yet, that they, in fact, are in the ma- Mr. GOSS. Mr. Speaker, will the gen- But it has not been quite as easy as jority now; and they do not need any of tleman yield? some might imagine. The other body, our votes. Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. I yield in fact, has some very significant dif- Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the to the gentleman from Florida. ferences of opinion. We have had an gentleman from Wisconsin [Mr. Mr. GOSS. Mr. Speaker, would the open conference meeting so far. We BARRETT]. gentleman be willing to use his articu- have met. It turns out that the gap Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. Mr. late argument on some members of his that we predicted was there is, in fact, Speaker, I also support the line-item own party in the other body? Because there. veto, and I applaud the gentleman from in the other body, the gentleman well The other body has some things Florida [Mr. DEUTSCH] for moving this understands, we only have 53 of us over called special enrollment procedures, issue forward. there and there is something called fil- some sunset ideas, some things that The American people want the line- ibuster and cloture problems. are very different than what we wanted item veto, and they want the line-item Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. I would and are working out to get a tough, ef- veto because they are concerned about be more than happy to. fective line-item veto that works for two things: They are concerned, on the Mr. GOSS. We need members of the the great majority here who supported one hand, about pork barrel spending. gentleman’s party to help us. that. They want to see an end to pork barrel Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. I would So I can report back and I am happy spending. On the other hand, they also be more than happy to. As I have indi- to take advantage of this time and this want to see an end to special interest cated here and as the gentleman from motion to say that progress is being tax breaks that are tucked away into Florida [Mr. DEUTSCH] has indicated, made and faithful pursuit of the com- revenue bills. I think that the gen- certainly you in the majority have the mitment is, in fact, under way. tleman from Florida [Mr. DEUTSCH] power in this body to move forward. Now, without sounding partisan, be- does a good job in pointing these two The problem in appointing conferees cause I do not think we need any more things out. came from this body. That is where the strident, red-not rhetoric and partisan- The American people also want us to delay was. It was only September 20 ship out here on this issue right now, I act now. They do not want us to go that the Speaker in this body ap- would point out that it strikes me that forth with business as usual and say, pointed those conferees. So there was a the main opposition we are getting is Well, let us just have one more round, lot of foot-dragging, but the foot-drag- from the gentleman who makes the one more for the road, one more round ging was on this side of the aisle. motion, his own party in the other of special interest tax breaks and pork Mr. GOSS. Mr. Speaker, will the gen- body, from some of the more revered barrel spending in this year’s revenues tleman yield further? and senior Members, I would say. bills. What they want us to do is they Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. I yield Again, I do not want to speak out of want us to act to have it apply to the to the gentleman from Florida. school about what is going on in con- revenue bills and the appropriation Mr. GOSS. I would admit that it did ference committee. bills that are moving through Congress not go as rapidly as I wanted, but in 9 I would also point out that the prob- right now. months we got further than your party lem with the motion to instruct con- They do not want the Republicans, got in 40 years and I think that is a fair ferees that we have before us today is who I understand where they are com- comment. self-canceling. ing from. They have been out of power Mr. BARRETT of Wisconsin. I think The gentleman, my friend from Flor- a long time. They have a lot of Christ- the test is going to be when this bill ida [Mr. DEUTSCH], well knows that we mas tree presents that they want to reaches the President’s desk. If you have to stay within the scope of the hang, and they want to hang them on drag your feet until mid September of conference. The problem is that we these bills. But that is not what the next year, then you have succeeded in have to stick within the scope, and we election last fall was all about. The your goal. That is, depriving President therefore cannot reach back into deci- election last fall was ending that type Clinton of the ability to get rid of your sions about tax provisions that occur of practice. So I think that the Repub- pork-barrel spending and your special before the line-item veto becomes law. licans would be best served if they interest tax loopholes. That is not within scope. would just acknowledge what every- Mr. GOSS. If the gentleman will So what the motion to instruct in- body in here knows, and that is that yield further, with your help, that will volves is something that is impossible the American people want this practice not happen. to do within the Rules of the House. to stop and they want this practice to Mr. CLINGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 Consequently, what we have is a some- stop right now. minutes to the distinguished gen- what meaningless motion in front of Now, the charges that go back and tleman from California [Mr. us, a meaningless resolution in front of forth on the floor today from the Re- CUNNINGHAM]. us. publicans is that they are saying that Mr. CUNNINGHAM. Mr. Speaker, as However, I am willing to take that the Democrats really are not concerned our freshman class came in, we fought meaninglessness in terms of the sub- about this, that they are opposed to it. for the line-item veto. The second class stance and try and turn it into a self- Well, as Mr. DEUTSCH pointed out, to follow that fought for the line-item purpose by saying, I am glad we have there are many of us who support this. veto, the 73 Members, and most of the opportunity to report back to the them voted for it. b gentleman and those who care that, in- 1415 What I have found in the couple of deed, progress is going forward, and I We frankly are somewhat dubious of hundred days that we have been here is believe we should accept this motion in the motives of the Republicans because if we take a look at the delaying tac- the interests of bipartisan cooperation we think what they are going to do is tics, the gridlock tactics of the busi- to reinforce that position of the House they are going to keep confereeing and ness at hand. team in conference that will, in fact, confereeing and confereeing until we Let us get through the balanced accomplish the line-item veto accord- get to the middle of next year and then budget, let us get through the Medi- ing to what we wanted to be in the pass a measure so President Clinton care, let us get through the tax back to House at the very earliest opportunity. does not have the opportunity to get the people, let us get back to welfare Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield rid of their pork. reform. Let us take care of the busi- myself 20 seconds. The best way for us to come together ness at hand. Mr. Speaker, I am hearing sort of a is for the Republicans and the Demo- We have got everything to go before repetition of debate. I keep hearing crats to say, well, let us do it right Christmas. Yes, I have bought my H 10776 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 Christmas tree here because I think we Even in this supposedly reformed budget deficit, to provide some new are going to be here at Christmas. Congress, we have seen more than a lit- tools to get a handle on this Nation’s When we get through with that busi- tle pork work its way into the budget. financing, and to change business as ness, we will bring up the line-item I have voted to cut billions of dollars, usual in this House. veto. But until you quit your delaying many others have as well, and many So I, along with other Members on tactics on all the legislation from your others were unsuccessful in removing the Democratic side of the aisle, spoke liberal leadership, then we will never pieces of the budget. in favor of the Republican initiative on get it done. The question of whether or not peo- the line-item veto. We have it in Texas. Looking at every single bill that we ple are being sincere in their activities Democrats and Republican Governors have here, they want to continue since they are now in conference begs alike have used the line-item veto and spending. There is always a good rea- the issue of why it took so long to send have used it effectively. I was particu- son for it. they want to continue more people to conference. I am left to ques- larly impressed with the last speaker spending. tion whether or not we are dealing on the night of February 6 on this Your heart is not in what you are with real values here, real principles, issue, the Speaker of the House, NEWT saying. Some of the Members are and or, rather, situational political postur- GINGRICH. This was not a speech like so they fought for line-item veto and I ap- ing that says, a line-item veto is good many, one of these gloating speeches preciate that. But the overall leader- for a Republican President but not about we won and you are dumb. No; ship of the Democratic Party does not very good for a Democratic President. have their heart in it and they will not I put aside my partisan differences to this was a serious speech in favor of follow through and the continuing vote for this veto because I believed it the line-item veto in which Speaker gridlock will not allow us to bring it was the right thing to do. I would ask GINGRICH allowed as how he as a Re- up. the conferees to do exactly the same in publican in an act of bipartisanship Help us do that and we will be more order to pass this proposal into law. wanted to be sure that President Clin- than happy to bring it. Our constituents sent us here to do a ton, a Democrat, had the line-item Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield job, not to fight, not to whine, not to veto power in order to get at pork bar- myself such time as I may consume. rel in this budget. I am going to point out two things. rely on our party affiliation, but to do One to my good friend and colleague a job, and they want this veto. Move it What happened after all the speeches from Florida, there is a reconciliation now. were said and done? Well, the Senate bill that we are going to take up actu- Mr. CLINGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 on a bipartisan basis proceeded to act, ally in a very short period of time that additional minute to the gentleman and they passed the measure. By March is this high, or higher. It includes un- from Florida [Mr. GOSS]. or April, they had appointed conferees told numbers of pieces of legislation. Mr. GOSS. Mr. Speaker, I just felt to consider the line-item veto. And The gentleman is on the Committee on that it is important that we under- what happened at this rostrum? Noth- Rules. He probably does not even know stand that we in this body, in the ing. Nothing happened. Nothing hap- how many different bills. House, are much blessed by orderly pened in March, nothing happened in My colleague still has time. There is rules and a wonderful Committee on April, nothing happened in May, noth- another bill you can put in reconcili- Rules that makes sure that things are ing happened in June, nothing hap- ation, which is the line-item veto bill. properly brought forward. pened in July, nothing happened in Au- That in fact deals with your issue of I believe the suggestion of my col- gust, and nothing happened through the Senate filibuster, because as the league and good friend, the gentleman most of the month of September be- gentleman is well aware, in the Senate from Florida [Mr. DEUTSCH], that we cause despite the fine speech that was the reconciliation bill needs only 50 throw this thing into some kind of an given here, the Speaker did not want to votes, or 51 votes. Actually 50 votes be- omnibus reconciliation bill because we give President Clinton the power to use cause that is something that the Presi- have already passed it on the floor the line-item veto to cut through this dent has supported. I assume the Vice would make sense from the House side. pork that has been put in these appro- President will follow the President’s Indeed it might. But we have a problem priations bills. That is not my opinion leads on that issue. on the other side. Again, maybe the alone. Various Republican Members of You have put everything else in the gentleman and some of his colleagues the U.S. Senate have voiced the same reconciliation bill. Here is your oppor- on that side of the aisle can help us concern about the delay that has tran- tunity to do the right thing. with somebody over there who has a spired month after month, that it was I have to respond to my colleague’s special rule in the other body, where all talk and no action. We saw the very last statement on the floor. Gridlock. they have a different approach than we same thing happen here this morning. My God, when this Chamber has want- do, might be able to prevail on them. There is a lobby reform bill that the ed to do something, the rules of this Because it still takes the necessary Senate on a bipartisan basis, Repub- House allow you to do things pretty number of votes to overcome objec- licans and Democrats coming together, darn fast when you want to do them tions and the procedures in the other passed 98 to 0. body. fast, without debate, without any dis- What happens to it over here? It is This is not where the problem is cussion. You get it done. We have 1 day still sitting there this afternoon. It has here. I know the gentleman from Flor- hearing, less than a day of hearing on been sitting there for 3 months. The ida is not suggesting anything as dia- Medicare, 27 days on Whitewater, 84 Speaker will not even refer this lobby bolical as that we have got one group days on Ruby Ridge. You guys control reform bill to a committee to study it. in his party here revving this thing up the time. That is not revolutionary, despite all There is an incredible limit in terms and another group in his party stop- the proclamations that have been made of what we can do. You can do it today. ping it over there. That would be un- here about these great revolutionaries Here is your opportunity. thinkable. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 reforming the way the budget is han- dled, reforming the way this House gentlewoman from Michigan [Ms. RIV- minutes to the gentleman from Texas acts, but it is a little revolting that we ERS]. [Mr. DOGGETT]. Ms. RIVERS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Mr. DOGGETT. I thank the gen- cannot get bipartisanship to resolve support of this motion. I voted for the tleman for yielding me the time. these problems. line-item veto. I campaigned on it as Mr. Speaker, perhaps I was a little I salute the gentleman from Florida well as I talked to people across the naive when I came here on the evening for coming here and keeping his word. 13th District in Michigan. I believe the of February 6 to speak in favor of this These people may break their word line-item veto is an effective tool in line-item veto initiative. You see, I la- about what they say they are willing to controlling spending in this House and bored as a new Member under the do on line-item veto but at least you more importantly in reining in the cro- misimpression that there might be a are providing us another opportunity nyism which tends to permeate the way for some genuine bipartisan par- to really come to grips with this prob- whole appropriations process. ticipation to do something about the lem. October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10777 Mr. CLINGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield have the ability to watch this, this de- this year’s appropriation bills, because an additional 2 minutes to the gen- bate going on. I think it will be very helpful to a lot tleman from Massachusetts [Mr. How disingenuous can someone be to of the other debate going on concern- BLUTE], one of the champions of the take 7 months to appoint conferees? ing the reconciliation bill and how we line-item veto and a member of the This is not rocket science. This is not are going to get a balanced budget by conference committee. building the Taj Mahal. This is not the year 2002, which I totally agree Mr. BLUTE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the building the space shuttle. This is nam- with. So I have been listening very, chairman for yielding me the time. ing five people. Just like writing the very carefully to all of the debate that Mr. Speaker, I think those colleagues names. Again, and this is out of a high- is going on and about a train wreck on the other side of the aisle for the technology office, they probably have and how we can avoid it. most part are very serious about this computers there and they can probably I think it is extremely important for issue, as we are, have a sense of ur- even pull the computers out so it is all of us now, both sides of the aisle, gency with the state of fiscal affairs in probably seven key strokes. people like me that have had reserva- our country and think that the line- tions about doing a line item veto, like b 1430 item veto would work in our system of some of my colleagues on both sides of government here at the Federal level To take each month, if they did one the aisle have been wanting to do; I like it does in 43 some odd States in- keystroke, it is totally disingenuous. have been putting a lot of time and ef- cluding my State of Massachusetts, the The smiles and smirks on the other fort into the thought processes, and I State of Texas and many, many other side on this issue really are disturbing. think now is the time for us to test States of the union. But I am hearing Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the this theory and do it the right way. some very serious selective memory gentleman from Texas [Mr. STENHOLM]. Let us instruct the conferees in the loss problems here on the other side. (Mr. STENHOLM asked and was House and send the message to the Because as someone who is relatively given permission to revise and extend other body. Now is the time for us to new to this Chamber, I recall watching his remarks.) do this because it will be very con- the debates years and years ago in Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Speaker, I want structive to avoiding a train wreck and which President Reagan as early as to do a little revising and extending of to getting us to make the tough deci- 1981 asked for the line-item veto, and some of my own remarks here for just sions that are going to be required in the then majority denied him that line- a moment. I was one of those that op- getting to a balanced budget in the item veto each and every year of his posed the line item veto for many year 2002. tenure. Then President Bush was elect- years because I believe giving any So I encourage my fellow colleagues ed and he asked for the line-item veto, President one-third plus one minority on both sides of the aisle, let us look at and the then majority denied him the override was too much power, and I ar- this issue as it is being portrayed today line-item veto each and every year. gued that point. I argued it again this and support this motion. Then President Clinton was elected, year, but a little bit differently. Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield and he asked for a strong line-item I came to believe several years ago 11⁄2 minutes to the gentlewoman from veto, in the first 2 years of his tenure, that line item veto was a good thing Illinois [Mrs. COLLINS]. and the then majority denied him, and a very positive thing. But I still Mrs. COLLINS of Illinois. Mr. Speak- their own President, a strong line-item did not want to give a President one- er, the reason why I wanted this time veto. third plus one. I wanted to give major- is because I wanted to point out we The new majority has been in office ity rule. In other words, if any Presi- have heard repeatedly during this de- now for about 10 months. In addition to dent were to go in and veto CHARLIE bate on the other side the conferees are coming forward with the reform of our STENHOLM’s favorite line item, that is, doing this and they are doing that. welfare system, reform of Medicare, somebody else’s definition of pork, he What I want to ask is when were these Medicaid, and a reconciliation package could do so. It would be my charge to meetings held. I am a conferee also. I that I think will bring us toward a bal- get 50 percent plus one of my col- have been to one meeting at which we anced budget, we have also gone to leagues to agree with me. If the Presi- gave these great speeches and nothing conference committee on the line-item dent got 50 percent to agree with him, more. veto in 10 short months. it would go. I argued that this year, So my question is: When have we had Let us be serious with the American and we lost. all of these conferences? If so, the people. In any comparison of who is Those who believe true line-item Democrats have been left out. I would moving forward quickly on this agenda veto, one-third plus one won on the ask that of the committee chairman, item, I think the new majority here floor of the House. the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. has to get great credit for moving I have been looking at this and lis- CLINGER], when have we had conference quickly. It is not easy. There are Mem- tening to this debate. Tomorrow you meetings? bers on both sides of the aisle who are will get a chance to vote again for line Mr. CLINGER. If the gentlewoman opposed to the line-item veto on prin- item veto, H.R. 2. I will vote for it be- will yield, as the gentlewoman well cipled grounds but they have strong cause I believe now those who have knows, in preparing a conference re- reasons for opposing it. convinced me that giving a President port, obviously there are staff discus- Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield one-third plus one is something that is sions that lead up to member meetings. myself such time as I may consume on very, very important. So I have The staff discussions have been going two points. changed my mind to the degree that I on at a very vigorous rate, very expe- One is there is no Member of this now believe it is time to do that, who- dited rate. We anticipate we will have Chamber, no political party in this ever the President is. a members’ meetings soon because country that has a monopoly on wis- But I find it very interesting in lis- many of the issues in dispute are being dom. I credit my Republican colleagues tening to some of the debate today say- resolved. I think we are going to be for moving some issues that I sup- ing we cannot do it because of the Sen- able to move to that. ported and I supported in the last Con- ate. The Byrd rule is 60 votes. At any Mrs. COLLINS of Illinois. Reclaiming gress. In fact, this House passed out a time two-thirds of the House or the my time, my staff tells me they have line-item veto in this Congress. The Senate wish to give a President line not been invited to any meetings in House did. The Senate did not in the item veto, it may be done. I think it is conference. I would just like to say to last Congress. time to turn up the ratchet. I think it the chairman that I would very much Again, this truly is a bipartisan is time to turn up the heat bipartisanly appreciate it if the minority staff are issue. This is what is the right thing, 38 and say to both bodies, to the con- invited to these conference staff meet- States have it, and the thing I think ferees, let us agree on what we are ings on this particular issue. that the American people want. But going to give this President and the Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, how also let me talk about disingenuous, next President and let us do it now. much time is left on each side? and I think the American people to Let us make it applicable to this year’s The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. some extent are watching this, they reconciliation bill, this year’s tax bill, WALKER). The gentleman from Florida H 10778 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995

[Mr. DEUTSCH] has 71⁄2 minutes remain- So it is an exercise, obviously, to do and the best politically but also ing, and the gentleman from Penn- give the other side an opportunity to from a policy perspective is to stop sylvania [Mr. CLINGER] has 18 minutes talk about these things. But the im- playing the games and pass this bill. remaining. pact of it is meaningless. I am not As has been pointed out before, there The gentleman from Florida [Mr. going to oppose it, because it has no are 38 States in this country that pro- DEUTSCH] is entitled to close the de- impact. vide a line-item veto for their Gov- bate. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance ernors, and it has also been pointed Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 of my time. out, I served 10 years in the State legis- minute to the gentleman from Texas Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I yield lature in Florida. [Mr. DOGGETT]. myself such time as I may consume. I served under Republican Governors Mr. DOGGETT. Mr. Speaker, I think Mr. Speaker, ladies and gentlemen, and served under Democratic Gov- it is important to realize this line-item this body is the greatest deliberative ernors as well. I tell you the system veto is only half of the line-item veto body in the world. I mean, I have a worked. It worked in Florida. I have that we were offered in the Contract thrill every time I come into this talked to Members from other States. With America. The portion about giv- Chamber, and really thank God that I It has worked there. Not only does it ing line-item power to remove tax have the opportunity to serve the peo- give the Governor an opportunity to loopholes, that went out the door any- ple of my district and the people of this veto turkeys, outrageous things like way, and now the question is whether country. these outrageous things like this that we get the other half on spending, and I think what the people of this coun- we are going to be voting on that are I would just yield the rest of my time try want from us is nothing more than flat-out wrong. What it does, it pre- to anyone on the Republican side that taking the high road. That is what vents them from happening. People do can explain why it took the Speaker they want from us. You know, there is not want to be embarrassed by high- from the spring to September 20 to ap- an old expression that all of us know: If lighting those issues that might be in point conferees. If there is any expla- it walks like a duck and sounds like a there. nation other than to thwart President duck and quacks like a duck and smells You know, it is a very simple debate, Clinton’s use of it, I would love to hear like a duck and feels like a duck, you as well. The bill needs to apply to this it. Clearly, the only reason was to know, there is probably a pretty darn year. If there is going to be line-item thwart President Clinton’s use of the good chance it is a duck. veto, apply it this year. There is no ra- line-item veto to get at pork barrel. You know, if it sounds like you de- tional policy reason why it should not If there is any other reason why the laying, if it sounds like you are delay- apply to this year, and, you know, we Senate appointed conferees in March ing, if it talks like you are delaying, if both talk about how we want to get and April, the House had to wait to it smells like you are delaying, if it away from the partisan politics, and name those five conferees all that hears like you are delaying, if it feels that is not why people sent us here. I time, this would be a good time to ex- like you are delaying, then you are de- plain it. mean, I represent everyone in my dis- Mr. CLINGER. Mr. Speaker, will the laying. trict whether they are registered as a You can protest as much as you gentleman yield? Democrat, as a Republican, or Inde- Mr. DOGGETT. I yield to the gen- want. But, you know, I just do not be- pendent or any other party. Americans tleman from Pennsylvania. lieve it stands up to the light of day. are Americans. They are not Ameri- Mr. CLINGER. I would just throw the Let me talk about something that cans by party definition. What is good question back. We would like to know has been reported in the press today. for this country does not just fall on on this side of the aisle, while your This is a USA Today article talking individuals in political parties. It is party was in control of the Congress, about some of the tax breaks that are good for this country, and it continues why we did not get any opportunity to in the reconciliation bill as it is com- to make this country the greatest deal with line-item veto. ing before us, things like college foot- country in the world and the greatest Mr. DOGGETT. I think that does an- ball coaches, college football coaches. country in the history of the world. swer the question. There is no reason You can read it in today’s USA Today: I really urge my colleagues who have that they could offer other than to College football, not basketball coach- the ability on the other side of the thwart President Clinton. es or volleyball coaches, but college aisle to use their majority as it should Mr. CLINGER. Mr. Speaker, I yield football coaches get a special tax break be used, to do the right thing, not to myself such time as I may consume, because they have friends in powerful talk on the floor and say one thing but just to say we have had an interesting places. Convenience store owners, be- take 7 months to appoint conferees, to debate, an interesting discussion. cause of a large company in a particu- smirk when we are talking about issues The other side has had an oppor- lar Member’s district, get a special tax in terms of resolving this issue, which tunity to beat their breast and make break, and that is someone from Okla- just has not been done. some political points about why we homa who is able to get that into the Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he have taken so long to get to con- bill. I mean, this is business as usual. may consume to the gentleman from ference. I think we have to really focus This would make Dan Rostenkowski Utah [Mr. ORTON]. on what is at issue here, and that is the proud. Mr. ORTON. Mr. Speaker, I thank gist of what the gentleman proposes in Let me just say that, you know, that the gentleman for yielding. his motion to instruct. I am not going is what is going on, and that is what I would stand to urge my colleagues to oppose it, because it really has no should not be going on. If my col- to support this motion to instruct con- meaning. It really does not have any leagues on the other side want to be ferees. impact. the majority party into the next cen- I have been laboring for many years While both the House and Senate tury, then shame, shame, shame, here to bring to pass a line-item veto. bills apply a line-item veto to targeted shame. They should not be doing this. In concept, there are many ways to ac- tax benefits, presented after the date of The same thing in terms of appro- complish it, whether through enhanced the line-item veto’s enactment, neither priations. Here is a list that my staff rescission, through the line-item veto S. 4 or H.R. 2 apply the line-item veto prepared for me of really turkeys, I provisions we recommended earlier in retroactive to any tax provisions, and, mean outrageous, turkeys, that, you the year. How it is accomplished is not therefore, tax benefits enacted prior to know, it seems as if what is going on to as important as accomplishing it. signing H.R. 2 are not within the scope pass this reconciliation bill is a bidding I believe that there are some con- of either bill and remain fully outside war. You know, Members come and cerns about the constitutionality of the scope of the conference. they say, ‘‘This is what I need and buy some of these issues, but it is proper to Therefore, by the very terms of the me off and give it to me.’’ Well, that is instruct conferees at this point. gentleman’s motion to stay within the business as usual. That is not what the Let me just add a word of caution. If scope of the conference, that is an im- American people want. all we do is instruct conferees and the possibility, given the nature of the in- Again, I say to my colleagues on the conferees never really meet and we struction. other side, the smartest thing they can never really have a conference report, October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10779 we still have not accomplished any- Calvert Gunderson Mfume Taylor (NC) Visclosky Whitfield Camp Gutierrez Mica Tejeda Vucanovich Wicker thing. We have been working now for Canady Gutknecht Miller (CA) Thomas Waldholtz Wilson many months to try to push forward Cardin Hall (OH) Miller (FL) Thornberry Walker Wise the line-item veto concept. I asked on Castle Hall (TX) Minge Thornton Walsh Wolf five different appropriation bills to in- Chabot Hamilton Moakley Thurman Wamp Woolsey Chambliss Hancock Molinari Tiahrt Ward Wyden clude line-item veto. Rules would not Christensen Hansen Montgomery Torkildsen Watts (OK) Wynn make it in order. Chrysler Harman Moorhead Torricelli Waxman Young (AK) Clayton Hastert Moran Upton Weldon (FL) Young (FL) b 1445 Clement Hastings (WA) Morella Velazquez Weller Zeliff Vento White Zimmer We have attempted to have it in- Clinger Hayes Murtha Clyburn Hayworth Myrick NAYS—44 cluded and, in fact, there is one certain Coble Hefley Nadler way that all of my colleagues could en- Coburn Hefner Neal Abercrombie Klink Roukema sure that line-item veto would apply Coleman Heineman Nethercutt Becerra Lewis (CA) Roybal-Allard Collins (GA) Herger Neumann Beilenson Martinez Sanders this year, and that is pass the coalition Collins (IL) Hilleary Ney Chenoweth McDade Serrano budget alternative tomorrow, the budg- Collins (MI) Hilliard Norwood Clay McKinney Shuster et reconciliation alternative, because Combest Hinchey Nussle Conyers Meek Stokes Dellums Mink we have this very provision in the coa- Condit Hobson Oberstar Thompson Cooley Hoekstra Obey Dixon Mollohan Torres Engel Myers lition budget reconciliation alter- Costello Hoke Olver Towns Evans Ortiz native. It would apply line-item veto to Cox Holden Orton Traficant Gonzalez Owens the 1996 spending cycle. Coyne Horn Oxley Waters Cramer Hostettler Packard Greenwood Pastor Mr. CLINGER. Mr. Speaker, will the Hastings (FL) Payne (NJ) Watt (NC) Crane Houghton Pallone Williams gentleman yield? Crapo Hoyer Parker Jefferson Rahall Yates Mr. ORTON. I yield to the gentleman Cremeans Hunter Paxon Johnston Rangel from Pennsylvania. Cubin Hutchinson Payne (VA) NOT VOTING—7 Cunningham Hyde Pelosi Mr. CLINGER. Mr. Speaker, the gen- Danner Inglis Peterson (FL) Bereuter Sisisky Weldon (PA) tleman surely is aware that the provi- Davis Istook Peterson (MN) Chapman Tucker Fields (LA) Volkmer sion included in his bill tomorrow de la Garza Jackson-Lee Petri Deal Jacobs Pickett b would be subject to some provisions in DeFazio Johnson (CT) Pombo 1506 the Senate that probably would see it DeLauro Johnson (SD) Pomeroy Messrs. LEWIS of California, HAST- stricken? DeLay Johnson, E. B. Porter INGS of Florida, MYERS of Indiana, Mr. ORTON. Mr. Speaker, the Senate Deutsch Johnson, Sam Portman Diaz-Balart Jones Poshard TOWNS, KLINK, and CONYERS could in fact try to strike it. Does that Dickey Kanjorski Pryce changed their vote from ‘‘yea’’ to mean that because the other body may Dicks Kaptur Quillen ‘‘nay.’’ try to strike it that we do not act? I Dingell Kasich Quinn Doggett Kelly Radanovich Messrs. KENNEDY of Massachusetts, think we have to continue to act, to Dooley Kennedy (MA) Ramstad ZIMMER, BASS, MCDERMOTT, push forth what the people who elected Doolittle Kennedy (RI) Reed LEWIS of Georgia, STARK, and us and sent us here to do want us to do. Dornan Kennelly Regula COYNE changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Doyle Kildee Richardson Dreier Kim Riggs to ‘‘yea.’’ WALKER). All time has expired. Duncan King Rivers So the motion to instruct was agreed Without objection, the previous ques- Dunn Kingston Roberts to. tion is ordered on the motion to in- Durbin Kleczka Roemer The result of the vote was announced Edwards Klug Rogers struct. Ehlers Knollenberg Rohrabacher as above recorded. There was no objection Ehrlich Kolbe Ros-Lehtinen A motion to reconsider was laid on The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Emerson LaFalce Rose the table. English LaHood Roth question is on the motion to instruct Ensign Lantos Royce f offered by the gentleman from Florida Eshoo Largent Rush [Mr. DEUTSCH]. Everett Latham Sabo PRIVILEGES OF THE HOUSE—DI- The question was taken; and the Ewing LaTourette Salmon RECTING SPEAKER TO PROVIDE Farr Laughlin Sanford REMEDY IN RESPONSE TO USE Speaker pro tempore announced that Fattah Lazio Sawyer the ayes appeared to have it. Fawell Leach Saxton OF FORGED DOCUMENT AT A Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I object Fazio Levin Scarborough SUBCOMMITTEE HEARING Fields (TX) Lewis (GA) Schaefer to the vote on the ground that a Filner Lewis (KY) Schiff Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I quorum is not present and make the Flake Lightfoot Schroeder offer a privileged resolution (H. Res. point of order that a quorum is not Flanagan Lincoln Schumer 244) to direct the Speaker to provide an present. Foglietta Linder Scott appropriate remedy in response to the Foley Lipinski Seastrand The SPEAKER pro tempore. Evi- Forbes Livingston Sensenbrenner use of a forged document at a sub- dently a quorum is not present. Ford LoBiondo Shadegg committee hearing, and ask for its im- The Sergeant at Arms will notify ab- Fowler Lofgren Shaw mediate consideration. Fox Longley Shays sent Members. Frank (MA) Lowey Skaggs The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- The vote was taken by electronic de- Franks (CT) Lucas Skeen lows: vice, and there were—yeas 381, nays 44, Franks (NJ) Luther Skelton H. RES. 244 Frelinghuysen Maloney Slaughter not voting 7, as follows: Frisa Manton Smith (MI) Whereas, on September 28, 1995, the Sub- [Roll No. 736] Frost Manzullo Smith (NJ) committee on National Economic Growth, Funderburk Markey Smith (TX) Natural Resources and Regulatory Affairs of YEAS—381 Furse Martini Smith (WA) the Committee on Government Reform and Ackerman Barton Borski Gallegly Mascara Solomon Oversight held a hearing on political advo- Allard Bass Boucher Ganske Matsui Souder cacy of Federal grantees; Andrews Bateman Brewster Gejdenson McCarthy Spence Whereas, the president of the Alliance for Archer Bentsen Browder Gekas McCollum Spratt Armey Berman Brown (CA) Gephardt McCrery Stark Justice, a national association of public in- Bachus Bevill Brown (FL) Geren McDermott Stearns terest and civil rights organizations testified Baesler Bilbray Brown (OH) Gibbons McHale Stenholm at that hearing; Baker (CA) Bilirakis Brownback Gilchrest McHugh Stockman Whereas, a document was placed upon the Baker (LA) Bishop Bryant (TN) Gillmor McInnis Studds press table for distribution at the hearing Baldacci Bliley Bryant (TX) Gilman McIntosh Stump which contained the letterhead, including Ballenger Blute Bunn Goodlatte McKeon Stupak the name, address, phone number, fax num- Barcia Boehlert Bunning Goodling McNulty Talent Barr Boehner Burr Gordon Meehan Tanner ber, and E-mail address of the Alliance for Barrett (NE) Bonilla Burton Goss Menendez Tate Justice, and the names of certain member Barrett (WI) Bonior Buyer Graham Metcalf Tauzin organizations and the dollar amounts of Fed- Bartlett Bono Callahan Green Meyers Taylor (MS) eral grants they received; H 10780 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 Whereas, in her opening statement at the We have an obligation to history, scholars, must affirm this House's belief that all docu- hearing, the president of the Alliance for authors, and the courts to ensure that all who ments which are produced by us are authen- Justice identified the document as being serve here are cognizant of this responsibility tic, accurate, and dependable. forged and contained errors and requested an explanation from the chairman of the sub- and are determined to carry it out. Senator We are here to represent the people of the committee as to the source of the document; TRENT LOTT, when he served in the House, United States. And, particularly those of us on Whereas, in response, the chairman ac- made an eloquent statement of the importance the Government Reform and Oversight Com- knowledged that the document was created of the sanctity of our records: mittee, we are here to provide oversightÐto by the subcommittee staff; For if the legislative history made by the protect the people of this Nation from wrong- Whereas, House Information Resources, at duly elected Representatives of the people is doing by the GovernmentÐthe kind of wrong- the request of the subcommittee staff, pre- subject to malicious alteration and distor- doing we have witnessed by this incident. pared the forged document; tion by anonymous, nonelected staffers, then Whereas, the document was prepared using the credibility of this institution, the peo- This resolution is designed to reaffirm, to official funds; ple’s branch is in serious jeopardy. the American people, our commitment to hon- Whereas, the chairman of the subcommit- All our written records become suddenly esty and to history. It is to protect the integrity tee acknowledged in a letter, dated Septem- suspect in the eyes of the people, the press, of the legislative history. It is to safeguard our ber 28, 1995, to the president of the Alliance and the courts. legislative proceedings and to guarantee that for Justice that ‘‘the graphics, unfortu- How much weight, for instance, are the nately, appeared to simulate the Alliance’s what we do is trustworthy and honorable. courts likely to give to the legislative his- Again, we must guarantee that we put to- letterhead’’; tory we supposedly made as Representatives Whereas, the September 29, 1995, issue of when the actual source of that history is in gether a fair and accurate record. the National Journal’s CongressDaily re- doubt? And yet that is the situation in which Mr. Speaker, in the name of the men and ported that Representative McIntosh’s com- we find ourselves until the guilty are found women who have served this Congress in the munications director said that ‘‘the letter- and punished and adequate steps are taken past, and in the name of those who will come head was taken from a faxed document, to prevent the recurrence of such abuse scanned into their computer system and al- after us, we must be unwavering in our stand- [CONGRESSONAL RECORD, June 30, 1983]. tered’’; and ards. Forgery will not be tolerated. Whereas, questions continue to arise re- We must guarantee that we are putting to- I urge adoption of this resolution. garding the responsibility for preparation of gether a fair and accurate record of our legis- MOTION TO LAY THE RESOLUTION ON THE TABLE the forced document: the chairman of the lative history. We cannot let our standards fall. OFFERED BY MR. ARMEY subcommittee stated during the hearing that In the past few weeks, I have participated in Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I offer a he had no prior knowledge of the document’s a number of hearings regarding the McIntosh- preparation; the chairman later stated that motion. Istook-Ehrlich proposal to limit the political ad- The Clerk read as follows: the subcommittee staff prepared the docu- vocacy of organizations which receive Federal ment: and other published reports suggested Mr. ARMEY moves to lay the resolution on that Chairman McIntosh’s personal office grants. Now, regardless of your position on the table. this legislation, what occurred during the Sep- staff prepared the document: The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Whereas, on September 27, 1995, the Speak- tember 28 hearing cannot be ignored by any- question is on the motion offered by er expressed concern over the distribution of one who believes that Congress must obey the gentleman from Texas [Mr. ARMEY] unattributed documents and announced a and follow the laws of the land. It cannot go to lay on the table the resolution of- policy requiring that materials disseminated unchallenged by anyone who claims to honor- fered by the gentlewoman from New on the floor of the House must bear the name ably represent the United States in these hal- of the Member authorizing their distribu- York [Ms. SLAUGHTER]. lowed Halls of Congress. It cannot be accept- tion; The question was taken; and the ed by those of us who have vowed to uphold Whereas, Members and staff of the House Speaker pro tempore announced that have an obligation to ensure the proper use the laws of the United States. In short, the un- the ayes appeared to have it. of documents and other materials and exhib- authorized creation and falsification of docu- its prepared for use at committee and sub- ments, to be distributed to the general public, RECORDED VOTE committee hearings and which are made must not be tolerated. Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I de- available to Members, the public or the At a hearing of the Government Reform and mand a recorded vote. press, and to ensure that the source of such Oversight Subcommittee on Economic Growth, A recorded vote was ordered. documents or other materials is not mis- The vote was taken by electronic de- represented; Natural Resources, and Regulatory Affairs on Whereas, committees and subcommittees September 28, a document was placed on the vice, and there were—ayes 236, noes 189, should not create documents for use in their press table which appeared to be on the let- not voting 7, as follows: proceedings that may give the impression terhead of the Alliance for Justice. It included [Roll No. 737] that such documents were created by other a logo, an address, phone number, fax num- AYES—236 persons or organizations, as occurred at the ber, e-mail address, and a listing of member September 28, 1995, hearing of the Sub- Allard Chambliss Fields (TX) organizations, laid out in such a manner as to Archer Chenoweth Flanagan committee on National Economic Growth, replicate the alliance's own letterhead. Incor- Armey Christensen Foley Natural Resources and Regulatory Affairs; Bachus Chrysler Forbes Whereas, the dissemination of a forged rect information was placed on this document, Baker (CA) Clinger Fowler document distorts the public record and af- in such a way in which any reasonable person Baker (LA) Coble Fox fects the ability of the House of Representa- would believe it came from the Alliance for Ballenger Coburn Franks (CT) tives, its committees, and Members to per- Justice. Because there was no disclaimer, Barr Collins (GA) Franks (NJ) Barrett (NE) Combest Frelinghuysen form their legislative functions, and con- anyone could have picked up this piece of stitutes a violation of the integrity of com- Bartlett Condit Frisa paper, left the hearing, and remained under Barton Cooley Funderburk mittee proceedings which form a core of the the false impression that this document came Bass Cox Gallegly legislative process: Now, therefore, be it Bateman Crane Ganske Resolved, That the Speaker shall take such from the Alliance for Justice. Bereuter Crapo Gekas action as may be necessary to provide an ap- However, upon closer examination during Bilbray Cremeans Geren propriate remedy to ensure that the integ- the hearing, it became clear that this docu- Bilirakis Cubin Gilchrest rity of the legislative process is protected, ment was falsified. The logo was incorrect, the Bliley Cunningham Gillmor and shall report his actions and rec- names of some of the member groups were Blute Davis Gilman ommendations to the House. Boehlert Deal Goodlatte inaccurate, and the amount of the grants were Boehner DeLay Goss The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. in error. The chair of the subcommittee has Bonilla Diaz-Balart Graham WALKER). The resolution constitutes a admitted that his staff created this document, Bono Dickey Greenwood Brownback Doolittle Gunderson question of privileges of the House and, as stated by his communications director, Bryant (TN) Dornan Gutknecht under rule IX. they had taken a faxed document, had House Bunn Dreier Hall (TX) Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I am bring- Information Resources scan it into their com- Bunning Duncan Hancock ing to the floor of the House an issue of basic Burr Dunn Hansen puter system, and altered it. Burton Ehlers Hastert responsibility of the people who serve here ei- And, there appeared to be no understanding Buyer Ehrlich Hastings (WA) ther by election or appointment. This privi- by the people who created the document of Callahan Emerson Hayes leged resolution affirms the need for this the seriousness of their actions. Calvert English Hayworth House to ensure that all documents which We need to assure that this kind of decep- Camp Ensign Hefley Canady Everett Heineman come before us in an official capacity are ac- tion should not, and cannot, happen in the Castle Ewing Herger curate and authentic. House of Representatives. And, today we Chabot Fawell Hilleary October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10781 Hobson McIntosh Schiff Spratt Thornton Waters ity to yield to other Members, and that Hoekstra McKeon Seastrand Stark Thurman Watt (NC) the gentleman from Alabama [Mr. Hoke Metcalf Sensenbrenner Stenholm Torres Waxman Hostettler Meyers Shadegg Stokes Torricelli Williams BROWDER] be allowed to control the fol- Houghton Mica Shaw Studds Towns Wilson lowing 10 minutes and have the author- Hunter Miller (FL) Shays Stupak Traficant Wise ity to yield to other Members. Hutchinson Molinari Shuster Tanner Velazquez Woolsey Hyde Moorhead Skeen Taylor (MS) Vento Wyden The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection Inglis Morella Smith (MI) Tejeda Visclosky Wynn to the request of the gentleman from Istook Myers Smith (NJ) Thompson Ward Yates Minnesota? Jacobs Myrick Smith (TX) NOT VOTING—7 There was no objection. Johnson (CT) Nethercutt Smith (WA) Johnson, Sam Neumann Solomon Chapman Sisisky Weldon (PA) The CHAIRMAN. The Chair recog- Jones Ney Souder Fields (LA) Tucker nizes the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Kasich Norwood Goodling Volkmer Spence KASICH]. Kelly Nussle Stearns b Kim Oxley Stockman 1530 Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield King Packard Stump So the motion to table was agreed to. myself 10 minutes to begin. Kingston Parker Talent Mr. Chairman, in a way, it almost Klug Paxon The result of the vote was announced Tate Knollenberg Peterson (MN) seems anticlimactic to be on the floor Tauzin as above recorded. Kolbe Petri Taylor (NC) A motion to reconsider was laid on today to talk about the most sweeping LaHood Pombo Thomas amount of change that we have seen in Largent Porter the table. Thornberry this country over the last 60 years. I Latham Portman f LaTourette Pryce Tiahrt want to kind of go back and set the Laughlin Quillen Torkildsen Upton PERSONAL EXPLANATION foundation for this. Frankly, we have Lazio Quinn to go back all the way before the last Leach Radanovich Vucanovich Mr. GOODLING. Mr. Speaker, I regret that Waldholtz election. The reason why it is impor- Lewis (CA) Ramstad I missed rollcall vote 737 on the motion to Lewis (KY) Regula Walker tant to go back there is it is all about Walsh table. Had I been present I would have voted Lightfoot Riggs promises made and promises kept. Linder Roberts Wamp ``yea.'' Watts (OK) My colleagues may recall that the Livingston Rogers f LoBiondo Rohrabacher Weldon (FL) Republican majority, at the time the Longley Ros-Lehtinen Weller Republican minority, has a program White GENERAL LEAVE Lucas Roth called a Contract With America. We Manzullo Roukema Whitfield Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I ask Martini Royce Wicker laid out a number of things that we McCollum Salmon Wolf unanimous consent that all Members wanted to do to reestablish contact McCrery Sanford Young (AK) may have 5 legislative days within with the American people, including McDade Saxton Young (FL) which to revise and extend their re- cutting the size of the Congress, the McHugh Scarborough Zeliff marks on the resolution just tabled. McInnis Schaefer Zimmer congressional staffs, applying the same The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. laws that we pass on the American peo- NOES—189 BARRETT of Nebraska). Is there objec- ple to apply to us known as the Shays Abercrombie Fazio McCarthy tion to the request of the gentlewoman Act, the line-item veto, and, of course, Ackerman Filner McDermott from New York? the balanced budget amendment and Andrews Flake McHale There was no objection. Baesler Foglietta McKinney family tax relief, designed to eliminate Baldacci Ford McNulty f or ease the burden on the tax increase Barcia Frank (MA) Meehan that the American people suffered in Barrett (WI) Frost Meek b 1530 Becerra Furse Menendez 1993. Beilenson Gejdenson Mfume THE 7-YEAR BALANCED BUDGET We said that we would be able to give Bentsen Gephardt Miller (CA) RECONCILIATION ACT OF 1995 Americans tax relief; we said we would Berman Gibbons Minge Bevill Gonzalez Mink The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. be able to balance the budget; we said Bishop Gordon Moakley LAHOOD). Pursuant to the order of the that we would be able to provide for a Bonior Green Mollohan House of Tuesday, October 24, 1995, and strengthened national security situa- Borski Gutierrez Montgomery tion, and we would get all of this ac- Boucher Hall (OH) Moran rule XXIII, the Chair declares the Brewster Hamilton Murtha House in the Committee of the Whole complished. Then the horror stories Browder Harman Nadler House on the State of the Union for started about what this would really Brown (CA) Hastings (FL) Neal mean for Americans. Brown (FL) Hefner Oberstar consideration of the bill, H.R. 2491. My colleagues may remember some Brown (OH) Hilliard Obey b Bryant (TX) Hinchey Olver 1532 of the famous memos that were put out Cardin Holden Ortiz IN THE COMMITTEE OF THE WHOLE that talked about the fact that Repub- Clay Horn Orton Clayton Hoyer Owens Accordingly the House resolved itself licans could not do it unless they Clement Jackson-Lee Pallone into the Committee of the Whole House robbed all of these programs. Clyburn Jefferson Pastor on the State of the Union for the con- Well, back last November we won an Coleman Johnson (SD) Payne (NJ) election, and a lot of it had to do with Collins (IL) Johnson, E. B. Payne (VA) sideration of the bill (H.R. 2491) to pro- Collins (MI) Johnston Pelosi vide for reconciliation pursuant to sec- our Contract With America. Then in Conyers Kanjorski Peterson (FL) tion 105 of the concurrent resolution on December it was said that there is sim- Costello Kaptur Pickett the budget for fiscal year 1996, with Mr. ply no way we can balance the budget Coyne Kennedy (MA) Pomeroy Cramer Kennedy (RI) Poshard BOEHNER in the chair. and give tax relief and provide for a Danner Kennelly Rahall The Clerk read the title of the bill. stronger national defense and make de la Garza Kildee Rangel The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the government smaller; it could not be DeFazio Kleczka Reed done. Well, last January or February, I DeLauro Klink Richardson order of the House of Tuesday, October Dellums LaFalce Rivers 24, 1995, the bill is considered as having came to the floor with a program to Deutsch Lantos Roemer been read the first time. pay for the tax cuts, with a program to Dicks Levin Rose The gentleman from Ohio [Mr. KA- pay for less of a tax burden on Ameri- Dingell Lewis (GA) Roybal-Allard Dixon Lincoln Rush SICH] will be recognized for 90 minutes, cans. Doggett Lipinski Sabo and the gentleman from Minnesota People said, ‘‘Well, you can do that, Dooley Lofgren Sanders [Mr. SABO] will be recognized for 90 John, but you cannot pass a budget res- Doyle Lowey Sawyer Durbin Luther Schroeder minutes. olution that will enact this entire pro- Edwards Maloney Schumer Mr. SABO. Mr. Chairman, I ask unan- gram.’’ I then came back later that Engel Manton Scott imous consent that the gentleman spring with the help and support of my Eshoo Markey Serrano from Florida [Mr. GIBBONS] be allowed colleagues in the Republican Party, Evans Martinez Skaggs Farr Mascara Skelton to control the first 30 minutes of de- and we then laid down a budget resolu- Fattah Matsui Slaughter bate on our side, and have the author- tion that balanced the budget in 7 H 10782 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 years, provided the tax relief we prom- Federal spending is going up by almost gentleman read this bill? Has the gen- ised, brought about a smaller, more fo- $3 trillion. tleman read this bill? Has the gen- cused, more efficient Federal Govern- Now, in Washington, they claim that tleman from Ohio read the bill? ment, and strengthened national de- only having a $3 trillion increase in Mr. KASICH. Yes. fense. spending rather than a $4 trillion in- Mr. GIBBONS. When? People said, ‘‘Oh, well, we know you crease in spending is a revolution. Mr. KASICH. Well, we wrote most of can do the budget resolution, that is Frankly, on Main Street in every small it. the easy part. What you will not be town, in every large city in America, a Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, the able to do is reconciliation where the $3 trillion increase is not a revolution, gentleman has not read it. He has not rubber meets the road.’’ it is barely an evolution. read it. Nobody has read it. So, Mr. Chairman, I come here today The simple fact of the matter is that I can tell you one thing it does not with a reconciliation bill that in fact people who struggle every day in their contain. It does not contain a $500-per- keeps our word, provides tax relief to families or people who struggle every child tax cut, does it? Does this bill Americans, sharpens the focus of the day in their businesses do not view a $3 contain a $500-per-child tax cut? Yes or Federal Government, strengthens na- trillion as opposed to a $4 trillion in- no. The answer is no. tional defense, and keeps all of the crease something that would be impos- Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, will the promises that we were making last fall. sible to do. Frankly, they wonder why gentleman yield? Is it not a great thing in America it goes up so much. Mr. GIBBONS. No; the gentleman has that a group of elected officials are Mr. Chairman, the bottom line is, we plenty of time. You have 5 hours. going to keep their promises? In fact, have a rational plan over time to slow Mr. KASICH. Well, then, how am I we are going to balance the budget the growth in Federal spending, to slow supposed to answer the question? over 7 years and save the next genera- the growth in Federal spending while Mr. GIBBONS. Does it contain a $500 tion. Mr. Chairman, just to explain a at the same time giving people some of tax cut? little bit about it, probably the great- their money back, so that they can Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, will the est misnomer or the greatest misunder- spend it on things that they think are gentleman yield? standing about this proposal, if we lis- most important. Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, I yield ten to the tenor of the debate, is that Do my colleagues know what the bot- to the gentleman from Ohio, very brief- Federal spending is going to go down in tom line here is today? The bottom ly. this budget. line here today is about the pendulum, Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, of Well, let me just put a couple of it is about power, it is about money, course the gentleman knows that we things in perspective. JFK, John Ken- and it is about influence. For 30 years are going to have a $500 tax cut. Con- nedy, created the first $100 billion we have sent an awful lot of power and tained actually in that bill, it is not budget in this country, and that oc- an awful lot of money and a lot of in- there, but it is our full intent to do it, curred in 1962. We created our first $100 fluence to this city. and the gentleman understands the billion budget in 1962. From 1962 to What we are trying to do is, in a purely technical grounds under which 1995, the Federal budget grew from $100 commonsense way, bring the pendulum we do not have that in there right now. billion to $1.5 trillion in spending per back so that the American people can Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, re- year. be entrusted, so that the American claiming my time, the first thing we If a person started a business when people can be empowered, so that the have established is that it does not Christ was on earth, if that person lost American people can get their money, contain any $500 tax cut, so anybody $1 million a day, 7 days a week, he or their power, and their influence back that gets up and says that does not she would have to lose $1 million a day, to fix problems and to show true com- know what is in the bill. 7 days a week for the next 700 years to passion in the communities in which Second, 33 percent of all of the chil- create $1 trillion. Our budget is $1.5 they live across this great country. Our dren in families under 18 years of age trillion and our national debt is ap- belief is, it does not work best here; it do not get any tax cut of any sort in proaching $5 trillion, and this Novem- works best when administered with the Kasich bill, or should I say in the ber we are going to have to lay down a common sense by people who live all Gingrich reconciliation bill. Thirty- debt service payment paying interest across this country in Main Street, three percent of all of the children in on our national debt approaching $25 USA. the United States get nothing out of billion. Mr. Chairman and Members, this is the Kasich-Gingrich bill. Another 10 Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from clearly a historic vote, a historic op- percent get a minimal amount of the Mississippi, SONNY MONTGOMERY, one of portunity. This is our chance to restore Kasich tax cut for children and fami- the great gentleman of this House, fiscal sanity and to guarantee eco- lies. came to me almost in a panic saying, nomic security for this country. If we The bill is a fraud. There are so many ‘‘John did you know, $25 billion in in- are up to this job by slowing the outrages in this bill that it is impos- terest payments?’’ growth in Federal spending, if we can sible to state them all, but there are I say to my colleagues, with the na- live within a $3 trillion increase rather some real principles that everybody tional debt approaching $5 trillion, the than a $4 trillion increase, do we know ought to understand. Most of the chil- American people, the mothers and fa- what? We have made the first down dren and families in tax cuts are in thers, the mothers and fathers in this payment on guaranteeing the prosper- upper income families. They get the country know one thing, that if the ity of the United States of America for tax cuts. The lower income families Federal Government is unable to con- another century. Mr. Chairman, let us that really need the money, that have trol its appetite, if we are unable to pass the reconciliation bill. really suffered in all of this revolution, slow the growth in Federal spending, it Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance do not get a thing out of this bill, not is going to eat us alive. of my time. a cotton-pickin’ penny out of this bill. Now, over the last 7 years in Wash- (Mr. GIBBONS asked and was given b ington, and we will get some charts out permission to revise and extend his re- 1545 here later, we have spent cumulatively marks.) It is obvious that what is happening on Federal spending $9.5 trillion. Re- Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, I yield in this huge reconciliation bill is that member what I said about how long it myself such time as I may consume. the budget balancing is coming on the took to make $1 trillion? We spent $9.5 Mr. Chairman, the gentleman from backs of poor people, of sick people, of trillion. Over the next 7 years, in an ef- Ohio [Mr. KASICH] always makes such a children, and of the working poor. The fort to balance the budget, give Ameri- nice speech. It is a pleasure to hear earned income credit, a bipartisan, par- cans tax relief, strengthen national de- him. I get to dreaming when the gen- tial solution to the problems of the fense, shrink the size and scope of gov- tleman speaks, but let us get back to working poor, is being decimated in ernment and make it more focused, we reality, let us get back to reality. this bill. That is just a part of the are going to go from $9.5 trillion in Mr. Chairman, I would ask the gen- problems that are contained in this spending to $12.2 trillion in spending. tleman from Ohio [Mr. KASICH], has the bill. October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10783 Mr. Chairman, I have a limited It punishes a childÐby denying cash aidÐ cent of all the taxes. They do not get amount of time; and I want to be fair when a State drags its feet on paternity estab- anywhere near that amount of the tax with Members on my side about this lishmentÐtitle I. Number of children punished: relief. The top 10 percent pay 57.5 per- bill. 3.3 million. cent of the tax. They do not get any- Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to It leaves children holding the bag if the where near that amount of the tax re- the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. State runs out of Federal moneyÐtitle I. Num- lief. FORD]. ber of children punished: ? I hope as we go through this debate (Mr. FORD asked and was given per- It does not assure safe child care for chil- we will have the opportunity to realize mission to revise and extend his re- dren when their parents workÐtitle I. Number that what we are talking about is a tax marks.) of children punished: 401,600. cut that is going to benefit families. It Mr. FORD. Mr. Chairman, I thank It allows children to die while in State care is saying we are not going to take that the gentleman for yielding me the without requiring any State accountability be- money out of your pocket, we are going time. yond reporting the deathÐtitle II. Number of to leave it in your pocket, and maybe Mr. Chairman, the reconciliation bill children punished: ? the American family can figure out will harm average people just to give It throws some medically disabled children how to spend the money better than we that huge tax cut to the wealthiest of off SSI because of bureaucratic technical- in Washington can. Maybe they can de- people in this country. I would just itiesÐtitle IV. Number of children punished: cide what is best for their education, like to point out, in several areas, 75,943. health care, clothing and feeding and some 15 million children in this coun- It denies SSI benefits to children who didn't housing their families. That is what try will be impacted with the welfare become disabled soon enoughÐtitle IV. Num- this tax cut is all about, benefiting the cuts that are being made to give that ber of children punished: 612,800. American family. tax cut to the rich and wealthy of this There is no guarantee of foster care for chil- Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, I yield country. dren who are abused or neglectedÐtitle II. 1 When we look at children who are re- 2 ⁄2 minutes tot he gentleman from Number of children punished: ? ceiving public assistance or those who Michigan [Mr. LEVIN]. It cuts aid to poor children to pay for tax (Mr. LEVIN asked and was given per- are receiving some type of assistance cuts for the rich. Number of children punished: mission to revise and extend his re- under the welfare program, it punishes 15 million. a child by denying cash aid when a marks.) Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 Mr. LEVIN. Mr. Chairman, I have State drags its feet on paternity estab- minutes to the distinguished gen- heard the gentleman from Ohio talk lishment. It leaves children holding the tleman from Arizona [Mr. KOLBE]. about keeping promises. Keeping prom- bag if the State runs out of Federal Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I appre- ises is important. So is looking at the money in any given time. It does not ciate the gentleman yielding me the assure safe child care for children when content of those promises. If the con- time. tent is harmful, there is no great honor their parents work. It allows children As we go through this debate, I hope to die when in State care, and the only in keeping misguided promises. That is we will have an opportunity to talk what is true here today. thing the State is required to do is to about some of these issues and hope- make notification to the family upon Yesterday, this was said on the floor fully to respond to some of the things death. of the Senate: that were said here. I just want to re- It throws some medically disabled As much as I want to reduce the size of children off SSI because of the bureau- spond to two of them. government, I question spending cuts di- The gentleman from Florida spoke rected so disproportionately against the el- cratic technicalities. It denies SSI ben- derly, the young, and the infirm. efits to children who did not become about the fact that it does not have the disabled soon enough. It cuts aid to $500 tax cut. He knows full well what is That did not come from a Democratic poor children just to pay the tax cuts going on here, the fact that the Con- Senator. It came from a Republican to the rich in this country. There is no tract With America, how the tax cut Senator, ARLEN SPECTER. guarantee of foster care for children was passed, the fact that the Senate There is a great unease in this coun- who are abused or neglected under the resolution is somewhat different, there try about this Republican package. I welfare reform package. is a haircut or a shave in here to re- think it is the source of the low popu- Mr. Chairman, welfare reform that duce the amount. larity ratings of the Speaker. It is be- we are working on now with the con- The bottom line is, and we have been cause I think people in this country ferees in the Committee on Ways and hearing form the other side, that there feel this budget is not so much coura- Means, the House version of that bill is is a tax cut in here, that it is all going geous as it is callous, reducing by $23 cruel to children in this country. Just to the rich. We know thee is going to billion the earned income tax credit for to pay for the huge tax cut, the $245 be a tax cut in this bill. There is a tax working families, having a tax cut. billion, that we are going to say to 15 cut. And it is going to be a tax cut that Two-thirds of the tax cut go to those million children who live below the is going to benefit middle America. with incomes above $75,000. That is poverty threshold in this country, that That is the second thing I wanted to what the Treasury Department says. we are going to take from the children respond to the gentleman from Florida, But I want to go beyond those fig- of this nation to give to the rich and talking about this is all going to the ures, and I want to talk, for example, wealthy of this Nation. wealthy. about SSI for handicapped kids. These The bill harms average peopleÐto provide Look at this. This chart here dem- are kids with serious handicaps in fam- tax cut for the wealthiest. Reconciliation onstrates that the vast majority of ilies that are low, middle and low in- should focus on balancing the budgetÐnot tax that goes to those of the income levels come, earning $28,000 and less. Mr. cuts for privileged class. between $30,000 and $70,000. That is per Chairman, this budget eliminates the WELFARE family. That is not what, in my defini- cash payment for 700,000 families with The Republicans have chafed at sugges- tion, is the wealthiest Americans. seriously handicapped kids. tions that their welfare reform billÐH.R. 4Ðis Those at the very low end get less, We have to get the budget under con- cruel to children. The truth hurts. Here are just yes, because they pay less, consider- trol. We have to eliminate this deficit. ten examples of the cruel policies embedded ably less taxes. In fact, in terms of the But I plead, how we do it is also impor- in the Republican contract on America. tax burden, if you are to put this on tant. It punishes the childÐuntil the mother is 18 the basis of where the tax burden goes, This is a budget that is a callous years oldÐfor being born out-of-wedlock to a the vast majority of this tax relief, budget. It deserves to be rejected. I am young parentÐtitle I. Number of children pun- percentagewise, goes to those who are sure it will be vetoed by the President, ished: 70,000. paying the least amount of taxes. So it and then we will get down to a biparti- It punishes a childÐfor his entire child- is distributed over income groups by san negotiation as to how to turn hoodÐfor the sin of being born to a family on giving more of it to those at the lower around the budget deficit in America. welfare, even though the child didn't ask to be end of the scale. Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 bornÐtitle I. Number of children punished: 2.2 In fact, the top 1 percent of income minutes to the distinguished gentle- million. earners in this country pays 27.5 per- woman from New York [Ms. MOLINARI]. H 10784 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 Ms. MOLINARI. I am proud, Mr. The Democratic staff of the Joint fered by our own leadership, barely Chairman, to stand here with my col- Economic Committee looked into who passes the muster of your own caucus. leagues on one of the most historic is likely to get the tax cuts and who is I have got another little secret to days in the last 30 years. We have likely to suffer from the presumed cuts share with your today. Last November, today begun the process of shifting the the Republicans are proposing. The re- the Republicans took control of the very fabric of government from reck- sults are stunning. Congress by 13 seats. In that freshman less spending and huge deficits toward The poorest 20 percent of American class we have 14 former Democrats, responsible fiscal policy. families, those making $13,000 a year or myself included, who are sick of the The last time Congress exhibited fis- less, those whose income represent tax-and-spend attitude that has been cal responsibility Sam Rayburn was only 3.5 percent of the total income in pushed. Speaker. He told us something that this country, will bear one-half the The issue is, are we going to do it or some have forgotten. He said, ‘‘You’ll cuts in programs that help people di- not? Are we finally going to bite the never get mixed up if you simply tell rectly. The poorest 20 percent get half bullet and pass a plan that gets us on the truth.’’ the cuts of benefits, and they are going a track to a balanced budget or are we In November of 1994 and over the past to get no tax cut whatsoever. Instead, going to continue the game, the cha- 10 months, Republicans have been com- they will see their taxes go up because rades, and the lack of honesty about an pletely honest with the American peo- of the change in the earned income tax issue that is fundamental to the future ple. We have told them the truth. The credit. of this country, including the future of truth is, the Federal Government taxes Most middle-income American fami- my two children? too much. The truth is, the Govern- lies get a bad deal as well. Some will b 1600 ment spends too much. get a tax cut, but many will lose bene- The national debt is nearing $5 tril- fits worth much more. What is going to Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, I yield lion, and if we continue on the course be left is they are going to be holding myself such time as I may consume. that the Democrats have proposed, the the bag when the Medicaid money is no Mr. Chairman, I love all of this ethe- number will reach over $8 trillion by longer available. They get a net cut, if real talk about the wonder-wonderland 2010. there is a tax cut, in their gross bene- that is being created by our Republican The truth is, the Republicans have fits of $500 a year. colleagues. the only certified plan to balance the But under the Republican plan for But when are we going to get down to budget. If you want to talk about car- deficit reduction, the richest 20 percent business? When are we going to talk ing about children, how much can you of American families come out way about what is in this monstrous bill care about children if you are not will- ahead. They are slated to get two- they have got here? Let me just ask ing to change a pattern of spending thirds of the tax cuts, and their tax the gentleman on the other side if they that will give to each baby born in 1995 breaks exceed their losses in program can explain any of the language on over $187,000 in taxes in their lifetime benefits. They get fewer program bene- pages 1296 and 1297? Just pick it up and just for the interest on the debt? fit cuts and more of the tax cuts. read it, and if you can explain it, take The truth is, the President sent not Mr. Chairman, the shared sacrifice in your time and try to do it. just one but two budgets to the Hill; reducing the deficit would look very But, you know, that is what this de- and he requested that Congress spend different if we had a Democratic plan. bate is about. It is not about dreams. It $200 billion more than it takes in every I urge Members to oppose the obscene is about reality. It is what is contained year. reconciliation package. in here, and this is a bill that is going The truth is, a balanced budget Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 to be vetoed. It deserves to be vetoed. means a lot to Americans and our chil- minutes to the distinguished gen- Then perhaps we can talk some com- dren, not only because it is the right tleman from Maine [Mr. LONGLEY]. mon sense around here. thing to do but because it sets us on Mr. LONGLEY. Mr. Chairman, it is a Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the road to prosperity. Federal Reserve pleasure to stand here in behalf of my the gentlewoman from Connecticut Chairman Alan Greenspan said that a own leadership and the gentleman from [Mrs. KENNELLY]. balanced budget will lower interest Ohio [Mr. KASICH], chairman of the Mrs. KENNELLY. Mr. Chairman, the rates by 2 percent. Committee on the Budget, to com- former speaker, I say, yes, we know On Election Day, we promised we pliment them for their yeoman work. you are going to do it, pass this bill. would present a plan to balance the I want to share a little bit of a per- But it is the way you do it that we budget; and now we are delivering on sonal vignette that relates to this en- have the problem with. that promise. Unlike the President, la- tire experience. My father served as I stand here in opposition to the part dies and gentlemen, we will have no re- Governor of Maine, but my father was of this bill, the earned income tax cred- grets a year from now. By telling the also a former Democrat. In 1974, he left it, which is under attack. This is the truth to the American people, we are the Democratic Party because he was one feature of the Tax Code generally making history, and we are keeping sick of the tax-and-spend philosophy designed to help working families. The our commitment. We will deliver hope and the attitude that there was no majority side’s runaway growth is jus- to a Nation that believed it never could limit to what this Government can do. tification for taking away $23 billion happen again. There is an irony also because in 1976 from the earned income tax credit. Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, I yield he was the first national cochairman of This claim conveniently ignores the 2 minutes to the gentleman from Cali- the National Committee for a Balanced fact that this is the way the law was fornia [Mr. STARK]. Budget Amendment. The irony was written on purpose. (Mr. STARK asked and was given this: When his son was sworn in as a President Reagan supported the permission to revise and extend his re- Member of this Congress, his two earned income tax credit. President marks.) grandchildren, my son, Matthew, age Bush expanded it, and then President Mr. STARK. Mr. Chairman, the rec- 11, and my daughter, age 7, Sarah, were Clinton embraced it, and that is where onciliation bill before us today is an af- on the floor with me. It made me sick we are today: Working people get a tax front to American standards of fairness to think that after 20 years my two credit. and decency. Of course the American children were at a point where they are The majority goes on to great people want to see the deficit reduced, looking at paying hundreds of thou- lengths to point out that families with but they do not want to do it by gut- sands of dollars in taxes on interest too much income are receiving this ting Medicare, Medicaid, the earned in- alone on the Federal debt without a credit and uses this as the primary jus- come tax credit, child nutrition, stu- single reduction of principal. That is tification for phasing out the credit. dent loans, and a host of other valuable what this is all about. However, the majority well knows the Government programs; and they espe- We have a plan today. There is no very structure of the credit results in cially do not want to do it while giving plan on the Democratic side. In fact, families with incomes above the pov- huge tax cuts to those who do not need any plan that has been offered barely erty line receiving the credit. Destruc- it. gets past any plan that has been of- tion of the credit so a family would October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10785 lose the entire working credit for earn- to compassion with our ability to sus- I mean, it is almost absurd to argue ing 1 additional dollar above the base tain programs financially. this because it shows you how modest amount would destroy the work incen- It has gotten out of balance. Ladies we are being. We want it to go from tive. and gentlemen, this is the hour to bal- $9.5 trillion to $12.1 trillion; total Fed- Therefore, to phase out the credit ance the budget. eral spending will grow like this. faster, the majority raises the mar- Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, I yield What do the big spenders want? They ginal rate on every family. This change 2 minutes to the gentleman from New want to grow at $13.3 trillion. If we is nothing less than $8.7 billion tax re- York [Mr. RANGEL]. keep doing this, the country is going lief on the 9.4 million families with Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Chairman, let me bankrupt. children, earning between $11,000 and congratulate my Republican friends for You want to talk about kids? They $28,000. making a promise and keeping it. Peo- will have no chance. You want to talk This is really beyond the beyond, and ple did not understand the contract. I about the rich? The rich will get richer I do not see how anybody can defend it. did. I have known you for along time. and the poor will get poorer. This is an egregious example of paying You said you were going to reduce The fact is our Federal spending goes for tax breaks by raising taxes on some the deficit. You said you were going to up. of America’s most hard-working fami- balance the budget. I knew darn well Let us talk about the rest of the pro- lies. what you meant. You meant you were gram. Medicare, we are going to go The tax credit was the first effort of going to give back some taxes, tax from $926 billion to $1.6 trillion. If we bipartisanship to keep working fami- cuts, because I understand what you grow at $1.8 trillion, guess what, Medi- lies working, and then it was the first were talking about. care goes bankrupt. We had that debate step in welfare reform, and now to at- If you give more money to the rich, last week, and our senior citizens are tack it and say it does not work, it they are smart enough to know what to going to be in wonderful shape if they works. You need the $23 billion, but it do with it. They are going to invest it. want to stay in the current program, should not be taken from the tax cred- Right? That is why most of it goes to and, frankly, they ought to look at the it. rich people. They invest it, create jobs, private plans where they are going to Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 and sooner or later, 10 or 15 years, it get more. minutes to the gentleman from New trickles down, the poor get something. But under any circumstance, Medi- Jersey [Mr. FRANKS]. I understand what you are talking care grows from $926 billion to $1.6 tril- Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey. Mr. about. lion. Chairman, ladies and gentlemen, I You say you want to help people with Now Medicaid, to listen to the other think something is important to put health care. The best way to help old side, you would think we are going into perspective. If we choose to allow folks with health care is take away down. Medicaid is going from $443 bil- this Government to run on the course what they have got, so you take away lion, you hear those numbers out there it is currently taking, in 17 short years $270 billion, give them a voucher, and on main street, billion, to $773 billion. every single dollar that every individ- tell them, ‘‘You are sick. Go out and The big spenders want to go to $955 bil- ual taxpayer sends to this town, every find yourself a health maintenance pro- lion. Of course, the country will go tax dollar paid by every corporation in gram.’’ bankrupt. America will all be consumed by just The previous speaker said we would But it does not make for a good five programs: Social Security, Medi- not have money to fight crime. That is speech to talk about facts. care, Medicaid, Federal Employee Re- the cruelest thing of all, because you tirement Benefits, and the interest cut education, you cut job training, Welfare reform, in our welfare pro- payment on the national debt. In just you cut the little cushion we have in gram, we are going to go from $492 bil- 17 short years we will not be talking the earned income tax credit to keep lion to $838 billion. Some want it to about possible reductions in student fi- people working instead of having to go grow to $949 billion. nancial assistance that will allow a on welfare. And so what do we have in If we do this, you know what will child to help get to college. There will our cities that really cost us, not just happen. The country will go bankrupt. simply be no money available to help in losing deficit but in losing lives, is The bottom line is, folks, can we, in send children to college, because all of that instead of giving job opportuni- fact, grow from $9.5 trillion to $12.1 our tax revenues will be consumed by ties, you give us jails, instead of talk- trillion? Can we restrain ourselves those five mandatory entitlement ing about having schools and educators from that extra trillion dollars? If we spending programs. and going into partnership, you allow restrain ourselves, we will balance the If we need to help put police on the drugs to come and provide the hope. budget. We will give tax relief, and the streets in our neighborhoods that are Let me say this, yes, you balanced earned income tax credit is going to go high-crime areas, the Federal Govern- the budget. Yes, you give the tax cut. up 40 percent under our plan. I think ment will be unable to help any of But when you said you were reforming that is pretty good, a 40-percent in- those communities, because all of our these programs, believe me, the Amer- crease over the next 7 years, and no- available revenue will be consumed by ican people can read the fine print in body will get less money in 1996 than just those five programs. that contract. they got in 1995. If you are concerned about the qual- You may have fulfilled the goal as These are the facts. This is what will ity of our air and our water, there will you read it, but if you go to Catholic save the country. Pass this reconcili- not be any Environmental Protection Charities, if you go to the Jewish ation bill. Agency, because all of the money will Council Against Poverty, if you go to Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, I yield have been consumed by just those five the Protestant Council, those people myself such time as I may consume. mandatory entitlement spending pro- who provide the health care and try to I always love the beautiful dreaming grams; no money for infrastructure, for help the poor among us, they will tell charts of the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. our roads, our bridges, our highways, you you breached that contract with KASICH]. He overlooks two factors. One, our mass transit systems. the American people and sooner or the country as a whole grows in total The bottom line is that the next gen- later when they come back you will number of people, as does the eligible eration will inherit an America with soon know that America would not tol- population, for the types of things he far fewer opportunities because the erate what you are doing to them was castigating. Government will have taken all of its today. They will pay you back tomor- Second, there is the impact of infla- available revenue, yet still be enable to row. tion that unfortunately is with us and meet some compelling needs of our Mr. KASICH. Mr. chairman, I yield has been with us for, well, for genera- citizens. myself 21⁄2 minutes. tions, really. So all of his figures are For 30 years, we have been deficit Mr. Chairman, again to the total just make-believe. spending. We have lost sight of our fun- Federal spending, it is going from $9.5 Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to damental responsibilities to make cer- trillion to $12.2 trillion. We want it to the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. tain that we measure our commitment go up. CARDIN]. H 10786 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 (Mr. CARDIN asked and was given It should come as no surprise to any- the earned income tax credit, and sec- permission to revise and extend his re- body that our plan of change, that rep- ond by the complete or partial ineli- marks.) resents the most significant change gibility they have for the nonrefund- Mr. CARDIN. Mr. Chairman, I rise in within the Federal Government in the able $500 tax cut. strong opposition to a budget reconcili- last 60 years, a truly historic vote that We also see in this bill a paltry $2 bil- ation package that violates every con- will occur on this floor tomorrow, has lion taken out of corporate welfare in cept of truth in labeling and truth in its enemies. That should come as no this country. The question is, why are advertising. If you believe this rec- surprise. the poor people hit 11 times harder onciliation bill is about balancing the We have the defenders of the status than the corporations of this country? budget and keeping promises, you be- quo, that have said we need to spend It is a bad bill. I urge Members to lieve Joe Camel was created to teach more and more and more, and continue vote against it. It means that we are children about dangers of smoking. to load the debt on to our children and going to balance the budget on the The problems with this bill begin our grandchildren, arguing against this backs of the poor, and that is wrong. I with the numerous horrendous provi- plan. In fact, I would submit to Mem- would say to the gentleman from Okla- sions that betray the middle class, bers that had our plan come from on homa [Mr. LARGENT], God would not working Americans who pull the high on tablets of stone, that these have done that. wagon. The attack on the middle class same people would be voicing their op- Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 is broad and bold. This bill opens the position to these extreme measures minutes to the distinguished gen- door to those who would raid pension that the Republican plan puts forth in tleman from New York [Mr. LAZIO], a funds and put at risk the retirement the reconciliation bill. member of the Committee on the Budg- benefits of working Americans. At the Yes, change is difficult, but change is et. same time, it closes the door to higher absolutely necessary. We cannot con- Mr. LAZIO of New York. Mr. Chair- education for millions of Americans by tinue to add more and more debt on to man, do you know what the fastest restricting access to student loans. the heads of our children and grand- growing area of the Republican budget Elderly Americans also face a double- children. We cannot allow Medicare to is? It is Medicare. We are taking care barreled attack. Two hundred seventy go bankrupt. We cannot continue to of older Americans. The rhetoric on the billion dollars of Medicare cuts threat- overtax our families and our busi- other side is that we are taking care of en the availability and affordability of nesses. We cannot continue to allow the rich. Is the family tax credit tak- basic medical care. Another $180 billion government to grow and grow and ing care of the rich? Is giving breaks of cuts in Medicaid will tear at the grow. for working families through an adop- family budgets of millions of elderly No, Mr. Chairman, it is time to resist tion tax credit taking care of the rich? Americans, and their children, who are the enemies of change, to be coura- Is giving families the ability to use an trying to cope with the costs of nursing geous, something that has been lacking IRA for first-time home buying, for care. in Washington, DC for too long; to do health care expenses, to encourage sav- The promises broken in this bill are the right thing, for our country and for ings, is that taking care of the rich? I far too many to mention in just a few our children. think not. minutes. But one deserves special at- Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, I yield Let us call this what it is. Inherent tention. The promise of the Contract 2 minutes to the gentleman from Wash- in this question is the moral question With America—in the Speaker’s term, ington [Mr. MCDERMOTT]. of what type of world we will leave to the crown jewel—was a $500-per-child Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Chairman, I the children of America. tax credit. Under the bill before us would suggest to the gentleman from There can be no serious question as today, the crown jewels have been de- Oklahoma that if this bill had come to the two paths before us. We can stay valued by 27 percent. This bill walks down from on high, our good Lord on the path we have been on and de- away from that promise and many would not be doing to the poor, sick, liver a future of unsustainable spend- more. But the bill does preserve the and disabled of this country what is in ing and crushing debt, huge increases spirit of the contract in one important this bill. in taxes that dash hopes and dreams, way—the elderly, the middle class, and We went through a charade here last and in the end that promise fewer op- the poor bear the burden of paying for week to convince the American people portunities and a poorer quality of life tax cuts that overwhelmingly benefit that there was no connection between for the smallest among us, who, inci- wealthy taxpayers. Medicare and the tax cuts. We had dentally, do not have the ability to There will be an opportunity tomor- speaker after speaker saying no, we are vote. row to vote for a plan that will balance doing one this week, and we are doing Or we can take another path, a the budget in 7 years. We can vote for one the next week, and there is no con- brighter path. It will require courage, a plan that will borrow less money nection. but it represents the hopes and the as- than the Republican plan, that will But if you take this bill, 724 pages, go pirations of every parent for every balance the budget without tax in- to page 1324, and it says ‘‘H.R. 2425 as child in America. It promises an Amer- creases, and that does not require the passed by the House of Representatives ica where our children can have better harsh and unwise cuts proposed by the is hereby enacted into law.’’ Medicare lives than we. It will make America Republican budget. is mixed in with the tax breaks. Now, stronger for our generation, for our I refer to the coalition budget. That that is the essence of what this bill is children’s generation, and for genera- substitute demonstrates you can bal- all about. tions to come. It maps out a positive ance the budget in 7 years without the There is no question that the Repub- future for our country by beginning the extreme proposals of the Republicans, lican revolution is intended to give 1 tough task of balancing the Federal with less borrowing, if you only will percent of Americans who make more budget and beginning to pay off our na- give up the special-interest tax breaks than $200,000 annually a tax cut that tional debt. that are included in the Republican averages $12,600. But if you are in the With the national debt approaching bill. 19 percent of the families in this coun- $5 trillion and expected to reach almost try earning less than $10,000, you will $8 trillion by 2010, and interested pay- b 1615 have a tax increase of $25 a year. More ments scheduled to surpass the money Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 than half of the cuts, 52 percent, go to we now spend on our national defense, minutes to the distinguished gen- 5.6 percent of the Americans at the top now is not the time for our political tleman from Oklahoma [Mr. LARGENT], of the schedule. needs to buckle. A balanced budget is a member of the Committee on the Now, at the same time, this bill the surest strategy to increase Amer- Budget. takes $23 billion and puts it as a tax in- ican productivity and living standards. Mr. LARGENT. Mr. Chairman, it was crease on the low-income families in That is not according to some Repub- Robert Kennedy who said that progress this country who are trying to stay off lican rhetoric, that is according to is a nice word, but change is its welfare. These families will be hit dou- Alan Greenspan, the Chairman of the motivator, and change has its enemies. bly hard, first by the $23 billion cut in Federal Reserve. A balanced budget October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10787 means 6 million new jobs, rising family That is just simply not true. Mr. Chair- Mr. Chairman, the gentleman, the income, making homes, cars, edu- man, we are not cutting student loans. prior speaker, said that this reconcili- cation, or starting a new business more Student loans, the Pell grants are ation proposal is not perfect. The gen- affordable. going to grow; there are going to be a tleman is correct, and when imperfec- If we cave into 30-second sound bites, higher amount of Pell grants than be- tions are raised, the Members of this Mr. Speaker, if we fail to do the right fore. The total amount of student loans body should try to do something about thing because we do not agree with is going to grow. The only thing we are it before Members are going to be every single change that has been made doing is saying when you graduate in asked to vote on it. I will give you one in this pivotal package, will fail to do college in the 6 months that the tax- example: It is the pension reversion the right thing for our children. payer, the working Americans, single issue. Many of you know about it. Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, I yield parents and mothers, are subsidizing Some do not know about it. You better 2 minutes to the gentleman from Vir- that loan, we are saying they are going get to know about it soon, because it is ginia [Mr. PAYNE]. to pay the interest. They are going to going to hit you in the first 6 months Mr. PAYNE of Virginia. Mr. Chair- accumulate the interest for that 6 of 1996. man, I thank the gentleman from Flor- months. That is the only difference. If you recall, in the eighties we had ida for yielding me this time. That is the only change we are making. massive withdrawals of pension funds Mr. Chairman, well, here we go Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 by companies, companies that were ba- again. Fifteen years after George Bush minutes to the gentleman from New sically in trouble, $20 billion, and the warned this Nation about voodoo eco- Hampshire [Mr. BASS]. Pension Benefit Guaranty Corporation nomics, our friends on the other side of Mr. BASS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the had to take over a lot of these pension the aisle are up to their old tricks gentleman for yielding me time. programs. What we did in 1986, 1988, again. They are trying to tell the Mr. Chairman, I will start with a and 1990 under Reagan and Bush, on a American people that a 7 year $245 bil- quote that I would like to bring to bipartisan basis, is clean it up. So lion tax cut is an important step along your attention: It goes as follows: there is now an excise tax of 50 percent the road to a balanced budget. We have no right, frankly, to continue to if you take pension fund moneys out of This time, the American people know finance a Government budget that is 20 per- these pension programs, unless it goes better. They know that to cut taxes by cent debt-financed, and will be more debt-fi- to health care benefits for your retir- $245 billion, when you are $5 trillion in nanced in the years ahead, and leave it to ees. debt and when you are experiencing our children to figure out how to live with What the Committee on Ways and deficits of more than $160 billion annu- lower incomes than they otherwise would Means did, what the majority did, was ally, is not just bad economics, it also have. And believe me, it isn’t just our chil- put a provision in to allow companies runs against simple common sense. It dren. We’re going to be living with the con- sequence in the very near future. to take money out of their pension may please some, but it is bad public funds without any restraint. They can policy. Mr. Chairman, that is not NEWT use the money not only for health care, There is a better, more fiscally re- GINGRICH, our Speaker. That is not but they can use it to buy luxury cars, sponsible course for us to follow. It will DICK ARMEY. That is not our chairman, they can take the money out for bo- be on the floor tomorrow. This is a JOHN KASICH. In fact, it is not even nuses for their executive employees, budget written by our Conservative you, Mr. Chairman. That is President they can take the money out for lever- Democratic Coalition, which takes this Bill Clinton in 1993 talking about the aged buyouts. Nation straight to a balanced budget budget. In fact, the Pension Benefit Guar- by the year 2002, and it does so without Well, Mr. Chairman, I have 2 chil- anty Corporation, which is a non- these costly tax cuts. It contains real dren, Lucy and Jonathan, ages 2 and 4. partisan group, says that over $40 bil- budget reforms, and it cuts the budget They owe the Federal Government lion will be taken out of this fund over faster and deeper than the Republican today over $18,000. As has been said be- the next couple of years, probably in plan. Because our bill rejects tax cuts, fore, if we do nothing, in their lifetimes the first 6 months of 1996, when all of it provides a more moderate glide path they could owe as much as $180,000. I us are going to feel it, mainly because to the balanced budget. am not going to leave this country to there is an incentive. There is no excise We assure the solvency of the Medi- that kind of a destiny. The future of taxes for the first 6 months of 1996. care Program, but we do it fairly. Med- this country is indeed in our hands This is a provision that is going to do icare will receive $100 billion more today, and indeed, one could say, the major damage to the average American than the Republican plan. Medicaid world. worker, and this is a provision that is will receive $100 billion more. The vul- Now, this reconciliation package is strictly special interest. We received nerable rural hospitals in my district not perfect. There are problems with it. reports written by companies that were and elsewhere so dependent on Medi- There are problems with any document special interests that basically sup- care and Medicaid will receive fair re- that is developed as a result of consen- ported this provision, but all objective imbursements under our program. We sus. But what is at stake today is the outside groups have said this is going reject deep cuts in student loan pro- very institution of this Government to do major damage, major damage, to grams, retain the earned income tax and the country. We have spent beyond the average American worker. I would credit, and provide $80 billion more in our means now for over 30 years, and if just be aware of this, because we are discretionary spending in the areas we fail to get this country on a path to going to feel this in the first 6 months ranging from education to economic a balanced budget starting today, I do of 1996. development, to agriculture and to not know where my children, Jonathan Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 conservation. and Lucy, are going to be 20 years, minutes to the distinguished gen- Mr. Chairman, let us reject this busi- from now. tleman from Michigan [Mr. SMITH]. ness as usual. We can and we should Mr. Chairman, when all the rhetoric Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Chair- not cut taxes when we have to borrow does down, the shrill rhetoric and man, I thank the gentleman for yield- this money from our children. Vote to- Chicken Little discussion about how ing me time. morrow for the Conservative Demo- the sky is falling in is over, the Amer- I think the question is to this side of cratic Coalition alternative. Vote ican people will remember this Con- the aisle, to the American people, do against the Republican reconciliation gress for many, many years after the we want to balance this budget, or do bill. rest of us are gone. we not? The American people are not Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield Please join me today in passing this too concerned about how we keep our 30 seconds to the gentleman from Ari- reconciliation package. It is needed. books, but let me just make a couple of zona [Mr. KOLBE]. Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, I yield comments why it is so important to Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I just 2 minutes to the gentleman from Cali- the American family, to our kids, and want to respond to one thing said by fornia [Mr. MATSUI]. our grandkids. the last speaker, and that is the impli- Mr. MATSUI. Mr. Chairman, I thank If you had a stack of $1,000 bills cation of deep cuts in student loans. the gentleman for yielding me time. pushed tightly together, $1 million H 10788 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 would be 4 inches high. Our debt in this Mr. colleagues—there, but for the set forth in his first inaugural address country is over 300 miles into outer grace of God, go I. Each and every when he said: space of tightly stacked $1,000 bills. Member of this body is blessed. We It is not my intention to do away with gov- Government has got its arm in the pot have a responsibility—a moral obliga- ernment. It is rather to make it work—work of available money that can be lent out tion—to do right by our children, our with us, not over us; stand by our side, not in this country to the tune of borrow- seniors, and our working families. This ride on our back. Government can and must ing 40 percent of all of the money lent bill fails that test. provide opportunity, not smother it; foster out last year. Two hundred and forty-five billion productivity, not stifle it. What does that mean as far as de- dollars can help a lot of families earn a This budget meets the Reagan goals. mand goes? Alan Greenspan, our top livable wage. It can feed a lot of chil- We must pass it. We must show the banker, Chairman of the Federal Re- dren. It can help a lot of students get American people that we can and will serve, says if we could end up with a through school. It can provide medical deliver the change that they want. balanced budget we would see a 1.5 to 2 care for hundreds of thousands of sen- Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, I yield percent lower interest rate. What do iors. With $245 billion, you can do a lot 2 minutes and 30 seconds to the gen- you think that means to somebody of good for a lot of people. tleman from Wisconsin [Mr. KLECZKA]. that is paying off a college loan? Or you can squander it on a privi- Mr. KLECZKA. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman from Florida b 1630 leged few. You can pay for a tax cut for rich, political friends. That is the [Mr. GIBBONS] for yielding me the time. I will tell Members what it means. It choice you make today. I urge you to We have heard a lot of talk today means on the average an individual look within your heart—to do what is about deficit reduction and, clearly, would save $2,000 over the payback pe- right. Vote ‘‘no’’ on this proposal. It is this bill is intended to do that. But as riod of their loan. What does it mean to cruel, it is mean, it is downright low- we talk about, like the former speaker, a family paying off a $100,000 home that down. about reducing the deficit, very few of they are buying on that mortgage? It Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 my Republican colleagues tell us how means a $2,000 savings. It means that minutes to the distinguished gen- they are doing this. we are going to expand jobs and the tleman from Kentucky [Mr. BUNNING]. We spent 1 day of debate last week economy in this country. (Mr. BUNNING of Kentucky asked talking about the Medicare cuts that The President sent us a budget. CBO and was given permission to revise and are embodied in this bill. Also em- says it is never going to balance. And extend his remarks.) bodied in this bill are substantial tax yet right now, in his press conference, Mr. BUNNING of Kentucky. Mr. cuts. Now, my friends, if we are trying the President is announcing that with Chairman, I come to the floor with a to resolve a budget deficit and we have the growth in the economy we probably great deal of pride today. We can and no money, where, I ask my colleagues, would not have to have any spending should take pride in the fact that for are the dollars coming from to fund a cuts. the first time in a very long time the tax cut, one which, I have to tell Mem- Mr. Chairman, just let me finish by House of Representatives is going to do bers, is purportedly going to the middle saying back in 1947 the Federal Govern- what is right for the future of this class. ment operated on 12 percent of the great Nation—we are balancing the Well, my Republican friends have a GDP. We used 12 percent of the GDP to budget. new definition of Republican middle operate this place. We know what it is We will pass this balanced budget and class. I will share that with Members. now. It is almost double that. We have set the country’s finances back on the Here is a quote from one of the Repub- expanded this Government, spending 22 right path for the first time since 1969. lican Members of the House, and he in- percent of our gross domestic product. It is a vote for the future and a vote for dicates ‘‘When I see someone who is If we care about our kids and our making anywhere from $300,000 a year grandkids, let us get back in focus, let our children and grandchildren. We are stemming the flow of red ink to $750,000 a year, that is middle class. us balance this budget. When I see anyone above that, that is Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, I yield from the Federal Treasury so that my upper middle class.’’ I think this indi- 2 minutes to the gentleman from Geor- 28 grandchildren won’t be stuck with cates to us where the tax cuts are gia [Mr. LEWIS]. bills run up by their grandfather’s gen- Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Chair- eration. going and where this whole deficit re- man, this bill is really not a reconcili- I am also proud of the fact that we duction bill is going. ation bill, it is a wrecker ball bill on listened to the American people and we Mr. Chairman, I specifically want to middle class families. are doing what we promised to do. We address an issue which I think is very, Mr. Chairman, an ugly spirit has are delivering on the change that the very important to the working men risen in our Nation’s Capital. A mean people want. and women of this country. My friend, spirit. A cruel spirit. A spirit that gave The people want welfare reform; and, the gentleman from California, BOB rise to this Republican bill. we are delivering. The people want tax MATSUI, talked about this before. In Republicans raise taxes on the work- relief; and, we are delivering. The peo- this bill there is a provision which will ing poor—and cut taxes for the idle ple want us to save Medicare from permit corporations to raid their pen- rich. Republicans raise taxes on 30 mil- going bankrupt; and, we are delivering. sion plans to the tune of $40 billion. lion working families. The people want more power returned Corporations under this bill can take Republicans spend more on defense, to the States; and, we are delivering. out of their pension plans, which is put but cut Head Start, school lunches, and The baby boomers will be retiring there by workers, reserved for their student loans. They choose bombers soon and that means that they will be workers’ pension. This bill says they over babies, defense contractors over looking for Social Security and Medi- can take up to about $40 billion out of children, star wars over schools. care benefits. This budget helps to en- that nationwide. Do you really want a welfare bill sure that those benefits will be there The problem with that policy, Mr. that would put children in orphanages? when they need them. Chairman, is who will pick up the tab Do you want to return to the days This is a good budget. For a change, if these pension plans cannot meet when families put the disabled in back it shows that we can keep our promises their obligations? We have an answer. rooms. Do you want to send senior citi- and it shows the American people that It is called the Pension Guaranty Cor- zens to dilapidated hospitals and sec- we listened to what they want instead poration, a Federal agency ensuring ond rate medical care? of acting like the national nanny. pension plans. But they have their fi- I cannot believe, I truly cannot be- There are many in this House who do nancial problems on their own even lieve what this bill does to our coun- not like the new way of doing things. without this. So I say, and my other try. There are Americans who need our But, I am willing to bet that the Amer- colleagues will say to Members, this help. Children do not choose to go hun- ican people like knowing that we are will end up another savings and loan gry. The elderly do not choose to be- doing things their way, for a change. bailout. Because if the Pension Guar- come sick. The handicapped do not My friends, this is the opportunity to anty Corporation does not have the choose to be disabled. fulfill the vision that President Reagan money after the corporation is October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10789 skimmed $40 billion, it is the taxpayers plaints about other aspects of this Today, the national debt is $18,800 for who will have to shell out the money. budget. Seniors are scared about dras- every man, woman, and child in the The CHAIRMAN. The Chair reminds tic cuts to Medicare. They fear what United States, and is getting larger all Members that they should direct will happen to them if they are struck and larger every year. their remarks to the Chair and not to with a catastrophic illness. We are spending more money on in- the audience or anyone else outside of College students are afraid about the terest on the national debt than we do the Chamber. changes to student loans. Will they be for the Army, Navy, Air Force, Ma- Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 able to afford to finish college? Parents rines, and the CIA combined. The minutes to the distinguished gentle- are afraid they will not be able to pay greatest threat we have to all the good woman from North Carolina [Mrs. for the college tuition of their chil- programs in this Government, like MYRICK]. dren. Medicare or Head Start, the threat is Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Chairman, the na- Individuals who have worked their interest on the national debt. If we do tional debt now stands at $4.8 trillion, way off of welfare are angry about not get that under control, we are and this means that a child who is born changes to the earned income tax cred- going to make the future generations today is going to have to pay $180,000 it. The EITC has been an extremely pay dearly. just to pay the interest on the debt successful incentive for work. Even Mr. Chairman, it only makes sense to over their lifetime. That is $3,500 in President Reagan was supportive of the balance our budget. I was home this taxes every year of their working life. EITC. In 1986, he stated that EITC was weekend and talked to a city council- We are literally mortgaging our chil- ‘‘the best anti-poverty, the best pro- man from Venice, FL, and a city com- dren’s future and straddling them with family, the best job-creation measure missioner from Sarasota, and county a mountain of debt. to come out of Congress.’’ commissioners and State legislators. As a mother of five and grandmother Hard-working Americans do not un- They have to balance their budget. Ev- of six, almost seven, I have a moral ob- derstand the corporate pension rever- erybody understands that. Why do we ligation to balance this budget for sion provision. Why should corpora- not understand it in Washington? them because I want my kids and tions be allowed to raid pension plans? All we want to do is balance the Fed- grandkids to have a better future, to I look at this provision and all I can eral budget. It makes sense. No one can have more opportunity than I have. see is the ghost of the S&L crisis. How argue with that. We argue about all But, how can that happen if they start do we explain this onerous provision to this we are cutting; we are increasing out with this great mountain of debt the American people? We cannot light spending and we are doing it for the on their backs? a match to the pension funds of hard- kids and the future generations. Mr. Chairman, it has been stated if working individuals. Mr. Chairman, the cruelest thing we The Citizens For Tax Justice’s analy- we balance the budget, interest rates can do is to continue to overspend and sis of the tax cuts included in this rec- will drop 2 percent. Now, that may not leave this horrible debt with our kids onciliation package indicates that 52.3 sound like a lot, but just consider the and our future generations. We must percent of the tax cuts go to 5.6 percent fact that that means, on a 30-year pass this budget reconciliation tomor- of Americans with incomes greater mortgage on a $75,000 house, an individ- row. than $100,000 a year. Less than 1 per- ual would save $37,000. That is enough Mr. BROWDER. Mr. Chairman, I cent of these tax cuts would go to the to put our kids through college. It also think we are going to give our col- 40 percent of families earning $20,000 or means that an individual would save leagues a break and change the topic of less per year. $900 on a $15,000 car loan. My goodness, This budget heads the country in the the conversation around here because, look at what that would mean to a wrong direction. We need to be respon- frankly, the folks over to my right and young person starting out or a young sible legislators. This legislation is not my friends on the Republican side are couple. responsible. I urge you to vote against right, and the folks to my left who Mr. Chairman, the family is the most budget reconciliation. have been discussing that budget are important part of society in America We owe the American people more right. today and a balanced budget is good for than this budget. It is our obligation to The fact is, the reconciliation bill the American family. On behalf of our do better. that the Republicans have presented children and our children’s children we does try to balance the budget by 2002. need to vote for a balanced budget and b 1645 But the folks over here are right too, to do that so we will be sure that to- The CHAIRMAN (Mr. BOEHNER). All in that it goes too far. morrow’s dream, the American dream, time has expired. Under the unani- Mr. Chairman, what we would like to does not turn into tomorrow’s night- mous-consent agreement previously do is take a few minutes and have a few mare. agreed to, the gentleman from Ala- of our colleagues talk about an alter- Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, I yield bama [Mr. BROWDER] is recognized for native budget, an alternative reconcili- the balance of my time of the gen- 10 minutes. ation plan that was prepared by the co- tleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 alition. We think that our alternative NEAL]. minutes to the distinguished gen- plan is better than what has been of- Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. tleman from Florida [Mr. MILLER]. fered by the Republicans, because it Chairman, I stand here before you Mr. MILLER of Florida. Mr. Chair- achieves balance by the year 2002, as today to oppose this budget reconcili- man, this is an historic occasion as we the Republicans’ plan does, but ours ation package. We are beginning this get ready to vote on the budget rec- does it in a way that is more respon- historic debate on the future direction onciliation bill tomorrow. For those of sible. It accumulates less debt for our of our country. This budget heads the us who have worked so hard to get to Nation over that period, and it is fairer country in the wrong direction. It is a this point, it really is exciting. to the people such as senior citizens, shame that we could not be here today Mr. Chairman, we have made some farmers, and students and other people debating a bipartisan budget which has difficult choices getting to this point that we think the plan should be fair a sole purpose of meaningful deficit re- today, but I look at this as a moral to. duction. issue that we are fighting today. Just What I would like to do is recognize This budget harms the American peo- as our parents and grandparents fought a few of our coalition members, and a ple. The Medicare cuts totaling $270 the war against fascism, and we re- few Members of Congress who are not billion go too far. These extreme cuts cently had the war against com- coalition members, to talk about the are needed in order to pay for $245 bil- munism, we won those; the moral fight coalition budget. lion in tax cuts to wealthy Americans. we are having today is about balancing Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 minutes to We debated this tax cut back in the this budget. It is a moral issue. It is ob- the distinguished gentleman from spring and I still believe it is not need- scene what we are doing by overspend- Oklahoma [Mr. BREWSTER]. ed. ing in the Federal Government by over (Mr. BREWSTER asked and was I have been traveling throughout my $600 for every man, woman, and child given permission to revise and extend district and I have heard angry com- in the United States. his remarks.) H 10790 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 Mr. BREWSTER. Mr. Chairman, I am vote for the coalition budget reconcili- Medicare at military hospitals or any proud to be speaking on the House ation substitute tomorrow. other facilities they so desire. floor today in what I feel is an historic Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 The important point to come out of debate. This Congress is finally consid- minutes to the very distinguished gen- this debate over the next 2 days, Mr. ering plans to balance our Nation’s tleman from Texas [Mr. ARCHER], Chairman, is that our coalition budget budget in 7 years, and I think we chairman of the Committee on Ways gets to balance in 2002, in a more re- should all be proud of that. and Means. sponsible, fair, and wise manner than However, there are two plans that Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Chairman, there does the Republican plan. will be considered tomorrow that will has been a great deal of scare tactics Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 achieve a balanced budget and I feel here on the floor today about the pen- minutes to the distinguished gen- the coalition alternative is the most sion reversion issue that is a part of tleman from California [Mr. HERGER], a fair and honest approach to this goal. this bill. Let me tell my colleagues member of both the Committee on The coalition budget reconciliation that we should be interested in Ways and Means and the Committee on is a responsible budget alternative that strengthening pension plans in this the Budget, and the great catcher for meets all the deficit reduction require- country. the Republican baseball team. ments for a balanced budget by 2002. Over the last 5 years, there have been Mr. HERGER. Mr. Chairman, today In order to balance the budget, we no new defined benefit plans created in we have embarked on a truly historic must all support some cuts in valuable the United States of America. Many debate that will ultimately culminate programs. However, cutting programs have been frozen or terminated. It is in the passage of the first balanced fairly and gutting them are two totally because of the very unwise policy that budget in over a quarter of a century. different alternatives. The coalition this country has conducted toward pen- Mr. Chairman, the American voters budget is much kinder on many pro- sion plans over the last 10 to 12 years. sent Members of this Congress here to grams important to all Americans than Mr. Chairman, this bill turns that Washington to change business as the Republican budget reconciliation. around. It includes pension simplifica- usual and put our national fiscal house First, we make no cuts in guaranteed tion, and, yes, it includes the ability of in order. Mr. Chairman, the American student loans. The coalition under- employers to withdraw excess funding people understand how to balance a stands the importance of education and above 125 percent, of liability. budget. They do it every day. Unlike will not make it more expensive for ERISA only requires that employers Washington, small business owners middle- and low-income families to ob- keep 100 percent of liability in the fund have to meet budgets and payrolls or tain college loans like the Republican to qualify. But if they get 125 percent, they will go out of business. bill. they still cannot withdraw any of those Local governments have to live with- The coalition budget cuts $80 billion funds. As a result, employers are not in their means. Mr. Chairman, families less from education, Head Start, rural going to fund extra above the 100 per- across this Nation sit around their health care, and economic development cent, because they know they can kitchen tables every month to figure than the Republican bill. And, we cut never get their money back if they get out how to provide shelter, food, and $10 billion less from agriculture pro- above 125 percent. clothing for their families with only grams, preserving agriculture subsidies Mr. Chairman, our bill encourages the money they currently have. Indeed, in a way that doesn’t unilaterally dis- employers to fund more in the mar- the American people know how to bal- arm American farmers in a global mar- ginal plans, and that is what we should ance a budget and, Mr. Chairman, it is ketplace. be doing. If ERISA was inadequate in time that Washington does the same. We cut $100 billion less from Medi- having plans qualify with only 100 per- Yet, ironically, the Americans that care coverage for our Nation’s seniors cent of accrued liability, ERISA needs will benefit the most from this bal- than the Republican budget. We cut to be changed. The plans that are vul- anced budget are not even old enough $100 billion less from Medicaid than the nerable in the event of a decline in the to vote: our children. Republican bill. And, in addition to market are the plans that are 90 to 100 Mr. Chairman, it is morally wrong to that, we accumulate much less debt percent, but which qualify under ask future generations to pay for the than the Republican plan over 7 years, ERISA, not the plans that are funded current excessive expenditures. For ex- because we set a more responsible above 125 percent of liability. ample, past spending has left a $5 tril- glidepath. So, Mr. Chairman, we constructively lion legacy for a child born today, Mr. Chairman, this substitute and proudly move forward with this which faces $187,000 in taxes just to pay reaches the same goal as the Repub- bill to encourage more defined benefit their inherited share of interest on the lican budget—a balanced budget by plans, adequately funded. national debt. 2002. And, yet the coalition substitute Mr. BROWDER. Mr. Chairman, I Mr. Chairman, the budget before us provides more money for those in need. yield 1 minute to the gentleman from today is a fair one. It puts an end to Mr. Chairman, whether or not you Tennessee [Mr. TANNER]. frivolous expenditures by finally support tax cuts is not the issue today. Mr. TANNER. Mr. Chairman, I want prioritizing spending and making the Many of us in the coalition support tax to talk about the coalition’s alter- tough choices that previous Congresses cuts, however, we firmly believe you native budget for a minute, because on refused to make. ought to cut spending first before you the floor earlier today there was a Mr. Chairman, it is our moral obliga- give the money out for tax cuts. statement made that the Republicans tion to pass this historic balanced The coalition alternative also re- had the only budget reconciliation plan budget. wards work with a welfare plan that, that got to a balance in 2002. That sim- Mr. BROWDER. Mr. Chairman, I according to the CBO, will put more ply is not the case. yield 1 minute to the gentlewoman people to work than the Republican Mr. Chairman, the coalition plan from Arkansas [Mrs. LINCOLN], an out- plan. We preserve the earned income cuts spending first. We get to a bal- standing coalition member. tax credit to reward those who are anced budget in 2002, borrowing about (Mrs. LINCOLN asked and was given working to stay off welfare rolls. The $50 billion less than the Republican permission to revise and extend her re- Republican plan would cut drastically plan will borrow between now and marks.) from this valuable work program. then. Mrs. LINCOLN. Mr. Chairman, there Mr. Chairman, this alternative is the Mr. Chairman, we do something else is a saying: Be careful what you wish only reasonable solution to putting our that is responsible, fair, and wise. We for, because you may get it. I think as Nation’s fiscal house in order. The peo- send a signal to the military veterans the Republicans embarked on this idea ple of this country have asked us to do of our country that we are going to of balancing the budget, and under the this, and I think this plan achieves keep their commitment. Our values are auspices of balancing the budget pre- that goal more quickly, and less pain- to keep the commitment from a grate- sented this package, they thought fully than the Republican plan. I urge ful country to our Nation’s veterans there would not be any Democrats that my colleagues to take a long, hard, and we have military retiree sub- actually honestly wanted to balance look at the coalition’s alternative and vention, so that they can use their the budget. October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10791 Well, Mr. Chairman, there are. We thirds of it, which is what the Repub- mum value from that dollar in the op- have worked hard at coming up with a lican budget reconciliation bill prom- eration of Government. They have said responsible, fair package that will ac- ises. It promises both the balanced to me, if you cut programs as deeply as tually do that. There is an old southern budget in 7 years, and it promises to you must in order to offset the loss of saying that, there is more than one repeal at least two-thirds of that awful tax revenue in Washington, these are way to skin a cat, and I think that is tax increase in the last Congress. programs that will be picked up in exactly what we have done. Let me make one final pitch to my rural America. As these programs are Mr. Chairman, we have addressed ag- colleagues. I am going to try to put picked up in rural America, you will be riculture here. We do not unilaterally this in terms I think families under- increasing the property taxes on farm- disarm American farmers in a global stand. I was raised, I think most of my ers in order to pay for tax cuts for af- agricultural marketplace where other colleagues were raised, to believe that fluent people in urban areas. nations are subsidizing far more than we ought to leave something good to This is a shift of taxes. It is not a cut we are, and we are working hard to bal- our children. We ought to leave them in taxes. This is shift No. 1. ance the budget on behalf of our chil- some patrimony, something of an in- The previous speaker eloquently re- dren and our children’s children. But, heritance out of what we earn and do minded us of our obligations to our we also recognize that they need edu- not spend. children. In fact, by cutting taxes at cational opportunities to be competi- If we were raised to believe that we this point in time, what we are doing is tive in a global marketplace. We not ought to leave something to our chil- enjoying the opportunity to spend only balance the budget for our chil- dren that they can build their future more, to have more, at the expense of dren, but we give them the capability on, then I think members will under- our children. This is shift No. 2. We are and the resources they need to be able stand what I am about to say. We talk not cutting taxes, we are shifting taxes to be independent and productive for about crime in America. If we take all to our children. Third, we are cutting other taxes and themselves in years to come. the crime that is committed on the streets of America and lump them all we are cutting other benefits. We are b 1700 together, they are a misdemeanor com- cutting an earned income tax credit in This is a fair, reasonable, and wise pared to the crime we commit here in order to offset the loss of revenue. approach to making sure that we do Washington when we budget not only Shift No. 3. We, indeed, have a bloated spending balance the budget. We look at all as- the income we make this year but the policy in this country. We must correct pects of it and do it in a fair way. income or children have not yet it. But the coalition believes that we Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 earned. When we spend every year the need a diet. We do not need a dessert at minutes to the very distinguished gen- unearned income of our children and tleman from the State of Louisiana this point in time. That is what the Re- grandchildren to satisfy whatever we publicans are dishing up, a dessert of a [Mr. TAUZIN]. think is important for our life this Mr. TAUZIN. Mr. Chairman, let me tax cut. year, we violate the most sacred pledge The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman first pay my respects to my blue dog I think we make as parents to our chil- from Alabama [Mr. BROWDER] has 1 Democratic friends and acknowledge dren. minute remaining. the effort they have made in presenting We ought to be giving them some- Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 an alternative budget for us today. The thing good to build on. Instead, we are minutes to the distinguished gen- fact that there is a second budget, giving them debt and mortgage. We are tleman from Kansas [Mr. BROWNBACK], which does promise us a balanced budg- giving them a promise that they will a member of the Committee on the et in 7 years, is encouraging. spend 80 percent of their income in Budget. Let me also congratulate the Presi- Federal taxes to pay this debt. Mr. BROWNBACK. Mr. Chairman, dent for saying that he, too, believes Can we not agree to end it now? Can today I can say I am proud to be a that we can do this thing in 7 years and we not agree to pass a balanced budget Member of this Congress. Since 1969, end this terrible debt we are creating amendment, and can we not agree to this body has rejected its responsibility for our children by balancing our budg- repeal some of that awful tax increase to balance the Federal budget. Today et over 7 years. Let me also acknowl- of the last Congress? we vote to accept that responsibility, edge the fact that the President admit- Mr. BROWDER. Mr. Chairman, I am and I am proud that we are accepting ted that maybe he did raise taxes too tempted to take time to remind the that responsibility. much last Congress. gentleman that I voted against that We were elected to this Congress to For all of my colleagues who believe bill 2 years ago and ask him how he balance the budget, and this bill does that in this choice between the Repub- voted. But I do not think I will take that. We were elected to Congress for lican balanced budget, which includes that time. another reason, too. That was to make the capacity to reduce the tax burdens Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes and the Federal Government smaller, more on Americans and the balanced budget 30 seconds to the gentleman from Min- efficient and more focused. This bill proposed by my friends, the blue dog nesota [Mr. MINGE]. starts that process as well. Democrats, let me suggest to them Mr. MINGE. Mr. Chairman, I, too, am For instance, it eliminates the De- something: If my colleagues oppose a member of the coalition and proud of partment of Commerce, an agency that those tax increases the President now the work that our group has done. I ap- leads the list of those providing cor- regrets, if Members opposed that bill preciate the opportunity to address the porate welfare. This will be the first last year, then they ought to be for the question of how do we balance the time in the history of the Republic Republican budget which promises that budget in the United States in the mid– that we have actually eliminated a we are at least going to repeal about 1990’s. Cabinet-level agency. That is in this two-thirds of those awful tax increases I specifically would like to address bill to do it. We save $6 billion in the that my colleague opposed last Con- the topic of the tax cuts. All politi- process of doing that. gress. cians support efforts to cut taxes. The This budget reconciliation bill bal- Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, will the question is, when can it be done re- ances the budget, makes the Federal gentleman yield? sponsibly? the people of this country Government smaller, more efficient, Mr. TAUZIN. I yield to the gen- recognize that it is not prudent to cut more focused. This makes it a proud tleman from Ohio. taxes at this time. It is not prudent. In day for me, a good day for this country Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, would fact, it is pandering. and a great day for my children and the gentleman say that again? I have talked to a number of county your children. Mr. TAUZIN. Mr. Chairman, I will be commissioners throughout my congres- Mr. BROWDER. Mr. Chairman, I happy to say it again. If anyone in this sional district, and there are 27 coun- yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from House voted against that tax increase ties in my district; there are many Indiana [Mr. VISCLOSKY]. bill that President Clinton gave us last county commissioners. These are gen- (Mr. VISCLOSKY asked and was Congress, if Members opposed it, they tlemen and women that appreciate the given permission to revise and extend ought to this year be for repealing two- value of the dollar in obtaining maxi- his remarks.) H 10792 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 Mr. VISCLOSKY. Mr. Chairman, I panies would be able to remove the so-called the Budget and the Committee on Ap- rise in strong support of the coalition excess moneyÐdefined as 125 percent of cur- propriations. budget for four reasons. First of all, it rent liabilitiesÐfrom their pension funds. Cur- Mr. HOBSON. Mr. Chairman, I turned looks towards the future first, not the rently, if a company takes excess funds out of 59 years old last week, and in an effort past. Second, it does the heavy lifting a pension plan, a 20 percent to 50 percent ex- to remind me of the advanced age I’m first. Third, it borrows less money, cise tax is levied on the withdrawal. In addi- reaching, one of my friends sent me a leaves us with a surplus at the end of tion, the company must pay income tax on the birthday card which displayed the 2002 and again proves the prudence of amount removed. To raise revenue, the Re- prices of common household items in doing the heavy lifting first. Finally, it publican proposal would eliminate the excise the year I was born. A gallon of gas was is enforceable. It will do what it says it tax entirely, giving companies a strong incen- a dime, a new car was $600, and a new will do. It is not engaged in subverting tive to dip into pension funds. home was $6,000. other social policy goals such as rob- Pension plan assets represent deferred My second grandchild was born re- bing workers’ pensions. compensation for plan participants. As such, cently, and I think of these prices when Mr. Chairman, I rise today in opposition to workers and retirees should benefit from the I consider what kind of future he will the Republican budget reconciliation bill and in profitable investment of these funds. I believe face. How much will Jameson, David, support of the coalition alternative plan. that any surplus assets should be used to in- my most recent grandchild, and Katie I believe the time has come to balance the sure the soundness of workers' pensions, or Marie, see prices rise during their life- budget. This is what my constituents want be- to fund benefit increases for plan participants, time? Will the country still be a place cause they know that the economic futures of rather than going into unrelated management of opportunity? Will there still be a their children and grandchildren depend on it. ventures. thriving economy to support their gen- They want us to balance the budget in a way I am adamantly opposed to this proposal eration? When I think about the an- that is both fair and effective, and this is what because it would leave workers' pensions vul- swers to these questions, it becomes in- the coalition substitute would do. nerable in the event of an economic downturn. creasingly clear to me that the best While I do not endorse each of its provi- It could create a pension raid similar to the thing I can do for my new grandchild is sions, the coalition substitute is fair because it 1980's when the Federal Government was to vote ‘‘yes’’ on the reconciliation asks everyone, regardless of age or cir- forced to take over underfunded pension package. cumstance in life, to share the sacrifice for the plans, paying out billions of dollars in the proc- When they look back on this day, our benefit of the common good. Unlike the Re- ess. own children and grandchildren will publican plan, it does not transfer funding for It seems the new Republican majority has judge us—and judge us harshly—if we social programs, that benefit the old and poor, forgotten the old Republican rallying cryÐ``Cut fail to do our duty, if we continue to to subsidize tax cuts for the rich. Spending First!'' Balancing the budget is like rob future generations because we do The coalition substitute would balance the curing a cold, the longer you put off swallow- not have enough backbone to control budget in 7 years. It places deficit reduction ing bad-tasting medicine, the longer it takes to our spending in this Chamber. Every first and does not borrow money to pay for up- return to good health. time we deficit-spend we are refusing front tax cuts, like the Republican plan. Fur- Finally, I am pleased that the coalition sub- to take responsibility for our actions. ther, the coalition substitute will work, and it stitute includes enforcement language similar We know what needs to be done, we takes a rational and responsible approach to to what is contained in legislation I introduced should follow through with what we balancing the budget. Not only would it restore earlier this year, along with our colleagues, know is right. sane spending priorities by adding back fund- Representatives STENHOLM, DOOLEY, BARRETT, Many constituents I’ve talked to ing for education, health, and economic devel- MINGE, and POSHARD. Like my bill, H.R. 1516, have had concerns about specific pro- opment programs, it also achieves a budget the coalition substitute would enact tough, new grams they benefit from, but without surplus in 2002. measures to reform the budget process and fail, they also remind me to follow Less pain with more gainÐWhy? Because eliminate the Federal budget deficit by the through with the promise to balance this alternative reconciliation bill reaffirms the year 2002. It would do so by setting spending the budget. People are willing to ac- logic of achieving a balanced budget one step caps and using across-the-board cuts if the cept the changes necessary to preserve at a time. The coalition plan would provide targets, set and evaluated by a nonpartisan our country’s fiscal security, but they about $42 billion more in deficit reductionÐ board of estimates, are not met. want us to make sure that what we do and less total debtÐthan envisioned in the In January, I supported a constitutional is fair, and that we follow through on budget resolution conference report. This amendment to balance the budget for the first our commitment to balance the budg- means holding off on enacting expensive tax time because I finally lost faith that the Presi- et. cuts, which require slashing vital programs, dent and the Congress have the resolve to What we do in this bill impacts the until we are well on our way to ensuring a balance the budget without a constitutional full scope of Federal spending. It en- health national economy that can be enjoyed mandate. While this initiative failed, I still be- gages everyone in the task of balancing by generations to come. lieve that we need to hold our feet to the fire the budget. I know there are many here In contrast, the Republican budget and enforce our budgetary decisions. today whose parochial interests lead backloads deficit reduction until after the year In closing, Mr. Chairman, I believe that bal- them to declare this plan unfair. To 2000, when the spending cuts kick in and in- ancing the budget is our responsibility as those people I ask them to consider terest rates decline. In fact, nearly two-thirds Members of Congress. I have always sup- this: Is it fair to take the money, fu- of the deficit reduction in the Republican plan ported a balanced budget, and the responsibil- ture, and opportunity from generations occurs in the final 3 years. This is an ap- ity to achieve this is not one that I take lightly. of Americans who aren’t even born yet, proach that was tested in the early 1980's Over the years, I have frequently taken the who don’t have representation yet? under President Reagan and failed. When it political road less traveled in the name of defi- That’s what we do when we deficit- came time to make the difficult cuts, they did cit reduction. When I am in northwest Indiana, spend and run up the debt. Someone not materialize. Remember, the 1980s was the I tell my constituents that I am opposed to cut- pays and it isn’t those of us in this decade when the debt tripled under Repub- ting their taxes because it would undermine room, it is our children and grand- lican control of the White House. Therefore, as serious efforts to reduce the deficit. In March, children who trust us to look out for far as the effectiveness of the approach to I was one of only six Democrats to support the them. deficit reduction is concerned, I would say, rescissions bill, H.R. 1158, because I believe Protect our children’s and grand- ``Been there, done that, let's not do it again.'' we need to start making tough spending deci- children’s future, ensure a future of op- Further, I have grave concerns about the sions now. portunity, hold Government to the approach taken in the Republican budget rec- It is time to get serious about balancing the same balanced budget standards of onciliation bill. One of the most egregious budget. I urge the adoption of the coalition families and businesses: pass reconcili- parts of the Republican plan is a misguided substitute and the rejection of the Republican ation. proposal to raid workers' pensions that could budget reconciliation bill. Mr. BROWDER. Mr. Chairman, I jeopardize up to $100 billion in pension assets Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 yield the sum total of 30 seconds to the and the retirement security of almost 15 mil- minutes and 30 seconds to the distin- gentleman from Indiana [Mr. ROEMER] lion American families. Specifically, this bad guished gentleman from Ohio [Mr. HOB- to conclude the discussion of the coali- proposal would gut pension rules so that com- SON], a member of the Committee on tion reconciliation bill. October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10793 (Mr. ROEMER asked and was given is not wealthy Americans. That is not and France, and Germany and our permission to revise and extend his re- rich Americans. I was not standing in other economic competitors. marks.) front of ritzy stores. I was standing in Anyone who proposed after Pearl Mr. ROEMER. Mr. Chairman, bal- front of the grocery stores and the dis- Harbor to do away with the Defense ancing the budget is like trying to turn count markets, the Kmarts, in my dis- Department, to do away with the Sec- a blimp around in an alley. It is a trict talking to real Americans. retary of Defense in the Cabinet, would tough task. Our coalition budget pro- This is not a tax cut for the wealthy. have been run out of town. Today, as posal balances the budget by the year It is a tax cut for every single Amer- we have tens of billions of dollars of 2002, and it is preferable to the Repub- ican, and why are we going to do it? trade deficit with China and Japan, lican budget for two reasons: Mr. Chairman, it is their money, and people who propose to diminish our First, because it has tough choices they can spend it better than we can. ability to compete economically also with fair outcomes. We keep children The CHAIRMAN. The Chair recog- ought to be run out of town. in Head Start. We do not buy B–2 Mr. Chairman, tax cuts do not do any nizes the gentleman from Minnesota bombers that the Defense Department good for working men and women who [Mr. SABO], who, under a previous does not even want. lose their jobs. This proposal will not unanimous-consent agreement, has 50 Second, we say we should not pander only leave our mothers and fathers minutes remaining. to the electorate for tax cuts. Let us without adequate health care, it will require shared sacrifice from all Amer- Mr. SABO. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 leave them without jobs. icans to achieve a balanced budget. We minutes to the distinguished gen- Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 do that. I encourage my colleagues to tleman from Connecticut [Mr. GEJDEN- minutes to the distinguished gen- vote for the coalition budget. SON]. tleman from South Carolina [Mr. Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 Mr. GEJDENSON. Mr. Chairman, INGLIS], a member of the Committee on minutes to the gentleman from Ari- what is most troubling about this rec- the Budget. zona [Mr. SHADEGG], a member of the onciliation proposal is tens of thou- Mr. INGLIS of South Carolina. Mr. Committee on the Budget. sands of dollars of tax cuts will go to Chairman, I thank the gentleman from (Mr. SHADEGG asked and was given people who make $300,000 and more. Ohio for yielding this time to me, and permission to revise and extend his re- Working men and women will be hurt I think everyone knows here, Mr. marks.) in numerous ways. Even Jack Kemp Chairman, that we have a problem. The Mr. SHADEGG. Mr. Chairman, we are says that there is an increase in this problem is we spend more money than here engaged in a debate, and a central proposal that the Republicans are of- we have got. The American people issue of that debate is the question of fering on poor working families and the know that, too, and they want a solu- tax cuts. I hear my colleagues on the impact of dismantling the Commerce tion. other side say we should not be doing Department will leave them not just Now the one or two ways to do it. tax cuts for the wealthy. Yet at the without a tax cut, a tax increase for One of the ways that was tried here in heart of our tax cut is a tax cut for these working families, it will leave 1993, and that is the President’s ap- every American who pays taxes and them without a job. proach, is to raise taxes. But, as we has children. I do not think that is the Mr. Chairman, the Commerce Depart- have all discovered, the American peo- definition of the wealthy. ment over the last year and a half has ple are paying about 50 cents out of But I take the issue of whether or not been responsible for 300,000 new jobs in every dollar they make in taxes. Fed- we ought to be doing tax cuts as a seri- this country. Doing away with a Cabi- eral, State, and local; we add it all up, ous one. I have a theory. The theory is net position of Commerce and replac- and it is 50 cents out of every dollar that those of us here in this Congress ing it with an agency head would be they make. Therefore on this side we all too often go home and talk to peo- akin to taking the Secretary of De- have concluded that is an unacceptable ple who attend our townhalls or Rotary fense in the midst of the cold war and approach. We cannot raise taxes. In clubs or Kiwanis clubs. We do not talk removing him from the Cabinet. As fact, in order to lessen that crushing to real Americans. So this last week- other countries increase their efforts burden we need to reduce taxes and end, I went home and spent 2 hours at export promotion to make sure allow people to keep more of what they talking to real Americans in front of there are jobs for working Americans, have got. drug stores and grocery stores and dis- So, the only solution is the other this proposal from the Republican ma- count stores. I had a staffer do it, too. one, and that is to cut spending. That jority will undercut our country’s abil- The results will shock my colleagues, is why I am excited about this rec- ity to compete internationally, and it and I urge them to do the same thing. onciliation bill. It gives us the best op- is, again, skewed illogically. While portunity we have had, in my time b 1715 three-quarters of our exports are non- here surely, to get a handle on this agricultural, three-quarters of the I talked to 55 different real Ameri- problem and to deal with the fact that money in support of exports goes to ag- cans in my district, women who walked we are spending more money than we up with one child in their arms and a riculture and 25 percent, a cut of 25 have got. second following along behind them, percent, occurs on the manufactured Mr. Chairman, this bill has the wel- and I asked them, I said, The Congress side of exports, hurting our ability to fare reform proposals that we so des- is engaged in a debate about whether compete further with Japan, with perately need, it has Medicare propos- we need deficit reduction or tax cuts or France, and other countries who take als that will keep the system from both. Do my colleagues know how they this competition very seriously. going broke, it has the appropriations responded? I will tell my colleagues One of the Republicans earlier called bills that are on budget target. The re- how they responded. Eighty-two per- the middle-class people who make sult of all that is that we will be on the cent said they need real tax cuts in $300,000 to $700,000 a year. I only wish path to balancing the budget in the their lives. Of the 55 people I talked to, that was the middle class in America, year 2002, something the American peo- 8 said we ought to be focused on deficit but one thing the middle class wants ple desperately want us to do. reduction, just 8 of 55. Thirty-two of more than anything is to make sure The only thing that I would urge my the fifty-five said they want to see us that their parents are safe with Medi- colleagues to avoid in all this process both do deficit reduction and tax cuts care, if they need nursing home care, though is the danger of demagoguery, because they do feel overburdened by that is provided, and that they and and there is a tremendous danger, we today’s taxes. Thirteen said they want- their children have jobs and have the are all guilty of it at times on our side, ed tax cuts only. The burden of Federal ability to work so that they can feed maybe when we are talking about taxes in their lives is oppressive. and pay for their family needs. That is President Clinton’s tax increase. They By the way, in 1950 it was 1 dollar out central among what Americans want. engage in a little bit of that on their of 50. Today it is 1 dollar out of every Doing away with the Cabinet position side in this debate. There is a lot of 4 that an American family earns. of Secretary of Commerce saves no demagoguery that scares a lot of peo- So a total of 45 of the 55 said they money and will cripple the Cabinet ple to death. There is only one dif- needed tax cuts in their families. That Secretary’s ability to deal with Japan, ference: We did not scare many people H 10794 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 that were well-to-do with a fear about the Republican reconciliation plan Section 17207(g) of the bill aims to reduce a tax increase. But if my colleagues today, the Cramer amendment that the funding for the remnants of the National continue the demagoguery on Medi- passed that preserved the certification Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and care, they are going to scare a whole process, that would be done away with; the National Institute of Standards by 25 per- lot of people to death out there in is that correct? cent below fiscal year 1995 spending levels. America that are very worried about Mr. BROWN of California. Yes, that The intent, I believe, was to eliminate adminis- how they are going to make it. We in- is correct, and that would be a serious trative overhead. The problem here is that tend to save the program so that they blow to the efficacy of our weather sys- both agencies have depended heavily on de- can make it. tem throughout the United States be- partmental level administrative support since Mr. SABO. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 cause we are going through a major they have been a part of the Department of minutes to the distinguished gen- transition. The law requires, and the Commerce. Less than 10 percent of each tleman from California [Mr. BROWN]. gentleman’s amendment required, that agency's 1995 budget is related to program (Mr. BROWN of California asked and we do not close stations unless it is management at all, and only a fraction of that was given permission to revise and ex- certified by appropriate authority, that could be considered administrative overhead. tend his remarks.) this does not decrease the availability The chart before you shows how this arbi- Mr. BROWN of California. Mr. Chair- of service, and that is not a part of the trary budget cap would affect the functions of man, before I yield briefly to the dis- language that is contained in this bill. the two agencies. For NOAA, over 70 percent tinguished gentleman from Alabama Mr. CRAMER. If the ranking member of the agency funding is directly related or [Mr. CRAMER], let me set the scene. The would continue to yield, that is a very supports weather forecasting. This involves Committee on Science has referred to important public safety issue that we the weather offices around the country, the this as the Commerce Dismantling Act would be giving up if we passed the Re- Doppler radars that are being installed to pro- because we have either full or partial publican plan today. vide better severe weather tracking, and the Mr. BROWN of California. That is ab- jurisdiction over about two-thirds of satellites that have revolutionized hurricane solutely correct. the Commerce budget, particularly tracking and overall weather predictions. The NOAA and NIST, and we considered Now in the brief time that I have I am just going to make a couple of remainder of NOAA is related to coastal and that and took certain actions which fishery programs and supports a multibillion basically were taken unanimously in points, and I hope my colleagues can see this chart. What we were faced dollar industry. the committee which would have pro- with, what we have in this bill, is the The NIST supports the setting of standards, tected to some degree the programs of 25-percent mandatory reduction plus basic research, and of course, technology pro- NOAA and NIST, which includes some the elimination of the ATP program, grams which the Republicans have found very important functions critical to the Manufacturing Extension Program, ideologically objectionable. the safety of the country. The amend- The formula contained in the bill requires a the NOAA Ocean Environmental Pro- ments that we adopted unanimously in gram. These have to be a part of the 25- 25-percent reduction to these programs. The committee and reported out to the percent cut, but they are not sufficient right-hand bar shows how these reductions floor mysteriously disappeared on their to make it all up. After we make all of will play out. way to the reconciliation bill, and First, the bill would target investment pro- these cuts which in effect destroy these grams such as the Advanced Technology Pro- therefore they do not appear, and we technology programs, there is still a want to point some of these things out, gap of $203 million which has to be gram and the Manufacturing Extension Pro- and this chart shows what happened. made up in order to meet the 25-per- gram, which incidentally the House has voted First of all, the programs under our cent requirement. on several occasions to support. jurisdiction were faced with an arbi- Mr. Chairman, I do not want to scare Next, the bill targets certain coastal and trary cut of 25 percent. A considerable people by saying that we will utterly fishery programs and environmental programs number of programs were transferred destroy the Nation’s weather system or which have been carried out by NOAA. to other jurisdictions, and some of anything like that. On the other hand After all is said and done, the formula still them were specifically cut or elimi- I want to rebut the statement that this requires over $200 million in arbitrary reduc- nated, particularly in NIST, where the does no harm to the weather system. tions to ongoing programs which will have to Advanced Technology Program and the We cannot take $203 million, which is come out of weather services within NOAA Manufacturing Extension Program the amount that NOAA will have to ab- and basic research within NIST. were emasculated. sorb in a program which is largely In advance of consideration of this bill Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Chairman, will the weather-related, without doing severe today, I conducted a survey of State Gov- gentleman yield? damage to our existing weather report- ernors to determine how they would cope with Mr. BROWN of California. I yield ing system which is undergoing a the possibility of a diminished level of serv- briefly to the gentleman from Alabama major transition at that time. We will ices, especially for weather and fishery pro- [Mr. CRAMER] for some comments undoubtedly have to close more sta- grams. In particular, I wanted to address the about the subject that he spent a lot of tions and close them more rapidly than issue of how the States would pick up the time on, the weather programs. we would otherwise. slack and supplement any shortfall as a result Mr. CRAMER. Mr. Chairman, I thank This is not what the committee voted of this provision. I would like to include in the the ranking member for yielding to to do when we had this bill before us, record at the appropriate time a sample of the me, and I want to make a point, per- the Commerce Reorganization Act or responses that I have received. I will also in- haps with the gentleman’s help, about dismantling act. We do not think it clude a more detailed analysis of how this our Weather Service programs carried should be in this bill, and we suggest overall budget cap will affect the two agencies. under the umbrella of NOAA, the Na- that this is another good reason to vote When the Chrysler bill was brought before tional Weather Service. no on this reconciliation bill. the Science Committee, an amendment was Two weeks ago in the debate on the Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to H.R. offered to delete a similar budgetary provision. omnibus science bill, Mr. Chairman, we 2517 and the process that has prevented This amendment was strongly supported by came to the floor with an issue that re- Members on both sides of the aisle from mak- both sides of the aisle and easily adopted. I lates to the certification of the Weath- ing this a workable reconciliation process. want to acknowledge, however, that there is a er Service offices, and a lot of us from When the Rules Committee met, I offered technical difference in the base text compared both sides of the aisle were very con- two amendments relating to title XVII of the bill to that we deleted in committee. cerned that unless this amendment, which abolishes the Department of Com- Rather than forcing an across-the-board re- the amendment that I offered in the merce. These, in fact, were similar to amend- duction as the original Chrysler bill did, this bill Cramer amendment, passed, that we ments successfully adopted when the Science makes a general reduction. The effect is the could see the offices shut by a bureau- Committee marked up this bill. same, however. Both legislative forms mask crat rather than going through the cer- The first of these would delete the arbitrary the true impact of such budgetary reductions. tification process that the existing law funding cap which, we have found, would Both seek to convey the impression that it is preserved. heavily impact the Government's ability to pro- easy to make cutsÐjust pick a number. The I would ask the ranking member of vide basic weather services for the protection reality is that when authorizing or appropriat- the Committee on Science, if we passed of the public. ing committees look at the substance of these October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10795 programs, such cuts do not come so easily. measure, has contributed to the resurgence of NOAA F.Y. 95 level 1972 (¥55) ...... 1,917 This top down, arbitrary approach to budget American manufacturers. MEP often has been NIST F.Y. 95 level ...... 700 cutting avoids our basic responsibility as an in- the only place that traditional small busi- stitution to conduct oversight and set priorities. nesses, faced with extinction unless they Total ...... 2,617 The details of how the cuts would be imple- learned how to become a just-in-time, high The 75% limitation would allow a total mented are still lacking because of the mag- tech supplier for their traditional customers, spending of 1963. nitude of the changes that would have to be could go for help in making the transition. The resulting reduction of $654 million made. In a recent hearing before the Science MEP also is cost-effective; one independent would, to some extent, be offset by mandated Committee, Dr. Elbert Friday, Director of the review documented $8 of direct benefit to terminations which account for $36 million National Weather Service, testified that such small businesses for every Federal dollar in NOAA and $415 million in NIST. This cuts would force a fundamental restructuring going into the program. It clearly would be would leave $203 million in net reductions of the modernized weather forecasting system penny-wise, pound-foolish to use this bill to that would need to be allocated to the re- we are now more than half way through. override the reasoned judgment about MEP of maining NOAA/NIST programs. The agencies would allocate this on a pro rated basis pro- There is no question that some and perhaps the committees of jurisdiction. many weather offices would have to be portional to the remaining budget require- There are many matters in this bill that de- ments. closed. I am cognizant that the Republican serve far greater attention than has been leadership does not want to hear such talk NOAA 95—1972 less transfers/terminations given them in this process. I hope that my col- equals 1881. and they have branded it as a scare tactic. I leagues will join me in voting against this mis- NIST 95—700 less transfers/terminations believe that we will find that it is the reality. guided bill. I would now like to speak briefly on another equals 285. amendment I offered before the Rules Com- IMPACT OF RECONCILIATION BILL ON SCIENCE Total—2672 less transfers/terminations AGENCIES mittee. That amendment would delete the pro- equals 2166. vision in this bill that repeals the organic legis- The Chrysler bill does three things: (a) it Thus, of the remaining combined budg- lation establishing NIST's Manufacturing Ex- transfers certain functions to other agencies, etary requirements, 87% are related to NOAA and 13% are related to NIST. Applying tension Program. This is a back-door attempt (b) mandates the termination of certain functions, and (c) places a cap of 75% of F.Y. these to the $203 million cut, assume that to kill a program which has received bipartisan 95 spending for the sum of NOAA and NIST NOAA is cut by 177 and assume that NIST is support every time it has come up for a vote programs excluding the transferred pro- cut by 26. this year for authorizations or appropriations. grams. This will result in a NOAA budget of $1,704 The MEP is a proven program which has All program transfers are related to NOAA million and a NIST budget of $259 million. breathed new life into thousands of small busi- and account for $55 million. Thus the ad- The following table shows how this compares nesses around the country, and in no small justed base for the combined total is: to other budgetary actions.

Fiscal year 1996 Fiscal Budget Agency year House Senate re- H.R. 1995 Re- Author- appro- appro- quire- 2517 quest ization pria- pria- ment 1 tion tion

NOAA ...... 1,972 2,094 1,725 1,817 1,993 1,881 1,704 NIST ...... 701 1,023 338 404 351 285 259 Total ...... 2,673 3,117 2,063 2,221 2,344 2,166 1,963 1 The ‘‘Budgetary Requirements’’ is defined in this context as the 1995 spending level minus program transfers and terminations. That is, this is the remaining funding needed for NOAA and NIST from which the general reduction of $203 million must be made.

Thus, NOAA would be cut by 11% below the The Division also receives $118,800 from the eries assistance programs as the valuable F.Y. 95 baseline adjusted for program trans- federal Atlantic Coastal Fisheries Coopera- and cost-effective programs that they are, I fers and 9% below the baseline remaining tive Management Act. No state match is re- would be most happy to do so. after both transfers and terminations are quired. Currently the funding is utilized to Sincerely, subtracted from the base. provide support to the Atlantic States Ma- TIMOTHY R.E. KEENEY, NIST would be cut by 63% below the F.Y. rine Fisheries Council fisheries management Director, 95 baseline and 9% if terminations are sub- process. It allows staff to provide input to Department of Environmental Management. tracted from the base. ASMFC management boards and to collect For the resulting NOAA/NIST conglom- field data in support of the ASMFC process. STATE OF LOUISIANA, DEPARTMENT erate, the spending cap will cut below the Half of the appropriation has been awarded House appropriations level by 11% and the to the Division of Enforcement to supporting OF WILDLIFE AND FISHERIES Senate appropriations level by over 16%. species management plan mandates. Baton Rouge, LA, October 11, 1995. As you know, the ACFCMA gives the Sec- Hon. GEORGE E. BROWN, JR., STATE OF RHODE ISLAND AND PROVI- retary of Commerce the authority, through House of Representative, Committee on Science, DENCE PLANTATIONS, DEPARTMENT the ASMFC, to close fisheries in Atlantic Rayburn House Office Building, Washing- OF ENVIRONMENTAL MANAGEMENT, Coast states if they fail to comply with fish- ton, DC. Providence, RI, October 10, 1995. eries management plans implemented under Rep. GEORGE E. BROWN, JR., DEAR CONGRESSMAN BROWN: This is in re- its authorization. This action would have a sponse to your letter of September 26, 1995 to House of Representatives, devastating impact on the Rhode Island fish- Governor Edwin W. Edwards relative to pro- Washington, DC. ing industry and its ability to participate in posed legislation, HR 1756 by Congressman HON. GEORGE E. BROWN, JR., Thank you for the management process. Our inability to your timely warning with regards to H.R. provide timely fisheries regulations could Dick Chrysler, which intends to dismantle 1756, which would dismantle the Department further jeopardize the fishing industry’s abil- the Department of Commerce. It is our un- of Commerce and terminate or severely re- ity to survive during this era of depressed derstanding that in its current form the bill duce state fisheries and estuary research stock abundance and availability. would transfer many programs within the grant programs. The impacts on Rhode Is- Reduction of the Narragansett Bay Na- National Oceanic and Atmospheric Adminis- land’s programs of such actions would be tional Estuarine Reserve Grant by 25% or tration (NOAA) to other agencies, terminate devastating. $28,000 would require either eliminating the state fisheries grants and promotions pro- Our Division of Fish and Wildlife currently entire monitoring program or the entire edu- grams, terminate basic research programs, receives $126,320 from NOAA, National Ma- cation program, or reducing both by one half and severely reduce the budget for remaining rine Fisheries Service via the Inter-jurisdic- which would effectively be the same as NOAA programs. Our agency strongly sup- tional Fisheries Act P.L. 99–659. Funding elimination of both. ports the National Marine Fisheries Service from this Act is used for support of the A final possible reduction would be to lay (NMFS) and its parent, NOAA, and feel that Rhode Island Marine Fisheries Council off the Reserve’s part-time manager, which these agencies should continue their mission ($37,500) and the Rhode Island Lobster Re- would render the Reserve non-operational unchanged. We have worked closely with the search and Management Program ($88,740). and deprive the monitoring program of his NMFS over the years on a wide variety of is- Loss of funds would require that we termi- substantial volunteer efforts. Any alter- sues and have found this group to be effec- nate two biologists and reallocate funds to native would functionally shut down the Re- cover staff activities which support the Ma- serve. tive in bringing together diverse interests to rine Fisheries Council, our state’s lead fish- If I can be of any assistance to you or your develop mid-ground solutions and create a eries management organization. committee in defending NOAA’s marine fish- fair balance among conflicting positions. H 10796 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 Repeal of NMFS’ authority to provide fish- correct, should ask themselves, how first provision would allow private debt eries related grants and substantial reduc- much could we do for health care, how collection companies to collect debts tions in NMFS’ research and management much could we do for other programs, owed to the Internal Revenue Service. capabilities, would severely impeed impor- for science, for example, if we had the While the Ways and Means Committee tant Federal activities including the rebuild- ing of fish stocks, expansion of the economic use of $235 billion that is lost in inter- is working on a taxpayer bill of rights, benefits of the nation’s marine fisheries, and est? this bill allows the IRS to give con- the enhancement of the U.S.’s position in That is why I urge adoption of the fidential tax information to private global trade. From a state’s perspective it Budget Reconciliation Act. bill collectors, who could use all sorts would also severely curtail our research and Mr. SABO. Mr. Chairman, I am of harassment to get the money. management activities for our important re- pleased to yield 5 minutes to the dis- The second provision would require newable marine resources. tinguished gentlewoman from Illinois our constituents who get Federal bene- While we agree with the overall goal of [Mrs. COLLINS]. fits, such as Social Security or veter- eliminating unnecessary programs and in- (Mrs. COLLINS of Illinois asked and ans benefits, to receive their benefits creasing governmental efficiency, we feel was given permission to revise and ex- through electronic funds transfers to a that NOAA and NMFS’ have proven their ef- tend her remarks.) fectiveness and respectively suggest that any Mrs. COLLINS of Illinois. Mr. Chair- bank. Not everybody has a bank ac- reduction or dismembering of these impor- count. Not everybody has a checking tant agencies would not be in our best inter- man, the majority once again bypassed the normal committee process by ask- account. I believe that particularly est. senior citizens and others who are dis- Thanks for the opportunity to comment on ing the Rules Committee to include in this proposed legislation. the reconciliation bill a package of abled ought to be able to have the op- Sincerely, civil service provisions which have tion to choose whether or not they JOE L. HERRING, never been approved by the Govern- want the check to go through an elec- Secretary. ment Reform and Oversight Commit- tronic process. The third provision would allow the b 1730 tee. The majority proposes to make Federal Government to garnish Social Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 changes in the civil service retirement Security checks to collect debts owed minutes to the distinguished gen- system, some of which have not even to the Government, and make deduc- tleman from New Mexico [Mr. SCHIFF]. received the benefit of a hearing. They tions from Social Security checks even Mr. SCHIFF. Mr. Chairman, I thank would delay retiree COLA’s, increase for individuals making just $10,000 a the gentleman yielding time to me. agency and employee contributions year. If we want to improve debt col- Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the into the retirement fund, and then, in- lection, we shouldn’t focus on people Budget Reconciliation Act. I support it credible as it may seem, establish a who need every nickel just to pay the because this is a true blueprint to commission to study the retirement rent, heat, and grocery bills. reach a balanced budget for the Federal system and report recommendations Putting the debt collection bill on Government. Reaching a balance budg- for reforms, 7 months after the so- the reconciliation bill without commit- et is not going to be easy. There are a called reforms in this bill have already tee consideration is an example of the number of decisions that were made in been made. sloppy, unthinking approach that has the Budget Reconciliation Act with Both the General Accounting Office gone into this terrible reconciliation which I do not agree. I hope they will and the Congressional Research Serv- bill. be changed as this bill goes through ice have said, contrary to what Repub- Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 the system to the other body, and then lican leadership claims that there is no minutes to the distinguished gen- the conference. crisis affecting the solvency of the re- tleman from the great State of Texas Further, I want to acknowledge that tirement system which necessitates some good programs are going to feel a [Mr. SAM JOHNSON], a member of the passage of these reforms to resolve. Committee on Ways and Means. pinch under this budget, but the fact is Therefore, there is absolutely no need that we have to stop deficit spending. Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. to require agencies and employees to Chairman, for 40 years the Democrats For 25 years in a row our Government pay more into the retirement trust has spent more than it has taken in. have tried to tax this Nation out of fund to make it financially secure. debt. Everyone knows you can’t tax The first result of that is we have a na- Clearly, this is not an attempt at seri- tional debt of almost $5 trillion. That and spend your way out of debt, it’s a ous reform. There is another purpose. failed policy, and it’s time for change. is an immoral legacy to leave to our With tax cuts for the rich being Today, Republicans have a plan not children. packaged into the reconciliation bill in only to balance the budget, but to re- The problem with deficit spending is a second attempt to get them enacted, turn to our families, our workers, our not just in the national debt that will the civil service pension system is once seniors, and our businesses their hard- have to be paid off some day by future again being used by the Republican earned money by enacting much-need- generations. It affects us in today’s leadership as a source of offsetting rev- ed tax relief. budget. The interest on the national enue to pay for them. That’s what this debt, and when the Federal Govern- package is all about. I am opposed it. Democrats must learn that taxes do ment borrows the Federal Government For those rich folks who are not middle nothing for our economy except slow pays interest, like anyone else, any in- class, who earn more than $100,000 a its growth and stifle job creation. Just dividual or business would do, the in- year, that is what this package is last week, in my home State of Texas, terest on the national debt for the last about. I am opposed to the manner in the President finally admitted that the fiscal year that just ended September which it was brought forward. Our Democrat policies of the past have 30 will come in about at about $235 bil- committee’s work should not be done failed, by admitting that his $258 bil- lion. That is the third highest line item by the Rules Committee, but through lion tax increase was a mistake. He in Federal spending today, after Social the normal, open, and deliberative leg- was right. Security and the military, but not by islative process. We must end the Government thirst much. In addition, Mr. Chairman, the Rules for taking America’s tax dollars and The point is that $235 billion is Committee is also expected to include spending it on more Government pro- money that the taxpayers already send the Debt Collection Improvement Act grams, more Government bureaucrats, to Washington, but we throw it out the in the reconciliation bill. While the bill and more Government waste. We must window in the sense that we take the had a number of good features, it also remember that it’s the people and busi- taxpayers’ money, write a check to pay has many important flaws, which we nesses of this country that produce the interest on the national debt, and get Democrats has hoped to resolve when capital, the goods, and the jobs that nothing back in return, because inter- the bill would be marked up in the make this country the most powerful est buys nothing. committee. It now appears that we will economic Nation in the world. I think those that are emphasizing not have that chance. If we keep the Democrat plan of high- the effect of balancing the budget on Let me describe three of the worst er taxes and higher Government spend- various programs, and they may be features of the debt collection bill. The ing we will finally collapse under the October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10797 weight of a tremendous debt. Our chil- Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 For too many years, Congress’ first dren will pay over $187,000 in taxes just minute to the gentleman from Penn- and last solution to every problem was to pay the interest on that debt. sylvania [Mr. WALKER], a member of to raise taxes. I am here to say that That is why it is so important for the the Committee on the Budget. those days are over, and we are here to Senate and the House to pass this bal- Mr. WALKER. Mr. Chairman, I thank bring tax relief to the American peo- anced budget plan. And the President the gentleman for yielding to me. ple, especially to middle-income Amer- should sign it in the best interest of Mr. Chairman, I just want to make icans who have paid the price and seen the American people. Unlike the Presi- the point that the reason why Demo- their taxes go up and up to support big dent’s unbalanced budget, this bill will crats are going to offer a budget on the Government solutions that fail to balance the Nation’s budget by the floor tomorrow that they claim cuts achieve their intended results. Our tax year 2002. the deficit is because they are increas- relief package has two goals. One is tax We must remember history. Every ing taxes again. Sure, we can continue relief to strengthen the American fam- time this body has cut taxes in the to talk about all these things if we are ily. The second is tax relief to create past, we have experienced more willing to increase taxes, but the fact jobs and economic growth for all Amer- growth, created more jobs, and brought is what their budget does is increase icans. more revenue into the Federal Govern- taxes in 1996 for the average taxpayer Our centerpiece is a $500 per child tax ment. by $188, and in 1997, by about $150 more. credit that will mainly benefit lower- Each time we let the American peo- They do it by simply keeping in place and middle-income Americans. Twen- ple keep more of their money for in- what they passed back in 1993 in the ty-seven million families with 51 mil- vestment and savings—we have induced President’s proposal that raises taxes lion children will benefit from this a healthier, more robust economy. out through infinity. What they do is, credit. If you are a family with two That’s a fact. instead of doing what we are trying to children and you make $30,000 a year, Mr. Chairman, Republicans believe in do, cut taxes for the American people, this credit will wipe out more than the American people, not the Federal what they do is increase taxes. They one-half of your income tax liability. It Government. A vote against this budg- continue to increase taxes indefinitely, will give you a 15 percent total tax cut, et is a vote for more debt, more Gov- and that is the reason why they have including payroll taxes. You will get ernment, and more taxes. argued. $1,000 more in your pocket for you to A vote for this balanced budget is a Democrats love taxes. They love to use as you see fit, not for the Govern- vote for a better, a freer Nation, vote increase them, they love to spend ment to use on your behalf. for America’s future. Put your faith in them, and that is exactly what they If you make $50,000, your tax cut with this Nation and vote for this bill. are going to do here. They are going to two children will be 8 percent, includ- Mr. SABO. Mr. Chairman, for accu- increase taxes over the next couple of ing payroll taxes. racy in history, I yield 1 minute and 30 years by about $300 or more on each in- b seconds to my friend, the gentleman dividual taxpayer, and then tell us that 1745 from Texas [Mr. STENHOLM]. we should not cut taxes and try to give As a result of this credit, 2 million Mr. STENHOLM. Mr. Chairman, I those people a break. lower-income families will no longer thank the gentleman for yielding time The fact is that the budget they are pay any income tax. They will be re- to me. going to bring on the floor is a tax in- moved from the income tax rolls. Mr. Chairman, it is important as we crease budget. Mr. Chairman, our bill provides relief make the various statements, and my Mr. SABO. Mr. Chairman, I yield 30 from the marriage penalty; it provides good friend, the gentleman from Texas, seconds to my friend, the gentleman a credit to help families adopt chil- has just made an excellent statement from Utah [Mr. ORTON]. dren; it provides help for those who regarding the political rhetoric to Mr. ORTON. Mr. Chairman, that ar- care for their ailing parents in the lov- which I agree, but when we look back gument we just heard is so ludicrous, ing environment of their own home. We at the actual facts and go back to 1981, to suggest that our budget is increas- provide a new American dream savings there is one thing that he conveniently ing taxes by failing to repeal taxes in account; and yes, with a spousal IRA to leaves out. That is that we increased existence. Under the same argument, go with it for the woman who stays in our national debt $3.9 trillion during the Republican budget is increasing the home, to help families at the most the 10-year period that followed the de- taxes by failing to repeal many of the important moment in their lives, the cisions of 1981. provisions of the 1993 tax increase, first time they purchase a home, or Spending, and this is something we which they do not repeal in their budg- when they need to tap into their sav- have been talking about today, spend- et. I voted against that, just as many ings for medical expenses and for their ing, and spending in the 1993 budget of them voted against that. But to sug- educational needs. All of these provi- agreement, there was one thing about gest that we are increasing taxes by sions will help strengthen the heart the 1993 budget agreement that I would failing to repeal taxes is ludicrous be- and soul of the Nation: The American think most of us on both sides of the yond belief. family. aisle would agree with. That is, when Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 5 Mr. Chairman, our second goal is to we look at spending. The 1993-based minutes to the very distinguished gen- create an economic climate that in- discretionary spending was $542 billion. tleman from the great State of Texas cludes good jobs for all of our workers. In 1997, it was $553 billion that is a 2- [Mr. ARCHER], chairman of the Com- That is why we include a capital gains percent increase since 1993 assump- mittee on Ways and Means. tax cut that fortifies America’s private tions, baseline. In 1981, the base was Mr. ARCHER. Mr. Chairman, I thank sector job-crating machine. $308 billion. In 1985, 4 years later, $416 the gentleman for yielding time to me. This week I realized two new studies billion, a 35-percent increase. Mr. Chairman, I am privileged to rise indicating that more than 200,000 jobs Mr. Chairman, our point is the Coali- today and join a great debate at a turn- will be created every year as a result of tion budget that we submit is better ing point in this country’s history. the Contract With America capital than, better than the majority’s budg- This debate is not only about balancing gains tax cut. Revenues to the Treas- et. It gets to balance in 2002. We do not the budget to save our children. The ury will be increased, and GDP will in- quarrel about the spending. We agree. debate is about ushering out the era of crease by 1.7 percent. Mr. Chairman, However, we say do the spending first. tax and spend and beginning a new era cutting capital gains taxes is a winner Let us not repeat the mistakes of 1981, of smaller Government, less taxes, and for every American. We must also re- when we did the tax cuts first and the less spending. member that 59 percent of the returns deficit exploded. Let us do the spending Mr. Chairman, when this bill is that declare capital gains are with cuts, and do not be as critical of the passed, the years of tax and spend will Americans whose income is $50,000 or 1993 budget as many of the people are if be buried on the ash heap of an unsuc- less. they are concerned about spending, be- cessful history, and a new, more pros- As we move ahead to balance the cause it has done much better than we perous era marked by economic pros- budget, it is appropriate that the mid- were able to do in the early 1980’s. perity for all Americans will begin. dle-income taxpayers of this country, H 10798 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 who have worked so hard and paid so Indeed, on the floor of this House, by and housing combined. Shouldering much, receive their share of the divi- a 310 to 115 vote, this House supported, heavy burdensome taxes is no way for dend that a balanced budget brings. with the majority of Democrats, a ma- an American family to achieve the This is not our balanced budget bill, jority of Republicans and a majority of American dream. We want to make it Mr. Chairman. This balanced budget the new Members, supported keeping easier. We want to keep these dollars belongs to the people of the United the EDA. in the pockets of the American citi- States, and it is high time that they Members know that the EDA works. zens. get the tax relief they so rightfully de- In its 30-year history, EDA has created Let us talk about some of the tax serve. or retained 2.8 million jobs, invested cuts that we believe make our bill Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Chairman, I $15.6 billion in our distressed commu- unique that we are really getting done yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from nities, and generated $3 of private in- for the American people. West Virginia [Mr. WISE]. vestment for every EDA dollar spent. First of all, a $500-per-child tax cred- Mr. WISE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the Just recently I was at a ground- it. This is the centerpiece of our efforts gentlewoman for yielding me this time. breaking where I calculated that for to give American families a little bit of Mr. Chairman, it was good to hear the $2 million to $3 million of EDA a breakthrough tax relief, $500 for each the distinguished chairman of the Com- funds that went into a water system child under age 18. mittee on Ways and Means. The only that leveraged $130 million of private The current tax systems penalized problem is that 85 percent of the people investment, the Federal taxpayer families with children because it does in West Virginia, those earning under would get back every penny that was not properly reflect the very expensive $50,000 a year, will see significant bene- invested in a 3.5-year period, and the cost of rearing children. According to fit cuts, program cuts like student result would be 800 new jobs. That is the Census Bureau data, the cost of loans and other programs, so that 1.5 investment. That is growth, and that is raising a child averages more than percent, those earning over $100,000 a how you really get about balancing the $5,000 per year. By allowing families to year, can get $2,400 back in their enve- budget. keep a little bit more of what they lope, which is not a very good deal by Mr. Chairman, I urge Members to earn, the family tax credit increases any means. help me strip this EDA-killer from this the resources available to parents to Mr. Chairman, I want to talk about bill. properly raise their children. the Economic Development Adminis- Mr. KASHICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield Second, the American dream savings tration, and particularly, what the Ka- 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from account. Mr. Chairman, the American sich substitute does to that. Because Washington [Ms. DUNN], a very distin- dream savings account is a unique, in- what would happen with the EDA, it guished member of the Committee on novative use of the IRA concept to would be transferred to the Small Busi- Ways and Means. stimulate additional savings. The new ness Administration where it would be Ms. DUNN of Washington. Mr. Chair- proposal allows distributions to be a block grant program administered by man, I thank the gentleman for yield- made penalty-free and tax-free for 25 employees. ing time to me. worthwhile purposes like first-time Now, conversely, the bipartisan Com- Mr. Chairman, I have been listening home purchase, college or educational mittee on Transportation and Infra- to debate on this reconciliation bill expenses, and medical expenses. structure-reported EDA bill provides that we will be voting on here in the Lastly, the sponsal IRA. This permits meaningful reform for the same House tomorrow, and I am astounded $2,000 for the stay-at-home, just as a amount of money to the existing EDA at the lack of understanding that the working spouse. I urge all of my col- program without jeopardizing the other side continues to give to the idea leagues to support reconciliation. local, State, and Federal partnership of cutting taxes for American citizens. Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Chairman, I critical to building distressed commu- They still are telling us that cutting yield 21⁄2 minutes to the gentleman nities. taxes is a dirty word. Mr. Chairman, I from Illinois [Mr. GUTIERREZ], a mem- Our bill would launch the Nation’s would like to know, what is so wrong ber of the Committee on Veterans’ Af- economic development programs on a with leaving money in the pockets of fairs. new effort. It would remove much of the American citizens? Mr. GUTIERREZ. Mr. Chairman, I the bureaucracy. It would remove ar- Let us take a look at what we are hear my friends on the other side of the chaic eligibility requirements. Gone really talking about here in the Budget aisle say that they are making history. would be the time-consuming and cum- Reconciliation Act. Twenty-five per- I see them patting each other on the bersome approval process. This is not cent of the tax cuts that we are talking back for devising a budget scam that pie in the sky. It has been reported about are going to businesses, espe- protects the wealth of the powerful and from the Committee on Transportation cially to small business. Seventy-five the privileged. I hear them say that and Infrastructure by a unanimous percent of the tax cuts focus specifi- they are doing this because it takes a vote, and yet the Kasich substitute cally on building and strengthening lot of courage on their part. would gut the EDA. and restoring the American family. We Well, I would like to ask them to put This bill saves every penny that the do not just give tax cuts to the rich. their own self-congratulations on hold Kasich substitute saves. It authorizes, We give tax cuts to everybody, to indi- for a moment and to think about the as the Kasich bill does, EDA programs viduals, to families, rich, poor, middle people who truly made history, who at $340 million per year, saving $1.5 bil- class. That is the strength of this plan. truly protected our Nation, and those lion over 5 years. It has, as I men- We give tax cuts to all Americans. who truly demonstrated courage. Who tioned, both unanimous support, and A couple of facts, Mr. Chairman. In has the answer to that question? Amer- certainly the bipartisan support of the 1950, the average American family with ica’s veterans. gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. children paid 2 percent of it income in With all of the grand rhetoric you SHUSTER], the gentleman from Mary- taxes to the Federal Government. hear, the Republicans would have you land [Mr. GILCHREST], former ranking Today, 45 years later, that very same believe that they would never harm the member of the subcommittee from family pays 24.5 percent, and adding men and women who have served our California, Mr. Mineta, myself as rank- State and local taxes, the total per- Nation. Well, let us listen to some of ing member of the subcommittee, and centage adds up to 37.6 percent percent the facts instead. Let us start with the the Republican freshman class presi- of their income in taxes to all levels of cuts proposed over the next 7 years to dent. government. That means, Mr. Chair- the VA. This committee has repeatedly sup- man, in families where both of the par- One result, increased copayments for ported the EDA, despite what is in the ents work, a very common situation veterans who need a prescription. It Kasich substitute. It was unanimously today, two-thirds of the wife’s earnings might sound like a good example of reported the first time and readopted go to pay increased Federal taxes. self-sacrifice to some. Well, Members of when the Commerce Department Dis- In fact, Mr. Chairman, the average this House have that luxury. We are mantling Act included in the Kasich American family literally spends more not living on an income of $12,000 or substitute was before the committee. on total taxes than on food, clothing, $10,000 a year, but many veterans do. October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10799 Members of this House talk about on our pledge to the American people these services, parents may be forced to give how hard a job this is to be a Member to replace the failed welfare system. up their jobs or seek institutional placement for of the U.S. Congress. Well, most of us We promised to bring real welfare re- children. The cuts would also deny as many do not have to sacrifice our health for form to the House floor for a vote, and as 44,070 disabled children in Texas SSI cash the sake of serving our country, but we kept our word. We pledged to cut benefits in 2002. many veterans did sacrifice their programs, to cut redtape, and to slow Republican cuts are terribly short-sighted. health. Yet this House will force the exploding welfare spending, and we did Cutting the debt today, Republican argue, will VA to care for 1 million fewer veterans just that. save children from paying unbearable taxes in by the year 2002. By the year 2002, it is In the next few weeks, we will send a the future. But this only benefits those children estimated that over 175,000 veterans bill to President Clinton that will for- who grow up to be job holders and taxpayers. will lose coverage under Medicaid, one- ever change welfare from a way of life Budget cuts would fall heavily on poor and third of whom are severely disabled, into a way to help America’s poor get lower-middle class children, leaving them less with crippling diseases or mental ill- work and free themselves from govern- able to hold jobs in the years to come. Hun- nesses. ment handouts. gry, malnourished, nonimmunized children About 20,000 veterans a year depend Mr. Chairman, everyone agrees that cannot be expected to concentrate in school. on Medicaid, not the VA, not Medicare, reforming welfare is necessary. Can- These children will prove less able to compete but Medicaid, for their nursing home didates in both parties have cam- for good jobs with children from affluent fami- care. What do they have to look for- paigned on the need to reform welfare lies. ward to during the next 7 years? The and have won a lot of votes talking For example, Republican cuts would deny possibility that their spouses will have about change. But there is a big dif- Head Start to 12,512 children in Texas and to give up their homes in order to re- ference in this town between talk and 180,000 children nationwide in 2002. The Re- tain eligibility for long-term care. The action. threat that a widow’s VA pension gets publican budget repeals the Vaccines for Chil- To Republicans, the options have dren Program, putting at risk at least $1.5 bil- counted against her in determining her been clear: Whether to save the failed edibility for Medicare. The likelihood lion over 7 years that would otherwise provide welfare system or save the children it vaccinations for children in Texas and across that in States like California, Florida, traps in poverty forever. We chose to New York, and Illinois, thousands of the Nation. The Republicans would cut food save the children. That is why Mem- stamp benefits for families with children in veterans will have no alternatives for bers who want to reform the failed wel- health care. Texas by $3,107 over 7 years. These cuts fare system will vote for this reconcili- would jeopardize child nutrition programs on Let us keep in mind that just a few ation bill, because they know it is short years ago, one State, Tennessee, which 2,743 children in Texas depend. The right for our children and it is particu- House Republican budget block grants funding proposed denying health care to veter- larly right for our children’s future. ans. for the school lunch and WIC Program. Na- More importantly, it is not the job of b 1800 tionally, their budget reduces funding for child nutrition programs by more than $10 billion the States to take care of this issue. Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Chairman, I over 7 years and 11 percent in 2002, com- When I speak to veterans back in Chi- yield such time as she may consume to pared with current law. cago, they did not fight for the great the gentlewoman from Texas [Ms. The Republican cuts in educational pro- State of Illinois, they fought for our JACKSON-LEE]. Nation, our country. Veterans in the (Ms. JACKSON-LEE asked and was grams would have a devastating, long term ef- district of the gentleman from Ohio given permission to revise and extend fect on our Nation's youth. For example, Re- [Mr. KASICH], they did not fight for her remarks.) publicans would cut the Safe and Drug Free Ohio, they fought for our country, the Ms. JACKSON-LEE. Mr. Chairman, I Schools Program, which 1,043 out of 1,053 United States of America. rise to oppose the Budget Reconcili- school districts in Texas use to keep crime, vi- If you are a Republican and you have ation Act due to the fact that it op- olence, and drugs away from their children, not found a reason to oppose this budg- poses the dreams and aspirations of all schools, and communities. They would elimi- et, please make sure you have thought Americans and wrecks health care for nate Goals 2000, denying improved teaching this through. This budget is all Americans. and learning for as many as 413,4000, deny- antiveteran. Your tax cuts for million- Mr. Chairman, I spoke last night about the ing improved teaching and learning for as aires are being paid for by millions of devastation Republican budget cuts would in- many as 413,4000 school children in Texas in veterans. Instead of veterans’ health, flict on children throughout the United States. 1996, and 949,800 children in 2002. And they you have chosen to protect someone Tonight, I rise to speak about the impact these would eliminate both the AmeriCorps National else’s wealth. It is wrong. Vote against cuts would have on children in my home State Service Program, denying 3,171 young people this proposal. in Texas the opportunity to serve their commu- Mr. KASICH. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 of Texas. The Republican plan to balance the budget nities in 1996; and the summer jobs program minutes to the distinguished gen- for 42,491 youths in Texas in 1996 and tleman from Florida [Mr. SHAW], one of would eliminate Medicaid coverage for as many as 206,641 children in Texas and 4.4 297,437 youths over 7 years. the leading experts in the Nation on The Republicans would scale back environ- welfare reform. million children nationwide in 2002. The Re- mental protections which keep our children Mr. SHAW. Mr. Chairman, I thank publican budget cuts Medicaid funding to healthy and strong. The Republican budget the gentleman for yielding time to me. Texas by $7 billion over 7 years and by 20 Mr. Chairman, after expanding the percent in 2002 alone. would allow sewage to flow into waters where welfare state for 60 years, President Currently, 20 percent of children in Texas Texan children live and play. Texas will lose Clinton and the Democrat Party failed rely on Medicaid for their basic health needs. $16.7 million used to treat water pollution and to deliver on the Clinton campaign Medicaid pays for immunizations, regular protect public health. promise to end welfare as we know it. checkups, and intensive care in case of emer- The Republican budget halts the President's Yet, while every lever of power was gencies for about 1,407,000 children in Texas. effort to protect the health and safety of chil- controlled by the Democrats, no one Even if Texas could absorb half of the cuts by dren living near the 32 oil refineries in Texas. acted to save the millions of children reducing services and provider payments, it These refineries emitted more than that today remain trapped on welfare would still have to eliminate coverage for 27,141,998 pounds of toxic air pollution in as we know it. 360,097 people, including 206,641 children in 1993, putting children in surrounding commu- In the Democratic Congress, no Dem- 2002. nities at risk of serious health problems includ- ocrat welfare reform bill was approved Many of the children in Texas who would be ing cancer and respiratory illnesses such as in committee, none was advanced to denied coverage are disabled. Medicaid pro- asthma. the House and Senate floor, and none vides valuable services for many disabled chil- The Republican budget cuts spending on came to the President’s desk for signa- dren, often making the difference that allows toxic waste cleanups by 36 percent. There are ture. Republican and bipartisan efforts them to live at home with their parents. Medic- at least 4 toxic waste sites in Texas. The Re- to reform welfare were stymied. aid provides for items such as wheelchairs, publican cuts will stop, or slow the clean-up, of In contrast, House Republicans today communication devices, in-home therapy, res- sites near Jasper, Texarkana, Arlington, and are taking another huge step to deliver pite care and home modifications. Without my district of Houston. H 10800 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 The Republican's proposed $500-a-child tax to talk about representing the Com- expensing rights, restore the home of- credit would do little to help children in low-in- mittee on the Judiciary. That is, why fice deduction, and make it easier for come households. Families that have no Fed- we ought to call this them to provide pension plans for their eral income tax liability after other exemptions WRECKonciliation with a ‘‘W.’’ employees. The tax provisions in this and deductions would not be eligible for re- Let me tell Members why. We are bill will help middle-class families and funds. In Texas, 2,466,000 children in working doing something to our economy in put in place the only solution through families would have their taxes raised by an this bill that I find unconscionable. We which we can guarantee our seniors, average of $430 in 2002. Families with two or are putting a tax on innovation. Inno- ourselves, and our children freedom more children in Texas will face an average vation is as American as apple pie. from the fear of the catastrophic costs tax increase of $500. What we have done, there was an of long-term care. Too many children in my district of Houston agreement many years ago that we This bill expands people’s oppor- are in poverty, and too many are at risk of have really been abiding by and that tunity to gain the education they need poverty. I find it hard to believe that this Con- was the patent and trademark office to increase their economic power. We gress would further cut the safety net for these ought to run on its own fees, that the extend the right of employers to sub- children. But that is exactly what the Repub- fees that come in from the inventors sidize the education of their employ- lican budget would do. should pay for the services and that is ees. We create the right to develop Cuts in the safety net would deny 30,540 it. American dream saving accounts with children in Texas child care assistance in Well, guess what we are doing today? its flexible rules allowing the use of 2002 and would cut foster care and adoption WRECKonciliation is tapping into these savings for education, tax-free. for vulnerable Texas children by $359.5 million those fees and pulling them out of the And we create a new research and de- over 7 years. The House welfare bill would patent and trademark office. What that velopment tax credit that will help erode the safety net further, cutting child pro- means is obviously the fees are either start-up companies, collaborative re- tection for abused and neglected children in going to go up or the service is going to search efforts, and old-line defense Texas by 24 percent in 2002. The Republican go down. companies create the products of the budget eliminates $29.1 million that helps low- I happen to think that innovation is future. These tax provisions are pro- income familiesÐand 22,325 childrenÐin the basis of the growth of this econ- education, pro-technology, pro-eco- Texas with their home heating and cooling omy. If we look at the Japanese, they nomic growth, pro-family, pro-health bills, and forces families of 204,700 children in spend $1,500 for patents and they do not care reform. Texas to pay more rent. The budget would have as many as we do. We now have a These tax provisions are just as es- also eliminate protection for 4,744 children in fee of $7,500. Heaven knows what it will sential to the well-being of the Nation Texas from drugs and drug-related crimes in be when we get done with over the next 7 years as the specific public housing and deny 5,092 children the WRECKonciliation because every little budget provisions of our proposals. To- opportunity to move from public housing to inventor is going to have to pay more gether they plan a path for our Nation renting their own home. Finally, the Repub- or it is going to take them much longer to reach a balanced budget by the year lican budget denies assistance to 1,143 home- to get that essential protection out 2002 with a healthy economy, strong less children in Texas. The budget cuts home- there that they need, and both are families and enlightened health and less assistance by 40 percent in 1996, cutting wrong. education policy. funding for the homeless in Texas by $30.3 This is a hidden fee that those of us Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Chairman, I million in 1996. who sit on Judiciary on the Sub- yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mr. Chairman, I stand here today in dis- committee on Courts and Intellectual Texas [Mr. BENTSEN]. belief. Disbelief over the fact that Members of Property on both sides of the aisle real- (Mr. BENTSEN asked and was given this Congress would deny assistance to home- ly resent. This is one of the many permission to revise and extend his re- less children, medical care to the disabled, things that are in there. marks.) and food to the hungry child. How can they I also resent the fact that people on Mr. BENTSEN. Mr. Chairman, I rise look their children in the eyes, knowing what the other side of the aisle stand up and in opposition to the Republican budget they are going to do to children like them say, we do not know what is in it. Does bill. We have heard a lot about the con- across the Nation? I fear for the future and I the other side of the aisle know this is sequences of the $270 billion in Medi- can only hope that my Republican colleagues in it? Do you know what you are doing care cuts, but the impact on our States will come to their senses before it is too late here? Do you really want to choke off and communities may be even more se- for the children involved. Let there be no un- innovation and patents and the effi- vere because of the $182 billion cuts in certainty: the damage they would inflict upon cient service that we have been seeing? Medicaid. the children of this Nation will last a lifetime Is it really fair to raise their fees to Our Nation already faces the chal- and its legacy will last even longer. Therefore, pay for the debt that came out of gen- lenge of providing health care to 40 I oppose the Budget Reconciliation Act and eral revenues? I do not think so. I hope million Americans who are uninsured. will encourage the President to veto it. that we talk about this some more. This Congress should be working on Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Chairman, I Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 that problem. Instead, we are voting on yield 21⁄2 minutes to the gentlewoman minutes to the gentlewoman from Con- a repeal of Medicaid that would add 8.8 from Colorado [Mrs. SCHROEDER], a necticut [Mrs. JOHNSON], a very distin- million people to the list of the unin- member of the Committee on the Judi- guished member of the Committee on sured. ciary. Ways and Means, an individual who has Texas will be one of the hardest hit Mrs. SCHROEDER. Mr. Chairman, I been very instrumental in drafting States, and this bill makes matters thank the gentlewoman for yielding me many provisions of the Medicare and worse because of a funding formula the time. Medicaid part of this legislation. that does not adequately account for Let me start off by just answering Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. population growth and poverty levels. one of the charges made on the other Chairman, some of my colleagues be- Altogether, Texas would lose $11 billion side and that was that we Democrats lieve we should be discussing here over the next 7 years under this Medic- did not know what was in here and that today merely a budget bill. I believe aid repeal, a 29 percent reduction in we really were all pro-taxes. that would be inadequate to meet to- 2002 alone. Even if Texas could absorb Let me just point out this chart that day’s demands or our Nation’s needs half the cuts by reducing services, it I borrowed from someone else—68.4 per- over the next 7 years. I am proud that would still have to eliminate coverage cent of middle-income families are we are offering here today a budget for 687,000 people by the year 2002. going to get a tax increase if that bill plan that includes numerous tax re- No formula will correct the inequity passes, or they are going to pay the forms that together will help our com- of the repeal of the individual entitle- same. And 64.3 percent of the wealthy panies compete in an intensely com- ment of Medicaid. It is mathematically people are going to get a tax cut. petitive international market and so impossible. Yes, we know what is in it. And that assure the millions of jobs these com- This Republican plan would force is why we are upset. But let me go to panies provide. It will help small com- Texas to eliminate coverage for about my next chart which is what I planned, panies grow by providing them better 43,000 elderly people needing long-term October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10801 care. Without Medicaid, families of the percent of the tax returns reporting under this plan. Twenty-eight years elderly and disabled could not afford capital gains were filed by taxpayers ago, Mr. Chairman, that would have nursing home care that costs an aver- with adjusted gross incomes of less been my three children. age of $38,000 a year. than $75,000, 77 percent; and 60 percent Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 The Republican Medicaid repeal had adjusted gross incomes of less than minutes to the gentleman from Mis- would force Texas to eliminate cov- $50,000, hardly the rich in America. souri [Mr. HANCOCK]. erage for 394,000 children in the year But even more impressive than any Mr. HANCOCK. I thank the gen- 2002. Currently, 20 percent of children of these statistics was a young man in tleman from Arizona for yielding me in Texas rely on Medicaid for their my district. When I talked to a high the time. basic health needs, including immuni- school assembly, a 17-year-old young Mr. Chairman, for 40 years, the Re- zations, regular checkups and intensive man from the least affluent part of my publicans in the House have been try- care in case of emergencies. They get district came up to me afterward, and ing to demonstrate how they differ top-quality care at such facilities as he said, ‘‘Ramstad, I liked what you from Democrats on the role of govern- Hermann Hospital and Texas Children’s said about capital gains.’’ ment in the lives of the American peo- Hospital at the Texas Medical Center I was not accustomed to such feed- ple. The true difference between Re- in my district. But this guarantee of back from 17-year-old high school stu- publicans and the Democrats is that care would be gone under the Repub- dents. I asked him, ‘‘Young man, do the Republicans want less government lican plan. you have any capital gains?’’ He looked and for Americans to keep what they Texas could avoid these difficulties back at me and his eyes got about this earn. Democrats want more govern- but only by increasing its own spend- big and he said, ‘‘No, not now, ment and as much tax money as they ing on Medicaid by 48 percent by rais- Ramstad, but someday I hope to.’’ can get so they can run a social engi- ing taxes and cutting other critical Mr. Chairman, that is the kind of in- neering experiment from Washington, programs such as education. centive we have to restore to the Tax DC. Hospitals in my district would also Code in this country. Now, for the first time in many, many years, we have the opportunity be hard hit by this Medicaid repeal. All Americans, Mr. Chairman, will to give back to the American people The Harris County Hospital District, benefit from this bill. Let us keep faith some of the hard-earned dollars they the Nation’s sixth largest, will lose be- with the American people. Let us bal- have been sending to the bureaucrats tween $350 million and $422 million ance the Federal budget. Let us pass in Washington. That is exactly what over the next 7 years. Hermann Hos- budget reconciliation because the tax- the tax cuts in this reconciliation bill pital will lose $112 million, and Texas payers of America deserve nothing less. does, give something back to the tax- Children’s Hospital will lose $100 mil- Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Chairman, I payers so that they can decide for lion. yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman themselves how best to spend and in- This plan is wrong. It is wrong to cut from California [Ms. WOOLSEY]. vest their hard-earned dollars. this plan to pay to tax cuts for the Ms. WOOLSEY. I thank the gentle- The Democrats are not going to rich. woman from New York for yielding me agree with me, but the vast majority of Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 the time. the American people agree that our minutes to the gentleman from Min- Mr. Chairman, I am going to spend Government taxes too much and spends nesota [Mr. RAMSTAD], another distin- my brief time in talking about an area too much. guished member of the Committee on of this immense and devastating bill Ways and Means. that I know firsthand, Medicaid. My b 1815 Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Chairman, I ideas about Medicaid did not come Even the President recently said, thank the gentleman for yielding me from theory or books. I know it. I lived after he pushed through the largest tax the time. it. increase in history, it was too much. Mr. Chairman, President Kennedy Twenty-eight years ago, I went from Now, with this bill, we have the chance said it best back in 1961. ‘‘Our true being a married woman with complete to help the President by rolling back choice is not between tax reductions on health care coverage for my children to two-thirds of the tax revenues and the the one hand and the avoidance of being a single mother with three small tax increase he started and started to large Federal deficits on the other. It is children receiving no child support and put through on the American people in clear that an economy hampered by re- working at a job that initially provided 1993, with the largest tax increase in strictive tax rates will never produce no health care coverage for my three history. enough revenues to balance the budget, kids. Overnight, a simple checkup be- The main thing wrong with this bill just as it will never produce enough came an impossible luxury in our is we should be rolling back President jobs or profits.’’ household. I will never, never forget Clinton’s 1993 tax increase in its en- Mr. Chairman, President Kennedy what it was like, Mr. Chairman, to lie tirety. Unlike the President, we are was right. The bill before us today is awake at night worried to death that keeping our word by providing tax cuts about two things: one, eliminating the one of my children would get sick. for all Americans while the Democrats deficit and balancing the budget for Thankfully, I was able to turn to will proclaim their worn-out class war- our children and grandchildren; and, Medicaid and other forms of public as- fare chant that these are tax cuts for two, providing jobs and opportunities sistance to add to my salary so I could the rich. The truth is the biggest indi- for all Americans with the tax stimu- provide my children with the health vidual tax income tax cuts as a per- lus provisions of the bill. care, child care, and food they needed. centage of taxes paid go to taxpayers Economist after economist came to Mr. Chairman, that safety net is earning $30,000 to $75,000 annually. our Committee on Ways and Means tes- what helped my family get back on So when you hear the Democrats tifying about job creation. One econo- their feet. But I will never, not for 1 whine and complain about our tax cut mist testified 1.4 million new jobs will minute, think that just because my and budget balancing bill, remember be created over the next 5 years from family made it, so can the millions of they are really opposed to our efforts the capital gains tax cut. As he put it, families who are in similar or worse to shift power from the Federal Gov- the capital gains tax reductions will situations than we were today. ernment to individual Americans. stimulate economic activity, increase That is why I am so outraged by The American people should be proud jobs, capital spending and capital for- Speaker GINGRICH’s assault on Medic- of what we are about to do. mation, improve national savings, in- aid. The Speaker and his allies are tak- Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Chairman, I crease entrepreneurship and raise eco- ing health care from our children. In yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from nomic output. fact, they are cutting $182 billion to California [Mr. TORRES]. Mr. Chairman, we are hearing a lot help pay for $245 billion in tax breaks Mr. TORRES. Mr. Chairman, I am re- from the other side about capital gains to the wealthiest special interests. minded of the words of the late Justice tax cuts being a tax break for the rich. In my home State of California Hugo Black: ‘‘Great nations, like great Let us talk about the facts. An IRS alone, almost 470,000 children on Medic- men, should keep their word.’’ A provi- analysis of 1993 tax returns found 77 aid will lose their health care coverage sion in the bill before us today makes H 10802 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 a mockery of this noble guiding prin- Indian nations. But most Indian people Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Chairman, I ciple. and children in the United States still yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from The proposed tax on tribal gaming live below the poverty line. This Con- Massachusetts [Mr. OLVER]. income breaks innumerable promises. gress has recommended serious reduc- Mr. OLVER. Mr. Chairman, I thank It violates U.S. treaty obligations, ig- tions in appropriations for Federal pro- the gentlewoman for yielding me this nores the U.S. Constitution, cir- grams for Indians. Imposing an illegal, time. cumvents the new Republican rules of reckless, and suffocating tax on top of Mr. Chairman, the budget debate House procedure—and, it flies in the these cuts is cruel. It is also self-de- today is or really should be about peo- face of common sense. feating. We are obliged to treat tribes ple, and the whole purpose of govern- Indian tribes are sovereign entities with due respect. We are obliged to ment should be to help people. with the power to govern themselves. meet our treaty and trust responsibil- So what does the Republican rec- They have the right to engage in and ities. We ought to be helping tribes onciliation bill do to people? First, regulate their own economic activity, that help themselves. We must keep children get hurt. Three million chil- and as such, are immune from Federal our promises. My colleagues, reject dren will lose their health care cov- income tax. From the first days of this this bogus tax. erage through Medicaid, 2 million chil- country’s existence, Congress has rec- Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 dren will have their school lunches cut, ognized the sovereign status of Indian minutes to the distinguished gen- 1 million babies and their mothers lose tribes. The U.S. Constitution recog- tleman from Missouri [Mr. TALENT]. Healthy Start, a prenatal health care, nizes tribal sovereignty. And the U.S. Mr. TALENT. Mr. Chairman, I thank 700,000 disabled children will be denied Government, in over 500 treaties, has the gentleman for yielding me this SSI benefits, 180,000 preschool children recognized Indian tribes as sovereign time. will not get Head Start. That is for entities. Mr. Chairman, we have heard a lot of starters. Teenagers and students trying How can the Ways and Means Com- comments tonight about how we can- to get an education so they can be part mittee presume to overturn 200 years not balance the budget while providing of the American dream are hurt, too. of Federal law and policy by treating tax relief to the American people. You Four million high school and college- tribes, not as nations, but as corpora- know, I think we cannot balance the age Americans will lose summer jobs; tions? budget without providing tax relief to 50,000 young people will lose the oppor- Further, how dare they do this with- the American people, because it is not tunity to earn money for college out a single hearing, a single notice, or just balancing the budget, it is through AmeriCorp’s national service. a single opportunity for public, admin- reorienting the way the Federal Gov- Two million students will be denied istration, legislative, or tribal com- ernment relates to the rest of Amer- Pell grants, and about 30 million stu- ment? This is not due process. This is ican society, lightening the burden of dents will have their college loans cut. not the democratic way. In fact, it’s Government on people. Finally, working families get hurt as not even the Republican way. The new As we disempower the Federal Gov- well. Fourteen million working fami- majority promised not to institute new ernment to some extent, we have got lies will have their taxes raised di- taxes without careful study. They even to reempower the private institutions rectly, all of those families having passed a rule requiring a of society, families, so that they can $25,000 a year or less of income, many supermajority, three-fifths vote, to raise their children, individuals, so of them working at minimum wage, raise taxes. Is this new rule to be aban- that they can invest in their own fu- many of them trying to raise their doned so soon? Mr. Chairman, this ture, small businesses, so that they can children on those kinds of incomes. body’s historical memory seems to be create jobs. But we hear tonight, well, And a real sleeper, an estimated 13 mil- getting shorter by the day. we cannot, because that means we are lion workers will have their pensions There is another reason Republicans going to have to cut the Federal budg- raided by their employers, money that should reject this proposed new tax. et. they paid out of their salaries to pro- The provision will defeat the ability of Mr. Chairman, we are not cutting the vide for their retirement. tribes to become economically self-suf- Federal budget. It is growing under our So why are we then voting on such ficient. Tribal gaming presents a sin- plan over 7 years at 2.8 percent a year, extreme and vicious legislation? Well, gularly viable opportunity to eliminate at the rate of inflation. What people basically because all of those cuts the horrendous poverty on Indian are saying who do not want the tax re- taken together, all of them taken to- lands. All profits from tribal gaming lief is we have to deny tax relief to the gether allow the Republicans to pro- must go to meet the needs of tribal American people so that the Federal vide more than $100 billion of tax cuts people. In other words, revenues can Government can grow faster than the for fewer than 5 percent of Americans, only be used for governmental or chari- rate of inflation over the next 7 years, those people making more than $100,000 table purposes, such as: education, as if the American people were per year. That is who the Republicans housing, health care, police, fire de- undertaxed. care about. partments, child care, roadbuilding, Mr. Chairman, in 1952, the average Well, the distinguished chairman of and sanitation. Greater tribal self-suf- American family paid 2.5 percent of its the Committee on Ways and Means, the ficiency means less cost to the Federal income in Federal taxes of all kinds. gentleman from Texas [Mr. ARCHER], Government. Indian gaming represents That same average family today pays said earlier 59 percent of the people an opportunity to get tribal members 25 percent, or 10 times as much, of its who report capital gains have income off of welfare rolls. The proposed Re- income in Federal taxes, and people are under $50,000. What he did not bother to publican tax is just plain bad econom- saying they do not need tax relief so say was that that almost two-thirds of ics. the Federal Government can grow fast- all Americans who are in families Let me take this chance to correct a er than the rate of inflation. whose incomes are less than $50,000 per myth. The economic success of the If people paid taxes at 1970 levels, year, that they get less than 10 percent Pequot Tribe’s gaming operations in they would have $4,000; the average of all the capital gains. That is typical Connecticut is the exception, not the family earning in the $40,000 range of this bill. That is who the Repub- rule. The perception that all Indians would have $4,000 a year more in dis- licans care about. are gaining great personal wealth from posable income. Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 gaming could not be further from the Mr. Chairman, the reconciliation bill minutes to the very distinguished gen- truth. In fact, across the entire coun- which is before the House today is a tleman from Michigan [Mr. CAMP]. try, only one other tribe besides the good bill. It balances the budget in 7 (Mr. CAMP asked and was given per- Pequots are paying significant per cap- years. It is the least that we ought to mission to revise and extend his re- ita payments to their members. These do, and we need tax relief for the Amer- marks.) members already pay Federal income ican people so that they can do what Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, when the tax on every cent distributed. they do so well for themselves, for earned income tax credit was enacted To a degree, gaming has helped alle- their families, for their communities, in 1975, its concept was to help families viate the long-term problems faced by and for this country. move from welfare to the work force by October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10803 increasing their after-tax earnings and country, and that is a shame, and it is b 1830 providing relief from the burden of tragic. It is embarrassing for the Con- We could not even tear ourselves payroll taxes. gress to do that to its citizens. away from providing double subsidies, Since then, three legislative revi- But there is much more in this legis- where we provide water subsidies to sions have expanded the program’s cost lation, because this legislation is being irrigators in the West, and they grow tenfold to almost $25 billion a year and used to hide a whole series of decisions subsidized crops with the subsidized rising. The Democrat’s philosophy, as by the Republicans in the Committee water. We tried to say pick one sub- usual, was if a little is good, than a on Resources to just be lavish and to sidy. Do not double dip us. whole lot must be better. As a result, lard on taxpayer subsidies to a whole No, that was not good enough. Again, the EITC is the fastest growing cash series of industries that cannot justify this House has voted numerous times assistance program in the Federal them, do not need them, and that this to end that practice, but it is in this budget. The current spending trends Congress has voted against extending reconciliation bill, because they know simply aren’t sustainable. those subsidies time and again. that if it was brought to the House If we are to preserve the EITC for So what have the Republicans chosen floor by itself, it in fact would be working poor families who most need to do? They chose to fold them into the turned down by this Congress and by its benefits, we must reform it to slow reconciliation bill so they will not be this House, because the water subsidies down the program’s fantastic growth visible to the public, so the public will have been turned down, the grazing rate. Even the Clinton administration not be aware of the fact that the deci- subsidies have been turned down, the knows this. In the budget President sion has been made by the Republicans royalty provisions have been turned Clinton submitted to Congress this to continue to give away public lands down, on a bipartisan basis in the last year, he proposed denying the EITC to at essentially no cost to mining compa- several months in this House. So they families with more than $2,500 in divi- nies, to foreign-owned mining compa- put them all together, and then they dend and interest income. Why? be- nies, and let them extract billions of put them into the bill, and there is no cause the EITC eligibility criteria ex- dollars of gold, silver, and platinum amendments allowed, it is up or down cludes many sources of income that from the public lands owned by the tomorrow. families now receive. As a result, some taxpayers. Corporate welfare for the western ex- families with incomes as high as $70,000 The House of Representatives has tractive industries worth billions of a year are eligible for the credit. voted time and again against that pro- Also, we should not give the EITC to vision. It has voted twice this year not dollars is maintained in this legisla- childless workers. For 18 of the EITC’s to allow that to happen. But that is in tion, and it will be reported off of the 19-year existence, both Republicans this reconciliation bill because the Re- House floor tomorrow. and Democrats agreed its benefits publicans cannot tear themselves away Of course, then there is the grand- should go to working families with de- from that type of corporate welfare. daddy, and that is giving away the Arc- pendent children, because the whole We see that they do the same thing tic Wildlife Refuge in this legislation. purpose of the EITC was to help work- with the grazers, people using the pub- Once again, that provision cannot pass ing families with young children stay lic lands to graze cattle. In this legisla- on the floor of the House of Represent- off the welfare rolls. tion we are giving reduced fees when, atives as a freestanding bill. They say Under our proposal, low-income in fact, the recommendation by GAO it is an emergency; that we must open working parents who support their and others is that they should be in- up the Arctic Wildlife Refuge for oil children will see their tax credit rise creasing those fees for the use of those drilling because America imports half substantially. This increase, coupled public lands, that they do not pay what of its oil. with our $500 per child tax credit, will people pay on private land, but this bill Well, they also have legislation here go a long way to helping American continues the subsidies to those indi- to make sure that we allow the export families get back on their feet and pro- viduals. of Alaskan oil to Japan and to other vide for their children. This bill sells off the forest lands of countries on the Pacific rim. so it is Even the Clinton administration some of the largest ski resorts in this not for America, it is for their cor- agrees that in order to preserve and country, and it does not guarantee that porate clients. protect this program for the working the American public will continue to It is for the opening up of these kinds families who need its benefits, we must have access to areas like Aspen and of areas, and they cannot only do it in reform it to slow down the rate of Vail and other areas of recreation. No, a reconciliation bill. They cannot do growth. I urge my fellow Members to it turns them into a private domain. this in a freestanding bill, because help us preserve and protect the earned That is what this bill does. these provisions, these provisions, can- income tax credit for American fami- Why does it do it in this legislation? not stand the light of day, they cannot lies. Because that legislation cannot win a stand the scrutiny of the taxpayers, Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Chairman, I majority of the vote on this House they cannot stand the scrutiny of our yield the balance of my time on our standing alone, just as the deepwater constituents, and that is why they are side this evening to the gentleman royalty subsidies that have been in- in this legislation. from California [Mr. MILLER], who is serted into this legislation in the Sen- This legislation is an absolute Christ- the ranking Democrat member on the ate were turned down in this House, mas tree. This is absolutely a Christ- Committee on Resources, and I ask turned down in the Senate. In this leg- mas tree of gifts to special interests in unanimous consent that he be per- islation, you cannot amend them out, the form of corporate welfare. The mitted to manage that time and yield take them out. tragedy is that every dollar that is time to other Members. So they lavish hundreds of millions given away to mining companies and to The CHAIRMAN. Is there objection of dollars, hundreds of millions of dol- irrigators and to grazers and timber to the request of the gentlewoman lars in subsidies to the largest and companies, is paid for by Mr. and Mrs. from New York? richest oil companies in the world. America. It is paid for by people paying There was no objection. Who pays for those subsidies? The the payroll taxes, paid for in reduced Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- children that you heard about earlier, Medicare benefits, paid for in reduced man, I yield myself 5 minutes. the poor people in this country, the el- Head Start and reduced education. (Mr. MILLER of California asked and derly with their health care. That is That is the tragedy of this legislation. was given permission to revise and ex- who pays for those subsidies. Mr. Chairman, this legislation is supposed to tend his remarks.) We continue to see the Committee on reduce the deficit, cut the cost of Government, Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- Resources just go after and continue to and protect taxpayers from waste. man, already this evening Americans lavish taxpayer subsidies on industry But the resources portion of this bill is truly have begun to learn the tragic manner after industry where there is no dem- Christmas in OctoberÐa legislative rummage in which this legislation treats the el- onstrated financial need for that sub- sale of valuable Federal assets at bargain derly and treats our students and sidy but simply doing it because they basement prices that runs rampant over the treats our children and the poor of this did it. environmental laws of our country. H 10804 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 Many of those who implore us to run Gov- environment, strengthen competition and the Having said that, I am very con- ernment like a business are leading the fight free marketÐand raise serious money. But the cerned that we have inadvertently de- to give away these public resources. majority would rather shill for the exploiters vised a formula that could result in a The bill breaks with over 30 years of law than vote for the taxpayers. number of low-income working fami- and policy and opens the Arctic National Wild- The majority failed to accept Democratic lies actually being a net loser com- life Refuge to oil development. And we may proposals to end below-cost timber sales by pared to current law, even after the en- not even get the money. This bill breaks a the Forest Service that would save $315 mil- actment of the $500 per child tax credit. legal agreement with Alaska that could reduce lion over 7 years. I know that the gentlewoman from revenues to one-tenth the amount projected. The majority voted against ending double Connecticut [Mrs. JOHNSON] is strongly And why are we doing this in reconciliation? subsidies to farmers who receive Federal sub- committed to helping the working poor Surely not because of the need for energy sidized water, although the House has voted in our country. The gentlewoman has independence: this House just passedÐat the for this reform time after time. So, we will con- labored diligently for some time now in urging of ANWR proponentsÐlegislation to tinue to pay farmers to grow crops we are welfare reform legislation, and I be- allow the export of Alaska oil. paying other farmers not to growÐand cost lieve that reform of the EITC program This bill's phony mining reform package the taxpayers a half billion dollars over 7 goes hand in hand with this work. I be- would make the Mineral Kings blush. Not 2 years. lieve this EITC problem can be fixed yeas ago, this House voted for real mining re- Now, why are all these destructive, wasteful with a very slight modification of a form that would impose a real royalty for the policies loaded into a budget reconciliation bill, technical change, and I would like to first time, raising $540 million over 7 years especially when many of them do not really work with the gentlewoman and mem- and initiating the cleanup of contaminated raise money? Why have the Republicans in- bers of the committee to accomplish abandoned mine sites. This phony reform sisted on including phony reforms when it is that. raises a total of $76 million over 7 years, vir- readily apparent that, given a fair vote on the Mr. RIGGS. Mr. Chairman, will the tually none of it from a royalty, which is so floor, the House would be willingÐand has gentleman yield? laden with deductions and exemptions that been anxiousÐto vote for real reform? After Mr. HUTCHINSON. I yield to the gen- any mining company that pays it should fire its all, the House has voted against mining pat- tleman from California, who has accountant. The House voted three times this ents, against deep water royalty holidaysÐnot worked very diligently on this prob- year to maintain the moratorium on giving under Democratic control, but this year. lem. away public mining lands to multinational min- I will tell you why this is all loaded into rec- Mr. RIGGS. Mr. Chairman, I thank ing conglomerates. This bill ignores those onciliation. my colleague for yielding and for his votes and instead charges the mining com- It is to protect these outrageous, expensive fine work in this area. I want to associ- pany the surface value only, which is like sell- giveaways to corporate interests from real de- ate myself with his comments. ing Fort Knox for the value of the roof. bate and real review. These capitulations to Mr. Chairman, I, too, want to express This bill contains an absolute sham reform corporate welfare are unacceptable to the my concern over the potential negative of national parks concessions, an irresponsible American taxpayer and unacceptable to this effects that our much needed and long plan that makes a mockery of the true biparti- House: But they can get loaded into a great overdue efforts to reform the earned in- san concessions reform that was approved by big reconciliation bill, hidden away from scru- come tax credit could have on a small the House of Representatives by a vote of tiny and amendment, and then strongarmed number of very low-income working 386±30 just last year. This sham reform locks through without amendment. families, and I want to let the gentle- in the current concessionairesÐwho have en- These proposals are in this reconciliation bill woman from Connecticut [Mrs. JOHN- joyed bargain basement contracts. because they could not survive on their own SON] and her colleagues on the Com- This bill orders the Government to sell na- on this floor. They cannot stand taxpayer scru- mittee on Ways and Means know we tional forest lands used as ski resortsÐplaces tiny. They cannot survive the light of day. would very much like to work with like Vail and AspenÐto monopoly bidders, Giveaways to the mining corporations, the them on correcting this problem when promoting the intensive development of these ranching corporations, the irrigation conglom- the budget reconciliation bill goes to lands and potentially closing access to millions erates, the recreation industry. Billions of dol- conference. of Americans. Why is this in reconciliation? It lars, our dollars, dollars that belong to the Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. violates PAYGO by increasing direct spending American people, given away without real Chairman, will the gentleman yield? and locks in place the ski industry's fee sched- scrutiny. And the environment gets devastated Mr. HUTCHINSON. I yield to the gen- ule that GAO says fails to provide a fair return to boot. tlewoman from Connecticut. to taxpayers. This is a cynical and deceptive act of legis- Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut. Mr. This bill has a phony reform of Federal lative sleight-of-hand. They are raising pen- Chairman, I thank my colleagues for grazing policy that lets cattle graze for dis- nies, but giving away billions. These provi- their support of our reforms of the count rates on public landsÐfar cheaper than sions alone more than justify a vote against earned income tax credit, reforms that on adjacent State or private lands. Antireform corporate welfare, against the destruction of are reasonable, that are fair, and that leaders pretend this has something to do with the environment, and against this bill. are needed; but also to their pointing family ranching, but they know that just 25 Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance to a problem that exists in that reform, percent of the permittees control 75 percent of of my time. in that it does actually disadvantage a the forage, including ``wingtip cowboys'' like Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, for pur- small group of people who need that J.R. Simplot, a national brewery, a Japanese poses of a colloquy, I yield 2 minutes to earned income tax credit. We are work- land and livestock company, and a national oil the gentleman from Arkansas [Mr. ing on that problem. We are delighted company. The House has voted 5 times since HUTCHINSON]. to have the gentlemen work with us. 1990 to substantially raise the grazing fee, Mr. HUTCHINSON. Mr. Chairman, I We will have some of that problem be- most recently, in 1993 by a vote of 317 to thank the gentleman for yielding me fore this becomes law. I thank the gen- 106. This bill gives the victoryÐand the sub- time. tlemen for their interest, concern and sidiesÐto the ranchers. Mr. Chairman, I would like to ask leadership. This is a disgrace, and a very costly dis- the gentlewoman from Connecticut Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- grace for the American taxpayer. The majority [Mrs. JOHNSON] and the gentleman man, I yield 3 minutes to the gen- is using tiny so-called savings to qualify for the from California [Mr. RIGGS] to join me tleman from Minnesota [Mr. VENTO]. reconciliation process gigantic changes in re- in a colloquy on the earned income tax (Mr. VENTO asked and was given source and environmental law. On ANWR, on credit. permission to revise and extend his re- mining, on grazing, on concessionsÐthey not Mr. Chairman, first I would like to marks.) only fail to pass stronger provisions, they un- commend you and the members of the Mr. VENTO. Mr. Chairman, I rise in dermine and repeal vast areas of existing pub- Committee on Ways and Means for opposition to the 1996 budget reconcili- lic law before they turn the miners and the your outstanding work on reforming ation bill. Someone said grazers and the drillers loose on the public the EITC. It is a program that has ‘‘wreckonciliation’’ is really what it is. lands. grown way beyond its original scope But today I wanted to especially high- Now, there is another way to do this: We and intent, and is in dire need of re- light the impact on the environment can reform resource management, protect the view. and the natural resource area. October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10805 This gives rise to a new era of robber ‘‘wreckonciliation,’’ wrecking the Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I yield barons that were in the 19th century. country and destroying our natural re- such time as he may consume to the Now we have the robber barons in the source legacy. gentleman from Ohio [Mr. OXLEY]. 1990’s. They act as if the only good tree Mr. Chairman, the 1996 budget reconcili- (Mr. OXLEY asked and was given is a horizontal tree, and that the cre- ation bill environmental provisions continue the permission to revise and extend his re- ator endowed our Nation with a vast tradition of 19th century robber barons who marks.) and wonderful resource so the special exploited our Nation natural resources and Mr. OXLEY. Mr. Chairman, I rise in interests could make a profit. lands. From the bill, one would think the only support of the reconciliation package. This legislation sets in motion the good tree is a horizontal tree and that the Cre- Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support wholesale exploitation, the subsidiza- ator endowed our Nation with vast and won- for the 7-year Balanced Budget Reconciliation tion and degradation of America’s nat- derful resources so that the special few could Act of 1995. As the name implies, this pack- ural resource legacy, our children’s make a profit. This legislation sets in motion age of reforms outlines a clear path to a bal- heritage. We see the imprint of the spe- the wholesale exploitation, subsidization, and anced budget in the year 2002. We promised cial interests, including mining, tim- degradation of America's natural resource leg- the American people that we would bring the ber, oil, and gas industries, throughout acy our children's heritage. We see the imprint budget to balance in 7 years and tomorrow we the Republican budget measure. of special interests, including the mining, tim- plan to deliver on that promise. While bal- The decision totally destroyed the ber, oil and gas industries, throughout the Re- ancing the budget in itself is an admirable Arctic Natural Wildlife Refuge publican budget measure. goal, our bill does much more, including: re- [ANWR], by permitting oil and gas ex- The decision to destroy the Arctic National forming our broken welfare system, providing ploration and drilling, stands out as Wildlife Refuge [ANWR] by permitting oil and needed tax relief for American families, saving the spirit in which this law is being gas exploration and drilling stands out as the Medicare from certain bankruptcy, restructur- written. This last great piece of arctic spirit in which this law is being written. The ing Medicaid so States can meet their own wilderness, the arctic plain, is the last great piece of American Arctic wilderness, specific needs, and many other reforms that home to the 160,000 member porcupine the Arctic plain is home to the 160,000 Porcu- ensure that the legacy we leave our children caribou herd, where the calves are pine Caribou herd, where the calves are born. is debt free and full of opportunity, rather an born, right on the Arctic plain. Beyond Beyond the caribou the grizzly and polar ever increasing Federal deficit and a bloated, that, of course, the grizzlies, the polar bears, arctic foxes, and numerous other spe- more intrusive Federal Government. Mr. Chair- bears, the arctic foxes, the conspicuous cies conspicuous and inconspicuous flora and man, I would like to commend the various and inconspicuous fauna and flora fauna abound. Opening this refuge area to committee's that worked diligently to complete abound in this area, an area that has drilling will guarantee destruction of this Arctic this package of long needed reforms. I look been untouched since the ice age. desert wilderness. forward to a productive debate that will show But that is not stopping the robber The majority of the American people oppose the American people that their elected rep- barons in 1995. The majority of the drilling for oil in ANWR. A CNN poll conducted resentatives can act in a responsible manner American people, both on CNN and in September showed two-thirds of the re- for the future of our country. other polls, two to one oppose this ac- spondents opposed opening up ANWR for ex- Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 tion. But that does not have any im- ploration. A more recent poll conducted by minutes to the distinguished gen- pact. We disregard the polls. We dis- Deardourff/The Media Group in mid-October tleman from Georgia [Mr. COLLINS]. regard the people when you take a pol- confirmed the CNN findings. Those polled Mr. COLLINS of Georgia. Mr. Chair- icy like this forward. You disregard the strongly believe ANWR is a unique area that man, I thank the gentleman for yield- scientific information. Everything is must be protected and they opposed drilling in ing me time. shunted aside. No consideration, no de- the Arctic Refuge by a margin of almost 4 to Mr. Chairman, the greatest challenge liberation. The Republican policy mak- 1. Despite the overwhelming public support for to this Congress is its deficit and the ers know best, push instant gratifi- protecting ANWR, the Republican leadership greatest threat to this Nation is its na- cation for oil development and specula- has refused to pull this specific provision from tional debt. I believe it was Mr. Jeffer- tive leasing. the reconciliation bill or permit a vote. The son, one of our Founding Fathers, that That is what we need, a few more polls are disregarded. The scientific informa- said a democracy is indefinite because leases sitting, they are not doing any- tion is shunted aside no considerationÐno de- those who are governed under a democ- thing with, but do not let that bother liberation. The GOP policy makers who know racy will learn of the benefits it can you. This does not stop with Alaska. It best push instant gratification for oil develop- reap from its treasury and it will vote goes on to grazing, it goes on to tim- ment, and speculative leasing takes priority for people who will enhance those bene- ber. It lets the park concessionaires over common sense. fits. take over the park. The egregious provisions of this legislation Well, our democracy is in jeopardy. What we have here is a great new do not end at the Alaska border. The bill gives We are spending some $500 million a mountain, a mountain of special inter- private park concessionaires in our National day now more than we take in to help est benefits, a new national monument Parks control over the National Park itself and pay for benefits that have been en- to the greed and special interest is the NPS stewards. Grazing permit fees on hanced by this Congress. The reconcili- being built today. public lands are reduced below the already ation bill will change this. It will end Let us name it what it is, Mount scandalously low prices. The so-called mining the deficit spending by balancing the GINGRICH, brought to you by the con- reform provisions are nothing but a sham. people’s books. It will change welfare tract scheme in conjunction with the Selling the land at fair market value for the from the current welfare system, a sys- 1990 robber barons, who ride high in the surface without consideration of the value of tem which is out of control, a system saddle of the Republican Congress. the minerals enshrines into law for the mining which has spent $5 trillion over the last That is what they are giving to you, industry yet another subsidy at American tax- 30 years creating a dependency of bene- the destruction of your legacy. payer expense at the cost of our natural herit- fits on the people’s treasury, a welfare They are going to worry about the age. While the Republican majority leadership system that is anti-family and is anti- deficit. They are worried about the def- has determined to slash education, health work. icit? They are giving away the re- care, and other social spending for the chil- The budget reconciliation bill will re- sources. They are selling the assets and dren, the poor and the elderly, they have piled duce welfare dependency. It will limit then score it as if it is money in the on the corporate welfare in the natural re- cash, cash for having children out of bank. They are selling the future of sources provisions of this budget reconciliation wedlock, cash for misbehavioral chil- this country, they are selling our natu- bill into a new mountain of special interest dren, cash for drug addicts and alcohol- ral resources, they are destroying the benefitsÐa new national monument to greed ics. Yes, Mr. Chairman, it limits cash things that have been built and that and the special interests is being built today. to able-bodied, irresponsible parents. have made this country what it is Let's name it what it is, Mount GINGRICH, But it does one other thing; it still pro- today. But the fact is that everything brought to you by the contract scheme in con- vides health care, nutrition and child goes in the name of reconciliation. junction with the new 1990's robber barons care for unfortunate children. Well, reconciliation is named right, es- who ride high in the saddle of this good Con- Mr. Chairman, I urge the Members of pecially when you spell it w-r-e-c-k, gress. this body, support ending the addiction H 10806 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 that we have created to the public’s ance tax. The Republican proposal would it? Maybe it has something to do with a fact budget, the people’s Treasury. Support allow additional deductions to be made from the bill's sponsors freely admitÐthat the oil balancing the people’s books. Vote for gross revenues; such as engineering costs, and gas industry had a big hand in writing the the Budget Reconciliation Act. costs of support services and support person- bill. Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- nel, environmental compliance, permitting and The Republican oil and gas proposal is seri- man, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- other administrative costs. Obviously, by de- ously defective. It would drastically modify the tleman from Hawaii [Mr. ABERCROM- creasing the gross, the royalty will be levied existing statute of limitations on the collection BIE]. on a far smaller net and thus we will collect far of royalties due taxpayers, and would create (Mr. ABERCOMBIE asked and was less than is fair. dangerous precedents that will diminish the given permission to revise and extend The Republicans will try to tell you that their government's ability to collect royalties. his remarks.) royalty will raise revenues in the long termÐ The bill would limit Federal oversight of the Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Chairman, I that after everybody gets their patents and lands companies lease for oil and gas. One rise in vehement opposition to the rec- new claims are being staked on Federal lands, section would allow marginal leases to operate onciliation bill before us tonight, and that their royalty will be in place and will raise without paying any royalties. in particular to the provisions of title money. But, they won't tell you that all other Also, the bill would change longstanding IX as reported by the Resources Com- Federal royalties are charged on gross reve- Federal policy and require the payment of in- mittee. As I am the ranking Democrat nues because net royalties are notoriously dif- terest to lessees who make overpayments. on the Mining Subcommittee, I will re- ficult to administer and just don't raise all that This change will cost, according to CBO, $60 strict my comments to the energy and much money in return. And they won't tell you million over 7 years, hardly a suitable provi- mineral resources portions of the bill. that according to a review of the Nevada net sion for a reconciliation bill intended to reduce, Let me start by saying that Jesse proceeds tax report for 1992±1993, royalties not expand, Federal deficits. James never had it so good. The sham paid by the Nevada mining industry to private HELIUM PRIVATIZATION mining law reform package included in interests averaged 3 percent of gross reve- Finally, the helium privatization section this bill will make it easier to steal nues and 11 percent of net proceeds. In the adopted by the committee would terminate the gold—and oil and gas—from the Amer- bill before you, the American taxpayer is get- Federal helium program. While the ending of ican taxpayer than even Jesse, Butch ting the short end of the dealÐcombining the the archaic helium program is generally sup- Cassidy, and the Sundance Kid could lowest rate with the least valueÐ3.5 percent ported, the committee rejected an important have ever possibly hoped for or imag- of net proceeds. amendment I offered to provide assistance to ined. The bill would also change the current $100 Federal helium employees such as extending Under the Mining Law of 1872, signed rental fee to a sliding scale fee starting at life and health insurance, allowing the use of by President Ulysses S. Grant, gold $100 for the first years and ending with $500 local employment agencies to help place em- miners can gain fee simple title to Fed- for years the claim is held beyond 20 years. ployees, relocation assistance, and govern- eral gold, silver, and other minerals But it also allows deduction of up to 75 per- mentwide priority rather than just department- and the land containing them upon cent of the costs of developing the claim for wide preference in hiring. CBO advised the committee that the payment of a nominal sum: $2.50 or $5 mining. In addition, the bill would give away amendment would have had no budgetary ef- an acre. Supporters of the bill before us the first year's rental fee. According to CBO, fect. Even so, the committee refused to pro- will profess that their bill will change the Republican royalty and holding fee would vide this additional assistance to the 200-plus this situation. But instead it merely raise about $14 million over 5 years. By sim- replaces a bad system with 1 which is employees and their families who will lose ply extending the $100 holding fee, as the their jobs in Amarillo, TX in the next year. Al- no better. Democrats proposed, we would have raised The Republicans will boast that their though there is general agreement that we $33 million in each yearÐor twice as much in need to reduce unnecessary functions of gov- proposal will require that mineral-rich one year as the 5-year total in the Republican lands be priced at fair market value. ernment like the helium program, it is unfortu- proposal. nate that the majority was unwilling to provide But, what they won’t tell you is that, CBO scores the Republican mining pro- under their bill, the land will be sold this assistance to the employees, and their posalÐboth royalties and holding fees at a families, who have served their government for the value of the surface without meager $14 million over 5-yearsÐthat aver- consideration for mineral values. It and taxpayers for many years. ages out at less than $3 million per yearÐ In conclusion, I would reiterate that this is a makes no sense to sell our minerals for that's less over 5 years than the royalty we bad bill because it is abusive to the environ- a pittance of their intrinsic value—it proposed would raise in one year. ment, because it deprives the taxpayers of the would be like selling a bottle of Dom The mining reform bill passed by the House value of the resources that belong to them, Perignon for the price of the cork. in 1993 would have raised real money and still and because it makes a mockery of the rec- Under the Kasich substitute, the De- protected vested mining rights on those claims onciliation and legislative processes. These partment will be forced to fast track that could not qualify for a patent. The Repub- provisions are illustrative of the willingness of approval of the 233 patent applications lican mining proposal before you today en- the majority to bow to the special interests in the pipeline, and give away as much ables all 300,000 existing claims to get a pat- represented by lobbyist for resource consump- as 15.5 billion dollars’ worth of gold and ent. All claims that are able to qualify for a tive corporations at the expense of the na- silver and reserve no royalty whatso- patent get out of paying any royalty to the tax- tional interest and the taxpayers. Severe and ever. payer in the future. in many cases irreparable damage will be To be fair, we should note that the It's evident to me that their intent is not to done to our Treasury, to our Nation's legacy of Republican bill would reserve a royalty raise funds to meet reconciliation or deficit re- natural resources, to our fish and wildlife re- on hard rock minerals mined on Fed- duction goals, but rather to pass a sham min- sources, and to our public lands by passage eral lands for the first time in this Na- ing law in order to quell the momentum for re- of this legislation. tion’s history. Unfortunately, due to sponsible reform. I urge my colleagues to vote ``no'' on H.R. the way the Republican majority draft- FEDERAL OIL AND GAS ROYALTIES 2517, the budget reconciliation bill. ed the bill, it will not raise any money. The Republican bill also includes a give- Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 And, it didn't have to be that way. In the away for big oil. The Santa Fe Reporter said minutes to the distinguished gen- February 1995 budget estimates, CBO scored in its October 11 issue: tleman from Alaska [Mr. YOUNG] chair- the 8-percent net smelter return royalty, pre- The result—of the Oil and Gas Royalty man of the Committee on Resources. viously passed by the House with a 3 to 1 Fairness proposal—could be a slashing of un- (Mr. YOUNG of Alaska asked and was margin, as raising $90 million per year; over 7 told millions of dollars the state normally given permission to revise and extend years, that equals $540 millionÐwith one year uses for schools, highways, and social pro- his remarks.) for transition. grams. Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Chair- The Republicans will try to tell you that their The Western States Land Commissioners man, I would like to address some of royalty is the same as the Nevada net pro- and the conservative Republican Governor of the things that have been said on this ceeds severance tax which raises a lot of Wyoming have come out against the proposal. floor in the recent moments of this de- money for the StateÐso their royalty will It doesn't even raise all that much moneyÐ bate. eventually raise revenues. But, the royalty in in fact it was a money loser when it came out First, I want to stress one thing, in their bill is not the same as the Nevada sever- of the Resources Committee. So why include the reconciliation package that came October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10807 out of our committee, the Committee Mr. FARR. Mr. Chairman, I thank $1 we increased spending $1.59. That on Resources, we addressed the grazing the gentleman from California [Mr. demonstrates the problem. So where is provisions that were mentioned by the MILLER] for yielding me time. all the spending going? Some will gentleman from California. We in fact Mr. Chairman, I hear from my con- argue that it is coming primarily in raised the fees for grazing. I do not see stituents that those of us serving in the defense area. But guess what? Ten that in their substitute. Congress should give the three-way years ago, in 1986, we spent $273 billion The second thing, with what we call test to all bills. The three-way test on defense. This year we are spending the hard rock mining provisions, for that my district holds me accountable $272 billion on defense, a billion dollars the first time we created a royalty pro- for is the three E’s, which stand for less than in 1986. And if we factor in in- vision for the taking of minerals from education, economy, and the environ- flation, defense spending has actually the so-called public lands. So we have ment. This bill fails on all three ac- declined by $73 billion, or 27 percent in addressed that. We just do not speak counts. real terms in the last decade. out in anger or frustration. We have First, it hurts education. It elimi- Mr. Chairman, if the spending in- really tried to do what we think is cor- nates the 6-month interest subsidy on creases are not in defense, where are rect to help balance the budget. We are student loans for new college graduates they? A big part of the answer, as not giving anything away in this provi- which will cost students $3.5 billion. It shown on this chart, is in the area of sion which came out of our bill that also caps spending for school lunch and Federal spending on means-tested pro- came to the Reconciliation Act. child nutrition programs which help grams that increased dramatically for I would also like to suggest that students meet the basic nutritional more than three decades. In constant there has been more misinformation, need. dollars it grew from less than $10 bil- more flat out dishonesty, about the Second, it hurts the economy. It cuts lion in 1950 to the incredible sum of Alaskan Oil Reserve in the past, I $13.4 billion from agricultural pro- $262 billion this year. And, ladies and would say, 6 to 8 months than I have grams without reinvesting any of those gentlemen, that is an increase of 2,600 ever experienced in my 22 years here. savings into research or trade, threat- percent. That is right, 2,600 percent. We have to keep a little bit of history ening our Nation’s critical agricultural Mr. Chairman, according to the bi- in mind. In 1980 we set aside 147 million industry. It cuts the earned income tax partisan Kerrey Commission, in their acres of land for single use purpose in credit which gives millions of Ameri- report, they said unless we do some- the State of Alaska. But the Congress cans incentive to be productive mem- thing about entitlement spending, in at that time said that we ought to look bers of our work force. Above all, it just a few short years entitlement at the coastal plain, where the oil pos- cuts programs that encourage trade, spending, plus interest from the na- sibly could be, and then there would be research, and development which have tional debt, will consume the entire a recommendation by the President the serious impact on our economic Federal budget. That is right, not a whether we should drill. That rec- growth. penny for the three E’s, as the gentle- ommendation came down after a period Finally, this bill hurts the environ- men said. Not a penny for the environ- of time, a period of time, that said yes, ment. The Committee on Resources ment. Not a penny for education. Not a the Congress should have leasing for oil part of this bill are a fire sale on some penny for the economy. Not a penny on the oil reserve, the so-called ANWR of our most precious natural resources. for school loans. Not a penny for de- area. There has been 40 days of hear- It sells the Alaska National Wildlife fense. Not a penny for our veterans. ings held since 1978 after the rec- Refuge to the oil companies. It sells Not a penny for any of it in the discre- ommendation came down. It is esti- mountains to the ski resorts, and sells tionary area unless we deal with the mated that there is between 3 billion the rivers to the water developers. It explosion in entitlement spending. sells the trees to the timber cutters. It and 30 billion barrels of oil 74 miles The conclusion to be drawn from sells the precious minerals to the min- away from the existing pipeline. these numbers, Mr. Chairman, is under- ing companies. None of the funds that b stood by almost everyone in America. 1845 are derived from these sales get rein- There are only a few on the other side This area is strongly supported to be vested into the environment. It grabs of the aisle that still fail to appreciate leased by the native people of Alaska. it all and hides it. it. The Nation’s budget deficit is Many Members might have had a Mr. Chairman, this bill also elimi- caused by wild spending increases. chance to visit with them. These are nates dozens of programs from the Na- These increases have been going on for people that had little or nothing before tional Oceanographic and Atmospheric three decades and it is time to stop the development of oil and now have Administration, NOAA, including those them. what they think is their right due off that study global warming and re- of their land. They have water and sew- search on the ocean environment. This reconciliation vote and this bill age and schools and health, which they This bill does not answer our fiscal is not about the future of the GOP, it did not have before. problems. Congress has already cut the is not about the future of the Demo- But more than that, Mr. Chairman, deficit by $130 billion and did so with- cratic Party, it is not about the future we are now importing $1 billion a week out hurting education, without hurting of who will control this body, but it is of foreign oils—$1 billion per week. It is the economy, and without hurting the about the future of our children. It is important that the truth of this matter environment. It also did so without about the future of this country. It is comes forth. Do not look at the ads and balancing the budget on the backs of about the future of our grandchildren the misinformation that has been con- the poor and the elderly, yet this bill and what kind of opportunity they are veyed to this body and to the general does exactly that by increasing the going to have and whether they will be public. Let us look at this Reconcili- cost of Medicare and giving tax relief saddled with debt. We have the oppor- ation Act as a responsible resource de- to the very wealthy. tunity in this bill to begin to control velopment and protection of the envi- Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 spending, to control our destiny once ronment. minutes to the distinguished gen- again. We have that opportunity with- Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- tleman from Arkansas [Mr. HUTCHIN- in our grasp, let us not let it slip away. man, if I might inquire of the Chair, SON]. Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- am I correct that I have 10 minutes re- Mr. HUTCHINSON. Mr. Chairman, man, for purposes of debate only, I maining? the theme of this reconciliation bill is yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from The CHAIRMAN. The gentleman controlling spending. As Republicans Vermont [Mr. SANDERS]. from California [Mr. MILLER] has 91⁄2 have been saying for years, the Federal Mr. SANDERS. Mr. Chairman, let me minutes remaining, and the gentleman deficit is driven not by low tax reve- introduce a concept into this discus- from Arizona [Mr. KOLBE] has 10 min- nues but by too much spending. sion that does not often get heard, and utes remaining. A 1992 study by the Joint Economic that is the concept of justice. Our Re- Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- Committee demonstrated beautifully publican friends are right when they man, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- and tragically that over the last 30 talk about the serious problem of the tleman from California [Mr. FARR]. years, every time Congress raised taxes national debt and the interest on the H 10808 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 national debt. They are dead wrong in middle class to lower income America. ons that even the Pentagon does not terms of their reconciliation package. And the poverty rate, which was 15 per- want, like the B–2 bomber, at $1.5 bil- Mr. Chairman, what sense does it cent in 1965, after 20 years of going lion per copy, a weapon that does not make and how are we moving toward a down, is 15 percent today. We have work, has no earthly purpose and the balanced budget when we give huge tax bought nothing in terms of a decrease Pentagon does not even want. breaks to the wealthiest people in in poverty. What we have bought is a Now, Mr. Chairman, if we start there America? How does that help us move six-fold increase in the out-of-wedlock then we have to do what they are toward a balanced budget? How does it birthrate. doing. That means $10 billion out of help us move toward a balanced budget In 1965, 6 percent of the children born student loans. The Republicans are when we repeal the alternative mini- in the United States were born out of going to cut $10 billion out of student mum corporate tax so that the largest wedlock. Today that figure is 32 per- loans. Members of that party got stu- corporations in America will end up cent. Why did this happen? Why no dent loans like I did to get here. The paying nothing in taxes? Explain to the poverty decrease but an increase in the Speaker of the House got student loans American people how that moves us to- out-of-wedlock birthrate? Because, Mr. to get here. ward a balanced budget. Chairman, the two most effective anti- b 1900 This morning, Mr. Chairman, the poverty programs, proven through gen- Progressive Caucus held a press con- erations of experience, through all the Now we are going to pull up the lad- ference and we documented that if this scholarship, the two most effective pro- der and say, ‘‘Sorry, we do not have the Congress had the guts to stand up to grams are work and family, usually money anymore.’’ That is absurd. We the large corporations and the wealthi- marriage. have got to balance the budget with est people in this country and elimi- The Federal welfare system condi- the right priorities. nated the $125 billion a year in cor- tions assistance to poor people on them Now, it is pathetic. We cannot even porate welfare that we currently pro- doing neither of those things. If they tax foreign corporations operating in vide, we could move toward a balanced work or if they get married, they get America. American corporations oper- budget in 7 years, but we would not no assistance. That is why poverty has ating overseas have to pay taxes, but have to slash Medicare, we would not not gone down and illegitimacy has no, the United States of America can- have to slash Medicaid, student loans, gone up. We have taken the dads away not levy a minimum tax against for- fuel assistance, or children’s nutrition from millions of American children and eign corporations operating here. They programs. we have given them the Government take all their profits out and pay noth- There is a way to move us toward a instead, and we are now living with the ing in taxes to this country. That balanced budget which is fair, Mr. result. would raise $25 billion a year. That Chairman, which does not come down Senator MOYNIHAN said, 30 years ago, would offset the cuts in student loans heavy on the poorest and most vulner- that a society that does that asks for and in the low-income housing tax able people in this country. Let us have and gets chaos. And we have chaos in credit program. the guts to stand up to the big money hundreds and hundreds of neighbor- Mr. Chairman, we have heard a lot interests and move toward a balanced hoods around the United States where about running the government like a budget in that way. this model predominates. business. If we are running the govern- Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I yield 3 What do we do in this bill, Mr. Chair- ment like a business, look at the sub- minutes to the distinguished gen- man? It is really pretty simple. We ject before us at this moment, the nat- tleman from Missouri [Mr. TALENT]. take the welfare system and we shift it ural resource policy of the United (Mr. TALENT asked and was given so that instead of discouraging and pe- States of America. Mining royalties, no permission to revise and extend his re- nalizing work, we encourage it, and in one else gives away their precious nat- marks.) many cases we require if for able-bod- ural resources. No other country on Mr. TALENT. Mr. Chairman, I appre- ied people because it is good for them earth, no other landowner, no govern- ciated my colleague, the gentleman and their families. Instead of encourag- ment; just the United States Govern- from Vermont, Mr. SANDERS’ remarks, ing illegitimacy, we discourage it by ment at $2.50 an acre. and there have been a lot of sugges- removing the incentives in the welfare Mr. Chairman, we got $10,000 last tions in the last few minutes about package that encourage people to year for a $20 billion gold mining how we should have balanced the budg- make a decision that is terribly de- claim, and we gave it away for $10,000 et, but none of those were incorporated structive for themselves and for their to a Canadian company that does not in a plan from the other side when they families. And then we return power pay taxes in the United States. Is that had a chance to offer them. over the administrative details of this running Government like a business? Another reason to pass this reconcili- system to the people, exercised This bill would not fix that problem. ation bill is because it incorporates the through their State and local authori- This bill has a phony, sham mining Personal Responsibility Act, the wel- ties. royalty clause that would raise $14 mil- fare reform bill this House passed in Mr. Chairman, this is not the last lion over 7 years. Hey, that is pretty the spring, a bill designed to replace a step in welfare reform, it is the first stiff. failed system that is destroying fami- step. We have a long way to go. This The Congressional Budget Office, and lies and neighborhoods in America with lesson has been hard to learn. It has the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. KASICH], a system of assistance that is based on taken us years. We have paid a lot to a Republican, says that we could do family, that is based on work, and that learn it, and now I hope we learn it. It $540 million without even drawing a is based on responsibility. is important that we pass this bill and breath, and we would still have plenty Why do we need to do that, Mr. the welfare reform in it. of mining activity in the western Unit- Chairman? Let us look at a couple of Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- ed States. historical facts. In 1948 in the United man, I yield 3 minutes to the gen- New loopholes for the poor and suf- States the poverty rate was about 30 tleman from Oregon [Mr. DEFAZIO]. fering oil and gas industry. You know, percent. It declined steadily all Mr. DEFAZIO. Mr. Chairman, we are they have not been too profitable late- throughout the postwar era until it past the debate about balancing the ly. Actually, they have been quite prof- reached about 15 percent in 1965. And a budget. Fiscal responsibility has come itable, but they need new loopholes. seminal event occurred in 1965. The to Washington, DC. But the question is Why? Because it is payoff time here. Federal Government declared war on whose priorities will we use in bal- There was an election. There was an poverty. ancing the budget? expensive election. There is going to be In the 30 years since that date, Mr. The Republican majority says that an election. That is going to be an ex- Chairman, the Federal Government has we should start out by, first, reducing pensive election. Do my colleagues spent, in means-tested entitlement pro- taxes on the largest most profitable know what? Those PACs, the banking grams, in Federal spending or Feder- corporations in America, reducing PACs, the mining PACs, the oil and gas ally mandated State spending, $5 tril- taxes on the wealthy; that we should PACs, are dumping money into the new lion in transfer of payments from the increase military spending, buy weap- majority and they are getting their October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10809 payoff right here today. The Repub- As I have said, there are many prob- newal at such a simple level that com- licans are talking about cutting wel- lems with this bill from the perspective petition for concessions will be effec- fare. Cut corporate welfare first. of the environment. But, right now, I tively silenced. Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I will want to focus on two of the most im- I did not think that the lesson of the close the debate on our side, and so I portant: The opening of the Arctic Na- 1994 elections was less competition, re- am the last speaker and would ask the tional Wildlife Refuge [ANWR] and the duced returns to the Treasury and a gentleman from California [Mr. MIL- National Park Service concessions pro- bigger backlog of park problems to LER] to complete his time. visions. deal with. Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- ANWR—BUDGET BILL ASSUMES SAVINGS FROM Mr. Chairman, the budget reconcili- man, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman ITS DEVELOPMENT ation bill is a sham for the Treasury, a from New Jersey [Mr. PALLONE]. We have been told by the majority travesty for the environment and a dis- Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Chairman, I party that opening up ANWR is impor- aster for the American people. I urge a wanted to just speak briefly in opposi- tant because the American people sup- ‘‘no’’ vote on this dangerous legisla- tion to the reconciliation bill in part port it and industry needs it to create tion. because of the opening up of the Arctic jobs and cut the deficit. Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Chairman, I yield National Wildlife Refuge for oil drill- But, this provision is not supported myself the balance of my time. ing. by the American public. As recently as Mr. Chairman, tomorrow we will Mr. Chairman, this is an example of July of this year, a national poll of come back and we will resume this de- the corporate handouts that the Re- 1,000 voters found that voters reject the bate, but perhaps it is a good point, at publicans on the Committee on Re- idea of allowing oil drilling in ANWR the midpoint of this debate, to stop and sources included in the reconciliation by more than three to one. In fact, in take stock of where we are and ask this bill. This bill gives away one of the last that poll 57 percent of those surveyed basic fundamental question: Why do we most valuable pieces of wilderness that opposed opening up ANWR while only do this? the American taxpayer owns, in order 17 percent favored opening it up. Earlier it was pointed out, it was said to boost up falling revenues in the oil This same poll also found that when in the words of the Contract With industry. In return we get nothing told that revenue from ANWR oil fees America, ‘‘Promises made, promises more than a few dollars we could get would be used to cut the deficit, the kept.’’ But these were not promises anyway if we reform our mining and numbers went up: Seventy percent said that were made behind some closed grazing laws to guarantee a fair return protecting this area should be our first door with some special interest group to the American taxpayer. priority and only 20 percent said we out of view of the American people, Mr. Chairman, energy security is not should use the fees from oil drilling to which is all too often the way it used the issue. I am a member of the Com- reduce the deficit. to be done. These were promises that mittee on Resources, but also the rank- The American people do not support were made out there on the west steps ing Democrat on the Committee on opening up the refuge, but it is also im- of this Capitol; promises that were Commerce Subcommittee on Energy portant to note that the oil we are told made in the full light of the American and Power. I can tell my colleagues is supposed to be there may not be people. that oil consumption is on the rise, but there after all. They were promises that were put we are not doing the things we need to An Interior Department study has down on paper. They were promises do to ensure that security. We are not found that there is only a 1 in 5 chance that were made in a Contract With investing in mass transit or renewable of there being any recoverable oil in America that was printed in national fuels research or alternative fuel vehi- ANWR at all. publications. cles. That is the way to ensure our se- And, even if there is oil there, it has They were promises that were re- curity. been estimated that full production of peated in town halls in stump speeches Opening up ANWR will only prolong this field would likely only provide across the Nation. They were promises our addiction to oil. It does nothing to enough oil to supply the United States that were written down in campaign wean the United States of its oil addi- for 200 days. How are we going to cut brochures. All of America could see tion or to wean corporations from the the deficit and create new jobs if them. They were there for all the world welfare rolls. there’s no oil there? Is the price we’ll to see. Mr. Chairman, at a time when Repub- pay in environmental protection worth Mr. Chairman, there is a more fun- lican Members are raising Medicare that risk? damental reason for doing this than taxes on our seniors to provide a $270 I ask the House, are we willing to promises made, and promises kept. We billion tax break to the wealthiest trade away one of the most remarkable do this, we do this reconciliation for Americans, I really find it appalling, natural areas in North America for a the young people of America. The but not surprising, that the Repub- few months worth of oil? Are we so des- young people who have a right to their licans on the Committee on Resources perate for a quick buck that we would future, as my generation grew up would include this corporate welfare sacrifice our natural heritage for a few knowing that we had a bright future for the oil, mining, and cattle indus- drops of oil that may or may not be for us. tries. where it’s supposed to be? I hope not We do it for the working Americans Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. Chair- and I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on the legisla- of this country who have a right to be man, I yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gen- tion on these grounds alone. able to provide for their families. And, tleman from New Mexico [Mr. RICHARD- PARK SERVICE CONCESSIONS GIVEAWAYS IN THE yes, Mr. Chairman, we do it for the sen- SON]. BUDGET RECONCILIATION BILL ior citizens of this country who have a (Mr. RICHARDSON asked and was The National Park Service conces- right to live out their lives in dignity. given permission to revise and extend sions policies included in this rec- The sad fact is, Mr. Chairman, Wash- his remarks.) onciliation bill constitute a raid on the ington has been lying to these people Mr. RICHARDSON. Mr. Chairman wallet of the American taxpayer: This all too long. We have lied to senior this bill is the most obvious example bill specifically allows concessionaires citizens by telling them we could in- yet of the long parade of far-right anti- to set their own prices and rates unless crease their benefits and their pay- environmental bills that we have had there is no competition in or near the ments and the programs that were to consider in this Congress. parks. available to them without suffering the And this bill is probably the most This bill gives concessionaires great- consequences of inflation. damaging bill that we have yet to con- er protection than current law by se- We lied to working Americans by sider because it deals with many com- verely limiting the ability of the Sec- telling them we cared about their fami- plex issues that should have been con- retary of Interior from raising fees for lies, but then we denied them the sidered by authorizing committees, not concessionaires. wherewithal to provide for those fami- rammed through in this giant bill This bill writes a blank check to cur- lies. Today, we see the evidence around which is being rammed through the rent Park Service concessionaires by us, the evidence litters the landscape House this week. setting the standards for contract re- with broken and shattered families. H 10810 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 We just plain lied to young people. would have kept the program solvent for the ardize or reduce the pension benefits of mil- We heaped debt on them and scorned same period of time. The reason the Repub- lions of working-class families. It looks as if them because by and large they did not licans want to make $180 billion in additional the Republicans want to make certain that if vote and now the bill comes due for Medicare cuts is that they need the extra sav- families do work hard, struggle to get ahead, them. ings if they are going to balance the budget and manage to land a job with a pension, they The sad fact is that more Americans and pay for their tax cuts. would not enjoy the fruits of their labors when believe in unidentified flying objects For the same reason, they plan to cut Med- they retire. and UFO’s than believe that Genera- icaid by $180 billion over the next 7 years. All of the cuts I have mentioned would fall tion X will ever see one dime out of The Republican plan would block grant Medic- disproportionately on the working poor, the el- their Social Security. aid and transfer control over the program to derly, and poor children. Are these really the Mr. Chairman, this is a moral crisis. the States. While the bill before us today does groups we want to bear the burden of deficit This is a moral obscenity. We have bro- increase spending on Medicaid, it does so at reduction? Are these folks really failing to hold ken the link of trust between genera- a rate that is not sufficient to keep up with the up their end of our social contract? Are the af- tions in this country. But today, to- program's anticipated increases in caseload fluent families that will benefit most from this morrow, we can begin to restore, to re- and health care costs. The net result will most reconciliation bill's tax cuts the families most in pair that link, to restore that trust. likely be an increase in the number of unin- need of assistance? Mr. Chairman, we can do it with this sured people in this country, a lower quality of By all means, Congress should address the reconciliation bill, which makes deeper health care for those who are still covered by deficit, and the Federal Government should changes to Government than anything Medicaid, and an increase in cost-shiftingÐ provide the most hard-pressed American fami- we have done on the floor of this House transferring the burden of paying for health lies with a little tax relief. What amazes me is in the last 60 years. But it is not a care for the poor from the Federal Govern- that the Republican party believes that the 10 wrecking ball, it is a mason’s trowel, ment to other patients with private health in- or 20 percent of households in this country carefully reworking and rebuilding the surance. with the highest incomes are the families most walls and the floors, the doors and the This legislation also makes $22 billion in in need of government assistance. It seems as windows of this edifice. cuts to the earned income tax credit. These if the Republicans consistently attempt to At the end, what we will see is a cas- cuts will affect 14 million working familiesÐ solve society's problems at the expense of the tle, a castle that is good to live in for three quarters of all current recipients of the most vulnerable members of our communities. all Americans; a castle built on a sound EITC. These people need tax relief more than I find such actions reprehensible and short- fiscal foundation; a castle that is light- most families, and yet, they will have less dis- sighted. They certainly undermine Republican ed with the shining light of compassion posable income than under current law if this professions of concern for children and the and caring by all those who live within legislation is adopted in its current form. Mar- family. The policies in this bill will do more to it; a castle that is filled with hope, be- ginal tax rates for many of these families will destroy communities and hurt children than all cause there is opportunity for all to increase by more than 2 percentage points if the excessesÐreal and imaginedÐof the New grow, to have a better life. this legislation is passed. This appears to be Deal and the Great Society combined. I urge This, Mr. Chairman, is what it is the only case where Republicans are uncon- my colleagues to oppose this legislation. about. It is about our future. It is prob- cerned about the effect of increased marginal The CHAIRMAN. Pursuant to the ably, the most important vote in the tax rates on work decisions; apparently, if you order of the House of Tuesday, October careers of any of us here, no matter do not make much money, you do not deserve 24, 1995, all time for general debate has how long we have been here or how their sympathy. expired. many more years we will stay. The impact of the proposed changes in the We are often accused of casting our EITC would be compounded by the welfare re- Pursuant to the order of the House of votes for today’s special interests and form provisions contained in this legislation. that day, the Committee rises. for tomorrow’s votes, but today we Taken together, these provisions would have a Accordingly the Committee rose; and have a historic opportunity to do some- devastating impact on people on the margins the Speaker pro tempore (Mr. WELDON thing different; to cast our vote for the of the work force, many of whom are already of Florida) having assumed the chair, future. working full-time at minimum wage and are Mr. BOEHNER, Chairman of the Com- Mr. Chairman, I know we will do the still unable to make ends meet. The welfare mittee of the Whole House on the State right thing. We will vote for the dig- reform bill passed by the House earlier this of the Union, reported that that Com- nity of senior citizens. We will vote for year would force single mothers off welfare mittee, having had under consideration the opportunity of working Americans. after 2 years without adequate health care or the bill, (H.R. 2491), to provide for rec- We will vote for our children’s future. child care assistance in many cases. Thanks onciliation pursuant to section 105 of We will vote to pass this reconciliation to the cuts in the EITC, welfare mothers who the concurrent resolution on the budg- bill tomorrow. eventually manage to find a jobÐor several et for fiscal year 1996, had come to no Mr. COYNE. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in jobsÐand earn less than $30,000 would have resolution thereon. opposition to this legislation. I do not disagree less disposable income than under current f with the goal of reducing the Federal deficit. I law. Are these policies the mark of a family do, however, disagree with the way in which friendly Congress? I do not think so. The EITC GENERAL LEAVE this legislation attempts to achieve that goal. provides a positive alternative to welfare by Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- Some changes in Federal programs are making work pay. Apparently, now that the imous consent that all Members may necessary in order to control Federal spending Republicans have succeeded in cutting wel- have 5 legislative days within which to and bring the budget under control, but this fare dramatically, they no longer see any need revise and extend their remarks and in- legislation makes deep cuts in programs that to maintain such a generous work incentive. clude extraneous material in the help average AmericansÐprograms like Medi- Social Darwinism has returned with a venge- RECORD on H.R. 2491, the bill just con- care, Medicaid, the earned income tax credit, ance. sidered. and the low-income housing creditÐin order to And, of course, that is not all. The Repub- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there pay for $245 billion in tax cuts that will dis- lican reconciliation bill would phase out the objection to the request of the gen- proportionately benefit the wealthy. I find such low-income housing credit as well. This credit tleman from Arizona? a trade-off totally unacceptable. has helped provide affordable housing for There was no objection. Last week the House passed legislation cut- more than 800,000 low-income families. With- ting $270 billion from the Medicare Program. out the continuation of this credit, less afford- f This legislation has since been incorporated able housing will be available for these fami- SPECIAL ORDERS into the reconciliation bill before us today. This lies, and they will have to spend more of their legislation makes cuts that are much deeper meager income on housing. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. than those necessary to keep Medicare viable And to make matters even worse, the Re- WELDON of Florida). Under the Speak- over the next 10 years. Most Democrats, my- publican reconciliation bill contains language er’s announced policy of May 12, 1995, self included, supported an alternative Medi- that would allow companies to withdraw to $40 and under a previous order of the care reform package that would have made billion from their employees' pension funds House, the following Members will be only $90 billion in cuts in Medicare, but which over the next 5 years. This action could jeop- recognized for 5 minutes each. October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10811 The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a cheaper Mexican labor. But that does If the United States fails to continue previous order of the House, the gen- not mean that many Americans would to insist on its inclusion in these re- tleman from Florida [Mr. BILIRAKIS] is have kept their jobs if we had not gional groups, supporters of the East recognized for 5 minutes. adopted NAFTA. No, instead, Ameri- Asia Economic Caucus (ASEAN plus [Mr. BILIRAKIS addressed the cans would have lost many low-wage China, Japan, and South Korea), which House. His remarks will appear here- jobs to Southeast Asia, South Asia, and has been proposed by the outspoken after in the Extensions of Remarks.] other parts of Central and South Amer- Malaysian Prime Minister Mr. ica. This situation has been greatly ex- Mahathir, may be successful in exclud- f acerbated by the peso crisis in Mexico ing the United States from Asia and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a which itself, this Member emphasizes, the Pacific region—the fastest growing previous order of the House, the gen- was in no way caused by the NAFTA market in the world. tleman from Colorado [Mr. SKAGGS] is agreement. Not to be left out of trade liberaliza- recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. Speaker, when this body coura- tion, South and Central America and [Mr. SKAGGS addressed the House. geously adopted the Uruguay Round the Caribbean have recently frag- His remarks will appear hereafter in implementing legislation, this Member mented into several regional free-trade the Extensions of Remarks.] said that many opponents of that his- groups including: f toric trade legislation were in essence Andean Pact: Bolivia, Colombia, Ec- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a saying, ‘‘Stop the world, I want to get uador, Peru, and Venezuela. previous order of the House, the gentle- off.’’ Well, this Member stands by that Mercosur or Southern Common Mar- ket: Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay, Uru- woman from Florida [Ms. ROS- comment and believes it still applies guay. LEHTINEN] is recognized for 5 minutes. here today. Central American Common Market: [Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN addressed the The simple truth is that the United States, and the American people, have El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, House. Her remarks will appear here- Nicaragua, Costa Rica. after in the Extensions of Remarks.] no good economic choice but to push for expansion of NAFTA gradually and Caricom: Antigua, Barbuda, Baha- f appropriately to the entire Western mas, Barbados, Belize, Dominica, Gre- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Hemisphere or risk being excluded nada, Guyana, Jamaica, Montserrat, previous order of the House, the gentle- from a rapidly liberalizing world econ- Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, woman from North Carolina [Mrs. omy. Economic integration and trade Saint Vincent, the Grenadines, Trini- dad, Tobago. CLAYTON] is recognized for 5 minutes. liberalization is occurring in nearly Clearly, the United States will suffer [Mrs. CLAYTON addressed the House. every part of the world including Eu- economically, politically, and strategi- Her remarks will appear hereafter in rope, Asia, and South America. cally if it chooses to isolate itself from the Extensions of Remarks.] For example, the European Union global and regional trade liberalization [EU] has already created the world’s f efforts. History is replete with exam- largest free-trade zone and has recently ples of countries, like China, who SUPPORT AN ENLARGED NAFTA expanded this block by adding three turned inward instead of facing the dif- TO ENSURE COMPETITIVENESS members of the European Free Trade ficult but necessary challenges of OF AMERICAN EXPORTERS Association (Austria, Finland, and adapting to new circumstances, and Sweden). The EU’s single market in- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a therefore greatly suffered. previous order of the House, the gen- cludes 369 million consumers and a With only 250 million people, the tleman from Nebraska [Mr. BEREUTER] gross domestic product [GDP] of about United States cannot afford to refuse is recognized for 5 minutes. $6.3 trillion (1993). This ‘‘Fortress Eu- to trade with emerging markets in the Mr. BEREUTER. Mr. Speaker, today rope,’’ as some call it, is seeking to add world’s developing countries. Through I want to continue the discussion the low-wage Eastern European econo- the year 2025, developing countries are which began in a joint subcommittee mies of Poland, Hungary, the Czech Re- expected to account for 95 percent of hearing of the House International Re- public and Slovakia by the year 2000 the world’s population growth. More lations Committee on trade issues re- and the North African and Middle East- staggering is the fact that only 10 mar- garding Chile and other Latin Amer- ern countries of Morocco, Algeria, kets—those of Mexico, Brazil, Argen- ican countries in light of the North Libya, Tunisia, Egypt, Jordan, Syria, tina, Poland, Turkey, China, South American Free Trade Act [NAFTA] ex- Lebanon and Israel by the year 2010. Korea, Indonesia, India, and South Af- perience. Together, this free-trade zone of low- rica will produce one-half of the No doubt, we will continue to hear a wage labor Eastern European and Med- world’s goods and services by the year plethora of statistics and anecdotes iterranean countries and such high- 2010, but will account for $1 trillion in about the benefits and costs of NAFTA tech, high-wage economies of the EU as incremental U.S. exports during that as well as increasing information about the countries of Germany, France, and same period. the benefits and costs of Chile’s pos- the United Kingdom represent a very Mr. Speaker, this Member strongly sible accession to that agreement. As a formidable competitor to U.S. busi- believes Americans can compete to sell Member, I strongly supported NAFTA. nesses and service industries which are their innovative products and services Now, I strongly support Chile’s acces- attempting to compete in the new anywhere in the world provided they sion to NAFTA. In fact, this Member world economy. are given a fair and equal opportunity said at the time, and will repeat it here Similarly, East Asian countries have without excessive Government inter- today, that in a straightforward eco- begun the process of integrating their ference. Consequently, I vigorously op- nomic decision, it would have been economies through such regional free- pose unilaterally surrendering these fu- more appropriate to accept Chile into a trade groups as the Asia Pacific Eco- ture markets to our industrialized free-trade agreement with the United nomic Cooperation [APEC], which re- competitors in the Asia and Pacific re- States even before Mexico because of cently agreed to establish free trade in gion and in Western Europe by isolat- Chile’s dramatic economic progress the region by 2020 for all of its 18 mem- ing ourselves from regional and global and liberalization. bers, and the Association of Southeast economic liberalization. Accordingly, It is very easy to get lost in all the Asian Nations [ASEAN], which cur- this Member urges his colleagues to statistics about the benefits of NAFTA rently has seven members but is seek- support free-trade agreements, such as or Chile’s accession. But those statis- ing to incorporate other countries such an enlarged NAFTA, which help ensure tics don’t reveal one thing. One should as Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and that American exporters will be able to ask: ‘‘What would have happened if we Burma. ASEAN has rapidly become the compete on a level playing field. had not passed NAFTA?’’ world’s largest regional trade area f There can be no doubt that many (with over 400 million people) and its American companies have relocated to members recently announced they b 1915 Mexico recently. Undoubtedly, many would lower their tariffs from 0–5 per- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Americans have lost their jobs to cent shortly after the year 2000. WELDON of Florida). Under a previous H 10812 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 order of the House, the gentleman from IMMIGRATION REFORM solution goes far beyond the bounds of New York [Mr. OWENS] is recognized for The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a any one jurisdiction. It affects our 5 minutes. previous order of the House, the gen- homes, our schools, our businesses, our [Mr. OWENS addressed the House. tleman from Georgia [Mr. BARR] is rec- hospitals, our religious institutions, His remarks will appear hereafter in ognized for 5 minutes. our local government, our State gov- the Extensions of Remarks.] Mr. BARR of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, ernment and, indeed, all taxpayers of earlier this week the Committee on the this country. f Judiciary of this 104th Congress re- Through the work of Representative The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ported out, after extended hearings and Sauder’s task force, we hope over the previous order of the House, the gen- even more extended markup, immigra- next several months, Mr. Speaker, to tleman from California [Mr. HORN] is tion reform legislation which for the really delve into the problem of illegal recognized for 5 minutes. very first time in modern times will in immigration and how it affects our [Mr. HORN addressed the House. His fact actually substantively and posi- communities. This work will be espe- remarks will appear hereafter in the tively reform both the system of illegal cially important to me as a Represent- Extensions of Remarks.] immigration and our efforts by this ative from the Seventh District to as- Government to combat this tremen- sist me in crafting the very best legis- f dous drain on our national resources as lation possible, to identify those areas The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a well as legal immigration. where additional work needs to be previous order of the House, the gen- I am happy to have been a part of done, to helping direct precious tax- tleman from West Virgina [Mr. WISE] is that process, but what makes me even payer resources to combat the problem recognized for 5 minutes. happier is an event that happened in of illegal immigration in America. And [Mr. WISE addressed the House. His my own district in Smyrna, GA, this I salute Representative Sauder for his remarks will appear hereafter in the past Monday evening. This past Mon- work and look forward to working Extensions of Remarks.] day evening, State Representative closely with him as an important part Randy Sauder pulled together for the of the overall legislative effort of this f very first time in the district—and Congress and future Congresses to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a probably for the first time in the State come to grips with the crippling prob- previous order of the House, the gen- of Georgia—a comprehensive task force lem of illegal immigration in our coun- tleman from California [Mr. KIM] is to study the effects of illegal immigra- try. recognized for 5 minutes. tion and to develop solutions to the f [Mr. KIM addressed the House. His problem of illegal immigration in our remarks will appear hereafter in the district. NURSING HOME STANDARDS Extensions of Remarks.] Representative Sauder pulled to- PRESS CONFERENCE gether as members of this task force, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a f in addition to myself and representa- previous order of the House, the gentle- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a tives from other congressional and woman from Connecticut [Ms. previous order of the House, the gentle- Senatorial offices, a vast array of local DELAURO] is recognized for 5 minutes. woman from Texas [Ms. JACKSON-LEE] and State law enforcement officials, Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, it defies is recognized for 5 minutes. other State representatives, municipal common sense that Republicans are [Ms. JACKSON-LEE addressed the authorities, police chiefs, other law en- stripping away basic protections for el- House. Her remarks will appear here- forcement officials, the regional direc- derly residents of nursing homes, under after in the Extensions of Remarks.] tor of the Immigration and Naturaliza- the guise of cutting the bureaucracy. tion Service, representatives of the De- The fact of the matter is that quality f partment of Labor, other agents and, standards for nursing homes are not The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a perhaps most importantly of all, a bureaucratic and onerous, they are previous order of the House, the gen- number of private citizens who were in- necessary. These regulations don’t tie tleman from California [Mr. DORNAN] is volved with illegal immigration—com- the hands of nursing homes, they keep recognized for 5 minutes. bating illegal immigration—that is, in nursing homes from tying the hands of [Mr. DORNAN addressed the House. their communities and in their busi- seniors. His remarks will appear hereafter in nesses. Now, I cannot believe that my Re- the Extensions of Remarks.] And through the work of this task publican colleagues are deliberately force, which began last Monday f trying to put nursing home residents evening, on the eve of our historic ac- at risk, so I must conclude that they The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a tion in the Committee on the Judici- simply don’t understand how these reg- previous order of the House, the gen- ary, passing this important legislation ulations protect nursing home resi- tleman from Texas [Mr. DOGGETT] is to be considered hopefully very soon by dents from neglect and abuse. So, let recognized for 5 minutes. this very body, was a process of really me explain, briefly, how they work in [Mr. DOGGETT addressed the House. coming to grips with and letting those my home State of Connecticut. His remarks will appear hereafter in of us in the Congress responsible for As one Connecticut official com- the Extensions of Remarks.] drafting the laws with regard to both ments in this article: ‘‘Without these f legal and illegal immigration, a com- standards and people to watch them, prehensive look at how illegal immi- these situations will continue. That The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a gration has affected and continues to man might still be counting the dots previous order of the House, the gen- adversely affect our communities in on the ceiling.’’ tleman from Kansas [Mr. BROWNBACK] terms of the number of illegal aliens The Republican Medicaid plan will is recognized for 5 minutes. involved in criminal activity, in terms mean the end of uniform safety stand- [Mr. BROWNBACK addressed the of the financial burdens placed on our ards for nursing home residents. It will House. His remarks will appear here- communities, not just in the Seventh create a patchwork of standards across after in the Extensions of Remarks.] District of Georgia but indeed in many the country. Some States may do a f respects all across this country, the great job, others may not. For nursing drain on the medical services, the drain home patients it will be a crap shoot. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a on our welfare system and, indeed, The quality of your care will depend on previous order of the House, the gen- other problems that are too lengthy to where you live. That’s wrong. Our sen- tleman from Vermont [Mr. SANDERS] is go into here this evening. iors deserve better. recognized for 5 minutes. I would like to take this opportunity Now, my Republican colleagues want [Mr. SANDERS addressed the House. to congratulate Representative Sauder the American people to believe that His remarks will appear hereafter in for his foresightedness in recognizing this budget package is about shared the Extensions of Remarks.] this problem, in recognizing that its sacrifices for a noble purpose. But, October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10813 there is nothing shared in this sacrifice other Member of this body from that Mr. Speaker, Castro came and went and there is nothing noble in its pur- city’s delegation who, even though she but his repression against the Cuban pose. was forced to wait in line to attend the people remains today. This should al- This is a story from Monday’s Con- rally, stated that she did not mind ways be the bottom line when dealing necticut Post which explains how these waiting in line to see Fidel Castro. with Castro, and it is unfortunate that Federal protections worked for two You would think that such enthu- many sold their soul to the devil for, in people. It reads: siasm is reserved only for movie stars, the end, their mission will be unsuc- Paralyzed in a car accident, a 38-year-old but not in this instance. It is a shame cessful. The Cuban people will be free man lay flat on his back for four days in a that Members of this body carry such someday, and they will remember, to- Connecticut nursing home, able only to low respect for our democratic system gether with history, who stood for free- count the dots on ceiling tiles * ** that they would salivate over the lead- dom and who preferred to prostitute In another Connecticut nursing home, an themselves to the whims of the tyrant. elderly man who suffered a sudden onset of er who has gone to great extremes to dementia was overdrugged by staff to the destroy democracies around the world, f point where he was unrecognizable and and who stills speaks negatively of po- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a couldn’t function * * * litical pluralism. previous order of the House, the gen- In both cases, it took intervention by state Sadly, another one of my colleagues tleman from Michigan [Mr. STUPAK] is ombudsmen wielding copies of federal nurs- has accepted Castro’s invitation to ing home standards to correct the problems recognized for 5 minutes. travel to Cuba, along with a delegation and protect the residents. [Mr. STUPAK addressed the House. of representatives of American cor- His remarks will appear hereafter in And, there is nothing revolutionary porations. How can our Federal official the Extensions of Remarks.] about returning America’s seniors to authorize such a business trip? Let us the health care dark ages of bed re- hop that they do not. f straints and mind-altering drugs. Mr. Speaker, similarly outrageous The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. f was the reception that the United Na- WELDON of Florida). Under a previous CASTRO’S TRAVELING ROAD SHOW tions gave Castro. Secretary General order of the House, the gentleman from Boutros Boutros-Ghali warmly em- New Jersey [Mr. PALLONE] is recog- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a braced Castro as he entered the organi- nized for 5 minutes. previous order of the House, the gentle- zation. This shameful portrayal made woman from Florida [Ms. ROS- [Mr. PALLONE addressed the House. by the United Nations leader is symp- LEHTINEN] is recognized for 5 minutes. His remarks will appear hereafter in tomatic of the hypocrisy embodied in Ms. ROS–LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, the Extensions of Remarks.] that body, as it speaks of freedom and this week the Nation was witness to a f human rights, but then goes ahead and great traveling road show which ar- turns its back on the millions of Cu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a rived from Havana. Its main star was bans who suffer under Fidel Castro. previous order of the House, the gen- the Cuban tyrant Fidel Castro, in his tleman from Indiana [Mr. ROEMER] is never ending campaign to reform his This same organization now wants to implement global taxes to fund its in- recognized for 5 minutes. image from a ruthless dictator, which [Mr. ROEMER addressed the House. he is, to a harmless politician, which efficient bureaucracy. Reports have emerged recently that the United Na- His remarks will appear hereafter in he is not. the Extensions of Remarks.] Even though Castro’s acting is cru- tions wants to implement taxes on elly trite and cynically predictable, it international currency and stock f hypnotized much of American media, transactions, as a means to gain great- er revenue for its activities. This ini- CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. 2020, business leaders and, I am disappointed TREASURY, POSTAL SERVICE, to say, some Members of our body. It tiative would gravely affect American citizens and businesses who already are AND GENERAL GOVERNMENT AP- was quite revolting to see how this dic- PROPRIATIONS ACT, 1996 tator, who leads a regime that our the biggest contributors to the United State Department characterized as Nations. This is a dangerous phenome- Mr. LIGHTFOOT submitted the fol- ‘‘sharply restricting basic political and non which grossly expands the scope lowing conference report and state- civil rights, including the rights of and mission of the organization and ment on the bill (H.R. 2020) making ap- citizens to change their government, one which the Congress should raise its propriations for the Treasury Depart- the freedoms of speech, press, associa- voice against. ment, the U.S. Postal Service, the Ex- tion, assembly and movement, as well The great missing link in Castro’s ecutive Office of the President, and as the right to privacy and various visit were questions about his regime. certain independent agencies, for the workers rights,’’ well, he was warmly None of the American media, congres- fiscal year ending September 30, 1996, greeted in the Bronx by three of my sional Members or business leaders and for other purposes: bothered to ask Castro about the re- colleagues from the other side of the CONFERENCE REPORT (H. REPT. 104–291) pressive nature of his regime. Nobody aisle who hail from New York City, in- The Committee of Conference on the dis- cluding the dean of the city’s delega- asked him about the political pris- agreeing votes of the two Houses on the tion. oners. No one asked him about the fate amendments of the Senate to the bill (H.R. This group of Congressman ignored of Rev. Orson Vila Santoyo, who con- 2020) ‘‘making appropriations for the Treas- the well-known repression of the Cas- tinues imprisoned for practicing his re- ury Department, the United States Postal tro regime, repression which is con- ligious faith. No one asked him of the Service, the Executive Office of the Presi- demned by human rights groups like fate of Nilvio Labrada, who was put in dent, and certain Independent Agencies, for Amnesty International, which said a mental institution for demonstration the fiscal year ending September 30, 1996, and against Fidel Castro. No one asked Cas- for other purposes,’’ having met, after full about Castro’s regime that ‘‘members and free conference, have agreed to rec- of unofficial political human rights and tro when he would leave power, con- ommend and do recommend to their respec- trade union groups continue to face im- duct elections, allow freedom of expres- tive Houses as follows: prisonment, short-term detention and sion, allow opposition on the island. That the Senate recede from its amend- frequent harassment.’’ Nobody. Instead, those who fraternized ments numbered 4, 10, 30, 32, 33, 39, 41, 42, 44, with Castro had a mission. Business 50, 51, 64, 73, 83, 85, 87, 89, 90, 91, 98, 99, 110, 111, b 1930 leaders want to make a quick buck off 118, 124, 134, 137, 138, and 141. Instead, the congressional groupies the Cuban workers sweat in Castro’s That the House recede from its disagree- accepted Castro with open arms. My plantation economy. The media contin- ment to the amendments of the Senate num- Democrat colleague from the Bronx ued its romanticized description of bered 1, 8, 9, 11, 13, 14, 16, 19, 21, 25, 28, 29, 34, 35, 36, 38, 40, 45, 49, 53, 54, 55, 61, 63, 66, 71, 72, hosted a rally for the dictator on Mon- Castro, ignoring his human rights of- 75, 79, 80, 81, 82, 86, 92, 94, 95, 96, 100, 102, 103, day evening telling the Cuban tyrant fenses, and my liberal congressional 105, 106, 108, 112, 113, 114, 115, 116, 117, 119, 120, that he would always be welcomed in colleagues were just willing political 121, and 123, and agree to the same. that city. My favorite however, was an- pawns in Castro’s propaganda. Amendment No. 2: H 10814 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 That the House recede from its disagree- In lieu of the sum proposed by said amend- until the Secretary of the Treasury provides a ment to the amendment of the Senate num- ment, insert: $184,300,000; and the Senate report to the Committees on Appropriations of bered 2, and agree to the same with an agree to the same. the House and the Senate that (1) with explicit amendment as follows: Amendment No. 15: decision criteria, identifies, evaluates, and In lieu of the matter stricken and inserted That the House recede from its disagree- prioritizes all systems investments planned for in said amendment insert: $105,929,000, of ment to the amendment of the Senate num- fiscal year 1996, (2) provides a schedule for suc- which up to $500,000 shall be available to reim- bered 15, and agree to the same with an cessfully mitigating deficiencies identified by the burse the District of Columbia Metropolitan Po- amendment as follows: General Accounting Office in its April 1995 re- lice Department for personnel costs incurred by Restore the matter stricken in said amend- port to the Committees, (3) presents a milestone the Metropolitan Police Department between ment, amended to read as follows: : Provided schedule for development and implementation May 19, 1995 and September 30, 1995 as a result further, That no funds appropriated herein program, and (4) presents a plan to expand the of the closing to vehicular traffic of Pennsylva- shall be used to pay administrative expenses or utilization of external expertise for systems de- nia Avenue Northwest and other streets in the the compensation of any officer or employee of velopment and total program integration; and vicinity of the White House: Provided, That Sec- the United States to implement an amendment the Senate agree to the same. tion 640 of Title VI of the Treasury Postal Serv- or amendments to 27 CFR 178.118 or to change Amendment No. 26: ice and General Government Appropriations the definition of ‘‘Curios or relics’’ in 27 CFR That the House recede from its disagree- Act, 1995 (Public Law 103–329, 108 Stat. 2432), is 178.11 or remove any item from ATF Publication ment to the amendment of the Senate num- amended by adding at the end thereof the fol- 5300.11 as it existed on January 1, 1994; and the bered 26, and agree to the same with an lowing new sentence: ‘‘This section shall not Senate agree to the same. amendment as follows: apply to any claim where the employee has re- Amendment No. 17: In lieu of the sum proposed by said amend- ceived any compensation for overtime hours That the House recede from its disagree- ment, insert: $531,944,000; and the Senate worked during the period covered by the claim ment to the amendment of the Senate num- agree to the same. under any other provision of law, including, but bered 17, and agree to the same with an Amendment No. 27: not limited to, 5 U.S.C. 5545(c), or to any claim amendment as follows: That the House recede from its disagree- for compensation for time spent commuting be- In lieu of the matter stricken and inserted ment to the amendment of the Senate num- tween the employee’s residence and duty sta- by said amendment, : Provided further, That bered 27, and agree to the same with an tion.’’; and the Senate agree to the same. the Commissioner of the Customs Service amendment as follows: Amendment No. 3: designate a single individual to be port di- In lieu of the matter stricken and inserted That the House recede from its disagree- rector of all United States Government ac- in said amendment, insert: ment to the amendment of the Senate num- tivities at two ports of entry, one on the (a) As authorized by section 190001(e), bered 3, and agree to the same with an southern border and one on the northern bor- $69,314,000 of which $25,690,000 shall be avail- amendment as follows: der: Provided further, That $750,000 shall be able to the United States Customs Service for ex- In lieu of the matter proposed in said available for additional part-time and tem- penses associated with ‘‘Operation Hardline’’; amendment, insert: porary positions in the Honolulu Customs of which $21,010,000 shall be available to the TREASURY BUILDINGS AND ANNEX REPAIR AND District ; and the Senate agree to the same. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms of RESTORATION Amendment No. 18: which no less than $14,410,000 shall be available For the repair, alteration, and improvement of That the House recede from its disagree- to annualize the salaries and related costs for the Treasury Building and annex, and the Se- ment to the amendment of the Senate num- the fiscal year 1995 supplemental initiative, and cret Service Headquarters Building, $21,491,000, bered 18, and agree to the same with an of which no less than $3,500,000 shall be avail- to remain available until expended. amendment as follows: able for administering the Gang Resistance Edu- And the Senate agree to the same. In lieu of the matter proposed in said cation and Training program, and of which Amendment No. 5: amendment, insert: $64,843,000 which ; and $3,100,000 shall be available for ballistics tech- That the House recede from its disagree- the Senate agree to the same. nologies; of which $21,600,000 shall be available ment to the amendment of the Senate num- Amendment No. 20: to the United States Secret Service, of which no bered 5, and agree to the same with an That the House recede from its disagree- less than $1,600,000 shall be available for en- amendment as follows: ment to the amendment of the Senate num- hancing forensics technology to aid missing and In lieu of the sum named in said amend- bered 20, and agree to the same with an exploited children investigations; and of which ment, insert: $10,000,000; and the Senate amendment as follows: $1,014,000 shall be available to the Federal Law agree to the same. In lieu of the sum named in said amend- Enforcement Training Center; and ; and the Amendment No. 6: ment, insert: $1,723,764,000 ; and the Senate Senate agree to the same. That the House recede from its disagree- agree to the same. Amendment No. 31: ment to the amendment of the Senate num- Amendment No. 22: That the House recede from its disagree- bered 6, and agree to the same with an That the House recede from its disagree- ment to the amendment of the Senate num- amendment as follows: ment to the amendment of the Senate num- bered 31, and agree to the same with an Restore the matter stricken in said amend- bered 22, and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: ment amended to read as follows: travel ex- amendment as follows: In lieu of the section number named in said Restore the matter stricken in said amend- penses of non-Federal law enforcement person- amendment, insert: 107; and the Senate agree ment, amended to read as follows: : Provided, nel to attend meetings concerned with financial to the same. intelligence activities, law enforcement, and fi- That $13,000,000 shall be used to initiate a pro- Amendment No. 37: nancial regulation; gram to utilize private counsel law firms and That the House recede from its disagree- And the Senate agree to the same. debt collection agencies in the collection activi- ment to the amendment of the Senate num- Amendment No. 7: ties of the Internal Revenue Service in compli- bered 37, and agree to the same with an That the House recede from its disagree- ance with section 104 of this Act and, on page amendment as follows: ment to the amendment of the Senate num- 13, line 3, of the House of Representatives en- In lieu of the matter inserted in said bered 7, and agree to the same with an grossed bill, H.R. 2020, after ‘‘which’’ insert amendment, insert: amendment as follows: ‘‘up to’’ and, on line 4, after ‘‘Program,’’ de- In lieu of the matter stricken and inserted lete ‘‘no amount of which shall be available COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS by said amendment, insert: $22,198,000; Pro- for IRS administrative costs,’’ ; and the Sen- SALARIES AND EXPENSES vided, That notwithstanding any other provi- ate agree to the same. For necessary expenses of the Council in car- sion of law, the Director of the Financial Crimes Amendment No. 23: rying out its functions under the Employment Enforcement Network may procure up to That the House recede from its disagree- Act of 1946 (15 U.S.C. 1021), $3,180,000. $500,000 in specialized, unique or novel auto- ment to the amendment of the Senate num- And the Senate agree to the same. matic data processing equipment, ancillary bered 23, and agree to the same with an Amendment No. 43: equipment, software, services, and related re- amendment as follows: That the House recede from its disagree- sources from commercial vendors without regard In lieu of the matter stricken and inserted ment to the amendment of the Senate num- to otherwise applicable procurement laws and by said amendment, insert: $1,527,154,000, of bered 43, and agree to the same with an regulations and without full and open competi- which no less than $695,000,000 shall be avail- amendment as follows: tion, utilizing procedures best suited under the able for tax systems modernization activities ; Restore the matter stricken by said circumstances of the procurement to efficiently and the Senate agree to the same. amendment, amended to read as follows: fulfill the agency’s requirements: Provided fur- Amendment No. 24: OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY ther, That funds appropriated in this account That the House recede from its disagree- may be used to procure personal services con- ment to the amendment of the Senate num- SALARIES AND EXPENSES tracts; and the Senate agree to the same. bered 24, and agree to the same with an (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) Amendment No. 12: amendment as follows: For necessary expenses of the Office of Na- That the House recede from its disagree- In lieu of the matter stricken and inserted tional Drug Control Policy; for research activi- ment to the amendment of the Senate num- in said amendment, insert: : Provided, That of ties pursuant to title I of Public Law 100–690; bered 12, and agree to the same with an the funds appropriated for tax systems mod- not to exceed $8,000 for official reception and amendment as follows: ernization, $100,000,000 may not be obligated representation expenses; for participation in October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10815 joint projects or in the provision of services on bered 52, and agree to the same with an Act, half shall be used for telecommuting centers matters of mutual interest with nonprofit, re- amendment as follows: in the State of Virginia and half shall be used search, or public organizations or agencies, with In lieu of the sum proposed by said amend- for telecommuting centers in the State of Mary- or without reimbursement; $23,500,000, of which ment, insert: $20,542,000; and the Senate land: Provided further, That of the funds made $16,000,000, to remain available until expended, agree to the same. available for the District of Columbia, Southeast shall be available to the Counter-Drug Tech- Amendment No. 56: Federal Center, under the heading, ‘‘Real Prop- nology Assessment Center for counternarcotics That the House recede from its disagree- erty Activities, Federal Buildings Fund, Limita- research and development projects and shall be ment to the amendment of the Senate num- tions on Availability of Revenue’’ in Public Law available for transfer to other Federal depart- bered 56, and agree to the same with an 101–509, $55,000,000 are rescinded: Provided fur- ments or agencies; and of the funds made avail- amendment as follows: ther, That the limitation on the availability of able to the Counter-Drug Technology Assess- In lieu of the sum proposed by said amend- revenue contained in such Act is reduced by ment Center, $600,000 shall be transferred to the ment, insert: $5,066,149,000; and the Senate $55,000,000; and the Senate agree to the same. Drug Enforcement Administration for the El agree to the same. Amendment No. 60 Paso Intelligence Center: Provided, That the Of- Amendment No. 57: That the House recede from its disagree- fice is authorized to accept, hold, administer, That the House recede from its disagree- ment to the amendment of the Senate num- and utilize gifts, both real and personal, for the ment to the amendment of the Senate num- bered 60, and agree to the same with an purpose of aiding or facilitating the work of the bered 57, and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: Office. amendment as follows: In lieu of the sum proposed by said amend- And the Senate agree to the same. In lieu of the sum proposed by said amend- ment, insert: $637,000,000; and the Senate Amendment No. 46: ment, insert: $545,002,000; and the Senate agree to the same. That the House recede from its disagree- agree to the same. Amendment No. 62 ment to the amendment of the Senate num- Amendment No. 58: That the House recede from its disagree- bered 46, and agree to the same with an That the House recede from its disagree- ment to the amendment of the Senate num- amendment as follows: ment to the amendment of the Senate num- bered 62, and agree to the same with an In lieu of the matter proposed by said bered 58, and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: amendment, insert: amendment as follows: In lieu of the matter stricken and inserted FEDERAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMS In lieu of the matter stricken and inserted by said amendment, insert: by said amendment, insert: Repairs and Alterations: HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREAS New Construction: Arkansas: PROGRAM Colorado: Little Rock, Federal Building, $7,551,000 (INCLUDING TRANSFER OF FUNDS) Lakewood, Denver Federal Center, U.S. Geo- California: For necessary expenses of the Office of Na- logical Survey Lab Building, $25,802,000 Sacramento, Federal Building (2800 Cottage tional Drug Control Policy’s High Intensity Florida: Way), $13,636,000 Drug Trafficking Areas Program, $103,000,000 Tallahassee, U.S. Courthouse Annex, District of Columbia: for drug control activities consistent with the $24,015,000 ICC/Connecting Wing Complex/Customs approved strategy for each of the designated Georgia: (phase 2/3), $58,275,000 High Intensity Drug Trafficking Areas, of Savannah, U.S. Courthouse Annex, $2,597,000 Illinois: which no less than $55,000,000 shall be trans- Louisiana: Chicago, Federal Center, $45,971,000 ferred to State and local entities for drug control Lafayette, Federal Building and U.S. Court- Maryland: activities; and of which up to $48,000,000 may be house, $29,565,000 Woodlawn, SSA East High-Low Buildings, transferred to Federal agencies and departments Maryland: $17,422,000 at a rate to be determined by the Director: Pro- Prince Georges County, Food and Drug Ad- North Dakota: vided, That the funds made available under this ministration, $55,000,000 Bismarck, Federal Building, Post Office and head shall be obligated within 90 days of the Nebraska: U.S. Courthouse, $7,119,000 date of enactment of this Act. Omaha, Federal Building and U.S. Court- Pennsylvania: And the Senate agree to the same. house, $53,424,000 Philadelphia, Byrne-Green Complex, Amendment No. 47: New Mexico: $30,909,000 That the House recede from its disagree- Albuquerque, Federal Building and U.S. Philadelphia, SSA Building, Mid-Atlantic ment to the amendment of the Senate num- Courthouse, $6,126,000 Program Service Center, $11,376,000 bered 47, and agree to the same with an New York: Puerto Rico: amendment as follows: Central Islip, Federal Building and U.S. Old San Juan, Post Office and U.S. Court- In lieu of the matter proposed by said Courthouse, $189,102,000 house, $25,701,000 amendment, insert: North Dakota: Texas: ADVISORY COMMISSION ON INTERGOVERNMENTAL Pembina, Border Station, $11,113,000 Dallas, Federal Building (Griffin St.), RELATIONS Pennsylvania: $5,641,000 Scranton, Federal Building and U.S. Court- Washington: SALARIES AND EXPENSES house Annex, $24,095,000 Richland, Federal Building, U.S. Post Office, For necessary expenses of the Advisory Com- South Carolina: and Courthouse, $10,000,000 mission on Intergovernmental Relations, Columbia, U.S. Courthouse Annex, $3,562,000 Nationwide: $784,000, of which $334,000 is to carry out the Texas: Chlorofluorocarbons Program, $43,533,000 provisions of Public Law 104–4, and of which Austin, Veterans Affairs Annex, $7,940,000 Elevator Program, $13,109,000 $450,000 shall be available only for the purposes Brownsville, Federal Building and U.S. Energy Program, $20,000,000 of the prompt and orderly termination of the Courthouse, $27,452,00 Advance Design, $22,000,000; and the Senate Advisory Commission on Intergovernmental Re- Washington: agree to the same. lations. Point Roberts, U.S. Border Station, $3,516,000 Amendment No. 65 And the Senate agree to the same. Seattle, U.S. Courthouse, $5,600,000 That the House recede from its disagree- Amendment No. 48: West Virginia: ment to the amendment of the Senate num- That the House recede from its disagree- Martinsburg, Internal Revenue Service Com- bered 65, and agree to the same with an ment to the amendment of the Senate num- puter Center, $63,408,000 amendment as follows: bered 48, and agree to the same with an Non-prospectus Projects Program, $12,685,000; In lieu of the proposed by said amendment, amendment as follows: and the Senate agree to the same. insert: $2,326,200,000; and the Senate agree to In lieu of the matter proposed by said Amendment No. 59: the same. amendment, insert: That the House recede from its disagree- Amendment No. 67: ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED ment to the amendment of the Senate num- That the House recede from its disagree- STATES bered 59, and agree to the same with an ment to the amendment of the Senate num- SALARIES AND EXPENSES amendment as follows: bered 67, and agree to the same with an For necessary expenses of the Administrative In lieu of the matter stricken and inserted amendment as follows: Conference of the United States, established by said amendment, insert: : Provided further, Restore the matter stricken by said under subchapter V of chapter 5 of title 5, Unit- That the $6,000,000 under the heading of amendment amended to read as follows: : ed States Code, $600,000: Provided, That these nonprospectus construction projects, made Provided further, That the Administrator is au- funds shall only be available for the purposes of available in Public Laws 102–393 and 103–123 for thorized to enter into and perform such leases, the prompt and orderly termination of the Ad- the acquisition, lease, construction and equip- contracts, or other transactions with any agen- ministrative Conference of the United States by ping of flexiplace work telecommuting centers, is cy or instrumentality of the United States, the February 1, 1996. hereby increased by $5,000,000 from funds made several States, or the District of Columbia, or And the Senate agree to the same. available in this Act for non-prospectus con- with any person, firm, association, or corpora- Amendment No. 52: struction projects, all of which shall remain tion, as may be necessary to implement the trade That the House recede from its disagree- available until expended: Provided further, center plan at the Federal Triangle Project; and ment to the amendment of the Senate num- That of the $5,000,000 made available by this the Senate agree to the same. H 10816 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 Amendment No. 68: Amendment No. 78: In lieu of the matter stricken and inserted That the House recede from its disagree- That the House recede from its disagree- in said amendment, insert: (retention of re- ment to the amendment of the Senate num- ment to the amendment of the Senate num- ceipts is for the circulating operations and pro- bered 68, and agree to the same with an bered 78, and agree to the same with an grams): Provided further, That the Secretary of amendment as follows: amendment as follows: the Treasury shall; and the Senate agree to In lieu of the sum proposed by said amend- In lieu of the first section number in said the same. ment, insert: $5,066,149,000; and the Senate amendment, insert: 9; and the Senate agree Amendment No. 107: agree to the same. to the same. That the House recede from its disagree- Amendment No. 69: Amendment No. 84: ment to the amendment of the Senate num- That the House recede from its disagree- That the House recede from its disagree- bered 107, and agree to the same with an ment to the amendment of the Senate num- ment to the amendment of the Senate num- amendment as follows: bered 69, and agree to the same with an bered 84, and agree to the same with an In lieu of the matter stricken and inserted amendment as follows: amendment as follows: by said amendment, insert: Provided further, In lieu of the matter stricken and inserted In lieu of the matter proposed by said That provisions of law governing procurement in said amendment, insert: amendment, insert: $88,000,000, of which not or public contracts shall not be applicable to the to exceed $1,000,000 shall be made available for OPERATING EXPENSES procurement of goods or services necessary for the establishment of health promotion and dis- carrying out Mint programs and operations; and For expenses authorized by law, not otherwise ease prevention programs for Federal employees; the Senate agree to the same. provided for, necessary for asset management and the Senate agree to the same. Amendment No. 109: activities; utilization of excess and disposal of Amendment No. 88: That the House recede from its disagree- surplus personal property; transportation man- That the House recede from its disagree- ment to the amendment of the Senate num- agement activities; procurement and supply ment to the amendment of the Senate num- bered 109, and agreed to the same with an management activities; Government-wide and bered 88, and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: internal responsibilities relating to automated amendment as follows: In lieu of the matter proposed by said data management, telecommunications, informa- Restore the matter stricken in said amend- amendment, insert: tion resources management, and related activi- ment, amended to read as follows: SEC. 524. No funds appropriated by this Act ties; utilization survey, deed compliance inspec- Section 1. Section 1104 of title 5, United States shall be available to pay for an abortion, or the tion, appraisal, environmental and cultural Code, is amended— administrative expenses in connection with any analysis, and land use planning functions per- (1) in subsection (a)— health plan under the Federal employees health taining to excess and surplus real property; (A) in paragraph (2)— benefit program which provides an benefits or agency-wide policy direction; Board of Contract (i) by inserting after ‘‘title’’ the following: ‘‘, coverage for abortions, after the last day of the Appeals; accounting, records management, and the cost of which examinations shall be reim- contract currently in force for any such nego- other support services incident to adjudication bursed by payments from the agencies employ- tiated plan. of Indian Tribal Claims by the United States ing such judges to the revolving fund estab- SEC. 525. The provision of section 524 shall not Court of Federal Claims; services as authorized lished under section 1304(e)’’; and apply where the life of the mother would be en- by 5 U.S.C. 3109; and not to exceed $5,000 for of- (ii) by striking the semicolon at the end of dangered if the fetus were carried to term, or ficial reception and representation expenses; paragraph (2) and inserting in lieu thereof a pe- that the pregnancy is the result of an act of $119,091,000. riod; and rape or incest. And the Senate agree to the same. (B) by striking the matter following para- And the Senate agree to the same. Amendment No. 70: graph (2) through ‘‘principles.’’; and Amendment No. 122: That the House recede from its disagree- (2) in subsection (b) by adding at the end the That the House recede from its disagree- ment to the amendment of the Senate num- following new paragraph: ment to the amendment of the Senate num- bered 70, and agree to the same with an ‘‘(4) At the request of the head of an agency bered 122, and agree to the same with an amendment as follows: to whom a function has been delegated under amendment as follows: In lieu of the sum proposed by said amend- subsection (a) (2), the Office may provide assist- Restore the matter stricken by said ment, insert: $33,274,000; and the Senate ance to the agency in performing such function. amendment, amended to read as follows: agree to the same. Such assistance shall, to the extent determined SEC. 627. (a) None of the funds made available Amendment No. 74: appropriate by the Director of the Office, be per- in this Act may be obligated or expended for any That the House recede from its disagree- formed on a reimbursable basis through the re- employee training when it is made known to the ment to the amendment of the Senate num- volving fund established under section 1304(e).’’. Federal official having authority to obligate or bered 74, and agree to the same with an And the Senate agree to the same. expend such funds that such employee train- amendment as follows: Amendment No. 93: ing— That the House recede from its disagree- In lieu of the section number named, in- (1) does not meet identified needs for knowl- ment to the amendment of the Senate num- sert: 5; and the Senate agree to the same. edge, skills, and abilities bearing directly upon bered 93, and agree to the same with an Amendment No. 76: the performance of official duties; amendment as follows: That the House recede from its disagree- (2) contains elements likely to induce high lev- In lieu of the sum proposed by said amend- ment to the amendment of the Senate num- els of emotional response or psychological stress ment, insert: $33,269,000; and the Senate bered 76, and agree to the same with an in some participants; agree to the same. (3) does not require prior employee notifica- amendment as follows: Amendment No. 97: tion of the content and methods to be used in In lieu of the matter proposed in said That the House recede from its disagree- the training and written end of course evalua- amendment, insert: ment to the amendment of the Senate num- tion; SEC. 7. Notwithstanding any provision of this bered 97, and agree to the same with an (4) contains any methods or content associ- or any other Act, during the fiscal year ending amendment as follows: ated with religious or quasi-religious belief sys- September 30, 1996, and thereafter, no funds Restore the matter stricken by said tems or ‘‘new age’’ belief systems as defined in may be obligated or expended in any way for amendment, amended to read as follows: Equal Employment Opportunity Commission No- the purpose of the sale, excessing, surplusing, or SEC. 512. Notwithstanding any provision of tice N–195.022, dated September 2, 1988; disposal of lands in the vicinity of Norfork this or any other Act, during the fiscal year (5) is offensive to, or designed to change, par- Lake, Arkansas, administered by the Corps of ending September 30, 1996, and thereafter, no ticipants’ personal values or lifestyle outside the Engineers, Department of the Army, without the funds may be obligated or expended in any way workplace; or specific approval of the Congress. to withdraw the designation of the Virginia In- (6) includes content related to human And the Senate agree to the same. land Port at Front Royal, Virginia, as a United immunodeficiency virus/acquired immune defi- Amendment No. 77: States Customs Service port of entry. ciency syndrome (HIV/AIDS) other than that That the House recede from its disagree- And the Senate agree to the same. necessary to make employees more aware of the ment to the amendment of the Senate num- Amendment No. 101: medical ramifications of HIV/AIDS and the bered 77, and agree to the same with an That the House recede from its disagree- workplace rights of HIV-positive employees. amendment as follows: ment to the amendment of the Senate num- (b) Nothing in this section shall prohibit, re- In lieu of the matter proposed in said bered 101, and agree to the same with an strict, or otherwise preclude an agency from amendment, insert: amendment as follows: conducting training bearing directly upon the SEC. 8. Notwithstanding any provision of this In lieu of the matter proposed by said performance of official duties. or any other Act, during the fiscal year ending amendment, insert: in fiscal year 1996 for And the Senate agree to the same. September 30, 1996, and thereafter, no funds those operations and programs previously pro- Amendment No. 125: may be obligated or expended in any way for vided for by appropriation; and the Senate That the House recede from its disagree- the purpose of the sale, excessing, surplusing, or agree to the same. ment to the amendment of the Senate num- disposal of lands in the vicinity of Bull Shoals Amendment No. 104: bered 125, and agree to the same with an Lake, Arkansas, administered by the Corps of That the House recede from its disagree- amendment as follows: Engineers, Department of the Army, without the ment to the amendment of the Senate num- In lieu of the first section number in said specific approval of the Congress. bered 104, and agree to the same with an amendment, insert: 628; and the Senate agree And the Senate agree to the same. amendment as follows: to the same. October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10817 Amendment No. 126: (A) has an application pending before the De- (B) A motion to discharge may be made only That the House recede from its disagree- partment of Transportation for approval under by an individual favoring the resolution, and is ment to the amendment of the Senate num- section 41102 or 41110(e) of title 39, United States privileged in the Senate; and debate thereon bered 126, and agree to the same with an Code, before August 1, 1995; and shall be limited to not more than 1 hour, the amendment as follows: (B) would meet the requirements of such sub- time to be divided in the Senate equally be- In lieu of the matter proposed by said paragraph if such application were approved tween, and controlled by, the majority leader amendment, insert: and such certificate were purchased. and the minority leader or their designees. SEC. 629. (a) None of the funds appropriated (c) Section 41901(g) of title 49, United States (3) FLOOR CONSIDERATION IN THE SENATE.—(A) by this or any other Act may be expended by Code, is repealed. A motion in the Senate to proceed to the consid- And the Senate agree to the same. any Federal Agency to procure any product or eration of a resolution shall be privileged. service that is subject to the provisions of Public Amendment No. 129: That the House recede from its disagree- (B) Debate in the Senate on a resolution, and Law 89–306 and that will be available under the all debatable motions and appeals in connection procurement by the Administrator of General ment to the amendment of the Senate num- bered 129, and agree to the same with an therewith, shall be limited to not more than 4 Services known as ‘‘FTS2000’’ unless— hours, to be equally divided between, and con- (1) such product or service is procured by the amendment as follows: In lieu of the matter proposed by said trolled by, the majority leader and the minority Administrator of General Services as part of the leader or their designees. procurement known as ‘‘FTS2000’’; or amendment, insert: (2) that agency establishes to the satisfaction SEC. 632. LIMITATION ON USE OF FUNDS FOR (C) Debate in the Senate on any debatable of the Administrator of General Services that— THE PROVISION OF CERTAIN FOR- motion or appeal in connection with a resolu- EIGN ASSISTANCE. (A) that agency’s requirements for such pro- tion shall be limited to not more than 20 min- (a) IN GENERAL.—Notwithstanding any other curement are unique and cannot be satisfied by utes, to be equally divided between, and con- provision of law, none of the funds made avail- property and service procured by the Adminis- trolled by, the mover and the manager of the able by this Act for the Department of the trator of General Services as part of the procure- resolution, except that in the event the manager Treasury shall be available for any activity or ment known as ‘‘FTS2000’’; and of the resolution is in favor of any such motion (B) the agency procurement pursuant to such for paying the salary of any Government em- or appeal, the time in opposition thereto, shall delegation, would be cost-effective and would ployee where funding an activity or paying a be controlled by the minority leader or his des- not adversely affect the cost-effectiveness of the salary to a Government employee would result ignee. Such leaders, or either of them, may, from FTS2000 procurement. in a decision, determination, rule, regulation, or time under their control on the passage of a res- (b) After July 31, 1996, subsection (a) shall policy that would permit the Secretary of the olution, allot additional time to any Senator apply that if the Administrator of General Serv- Treasury to make any loan or extension of cred- during the consideration of any debatable mo- ices has reported that the FTS2000 procurement it under section 5302 of title 31, United States tion or appeal. is producing prices that allow the Government Code, with respect to a single foreign entity or (D) A motion in the Senate to further limit de- to satisfy its requirements for such procurement government of a foreign country (including bate on a resolution, debatable motion, or ap- in the most cost-effective manner. agencies or other entities of that government)— peal is not debatable. No amendment to, or mo- (c) The Comptroller General of the United (1) with respect to a loan or extension of cred- tion to recommit, a resolution is in order in the States shall conduct and deliver a comprehen- it for more than 60 days, unless the President Senate. sive analysis of the cost of the Federal govern- certifies to the Committee on Banking, Housing, (4) In the case of a resolution, if prior to the ment of all Federal agency telecommunications and Urban Affairs of the Senate and the Com- passage by one House of a resolution of that services and traffic, by agency, and provide mittee on Banking and Financial Services of the House, that House receives a resolution with re- such report to the House and Senate Committees House of Representatives that— spect to the same matter from the other House, (A) there is no projected cost (as that term is on Appropriations by no later than May 31, then— defined in section 502 of the Federal Credit Re- 1996: Provided, That such report shall (1) iden- (A) the procedure in that House shall be the form Act of 1990) to the United States from the tify which agencies are using FTS2000 systems; same as if no resolution had been received from proposed loan or extension of credit; and (2) determine whether or not such usage is cost- (B) any proposed obligation or expenditure of the other House; but effective; and (3) provide a comparison of tele- United States funds to or on behalf of the for- (B) the vote on final passage shall be on the communication costs between agencies that use eign government is adequately backed by an as- resolution of the other House. or do not use FTS2000. sured source of repayment to ensure that all (5) For purposes of this subsection, the term And the Senate agree to the same. ‘‘joint resolution’’ means only a joint resolution Amendment No. 127: United States funds will be repaid; and (2) other than as provided by an Act of Con- of the 2 Houses of Congress, the matter after the That the House recede from its disagree- gress, if that loan or extension of credit would resolving clause of which is as follows: ‘‘That ment to the amendment of the Senate num- result in expenditures and obligations, including the Congress disapproves the action of the Presi- bered 127, and agree to the same with an contingent obligations, aggregating more than dent under section 632(b) of the Treasury, Post- amendment as follows: al Service, and General Government Appropria- In lieu of the first section number named $1,000,000,000 with respect to that foreign coun- tions Act, 1996, notice of which was submitted to in said amendment, insert: 630; and the Sen- try for more than 180 days during the 120-month the Congress on .’’, with the blank space ate agree to the same. period beginning on the date on which the first being filled with the appropriate date. Amendment No. 128: such action is taken. That the House recede from its disagree- (b) WAIVER OF LIMITATIONS.—The President (d) APPLICABILITY.—This section— ment to the amendment of the Senate num- may exceed the dollar and time limitations in (1) shall not apply to any action taken as part bered 128, and agree to the same with an subsection (a)(2) if he certifies in writing to the of the program of assistance to Mexico an- amendment as follows: Congress that a financial crisis in that foreign nounced by the President on January 31, 1995; In lieu of the matter proposed by said country poses a threat to vital United States and amendment, insert: economic interests or the stability of the inter- (2) shall remain in effect through fiscal year Sec. 631. (a) Section 5402 of title 39, United national financial system. 1996. States Code, is amended— (c) EXPEDITED PROCEDURES FOR A RESOLU- And the Senate agree to the same. (1) in subsection (f) by striking out ‘‘During TION OF DISAPPROVAL.—A presidential certifi- Amendment No. 130: the period beginning January 1, 1985, and end- cation pursuant to subsection (b) shall not take That the House recede from its disagree- ing January 1, 1999, the ’’ and inserting in lieu effect, if the Congress, within thirty calendar ment to the amendment of the Senate num- thereof ‘‘The’’; and days after receiving such certification, enacts a bered 130, and agree to the same with an (2) in subsection (g)(1) by amending subpara- joint resolution of disapproval, as described in amendment as follows: paragraph (5) of this subsection. graph (D) to read as follows: In lieu of the matter proposed by said (1) REFERENCE TO COMMITTEES.—All joint res- ‘‘(D) have provided schedule service within amendment, insert: the State of Alaska for at least 12 consecutive olutions introduced in the Senate to disapprove SEC. 633. For purposes of each provision of months with aircraft— the certification shall be referred to the Commit- law amended by section 704(a)(2) of the Ethics ‘‘(i) up to 7,500 pounds payload capacity be- tee on Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs, Reform Act of 1989 (5 U.S.C. 5318 note), no ad- fore being selected as a carrier of nonpriority and in the House of Representatives, to the ap- justment under section 5303 of title 5, United bypass mail at an applicable intra-Alaska bush propriate committees. States Code, shall be considered to have taken service mail rate; and (2) DISCHARGE OF COMMITTEES.—(A) If the ‘‘(ii) over 7,500 pounds payload capacity be- committee of either House to which a resolution effect in fiscal year 1996 in the rates of basic pay fore being selected as a carrier of nonpriority has been referred has not reported it at the end for the statutory pay systems. bypass mail at the intra-Alaska mainline service of 15 days after its introduction, it is in order to And the Senate agree to the same. mail rate.’’ move either to discharge the committee from fur- Amendment No. 131: (b)(1) Subject to paragraph (2), the amend- ther consideration of the joint resolution or to That the House recede from its disagree- ment made by subsection (a) shall be effective discharge the committee from further consider- ment to the amendment of the Senate num- on and after August 1, 1995. ation of any other resolution introduced with bered 131, and agree to the same with an (2) Subparagraph (D) of section 5402(g)(1) title respect to the same matter, except no motion to amendment as follows: 39, United States Code (as in effect before the discharge shall be in order after the committee In lieu of the first section number named amendment made under subsection (a)) shall has reported a joint resolution with respect to in said amendment, insert: 634; and the Sen- apply to a carrier, if such carrier— the same matter. ate agree to the same. H 10818 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 Amendment No. 133: poses’’, approved July 31, 1946 (40 U.S.C. members. Seven members of the Commission That the House recede from its disagree- 193m(1)). shall constitute a quorum. Any vacancy in the ment to the amendment of the Senate num- (e) Nothing in this section shall be construed Commission shall not affect its powers, but shall bered 133, and agree to the same with an as restricting the authority of the Administrator be filled in the same manner in which the origi- amendment as follows: of General Services or the head of an agency to nal appointment was made. In lieu of the matter proposed by said limit tobacco product use in or around any Fed- (5) APPOINTMENT; INITIAL MEETING.— amendment, insert: eral building, except as provided under sub- (A) APPOINTMENT.—It is the sense of the Con- SEC. 636. This section may be cited as the section (b)(1). gress that members of the Committee should be ‘‘Prohibition of Cigarette Sales to Minors in And the Senate agree to the same. appointed not more than 60 days after the date Federal Buildings and Lands Act’’. Amendment No. 135: of the enactment of this section. (a) As used in this section— That the House recede from its disagree- (B) INITIAL MEETING.—If, after 60 days from (1) the term ‘‘Federal agency’’ means— ment to the amendment of the Senate num- the date of the enactment of this section, seven (A) an Executive agency as defined in section bered 135, and agree to the same with an or more members of the Commission have been 105 of title 5, United States Code; and amendment as follows: appointed, members who have been appointed (B) each entity specified in subparagraphs (B) In lieu of the matter proposed by said may meet and select a Chairman who thereafter through (H) of section 5721(1) of title 5, United amendment, insert: shall have the authority to begin the operations States Code; SEC. 637. NATIONAL COMMISSION ON RESTRUC- of the Commission, including the hiring of staff. (2) the term ‘‘Federal building’’ means— TURING THE INTERNAL REVENUE (c) FUNCTIONS OF COMMISSION.— (A) any building or other structure owned in SERVICE. (1) IN GENERAL.—The functions of the Com- whole or in part by the United States or any (a) FINDINGS.—The Congress finds the follow- mission shall be— Federal agency, including any such structure ing: (A) to conduct, for a period of not to exceed occupied by a Federal agency under a lease (1) While the budget for the Internal Revenue one year from the date of its first meeting, the agreement; and Service (hereafter referred to as the ‘‘IRS’’) has review described in paragraph (2), and (B) includes the real property on which such risen from $2.5 billion in fiscal year 1979 to $7.3 (B) to submit to the Congress a final report of building is located; billion in fiscal year 1996, tax returns processing the results of the review, including recommenda- (3) the term ‘‘minor’’ means an individual has not become significantly faster, tax collec- tions for restructuring the IRS. under the age of 18 years; and tion rates have not significantly increased, and (2) REVIEW.—The Commission shall review— (4) the term ‘‘tobacco product’’ means ciga- the accuracy and timeliness of taxpayer assist- (A) the present practices of the IRS, especially rettes, cigars, little cigars, pipe tobacco, smoke- ance has not significantly improved. with respect to— less tobacco, snuff, and chewing tobacco. (2) To date, the Tax Systems Modernization (i) its organizational structure; (b)(1) No later than 45 days after the date of (TSM) program has cost the taxpayers $2.5 bil- (ii) its paper processing and return processing the enactment of this Act, the Administrator of lion, with an estimated cost of $8 billion. Despite activities; General Services and the head of each Federal this investment, modernization efforts were re- (iii) its infrastructure; and agency shall promulgate regulations that pro- cently described by the GAO as ‘‘chaotic’’ and (iv) the collection process; hibit— ‘‘ad hoc’’. (B) requirements for improvement in the fol- (A) the sale of tobacco products in vending (3) While the IRS maintains that TSM will in- lowing areas: machines located in or around any Federal crease efficiency and thus revenues, Congress (i) making returns processing ‘‘paperless’’; building under the jurisdiction of the Adminis- has had to appropriate additional funds in re- (ii) modernizing IRS operations; trator or such agency head; and cent years for compliance initiatives in order to (iii) improving the collections process without (B) the distribution of free samples of tobacco increase tax revenues. major personnel increases or increased funding; products in or around any Federal building (4) Because TSM has not been implemented, (iv) improving taxpayer accounts manage- under the jurisdiction of the Administrator or the IRS continues to rely on paper returns, ment; such agency head. processing a total of 14 billion pieces of paper (v) improving the accuracy of information re- (2) The Administrator of General Services or every tax season. This results in an extremely quested by taxpayers in order to file their re- the head of an agency, as appropriate, may des- inefficient system. turns; and ignate areas not subject to the provisions of (5) This lack of efficiency reduces the level of (vi) changing the culture of the IRS to make paragraph (1), if such area also prohibits the customer service and impedes the ability of the the organization more efficient, productive, and presence of minors. IRS to collect revenue. customer-oriented; (3) The provisions of this subsection shall be (6) The present status of the IRS shows the (C) whether the IRS could be replaced with a carried out— need for the establishment of a Commission quasi-governmental agency with tangible incen- (A) by the Administrator of General Services which will examine the organization of IRS and tives and internally managing its programs and for any Federal building which is maintained, recommend actions to expedite the implementa- activities and for modernizing its activities, and leased, or has title of ownership vested in the tion of TSM and improve service to taxpayers. (D) whether the IRS could perform other col- General Services Administration; or (b) COMPOSITION OF THE COMMISSION.— lection, information, and financial service func- (B) by the head of a Federal agency for any (1) ESTABLISHMENT.—To carry out the pur- tions of the Federal Government. Federal building which is maintained, leased, or poses of this section, there is established a Na- (d) POWERS OF THE COMMISSION.— has title of ownership vested in such agency. tional Commission on Restructuring the Internal (1) IN GENERAL.—(A) The Commission or, on (c) No later than 90 days after the date of en- Revenue Service (in this section referred to as the authorization of the Commission, any sub- actment of this Act, the Administrator of Gen- the ‘‘Commission’’). committee or member thereof, may, for the pur- eral Services and each head of an agency shall (2) COMPOSITION.—The Commission shall be pose of carrying out the provisions of this sec- prepare and submit, to the appropriate commit- composed of thirteen members, as follows: tion— tees of Congress, a report that shall contain— (A) Five members appointed by the President, (i) hold such hearings and sit and act at such (1) verification that the Administrator or such two from the executive branch of the Govern- times and places, take such testimony, receive head of an agency is in compliance with this ment, two from private life, and one from an or- such evidence, administer such oaths, and section; and ganization that represents a substantial number (ii) require, by subpoena or otherwise, the at- (2) a detailed list of the location of all tobacco of Internal Revenue Service employees. tendance and testimony of such witnesses and product vending machines located in Federal (B) Two members appointed by the Majority the production of such books, records, cor- buildings under the administration of the Ad- Leader of the Senate, one from Members of the respondence, memoranda, papers, and docu- ministrator or such head of an agency. Senate and one from private life. ments, as the Commission or such designated (d)(1) No later than 45 days after the date of (C) Two members appointed by the Minority subcommittee or designated member may deem the enactment of this Act, the Senate Committee Leader of the Senate, one from Members of the advisable. on Rules and Administration and the House of Senate and one from private life. (B) Subpoenas issued under subparagraph Representatives Committee on House Adminis- (D) Two members appointed by the Speaker of (A)(ii) may be issued under the signature of the tration, after consultation with the Architect of the House of Representatives, one from Members Chairman of the Commission, the chairman of the Capitol, shall promulgate regulations under of the House of Representatives and one from any designated subcommittee, or any designated the Senate and House of Representatives rule- private life. member, and may be served by any person des- making authority that prohibit the sale of to- (E) Two members appointed by the Minority ignated by such Chairman, subcommittee chair- bacco products in vending machines in the Cap- Leader of the House of Representatives, one man, or member. The provisions of sections 102 itol Buildings. from Members of the House of Representatives through 104 of the Revised Statutes of the Unit- (2) Such committees may designate areas and one from private life. ed States (2 U.S.C. 192–194) shall apply in the where such prohibition shall not apply, if such The Commissioner of the Internal Revenue case of any failure of any witness to comply area also prohibits the presence of minors. Service shall be an ex officio member of the with any subpoena or to testify when summoned (3) For the purpose of this section the term Commission. under authority of this section. ‘‘Capitol Buildings’’ shall have the same mean- (3) CHAIRMAN.—The Commission shall elect a (2) CONTRACTING.—The Commission may, to ing as such term is defined under section Chairman from among its members. such extent and in such amounts as are pro- 16(a)(1) of the Act entitled ‘‘An Act to define the (4) MEETING; QUORUM; VACANCIES.—After its vided in appropriation Acts, enter into contracts area of the United States Capitol Grounds, to initial meeting, the Commission shall meet upon to enable the Commission to discharge its duties regulate the use thereof, and for other pur- the call of the Chairman or a majority of its under this section. October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10819

(3) INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES.— (1) FINAL REPORT.—Not later than one year RICHARD C. SHELBY, The Commission is authorized to secure directly after the date of the first meeting of the Commis- JAMES M. JEFFORDS, from any executive department, bureau, agency, sion, the Commission shall submit to the Con- BEN NIGHTHORSE board, commission, office, independent estab- gress its final report, as described in subsection CAMPBELL, lishment, or instrumentality of the Government, (c)(2). MARK O. HATFIELD, information, suggestions, estimates, and statis- (2) TERMINATION.—(A) The Commission, and BOB KERREY, tics for the purposes of this section. Each such all the authorities of this section, shall termi- ROBERT C. BYRD, department, bureau, agency, board, commission, nate on the date which is 60 days after the date Managers on the Part of the Senate. office, establishment, or instrumentality shall, on which a final report is required to be trans- JOINT EXPLANATORY STATEMENT OF to the extent authorized by law, furnish such mitted under paragraph (1). THE COMMITTEE OF CONFERENCE information, suggestions, estimates, and statis- (B) The Commission may use the 60-day pe- The managers on the part of the House and tics directly to the Commission, upon request riod referred to in subparagraph (A) for the pur- Senate at the conference on the disagreeing made by the Chairman. pose of concluding its activities, including pro- votes of the two Houses on the amendments (4) ASSISTANCE FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES.—(A) viding testimony to committees of Congress con- of the Senate to the bill (H.R. 2020) making The Secretary of the Treasury is authorized on cerning its final report and disseminating that appropriations for the Treasury Department, a nonreimbursable basis to provide the Commis- report. the United States Postal Service, the Execu- sion with administrative services, funds, facili- (h) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— tive Office of the President, and certain inde- ties, staff, and other support services for the Such sums as may be necessary are authorized pendent agencies, for the fiscal year ending performance of the Commission’s functions. to be appropriated for the activities of the Com- September 30, 1996, and for other purposes, (B) The Administrator of General Services mission. submit the following joint statement to the shall provide to the Commission on a (i) APPROPRIATIONS.—Notwithstanding any nonreimbursable basis such administrative sup- other provision of this Act, $1,000,000 shall be House and Senate in explanation of the ef- port services as the Commission may request. available from fiscal year 1996 funds appro- fect of the action agreed upon by the man- (C) In addition to the assistance set forth in priated to the Internal Revenue Service, ‘‘Infor- agers and recommended in the accompany- subparagraphs (A) and (B), departments and mation systems’’ account, for the activities of ing conference report. agencies of the United States are authorized to the Commission, to remain available until ex- The conference agreement on the Treas- provide to the Commission such services, funds, pended. ury, Postal Service, and General Govern- facilities, staff, and other support services as And the Senate agree to the same. ment Appropriations Act, 1996, incorporates they may deem advisable and as may be author- Amendment No. 136: some of the language and allocations set ized by law. That the House recede from its disagree- forth in House Report 104–183 and Senate Re- (5) POSTAL SERVICES.—The Commission may ment to the amendment of the Senate num- port 104–121. The language in these reports use the United States mails in the same manner bered 136, and agree to the same with an should be complied with unless specifically and under the same conditions as departments amendment as follows: addressed in the accompanying statement of and agencies of the United States. In lieu of the matter proposed by said the managers. (e) STAFF OF THE COMMISSION.— amendment, insert: REPROGRAMMING AND TRANSFER (1) IN GENERAL.—The Chairman, in accord- SEC. 638. The Administrator of General Serv- REQUIREMENTS ance with rules agreed upon by the Commission, ices shall, within six months of enactment of The conferees agree with the Senate lan- may appoint and fix the compensation of a staff this Act, report to Congress on the feasibility of guage stating requirements for agency re- director and such other personnel as may be leasing agreements with State and local govern- quests for reprogramming and transfer ac- necessary to enable the Commission to carry out ments and private sponsors for the construction tions. its functions, without regard to the provisions of of border stations on the borders of the United TITLE I—DEPARTMENT OF THE title 5, United States Code, governing appoint- States with Canada and Mexico whereby— TREASURY ments in the competitive service, and without re- (1) lease payments shall not exceed 30 years gard to the provisions of chapter 51 and sub- for payment of the purchase price and interest; DEPARTMENTAL OFFICES chapter III of chapter 53 of such title relating to (2) an agreement entered into under such pro- SALARIES AND EXPENSES classification and General Schedule pay rates, visions shall provide for the title to the property Amendment No. 1. Inserts Senate language except that no rate of pay fixed under this sub- and facilities to vest in the United States on or permitting $2,950,000 for information tech- section may exceed the equivalent of that pay- before the expiration of the contract term, on nology modernization to remain available able to a person occupying a position at level V fulfillment of the terms and conditions of the until expended and deletes House language of the Executive Schedule under section 5316 of agreements. limiting the availability. title 5, United States Code. Any Federal Govern- And the Senate agree to the same. Amendment No. 2. Appropriates $105,929,000 ment employee may be detailed to the Commis- Amendment No. 139: instead of $104,000,500 as proposed by the sion without reimbursement from the Commis- That the House recede from its disagree- House, and $110,929,000 as proposed by the sion, and such detailee shall retain the rights, ment to the amendment of the Senate num- Senate. Also includes up to $500,000 in reim- status, and privileges of his or her regular em- bered 139, and agree to the same with an bursements to the District of Columbia for ployment without interruption. amendment as follows: personnel costs incurred as a result of the (2) CONSULTANT SERVICES.—The Commission is In lieu of the first section number named closure of Pennsylvania Avenue, and amends authorized to procure the services of experts and in said amendment, insert: 639; and the Sen- Section 640 of P.L. 103–329. consultants in accordance with section 3109 of ate agree to the same. OFFICE OF THE UNDER SECRETARY FOR LAW title 5, United States Code, but at rates not to Amendment No. 140: ENFORCEMENT exceed the daily rate paid a person occupying a That the House recede from its disagree- position at level IV of the Executive Schedule ment to the amendment of the Senate num- The House reduced funding for the Office of under section 5315 of title 5, United States Code. bered 140, and agree to the same with an the Under Secretary of Law Enforcement by (f) COMPENSATION AND TRAVEL EXPENSES.— amendment as follows: $1,066,000; the Senate did not address this (1) COMPENSATION.—(A) Except as provided in In lieu of the matter proposed by said issue. The conferees agree that $66,000 shall subparagraph (B), each member of the Commis- amendment, insert: be reduced from the fiscal year 1996 request sion may be compensated at not to exceed the SEC. 640. Service performed during the period for the Office of the Under Secretary of daily equivalent of the annual rate of basic pay January 1, 1984, through December 31, 1986, Treasury for Law Enforcement. The con- in effect for a position at level IV of the Execu- which would, if performed after that period, be ferees direct that no funds be reprogrammed tive Schedule under section 5315 of title 5, Unit- considered service as a law enforcement officer, into this Office without prior Congressional ed States Code, for each day during which that as defined in section 8401(17) (A)(i)(II) and (B) approval. member is engaged in the actual performance of of title 5, United States Code, shall be deemed Of the amounts provided to the Office of the duties of the Commission. service as a law enforcement officer for the pur- the Under Secretary, the conferees direct (B) Members of the Commission who are offi- poses of chapter 84 of such title. that up to $500,000 shall be transferred to the cers or employees of the United States or Mem- and, on page 78, line 23 of the House of Rep- District of Columbia for its costs associated bers of Congress shall receive no additional pay resentatives engrossed bill, H.R. 2020, after with the closing of Pennsylvania Avenue. on account of their service on the Commission. ‘‘code’’, insert the following: ‘‘or Sec. 613 of This transfer is consistent with a provision (2) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—While away from their this Act’’. recommended by the Senate which requires homes or regular places of business in the per- And the Senate agree to the same. the Department of Treasury to reimburse formance of services for the Commission, mem- The committee of conference reports in the District of Columbia for these costs. bers of the Commission shall be allowed travel disagreement amendment numbered 132. The conferees have also become aware of expenses, including per diem in lieu of subsist- JIM LIGHTFOOT, disparate personnel laws and regulations ence, in the same manner as persons employed FRANK R. WOLF, among the various Federal law enforcement intermittently in the Government service are al- ERNEST ISTOOK, agencies, as well as concerns that certain lowed expenses under section 5703(b) of title 5, JACK KINGSTON, Treasury law enforcement bureaus have had United States Code. MIKE FORBES, difficulty disciplining employees because of (g) FINAL REPORT OF COMMISSION; TERMI- BOB LIVINGSTON, overly restrictive personnel regulations. The NATION.— Managers on the Part of the House. conferees therefore dirct the Office of the H 10820 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 Secretary to report back to the House and 1995 to submit a report to the House and Sen- Amendment No. 10. Appropriates $36,070,000 Senate Committees on Appropriations on op- ate Committees on Appropriations, the Com- as proposed by the House instead of tions for changing the statutory and regu- mittees have not received any indication $34,006,000 as proposed by the Senate. latory structure for Treasury law enforce- that the Department is moving to perma- FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING ment agencies to make recruiting, hiring, nently correct this problem. The conferees CENTER firing, promotions, demotions and lateral instruct the Department of Treasury to im- ACQUISITION, CONSTRUCTION IMPROVEMENTS, moves easier. The report should include op- plement a permanent solution as stated in AND RELATED EXPENSES tions such as moving all Treasury law en- the House report. Amendment No. 11. Appropriates $9,663,000 forcement personnel to the excepted service PROPERTY ACCOUNTABILITY IMPROVEMENTS as proposed by the Senate instead of and creating a broad-band pay structure for The conferees are encouraged by the wide- $8,163,000 as proposed by the House. The con- such employees. The report shall be due to spread interest in moving property/asset ac- ferees agree that the ‘‘related expenses’’ of the House and Senate Committees on Appro- countability activities from a periodic phys- this account may be used to pay for the cost priations no later than March 1, 1996. ical audit and inventory process to an auto- of direct hire and contractor personnel en- The conferees remain concerned with re- mated information based process. The inter- tirely engaged in the execution of expansion gard to the difficulties on the part of Treas- est in automated information management and repair projects. ury law enforcement bureaus in obtaining procedures, as expressed by various Depart- authorization from the Department of State FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT SERVICE ment officials, and put forth in the National in securing foreign posting for law enforce- SALARIES AND EXPENSES Performance Review, shows a significant po- ment officers. The conferees therefore re- Amendment No. 12. Appropriates tential for meaningful cost savings. $184,300,000 instead of $181,837,000 as proposed quest a report from the Department of It is the belief of the conferees that the De- by the House and $186,070,000 as proposed by Treasury to the House and Senate Commit- partment’s property management function the Senate. tees on Appropriations that identifies where lends itself to, and could benefit from, com- Treasury bureaus need to post agents by Amendment No. 13. Inserts Senate lan- mercial off-the-shelf information technology guage permitting $14,277,000 to remain avail- country, the types of cases that those agents including software, computer-based laminate would be assigned, the rationale for such as- able until expended for systems moderniza- barcode printers, barcode readers and stor- tion requirements. signments and the cost of such postings. The age devices. report should include options on reducing BUREAU OF ALCOHOL, TOBACCO AND FIREARMS the cost of overseas postings to Treasury bu- TREASURY BUILDINGS AND ANNEX REPAIR AND (ATF) RESTORATION reaus. The report shall be submitted to the SALARIES AND EXPENSES House and Senate Committees on Appropria- Amendment No. 3. Appropriates $21,491,000 Amendment No. 14. Appropriates tions no later than March 1, 1996. instead of no appropriation as proposed by $377,971,000 as proposed by the Senate instead the House and $7,684,000 as proposed by the ASSISTANT SECRETARY FOR MANAGEMENT/ of $391,035,000 as proposed by the House. CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER Senate. Included in this amount is $7,684,000 The conferees have reduced the request by for repairs and alteration requirements of The conferees withdraw the requirement $7,874,000 for program enhancements and the Treasury Building and Annex and included in the House report that the Mint $5,000,000 for base equipment needs because $13,807,000 for the Secret Service’s new head- and the BEP report directly to the Assistant the Congress funded these activities in the quarters building. Secretary of Treasury for Management/Chief Fiscal Year 1995 Supplemental Appropria- Financial Officer. The conferees do agree OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL tions Act. The conferees have increased the with the House that the Treasurer shall pro- SALARIES AND EXPENSES request by $1,150,000 and five FTE’s to reflect vide only oversight and guidance for the Amendment No. 4. Appropriates $29,319,000 a transfer-back of the funding and positions Mint and BEP and should not monitor day- as proposed by the House instead of which the Administration proposed to be to-day operations. $30,067,000 as proposed by the Senate. funded in the ‘‘Foreign Law Enforcement’’ account. The conferees have denied the UNDER SECRETARY FOR DOMESTIC FINANCE TREASURY FORFEITURE FUND $4,700,000 in ATF’s base for the violence re- The conferees note that a major Treasury Amendment No. 5. Appropriates $10,000,000 duction alliance initiative. The conferees Department issue which involves the Bureau instead of eliminating this account as pro- have reduced the account by $2,800,000 for of Engraving and Printing (BEP) is the ongo- posed by the House and $15,000,000 as pro- ATF’s support role in the GREAT Program. ing currency redesign initiative which is posed by the Senate. Because of the impor- This funding has been shifted to the Violent rightfully being tasked out from the Office tance of standardizing law enforcement com- Crime Trust Fund along with continued of the Under Secretary of Treasury for Do- munications and moving to narrow band funding for GREAT grants to existing com- mestic Finance. Major Treasury Department communications equipment, the conferees munities. Finally, the conferees have re- issues which involve the United States Mint agree that the Department may apply up to duced administrative overhead object classes are ongoing discussions over the introduc- $3,500,000 of the $10,000,000 appropriated in by $3,690,000 to be applied at the discretion of tion of the one dollar coin as well as elec- the Treasury Forfeiture Fund to the En- the Director. The reductions shall be applied tronic forms of cash such as stored-value forcement Federal Wireless Communications to object classes 21.0, 22.0, 23.3, 24.0, 25.0, 26.0, cards. These efforts are also rightfully project. The conferees furthermore agree and 31.0. The reduction in the equipment ac- tasked out from the Office of the Under Sec- that resources within this account may be tivity should be restored to ATF’s base in retary of Treasury for Domestic Finance. transferred to ATF for costs related to devel- fiscal year 1997. Funding for However, both the BEP and the Mint are or- opment of its canine explosives detection counterterrorism initiatives has been in- ganizationally found under the Assistant program. cluded in the ‘‘Violent Crime Trust Fund’’ Secretary for Management, not the Under FINANCIAL CRIMES ENFORCEMENT NETWORK account. Secretary for Domestic Finance. It appears SALARIES AND EXPENSES Amendment No. 15. Restores and modifies that this is not the proper organizational lo- House language prohibiting ATF from obli- cation for these agencies which have much Amendment No. 6. Restores and modifies gating funds for administrative expenses or more in common with the Financial Manage- House language authorizing FinCEN to offset compensation or for any employee to amend ment Service and the Bureau of Public Debt, the cost of travel for law enforcement per- the definition of ‘‘curios or relics’’ as pub- both of which report to the Under Secretary sonnel only. lished in the Code of Federal Regulations or Amendment No. 7. Appropriates $22,198,000 for Domestic Finance, than with Treasury remove items from ATF publication 5300.11 as proposed by the Senate instead of organizations which report to the Assistant as it existed on January 1, 1994. $20,273,000 as proposed by the House. Also in- Secretary for Management. EXPLOSIVES DETECTION PROGRAM In the interests of securing the most ap- cludes House proposed language allowing The conferees understand that ATF has de- propriate mechanism for these two organiza- FinCEN to procure up to $500,000 for special- veloped a method of training canines to de- tions to receive proper policy oversight, the ized automated data processing equipment tect explosive and fire accelerants that is conferees recommend that the Secretary of without complying with procurement regula- more accurate and reliable than techniques Treasury review his organizational structure tions and authorizing the use of its funds to employed elsewhere. This success has re- to ensure that the BEP and the U.S. Mint are procure personal services contracts. sulted in urgent requests by foreign govern- reporting to the most appropriate Treasury FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT TRAINING ments such as Israel, Egypt and Greece for official. The Secretary should report to the CENTER technical assistance in establishing their Committees only if he determines that there SALARIES AND EXPENSES own programs in the ATF style. The con- should be no change in the current organiza- Amendment No. 8. Deletes House provision ferees are concerned, however, that, al- tional structure. permitting the Director of FLETC to offset though other nations have benefited from U.S. DUTCH TREATY PROTOCOL AMENDMENTS OF part of the cost of travel expenses for certain this technique, it has not been widely dis- 1993 individuals training at FLETC. seminated in the United States. The conferees strongly agree with the Amendment No. 9. Deletes House provision The conferees therefore direct ATF to de- House report language regarding the U.S. authorizing FLETC to obligate funds for site velop a formal program to train explosives Dutch Treaty Protocol Amendments of 1993. security and expansion of antiterrorism and accelerant detection canines and han- While the Department has until October 31, training facilities. dlers from local, state and Federal agencies. October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10821 Treasury Asset Forfeiture funds may be used funding from any Treasury bureau or depart- that the IRS should work constructively for positions and capital improvements at ment to the Office of the Treasurer rep- with all participants (Congress, electronic the training facility currently being used in resents an augmentation of appropriations filing industry, and taxpayers) who have a Front Royal, Virginia. for Departmental Offices and should not be stake in electronic filing to ensure that the The conferees encourage all Federal agen- pursued without prior Congressional ap- problems experienced during the most recent cies with a need for explosives and proval. tax season will not be repeated. accelerant detection capabilities to consider DISTINCTIVE PAPER FOR CURRENCY INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE using ATF’s canine explosives and accelerant The conferees agree that the House and TAX LAW ENFORCEMENT detection program. Senate report language concerning the pro- Amendment No. 21. Appropriates EXPLOSIVES DESENSITIZATION curement of distinctive paper for the print- $4,097,294,000 as proposed by the Senate in- The conferees are aware of an Office of ing of currency is complimentary and is stead of $4,254,476,000 as proposed by the Technology Assessment (OTA) recommenda- therefore supported by the conferees. Addi- House. tion that Naval Surface Weapons Center In- tionally, the conferees agree that none of the TAX COMPLIANCE INITIATIVE dian Head play a major role in any Ammo- report language shall contradict the law nium Nitrate desensitization initiatives. The which states that all requirements for the In fiscal year 1995, Congress provided a OTA report states that Indian Head has the domestic manufacture of paper shall not total of $4,385,459,000 for Tax Law Enforce- highest concentration of explosives experts apply if the Secretary of the Treasury deter- ment which was comprised of a base program in the world, and that Indian Head is running mines that no domestic manufacturer of dis- of $3,980,459,000 and $405,000,000 for the first the only insensitive munitions program in tinctive paper for currency or securities ex- installment of a new five year, $2,000,000,000 the U.S., with extensive experience in Am- ists. tax compliance initiative. In fiscal year 1996, the Administration requested a total of monium Nitrate mixtures. In addition, the U.S. MINT PUBLIC ENTERPRISE FUND ATF has worked with the International Fer- $4,524,351,000 for Tax Law Enforcement which Both the House and the Senate Commit- is comprised of a base program of tilizer Development Center. The conferees tees on Appropriations included language es- recommend that ATF continue to strongly $4,119,351,000 and the second installment of tablishing the United States Mint Public En- $405,000,000 for the tax compliance initiative. involve Indian Head and the Center in any terprise Fund. The Senate language included desensitization program. The conferees have appropriated $4,097,294,000 minor changes to the House proposed lan- for the base program, a three percent in- FIRE RESEARCH guage to which the conferees agree. The con- crease over the 1995 level and .5 percent less The conferees would also like to recognize ferees agree with language included in the than the request, but due to funding con- the accomplishments in fire research con- House report requiring the Director of the straints could not provide the second install- ducted by the University of Maryland. The U.S. Mint and the Secretary of Treasury to ment of $405,000,000 for the tax compliance conferees are aware that ATF and the Uni- file certain financial statements and reports. initiative. However, the conferees agree that versity of Maryland have in the past shared The conferees further agree that the Direc- within the funds available IRS should ag- expertise and knowledge. Considering the tor shall ensure that the revenues and ex- gressively pursue tax compliance. important work yet to be done in the area of penses from the circulating coinage and nu- The conferees do not believe that this ac- fire science and arson investigation, the con- mismatic operations are recorded separately. tion sends a signal that voluntary compli- ferees encourage the continuation and ex- Additionally, receipts from coinage oper- ance is no longer a priority or that the ac- pansion of this partnership. ations shall not be used to fund numismatic tion rewards tax cheats. The conferees are UNITED STATES CUSTOMS SERVICE operations, nor shall receipts from numis- dedicated to ensuring the effective and effi- matic operations be used to fund circulating SALARIES AND EXPENSES cient collection of taxes and strongly agree coinage operations. that IRS should pursue those who willfully Amendment No. 16. Appropriates INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE and purposefully provide erroneous informa- $1,387,153,000 as proposed by the Senate in- tion to the IRS. The fact that overall IRS stead of $1,392,429,000 as proposed by the PROCESSING, ASSISTANCE, AND MANAGEMENT funding provided by the conference agree- House. The conferees deny the President’s Amendment No. 20. Appropriates ment represents 65 percent of the total dis- request to transfer $8,280,000 to foreign law $1,723,764,000 instead of $1,682,742,000 as pro- cretionary allocation available to the con- enforcement and assumes savings of posed by the House and $1,767,309,000 as pro- ferees is a testament to this dedication. $2,677,000 from administrative overhead. posed by the Senate. Amendment No. 22. Restores and modifies WESTERN HEMISPHERIC TRADE IRS REGULATIONS AFFECTING INTERCITY BUS House language authorizing $13,000,000 for a The conferees have included funding for re- FUEL EXCISE TAX REFUNDS private debt collection initiative. The conferees are concerned that many view of trade issues to be equally divided be- INTERNAL REVENUE SERVICE tween the Center for Study of Western Hemi- intercity bus companies are not receiving INFORMATION SYSTEMS spheric Trade in Texas and the Northern Federal diesel fuel excise tax refunds that Plains and Rockies Center for the Study of are due to them. The IRS regulation regards Amendment No. 23. Appropriates Western Hemispheric Trade in Montana at the dyeing of diesel fuel to prevent illegal $1,527,154,000 instead of $1,571,616,000 as pro- no more than half the level provided in 1995. use of tax-free diesel fuel. Intercity buses are posed by the House and $1,442,605,000 as pro- Amendment No. 17. Restores House lan- allowed to use either tax-free and remit the posed by the Senate and places a ‘‘floor’’ of guage and inserts Senate language requiring appropriate excise tax or use fully taxed fuel $695,000,000 on the expenditures for Tax Sys- the Commissioner to designate a single indi- and seek an appropriate refund. tems Modernization (TSM), which is vidual to be port director of all government While the conferees understand the ration- $26,000,000 less than the House minimum for activities at two ports of entry and earmarks ale for this regulation, they are concerned TSM and $25,000,000 more than the Senate $750,000 for additional part-time and tem- that it may be impeding services provided by minimum for TSM. porary positions in the Honolulu Customs intercity bus companies to rural areas, the Amendment No. 24. Deletes House lan- District. elderly, the young and the poor. The con- guage and modifies Senate language on Tax ferees expect the IRS to work with the ap- Systems Modernization. OPERATION AND MAINTENANCE, AIR AND MARINE propriate Congressional committees to re- INTERDICTION PROGRAMS TAX SYSTEMS MODERNIZATION solve this serious problem expeditiously. Amendment No. 18. Appropriates $64,843,000 The conferees have also included legisla- ELECTRONIC FILING instead of $60,993,000 as proposed by the tive language which ‘‘fences’’ $100,000,000 of House and $68,543,000 as proposed by the Sen- The conferees fully support the goals ac- the funds appropriated for tax systems mod- ate. companying Tax Systems Modernization ernization until the Secretary of the Treas- Amendment No. 19. Deletes House lan- (TSM) as outlined by the Internal Revenue ury reports to the Committees on Appropria- guage allowing $5,644,000 to remain available Service (IRS). However, the conferees seek a tions of the House and the Senate. The re- until expended. better understanding of actions taken by the port shall use explicit decision criteria to IRS during the most recent tax season that identify, evaluate, and prioritize all systems BUREAU OF ENGRAVING AND PRINTING have caused a dramatic decline in electronic investments planned for fiscal year 1996; in- CURRENCY REDESIGN EFFORT filing, the cornerstone of TSM. The conferees clude a schedule for successfully mitigating The conferees do not agree with the House request the IRS to include in the TSM busi- deficiencies identified by the General Ac- language directing that the U.S. Treasurer ness plan, the specific steps the IRS, in co- counting Office (GAO) in its April 1995 report have full operational control over all aspects operation with the electronic filing industry, to the Committees; establish a schedule for of the public relations effort for currency re- intends to take to maintain and increase the development and implementation of all design. The conferees agree that the cur- current levels of electronic filing. projects included in the tax systems mod- rency redesign effort should remain under The conferees believe that the IRS has ernization program; and, provide a plan to the jurisdiction of the Bureau of Engraving made significant strides in deterring and de- expand the utilization of external, not Inter- and Printing and the Under Secretary of tecting fraud, but make the observation that nal Revenue Service (IRS), expertise for sys- Treasury for Domestic Finance. many hardworking, honest taxpayers have tems development and integration. The conferees further agree that transfer- been inconvenienced due to last filing sea- The conferees direct GAO to review the ring or detailing full time equivalents and/or son’s changes. Further, the conferees believe IRS report, when completed, to ensure that, H 10822 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 in fact, deficiencies identified by GAO have anti-counterfeiting efforts, $1,600,000 for of $3,180,000 but remain concerned over the been corrected. GAO shall provide an inde- missing and exploited children, $400,000 for duplication of effort within the Executive pendent assessment of the actions taken by the Treasury Recipient Income Verification Office of the President as it relates to advis- IRS to address these deficiencies in a report Program and $3,278,000 for the upcoming ing the President on economic policy. The to the House and Senate Appropriations Summer Olympics and the remaining funds conferees are also concerned that the spe- Committees by no later than April 1, 1996. for other Secret Service activities. cific functions and responsibilities of the Should the IRS report not be available prior Amendment No. 28. Appropriates $7,200,000 Council are not ones which necessarily re- to that time, the conferees direct the GAO to as proposed by the Senate instead of quire a full time Federal employment level provide status reports to the Committees on $12,200,000 as proposed by the House. of 35 and annual operating costs of $3.5 mil- IRS corrective actions and provide such as- GENERAL PROVISIONS—DEPARTMENT OF THE lion. The conferees direct CEA to submit, as sessment within 30 days of receipt of the IRS TREASURY part of its fiscal year 1997 budget request, a report. Amendment No. 29. Deletes House lan- report on the current organizational struc- The IRS has been told by a number of guage authorizing Treasury to transfer up to ture of economic advice to the President in- sources, including the House and Senate Ap- cluding an assessment of the roles of the Of- propriations Committees, the GAO, and the 2 percent between appropriations accounts with the advance approval of the House and fice of Management and Budget and the Na- National Academy of Sciences that, within tional Economic Council as they relate to the IRS, there is not the level of expertise Senate Committees on Appropriations. Amendment No. 30. Deletes Senate lan- the formulation, coordination, and imple- required for proper development and imple- guage exempting Customs personnel funded mentation of national economic policy. This mentation of TSM. The House and the Sen- report should also include a specific plan for ate Appropriations Committees have urged through reimbursement from the Puerto Rico Trust Fund from government-wide streamlining economic advice to the Presi- IRS to move toward greater use of the con- dent and structuring a full time volunteer tractor community and its expertise in the work force reductions. Amendment No. 31. Inserts Senate lan- Council of Economic Advisers using, for in- area of systems development and total pro- guage authorizing the Treasury Department stance, academicians, fellows, and other in- gram integration. Thus far, IRS has been re- to use its aircraft to assist Federal agencies dividuals to provide independent economic luctant to pursue this approach, relying in- advice to the President. stead on internal organizational structures. in carrying out emergency law enforcement The conferees have therefore included lan- support to protect human life, property, pub- NATIONAL SECURITY COUNCIL guage which requires the IRS to develop a lic health or safety. SALARIES AND EXPENSES Amendment No. 32. Deletes Senate lan- plan to expand the utilization of contractor Amendment No. 38. Appropriates $6,648,000 guage authorizing the expenditure of up to expertise for systems development and total as proposed by the Senate instead of $500,000 to reimburse the District of Colum- program integration. As stated by the Sen- $6,459,000 as proposed by the House. bia for personnel costs incurred as a result of ate, the IRS is a revenue collection agency, OFFICE OF ADMINISTRATION not an automation design company and the closure of Pennsylvania Avenue. should use contractor resources more effec- TITLE II—U.S. POSTAL SERVICE SALARIES AND EXPENSES tively. FEDERAL POSTAL SERVICE EMPLOYEES Amendment No. 39. Appropriates $25,736,000 Furthermore, the conferees believe that The conferees strongly believe that the as proposed by the House instead of the Secretary of the Treasury should con- Federal postal employees who volunteered to $25,560,000 as proposed by the Senate. tinue to exercise direct oversight control of fight the recent fires on Long Island, NY, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT AND BUDGET the management of TSM, providing guidance from August 21 to September 6, 1995 should SALARIES AND EXPENSES and assistance when necessary. be paid their equivalent salaries for the time Amendment No. 40. Appropriates $55,573,000 ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS—INTERNAL that they devoted to fighting fires. The Post- as proposed by the Senate instead of REVENUE SERVICE al Service has previously indicated the em- $55,426,000 as proposed by the House. Amendment No. 25. Deletes House lan- ployees must take vacation time or unpaid Amendment No. 41. Deletes a provision in- guage prohibiting the transfer of funds from leave, but the conferees believe that the serted by the Senate prohibiting the obliga- the tax law enforcement account in fiscal Presidential declaration of a national disas- tion of fiscal year 1996 funds by OMB until a year 1996. ter in this case warrants, and the Postmaster report on longer-term budgeting has been UNITED STATES SECRET SERVICE General concurs, that all postal workers who submitted to the House and Senate Commit- SALARIES AND EXPENSES were engaged as volunteer firefighters in the tees on Appropriations. The conferees did Amendment No. 26. Appropriates Long Island fires will be ‘‘held harmless,’’ not include the Senate provision since the $531,944,000 instead of $542,461,000 as proposed not lose vacation or personal time, and be information required from OMB on this sub- by the House and $534,502,000 as proposed by paid the equivalent of their salaries for their ject was provided to the Committees prior to the Senate. The conferees deny funding of time donated to the disaster. conference action. $2,300,000 for mainframe computer replace- TITLE III—EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE LONG-TERM BUDGETING ment and financial systems enhancements, PRESIDENT The first and most significant rec- deny the transfer of $3,100,000 to Foreign Law THE WHITE HOUSE OFFICE ommendation endorsed by a majority of the Enforcement, and assume administrative SALARIES AND EXPENSES Bipartisan Commission on Entitlement and overhead savings of $7,646,000, as proposed by Amendment No. 33. Appropriates $39,459,000 Tax Reform was that the Federal govern- the Senate. The conferees include $16,295,000 as proposed by the House instead of ment make major spending and tax decisions to restore base funding requirements which $38,131,000 as proposed by the Senate. with reference to a longer time period than have eroded over the past several years. The EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE the traditional five year budget window. As conferees fund $13,807,000 associated with the a result, the Senate Committee on Appro- new headquarters building in a separate ac- OPERATING EXPENSES priations requested OMB to provide a 30-year count and $3,278,000 in protection costs asso- Amendment No. 34. Appropriates $7,827,000 analysis of the costs of the major entitle- ciated with the upcoming Summer Olympics as proposed by the Senate instead of ment programs. That information was sub- in the Violent Crime Trust Fund account. $7,522,000 as proposed by the House. mitted to the Committee in a letter dated, VIOLENT CRIME REDUCTION PROGRAMS EXECUTIVE RESIDENCE AT THE WHITE HOUSE September 12, 1995. The conferees have de- Amendment No. 27. Appropriates $69,314,000 WHITE HOUSE REPAIR AND RESTORATION cided to print that letter and the accom- instead of $51,686,000 as proposed by the Amendment No. 35. Inserts Senate lan- panying document in the statement of man- House and $68,300,000 as proposed by the Sen- guage establishing an appropriation of agers so that the American public can be ate. This includes $21,010,000 for the ATF, of $2,200,000 to fund repairs and restoration ac- aware of the long-range costs facing the which $3,100,000 shall be available for the fur- tivities at the White House. country as a result of entitlement programs. ther development of ballistics imaging tech- That information follows: SPECIAL ASSISTANCE TO THE PRESIDENT nologies as part of the ‘‘CEASEFIRE’’ pro- EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF THE PRESI- gram, $3,500,000 shall be available for admin- SALARIES AND EXPENSES DENT, OFFICE OF MANAGEMENT istering the GREAT program, and the re- Amendment No. 36. Appropriates $3,280,000 AND BUDGET, maining $14,410,000 shall be available to con- as proposed by the Senate instead of Washington, DC, September 12, 1995. tinue funding for recent expansions in the $3,175,000 as proposed by the House. Hon. J. ROBERT KERREY, arson and explosives detection and investiga- COUNCIL OF ECONOMIC ADVISERS U.S. Senate, tion program. The conferees also provide SALARIES AND EXPENSES Washington, DC. $25,690,000 for the U.S. Customs Service’s DEAR SENATOR KERREY: In response to your Amendment No. 37. Appropriates $3,180,000 ‘‘Operation Hardline’’ to bolster drug law en- interest in the long-range outlook for the instead of eliminating this account as pro- forcement efforts at the U.S.-Mexico border, Federal budget, enclosed is a table that lists posed by the House and $3,439,000 as proposed $21,600,000 for the United States Secret Serv- long-range baseline projections. These pro- by the Senate. ice, and $1,014,000 for the Federal Law En- jections extend the baseline estimates pub- forcement Training Center. NATIONAL ECONOMIC POLICY FORMULATION lished in the Administration’s Mid-Session Of the $21,600,000 provided to the Secret The conferees have restored funding for the Review of the 1996 Budget for a period of Service, the conferees include $5,000,000 for Council of Economic Advisers in the amount thirty years. October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10823 These projections use the best methodol- authority and outlays follow the caps speci- the Congressional Budget Resolution. In- ogy and data available. However, it is very fied in the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation stead, they only project the effects of cur- important to recognize the large uncertain- Act of 1993 through FY 1998 and rise at the rent laws assuming the policies underlying ties inherent in making projections of re- rate of inflation thereafter. Outlays for those laws are not changed. ceipts and outlays this far into the future. major entitlement programs are projected The projections are obviously highly sen- using a combination of underlying economic I hope this information is helpful to you sitive to the underlying economic and demo- assumptions, available actuarial data and an and I look forward to working with you to graphic assumptions. In addition, they rely analysis of recent trends. address both the short- and long-term fiscal on a simplified model of the budget. Receipts It is also important to recognize that all of problems our nation faces. projections are based on a simplified deriva- the projections in the enclosure are baseline Sincerely, tion of tax bases implied by the underlying estimates. They do not reflect the policies in ALICE M. RIVLIN, economic assumptions. Discretionary budget the President’s balanced budget plan or in Director. LONG-RANGE BASELINE PROJECTIONS [In billions of dollars]

1996 1997 1998 1999 2000 2001 2002 2003 2004 2005

Baseline totals: Receipts ...... 1,418 1,485 1,561 1,644 1,737 1,831 1,928 2,028 2,133 2,251 Outlays ...... 1,603 1,682 1,756 1,846 1,946 2,037 2,143 2,250 2,368 2,499

Deficit (¥) ...... ¥185 ¥197 ¥194 ¥202 ¥208 ¥206 ¥216 ¥222 ¥235 ¥248 Memorardum: Discretionary budget authority ...... 522 535 542 558 576 594 612 631 650 671 Trust fund surplus/deficit (¥):1 OASDI 2 ...... 75 81 87 92 98 105 112 120 127 135 HI/SMI ...... 6 ¥4 ¥9 ¥16 ¥23 ¥31 ¥40 ¥49 ¥59 ¥70 Civil service retirement ...... 27 27 28 29 32 33 34 35 36 36 Military retirement ...... 3 2 2 1 1 0 0 ¥1 ¥2 ¥2 1 Based on most recent actuarial reports. 2 Figures are for calendar years.

LONG-RANGE BASELINE PROJECTIONS [In billions of dollars]

2006 2007 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015

Basline totals: Receipts ...... 2,363 2,485 2,611 2,742 2,878 3,020 3,167 3,320 3,477 3,639 Outlays ...... 2,627 2,763 2,908 3,066 3,235 3,413 3,602 3,806 4,026 4,264

Deficit (¥) ...... ¥264 ¥278 ¥298 ¥324 ¥357 ¥393 ¥435 ¥487 ¥549 ¥625 Memorandum: Discretionary budget authority ...... 691 713 735 758 781 805 830 856 883 910 Trust fund surplus/deficit (¥):1 OASDI 2 ...... 144 152 157 159 162 164 161 154 143 128 HI/SMI ...... ¥83 ¥97 ¥111 ¥128 ¥148 ¥170 ¥196 ¥227 ¥261 ¥299 Civil service retirement ...... 37 37 38 38 39 39 40 40 40 41 Military ...... ¥3 ¥4 ¥5 ¥6 ¥7 ¥8 ¥8 ¥9 ¥9 ¥5 1 Based on most recent actuarial reports. 2 Figures are for calendar years.

LONG-RANGE BASELINE PROJECTIONS [In billions of dollars]

2016 2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 2024 2025

Baseline totals: Receipts ...... 3,807 3,985 4,167 4,355 4,552 4,755 4,967 5,188 5,413 5,650 Outlays ...... 4,511 4,772 5,053 5,353 5,675 6,017 6,383 6,775 7,194 7,644

Deficit(¥) ...... ¥704 ¥787 ¥886 ¥998 ¥1,123 ¥1,261 ¥1,416 ¥1,587 ¥1,782 ¥1,995 Memorandum: Discretionary budget authority ...... 938 967 997 1,028 1,060 1,093 1,127 1,162 1,198 1,235 Trust fund surplus/deficit(¥):1 OASDI2 ...... 108 81 49 12 ¥30 ¥78 ¥132 ¥193 ¥260 ¥334 HI/SMI ...... ¥341 ¥389 ¥444 ¥505 ¥571 ¥644 ¥727 ¥821 ¥924 ¥1,037 Civil service retirement ...... 42 43 44 45 46 47 49 50 52 54 Military retirement ...... 8 11 41 46 52 59 66 74 82 92 1 Based on most recent actuarial reports. 2 Figures are for calendar years.

PRIVATIZATION OF NONPERFORMING FEDERAL loans, and profit motive). In short, the pri- Therefore, the conferees direct the Office LOAN AND LOAN GUARANTEES vate sector has the technology, capacity, of Management and Budget to direct, and co- The conferees are aware that some Federal ability and motivation to produce more ordinate with, the Federal agencies involved agencies are exploring the privatization of value than the Government ever could. in credit programs to evaluate the value of their credit programs, including the cost of Federal loan and loan guarantees. For exam- The conferees believe that more consider- annual administrative expenses and develop ple, the Department of Housing and Urban ation should be given to the sale of loans and a plan for the privatization of such credit Development (HUD) recently held an auction loan guarantees held not only by HUD, but programs. The Director of OMB shall be re- of 177 multifamily loans that had defaulted by all Federal agencies that provide credit sponsible for assuring the implementation of on mortgage insurance written by HUD. The programs. The Federal Government holds this directive and coordinating the activities unpaid amount of these defaulted loans was huge amount of loans and loan guarantees of all Federal agencies hereunder. more than $900,000,000, but because of the that are worth more in the hands of the pri- Government’s poor collection history, the Specifically, OMB is directed to have the vate sector. The estimated amounts are various agencies provide the following infor- loans were valued by OMB as worth only $800,000,000 of loan guarantees and $286,000,000 if they continued to be held by mation: for each financing account and for $200,000,000,000 in loans. the Government. However, these same loans each liquidating account, as those terms are were sold to private investors for $710,000,000. Using conservative estimates, it may be defined in sections 502(7) and 502(8) of the This one transaction alone reduced the defi- that between $20,000,000,000 to $50,000,000,000 Federal Credit Reform Act of 1990; the cumu- cit by $424,000,000. could be realized if much of the Federal cred- lative balance of direct loans outstanding, The private sector was, in this case, will- it program was to be turned over to the pri- the estimated net present value of such di- ing to pay more than twice the value of vate sector. However, it is impossible to as- rect loans, the annual administrative ex- these loans to the Government because there certain the value of such an effort because penses (the portion of salaries and expenses is a huge productivity gap between the Gov- many of the agencies are unaware of the that are directly related to such loans out- ernment and private sector (technology, in- value imbedded in their credit programs and standing), and the estimated net proceeds frastructure and expertise in managing bad how such transfers might be achieved. that would be received if such direct loans H 10824 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 were sold; the cumulative balance of guaran- OFFICE OF NATIONAL DRUG CONTROL POLICY duce drug abuse. The conferees expect the teed loans outstanding, the estimated net SALARIES AND EXPENSES Director of the Office of National Drug Con- present value of such loan guarantees, the Amendment No. 43. Restores and modifies trol Policy to report to the Committees on annual administrative expenses (the portion funding and language inserted by the House Appropriations by no later than January 15, of salaries and expenses that are directly re- and stricken by the Senate. The conferees 1996, on the progress being made in this re- lated to such guaranteed loans outstanding), have provided $23,500,000 for Office of Na- gard. and the estimated net proceeds that would tional Drug Control Policy activities in fis- FEDERAL DRUG CONTROL PROGRAMS be received if such loan guarantees were cal year 1996. Included in this amount is HIGH INTENSITY DRUG TRAFFICKING AREAS sold; and the cumulative balance of de- $7,500,000 for salaries and expenses of the Of- PROGRAM faulted loans that were previously guaran- fice and $16,000,000 for the research and de- teed and have resulted in loans receivable, Amendment No. 45. Deletes Housing lan- velopment projects of the Counter-Drug guage appropriating $104,000,000 for the the estimated net present value of such loan Technology Assessment Center (CTAC). Of assets, the annual administrative expenses HIDTA program. the amounts appropriated to CTAC, $600,000 Amendment No. 46. Appropriates (the portion of salaries and expenses that are is for automated data processing improve- directly related to such loan assets), and the $103,000,000 for the HIDTA program instead of ments at the Drug Enforcement Administra- $104,000,000, as proposed in Amendment No. 45 estimated net proceeds that would be re- tion’s El Paso Intelligence Center. ceived if such direct loans were sold. and $110,000,000 as proposed by the Senate, CALIFORNIA GUNLINK PROJECT including $55,000,000 for state and local gov- On or before March 31, 1996, OMB shall re- The conferees direct the Office of National ernments and $48,000,000 for Federal agen- quire each Federal agency that makes or has Drug Control Policy to use a portion of the cies. The conferees direct that these reduc- made direct loans or loan guarantees, as $3,100,000 made available under the fiscal tions in the Federal share be taken propor- those terms are defined in sections 502(1) and year 1995 Treasury, Postal Service, and Gen- tionately from all the existing HIDTAs. 502(2) of the Federal Credit Reform Act of eral Government Appropriations Act to pur- TITLE IV—INDEPENDENT AGENCIES 1990, to prepare and issue a report to the Di- chase no more than six ballistics imaging ADVISORY COMMISSION ON rector of the Office of Management and machines for the California Gunlink project INTERGOVERNMENTAL RELATIONS (ACIR) Budget, the Director of the Congressional and use remaining resources to develop Budget Office and the chairmen of the appro- networking capabilities among the different SALARIES AND EXPENSES priate committees of the House and Senate models of ballistics imaging systems. Amendment No. 47. Appropriates $784,000 and a detailed plan containing the agency’s instead of $334,000 as proposed by the Senate proposed schedule, by fiscal year, and provid- MODEL STATE DRUG LAWS The conferees direct the Office of National and no appropriation as proposed by the ing for the transfer to the private sector the House and includes language directing the sale, by September 30, 2002, of all direct Drug Control Policy to apply $1,000,000 for the National Alliance for Model State Drug orderly termination of ACIR. loans, loan guarantees and defaulted loans The conferees have appropriated a total of that were previously guaranteed and have re- Laws for conferences to be held by Governors to review model state drug laws as proposed $784,000 for ACIR: $334,000 to conduct a study sulted in loans receivable to the extent such on unfunded mandates and $450,000 for costs transfer would result in a net profit to the by the President’s Commission on Model State Drug Laws. associated with the termination of the agen- Treasury. Such schedule shall be updated an- cy. nually on the first day of each successive fis- DRUG AND ALCOHOL ADDICTION PROJECT cal year, and shall include a detailed plan for The conferees urge the Chief Scientist to ADMINISTRATIVE CONFERENCE OF THE UNITED the sale of all direct loans, loan guarantees consider a collaborative effort, designed by STATES (ACUS) and defaulted loans that were previously the Medical College of Pennsylvania and SALARIES AND EXPENSES guaranteed that are added to the agency’s fi- Hahnemann University, to implement a dem- Amendment No. 48. Appropriates $600,000 nancing accounts subsequent to October 1, onstration project to explore the causes and instead of no appropriation as proposed by 1995. treatments of drug and alcohol addiction, in the House and $1,800,000 as proposed by the collaboration with Albert Einstein Medical Senate. STREAMLINING THE EMPLOYEE GRIEVANCE Center of Philadelphia. TERMINATIONS COSTS PROCESS Amendment No. 44. Deletes language and The conferees have agreed to provide a The conferees note that there are a number funding inserted by the Senate for the Office total of $600,000 for the orderly termination of Federal agencies involved in settling em- of National Drug Control Policy. While the of operations at ACUS which shall begin on ployee grievances: the Federal Labor Rela- conferees have agreed to delete the bill lan- October 1, 1995, and be completed no later tions Authority, the Merit Systems Protec- guage proposed by the Senate, the conferees than February 1, 1996. The conferees agree tion Board, the Office of Special Counsel, the remain concerned about the trends of drug that this agency shall cease to exist and the Equal Employment Opportunity Commis- abuse in this country and the effectiveness of appropriation of $600,000 shall be used only to sion, the National Labor Relations Board, the Office of National Drug Control Policy to close down operations at ACUS. and the Office of Personnel Management. deal with this continuing problem. Despite The conferees believe that there are opportu- an investment of over $86 billion in Federal COMMITTEE FOR PURCHASE FROM PEOPLE WHO nities to streamline this somewhat unwieldy anti-drug programs since Fiscal Year 1988, ARE BLIND OR SEVERELY DISABLED structure and therefore direct the Adminis- the number of hardcore drug users has re- SALARIES AND EXPENSES tration to develop a legislative proposal to mained constant at 2.7 million. More disturb- Amendment No. 49. Appropriates $1,800,000 restructure all Federal employee adjudica- ing are recent surveys which indicate that as proposed by the Senate instead of tory functions and submit this plan to Con- since 1992 there has been an increase in the $1,682,000 as proposed by the House. gress no later than February 1, 1996. use of illicit drugs amongst our nation’s youth and a disturbing change in attitudes FEDERAL ELECTION COMMISSION (FEC) INFORMATION SECURITY OVERSIGHT OFFICE toward the acceptability of drug use. SALARIES AND EXPENSES Amendment No. 42. Deletes Senate lan- Despite significant increases in Federal Amendment No. 50. Appropriates $26,521,000 guage appropriating $1,482,000 for salaries spending there has been a lack of a clear and as proposed by the House instead of and expenses under the Executive Office of loud voice from the Administration in speak- $28,517,000 as proposed by the Senate and ear- the President. ing out on drug abuse. If the Federal Govern- marks $1,500,000 for intermal automated data ment is going to continue to provide billions processing systems. The original President’s 1996 budget re- of dollars to combat illicit drug trafficking quest included $1,482,000 for a new Independ- Amendment No. 51. Restores House lan- and abuse then it must ensure that the prob- guage prohibiting the use of funds by FEC ent Agency titled ‘‘Information Security lem receives the highest level of attention at Oversight Office’’. A subsequent budget until a report is submitted to the Commit- the Cabinet level, and private sector rep- tees on Appropriations on a systems require- amendment eliminated the request for an resentatives participate in policy develop- Independent Agency and moved the informa- ments analysis on the development of an ment and direction. Therefore, the conferees ADP system. tion Security Oversight Office (ISOO), and strongly urge the President to convene a FEDERAL LABOR RELATIONS AUTHORITY $1,482,000, to the National Archives and Cabinet Council, involving all Cabinet mem- Records Administration. The House elimi- bers whose departments play a role in drug SALARIES AND EXPENSES nated funding, within the National Archives, control policy, to meet on a regular basis to Amendment No. 52. Appropriates $20,542,000 for the ISOO and the Senate funded it as a discuss and formulate strategies to effec- instead of $19,742,000 as proposed by the separate agency under the Executive Office tively reduce drug abuse in this country. In House and $21,398,000 as proposed by the Sen- of the President at a level of $1,482,000. addition, the conferees strongly urge the ate. The conferees agree that as a separate President to convene a bipartisan conference GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION agency, ISOO shall cease to exist and have on drug control, inviting representatives FEDERAL BUILDINGS FUND eliminated the funding recommended by the from prevention, law enforcement, edu- Senate. The conferees have provided funding cation, treatment, business leadership, LIMITATIONS ON AVAILABILITY OF REVENUE for ISOO in the National Archives and media and parent organizations to partici- Amendment No. 53. Inserts Senate lan- Records Administration appropriation. pate in the formulation of a strategy to re- guage inserting an account heading. October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10825

Amendment No. 54. Inserts Senate lan- Concord, N.H., and an employees’ reliance GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION guage allowing an appropriation into the upon auto transportation, a parking space OPERATING EXPENSES Federal Buildings fund (FBF). availability problem will undoubtedly arise. The Administration requested that the tra- Amendment No. 55. Inserts Senate lan- Accordingly, the conferees believe that ditional single account for the Policy and guage appropriating $86,000,000. should the City of Concord build a parking Operations of the General Services Adminis- Amendment No. 56. Limits obligation from facility to accommodate the vehicles of 400 tration (GSA) be separated into two appro- the FBF to $5,066,149,000 instead of people, (including 300 federal employees, as priations. The House agreed with this ap- $5,066,822,000 as proposed by the House and well as various citizens and court officials), proach and funded the Policy Oversight ap- $5,086,019,000 as proposed by the Senate. the federal government should use this new propriation at $62,499,000 and the Operating Amendment No. 57. Makes available parking facility for its employees’ benefit to Expenses appropriation at $49,130,000. The $545,002,000 for new construction of Federal the maximum extent possible. Senate retained that traditional approach buildings instead of $367,777,000 as proposed LAS VEGAS, NEVADA, COURTHOUSE and funded both of these organizations in by the House and $573,872,000 as proposed by The conferees are aware of the need for a one appropriation of $113,827,000. the Senate. new courthouse in Las Vegas, Nevada. Land The conferees agree with the Senate posi- Amendment No. 58. Inserts and modifies for the site for this project will be donated to tion to provide funding for Policy and Oper- Senate language which provides funding for the Federal government by the City of Las ations within the Operating Expenses appro- the construction of certain Federal buildings Vegas at no cost. The conferees have not pro- priation and have funded this appropriation and facilities. vided funds for the construction of this at $119,091,000. However, the conferees direct YOUNGSTOWN, OHIO U.S. COURTHOUSE project in fiscal year 1996 because the Gen- GSA to ensure separate and distinct offices The fiscal year 1996 request includes eral Services Administration has advised the for Policy/Oversight and Operations. The $17,436,000 for the U.S. Courthouse in Youngs- conferees that the contract for this project Policy and Oversight office should be respon- town, Ohio. The conferees have not provided cannot be awarded until June 1997. Because sible for developing and overseeing govern- funds for the construction of this project in of the urgent need of the courts in Nevada, ment-wide policy while the Operations office fiscal year 1996 because the General Services the conferees instruct GSA to continue pre- should carry out GSA’s other mission of pro- Administration (GSA) has advised the con- liminary design work on this project in fiscal viding services. ferees that the contract for this project can- year 1996 and request funds in fiscal year 1997 The conference agreement should not prej- not be awarded in fiscal year 1996. Because of for the construction of this new courthouse udice any decision by the Office of Manage- the urgent need of the courts in Youngstown, project. The conferees further note that they ment and Budget to once again submit a the conferees instruct GSA to continue pre- will do their best to fund this project as one budget request for GSA which provides sepa- liminary design work on this project in fiscal of the highest priorities in fiscal year 1997. rate appropriations for Policy and Oper- ations. The conferees agree with the House year 1996 and request funds in fiscal year 1997 FDA CONSOLIDATION for the construction of this new courthouse position that the goal of developing govern- The conferees request GSA study the ment-wide policy direction could be at odds project. The conferees further note that they White Oak, Maryland site for the consolida- with GSA’s other goal of increasing its oper- will do their best to fund this project as one tion of FDA facilities. ational base and the OMB should consider fu- of the highest priorities in fiscal year 1997. Amendment No. 59. Restores House lan- ture budgets which would provide a more de- guage on Flexiplace Telecommuting Centers SEATTLE, WASHINGTON COURTHOUSE finitive separation of these two goals. The conference agreement provides and inserts Senate language which rescinds Within the $119,091,000 appropriated for $5,600,000 to continue design work on the new $55,000,000 from the Southeast Federal Center GSA, funds shall be available for the ongoing courthouse in Seattle, Washington. Should in Washington, D.C. ICN project, as directed by the House. Amendment No. 60. Makes available this amount be insufficient to fully fund the The conferees have also included funds for $637,000,000 for repairs and alterations in- design efforts for this facility, the conferees the CLASS project in Lincoln, Nebraska, a stead of $713,086,000 as proposed by the House encourage the GSA to reprogram funds from telecommunications demonstration project and $627,000,000 as proposed by the Senate. other available resources. for an on-line accredited education program Amendment No. 61. Inserts Senate lan- leading to a high school diploma or its equiv- BROOKLYN, NEW YORK COURTHOUSE guage authorizing unobligated balances in alent. The conferees are aware of the ‘‘space the repairs and alterations account to be emergency’’ facing the U.S. District Court, used for implementing security improve- REVIEW OF FEDERAL SUPPLY SCHEDULES Eastern District of New York. GSA has pro- ments at Federal buildings, upon compliance The Senate included language which di- posed two projects to accommodate the with reprogramming guidelines of the Com- rected the General Services Administration space requirements of the Brooklyn Court- mittees on Appropriations. (GSA) to postpone rules to implement sec- house acquisition and renovation of the adja- Amendment No. 62. Inserts and modifies tion 1555 of the Federal Acquisition and cent General Post Office Building and demo- Senate language providing funding for re- Streamlining Act (FASA) until a comprehen- lition of the Federal building portion of the pairs and alterations of certain Federal sive analysis of the effect of such rules has Celler complex, followed by construction of a buildings and facilities. been completed. The House did not address new court annex on that site. Earlier Con- Amendment No. 63. Makes available this issue. The conferees agree that considerable con- gresses have appropriated funds for the ini- $304,757,000 for basic repairs and alterations cern has been raised by some private sector tial phases of his project. The House bill con- as proposed by the Senate instead of vendors on the effect of the implementation tained $49,400,000 to partially fund the ren- $307,278,000 as proposed by the House. of section 1555 of FASA, and believe that ad- ovation of the General Post Office Building. Amendment No. 64. Restores House lan- ditional study should be undertaken before The Senate bill contained no funding be- guage earmarking $100,000 for the advanced implementation of some of the more con- cause GSA had notified the Committee that design for the renovation of the national vet- troversial schedules. Therefore, the con- it would not be able to expend any additional erinary science laboratory and a ferees direct that the GSA enforce a one-year funds in fiscal year 1996. The conferees sup- biocontainment facility. moratorium on the implementation of sec- port continuation of this project and urge Amendment No. 65. Makes available tion 1555 of FASA for certain more con- GSA to submit a prospectus in fiscal year $2,326,200,000 for rental of space instead of troversial schedules until final action on this 1997 to move to the next phase. $2,341,100,000 as proposed by the House and $2,327,200,000 as proposed by the Senate. matter is taken by the appropriate Congres- RAPTOR RESEARCH CENTER Amendment No. 66. Makes available sional committees. The conferees support the GSA’s efforts to $1,302,551,000 for building operations as pro- CHILD CARE CENTERS consolidate the Raptor Research Center at posed by the Senate instead of $1,389,463,000 On June 28, 1995, the U.S. Department of Boise State University in a building donated as proposed by the House. Also inserts Sen- Justice submitted to Congress its report, to the University. It is the understanding of ate language earmarking $1,000,000 for sup- ‘‘Vulnerability Assessment of Federal Facili- the conferees that GSA’s renovation costs of port for the Xth Paralympiad. ties’’. This document establishes minimum the donated building will be far less than Amendment No. 67. Restores and modifies security standards for Federal buildings. leasing new space. House language moving the Pennsylvania Within these standards, the conferees believe TELECOMMUTING CENTERS Avenue Development Corporation to the the General Services Administration (GSA) Of the funds made available by this Act for General Services Administration (GSA). should review the placement of child care Amendment No. 68. Limits obligations telecommuting centers in northern Virginia, centers in Federal buildings. The conferees from the Federal Buildings Fund to the conferees urge GSA to establish at least direct the Administrator of GSA to provide $5,066,149,000 instead of $5,066,822,000 as pro- one center at a suitable location in western the House and Senate Committees on Appro- posed by the House and $5,086,019,000 as pro- Fairfax County, one in Loudoun County, and priations an evaluation of future plans to en- posed by the Senate. sure the safety of child care centers within one in eastern Prince William County, Vir- Amendment No. 69. Inserts and modifies the standards, as established. ginia. language proposed by the Senate which pro- CONCORD, NEW HAMPSHIRE, PARKING vides funds for GSA policy and operations GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION The conferees agree that given the lack of and appropriates $119,091,000 instead of OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL available parking at the newly constructed $113,827,000 as proposed by the Senate and Amendment No. 70. Appropriates $33,274,000 Warren B. Rudman Federal Courthouse in $111,629,000 as proposed by the House. instead of $32,549,000 as proposed by the H 10826 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995

House and $34,000,000 as proposed by the Sen- total cost. The conferees require that the Ar- GENERAL PROVISIONS—OFFICE OF PERSONNEL ate. chivist provide a report to the House and MANAGEMENT The conferees request that the Office of the Senate Committees on Appropriations, de- Amendment No. 87. Restores House lan- Inspector General (IG) audit the policies and tailing the National Archives and Records guage regarding the title of this section. procedures for using the Flexiplace Administration five-year plan on the activi- Amendment No. 88. Restores and modifies Telecommuting Centers to determine ade- ties it desires to undertake in the areas of House language allowing Federal agencies to quacy of the methods currently being used cataloging, archiving, and digitizing activi- reimburse OPM for examinations for com- by agencies to account for employee time ties. The plan shall include detailed budget mon occupations by not allowing for delega- and attendance. Additionally, the IG should requirements for fiscal years 1996 and 1997, tion of examinations for Administrative Law review the process used by GSA to determine and estimated requirements for the remain- Judges. the costs and benefits of additional ing years. Amendment No. 89. Restores House lan- telecommuting centers and submit a report ARCHIVES FACILITIES AND PRESIDENTIAL guage allowing OPM to withhold state taxes on this review to the Committees on Appro- LIBRARIES from payments to annuitants. priations no later than February 1, 1996. REPAIRS AND RESTORATION Amendment No. 90. Restores House lan- GENERAL PROVISIONS—GENERAL SERVICES guage extending retirement provisions under Amendment No. 81. Inserts Senate lan- ADMINISTRATION the Federal Workforce Restructuring Act to guage appropriating $1,500,000. individuals taking delayed buyouts. Amendment No. 71. Inserts Senate lan- The conferees are aware of requirements Amendment No. 91. Restores House lan- guage adding Judicial Conference as a par- that may exist for repair and alteration of guage allowing OPM to charge fees to other ticipant in determining Courthouse con- Presidential Libraries around the country, Federal agencies for the dissemination of struction priorities. especially the Hoover and Eisenhower librar- employment information. Amendment No. 72. Inserts Senate lan- ies. The conferees direct that the National guage adding Judicial Conference as a par- Amendment No. 92. Inserts Senate lan- Archives submit a plan for any required re- guage changing reporting requirements for ticipant in determining Courthouse con- pairs or alterations of the Hoover Presi- struction priorities. OPM on pay status of employees outside the dential Library and the Eisenhower Presi- continental U.S. Amendment No. 73. Restores House lan- dential Library to the Committees on Appro- guage authorizing GSA to accept and retain priations. UNITED STATES TAX COURT income to offset the cost of flexiplace work SALARIES AND EXPENSES telecommuting centers. NATIONAL HISTORICAL PUBLICATIONS AND Amendment No. 93. Appropriates $33,269.000 Amendment No. 74. Restores House lan- RECORDS COMMISSION instead of $32,899,000 as proposed by the guage authorizing the transfer of $2.2 million GRANTS PROGRAM House and $33,639,000 as proposed by the Sen- to the Charles County Community College Amendment No. 82. Appropriates $5,000,000 ate. and repeals a previous authorization. as proposed by the Senate instead of Amendment No. 75. Deletes House lan- $4,000,000 as proposed by the House. TITLE V—GENERAL PROVISIONS guage providing transfer authority between THIS ACT OFFICE OF GOVERNMENT ETHICS ‘‘Operating Expenses’’ and ‘‘Policy and Over- Amendment No. 94: Deletes House lan- SALARIES AND EXPENSES sight’’. guage prohibiting the establishment of of- Amendment No. 76. Inserts and modifies Amendment No. 83. Appropriates $7,776,000 fices outside the District of Columbia unless Senate language prohibiting excessing land as proposed by the House instead of $8,328,000 certain criteria are met. in the vicinity of Norfork Lake, Arkansas by as proposed by the Senate. Amendment No. 95. Deletes House lan- making the provision permanent. OFFICE OF PERSONNEL MANAGEMENT guage authorizing the payment of incentive Amendment No. 77. Inserts and modifies SALARIES AND EXPENSES awards. Senate language prohibiting excessing land Amendment No. 96. Deletes House lan- in the vicinity of Bull Shoals Lake, Arkan- Amendment No. 84. Appropriates $88,000,000 instead of $85,524,000 as proposed by the guage making reference to the Federal Qual- sas by making the provision permanent. ity Institute. Amendment No. 78. Inserts Senate lan- House and $93,106,000 as proposed by the Sen- ate and inserts language proposed by the Amendment No. 97. Restores and modifies guage amending previous language concern- House language concerning the designation ing a land transfer in Hawaii. Senate regarding health promotion pro- grams. of Front Royal, Virginia, as a Customs Serv- MERIT SYSTEMS PROTECTION BOARD Reductions from President’s budget are as ice Port of Entry by making the provision SALARIES AND EXPENSES follows: $14,423,000 from occupational testing; permanent. Amendment No. 79. Appropriates $24,549,000 $2,524,000 from Job Information Offices; Amendment No. 98. Restores House lan- as proposed by the Senate instead of $2,720,000 from Regional Offices; $808,000 from guage providing that fifty percent of obli- $21,129,000 as proposed by the House. Federal Quality Institutes; $140,000 from gated balances may remain available for cer- International Affairs Office; $376,000 from Ex- tain purposes. NATIONAL ARCHIVES AND RECORDS Amendment No. 99. Restores House lan- ADMINISTRATION ecutive Direction; $2,605,000 from Common Services; and $2,200,000 from Research Office. guage establishing the rate of pay for the OPERATING EXPENSES The conferees provide an additional $5,224,000 Chief of Police of the Bureau of Engraving Amendment No. 80. Appropriates for office close-down costs. and Printing. $199,633,000 as proposed by the Senate instead Amendment No. 100. Inserts Senate lan- of $193,291,000 as proposed by the House. SENIOR EXECUTIVE PAY guage regarding the Mint Revolving Fund. Within this amount, the conferees have pro- Members of the Senior Executive Service Amendment No. 101. Inserts and modifies vided a total of $1,482,000 for the Information (SES), Senior Level, Senior Technical, Board Senate language regarding the Mint Revolv- Security Oversight Office. The conferees fur- of Contract Appeal Judges and other simi- ing Fund. ther recommend that the National Security larly situated Federal employees did not re- Amendment No. 102. Inserts Senate lan- Council continue to provide guidance and ceive the 2 percent comparability raise guage regarding the Mint Revolving Fund. policy support to ISOO. granted to all other Federal employees on Amendment No. 103. Inserts Senate lan- ADMINISTRATIVE REDUCTIONS January 1, 1995. The conferees recognize that guage regarding the Mint Revolving Fund. during this time of government reorganiza- Amendment No. 104. Inserts and modifies The conferees agree to apply the same tion and downsizing, it is especially impor- Senate language regarding the Mint Revolv- level administrative reductions to the Na- tant that the career executive leadership, ing Fund. tional Archives and Records Administration which is bearing the burden of leading their Amendment No. 105. Inserts Senate lan- appropriation as were applied to other appro- agencies through this difficult period, be guage regarding the Mint Revolving Fund. priations. The reduction totals $1,482,000 and treated in a fair and equitable manner. Amendment No. 106. Inserts Senate lan- shall be applied to the following object class- Therefore, the conferees urge the President guage clarifying intent by adding numis- es at the discretion of the Archivist: 21, trav- to provide the same comparability and local- matic collectibles to list of covered items. el; 22, transportation of things; 23, commu- ity increase announced for all other employ- Amendment No. 107. Inserts and modifies nications and utilities; 24, printing, repro- ees to these career executives in January, Senate language regarding the Mint Revolv- duction; 25, other services; 26, supplies and 1996. ing Fund. materials; and 31, equipment. Amendment No. 85. Makes available Amendment No. 108. Deletes House lan- CATALOGING, ARCHIVING, AND DIGITIZING $102,536,000 for insurance and retirement pro- guage prohibiting funds in this Act to be ACTIVITIES grams as proposed by the House instead of used for abortions unless the life of the The conferees agree to include $4,500,000 for $93,261,000 as proposed by the Senate. mother is endangered (addressed in amend- cataloging, archiving, and digitizing activi- Amendment No. 86. Deletes House lan- ment number 109). ties at the National Archives as detailed in guage prohibiting a reduction-in-force in the Amendment No. 109. Inserts and modifies the Senate report. However, the conferees Office of Federal Investigations prior to Senate language prohibiting the funds in expect the Archives to submit a finalized June 30, 1996. The conferees agree that such this Act to be used for abortions unless the plan for the long-term requirements for a reduction in force should not take place be- life of the mother is endangered or the preg- these activities, including an estimate of the fore March 31, 1996. nancy is the result of an act of rape or incest October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10827 modified so that this provision shall become agree that training that produces high levels agreements with state and local govern- effective once current contracts expire. of psychological stress may be absolutely ments for the construction or acquisition of Amendment No. 110. Restores House lan- necessary in the training of law enforcement border facilities. guage placing procurement authority for Tax officers, pilots, and other occupations that Amendment No. 137. Deletes Senate lan- Systems Modernization under the Secretary encounter high levels of stree in the course guage requiring each agency to achieve a of the Treasury. of official duties. five percent reduction in energy costs during Amendment No. 111. Restores House lan- In addition, this language is not intended fiscal year 1996 and makes up to 50 percent of guage providing for relief of certain weekly to affect any training for displaced workers the savings available to the agency. periodical publications that have been ad- designed to help them find new employment. Amendment No. 138. Deletes Senate lan- versely affected by a 1989 mail classification Amendment No. 123. Deletes House lan- guage reducing maximum leave that can be regulation designed to control the inclusion guage prohibiting the use of the Exchange accumulated by members of the Senior Exec- of loose supplements in magazines and simi- Stabilization Fund to bolster foreign cur- utive Service. lar publications. rencies (addressed in amendment number Amendment No. 139. Inserts Senate lan- Amendment No. 112. Deletes House lan- 129). guage transferring a building. guage limiting training funds to topics that Amendment No. 124. Deletes Senate lan- Amendment No. 140. Inserts and modifies meet identified needs for knowledge skills, guage requiring the Executive Branch to re- Senate language providing law enforcement and abilities bearing directly upon the per- port to Congress on detailees and where they credit to law enforcement officers hired dur- formance of official duties. are assigned. ing the three year transition period before Amendment No. 113. Inserts Senate lan- Amendment No. 125. Inserts Senate lan- FERS was fully implemented. guage increasing the amount the Secret guage prohibiting the expenditure of funds Amendment No. 141. Deletes Senate lan- Service can expend at one non-governmental for implementation of agreements in guage expressing sense of Senate that the property of a sitting President from $75,000 nondisclosure policies unless certain provi- GSA and FAA should review personnel rules to $200,000 for security enhancements. sions are included. and labor agreements regarding Federal as- Amendment No. 114. Inserts Senate lan- Amendment No. 126. Inserts and modifies sistance when relocating personnel because guage prohibiting implementation of an ATF Senate language requiring mandatory use of of a change of duty station. ruling pertaining to the citric acid content FTS2000. DENVER INTERNATIONAL AIRPORT EMPLOYEE of vodka. Amendment No. 127. Inserts Senate lan- RELOCATION CITRIC ACID IN VODKA guage addressing death benefit requirements The conferees are concerned about reports for survivors of Secret Service officers. Although conferees agree with the Senate that, under FAA and GSA rules, employees Amendment No. 128. Inserts and modifies proposal that no part of any appropriation in the Denver, Colorado area were permitted Senate language pertaining to future con- made available in this Act shall be used to to claim personal housing relocation allow- tract requirements for carrying mail in Alas- implement the ATF and Treasury decision ances in connection with their transfer from ka. FAA facilities at Stapleton Field to the new ATF-360 (59 FR 67216, 12/29/94), which limited Amendment No. 129. Inserts and modifies Denver International Airport, even in some the amount of citric acid that could be added Senate language regarding the Exchange cases where an employee’s new home was to vodka to 300 parts per million (PPM), the Stabilization Fund; modified for technical farther from the new job site than the em- conferees recognize the complex nature of corrections. the various issues surrounding any standard ployee’s former home. This kind of misuse of of identity determination with respect to the EXCHANGE STABILIZATION FUND public funds is unacceptable and insults labeling of vodka. There fore, the ATF is di- The conferees agree that to assure contin- American taxpayers. The conferees expect rected to conduct a study, in consultation ued United States government involvement GSA and FAA to review and reform current with industry members, to determine wheth- in international monetary transactions—and personnel rules and labor agreements to er a more reasonable industry standard can the ability to continue to use the Exchange avoid any repetition of this experience and be established that better balances the inter- Stabilization Fund in the manner that the to restrict relocation allowances to cases in ests of the consumer, the industry, and the Congress has supported for over 60 years— which a job site transfer reasonably and government. this provision should allow for contempora- proximately necessitates a change in home Amendment No. 115. Inserts Senate lan- neous and confidential certification by the site. guage requiring that Secret Service pay for Secretary of the Treasury. CONFERENCE TOTAL—WITH COMPARISONS This need for confidentiality is supported scheduled overtime when they have worked The total new budget (obligational) au- by the market sensitivity of these trans- at least 2 hours of unscheduled overtime for thority for the fiscal year 1996 recommended actions and is consistent with the confiden- protective duties. by the Committee of Conference, with com- tial nature of the monthly reports that the TITLE VI—GOVERNMENTWIDE GENERAL parisons to the fiscal year 1995 amount, the Treasury has provided and continues to pro- PROVISIONS 1996 budget estimates, and the House and vide to the Banking Committees on a con- Senate bills for 1996 follow: DEPARTMENTS, AGENCIES, AND CORPORATIONS fidential basis. Amendment No. 116. Deletes House lan- Amendment No. 130. Inserts and modifies New budget (obligational) guage regarding employment of non-U.S. Senate language prohibiting a cost of living authority, fiscal year citizens. adjustment during 1996 for Members of Con- 1995 ...... $23,500,947,000 Amendment No. 117. Deletes House lan- gress; modified to include Federal judges, Budget estimates of new guage prohibiting the use of grant funds for and executive level personnel. (obligational) authority, the acquisition of goods or services unless Amendment No. 131. Inserts Senate lan- fiscal year 1996 ...... 24,896,488,000 certain announcement criteria is met. guage transferring two seized and forfeited House bill, fiscal year 1996 . 23,177,286,500 Amendment No. 118. Deletes Senate lan- A–37 Dragonfly jets to the National War- Senate bill, fiscal year 1996 23,141,970,000 guage limiting the number of political ap- plane Museum in Geneseo, NY for museum Conference agreement, fis- pointees. purposes. cal year 1996 ...... 23,163,754,000 Amendment No. 119. Inserts Senate lan- Amendment No. 132. Reported in disagree- Conference agreement guage clarifying the use of energy savings ment. compared with: from Federal agencies to permit 100% of sav- Amendment No. 133. Inserts Senate lan- New Budget ings to be used as contained in P.L. 102–393. guage banning tobacco vending machines in (obligational) author- Amendment No. 120. Deletes House lan- Federal buildings to which children have ac- ity, fiscal year 1995 ...... ¥337,193,000 guage on establishing the Commission on cess. Budget estimates of new Federal Mandates. Amendment No. 134. Deletes Senate lan- (obligational) author- Amendment No. 121. Deletes House lan- guage concerning direct delivery of high ity, fiscal year 1996 ...... ¥1,732,734,000 guage regarding the FDA Building. value supplies. House bill, fiscal year 1996 ...... ¥13,532,500 Amendment No. 122. Restores and modifies HIGH VALUE SUPPLIES AND DEPOT SYSTEM House language prohibiting Federal training Senate bill, fiscal year The conferees direct that the General Serv- not directly related to the performance of of- 1996 ...... +21,784,000 ices Administration should increase use of ficial duties. direct deliver high-dollar value supplies, and JIM LIGHTFOOT, FEDERAL TRAINING PROGRAMS only stock items that are profitable, and re- FRANK R. WOLF, The language in this section is intended to view the depot system ERNEST ISTOOK, prohibit expenditure of Federal funds on Amendment No. 135. Inserts and modifies JACK KINGSTON, training that is offensive to Federal workers Senate language establishing an Independent MIKE FORBES, and unnecessary in the prosecution of their Commission on Restructuring the Internal BOB LIVINGSTON, official functions. The conferees in no way Revenue Service by making technical correc- Managers on the Part of the House. intend this legislation to prohibit any type tions. RICHARD C. SHELBY, of training that is necessary for Federal Amendment No. 136. Inserts and modifies JAMES M. JEFFORDS, workers to effectively complete their as- Senate language requiring the Administrator BEN NIGHTHORSE signed tasks. In particular, the conferees of GSA to review the feasibility of leasing CAMPBELL, H 10828 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 MARK O. HATFIELD, While the GOP tax cut would give parents cut back on nutrition programs for BOB KERREY, a tax credit of up to $500 per child, the Medi- those who are the most vulnerable in ROBERT C. BYRD, care plan would increase fees—taxes—on the our society. Managers on the Part of the Senate. elderly. What’s the point of giving with one hand only to take away with the other? Mr. Speaker, those are the choices of f The Republicans in Congress deserve the the Republican Party in this budget reconciliation bill. Those are the NO TAX CUTS WHILE TRYING TO credit for their efforts to balance the budget. The Democrats who held sway for decades choices that they made about this gen- BALANCE THE BUDGET had the power to balance the budget—even eration of Americans. Those are the (Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas asked when Republicans occupied the White choices they made about that genera- and was given permission to address House—but never did. tion of Americans that fought the the House for 1 minute to revise and But with the tax cut, the Republicans world wars, that fought the Korean extend his remarks and include extra- erode the chances that the budget will actu- ally be balanced in seven years and signal a conflict, that fought in Vietnam, who neous matter.) fought hard for democracy, who fought Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. fragile economy that their spirit may be willing, but their commitment is weak. hard to save Western civilization in its Speaker, an editorial ran in yester- President Clinton has done little to clarify time of need, but the Republicans are day’s Houston Chronicle that affirmed the debate. While vowing to veto the GOP not prepared to fight for their Medi- what a lot of us have been saying for tax cuts, he worried in Houston recently that care. months. It is ridiculous to cut taxes at he might have raised taxes too much in 1993 Mr. Speaker, we should fight as hard in his successful attempt to temporarily a time when the Federal Government is for their Medicare as they fought on desperately trying to balance its budg- bring down the deficits. If taxes are too high, then why his opposition to reducing them? the beaches of Normandy, or the beach- et. In fact, Congress’ own analysts es of Iwo Jima, or Okinawa, or in pointed out that the tax cut would Now the president says he just misspoke, but such wavering at the top will not produce Korea. But we are going to cut that needlessly add almost $100 billion to public understanding. Medicare $270 billion. the swollen national debt and increase One can debate whether the GOP tax cuts Why? Because the Republicans did taxes for working people who make amount to a ‘‘giveaway for the rich’’ (much not want to make other choices. They under $30,000. No one likes to pay taxes. of the money will flow out in dribs and drabs chose not to have high-income Ameri- It would be great to give every tax- to the middle class). However, one feature of cans continue to pay their fair share. payer a tax cut. We should balance our the Republican agenda would drastically af- In fact, what they chose was what the budget first. fect the large number of Americans who Speaking of the budget, the new ma- make up the working poor. Wall Street Journal points out. The There is a national consensus that the fed- jority has been backslapping and con- choose to give them a tax cut. As the eral welfare system needs reform. Congress’ Wall Street Journal said to the rich of gratulating themselves for weeks about proposed welfare reform would limit and passing a balanced budget, but wait a this country, ‘‘Don’t do anything yet, eventually end welfare for hundreds of thou- but start salivating.’’ Why should they minute, there is a problem. I see on sands of families, but the Republicans’ in- start salivating? Because the tax bill page 3 of the budget conference report, consistent budget plan would reduce the it says in the budget document in the Earned Income Tax Credit program that passed on Wednesday by the House of year 2002 that we will have a $108 bil- helps keep poor Americans on the job and off Representatives could turn out to be lion deficit. Only in Washington could the welfare rolls. the biggest tax saving bonanza in years How can members of Congress insist on a deficit of $108 billion be considered for upper-income Americans so we have passing a tax credit for middle-class parents $270 billion in cuts in Medicare to pay balanced in the year 2002, when we are if they have to make things tougher on the supposed to have a balanced budget. for $245 billion in cuts to some of the poorest families in order to pay for it and wealthiest people in this country. As In their heart they know the budget still balance the budget? is not balanced. All this pomp and cele- Conservatives argue that the Earned In- we see, under the Republican plan, Mr. bration is one big joke on the seniors of come Tax Credit is rife with fraud and abuse, Speaker, 64 percent of the wealthy fam- this country. Do they know why? Yes, but the proper response is to step up enforce- ilies in this country get a tax break, because that $108 billion will come out ment against the abusers. but 86 percent of middle-income fami- of the Social Security trust fund to f lies get a tax increase or they pay the balance that budget. same. Mr. Speaker, I include for the THE CHOSEN Those are choices that the Repub- RECORD an article from the Houston The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a licans have made in this proposal. They Chronicle of Tuesday, October 24, 1995. previous order of the House, the gen- have chosen to give the wealthy, the [From the Houston Chronicle, Oct. 24, 1995] tleman from California [Mr. MILLER] is rich, those who do not need a tax cut, a tax cut. They chose to pay for it by BREATH AND TAXES—BALANCED BUDGET recognized for 5 minutes. SHOULD COME BEFORE ANY TAX CUT Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. cutting the health care to our elderly, Democrats are arguing that Republicans in Speaker, the reconciliation legislation, by cutting the health care to our poor, Congress are trying to cut the taxes of the that legislation which will end up con- by cutting the health care to millions rich and the benefits of the poor. Repub- trolling all spending and tax cuts to of Americans’ children. They chose to licans counter that the Democrats are wag- come before the Congress this year, is pay for it by cutting student loans, and ing a campaign of fear and class warfare. about choices. It is about choices that they chose to pay for it by cutting There is some truth to both these charges, the Republicans have made for millions school lunches. They chose to create but most Americans are neither rich nor millions of desperately poor Americans poor. They should view the political battle and millions of Americans. It is about as logic vs. irrationality. So far, logic is los- the choice that they made to cut Medi- so that they could take care of the ing. care by $270 billion. It is about the wealthiest in this country. Take for instance, the recent vote of the choice they made in those Medicare They also chose to hold the Defense Senate Finance Committee to cut taxes by cuts, Medicaid cuts, to remove nursing Department harmless. Everybody else some $245 billion. No American enjoys pay- home standards for the protection of has to contribute to balancing the ing high taxes, but a large majority of Amer- our elderly, to remove our elderly from budget, but not the Department of De- icans believe that the nation’s No. 1 priority fense. is lowering the federal deficit, a goal that the entitlement of having nursing the tax cut would make more difficult. home care paid for if they and their They also chose to hold harmless cor- Republicans say they can cut taxes and families cannot afford it in the twilight porate welfare, the large timber com- still balance the budget in seven years. But of their lives. It is about the choices panies, the large mining companies, Congress’ own analysts point out that the that they made to cut $10 billion from the large oil companies on which this tax cut would needlessly add almost $100 bil- student loans so that now America’s bill lavishes billions of dollars in sub- lion to the swollen national debt—debt that students, their families, are deeper in sidies to those who do not need it, to no balanced budget will ever diminish. Balancing the budget requires hard debt to pay educational costs than any some of the most profitable companies choices, such as the necessity to curb spend- time in the history of this country. It in this country. But those were the ing on Medicare. But why make the choices is about the choices that they made to choices that the Republicans made. any harder than they have to be? cut the school lunch program and to They chose to lead those people out of October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10829 the sacrifice that millions of Ameri- that system will be bankrupt, bank- on a program known as Medicaid. It is cans will be making in the coming rupt by the year 2002. a health care program for kids from years to balance the budget, to balance Now sure it is easy to stand up here, lower income families. The Medicaid the budget so we can have a prosperous and use lots of fancy charts, and quote Program provides for immunizations economy, but they chose that some this newspaper and that newspaper, but for these children, health screening, ex- would not have to enlist in that fight. who is doing the hard work back here aminations, and if they get very sick, Mr. Speaker, I say to my colleagues, to stand up to government spending it provides for their hospital care. If you’re very wealthy, you won’t have and say, ‘‘Enough is enough; you can’t The Republican plan, which the gen- to enlist in that fight. If you’re a de- spend more than you bring in’’? tleman from Colorado just described, is fense contractor, you won’t have to en- I stopped one time a rancher. He told going to make a massive cut in this list in that fight. If you’re on the cor- me in Colorado; Meeker, CO; said to Medicaid Program. As a direct result of porate welfare dole, you won’t have to me, ‘‘Scott, before you put any more it, many of the poor children in Amer- enlist in that fight. But if you’re aged, water in the bucket you better plug the ica who are sick will not have health or if you are a student seeking an edu- holes,’’ and I venture to say to the gen- care, quality health care, available to cation, or a child seeking nutrition, or tleman from California that is exactly them. a family seeking a safe, a safe and what this Republican bill does. Yesterday morning I visited La healthy, nursing home for your grand- The Democrats have had an oppor- Rabida hospital in Chicago. It is an parents, or your parents, or your tunity to bring this budget in balance amazing hospital. Eighty-five percent spouse, you have to enlist, and you for 25 years. They have refused to do it. of the revenue to this hospital comes have to pay, and you have to pay more We are not going to refuse to do it. from this Medicaid Program. It is a because the Republicans chose that Sure we are going to take heat from beautiful hospital with wonderful peo- many of the well off in this country you, sure we are going to take cheap ple, doctors and nurses and administra- would have to pay less and not contrib- shots about this and that, and sure we tors, and they took us on a tour and ute at all. have to make tough decisions, not nec- gave us a chance to meet some of the f essarily between good and bad pro- children; great kids, very sick children, grams, but between good and good pro- but kids who, with their parents, are THE REPUBLICANS ARE MAKING grams, but we are willing to make fighting a struggle every day to make TOUGH DECISIONS WHILE BAL- those decisions because, if we do not, it. They are fighting it, and the re- ANCING THE BUDGET you will not, and if you will not, this sources they use are the Medicaid Pro- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a country faces a fiscal disaster. gram. previous order of the House, the gen- Mr. Speaker, the people of this coun- I met Robert. Robert is a perfect kid, tleman from Colorado [Mr. MCINNIS] is try deserve a government that can con- perfect except for diabetes. But if you recognized for 5 minutes. trol its spending. The people of this meet him and you see his smile and his Mr. MCINNIS. Mr. Speaker, I cannot country deserve a government that attitude, you think ‘‘I want to give this believe the gentleman from California knows how to balance its checkbook. kid a chance. I want Medicaid to be [Mr. MILLER]. What? Are you putting The senior citizens of this country de- there to pay his hospital bill, so that your head in the sand and forgetting serve a Medicare Program that is not he has a chance in life.’’ Yet, the Re- the deficit: This country is facing a going to go bankrupt in 7 years. publican side is suggesting that Robert deficit at a rate of $37 million an hour. and many like him are, frankly, cas- b 1945 I ask the gentleman from California go ualties of this budget debate. out and show me one of your constitu- The people of this country can expect The gentleman from Colorado a few ent families out there that can over- their Congress to act in a responsible, minutes ago was chiding us for saying spend their budget at the same per- a fiscally responsible manner. I would the Democrats can never tell us where centage rate or proportionate to their urge all Members to set aside the par- to cut spending. Let me give a couple own budget as this Federal Govern- tisan politics and take a look at the of examples in his own Republican rec- ment overspends its budget. When are best interests of this country. The best onciliation bill where they can cut you going to come to your senses, my interest of this country is that this spending. First, let me go back to this colleagues? We got to get this budget country quit spending more than it chart. Do you not think at a time when in balance. If we do not, there is no brings in. we are cutting health care for Robert greater threat to the future of this f under Medicaid, that we ought to think country. There is nothing greater that twice about giving 64 percent of the is going to break the backbones of the SPEAKING FOR THE POOR wealthy families in America a tax working people of this country than al- CHILDREN OF AMERICA break, a tax cut? These are the lowing this country to continue to The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. wealthiest families in this country, spend, and spend, and spend, and spend. WELDON of Florida). Under a previous making over $150,000 a year, and the You can divert all the attention you order of the House, the gentleman from Republicans believe they need a tax want to away from what I am saying, Illinois [Mr. DURBIN] is recognized for 5 cut. This is not new. The Republicans but the fact is, if you do not do some- minutes. have traditionally believed that if you thing about this deficit, the people in Mr. DURBIN. Mr. Speaker, I take the make the rich rich enough, it will help this country are going to face a fiasco, well this evening on behalf of a special working families. a financial fiasco the likes of which we interest group. This is not an ordinary Democrats see it a little differently. have not seen. special interest group. In fact, it is not We are worried about the fact that 86 Now the gentleman talks about Medi- a very effective one here in Washing- percent of middle-income families are care, how horrible that we do some- ton. This special interest group does going to see a tax increase. If you want thing about a Medicare. My colleagues, not have a Political Action Committee, to come up with some money to pay for we better do something about Medi- they do not own a fax machine. In fact, Robert and for other children under care. It is going to be bankrupt. It was they do not even vote. Yet, they are an Medicaid, let me suggest to my Repub- this body that created Medicare. It is a interest group which is going to be af- lican friends, take out the benefits for good program, it was intended for good fected by a bill which is on the floor of the fat cats in your bill, take out the purposes, but, as many other Federal the House of Representatives tomor- tax breaks for the wealthiest families. programs, it has gotten out of hand, row. I am speaking for them because, if we are going to reduce the deficit the spending has gong crazy. The trust- frankly, very few people this evening and not hurt poor children like Robert, ees, bipartisan by the way, Democrat on the Republican side of the aisle do not go after those kids for the bene- and Republicans, some of the trustees want to acknowledge this group. fit of wealthy families. appointed by President Clinton, have The special interest group I am Let me also give you another idea, if come to a mutual agreement, and that speaking on behalf of are the poor chil- you want to save $17 billion. The Re- is if we do not do something with Medi- dren in America, the poor children in publicans close a loophole which has care, if we do not reform Medicare, America who rely almost exclusively existed in the law. They are going to H 10830 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 allow alternate income, minimum in- The SPEAKER pro tempore. All Federal spending has gone up 300 per- come, for corporations not to be taxed. names on the list have been completed. cent in the last 15 years—is it asking Let me tell you what that means. If a Under a previous order of the House, too much to give back less than 2 per- corporation is profitable in this coun- the gentleman from Tennessee [Mr. cent? try and has hired a sufficient number DUNCAN] is recognized for 5 minutes. Seventy percent of this tax cut goes of attorneys and accountants to escape Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I want to to people making less than $50,000 a all tax liability, the Republicans say briefly discuss several items which are year. Do we ever think about that? ‘‘Fine, great, let them off the hook. directly or indirectly related to the Most Republicans support flat tax They pay nothing,’’ even though they budget reconciliation presently before which totally excludes people making made a profit. us. less than $26,000 or couples making less We decided under President Reagan, First, let me say that no one has cor- than $38,000 from Federal income taxes not a screaming liberal, under Presi- nered the market on compassion. No altogether. dent Reagan, to put an alternate mini- one has a monopoly on virtue. Do you ever think about that? Who is mum tax and say that every corpora- Yet some around here seem to believe really for lower income people—some- tion has to pay something if it is prof- that they have. one who wants to keep their taxes high itable. Is that unreasonable? I do not Every time any budget cut is pro- like now, or someone who wants to think it is; $17 billion will be taken out posed, we are told that it is mean spir- greatly reduce their taxes. Third, last week we passed a Medi- of Medicaid for poor children for their ited, or that it shows a lack of compas- care bill that provides for a huge in- health care. sion. Let me tell you what it means in our Yet what really lacks compassion is crease in Medicare spending. In Tennessee, we now spend approxi- State of Illinois. When these cuts are for the Federal Government to take so mately $5,000 per year on the average being made, it means that in my State much money from families that they recipient of Medicare. This will go up of Illinois, 128,000 children in Illinois, don’t have enough money left to sup- to over $7,000, an increase of $2,000 over port their children in the way they poor children, will not get quality the next 7 years. health care. That is what is part of this should. This bill provides for an increase in Republican plan. They tell us they are This is what is happening in this Medicare spending at twice the rate of going to balance the budget. They have country today where the average per- inflation. And this is called a cut. not told us what we are going to do son has to pay half of his or her income There is no disagreement that Medi- about Robert and his diabetes. They now in taxes when you count taxes of care is going broke. The President’s have not told us what we are going to all types, Federal, State, and local— own trustees tell us this. do about La Rabida hospital, Children’s sales, property, income, gas, Social Se- Is it compassionate to sit around and Memorial Hospital, Wyler’s Children’s curity, and so forth. let it go under. Is it right just to fix it Hospital, Presbyterian St. Luke’s, What really shows a lack of compas- until after the next election. Children’s Hospital, that depend on sion is an unwillingness to cut any- The Medicare bill we passed may not Medicaid to serve these poor children. thing so that we can get federal spend- be perfect. But it is sure not a cut; it is I stand tonight to speak on behalf of ing under control. a huge increase. this special interest group. They are What really shows a lack of compas- Fourth, we will spend $4 billion in never going to come to my fundraisers. sion is to continue running up large Haiti by the time our troops pull out They are not going to send me a PAC deficits so that we absolutely destroy next February. check. They do not own a fax machine, the economic futures of our children. Now, the President wants to send they cannot fax a message, but these What really shows a lack of compas- 20,000 to 25,000 troops to Bosnia. We are kids are going to be nailed this week sion is to tell the people of this coun- already paying almost one third of the by the Republican budget plan. It is to- try, through votes on this floor, that so-called peacekeeping costs there now. tally unnecessary. For at least those bureaucrats can spend their hard- We will end up spending billions in kids and their families, I hope the peo- earned money for them better than Bosnia, too, if we are not careful, and ple of this country will contact their they can themselves. the situation in these places is going to Members of Congress and urge them to And let me say something else—al- go right back the way it was as soon as vote against the Gingrich Republican most every leading economist tells us we stop pouring our billions and bil- budget plan. that our $5 trillion national debt really lions into those places. f holds this country back economically. We should not send young American Times are good for some now. But men and women to fight and die on for- ITEMS RELATED TO THE BUDGET they could and should be good for ev- eign battlefields, Mr. Speaker, unless RECONCILIATION BILL eryone. People who are making $5 to $6 there is a vital U.S. interest present, or Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask an hour could and should be making $10 unless there is a real threat to our na- unanimous consent to address the or $12 an hour. tional security. Neither of these is House for 5 minutes. It sure isn’t compassionate to let our present in Bosnia. Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. national debt get even higher so that Finally, Mr. Speaker, let me say that Speaker, I object to recognizing the the gap between the rich and the poor when I got home last Thursday night, I gentleman. keeps growing. read in the USA Today that Allen The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The choice is simple. Are we going to Greenspan is planning through the Chair will alternate recognition for 5- side with overpaid and underworked Federal Reserve Board to spend billions minute special orders. bureaucrats, or are we going to side to prop up the Japanese financial sys- Mr. MILLER of California. Mr. with the average people who are foot- tem. We should not be doing that, Mr. Speaker, did you run out of people for ing the bill. Speaker. Our obligation should be to the 5-minute special order list? Second, I could live with a lower tax the American taxpayers, and not to the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The cut than $245 billion. But let’s put this big Japanese banks. They would not Chair entertains requests on the spot. in perspective. bail us out if we got in financial trou- Mr. MILLER of California. For unan- This is not an all-at-once cut. It is ble, and we should not be bailing out imous consent? spread over 7 years. their big banks with billions of our dol- The SPEAKER pro tempore. For This cut comes out to less than 2 per- lars at this time. unanimous consent. cent—less than 2 percent—of Federal f Mr. MILLER of California. I object, spending over this period. Mr. Speaker. We have people who have This follows a 15-year period during RURAL AMERICA AND THE been waiting who were on the list. which Federal spending has gone up al- IMPACT OF BUDGET CUTS The SPEAKER pro tempore. All most 300 percent. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a these special orders are 5 minutes. The first Reagan budget was $581 bil- previous order of the House, the gentle- Mr. MILLER of California. I thought lion. We’re spending almost triple that woman from North Carolina [Mrs. you had to be on the list. now. CLAYTON] is recognized for 5 minutes. October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10831 Mrs. CLAYTON. Mr. Speaker, how a which will most certainly diminish as But, education cuts of the majority, with the nation spends its resources says vol- the agricultural safety net disappears. stroke of a pen, takes that privilege away from umes about who is important, who is And, my final concern is that the many low income and rural children. not, which regions of our Nation are fa- Freedom to Farm Act is solely con- This blind march to a balanced budget, with- vored and which are ignored. cerned with the next 7 years—but what out considering the merits of programs, is tak- When we vote on budget reconcili- will farmers and farm communities do ing us down the wrong path. ation this week, this Nation will know after 2002? I wonder where it is taking our young peo- the winners and losers. The Freedom to Farm Act will re- ple? This budget will cause pain to many duce farm income by 5 percent in 1998. Where is the balance in this kind of budget? in America, but we will cause substan- Over the next 5 years, it has been esti- Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues, when tial harm to most in rural America. mated that net farm income will drop we consider budget reconciliation, let us not Rural North Carolina, including my by an average of $1.5 billion per year forget rural America. for a total of $7.5 billion—that’s $7.5 congressional district, like most of b 2000 rural America, is struggling to provide billion lost from farm income to pay a minimum quality of life for its citi- for an unfair tax cut. I do not consider The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a zens. that to be fair or just—do you? previous order of the House, the gen- These communities, however, lack Congress needs to address agriculture tleman from New Jersey [Mr. MARTINI] high-paying jobs and often lack the in- in a fair and measured way—97 percent is recognized for 5 minutes. frastructure necessary for economic ex- of the population of the United States Mr. MARTINI. Mr. Speaker, the vote pansion. is fed by the 3 percent of farmers. tomorrow represents the very essence The lack of basic resources and op- The Freedom to Farm Act is neither of why I was sent to Congress. portunities, such as employment, hous- fair nor is it prudent. One year ago I made a commitment ing, education, and utility services, es- The name is deceptive—instead of to my constituents that I would bal- pecially water and sewer, is freedom to farm it should be called ance the budget and save the future of compounded by limited access to qual- freedom to fail. our country from irresponsible reckless ity health care and a shortage of EDUCATION spending and ever higher debt and na- health professionals, especially pri- In the area of education, more than tional bankruptcy. That is what I will vote to do tomor- mary and family physicians. 100,000 rural children will be denied row. As Congress goes through its cost basic and advanced skills, at a time A child born today will pay an aver- cutting, deficit reducing, budget bal- when many small towns and rural com- age of $187,000 in taxes over his or her ancing exercise, there is a message munities are having a difficult struggle lifetime just to pay off the interest on that needs to be emphasized among our with their budgets. the national debt, not to mention the colleagues: Farmers and rural commu- Rather than promoting education, principal. nities have been important to this Na- this bill is an obstruction to education and is disastrous to small and rural This is unconscionable; we have to tion’s past, and farmers and rural com- balance the budget and begin to relieve munities are essential to this Nation’s education systems. Thousands of disadvantaged children our children of this unfair burden. future, most notably, the small, family But the positive impact of this bill farmers. who need a little help in the beginning of their lives—at the onset of their edu- will be felt much sooner by current Today, I want to briefly discuss two generations as well. of the areas affected by the Republican cation—will not get that help. Head Start is cut by $137 million— One can always find excuses not to budget reconciliation legislation, and I balance the budget. will begin with agriculture programs. abandoning 180,000 children nationwide and almost 4,000 in North Carolina. A balanced budget will help lower in- AGRICULTURE Title I is cut by $1.1 billion—denying terest rates, making it easier for fami- Agriculture faces deeper, across-the- critical basic and advanced skills as- lies to finance the purchase of homes, board cuts in Federal programs, such sistance to 1.1 million students nation- cars, and college educations. as the cotton and dairy programs, the wide and 20,400 students in North Caro- It will create jobs, and maintain a food and nutrition programs, and the lina. rising standard of living for us and our rural development and housing pro- Drug-free schools is cut by 59 per- children. grams. cent—this program is currently used In short, the package contains the Agricultural cuts have been going on by 129 of the 129 school districts in most important goals of the 104th Con- for years, $50 billion since 1981, but North Carolina. gress: a balanced budget, tax relief, these are especially painful because of The program is designed to keep welfare reform, and Medicare solvency. the nature of the cuts and in light of crime, violence, and drugs away from In stark contrast to Congresses of all the other cuts. students and out of our schools. And, years past, today we present the Amer- The freedom to farm proposal offered the Republican majority wants to gut ican people with a responsible plan not by the House Agriculture Committee the program. of ever higher taxes and rapidly in- chairman—which will be part of the The Goals 2000 Program is com- creasing programs, but of serious reconciliation package—contains $13.4 pletely eliminated—381 schools in prioritizing and meaningful tax relief billion in additional cuts to farm pro- North Carolina will be denied this vital for working parents and their children. grams over the next 7 years. program. The reconciliation package sets the How much muscle and bone do we And, Vocational Education is cut by budget on a 7-year glidepath toward have to cut from the body of agri- 27 percent. eliminating the deficit by the year culture? Thousands of those school children, willing 2002. Why should we compensate for a $245 to work, who have found hope in a mountain Balancing the budget is simply good billion tax cut for the wealthy, by de- of hopelessness, will not be able to work. The economic policy. stroying a mainstay of rural life—the School-to-Work Program is cut by 22 percent. It will result in lower interest rates, American farmer? Americorps, the National Service Program, is a more vibrant private sector, and a re- My primary opposition to the Free- eliminated, denying an opportunity to 1,107 duction in the huge and growing part dom to Farm Act is that the link be- young people in North Carolina. of our budget comprised of interest tween prices and production will be And, the summer jobs program is eliminated payments on our debt. severed as a result of these severe cuts. altogether. Some 9,000 young people in North But this is also a moral imperative. A fixed payment that disregards mar- Carolina will be put out of work for 1996 and In effect, continuing to heap debt ket price cannot possibly provide the some 61,000 will be out of work in our State upon future generations for our short- help necessary when market prices are by the year 2002. And, sadly, Mr. Speaker, term benefits taxes our posterity with- lower, while providing unnecessary that includes the 22 young people who wrote out their consent, all because, until payments when prices are high. me that letter. now, we have lacked the will to make I am also apprehensive about the The privilege of an education belongs to all difficult decisions on budgetary mat- availability of production financing, in America. ters. H 10832 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 Balancing the budget is the overall They want a Congress committed to for dumping the social problems of the aim of this package, but the bill also solving problems, not avoiding them. Nation on the Governors while denying provides some much needed and signifi- They want a Congress that keeps its them the funds necessary to address cant tax relief for the working families promises, and gets the job done. the problems? of America. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to say The plan to block grant the Medicaid This bill provides families a $500 per that this is what we will give them to- Program will be disastrous for Florida. child tax credit, helping the middle morrow. Shifting from a program designed to class save and pay for college, braces, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a meet individual needs to a capped pro- clothes, or whatever. previous order of the House, the gentle- gram constrains a State’s ability to The point is that families, not the woman from Florida [Mrs. THURMAN] is meet health care demands. People will government, will be empowered to recognized for 5 minutes. either be kicked off of Medicaid, or make decisions for themselves. Mrs. THURMAN. Mr. Speaker, like State taxes will have to be raised. A American innovators will seize upon many of my colleagues, I have been block grant formula allows for little the capital gains tax reduction as an here during these special order sessions flexibility to address not only variable opportunity to invest in new businesses for several nights to inform the public economic conditions, but also events and create hundreds of thousands of about what is in the fine print of the like natural disasters that increase the new jobs, better jobs than any govern- Republican budget package. Medicaid need. ment bureaucrat can ever imagine cre- I think our efforts are starting to pay While I no not support block grant- ating. off. The people of America are becom- ing Medicaid, if that is the framework And the bill provides tax relief for ing aware of the enormity of the cuts within which we are operating, let us seniors, repealing the 1993 Clinton tax in this reconciliation package and at least make the formula a fair one. increase on Social Security. their effects on the children, the work- Today, I went before the Rules Com- Also included in the bill are the pro- ing poor, the disabled, and the elderly. mittee to offer an amendment to make the Medicaid funding formula equi- visions of the Medicare Preservation Sen. ARLEN SPECTER speaking on the Act that saves Medicare from bank- GOP budget: table. ruptcy. Under my formula, Governors who . . . much of the pain of the spending cuts use their Medicaid dollars efficiently Solvency is achieved in a fair and goes to the elderly, the young and the infirm reasonable manner, containing no in- while allowing tax cuts for corporate Amer- would receive a bigger increase in their crease in deductibles or copayments, ica . . . Medicaid grant. My formula encour- and no changes in the rate of premium This is a Republican. ages efficiency and the innovative use growth while offering more choices to Not included on this list is the group of Medicaid dollars. Medicare beneficiaries than ever be- that stands to gain the most from the We need to correct the fundamental fore. Republican package; The wealthiest unfairness underlying the Republican Long overdue welfare reform is also Americans. The Republicans are fi- Medicaid funding formula. Under their in there. nancing tax cuts for their rich by in- proposal, Florida is among the eight We put an end to the Great Society creasing taxes on the middle-class and States that will shoulder fully one-half notions that Washington knows best low-income working Americans. of the $182 billion in cuts. Over the 7 without abandoning our commitments Republicans claim they are helping years of the Republican plan, Florida to the Nation’s poorest and most vul- the poor by reforming welfare, how- will lose between $9 and $11 billion. The formula I offered was proposed to nerable. ever, it is dishonest to say that you be- me by the Joint Legislative Auditing As poverty rates hover around 1965 lieve in work over welfare and then cut Committee of the Florida Legislature. levels and illegitimacy rates sky- the earned income tax credit and med- rocket, this Congress has taken action It allows for adjustments in calcula- icaid. tions to reflect increases in a State’s and ended the cruel cycle of depend- Again, Jack Kemp. ency and encourages workfare, not wel- elderly population, and increases in the I hope you guys do not go too far on re- number of people in poverty. fare. moving the EITC because that is a tax in- Thirty years and $5 trillion of mis- Florida and other high growth States crease on low-income workers and the poor should not be penalized for increases in guided spending are enough: welfare re- which is unconscionable at this time . .. form is long overdue. our population. We also should not be In Florida, 1.3 million low-income penalized for being efficient in our use Let’s contrast this overall plan with workers and their families depend on that espoused by our President only a of funds. Under the current plan, if a the E.I.T.C. The working poor are bare- State has profited at the expense of the few short years ago. ly getting by as it is, and now the Re- On June 4, 1992, he promised a bal- system, in some cases bordering on publicans are pulling the rug out from outright fraud, it gets rewarded with anced budget. under them by cutting a program that A Democrat Congress never deliv- higher block grant numbers. To rem- was expanded by both Presidents ered. edy this error and to encourage proper He promised a tax cut for middle- Reagan and Bush. use of funds, my formula rewards The Republican welfare reform plan, class families. States that use Medicaid dollars effec- A Democrat Congress never deliv- which is part of the bill, includes addi- tively and efficiently. ered. tional impediments to work, such as But I will be denied the opportunity Worse than never delivering, they ac- underfunding child care support serv- to offer my amendment tomorrow. This tually implemented the biggest tax in- ices and underfunding the workfare re- is just another reason why I cannot crease in the history of our Nation. quirement. The Republican plan is support the Republican reconciliation And now, the President has even ad- weak on work and tough on kids. plan. mitted he raised our taxes too much. Republicans talk about freedom and I am glad America is listening. We He never offered a plan to end welfare choice for the States. But the cuts in will continue to try to get our voices as we know it, and he stayed on the this plan will do nothing but force Gov- heard so that Americans will know and sidelines as we saved Medicare from ernors to abandon any creative pro- understand the devastation that will going bankrupt. grams they have been able to initiate. result from the Republican plan. This Congress is about keeping prom- Instead, Governors will be spending The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ises, not breaking them. their time trying to stretch limited previous order of the House, the gentle- In the end, I will cast my vote for a dollars to provide basic services for the woman from California [Ms. PELOSI] is bill that fulfills my commitment to the poor and the elderly. recognized for 5 minutes. people who sent me here. The inconsistency in the Republican Ms. PELOSI. Mr. Speaker, I come to The last election was a clear state- agenda is confusing. Are they for work, the floor to rise in opposition to the ment by my constituents: They want a or are they for further injuring the reconciliation bill that is before the balanced budget and a smaller Govern- working poor? Are they for allowing House today and tomorrow. For those ment that works more efficiently for Governors to be creative and innova- who are not aware of this, the rec- them. tive in developing programs or are they onciliation bill is the budget bill, and October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10833 in it we are supposed to reconcile taxes colleagues that we all rethink support morrow we are getting ready to vote on and spending. for a combination of tax cuts and this bill. I am sure the reason all our I believe that a budget bill should be spending cuts that may lead to the per- colleagues are not here is they are a statement of our national values and ception of the Republican Party as the pouring over the pages of these bills to- how we spend our money is a state- party of wealth, power and privilege, night before they vote on them and I ment of those values, and how we tax and not the party of ordinary work- hope they would because if they had and who we tax is a statement of our ers.’’ the chance to look at this, they would sense of values in our country. I do not As you can see here, Jack Kemp also also see one section I am going to talk think that this reconciliation bill be- had his concerns about what is in this about tonight. fore the House meets any test that our bill. Jack Kemp, a leading light in the This morning, members of the Com- constituents would have as a state- Republican Party, said, ‘‘I hope you mittee on Ways and Means and the ment of values, a statement of national guys do not go too far on removing the Committee on Economic and Edu- values, and a statement of a sense of earned income tax credit, because that cational Opportunities that I am a fairness in our country. Indeed, in try- is a tax increase on low-income work- member of and the Committee on the ing to achieve a balanced budget finan- ers and the poor, which is unconscion- Budget held a press conference in a cially, we are indeed producing a lop- able at this time.’’ joint effort to alert American workers sided budget way out of balance in Of course, the earned income tax and retirees what effect the bill will terms of values and meeting the needs credit is cut back in this bill. That is a have on their pension plans. of our country. tax credit that is given to the working Several weeks ago, Republicans in Mr. Speaker, the other day I was at poor in our country. Some of us view it the Committee on Ways and Means an event and they asked me what the as a subsidy for an unfair low mini- proposed changes in the Internal Reve- three biggest challenges to America mum wage in our country, and it bene- nue Code allowing employers to take were. What are the three biggest is- fits America’s businesses as much as it assets from pension plans and use them sues? As a Member of Congress, they benefits the families. But no matter for any purpose. This dangerous pro- wanted to know what I would name as what, it does benefit the families. But posal would allow companies to take the three issues. we have to cut that back—a tax credit money from employee pension plans that they say are more than 125 per- b for the working poor—in order to give 2015 a tax break to the wealthiest people in cent funded. Those excess pension as- I said, that is easy. The three biggest our country. sets, the funds not needed to pay im- issues in our country are our children, Who was it who said that, to listen to mediate pension benefits, can be used our children, and our children. The sad this debate, one would think that the freely for purposes that may not cer- thing about this legislation before us, poor people had too much money and tainly be in the interest of those retir- the Republican majority reconciliation the rich people did not have enough? ees or potential retirees. bill, is the devastation that it wreaks But let us get on to the children. Allowing companies to strip so-called on children. The Republican budget repeals the surplus pension assets from the em- Our colleagues are fond of saying on Medicaid program as we know it which ployee pension plans would take us the other side of the aisle that this provides health security to 36 million back to the early 1980’s, when compa- puts us on a glide path to a balanced low-income Americans. Half of the nies took away $20 billion from over budget. It puts us on a glide path to a beneficiaries are children. Consumers 2,000 pension plans, covering nearly 2.5 crash. Union estimates that the Medicaid pro- million workers and retirees. Because unless we invest in our chil- visions in this bill will result in 12 mil- Prior to the 1980’s, the reversions of dren, we will never have a balanced lion Americans losing health insurance pension assets to employers were al- budget. Unless we invest in our chil- coverage in the cutbacks that are pro- most nonexistent. Pension assets were dren and our families, we will not be posed. The majority are uninsured chil- returned to employers only after the able to produce the productive people dren. plan had been terminated and after all that we need to keep our country com- Mr. Speaker, I want to just, in clos- benefits to plan participants were paid. petitive. Instead, we will continue, as ing, say that we all care about our chil- However, as pension assets grew be- this bill calls for, a continuation of the dren. We want the best for our chil- cause of the inflation in the late 1970’s Republican notion of trickle down. dren. But unless we understand that and the rising stock market of the But it is on the issue of children that the well-being of our own children is 1980’s, corporations began to take these I would like to speak this evening. Be- directly connected to the well-being of excess pension funds. cause, as I say, if it is a statement of poor children of America, our own chil- In fact, in 1983, the Reagan adminis- values of what we stand for as a coun- dren will not be well-served. That is tration issued guidelines making pen- try, it should be a statement of how we the reconciliation we must provide for sion reversions easier, in other words, care for our children. our country. to get at that pension increase. From, I do not think any of our listeners or I urge our colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on 1982 to 1990, over $20 billion was taken viewers would consider it a statement the Republican glidepath to a crash. from the over 2,000 retirement plans of their values to cut millions of chil- f covering those 2.5 million workers and dren out of Medicaid, guaranteed retirees. From 1982 to 1985, the size of health care, in order to give a tax PREVENT THE RAID ON AMERICAN the reversion grew rapidly: $404 million break to the wealthiest people in PENSIONS reverted in 1982 alone to $6.7 billion re- America. At the same time, I do not The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. verted in 1985. think our constituents consider it a WELDON of Florida). Under a previous As retirees were left without ade- statement of their values for us to give order of the House, the gentleman from quate retirement, Congress took strong a tax break that the overwhelming ma- Texas, Mr. GENE GREEN is recognized action to stem the tide of the pension jority of it benefits the top 6 percent for 5 minutes. reversions or the raiding of the pension earners in our country, the wealthiest Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. funds. Beginning in 1986, Congress im- people in our country. Speaker, I am only in my second term posed a series of excise taxes. A 10-per- Do not take it from me, though. Lis- in Congress, but I remember last year cent excise tax on the amount of the ten to what a Republican has to say. one of the issues I heard a great deal reversion was in the Tax Reform Act of My colleague from Florida already ref- was how many Members of Congress 1986, a 15-percent excise tax in the erenced Senator SPECTER’s remarks when we passed one of those massive Technical and Miscellaneous Revenue when he said, ‘‘Much of the pain of the bills has read the bill. Act of 1988, and in the Omnibus Rec- spending cuts goes to the elderly, the I would like to throw that down onciliation Act of 1990 a 20-percent tax young and the infirm, while allowing today as a challenge for the folks who was on employers who established a tax cuts for corporate America.’’ happen to be watching tonight, Mr. successor plan with similar benefits or Senator SPECTER then also went on Speaker, in that they would look at they had to pay a 50-percent tax if no to say, ‘‘I suggest to my Republican both H.R. 2491 and H.R. 2517, and to- successor plan was established. So they H 10834 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 could not just come in and raid the increase the national savings rate. Let the Republicans are still trying to pass taxes, the pension plans from 1986 to us not permit companies to take pen- the buck on to other people so that 1990. sion assets from the American worker. they can give their friends So with these congressional meas- Let us ensure that pensions will be safe multibillion-dollar tax cuts, their rich ures, the number and size of the rever- and available for those who saved for friends. sions substantially fell. So today we their retirement. What the Republicans will not tell see increased pension plans, the assets Mr. Speaker, in closing I would hope Americans and what they will not tell of the pension plans that, by the way, that our majority tomorrow would re- our family farmers is that all of this Mr. Speaker, they are investing in our alize what it will do to the future of money that they are saving will go to country. We hope they are investing in the pension plans and, hopefully, the the rich, not to reducing the debt. I jobs and in our country. So it is for U.S. Senate will change that or, as Sec- will tell you something else, that is a savings, but that money is not sitting retary Reich said today, this is veto shame. somewhere and not earning money be- bait in this bill. Most farmers are good, patriotic cause we want those retirees to earn f Americans. As most patriots will do, from the benefits of our country. they have volunteered to eliminate The effect of the reversion on the REPUBLICANS TURN BACKS ON many vital farm programs so that they American worker in the Republican FAMILY FARMER can do their part in eliminating this proposal would encourage employers to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a Republican Reagan-Bush-caused defi- take billions of dollars out of these previous order of the House, the gen- cit. Well, fair is fair and enough is pension plans, leaving them possibly tleman from Alabama [Mr. HILLIARD] is enough. with insufficient funds to protect the recognized for 5 minutes. The Republicans always talk a good future of current retirees. Money pre- Mr. HILLIARD. Mr. Speaker, I come talk when it comes to supporting fami- viously set aside for workers’ retire- before you tonight to discuss the lies and family values. But when it ment would now be pocketed by these shameful way the Republican Members comes to delivering on these promises, same corporations and used for any of Congress are treating the American they always side with business and the purpose over that 125 percent. single family farmer with the farm and wealthy. I hope all farmers have The removal of these funds from pen- reconciliation bills. learned this lesson and remember it sion plans increases the risk of loss to The Republicans are treating our when election time comes rolling workers, retirees and their bene- farmers like a bunch of ruined chick- around again. ficiaries at a time when the need to ens, throwing them into the equivalent The Republicans have drafted a farm make sure we have a strong pension of the legislative compost heap, to bill. As a matter of fact, they have system is great, when we worry about slowly decompose, to rot, to wither, drafted two. But neither one passed be- if social security is going to be there. and then to simply waste away. cause the Republicans girdlocked on And we all talk about that Social Secu- I am a member of the House of Com- the committee. The Republicans sim- rity is not where people can survive on mittee on Agriculture, and I listen and ply cannot decide how much they want but it is just a beginning, and here we read what the Republican Members to take from the American farmers. are going to hurt private pension plans have proposed. I know that the Repub- Ironically, the Republicans call their by allowing employers to take money licans, as usual, have decided to choose farm bill the Freedom to Farm Act. from them. sides with the big, rich corporations, Unfortunately for our farmers under Pension plans are not the employers’ rather than with American farm fami- this Republican bill, no one will have money. Workers pay into those pension lies. the freedom to farm but large, big cor- contribution funds and oftentimes ac- America needs more than this. Amer- porations. cept lower wages, and I did that in the ica expects more than this. Repub- b 2030 1970’s. We actually accepted, when I licans always side with the big corpora- was in the printing business, a lower tions. Republicans always promote the The Republicans have turned their amount in our paycheck to make sure interests of the rich over the working backs on the family farmers, and it is we paid into the pension plan. So people. Republicans have no remorse a shame, a dirty, rotten, Republican today, Mr. Speaker, I am now a bene- when it comes to bleeding and starving shame. ficiary of the printers pension that I do our farm families until they have abso- America is a world power because of not know how much I will receive when lutely nothing left, no profit, no home, our family farmer and what they have I am 65. and no hope for a future. historically done for this country, and But under the current pension and America is a great Nation today, not I for one am grateful to them for their tax regulations, pension funds are in because we have a mighty military but sacrifices and all that they have done trust to be used only for the exclusive because we can feed our military and to make this country great. benefit of workers and retirees and our citizens, and, of course, the rest of I feel that we in Congress must pro- should not be considered as piggy the world. tect them by voting against this rec- banks. This irresponsible provision en- The majority of the Republicans in onciliation bill and the farm bill when courages efforts to pilfer workers’ pen- this country are gung ho when it comes it comes before this Congress. sions. This proposal is bad public pol- to funding the military. Look at the f icy. budgets that they propose. When it A pension plan with excess assets comes to investing in our farmers, they GETTING OUR FINANCIAL HOUSE today can quickly become underfunded shun them, turn their backs on them, IN ORDER if those assets are taken away. Because and in essence they are saying we Re- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. most pension plans are tied to the publicans do not need family farmers. WELDON of Florida). Under a previous stock market, any downward turn will After all, they are expendable, because order of the House, the gentleman from have a negative effect on the plan. In we have big corporate farmers that can Connecticut [Mr. SHAYS] is recognized addition, a reduction in the interest farm huge farms and make big profits. for 5 minutes. rate of 1 percentage point, together Yes, America is great today because Mr. SHAYS. Mr. Speaker, I have been with an asset reduction of 10 percent, we can feed the world. And Americans sitting in my office, and I have been reduces the funding level from 125 per- can feed the world because in the past hearing some of the most partisan, out- cent to 96 percent. this Congress has had the wisdom to rageous comments I have heard in the The American public must let the invest in our farm families. history of this place, and I guess that majority Republicans in Congress Some people would have you believe is saying a lot. know that pension assets are held in that all the farmers have a bag of Fed- I have been in office 20 years now. I trust for the exclusive benefit of plan eral subsidies and moneys that they do was 30 years in the statehouse in Hart- participants and their beneficiaries. not need and to eliminate this coun- ford, CT, and now 7, almost 8 years Taking money away from pension try’s debt, we must eliminate all of the now, in Congress, and I remember my plans will reverse the progress made to farm programs. Well, the truth is that time in the statehouse looking at October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10835 Members of Congress and looking up to In our society we become a caretak- ter eye care for the same cost, might them but wondering how they could, ing society instead of a caring society. get dental care, might get a reduction how they would be allowed to, and why What ultimately has to happen is Re- or rebate in their premium. They they would spend more money than publicans and Democrats, one, have to might not have to pay that copayment they raised in taxes and why they realize we have to balance the budget. or a deductible with some private care would deficit spend. I knew I could not I would like it in 4 years. If it takes 7, plans. So they can do that. Nobody do that in the statehouse. I knew that so be it. We have to get our financial makes them. If they decide to go into in the statehouse that we had to spend house in order. private care under our Medicare-plus only what we raised in taxes. If we The second thing we have to do, plan and they do not like it, they can spent more, we would have a deficit, clearly, is decide how we do that. We come back. and we were not allowed to by law. have a disagreement with the White For 2 years every month they can go I just think that it is immoral for a House right now. The White House does in and come out. They do not have to country that gets, in a sense, I hear the not want to weigh in on a 7-year budg- wait a year. Only in the third year imagery of a farmer, I will use that et. They are going to have to do that. would they have to stay in the plan. same imagery, our forefathers gave us The one thing I am not giving in on is When I hear people say we are cut- a farm and it did not have much debt, to continue to say we are going to bal- ting, I think, yes, we are cutting some and this generation has mortgaged the ance the budget out years and years programs. We are not cutting Medi- farm to the hilt and is passing it on to out, but the President does not have to care. We are not cutting Medicaid. the next generation with so much debt take our 7-year budget. The Democrats They continue to go up. We are slowing you can hardly pay the bills, and that do not have to take our 7-year budget. the growth of those programs. We are is where we were at. We are here be- If they do not like that, they can come changing them. We are allowing people cause 20 years of deficit spending has in with a proposal as some of them to have other opportunities. put us in the mess we are in. have, but the bottom line is we have to I hope eventually the rich-and-poor I am not going to say that it is the get our financial house in order. dialog just falls by the wayside because Democrats’ fault, because it is not. We I hear the dialog about cutting it is simply a sham. We have the big- had a Congress on one side which was things, cutting school lunch programs. gest cut in our tax program is two- mostly Democrat. You had a Repub- No. They are going up 4.5 percent each thirds of our cut is $500 tax credit per lican Presidency for most of that time. year. Yes, they would have gone up 5.2 family. You mean to tell me if you The White House, Republicans did not percent. We think they should go up 4.5 have a kid under 18 and those who want to cut defense, or at least they percent. might be listening to this right now, did not even want to control the Cutting Medicare? Give me a break. you ask yourself if you are wealthy, if growth of defense. You had Democrats Medicare, we are going to spend $1.6 you have a child under 18, you are who did not want to control entitle- trillion in the next 7 years. The last 7 going to get a $500 tax credit; you are ments. You had Republicans who years we spent about $900 billion. It is going to get one; and if you are thought there was no defense program going to go up over $675 billion. We are wealthy, then we fit the description. that they did not want to spend money going to spend 75 percent more in the But if you happen to be like most on, and you had Democrats who real- next 7 years than we did in the last 7, Americans, 75 percent of whom make ized that half the budget are entitle- 75 percent more, excuse me, 73 percent less than $75,000, they are going to get ments, and they continued to go up and more. Only in this place where the that $500 tax credit. up. So Republicans did not give in on virus is fed, where you spend 73 percent The earned income tax credit is being defense, and Democrats did not give in more, do people say it is a cut. eliminated? No. We are saying it is not on entitlements. The end result is we In this year compared to the 7th going to increase above $28,000. If you have had one deficit after another. year, we are going to spend 54 percent are at $28,000 and you and your husband I vowed when I was elected that I more. The 7th year, in Medicare, 54 per- are working and you only make $28,000 would be part of a process to help get cent more than today. People say you or just one is working and you have 4 our financial house in order, and that have more beneficiaries. Even if you kids, you pay no Federal taxes. You get is what we are doing. The sad thing is take it on that, we are going to spend actually a rebate. You are paid by the we are doing it now without the help of $4,800 per beneficiary today, $4,800. It is Federal Government, no tax; you are my colleagues on the other side of the going to go up to $6,700 in the 7th year. paid. We are just saying we cannot in- aisle that know we have to get our fi- That is a 40-percent increase. Only in crease that to $35,000. We are also say- nancial house in order, and we are this place when you spend 40 percent ing that if it applies to a senior, you doing it without the help of the Presi- more per beneficiary do people call it a know, Social Security should count as dent. cut. an income. I am as proud as I could be to be part Are we going to force people out of So I listened to the rhetoric and of this effort to get our financial house Medicare into private care? No. They some of it has some truth to it, some of in order. We want to do that and bal- can stay where they are. They have no it, but some of it is just so off base. ance the budget. increase in copayment, no increase in I am just proud to be part of this Re- The second thing we want to do is deductions. The premium is going to publican majority that has the courage save our trust funds, particularly Medi- remain the same, 31.5 percent. Tax- and the determination to get our finan- care which needs to be protected and payers are going to continue to pay 68.5 cial house in order. preserved and strengthened. It is going percent unless you are the most afflu- f insolvent next year. It goes bankrupt ent. in 7 years, totally bankrupt. I have the most affluent in my com- REPEAL OF THE NURSING HOME The third thing we want to do is we munity. Yes, they are going to have to PROTECTION ACT want to change the social, corporate, pay more. If they are married, after The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a and farming welfare state into an op- $150,000, they pay all of Medicare part previous order of the House, the gen- portunity society. I look at this, and I B. If they are single, after $100,000, they tleman from Florida [Mr. DEUTSCH] is say how can anyone justify 4 miles of pay all of Medicare part B. For the recognized for 5 minutes. public housing in Chicago, 17-story most affluent, people want to talk Mr. DEUTSCH. Mr. Speaker, I have buildings, that is the legacy of the wel- about how we want to help the been listening to the 5-minutes this fare state; the legacy of the welfare wealthy, we are saying the wealthy evening for over an hour now, about an state, our 13-year-olds having babies, should pay for more for Medicare to hour and a half, and I think one thing 14-year-olds selling drugs, 16-year-olds help save the trust fund. that anyone who has been watching or killing each other, 18-year-olds who Do we force people to get off private been listening can conclude is that nei- cannot even read their diplomas, 24- care? No. They can stay there. If they ther side of this aisle has a monopoly year-olds who have never had a job, 30- want to go into private care, they can on wisdom, and there really is both year-old grandparents. We have got to do that. Why would they want to do wisdom and ignorance on both sides of change that. that? Because they can maybe get bet- the aisle. H 10836 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 I think that when you look at this That does not exist today. People can- The reason we are all here tonight to bill that we are going to vote on to- not be evicted from nursing homes in talk and really have a dialog among morrow, there are things that I can the United States of America today. No ourselves, but with the American peo- support and that I do support in this one gets those calls in the United ple, is about what is going to occur to- bill, but there are some things that States of America today. morrow. It is truly a historic day. It truly will cause unneeded suffering for The tragedy that happened to thou- really brings to a close in really a Americans and really things that are sands, tens of thousands of families in grand finale of what we have said is our just out of place when you look at the this country, does not happen, and in motto, ‘‘Promises made, promises facts. fact, the facts are that there was just kept.’’ Yesterday evening I talked about one lots of empirical evidence that was That is what we have done. We all of them. I talked about the Medicare pointed out in hearings for this legisla- ran and campaigned with the Contract program, the fact that the $270 billion tion in the 1980’s that people died when With America because we believed it in cuts has nothing to do with what the evicted from nursing homes. That does was the right thing to do. When we got actuaries say. The 7-year actuarial life, not happen today, because of a piece of here, we started on day one and began in 12 of the 30 years it has had a shorter legislation that is going to be repealed implementing the Contract With actuarial life. tomorrow by that bill, and it should America, many of those issues we be- Tonight I want to focus in on some- not be. lieve that are important. Between now My colleagues on the other side of thing that has no place in that bill, and and the time that we conclude, some the aisle, and I propose this as an that is, it is not in a couple of thousand time in mid-November, the sooner the amendment to the Committee on page bill, it is really probably just a better, to get the people’s work done, Rules, my colleagues on the other side page and a half, and that is repealing there are four main issues we are going of the aisle say, well, the States can do the 1987 Nursing Home Protection Act. to accomplish, and those are embodied better; the States know better; we That is one of the many things this bill in this Reconciliation Act we are going want to return this issue to the States. does that really is unprecedented and to be working on tomorrow and pass- really, truly tragic. You know, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle really have se- ing. Prior to 1987, I think there are many The four main issues, and really they people who are listening and watching lective memory when they think about the States doing better. They pick and are Congress’ marching orders, first remember reading and seeing stories, and foremost, obviously, is to balance really horrible stories, stories about choose the issues they think the States can do better on. the budget within 7 years. The second nursing home patients being tied down is saving Medicare from bankruptcy, in nursing homes, being in their own Two hundred years of tort law in America, forget that, the Federal Gov- not for just this generation of seniors feces, in their own urine, being drugged but the next. Reforming the welfare so they would not move, nursing home ernment knows best in the areas of medical malpractice. We are going to system, to get people on self-depend- residents really dying in nursing home obliterate 200 years of States’ rights in ency. Last, but definitely not least, is facilities because of lack of fire exits, that area. My colleagues on the other allowing people to keep more of their nursing home facilities that had no 24- side of the aisle, there is one mandate, hard earned money. hour staff, I mean, horror stories on, if one State mandate in the Medicaid All of us here tonight engaged in this not a weekly basis, definitely on a bill, in this bill. There is one State colloquy can bring personal experi- monthly basis throughout the country. There is a reason we do not hear mandate, and that State mandate is ences from people we talked to at home that States cannot choose to spend those horrors today, because in 1987 about these important issues. The first money for abortions. this Congress passed a law providing issue we will talk about is the whole nursing home residents, the weakest of b 2045 issue of balancing the budget. the weak, the most vulnerable of the I know the gentleman from the sec- It is an amazing concept when you ond district in Washington State has most vulnerable in our society, protec- think about that. Mandating that probably been working on this issue tion against things like being tied issue, which they prioritize, but they longer than all of us in his elected ca- down, like being drugged, like making say we cannot mandate, that there reer. He has done a phenomenal job. I sure that there was 24-hour nursing fa- cannot be nursing home evictions. cility and a trained person in that fa- I urge my colleagues tomorrow to would like to ask the gentleman from cility, three meals a day, fire exits. really defeat this legislation for this the second district of Washington, to You know, if that is overregulation, and other reasons, and hopefully that tell us a little bit about what you have then I am for overregulation. people who are listening and watching heard at home, why balancing the But I do not think most Americans will call their Members to let them budget is important and why you are think that that is overregulation. I know this is a provision in this bill looking forward to casting an aye vote think most Americans think that that that they do not want to see enacted. tomorrow and what this will really mean to working people at home, not is sound public policy that really is in f the public interest. just using the overall numbers, but Let me just go on in terms of what CONGRESS’ MARCHING ORDERS what it will mean to families. this regulation prevents from happen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Mr. METCALF. Mr. Speaker, this is ing. I served in the State legislature the Speaker’s announced policy of May in fact more than just how it will im- for 10 years, from 1982 to 1992. Prior to 12, 1995, the gentleman from Washing- pact the individuals, and it will. We that I served as a director of a Medi- ton [Mr. TATE] is recognized for 60 min- have to solve this problem. I look at it care advocacy group, 1982 and 1981. utes as the designee of the majority from my point of view basically as During that period, about once a week leader. more about my grandchildren. What I would get a call from either the Mr. TATE. Mr. Speaker, I am excited are we leaving for them? spouse or the child of someone who was tonight to talk about what is truly a Norma and I have really in a small being evicted from a nursing home, and historic day that is going to occur to- way realized the American dream. We I will tell you, I remember as if it were morrow, and I have four of my col- own our own home, we use our own today, those phone calls because I have leagues here this evening. I have the home for our own small business, and never heard since really just the trag- gentleman from Spokane, Mr. we were able to gain our home and we edy. You can imagine what it means, NETHERCUTT, the gentleman from up own it free and clear. I worry about someone’s spouse, their parent is being north Washington State, in the second that for my grandchildren. I think that evicted from a nursing home, and they district, Mr. METCALF, and what I call the debt, the huge debt, the payments called me and they asked me to do an honorary member of the Washing- of $1,300 per person per year, not tax- something. My response had to be ton delegation, my good friend the gen- payers, $1,300 per man, woman, chil- there was nothing I could do, because tleman from Pennsylvania, Mr. FOX, dren, all over America, I believe that is the law did not protect those people ei- and also Mr. WHITE here from Washing- destroying the American dream for our ther in Florida or in the United States. ton State as well. children and grandchildren. I think October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10837 their chance to own a home is 10 per- fect, and that is to balance this Federal they all have to balance their budgets, cent of the chance that I had to own a budget. and so do our families. But the Federal home. Mr. TATE. The gentleman is correct. Government, from many years of not I think that this American dream is It is for our children. We have heard balancing the budgets, now has a $5 a thing that I resent most about year about that at home. It will accelerate trillion debt. As said by the gentleman after year of overspending, needless, long-term growth, we know that, by from Washington [Mr. NETHERCUTT] wasteful overspending, by people who lowering interest rates. It will and the gentleman from Washington voted over and over and over for unbal- strengthen financial markets, when the [Mr. METCALF], we are now having to anced budgets and raising the debt markets know we are actually serious have our children pay $187,000 over limit. I believe that they are busily de- this year about balancing the budget. their lifetime just on the interest. That stroying the American dream for our It is going to raise productivity, when is going to end, or we are not going to children, and we intend to fix that. people can keep more of their own have the salvation that this Congress Mr. TATE. The point that I have money, they can spend more money on can bring for the economic future for heard at least when I have been home, their families and business. It will re- senior citizens, for working families, and the point that really drives it duce inflation, make products a little and for the children who are going to home more than anything, is the first more affordable, and strengthen the take over the positions of leadership point on why the Republicans are bal- dollar. across this United States. ancing the budget, and it is for our I know the gentleman from Penn- Mr. TATE. I appreciate the gentle- children. My daughter, Madeleine, and sylvania, though he is 3,000 miles away man’s comments. The gentleman has I use this number over and over but it from Washington State, I know he has been a real leader as well in the fresh- drives a point home, in her lifetime she heard some of these same kinds of man class. I appreciate that. will have to spend $187,150 in taxes just things from his constituents. I know the gentleman from the First for her share of the national debt. Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. I thank District of Washington State has four Mr. METCALF. Just for her share of the gentleman. The gentleman has children, and is very interested in the paying the interest on the national been a leader in our freshman class and future of this country. Tell us what debt. this 104th Congress in helping us move you have heard at home and what are Mr. TATE. The gentleman is correct, ahead toward a balanced budget. the constituents of the First District of not for defense, not for Social Security, Whether one is a Republican or Demo- Washington saying and why is it im- but just her share of the interest. I crat, we have a historic opportunity portant to balance this budget and pass know the gentleman from Spokane was this week to actually balance the budg- this reconciliation act tomorrow? home this weekend and had a chance to et and do some things that I think my Mr. WHITE. I thank my friend. I also talk to constituents through the Fifth constituents and your constituents in congratulate the gentleman for being a District of Washington. Mr. Washington State want us to achieve leader. I also say that when you really NETHERCUTT, give us some of your in- for the first time since 1969. That will sit down and think about why we have sights of what you have heard and why be to lower housing costs. to balance the budget and why we have you believe this issue is so important If we balance the budget, according to make some decisions on our spend- back home to working people back in to a study by the National Association ing priorities, I think the way the gen- Spokane? of Realtors, the average 30-year mort- tleman from the second district has Mr. NETHERCUTT. I thank the gen- gage will drop by almost 3 percent. Our put it several times in the past is prob- tleman for yielding and for your lead- car expenses, your car loan rates for ably the most telling way to talk about ership in trying to meet the goals of your constituents and mine, will lower it. Because when he talks about it, he this Republican Congress, and that is by at least 2 percentage points. That is says do we need this program or do we to balance this Federal budget. That is on a $15,000 5-year car loan, at about need to spend this money so badly that the overriding concern that I think all 9.75-percent interest, that is an extra we should borrow money from our chil- of us have as we look at the fiscal re- $900 in the family budget. We will have dren to pay for it? sponsibility that we exercise here and lower college costs as a result of bal- the fiscal responsibility that the Fed- ancing the budget. Student loan rates Frankly, that is the way we have to eral Government needs to exercise. will drop at least two points. A college approach every single nickel of Federal I spoke with a constituent today who student who borrows $11,000 will pay spending. There is only one way to get communicated with me after watching $2,500 less for the car loan, student our spending under control and I think the debate on the reconciliation bill loan, and even more when it comes to we have all talked about this at some today. His name is Rich Kuling. He the mortgage. We will also, by lowering length, and that is to make sure that made a comment to me after watching interest rates and having a balanced every nickel of spending with nothing this debate, he quoted Aristotle, and he budget, will create 6.1 million in new sacrosanct is on the table, and that we said, ‘‘It is not ignorance, but false jobs. make fair cuts across the board, so all knowledge that is the greatest impedi- Mr. TATE. If the gentleman would of us are participating in this program ment to human progress.’’ allow me, we are basically paying a and setting the priorities which we We are seeing a lot of that today, as deficit tax. We are paying higher inter- should set for the Federal Government. we listen to the debate on this issue of est rates because the budget is not bal- I think this bill we are going to vote reconciliation and the rhetoric of the anced. Higher interest rates on a car, on tomorrow takes a very good step in critics of balancing the Federal budget. an average car loan, $180 a year; on a that direction. It is not perfect, and I The gentleman is right. I hear from student loan, an extra $216 a year; on think we have heard the people talk to my constituents on a daily basis, sev- an average mortgage, $2,162 a year, for us all day about how there is one par- eral hundred letters a day, just like all a grand total, most people have a car ticular thing in this bill that just Members do in the Washington delega- loan, many people out there still pay- about everybody can find not to like. tion. They see, ‘‘Keep going. Be true to ing their college loans, most of us have But the fact is it takes 218 people to your promises and your commitments a home loan, on average, $2,558 more get anything done in this Congress, and that got you elected, and balance this per year that we are paying in basi- we are not going to have a much better Federal budget, not only for our gen- cally a deficit tax, higher payments to product than the bill we have before us eration, mine, but for my parents’ gen- a particular financial institution, be- tomorrow, with all the millions and eration and for my children’s genera- cause interest rates are higher because billions of dollars that it deals with, to tion.’’ of the Government borrowing so much actually balance the budget. So it is just a simple fact that we money. From my perspective, I think the need to keep in mind as we look at the Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. If the gen- Speaker of the House was right this debate and the issue-by-issue examina- tleman will yield further, the fact is morning when he said to all of us gath- tion of the reconciliation bill. Is it a our State governments have to balance ered here this morning, ‘‘If you are not perfect bill? Probably not. But cer- their budgets, county budgets, school prepared to vote for this bill, which tainly the overriding purpose is per- districts, townships, towns, boroughs, balances the budget for the first time H 10838 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 in 30 years, why in the world are you I know the gentleman from Penn- Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, I here?’’ sylvania is dying to get a word in. thank the gentleman for yielding. This We gave our word to the American Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. I just is a huge, huge Government. As appro- people last year when we ran for office wanted to add to this dialog in this priators looked at the breadth and that we were going to balance the sense. As we approach the budget this scope of the Federal Government, it budget, somehow, some way. We have year, to make it balance, there were was astounding how many programs worked for 10 months on a program to two overriding concerns I think all of and agencies within agencies within do that. We have had to make a lot of us had who were freshmen Members of agencies we fund. I think what the decisions, we have had to set a lot of this 104th Congress, and that is one, if American people have to realize is that priorities, and we have probably made the Government is involved with an ac- it is not the Government’s money that a few mistakes. tivity now, could it be better handled funds these programs, it is the tax- But the bottom line is we have a by the private sector? If it could not be payers’ money. It is their money, and product that will balance the budget, the private sector, is there another my money and everybody else who and, frankly, I am going to be very level of government that can give that writes a check on April 15th and sends proud to support it. service better, more efficiently, more it to Washington and trusts us in the Mr. TATE. Could the gentleman an- effectively, less expensively and more Congress to do what is right with their swer a question: When was the last directly to the people. That has been money. time the budget was balanced? accomplished to some extent in this So we hear discussion about, well, we Mr. WHITE. I believe it was in 1969 budget. do not want to give any kind of a tax was the last time the budget actually But second, and I think just as im- cut. What those critics are saying, and balanced, and I think that actually portant, if not more important, we the party on the other side is saying is, might have been a bit of a fluke. I do have looked to find ways to consoli- we want to keep all that tax money not think the budget that was passed date, downsize, privatize, to eliminate that the taxpayers send us because we that year actually anticipated it to be waste, fraud, and abuse that has been want to spend it, and the Government balanced. It happened to work out that in this budget for many yeas. By doing wants to spend it and not let the Amer- way because of revenue. Mr. TATE. So only in Congress was that, we are retaining the actual serv- ican people spend it. The majority leaders made state- the last time the budget was balanced ices that we want to get back to peo- ments, and all of us have made state- was in 1969 by happenstance or mis- ple. ments over the past months saying take. Only in Congress could that We do not want to have $30 billion of occur. fraud, waste, and abuse in Medicare. how can the Government decided how Mr. WHITE. By dumb luck. We have We want $30 billion of that savings to best decide to spend our money? Is that had a quote from Aristotle. I might go back for health care for our seniors. not something that we can decide as mention a quote from Socrates I like That is exactly what we have done. It citizens better than the Federal Gov- to use sometimes, which is that democ- has not gotten through in the media as ernment? racy only works as long as the elector- much as we wanted it to, the real facts, That is what we are trying to do is ate does not figure out that they can but, frankly, this group of 104th Mem- have a recognition, and we need to continue to vote themselves benefits bers, both sides of the aisle, I think, have a recognition that it is the tax- from the public treasury, because a are dedicated to their seniors, working payers’ money that we are dealing with majority of people, theoretically, once families, and our children, to make here. And if we feel we do not want to they figure it out, can decide they are sure that we provide the services, with- take more of their money, then I think going to vote to increase benefits to out overtaxing, overspending, and over- that is to the taxpayers’ best interest themselves. regulating. and we all have to understand that, es- pecially the critics of this balanced You had to kind of wonder last year b 2100 whether we had found the Achilles heel budget concept. of democracy, whether unfortunately Mr. TATE. The gentleman is exactly Mr. TATE. Mr. Speaker, the gen- the American electorate figured that right, Mr. Speaker. When I am home tleman is right on in his message on out and whether democracy was really talking to folks, I always hear that the that. The point is there are good people going to work. Had a majority figured government that is the closest to their working for the Federal Government, out a way to borrow money into the fu- home, their government, their city and I am not here to bash Federal ture? I think what were are seeing in councils, their county councils, their workers, but they do not know where this bill we are going to pass tomorrow State legislators, whoever, better know the cities are in our State. They do not is the answer is no. We have decided to their needs. They know where Tacoma know our children. We know our chil- make democracy work, exercise some is, they know where Everett is, they dren. We know what their needs are. fiscal responsibility, and come up with know where Spokane is, they know We know if they need a vacation or a a balanced budget. where the cities are in your district. new pair of Nikes or a little money put Mr. TATE. The gentleman is exactly They know best what is needed. away for health care or a little away right. I believe the public has known it The question I always ask is, well, for higher education. We know best. all along we are in a time where we can this program best be done in the That is what this is about, sending need to make tough decisions. We were private sector? If not, what level of programs out to the States to empower elected to do that. That is what I local government can it be done by? people, not to build bureaucracies here heard. The Federal Government should be the along the Potomac that are filled. A People at home when I am at home, last resort, but for the last 60 years it person cannot go anywhere without I do not care whether I am at the local has been the first resort. We have al- running into a Federal building. They grocery store, standing in line at the ways said, boy, if we just had more are full of people working here. We ATM machine, people come up to me money at the Federal level, if we had need to send that power out to the and say, ‘‘Randy, just keep going. My one new program, but it has not States and let them make the deci- biggest fear is you will not go all the worked. And we do not have to look sions. way, as opposed to we are going too further than welfare. I want to touch on one point. I know far.’’ Their biggest concern is they are The gentleman from Spokane, Mr. there is so much rhetoric from across all for the balanced budget, but are we NETHERCUTT, as a member of the Com- the aisle about these terrible cuts we really going to do it. Tomorrow we are mittee on Appropriations, they have are making. I want to point out that going to do it. They are concerned, are scoured through thousands of Federal over the last 7 years we have spent $9.5 we going to reform welfare? Tomorrow programs looking for areas to reduce, trillion, if we add up all the spending we are going to do it. They are con- putting money into those programs that has occurred. Over the next 7 cerned with tax relief. Tomorrow we that work, but taking away from those years, under our balanced budget plan, are going to do it. Are we going to save that do not or change them. we spend $12.1 trillion. If we did noth- Medicare? Tomorrow we are going to I would yield to the gentleman from ing, if we did things just how we have do it. Spokane. always done, the status quo, and we October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10839 would not have a balanced budget and committee, I have sure learned a heck paying for it out of cuts out of Medi- the kind of change we really want to of a lot about it in the last 2 or 3 care. see, we would spend $13.3 trillion. months, and I would say a couple If the gentleman would respond. I So we are slowing the growth by things about it. know the other gentlemen, Mr. FOX about $1 trillion. Spending will in- First, I hope people understand how and Mr. NETHERCUTT, will want to re- crease but it will be spending that is significant it is what we are trying to spond as well. directed at people and helping them accomplish today. A year ago, when I Mr. WHITE. I will be happy to say a out and empowering folks back home was running for office, there were lots couple of words about that. The fact is in our districts. of people who would tell me it is basi- this budget does not cut anything, as I can tell my colleagues as we are cally impossible as a political matter your charts have shown. It just allows dealing with this whole issue of chang- to balance the Federal budget. Why? things to increase a little more slowly ing the way Government works, there Because nobody will ever dare touch than they otherwise would have. is probably no more volatile issue than Medicare, nobody will ever dare touch We have saved, is the way I like to the whole issue of Medicare. I think we Medicaid, nobody will ever dare touch talk about it, we have saved about $900 are all aware that it needs to be saved, welfare. Three entitlement programs billion, almost $1 trillion over the 7- protected, preserved, and I know the that basically are the biggest problems year period. And we are going to use gentleman from the second district of we have in the Federal budget. that money for lots of different things. Washington, Mr. METCALF, has a very And everybody knows unless we get We are going to use it to bring down special interest in the program. I know those problems under control, we can- the deficit, so that we get the budget he is actually on Medicare, but tell us not balance the budget. And a year ago under control. We will use it to provide why and start up a dialog on why we people were saying it is politically im- some fairly small tax cuts to a number need to save and protect Medicare. possible to do so. of people, primarily people with chil- Mr. METCALF. Well, Mr. Speaker, as Well, tomorrow, and actually last dren, so that they can do a better job I say and said the other day, I am the week when we voted on Medicare, we of raising their own families. We will only one in the delegation who has a started to prove those people wrong. I use that money for lots of different particular interest because not only do think we did so in a way that when purposes. I qualify for Medicare, my wife quali- people look at the changes that we So it is a mistake to say that the fies for Medicare, my brother is on have made in the Medicare program, Medicare savings are going to go for Medicare and three older sisters are. So for example, they will be proud, proud tax cuts for the rich. In fact, the Medi- I am absolutely dedicated to seeing as I am, of the sort of solution that we care bill we passed last week says it is that this program is not damaged, not have come up with. illegal to use those savings to pay for a put in jeopardy, does not go bankrupt, What we have done is basically say if tax cut. We have to use them to pro- and it is there for those people count- an individual likes the current Medi- vide for additional benefits to Medicare ing on it. Because there are millions of care system the way it is, they get to beneficiaries. people across this Nation that are keep it. That is end of it. If they like Mr. TATE. So the attacks on the truly counting on it and it has to be what they have right now, they will other side, as well as those attack ads there as they need it. keep it. The same percentage basis of we have seen at home in some capac- Mr. TATE. Mr. Speaker, if the gen- premiums, same arrangement with ity, are just blatantly false. tleman would allow me, I hear the their doctors, same paybacks by the Mr. WHITE. I would like to say they rhetoric from across the aisle that Federal Government. The whole sys- are, unfortunately, misguided. somehow Medicare is being cut. Could tem stays the same. But if they would Mr. TATE. That might be a nicer we answer that question? rather have some of the other choices way to say the same thing. Mr. METCALF. Well, only in the that most modern health care plans Mr. WHITE. A subtler way of saying Congress could a 6-percent increase be make available to other people in the the same thing. considered a cut. It is the new math current health care system, they will Mr. TATE. I know the gentleman, that they learned and it does not work have some of those choices, too. And Mr. FOX, has had a number of townhall very well. we have five or six choices: Medical meetings back in his district. The gen- Mr. TATE. Exactly. I have a chart savings account, managed care, pro- tleman has a senior advisory commit- here to really illustrate. If an individ- vider service networks, and several tee that helps him on Medicare. If he ual is on Medicare today, they will re- other possibilities that people can would tell us what he has heard. ceive on average across this country choose from. Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. Yes, our $4,816 a year. In the year 2002, they will So, really, by modernizing this pro- Preservation Task Force looked at the receive $6,734. Now, like we just said, gram we are able to save some money, problem last April. The President’s when we went to school and we re- provide health care more efficiently, trustees came out and said in 7 years ceived more the next year than we had but for people who are not comfortable we will be out of money in this Medi- the last year, that was an increase. making that transition or want to keep care Program. So what can we do about Talk about new math. Maybe it is what they have now, they are entitled it? We said, how did we get this prob- just verbal grenades that are being to do that. lem? Well, health care goes up 4 per- thrown from across the aisle trying to Mr. TATE. So, Mr. Speaker, what the cent a year, but Medicaid goes up 10 scare senior citizens, and that is too gentleman is stating very clearly is percent a year. What is the problem? bad, but the bottom line is Medicare that seniors will have more choices We found out there is $30 billion a year spending will continue to rise. next year under this plan than they in fraud, waste, and abuse. I know the gentleman who serves on currently have today. This legislation, for the first time, is the Committee on Commerce, Mr. Mr. WHITE. They will have the same going to create the Federal offense of WHITE, I know he has been real active choices everybody out in the economy health care fraud. If it is violated by a in this debate, really in the cat bird already has. provider, they will not only be out of seat as we have been working on it. Mr. TATE. Mr. Speaker, what I like the Medicare Program as a provider, Tell us a little about what the trustees about the plan is, if an individual does but they can go to jail for 10 years. have said, why this is important and not want to change, they can stay on This is the first time we have attacked why seniors will actually be better off the plan. If they do not fill out the that problem. And under the lockbox, under this plan than if we just buried form, they are automatically on your which Congressman WHITE just talked our heads like ostriches and ignored current plan. about, the savings we get from getting the problem. The other frustrating thing I have the fraud and abuse and waste elimi- Mr. WHITE. Well, Mr. Speaker, the seen, and I think we have all been at- nated has to go back to the Medicare gentleman is absolutely right. The tacked in some capacity back in our Program. Medicare bill came to our committee, districts, that these are somehow tax I think it is important to point out, and although I did not know a whole cuts for the rich; that somehow we are and, Congressman TATE, we appreciate lot about it until I got involved on the cutting taxes for the rich and we are your bringing this issue forward, but we want to separate the myth from the facts. The myth is that it will not be a H 10840 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 better program. The facts are it will be Mr. TATE. Mr. Speaker, I would now their money. They worked for it, they a much better than we have today. Be- yield to the gentleman from Spokane. pay for it, they should keep it. sides the fact we have fee-for-service Mr. NETHERCUTT. I was going to Mr. Speaker, I know that the gen- and other choices for medisave ac- say this is a 30-year-old system. This tleman from the First District of counts and managed care, it will not was begun about 30 years ago, and Con- Washington [Mr. WHITE] has some com- raise Medicare copayments or gressman WHITE made mention of it a ments on that. deductibles, it will not reduce services moment ago. This is a courageous step. Mr. WHITE. Mr. Speaker, I was going or benefits for the program, it will not Without being too self-serving here, to say that those comments reminded force anyone to join an HMO. They can this is a courageous step to tackle this me of a great political cartoon some stay in the fee-for-service that we have monster program and try to get our may remember from last year. There now. We will retain the current fee-for- arms around it and fix it, because it is was a poor, old farmer going out to the service plan. It will ensure the sol- broken. rural route on the road to open his vency of the program for the first time. When the private sector is only grow- mailbox and see what he has got in his And as the gentleman stated earlier, ing at about 4 percent a year, and have mail today. he is there with his wife it will increase from $4,800 a year to reduced actually a little over 1 percent and he is opening the rickety mailbox. $6,700, which is a 40-percent increase, last year, but yet the Federal system He is on a small farm and proud of him- and it will increase the amount of grows at 101⁄2 percent a year, it is not self, but he is obviously struggling. He money spent in the program $659 bil- working. And I think we in the Con- takes out of the mailbox an envelope lion over that spent in the prior 7 gress, this reformed Congress have that is marked ‘‘Clinton Tax Increase,’’ years. And with the lockbox and the stood up and said this can be a better and his comment is, ‘‘Oh, no, we’re savings we are going to get from fraud, system, and that is what we do have is rich.’’ abuse, and waste elimination, we will a better Medicare system. It will give That is about the way some people make sure that Medicare is strong for my mom and your parents and Jack are approaching this; everybody is rich this generation of seniors and the ones and his family a greater range of if they have got some money to be that follow. choices. What is wrong with that? That taxed. Mr. TATE. And, Mr. Speaker, that is is a good system, a good system Mr. TATE. The statement has always what it is all about. The gentleman has change. been, ‘‘There are two certainties in life, death and taxes, but death does not get hit it on the nose. Medicare is going b 2115 broke. The trustees said it is. The Clin- worse every single year.’’ That is the As the gentleman from Washington ton-appointed trustees. We are going to point. The taxes keep going up and [Mr. WHITE] says, senior citizens who save, protect, and preserve it. Seniors there is less and less income at the end want to stay on the existing system are going to get more money next year of the month. can do so. And that should give every- Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. I just and the year after and the year after, body in this country of senior citizen wanted to add to this dialogue that you and every single year, and they will age a great satisfaction, that they can are having about the overall approach. have more choices and less waste, either keep what they have, or get Not only are we trying to make sure fraud, and abuse. something better. We think it is a bet- we balance the budget for all the rea- Mr. WHITE. If the gentleman would ter Medicare system. sons that you stated earlier, Congress- yield, there is one other great thing One other quick point. In 1993, Presi- man TATE, to help our families, to help about this program that we overlook dent Clinton made mention about his our jobs, to reduce mortgage costs and sometimes. We should focus on what is tax increases, that they were too reduce college costs, but in addition going to happen to beneficiaries, but much. They affected directly the senior the tax reform proposal that the ma- this program will have some real big citizen population that the critics of jority party have presented will not benefits for our medical care system as Medicare reform and preservation are only help seniors as far as preserving a whole. arguing so hard to protect. Medicare, but we are going to make Right now the Government, under Mr. Clinton raised, and the Democrat sure that we roll back that unfair 1993 the Medicare Program, writes the Congress increased the tax rate from 50 tax on Social Security. As well, over checks for 30 percent of all the health percent to 85 percent on Social Secu- the next 5 years, we are going to raise care in the United States. The Medic- rity benefits for individuals with in- the amount of money that seniors aid Program is another 20 percent. So comes in excess of $34,000 and couples under 70 can earn from $11,280 to over between those two programs, we, right in excess of $44,000. This reconciliation $30,000 in the next 5 years, without hav- now, are buying half of the medical bill repeals that tax increase. ing deduction from the Social Secu- care that Americans get in the United So, I do not agree with anybody who rity. States. says that we are not trying to protect This is going to keep seniors inde- We have been saying for the last 40 senior citizens in this tax bill, not only pendent to the extent to be able to do years that we think it is going to go up through Medicare reform and preserva- what they want to do with their lives. about 15 percent next year, and so that tion, but through the repeal of the While many of them are volunteers, is why we have to raise the budget Clinton and Democrat Congress tax in- some of them want to continue work- every year. It is about time for the creases. ing, and we should not have a disincen- Federal Government to exercise a little Mr. TATE. If my colleagues listen to tive with our Social Security system fiscal restraint. It becomes a self-ful- the administration, someone who not allowing them to make up to filling prophecy. If someone is selling makes $34,000 a year or $40,000 a year $30,000 a year. something to someone and they tell would be under the title of rich. I know Our proposals that have been adopted them that they think they will have to in my town hall meetings, the issue by the House, if adopted by the Senate pay 10 percent more for it next year, comes up about the tax cuts and I ask as well and signed into law by Presi- we can be sure they are going to have everyone in the room that makes under dent, are two more ways that we are to pay 10 percent more because they $200,000 a year, that has kids under 18, going to try to help seniors. are going to charge them 10 percent to raise their hand, and I tell them to Mr. TATE. The gentleman from more. That is what the Federal Gov- keep their hand up. I say, you are look- Pennsylvania is right. I know the gen- ernment has been doing. ing at the rich. These are the people tleman from Spokane is very inter- So one of the things we do under this that are rich. ested in providing more money for plan is to say we will not continue We are trying to give more money working families. We talked earlier those old ways. We are going to try to back to working people and senior citi- about the issue of a tax credit for those exercise some restraint, maybe save a zens. They are the people that helped who want to adopt. I yield to the gen- little money, and we are going to say it us get through World War II and were tleman. should rise at about 6.5 percent next the backbone of this country through Mr. NETHERCUTT. Mr. Speaker, in year. I think that is a real step in the some of the darkest times, the Depres- my former life as a lawyer in Spokane, right direction. sion. We should let them keep more of WA, 10 months ago, I did probably 100 October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10841 adoptions a year. It is the greatest ure out what we should do and do those I know that Mr. METCALF would like service that anybody can provide in things well. to make a few comments on this as our society for another human being, But the things that we should not do, well. that is to adopt a child and give that things for example that maybe the Mr. METCALF. My comments are re- child love and care and attention for Commerce Department was doing, or in lated more back to the children, and his or her lifetime. my view some of the education pro- that is something that I would just This bill, this reconciliation bill that grams, which I think are better done at like to comment briefly on, as far as is coming in before us tomorrow, which the State level, things that really can this irresponsible spending over dec- we will pass, provides a tax credit as an be better done by people in their fami- ades. That is what has racked up this incentive for people to ease the burden lies or by State and local governments, $5 trillion debt. But in actual fact, it is of adopting a child. Sometimes hard- let us not do those at the Federal level. worse than that. to-place children, children with health Let us not do those at the Federal There is $5 trillion national debt, problems and others are difficult to level, and concentrate on what we over $3 trillion of unfunded liability for place in a home with the ability to pro- should be doing. pensions and retired military Federal vide the resources necessary to raise Mr. Speaker, I think this budget is a employees, hundreds of billions that we that child. good first step in that direction. It does have borrowed from the Social Secu- And make no mistake about it, it not take us all the way there. We have rity funds. It is far more serious than does cost more money to raise children plenty of work to do, but I do think it just the deficit. We have to solve them than to not raise children. That is why does take us part of the way down the all and we do not have a lot of years. we are providing some tax relief to road. That is why our start now, and the families with children. Along with Mr. TATE. The message I heard at vote we will take tomorrow, is one of that, we provide assistance to people to home from people was that they elect- the major steps along the way. encourage adoption and encourage se- ed us because they did not want more I worry more. There was a previous curity for young people in this country of the same, but they did not also just speaker that said, ‘‘The most impor- for their future life in a loving family. want less of the same. They wanted tant three things, the three most im- That is admirable in this tax bill and things to be done differently than it portant responsibilities are our chil- this reconciliation package that we are has been done for the last 40 years, and dren, our children and our children.’’ putting together. This is a good thing definitely since 1969, when the budget What we have done, what we have al- for families. It is a good thing for chil- was last balanced. lowed as people to have happen is to dren. So do not let anyone tell us that Mr. Speaker, I would ask the gen- extend this huge debt, load this huge we are not sensitive about the children tleman from Spokane to talk to us a debt on the backs of our children. As I of this country. We are, and we will be little bit more about what the tax cuts mentioned before, we are destroying as we pass this bill tomorrow. really entail. The capital gains tax cut, the American dream for our children. Mr. TATE. The gentleman is correct. the family tax cut, what will that It is more than that, even. The con- That is why we are providing the tax mean to folks at home? tinued inability of Congress to balance relief for families, the $500 tax relief. I Mr. NETHERCUTT. It is going to the budget has become a national dis- know the gentleman from the First mean more money in their pockets and grace that threatens to permanently District is real interested and I know a better economy for this country, es- destroy public trust in our govern- his constituents have talked to him pecially for eastern Washington. ment. More than that, more than just about that issue, I am sure. Mr. TATE. So it is not just for the public trust, if we cannot stop it, it Mr. WHITE. They absolutely have, rich? will destroy the government itself. and I wanted to make a comment to Mr. NETHERCUTT. Certainly not. It Mr. Speaker, we cannot continue to my friend from Spokane. The gen- deals with agriculture too. Agriculture borrow more money. I just want to tleman mentioned that he was a lawyer is a very important part of my district harp on this a little bit more and sort and the fact is, I try not to emphasize in the eastern part of the State of of close with this. What we are doing is it too much, but I was a lawyer too Washington. It is going to help farmers selling our children into debt slavery. about 10 months ago. Unlike my friend, and storekeepers and small This is something we have got to con- I was a bankruptcy lawyer. businesspeople. It is going to help sin- sider. The $187,000 that a child born in As I told people when I was running gle moms and single dads raise chil- 1995 will pay in interest on the debt for Congress last year, frankly, that is dren, recognizing that that is the most would buy a pretty respectable house pretty darn good training for coming important thing we can do in this for $187,000. to Congress. Over my legal career, I country, is raise a good child to be a That is what has been taken from probably dealt with 100 or 200 compa- good citizen. them, probably, by the previous Con- nies that had financial problems and I We are encouraging that as we de- gresses that have racked this huge debt had to figure out how to solve their volve this, transfer this Federal au- that takes these terrible interest pay- problems, how to cut their budgets, thority to State authority and local ments. how to get them to live within their and county authority. That is all in the When it comes to interest, I guess I means and find out what programs best interest of local citizens; people in will close on this by saying the people were working and what programs were Spokane and Walla Walla and Colville of England are still paying interest on not working. and Colfax and every other city in my the money that they borrowed to fight If there is any institution in the district. Napoleon. They paid that money over world that is a financially troubled in- It affects the broad range of people in 13 times as much as they borrowed, but stitution, it is this Congress. I have this country; not only by a balanced they still owe it. That is the kind of frankly found that that has been pret- budget, but by the tax relief we are debt slavery we are promising for our ty good experience to come to this trying to provide to people and leave children, instead of the American body and find out: What programs do more money in their pockets so they dream, if we do not fix it. we need to have? We are not going to can spend it as they deem appropriate. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to be a shut down the whole Federal Govern- Mr. TATE. I hear quite often, ‘‘Tax Member of a Congress that plans to fix ment. There are some things that the cuts for the rich. Oh, it’s tax cuts for it, because we owe this to the future. Federal Government needs to do. But the rich.’’ We are really talking about Mr. TATE. The gentleman is exactly there are also some things that are working people. The capital gains tax right and I appreciate the gentleman lower on the priority list. cut, who does that help? Small busi- coming out. Mr. Speaker, I always say, and what ness owners. Someone who owns a fam- Mr. Speaker, there is one last issue we have done in the reconciliation bill ily farm, they sell their house. It af- that I want to talk about in closing tomorrow is to say: What should the fects all of us. The people we know and then we will wrap up for the Federal Government do? Let us make next door or people we work with or evening. It is the whole issue of welfare sure we do those things well. Let us not people at church. It is just everyday reform. It is an issue I have been in- do everything in a mediocre way. Fig- folks. volved in in trying to reform at the H 10842 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 State level. It is really, to me, not the States the ability to experiment give them more money, going right to about balancing the budget. We can with welfare reform and have more services. That is what the welfare re- talk about the $5 trillion we have spent flexibility from the Federal system. form bill is all about. The fact is there since the 1960’s on welfare programs. In those two States I mentioned, are able-bodied people who will be We spend somewhere around $300 bil- they have had people who have been on given the opportunity under this legis- lion a year, if we add up all the pro- welfare and also have had an incentive lation to have job training, job place- grams that are really related to wel- to work while continuing to receive ment, job counseling, and day care, if fare, whether it be health care, direct some welfare benefits. That is work. necessary. payments, or AFDC. They are now filling out tax returns So those are very important points. That is three times what it would and actually getting into the habit of It is a compassionate bill that gets take just to pay people to get above working, instead of just receiving wel- service to those who need it, but those the poverty level, if we could give di- fare money or welfare assistance and that do not deserve to be on welfare rect payments. What we have done in having a disincentive to work. and are not really qualifying should be the process by these programs, to me it b 2130 removed from those rolls. is worse than anything we could do to Mr. TATE. I thank the gentleman I think our plan is very clearly de- people. It takes away their self-esteem. from Pennsylvania [Mr. FOX]. signed to provide an incentive for peo- It takes away their dignity and de- I know the gentleman from Illinois ple to ease themselves off welfare. Two stroys families and promotes illegit- [Mr. WELLER] is here. I appreciate you years will be an ample time. taking the time to come out this imacy and irresponsibility, because While America, I believe all of us evening. once they get on the system, they are would agree, needs to take care of peo- punished. If they get a job, we cut Mr. WELLER. I welcome the oppor- ple who need our help, we do not need tunity to join with you. I see my col- them off. If they have more children, to take care of people who just want we give them more money. leagues here from Washington State our help. That is what this bill is in- and Pennsylvania. Of course, I come It has been said as long as I can re- tended to do, is to create incentives for from the heartland, the State of Illi- member, we tax more of what we want people to be off the system and to nois, the land of Lincoln. Let me tell less of; we subsidize what we want make our entire national system of you, I have heard so much frustration more of. We have subsidized a system free enterprise and capitalism work coming from the taxpayers that I rep- that really breeds dependence. better, and it will. Mr. Speaker, I know there are several Mr. TATE. The gentleman is right. I resent regarding our welfare system. Today, we have a welfare system in provisions in this particular bill. We all could not have said it better myself, have our interests: Time limits; work even if I had attempted to. The point is which, over the last 30 years, the tax- requirements, and so forth; sending it well taken. There is no better feeling. payers have invested $5 trillion. That is back to the States. I know our State in It is a human feeling, that you are T, as in trillion dollars. What have we the legislature this year, there was a doing something, that you are getting gotten as a result? Higher rates of ju- comprehensive bill that passed the up and going to work, getting up and venile crime, more children living in State House. It did not pass the Sen- contributing to society. We need to do poverty today than ever before and ate. We should turn it back to the everything we can to encourage them higher rates of teenage illegitimacy. States. to go out there and work. That is the result of our current wel- I know the gentleman from the First Doggone it, a 2- or 3-year time limit, fare state. District would like to comment on that there has got to be an end. Eventually It has failed. We have got to change as well. I know the gentleman is inter- you have got to say, if you are able- it. Like you, I am committed to chang- ested in welfare reform. bodied, maybe I should get out there ing our welfare system. I am proud to Mr. WHITE. Mr. Speaker, I am inter- and get a job, give a little something say that our welfare plan that passed ested in welfare reform and I agree back. That is what this welfare reform the House this year emphasizes family with my good friend’s comment that is all about. and responsibility and emphasizes this has really very little to do with I know the gentleman from Penn- work and goes after those deadbeat balancing the budget. Sure, we want to sylvania has been an active participant parents that are not meeting their ob- make this program as efficient as pos- in this particular issue. ligation to their own flesh and blood, sible. But the fact is we have spent $5 Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. I think it their own children. I am proud to say trillion on this program since 1965 and is very clear. that we passed a good welfare reform. the problems we are trying to solve are First, I appreciate your bringing this But, at the same time, if we are a little bit worse than they were in dialog forward because, without having going to say, okay, folks, it is time to 1965. welfare reform, we are not going to at- get off welfare, it is time to go to work, If we assume there are 50 million peo- tack one of the biggest issues in the we have to make sure that there are ple in poverty in the United States, country; and Republicans and Demo- jobs there for them to go to work at. that is 20 percent of the population. crats alike, as well as the Congress and Under our program, our balanced That is probably far too much. The fact the President, know that this welfare budget, there are so many benefits for is, if we have spent $5 trillion on 50 system is not working. Everybody has people who want to work. In the last million, that is about a million per per- said so. few days, I have met with building son over this 20-year period. Frankly, if What are we going to do about it? tradesmen, members of a local labor we gave these people a million dollars, The President recommended in the union in my district, with the African- that would probably do more to get food program and WIC that we have a American leadership in my district, them out of poverty than anything else 3.1-percent increase. The other side of with the farmers, the small we could do. the aisle said 3.6. We adopted a 4.5-per- businesspeople and the students; and So, really, this is not about the budg- cent Republican majority position for they all say, jobs are important. If we et; it is a moral imperative. At some an increase in those food programs. are going to move people off welfare point, we can try things for a long pe- But, more importantly, we said we are and put them to work, we have got to riod of time and then we have to admit going to block grant those programs to make sure there are jobs there for that, by golly, it has not worked. And the States but with a 15-percent admin- them. if it has not worked, then we need to istrative cost we used to spend in ad- It was interesting, there has been try something else. ministering at the Federal level. We some what you would call independent That is what we are trying to do in said to the Governors, you can only statistics that really show why our this bill. spend 5 percent. But with the addi- economic plan is so important and why Mr. TATE. Exactly. The gentleman tional 10 percent we are giving you, it is so important to balance the budg- from Spokane? you must feed more children more et. These are not plans that come from Mr. NETHERCUTT. Even here in the meals. the Democrats or the Republicans or State of Virginia and I think in New Going back to the States, back to the information that comes from the Office Jersey there is an experiment of giving individual local levels, we are going to of Management and Budget appointed October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10843 by the President so it has got political we have no choice but to vote for the out the waste, without the fraud, with- leanings. You understand that. They future of the country and vote in favor out the abuse, without overregulating, say, if we balance the budget, we will of this reconciliation bill. without overspending. We can make a lower taxes, lower interest rates and I thank the gentleman for his leader- difference by working with both sides also have a stronger economy as a re- ship on this and certainly the gen- of the aisle, working with the Presi- sult. tleman from Washington [Mr. WHITE], dent and in the end I think we are McGraw Hill, a respected think tank, the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. going to have a bill that starts with to- an independent organization, released a FOX], the gentleman from Washington morrow’s vote but will end sometime study that they did for the National [Mr. METCALF], and the gentleman before the holidays, which I think will Association of Realtors which con- from Illinois [Mr. WELLER] for all the bring about a bipartisan effort which cluded that a balanced budget would work we have done as freshmen. I know will be better for all of America. result in a 2.7 percent drop in mortgage there is a lot more work to do, but we I appreciate the fact that I know you interest rates. What that means for a will meet the task. will be at the table there making sure family in Illinois, in my home State, is Mr. TATE. A few closing remarks by that your vision and that which the that a family with a 30-year $50,000 the gentleman from Washington [Mr. 104th Congress has to make the coun- mortgage at just a little over 8 percent WHITE] as your reflect on tomorrow’s try stronger, fiscally more responsible interest would save $32,000 over the life vote. will in fact be the reality. of the loan. That is over $1,000 annu- Mr. WHITE. I cannot resist the op- Mr. TATE. I thank the gentleman for ally. That is an even bigger tax cut portunity to make a few closing re- his kind words. I thank the gentleman just by lowering interest rates. marks. from Pennsylvania [Mr. FOX], the gen- A college student, student loans, giv- No. 1, I would like to thank the gen- tleman from Illinois [Mr. WELLER], the ing young people the opportunity to go tleman for putting together this pro- gentleman from Washington [Mr. to school, a college student borrowing gram allowing us to have this time. I METCALF], the gentleman from Wash- $11,000 at 8 percent interest, a lower would like to tell you and the other ington [Mr. NETHERCUTT], and the gen- rate than they currently would get at Members that have spoken tonight how tleman from Washington [Mr. WHITE] their local bank or through the direct proud I am to be a part of this class. for taking the time to come out to- lending program, would save $2,100 over We are all freshmen, all kind of learn- night. The fact remains seniors next the life of the loan. ing our job, but frankly I think by and year will have more Medicare than Lower taxes, lower interest rates will large we make good decisions and I they had this year. Welfare recipients create a stronger economy and create think we are committed to doing what are going to get back to work. There jobs. needs to be done. are going to be more college loans next In fact, the Joint Economic Commit- Finally, I would like to say we are year than there were this year. And tee estimates that by lowering interest going to take an important vote to- school lunches are still going to be rates, brought about by a balanced morrow. I think we will vote to balance there. All this kind of Chicken Little, budget because the Federal Govern- the budget, but let us not forget, that the sky is going to fall, the threats of ment is no longer competing with our that is really only the beginning of our fiscal Armageddon if these things do small businesses, those who want to go job. Because every day for the next 7 not pass, we have been blamed for ev- to school or our local families by low- years after this bill tomorrow, we are erything but the war in Bosnia. The ering interest rates over 2 percent it going to have the opportunity to bust bottom line is we are interested in would create 6.1 million new jobs over the budget again. This is not an making sure our kids have a brighter the next 10 years just because interest amendment to the Constitution and future. It is about providing more jobs. rates are lower. every day Congress can undo what it It has been mentioned several times in That is the best kind of tax cut. did the day before. different ways, we want to lower inter- Lower interest rates, lower taxes, bet- So tomorrow is very important. It is est rates, not just because it feels good ter-paying jobs. That is why I stand in essential that we take this vote and I and it is a great accounting thing. It support of balancing the budget for the know that we will but let us not forget affects people’s real lives. It provides first time in 26 long years, and I am the long term. Because we are going to more jobs, more opportunities and that proud to say I will be casting a vote to- have to keep the faith, keep our fiscal is what it is all about, the things that morrow to balance the budget and live restraint, keep the discipline every day we are going to cover tomorrow. within our means just like every Amer- for 7 years if we are actually going to We are going to balance the budget ican family. get this job done. I am committed to for the first time in 7 years, we are Mr. TATE. I thank the gentleman. I that, I think a majority of the Mem- going to save Medicare not only for know the hour is late. The gentleman bers of the House are committed to it. seniors on it today but for our children from Washington [Mr. NETHERCUTT] I just look forward to getting through tomorrow. We are going to reform wel- would like to make some closing re- that process and actually getting to a fare, to give people dignity again, to marks as we finish up our evening col- balanced budget in the year 2002. get them off the system that really loquy. Mr. TATE. I thank the gentleman abuses them and to provide tax relief Mr. NETHERCUTT. I just want to from Washington [Mr. WHITE]. This bill not only for families but for economic say as new Members of Congress, all of will be binding by our vigilance and opportunities, allow people to spend us have cast some very serious votes in how hard we work on it. I thank you more of their money. That is what it is this 104th Congress. It is a historic for your courage and involvement in all about. It is about opportunity. The Congress. Tomorrow’s vote probably this as a leader in the freshman class. question really tomorrow is do we bor- will be bigger than any of the votes we A few last comments by the gen- row or do we balance? Opportunity or will have made thus far, the last of tleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. FOX] as fear? That is what it is all about. This which was on our Medicare vote. we close out this evening, before our Congress is going to balance. We are no This is an important vote. It means vote tomorrow. longer going to continue the ways of the future of the country for the next 7 Mr. FOX of Pennsylvania. I just want just borrowing ourselves into oblivion. years. It means we will balance the to say I appreciate, as the others do, I thank the gentlemen for taking the Federal budget in 7 years and this is that you have taken a central role here time. I look forward to casting this his- the starting point as we go each year in the 104th Congress in bringing forth toric vote tomorrow. and meet our financial obligations for I think the vision that you had in f the country. Washington State here to Washington, I think this is a proud moment for all DC. That is, to get our fiscal house in FRENCH NUCLEAR TESTINGS A of us as freshmen. It is a difficult mo- order, to be accountable to people back DANGER TO MORUROA ATOLL ment as we all have said. This is not a home, and to also make sure that the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. perfect bill, but it has got so much services that the people truly need WELDON of Florida). Under the Speak- good in it and so little bad, I think as from their Federal Government, they er’s announced policy of May 12, 1995, you really balance it out. But I think will get. But they will get them with- the gentleman from American Samoa H 10844 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995

[Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA] is recognized for All the factors which we know now Mururoa atoll is only about 3 feet 60 minutes as the designee of the mi- favor destabilization in volcanoes are above sea level, and below this whole nority leader. gathered together at Mururoa, Dr. Vin- atoll is this volcanic formation. As you Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, cent testified, pointing to the atoll’s can see, Mr. Speaker, these dots, these I rise again to share with my col- steep sides, fissuring in the atoll and red dots are 165 atomic explosions that leagues and the American people a very alterations of substructure by previous have taken place on that atoll for the serious problem with France’s resump- tests. last 20 years. tion of nuclear testing in the South Pa- Dr. Vincent further states the shock In addition to this, France has also cific, which started last month despite wave from a new explosion could be the exploded 12 nuclear bombs above sea near universal condemnation by the trigger that would cause detachment of level, which is basically in the atmos- Nations of the world. previously disturbed sections of rock. phere. I submit, Mr. Speaker, who is Mr. Speaker, the first Sunday of this He said such landslides could cause going to clean up this mess if this atoll month France detonated a 110-kiloton tsunamis, which means tidal waves, ever, ever should leak, come out of nuclear device more destructive than seismic waves from undersea earth- this, because of what has happened in- seven Hiroshima bombs that were quakes or landslides which could sub- side this atoll? dropped in Japan about 50 years ago. It merge the whole of certain islands of Now some people might say, well, let was the second in a series of nuclear Polynesia. us not be concerned about it, because it explosions to take place in France’s Mr. Speaker, Professor Vincent con- is thousands of miles away from the test facilities in French Polynesia. cluded it was high time to stop the nu- State of Hawaii as well as along the Mr. Speaker, over three decades, clear testing program France is con- Pacific Coast States. Mr. Speaker, I France has detonated in excess of 200 ducting now in the Pacific, but even an submit if this atoll every breaks or nuclear bombs, almost all of them tak- immediate halt to France’s current se- starts to leak and all the nuclear con- ing place in the South Pacific. Yet this ries of tests in the region would not re- tamination that is contained here after is still not enough to satisfy France’s move the risk. He said if we stop to- France conducting 165 nuclear explo- ambitions to become a nuclear power. morrow, if that could happen, we could sions inside this volcanic formation French President Chirac boldly certainly have to continue to monitor that supports this atoll, I submit, Mr. claims that their nuclear tests have no this atoll for decades and probably a Speaker, who is going to clean up this ecological consequences and that they lot longer than that. mess? have nothing to fear nor to hide. Presi- Mr. Speaker, France’s resumed nu- I submit also that France does not dent Chirac has even invited scientists clear tests on Mururoa and Fangataufa have the capability to clean up this from the international community to atolls, which are actually dormant vol- mess if it ever does come to this within come to their testing facilities to see canic formations below sea level, has the next 10, perhaps even 50 years that for themselves. When the countries of Europe re- also initiated an investigation by the this will transpire. Mr. Speaker, this is a sad occasion, cently took Chirac up on his offer for European Parliament and the New Zea- an ‘‘open door’’ inspection, however, it land Government into possible connec- given the fact that over 60 percent of is interesting to note the results of this tions with the recent eruptions of New the French people themselves do not so-called open door policy. Zealand’s Mt. Ruapehu, a volcano dor- want France or President Chirac to The European Union team of sci- mant for the past 50 years. conduct this nuclear testing night- entists sent to examine Moruroa Atoll Internationally Mr. Speaker, the mare, as we see it, in the Pacific. And has now returned to Brussels, stating movement against France’s nuclear yet the French Government persists that they were denied full access to testing in the South Pacific is growing that they do this in the name of its na- test sites and radioactivity monitoring stronger and stronger. Over 100 nations tional interest. facilities. Moreover, the French au- adopted in Vienna an international Mr. Speaker, I am very concerned in thorities failed to supply necessary Atomic Energy Agency resolution con- the fact that President Chirac does not health and safety data requested by the demning nuclear testing. The United take into account the fact that 28 mil- European Union scientists. Nations General Assembly in New York lion men, women, and children, live in Not surprisingly, the European Union is soon to pass a resolution opposing this Pacific region, let alone there are team has not been able to issue conclu- all nuclear testing, while in London some 200,000 French citizens who are of sive findings regarding France’s testing the British Commonwealth is pressur- Tahitian ancestry that live also in program, as they were prevented by the ing France about its insensitivity in these islands, and yet we hear nothing French government from conducting a conducting nuclear tests in the South but absolute stubbornness, and I would true study. Pacific. also submit, Mr. Speaker, perhaps you Mr. Speaker, I would hope all of our could even say arrogance on the part of b 2145 colleagues in the Congress would join the French Government, not the good- While the French Government claims us in sending an urgent message to ness of the French people, but the they have nothing to hide and welcome Paris to stop their nuclear nightmare French Government to continue doing international scrutiny of their nuclear in the Pacific. Mr. Speaker, I want to this despite the condemnation of over testing program, Mr. Speaker, Presi- share with my colleagues, this is what 160 countries throughout the world. dent Chirac’s actions reveal nothing a French nuclear bomb explosion looks Why are we doing this? more than sheer hypocrisy not only to like on this atoll, the Mururoa atoll in Is it not ironic, Mr. Speaker, that the good citizens of France, but to the French Polynesia. I have also made an while we condemn germ warfare, while world as well. illustration of exactly what the con- we outlaw chemical and biological war- Mr. Speaker, I would also note that cerns have been for the nations of the fare, we continue to allow not only in- Reuters News Agency last week re- Pacific for all of these years and for dustrial countries but the fact that we ported from Brussels that a French sci- many scientists. have got nuclear bombs all over the entist states that France’s South Pa- As you can see, Mr. Speaker, this is place that cause just as much, if not cific weapons test site is unstable. the Mururoa atoll from the vertical as more, harm and damage not only to There is a risk of landslides and tidal seen from an airplane. This is what the the environment but to human beings, waves which could submerge islands in atoll looks like, and by the way, this and yet we continue to allow this. French Polynesia. Dr. Pierre Vincent, illustration was gotten from docu- I stated earlier that the nuclear a volcanologist and professor at the ments of the French Government show- bomb that was dropped on Hiroshima University of Clermont-Ferrand, testi- ing areas that were completely con- 50 years ago, Mr. Speaker, killed, fied at a European Parliament hearing taminated in the aftermath of the maimed approximately 200,000 men, on France’s South Pacific nuclear test- French nuclear program and the test- women, and children. In addition to ing, and he said this is an unstable ing for the past 20 years. that, 90,000 men, women, and children atoll. He was referring to the Mururoa This is the profile of what the were also killed with the bomb that we atoll, Mr. Speaker. I would say this sit- Mururoa atoll, which is this green dropped on Nagasaki. In the aftermath uation constitutes a high risk. strip, which is right on sea level; of this, and I would make a personal October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10845 appeal to the American people, we have Some scientists have warned that the atoll ‘‘When I ask one doctor, he says, ‘It’s he- got to send a strong message to Presi- could break open under the force of contin- reditary.’ When I ask another, he says, ‘No, dent Chirac and the only way to do ued test blasts or a natural disaster, releas- it’s not hereditary,’ ’’ Masson said. this, perhaps not necessarily through ing radioactivity and poisoning an area Haoa said the doctors at the French gov- known for its coral reefs and crystal waters. ernment hospital did not list the cause of governmental channels, but the con- Gen. Raymond Germanos denied the news- deaths for his five children—and when he science of the American people and the paper report and accused the environmental told them he thought it was due to his work conscience of the people in Japan and group Greenpeace of twisting decade-old un- at the nuclear sites, they told him he was even in Germany to voluntarily not official data about the atoll. He said the crazy. purchase French products, French newspaper’s map misplaced key features of But he recalled one physician taking him wine, French goods, to send a strong the island and the test facility. aside and saying that if he wanted the real message to the French Government answers, he would have to get them at medi- cal facilities in a different country. that this policy of continuing to ex- [From the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Oct. 9, 1995] plode nuclear bombs in the South Pa- RECORD-KEEPING CRITICIZED cific, not only is it insane but it is an SUSPICION CLOUDS FRENCH NUCLEAR TESTS While France has spent millions of dollars outright shame for the Government of (By Gary T. Kubota) on nuclear tests, its gathering of health sta- tistics in French Polynesia during the early France to continue to do this in the PAPEETE, TAHITI.—Three of his babies were stillborn. years of nuclear testing has been sorely lack- aftermath, at least at the expense of ing, critics say. the health and safety and the lives of An infant son lived for a year before dying of leukemia. The official cancer registry of French those people who live in that part of His 1-year-old daughter died from a painful Polynesia has existed only since 1985. As late the world. disease that blackened her skin. as 1988, only 60 percent of cancers were being The information referred to follows: Edwin Haoa, 57, believes his five children recorded in French Polynesia, critics say. Death certificates became compulsory [From the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Oct. 11, died from illnesses related to a change in his after 1981 but the cause of death is not al- 1995] body that produced defective sperm, a result ways listed. of radioactive contamination while he FRENCH PAPER RUNS A PHOTO OF MURUROA ‘‘The statistics are very badly gathered worked at nuclear testing sites in French CORAL CRACKS and very badly used,’’ said Marie-Therese Polynesia. PARIS.—Raising new questions about the Danielsson, author of the book ‘‘Poisoned Haoa said he can’t prove he was contami- safety of French nuclear tests, a newspaper Reign,’’ published in 1986. nated, nor confirm his suspicions about his published photographs today that it says Until 1985, the main hospital in French children’s causes of death, because the show cracks in one of the South Pacific Polynesia was controlled by the military. French have refused to release his medical atolls where the underground explosions Patients who had major medical problems records for his period of work from 1963 took place. were flown to France. Ouest-France said the photographs con- through 1977. The physicians group Medecins Sans tradict government claims that the tests While the French government claims the Frontieres, has charged that the French gov- caused no damage to Mururoa Atoll in radioactive fallout was too little to harm ernment failed to fulfill its ethical respon- French Polynesia. workers or islanders, some experts say the sibility toward those potentially at risk Critics say the nuclear tests could cause lack of medical information tells them from atmospheric testing. the atoll to break apart, spewing radioactiv- France has no proof the nuclear testing is The group, in its review of information ity into the water and air in what many con- safe. this year, said no reliable health statistics sider to be one of the world’s last paradises. Critics say the failure to provide answers were available to see if people were adversely The government denied a similar report to workers such as Haoa undermines the gov- affected as a result of 41 atmospheric tests. last week in the respected daily Le Monde. It ernment’s credibility in French Polynesia, ‘‘If such data do exist, they are not avail- had no immediate comment on Ouest- where more than 80 percent of the 212,000 able in the public domain,’’ the group said. France’s claims. residents are Polynesian or part-Polynesian. The group in July recommended French Ouest-France said the photos were taken It has also contributed to growing worldwide Polynesia improve its registry of cancer pa- in 1987 and 1988 by a diver several dozen opposition to the current underground test- tients, publish all available facts on the yards under the Mururoa Lagoon. ing, which began with a first test Sept. 5 at health of French nuclear workers, and track The cracks are about 9 to 101⁄2 feet wide and Mururoa atoll, 750 miles southeast of Tahiti. the health of the general population. several miles long, the newspaper said. A second test was done beneath Fangataufa It also called for improving health care ac- Normally only military personnel and sci- atoll Oct. 1. The French plan up to eight cess for residents of Gambier and Tureia, is- entists working on the French nuclear pro- tests through next spring. lands close to Mururoa. gram have access to the isolated atoll, about More than 10,000 civilians and military per- Roger Ducousso, director of radiological 750 miles southeast of Tahiti. sonnel worked at Mururoa and Fangataufa After the Le Monde report, French Foreign protection for the French defense depart- atolls, the site of 41 nuclear atmospheric ment, said he doesn’t think medical tests for Minister Herve de Charette told the National tests between 1966 and 1974. But bound by a Assembly that ‘‘no crack of any sort has ever the people in French Polynesia are nec- code of silence they signed while applying essary. been discovered’’ on the atoll. for jobs, most have avoided publicity. Experts at the French Atomic Energy Ducousso said the radioactive fallout was Haoa and 53 other former workers who wit- so low in dosage that there is no possibility Commission said some fractures were cre- nessed the nuclear tests stepped forward re- ated by the first tests carried out directly of chromosome damage. cently, when France announced its resump- Ducousso said the high rate of thyroid can- under Mururoa’s reef. tion of nuclear tests in French Polynesia. But they said there had been no further cer among Polynesians in French Polynesia ‘‘Some of them have seen their friends die cracks since tests were moved to the middle is an ethnic characteristic and is common of unknown causes,’’ said Oscar Temaru, of the lagoon. among Polynesians in Hawaii, New Caledo- European Commission President Jacques mayor of the poor working-class district nia and New Zealand. He said during the Santer demanded Wednesday that France Faaa. years of testing at Mururoa and Fangataufa, supply more information about the nuclear CANCER RATES HIGHER no one died or got sick from radioactivity. tests ‘‘without delay.’’ A report by the group ‘‘Centre de Docu- CASE MAY BE HARD TO PROVE mentation & Recheche sur la Paix et les Haoa disagrees but doesn’t know if he’ll [From the Honolulu Advertiser, Oct. 5, 1995] Conflits,’’ which translates center of docu- ever be able to prove it. He knows informa- FRENCH DENY REPORT THAT N-TEST SITE mentation and research on peace and con- tion about his health was recorded while he FULL OF CRACKS flict, indicates leukemia and thyroid cancer was working at the nuclear test sites. He PARIS.—A report that a South Pacific is- rates were significantly higher in French said he took a physical every three weeks, land used for France’s nuclear tests is full of Polynesia than other Pacific island nations. including a blood test. cracks put the government back on the de- The group’s facts come from compiling Haoa, who claims he witnessed more than fensive yesterday over its underground test- cancer incidence rates from the South Pa- 30 atmospheric tests, recalled viewing one ing program. cific Commission. Among French Polynesian from about 45 miles away that produced a The Defense Ministry dismissed the report women the incidence of thyroid cancer was mushroom cloud rising more than 1,300 feet. as ‘‘trivial and whimsical,’’ and said it has 17.6 cases per 100,000 population in 1989–90, He and other workers would return to the the situation at Mururoa Atoll under ‘‘per- compared with 8.6 for Fijian women in 1990 test sites a few hours to a few days later, de- fect scientific and ecological control.’’ and 10.5 for Hawaii women from 1978–1982. pending on the wind direction. He wore a The Paris newspaper Le Monde reported Maire Masson, 38, a Tahitian woman who special suit to shovel sand over contami- Tuesday that a 1980 French army map shows had a thyroid operation at 19, wants to know nated areas. Later, he and other workers that years of nuclear pounding had cracked if her illness and similar health problems in built walls and bunkers over the sandy areas. the atoll, site of a 20-kiloton nuclear test her family are hereditary or a result of nu- At Fangataufa, employees who arrived by blast on Sept. 5. clear fallout. air went into an enclosure and entered a bus H 10846 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 to travel to parts of the atoll. Signs outside meters away from Mururoa Atoll. These However, despite this pronuclear zeal, his- warned workers not to walk across the la- gravitational weapons were the NA-22 (60 tory will no doubt remember that in 1992, goon. One day, a friend did. That night, his kilotons) and the AN-52 (20 kilotons) then in Mitterrand decreed without prior consulta- friend died, Haoa recalled. use in the French Air Force. There were re- tion with the administration, chiefs of staff placed by the ASMO missile, weighing 300 or AEC officials a unilateral suspension of [From the Honolulu Star-Bulletin, Oct. 9, kilotons. French tests, which General de Gaulle defied 1995] To the above total must be added 12 secu- the international community by deciding in FRANCE CLAIMS NO RADIATION INCREASE rity experiments on Mururoa between July 1960 to launch the first French tests in the FROM TEST 1966 and November 1989. The security shots Sahara, while the United States (and hence were intended to verify whether the weapon Great Britain, which tested on American ter- PARIS.—France said today that its recent test of a nuclear warhead with the explosive was safe, i.e., that it would not explode inop- ritory) and the ex-Soviet Union were observ- force of just below 110,000 tons of TNT had portunely when subjected to external pres- ing a joint moratorium. not raised radiation levels at its Fangataufa sures of shock, uncontrolled vibrations, or f atoll testing site in the South Pacific. fire. Security bolts are thought to be able to Measurements taken at the site in French stop the launching of the weapon. These MOTION TO ADJOURN Polynesia found the same low ‘‘background’’ bolts also have a more political purpose, as the head of the government is the one who in Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, level of radioactivity after the Oct. 1 test as I move that the House do now adjourn. before the blast, European Affairs Minister the last resort would be the one to start the Michel Barnier wrote to EU Environment nuclear conflagration—if need be—by raising The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. Commissioner Ritt Bjerregaard. the bolts by remote control. WELDON of Florida). The Chair at this The level of radioactivity on the atoll cor- Most of the tests, including the Sahara time before entertaining a motion to responds to weak natural background levels, ones, were moderate- or low-energy ones. So, adjourn, will declare a recess. just to stay with Polynesia, 63 tests (18 at- Barnier said in his letter to Bjerregaard, f which was sent on Friday. mospheric tests and 45 underground ones) de- veloped a force of between 5 to 20 kilotons A copy of the letter has been released by RECESS the French Foreign Ministry. (the energy emitted at Hiroshima was about Bjerregarrd has complained that France 18 kilotons). Likewise 56 tests (11 atmos- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- prevented European Commission experts pheric and 45 underground) were between 20 ant to clause 12, rule I, the House will from visiting Fangataufa and refused to turn and 200 kilotons. Finally 54 tests (10 atmos- stand in recess subject to the call of pheric and 44 underground) emitted energy over data on radioactivity in the water and the Chair. marine life around the Mururoa atoll, where between 150 and 1000 kilotons. Only three at- mospheric shots (the first in May of 1968 on Accordingly (at 9 o’clock and 54 min- the first French nuclear test in the current utes p.m.), the House stood in recess series took place on Sept. 5. Fangautafa, and the second in August of the Barnier, in his letter, dismissed her com- same year on Mururoa) developed very high subject to the call of the Chair. plaints, saying the commission experts were energy, higher than a megaton. f allowed to visit more sites than had initially The tests, according to AEC engineers been planned and were given all the data caused initial contamination. The first, AFTER RECESS they sought. named ‘‘Ganymede’’ was an atmospheric shot under a balloon on Mururoa in July The recess having expired, the House [From the Congressional Research Service, 1966. The second, called ‘‘Rigel’’ was an at- was called to order by the Speaker pro the Library of Congress, Washington, DC] mospheric (the bomb was put on a barge) in tempore (Mr. DREIER) at 1 o’clock a.m. September 1966 on Fangataufa. The third Source: Le Monde, August 2, 1995, n.p. f one, called ‘‘Parthenope’’ was an atmos- PARIS PUBLISHES FIRST LIST OF ITS NUCLEAR pheric shot under a ballon [sous ballon] in REPORT ON RESOLUTION PROVID- TESTS August 1973 on Mururoa. The areas had to be ING FOR FURTHER CONSIDER- Franc¸ois Mitterrand was the first French decontaminated, i.e., surface sediments freed ATION OF H.R. 2491, 7-YEAR BAL- President to authorize a greater number. from radioactivity. More than two hundred shots since 1960, The comparisons undertaken afterwards by ANCED BUDGET RECONCILIATION three caused initial contamination. French technicians with the news being ACT OF 1995 France has just published for the first time broadcast at the time by the New Zealand- Mr. SOLOMON, from the Committee a complete and detailed list of her nuclear ers—at the time France issued no statements on Rules, submitted a privileged report tests since 1960, the date of the first test in concerning the testing—show that the meth- (Rept. No. 104–292), on the resolution the Sahara. This list, which contains the od of detection using seismic sensors at a code name for each operation, the hour of distance from the explosion is not reliable. (H. Res. 245) providing for the further consideration of the bill (H.R. 2491) to the explosion, place and explosive power re- THREE TIMES MORE THAN DE GAULLE leased has been published in a general survey provide for reconciliation pursuant to If the error in assessing energy is greater (three volumes and a fourth in preparation) than 100 percent in 20 percent of cases, which section 105 of the concurrent resolution of nearly 670 pages published jointly by the means that the detection by New Zealand on the budget for fiscal year 1996, Administration of Military Applications stations of the shock caused by the under- which was referred to the House Cal- (DAM) for the Atomic Energy Commission ground test overestimated by a factor of two endar and ordered to be printed. (AEC) and the management of the Centers the actual power of the bomb tested in Poly- for Nuclear Experimentation (DIRCEN). It Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I ask nesia. This method of oversight is, at appears that in toto France has had 240 unanimous consent to proceed out of present, the only one available, if you ex- launches, of which 12 are classified. It was order for 5 minutes. clude direct espionage on test sites them- Francois Mitterrand who was the one of all The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. ¸ selves or in the laboratories which subse- the heads of state during the Fifth Republic quently use the results obtained. Its non-re- DREIER). The Chair wishes to inform to order the—by far—the greatest number of liability could prove to be disturbing in the the gentleman from New York [Mr. tests. long run during discussions on the Nuclear SOLOMON] that after midnight, it is not In the Sahara between February 1960 and Test Ban Treaty in Geneva, in dealing with in order to proceed for 5 minutes under February 1966, France initiated 17 launches countries likely to carry out clandestine in all (four atmospheric tests and 13 under- the special order arrangement, but the low-energy tests in areas difficult to reach or ground tests at the bottom of a mine in a gentleman is recognized for 1 minute prohibited from any one site control. mountain. In Polynesia, between July 1966 and the Chair would like to inform the A final observation may be made from this and July 1991, France undertook 175 tests (41 gentleman that he will be very gener- information, published for the first time in the atmosphere and 78 underground ones from an official French source. Between Feb- ous with the 1 minute. in shafts dug in the crown of coral atolls and ruary of 1960 and August of 1968 (there were Mr. SOLOMON. I thank the Speaker. 56 underground ones in shafts sunk into the no tests in 1969), General De Gaulle author- Mr. Speaker, the rule that we have just lagoon.) The Mururoa Atoll was used for the ized 30 shots: the 17 recorded in the Sahara filed is the enabling legislation to greatest number of shots (163). There were and 13 more in Polynesia. Between July 1981 also 12 tests carried out on Fangataufa, bring the so-called reconciliation bill and July 1991 (the moratorium was declared about 40 kilometers away. to the floor, which will guarantee that in April 1992), Francois Mitterrand ordered 86 this body is going to act fiscally re- TWELVE ‘‘SECURITY’’ SHOTS tests. During a period of time comparable sponsible for the next 7 years and bring Of all the tests three were of the same enough for the two men, give or take a few kind: It concerned dropping a life-size weap- months—Mitterrand undertook roughly about a balanced budget. on from a plane (a Mirage IV, a Mirage III– three times the number of tests than did the Mr. Speaker, the Chair knows, and I E, and a Jaguar) in July 1966, in August of founder of the Fifth Republic and theo- know, that the single most serious 1973, and in July, 1974 several dozen kilo- retician of dissuasion. problem facing this Nation today is the October 25, 1995 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H 10847 deficits that are literally turning this Mr. DORNAN, today, for 5 minutes. from the Speaker’s table and referred Nation into a debtor nation. We are, in Mr. BROWNBACK, today, for 5 minutes. as follows: effect, no better off than a Third World Mr. BARR, today, for 5 minutes. 1555. A letter from the Chief Financial Offi- debtor nation today because of it. (The following Member (at his own cer, National Aeronautics and Space Admin- I came here in 1978, 2 years before request) to revise and extend his re- istration, transmitting the Administration’s you, Mr. Speaker, and that great Presi- marks and include extraneous mate- report on mixed waste, pursuant to 42 U.S.C. dent, Ronald Reagan who arrived here rial:) 6965; to the Committee on Commerce. in 1980, and we at that time started the Mr. DURBIN, today, for 5 minutes. 1556. A letter from the Secretary of En- ergy, transmitting a draft of proposed legis- Reagan Revolution to shrink the size (The following Member (at his own request) to revise and extend his re- lation entitled the ‘‘Federal Energy Regu- and the power of the Federal Govern- latory Commission Act of 1995’’; to the Com- ment and return that power to the marks and include extraneous mate- rial:) mittee on Commerce. States and to the countries, towns, vil- 1557. A letter from the Director, Defense Mr. SHAYS, today, for 5 minutes. lages, cities, and local school districts, Security Assistance Agency, transmitting a (The following Member (at his own and to the private sector. copy of Transmittal No. B–96 which relates Mr. Speaker, we could not quite ac- request) to revise and extend his re- to enhancements or upgrades from the level complish it, because we did not have marks and include extraneous mate- of sensitivity of technology or capability de- control of the House and the Senate. rial:) scribed in section 36(b)(1) AECA certifi- Mr. HILLIARD, today, for 5 minutes. cations 91–03 of June 11, 1991, and 94–017 of Ronald Reagan, being the leader that f February 28, 1994, pursuant to 22 U.S.C. he was, was forced to compromise and 2776(b)(5); to the Committee on International never succeeded in doing what we are EXTENSION OF REMARKS Relations. doing here today. By unanimous consent, permission to 1558. A letter from the Chairperson, Navy Today, Mr. Speaker, you and I and Exchange Service Command, transmitting the Republican leadership in both the revise and extend remarks was granted the Navy Exchange Service Command retire- House and the Senate, we now have the to: ment trust for plan year 1993, pursuant to 31 (The following Members (at the re- votes to pass this kind of legislation U.S.C. 9503(a)(1)(B); to the Committee on quest of Mr. MILLER of California) and which is going to restructure this Fed- Government Reform and Oversight. to include extraneous matter:) 1559. A letter from the Acting Assistant eral Government. It is going to shrink Mrs. COLLINS of Illinois. Secretary (Civil Works), Department of the its size and we are going to set that ex- Mr. SCHUMER in two instances. Army, transmitting a copy of the U.S. Army ample throughout this entire country Mr. MILLER of California. Corps of Engineers flood plain management where we are going to have less govern- Mr. SERRANO in eight instances. assessment of the Upper Mississippi and ment, less bureaucratic regulation, so Mr. COLEMAN. Lower Missouri Rivers and their tributaries that business and industry can strive Mrs. LOWEY. [FPMA]; to the Committee on Transpor- and be successful in creating jobs and Mr. LIPINSKI in two instances. tation and Infrastructure. making profits in this country. Mr. HAMILTON in two instances. 1560. A letter from the Secretary of Veter- ans Affairs, transmitting a draft of proposed Mr. MARKEY. So, Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the legislation to amend title 38, United States Mr. GEPHARDT. Chair’s indulgence in letting me speak Code, to expand the authority of the Sec- Mr. SANDERS. this morning. retary of Veterans Affairs to suspend a spe- Mr. VENTO. f cial pay agreement for physicians and den- Mr. LANTOS. tists who enter residency training programs; SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED Mr. STOKES. to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. Mr. FARR. By unanimous consent, permission to (The following Members (at the re- f address the House, following the legis- quest of Mr. BEREUTER) and to include lative program and any special orders REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON extraneous matter:) PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS heretofore entered, was granted to: Mr. BONO. (The following Members (at the re- Mr. SHUSTER. Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of quest of Mr. MILLER of California) to Mr. BASS. committees were delivered to the Clerk revise and extend their remarks and in- Mr. CAMP in three instances. for printing and reference to the proper clude extraneous material:) Mr. GOODLING. calendar, as follows: Mr. SKAGGS, today, for 5 minutes. Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. LIGHTFOOT: Committee of Con- Mrs. CLAYTON, today, for 5 minutes. Mr. TAYLOR of North Carolina. ference. Conference report on H.R. 2020. A Mr. OWENS, today, for 5 minutes. Mr. MARTINI. bill making appropriations for the Treasury Mr. WISE, today, for 5 minutes. (The following Members (at the re- Department, the U.S. Postal Service, the Ex- Mr. GENE GREEN, today, for 5 min- quest of Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) and to in- ecutive Office of the President, and certain utes. clude extraneous matter:) independent agencies, for the fiscal year end- Mrs. THURMAN, today, for 5 minutes. Mr. TAUZIN. ing September 30, 1996, and for other pur- Ms. JACKSON-LEE, today, for 5 min- Ms. FURSE. poses (Rept. 104–291). Ordered to be printed. utes. Mr. OWENS. Mr. SOLOMON: Committee on Rules. Mr. DOGGETT, today, for 5 minutes. Mrs. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of House Resolution 245. Resolution providing Mr. SANDERS, today, for 5 minutes. Texas. for consideration of the concurrent resolu- Ms. DELAURO, today, for 5 minutes. Mr. BARCIA. tion (H. Con. Res. 109) expressing the sense of the Congress regarding the need for reform Mr. STUPAK, today, for 5 minutes. Mr. FARR of California. of the Social Security earnings limit, and Mr. PALLONE, today, for 5 minutes. Mr. ORTON. providing for further consideration of the Mr. ROEMER, today, for 5 minutes. Mr. STOKES. Mr. MILLER of Califronia, today, for 5 bill (H.R. 2491) to provide for reconciliation minutes. f pursuant to section 105 of the concurrent res- olution on the budget for fiscal year 1996 Mr. DEUTSCH, today, for 5 minutes. ADJOURNMENT (The following Members (at the re- (Rept. 104–292). Referred to the House Cal- Mr. SOLOMON. Mr. Speaker, I move endar. quest of Mr. BEREUTER) to revise and that the House do now adjourn. extend their remarks and include ex- f The motion was agreed to; accord- traneous material:) ingly (at 1 o’clock and 3 minutes a.m.), PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, today, for 5 min- under its previous order, the House ad- utes. Under clause 5 of rule X and clause 4 journed until today, October 26, 1995, at Mr. BEREUTER, today, for 5 minutes. of rule XXII, public bills and resolu- Mr. HORN, today, for 5 minutes. 9 a.m. tions were introduced and severally re- Mr. KIM, today, for 5 minutes. f ferred as follows: Mr. DUNCAN, today, for 5 minutes. By Mr. RADANOVICH: Mr. MARTINI, today, for 5 minutes. EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, ETC. H.R. 2528. A bill to require the Secretary of Mr. BURTON of Indiana, October 31 for the Interior to renew to the heirs of permit- 5 minutes and November 1 for 5 min- Under clause 2 of the rule XXIV, ex- tees permits for historic cabins located in utes. ecutive communications were taken the Mineral King Addition of the Sequoia H 10848 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 25, 1995 National Park, and for other purposes; to the H.R. 2534. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- ADDITIONAL SPONSORS Committee on Resources. enue Code of 1986 with respect to treatment By Mr. MARKEY (for himself, Mr. of corporations, and for other purposes; to Under clause 4 of rule XXII, sponsors FALEOMAVAEGA, and Mr. STARK): the Committee on Ways and Means, and in were added to public bills and resolu- H.R. 2529. A bill to increase by 800 percent addition to the Committees on Agriculture, tions as follows: the duty on imports of beaujolais wine that National Security, Science, Resources, Com- H.R. 528: Mr. KLINK, Mr. SCOTT, and Mr. is the product of France; to the Committee merce, Transportation and Infrastructure, CHAMBLISS. on Ways and Means, and in addition to the Banking and Financial Services, and Inter- H.R. 663: Mr. FRANKS of New Jersey. Committee on International Relations, for a national Relations, for a period to be subse- H.R. 784: Mr. BACHUS, Mr. BONILLA, Mr. period to be subsequently determined by the quently determined by the Speaker, in each CRANE, Mr. TALENT, Mr. ZIMMER, and Mr. Speaker, in each case for consideration of case for consideration of such provisions as HEFLEY. such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- fall within the jurisdiction of the committee H.R. 835: Ms. WOOLSEY. tion of the committee concerned. concerned. H.R. 862: Mrs. CHENOWETH. By Mr. ORTON (for himself, Mr. STEN- By Mr. SCARBOROUGH: H.R. 922: Mr. FRANK OF MASSACHUSETTS, HOLM, Mr. PETERSON of Minnesota, H.R. 2535. A bill to provide for withdrawal Mr. KANJORSKI, and Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. CONDIT, Mr. PAYNE of Virginia, of the United States from the United Na- Mr. BROWDER, Mrs. LINCOLN, Mr. tions; to the Committee on International Re- H.R. 1033: Mr. DURBIN and Mr. PORTER. BREWSTER, Mr. TANNER, Mr. lations. H.R. 1229: Ms. WOOLSEY. BAESLER, Mr. MINGE, Mr. HALL of By Mrs. SMITH of Washington (for her- H.R. 1274: Mr. KLINK. Texas, Mr. HAYES, Mr. PETE GEREN of self and Mrs. CHENOWETH): H.R. 1353: Mr. HUTCHINSON. Texas, Mr. CRAMER, Mr. ROSE, Mr. H.R. 2536. A bill to terminate certain enti- H.R. 1483: Mr. GOODLATTE. SISISKY, Mr. SABO, Mr. POSHARD, and tlements of former Speakers of the House of H.R. 1496: Mr. HINCHEY. Mr. ROEMER): Representatives; to the Committee on House H.R. 1514: Mr. WELLER, Mr. BOEHNER, Mr. H.R. 2530. A bill to provide for deficit re- Oversight. CLEMENT, Mr. OLVER, Mr. DEAL of Georgia, duction and achieve a balanced budget by By Mr. HASTERT (for himself, Mr. AR- Mr. EVANS, Mr. COBLE, Mr. DURBIN, Mr. fiscal year 2002; to the Committee on the CHER, Mr. BUNNING of Kentucky, Mr. PACKARD, Mr. PETE GEREN of Texas, Ms. Budget, and in addition to the Committees ARMEY, Mr. FOX, Mr. CHABOT, Mr. WOOLSEY, and Mr. LAUGHLIN. on Agriculture, Banking and Financial Serv- FLANAGAN, Mrs. FOWLER, Mr. GOSS, H.R. 1540: Mr. BACHUS. ices, Commerce, Economic and Educational Mr. GOODLATTE, Mr. STEARNS, Mr. H.R. 1619: Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD and Mr. Opportunities, Government Reform and FOLEY, Mr. HEINEMAN, and Mr. BARR): SOLOMON. Oversight, House Oversight, the Judiciary, H. Con. Res. 109. Concurrent resolution ex- H.R. 1787: Mr. CHRYSLER, Mr. BUNNING of National Security, Resources, Rules, Trans- pressing the sense of the Congress regarding Kentucky, Mr. UPTON, Mr. CUNNINGHAM, and portation and Infrastructure, Veterans’ Af- the need for raising the Social Security earn- Mr. BONO. fairs, and Ways and Means, for a period to be ings limit; to the Committee on Ways and H.R. 1821: Mrs. THURMAN. subsequently determined by the Speaker, in Means. H.R. 1883: Mr. SPENCE. each case for consideration of such provi- By Mr. HINCHEY (for himself, Mr. H.R. 1946: Mr. MCHUGH, Mr. SOUDER, Mr. sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the BONIOR, Mr. STARK, Mr. GONZALEZ, committee concerned. NEY, Mr. MCCRERY, Mrs. CUBIN, Mr. Mr. SCHUMER, Mr. EVANS, Mr. BEIL- MCINTOSH, Mr. KASICH, and Mr. CUNNINGHAM. By Mr. HUTCHINSON (for himself, Mr. ENSON APTUR ILNER , Ms. K , Mr. F , Mr. H.R. 1950: Mr. WARD. GOODLING, Mr. ARCHER, Mr. TALENT, SANDERS, Mr. WYNN, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. H.R. 1951: Mr. KILDEE. Mr. FAWELL, Mr. CANADY, Mr. PETRI, FROST, Mr. OBEY, Mr. RAHALL, Mr. H.R. 1970: Mr. UNDERWOOD, Mr. ENGEL, Mr. Mr. GRAHAM, Mr. GREENWOOD, Mr. CLAY, Mrs. MINK of Hawaii, Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Ms. BROWN of Florida, FUNDERBURK, Mr. HOEKSTRA, Mr. ENGEL, Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. VENTO, Mr. Ms. VELAZQUEZ, and Ms. WOOLSEY. CUNNINGHAM, Mr. GUNDERSON, Mr. KENNEDY of Massachusetts, Ms. H.R. 2011: Mr. ANDREWS, Miss COLLINS of BARRETT of Nebraska, Mr. MCKINNEY, Mr. MEEHAN, Miss COL- Michigan, Mr. MCDADE, Mrs. MEYERS of Kan- KNOLLENBERG, Mr. MCINTOSH, Mr. LINS of Michigan, Mr. BALDACCI, Mr. sas, Mr. FOX, Mr. FILNER, Ms. PELOSI, and MCKEON, Mr. SOUDER, Mr. NORWOOD, SERRANO, Ms. PELOSI, Mr. FRANK of Mr. BRYANT of Texas. Mrs. MEYERS of Kansas, Mr. EWING, Massachusetts, Ms. DELAURO, Mr. H.R. 2098: Mr. UPTON and Mr. DICKEY. Mr. INGLIS of South Carolina, Mr. SPRATT, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Ms. SMITH of Texas, Mr. EDWARDS, Mr. VELAZQUEZ, Mr. OWENS, Mr. CONYERS, H.R. 2180: Mr. STUMP, Mr. BLILEY, Mr. TAY- CHRISTENSEN, Mr. QUILLEN, Mr. Ms. NORTON, Mr. MILLER of Califor- LOR of North Carolina, Mr. HANCOCK, Mr. CRANE, and Mr. LIPINSKI): nia, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland, Mr. MILLER of Flor- H.R. 2531. A bill to amend the Fair Labor WATT of North Carolina, Mr. ida, Mr. COOLEY, Mr. EMERSON, Mr. CRANE, Standards Act of 1938 to clarify the exemp- DEFAZIO, Mr. OLVER, Mrs. LOWEY, Mr. HUTCHINSON, and Mr. HOSTETTLER. tion for houseparents from the minimum Mr. FARR, Mr. BECERRA, Mr. PAYNE of H.R. 2200: Mr. LUCAS, Mr. COOLEY, Mr. wage and maximum hours requirements of New Jersey, and Mr. MARTINEZ): MANTON, Mr. COX, Mr. SALMON, Mr. NEY, Mr. that act, and for other purposes; to the Com- H. Con. Res. 110. Concurrent resolution ex- SMITH of Michigan, Mr. TAYLOR of North mittee on Economic and Educational Oppor- pressing the sense of the Congress that the Carolina, and Mr. TOWNS. tunities. current Federal alternative minimum tax re- H.R. 2205: Mr. DURBIN, Mr. FROST, Mr. By Mr. MINGE (for himself, Mr. JOHN- quiring all corporations and individuals with BAKER of Louisiana, and Mr. LUCAS. SON of South Dakota, Mr. PETERSON substantial economic income to pay mini- H.R. 2249: Mrs. MEYERS of Kansas. of Minnesota, Mr. POMEROY, Mr. mum taxes should be retained; to the Com- H.R. 2261: Mr. OLVER, Mr. BENTSEN, and HOLDEN, Mr. HILLIARD, and Mr. WIL- mittee on Ways and Means. Mrs. SCHROEDER. LIAMS): H.R. 2270: Mr. TATE, Mr. HOKE, AND Mr. H.R. 2532. A bill to provide marketing f MCINNIS. loans and a total acreage base for the 1996 H.R. 2276: Mrs. FOWLER, Mr. KIM, and Mr. through 2002 crops of upland cotton, feed PRIVATE BILLS AND EMERSON. grains, rice, oilseeds, and wheat, and for RESOLUTIONS H.R. 2333: Mr. LAHOOD, Mrs. KELLY, Mr. other purposes; to the Committee on Agri- Under clause 1 of rule XXII, private BUNNING of Kentucky, and Mr. EHRLICH. culture. bills and resolutions were introduced H.R. 2342: Mr. RICHARDSON, Mr. MCCRERY, By Mr. MOORHEAD (for himself and Mr. COBURN, and Mr. FIELDS of Louisiana. Mrs. SCHROEDER) (both by request): and severally referred as follows: H.R. 2533. A bill to amend title 35, United By Mrs. COLLINS of Illinois: H.R. 2351: Mrs. CHENOWETH. States Code, to establish the U.S. Intellec- H.R. 2537. A bill to provide for the reliqui- H.R. 2364: Mr. COOLEY, Mr. STOCKMAN, Mr. tual Property Organization, and for other dation of certain entries of imported chemi- DORNAN, and Mr. BONILLA. purposes; to the Committee on the Judici- cals; to the Committee on Ways and Means. H.R. 2429: Mr. HOYER and Ms. WOOLSEY. ary. By Ms. SLAUGHTER: H.R. 2463: Mr. UNDERWOOD, Mr. VENTO, Mr. By Mr. SANDERS (for himself, Mr. H. Res. 244. Resolution to direct the Speak- CLYBURN, and Mr. FILNER. OWENS, Ms. NORTON, Mr. KINCHEY, er to provide an appropriate remedy in re- H.R. 2507: Mr. SALMON and Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. ROMERO-BARCELO, and Mr. CON- sponse to the use of a forged document at a H.J. Res. 70: Mr. THOMPSON. YERS): subcommittee hearing; laid on the table. H. Con. Res. 47: Mr. DIXON.