October 27, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11415 In San Luis Obispo, Cambria the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. utes as the designee of the majority GRAMMar School was built to handle PEASE) came from and what he accom- leader. 200 students. They now have eight plished before he came to Congress, Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, today I portables in its playground space with that is not surprising. would like to rise in really celebration 345 students. Students who are kinder- When one compares the gentleman of a career of probably one of the most gartners, the youngest of all, have been from Indiana (Mr. PEASE) and the gen- respected Members of this great body, moved to a nearby middle school and tleman from Indiana (Mr. MCINTOSH), and I am speaking of the gentleman they are housed in a small portable there are a lot of comparisons. Both of from Texas (Mr. ARCHER). with a small fenced-in playground. them are down-to-earth people. They The gentleman from Texas (Mr. AR- I spent 20 years as a school nurse in are common guys. They are non- CHER) came to this House back in 1970 the Santa Barbara School District, and presumptuous. They are easy to meet, after having served a short term in the I have seen firsthand the damage that courteous. Texas House of Representatives. But I deteriorating classrooms have. The It may come as some surprise to the think he really came into his own in students cannot thrive academically if Members of this body that both of 1994 when he became the Chairman of they are learning in overcrowded and them, in their educational back- the Committee on Ways and Means crumbling buildings. This is the most grounds, they excel. They do not try to after serving for several years as the crucial time in their lives for learning impress one with their IQ or their in- Ranking Republican Member. and we have an opportunity to do telligence. If there is one person in this body something about this. The gentleman from Indiana (Mr. that I really try to as much as I pos- sibly can to pattern myself after, my Madam Speaker, I supported the PEASE) graduated with distinction conduct and how I vote and how I view America’s Better Classrooms Act, a from Indiana University and his J.D. things, it would be the gentleman from strong bipartisan measure, 225 cospon- degree, Cum Laude, from Indiana Uni- Texas (Mr. ARCHER). He has such a high sors. It would have provided approxi- versity. moral standard that he sticks to him- mately $25 billion in interest-free funds Now, I know the gentleman from In- self. diana (Mr. MCINTOSH) better. I knew to State and local governments so that His ability to listen to the Members Ruthie. My wife Linda and I knew their school construction and modernization and his ability of inclusion on the Com- daughter Ellie, who was born in 1997. projects could occur. Such funding mittee on Ways and Means, it is sort of But it was not until sometime later would help schools like Peabody, Oak- a rare thing that one sees that there is that I discovered that he came from a ley and Cambria Grammar Schools to a coming together, because we see tax make improvements in classrooms, small farming town, Kendallville, in policy different, the two political par- playgrounds and would help reduce Indiana, and that he worked in a found- ties. class sizes. ry to save money for his college edu- But under his leadership, he was a I believe here in Congress we must cation. That university was Yale Uni- key player in getting the 1997 balanced set our standards high to ensure that versity. He is a Yale University grad- budget with tax relief signed into law. all children have the right start. All uate. That tax cut was the first tax cut in 16 children deserve to have safe, clean, He worked in the White House under years. That shows his ability to work modern school environments to be part Ronald Reagan. He was asked by this with the administration. of each day. House to chair the Subcommittee on I know that, on many occasions, he So, Madam Speaker, this 106th Con- Regulatory Reform and Paperwork Re- has gone down and has met with Presi- gress is coming to an end, but our stu- duction. Now, on that subcommittee, I dent Clinton on a number of things, dents have a lifetime of learning ahead. think one of his greatest accomplish- some of which bear fruit and others They need our help now. I believe we ments was spearheading efforts to that have not. can still act and must act to pass com- strengthen laws that protect the envi- I would like to just tick off a few of prehensive school construction legisla- ronment and health and safety. the accomplishments that the Com- tion in this session of Congress. At the same time, he did away with a mittee on Ways and Means has done f lot of silly, unnecessary, down right under his leadership. He shifted the stupid regulations. One required every burden of proof off the taxpayer and b 1500 paving crew to work in a heavy shirt onto the Internal Revenue Service. INDIANA LOSING TWO GREAT and long pants on Indiana roads, even That does not sound like much. But REPRESENTATIVES if it were over 100 degrees. He was able under our form of law, the taxpayer to work to eliminate laws like that. had the burden of proof, which just The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. Whether it is the gentleman from In- does not seem to be fair under our BIGGERT). Under a previous order of the diana (Mr. PEASE), former Eagle Scout, sense of justice. House, the gentleman from Alabama going back to work in Indiana or the Under the leadership of the gen- (Mr. BACHUS) is recognized for 5 min- gentleman from Indiana (Mr. tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER), we utes. MCINTOSH), hopefully the next Gov- changed that. We gave taxpayers 74 Mr. BACHUS. Madam Speaker, Indi- ernor of Indiana, they are going to be new rights and protections in their ana is losing two great Representatives missed in this body. dealings with the Internal Revenue when this session ends: the gentleman f Service. We created an independent from Indiana (Mr. PEASE) and the gen- oversight agency to oversee the Inter- tleman from Indiana (Mr. MCINTOSH). GENERAL LEAVE nal Revenue Service. I think I can speak for all Members Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I ask unani- We gave new protections for innocent when I say that this is not only a loss mous consent that all Members may spouses. This is where, particularly in for Indiana, it is a loss for this body. have 5 legislative days within which to a case of a divorce, where the Internal Both of them are intelligent, hard revise and extend their remarks on the Revenue Service would go back after, working Members of Congress. Both of subject of my special order. usually, the wife who just signed the them have remained true to their prin- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. return that her husband put in front of ciples, and both are dedicated to up- COOKSEY). Is there objection to the re- her; and they would go after her for holding the honor of this House and to quest of the gentleman from Florida? things that were in the tax return that the American people. There was no objection. were stated wrong, fraudulently or in I had the pleasure of serving with the f error. Now they have new rights, which gentleman from Indiana (Mr. PEASE) on is something that was very important. the Committee on Transportation and TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE It prevents the IRS from seizing Infrastructure. He has the distinction, BILL ARCHER homes without a court order. It seems and I know of no other Member that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under peculiar that the IRS could have done can make this claim, of attending the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- this without court orders, but now they every single meeting of that com- uary 6, 1999, the gentleman from Flor- have to have a court order; and that is mittee. But when one looks at where ida (Mr. SHAW) is recognized for 60 min- the right thing to do. H11416 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 27, 2000 These things, among the others, were looked at our staff and reduced the people do not see it this way, but it is the first overhaul of the Internal Rev- staff by one-third. This is something true. The shutdown of the government enue Service since 1952. that I think is really totally innate, was caused by the President of the Human resources, he steered the wel- the extent of that reduction in this United States because he was opposed fare and health care reforms into law. Congress. to balancing the budget. Yet, the gen- I had the great privilege of working The example of the gentleman from tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) stood with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Texas (Mr. ARCHER) is everywhere, I there, and stood there with great, great ARCHER) on welfare reform. We have think, in what he was able to accom- strength in order to carry that out, and done unbelievable things. We have cut plish, particularly during his time as finally signed in 1997 the Balanced the roles in half in this country, and in chairman of the Committee on Ways Budget Act. doing so, not just by shoving people off and Means. He certainly will be missed, Along with the gentleman from Flor- the roles, but giving them pride in but his good works will be enjoyed by ida (Mr. SHAW), the most important themselves to raise their own self-es- the American people for generations to thing that I have ever done in my ca- teem and expectations that we have of come. reer and many of our careers was wel- them and they have of themselves. Mr. DELAY. Mr. Speaker, will the fare reform. We found a system that So many of these people have now be- gentleman yield? had failed. It had failed because of its come the role models for their kids, Mr. SHAW. I yield to the gentleman liberal approach. It had failed the peo- and that is terribly important. Eight from Texas. ple on the welfare system. It had de- million former beneficiaries are now Mr. DELAY. Mr. Speaker, I really ap- stroyed families by being dependent on working and have gained their inde- preciate the gentleman from Florida the government. pendence. What a wonderful thing that (Mr. SHAW) bringing this special order Yet, with the President fighting us is. honoring the gentleman from Texas every step of the way, we passed that Child poverty now is at an all-time (Mr. ARCHER). The gentleman from legislation, and now we are reaping the low. Out-of-wedlock birth rate Florida has already gone over his leg- benefits. Families are coming back to- plateaued and now is declining for the acy, and what a legacy it is. gether. Fathers are moving back in first time in an entire generation and I happen to have the district that is with the mothers of their children. longer. next to the district of the gentleman Prisoners are no longer receiving Children are looking up to their par- from Texas (Mr. ARCHER), and I have ents as role models because they are welfare checks. That is something that known the gentleman from Texas (Mr. is hard to believe, that welfare checks receiving a paycheck. All of this is due ARCHER) for many, many years. In fact, were being paid to prisoners, but that to the will and the stamina and the dis- he does not particularly like for me to tinction of the gentleman from Texas is what was happening. We put a stop tell people how long I have known him, to that. Taxpayers have saved $30 bil- (Mr. ARCHER). but back when I was going to the Uni- lion. Let me just say on a personal note, versity of Houston, my senior year in His goal was to preserve Social Secu- the gentleman from Texas (Mr. AR- rity. The Archer-Shaw bill was a per- 1970, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. CHER) is one of the finest men I have fect example of trying to work with in- ARCHER) was running for Congress for ever had the privilege of knowing. Be- clusion. All the hearings that we had, the first time. At that time, it was the cause he is strong in his faith in God, listening to our Democrat colleagues, first campaign that I had ever worked his wife Sharon, whom he dearly loves, we incorporated into the bill their con- in. I never met him. I did not meet him at his side, a very extensive family, he cerns through the hearing process. for another 20 years. But I saw a man has been a role model that they have I would think that the gentleman that I wanted to work for, a man of modeled themselves after. His children from Texas (Mr. ARCHER), probably one great integrity, a wonderful conserv- are role models in themselves to their of his great disappointments is that we ative, a man of principle, a man that own children. His legacy is truly his did not get the bipartisan support and stood for principle. family. the support from the White House that The gentleman from Texas (Mr. AR- Being the role model that he is, a we felt we were promised. But I am CHER) was running as a Republican. man that shows integrity works, shows confident in the next Congress that we Back in Texas in the late 1960s and that being principled works, shows will save Social Security. That plan early 1970s, they did not elect Repub- that if one loves one’s family and holds that we will adopt may not have the licans, they shot them. To run as a Re- them together, it truly works. publican was pretty near a death sen- name of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. b 1515 ARCHER) on it, but it certainly will tence if one really wanted to get elect- have his spirit and the result of the ed. But the gentleman from Texas (Mr. And so I am more than pleased to be good works. ARCHER) stood up. He ran as a Repub- here in honor of BILL ARCHER. Beginning in the year 2012, we are lican. His district saw his great worth, Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield to looking at a $120 trillion deficit in So- and they elected him. the gentleman from California (Mr. cial Security. One tries to think how He has served with such distinction. THOMAS). many zeros are in 120 trillion. Just Even when he served in the minority Mr. THOMAS. Mr. Speaker, I thank think of it this way, it is 36 times the for so long, the majority would come to the gentleman from Florida, one, for amount of the national debt. We talk him for advice on tax policy and the taking this time to honor our colleague so much in this Chamber about getting tax code. Then when he took over as and our leader on the Committee on rid of the national debt, and we have a Chairman of the committee, most Ways and Means, the chairman, the projection out there by the Social Se- Members, particularly those that are gentleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER). curity Administration of an amount not as senior do not remember, but the I came to the House in 1978 and equal to 36 times, 36 times the national Committee on Ways and Means carried, moved to the Committee on Ways and debt. That will be just over 60 years be- I think, about 70 percent of the Con- Means in 1983. My predecessor from my ginning in the year 2015. The gen- tract with America. district in Bakersfield was a Congress- tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) tried They drove that legislation and did man by the name of Bill Ketchum, who to change that. Mainly because of his an outstanding job in telling the Amer- was a member of the Committee on good works, we will be able to reverse ican people that we were going to do it. Ways and Means during his tenure in that in the next Congress. We showed them that we were going to Congress. I already knew BILL ARCHER He sponsored the bill and led the do the Contract with America, and we by reputation through Bill Ketchum fight for the PNTR for China. As a con- did it under the Committee on Ways before I came to Congress. servative, he was the right man to lead and Means and, most importantly, the BILL ARCHER has provided an ex- that. I think that it is certainly a leadership of the gentleman from tremely important institutional link great accomplishment for which we can Texas (Mr. ARCHER.) to an earlier period of this body when be proud. It was hard to do because we were there was a different tone, a different When he took over the Committee on fought every step of the way in every- civility and, more importantly, a dif- Ways and Means as chair, he actually thing we were going to try to do. Most ferent approach to work product. The October 27, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11417 thing that I will remember most about I thank the gentleman from Florida it is many times embarrassing to say BILL ARCHER is that oftentimes we once again for taking this opportunity them on a one-to-one basis. know a person as an individual and a for us to remember the real meaning of So, BILL, if you are listening, I do not person as a Member, and the way in BILL ARCHER. Do as BILL ARCHER would want you to inhale all this stuff, but which they conduct their business as a do. we really do believe it and want to ex- Member and the way in which they Mr. SHAW. I thank the gentleman press our appreciation and what you deal with various other personal as- for those very fine remarks. mean to us. pects as a person are often different. I In just a moment I will be yielding It is always hard to say good-bye to do not know of anyone else who follows back the time, the balance of which I somebody, particularly somebody for a course in which his professional ac- understand will be claimed by the gen- whom you have such respect. I am not tion is paralleled by his personal ac- tleman from New York (Mr. HOUGHTON) a tax lawyer. I am far from it. And one tion. to conclude this special order, but I of the great courses I have ever taken, Any time I have been in a closed would like to just point out a couple of when I came to this place, was from room with the gentleman from Texas, extra things about BILL ARCHER which BILL ARCHER in terms of tax law. I do and we have had to reconcile a dif- are tremendously important. not consider myself a great tax expert ference, the reconciliation takes the When I first went on the Committee now, but whatever I have learned, I course of what is the right policy; what on Ways and Means, the first thing have learned from BILL ARCHER in a is the appropriate action, not what is they would do when they started mark- very solid and sort of relaxed way try- in it for me, this is necessary for my ing up a tax bill was to close the doors. ing to explain the intricacies. constituents. It served him well as a I can tell my colleagues that those ses- One of the things which I, as a sort of compass, but it has not always pro- sions went a lot quicker and there were historian, have been interested in is his vided a smooth road. Because often- not as many speeches made, but he background, talking about institu- times he stood in the way of someone opened that process, which I think was tional memory. Here is a fellow who wanting to get something from a per- a very good thing to do. was here when Wilbur Mills was here. sonal or a district point of view, and Also, I would like to, just from a per- Here was a fellow who was here when sometimes that individual’s discretion sonal standpoint, mention what great Russell Long was here. Those great ti- was clouded by the desire to obtain a friends that he and Sharon have been tans of finance in our government gave particular end and what that gen- to Emily and to me. In Congress we do him, obviously, a bedrock and an un- tleman was going to do to comity, to make some friends that last a lifetime, derstanding of what the whole place the Tax Code, and to policy by doing it. and our relationship with the Archer’s was about in the thrust of the Com- This institution has been well served has been a very, very special one, and mittee on Ways and Means. I think all by BILL ARCHER many, many times be- one that both Emily and I certainly of us here who are on the Committee hind closed doors when his resolute de- treasure. After hours, many, many on Ways and Means are very humble termination to do what is right has times we have gotten together for din- about this. It is an extraordinarily im- prevailed. Sometimes when one winds up being ner or have gone various places. I know portant committee. One hundred per- in the majority, and obviously I served that they have shown a keen interest cent of the revenues and 60 percent of in conservation on the continent of Af- with BILL ARCHER in the minority for the cost of the government goes almost 16 years, and I think we get to rica. One such trip, which was not a through this committee. know a person more when they are not taxpayers’ expense trip, I must say, When one is involved in these ses- able to do something, and the way in was deep back in this Congo, where it sions with BILL, one understands not which they conduct themselves when took better than a day to get back only the functional parts but also the they cannot do it, than when they are where we were going. Then we would historic parts. He has always led that in a position of authority and they are walk for miles and miles and miles way, so tremendously. able to do it. The civil manner in which through the forest. I can tell my col- The gentleman from Florida (Mr. SHAW) was talking about welfare re- BILL ARCHER presented his arguments, leagues that I believe that 70-year-old the determination, the preparation, is man can walk further than I can. He form and was rather casual about it, I once again a model that all of us can absolutely is in great shape. I can at- thought. Frankly, I think one of the remember and would be a model for all tribute that, I think, to the time that most extraordinary pieces of legisla- of us to adhere to. he spends on a tractor doing other var- tion, I will say one of the top five When he became chairman, and Re- ious other things at his farm out in pieces of legislation that I have seen publicans became the majority, he car- Virginia, which I know he and his wife since I have been here, is the welfare ried that over to the conduct on the dearly, dearly love. Her love for ani- reform. That was BILL ARCHER and the full committee. Those of us who are re- mals is something that is, I think, real- gentleman from Florida (Mr. SHAW). turning, and we have a very high level ly, really quite incredible. The gentleman from Florida is very of confidence that we will be returning But I look forward to seeing more of sort of modest about this whole thing. to a Republican majority House and BILL ARCHER. I have an idea that his I think another thing is their con- majority control of the Committee on days in government are not entirely cept, which never went anyplace, and it Ways and Means, though BILL ARCHER behind him. He has so much yet to is too bad because it is a great concept, will not be with us physically, he will offer, and I look forward to working and it may someday, is the concept of always be with us in spirit because with him in the years ahead in other the Social Security System. They had there will come a time behind closed capacities. a plan to fix it, and there would be an doors when we have a difficult choice Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance element of pain but not as much if we to make, and the response should be, of my time. did nothing at all. He was always on and will be, well, what would BILL AR- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. the forefront of things like that. CHER do. I hope that will be our guiding COOKSEY). The balance of the pending One of the great things I think about philosophy even when BILL ARCHER will hour is reallocated to the gentleman BILL ARCHER is that he was never arro- no longer be in the room. from New York (Mr. HOUGHTON). gant. Here was a man who had been in We wish him well, Mr. Speaker. We Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, there the minority for a long time and all of look forward to the enjoyment and the are several of us that have remarks a sudden he was thrust in the position time he will have to spend with Sharon about BILL ARCHER, and I will begin. of chairman of the Committee on Ways and the family, but that time will be I hope BILL and Sharon ARCHER are and Means. Under those circumstances, taken away from his colleagues and the watching this program, because I do after having been dying for years of not leadership he has provided us. He will not believe anybody has said so many being able to be heard then suddenly be sorely missed by those of us who nice words to him to his face. We al- being in the chairmanship, the way he served with him as individuals; he will ways say things behind people’s backs, conducted meetings, the way he was be much more sorely missed by this in- and it is easier to say things in public polite, the way he was respectful of stitution in terms of the way he con- many times than it is in private. I people’s opinions, both the people on ducted his public responsibilities. think we all have felt these things, but the committee and also those people H11418 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 27, 2000 who were testifying, is really an exam- kindness and civility, of unpretentious- dom, your unpretentiousness, your ple in statesmanship. ness in a city where egos can clash, good common sense, and your grace There is something about this man where, Mr. Speaker, if truth be told, under pressure are things that we can- that I think is important, particularly most everyone who runs for public of- not leave simply to retirement. in the stressful days that we are going fice and the euphemism of the new cen- Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield through. He never carried too heavy a tury has a healthy dose of self-esteem. to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. pack. In other words, he always could The gentleman from Texas (Mr. AR- NUSSLE). sort of sense the humor and the per- CHER) stands as a modest man of in- Mr. NUSSLE. Mr. Speaker, I thank spective and the importance of this credible abilities. the gentleman from New York for place and, as a result, was a great ex- The public policy side of the ledger yielding. ample to all of us. I can remember tak- demonstrates this and has been enu- Mr. Speaker, it has been said that ing a trip, all of us have taken trips merated by speakers who have pre- character can be best defined by doing with BILL ARCHER, and on those con- ceded me, including my good friend the right thing when no one is looking. gressional delegation trips many times from New York. I love that phrase. Because around here we see a person in full flower, particu- Welfare reform can be looked upon as in Washington, D.C., particularly in larly when he was with his beloved a bipartisan accomplishment driven by Congress, there are a lot of people wife, Sharon. Wonderful human beings. the chairman of the Committee on looking out there and it is easy to play The type of people that, although I do Ways and Mean, the first meaningful to the camera and it is easy to play for not live in Texas, I would like to say, tax relief in almost a decade and a half the politics and everything else and gee, I am so proud to have that person under the chairmanship of the gen- there is often very few moments in represent me. That was the type of per- tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) and time when we get to be on our own or son he was. at times, even as recently as yesterday, dealing maybe one on one with a col- Mr. Speaker, I yield now to the gen- when a sense of principle motivates league. tleman from Arizona (Mr. HAYWORTH). him, there is no debate. The gentleman I have had that opportunity with our Mr. HAYWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) disagreed chairman. And I have to report to my thank the gentleman from New York, with many of us yesterday and cast a colleagues that he is a man of very the chairman of the Subcommittee on vote based on his firm and unwavering high character. I have never seen him Oversight of the Committee on Ways ideals. do what I could refer to as the wrong and Means. Our other friend the gentleman from thing, infuriating as that might be at Mr. Speaker, as we come together on California (Mr. THOMAS) mentioned times. I tried to coax him into vio- this floor, not to engage in the great times ‘‘behind closed doors.’’ And while lating maybe some of his own prin- debates and the differences that oft- those phrases are used as figures of ciples, maybe some of his views, polit- times define us, but to speak with a speech, ‘‘in the dark of night,’’ ‘‘behind ical or personal views, on a couple of united voice in honor of our chairman, closed doors,’’ the fact is that we must different items. And he beat me every the gentleman from Texas (Mr. AR- sit down from time to time away from single time. But he was always fair CHER), who has decided, after three dec- the roar of the grease paint, the smell about it, even though he was tough. He ades of meritorious service, to leave of the crowd, and try to deal with pol- was always forthright, and he always our midst for private life, although I icy. have a feeling that he may be sum- gave me a heads-up. And I respect him And I do not believe I am violating moned to other duties in future days. for that. any confidences. I believe, Mr. Speak- I just come here today to say that, Mention was made earlier of BILL’s lovely bride Sharon and the menagerie er, were the chairman here today he while there are a lot of people who are of animals they keep in the Archer would freely admit to all, as he did to leaving this particular Congress, he is household. I would note with some us privately, his test for how to do this one who ranks up there as one of the pride, Mr. Speaker, that the Archer job in the people’s House, a test that ones that I will miss the most. family cat is from the Sixth Congres- may have in fact been magnified given Around here in Washington and Con- sional District of Arizona, having been the role he played as chairman of argu- gress, many people come and go it picked up there by one of the Archer ably the most powerful legislative seems. The beauty of our system is children during their time at Northern committee in the greatest Constitution that, almost like sticking your finger Arizona University. So I feel a kinship republic this world has seen. in a pool of water, as soon as it re- with the critters in the Archer house- He said quite simply it is this, I made moves, it fills in. There will be a new hold. a promise to myself that, with every chairman. There will be another rep- And from time to time being de- vote I would take, I would be able to resentative from his district in Texas. scribed as one of the more animalistic sleep at night and I would remain true But the ripples on the water that the members of the Committee on Ways to my convictions. gentleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) and Means when tempers flare, when So said the gentleman from Texas has left for freedom in this country the debate is joined, I must say, Mr. (Chairman ARCHER). His actions have will ripple on for a very long time. And Speaker, I look with great respect on never wavered from that simple test. for that I am grateful. I know his fam- And as recently as yesterday, at a time the unique ability of BILL ARCHER to ily is grateful. All of America should be disagree without being disagreeable. of contentiousness again, he held firm. grateful. That is a remarkable gift. Because We may not agree on every issue, but I bid him adieu. time and again when we come to this we can all agree, Mr. Speaker, that the Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield well or when we meet in full com- actions of our chairman are indeed spe- to the gentleman from Pennsylvania mittee, there are honest disagreements cial. (Mr. ENGLISH). Many others join us to share their and policy differences passionately Mr. ENGLISH. Mr. Speaker, I thank reminiscences. I would simply say this held. the gentleman for yielding. again to reiterate. I am not at all cer- Mr. Speaker, I would like to join my b 1530 tain that our chairman is headed for colleagues in paying tribute to a man The true mark of service and leader- retirement. I think he is so valuable in whose retirement announcement was ship for our chairman, Mr. Speaker, is so many different ways that there are one of the things that I most dreaded his remarkable ability to deal in an af- those who may follow us into Govern- in this Congress. fable, evenhanded fashion with every ment service who may cast a keen eye When I came to Congress and came to Member of the Committee, with every toward his talents. But for now in this the Committee on Ways and Means in issue that may be contentious in na- role, as we prepare to conclude the 1994, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. ture, with every disagreement in such 106th Congress, we do not say farewell, ARCHER) was a beacon. We had just an agreeable fashion. It is a gift that we simply say, Mr. Chairman, we will taken control. Revolution was in the escapes many of us, truth be told. try to follow your example and we ex- air. And we were facing an enormous So the gentleman from Texas (Mr. pect to see you again in other endeav- task of moving, as the gentleman from ARCHER) the man leaves a legacy of ors of public service. Because your wis- Texas (Mr. DELAY) noted, 70 percent of October 27, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11419 the Contract with America through our was my first meeting with the gen- York (Mr. HOUGHTON) for conducting committee and doing it right. We could tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) after this special order. not have done it without leadership of I had only been in Washington a couple Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join the character and quality of the gen- of days. I went to see the gentleman with my colleagues in paying tribute tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER). because he was a member of what was to a legislator who has been one of the He has been noted by other speakers then called the Committee on Commit- more remarkable and outstanding for his extraordinary civility in an in- tees, which now is called the Steering Members of this body, a gentleman stitution where that is an increasingly Committee, which makes committee whose impending departure is going to rare element. assignments. be a genuine loss to the Congress and I would like to say that the gen- I was interested in serving on two to our Nation. tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) has committees, the Committee on the Ju- The gentleman from Texas (Mr. AR- always struck me for his stoicism, his diciary and the Committee on Science. CHER) first came to the House 2 years strong principle, and the fact that My first choice was the Committee on before I entered the House, initially when it comes to principle, he has been the Judiciary because it had sub- being elected from his hometown of absolutely unyielding. And yet, at the committees dealing with crime and an- Houston, Texas, in 1970. same time, Mr. Speaker, he has always other one that oversaw immigration From his earliest days as a Member been a superb legislative tactician. He policy. At the time, it was not thought of the House of Representatives, the has been courageous and articulate possible to serve on both committees gentleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) every time he has risen on the floor of at the same time, even though that dedicated himself to the need to reform this House. was my hope. our outdated tax codes and made it his This chamber has become kind of Well, a few days later, while the highest priority as the chairman of our hushed, because the gentleman from Committee on Committees was meet- House Committee on Ways and Means. Texas (Mr. ARCHER) always has some- ing, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. In fact, many Americans would have thing extraordinary to say and the ex- ARCHER) called me and told me that he been unaware of the injustice of the pertise to back it up. He is one of those thought that if I changed the order of marriage penalty or the death tax were Members who brings to this body true my preference from Judiciary first and it not for the research and diligence intellectual rigor. He has a profound Science second to Science first and Ju- that the gentleman put into spot- understanding of the Tax Code, and diciary second, we could ‘‘throw a long lighting these inequities. that has really been the hallmark of pass’’ and perhaps connect so that I The gentleman from Texas (Mr. AR- his term as chairman of the Committee would be on both. CHER) first sought election to the on Ways and Means. I decided to leave it up to the Texas It is notable that he opposed the 1986 House when his incumbent Congress- quarterback (Mr. ARCHER) and so put Tax Code when it passed, and with good man, a young man by the name of my committee assignments, and there reason, and every criticism that he George Bush, decided to vacate his seat is nothing more important to a new made of that Code has been proven to seek election to the Senate. Member, in his hands. A couple of true. He has consistently advocated its He is so beloved by his constituency, hours later he called back and said replacement, and perhaps this body which he represents so meritoriously, will some day have the courage to take that I had been appointed to both. It that he has never been reelected to his up his challenge and pull the current was obviously thanks to his strong arm congressional seat by less than a three- Code out by the roots. and steady aim. to-one margin. His 30 years of service Yet, he has been involved in other It is obvious to any Member of Con- to this body and to his constituents issues, as well. I became aware that he gress who has ever worked with the guaranteed that his shoes are going to was a leading advocate of raising the gentleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) be difficult to fill and he is certainly earnings limit for persons with disabil- that his strong arm and steady aim has going to be long-missed. However, his ities and carried that issue in a number been a characteristic he has always dis- years of service underscore that a long, of Congresses. He has consistently de- played. Whether it is giving Americans healthy, and relaxing retirement is fended the prerogatives of the House tax relief or ensuring the long-term warranted and fully earned. solvency of Social Security or revamp- Committee on Ways and Means, the b 1545 oldest committee in this body, and one ing the Internal Revenue Service, the To BILL ARCHER and to his lovely that has always risen above the par- gentleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER) tisan zephyrs that have troubled other has as often as not completed that long wife, Sharon, to their five children and committees. pass. two stepchildren, we extend our best He has preserved the traditions of the One other characteristic needs to be wishes for a happy retirement to- Committee on Ways and Means very mentioned, and that is that he not only gether, with hopes they will often re- much in the tradition of the giants who has a strong record and steady hand, turn to visit us. have chaired that committee in this but he also plays fair and throws Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield body, like John Randolph of Roanoke, straight with his colleague. He tells us to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. William McKinley, and in our memory, the truth. We know we can rely on PORTMAN), another distinguished mem- Wilbur Mills. We will miss the gen- what he tells us and what he really ber of the Committee on Ways and tleman from Texas (Mr. ARCHER). His thinks about any issue or any piece of Means. shoes will be impossible to fill. legislation. His consistent record of Mr. PORTMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank But like Nathaniel Macon in the 19th doing what is best for the American the gentleman for having this special century, he has decided that he is at a people, being straightforward in his order. stage in his life when he would like to dealings with others, and doing what You know, it is hard to imagine this move on and do something else. We re- he thinks is right are attributes that place without BILL ARCHER. He will be spect that. We wish him and Sharon anyone in public life should aspire to. very much missed; by me, by Members well. We will miss him sorely in future Mr. Speaker, the good thinking and of this Congress from both sides of the Congresses. He has been for me an in- good judgment of the gentleman from aisle, by the Committee on Ways and spiration and has been a source, I Texas (Mr. ARCHER) will be missed, but Means, arguably the most powerful think, of great institutional memory he will always remain an example of an committee in Congress, that he has and stability. ideal congressman to us all. shepherded with such skill, and by this Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield institution, by the House, as a body. to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Let us be frank here. Not all of us SMITH). GILMAN) the distinguished chairman of will leave such a void. Not all of us will Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I the Committee on International Rela- have such a remarkable legacy. thank my friend from New York for tions, my friend and associate. What is it about BILL ARCHER? He is yielding. Mr. GILMAN. Mr. Speaker, I thank a very special person. I have learned a Mr. Speaker, one of my most vivid the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speak- lot from him. He is a principled, fierce memories as a new Member of Congress er, I thank the gentleman from New advocate of limited government, and H11420 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 27, 2000 yet no one I know has deeper respect casions when we needed it, what should rus of response, and no one, Mr. Chair- for public service. I say, Dutch uncle-ish criticism, cri- man, could have done it better. I remember once being at an event tique and so forth. But BILL ARCHER is Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield where BILL ARCHER was asked to speak. an interesting fellow in the way that to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Without notes he stood up and recited he could give you the kind of critique BLUNT), the assistant majority whip. from memory Teddy Roosevelt’s great you may need at a moment, and, at the Mr. BLUNT. Mr. Speaker, I thank statement, in which he said, ‘‘The cred- same time, make you feel encouraged the gentleman for yielding to me and it belongs to the man who is actually by it. for taking the time today to honor the in the arena,’’ and BILL ARCHER feels We are all going to miss BILL. I tremendous service of Chairman AR- that in his heart. He has respect for all would like to share two observations in CHER. of us as Members of Congress, in part particular. We talk about how we re- I very well remember the first meet- because of that respect for public serv- lated to him, what he meant to us as a ing I had with him as a freshman. It is ice. colleague, fellow Members of Congress. easy for me to remember that, because He is firm, he is tough, he is also ex- I would like to reflect for a moment it was not that long ago. But he quick- ceedingly polite. Who in this chamber on what he has meant to so many of ly responded to my request to come has not been greeted at one point by the young people that have come over and talk to him about a piece of BILL ARCHER with a smile, extending through here. My observation has been the Tax Code that affected colleges and his hand saying, how are you? Even as all too many times, people come to universities. Chairman, BILL ARCHER has been very Washington a young idealist and leave I spent 4 years as a university presi- careful not to demand loyalty from an old cynic. BILL ARCHER has beaten dent. I felt very comfortable about that members of the Committee on Ways the odds on that one. He came here a part of the Tax Code. I went over and I and Means. He rarely asks anybody for young idealist, and he is leaving here found out, of course, in significant de- anything, and yet I know nobody who as a not so young idealist. tail that the Chairman knew more is more loyal than BILL ARCHER. But I think it was because of the re- about that very, very small part of the Leader DICK ARMEY reminded me re- lationship he was able to have with Tax Code than I did. But we had a great cently of a song that BILL ARCHER is young people. I have seen that in my discussion. At the end of our great dis- fond of. One day here on the floor own Chief of Staff David Hobbs, who cussion, he had not changed his mind. things were tough on an issue, I was many of us see now as a competent and He felt strongly that he saw this Tax having a difficult time as a relatively able person here, who had his begin- Code and the way it affected Americans junior Member of Congress, and BILL ning here on BILL ARCHER’s staff. A headed in a consistent direction; that ARCHER took me aside and told me Texas boy, graduate of the University was the direction toward greater sim- about a song he used to are cite to his of Texas, graduate of the Lyndon plicity, a direction toward greater fair- kids to instill in them a sense of loy- Baines Johnson School at the Univer- ness, a direction where he thought that alty and brotherly love. It is a song sity of Texas, who admired BILL AR- American families would benefit more about two combatants in the Civil War, CHER and came here and was privileged universally from the Tax Code, and one on the side of the North, one on the to come here and got his early training trying to eliminate those parts of the side of the South. One goes down on here. code that only benefitted a few, instead the Gray side of the line. The one on David was the first hire I made when of benefiting many. He has been con- the Blue side of the line says some- I came here in 1985. For all these years sistent, he has been strong. He has de- thing like, did you think I would leave I always said to David, I know you voted himself to an IRS that works you dying, when there is room on my really love BILL ARCHER more than me. better, to a Tax Code that is hopefully horse for two? He never denied it. A couple of months fairer and more easily understood. He sung that song to his boys so that ago, BILL ARCHER pointed out to me, I know as he leaves here, he leaves they would have brotherly love, but it ‘‘You know, your Chief of Staff really here understanding there is still a lot goes to what BILL ARCHER believes, loves me more than he does you.’’ I of work to be done in that regard, and which is there is nothing more impor- said, ‘‘BILL, I don’t blame him. I love there will be work for Congresses to tant than personal loyalty. you more than I do me.’’ come to be done. But he has advanced BILL ARCHER will be succeeded in So he had a big influence. I know the cause of a fairer, simpler Tax Code. Congress and in that district in Hous- there are probably thousands of stories He has been consistent in his ap- ton where he gets something like 80 of that kind of influence on young peo- proach to every Member. His door has percent of the vote, and he will be suc- ple who managed to come here and find been open, from the lowest freshman ceeded at the Committee on Ways and their youthful idealism appreciated. on the totem pole to every other mem- Means as Chairman, but nobody will So, Mr. HOUGHTON, if I could end with ber in this conference. He would take replace BILL ARCHER. We are going to this observation, it is an observation I time to explain to you his point of miss him, the Committee on Ways and made last Thursday with the Texas del- view, even though on your point of Means will miss him, and this institu- egation at lunch. We had a great privi- view, by others, it could have easily tion will miss him. lege to be in the majority. For many of been argued quickly, well, you have Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield us we felt it was something of a mir- only been here for a short period of to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. acle in 1994 when we won the majority. time, or you do not understand the last ARMEY), distinguished Majority Lead- We have had an opportunity to do generation and how this debate has er. things that many of us never thought gone on. But in fact Chairman ARCHER Mr. ARMEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank possible. was always willing to take time to ex- the gentleman from New York for But when I look on the reflection of plain that debate, explain how we got yielding. Let me thank the gentleman it, there is nothing that I have experi- to where we were, and his vision for from New York for taking this time. enced in the majority in the United where we yet could go. Every now and then I think in our States House of Representatives that I am hopeful that his service to lives we ought to take time. We ought has warmed my heart more nor given America is nowhere near over. His leg- to just pause and reflect about the me greater reason for optimism about acy in this Congress will last for a long good people we are privileged to know, this great land than seeing my friend time, Mr. Speaker, but I think he has the good people with whom we are priv- BILL ARCHER be Chairman of the Com- so much more to offer. I hope to see ileged to work. mittee on Ways and Means. I believe it him willing to do that, and to continue In my life, in all the years, either in was the only job he ever wanted in this to make the kind of significant con- academics or here, never has there Congress, and, believe me, BILL, few tributions that he has made for a gen- been more such a fine person I have people will ever be able to say with eration now in this Congress. been privileged to know and with greater accuracy and conviction, I got He has stuck with his commitment whom to work than BILL ARCHER. He to do the only job I ever wanted in Con- that this would be the time when he has been, for all of us, a source of en- gress, and I did it to the best of my should leave the Congress, a mark that couragement, of optimism. On some oc- ability, and have people say, in a cho- he set half a dozen years ago; that he October 27, 2000 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11421 has decided to, absolutely, as he has BILL ARCHER has been a forceful and effec- main hopeful that it will, this august done in every other instance, keep his tive Chairman of the Ways and Means Com- body is going to lose one of its most commitments. mittee through some of its most difficult years. productive and innovative Members, This is the committed time in his These are partisan times, and, sadly, this par- WILLIAM L. CLAY, Sr. mind to leave the Congress. I hope it is tisanship has infected the work of the Com- BILL CLAY became a Member of this not a committed time in his mind to mittee all too often. Through it all, BILL has body in 1969, over 30 years ago. He not be available to further service to kept to his principles, and kept his sense of came here as a young man, by his own Americans, because he has a lot of humor. admission, filled with a bit of anger. service, a lot of wisdom, a lot of his- BILL ARCHER knows as well as anyone in BILL CLAY had grown up in a system tory, a lot of heritage yet to share. the United States what is wrong with our tax that gave very little respect to his I thank the gentleman for yielding to system. And he sees all-too-well the unfortu- skills, to his dreams, to his aspirations, me, and for taking the time today to nate trends of recent years, such as the in- and he had fought as a young man in recognize the great work and commit- creasing use of tax credits and the use of the order to make sure that opportunities ment of Chairman BILL ARCHER from tax system as an alternative to spending. He would be open for people such as him. Texas. has fought valiantly to resist these trends So, when he got here, he was filled with Mr. HOUGHTON. Mr. Speaker, I just while building a fire for fundamental tax re- all kinds of anxieties. have a few brief words at the end. I form. To get a good feel for who and what think our side is done. I think we have Unfortunately, BILL's legacy will not be the BILL CLAY is, one should read his book, expressed our feelings. But I would just enactment of fundamental tax reform. But it Just Permanent Interests. I have on like to say one more thing. will be the laying of the groundwork for the re- occasion read various parts of that WILLIAM ARCHER’s example, not what book. In fact, I have a choice of the he has done, because what he has done forms to come. And they will come. Each of us three or four copies that people have is very significant, his example is one must stand on the shoulders of those who pre- made gifts to me of, and I keep one of of the finest I have ever seen, and he ceded us. The Ways and Means Committee, them in each one of my places of abode, represents the greatest, I think, the and tax policy generally, will be standing on one here in Washington and one at greatest characteristic that this coun- firm and principled ground years from now try has to offer. thanks to BILL's leadership. home in the district. And every now Mr. REGULA. Mr. Speaker, the legacy of To quote Winston Churchill speaking of Lord and then as we encounter various things here on this floor and in our po- BILL ARCHER is a gift of responsible govern- Halifax: ment to the American people in a great diver- The fortunes of mankind in its tremendous litical interactions, I go to a part of sity of actions. journeys are principally decided for good or that book in order to get a sense of Many times I have heard the cry for a na- ill—but mainly for good, for the path is up- some of the history that BILL CLAY has tional industrial policy. In truth, the tax code is ward—by its greatest men and its greatest been a part of and some of the emo- episodes. the nation's industrial policy. BILL's ``steady as tions that he experienced when he first you go'' leadership has made our code far BILL ARCHER has participated in, and in arrived here. better than it would have been without his some cases presided over, some of the Ways b 1600 strong role of participation. and Means Committee's greatest episodes. By Mr. Speaker, I have been able to I did smile when PHIL ENGLISH mentioned virtue of his unbending adherence to principle President McKinley, who represented my and fairness in the most tempestuous of learn a lot from his experiences. And so home county of Stark as a congressman, as times, he is also, in my opinion, one of its when I arrived here, I sat with him, and we exchanged some of our great one of BILL's distinguished predecessors as greatest men. chairman of Ways and Means. McKinley was f love of history. I am going to miss that when he leaves after next month. a dedicated protectionist, however, in his last FURTHER MESSAGE FROM THE speech in Buffalo, he repudiated this policy. I Mr. Speaker, a lot of us will miss his SENATE wit and his wisdom. He is full of both; think BILL would have liked the reformed McKinley rather than the congressional McKin- A further message from the Senate but for the wit, sometimes we would ley. by Mr. Lundregan, one of its clerks, an- not have a good appreciation for the The people of this nation are in your debt nounced that the Senate has passed wisdom. So I want to say to BILL CLAY for dedicated service for them. without amendment a joint resolution and others who are joining me today My best to you BILL and Sharon for good of the House of the following title: how much we appreciate him, not just health and many fruitful years of happiness. H.J. Res. 117. Joint resolution making fur- as a Member of the Congress, but his Mr. CRANE. Mr. Speaker, it is quite pos- ther continuing appropriations for the fiscal personal friendship and interaction. sible I have known BILL ARCHER longer than year 2001, and for other purposes. I suspect that I have had dinner with anyone in this Chamber. We met for the first f him more often than he would like. time 30 years ago at a Lincoln Day festival. And, of course, I do not know, but I GENERAL LEAVE BILL was serving in the Texas State legislature think he has enjoyed every one of at the time. I was told by mutual acquaint- Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, I ask them, because I have yet to be success- ances that BILL was a strong conservative of unanimous consent that all Members ful in getting him to pick up a tab for unwavering principles, and that he would soon may have 5 legislative days within any of those dinners. be elected to Congress. They were right on which to revise and extend their re- BILL CLAY has been a great guy. He both counts. marks on the subject of the special has been a mentor to so many of us, In fact, the only time I have known of BILL order to follow. and I consider it really a high part of wavering occurred about three years before The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. my being here to be able to say to my we first met. BILL found it necessary to correct COOKSEY). Is there objection to the re- children and grandchildren that I a mistake he had grown up with. He switched quest of the gentleman from South served here in this body for 8 years from the Democratic to Republican parties. Carolina? with him, and that we became fast I have had the great honor and pleasure to There was no objection. friends, and that because of that sit next to BILL for 25 years now on the Ways f friendship and because of that service and Means Committee. We have fought many together, I am a better person today fights together. We saw the power of the TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE than I was when I got here. I thank Committee exercised first-hand under Wilbur WILLIAM L. CLAY, SR. him for it. Mills. We experienced the curious mix of Chi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under I want to say to you, BILL, thank you cago-style politics applied to national policy the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- for all that you have meant to me per- under Danny Rostenkowski. We celebrated uary 6, 1999, the gentleman from South sonally. Thank you for what you meant the 1981 tax cut together, the effects of which Carolina (Mr. CLYBURN) is recognized to my family. Thank you for what you are still being felt in today's prosperity. And we for 60 minutes as the designee of the have meant to those of us who have suffered through the lost opportunities of the minority leader. had the honor of serving with you. 1986 Tax Reform Act and the disastrous 1990 Mr. CLYBURN. Mr. Speaker, when Mr. Speaker, for the purposes of con- and 1993 tax increases. this body ends this session, and I re- trolling the remainder of the time for