E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 110 CONGRESS, SECOND SESSION

Vol. 154 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2008 No. 59 House of Representatives The House met at 10:30 a.m. Speaker NANCY PELOSI on 4–24–2006: But before we achieve those things in f Democrats have a commonsense plan the future, we’ll have to figure out a to help bring down skyrocketing gas way to live, work, and prosper in the MORNING-HOUR DEBATE prices. present. For too many Democrats, The SPEAKER. Pursuant to the August 4, 2007, Democrats have voted growing our economy today, tomorrow, order of the House of January 4, 2007, those four times to raise taxes in the and next month isn’t much of a pri- the Chair will now recognize Members 110th Congress: January 18, August 4, ority. In fact, the majority has voted from lists submitted by the majority December 6, 2007, February 27, 2008. The four separate times to raise energy and minority leaders for morning-hour Pelosi Premium continues. taxes in the 110th Congress. But even if debate. Since Democrats took control of Con- we had access to all of the oil in the The Chair will alternate recognition gress, gasoline prices have skyrocketed world, we would need places to turn between the parties, with each party by more than $1 per gallon forcing that oil into gasoline. Regrettably, the limited to 30 minutes and each Mem- worker families to pay a Pelosi Pre- U.S. hasn’t built a new refinery in 32 ber, other than the majority and mi- mium at the pump. With reports indi- years and, in fact, has successfully nority leaders and the minority whip, cating gasoline prices are beginning to shut down several at that time. The re- hit $4 per gallon, the Pelosi Premium limited to 5 minutes. sults are stunning. Today, the U.S. has couldn’t come at a worse time for mid- only 149 operable oil refineries com- f dle-class families already being pared with 321 in 1981. That means THE PELOSI PREMIUM squeezed by the soaring costs of living. The price we pay for both gasoline roughly double the demand now must The SPEAKER. The Chair recognizes be handled with half of the number of the gentlewoman from North Carolina and oil is fundamentally an issue of supply and demand, but while U.S. oil refineries. (Ms. FOXX) for 5 minutes. Let’s remember this fall the broken Ms. FOXX. Thank you, Madam consumption has largely remained the same over the past few years, world oil promises made in 2006 and the Pelosi Speaker. consumption has spiraled to 84 million Premium which is costing us so much I’m here to talk about the Pelosi Pre- barrels a day, up nearly 25 percent money. mium. Once a nightmare scenario, $4 from 68 million barrels a decade ago. f gasoline may soon become a harsh re- This results in a tremendous increase ality on Speaker PELOSI’s watch. THE PELOSI PREMIUM in prices. Today, drivers are paying a dollar more As you are fully aware, gas prices The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. per gallon at the pump than when the have increased by $1.05 per gallon since ISRAEL). The Chair recognizes the gen- Speaker took office. This Pelosi Pre- NANCY PELOSI took control of Congress tleman from Georgia (Mr. WESTMORE- mium is hitting working families hard on January 4, 2007. This represents an LAND) for 5 minutes. at a time when they are confronting increase of nearly 45 percent. Mr. WESTMORELAND. Thank you, soaring costs, a slowing economy and a At the same time that world oil con- Mr. Speaker. I want to read to you, Mr. housing crunch. Middle-class families sumption has skyrocketed, access to Speaker, a memo from the Democratic and their increasingly tight budgets world energy supplies has struggled to Congressional Campaign Committee need relief, not more broken promises. keep pace. Nowhere has this trend been that was sent out in 2006. This was sent We’re operating under a set of broken worse than in the United States which out to the Democratic candidates, and promises. stands today as the only industrialized it was obtained by the Chicago Trib- Speaker PELOSI promised the Amer- Nation in the world that refuses to tap une. ican people a commonsense plan to 85 percent of our available deep sea en- ‘‘Demonstrate your dedication for lower gasoline prices, but House Demo- ergy resources. fighting for middle-class families by crats have not only failed to offer any While the U.S. has held its consump- clearly explaining how you will work meaningful solutions, they’ve put for- tion steady, more needs to be done to to keep down the price of gas if elected ward policies that will have precisely build a bridge from where we are today to Congress. Hold an event at a gas sta- the opposite effect. We cannot tax mid- to the renewable and alternative en- tion or other logical locations where dle-class families’ and truckers’ tanks ergy future in which we all want to you will call for real commitment to from empty to full. live. In fact, under the Democrats in bringing down gas prices and pledge Speaker NANCY PELOSI on 4–18–2006: Congress, we’ve gone from 50 percent of that, as a Member of Congress, you will The Democrats have a plan to lower our oil imports coming from OPEC to fight for families in your district, not gas prices. 57 percent coming from OPEC in 1 year. the oil and gas executives for which

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.

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VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:37 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP7.000 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2270 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 this Republican Congress has fought so Raising taxes? Fifty cents a gallon by $1.05 a gallon. Today, in my district, hard.’’ the chairman of Energy and Commerce gas is $3.50 a gallon, and guess what? Now those are some pretty inter- proposal? Five cents a gallon by the The Federal gas tax is still 18.3 cents a esting comments coming from the chairman of Transportation? A dollar a gallon. That money is a tax. It’s a tax DCCC. On May 10, 2006, BARON HILL barrel of oil from the chairman of going to big oil and OPEC and to hedge said this: ‘‘In Congress, I will support Transportation? Those are some great fund speculators who are driving up the measures that will strengthen our ideas. price of oil. That’s the tax the Amer- economy and lower gas prices instead April 27, 2006, when gas was $2.91 a ican consumers are paying. They won’t of rewarding big oil companies and spe- gallon, and I will remind you that it’s take on OPEC, and they sure as heck cial interest lobbies.’’ $3.44 today, a letter to Speaker Hastert aren’t going to take on their friends in Mr. Speaker, once Mr. HILL got elect- signed by 88 Democratic Members of big oil. ed to Congress and voted to raise taxes Congress, they said this: ‘‘Just this We’re willing to do that. And sus- on the American energy producers, he week, the price for oil increased to over pending the gas tax, now I would ask was somehow shocked when higher $70 a barrel.’’ Don’t we yearn for those the presumptive Republican nominee, taxes resulted in higher gas prices. days of $70 a barrel when it’s $113 Mr. MCCAIN, if we suspend the gas tax, March 12, 2007, in a press release Mr. today? how many highway projects and bridge HILL said, ‘‘Gasoline prices have in- We believe Congress has an obliga- projects are you going to cancel? How creased significantly over the past few tion to determine the underlying many thousand people are you going to weeks, with little explanation for high- causes behind the skyrocketing prices. put out of work when you already have er prices.’’ The explanation for higher Congress has an obligation to take ac- a deficit in the trust fund? If you want prices is because of higher taxes. tion on behalf of the consumer. Where to give relief to the American con- Mr. JOE DONNELLY in a July 3, 2006, is the action? sumers, target the real culprits. It is interview: ‘‘I will be an independent All bark, no bite. not the gas tax that’s been flat for the voice who will represent the people of f last 15 years; it’s big oil and it’s the the second district. Not the wealthy oil OPEC companies and the hedge fund and pharmaceutical companies that GOP: THE GRAND OIL PARTY speculators on Wall Street. Let’s go have bought our Congress and are run- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The after them. ning our country. We need leaders who Chair recognizes the gentleman from f Oregon (Mr. DEFAZIO) for 5 minutes. will stand up for good jobs, a better HOPE AND CHANGE prescription drug plan for our seniors, Mr. DEFAZIO. Well, the Grand Oil and a real energy plan that will work Party is at it again. $500 billion in prof- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The to drive down skyrocketing gas its to the oil industry since George Chair recognizes the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. DAVID DAVIS) for 5 min- prices.’’ Bush, the oil man, and DICK CHENEY, utes. Mr. DONNELLY, I’m sure your con- the oil man, took office. Remember Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. stituents and the people of this coun- what they told us? They could deal Thank you, Mr. Speaker. I rise today try are waiting for that energy to go with the industry. They’d talk the to tell you something about my dis- forth in some results. prices down. They could deal with trict. I go home every single weekend April 26, 2006, press release by Mr. ED OPEC. They’d talk the prices down. because I take the word ‘‘representa- MARKEY: ‘‘Congress once again has an OPEC is violating international law. tive’’ very seriously. I go home and opportunity to help the American peo- The President won’t file a complaint in speak with people living and working ple through this financial pinch.’’ Keep the World Trade Organization for their in my district because they are the in mind, the Republicans were in illegal constraint of production which ones who sent me to Washington to ex- is driving up the price. The President charge and the Democrats were trying press their ideas and their concerns. refuses to take any action against his to win votes, Mr. Speaker. Two common themes come up from the ‘‘But by ignoring legislation like the friends in the OPEC consortium or car- people in northeast Tennessee: hope Windfall Profits and Consumer Assist- tel. and change. We hear a lot about those Now the big oil companies, $40 billion ance Act, Congress has shown, once words today. again, that it would rather put the in profits for one, ExxonMobil, last They hope that sometime in the fu- needs of the special interests ahead of year, their generous campaign contrib- ture they won’t have to spend over $50 the needs of the American people. utors, the GOP, Grand Oil Party, is to fill up their pick-up truck. They There is a cost to this kind of corrup- doing very well. But now they’re cry- want change, a change that will take tion in Washington, and it’s at $75 a ing crocodile tears here on the floor them from dependence on foreign oil to barrel and climbing.’’ and saying they really care about con- clean, safe, and available American en- Mr. MARKEY, the price today is $113 a sumers, after the Bush-Cheney energy ergy. Energy is the foundation and life- barrel, and you have not reintroduced bill, which gave subsidies to blood of the American economy cre- your Windfall Profits and Consumer ExxonMobil who made $40 billion last ating the conditions to help us support Assistance Act to Congress. year after the Republicans refused last good-paying jobs here in the United But what have we done? I tell you year to strip those subsidies from the States and allow our industrial base to what we have done. The chairman of oil companies? They complain about compete with the rest of the world. Energy and Commerce has got a solu- the high price to consumers. They’re We all know that the middle-class tion: raise gasoline tax by 50 cents a born-again consumer advocates. That’s families are feeling significant pain at gallon. I don’t think that’s what the great. the pump. But the American family American people had in mind. I’ve been a consumer advocate for a isn’t the only place where the strain of July 26, 2006, in a town hall meeting, long time. I have consistently sup- spiking fuel prices can be felt. Accord- JIM CLYBURN, who is now the majority ported a windfall profits tax. I’ve also ing to recent news reports, local whip, says this: ‘‘Thomas from Orange- consistently said we’ve got to go after schools, law enforcement agencies, and burg asks: What are you doing about the OPEC cartel and file the com- other community services are paying gas prices? They’re ridiculously high.’’ plaints. And we need new technologies, the price for a record high-fuel cost. Mr. CLYBURN answered, ‘‘House Demo- and we need new fuels, and we need Unfortunately, Democrats in the crats have a plan to help curb rising conservation. None of those things House, who are now in charge, have gas prices. We have outlined our plan were in the Bush-Cheney energy bills been consistent in offering so-called in a proposal called Energizing Amer- written behind closed doors by big oil energy legislation that weakens our ica. I join my fellow Democrats in be- and the GOP, the Grand Oil Party. ability to compete with emerging ti- lieving that drilling for more oil is not But now, their presumptive political tans such as China, India, and Russia. a long-term solution to our Nation’s nominee, Mr. MCCAIN, has come up In the United States today, we are 63 energy crisis.’’ with a great idea, let’s suspend the gas percent dependent on foreign sources of What is it? Buying bicycles? The tax. Now, let’s see. In 1993, the gas tax energy. 63 percent. And that percent- Pelosi plan? Thirty bicycles for $30,000? was 18.3 cents a gallon, and gas was age is growing every year. Gasoline

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:37 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.002 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2271 prices have increased more than $1 per their special projects across the finish ‘‘Time for the Colombian Free Trade gallon since the majority party, under line. Mr. Speaker, that’s leadership Pact;’’ the Denver Post, ‘‘Historical Speaker PELOSI, took control of the lacking. failure on Colombia trade pact;’’ San House last year, increasing from a na- Whether it’s protecting our Nation in Francisco Chronicle, ‘‘Trade pan- tionwide average of $2.33 per gallon on the area of intelligence, this leadership dering;’’ New York Post, ‘‘Pelosi’s Pu- the first day of the 110th Congress to believes that our intelligence commu- trid Sellout;’’ Seattle Times, ‘‘The now $3.34 a gallon. When Speaker nity doesn’t need to have the tools nec- Washington 6: tampering with trade;’’ PELOSI took office and had a plan to fix essary to tell what the bad guys are the Boston Herald, ‘‘The Pelosi Doc- the energy cost, oil was selling for $56 going to do before they do it. Mr. trine: Duck;’’ Las Vegas Review Jour- a barrel. Now, it’s selling for $113 a bar- Speaker, that’s leadership lacking. nal, ‘‘Trade Talks;’’ National Review, rel. People are looking for hope and You have heard a lot about gas prices ‘‘Free Choice;’’ St. Louis Post-Dis- change. this morning. Sixteen months ago patch, ‘‘The Politics of Trade;’’ Wash- Figures from the Energy Information when this leadership took charge, a ington Post, ‘‘Drop Dead, Colombia;’’ Administration indicate the U.S. reli- barrel of gasoline cost about $52, $53 a and the Wall Street Journal, ‘‘Pelosi’s ance on the Organization of Petroleum barrel. Today, it is about $112, $113 a Bad Faith.’’ Exporting Countries, commonly known barrel. Mr. Speaker, that’s leadership Mr. Speaker, there is a crisis of lead- as OPEC, grew from 50.9 percent of our lacking. ership here in Washington, here in this total crude imports in 2006 to 57.6 per- What’s changed in Washington since House of Representatives. The Amer- cent in 2007. Not only has the majority that time? New leadership here in the ican people are paying attention. The party failed to end our reliance on Mid- House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker, American people want positive change. dle Eastern oil for our essential energy that’s not the kind of change that The American people want us to work needs, they’ve actually helped grow our America voted for. together. I call on the Speaker of this dependence to historic and dangerous We need to work together in the area House to bring forward the free trade levels. of energy. We need to make certain deal with Colombia, to work together We need to make sure that we’re not that we, as Americans, conserve more. on gas prices, to make certain that we dependent on our energy needs from We need to make certain that we uti- pass a Foreign Intelligence Surveil- people that hate us and hate our free- lize American resources for Americans. lance Act that allows our intelligence doms all because of their refusal to There’s incredible resources in our communities to act positively. allow responsible energy production land. We could utilize those resources Mr. Speaker, I call on our leadership here at home. We cannot tax and regu- in environmentally sensitive and tech- to be responsible. late our way out of an energy crisis. nologically sound ways to make cer- f The American people want an energy tain that we decrease our dependence ETHANOL HAS NOT SAVED US YET policy that’s comprehensive and ad- on foreign oil. dresses our needs for wind, water, And finally, Mr. Speaker, we need to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The solar, safe nuclear, clean coal tech- make certain that we accelerate the Chair recognizes the gentleman from nology and, most importantly, the use use of alternative fuel, not picking Texas (Mr. POE) for 5 minutes. of American oil. winners and losers like this leadership Mr. POE. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. It The American middle class deserves in this majority wants to do, pick eth- has been said by folks that Wash- better. They deserve an energy policy anol and raise the gas prices signifi- ington, DC., is the only place in Amer- that is dependent on American energy, cantly by that, raise food prices around ica that is surrounded by reality be- not foreign energy. the world because of the action of this cause people here, especially in Con- f leadership. Mr. Speaker, that’s leader- gress, those people say, are in a Disney ship lacking. World atmosphere and don’t know how CRISIS IN LEADERSHIP IN WASH- Where else is leadership lacking here the world really is. INGTON AND THE HOUSE OF in the House? Well, Mr. Speaker, it is Probably the best example is what REPRESENTATIVES in helping our friends around the has taken place throughout our coun- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The world. We have a former President try in the area of gasoline prices. They Chair recognizes the gentleman from meeting with Hamas terrorists. Where are going up every day. Every day we Georgia (Mr. PRICE) for 5 minutes. is the outcry from this leadership say- come back to Congress, gasoline prices Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Thank you, ing that that’s not the correct thing to continue to rise. And there’s a con- Mr. Speaker. do for a former leader of our Nation? stant problem here. Retail operators Mr. Speaker, today is April 15th. It’s In the area of fair trade, free trade, who run those mom-and-pop inde- a momentous day for Americans as all last week this leadership decided they pendent gasoline stations are saying Americans know it’s Tax Day. And it’s were going to take one of our friends, they’re not even making a profit off of a day that Americans tend to focus a Colombia and South America, who gasoline. They hope maybe they can little more attention on the amount of have worked with us time and time make one cent a gallon. The way they money that they send to Washington. again, one of the glimmering hopes for make profit is selling lottery tickets And it’s a lot of money. It’s a lot of democracy in South America, and what and donuts, and the country continues money, Mr. Speaker. does this leadership do? Kick them in to see higher and higher gasoline And most folks that I talk to say the teeth. prices. that would be okay, a lot of them have It is not just me saying that. Head- It’s a tremendous problem that we said that would be okay if they were lines all across the Nation last week: have to deal with. We have to come out getting good things for their money, if Financial Times, ‘‘A setback on trade of this Disney World atmosphere and they were seeing progress happen here in Washington;’’ Knoxville News Sen- solve the problem. Some say what is in Washington. But that’s just not the tinel, ‘‘House Democrats holding free going to save us all is ethanol. Let’s case. trade hostage;’’ Corpus Christi Caller take all of the farmland in America, I, like most of my colleagues, go Times, ‘‘Congress should pass Colombia let’s till it up, let’s grow some corn, home every weekend. I went home last trade deal;’’ Charleston Post Courier, and let’s make some of that unproven, weekend, and what I hear from my con- ‘‘Politics trump free trade;’’ Orange unpredictable ethanol to burn in our stituents is what is happening? Where County Register, ‘‘Trading on igno- vehicles. is the leadership in Washington? Mr. rance;’’ the Plain Dealer, Of course, what we have done as a Speaker, I believe there is a crisis in ‘‘Sidetracking American trade deal Nation by encouraging and subsidizing leadership in Washington and here in hurts U.S. businesses and workers;’’ the special interest group of ethanol, the House of Representatives. the Chicago Tribune, ‘‘Caving on Co- we’ve raised the corn prices worldwide. Whether it is supporting our troops, lombia;’’ Los Angeles Times, ‘‘Pelosi In fact, they have tripled in the last 2 the leadership here apparently is deter- plays politics;’’ The Oklahoman, years. And because corn prices are mined that they are going to use our ‘‘Pelosi’s ploy: Colombia Deal Suc- going up, wheat prices are going up. military troops as pack mules to carry cumbs to Politics;’’ New York Times, And in the last 17 years, food prices in

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:37 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.004 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2272 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 the world are higher than they ever there at the tip, there is an oil site, but urban sprawl, but yet their policies are have been, all because the United we’re not drilling there because we leading to more urban sprawl as they States has seen this vision that eth- don’t drill offshore. So the next oil rig continue to drive up these gas prices. anol is going to save us all. you will see out in the Gulf of Mexico Syndicated columnist Walter Wil- Several years ago, those who talked will be built by the Cubans and the liams wrote recently, ‘‘If I were an about ethanol that weren’t for the con- Chinese. They’re drilling in areas that OPEC big cheese, I would easily con- cept of ethanol said ethanol is not we ought to be drilling in because it clude I could restrict output and going to be profitable unless gasoline has been said in this House we can’t charge higher prices were U.S. oil drill- gets to $4 a gallon. Four years ago, peo- drill offshore safely. That is wrong. ing restricted. I would see environ- ple in this House said, oh, that’s never I live in the area that was hit by mental groups as allies and make going to happen. The problem with eth- Katrina and Hurricane Rita, and when ‘charitable’ contributions to help them anol is it takes a gallon and a third of those two hurricanes came through reduce U.S. output,’’ and that’s some- fuel, diesel, to produce a gallon of eth- that area, 700 offshore rigs were dam- thing I thought for quite some time anol. And only when gasoline gets to be aged or destroyed. But yet, we didn’t that these OPEC and countries and for- $4 a gallon will ethanol be profitable hear one word about crude oil seepage eign energy producers I’m sure are con- for this country. from the Gulf of Mexico because it did tributing big money to these environ- In fact, it’s driving up pollution. not happen. mental groups, and they’re receiving Science Magazine has stated, ‘‘After We have the greatest technology in huge multi-million dollar contribu- taking into account worldwide land-use the world for drilling, and we can drill tions that they were refusing to dis- changes, corn-based ethanol will in- safely, we’ve proven that. We’ve drilled close the source of. crease greenhouse gases 93 percent safely, and we will continue to drill Leonardo Mangeri, of the Italian en- ergy company ENI, said, there are compared to gasoline over a 30-year pe- safely. riod.’’ And that’s just the way it is. proven oil reserves now, economically and technologically recoverable, of 1.1 In other words, the House was trying f to be environmentally correct. We trillion barrels, or 38 years of world want to make sure we don’t have pollu- ENVIROMENTAL GROUPS ARE usage. In addition, he says there are tion. Nobody wants pollution. Nobody DRIVING UP THE PRICE OF GAS- another 2 trillion barrels of recoverable wants greenhouse gases; but unproven, OLINE reserves that will be obtainable as subsidized ethanol is going to raise The SPEAKER pro tempore. The technology improves over the next few worldwide greenhouse gases all because Chair recognizes the gentleman from years. Also, the International Energy Ad- we’re tilling up our farmland. Tennessee (Mr. DUNCAN) for 5 minutes. ministration, Mr. Speaker, estimates I have here a map of the United Mr. DUNCAN. Mr. Speaker, oil prices that at current prices, it will be eco- States. Now we’re also finding out have reached $112, $113 a barrel, an all- nomic to recover at least another 2 where the Mississippi River dumps into time high. Gas prices have reached an trillion barrels of petroleum from tar the Gulf of Mexico, there is a dead average of $3.50 a gallon and in some places even higher, and the only people sands and oil shale. zone, and there is a dead zone there for Just a couple of months ago, I wrote who seem to be happy about this are various reasons. But because we’re in another newsletter this: Gas prices Sierra Club and some of these other en- plowing up all in the Midwest this are far too high and probably will go vironmental groups. I have noticed farmland and making corn, which even higher. They could be much lower, takes a lot of fertilizer, that fertilizer that almost all of these environmental but very powerful environmental is going down the Mississippi River, radicals or environmental extremists groups want them to go higher so peo- and the dead zone at the mouth of the seem to come from very wealthy or ple will drive less. Thus, we have put 85 Mississippi River is getting bigger. very upper-income families. They are percent or 611 million acres of the ‘‘Dead zone’’ means exactly what it elitist types, and perhaps they’re not outer continental shelf off limits to oil says: Nothing grows there and fish concerned when their policies destroy production. We will not allow drilling don’t live there, all because of this con- jobs and drive up prices because who in 99.9 percent of Alaska where oil cept of ethanol. they’re really hurting are the poor and could be found, and have prohibited or So what are we doing about it? Well, the lower income and the working peo- restricted production in other parts of first thing Congress did, we’re going to ple in this country. the U.S. punish those oil companies, those As the previous speaker, Mr. POE, We’ve also placed so many rules, reg- American oil companies, and we are pointed out, now some of these envi- ulations and red tape on all types of going to tax them, raise the taxes on ronmental groups, their policies are domestic energy production that small- these oil companies, and that’s what causing food prices to go up worldwide and medium-sized businesses cannot Congress did. Now it’s a simple eco- and, in many countries, leading to compete or even enter these industries nomic fact. You tax something, you get starvation. But once again, the envi- in the first place. All of these produc- less of it. What does that mean? That ronmentalists are hurting the poor and tions can be done in environmentally means if you tax something, you’re the lower-income and the working peo- safe ways. Some of these environ- going to get less production. You’re ple. So perhaps they don’t care. mental groups help the big business gi- going to get less production of crude About a year and a half ago in one of ants and foreign energy producers tre- oil. my newsletters I wrote this: I said, mendously, but they are really hurting Now, we don’t drill off our own many experts are still predicting that lower- and middle-income people. shores. We’re the only Nation in the the price of oil, and thus the price of f world that doesn’t take care of our- gas, is going to go way back up. Envi- selves with the natural resources that ronmental groups think this is good be- RECESS we have been given. The only place we cause it will force people to drive less. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- drill offshore, Mr. Speaker, is right However, many people already have ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair here in this blue zone off the State of difficulty paying their gas bills, espe- declares the House in recess until noon Texas where I’m from, off the State of cially people from small towns in rural today. Louisiana and parts of Mississippi and areas where many people have to drive Accordingly (at 11 o’clock and 7 min- Alabama. But you see in all of these long distances to go to work. utes a.m.), the House stood in recess areas that are red on this map, there is And I might add, Mr. Speaker, that until noon. crude oil out there in the ocean, but we when you drive these gas prices up, as f don’t drill out there even though crude some of these environmental groups b 1200 oil is there. want, to $4, or $5, or $6 a gallon so peo- In fact, we’re going to see some new ple will drive less, you’ll put the final AFTER RECESS platforms out in the Gulf of Mexico, nails in the coffins of some of the small The recess having expired, the House but they’re not from America. Right towns in rural areas. The environ- was called to order by the Speaker pro here off the coast of Florida, right mental groups loudly complain about tempore (Ms. BALDWIN) at noon.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:05 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.023 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2273 PRAYER minute and to revise and extend his re- whom I am proud to call both a con- The Chaplain, the Reverend Daniel P. marks.) stituent and a friend. Coughlin, offered the following prayer: Mr. PITTS. Madam Speaker, taxes Ric Flair’s professional wrestling ca- God of the founders of this Nation, are a function of spending. If you spend reer of 36 years, in which he enter- who has shown us mercy throughout more, you must tax more. tained millions of people around the our history, be attentive to Your peo- The spending budget we passed pre- world, recently came to a close. He will ple and our needs today. In Your wis- viously is predicated on the largest tax be forever known as an innovator, a dom, You have established us as stew- increase in American history. Tax in- pioneer, and, perhaps, the greatest that ards of creation. Guide the Members of creases are coming to all Americans. his industry has ever seen. By any Congress and all citizens of this great Tax increases are on autopilot. standard, Ric Flair is a living legend. land in their work today. Without even a vote, tax levels are He is recognized all over the world, May the dignity of their enterprise going to snap back up to the old levels, but he calls Charlotte, North Carolina, bear results, which will unite Your peo- the levels that existed before the 2001 home. On his way to being named a ple and bring about a prosperity that and 2003 tax reductions. In other words, record 16-time world champion, he be- will embrace the least in our midst and doing nothing is doing something. came famous for his bleached blond reveal the generosity of those richly One of the reasons for the uncer- hair, his designer suits, and his char- endowed so to give You ever greater tainty in the market is because people ismatic on-stage persona, while dishing glory, both now and forever. Amen. know these tax increases are coming. out his trademark chops, and, of f All marginal income tax rates will in- course, the dreaded Figure Four THE JOURNAL crease, capital gains rates will in- Leglock. crease, the marriage tax penalty will On March 29, 2008, Ric Flair became The SPEAKER pro tempore. The come back, the child tax credit will de- the first active wrestler to be ever in- Chair has examined the Journal of the crease, the death tax will jump back up ducted into the WWE Hall of Fame. last day’s proceedings and announces to 55 percent. This will hurt the econ- Often imitated, but never duplicated, to the House her approval thereof. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- omy. his legacy will forever be synonymous nal stands approved. The Democratic leaders have blocked with the world of professional wres- free trade with Colombia, they have tling. He is a fixture at Carolina Hurri- f blocked efforts to produce more oil and canes games and Panthers games in PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE natural gas resources, they have our State. The joy and emotion that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the blocked lower taxes. All this will hurt Ric Flair’s very presence evokes will gentleman from Illinois (Mr. HARE) the economy. continue on for a very, very long time. come forward and lead the House in the People are beginning to call this the Today I honor the career of Nature Pledge of Allegiance. Pelosi recession. Maybe they are right. Boy and congratulate Charlotte’s fa- Mr. HARE led the Pledge of Alle- f vorite son, Ric Flair. giance as follows: Woooo! HONORING EVA GEIRINGER I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the SCHLOSS f United States of America, and to the Repub- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, (Mr. HARE asked and was given per- TAX BENEFITS AND RELIEFS indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. mission to address the House for 1 (Mr. COHEN asked and was given per- f minute.) mission to address the House for 1 ECONOMY AND EFFORTS TO PASS Mr. HARE. Madam Speaker, I rise minute and to revise and extend his re- SECOND ECONOMIC STIMULUS today to honor and commend Eva marks.) PACKAGE Geiringer Schloss for her efforts to Mr. COHEN. Madam Speaker, today educate our Nation about the evils of is the dreaded April 15, and I, like mil- (Mr. WILSON of Ohio asked and was racism and hate. lions and millions of Americans, have given permission to address the House Eva was born in Austria in 1929. filed my returns and those for my for 1 minute.) When the Nazis invaded, she and her mother and others. Mr. WILSON of Ohio. Madam Speak- family went into hiding in Amsterdam This Congress has tried to provide er, with thousands of Americans losing until they were arrested on Eva’s 15th and has provided relief for middle-class their homes and jobs, skyrocketing birthday. taxpayers and middle-income tax- costs for basic items such as gas prices Eva was sent to Auschwitz, where she payers and extended those tax benefits. at an all-time high, Americans every- endured the daily degradation of the We have also passed relief for the peo- where are feeling the negative impact concentration camp that robbed so ple who pay the alternative minimum of these failed economic policies that many of their lives. Eva’s father and tax. we are living under. Congress has already enacted an eco- brother were killed in the Holocaust. But with the stimulus package, we nomic stimulus package that will pro- She and her mother were liberated by provide moneys for people to get a re- vide relief to families in need. Last the Russian army. fund. But to get that refund, people week, House Democrats called on Eva Geiringer Schloss has traveled have to file their taxes. Be sure and file President Bush to again work in a bi- throughout the United States edu- your taxes, and if your income is partisan manner on a second stimulus cating thousands of people about the $75,000 or less or $150,000 for a couple, package, one that would help our econ- dangers of unchecked prejudice and you can get your stimulus relief pack- omy get back on track. hate. A play based on Eva’s life enti- age passed by this Congress. House Democrats are also working on tled ‘‘And Then They Came for Me’’ has We wish our moneys weren’t going to legislation to help 1.5 million Amer- been presented all over the country and rebuild Baghdad and for war efforts, ican families to avoid foreclosure. This will be performed in my district to but with the work of this Congress, one legislation goes further than the Presi- mark the Holocaust Remembrance. day we will have peace, we won’t be dent’s plan to help only 100,000 home- It is my honor to recognize Eva, a spending the money in Baghdad, and owners. This one goes to 1.5 million. courageous woman who endured un- we will be spending the money in Congressional Democrats are pro- imaginable brutality and has dedicated America to rebuild our infrastructure. posing strong initiatives that will help her life to fighting injustice. f stabilize the housing market and help f THE WASHINGTON ELITES jump-start an economy that is simply HONORING RIC FLAIR leaving just too many people behind. (Mr. POE asked and was given per- f (Mrs. MYRICK asked and was given mission to address the House for 1 permission to address the House for 1 minute.) THE PELOSI RECESSION minute.) Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, the Wash- (Mr. PITTS asked and was given per- Mrs. MYRICK. Madam Speaker, I ington elites are trying to rule the land mission to address the House for 1 would like to honor the career of a man like a monarchy, claiming they know

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:05 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.007 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2274 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 best for what they consider the peas- cause the only thing going up faster on licans are serious about providing con- ants in the vast rural areas. the Republican administration than tinued relief to the middle class, they Those elitists grew up in privilege the price of gas is the national debt. should support our final budget pro- and look down on the rest of the coun- f posal. try. The elitists in the imperial king- f dom of Washington, DC feel it’s their NATIONAL CRIME VICTIMS’ privileged right and obligation to make RIGHTS WEEK b 1215 the peasants happier because those (Mr. CARTER asked and was given MIDDLE CLASS TAX CUTS rural Americans don’t know how to permission to address the House for 1 (Mr. ALTMIRE asked and was given take care of themselves. minute.) Well, let me tell you the truth about Mr. CARTER. Madam Speaker, this permission to address the House for 1 those peasants. These great Americans week is National Crime Victims’ minute.) don’t look to Washington or the elites Rights Week. Mr. ALTMIRE. Madam Speaker, con- or the monarchy for their happiness. This Congress should be working to gressional Democrats are prioritizing They find their happiness in their indi- make our cities, our streets, our tax cuts for the middle class. Our budg- viduality. The folks that I represent in States, our Nation safer for crime vic- et made clear that we intend to extend southeast Texas are patriotic citizens, tims instead of talking about things and pay for the Bush tax cuts that di- many from small-town rural America. like beaches and protecting union rectly impact middle class families. They love their families and are bosses. In fact, the Democratic budget iden- proud of America. They are honest, The National Center for Missing and tifies the specific tax cuts that we hard-working independent citizens Exploited Children was created 10 years would like to see extended, such as: who, when duty calls, go off to war to ago, and this is about to expire in a few marriage penalty relief; the 10 percent defend this Nation. They attend church months. lower income bracket; the child tax on Sunday, and if they don’t attend, Let me tell you, having spent 21 credit; small business expensing; and they still feel strongly about their reli- years on the bench, I probably tried 250 the R&D tax credit. gion. to 300 aggravated sexual assault cases. But like our fiscally irresponsible They believe they have the personal One was an adult, the balance were colleagues who advocate a continu- right to bear arms. They are not bitter children. ation of this administration’s failed about life, but they are generally This is epidemic in this country. It’s economic policies, the Democratic happy. They are not in need of big gov- time for this Congress to get on board budget achieves balance in 4 years and ernment coming in in the name of hope and work on the Internet Sex Offender ensures that any increased spending or and change to control more of their Prohibition Act, which would punish decreased revenue must be offset by lives. people for using the Internet to find comparable budget cuts. Those in Washington would do well victims for their sexual offenses as Rather than just charging the cost to to remember that the salt of the Earth child predators and would increase and the national credit card and increasing lives in small-town America. Govern- enhance the punishment for those our indebtedness to foreign nations ment should keep out of their way, in- crimes. like China and Japan, Democrats want stead of interfering with their lives, This is important work. This is work to go in a new direction by ensuring their faith, and their right to bear this Congress needs to do to protect that our budgets are balanced and our arms. our children and make our streets safe. Tax Code is fair for all Americans. And that’s just the way it is. f f f DEMOCRATIC CONGRESS IS FIGHT- AMERICANS ASK: WHY IS BUSH BIG OIL ING TO MAKE THE TAX CODE SPENDING BILLIONS IN IRAQ FAIR AND PRO-FAMILY (Mr. DEFAZIO asked and was given (Mr. SIRES asked and was given per- permission to address the House for 1 (Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia asked and mission to address the House for 1 minute.) was given permission to address the minute.) Mr. DEFAZIO. Madam Speaker, the House for 1 minute and to revise and Mr. SIRES. Madam Speaker, on Tax presumptive Republican nominee for extend his remarks.) Day, Americans have a right to ask president, JOHN MCCAIN, has a solution Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Madam why the Bush administration continues to skyrocketing gas prices. Speaker, as millions of middle-class to spend taxpayer dollars on an Iraq Is he going to take on Big Oil, their Americans rush to the post office to- war that has no end in sight and no price gouging, and their obscene prof- night to drop their tax forms in the plans for success. its? No. Is he going to take on OPEC mail, this Democratic Congress is Today, President Bush will spend and their collusion to restrict supply fighting to make the Tax Code fair and more than $338 million in Iraq. What and drive up the price in violation of pro-family. exactly does that mean for the tax- international trade law? No. Already this year we passed a budget payer sending in his or her form today? Is he going to take on the hedge fund that makes middle-class tax relief a The typical taxpayer covers the cost of speculators on Wall Street that are priority. Our budget calls for extending the war in Iraq for only one-half a sec- driving up the price unnecessarily 50 middle-income tax cuts, including ond. cents a gallon so then they can make child tax credit, marriage penalty re- And while we continue to ship bil- money? No. lief and 10 percent tax bracket. lions of dollars to Iraq while our econ- He is going to be the GOP nominee, Rather than supporting our budget, omy is going south and our budget def- the Grand Oil Party nominee. He can’t President Bush and congressional Re- icit continues to hit record highs every take that money. He has a solution. publicans continue to push permanent year, the Iraqi government currently Suspend the Federal gas tax. tax cuts for multimillionaires. For 7 has a surplus and is expecting to re- In 1993, the Federal gas tax was 18.3 years now, President Bush’s tax policy ceive $40 billion this year in oil reve- cents and a gallon of gas was a buck. In has disproportionately benefited the nues. Can someone please make sense 2008, a gallon of gas is $3.50. The Fed- wealthiest few in our Nation. of this policy? eral gas tax is the same 18.3 cents. It’s Consider that the average millionaire Madam Speaker, the American tax- dropped to 5 percent of the cost. is being given $120,000 in tax breaks on payer has every right to demand more If we follow his plan, we will cancel their 2007 taxes, while middle-income accountability from Washington. Con- hundreds of needed bridge projects and taxpayers are, on average, receiving gressional Democrats continue to pro- highway projects across the country, only about $740. pose a change in policy, one that shifts throwing construction workers out of As the income gap between the more responsibility to the Iraqis them- jobs, an already hard-hit sector, or wealthy and the middle class continues selves. They can certainly afford it. maybe he is just going to borrow the to grow, we should prioritize middle- Unfortunately, President Bush and his money after he cancels the gas tax, be- class tax cuts. If Congressional Repub- supporters in Congress ignore the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:37 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.024 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2275 American people and congressional Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, House Mr. YARMUTH. Madam Speaker, as Democrats who do not want to see tax- Democrats’ fiscally irresponsible budg- our constituents put the finishing payer dollars wasted in Iraq any et will impose on American workers touches on their tax returns, many of longer. and businesses a $683 billion tax hike, them are probably wondering just how f the largest in U.S. history. much we will be sending to Iraq. With our economy slowing and many Taxpayers are rightfully outraged, as SUPPORT TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE families losing their homes, the last are many Members of this body, by the AND SIMPLIFICATION ACT thing Congress needs to do is to take massive levels of waste, fraud and cor- (Mr. MCNERNEY asked and was more money from these hardworking ruption documented in large govern- given permission to address the House Americans. Tax relief, not a tax in- ment contracts to well-connected for 1 minute.) crease, is the best stimulant to our firms. Under the Bush administration, Mr. MCNERNEY. Madam Speaker, I economy. Socking 116 million Ameri- the use of no-bid contracts has doubled rise today on Tax Day 2008 in strong cans with an average tax hike of over and the Defense Contract Audit Agency support of H.R. 5719, the Taxpayer As- $1,800 is an irresponsible fiscal strat- believes that $10 billion of the tax- sistance and Simplification Act. I com- egy. payers’ money has been spent on ques- mend Chairman RANGEL and Ranking Working families would be hit espe- tionable or unsupported costs in Iraq Member MCCRERY for bringing this bill cially hard by the Democrats’ irrespon- contracts. to the floor and working hard to sim- sibility. A family of four with two chil- Madam Speaker, House Democrats plify our tax policies. dren that currently earns $50,000 annu- are bringing much-needed account- Today’s Tax Code has become so ally would have to pay an additional ability to the government contracting complex that it takes more than 25 $2,155 in taxes under the Democrats’ business by cracking down on no-bid hours to complete an itemized tax re- plan. That would amount to a 191 per- contracts, protecting Federal whistle- turn. That is an hour longer than 2003, cent increase in their tax bill. blowers, and withholding Federal con- and 10 hours longer other than 1989. The last thing our economy needs tracts from tax-delinquent companies. Families will benefit significantly right now is the largest tax increase in While Democrats would like to see a from this legislation which strengthens history. House Republicans are dedi- change of policy in Iraq, we, like the identity theft and tax fraud protec- cated to protecting working families, average taxpayer, want to prevent our tions, stops taxpayer harassment by investors, and small businesses from money from being wasted. We are tak- ending the private collection of Fed- the irresponsible tax hike that is being ing the steps necessary to ensure that eral taxes, and expands tax refund as- foisted upon us. no longer happens. sistance for low-income Americans. f I am also pleased that the provisions f TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE AND in the Taxpayer Assistance and Sim- ON TAX DAY, WHOSE SIDE ARE SIMPLIFICATION ACT plification Act increase online fraud YOU ON? security and allows individuals to have (Mr. HALL of New York asked and was given permission to address the (Mr. KAGEN asked and was given better recourse in the event of a crime. permission to address the House for 1 Madam Speaker, I urge my col- House for 1 minute and to revise and minute and to revise and extend his re- leagues to support H.R. 5719. extend his remarks.) marks.) f Mr. HALL of New York. Madam Speaker, my friend, the colleague who Mr. KAGEN. Madam Speaker, today AMERICANS ASK: WHY IS BUSH spoke just before me, was mentioning a is Tax Day and everyone in America is SPENDING BILLIONS IN IRAQ fictitious tax increase. I want people to asking the question: Whose side are (Ms. WATSON asked and was given know that such a thing does not in fact you on? permission to address the House for 1 exist, and I would be curious to see Well, I am on the side of Wisconsin minute and to revise and extend her re- which law it is. taxpayers, and my record proves it. I marks.) In the meanwhile, there is no better have kept my word. Ms. WATSON. Madam Speaker, day than today, April 15, to talk about In September of 2006, I stated we today, Tax Day, millions of Americans the commitment this Congress has should do two things: First, balance know that their tax dollars will sup- made to the American people to ensure our Federal budget here in Washington port rebuilding Iraq instead of rebuild- that the Tax Code becomes fairer and like people do back home; and, second, ing America. Americans have already simpler for middle class families. to reduce taxes for middle class fami- spent $44 billion in rebuilding Iraq at a We must be consistent and make the lies. time when the Iraqis have a huge oil Tax Code more helpful to families by We have kept our word. And like revenue reserve. prioritizing middle class tax relief, in- other Democrats, I voted to cut taxes Today, taxpayers may be wondering cluding the child tax credit, relief from and balance our Federal budget. We how this money could be spent in Iraq, the marriage penalty, and preserving saved 62,000 households in the Eighth our money, instead of rebuilding the our lowest tax brackets. District of Wisconsin from paying the U.S.A. With the $339 million that we We must also commit to making sure AMT tax; for tax deductions for health are spending daily in Iraq, we could in- our tax dollars are spent wisely. The care expenses and property taxes; we stead provide an additional 18,000 average family pays over $13,000 in Fed- voted to cut taxes for small businesses American students with Pell Grants so eral taxes; they deserve to get their and S corporations; and we are trying they can attend college. We could also money’s worth. to make mortgage payments deduct- hire and keep 4,400 ‘‘COPS on the For that to happen, we must preserve ible for everyone, whether you itemize beat.’’ Our moneys could be used, if we fiscal discipline, as this Congress has or do not. spent them here, to have 2,000 more done by reinstating the pay-as-you-go We also voted to close tax loopholes border guard agents to protect our bor- rules, PAYGO, meaning we only spend that encourage our jobs to be shipped ders. as much money as we have and we do overseas. We are on the side of the tax- Madam Speaker, as Americans pay not increase the deficit for our children payers. My record proves it. Today is their taxes today, they have a right to and grandchildren. And we must Tax Day. Whose side is your represent- know why billions are being spent each prioritize important spending such as ative on? month in Iraq instead of here in the health care, education, and our na- f U.S.A. tional infrastructure. ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER f f PRO TEMPORE DEMOCRATS’ FISCALLY WHY IS BUSH SPENDING BILLIONS The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- IRRESPONSIBLE BUDGET IN IRAQ ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair (Mr. CHABOT asked and was given (Mr. YARMUTH asked and was given will postpone further proceedings permission to address the House for 1 permission to address the House for 1 today on motions to suspend the rules minute.) minute.) on which a recorded vote or the yeas

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:37 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.011 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2276 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 and nays are ordered, or on which the which the nominee sustained a physical in- (A) One member jointly appointed by the vote is objected to under clause 6 of jury described in subsection (a) and how the majority leader and minority leader of the rule XX. circumstances meet the criteria described in Senate. Record votes on postponed questions such subsection; (B) One member jointly appointed by the (2) the full name of the nominee; will be taken later. Speaker and minority leader of the House of (3) the home mailing address of the nomi- Representatives. f nee; (C) One member from the Department of FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OF- (4) the agency in which the nominee served Justice appointed by the Attorney General. on the date when such nominee sustained a (D) Four members of the Federal Law En- FICERS CONGRESSIONAL BADGE physical injury described in subsection (a); OF BRAVERY ACT OF 2008 forcement Officers Association appointed by (5) the occupational title and grade or rank the Executive Board of the Federal Law En- Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. of the nominee; forcement Officers Association. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the (6) the field office address of the nominee (2) LIMITATIONS.— on the date when such nominee sustained a rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4056) to es- (A) APPLICABLE TO MEMBERS OF THE FED- physical injury described in subsection (a); ERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICERS ASSOCIA- tablish an awards mechanism to honor and TION.—No more than 5 Board members may Federal law enforcement officers in- (7) the number of years of service in the jured in the line of duty, as amended. be members of the Federal Law Enforcement Federal government by the nominee as of the Officers Association. The Clerk read the title of the bill. date when such nominee sustained a physical (B) APPLICABLE TO NOMINATING OFFICIALS.— The text of the bill is as follows: injury described in subsection (a). In the case of a Board member who is an (c) SUBMISSION DEADLINE.— H.R. 4056 agency head, if such member nominates an Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (1) INJURIES SUSTAINED BEFORE AUGUST 15.— In the case of an individual who sustained a individual under section 4(a), such member resentatives of the United States of America in may not participate in any evaluation or Congress assembled, physical injury described in subsection (a) on or after January 1 of a year and before Au- recommendation process of the Board with SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. gust 15 of such year, to nominate such indi- respect to such individual. This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Federal Law vidual under such subsection for a Badge, an (3) QUALIFICATIONS.—Board members shall Enforcement Officers Congressional Badge of agency head shall submit such nomination be individuals with knowledge or expertise, Bravery Act of 2008’’. to the Congressional Badge of Bravery Board whether by experience or training, in the SEC. 2. FINDINGS. by February 15 of the following year. field of Federal law enforcement. Congress finds as follows: (2) INJURIES SUSTAINED ON OR AFTER AUGUST (4) TERMS AND VACANCIES.—Each Board (1) According to the Department of Jus- 15.—In the case of an individual who sus- member shall be appointed for 2 years and tice, in the past 7 years, an average of 150 tained a physical injury described in sub- may be reappointed. A vacancy in the Board Federal law enforcement officers per year section (a) on or after August 15 of a year, to shall not affect the powers of the Board and sustained physical injuries while dealing nominate such individual under such sub- shall be filled in the same manner as the with an assaultive subject. section for a Badge, an agency head shall original appointment. (2) More than 70 Federal agencies employ submit such nomination to the Congres- Federal law enforcement officers but only 2 (d) OPERATIONS.— sional Badge of Bravery Board by February (1) CHAIRPERSON.—The Chairperson of the such agencies have an awards mechanism to 15 of the second year following the date on recognize Federal law enforcement officers Board shall be a Board member elected by a which the individual sustained such physical majority of the Board. who are injured in the line of duty. injury. (3) In contrast to the lack of an awards (2) MEETINGS.—The Board shall conduct its SEC. 5. CONGRESSIONAL BADGE OF BRAVERY mechanism for Federal law enforcement offi- first meeting not later than 90 days after the BOARD. appointment of a majority of Board mem- cers, the President awards the Purple Heart (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—There is established for military personnel wounded or killed bers. Thereafter, the Board shall meet at the within the Department of Justice a Congres- call of the Chairperson, or in the case of a during armed service, and most State and sional Badge of Bravery Board (in this Act local police departments have commenda- vacancy of the position of Chairperson, at referred to as the ‘‘Board’’). the call of the Attorney General. tions and medals for officers who are injured (b) DUTIES.—The duties of the Board are (3) VOTING AND RULES.—A majority of in the line of duty. the following: Board members shall constitute a quorum to (4) Formal congressional recognition does (1) Design the Badge with appropriate rib- conduct business, but the Board may estab- not exist to honor Federal law enforcement bons and appurtenances. lish a lesser quorum for conducting hearings officers who are injured in the line of duty. (2) Select an engraver to produce each scheduled by the Board. The Board may es- (5) It is appropriate for Congress to recog- Badge. tablish by majority vote any other rules for nize and honor the brave men and women in (3) Not later than July 15 of each year, the conduct of the business of the Board, if Federal law enforcement who are injured from among the nominations timely sub- such rules are not inconsistent with this Act while putting themselves at personal risk in mitted to the Congressional Badge of Brav- or other applicable law. the line of duty. ery Board by February 15th of such year, en- (4) STAFF.—The Board may appoint and fix SEC. 3. AUTHORIZATION OF A BADGE. dorse as recipients of the Badge such nomi- the pay of additional qualified personnel as The Attorney General may award, and a nations who meet the criteria described in the Board considers appropriate to assist it Member of Congress or the Attorney General section 4(a) and submit to the Attorney Gen- in carrying out its duties under subsection may present, in the name of Congress a Con- eral a list of such nominations so endorsed. (b). gressional Badge of Bravery (in this Act re- (4) After submission to the Attorney Gen- ferred to as the ‘‘Badge’’) to a Federal law eral of the list described in paragraph (3)— (e) POWERS.— enforcement officer who is cited by the At- (A) procure the Badges from the engraver (1) HEARINGS.— torney General, upon the recommendation of selected under paragraph (2); (A) IN GENERAL.—The Board may hold the Congressional Badge of Bravery Board, (B) send a letter announcing the award of hearings, sit and act at times and places, for sustaining a physical injury on or after each Badge to the agency head who nomi- take testimony, and receive evidence as the January 1, 2007, while in the line of duty. nated the endorsed recipient of such Badge; Board considers appropriate to carry out the SEC. 4. NOMINATIONS. (C) send a letter to each Member of Con- duties of the Board under this Act. The (a) IN GENERAL.—An agency head may gress representing the congressional district Board may administer oaths or affirmations nominate for a Badge an individual who where the endorsed recipient of each Badge to witnesses appearing before it. meets the following criteria: resides to offer such Member an opportunity (B) WITNESS EXPENSES.—Witnesses re- (1) The individual is a Federal law enforce- to present such Badge; quested to appear before the Board may be ment officer working within the agency of (D) provide for the presentation of each paid the same fees as are paid to witnesses the agency head making the nomination. Badge in accordance with section 7; and under section 1821 of title 28, United States (2) The individual sustained a physical in- (E) provide for the posting of the name of Code. The per diem and mileage allowances jury while in the line of duty. each endorsed recipient of the Badge on the for witnesses shall be paid from funds appro- (3) The individual faced personal risk when public Internet site of the Department of priated to the Board. the injury described in paragraph (2) oc- Justice in a manner that acknowledges the (2) INFORMATION FROM FEDERAL AGENCIES.— curred. Federal service and bravery of each such re- Subject to sections 552, 552a, and 552b of title (4) The injury described in paragraph (2) cipient. 5, United States Code— occurred during some form of conduct char- (5) Set an annual timetable for fulfilling (A) the Board may secure directly from acterized as bravery by the agency head the duties described in this subsection. any Federal department or agency informa- making the nomination. (c) MEMBERSHIP.— tion necessary to enable it to carry out this (b) CONTENTS.—A nomination under sub- (1) NUMBER AND APPOINTMENT.—The Board Act; and section (a) shall include— shall be composed of 7 members (in this Act (B) upon request of the Board, the head of (1) a written narrative, of not more than 2 referred to as the ‘‘Board members’’) ap- that department or agency shall furnish the pages, describing the circumstances under pointed as follows: information to the Board.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:05 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.012 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2277 (3) INFORMATION TO BE KEPT CONFIDEN- There was no objection. Unbeknownst to many of us, approxi- TIAL.—The Board shall not disclose any in- Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. mately 150 of our Federal officers are formation which may compromise an ongo- Madam Speaker, I yield myself such injured in the line of duty each year in ing law enforcement investigation or is oth- time as I may consume. this country. However, of the more erwise required by law to be kept confiden- tial. It is my pleasure to rise in strong than 70 Federal agencies that employ (f) COMPENSATION.— support of H.R. 4056, the Federal Law law enforcement officers, only two, the (1) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided in Enforcement Officers Congressional Drug Enforcement Administration and paragraph (2), Board members shall serve Badge of Bravery Act of 2008. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms without pay. This measure establishes a formal and Explosives, actually recognize (2) TRAVEL EXPENSES.—Each Board member process by which Congress will be able agents injured in the line of duty. shall receive travel expenses, including per to recognize acts of bravery by men H.R. 4056 establishes the Congres- diem in lieu of subsistence, in accordance and women in Federal law enforcement sional Badge of Bravery to honor Fed- with applicable provisions under subchapter I of chapter 57 of title 5, United States Code. who become injured in the course of eral law enforcement officers injured in SEC. 6. PRESENTATION OF BADGES. their duties. the line of duty, the first formal con- (a) PRESENTATION BY MEMBER OF CON- Each year, approximately 150 Federal gressional award honoring injured law GRESS.—A Member of Congress may present law enforcement officers are injured in enforcement officers throughout the a Badge to any Badge recipient who resides the line of duty. Although more than 70 entire Federal Government. in such Member’s congressional district. If Federal agencies employ law enforce- The Congressional Badge of Bravery both a Senator and Representative choose to ment officers, only two of these agen- will be awarded to those Federal law present a Badge, such Senator and Rep- cies have an awards mechanism to rec- enforcement officers who demonstrate resentative shall make a joint presentation. ognize officers who are injured in the bravery in performance of their duties, (b) PRESENTATION BY ATTORNEY GENERAL.— If no Member of Congress chooses to present line of duty. faced personal risk to their safety, and the Badge as described in subsection (a), the This bill addresses a long overdue were injured in the line of duty. Attorney General, or a designee of the Attor- need to establish a process for congres- H.R. 4056 establishes a seven-member ney General, shall present such Badge. sional recognition of the dangers these Badge of Bravery Board within the De- (c) PRESENTATION ARRANGEMENTS.—The of- officers face for our safety. It would au- partment of Justice. The Board is fice of the Member of Congress presenting thorize a Member of Congress or the charged with designing the badge, se- each Badge may make arrangements for the Attorney General to present in the lecting recipients and coordinating the presentation of such Badge, and if a Senator and Representative choose to participate name of Congress a Congressional presentation of the award. jointly as described in subsection (a), the Badge of Bravery to an officer who is Federal law enforcement officers per- Senator and Representative shall make joint cited by the Attorney General based on form an invaluable service in pro- arrangements. The Board shall facilitate any the recommendation of a board estab- tecting our Nation from terrorist at- such presentation arrangements as requested lished by this measure. tacks, apprehending violent criminals, by the congressional office presenting the Madam Speaker, the men and women including sexual predators who prey on Badge and shall make arrangements in cases in Federal law enforcement, like many our children, and ensuring the safety of not undertaken by Members of Congress. hardworking public servants, must thousands of visitors to America’s (d) LIMITATION.—A Badge may not be awarded under this section during the 60-day often work long and sometimes irreg- parks and forests each year. This badge period before the date of a Congressional ular hours. Unlike other public serv- of bravery is the least we can do to rec- election. ants, however, Federal law enforce- ognize the dedication and sacrifice of SEC. 7. DEFINITIONS. ment officers undertake their respon- those injured in the line of duty. For purposes of this Act: sibilities with full knowledge that they I urge my colleagues to support this (a) FEDERAL LAW ENFORCEMENT OFFICER.— are at risk of severe injury, or worse. legislation. The term ‘‘Federal law enforcement officer’’ This bill will now accord these brave I reserve the balance of my time. means a Federal employee— men and women formal congressional Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. (1) who has statutory authority to make recognition, an honor that is so very Madam Speaker, it is an honor to yield arrests; to the author of this legislation, Mr. (2) who is authorized by his or her agency much deserved. I thank the gentleman to carry firearms; and from Indiana (Mr. ELLSWORTH) for his ELLSWORTH, who represents his district (3) whose duties are primarily— leadership on this important legisla- in Indiana with distinction, but also (A) the investigation, apprehension, or de- tion. I encourage my colleagues to sup- represented the district as their sheriff tention of individuals suspected or convicted port it. for many years, and it is therefore very of a Federal criminal offense; or Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- appropriate that I yield to him 5 min- (B) the protection of Federal officials ance of my time. utes. against threats to personal safety. Mr. ELLSWORTH. Madam Speaker, (b) AGENCY HEAD.—The term ‘‘agency Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I I’d like to thank Ms. ZOE LOFGREN and head’’ means the head of any executive, leg- yield myself such time as I may con- islative, or judicial branch government enti- sume. Mr. CHABOT from Ohio for their support ty that employs Federal law enforcement of- I rise in strong support of H.R. 4056, and recommended support for this. And ficers. the Federal Law Enforcement Officers I rise with great pride today to support SEC. 8. AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS. Congressional Badge of Bravery Act of the Federal Law Enforcement Officers There are authorized to be appropriated to 2008. The men and women of Ameri- Congressional Badge of Bravery Act. the Attorney General such sums as may be can’s Federal law enforcement agencies As we all know, our Federal law en- necessary to carry out this Act. risk their lives every day protecting forcement agencies, including the Cap- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- our communities, apprehending crimi- itol Police that keep us safe every day, ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from nals and bringing them to justice. They are responsible for providing much of California (Ms. ZOE LOFGREN) and the are charged with the challenge of dis- the safety and security that all Ameri- gentleman from Ohio (Mr. CHABOT) rupting terrorist plots, combating vio- cans expect and enjoy. In big cities and each will control 20 minutes. lent gang activity, and stemming the in small towns across the country, Fed- The Chair recognizes the gentle- flow of illegal drugs into this country. eral law enforcement officers work to woman from California. And they rise to this challenge every keep our Nation safe from terrorists, GENERAL LEAVE single day. criminals and anybody who seeks to do Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. us harm. This legislation gives Con- Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous con- b 1230 gress an opportunity to honor their sent that all Members have 5 legisla- Over 100,000 law enforcement officers service. tive days to revise and extend their re- are employed by Federal agencies, in- As a career law enforcement officer, I marks and include extraneous material cluding not only the FBI, DEA and know about the sacrifices that all law on the bill under consideration. ATF, but also the Secret Service, For- enforcement officers make in service to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there est Service, Park Police, Postal Inspec- their communities and the Nation. I’ve objection to the request of the gentle- tors and Immigration and Customs En- seen genuine acts of bravery and her- woman from California? forcement officers. oism, and have also been witness to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:05 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP7.002 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2278 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 some of the injuries that can come legislation to the floor. I urge my colleagues rights and provided with assistance as they with the job. today to vote for this important resolution that face the financial, physical, and psycho- While my experiences are specific to will give due honor and respect to those Fed- logical impact of crime: Now, therefore, be it local law enforcement, Department of Resolved, That the United States House of eral law enforcement officers wounded in the Representatives— Justice statistics show that over the line of duty by recognizing them with a Con- (1) supports the mission and goals of the last 7 years, an average of 150 Federal gressional Badge of Bravery. 2008 National Crime Victims’ Rights Week in law enforcement officers each year sus- Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. I order to increase public awareness of the im- tained physical injuries while dealing yield back the balance of my time. pact of crime on victims and survivors of with combative subjects as a direct re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The crime, and of the rights and needs of such sult of their duties. question is on the motion offered by victims and survivors; and Unlike military personnel who are the gentlewoman from California (Ms. (2) directs the Clerk of the House of Rep- resentatives to transmit an enrolled copy of awarded a Purple Heart when wounded ZOE LOFGREN) that the House suspend this resolution to the Office for Victims of or killed during armed service, and in the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 4056, as Crime in the Department of Justice. many States and local police who re- amended. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ceive commendations and medals for The question was taken; and (two- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from sustaining physical injuries, most Fed- thirds being in the affirmative) the California (Ms. ZOE LOFGREN) and the eral law enforcement officers do not re- rules were suspended and the bill, as gentleman from Ohio (Mr. CHABOT) ceive any official recognition for simi- amended, was passed. each will control 20 minutes. lar sacrifices. In fact, while more than A motion to reconsider was laid on The Chair recognizes the gentle- 70 Federal agencies employ Federal law the table. woman from California. enforcement, only two such agencies, f the DEA and the ATF, have an award GENERAL LEAVE mechanism to recognize those officers SUPPORTING THE MISSION AND Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. who were injured in the line of duty. GOALS OF NATIONAL CRIME VIC- Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous con- This is an oversight that we can cor- TIMS’ RIGHTS WEEK sent that all Members have 5 legisla- rect today. Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. tive days to revise and extend their re- The bill before us would make great Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the marks and include extraneous material progress in honoring the law enforce- rules and agree to the resolution (H. on the bill under consideration. ment officers who help keep us safe. It Res. 1053) supporting the mission and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there would establish a Congressional Badge goals of National Crime Victims’ objection to the request of the gentle- of Bravery that would be awarded to Rights week in order to increase public woman from California? officers injured in the line of duty awareness of the rights, needs, and con- There was no objection. while conducting an act of bravery. It cerns of victims and survivors of crime Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. I would also provide Members of Con- in the United States. yield myself such time as I may con- gress the opportunity to present the The Clerk read the title of the resolu- sume. Congressional Badge of Bravery to the tion. Madam Speaker, the National Center injured officers who are truly home- The text of the resolution is as fol- for Victims of Crime reports that ap- town heroes in all of our districts. lows: proximately 23 million Americans are victimized by crime each year. Of It should also be noted that the Fed- H. RES. 1053 eral Law Enforcement Officers Associa- these, more than 5 million are victims Whereas 23,000,000 Americans are victims of violent crime. tion, which represents more than 26,000 of crime each year, and of those, 5,200,000 are members, supports this legislation. victims of violent crime; Victims of crime can suffer from a Again, I’d like to thank Chairman Whereas a just society acknowledges broad range of adverse effects, ranging CONYERS and his staff for their support crime’s impact on individuals, families, and from the physical to the psychological. and hard work and the assistance on communities by ensuring that rights, re- Some experience financial distress re- this bill. sources, and services are available to help re- sulting from a disruption in employ- I urge my colleagues to support this build lives; ment. legislation. Whereas victims’ rights are a critical com- Unfortunately, some of the most vul- Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I ponent of the promise of ‘‘justice for all,’’ nerable of our society are also among the foundation for our system of justice in yield back the balance of my time. America; those who are most commonly the vic- Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. I Whereas although our Nation has steadily tims of crime. People of color suffer would just urge my colleagues to sup- expanded rights, protections, and services for disproportionately from violent crime. port this important legislation. It has victims of crime, too many victims are still The poor and uneducated are often the bipartisan support. not able to realize the hope and promise of target of financial schemes. And, sadly, Mr. SHULER. Madam Speaker, I rise today these gains; children are victimized more than any in support of H.R. 4056, establishing a Federal Whereas we must do better to ensure serv- other group. Law Enforcement Officers Congressional ices are available for underserved segments A just society demands that we al- of our population, including crime victims Badge of Bravery. This resolution will ensure with disabilities, victims with mental ill- ways bear in mind the suffering that that due public honor and recognition is given ness, victims who are teenagers, victims who crime victims endure and work to re- to those Federal law enforcement officers who are elderly, victims in rural areas, and vic- duce the incidence of the crime that are wounded in the line of duty while pro- tims in communities of color; causes that suffering. tecting our Nation and communities. Whereas observing victims’ rights and This bill will increase public aware- Federal law enforcement officers are em- treating victims with dignity and respect ness about the effects of crime on its ployed by a multitude of agencies, yet only serves the public interest by engaging vic- victims and their families as well as two of those agencies have distinct awards tims in the justice system, inspiring respect our communities. for public authorities, and promoting con- As part of today’s debate, I would mechanisms to recognize officers wounded in fidence in public safety; the line of duty. Adopting this resolution will Whereas America recognizes that we make also like to point out that the Office allow the Attorney General and Members of our homes, neighborhoods, and communities for Victims of Crime offers a full array Congress the opportunity to honor Federal law safer and stronger by serving victims of of assistance help for crime victims. By enforcement officers from their districts and crime and ensuring justice for all; supporting this office and its programs commend their actions, which resulted in Whereas our Nation must strive to protect, on an ongoing basis we can help ensure being wounded, with a Badge. This honor will expand, and observe crime victims’ rights so that victims are afforded their legal bolster recognition for those Federal officers, that there truly is justice for victims and rights and the necessary assistance to justice for all; and overcome the effects of being victim- as well as raising awareness and pride of their Whereas National Crime Victims’ Rights work in the communities they serve and pro- Week, April 13, 2008 through April 19, 2008, ized by crime. tect. provides an opportunity for us to strive to I encourage my colleagues to support Madam Speaker, I commend Congressman reach the goal of justice for all by ensuring H. Res. 1053. ELLSWORTH on his leadership in bringing this that all victims are afforded their legal I reserve the balance of my time.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:05 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.014 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2279 Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I I appreciate the work that my col- and national victims assistance organi- yield myself such time as I may con- leagues, Mr. COSTA and Mr. POE, have zations to enhance mutual education, sume. done on the Victims’ Rights Caucus legislative advocacy and initiatives Madam Speaker, I rise in strong sup- and in introducing this resolution. Na- which promote justice for all, includ- port of this important resolution and tional Crime Victims Week serves ing, most importantly, the victims of the 28th annual observance of National many purposes, including to remind us crime. Crime Victims’ Rights Week. This what victims have suffered and the Three, to seek opportunities for edu- year’s theme, ‘‘Justice for Victims, need to include them in the criminal cation to public education initiatives Justice for All’’ is appropriate. Too justice system, to thank those individ- to help those in the United States to often, victims of crime are made to be uals and organizations who have self- understand the impact on crime on vic- victims a second time, first as a result lessly dedicated themselves to assist- tims and to encourage their involve- of the crime, but second as a result of ing victims, and to urge us all to re- ment in crime prevention, victim as- our criminal justice system, the very dedicate ourselves to advance the sistance and community safety. system designed to protect them. cause of the victims of crime. And, fourth, to protect the restitu- In 2004, 20 years after Congress en- I urge my colleagues to support the tion fund that was initiated in the acted the Victims of Crime Act, Con- victims of crime and their families and early 1980s. Those restitution funds go gress enacted the Justice for All Act. those that help them rebuild their lives to the benefits of victims of crimes. This was a significant victory for crime by supporting this resolution. Unfortunately, this administration has victims, as it extended a number of en- I reserve the balance of my time. tried to redirect those restitution forceable rights to crime victims, in- Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. funds, which are not taxpayers dollars, cluding the right to be reasonably Madam Speaker, it is an honor to rec- but, in fact, criminal dollars, to the heard at any public proceeding involv- ognize my colleague from California, general fund. This Congress and the ing release, plea or sentencing, the the author of this bill, Congressman previous Congress prevented that from right to file a motion to reopen a plea, JIM COSTA, for 5 minutes. occurring. or sentence in certain circumstances, Mr. COSTA. Madam Speaker, I thank Our caucus has been very successful. and, most importantly, the right to be the gentlewoman from California for We have authored legislation, and I treated with dignity, fairness and re- yielding me the time. want to thank Congressman TED POE spect. I rise today to introduce House Reso- for cochairing the caucus with me, and Despite enactment, enforcement of lution 1053 with my colleague, Con- for all of the Members of the House of these rights is just one of a number of gressman TED POE. This supports the Representatives who belong to this important changes that needs to occur mission of the goals of National Crime caucus. to ensure that our Nation’s criminal Victims’ Rights Week, and that des- Crime victims are our sons, our justice system is just for both offenders ignated that this week, April 13 to daughters, our brothers and our sisters, and the victims of those crimes. April 19, as National Crime Victims’ or neighbors and our friends. And they In a hearing held by the Crime Sub- Rights Week. are struggling to survive in the after- committee 3 weeks ago, testimony was Congressman POE and I introduced math of crime. They deserve our sup- presented revealing that crime victims this resolution on behalf of Victim port. continue to bear the brunt of crimes. Rights Caucus members who have b 1245 According to the Department of Jus- joined this effort over the recent years. tice, crime costs victims and their fam- In 1980 President Reagan first called Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I ilies more than $105 billion in lost earn- for a national observance to recognize yield such time as he may consume to ings, public victim assistance and med- and honor millions of victims of crime the gentleman from Texas (Mr. POE), ical expenses. in our country, their families and sur- who before joining us here in Congress For example, despite a victim’s right vivors. And with a bipartisan effort in was a very distinguished judge who was to full and timely restitution, it re- Congress, that took place. recognized for his leadership in work- mains one of the most underenforced National Crime Victims’ Rights ing to promote the interests of victims victims’ rights within our justice sys- Week also pays tribute to thousands of of crime. tem. In fact, more than $50 billion in community-based systems for victims Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, I appre- criminal debt, including restitution service providers, who, in fact, provide ciate the gentleman from Ohio yield- and fines, were uncollected in 2007. And support to the criminal justice system ing. the amount of outstanding criminal and allied professionals, who, in fact, Madam Speaker, victims of crime are debt is only expected to increase, bal- help those victims of crime every week real people. They are our friends, our looning from $269 million to almost $13 throughout the country. relatives and our neighbors, and unfor- billion. And in my own State of Ohio, This year’s theme for National Crime tunately, because of our culture, they more than $1.2 billion in criminal debt Victims’ Rights Week is ‘‘Justice for have been for many years overlooked remained uncollected at the end of fis- Victims, Justice for All.’’ We, as a Na- in the criminal justice system. Well, I cal year 2007. tion, must do more to ensure that all think those days are over because they While I appreciate the majority’s ef- victims of crime are afforded their are as important as defendants, be- fort to recognize National Crime Vic- legal rights and provided with assist- cause the same Constitution that pro- tims’ Rights Week, I believe that more ance as they face financial, physical tects the rights of defendants in the than just lip service can be done to and oftentimes psychological impacts courtroom, that same Constitution help victims. Many of us have intro- of crime. protects the rights of victims of crime. duced good legislation, such as H.R. When I first arrived in Washington Since 1981, this country celebrates 845, the Criminal Restitution Improve- almost 4 years ago, there was a lack of National Crime Victims’ Rights Week ment Act of 2007, or H.R. 4110, restitu- an advocacy group of behalf of victims’ in April. Local communities hold ral- tion legislation introduced by Rep- rights and issues. Congressman TED lies and candlelight vigils and a num- resentative SHEA-PORTER that will do POE and I decided, as new Members, ber of other activities to honor the mil- more to assist victims. that we would put together a Victim lions of crime victims and survivors in If we all agree that crime victims Rights Caucus. We’re very proud of the the United States and also to recognize bear the brunt of crimes, then why not effects of this caucus in the first 4 those many individuals that work with pass a bill such as H.R. 845, that makes years of its origin. crime victims. restitution mandatory and strengthens The goals of our caucus are simple: This week is National Crime Victims’ collection efforts? One, to represent crime victims in the Rights Week, and this year’s theme is Enforcement of these rights is the United States in a bipartisan effort by ‘‘Justice for Victims, Justice for All.’’ type of legislation that crime victims supporting legislation that reflects It is a very appropriate theme because and their families need and deserve to their interests and their needs. we cannot achieve justice for all until help rebuild their lives, not just the Two, to provide ongoing forum for there is some justice, total justice, for recognition that they exist on paper. proactive discussion between Congress victims of crime.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:05 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.016 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2280 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 The victims’ right movement has yet nonpartisan, caucus now has 44 the resolution (H. Res. 1095) recog- come a long way. The days when a vic- members, and we do everything we can nizing and honoring the 40th anniver- tim was just a mere witness in the to raise the awareness of crime victims sary of congressional passage of title courthouse are not far gone. here in the Federal Government. VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (the While we are always sure to safe- In 2006, 25 years after Adam Walsh’s Fair Housing Act) and the 20th anni- guard the rights of defendants, our jus- murder that I just mentioned earlier, versary of the Fair Housing Amend- tice system must also safeguard the President Bush signed the Adam Walsh ments Act of 1988. rights of victims of crime. Child Protection and Safety Act, which The Clerk read the title of the resolu- The victims’ rights movement dates requires sex offenders and child molest- tion. ers, once they leave the Federal peni- all the way back to 1965 when the first The text of the resolution is as fol- tentiary or State penitentiaries, to crime victim compensation program lows: was started in the State of California. register on the national database so Five States enacted similar legislation that we keep up with those people who H. RES. 1095 by 1970, and then we saw that organiza- wish to prey on our communities. Whereas April 11, 2008, marks the 40th an- tion, what we call the MADD mothers, Madam Speaker, crime victims don’t niversary of congressional passage of the Fair Housing Act; Mothers Against Drunk Driving, come have a lobbyist up here in Washington. They don’t have some high-dollar lob- Whereas September 13, 2008, marks the 20th into being to advocate on behalf of vic- anniversary of congressional passage of the tims of crime who had been hurt by byist to work for them and advocate on their behalf. But we are their lobbyists. Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988; those people who drink and drive. Whereas the Chicago Freedom Movement, In 1975, activists across the country We advocate on behalf of all crime vic- led by the Reverend Doctor Martin Luther united and formed the National Organi- tims because that’s what we do here in King, Jr., expanded the fight for civil rights zation for Victim Assistance to expand Congress, to take and protect the best from the South to the North, raised the na- that we have among us, and that’s victim services and promote the rights tional consciousness about housing discrimi- crime victims. nation, and shaped the debate that led to the of victims. I urge community leaders and organi- landmark fair housing legislation, the Fair In 1978, three more important organi- zations to celebrate how far the vic- Housing Act; zations started: the National Coalition tims’ rights movement has come but Whereas the National Advisory Commis- Against Sexual Assault, the National also to continue to recognize the im- sion on Civil Disorders, appointed by Presi- Coalition Against Domestic Violence, portance of crime victims that live dent Lyndon B. Johnson and commonly known as the Kerner Commission, found in and a group of somber individuals among us because, Madam Speaker, called Parents of Murdered Children, 1968 that ‘‘[o]ur nation is moving toward two justice is the one thing we should al- societies, one black and one white—separate all of them advocating on behalf of ways find, and hopefully crime victims crime victims. and unequal’’; can find justice at the courthouse in Whereas Congress passed the Fair Housing President Reagan in 1981 proclaimed our day and time. Act as part of the Civil Rights Act of 1968, the first National Victims’ Rights And that’s just the way it is. and President Lyndon B. Johnson signed the Week in April, and that was also the Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Act into law on April 11, 1968, one week after year that 6-year-old Adam Walsh was Madam Speaker, I wonder if the gen- the assassination of the Reverend Doctor abducted from a department store and tleman from Ohio has additional Martin Luther King, Jr.; later murdered, prompting a national speakers. Whereas the Fair Housing Act prohibits campaign to educate the public on Mr. CHABOT. We have no additional discrimination in housing and housing-re- missing children and to pass better leg- speakers, and we would be happy to lated transactions on the basis of race, color, yield back our time. national origin, and religion; islation—Federal legislation, to pro- Whereas in section 808 of the Housing and tect our greatest natural resource, the Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Community Development Act of 1974, Con- young that live among us. Madam Speaker, I would urge my col- gress amended the Fair Housing Act to in- In 1982, the Federal Government cre- leagues to support this resolution. It’s clude protection on the basis of sex; ated the Office for Victims of Crime, or bipartisan. It’s important. Whereas the Fair Housing Amendments OVC, within the Department of Jus- I just recalled, as I was listening to Act of 1988, passed by overwhelming margins tice, a tremendous organization that both Mr. POE and Mr. COSTA taking the in Congress, included protection on the basis sees after the victims of crime in our lead and I thank them both for that, of familial status and disability, created an country. my more than 10 years on the Victim important enforcement mechanism, and ex- panded the definition of ‘‘discriminatory Then, in 1984, the Congress passed the Witness Assistance Board, when I was in local government, and the tremen- housing practices’’ to include interference Victims of Crime Act, what we call and intimidation, requiring the Department VOCA, one of the most novel concepts dous need there is for people who have of Housing and Urban Development to issue that Congress has ever adopted. What been victims and then who are also regulations to implement and interpret the it does is require that people convicted witnesses to receive the assistance Fair Housing Act and report annually to in Federal courts, those defendants, from society that they need so much. Congress on the nature and extent of housing once they are convicted, they pay mon- So I appreciate the efforts of both discrimination; eys into a fund, and that fund is used gentlemen and our colleagues who are Whereas the intent of Congress in passing the Fair Housing Act was broad and inclu- to help crime victims throughout the in this caucus and urge support. Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- sive, to advance equal opportunity in hous- United States. It is a tremendous idea, ance of my time. ing and achieve racial integration for the making defendants pay for the system The SPEAKER pro tempore. The benefit of all people in the United States; they have created, pay the rent on a question is on the motion offered by Whereas housing integration affects edu- cational attainment, employment opportuni- courthouse as I like to call it. And the gentlewoman from California (Ms. today, Madam Speaker, that fund is ties, access to health care, and home equity; ZOE LOFGREN) that the House suspend Whereas the majority of Americans sup- over $1.7 billion, contributed not by the rules and agree to the resolution, taxpayers but by offenders, that goes port neighborhood integration, and numer- H. Res. 1053. ous studies have shown the universal bene- for the specific purpose of helping vic- The question was taken; and (two- fits of residential integration; tims, helping victims’ organizations thirds being in the affirmative) the Whereas more than 4,000,000 violations of like rape centers, domestic violence rules were suspended and the resolu- fair housing laws still occur each year shelters, and victim advocates that tion was agreed to. against people of all protected classes, and help victims throughout the turmoil of A motion to reconsider was laid on testing of the enforcement of fair housing being a crime victim. the table. laws continues to uncover a high rate of dis- In 2005, my first year in Congress, I crimination in the rental, sales, mortgage f was honored to form the Victims’ lending, and insurance markets; Rights Caucus with the gentleman COMMEMORATING THE ANNIVER- Whereas less than 1 percent of violations of fair housing laws are reported each year; from California (Mr. COSTA), who was a SARY OF THE FAIR HOUSING ACT Whereas fair housing centers funded by long-time victims’ advocate in the Fair Housing Initiatives Program (FHIP) are State of California before he ever came Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I the frontline in the effort to resolve housing to Congress. And this bipartisan, but move to suspend the rules and agree to discrimination;

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:37 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.025 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2281 Whereas in 2006, approximately 27,000 hous- ful tool for advancing civil rights, Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I rise ing discrimination complaints were filed, of there is much more to be done. For in- in strong support of H. Res. 1095, a res- which 18,000 complaints were resolved by fair stance, most Americans still live in olution commemorating the 40th anni- housing centers; communities largely divided by race, versary of the passage of the Fair Whereas the Fair Housing Assistance Pro- gram (FHAP) funds fair housing grants an- according to the National Fair Housing Housing Act. nually on a non-competitive basis to State Alliance. On April 4, 2008, just 11 days ago, this and local fair housing enforcement agencies An estimated 3.7 million people are Nation joined together to pay tribute which are used for complaint processing, ad- discriminated against in housing trans- to the 40th anniversary of the assas- ministrative costs, special enforcement ef- actions every single year. This number sination of Dr. Martin Luther King, forts, training and other projects designed to doesn’t even include instances of dis- Jr., and recognize his contributions to enhance the agency’s administration and en- crimination against persons with dis- this Nation. forcement of its fair housing law; abilities, nor does it reflect discrimina- Whereas fair housing education and en- b 1300 forcement play a pivotal role in increasing tory lending in insurance practices, planning and zoning, or other forms of Thus, it’s only fitting that we recog- housing choice and minority homeownership nize one aspect of Dr. King’s legacy, and combating predatory lending; and profiling. We have so much more to do. Whereas the Fair Housing Act is an essen- Enforcement is a key area where we passage of the Fair Housing Act, which tial component of our Nation’s civil rights need further improvement. For exam- was signed into law by President Lyn- legislation: Now, therefore, be it ple, while 27,000 complaints of housing don Johnson on April 11, 1968, just one Resolved, That the House of Representa- discrimination were filed with the Fed- week after Dr. King’s tragic assassina- tives— eral Government last year, Housing tion. (1) recognizes and honors the 40th anniver- The act, which prohibits discrimina- sary of the enactment of the Fair Housing and Urban Development issued 31 charges, and the Justice Department tion in the sale, rental and financing of Act (42 U.S.C. 3601 et seq.) and the 20th anni- housing based on race, religion, na- versary of the enactment of the Fair Housing filed 35 cases. Amendments Act of 1988 (Public Law 100–430; Landlords, real estate agents, lend- tional origin, sex, and later handicap 102 Stat. 1619); ers, insurance agents, and others know and family status, was another tool to (2) supports activities to recognize and cel- they face limited risk of prosecution give meaning to the rights and protec- ebrate the important historical milestones for discrimination. Even those who are tions afforded to all citizens by the represented by the anniversaries of the en- prosecuted often pay such a minor pen- Constitution. actment of the Fair Housing Act and the en- alty that discrimination today be- Passage of the Fair Housing Act was actment of the Fair Housing Amendments comes just another cost of doing busi- a fitting memorial to Dr. King, as his Act of 1988; and name was closely associated with fair (3) encourages all people and levels of gov- ness. It’s no surprise that housing pro- ernment to rededicate themselves to the en- viders continue to discriminate and housing legislation since the 1966 ‘‘open forcement and the ideals of fair housing communities across our Nation sadly housing’’ marches in Chicago. laws. remain highly segregated. At the same time, Senator Edward The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- The most recent manifestation of dis- Brooke, the first African American ant to the rule, the gentleman from crimination in housing is the current ever to be elected to the Senate by pop- Michigan (Mr. CONYERS) and the gen- sub-prime foreclosure crisis, which pre- ular vote, helped facilitate this Act’s tleman from Ohio (Mr. CHABOT) each sents some of the greatest fair housing passage by describing his difficulties will control 20 minutes. and civil rights issues facing our Na- finding housing for his new family fol- The Chair recognizes the gentleman tion today. Fueled by reverse red-lin- lowing his service in World War II. from Michigan. ing practices, the sub-prime fore- The first official appointed to admin- GENERAL LEAVE closure crisis is now causing extreme ister the act was former Governor Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I havoc for minority owners who were George Romney. Secretary Romney as- ask unanimous consent that all Mem- targeted for predatory home loans that sumed his position of Secretary of bers have 5 legislative days to revise stripped away their home equity and Housing and Urban Development after and extend their remarks and include put their houses at risk of foreclosure. serving as Governor of Michigan, where extraneous material on the resolution It’s also affected financing markets all he successfully campaigned for the under consideration. over the world. ratification of a State constitutional The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there If left unchecked, the foreclosure cri- amendment that prohibited discrimi- objection to the request of the gen- sis threatens to wipe out many of the nation in housing. tleman from Michigan? advances the country has made in the Since its enactment, the Fair Hous- There was no objection. 40 years since the passage of the Fair ing Act has prevented both countless Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I Housing Act. instances of specific discrimination as yield myself such time as I may con- To be an effective tool in our fight well as broader patterns or practices of sume. against discrimination, the Fair Hous- discrimination in housing programs. In House Resolution 1095 recognizes the ing Act must be enforced, and we need addition, the act serves to punish those 40th anniversary of the Fair Housing to augment it with tough anti-preda- who attempt to disguise their discrimi- Act, enacted as Title VIII of the Civil tory lending legislation, which is what natory motives by giving false infor- Rights Act of 1968. I intend to do. mation to potential homebuyers, or by On April 11, 1968, days after the assas- We should also enact legislation per- manipulating zoning codes. It prohibits sination of Dr. Martin Luther King, mitting bankruptcy judges to restruc- sexual harassment in housing, and en- Jr., President Lyndon Johnson signed ture home mortgages so deserving fam- ables the disabled to more easily as- into law the Fair Housing Act, which ilies can save their homes from fore- similate into our communities. prohibits discrimination in housing closure and, thereby, stem falling hous- Madam Speaker, I would be remiss if based on race, color, religion or na- ing prices in communities all across I didn’t also commend and recognize tional origin. Twenty years later our Nation. the chairman of the Judiciary, Mr. today, the law was expanded by the After centuries of discrimination and CONYERS, both for his remarks, and Fair Housing Amendments Act to in- denied opportunities, enactment of the also working with myself in a bipar- clude protections against discrimina- Fair Housing Act 40 years ago marked tisan manner on the issue that he tion based also on sexual orientation, a milestone in our Nation’s efforts to raised about those that find themselves familial status, and disability. achieve equal housing opportunities. at risk of having their homes fore- Many may not recall Dr. King’s advo- And so today, we celebrate the Fair closed upon. And I agree with him that cacy for fair housing, but he recognized Housing Act’s 40th anniversary with, I we ought to give the bankruptcy judges the tremendous costs our society pays hope, a renewed commitment to additional powers to modify those par- if patterns of segregated living con- achieving and furthering its goals by ticular agreements so that they can tinues, as it has. supporting this resolution. have a better chance of retaining their While there is no question that the Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- homes. That certainly would move for- Fair Housing Act has become a power- ance of my time. ward those that find themselves at risk

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:41 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP7.003 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2282 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 of losing their own homes. Again, I plaints are filed annually. Forty years ing Act initially prohibited discrimina- want to thank the chairman of the later, 13 fair housing groups have tion on the basis of race, color, religion committee for working with us in a bi- closed their doors due to a lack of fund- and national origin. Sex was subse- partisan manner on that issue. ing. Forty years later, 26 fair housing quently added to the list of protected I urge my colleagues to join me in centers, or one-quarter of all fair hous- classes in 1974, and disability and fam- supporting this resolution today, and ing centers, have either closed their ily status were added in 1988. in celebrating the 40th anniversary of doors or are at risk of closing their Forty years later, in 2008, effective passage of the Fair Housing Act. doors due to a lack of funding. and meaningful enforcement of these Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- Forty years later, 87 percent of Afri- fair housing laws continues to be criti- ance of my time. can Americans, Latinos and Asian cally important. It is essential that we Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I Americans meet with real estate continue to combat housing discrimi- thank my colleague from Ohio (Mr. agents and experience some form of nation, which still exists today, not CHABOT), the ranking member, for his steering. Steering occurs when the just by enacting laws, but by enforcing great work on the matter. agent will send a person of one eth- those that we have on the books al- And now I recognize the Reverend AL nicity to an area where persons of this ready. GREEN of Texas, the author of this ethnicity may be residing, whites to This is a meaningful piece of legisla- idea, for 4 minutes. white neighborhoods, blacks to black tion, and I’m honored to pay tribute to Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Thank you, neighborhoods, or neighborhoods that the importance of it, but more impor- Mr. Chairman. However, the promotion are going into some form of transition. tantly, to pay tribute and to recognize I cannot claim. I’m still a lowly Mem- Forty years later, 20 percent of the Af- that enforcement continues to be a ber of the House of Representatives, rican Americans and Latinos trying to problem, and that discrimination in not yet made it to that lofty level of buy or rent homes have their cause ig- housing continues to exist. being a reverend, but you are very nored. With that, I thank the gentleman for kind. And I thank you for the many The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- the time. years of work that you have dedicated tleman’s time has expired. Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I am to this very issue that we have on the Mr. CONYERS. I yield the gentleman pleased now to recognize the Honorable floor today. In fact, it can be said that 1 additional minute. MAXINE WATERS of California for as your great work has caused us to have Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Less than 1 much time as she may consume. this opportunity to be here today. percent of housing discrimination acts Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I am I also would like to thank the rank- are reported 40 years later. pleased to speak in strong support of ing member, LAMAR SMITH, for his So we need to do something to this resolution offered by my col- work in helping us to bring this to the change this. We need to fully fund the league, Mr. GREEN, from Houston com- floor, and the manager of the time, fair housing programs. FHIP, the Fair memorating the 40th anniversary of Member STEVE CHABOT, for your serv- Housing Initiative Program, should be title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 ices that you’ve rendered as well. And fully funded to about $52 million. and the 20th anniversary of the Fair I appreciate especially the comments This program allows us to do what is Housing Amendments Act of 1988. that you’ve made today. known as testing, the means by which In celebrating or commemorating or we acquired the empirical evidence The history of the Fair Housing Act recognizing the 40th anniversary of the that housing discrimination has actu- embodies both our Nation’s most noble Fair Housing Act of 1968, we are, in ally occurred. There is no substitute instincts and recent behavior by our truth, recognizing the efforts of Dr. for FHIP and the testing that takes Federal Government, which should Martin Luther King because it was Dr. place. make none of us proud. Martin Luther King who went to Mem- But also there is a piece of legisla- On April 11, 1968, one week to the day phis some 40 years ago to help what we tion, the Fair Housing Act of 2007, or after the assassination of Dr. Martin call sanitation workers today, but back H.R. 2926, which will give HUD some Luther King, Jr., Congress passed and then we called them garbage men. additional authority, will establish the President signed into law the Fed- Dr. King had a basic premise of try- competitive grants, will help us to ex- eral Fair Housing Act which now pro- ing to help somebody. And to him, amine the causes of housing discrimi- hibits discrimination in housing based these persons, although known as gar- nation and talk about what we can do on race, national origin, religion, color, bage men, they were somebody. And he and, in fact, conclude what we can do sex, familial status and disability. went there to help them in their efforts to make remedies. Acting on this legislation, which has to obtain equal justice. And while If we want to live not in vain as Dr. been stalled in this body for over 2 there, the unfortunate circumstance King did, let’s help somebody. Let’s do years, was a fitting tribute to Dr. King occurred, and we lost Dr. King pre- something about discrimination in and reflected a belief that something maturely. But I do believe that he did housing and make real the great Amer- constructive could be achieved in the not live in vain. ican ideal of owning a home. aftermath of days of unrest in cities There is a spiritual song styled, ‘‘If I Mr. CONYERS. I am pleased now to across the country. can help somebody as I travel along, if recognize a senior member of the House In 1988, the law was amended by the I can help someone with a word or a Judiciary Committee, MEL WATT, for Fair Housing Amendments Act, which song, if I can help someone from doing as much time as he may consume. And significantly strengthened the enforce- wrong, then my living shall not be in I note that, although the gentleman ment powers of the act, giving the De- vain.’’ Dr. King lived not in vain be- from Texas is not a minister, we may partments of Housing and Urban Devel- cause this act, the Fair Housing Act, all agree that he is a good preacher. opment and Justice the authority to was passed after his demise. There are Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, I rise in mandate and to enforce the expanded some historians who contend that it support of H. Res. 1095, the resolution and comprehensive requirements of the was his demise, in fact, that created recognizing the 40th anniversary of the act. Unfortunately, while we can be the opportunity for it to pass as timely Fair Housing Act. proud of passing these landmark stat- as it did. The Fair Housing Act, title VIII of utes, the sad fact is that the Fair Hous- And I am honored that Dr. King took the Civil Rights Act, was passed by ing Act remains the least enforced of up the cause of the lowly garbage men. Congress and signed into law by Presi- our Nation’s civil rights laws. However, 40 years later, there is still dent Lyndon Johnson in April of 1968, Through the work of local housing great work to be done, as has been indi- only 1 week after the assassination of groups like the Housing Rights Center cated by the chairman, because 40 Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King. in my district in Los Angeles, we know years later there are approximately This landmark act, the primary pur- that more than 3.7 million people are four million acts of housing discrimi- pose of which is to prohibit discrimina- discriminated against in housing trans- nation each year in this country. Forty tion in housing, introduced meaningful actions every year, and we are on the years later, approximately 27,000 acts Federal enforcement mechanisms for brink of an economic crisis fueled by a of housing discrimination and com- buyers and renters. The Federal Hous- failed subprime lending market built

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:37 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.026 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2283 primarily on borrowers and neighbor- sistent voice for liberty and justice for However, according to the Department of hoods of color. all. Thank you, Congressman GREEN. Housing and Urban Development (HUD), more The current foreclosure crisis is the The Fair Housing Act was critical in than 10,000 people filed housing discrimina- outgrowth of persistent discrimination ending the rampant discrimination in tion complaints last year, mostly from persons in housing, lending and insurance mar- the housing industry 40 years. Today with disabilities. HUD also found that race- kets that took place under the neg- the Fair Housing Act continues to play based housing discrimination was the second ligent eyes of the very Federal agen- a vital and significant role in ensuring most frequent reason individuals filed com- cies charged with enforcing our Na- fair and equal access to housing for all plaints. tion’s antidiscrimination laws. In 2007, Americans. Of the more than 10,000 complaints filed the U.S. Department of Housing and It is in part due to the failure, how- last year, 43 percent alleged discrimination Urban Development issued only 31 ever, of this administration to enforce against persons with disabilities while 37 per- charges of discrimination, and the De- these civil rights laws that led to the cent alleged racial discrimination. Most com- partment of Justice filed just 35 cases. predatory lending practices that fueled plainants claimed to be victims of discrimina- Sadly, the risk posed by lax enforce- the housing crisis our Nation now tion in the terms and conditions of the sale or ment of the Fair Housing Act is no less faces. rental of housing, or outright refusal to rent. than the resegregation of America. Just like many other innovative and The Assistant Secretary for Fair Housing While we have made some progress in progressive ideas about equality and and Equal Opportunity at HUD stated that reducing levels of residential segrega- fairness, I must remind us of the fact ‘‘Forty years after the passage of the Fair tion, most Americans live in commu- that the Fair Housing Act had a Cali- Housing Act, an alarming number of families nities largely divided by race and eth- fornia precursor: the Rumford Fair are still being denied housing and still need nicity. Perhaps more distressingly, our Housing Act, one of the first fair hous- the protections this landmark law offers.’’ As- children are attending increasingly ing laws in the Nation. Former Assem- sistant Secretary Kim Kendrick’s remarks only segregated schools. Recent research blyman William Byron Rumford, the underscore the importance of HUD’s contin- first African American from Northern demonstrates that by 2000, minority ued enforcement, instruction, and outreach ac- California elected to the California leg- tivities to ensure that all Americans have equal students were in schools with substan- islature, and whose seat I was later access to housing opportunities. tially fewer white students than was honored to hold, passed this landmark Currently HUD has placed fair housing ad- the case a decade earlier. We must re- bill in 1963, and today I also honor his vertisements on more than 900 movie screens duce those troubling trends. memory and his legacy. throughout the country. These advertisements To that end, I urge my colleagues to But like many today who argue that inform viewers that it is unlawful to discrimi- support this resolution offered by Mr. the housing and financial services in- nate in the sale, rental, or financing of housing GREEN, whose dedication to the hous- dustries do not need further oversight and provided HUD’s toll-free telephone num- ing needs of America and America’s or regulation, I must remind us also ber, for those that may have experienced or most vulnerable households is second that during this period, a candidate for witnessed unlawful discrimination. to that of no other member of the governor over 40 years ago, Ronald Another part of HUD’s outreach in this area Housing and Community Opportunity Reagan, fought very hard against fair is its training program, Fair Housing Accessi- Subcommittee, which I chair. housing laws. But, thankfully, Ronald bility FIRST, which has trained 1,351 individ- Additionally, in my role as Chair, I’m Reagan lost his fight to make housing uals in 22 training sessions in 17 states on the joining Mr. GREEN in rededicating my- discrimination the law in California, Fair Housing Act’s design and construction re- self to the enforcement of the Fair and 40 years ago the Congress passed quirements for multifamily housing. Housing Act, starting with making the Fair Housing Act to outlaw dis- TEXAS plans for a joint hearing with the Con- crimination in housing in every State On March 27th, HUD announced that the stitution Subcommittee, chaired by of the union. Like my colleagues, I also Texas State Program and the cities of Hous- Mr. NADLER of New York, to hold the honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther ton and New Braunfels will receive a total of inadequate efforts of both HUD and the King, Jr. today as we pass this resolu- $234,868,077 to support community develop- Department of Justice up to congres- tion. ment and produce more affordable housing. sional scrutiny. Unfortunately, today the promise of HUD’s annual funding will also provide down b 1315 fair housing remains unfulfilled. De payment assistance to first-time homebuyers; facto segregation has kicked in. assist individuals and families who might oth- The best way to celebrate the anni- Subprime mortgages have unfairly hit erwise be living on the streets; and offer real versary of the Fair Housing Act is to African Americans and the Latino housing solutions for individuals with HIV/ take concrete actions to enforce both community and other communities of AIDS. its letter and spirit. color. So we must work to educate This funding will help Texas to reconstruct Mr. Chairman of our Judiciary Com- Americans about their right to fair its neighborhoods and affordable housing mittee, whose lifelong work has been housing and work together to enforce stock by helping communities to improve their to end discrimination and to enforce the law. And we must fully fund fair infrastructure or assisting families to purchase fair housing and to enforce civil rights, housing programs to at least the tune their first home, HUD is helping improve I just thank you for having the oppor- of $84 million in fiscal 2009. neighborhoods from the ground up. tunity to work with you. So, Madam Speaker, we must recom- The funding announced includes: Commu- Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I mit ourselves today to make these crit- nity Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds; recognize now the gentlewoman from ical investments a guarantee for fair HOME Investment Partnerships (HOME) fund- Oakland, California, a valuable mem- housing for all Americans. Housing ing; American Dream Down payment assist- ber of the House (Ms. LEE), for such should be a basic human right in our ance; Emergency Shelter Grant (ESG); and, time as she may consume. great country. Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam (HOPWA). tleman from Michigan will note that Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1095, Since 1974, HUD’s Community Develop- there are only 3 minutes remaining. ‘‘Commemorating the 40th Anniversary of the ment Block Grant (CDBG) Program has pro- Ms. LEE. Let me first say to the Fair Housing Act’’, introduced by a fellow vided more than $120 billion to state and local chairman of the Judiciary Committee, Texan, Representative AL GREEN. governments to target their own community I want to thank you also for staying The Department of Housing and Urban De- development priorities. The rehabilitation of af- the course for freedom, justice, and velopment (HUD) is the nation’s housing fordable housing and the improvement of pub- equality for so many years. Thank you, agency committed to increasing homeowner- lic facilities have traditionally been the largest Mr. CONYERS, and thank you for yield- ship, particularly among minorities; creating af- uses of CDBG although the program is also ing. fordable housing opportunities for low-income an important catalyst for job growth and busi- Madam Speaker, let me say that I Americans; and supporting the homeless, el- ness opportunities. Annual CDBG funds are rise in strong support of H. Res. 1095, derly, people with disabilities and people living distributed to communities according to a stat- and I also must thank Congressman AL with AIDS. The Department also promotes utory formula based on a community’s popu- GREEN for introducing this very impor- economic and community development and lation, poverty, and age of its housing stock, tant resolution but also for his con- enforces the nation’s fair housing laws. and extent of overcrowded housing.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:41 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.028 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2284 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 HOME (HOME Investment Partnerships must reach agreement that matches the scale seek justice and enduring rights for women in Program) is the largest federal block grant to of the problem. If you produce an inadequate that most fundamental of human needs: shel- state and local governments designed exclu- agreement, or fail outright, the cost to our ter. sively to produce affordable housing for low-in- economy will be incalculable. The freeze on In Alexandria, our commission—and our come families. Since 1992, more than 600 foreclosures would give the housing market city—focus on special populations, such as at- communities have completed more than time to stabilize and homeowner’s time to risk preschool children and teens, the home- 834,000 affordable housing units, including build equity. less, ex-offenders, single parents, as well as 352,000 for new homebuyers. In addition, The 110th Congress has demonstrated its the low-income community in general. These 186,000 tenants have received direct rental commitment to moving America in a New Di- populations, our most vulnerable, face enough assistance. rection by raising the minimum wage, imple- of an uphill struggle everyday as it is without The American Dream Down payment Initia- menting the recommendations of the 9/11 governmentally permitted discrimination. I am tive (ADDI) helps first-time homebuyers with Commission, opposing the war in Iraq, improv- proud at what we were able to accomplish so the biggest hurdles to homeownership—down ing children’s health care coverage, increasing many years ago, but I remain committed the payment and closing costs. The program was aid to the Gulf Coast, passing energy reform, vision that Dr. King and others set before us, created to assist low-income first-time home- instituting fiscal discipline through pay go which we honor and remember today. buyers in purchasing single-family homes by budgeting, raising ethical standards for lob- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The providing funds for down payment, closing bying, and increasing oversight over the Bush time of the gentleman from Michigan costs, and rehabilitation carried out in conjunc- Administration on a range of issues including has expired. tion with the assisted home purchase. Since Iraq, FISA, the CIA interrogation tapes, and Mr. CHABOT. Madam Speaker, I the program’s inception, ADDI has assisted the Jena 6 cases. yield back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The nearly 29,000 families to purchase their first We have also made efforts to strengthen question is on the motion offered by home. the housing market, including continued efforts Emergency Shelter Grants (ESG) helps to end discriminatory practices and stabilize the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. local communities to meet the basic shelter the economy. Expanding affordable housing CONYERS) that the House suspend the rules and agree to the resolution, H. needs of homeless individuals and families. and mortgage opportunities for all American Res. 1095. These grants also provide transitional housing families is of paramount importance. The question was taken; and (two- and a variety of support services designed to CONCLUSION thirds being in the affirmative) the move the homeless away from a life on the The 40th Anniversary of the Fair Housing rules were suspended and the resolu- street toward permanent housing. This block Act comes only a few weeks after the Anniver- tion was agreed to. grant program, along with more than $14 mil- sary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther A motion to reconsider was laid on lion HUD awarded New Orleans and Jefferson King, Jr. and—oh how fitting. The things he the table. Parish by competition, helps thousands of fought for then, the principles he gave his life f local homeless assistance programs to help for are still ideals we fight for today. We must those who would otherwise be living on the continue the fight to end discrimination not just RELIGIOUS WORKER VISA streets. in the area of housing but in education, in EXTENSION ACT OF 2008 HUD’s Housing Opportunities for Persons healthcare, in politics. Madam Speaker, I re- Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I with AIDS (HOPWA) grants are distributed to mind colleagues of the importance of the Fair move to suspend the rules and pass the states and cities based on the number of Housing Act, what it has meant to all Ameri- bill (H.R. 5570) to amend the Immigra- AIDS cases reported to the Centers for Dis- cans. tion and Nationality Act to eliminate ease Control and Prevention. The grants pro- Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Madam Speaker, I the sunset in the special immigrant vide resources for operating community resi- rise to commend my colleague Congressman nonminister religious worker visa pro- dences and providing rental assistance and GREEN for sponsoring this resolution to recog- gram, as amended. support services to individuals with HIV/AIDS nize and honor the 40th anniversary of con- The Clerk read the title of the bill. and their families. In addition, the HOPWA gressional passage of title VIII of the Civil The text of the bill is as follows: program also helps many communities de- Rights Act of 1968, the Fair Housing Act, and H.R. 5570 velop strategic AIDS housing plans and fill in the 20th anniversary of the Fair Housing Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- gaps in local systems of care. A stable home Amendments Act of 1988. It is important that resentatives of the United States of America in environment is a critical component for low-in- we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Congress assembled, come persons managing complex drug thera- and reflect on how far we have come. It is SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. pies and potential side effects from their treat- equally important, as we witness tens of thou- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Religious Worker Visa Extension Act of 2008’’. ments. sands of Americans who risk losing their SEC. 2. SPECIAL IMMIGRANT NONMINISTER RELI- SUBPRIME MORTGAGE CRISIS AND HOUSING homes to foreclosure this year, that we rededi- GIOUS WORKER PROGRAM. Over the past year, we have seen a crisis cate ourselves to standing firm for those vic- (a) REGULATIONS.—Not later than Decem- in subprime mortgage lending, which has timized by this economy or victimized by resid- ber 31, 2008, the Secretary of Homeland Secu- threatened the stability of the housing market ual discrimination. We must continue to en- rity shall issue final regulations to eliminate and the livelihoods of large numbers of Ameri- courage all people and all three levels of gov- or reduce fraud in the special immigrant cat- cans. This Democratic Congress is committed ernment to rededicate themselves to the en- egories described in subclauses (II) and (III) of section 101(a)(27)(C)(ii) of the Immigration to strengthening the housing market and stabi- forcement and the ideals of fair housing laws. and Nationality Act (8 U.S.C. lizing the economy, and we have passed im- The fair povision of housing and economic 1101(a)(27)(C)(ii)). portant legislation to address this crisis. opportunity—and especially the drive to en- (b) EXTENSIONS.— Due to the lack of regulation by the federal sure safe shelter for those in need—has been (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 101(a)(27)(C)(ii) of government, many loans were accompanied a compelling foundation of my career in public the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 by fraud, predatory lending, inadequate infor- service. As a council member and subse- U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(C)(ii)) is amended by strik- mation and other failures of responsible mar- quently as mayor of Alexandria, I served as ing ‘‘October 1, 2008,’’ each place such term keting. With exceptionally high (and rising) vice chairman of the Alexandria Economic Op- appears and inserting ‘‘January 1, 2010,’’. (2) CONDITIONAL FURTHER EXTENSION.— portunity Commission when the commission foreclosure rates across the country, home- (A) IN GENERAL.—Section 101(a)(27)(C)(ii) of owners all over America are losing their began its efforts to ensure local, State, and the Immigration and Nationality Act (8 homes. Federal action to bring down the barriers in U.S.C. 1101(a)(27)(C)(ii)), as amended by para- The sub-prime mortgage crisis has impacted rental housing that so discriminated against graph (1), is further amended by striking families and communities across the country. single women with children. ‘‘January 1, 2010,’’ each place such term ap- Home foreclosure filings rose to 1.2 million in The enactment of the Fair Housing Act of pears and inserting ‘‘January 1, 2016,’’. 2006—a 42 percent jump—due to rising mort- 1988 was a testament to many of our former (B) CONDITIONAL EFFECTIVE DATE.—The gage bills and a slowing housing market. Na- colleagues in this region, including former amendment made by subparagraph (A) shall tionally, as many as 2.4 million sub-prime bor- Congresswoman Gladys Spellman, former take effect on March 1, 2009, but only if the Secretary of Homeland Security has com- rowers have either lost their homes or could Senator Charles MacMathias, and former Del- plied with subsection (a). lose them in the next few years. egate, Reverend Walter Fauntroy. That enact- (c) REPORT.—Not later than September 30, It is critical that we address this crisis. The ment was an honor to them and to thousands 2010, the Inspector General of the Depart- Bush administration and the mortgage industry of Americans who joined in a national effort to ment of Homeland Security shall submit to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:37 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP7.009 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2285 the Congress a report containing the results LOFGREN of California, has led the way efit from committed religious workers of a study of the effectiveness of the regula- in fashioning these proposals. from other countries. tions described in subsection (a). The report First, the bill requires that the De- However, I have also long been con- shall also include an analysis of a random partment of Homeland Security issue cerned about the high level of fraud sample of non-minister special immigrant religious workers, before their second anni- regulations by December 31 of this year that has been evident in this visa pro- versary of being admitted, to determine to eliminate or reduce any fraud in the gram. Like Mr. KING, I feel regulations whether they are still employed by the reli- program. Then it extends authorization can only go so far in preventing fraud gious organization that petitioned for them, for only 15 months if the Department and we do need additional statutory and if not, the reasons for their departure of Homeland Security fails to issue changes in the program. from such employment. those regulations. This would enable The Office of Fraud Detection and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Congress to better consider other pos- National Security at the Department ant to the rule, the gentleman from sible avenues to address possible or po- of Homeland Security has conducted a Michigan (Mr. CONYERS) and the gen- tential fraud in the program if that Fraud Benefit Assessment. It found tleman from Iowa (Mr. KING) each will proves necessary. If the department that of 220 religious worker visa cases control 20 minutes. does issue the regulations, the author- selected at random, 33 percent had ‘‘a The Chair recognizes the gentleman ization is extended for 6 more years, for finding of fraud,’’ the highest of any from Michigan. a total of a little over 7 years. Finally, visa program. GENERAL LEAVE the bill requires the Inspector General Fraud involves everything from Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I to report on the effectiveness of the bogus churches and bogus jobs to ‘‘reli- ask unanimous consent that all Mem- regulations by September 30, 2010. gious workers’’ who are found driving bers have 5 legislative days to revise With these significant anti-fraud pro- taxis soon after they arrive here. and extend their remarks and include visions we have worked together with So I especially appreciate the steps extraneous material on the bill under our Republican colleagues to add, I am that the chairman of the Immigration consideration. confident Congress will be equipped Subcommittee, Congresswoman ZOE The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there with the information it needs to deter- LOFGREN, has taken to address these objection to the request of the gen- mine whether further action to prevent concerns. She agreed that we would ex- tleman from Michigan? fraud in the program is warranted. And tend the expiring religious worker There was no objection. if it is, we do not hesitate to take such green cards for 7 years as long as the Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I appropriate action. Department of Homeland Security yield myself such time as I may con- So I hope that we will receive unani- issues long-needed regulations to ad- sume. mous support on this bipartisan legis- dress some types of fraud. In addition, Members of the House, this week we lation. she agreed to have the Inspector Gen- are honored by a visit from His Holi- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- eral complete a report on the effective- ness Pope Benedict XVI and are re- ance of my time. ness of the anti-fraud regulations. The minded of the good work that people of Mr. KING of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I Inspector General also will conduct an faith do all around the world. I am yield myself such time as I may con- audit to determine to what extent reli- pleased to bring before the House at sume. gious workers continue to work for the this time the Religious Worker Visa I rise to address the legislation as so religious institutions that sponsor Extension Act of 2008. eloquently laid out by the chairman of them. This measure would reauthorize the the full Judiciary Committee. And, Madam Speaker, although the bill Special Immigrant Non-Minister Reli- first, I would like to remark that I ap- does not contain all of the provisions I gious Worker Program, which also al- preciate the cooperation in the nego- would have liked, I want to express my lows non-minister religious workers to tiations that have taken place between thanks to Ms. ZOE LOFGREN for her obtain special immigrant status in the Ranking Member SMITH and the chair- comity in drafting this legislation, United States so that they may do the man of the Immigration Sub- which I support. work required of their faith. If we don’t committee, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN, as well Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I act, the program will sunset at the end as Chairman CONYERS. And this is the recognize now the gentlewoman from of September of this year. right spirit to deal with a religious California (Ms. ZOE LOFGREN), Chair of Non-minister religious workers are visas extension type of a bill, and the Immigration, without whose inordinate people of faith who are called to a vo- timing of this is perfect as well for it leadership we would not have been able cation or who are in traditional reli- to be the very week that Pope Benedict to arrive at the accommodations and gious occupations with a bona fide non- XVI is arriving tomorrow morning here agreements that is in the bill that is profit religious organization in the in Washington, DC, and I think a lot of now before us, and I yield to her such United States. Examples of those our activity will be suspended while we time as she may consume. called to a vocation include nuns, commemorate the glorious day. Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. I monks, and sisters. Examples of those I have looked at a number of the sta- thank Mr. CONYERS, Mr. SMITH, and Mr. in religious occupations include mis- tistics throughout this, and I have KING. sionaries, counselors, translators, reli- some reservations about what has tran- Madam Speaker, I am proud to be the gious instructors, cantors, and other spired with the religious worker visas author of H.R. 5570, the Religious pastoral care providers. over the last several years, and I ex- Worker Visa Extension Act of 2008. The program provides up to 5,000 spe- pect to take up some of those issues a Immigrant religious workers add vi- cial immigrant visas per year that reli- little bit later in the debate. tality and depth to communities of gious denominations or organizations But as the gentleman who is more el- faith throughout America. They pro- in the United States may use to spon- oquent in laying out this entire case is vide much-needed help to people of all sor foreign nationals to perform reli- to my right, I would be very happy to faiths. America is a great and diverse gious service here. Once granted, this yield 3 minutes to the ranking member land. Our religious institutions, our type of visa allows religious workers to of the full Judiciary Committee, the churches, mosques, synagogues, tem- immigrate permanently to the United gentleman from Texas (Mr. SMITH). ples, cathedrals, face daunting chal- States. Mr. SMITH of Texas. First of all, I lenges today. They must reach out to Since it was first enacted in 1990, the want to thank the gentleman from more people from more countries and program has been extended four times, Iowa (Mr. KING), who is the ranking cultures than ever before. Religious most recently in 2003. Working with member of the Immigration Sub- workers serve these communities well the ranking member of our committee, committee, for yielding. and ably to the benefit of their commu- LAMAR SMITH, we’re making changes in I am happy to have played a part in nities and their many faiths. I have no the program for the first time to ad- the creation of the Religious Worker doubt that religious communities in dress potential fraudulent uses of the Immigrant Visa Program back in 1990. America will continue to have the need program. None other than our Immi- These visas enable American religious to find devoted people of faith to help gration Subcommittee Chair, ZOE denominations, large and small, to ben- them meet the needs of their members.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:37 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP7.004 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2286 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 b 1330 week. Dr. Emilio Gonzalez is going their social and religious humanitarian In Jewish community schools across back to his family in Florida. And he work. The bill has come under closer the country, highly skilled religious in- told me that with the initiation of site scrutiny because of the allegations of structors from Israel plant the fertile visits, which is something that should abuse and fraud among the foreign pe- seeds of faith in our children. Mormon have happened long ago, the actual titioners. But I am glad that this bill missionaries from around the world number of applications for this visa has will provide for a 7-year extension of come to the U.S. to serve their commu- dropped significantly, which is an in- the program, and it will require DHS to nity and deepen their faith. In Catholic teresting phenomenon. promulgate regulations to eliminate dioceses around America, nuns from So I think that we are well underway fraud. around the world provide needed com- in eliminating any problems with the We must work together with the De- munity services and teach our children program so that our country can enjoy partment of Homeland Security, and I well. Muslim imams call their commu- the richness that religious workers do appreciate the work of Dr. Gonzalez nities together to promote their faiths bring to our communities. to impress upon them that their task and a greater understanding of their I thank the chairman for yielding to is, in fact, to secure America and that beliefs. Protestant churches of every me. they must move quickly on these regu- denomination benefit from the touches Mr. CONYERS. I would like now to lations. If the regulations are not in of religious workers in their diverse recognize the distinguished gentlelady place by December 31, 2008, to reduce communities. from Texas, SHEILA JACKSON-LEE, who fraud, the program will only be ex- The call to faithful service in the has worked on immigration as long as tended for 15 months through January United States will continue to grow as anyone on our committee, and her in- 1, 2010. But if DHS can get the regula- this Nation becomes more diverse. Be- dustry and cooperation have been very tions in place, it is automatically ex- cause of this growing need, I intro- effective in bringing us together this tended to January 1, 2016. duced this bill. It follows my efforts in afternoon. And I yield her as much I think this is a great start. But I ask years past from the 105th and 106th time as she may consume or as much my colleagues to consider the expan- Congress to permanently reauthorize time as I have left, whichever is the sion of this bill, one to authorize it per- the special immigrant nonminister re- longest. manently, but also to look at a small ligious worker visa program. I called Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. To the area of which I hope to write legisla- those bills the Mother Theresa Worker distinguished chairman, let me thank tion on, and that is the insistence that Act in honor of her great service which you for the litany and list of achieve- the religious person coming must be of inspired us and benefited the world. ments of human rights that you have the same religion of that which the I believed then as I believe now, that achieved on this floor. And I appreciate person is petitioning for. the special immigrant nonminister re- the leadership of my subcommittee ligious worker visa program represents Chair, Ms. ZOE LOFGREN, on many hard I had this circumstance in my dis- an important and even critical piece of issues that have come to her attention trict. Grace Community Church is a our immigration laws and that it over the time of her tenure as chair- church with thriving multiple min- should, like other religious worker pro- person. And as a member of the sub- istries that wanted to bring a young grams, not sunset. committee, I am grateful for her lead- man and his family, a bilingual pastor, After four successive reauthoriza- ership. And working with the minority, to speak to their Spanish congregation tions of this program in 1994, 1997, 2000 I thank them on this instance for the and to minister to our Hispanic com- and most recently in 2003, each without cooperation on H.R. 5570. It is an espe- munity in Texas. It was a very, very a single substantive change in the pro- cially unique and important legislative tough task to address the question of gram, I again introduced a bill to per- initiative as we make note not only of the denials that he received because he manently reauthorize the program. the many religious leaders in this Na- was not the same religion of Grace However, as part of the process of put- tion, but as we make note of the visit Community Church. He had the same ting the bill through the regular order of the Aga Khan that, who has spent faith. He believed in a higher power. He and subjecting it to the robust discus- time in the State of Texas and his fol- wanted to do missionary work. The sion inherent in the legislative process, lowers who have had the privilege of church was legitimate. It had long I offered an amendment worked out seeing him for the first time in 10 years years in the community. The father of with the minority in the subcommittee the young man had worked with the to significantly reduce the potential in the United States, someone who has funded major humanitarian efforts pastor of Grace Community Church. for fraud in the program. But yet we could not get a visa except As mentioned by the chairman of the around the world, and of course, the people of New York and Washington, for the gracious reconsideration of the full committee, it requires DHS to Department of Homeland Security. issue its regulations. It limits the reau- D.C. have the privilege of hosting the We must reduce fraud. But we can’t thorization to 15 months. If the depart- Pope in these coming weeks and cer- reduce faith. And when individuals ment fails to issue regulations, it re- tainly in Washington. come and want to be missionaries even quires the Inspector General to issue a Religion is special, and is special to in this land, we should recognize and report on the effectiveness of the regu- this Nation. This legislation is a spe- grant the opportunity. We can reduce lations. And rather than the perma- cial immigrant visa which allows fraud by making sure the institutions nent extension, as I had sought, Mr. qualified religious workers to immi- exist, the time frame is a time frame SMITH and I worked out a compromise grate to the U.S. and later become citi- that is credible, the individuals are of 7 years of the regulations that are zens if they so chose and meet the authored. qualifications. The other is a non- credible, the time that the visa is Finally, after additional discussion immigrant visa which allows qualified issued is reviewed, if you will, or over- with the minority over the last several religious workers to entry temporarily seen by the Department of Homeland days, we have agreed that the Inspec- and perform services in the U.S. for a Security. But actually, we should en- tor General’s report should also con- prescribed period. It has already been courage those who wish to come to this tain an analysis of a random sample of noted that the actions of these reli- Nation for good reasons and those who nonminister special immigrant cases gious workers may find themselves in come under this visa are doing so. to determine whether they are still em- parishes, mosques or synagogues, or So in conclusion, I do want to note ployed by the religious organization really simply in the community, as that we are celebrating the authoriza- that petitioned for them, and if not, Mother Theresa was in India. Both of tion of this bill this week for very spe- the reasons for their departure from these visas may be granted to both cial reasons. But we are also cele- such employment. I am confident that ministers and nonminister religious brating it because we believe that these steps will make the issue and workers. those who want to do good should be concern of fraud unnecessary because Yes, there is humanitarian work to granted the opportunity. As we go for- we will eliminate that problem. be done in the United States. They ward on this legislation, I am hoping I had an exit interview, if you will, work in some of our most impoverished that we will look at some of the small with the director of the USCIS last communities. And they are sincere in fractures that keep good people from

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:41 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.035 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2287 coming to the United States, wor- for Grace Community Church. Through my ef- lent certificates of ordination, diplo- shiping, practicing, serving and work- forts, I was able to get resolution of that case mas and other supporting documenta- ing with a great church like Grace and now Dr. Scarpeta is an active member of tion, he also obtained a valid 501(c)(3) Community and others who may wish the Grace Community Church. tax exemption from recognized reli- to bring individuals who may not have Madam Speaker I urge my colleagues on gious organizations without their the same religious affiliation but have both sides of the aisle to examine this bill and knowledge. the same belief in the greater goodness recognize that it benefits the religious worker The Immigration Subcommittee has and the greater power. and Americans. I fully support what Rep- long been aware of fraud in their reli- Let me yield back by asking my col- resentative LOFGREN and the Subcommittee gious worker visa program. In 1997, a leagues to support H.R. 5570. And I on Immigration, of which I am a member, have GAO investigation was requested by thank my colleagues for the great done in the area of immigration. our subcommittee. The State Depart- work that they have done. Mr. KING of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I ment conducted a field inquiry. They Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam yield myself such time as I may con- did that to get the views of consular of- Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5570, sume. fices as to the level and type of fraud. the ‘‘Religious Worker Visa Program Extension Madam Speaker, I want to make sure And in 41 percent of the 83 responding Act of 2008’’, introduced by the Chairman of that I am on record here as supporting posts, some type of fraud or abuse was the Subcommittee on Immigration, Represent- religious worker visas. And one of the acknowledged. And the State Depart- ment also noted that under the pro- ative ZOE LOFGREN. things that was well publicized during I urge my colleagues to support this bill. The the Reagan administration was our gram’s regulations, almost anyone in- religious worker visa program allows U.S. reli- ability to exchange students and busi- volved with a church, aside from the gious denominations to fill critical religious ness relationships and all parts of our explicitly excluded occupations of worker positions for which there are no quali- culture with the rest of our world and cleaning, maintenance and support fied candidates in the U.S. with qualified reli- bring people into the United States to staff, arguably could be qualified as a religious worker. So this was an open gious workers abroad. The program provides get a feel and for us to learn from them door. And I recognize the chairlady of for two types of visas. and for them to learn from us. And I the subcommittee acknowledged that The one is a special immigrant visa, which very much support that approach, and we need to tighten that up a bit. And allows qualified religious workers to immigrate it has been important from the stand- that, I think, is the biggest reason to the U.S. and later become citizens if they point of promoting peace throughout why, in that particular quote from that so choose and meet the qualification. The the world. I find that whenever you get to know report. other is the non-immigrant visa, which allows In 1999, the GAO released a final re- people, you find out that people are qualified religious workers to enter temporarily port. The agency noted that the types human everywhere with the same val- and perform services in the U.S. for a pro- of fraud often encountered in the proc- ues, the same interests and the same scribed period. Both of these visas may be essing of religious worker visas ‘‘in- ideals at our core. We have different re- granted to both ministers and non-minister reli- volved petitioners making false state- gious workers. ligions sometimes, we have different ments about the length of time that This bill has come under closer scrutiny re- economics, different clothing, different the applicant was a member of the reli- cently because of allegations of abuse and food, different building structures and gious organization and the nature of fraud among the foreign petitioners. H.R. 5570 different climates. That all comes to- the qualifying work experience.’’ would provide for a seven-year extension of gether as components of who we are as The report went on to say that evi- the program and it would require DHS to pro- nations and nationalities. But inside of dence uncovered at that time by INS mulgate regulations to eliminate fraud. If the us, we are all one people. And that is agents suggested that ‘‘some of these Department of Homeland Security does not my belief, and it is my profound com- organizations exist solely as a means issue regulations to eliminate or reduce fraud mitment to continue to support the re- to carry out immigration fraud.’’ That in the religious worker program by December ligious workers’ visa. is what we should be guarding against. 31, 2008, the program is only extended for 15 Now I get to the ‘‘or what?’’ And that That is what we hope to be able to do months through January 1, 2010. If the Sec- is that I have seen a significant with their new regulations that will be retary of Homeland Security issues the regula- amount of fraud in these applications. written as a result of the bill. tion then the program is automatically ex- And I want to point out that where we At his motion, I would be happy to tended until January 1, 2016. will be welcoming Pope Benedict XVI yield to the chairman of the full com- While I support this bill, I would have liked here in Washington, D.C., and as I look mittee, Mr. CONYERS. to have this bill be expanded so that a reli- through the statistics on the Catholic Mr. CONYERS. Thank you very gious worker does not have to work for a reli- religious workers’ visas, the fraud rate much, STEVE KING, ranking member. gious institution of the same denomination. is very, very low as a proportion to the Am I getting from your remarks that Presently, a religious worker must be of the overall applications. So there is no im- you are implying that Protestants same religion as the institution by which the plication in my remarks with regard to commit more abuse than Catholics in worker is employed. Recently this has created Catholics in particular, and many this particular program? problems. other denominations from that stand- Mr. KING. Mr. Chairman, reclaiming Pastor Riggle from Grace Community point. my time, no good deed goes Church in my district in Houston, Texas con- But the special immigrant religious unpunished. tacted my office concerning Dr. David worker visa program was created in I’m simply complimenting the Catho- Scarpeta who needed a religious worker visa 1990 and has been a magnet for people lics without reference to Protestants. to work in his church. USCIS initially denied not only to come and share their faith However, I do have some data I could Dr. Scarpeta’s religious worker petition be- with us, but also a magnet for people bring out perhaps a little later in the cause Dr. Scarpeta was not a member of Pas- to be able to utilize the program in the debate. tor Riggle’s church. system that it wasn’t intended for. Mr. CONYERS. Did you say yes or In my view, Dr. Scarpeta should not have The State Department’s Bureau of no? Mr. KING of Iowa. I said, ‘‘No good been excluded from the religious worker pro- Consular Affairs in September 2005 in deed goes unpunished.’’ I complimented gram merely because he was not a member their Fraud Digest reported that ‘‘reli- the Catholics and didn’t remark with of the church that was sponsoring him. This is gious worker visas are known as some of the most difficult to adjudicate.’’ regard to the Protestants. inconsistent with religious work as I know it in Mr. CONYERS. I thank the gen- The Fraud Digest then goes on to dis- this country. Often religious workers from dif- tleman. ferent denominations and religious workers cuss various cases in which people were Mr. KING of Iowa. I thank the chair- from different denominations work together in prosecuted for fraudulent use of the man for his levity in this debate and I the religious vineyard. program. So, for instance, in 2004 a reclaim my time. Because I thought the law as interpreted Venezuelan national was convicted in was draconian and far too limited in its appli- Virginia of visa fraud. He had filed 179 b 1345 cation, I worked tirelessly with USCIS to en- fraudulent petitions for religious min- Madam Speaker, most recently, in sure that Dr. Scarpeta would be able to work isters. In addition to creating fraudu- July of 2006, the U.S. Citizenship and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:37 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.089 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2288 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 Immigration Services Office of Fraud we only saw, and this is by a verbal re- seeking resident status in order to Detection and National Security con- port from the director, 454 Religious work in religious vocation of other ducted a fraud benefit assessment on Worker Visa applications. That is a countries. In other words, it would sim- the Religious Worker Visa program. dramatic 80-some percent reduction in ply say you send your religious work- They selected 220 cases at random and the number of visa applications. I ers here, we want to be able to send our found an astounding 33 percent fraud think it is safe to conclude that a sig- religious workers there. I think that is rate. That means one out of three was nificant amount of this, Madam Speak- the intent. And I would ask for support fraudulent. That is their finding. er, is the result of increased scrutiny of that across the bipartisan effort, and In 32 of the fraudulent cases, the reli- on the part of USCIS. particularly those that have taken par- gious institution either did not exist or We need to be taking a particular ticular interest in this issue. But I will only existed on paper, and 39 of their look still, and I intend to sit down with be introducing that legislation in a fraudulent petitions included fraudu- Director Gonzalez and talk this subsequent day. lent supporting documentation or ma- through so I can get a full under- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- terial misrepresentations within a doc- standing of the decisions they made, ance of my time. ument. Other instances of fraud in- the timing of their decisions and how Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I cluded cases where the petitioner could that might have affected the Religious yield such time as she may consume to not be located or connected to any reli- Worker Visa applications. the gentlewoman from California (Ms. gious entity and where the petitioning But as I look through their report, I ZOE LOFGREN), the chairwoman of the religious entity was unaware that the see a couple or three places that we Immigration Subcommittee. petition had even been filed and was should be looking. One is the special Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. unaware of the beneficiary. registrant countries. These are the Madam Speaker, may I inquire how Now that this Nation is involved in a countries that required extra scrutiny much time remains. global war on terror, we must be ex- post-September 11th, and we know The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- tremely vigilant, Madam Speaker. We which countries those are. They are tleman from Michigan controls 6 min- must protect the safety and welfare of listed in the report. That happens to be utes and the gentleman from Iowa con- American citizens. We can’t do that the source of, depending how you want trols 41⁄2 minutes. with an immigration policy that in- to evaluate the information, those Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. cludes programs ripe with fraud. countries that made those self-attested Madam Speaker, I just want to make a Another example would be in 2003 reports show that either 70 percent, 73 couple of comments. I think it is im- Mohammed Khalil and three of his sons percent or 80 percent were fraudulent portant to note that the various anal- were arrested in connection with sub- in the special registrant countries cat- yses of this program back in the nine- mitting false applications to bring over egory. ties and early in this century actually 200 individuals to the United States Then the non-affiliated groups, the preceded reauthorization when Repub- using the Religious Worker Visa pro- groups that are not affiliated with a re- licans were in the majority. We had a gram. Prosecutors revealed that Khalil ligious denomination, showed 63 per- reauthorization with no changes at all made statements to an undercover wit- cent fraud. That is worthy also of sig- in 1994, 1997, 2000 and 2003. So this is the ness professing allegiance to Osama bin nificant scrutiny, and I am hopeful first time we have actually had Laden. He also allegedly stated, ‘‘Hope- that this has been addressed. And those changes in the bill to address the issue fully another attack in the United numbers I believe also are shrinking. of fraud, and I think is it is appropriate States will come shortly.’’ These are Then I looked at, for example, the we do so. We want to welcome religious the kind of people that we don’t need countries of origin. There was one workers to our country, but we don’t in this program. We must be ever vigi- county that had 100 percent fraud of want to be scammed. So I think we lant. the report that was issued. That was have done the balance on this. This program needed some improve- Jamaica. I would note that I believe, as does ments before it was ready for reauthor- So these are things that I think are the ranking member, that the Catho- ization. Historically it has been reau- red flags. I intend to sit down and have lics probably do have a low rate of thorized as a 5-year reauthorization. this conversation with Director Gon- fraud, but there is no way to know The initial proposal was to reauthorize zalez and get a better feel for it. But that, because the sample of 220 was so it to make the program permanent. I that is the statistics we are dealing small that there was no way to pull out appreciate the negotiations that have with today as this bill to reauthorize any one denomination as being more taken it down to a 7-year reauthoriza- and extend for 7 years Religious Work- problematic than another. tion. I would have preferred it be sub- er Visas is before this Congress. I would ask unanimous consent that stantially less. Then I would submit also that there the e-mail from the USCIS making However, information that has been is something that is actually missing that point to me be included in the made available to me after such time in our policy. A nation that should be RECORD. as we took action on the bill in the Ju- a nation that believes in free trade and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there diciary Committee gives me some hope smart trade also should believe in free objection to the request of the gentle- that USCIS, the U.S. Citizenship Immi- and smart trade of our religious work- woman from California? gration Services, has already taken ers. I believe that we should have reci- There was no objection. some steps that likely would have re- procity. For us to welcome religious From: Patrick N. Forrest. duced the percentage and certainly re- workers from countries that will dis- Sent: Thursday, March 13, 2008. duced the number of fraud cases. allow American religious workers from To: Blake Chisam. As I look at the verbal report from going to their countries and particular Subject: Re religious workers. Director Emilio Gonzalez, the 2005 Re- religions that come from America to BLAKE, the Religious Worker BFA (non- ligious Worker Visa applications were go to those countries, I think is a great immigrant) had a 32.73% fraud rate out of a something slightly above 4,000 out of big gap in our oversight. sample of 220 cases. The public version of the the 5,000 cap that is in the authoriza- Recognizing the time of this legisla- BFA did not further break down the 220 cases into religious categories. The fraud rate for tion. That was 2005. So that would be tion and the inability to offer an Muslim organization has been spoken of the year by which we have seen the amendment in a closed rule, I have many times on the Hill for some time. The highest percentage of fraud in the re- drafted a bill, and I have that bill with reality is that because the population sample ports that I have seen, Madam Speak- me today and I won’t be able to intro- for Muslim groups in the BFA is so small the er. duce it unless there is a request for rate of fraud is statistically insignificant. In 2006, the applications, by the re- unanimous consent, and I don’t intend I’m still waiting on the site check data. port language that I received, is 3,048. to do that, but this bill is the Religious PATRICK. So we have seen these numbers going Worker Reciprocity Act of 2006. Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. down, presumably because of the in- What it does, it just extends recip- Madam Speaker, I would note also creased scrutiny on the Religious rocal immigration treatment to na- that, anecdotally, the non-affiliated Worker Visa applications. Then by 2007 tionals of the United States who are may in fact be part of the issue, and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:41 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.037 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2289 here is the problem that may have hap- also the indicators that it might be inception in 1990. A GAO report about the pened. greater, not less. I don’t imply it is, program back in 1999 found that, ‘‘As a result If there is no site visit to the peti- but we can draw just as much inference of . . . fraud investigations, both [the State De- tioning church, you don’t know wheth- that it is greater than it is less from partment and the INS] have expressed con- er it is a phony post office box or these statistics. cern that some individuals and organizations whether it is St. Joseph’s Cathedral in I pointed out that Jamaica has a 100 that sponsor religious workers may be exploit- downtown San Jose. So now that the percent fraud rate out of the sample in ing this category to enable unqualified aliens Department of Homeland Security has this study. That doesn’t mean there to enter or stay in the United States illegally.’’ done site inspections, anybody can see aren’t other denominations we Madam Speaker, some might point out that the beautiful St. Joseph’s in downtown shouldn’t be looking at. But I am look- this program is not very large in the scope of San Jose, and you can also find out ing at each one of these cases, and I the total number of visas. But I would remind there is something funny here because referenced the special registrant coun- them that we know the amount of damage a there is not a real church or it is just tries that are part of that list. The spe- handful of determined enemies can inflict a post office box. And I think that is cial registrant counties would be, for when they are allowed to abuse our visa sys- what has led to the dramatic decline in the record, Iran, Iraq, Syria, Sudan, tem. some of these more problematic appli- Libya, Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, The last thing we want to do is perpetuate cations. Eritrea, Lebanon, Morocco, North a program we know is fatally flawed, and con- I would note also, and I look forward Korea, Oman, Qatar, Somalia, Tunisia, tinue a policy that just might be rolling out a to talking to the ranking member United Arab Emirates, Yemen, Egypt welcome mat for some of the most radical about his reciprocity bill, but let me and Pakistan. imams in the Middle East. I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote just express a caution. Right now, Rus- For the record, when I referenced on this bill. Let’s close this giant loophole in sia will not allow our evangelicals into then the special registrant countries, our national security. their country to proselytize. I think those are the countries. This is the Mr. KING of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I that is the wrong thing for the Russian record. It is the data we are dealing yield back the balance of my time. government to do. I think it denies the with. I think that it is something that The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Russian people the opportunity to be we need to pay special scrutiny to. But question is on the motion offered by exposed to those who believe that we should encourage the reciprocity the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Christ is their personal saviour. But I and the exchange of religious workers. CONYERS) that the House suspend the don’t think we ought to deny the Rus- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5570, as sian Orthodox believers in California ance of my time. amended. the opportunity to receive assistance Mr. CONYERS. Madam Speaker, I am The question was taken; and (two- from Russian Orthodox religious work- very happy to yield back my time if thirds being in the affirmative) the ers simply because the Russian govern- the other side has no further speakers. rules were suspended and the bill, as ment has hostility towards religion Mr. KING of Iowa. If the gentleman amended, was passed. and our government does not have hos- would yield, I would like perhaps 30 The title was amended so as to read: tility towards religion. seconds just to wrap it up. ‘‘A bill to amend the Immigration and So I look forward to discussing this Mr. CONYERS. Absolutely. Nationality Act with respect to the further with the ranking member, but I Madam Speaker, I return any unused special immigrant nonminister reli- would want to add that cautionary. time. gious worker program, and for other Mr. KING of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I Mr. KING of Iowa. Madam Speaker, I purposes.’’. yield myself such time as I may con- think this has been a very healthy de- A motion to reconsider was laid on sume. bate. It has brought issues out into the the table. In fact, I don’t recall the unanimous Record that are going to be useful for f consent request. Was that responded to us to reference. I pointed out that I do b 1400 by the Speaker? have data here that hasn’t become part The SPEAKER pro tempore. Yes, it of the Record and I have withheld it for EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR was. some reasons of discretion. SECURE ELECTIONS ACT OF 2008 Mr. KING of Iowa. Okay, I didn’t hear I look forward to reaching across the Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. that. And I certainly don’t reserve nor aisle and working with the Members Speaker, I move to suspend the rules do I object to that e-mail from USCIS across the aisle to look into those con- and pass the bill (H.R. 5036) to direct being introduced into the RECORD. In centrated areas of fraud and work to- the Administrator of General Services fact, I would like to read it into the gether to see if we can find a way to es- to reimburse certain jurisdictions for RECORD. tablish a policy of reciprocity for reli- the costs of obtaining paper ballot vot- It says, ‘‘The religious worker BFA gious workers, and, at the same time, ing systems for the general elections non-immigrant had a 32.73 percent celebrate the great religions of the for Federal office to be held in Novem- fraud rate out of a sample of 220 cases. world and the exchange of those reli- ber 2008, to reimburse jurisdictions for The public version of the BFA did not gions. the costs incurred in conducting audits further break down the 220 cases into Mr. TANCREDO. Madam Speaker, I rise to or hand counting of the results of the religious categories. The fraud rate for oppose H.R. 5570, a bill which will again reau- general elections for Federal office to Muslim organization has been spoken thorize the Religious Worker Visa. The new be held in November 2008, and for other of many times on the Hill for some majority apparently thinks we need to add purposes, as amended. time. The reality is that because the ‘‘ministry’’ to the list of jobs that ‘‘Americans The Clerk read the title of the bill. population sample for Muslim groups won’t do.’’ Then again, with the level of hos- The text of the bill is as follows: in the BFA is so small, the rate of tility the Democrats have towards religion in H.R. 5036 fraud is statistically insignificant. I America, there may come a time when we do Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- am still waiting on the site check have to import religious workers. Fortunately, resentatives of the United States of America in data.’’ we aren’t to that point quite yet. Congress assembled, I believe that is the e-mail referenced Regrettably, this program is far from com- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. by the gentlewoman from California, ical. Just last year, the U.S. Citizenship and This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Emergency and I reference it here to speak to the Immigration Service attested to the fact that Assistance for Secure Elections Act of 2008’’. data that is in the report rather than a this visa had been ‘‘compromised.’’ The fraud SEC. 2. PAYMENTS TO CERTAIN JURISDICTIONS comment about the data that is in the rate is ‘‘excessively high’’ according to Emilio CONDUCTING 2008 GENERAL ELEC- report. Gonzalez, head of USCIS. In fact, a DHS TIONS. (a) REIMBURSEMENT FOR CONVERSION TO These 220 cases were drawn to give fraud-prevention task force found that a whop- PAPER BALLOT VOTING SYSTEM.— indicators for further scrutiny. When ping 33 percent of the visas in this program (1) IN GENERAL.—The Election Assistance you see a 70, 73 or 80 percent fraud rate, were granted based on fraudulent information. Commission shall pay to each eligible juris- there is an obligation to look into that Even worse, rampant fraud and abuse has diction an amount equal to the sum of the and verify the sources of that fraud and characterized this program, practically since its following:

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(A) The documented reasonable costs paid (1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall pay section. Any amounts appropriated pursuant or incurred by such jurisdiction to replace to each eligible jurisdiction an amount equal to the authorization under this subsection any voting systems used to conduct the gen- to the documented reasonable costs paid or shall remain available until expended. eral elections for Federal office held in No- incurred by such jurisdiction to retrofit di- SEC. 3. PAYMENTS FOR CONDUCTING MANUAL vember 2006 that did not use or produce a rect recording electronic voting systems so AUDITS OF RESULTS OF 2008 GEN- paper ballot verified by the voter or a paper that the systems will produce a voter ERAL ELECTIONS. ballot printout verifiable by the voter at the verifiable paper record of the marked ballot (a) PAYMENTS.— time the vote is cast with paper ballot vot- for verification by the voter at the time the (1) ELIGIBILITY FOR PAYMENTS.—If a State ing systems. vote is cast, including the costs of obtaining conducts manual audits of the results of any (B) The documented reasonable costs paid printers to produce the records. of the regularly scheduled general elections or incurred by such jurisdiction to obtain (2) ELIGIBLE JURISDICTION DEFINED.—In this for Federal office in November 2008 (and, at non-tabulating ballot marking devices that subsection, an ‘‘eligible jurisdiction’’ means the option of the State, conducts audits of are accessible for individuals with disabil- a jurisdiction that submits to the Commis- elections for State and local office held at ities in accordance with the requirements of sion (and, in the case of a county or equiva- the same time as such election) in accord- section 301(a)(3) of the Help America Vote lent jurisdiction, provides a copy to the ance with the requirements of this section, Act of 2002. State), at such time and in such form as the the Commission shall make a payment to (C) The documented reasonable costs paid Commission may require, an application the State in an amount equal to the docu- or incurred by such jurisdiction to obtain containing— mented reasonable costs incurred by the ballot marking stations or voting booths for (A) assurances that the jurisdiction has ob- State in conducting the audits. the protection of voter privacy. tained or will obtain a printer for and ret- (2) CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE AND (D) The documented reasonable costs paid rofit each direct recording electronic voting COSTS.— or incurred by such jurisdiction to obtain system used to conduct the general elections (A) CERTIFICATION REQUIRED.—In order to paper ballots. for Federal office held in November 2008 so receive a payment under this section, a (E) The documented reasonable costs paid that the system will produce a voter State shall submit to the Commission, in or incurred by such jurisdiction to obtain verifiable paper record of the marked ballot such form as the Commission may require, a precinct-based equipment that tabulates for verification by the voter; statement containing— paper ballots or scans paper ballots. (B) such information and assurances as the (i) a certification that the State conducted (F) The documented reasonable adminis- Commission may require to make the deter- the audits in accordance with all of the re- trative costs paid or incurred by such juris- minations under paragraph (1); and quirements of this section; diction that are associated with meeting the (C) such other information and assurances (ii) a statement of the reasonable costs in- requirements for an eligible jurisdiction. as the Commission may require. curred in conducting the audits; and (2) ELIGIBLE JURISDICTION DEFINED.—In this (3) DETERMINATION OF REASONABLENESS OF (iii) such other information and assurances subsection, an ‘‘eligible jurisdiction’’ means COSTS.—The determinations under paragraph a jurisdiction that submits to the Commis- (1) of whether costs paid or incurred by a ju- as the Commission may require. sion (and, in the case of a county or equiva- risdiction are reasonable shall be made by (B) AMOUNT OF PAYMENT.—The amount of a lent jurisdiction, provides a copy to the the Commission. payment made to a State under this section State), at such time and in such form as the (c) REIMBURSEMENT FOR PROVISION OF shall be equal to the reasonable costs in- Commission may require, an application BACKUP PAPER BALLOTS BY JURISDICTIONS curred in conducting the audits. containing— USING DIRECT RECORDING ELECTRONIC VOTING (C) DETERMINATION OF REASONABLENESS OF (A) assurances that the jurisdiction con- SYSTEMS.— COSTS.—The determinations under this para- ducted regularly scheduled general elections (1) IN GENERAL.—The Commission shall pay graph of whether costs incurred by a State for Federal office in November 2006 using (in to each eligible jurisdiction an amount equal are reasonable shall be made by the Commis- whole or in part) a voting system that did to the documented reasonable costs paid or sion. not use or produce a paper ballot verified by incurred by such jurisdiction to obtain, de- (3) TIMING OF PAYMENTS.—The Commission the voter or a paper ballot printout ploy, and tabulate backup paper ballots (and shall make the payment required under this verifiable by the voter at the time the vote related supplies and equipment) that may be section to a State not later than 30 days is cast; used in the event of the failure of a direct re- after receiving the statement submitted by (B) assurances that the jurisdiction will cording electronic voting system in the regu- the State under paragraph (2). conduct the regularly scheduled general larly scheduled general elections for Federal (4) MANDATORY IMMEDIATE REIMBURSEMENT elections for Federal office to be held in No- office to be held in November 2008. OF COUNTIES AND OTHER JURISDICTIONS.—If a vember 2008 using only paper ballot voting (2) ELIGIBLE JURISDICTION DEFINED.—In this county or other jurisdiction responsible for systems; subsection, an ‘‘eligible jurisdiction’’ means the administration of an election in a State (C) assurances that the jurisdiction has ob- a jurisdiction that submits to the Commis- incurs costs as the result of the State con- tained or will obtain a sufficient number of sion (and, in the case of a county or equiva- ducting an audit of the election in accord- non-tabulating ballot marking devices that lent jurisdiction, provides a copy to the ance with this section, the State shall reim- are accessible for individuals with disabil- State), at such time and in such form as the burse the county or jurisdiction for such ities in accordance with the requirements of Commission may require, an application costs immediately upon receiving the pay- section 301(a)(3) of the Help America Vote containing— ment from the Commission under paragraph Act of 2002; (A) assurances that the jurisdiction will (3). (D) assurances that the jurisdiction has ob- post, in a conspicuous manner at all polling (5) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— tained or will obtain a sufficient number of places at which a direct recording electronic There are authorized to be appropriated to ballot marking stations or voting booths for voting system will be used in such elections, the Commission such sums as may be nec- the protection of voter privacy; a notice stating that backup paper ballots essary for payments under this section. Any (E) assurances that the jurisdiction has ob- are available at the polling place and that a amounts appropriated pursuant to the au- tained or will obtain a sufficient number of voter is entitled to use such a ballot upon thorization under this subsection shall re- paper ballots; the failure of a voting system; main available until expended. (F) such information and assurances as the (B) assurances that the jurisdiction counts (b) AUDIT REQUIREMENTS.—In order to re- Commission may require to make the deter- each such backup paper ballot cast by a ceive a payment under this section for con- minations under paragraph (1); and voter as a regular ballot cast in the election, ducting an audit, the State shall meet the (G) such other information and assurances and does not treat it (for eligibility pur- following minimum requirements: as the Commission may require. poses) as a provisional ballot under section (1) Not later than 30 days before the date of (3) DETERMINATIONS OF REASONABLENESS OF 302(a) of the Help America Vote Act of 2002, the regularly scheduled general election for COSTS.—The determinations under paragraph unless the individual casting the ballot Federal office in November 2008, the State (1) of whether costs paid or incurred by a ju- would have otherwise been required to cast a shall establish and publish guidelines, stand- risdiction are reasonable shall be made by provisional ballot; ards, and procedures to be used in con- the Commission. (C) such information and assurances as the ducting audits in accordance with this sec- (4) PAPER BALLOT VOTING SYSTEM DE- Commission may require to make the deter- tion. FINED.—In this subsection, a ‘‘paper ballot minations under paragraph (1); and (2) The State shall select an appropriate voting system’’ means a voting system that (D) such other information and assurances entity to oversee the administration of the uses a paper ballot marked by the voter by as the Commission may require. audit, in accordance with such criteria as hand or a paper ballot marked by the voter (3) DETERMINATION OF REASONABLENESS OF the State considers appropriate consistent with the assistance of a non-tabulating bal- COSTS.—The determinations under paragraph with the requirements of this section, except lot marking device described in paragraph (1) of whether costs paid or incurred by a ju- that the entity must meet a general stand- (1)(B). risdiction are reasonable shall be made by ard of independence as defined by the State. (b) REIMBURSEMENT FOR RETROFITTING OF the Commission. (3) The State shall determine whether the DIRECT RECORDING ELECTRONIC VOTING SYS- (d) AMOUNTS.—There are authorized to be units in which the audit will be conducted TEMS TO PRODUCE VOTER VERIFIABLE PAPER appropriated to the Commission such sums will be precincts or some alternative audit- RECORDS.— as may be necessary for payments under this ing unit, and shall apply that determination

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:41 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP7.007 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2291 in a uniform manner for all audits conducted require, on the results of each audit con- mine the winner of the election and is con- in accordance with this section. ducted under this section. ducted without using electronic equipment (4) The State shall select the precincts or (2) COMMISSION ACTION.—The Commission or software. alternative auditing units in which audits may request additional information from a (2) COMPLETENESS.—With respect to each are conducted in accordance with this sec- State based on the report submitted under jurisdiction in which a hand count is con- tion in a random manner following the elec- paragraph (1). ducted, the State, county, or equivalent lo- tion after the final unofficial vote count (as (3) PUBLICATION.—The Commission shall cation shall ensure that a voter verified defined by the State) has been announced, publish each report submitted under para- paper ballot or paper ballot printout such that each precinct or alternative audit- graph (1) upon receipt. verifiable by the voter at the time the vote ing unit in which the election was held has (d) DELAY IN CERTIFICATION OF RESULTS BY is cast is available for every vote cast in the an equal chance of being selected, subject to STATE.—No State may certify the results of jurisdiction. paragraph (9), except that the State shall en- any election which is subject to an audit (c) PROCESS FOR CONDUCTING HAND sure that at least one precinct or alternative under this section prior to completing the COUNTS.— auditing unit is selected in each county in audit, resolving discrepancies discovered in (1) IN GENERAL.—In order to meet the re- which the election is held. the audit, and submitting the report re- quired under subsection (c). quirements of this section, a hand count of (5) The audit shall be conducted in not less the ballots cast in an election shall be con- than 2 percent of the precincts or alternative SEC. 4. PAYMENTS FOR CONDUCTING HAND ducted in accordance with the following pro- auditing units in the State (in the case of a COUNTS OF RESULTS OF 2008 GEN- cedures: general election for the office of Senator) or ERAL ELECTIONS. (A) After the closing of the polls on the the Congressional district involved (in the (a) PAYMENTS.— date of the election, the appropriate election case of an election for the office of Rep- (1) ELIGIBILITY FOR PAYMENTS.—If a State, official shall secure the ballots at the polling resentative in, or Delegate or Resident Com- county, or equivalent location tallies the re- place (or, in the case of ballots cast at any missioner to, the Congress). sults of any regularly scheduled general elec- other location, at the office of the chief elec- (6) The State shall determine the stage of tion for Federal office in November 2008 by tion official of the jurisdiction conducting the tabulation process at which the audit conducting a hand count of the votes cast on the hand count). will be conducted, and shall apply that deter- the paper ballots used in the election (in- mination in a uniform manner for all audits cluding paper ballot printouts verifiable by (B) Beginning at any time after the expira- conducted in accordance with this section, the voter at the time the vote is cast) in ac- tion of the 8-hour period that begins at the except that the audit shall commence within cordance with the requirements of this sec- time the polls close on the date of the elec- 48 hours after the State or jurisdiction in- tion, the Commission shall make a payment tion, the jurisdiction shall conduct an initial volved announces the final unofficial vote to the State, county, or equivalent location hand count of the ballots cast in the elec- count (as defined by the State) in each pre- in an amount equal to the documented rea- tion, using the ballots which are eligible to cinct in which votes are cast in the election sonable costs incurred by the State, county, be counted in the election as of the time the which is the subject of the audit. or equivalent location in conducting the polls are closed. (7) With respect to each precinct or alter- hand counts. (C) Any ballot which is eligible to be native audit unit audited, the State shall en- (2) CERTIFICATION OF COMPLIANCE AND counted in the election but which is not in- sure that a voter verified paper ballot or COSTS.— cluded in the initial count conducted under paper ballot printout verifiable by the voter (A) CERTIFICATION REQUIRED.—In order to subparagraph (B), including a provisional at the time the vote is cast is available for receive a payment under this section, a ballot cast by an individual who is deter- every vote cast in the precinct or alternative State, county, or equivalent location shall mined to be eligible to vote in the election audit unit, and that the tally produced by submit to the Commission (and, in the case or an absentee ballot received after the date counting all of those paper ballots or paper of a county or equivalent jurisdiction, shall of the election but prior to the applicable ballot printouts by hand is compared with provide a copy to the State), in such form as deadline under State law for the receipt of the corresponding final unofficial vote count the Commission may require, a statement absentee ballots, shall be subject to a hand (as defined by the State) announced with re- containing— count in accordance with this section and spect to that precinct or audit unit in the (i) a certification that the State, county, added to the tally conducted under subpara- election. or equivalent location conducted the hand graph (B) not later than 48 hours after the (8) Within each precinct or alternative counts in accordance with all of the require- ballot is determined to be eligible to be audit unit, the audit shall include all ballots ments of this section; counted. cast by all individuals who voted in or who (ii) a statement of the reasonable costs in- (D) The hand count shall be conducted by are under the jurisdiction of the precinct or curred by the State, county, or equivalent a team of not fewer than 2 individuals who alternative audit unit with respect to the location in conducting the hand counts; and shall be witnessed by at least one observer election, including absentee ballots (subject (iii) such other information and assurances sitting at the same table with such individ- to paragraph (9)), early ballots, emergency as the Commission may require. uals. Except as provided in paragraph (2), all ballots, and provisional ballots, without re- (B) AMOUNT OF PAYMENT.—The amount of a such individuals shall be election officials of gard to the time, place, or manner in which payment made to a State, county, or equiva- the jurisdiction in which the hand count is the ballots were cast. lent location under this section shall be conducted. The number of such individuals (9) If a State establishes a separate pre- equal to the reasonable costs incurred by the who are members of the political party cinct for purposes of counting the absentee State, county, or equivalent location in con- whose candidates received the greatest num- ballots cast in the election and treats all ab- ducting the hand counts. ber of the aggregate votes cast in the regu- sentee ballots as having been cast in that (C) DETERMINATION OF REASONABLENESS OF larly scheduled general elections for Federal precinct, and if the state does not make ab- COSTS.—The determinations under this para- office held in the State in November 2006 sentee ballots sortable by precinct and in- graph of whether costs incurred by a State, shall be equal to the number of such individ- clude those ballots in the hand count de- county, or equivalent location are reason- uals who are members of the political party scribed in paragraph (7) which is adminis- able shall be made by the Commission. whose candidates received the second great- tered with respect to that precinct, the State (3) TIMING OF PAYMENTS.—The Commission est number of the aggregate votes cast in the may divide absentee ballots into audit units shall make the payment required under this regularly scheduled general elections for approximately equal in size to the average section to a State, county, or equivalent lo- Federal office held in the State in November precinct in the State in terms of the number cation not later than 30 days after receiving 2006. of ballots cast, and shall randomly select and the statement submitted by the State, coun- (E) After the completion of the hand count, include at least 2 percent of those audit ty, or equivalent location under paragraph the ballots may be run through a tabulating units in the audit. Any audit carried out (2). machine or scanner for comparison with the with respect to such an audit unit shall meet (4) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— tally, if such a machine or scanner is avail- the same standards applicable under para- There are authorized to be appropriated to able. graph (7) to audits carried out with respect the Commission such sums as may be nec- (2) USE OF OTHER PERSONNEL.—An indi- to other precincts and alternative audit essary for payments under this section. Any vidual who is not an election official of the units, including the requirement that all amounts appropriated pursuant to the au- jurisdiction in which a hand count is con- paper ballots be counted by hand. thorization under this subsection shall re- ducted under this section may serve on a (10) The audit shall be conducted in a pub- main available until expended. team conducting the hand count or may lic and transparent manner, such that mem- (b) HAND COUNTS DESCRIBED.— serve as an observer of a team conducting bers of the public are able to observe the en- (1) IN GENERAL.—A hand count conducted the hand count if the jurisdiction certifies tire process. in accordance with this section is a count of that the individual has completed such (c) COLLECTION AND SUBMISSION OF AUDIT all of the paper ballots on which votes were training as the jurisdiction deems appro- RESULTS; PUBLICATION.— cast in the election (including paper ballot priate to conduct or observe the hand count (1) STATE SUBMISSION OF REPORT.—In order printouts verifiable by the voter at the time (as the case may be). to receive a payment under this section, a the vote is cast), including votes cast on an (3) LOCATION.—The hand counts conducted State shall submit to the Commission a re- early, absentee, emergency, and provisional under this section of the ballots cast in an port, in such form as the Commission may basis, which is conducted by hand to deter- election shall be conducted—

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:41 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP7.007 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2292 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 (A) in the case of ballots cast at a polling and Technology (hereafter in this section re- the State or jurisdiction to reimburse- place on the date of the election, at the poll- ferred to as the ‘‘Director’’) shall study, de- ment. In committee, several changes ing place at which the ballots were cast; or velop testing methods, and accelerate the de- were made to this bill through bipar- (B) in the case of any other ballots, at the velopment of products and standards that tisan cooperation, and I want to thank office of the chief election official of the ju- ensure the accessibility of paper ballot risdiction conducting the hand count. verification and casting for individuals with Mr. EHLERS for his support during the (4) INFORMATION INCLUDED IN RESULTS.— disabilities, for voters whose primary lan- committee markup. Changes were also Each hand count conducted under this sec- guage is not English, and for voters with dif- made to meet the concerns of dis- tion shall produce the following information ficulties in literacy, including the mecha- ability groups, as well as State and with respect to the election: nisms themselves and the processes through local government. (A) The vote tally for each candidate. which the mechanisms are used. In carrying H.R. 5036, as amended, reimburses ju- (B) The number of overvotes, undervotes, out this subsection, the Director shall inves- risdictions for retrofitting paperless spoiled ballots, and blank ballots cast (or tigate existing and potential methods or sys- touch-screen voting machines, or their equivalents, as defined by the State, tems, including non-electronic systems, that county or equivalent location). will assist such individuals and voters in cre- DREs, with systems that produce a (C) The number of write-in ballots and the ating voter verified paper ballots, presenting voter verifiable paper record, allows for names written in on such ballots pursuant to or transmitting the information printed or reimbursements for jurisdictions to ob- State law. marked on such ballots back to such individ- tain backup paper ballots in the event (D) The total number of ballots cast. uals and voters in an accessible form, and en- of failure of electronic voting systems (E) A record of judgement calls made re- abling the voters to cast the ballots. and authorizes reimbursement for ju- garding voter intent. (b) REPORT.—Not later than June 30, 2009, risdictions which conduct a manual (5) PUBLIC OBSERVATION OF HAND COUNTS.— the Director shall submit a report to Con- audit of a Federal and any State and Each hand count conducted under this sec- gress on the results of the studying, develop- tion shall be conducted in a manner that al- ment of testing methods, and acceleration of local election in November, 2008, in no lows public observation of the entire process the development of products and standards less than 2 percent of the precincts. (including the opening of the ballot boxes or under subsection (a). During the markup, all the amend- removal of machine-printed ballots from (c) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— ments offered by the Republicans were their containers, the sorting, counting, and There are authorized to be appropriated to accepted by voice vote, and those four notation of results, and the announcement of the Director such sums as may be necessary amendments were to allow for audits final determinations) sufficient to confirm to carry out this section, to remain available to commence within 48 hours after but not interfere with the proceedings. until expended. States or relevant jurisdictions in- (6) ESTABLISHMENT AND PUBLICATION OF SEC. 6. DEFINITIONS. volved announced the unofficial vote PROCEDURES.—Prior to the date of the regu- In this Act— larly scheduled general election for Federal (1) the term ‘‘Commission’’ means the count. It requires no hand count to office held in November 2008, a State, coun- Election Assistance Commission; and commence until at least 8 hours after ty, or equivalent location shall establish and (2) the term ‘‘State’’ includes the District the polls close and requires the ballots publish procedures for carrying out hand of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto to be in a secured location until the counts under this subsection. Rico, Guam, American Samoa, and the hand count commences, and ensures (d) APPLICATION TO JURISDICTIONS CON- United States Virgin Islands. that the hand-counting teams, when DUCTING ELECTIONS WITH DIRECT RECORDING The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. conducting a hand count of the elec- ELECTRONIC VOTING SYSTEMS.— SERRANO). Pursuant to the rule, the tion results, have equal representation (1) REQUIRING SYSTEMS TO PRODUCE VOTER gentlewoman from California (Ms. ZOE VERIFIABLE PAPER RECORD.—If a State, coun- from both political parties of the can- ty, or equivalent location uses a direct re- LOFGREN) and the gentleman from didates who received the two greatest cording electronic voting system to conduct Michigan (Mr. EHLERS) each will con- numbers of aggregate votes cast, and an election, the State, county, or equivalent trol 20 minutes. requires that after the hand count is location may not receive a payment under The Chair recognizes the gentle- complete the ballots be run through a this section for conducting a hand count of woman from California. tabulating machine or scanner for the votes cast in the election unless (in addi- GENERAL LEAVE verification of the tally, if such a ma- tion to meeting the other requirements ap- Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. chine or scanner is available. plicable under this section) the State, coun- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that ty, or equivalent location certifies to the Having a voter verified paper trail Commission that each such system produces all Members may have 5 legislative with an automatic routine audit will a paper record printout of the marked ballot days to revise and extend their re- go a long way to increase voter con- which is verifiable by the voter at the time marks on H.R. 5036 and to include ex- fidence and deter fraud. the vote is cast. traneous matter. Post-election audits are an essential (2) TREATMENT OF PAPER RECORD PRINT- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tool to increase voter confidence in the OUTS.—In applying this section to a hand objection to the request of the gentle- election process. While the bill author- count conducted by a State, county, or woman from California? izes such sums as necessary, the CBO equivalent location which provides a certifi- There was no objection. has come back to us with a score of cation to the Commission under paragraph Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. (1), the paper record printout referred to in $685 million, about what we expected, such paragraph shall be treated as the paper Speaker, H.R. 5036, the Emergency As- and a sum that was in the original Holt ballot used in the election. sistance for Secure Elections Act 2008, bill. (e) ANNOUNCEMENT AND POSTING OF RE- is a bill that provides State and local The CBO score, however, anticipates SULTS.—Upon the completion of a hand count governments the opportunity to have the participation of everyone in this conducted under this section, the State, safe, secure and auditable elections in bill. I think it is highly unlikely that county, or equivalent location shall an- this, the election, year. every jurisdiction will participate in nounce the results to the public and post I commend Congressman HOLT and every aspect of the bill, since they have them on a public Internet site. his bipartisan cosponsors for their con- (f) USE OF HAND COUNT IN CERTIFICATION OF the opportunity to do nothing or to RESULTS.—The State shall use the results of tinued dedication to the issue of elec- pick and choose portions of the bill. It the hand count conducted under this section tion reform. is clear that the actual score or total for purposes of certifying the results of the This bill recognizes that 2008 is would be less. election involved. Nothing in this section quickly approaching and options must I would note that we are spending may be construed to affect the application or be provided to ensure the integrity of over $10 billion a month in Iraq and operation of any State law governing the re- the vote. Our election process must be that we have spent a total of $1.32 bil- count of the results of an election. open and transparent to ensure public lion on democracy-building programs SEC. 5. STUDY, DEVELOPMENT OF TESTING confidence. We are now 8 months from METHODS, AND ACCELERATION OF in Afghanistan and Iraq. The CBO fig- DEVELOPMENT OF PRODUCTS AND the general election and cannot place ure is certainly less than that. It seems STANDARDS TO ENSURE ACCESSI- State and local governments in a posi- to me, if we can’t protect our elections BILITY OF PAPER BALLOT tion to require change. Therefore, the at home, really, how are we supposed VERIFICATION AND CASTING FOR CERTAIN INDIVIDUALS. bill is 100 percent optional. to be a model of democracy without (a) STUDY, TESTING, AND DEVELOPMENT.—In State and local governments can safe and secure and auditable elections. accordance with OMB Circular A-119, the Di- choose which provisions they can suc- The country could end up revisiting rector of the National Institute of Standards cessfully implement. Opting in entitles the contentious and mistrusted count

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:41 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP7.007 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2293 of 2000 and, even more recently, in the uses. Other States are beginning to go This legislation would reimburse contested election of District 13 where use that. counties and States for allowing voters people could not verify votes through But the final blow to our efforts was to inspect paper-based records of their an actual written ballot. the judgment of the CBO that it was vote, in other words, paper ballots. The bill reported out of committee $685 million for 1 year. I realize that That would not only make it possible makes the changes requested by the Mr. HOLT had estimated that would be for audits, but this legislation would go minority to the legislation but keeps the cost in his original bill. In fact he further and reward States for putting the core purpose of the bill, providing a had included it as an authorization in in place procedures to conduct those voter verifiable paper and auditable his original bill. audits. This would go a long way to- paper trail. But having the CBO report that large ward restoring confidence in the proc- If this bill is enacted promptly, juris- sum that casts a pall over this par- ess. diction should have adequate time to ticular bill in respect to the opinions of There is still time before November purchase and implement the voting the Members of this body, and I am to secure our election system. If our system upgrades and the other provi- afraid that is likely to be the death Emergency Assistance for Secure Elec- sions of this bill and provide voter con- knell. tions Act is enacted, localities could fidence in the integrity of the 2008 elec- In summary, I certainly commend choose to convert to paper ballot vot- tion. Mr. HOLT for his concerns. I commend ing systems, offer emergency paper I urge all of my colleagues to support him for his efforts. I just don’t think ballots if machines fail, and to conduct this option bill, this bipartisan effort. we have achieved enough agreement to audits to confirm the accuracy of the Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of effectively make this a bipartisan bill. electronic tallies. my time. Therefore, I suspect it will not pass, I want to stress that this is optional. Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield and I will have great difficulty sup- We took great pains to accept the sug- myself such time as I may consume. porting it at this point. gestions of the minority party, to take Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of suggestions of election officials, to this bill and, first of all, to commend my time. take suggestions of people all over the Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. Mr. HOLT for his efforts and his con- country, lawyers and others who have Speaker, I would like to recognize the cerns. looked at elections in detail. We sim- author of the bill, Congressman Rush He is sincerely and extremely con- plified this so that counties could not Holt from New Jersey, who has been cerned about accuracy in voting, and object that we were making them do tremendously diligent in pursuing what can be done to make certain that something that we weren’t going to these reform measures. Really, without the results are accurate. He expressed support them on. This is optional. We his persistence, we would not be here that in his first bill, H.R. 811, which did have simplified it as much as possible today. so that it could be implemented in not receive committee consideration. I would recognize him for 5 minutes. I spent considerable time with him time for this year’s election, and it Mr. HOLT. I thank the gentlelady. could be. trying to work out the details of that Mr. Speaker, I rise to urge my col- bill, but we simply could not reach leagues to support the Emergency As- b 1415 agreement or even come close to agree- sistance for Secure Elections Act of This modest bill simply entitles ju- ment. 2008. risdictions to reimbursement for the I commend Mr. HOLT again for his This is a bill that is optional for costs to conduct fully auditable, fully concern and his persistence, as he au- counties. It’s to encourage counties audited elections. It will encourage thored H.R. 5036. When I reviewed it and States to do the right thing. We States and counties that want to do with him I thought this might be a should all want national standards of the right thing on behalf of their vot- much better basis for agreement and, accessibility, reliability and ers. But time is of the essence. that by working together, we might be auditability for our elections. This is If we don’t take action immediately, able to achieve that. an emergency stop-gap measure to see we will not leave enough time for Unfortunately, we have not achieved that we achieve as much of that as pos- States that wish to opt to do so before full agreement on it, although we did sible before the November elections. the November election. Voters will lose get it out of committee. I supported it The principle is simple. Anything of further confidence in the system, and out of committee because I thought it value should be auditable. Votes are candidates will leave on election night should reach the floor for floor debate. valuable. They should be audited so wondering if they can trust the results. I anticipated that it would be taken up that voters can have the confidence Common Cause wrote: ‘‘The security under a rule where we might have the that each vote is recorded the way the and reliability problems with elec- possibility for an additional com- voter intended. In too many places tronic machines have been well docu- promise, but that has not happened. around the United States, votes are not mented. Both the State of California There are a number of issues that audited. with the Top to Bottom Review and still remain. I agree with Mr. HOLT In too many places around the the State of Ohio with their study have that we should have some type of re- United States, they are not even documented numerous security vulner- dundancy in our recording systems. I auditable. Voters leave the polling abilities and have systems and have disagree that it has to be paper. I think places wondering if their vote will be taken action to protect voters. Addi- there are other methods of achieving counted as they intended and election tionally, a number of academic and redundancy. losers and their supporters are left public policy experts have rec- Recently we had an exposition in the wondering if they can believe the re- ommended that the shortcomings of House Administration Committee sults. these systems be addressed. Finally, room where we had demonstrations of Already in this primary season, there there have been a number of incidents equipment which shows redundancy in have been numerous, numerous prob- in which voters have been an electronic fashion, and I think lems, questions, and unresolved dis- disenfranchised and election outcomes would be fully as reliable as redun- putes. thrown into doubt because the ma- dancy in paper. In county after county, in State after chines have simply failed to work prop- Another area where we disagree is in State, electronic voting systems have erly.’’ the hand counting of ballots. I have failed in many ways, failure to start-up The Brennan Center for Justice at enough experience with elections in in the morning, a mismatch between the New York University School of local politics to recognize that hand the electronic count and the end-of-day Law writes: ‘‘Reports of machine prob- counting is not as accurate as almost printout, failed memory cards, and on lems during States’ recent Presidential any machine counting that I have seen. and on and on. In too many places, the primary elections provide a preview of There are ways of achieving what Mr. irregularities can not be resolved. potentially widespread machine failure HOLT wishes. I think the optical-scan There is no way to resolve them. There and disenfranchisement in November.’’ method is certainly a valid one, and is no way to know because there is no They and others go on to argue that that is what the State of Michigan record of the voter’s intentions. this simple, straightforward legislation

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:41 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.042 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2294 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 will allow many counties and States Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. I also very much think that there is around the country to address these Speaker, Mr. DAVIS of Virginia is a no reason to rush this bill at this time. problems in time for their November principal cosponsor and I don’t see him There is not enough time left between election so that we can have a truly re- here, so I will yield to Mr. HOLT for 1 now and the November election to liable, accessible and auditable elec- minute. change voting systems. Over 30 States tion that voters can believe in. Mr. HOLT. I thank the gentlelady. I have already conducted primary elec- I yield back the balance of my time just wanted to address a couple of the tions with the system they will use in with thanks to the gentlelady from points that the gentleman from Ohio November. The very worst time to California for her diligent work in put- made. change a voting system is an election ting together such a good piece of leg- The first is we don’t in this legisla- that has overwhelming participation, islation. tion tell the counties how to run their as we believe this one will. Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. I elections. We leave this up to them, Election administration and the me- thank the gentleman, and I reserve the and it is entirely optional. There are chanics of election grew up in this balance of my time. States around the country who have country over decades and generations Mr. EHLERS. I yield 3 minutes to the instituted complete auditable election of voting and voting habits. To try to gentleman from Ohio (Mr. REGULA). systems in a matter of months. change those voting habits from a pri- (Mr. REGULA asked and was given If a county or a State feels they can- permission to revise and extend his re- mary election some time earlier in the not do it, then I would advise them not year to a new system, to be frankly marks.) to opt in to this program. But we be- Mr. REGULA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tested the first time in probably the lieve they can. Let’s leave that to them opposition to H.R. 5036. biggest election turnout that we have CBO estimates that this bill will cost rather than as the gentleman from had or will have in a long time, is just the taxpayers $685 million to reimburse Ohio would, try to decide for them a mistake. jurisdictions for the cost of converting whether this is something that they To think that we should pass this bill to voting systems that produce paper would want. today for the November election, I ballots, manual audits and hand re- We believe from a number of indica- think, is as far off base as we could be. counts. We have already provided the tions that this will be useful in many I am not absolutely opposed to the States with $3.2 billion in grants to im- counties and States around the coun- Federal Government encouraging plement the Help America Vote Act, try. States to do better with their election including $115 million appropriated in Mr. EHLERS. I yield 4 minutes to the process; I am opposed to this feeling fiscal year 2008. Republican whip, the gentleman from that we get into that creates an envi- The administration of elections is a Missouri (Mr. BLUNT). ronment where the States have to Mr. BLUNT. I thank the gentleman State and local responsibility. Many make these decisions more quickly for yielding and I come to the floor to jurisdictions have already decided to than they should, and particularly to talk about this bill with real apprecia- change their election systems to re- make a decision like this just in ad- tion for the hard work that the gen- quire paper ballots using their own re- vance of a high-participation election. tleman from New Jersey has put into sources. This bill would encourage I don’t think the $3.2 billion so-called this effort. I know it is a heartfelt ef- other jurisdictions to rush the imple- solution produced the right results. In mentation of new paper ballot systems fort on his part. In fact, I first met his mother when fact, several States are now com- for the November election. plaining that it produced problems. In written testimony before the Ap- we were both serving as the Secretaries of State of respective States, West Vir- But they are the ones that decided that propriations Subcommittee, the bipar- they would deal with those problems. tisan Election Assistance Commission ginia and Missouri, at the time. I just come here to say that the States have Those problems, frankly, become less stated: ‘‘Experience has taught elec- significant every time voters use a sys- tion officials that a minimum of 6 to 8 handled the responsibility of the me- chanics of election administration well tem. Maybe you made an investment months, and preferably longer, is need- that you wished you didn’t make, but ed to effectively implement a new vot- for a very long time. The process of voting, how you vote, you made that investment. It is not ing system and to educate the voting impossible to either reverse it on your public about how to use the system. the mechanics of what the ballot looks own or decide you are going to make it Consistency in procedures and process like, whether you have a straight bal- work. is key in creating a secure, accurate lot voting system, all that has been and effective election. As we have seen left to the States, and I think wisely I think this is the wrong approach at in Ohio and in several other jurisdic- so. the wrong time. I encourage my col- tions, the hasty attaching of a printer In the Help America Vote Act, the leagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on this bill today, to some machines has led to paper Congress provided States with over $3 not to give up in working with our jams, long lines, and confusion. While billion to modernize their voting sys- friend from New Jersey to find a bill jurisdictions may find a voter verified tems, including allowing the States to that would be helpful to the States, but paper audit trail to be suitable for decide whether they wanted to have a not to pass a bill today that would only their needs, hastily requiring such a paper backup. In my State, the State create with certainty more problems in thing for this year’s election has the of Missouri, the Secretary of State de- November than we will have without potential to lead to more problems termined if that money was used, there it. than it can possibly solve. At this would be no system authorized in our Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. point in the election cycle, election of- State unless the paper backup was part Speaker, I just want to make it clear ficials are better served by sharpening of that system. As it turned out, that that the Holt bill is optional for juris- their already existing policies than was a very good decision. dictions. No one is required to opt in, trying to apply patchwork fixes that But in the aftermath of the 2000 elec- so no one would be rushed unless they could lead to greater problems.’’ tions, many States took that incen- wanted and felt they could take advan- That was from the Election Assist- tive, that $3 billion that was out there, tage of this legislation. I would note ance Commission which is a bipartisan and in my view made decisions more also that several States have under- group. quickly than they otherwise would gone very rapid conversion. I would I would add, this bill will not only have. note that Governor Crist from Florida put the country further in debt, but This bill now offers a second round of was a witness before the Election Sub- would encourage jurisdictions to im- money that would be available to en- committee in House Administration, plement new voting systems between courage changing their systems, many and he had the entire State of Florida the primaries and general election, of them that we know about today switch from the electronic machines to leading to additional election prob- changing their system from a system optical scan in really a matter of lems. they just used Federal money to months. This is a matter of intention if I urge my colleagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on change to. I think this is neither wise you want to do it. this legislative proposal. nor the responsible thing for us to do. I reserve the balance of my time.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:41 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.046 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2295 Mr. EHLERS. I am pleased to yield 3 that we do have a disagreement in our ple, straightforward way to take care minutes to the gentleman from Iowa viewpoint, and that is that I think we of it. (Mr. KING). should, at the very last resort, impose Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I am Mr. KING of Iowa. Mr. Speaker, I obligations on the States. The States pleased to yield 3 minutes to the dis- thank the gentleman from Michigan have run this electoral process. The tinguished gentleman from Florida, for yielding, and I appreciate the privi- Federal Government has a minimal in- who has considerable voting experi- lege to address you here on the floor of volvement. ence, Mr. MICA. the House with regard to integrity in And so my view is, if the States have Mr. MICA. I want to thank Ranking the ballot system. integrity, we have to be very careful Member EHLERS and others for working I will say as a compliment to Mr. because the voters within the States on this bill. HOLT, he and I have had a number of will be determining the next leader in I join in opposition to the legislation. conversations about integrity in the the free world. I think the number was First of all, let me say, my colleagues, electoral process. We share concern just 527 votes in Florida made the dif- there’s nothing more important than that the electoral process here in ference on who the leader of the free the integrity of the election process in America have the highest level of in- world was in the year 2000. That integ- the United States and confidence that tegrity. I, for one, actually sat in my rity is important. We must hold it to- all Americans would have in making chair for all but a couple of 37 days fol- gether. certain our system of election is se- lowing the election of the year 2000 But I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on this bill at cure. watching television, scooting around this time. But let me tell you, folks, this is and surfing the Internet, chasing down Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. compounding error and mistake Con- the rabbit trails. I was on the tele- Speaker, I would just like to note that gress made, and here it is on Tax Day, phone. At the time I was the chairman this has not been a hurried effort. In 2008, that we’re going to commit an- of the Senate State Government Com- fact, we reported out of the House Ad- other two-thirds of a billion dollar mis- mittee in Iowa, and I didn’t want Iowa ministration Committee the original take. to become a Florida. Holt bill before last Easter, Easter of I sat on House Administration that As I educated myself, it was a crash 2007, and have been working with inter- oversees elections. I was there in 2000 course in the electoral process. I found ested parties and across the aisle since when we had the problems in Florida fraud in elections in a number of that time. with the hanging chads. We’ve all States, at least solid newspaper and It’s worth noting that these changes heard of the hanging chads. And every- journalistic reports of fraud, and I be- can happen responsibly and also quick- body rushed here, and every vote’s got came convinced that it was scattered ly. For example, in Lackawanna Coun- to count; we’ve got to spend taxpayer throughout this country. And the pat- ty, Pennsylvania, they’re going to dollars and make sure that every vote tern is hard to follow, but the conclu- switch from DREs to optical scan in 7 is counted; and we’re going to put in a sion I drew was if this country ever weeks, before this primary. system, and we have to make it look loses its faith in our electoral system, And I would note that the legislature like we’re doing something to make this constitutional republic will col- in Iowa has voted, I understand the certain that system’s secure. lapse due to a lack of faith of the peo- vote was nearly unanimous, to transi- Now, we listened to the witnesses and ple. tion from DREs to optical scan, and they came before House Administra- So integrity in the electoral process that’s going to be done before this No- tion and they told folks that an elec- is important. I would rather lose an vember election. So I think that this tronic voting system, which would cost election than lose the integrity of the measure would help cities and counties billions of dollars to implement, would electoral process. who want to take those responsible have the possibility of error and just I come to this floor today to oppose steps. about the same percentage of error if this bill, however, because this is Tax I would yield to the author of the leg- you choose a lever, if you use a hang- Day, 2008, election year 2008, and we are islation, Mr. HOLT, an additional ing chad ballot, if you use optical scan, watching the Presidential debates un- minute. if you use a paper ballot. And you can fold and soon we will hear the congres- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The mess up any of those elections. sional debates light up. To try to jump Chair will note that the gentleman They told us. And then everybody on this horse in the middle of this fast from Michigan has 61⁄2 minutes remain- rushed down. They voted it out of com- current of stream that we have racing ing. The gentlewoman from California mittee. We passed it. We spent $2 bil- toward an election, I think is a bridge has 6 minutes remaining. lion or $3 billion to put in place a sys- too far for us to be able to get there Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, under this tem that they told us, well, somebody without further damaging the integ- legislation, the States and counties can pull the plug, the electronic thing rity, rather than improving it. still have the responsibility for the me- doesn’t work. Duh. Somebody can come chanics of the elections. All we’re say- up with some sort of electronic device. b 1430 ing is, if they put in place procedures Even one of these might set it off and I would urge this House to step back, to make them auditable, and proce- you might get some results. take a look, take a deep breath, and dures to audit the votes, we will assist They told us there might be errors, come together with some legislation them in the cost. and they told us they didn’t have a that would provide, of course, for a There are many things the gen- paper trail. Duh. paper audit trail, which I support, but tleman from Iowa (Mr. KING) said we So here we are putting in place the one that does so in a reasoned fashion, could be dealing with, and, indeed, we system. On Tax Day, spend another not in the middle of an election year, are not dealing with questions of reg- two-thirds of a billion dollars. Keep not something that’s designed to patch istration and purging of names on reg- working out there, Americans. Send it some of the flaws that came with the istration lists and absentee voting and here because they’ll spend it in some Help America Vote Act, but something the openness of the tabulation phase of dumb fashion, and this follows that. that’s well thought out, something results. We are just talking about what Now, we do want the system to work, that’s bipartisan, something that’s rea- happens in the voting booth, so that but there are errors in everything. You soned, something that’s cautious, and each voter will be able to verify, on heard them talking about the scan. something that will preserve the integ- paper, that her vote or his vote is re- I went down and sat all night and rity of the electoral system that we corded the way they intended, and watched the scan voting. It’s simple. have. And that’s why I come to the then, those voter verified records be You just take a pen and you fill in the floor, Mr. Speaker, for that purpose. used to audit the results. It’s that sim- space. My God, I couldn’t believe, hun- And I support the position taken by ple. dreds of people, they put X’s all the the ranking member from Michigan I can promise you that if jurisdic- way around, they circled optical scan. and my colleagues, although I intend tions don’t take these steps, there will They could screw up any kind of a bal- to continue to work with Mr. HOLT. be many questions around the country lot. A paper ballot. Actually I’m told Another point that I would make is that cannot be resolved. This is a sim- that the old levers are probably the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:37 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.050 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2296 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 best, that we took out for $2 billion or I yield myself such time as I may those types of mistakes are possible, $3 billion worth of hard-earned tax- consume. they will be made. And we have to do payer dollars and replaced with these We’ve heard a good deal of discussion our best here to work diligently, with, electronic machines which now we’re on this bill. Some of you may recall and I emphasize ‘‘working with’’ very coming to correct. But they still have Parkinson’s laws from some years ago strongly, working with the local elect- the same rate of error. in which he commented that when ed officials, the State-elected officials, I guess it never stops around here. there’s a debate on a subject, the more and continue to do as best we can to But here we are again spending that the people know, the longer the debate. perfect the best possible voting system. money on another whim. But we’ll do And I suspect we could go on consider- And with that, I will yield back. it. ably longer if we had more of the Mem- Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. bers of Congress here simply because Speaker, I urge that we pass this im- Speaker, I just want to make a couple all of us have experience with elec- portant legislation today. of comments. In the last several years, tions. I will confess that I am disappointed the United States has spent at least I would like to point out a few items. that the ranking member is not today $240 million to make sure that demo- First of all, the comments about the in support of this measure. We, on the cratic elections in other countries met integrity of the system. I agree totally. majority side, accepted every amend- the same standards that we’re hoping The objective should be the complete ment offered by Republicans in the elections will be held to here. And so, integrity of the system to insure that committee mark-up on this bill, and I obviously, every dollar that we have is every vote is counted accurately, and had hoped and expected that we would precious tax money, but I would hope that every voter can be assured that be able to continue to work together that we would be at least as interested their vote is not cancelled out by some- and support this measure on the floor. in protecting the integrity of the elec- one who has illegally voted the wrong We reported the original Holt bill out tions in America as we are in pro- way; in other words, through fraud or of the committee over 1 year ago, and tecting the integrity of the elections in through mistakes by the machine. in that time, between now and then, we Pakistan, Afghanistan and the like. I believe that the audits that Mr. have worked with Secretaries of State, Secondly, I was not a member of the HOLT has proposed are very important the National Association of Counties, House Administration Committee when and should be developed. It should be disability rights groups, voting rights Mr. MICA, the gentleman from Florida, developed with the help of the Secre- groups, civil rights groups, to try and was. But I was on the Florida 13 Task taries of State and local election offi- get a measure that could garner broad Force, and we reached a conclusion. It cials to develop a system that works, support across the country. And I be- was unanimous and it was bipartisan, so that we can ensure that the count is lieve that we have that measure before and I don’t second-guess them. We had as accurate as possible. us today. GAO go in and they gave us a report, I also want to comment that the I will say that the White House and we accepted that report. But had White House also has taken a dim view issuing an SAP today, after a year’s there been a paper trail we wouldn’t of this. They’ve issued a SAP this work, I think, is really bad faith. We have had to have the GAO go in and ex- afternoon, somewhat to my surprise, have worked very hard, and to come amine these machines. that indicates that they oppose this out at the last minute is really very And I would finally note that the bill and urge Members of the Congress unprofessional. gentleman is right. If you can mess it to vote against it. I’d finally like to say that the dollar up, it will be messed up. But at least, But I do want to look at this from amount estimated by the Congres- with a paper ballot, you can discern in- the historical perspective, and as an sional Budget Office is a worst-case tent. And if somebody circles the name older person, I’ve been around a while, scenario. There’s no way that that instead of fills it in, and there is a re- and I’ve seen a lot of different elec- would be the full amount. count, you can see what a voter meant But even if it were, I would ask Mem- tions. Recalling the early history of to do. You cannot see that with an bers to think of this: Isn’t the Amer- our country, all balloting was with electronic machine. ican democracy worth as much as the paper. But because there was too much So with that, and I understand the Iraqi or the Pakistani democracy? points being made, but I would hope miscounting on opportunity for fraud, that we can come together and support machines were developed: the iron b 1445 this bipartisan bill. monsters, as they called them, mean- Aren’t we willing to spend as much I reserve the balance of my time. ing the lever machines. And those were to make sure that our precious Amer- Mr. EHLERS. I yield 30 seconds to used for years, even though their error ican votes are counted as we are the the gentleman from Florida (Mr. MICA). rate also was note zero. And then we’ve votes of foreigners in other countries? I Mr. MICA. I didn’t get a chance to gone to many other voting methods would hope that as we consider our re- say this, but there is a quote that I over the years. sponsibility as Members of Congress to think should be part of the record. And Now we’re using high tech ap- our wonderful America and our won- the quote is: ‘‘An informed electorate proaches with computers, and we have derful country, that the answer to that is the cornerstone of democracy and an encountered some of the same difficul- would be yes and therefore, a ‘‘yes’’ on educated electorate.’’ And that’s what ties. the whole bill. we need to do. I am not saying that you can’t make There have been various quotes made And they make errors. Folks make a perfect machine. I am saying that as today, but I think back of the second errors. They just don’t circle one and long as people are involved in oper- Californian to ever be President of the it’s very clear. I’d love to bring the bal- ating them, there are likely to be mis- United States, his phrase was not used lots here. Sometime I’ll have to do that takes. about voting, but it was this: Trust but to show you how people can mess it up. And one of my classics that I remem- verify. That’s what the Holt bill would But an informed electorate is the cor- ber is from the presidential election in do. It would trust but verify, and I hope nerstone of democracy. And, yes, we 2004, when in Los Angeles County there that Members today can come together need to do all we can to make certain were something like nine candidates and support the Holt bill. that they’re provided with all the as- for President listed on the ballot. This I would like to commend once again sistance from the Federal level to was an optical scan ballot. Over 3,600 Congressman HOLT for his enormous ef- make certain that we have a fair, open, voters crossed through the oval for forts that brought us here today. honest election. candidates other than President Bush Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, as a cosponsor Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. We and left his blank. of the Emergency Assistance for Secure Elec- don’t have additional speakers. I won- Now, how is one to interpret that? tions Act, I rise in strong support of the bill. der if the gentleman has additional Did these voters think they should Voting is the most fundamental element of speakers. leave the Bush oval blank because that democracy. It is the mechanism by which citi- Mr. EHLERS. We have no further was who they wanted to vote for? Or zens hold their government accountable for its speakers. If you have none then I will were they saying ‘‘Anyone but the actions. This most critical of democratic ac- make some concluding remarks. President? Who knows. As long as tions depends, however, on voters’ confidence

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:41 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.053 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2297 that their votes are counted fairly and accu- good start and I want to commend my good The Clerk read the title of the bill. rately. friend and colleague, RUSH HOLT, for his lead- The text of the bill is as follows: Voters have lost this confidence. ership on this issue. Even a month ago, it ap- H.R. 5493 Election after election, year after year, mil- peared that passing this bill was impossible. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- lions of voters cast votes not knowing if their However, thanks to Representative HOLT’s resentatives of the United States of America in votes will count because the machines tireless efforts to work with members of Con- Congress assembled, produce no paper records. gress on both sides of the aisle, that impos- SECTION 1. AUTHORITY OF COMMITTEE ON The Help America Vote Act of 2002 was sibility becomes reality today. America will be HOUSE ADMINISTRATION TO ESTAB- supposed to resolve these problems. How- LISH DAY FOR PAYING SALARIES IN a better for place for his efforts on this Issue. OR UNDER THE HOUSE OF REP- ever, it failed to address several major issues Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, elections are RESENTATIVES. that continue to plague the system and under- the bedrock of our republic. Our capacity to Section 116(a) of the Legislative Branch mine the legitimacy of our elections. function as a tripartite government of co-equal Appropriations Act, 2002 (2 U.S.C. 60d–1) is This so-called response to the 2000 election branches rests in the public’s assurance that amended by adding at the end the following debacle in Florida failed to implement account- new sentence: ‘‘Notwithstanding the pre- those of us entrusted to administer and legis- vious sentence, the Committee on House Ad- ability measures to ensure that every vote is late assumed our offices through free, fair and cast and counted accurately. ministration may by regulation provide for open elections. The Emergency Assistance for Secure Elec- the payment of salaries with respect to a I laud Congressman RUSH HOLT and his ef- tions Act would address this problem by pro- month on a date other than the date pro- forts to ensure the integrity and accuracy of vided under the previous sentence as may be viding funding for states and counties to imple- our voting system. However, today I must rise necessary to conform to generally accepted ment safe, secure and auditable voting sys- in opposition to H.R. 5036, the Emergency As- accounting practices.’’. tems in time for the 2008 general election. It would reimburse jurisdictions that choose sistance for Secure Elections Act of 2008. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- to convert to paper-based voting systems. The H.R. 5036 acknowledges that problems ant to the rule, the gentleman from reimbursements also cover emergency paper exist in our system of voting, and that without Pennsylvania (Mr. BRADY) and the gen- ballots used in the event of machine failure, action now these problems will grow. For this tleman from Michigan (Mr. EHLERS) and the cost of conducting hand-counted au- reason the legislation has merit. While H.R. each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman dits or hand counting the results of elections. 5036 includes a provision to reimburse juris- We must act to restore confidence in our dictions that convert their paperless voting from Pennsylvania. election system. The Emergency Assistance system to one that includes a paper trail, it GENERAL LEAVE for Secure Elections Act will help restore this may also include optical scan technology. I Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. confidence and help ensure that all votes are have serious concerns with optical scan tech- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that counted and recorded properly. I urge my col- nology and its susceptibility to hacks and se- all Members have 5 legislative days to leagues to fulfill their responsibility to Amer- curity breaches. Recent tests and research revise and extend their remarks on this ican voters by voting yes on this critical bill. have demonstrated the ease with which a per- bill. Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in son can manipulate the configuration files to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there support of H.R. 5036, the Emergency Assist- change votes. What’s more, most of the objection to the request of the gen- ance for Secure Elections Act of 2008. equipment necessary to accomplish this can tleman from Pennsylvania? I think everyone in the chamber today re- be purchased off-the-shelf at most technology There was no objection. members the frustration and disbelief we all stores. Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. felt in November 2000 as hundreds of volun- Indeed, our voting system needs improve- Speaker, I yield myself such time as I teers poured into Dade County Florida to over- ment, but replacing one flawed technology may consume. see the recount of the Presidential election. As with another will do little to garner public faith Mr. Speaker, H.R. 5493 is a bill to ad- the future of our nation swayed in the balance, in the electoral process. Let us make com- dress the frequency of staff pay periods we all thought to ourselves, Can this actually prehensive electoral system reform a priority, in the House. It provides that the day be happening in America? and let us enact a policy that ensures system for paying staff may be regulated by The answer, unfortunately, was yes. As dev- integrity, system security, and that each and the Committee on House Administra- astating as that event was, I think we learned every vote is counted. tion. The House of Representatives cur- two very important lessons. The first is that Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Mr. rently pays the staff once a month. The every vote really does count. Every person Speaker, I yield back the balance of executive branch, the Senate, and most who is eligible must get to the polls. The sec- my time. private companies pay their employees ond lesson learned is that our system of elec- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The twice a month or every two weeks. tions is broken. Changes must be mandated, question is on the motion offered by We are considering a change because improvements must be made. the gentlewoman from California (Ms. once-a-month pay can be difficult for That is why I am proud to rise in support of ZOE LOFGREN) that the House suspend staffers budgeting on a tight paycheck. H.R. 5036. This bill takes real steps to im- the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5036, as In addition, the committee’s oversight prove the transparency and accuracy of elec- amended. experience with payroll software sug- toral process by minimizing the financial bur- The question was taken. gested adopting a more common ap- den placed on local governments to ensure The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the proach will save money, reduce errors the accuracy of election results. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being and increase efficiency. Unfortunately, H.R. 5036 fully reimburses jurisdictions that in the affirmative, the ayes have it. the committee can’t change the pay choose to offer paper ballots on Election Day. Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, on that I schedule for House staff until we In the 2006 election cycle, we learned that demand the yeas and nays. change the law. electronic voting machines are not always reli- The yeas and nays were ordered. This bill will give the committee the able, often malfunctioning and creating sub- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- authority to change the date that stantial complications on Election Day. H.R. ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the staffers are paid. It won’t change the 5036 also subsidizes manual recounts of elec- Chair’s prior announcement, further pay schedule right away. Once this bill tions results if basic minimum requirements proceedings on this motion will be is enacted, the committee will adopt are met. We must provide resources to the postponed. regulations that change the pay cycle. states to ensure that the elections they con- f I would like to thank my friend and duct are fair and accurate. colleague, Mr. EHLERS, for cospon- HOUSE SALARIES Both provisions provide absolutely nec- soring this bill. essary funding to alleviate the significant bur- Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of den placed on local and county governments Speaker, I move to suspend the rules my time. when holding elections. This relief is critical to and pass the bill (H.R. 5493) to provide Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield ensure that local government entities can pro- that the usual day for paying salaries myself such time as I may consume. tect the legitimacy of election results without in or under the House of Representa- Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. enduring financial hardship. tives may be established by regulations 5493, which would establish that the While, I recognize the fact that more must of the Committee on House Adminis- pay date in the House be determined by be done, I also believe that this bill is a very tration. Committee on House Administration

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:41 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP7.017 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2298 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 regulations. However, I want to make Pennsylvania (Mr. BRADY) and the gen- I yield back my time. clear that, while I support the com- tleman from Michigan (Mr. EHLERS) Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. mittee establishing its authority to de- each will control 20 minutes. Speaker, I yield back the balance of termine the House’s pay date, I do not The Chair recognizes the gentleman my time. necessarily support alteration of the from Pennsylvania. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The current House pay schedule at this GENERAL LEAVE question is on the motion offered by time. Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Along with the obvious administra- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that BRADY) that the House suspend the tive challenges that would impact the all Members have 5 legislative days to rules and agree to the resolution, H. CAO, there are a number of cultural revise and extend their remarks on this Res. 1068, as amended. implications within the House popu- resolution. The question was taken; and (two- lation that must be addressed prior to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there thirds being in the affirmative) the making such a change. objection to the request of the gen- rules were suspended and the resolu- Many employees pay their mort- tleman from Pennsylvania? tion, as amended, was agreed to. gages, utility bills, and other financial There was no objection. The title was amended so as to read: obligations in concert with a monthly Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. ‘‘A resolution permitting active duty pay schedule. To change a system that Speaker, I yield myself such time as I members of the Armed Forces who are has been in place for such an extended may consume. assigned to a Congressional liaison of- period of time will have a pervasive im- Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 1068 responds to fice of the Armed Forces at the House pact and must be considered and com- a specific request from the liaisons who of Representatives to obtain member- municated thoroughly before it is in- serve in each branch of the military ship in the exercise facility established stituted. and assist us daily in the House of Rep- for employees of the House of Rep- This bill is the first step on a very resentatives. They have just a simple resentatives.’’. long road, and it should be followed by favor to ask that they be allowed to A motion to reconsider was laid on hearings and surveys to allow House use the House staff gym since they the table. employees to express their opinions. work here far away from the ordinary However, I fully support the efforts f military fitness facilities. AUTHORIZING THE USE OF THE of Chairman BRADY to ensure that the In order to ensure that the military ROTUNDA OF THE CAPITOL FOR committee take a decisive role in de- liaisons can maintain the physical fit- THE PRESENTATION OF THE termining whether or not changes to ness and readiness while they serve in CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL the House pay schedule are made. the House, this resolution will allow Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance TO MICHAEL ELLIS DEBAKEY, them to use the House staff gym. The of my time. M.D. Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. committee will adopt regulations for Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of the use of this facility. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to my time. We anticipate that the Armed Forces discharge the Committee on House Ad- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The personnel who use the facility would do ministration from further consider- question is on the motion offered by so consistently with military policy ation of S. Con. Res. 71 and ask for its the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. and, to the extent possible, during off- immediate consideration in the House. BRADY) that the House suspend the peak hours. The Clerk read the title of the Senate rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5493. Again, I would like to thank my The question was taken; and (two- friend and colleague, the gentleman concurrent resolution. thirds being in the affirmative) the from Michigan (Mr. EHLERS), for co- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there rules were suspended and the bill was sponsoring this resolution. objection to the request of the gen- passed. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of tleman from Pennsylvania? A motion to reconsider was laid on my time. Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, reserving the table. Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield the right to object, I will not object, myself such time as I may consume. but I would like to make a few com- f Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support ments. HOUSE EXERCISE FACILITY of H.R. 1068, which would permit mili- I am proud to support S. Con. Res. 71, Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. tary liaisons who are assigned to offi- which authorizes the use of the Ro- Speaker, I move to suspend the rules cial duty within the House of Rep- tunda of the Capitol for a ceremony to and agree to the resolution (H. Res. resentatives to join the House Staff award the Congressional Gold Medal to 1068) permitting active duty members Fitness Center. The center has been a Dr. Michael Ellis DeBakey. of the Armed Forces who are assigned welcome benefit to many House em- A pioneer in the field of cardio- to a Congressional liaison office of the ployees since it opened in December of vascular surgery, Dr. DeBakey became Department of Defense at the House of 2005. Located in the southwest corner chairman of the Department of Sur- Representatives to obtain membership of the Rayburn building, the fitness gery at Baylor University College of in the exercise facility established for center covers 11,000 square feet in Medicine in 1948. Over the last half cen- employees of the House of Representa- which gym members can take advan- tury, he has created a number of med- tives, as amended. tage of health screenings and fitness ical devices, techniques, and proce- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- assessments, take part in health dures that have saved countless lives. tion. wellness workshops and seminars, and He is perhaps best known for his pio- The text of the resolution is as fol- receive individualized exercise pro- neering efforts in cardiovascular sur- lows: grams, in addition to using the state- gery, as he was one of the first physi- H. RES. 1068 of-the-art exercise equipment. cians to ever perform coronary bypass Resolved, That any active duty member of While membership in the House Staff surgery. the Armed Forces who is assigned to a Con- Fitness Center will prove a convenient Additionally, Michael DeBakey is gressional liaison office of the Armed Forces and useful operation to those military credited with developing the concept at the House of Representatives may obtain personnel who work in the House cam- for the Mobile Army Surgical Hospital, membership in the exercise facility estab- pus, I think it’s also important to rec- or M.A.S.H., units which were used in lished for employees of the House of Rep- resentatives (as described in section 103(a) of ognize that these gentlemen and the Vietnam and Korean War to treat the Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, women are part of the military. They injured soldiers, saving even more 2005) in the same manner as an employee of must remain in shape because they lives. the House of Representatives, in accordance may be called into active duty at any An adviser to nearly every President with such regulations as the Committee on time. for the past 50 years, Dr. DeBakey has House Administration may promulgate. And so I believe this is a good bill, served the public through his vast The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- and I thank Chairman BRADY for his knowledge on a variety of medical ant to the rule, the gentleman from work on the bill. issues. He has published more than

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:37 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.059 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2299 1,300 medical articles and has per- all Members have 5 legislative days to rule provides for 1 hour of debate on formed over 60,000 cardiovascular pro- revise and extend their remarks in the the bill controlled by the Committee cedures. He is a beloved educator, so RECORD on the concurrent resolution on Ways and Means. much so that in 1976, his students just considered. Mr. Speaker, today, April 15, is Tax across the globe worked together to es- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Day, which has long been a source of tablish the Michael E. DeBakey Inter- objection to the request of the gen- stress and anxiety for many working national Surgical Society in his honor. tleman from Pennsylvania? families. However, today we will bring Dr. DeBakey has received numerous There was no objection. good news. We will consider legislation awards for his work, including the f that will alleviate many of the tax-re- Presidential Medal of Freedom in 1969 lated difficulties Americans face today and the National Medal of Science, b 1500 and throughout the year. This legisla- which was awarded to him by the late PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION tion will streamline the tax filing proc- President Ronald Reagan in 1987. OF H.R. 5719, TAXPAYER ASSIST- ess for individuals and businesses as I am extremely pleased that this bill ANCE AND SIMPLIFICATION ACT well as improve IRS customer service will enable us to bestow another honor OF 2008 and strengthen privacy protections. The Taxpayer Assistance and Sim- upon Dr. DeBakey as he receives the Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Speaker, by direc- Congressional Gold Medal in the Ro- plification Act is also fully paid for by tion of the Committee on Rules, I call ensuring funds from tax-advantaged tunda of the United States Capitol. up House Resolution 1102 and ask for Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. health savings accounts will be used its immediate consideration. Speaker, would the gentleman yield? for qualified health care expenses, and The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I yield to by temporarily delaying a withholding lows: the gentleman from Pennsylvania. requirement on government payments Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. H. RES. 1102 to contractors. Speaker, the concurrent resolution Resolved, That upon the adoption of this It also contains provisions to provides for the use of the Capitol Ro- resolution it shall be in order to consider in strengthen the integrity of the Tax tunda to award the Congressional Gold the House the bill (H.R. 5719) to amend the Code, making it simpler and fairer for Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to conform re- all Americans. It eliminates incentives Medal, and I support the resolution. turn preparer penalty standards, delay im- Mr. Speaker, Dr. Michael DeBakey is for U.S. companies to outsource work plementation of withholding taxes on gov- by ensuring they cannot escape paying a pioneer in the field of heart surgery ernment contractors, enhance taxpayer pro- and research. Dr. DeBakey honed his tections, assist low-income taxpayers, and employment taxes on government skills as an Army doctor during World for other purposes. All points of order workers. War II. While chairman of the Depart- against consideration of the bill are waived In addition, this legislation will also ment of Surgery at the Baylor College except those arising under clause 9 or 10 of prevent thousands of elderly and dis- of Medicine, Dr. DeBakey performed rule XXI. The amendment in the nature of a abled individuals from owing employ- substitute recommended by the Committee the first heart bypass surgery. He has ment taxes for in-home care workers on Ways and Means now printed in the bill provided through State and local gov- saved countless lives. shall be considered as adopted. The bill, as Dr. DeBakey has received a Presi- ernment programs. amended, shall be considered as read. All This legislation also improves IRS dential Medal of Freedom and the Na- points of order against provisions of the bill, service and outreach to low-income tional Medal of Science, as well as as amended, are waived. The previous ques- taxpayers in several ways. First, it al- awards from the American Medical As- tion shall be considered as ordered on the lows IRS employees to refer taxpayers sociation, the American Heart Associa- bill, as amended, to final passage without in- requiring assistance with tax cases to tion, and the Academy of Surgical Re- tervening motion except: (1) one hour of de- qualified low-income taxpayer clinics. search. bate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of It also requires that the IRS notify We are honored to authorize the use the Committee on Ways and Means; and (2) taxpayers of their potential eligibility of the Capitol Rotunda to present Dr. one motion to recommit with or without in- for the Earned Income Tax Credit, DeBakey with the Congressional Gold structions. which has been the largest need-based, Medal, and again, I thank the gen- SEC. 2. During consideration of H.R. 5719 anti-poverty program in the United tleman from Michigan for his support. pursuant to this resolution, notwithstanding States, lifting millions of Americans Mr. EHLERS. Mr. Speaker, I with- the operation of the previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of out of poverty every single year. draw my reservation of objection. GAO estimates that in 2004, Ameri- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the bill to such time as may be designated by the Speaker. cans failed to claim $8 billion in earned objection to the request of the gen- income tax credits, hundreds of mil- tleman from Pennsylvania? The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- tlewoman from Ohio is recognized for 1 lions of dollars in my home State of There was no objection. Ohio alone. These credits have the po- The text of the Senate concurrent hour. tential to help strengthen families and resolution is as follows: Ms. SUTTON. For the purpose of de- their financial security while also ben- S. CON. RES. 71 bate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Texas efiting our communities at large by Resolved by the Senate (the House of Rep- stimulating local economic develop- (Mr. SESSIONS). All time yielded during resentatives concurring), ment and job growth. And in order to consideration of the rule is for debate SECTION 1. USE OF THE ROTUNDA OF ensure that eligible families can con- only. THE CAPITOL FOR THE PRESENTATION tinue to take advantage of the earned OF THE CONGRESSIONAL GOLD MEDAL. GENERAL LEAVE income tax credit, this legislation au- The rotunda of the United States Capitol is Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask thorizes an annual $10 million grant to authorized to be used on April 23, 2008, for unanimous consent that all Members Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, or the presentation of the Congressional Gold have 5 legislative days within which to Medal to Michael Ellis DeBakey, M.D. Phys- VITA, programs. VITA provides free ical preparations for the conduct of the cere- revise and extend their remarks and to assistance to qualified low-income tax- mony shall be carried out in accordance with insert extraneous materials into the payers, thanks to these grants as well such conditions as may be prescribed by the RECORD. as the assistance of dedicated volun- Architect of the Capitol. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there teers across the country. The Senate concurrent resolution objection to the request of the gentle- The availability of these valuable was concurred in. woman from Ohio? services makes it unnecessary for A motion to reconsider was laid on There was no objection. working families to turn to high-cost the table. Ms. SUTTON. I yield myself such tax preparers and unscrupulous organi- f time as I may consume. zations engaging in predatory practices Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 1102 provides for like offering what is called ‘‘Refund GENERAL LEAVE consideration of H.R. 5719, the Tax- Anticipation Loans.’’ Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. Mr. payer Assistance and Simplification The Taxpayer Assistance and Sim- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Act of 2008, under a closed rule. The plification Act also includes several

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:41 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.064 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2300 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 provisions to strengthen privacy pro- the 110th Congress, a new record for the The current system requires that tections and government account- United States Congress. And I oppose, nonqualified withdrawals from a health ability. Importantly, it prohibits the also, the underlying legislation which savings account are subject to indi- IRS from providing individual taxpayer would have been passed by this House vidual income taxes as well as a 10 per- information to private entities employ- in a bipartisan fashion without the in- cent penalty. If the Internal Revenue ing predatory loan tactics. And it re- clusion of two partisan and controver- Service is not enforcing these pen- quires the IRS to notify taxpayers of sial measures that have already drawn alties, it should be, and it would make suspected identity theft and fraud. It veto threats from President Bush’s sen- sense that Congress would take the also takes the important step of repeal- ior advisers. necessary steps to ensure the appro- ing the authority of the IRS to con- Mr. Speaker, I will insert a State- priate audits take place. Our constitu- tract with private debt collection agen- ment of Administrative Policy for H.R. ents’ health and our Nation’s financial cies. 5719 in the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD out- institutions should not suffer from the Mr. Speaker, there is no duty more lining the administration’s oppositions Federal Government’s inefficiency. central to the functioning of the Fed- to these two provisions. The Joint Committee on Taxation eral Government than the collection of STATEMENT OF ADMINISTRATION POLICY, H.R. has said that this provision would save its revenue. But under the Bush Ad- 5719—TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE AND SIM- money, though they are unable to de- ministration, this inherently govern- PLIFICATION ACT OF 2008 termine how much savings would re- mental responsibility has been farmed (Rep. Rangel (D) New York and 16 cospon- sult from the newly captured penalties out to private collectors who keep up sors.) and taxes that make HSAs, health sav- to 25 percent of the tax revenues they The Administration strongly opposes H.R. ings accounts, less attractive to con- 5719, the so-called ‘‘Taxpayer Assistance and sumers, in turn, giving them less collect. The program has caused confu- Simplification Act of 2008.’’ The bill includes sion and aggravation for many tax- health care choices. provisions that would impose new adminis- I might add that HSAs are there to payers because these private debt col- trative burdens on the trustees of Health lectors frequently demand sensitive Savings Accounts (HSAs). These new burdens provide consumers that do not have the personal information without revealing on HSA administrators are unnecessary for tax advantages that corporate employ- the nature of their phone calls, as was efficient tax administration, inconsistent ees have, it gives employees health documented in a Ways and Means Com- with the flexibility purposely afforded HSAs care on a pretax basis and is very im- at their inception, and could undermine ef- mittee hearing last year. portant to families across this country. forts by employers, individuals, and insurers But consumers are not the only ones In addition, the operations of private to reduce health care costs and improve who would suffer. Introducing a new contractors are not held to the same health outcomes by empowering consumers step of independent substantiation standard of transparency as required of to take greater control of health care deci- would increase costs for banks and ac- the Federal Government. There is the sion-making. If H.R. 5719 were presented to count administrators. Should that hap- danger that sensitive personal informa- the President with these provisions, his sen- pen, it is very possible that they will tion could be compromised through ior advisors would recommend he would veto pass on these costs to employees, and careless handling of these cases with- the bill. Also, the Administration strongly opposes ultimately, consumers. out accountability. The Taxpayer Ad- the provisions of the bill that would repeal Over the past several weeks, Demo- vocate Service has reported over 1,500 the current statutory authorization for the crats have loudly complained about the complaints related to this program. Internal Revenue Service (IRS) private debt charges that banks and other commer- collection program. As of February 2008, over And not only are there serious privacy cial lending institutions pass on to and service issues, but the promised 98,000 cases have been referred to contrac- tors, representing over $910 million in delin- their customers, yet provisions allow cost savings of the private debt collec- for the possibility of increasing those tion program has simply not material- quent accounts. Terminating this program would result in a loss of $578 million in rev- costs further when it now applies to an ized. One needs to look no further than enue over the next ten years, according to HSA. I think Members of this body a headline on the front page of today’s Congress’ Joint Committee on Taxation. should be opposed to that. Washington Post that proclaims, ‘‘Col- These are tax dollars that are legally owed The other controversial and partisan lectors Cost IRS More Than They to the Government and are otherwise very provisions included in this legislation Raise.’’ unlikely to be collected by the IRS due to would revoke the Internal Revenue Private debt collectors are also less workload demands. As noted in previous Service’s authority to contract out col- Statements of Administration Policy, the efficient than the IRS. As the IRS Tax- lection authority for those small ac- payer Advocate Service points out, the Administration strongly opposes elimination of this program, which is not consistent with counts that in the private sector would Department of the Treasury estimates the Administration’s commitment to a bal- often be referred to as ‘‘old and cold.’’ that private collection agencies collect anced approach toward improving taxpayer In 2004, Congress gave the IRS the abil- $4 for every dollar it invests in tax col- compliance and collecting outstanding tax ity to utilize the best practices and ad- lection efforts, but every dollar in- liabilities. If H.R. 5719 were presented to the vantages created by the private sector vested in IRS collections yields five President with these provisions, his senior to address its growing backlog of un- times that amount. advisors would recommend that he veto the paid debt. Today, it is estimated that The downside of continuing to bill. $345 billion of these unpaid taxes exist, outsource the duties of the Internal The first partisan provision unneces- meaning that every year the average Revenue Service clearly outweigh any sarily included by our friends, the taxpayer who plays by the rules must benefits. It’s just another disturbing Democrats, in this otherwise non- pay an extra $2,700 to cover the taxes example of a poor governmental func- controversial measure would require not paid for by these people who are tion being outsourced to private con- all HSA account holders to verify inde- not paying. tractors with subpar results and a lack pendently the qualified nature of med- This new practice, which begins as a of transparency and accountability. It ical expenses for all withdrawals sub- small pilot program that grows as it is a waste of taxpayer resources, and it ject to those transactions not substan- continues to succeed, is estimated to is about time that we eliminated the tiated to income taxes. bring in approximately $2.2 billion in IRS’s authority to outsource this gov- In theory, it is extremely important the first 10 years alone. And under this ernment responsibility. to make sure that health savings ac- agreement, the IRS would get the first The Taxpayer Assistance and Sim- counts are being used for qualified 25 cents of every dollar to hire new col- plification Act improves government medical expenses and not for everyday lections professionals, a provision that accountability and makes the Tax Code use. Unfortunately, this language will have a positive, compound effect simpler and fairer for all Americans. I takes the reporting process way too far by helping to bring in even greater urge my colleagues to support this rule and risks discouraging health savings amounts of this uncollected revenue and the underlying legislation. accounts enrollment, limiting patient for the government in the future. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of choice, and further burdening our The program, even in its beginning my time. banks and financial organizations with stages and despite numerous attempts Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in implementing the substantial require- by the Democrat majority to kill it be- opposition to this 52nd closed rule of ments. fore it could succeed, has been hugely

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:41 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.069 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2301 successful, bringing in over $30 million Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Speaker, before I 10 years, according to the Joint Com- worth of uncollected taxes. Mr. Speak- yield, I’d just like to clarify for the mittee on Taxation. And the only one er, that means that $30 million worth record some of the things that have who really wins in the end is the com- of taxes that the IRS chose not to col- been presented. pany who gets the contract thanks to lect has been brought in as a result of The National Taxpayer Advocate, its unfair competitive advantage. what these outside collectors have who is appointed by the Treasury Sec- Mr. Speaker, these practices must done. It has received a 98 percent rat- retary, reported to Congress that ‘‘the end. This bill amends current law to ing from the IRS for regulatory and money spent on the IRS Private Debt treat foreign subsidies of U.S. compa- procedural accuracy as well as a 100 Collection initiative is an inefficient nies under contract with the U.S. Gov- percent rating for professionalism. Ad- use of government dollars.’’ The Chief ernment as American employers. And ditionally, less than 1 percent of the of the National Taxpayer Advocate it changes the degree of common own- taxpayers contacted by these private Service testified that the IRS employ- ership to 50 percent, ensuring that agencies have filed complaints with the ees bring in $20 for every dollar IRS more companies owing taxes are sub- IRS, not one of which has been vali- spends, whereas private debt collectors ject to the new law and greater dated. bring in only $4. transparency. Despite this program’s track record Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 3 The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- of success on behalf of taxpayers who minutes to the distinguished gentle- tlewoman’s time has expired. play by the rules and pay their des- woman from Connecticut (Ms. Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield an ignated share, not to mention the in- DELAURO). additional minute to the gentlewoman. Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, it is un- creased revenues that it brings in to Ms. DELAURO. Mr. Speaker, I rise to acceptable for the Department of De- fund the Democrats’ other new, big support the rule and the underlying fense to pay for this war by doing busi- spending legislation, there are many legislation. The Taxpayer Assistance ness with a company that siphons opponents on the other side of the aisle and Simplification Act is an important money from its own workers and its that want to prevent it from con- step toward a more straightforward, just tax system. I commend Chairman own government, undermining the So- tinuing to work, supposedly to protect cial Security and the Medicare trust RANGEL for his tireless leadership. the dues of big government union funds in the process. When tax dodgers bosses. Among other things, this bill will allow IRS employees to refer taxpayers try to avoid their responsibility, the b 1515 needing assistance to qualified low-in- American taxpayer suffers. This com- They have claimed, despite the fact come taxpayer clinics, boost outreach, pany should not be allowed to shirk that 40 out of the 50 States in America supporting the earned income tax cred- their responsibilities and then be able already contract out their services, it. For so many families facing such to reap the rewards of very large Fed- that this is something that only the great income insecurity during these eral contracts. It is wrong. It should government can do. You don’t have to difficult times, the EITC is a powerful end. And we can no longer afford to take my word for it to be said that this initiative whose benefits reach our en- look the other way. I thank the gentlewoman for yield- is untrue. Even the nonpartisan Gov- tire economy. ing. ernment Accounting Office found that In particular, I want to recognize Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I’m ‘‘the IRS may benefit from using pri- Representative ELLSWORTH and high- starting to get it. The IRS has a lot of vate collectors . . . and it is reasonable light this bill’s Fair Tax Provision, work to do, and then as accounts be- to assume that the IRS could learn rooted in our belief that no one, no come older because they don’t get to from their best practices as it works to one, should receive special privileges those and they become 2, 3, 4, 5 years resolve longstanding problems with its under our tax system. After all, what old but they are still debts that are debt collection activities.’’ does it say about our Nation and our owed this country, the IRS now, or at As well, in July of 2007, over 51,667 priorities when American companies least we are led to believe this, would ‘‘cold cases’’ that the IRS was incapa- like Kellog, Brown & Root, by far the go collect that money when they ble of collecting were given to private largest contractor in Iraq, are allowed hadn’t done it their first 5 years. agencies, resulting in over 5,300 full re- to take their Department of Defense Well, Mr. Speaker, it’s not true. They payments to the Treasury and almost dollars and filter them through off- will not go collect these accounts. 2,000 full agreements to repay these shore shell companies in order to avoid They are old. And the point is it’s still debts incrementally. This means that paying significant Social Security and a debt that is owed to the United the government received over $24 mil- Medicare taxes? It is my understanding States Government. And that’s where lion of gross revenue that it would not that there are no other contractors in these private collectors come in. Pri- have otherwise received, which was Iraq who are doing this. vate collectors that collect for at least about one-eighth of what it cost for KBR, which received a no-bid con- 40 out of 50 States. Private collectors these nonexisting services to be paid tract to rebuild Iraq’s oil infrastruc- that have a 100 percent rating. for. ture and provides logistical support to Mr. Speaker, what we’re trying to In fact, the IRS has publicly stated the military, employs roughly 14,000 say is that the IRS probably does do a that no government employee will lose Americans in Iraq, and nearly all of good job with what it does do. But his or her job as a result of this highly them, approximately 10,500, are listed when it has not handled an account, it efficient private contracting. Instead, as employees of two Cayman Islands’ is unwise and bad for the taxpayer not the IRS will benefit from the oppor- shell companies, contracted by KBR to receive that money that is due from tunity to focus their talent, expertise, solely to avoid paying payroll taxes for its services and from the taxes that and resources on higher priority, more those workers. took place, and that’s what these col- complex cases. And that means big cost savings lectors are all about. To say that Last night in the most-closed-Con- passed on to a Defense Department they’re not as efficient an outside col- gress-in-history Rules Committee, I of- that is contracted to reimburse KBR lector as an IRS collector is silly be- fered an amendment coauthored by my for all its labor costs while guaran- cause these cases are ones the IRS friend Congressman KEVIN BRADY of teeing a profit, a Defense Department didn’t want to handle in the first place. Texas to strike this unfortunate provi- that is more than ready to look the Mr. Speaker, at this time I would sion, which was unsurprisingly de- other way as long as the bottom line like to yield 4 minutes to the gen- feated by the Democrat majority along works out in its favor. Indeed, the de- tleman from Georgia (Mr. GINGREY). party lines. partment knew KBR was shirking its Mr. GINGREY. I thank the gen- I encourage all my colleagues to vote responsibilities since 2004; yet they tleman for yielding. against this closed rule and the under- took no action. This kind of setup may Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposi- lying legislation that includes these mean a smaller price tag on any par- tion to the rule and the underlying bill, two provisions. ticular contract, but the long-term H.R. 5719. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of costs to the government and the tax- As we are all aware, today is April 15, my time. payer are far greater, $846 million over and once again Americans from all

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:41 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.071 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2302 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 across this land and from all walks of guished gentlewoman from Arizona health savings accounts. Now I know life must fork over their hard-earned (Ms. GIFFORDS). we have a philosophical difference of income to the IRS. So to ease the bur- Ms. GIFFORDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise opinion on whether we want to keep den on the taxpayer, the House Demo- today to support moving forward with health care private and do it through cratic leadership, under a closed rule, this legislation. the marketplace, or whether we want no opportunity for amendment, brings I was a former small business owner, to have a government nationalization up this so-called Taxpayer Assistance and I understand the real costs of and takeover of health care. What I am and Simplification Act. health care, health insurance, increas- sharing with you is if you cripple HSAs However, Mr. Speaker, anyone who ing year after year. It’s my under- in this way, I guess you do build mo- takes a good, hard look at the language standing that the health savings ac- mentum for a government takeover of in the bill, they might not think today count provision is not going to increase health care. But that is not going to is April 15 but rather April Fools Day. the burden on employers. The bill does make savings for the American con- In fact, this legislation should really be not intend for employers to be subject sumers. entitled the ‘‘Tax Evader Assistance to any additional burdens or obliga- HSAs are effective in reducing costs and Simplification Act.’’ tions. And what it simply does is it for the consumer. And I have got to For example, this legislation will closes the tax gap by requiring HSA tell you, these new burdens are unnec- provide assistance to those who just trustees to report amounts paid to in- essary. They are inefficient. They are don’t feel like paying their taxes by dividuals that are not identified with inconsistent with the flexibility pur- eliminating a successful debt collec- medical expenses. Furthermore, we are posely afforded HSAs at their incep- tion program that my friend from going to be asking the GAO to study tion. These provisions undermine ef- Texas just mentioned. Instead of low- the uses of distribution from the HSAs. forts by employers, individuals and in- ering taxes for hardworking Americans So I’m really pleased to know that surers to reduce health care costs and of over half a billion dollars, this ma- we are ensuring that this provision improve health outcomes. jority would rather give a tax break to does not negatively impact our busi- How is it possible that we are going these tax evaders to the tune, Mr. ness community. to consider a program here where it Speaker, of about $600 million. Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I appre- will take longer to receive reimburse- And, unfortunately, to pay for these ciate the gentlewoman from Arizona’s ments and will require individuals to tax-evader protections, this bill targets letting us know about her under- come up with money out of their own what? Health Savings Accounts and standing of what’s happening. pocket, potentially hundreds of dollars, the millions of Americans who are try- What I would like to tell her is that on occasion $1,000 or so, at one time ing to take control of their own health a number of companies, including the under this new proposal? care decisions. This legislation will National Association for the Self-Em- I just think that this new step of cost those Americans who use HSAs, as ployed, National Association of Health independent substantiation frankly my children do, nearly $500 million. It Underwriters, National Association of helps only one company, or a very lim- effectively works to destroy market- Manufacturers, National Restaurant ited number of companies who offer based solutions in order to force gov- Association, National Retail Federa- such bureaucratic systems and imposes ernment-run health care down the tion, National Taxpayers Union, Prin- costs on all of the rest. This is going to throats of the American people. cipal Financial Group, Retail Industry increase the costs for the banks, for Mr. Speaker, I mentioned earlier that Leaders Association, Financial Serv- the account administrators, and for the this bill makes today seem more like ices Roundtable, the HSA Council, the individual who uses them. And it is April Fools Day. Well, that moniker al- UnitedHealth Group, U.S. Chamber of going to be passed on to the consumers. ready belongs to April 1; so perhaps we Commerce, WellPoint, these people So we do complain about the charges can just call today ‘‘Thank a Congres- that employ people that utilize the which banks and other commercial sional Democrat Day.’’ HSA, are all saying it will have a nega- lending institutions pass on to their I would say to the American people if tive impact upon the use of HSAs mak- customers. But why have this provision they are happy that this Congress ing it easier for individuals to get and that is going to increase those costs on today will basically give away $600 mil- have health care on a pretax basis. the consumer? This does not make lion to tax evaders, thank a congres- Mr. Speaker, at this time I would sense. Health savings accounts were sional Democrat. like to yield 4 minutes to the gen- created to reduce the growth of health If they are happy with the fact that tleman from California (Mr. ROYCE). care costs. And they have achieved this Congress has done nothing to re- some noteworthy successes. But this b 1530 peal the deplorable death tax, thank a bill is going to lead to increased health congressional Democrat. Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, let me just care costs for individuals by crippling If they are happy with the fact that make the observation that today is HSAs. Don’t taxpayers have enough to this Congress has refused time after Tax Day, and effectively what we are worry about on Tax Day? time to extend the tax cuts of 2001 and doing to the American taxpayers is I urge my colleagues to vote against 2003 when our economy needs it most, making them jump through more this rule so we can fix this bill and pro- thank a congressional Democrat. hoops. Certainly if they have an HSA, vide a little relief to hardworking If they are happy with the fact this and the costs of this program are pro- Americans on April 15. Congress has for 2 straight years jected to be about a half a billion dol- Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Speaker, at this passed budgets that included the larg- lars a year, what we are going to be time, I yield 5 minutes to the distin- est tax increase in United States his- doing, what we are doing in bringing guished gentleman from Georgia (Mr. tory, thank a congressional Democrat. this bill to the floor, is enacting bur- SCOTT). And if they look forward to the pros- densome bureaucratic regulations that Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. This is an im- pect of writing an even bigger check to are going to undermine those health portant bill and a timely bill. This is a the IRS next year than they did this savings accounts which have been prov- bill that is due as a gift to the Amer- year, well, you guessed it, they can en successful at slowing the growth of ican people on this day which is re- thank a congressional Democrat. health costs and cutting insurance pre- ferred to as Tax Day, April 15. Mr. Speaker, I again ask all my col- miums for millions of individuals and Now, Mr. Speaker, this bill simplifies leagues, Democrat and Republican, to small businesses. And my colleague has the Tax Code. It also deals with oppose this rule so this bill can be just listed all the business groups that antiharassment. It also deals with amended to provide real assistance to are opposed to this legislation. making sure that companies who do the American taxpayer. But if this rule The question I guess I have is in the business in foreign lands are not using passes, I call upon them to oppose the last session, we had a largely bipar- offshore accounts as scams to avoid underlying ‘‘Tax Evader Protection tisan bill that the Republicans put for- paying their fair share of taxes. and Simplification Act.’’ ward, with Democratic support, 407–7 it And most importantly, Mr. Speaker, Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Speaker, at this passed. But now we have this provision it deals with the simplification of the time I yield 1 minute to the distin- dropped into this bill that cripples code and applies that to those people

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:41 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.073 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2303 who need it the most, because so many a very important bill, giving the tax- are gaming the system and not paying people, Mr. Speaker, are not even get- payers a due recognition, making the their fair share. In fact, recent reports ting the advantages and getting their Tax Code simpler, and making sure it in the Boston Globe has shown that due from paying the taxes because of is fair for all. It is a good bill. I support some government contractors have the fact that our Tax Code is so com- this bill rule, and let’s pass this bill been using offshore Cayman Islands plicated. It is so complex. And this bill and move it forward. places, tax havens, to avoid paying streamlines that. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The their payroll taxes that they owe. A Now let me take just a few minute to Chair will note that both sides have few weeks ago, I introduced the Fair go through some very salient points. 131⁄2 minutes remaining. Share Act to put a stop to this abuse, The Government Accountability Office Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, at this and I am proud to have this legislation estimates that Americans overpaid time, I would like to yield 4 minutes to included as part of today’s important their taxes by over $1 billion a year be- the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. bill. cause they failed to claim deductions. GINNY BROWN-WAITE). My constituents back in the Eighth This bill deals with that. About a quar- Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- District of Indiana don’t want to pay ter of Americans who are eligible for ida. I thank the gentleman. even more taxes to shore up programs the earned income tax credit failed to Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposi- like Social Security and Medicare be- claim that due to its complexity. tion to this closed rule. I am opposed cause companies who receive billions of But what this bill does, Mr. Speaker, because the majority continues to pun- dollars from this very government are is it makes the Tax Code simpler and ish States without an income tax, exploiting the tax system today. fairer. It strengthens the IRS’s out- States like Florida. Under the Repub- I urge my colleagues to support this reach program to make sure that peo- lican leadership, Congress allowed bill and send a strong message that ple know that they are entitled to the States to once again allow their resi- Congress is not going to stand by and tax refunds and to payments earned dents to deduct the State sales tax let contractors cheat their workers, under the earned income tax credit. As from their Federal income tax, just as cheat the government or the American I mentioned, there are 25 percent of other States are able to deduct their taxpayers. households who are eligible for the State income tax. My colleagues and I Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, we will earned income tax credit in 1999 that have repeatedly asked the chairman of reserve our time. Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Speaker, I would did not even claim it. And working the Ways and Means Committee to ex- inquire of the gentleman from Texas if Americans may have lost out on ap- tend the deduction. But we have re- he has any remaining speakers. peatedly been ignored. proximately $8 billion. This bill cor- Mr. SESSIONS. I appreciate the gen- As we all know, providing tax relief rects that. tlewoman asking. At this time, I do And one of the most important meas- is a very important and effective way not have any additional speakers other ures of this bill, Mr. Speaker, is that to stimulate our economy. Yet, the than my close. the American people are tired of the majority is choosing to pass a tax in- Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Speaker, I am the harassment. They are tired of the crease on to Floridians and residents of last speaker on this side, so I’ll reserve phone calls, the abuse by these private other States that only have a State my time until the gentleman has collectors in which jobs are outsourced sales tax. closed on his side and yielded back his by the IRS to go collect the Federal Florida has the second highest fore- time. debt. We have talked with the IRS. We closure rate in America. And this, la- Mr. SESSIONS. I thank the gentle- have talked with the commissioner of dies and gentlemen, would increase woman. the IRS. And he agrees with us that taxes on people already stressing to Mr. Speaker, as every American tax- that can best be done not by pay their mortgage payments, and payer is acutely aware, today is Tax outsourcing these jobs out, but by hav- today being April 15, obviously, to rush Day, or the final day for individuals ing the IRS employees collect that down to the post office to pay their and families to file taxes without in- debt. Personal financial information of Federal income tax. curring financial penalties. our American people is too precious The Taxpayer Assistance and Sim- This is not to be confused with Tax and it is too confidential to be in the plification Act will not assist the aver- Freedom Day, which the Tax Freedom hands of private contractors on the age taxpayer nor simplify their tax Foundation has defined as the day on outside. burden. Even though the bill is being which the average American has fi- And just very quickly, Mr. Speaker, considered today, I haven’t had a single nally earned enough money to pay this we have foreign companies like KBR constituent contact me in support of year’s tax obligations at the Federal, that are working and having millions this measure. I have, however, had State and local level, which won’t ar- of dollars of contracts servicing in some pretty upset constituents come in rive this year until next week, April 23. Iraq. But they are using offshore ac- about the fact that this is going to be In recognition of these two impor- counts to hide that money to make the last year that they can deduct the tant days on every taxpayer calendar, sure that they do not have to pay the sales tax on their Federal income tax. today I will be asking each of my col- important taxes that go to Medicaid Instead of heading off their requests, leagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on the previous and to Medicare, not only not paying the majority is passing this bill under question to this rule. If this previous their fair share, Mr. Speaker, and hun- a closed rule, disallowing Members to question is defeated, I will amend the dreds of millions of dollars, but not help our cash-strapped constituents. rule to make it in order for the House even allowing their employees to qual- The majority should really be ashamed to consider H.R. 2734, a bill offered by ify for Medicare and for Social Secu- of what they are doing today. my friend, the gentleman from Michi- rity. This bill corrects that. I urge all Members to vote against gan, Congressman TIM WALBERG. And another important area, Mr. this rule and also the underlying bill. This legislation repeals the sunset Speaker, is the new taxpayer protec- Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Speaker, at this date of the 2001 Economic Growth and tions against identity theft and tax time, I yield 2 minutes to the distin- Tax Relief Reconciliation Act and fraud. It cracks down on misleading guished gentleman from Indiana, (Mr. makes the tax reductions enacted by web sites that seek to get personal in- ELLSWORTH). that act permanent. Let me say that formation by using their web sites and Mr. ELLSWORTH. Mr. Speaker, I again in regular English. That means imitating and pretending that they are thank the gentlelady for recognizing that we will make the tax cuts perma- the IRS. Now Mr. Speaker, the Amer- me and yielding. nent to make sure that all these hard- ican people are certainly fed up with Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support working taxpayers that we are talking being abused by these private collec- of the Taxpayer Assistance and Sim- about won’t have to pay an increase of tors, being abused by these Web siters plification Act that is before us today. taxes because the new Democrat ma- who are posing themselves as IRS As everyone knows, it is April 15, Tax jority wants tax increases for every agents. Day. No one likes paying taxes. But single taxpayer in this country. This is a very important measure. I what folks really hate is when they Today is an opportunity where we support this rule going forward. This is have to pay more because bad actors can make those tax cuts permanent to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 00:41 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.075 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2304 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 make sure that our Tax Code encour- tiple occasions throughout the 109th Con- tions and tackles many of the most se- ages not only employers, but employ- gress.) rious problems detailed in the National ees, and to grow our economy. It also THE VOTE ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION: WHAT Taxpayer Advocate’s Report to Con- repeals the termination date for provi- IT REALLY MEANS gress. sions of the 2003 Jobs and Growth Tax This vote, the vote on whether to order the In this weakening economy, Amer- Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, previous question on a special rule, is not ica’s working families will face many thereby reducing income tax rates on merely a procedural vote. A vote against or- challenges in the months ahead and we dering the previous question is a vote dividends and capital gains. It amends against the Democratic majority agenda and in Congress need to do what we can to the Internal Revenue Code to make a vote to allow the opposition, at least for help. This legislation will streamline permanent the tax deduction for State the moment, to offer an alternative plan. It the tax filing process and ease the bur- and local sales taxes, the tax deduction is a vote about what the House should be de- den of tax law compliance, it will en- for tuition and related expenses, the in- bating. sure that we are good stewards of tax- creased expensing allowance for small Mr. Clarence Cannon’s Precedents of the payer funds by eliminating unneces- business assets and related provisions, House of Representatives, (VI, 308–311) de- sary and wasteful programs that com- and the tax credit for increasing re- scribes the vote on the previous question on promise the integrity of our govern- the rule as ‘‘a motion to direct or control the search activities. consideration of the subject before the House mental functions, and it makes the Tax b 1545 being made by the Member in charge.’’ To Code simpler and fairer by eliminating defeat the previous question is to give the unduly burdensome compliance re- In summary, I would just say this, opposition a chance to decide the subject be- quirements and providing common- that what it will do is to maintain in a fore the House. Cannon cites the Speaker’s sense solutions. time of uncertainty the ability for ruling of January 13, 1920, to the effect that I am proud, Mr. Speaker, to support America to continue to grow jobs, ‘‘the refusal of the House to sustain the de- this legislation, because it makes the mand for the previous question passes the which means that America can com- needs of working Americans a priority. pete globally. On the other hand, if you control of the resolution to the opposition’’ Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, I sup- are for tax increases, if you want to tax in order to offer an amendment. On March port ordering the previous question because I taxpayers more, just simply vote with 15, 1909, a member of the majority party of- fered a rule resolution. The House defeated think the House should proceed to considering the Democrat majority. the previous question and a member of the H.R. 5719, the Taxpayer Assistance and Sim- Finally, it expresses the sense of the opposition rose to a parliamentary inquiry, plification Act, without unnecessary delay. House of Representatives and the Com- asking who was entitled to recognition. Some have urged that Members oppose or- mittee on Ways and Means that they Speaker Joseph G. Cannon (R–Illinois) said: should report legislation on or before ‘‘The previous question having been refused, dering the previous question so that the the end of the year to simplify the Fed- the gentleman from New York, Mr. Fitz- House could consider legislation to make per- eral income tax system. gerald, who had asked the gentleman to manent all the tax cuts the Bush Administra- Mr. Speaker, I can think of a no more yield to him for an amendment, is entitled to tion pushed through Congress in 2001. the first recognition.’’ I supported some of those reductions, but fitting action for Congress during the Because the vote today may look bad for week between Tax Day and Tax Free- opposed others, and am not convinced that the Democratic majority they will say ‘‘the they should all be made permanent. But in dom Day to provide this kind of cer- vote on the previous question is simply a tainty to the American taxpayer. vote on whether to proceed to an immediate any event, they will remain in effect until 2010. By voting ‘‘no’’ on the previous ques- vote on adopting the resolution. . . . [and] There is no need for us to consider today tion, Members will not be voting to kill has no substantive legislative or policy im- which should be extended, either as they or delay this debt relief legislation. plications whatsoever.’’ But that is not what stand or in modified form. I think instead we They will simply be voting to provide they have always said. Listen to the defini- should proceed to the debate on H.R. 5719, tion of the previous question used in the and so I am voting to order the previous ques- tax relief to Americans as they provide Floor Procedures Manual published by the debt relief the same day to the world’s tion. Rules Committee in the 109th Congress, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, poorest countries. I encourage all of (page 56). Here’s how the Rules Committee my colleagues on both sides of the aisle described the rule using information from I rise today in support of H. Res. 1102, the to vote ‘‘no’’ on the previous question. Congressional Quarterly’s ‘‘American Con- Rule to Consider H.R. 5719, ‘‘Taxpayer Assist- Mr. Speaker, on behalf of taxpayers gressional Dictionary’’: ‘‘If the previous ance and Simplification Act of 2008’’. This leg- who want to continue economic growth question is defeated, control of debate shifts islation, introduced by Chairman CHARLES B. in America, I say let’s vote to make to the leading opposition member (usually RANGEL (D–NY) and Oversight Subcommittee the tax cuts permanent. the minority Floor Manager) who then man- Chairman JOHN LEWIS (D–GA), modernizes In- ages an hour of debate and may offer a ger- AMENDMENT TO H. RES. 1102 OFFERED BY MR. ternal Revenue Service functions to make fil- mane amendment to the pending business.’’ ing taxes simpler while improving outreach to SESSIONS OF TEXAS Deschler’s Procedure in the U.S. House of At the end of the resolution, add the fol- Representatives, the subchapter titled taxpayers. lowing: ‘‘Amending Special Rules’’ states: ‘‘a refusal This Rule allows considerations: SEC. 3. That immediately upon the adop- to order the previous question on such a rule SUMMARY OF H.R. 5719 tion of this resolution the House shall, with- [a special rule reported from the Committee Key provisions included in H.R. 5719 as out intervention of any point of order, con- on Rules] opens the resolution to amend- agreed to by the Committee would eliminate sider the bill (H.R. 2734) to make the Eco- ment and further debate.’’ (Chapter 21, sec- nomic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation tion 21.2) Section 21.3 continues: Upon rejec- the special requirements for individuals to Act of 2001 and certain other tax benefits tion of the motion for the previous question keep detailed records of calls made on em- permanent law. All points of order against on a resolution reported from the Committee ployer-provided cell phones; delay for one the bill are waived. The bill shall be consid- on Rules, control shifts to the Member lead- year the imposition of a three-percent with- ered as read. The previous question shall be ing the opposition to the previous question, holding requirement on government payments considered as ordered on the bill and any who may offer a proper amendment or mo- for goods and services made after December amendment thereto to final passage without tion and who controls the time for debate 31, 2010; stops federal contractors from using intervening motion except: (1) one hour of thereon.’’ foreign subsidiaries to evade Social Security debate on the bill equally divided and con- Clearly, the vote on the previous question trolled by the chairman and ranking minor- on a rule does have substantive policy impli- and other employment taxes; make the admin- ity member of the Committee on Ways and cations. It is one of the only available tools istrators of state and local government pro- Means; and (2) an amendment in the nature for those who oppose the Democratic major- grams liable for paying the employment taxes of a substitute if offered by Representative ity’s agenda and allows those with alter- on amounts paid by government programs to Rangel of New York, which shall be consid- native views the opportunity to offer an al- in-home care workers provided to elderly and ered as read and shall be separately debat- ternative plan. disabled persons; repeal the IRS’s authority to able for 40 minutes equally divided and con- Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance use private debt collection companies to col- trolled by the proponent and an opponent; of my time. and (3) one motion to recommit with or lect Federal taxes; prohibit the misuse of De- without instructions. Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Speaker, the Tax- partment of the Treasury names and symbols payer Assistance and Simplification in misleading websites and ‘‘phishing’’ (The information contained herein was Act of 2008 is a strong pro-taxpayer bill schemes; protect low-income taxpayers by provided by Democratic Minority on mul- that adopts legislative recommenda- prohibiting IRS debt indicators for predatory

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:37 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.076 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2305 refund anticipation loans, allowing IRS em- findings. The report shall be submitted to Shea-Porter Tanner Wasserman ployees to refer taxpayers to qualified low-in- the Committee on Ways and Means of the Sherman Tauscher Schultz House of Representatives and the Committee Shuler Taylor Waters come taxpayer clinics, and authorizing funding Sires on Finance of the Senate. Thompson (CA) Watson for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, ‘‘VITA’’ Skelton Thompson (MS) Watt programs, and require the IRS to notify tax- Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Speaker, I move Slaughter Tierney Waxman Smith (WA) payers if it suspects theft of a taxpayer’s iden- the previous question on the amend- Towns Weiner Snyder Tsongas Welch (VT) ment and on the resolution. Solis tity. Udall (CO) Wexler Space PROGRAMS FOR THE BENEFIT OF LOW-INCOME The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Udall (NM) Wilson (OH) Speier TAXPAYERS question is on ordering the previous Van Hollen Woolsey Spratt ´ There are parts of this tax bill that help the question. Stark Velazquez Wu working poor and our elderly, making this tax The question was taken; and the Stupak Visclosky Wynn Walz (MN) Yarmuth bill truly live up to its name of being one of Speaker pro tempore announced that Sutton Taxpayer Assistance—not just give a credit to the ayes appeared to have it. NAYS—196 the top 2% of Americans. Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, on that Aderholt Frelinghuysen Neugebauer This bill would authorize an annual $10 mil- I demand the yeas and nays. Akin Gallegly Nunes lion grant for Volunteer Income Tax Assist- The yeas and nays were ordered. Alexander Garrett (NJ) Paul Bachmann Gerlach Pearce ance, ‘‘VITA’’ programs, increasing the annual The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Bachus Gilchrest Pence aggregate limitation authorized on grants to ant to clause 8 and clause 9 of rule XX, Barrett (SC) Gingrey Petri qualified low-income taxpayer clinics to $10 Barrow Goode Pickering this 15-minute vote on ordering the Bartlett (MD) Goodlatte million. previous question will be followed by 5- Pitts Barton (TX) Granger Platts This bill would allow IRS employees to refer minute votes on agreeing to the Bean Graves Poe Biggert Hall (TX) taxpayers needing assistance with tax cases amendment to House Resolution 1102, Porter Bilbray Hastings (WA) to qualified low-income taxpayer clinics so Price (GA) if ordered; adopting House Resolution Bilirakis Hayes Pryce (OH) they can get the help they need. Many people 1102, if ordered; and suspending the Bishop (UT) Heller Putnam are struggling with how to manage com- Blackburn Hensarling rules with respect to H.R. 5036. Radanovich plicated tax cases when they can barely afford Boehner Herger The vote was taken by electronic de- Bonner Hill Ramstad to pay their mortgage. This portion of the bill vice, and there were—yeas 220, nays Bono Mack Hobson Regula will alleviate the fear that is sometimes associ- 196, not voting 15, as follows: Boozman Hoekstra Rehberg ated with IRS tax cases particularly among Boustany Hulshof Reichert [Roll No. 186] Renzi people who cannot afford legal counsel. Brady (TX) Hunter YEAS—220 Broun (GA) Inglis (SC) Reynolds ELDERLY AND DISABLED INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING IN-HOME Brown (SC) Issa Rogers (AL) Abercrombie Ellsworth Lynch CARE Brown-Waite, Johnson (IL) Rogers (KY) Ackerman Emanuel Mahoney (FL) This bill would make the administrators of Ginny Johnson, Sam Rogers (MI) Allen Engel Maloney (NY) Buchanan Jones (NC) Rohrabacher state and local government programs liable for Altmire Eshoo Markey Burgess Jordan Ros-Lehtinen paying the employment taxes on amounts paid Andrews Etheridge Marshall Burton (IN) Keller Roskam by government programs to in-home care Arcuri Farr Matheson Buyer King (IA) Royce Baca Fattah Matsui Calvert King (NY) Ryan (WI) workers provided to elderly and disabled per- Baird Filner McCarthy (NY) Camp (MI) Kingston Sali sons. This is yet another provision of the bill Baldwin Foster McCollum (MN) Campbell (CA) Kirk Saxton Becerra Frank (MA) McDermott that benefits our most vulnerable populations. Cannon Kline (MN) Schmidt Berkley Giffords McGovern Cantor Knollenberg Sensenbrenner CONCLUSION Berman Gillibrand McNerney Capito Kuhl (NY) Sessions Berry Gonzalez McNulty Mr. Speaker I urge my colleagues on both Carter LaHood Shadegg Bishop (GA) Gordon Meeks (NY) sides of the aisle to allow for full consideration Castle Lamborn Shays Bishop (NY) Green, Al Melancon Chabot Lampson of this bill by supporting H. Res. 1102, the Blumenauer Green, Gene Michaud Shimkus Coble Latham Shuster Rule providing for consideration of the Tax- Boren Grijalva Miller (NC) Cole (OK) LaTourette Boswell Gutierrez Miller, George Simpson payer Assistance and Simplification Act of Conaway Latta Smith (NE) Boucher Hall (NY) Mitchell Crenshaw Lewis (CA) 2008. I fully support what Representative RAN- Boyd (FL) Hare Mollohan Smith (NJ) Cubin Lewis (KY) Smith (TX) GEL and the Committee on Ways and Means Boyda (KS) Harman Moore (KS) Davis (KY) Linder has done to alleviate some of the burden on Brady (PA) Hastings (FL) Moore (WI) Souder Davis, David Lucas Stearns Braley (IA) Herseth Sandlin Moran (VA) Davis, Tom Lungren, Daniel taxpayers. Sullivan Brown, Corrine Higgins Murphy (CT) Deal (GA) E. AMENDMENT OFFERED BY MS. SUTTON Tancredo Butterfield Hinchey Murphy, Patrick Dent Manzullo Terry Ms. SUTTON. Mr. Speaker, I offer an Capps Hinojosa Murtha Diaz-Balart, L. Marchant Thornberry Cardoza Hirono Nadler Diaz-Balart, M. McCarthy (CA) amendment to the rule which I have Carnahan Hodes Napolitano Tiahrt placed at the desk. Doolittle McCaul (TX) Carney Holden Neal (MA) Drake McCotter Tiberi The Clerk read as follows: Carson Holt Oberstar Dreier McCrery Turner Castor Hooley Obey Upton Amendment offered by Ms. SUTTON: Duncan McHenry Chandler Hoyer Olver Walberg Add at the end the following new sections: Ehlers McHugh Clarke Inslee Ortiz Emerson McIntyre Walden (OR) SEC. 3. Notwithstanding any other provi- Clay Israel Pastor Walsh (NY) sion of this resolution, the amendment con- English (PA) McKeon Cleaver Jackson (IL) Payne Everett McMorris Wamp sidered as adopted under the first section of Clyburn Jackson-Lee Perlmutter Fallin Rodgers Weldon (FL) this resolution shall be modified as specified Cohen (TX) Peterson (MN) Feeney Mica Weller in section 4. Conyers Jefferson Pomeroy Ferguson Miller (FL) Westmoreland Cooper Johnson (GA) Price (NC) SEC. 4. The modification referred to in sec- Flake Miller (MI) Whitfield (KY) Costa Johnson, E. B. Rahall tion 3 is as follows: Forbes Miller, Gary Wilson (SC) Costello Jones (OH) Rangel Fortenberry Moran (KS) Wittman (VA) Page 21, line 26, insert ‘‘as related to ac- Courtney Kagen Reyes count beneficiary substantiation require- Fossella Murphy, Tim Wolf Cramer Kanjorski Rodriguez Foxx Musgrave Young (AK) ments’’ after ‘‘flexible spending arrange- Crowley Kaptur Ross Franks (AZ) Myrick Young (FL) ments’’. Cuellar Kennedy Rothman Add at the end the following new section: Cummings Kildee Roybal-Allard NOT VOTING—15 Davis (AL) Kilpatrick Ruppersberger SEC. 20. GAO STUDY ON HEALTH SAVINGS AC- Blunt Honda Pascrell Davis (CA) Kind Ryan (OH) COUNTS. Capuano LoBiondo Peterson (PA) Davis (IL) Klein (FL) Salazar Culberson Mack Richardson (a) IN GENERAL.—The Comptroller General Davis, Lincoln Kucinich Sa´ nchez, Linda Delahunt Meek (FL) Rush of the United States shall conduct a study of DeFazio Langevin T. Gohmert Pallone Wilson (NM) the use of distributions from health savings DeGette Larsen (WA) Sanchez, Loretta accounts. DeLauro Larson (CT) Sarbanes b 1612 (b) SUBMISSION OF REPORT.—Not later than Dicks Lee Schakowsky Messrs. LAMBORN, MCHENRY and 1 year after the date of the enactment of this Dingell Levin Schiff Doggett Lewis (GA) Schwartz Act, the Comptroller General shall submit a STEARNS changed their vote from Donnelly Lipinski Scott (GA) ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ report on the findings of the study conducted Doyle Loebsack Scott (VA) under subsection (a) and shall include there- Edwards Lofgren, Zoe Serrano Mr. HIGGINS changed his vote from in recommendations (if any) relating to such Ellison Lowey Sestak ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:37 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP7.035 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2306 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 So the previous question was ordered. Tauscher Van Hollen Waxman EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE FOR Taylor Vela´ zquez Weiner The result of the vote was announced Thompson (CA) Visclosky Welch (VT) SECURE ELECTIONS ACT OF 2008 as above recorded. Thompson (MS) Walz (MN) Wexler The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Tierney Wasserman Wilson (OH) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The finished business is the vote on the mo- question is on the amendment offered Towns Schultz Woolsey Tsongas Waters Wu tion to suspend the rules and agree to by the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Udall (CO) Watson Wynn the bill, H.R. 5036, as amended, on SUTTON). Udall (NM) Watt Yarmuth which the yeas and nays were ordered. The amendment was agreed to. NOES—195 The Clerk read the title of the bill. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Aderholt Franks (AZ) Myrick The SPEAKER pro tempore. The question is on the resolution, as Akin Frelinghuysen Neugebauer question is on the motion offered by amended. Alexander Gallegly Nunes the gentlewoman from California (Ms. The question was taken; and the Bachmann Garrett (NJ) Paul Bachus Gerlach Pearce ZOE LOFGREN) that the House suspend Speaker pro tempore announced that Barrett (SC) Gilchrest Pence the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5036, as the ayes appeared to have it. Bartlett (MD) Gingrey Petri Barton (TX) Goode Pickering amended. RECORDED VOTE Biggert Goodlatte Pitts This will be a 5-minute vote. Mr. SESSIONS. Mr. Speaker, I de- Bilbray Granger Platts The vote was taken by electronic de- mand a recorded vote. Bilirakis Graves Poe Bishop (UT) Hall (TX) Porter vice, and there were—yeas 239, nays A recorded vote was ordered. Blackburn Hastings (WA) Price (GA) 178, not voting 14, as follows: The SPEAKER pro tempore. This Blunt Hayes Pryce (OH) [Roll No. 188] will be a 5-minute vote. Boehner Heller Putnam Bonner Hensarling Radanovich YEAS—239 The vote was taken by electronic de- Bono Mack Herger Ramstad vice, and there were—ayes 222, noes 195, Boozman Hill Regula Abercrombie Eshoo McNerney not voting 14, as follows: Boustany Hobson Rehberg Ackerman Etheridge McNulty Boyda (KS) Hoekstra Reichert Allen Farr Meek (FL) [Roll No. 187] Brady (TX) Hulshof Renzi Altmire Fattah Meeks (NY) Andrews Filner Melancon AYES—222 Broun (GA) Hunter Reynolds Brown (SC) Inglis (SC) Rogers (AL) Arcuri Foster Michaud Abercrombie Farr McNerney Brown-Waite, Issa Rogers (KY) Baca Frank (MA) Miller (NC) Ackerman Fattah McNulty Ginny Johnson (IL) Rogers (MI) Baird Gerlach Miller, George Allen Filner Meek (FL) Buchanan Johnson, Sam Rohrabacher Baldwin Giffords Mitchell Altmire Foster Meeks (NY) Burgess Jones (NC) Ros-Lehtinen Barrow Gillibrand Mollohan Andrews Frank (MA) Melancon Burton (IN) Jordan Roskam Bean Gonzalez Moore (KS) Arcuri Giffords Michaud Buyer Keller Royce Becerra Gordon Moore (WI) Baca Gillibrand Miller (NC) Calvert King (IA) Ryan (WI) Berkley Green, Al Moran (VA) Baird Gonzalez Miller, George Camp (MI) King (NY) Sali Berman Green, Gene Murphy (CT) Baldwin Gordon Mitchell Campbell (CA) Kingston Saxton Berry Grijalva Murphy, Patrick Barrow Green, Al Mollohan Cannon Kirk Schmidt Bishop (GA) Gutierrez Murphy, Tim Bean Green, Gene Moore (KS) Cantor Kline (MN) Sensenbrenner Bishop (NY) Hall (NY) Murtha Becerra Grijalva Moore (WI) Capito Knollenberg Sessions Blumenauer Hare Musgrave Berkley Hall (NY) Moran (VA) Carter Kuhl (NY) Shadegg Boren Harman Nadler Berman Hare Murphy (CT) Castle LaHood Shays Boswell Hastings (FL) Napolitano Berry Harman Murphy, Patrick Chabot Lamborn Shimkus Boucher Heller Neal (MA) Bishop (GA) Hastings (FL) Murtha Coble Lampson Shuster Boyd (FL) Herseth Sandlin Oberstar Bishop (NY) Herseth Sandlin Nadler Cole (OK) Latham Simpson Boyda (KS) Higgins Obey Blumenauer Higgins Napolitano Conaway LaTourette Smith (NE) Brady (PA) Hill Olver Boren Hinchey Neal (MA) Crenshaw Latta Smith (NJ) Braley (IA) Hinchey Ortiz Boswell Hinojosa Oberstar Cubin Lewis (CA) Smith (TX) Brown, Corrine Hinojosa Pastor Boucher Hirono Obey Davis (KY) Lewis (KY) Souder Buchanan Hirono Payne Boyd (FL) Hodes Olver Davis, David Linder Stearns Butterfield Hodes Perlmutter Brady (PA) Holden Ortiz Davis, Tom Lucas Sullivan Capps Holden Peterson (MN) Braley (IA) Holt Pastor Deal (GA) Lungren, Daniel Tancredo Cardoza Holt Pomeroy Brown, Corrine Hooley Payne Dent E. Terry Carnahan Hooley Porter Butterfield Hoyer Perlmutter Diaz-Balart, L. Manzullo Thornberry Carney Hoyer Price (NC) Capps Inslee Peterson (MN) Diaz-Balart, M. Marchant Tiahrt Carson Inslee Ramstad Cardoza Israel Pomeroy Doolittle McCarthy (CA) Tiberi Castor Israel Reyes Carnahan Jackson (IL) Price (NC) Drake McCaul (TX) Turner Chabot Jackson (IL) Rodriguez Carney Jackson-Lee Rahall Dreier McCotter Upton Chandler Jackson-Lee Ros-Lehtinen Carson (TX) Rangel Duncan McCrery Walberg Clarke (TX) Ross Castor Jefferson Reyes Ehlers McHenry Walden (OR) Clay Jefferson Rothman Chandler Johnson (GA) Rodriguez Emerson McHugh Walsh (NY) Cleaver Johnson (GA) Roybal-Allard Clarke Johnson, E. B. Ross English (PA) McKeon Wamp Clyburn Johnson, E. B. Ruppersberger Clay Jones (OH) Rothman Everett McMorris Weldon (FL) Cohen Jones (OH) Ryan (OH) Cleaver Kagen Roybal-Allard Fallin Rodgers Weller Cole (OK) Kagen Salazar ´ Clyburn Kanjorski Ruppersberger Feeney Mica Westmoreland Conyers Kanjorski Sanchez, Linda Cohen Kaptur Ryan (OH) Ferguson Miller (FL) Whitfield (KY) Cooper Kaptur T. Conyers Kennedy Salazar Flake Miller (MI) Wilson (SC) Costa Kennedy Sanchez, Loretta ´ Cooper Kildee Sanchez, Linda Forbes Miller, Gary Wittman (VA) Costello Kildee Sarbanes Costa Kilpatrick T. Fortenberry Moran (KS) Wolf Courtney Kilpatrick Schakowsky Costello Kind Sanchez, Loretta Fossella Murphy, Tim Young (AK) Cramer Kind Schiff Courtney Klein (FL) Sarbanes Foxx Musgrave Young (FL) Crowley Klein (FL) Schwartz Cramer Kucinich Schakowsky Cuellar Lampson Scott (GA) Crowley Langevin Schiff NOT VOTING—14 Cummings Langevin Scott (VA) Cuellar Larsen (WA) Schwartz Davis (AL) Larsen (WA) Serrano Capuano Honda Peterson (PA) Cummings Larson (CT) Scott (GA) Davis (CA) Larson (CT) Sestak Culberson LoBiondo Richardson Davis (AL) Lee Scott (VA) Davis (IL) Lee Shays Delahunt Mack Davis (CA) Levin Serrano Rush Davis, Lincoln Levin Shea-Porter Gohmert Pallone Davis (IL) Lewis (GA) Sestak Wilson (NM) Davis, Tom Lewis (GA) Sherman Gutierrez Pascrell Davis, Lincoln Lipinski Shea-Porter DeFazio Lipinski Shuler DeFazio Loebsack Sherman ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE DeGette Loebsack Sires DeGette Lofgren, Zoe Shuler DeLauro Lofgren, Zoe Skelton DeLauro Lowey Sires The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Dent Lowey Slaughter Dicks Lynch Skelton the vote). Members are advised 2 min- Diaz-Balart, L. Lynch Smith (NJ) Dingell Mahoney (FL) Slaughter utes are left. Diaz-Balart, M. Mahoney (FL) Smith (WA) Doggett Maloney (NY) Smith (WA) Dicks Maloney (NY) Snyder Donnelly Markey Snyder b 1620 Dingell Markey Solis Doyle Marshall Solis Doggett Marshall Space Edwards Matheson Space So the resolution, as amended, was Donnelly Matheson Speier Ellison Matsui Speier agreed to. Doyle Matsui Spratt Ellsworth McCarthy (NY) Spratt The result of the vote was announced Edwards McCarthy (NY) Stark Emanuel McCollum (MN) Stark as above recorded. Ellison McCollum (MN) Stupak Engel McDermott Stupak Ellsworth McDermott Sutton Eshoo McGovern Sutton A motion to reconsider was laid on Emanuel McGovern Tanner Etheridge McIntyre Tanner the table. Engel McIntyre Tauscher

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:35 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.081 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2307 Taylor Vela´ zquez Weiner revise and extend their remarks on the Sec. 16. Prohibition on misuse of Department of Thompson (CA) Visclosky Welch (VT) bill, H.R. 5719. the Treasury names and symbols. Thompson (MS) Walz (MN) Wexler The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Sec. 17. Substantiation of amounts paid or dis- Tierney Wasserman Wilson (OH) tributed out of health savings ac- Towns Schultz Woolsey JACKSON-LEE of Texas). Is there objec- count. Tsongas Waters Wu tion to the request of the gentleman Udall (CO) Watson Sec. 18. Certain domestically controlled foreign Wynn from Georgia? persons performing services under Udall (NM) Watt Yarmuth Van Hollen Waxman There was no objection. contract with United States Gov- ernment treated as American em- NAYS—178 f ployers. Aderholt Garrett (NJ) Paul TAXPAYER ASSISTANCE AND Sec. 19. Time for payment of corporate esti- Akin Gilchrest Pearce SIMPLIFICATION ACT OF 2008 mated tax. Alexander Gingrey Pence SEC. 2. MODIFICATION OF PENALTY ON UNDER- Bachmann Goode Petri Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam STATEMENT OF TAXPAYER’S LIABIL- Bachus Goodlatte Pickering Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution ITY BY TAX RETURN PREPARER. Barrett (SC) Granger Pitts 1102, I call up the bill (H.R. 5719) to (a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (a) of section Bartlett (MD) Graves Platts Barton (TX) Hall (TX) amend the Internal Revenue Code of 6694 (relating to understatement due to unrea- Poe sonable positions) is amended to read as follows: Biggert Hastings (WA) Price (GA) 1986 to conform return preparer pen- ‘‘(a) UNDERSTATEMENT DUE TO UNREASONABLE Bilbray Hayes Pryce (OH) alty standards, delay implementation Bilirakis Hensarling POSITIONS.— Putnam Bishop (UT) Herger of withholding taxes on government ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—If a tax return preparer— Radanovich Blackburn Hobson contractors, enhance taxpayer protec- ‘‘(A) prepares any return or claim of refund Rahall Blunt Hoekstra Regula tions, assist low-income taxpayers, and with respect to which any part of an under- Boehner Hulshof statement of liability is due to a position de- Bonner Hunter Rehberg for other purposes, and ask for its im- Reichert mediate consideration. scribed in paragraph (2), and Bono Mack Inglis (SC) ‘‘(B) knew (or reasonably should have known) Boozman Issa Renzi The Clerk read the title of the bill. Reynolds of the position, Boustany Johnson (IL) The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. Brady (TX) Johnson, Sam Rogers (AL) such tax return preparer shall pay a penalty Broun (GA) Jones (NC) Rogers (KY) JACKSON-LEE of Texas). Pursuant to with respect to each such return or claim in an Brown (SC) Jordan Rogers (MI) House Resolution 1102, the amendment amount equal to the greater of $1,000 or 50 per- Brown-Waite, Keller Rohrabacher in the nature of a substitute printed in cent of the income derived (or to be derived) by Ginny King (IA) Roskam the bill is adopted and the bill, as the tax return preparer with respect to the re- Burgess King (NY) Royce turn or claim. Burton (IN) Kingston Ryan (WI) amended, is considered read. ‘‘(2) UNREASONABLE POSITION.— Buyer Kirk Sali The text of the bill, as amended, is as ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—Except as otherwise pro- Calvert Kline (MN) Saxton follows: Camp (MI) Knollenberg Schmidt vided in this paragraph, a position is described Campbell (CA) Kucinich Sensenbrenner H.R. 5719 in this paragraph unless there is or was sub- Cannon Kuhl (NY) Sessions Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- stantial authority for the position. Cantor LaHood Shadegg resentatives of the United States of America in ‘‘(B) DISCLOSED POSITIONS.—If the position Capito Lamborn Shimkus Congress assembled, was disclosed as provided in section Carter Latham Shuster 6662(d)(2)(B)(ii)(I) and is not a position to SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE, ETC. Castle LaTourette Simpson which subparagraph (C) applies, the position is Coble Latta (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as Smith (NE) described in this paragraph unless there is a Conaway Lewis (CA) Smith (TX) the ‘‘Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Crenshaw Lewis (KY) reasonable basis for the position. Souder Act of 2008’’. ‘‘(C) TAX SHELTERS AND REPORTABLE TRANS- Cubin Linder Stearns (b) AMENDMENT OF 1986 CODE.—Except as oth- Davis (KY) Lucas ACTIONS.—If the position is with respect to a tax Sullivan erwise expressly provided, whenever in this Act Davis, David Lungren, Daniel shelter (as defined in section 6662(d)(2)(C)(ii)) or Tancredo Deal (GA) E. an amendment or repeal is expressed in terms of Terry a reportable transaction to which section 6662A Doolittle Manzullo an amendment to, or repeal of, a section or Thornberry applies, the position is described in this para- Drake Marchant other provision, the reference shall be consid- Tiahrt graph unless it is reasonable to believe that the Dreier McCarthy (CA) ered to be made to a section or other provision Tiberi position would more likely than not be sus- Duncan McCaul (TX) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. Ehlers McCotter Turner tained on its merits. Upton (c) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- ‘‘(3) REASONABLE CAUSE EXCEPTION.—No pen- Emerson McCrery tents of this Act is as follows: English (PA) McHenry Walberg alty shall be imposed under this subsection if it Everett McHugh Walden (OR) Sec. 1. Short title, etc. is shown that there is reasonable cause for the Fallin McKeon Walsh (NY) Sec. 2. Modification of penalty on understate- understatement and the tax return preparer Feeney McMorris Wamp ment of taxpayer’s liability by tax acted in good faith.’’. Weldon (FL) Ferguson Rodgers return preparer. (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made Weller Flake Mica Sec. 3. Removal of cellular telephones (or simi- by this section shall apply— Forbes Miller (FL) Westmoreland (1) in the case of a position described in sub- Whitfield (KY) lar telecommunications equip- Fortenberry Miller (MI) paragraph (A) or (B) of section 6694(a)(2) of the Fossella Miller, Gary Wilson (SC) ment) from listed property. Foxx Moran (KS) Wittman (VA) Sec. 4. Delay of application of withholding re- Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (as amended by Franks (AZ) Myrick Wolf quirement on certain govern- this section), to returns prepared after May 25, Frelinghuysen Neugebauer Young (AK) mental payments for goods and 2007, and Gallegly Nunes Young (FL) services. (2) in the case of a position described in sub- paragraph (C) of such section (as amended by NOT VOTING—14 Sec. 5. Elderly and disabled individuals receiv- ing in-home care under certain this section), to returns prepared for taxable Capuano LoBiondo Rangel government programs not subject years ending after the date of the enactment of Culberson Mack Richardson this Act. Delahunt Pallone to employment tax provisions. Rush SEC. 3. REMOVAL OF CELLULAR TELEPHONES (OR Gohmert Pascrell Sec. 6. Referrals to low income taxpayer clinics Wilson (NM) SIMILAR TELECOMMUNICATIONS Honda Peterson (PA) permitted. EQUIPMENT) FROM LISTED PROP- Sec. 7. Programs for the benefit of low-income ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE ERTY. taxpayers. (a) IN GENERAL.—Subparagraph (A) of section The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Sec. 8. EITC outreach. the vote). Members are advised 2 min- 280F(d)(4) (defining listed property) is amended Sec. 9. Prohibition on IRS debt indicators for by inserting ‘‘and’’ at the end of clause (iv), by utes are left. predatory refund anticipation striking clause (v), and by redesignating clause loans. b 1628 (vi) as clause (v). Sec. 10. Study on delivery of tax refunds. (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made So (two-thirds not being in the af- Sec. 11. Extension of time for return of property by subsection (a) shall apply to taxable years firmative) the motion was rejected. for wrongful levy. beginning after December 31, 2008. The result of the vote was announced Sec. 12. Individuals held harmless on wrongful SEC. 4. DELAY OF APPLICATION OF WITH- as above recorded. levy, etc., on individual retire- HOLDING REQUIREMENT ON CER- ment plan. TAIN GOVERNMENTAL PAYMENTS b 1630 Sec. 13. Taxpayer notification of suspected FOR GOODS AND SERVICES. identity theft. (a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (b) of section 511 GENERAL LEAVE Sec. 14. Repeal of authority to enter into pri- of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconcili- Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam vate debt collection contracts. ation Act of 2005 is amended by striking ‘‘De- Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that Sec. 15. Clarification of IRS unclaimed refund cember 31, 2010’’ and inserting ‘‘December 31, all Members have 5 legislative days to authority. 2011’’.

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(b) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than 6 ‘‘(d) REGULATIONS.—The Secretary may pre- (2) The table of sections for chapter 77 is months after the date of the enactment of this scribe such regulations or other guidance as amended by inserting after the item relating to Act, the Secretary of the Treasury shall submit may be necessary to carry out the purposes of section 7526 the following new item: to the Committee on Ways and Means of the this section, including requiring deposits of any ‘‘Sec. 7526A. Volunteer income tax assistance House of Representatives and the Committee on tax imposed under this subtitle.’’. programs.’’. Finance of the Senate a report with respect to (b) SERVICE RECIPIENT IDENTIFICATION RE- (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made the withholding requirements of section 3402(t) TURN TREATED AS INFORMATION RETURN.—Para- by this section shall take effect on the date of of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, including graph (3) of section 6724(d) is amended by strik- the enactment of this Act. a detailed analysis of— ing ‘‘and’’ at the end of subparagraph (C)(ii), (1) the problems, if any, which are anticipated by striking the period at the end of subpara- SEC. 8. EITC OUTREACH. in administering and complying with such re- graph (D)(ii) and inserting ‘‘, and’’, and by (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 32 (relating to quirements, adding at the end the following new subpara- earned income) is amended by adding at the end (2) the burdens, if any, that such require- graph: the following new subsection: ments will place on governments and businesses ‘‘(E) any requirement under section ‘‘(n) NOTIFICATION OF POTENTIAL ELIGIBILITY (taking into account such mechanisms as may 3511(c)(2).’’. FOR CREDIT AND REFUND.— be necessary to administer such requirements), (c) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sec- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—To the extent possible and and tions for chapter 25 is amended by adding at the on an annual basis, the Secretary shall provide (3) the application of such requirements to end the following new item: to each taxpayer who— ‘‘(A) for any preceding taxable year for which small expenditures for services and goods by ‘‘Sec. 3511. Elderly and disabled individuals re- credit or refund is not precluded by section 6511, governments. ceiving in-home care under cer- and SEC. 5. ELDERLY AND DISABLED INDIVIDUALS tain government programs.’’. RECEIVING IN-HOME CARE UNDER ‘‘(B) did not claim the credit under subsection (d) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made CERTAIN GOVERNMENT PROGRAMS (a) but may be allowed such credit for any such NOT SUBJECT TO EMPLOYMENT TAX by this section shall apply to amounts paid after taxable year based on return or return informa- PROVISIONS. December 31, 2008. tion (as defined in section 6103(b)) available to (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 25 (relating to gen- SEC. 6. REFERRALS TO LOW INCOME TAXPAYER the Secretary, CLINICS PERMITTED. eral provisions relating to employment taxes) is notice that such taxpayer may be eligible to (a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (c) of section amended by adding at the end the following claim such credit and a refund for such taxable 7526 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 is new section: year. amended by adding at the end the following ‘‘SEC. 3511. ELDERLY AND DISABLED INDIVID- ‘‘(2) NOTICE.—Notice provided under para- new paragraph: UALS RECEIVING IN-HOME CARE graph (1) shall be in writing and sent to the last ‘‘(6) TREASURY EMPLOYEES PERMITTED TO UNDER CERTAIN GOVERNMENT PRO- known address of the taxpayer.’’. GRAMS. REFER TAXPAYERS TO QUALIFIED LOW-INCOME (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—In the case of amounts TAXPAYER CLINICS.—Notwithstanding any other by this section shall take effect on the date of paid under a home care service program to a provision of law, officers and employees of the the enactment of this Act. home care service provider by the fiscal adminis- Department of the Treasury may refer taxpayers trator of such program— for advice and assistance to qualified low-in- SEC. 9. PROHIBITION ON IRS DEBT INDICATORS ‘‘(1) the home care service recipient shall not come taxpayer clinics receiving funding under FOR PREDATORY REFUND ANTICIPA- TION LOANS. be liable for the payment of any taxes imposed this section.’’. (a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (f) of section 6011 under this subtitle with respect to amounts paid (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made (relating to promotion of electronic filing) is for the provision of services under such pro- by this section shall apply to referrals made amended by adding at the end the following gram, and after the date of the enactment of this Act. new paragraph: ‘‘(2) the fiscal administrator shall be so liable. SEC. 7. PROGRAMS FOR THE BENEFIT OF LOW-IN- ‘‘(3) PROHIBITION ON IRS DEBT INDICATORS FOR ‘‘(b) DEFINITIONS.—For purposes of this sec- COME TAXPAYERS. PREDATORY REFUND ANTICIPATION LOANS.— tion— (a) VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE PRO- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—In carrying out any pro- ‘‘(1) HOME CARE SERVICE PROGRAM.—The term GRAMS.—Chapter 77 (relating to miscellaneous gram under this subsection, the Secretary shall ‘home care service program’ means a State or provisions) is amended by inserting after section not provide a debt indicator to any person with local government program— 7526 the following new section: ‘‘(A) any portion of which is funded with respect to any refund anticipation loan if the ‘‘SEC. 7526A. VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSIST- Secretary determines that the business practices Federal funds, and ANCE PROGRAMS. ‘‘(B) under which domestic services are pro- of such person involve refund anticipation loans ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may, subject and related charges and fees that are predatory. vided to elderly or disabled individuals in their to the availability of appropriated funds, make homes. ‘‘(B) REFUND ANTICIPATION LOAN.—For pur- grants to provide matching funds for the devel- poses of this paragraph, the term ‘refund antici- Such term shall not include any program to the opment, expansion, or continuation of volunteer pation loan’ means a loan of money or of any extent home care service recipients make pay- income tax assistance programs. other thing of value to a taxpayer secured by ments to the home care service providers for ‘‘(b) VOLUNTEER INCOME TAX ASSISTANCE the taxpayer’s anticipated receipt of a Federal such in-home domestic services. PROGRAM.—For purposes of this section, the tax refund. ‘‘(2) HOME CARE SERVICE PROVIDER.—The term term ‘volunteer income tax assistance program’ ‘‘(C) IRS DEBT INDICATOR.—For purposes of ‘home care service provider’ means any indi- means a program— this paragraph, the term ‘debt indicator’ means vidual who provides domestic services to a home ‘‘(1) which does not charge taxpayers for its a notification provided through a tax return’s care service recipient under a home care service return preparation services, acknowledgment file that a refund will be offset program. ‘‘(2) which operates programs to assist low to repay debts for delinquent Federal or State ‘‘(3) HOME CARE SERVICE RECIPIENT.—The and moderate-income (as determined by the Sec- taxes, student loans, child support, or other term ‘home care service recipient’ means any in- retary) taxpayers in preparing and filing their Federal agency debt.’’. dividual receiving domestic services under a Federal income tax returns, and (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made home care service program. ‘‘(3) in which all of the volunteers who assist by this section shall take effect on the date of ‘‘(4) FISCAL ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘fiscal in the preparation of Federal income tax returns the enactment of this Act. administrator’ means any person or govern- meet the requirements prescribed by the Sec- mental entity who pays amounts under a home retary. SEC. 10. STUDY ON DELIVERY OF TAX REFUNDS. care service program to home care service pro- ‘‘(c) SPECIAL RULES AND LIMITATIONS.— (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Treas- viders for the provision of domestic services ‘‘(1) AGGREGATE LIMITATION.—Unless other- ury, in consultation with the National Taxpayer under such program. wise provided by specific appropriation, the Sec- Advocate, shall conduct a study on the feasi- ‘‘(c) RETURNS BY FISCAL ADMINISTRATOR.— retary shall not allocate more than $10,000,000 bility of delivering tax refunds on debit cards, For purposes of this section— per year (exclusive of costs of administering the prepaid cards, and other electronic means to as- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Returns relating to taxes program) to grants under this section. sist individuals that do not have access to fi- imposed or amounts required to be withheld ‘‘(2) OTHER APPLICABLE RULES.—Rules similar nancial accounts or institutions. under this subtitle shall be made under the iden- to the rules under paragraphs (2) through (6) of (b) REPORT.—Not later than 1 year after the tifying number of the fiscal administrator. section 7526(c) shall apply with respect to the date of the enactment of this Act, the Secretary ‘‘(2) IDENTIFICATION OF SERVICE RECIPIENT.— awarding of grants to volunteer income tax as- of the Treasury shall submit a report to Con- The fiscal administrator shall, to the extent re- sistance programs.’’. gress containing the results of the study con- quired under regulations prescribed by the Sec- (b) INCREASE IN AUTHORIZED GRANTS FOR ducted under subsection (a). retary, make a return setting forth— LOW-INCOME TAXPAYER CLINICS.—Paragraph SEC. 11. EXTENSION OF TIME FOR RETURN OF ‘‘(A) the name, address, and identifying num- (1) of section 7526(c) (relating to aggregate limi- PROPERTY FOR WRONGFUL LEVY. ber of each home care service recipient for whom tation) is amended by striking ‘‘$6,000,000’’ and (a) EXTENSION OF TIME FOR RETURN OF PROP- amounts are paid by such fiscal administrator inserting ‘‘$10,000,000’’. ERTY SUBJECT TO LEVY.—Subsection (b) of sec- under the home care services program, and (c) CLERICAL AMENDMENTS.— tion 6343 (relating to return of property) is ‘‘(B) such other information as the Secretary (1) Section 7526(c)(5) is amended by inserting amended by striking ‘‘9 months’’ and inserting may require. ‘‘qualified’’ before ‘‘low-income’’. ‘‘2 years’’.

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(b) PERIOD OF LIMITATION ON SUITS.—Sub- mines that there was or may have been an un- for flexible spending arrangements)’’ after ‘‘ac- section (c) of section 6532 (relating to suits by authorized use of the identity of the taxpayer or count beneficiary’’. persons other than taxpayers) is amended— a dependent of the taxpayer, the Secretary (b) REPORTS.—Subsection (h) of section 223 (1) in paragraph (1) by striking ‘‘9 months’’ shall, to the extent permitted by law— (relating to reports) is amended— and inserting ‘‘2 years’’, and ‘‘(1) as soon as practicable and without jeop- (1) by redesignating paragraphs (1) and (2) as (2) in paragraph (2) by striking ‘‘9-month’’ ardizing such investigation, notify the taxpayer subparagraphs (A) and (B), respectively, and inserting ‘‘2-year’’. of such determination, and (2) by moving the text of subparagraphs (A) (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made ‘‘(2) if any person is criminally charged by in- and (B) (as so redesignated) and the last sen- by this section shall apply to— dictment or information with respect to such un- tence 2 ems to the right, (1) levies made after the date of the enactment authorized use, notify such taxpayer as soon as (3) by striking ‘‘(h) REPORTS.—The Secretary of this Act, and practicable of such charge.’’. may require—’’ and inserting the following: (2) levies made on or before such date if the 9- (b) CLERICAL AMENDMENT.—The table of sec- ‘‘(h) REPORTS.— month period has not expired under section tions for chapter 77 is amended by adding at the ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may re- 6343(b) of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 end the following new item: quire—’’, and (without regard to this section) as of such date. ‘‘Sec. 7529. Notification of suspected identity (4) by adding at the end the following new SEC. 12. INDIVIDUALS HELD HARMLESS ON theft.’’. paragraph: WRONGFUL LEVY, ETC., ON INDI- ‘‘(2) RELATING TO SUBSTANTIATION.—Not later VIDUAL RETIREMENT PLAN. (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made than January 15 of each calendar year after (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 6343 (relating to au- by this section shall apply to determinations 2011, the trustee of a health savings account thority to release levy and return property) is made after the date of the enactment of this Act. shall make a report regarding such account to amended by adding at the end the following SEC. 14. REPEAL OF AUTHORITY TO ENTER INTO the Secretary and the account beneficiary set- new subsection: PRIVATE DEBT COLLECTION CON- ting forth— ‘‘(f) INDIVIDUALS HELD HARMLESS ON WRONG- TRACTS. ‘‘(A) the name, address, and identifying num- FUL LEVY, ETC. ON INDIVIDUAL RETIREMENT (a) IN GENERAL.—Subchapter A of chapter 64 ber of the account beneficiary, and PLAN.— is amended by striking section 6306. ‘‘(B) the amount paid or distributed out of ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—If the Secretary determines (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— such account for the preceding calendar year that an individual retirement plan has been lev- (1) Subchapter B of chapter 76 is amended by not substantiated in accordance with subsection ied upon in a case to which subsection (b) or striking section 7433A. (f)(1).’’. (d)(2)(A) applies, an amount equal to the sum (2) Section 7811 is amended by striking sub- (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made of— section (g). by this section shall apply with respect to ‘‘(A) the amount of money returned by the (3) Section 1203 of the Internal Revenue Serv- amounts paid or distributed out of health sav- Secretary on account of such levy, and ice Restructuring Act of 1998 is amended by ings accounts after December 31, 2010. striking subsection (e). ‘‘(B) interest paid under subsection (c) on SEC. 18. CERTAIN DOMESTICALLY CONTROLLED such amount of money, (4) The table of sections for subchapter A of FOREIGN PERSONS PERFORMING may be deposited into such individual retire- chapter 64 is amended by striking the item relat- SERVICES UNDER CONTRACT WITH ment plan or any other individual retirement ing to section 6306. UNITED STATES GOVERNMENT plan (other than an endowment contract) to (5) The table of sections for subchapter B of TREATED AS AMERICAN EMPLOYERS. which a rollover from the plan levied upon is chapter 76 is amended by striking the item relat- (a) FICA TAXES.—Section 3121 (relating to permitted. An amount may not be deposited into ing to section 7433A. definitions) is amended by adding at the end the a Roth IRA under the preceding sentence unless (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.— following new subsection: the individual retirement plan levied upon was (1) IN GENERAL.—Except as otherwise provided ‘‘(z) TREATMENT OF CERTAIN FOREIGN PER- a Roth IRA at the time of such levy. in this subsection, the amendments made by this SONS AS AMERICAN EMPLOYERS.— ‘‘(2) TREATMENT AS ROLLOVER.—If amounts section shall take effect on the date of the en- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—If any employee of a for- are deposited into an individual retirement plan actment of this Act. eign person is performing services in connection under paragraph (1) not later than the 60th day (2) EXCEPTION FOR EXISTING CONTRACTS, with a contract between the United States Gov- after the date on which the individual receives ETC.—The amendments made by this section ernment (or any instrumentality thereof) and the amounts under paragraph (1)— shall not apply to any contract which was en- any member of any domestically controlled ‘‘(A) such deposit shall be treated as a rollover tered into before March 1, 2008, and is not re- group of entities which includes such foreign described in section 408(d)(3)(A)(i), newed or extended on or after such date. person, such foreign person shall be treated for ‘‘(B) to the extent the deposit includes interest (3) UNAUTHORIZED CONTRACTS AND EXTEN- purposes of this chapter as an American em- paid under subsection (c), such interest shall SIONS TREATED AS VOID.—Any qualified tax col- ployer with respect to such services performed not be includible in gross income, and lection contract (as defined in section 6306 of by such employee. ‘‘(C) such deposit shall not be taken into ac- the Internal Revenue Code of 1986, as in effect ‘‘(2) DOMESTICALLY CONTROLLED GROUP OF count under section 408(d)(3)(B). before its repeal) which is entered into on or ENTITIES.—For purposes of this subsection— For purposes of subparagraph (B), an amount after March 1, 2008, and any extension or re- ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘domestically shall be treated as interest only to the extent newal on or after such date of any qualified tax controlled group of entities’ means a controlled that the amount deposited exceeds the amount collection contract (as so defined), shall be void. group of entities the common parent of which is of the levy. SEC. 15. CLARIFICATION OF IRS UNCLAIMED RE- a domestic corporation. ‘‘(3) REFUND, ETC., OF INCOME TAX ON LEVY.— FUND AUTHORITY. ‘‘(B) CONTROLLED GROUP OF ENTITIES.—The If any amount is includible in gross income for Paragraph (1) of section 6103(m) (relating to term ‘controlled group of entities’ means a con- a taxable year by reason of a levy referred to in tax refunds) is amended by inserting ‘‘, and trolled group of corporations as defined in sec- paragraph (1) and any portion of such amount through any other means of mass communica- tion 1563(a)(1), except that— is treated as a rollover under paragraph (2), any tion,’’ after ‘‘media’’. ‘‘(i) ‘more than 50 percent’ shall be substituted for ‘at least 80 percent’ each place it appears tax imposed by chapter 1 on such portion shall SEC. 16. PROHIBITION ON MISUSE OF DEPART- not be assessed, and if assessed shall be abated, MENT OF THE TREASURY NAMES therein, and and if collected shall be credited or refunded as AND SYMBOLS. ‘‘(ii) the determination shall be made without an overpayment made on the due date for filing (a) IN GENERAL.—Subsection (a) of section 333 regard to subsections (a)(4) and (b)(2) of section the return of tax for such taxable year. of title 31, United States Code, is amended by in- 1563. ‘‘(4) INTEREST.—Notwithstanding subsection serting ‘‘Internet domain address,’’ after ‘‘solici- A partnership or any other entity (other than a (d), interest shall be allowed under subsection tation,’’ both places it appears. corporation) shall be treated as a member of a (c) in a case in which the Secretary makes a de- (b) PENALTY FOR MISUSE BY ELECTRONIC controlled group of entities if such entity is con- termination described in subsection (d)(2)(A) MEANS.—Subsections (c)(2) and (d)(1) of section trolled (within the meaning of section 954(d)(3)) with respect to a levy upon an individual retire- 333 of such Code are each amended by inserting by members of such group (including any entity ment plan.’’. ‘‘or any other mass communications by elec- treated as a member of such group by reason of (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made tronic means,’’ after ‘‘telecast,’’. this sentence). by this section shall apply to amounts paid (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendments made ‘‘(3) LIABILITY OF COMMON PARENT.—In the under subsections (b), (c), and (d)(2)(A) of sec- by this section shall apply with respect to viola- case of a foreign person who is a member of any tion 6343 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 tions occurring after the date of the enactment domestically controlled group of entities, the after the date of the enactment of this Act. of this Act. common parent of such group shall be jointly SEC. 13. TAXPAYER NOTIFICATION OF SUS- SEC. 17. SUBSTANTIATION OF AMOUNTS PAID OR and severally liable for any tax under this chap- PECTED IDENTITY THEFT. DISTRIBUTED OUT OF HEALTH SAV- ter for which such foreign person is liable by (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 77 (relating to mis- INGS ACCOUNT. reason of this subsection, and for any penalty cellaneous provisions) is amended by adding at (a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (1) of section imposed on such person by this title with respect the end the following new section: 223(f) (relating to amounts used for qualified to any failure to pay such tax or to file any re- ‘‘SEC. 7529. NOTIFICATION OF SUSPECTED IDEN- medical expenses) is amended by inserting turn or statement with respect to such tax or TITY THEFT. ‘‘(and, in the case of amounts paid or distrib- wages subject to such tax. No deduction shall be ‘‘If, in the course of an investigation under uted after December 31, 2010, substantiated in a allowed under this title for any liability imposed the internal revenue laws, the Secretary deter- manner similar to the substantiation required by the preceding sentence.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:35 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A15AP7.025 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2310 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 ‘‘(4) COORDINATION.—Paragraph (1) shall not outreach, and authorizing funding for to ensure that acknowledged tax debt apply to any services which are covered by an low-income taxpayer programs. is actually paid. agreement under subsection (l). It would, once and for all, repeal the For some Members of this body on ‘‘(5) CROSS REFERENCE.—For relief from taxes authority of the IRS to enter into pri- both sides of the debate, this particular in cases covered by certain international agree- ments, see sections 3101(c) and 3111(c).’’. vate debt collection contracts. This issue is simple and is simply about pol- (b) SOCIAL SECURITY BENEFITS.—Subsection program violates the public trust and icy. For them, it’s an abstract question (e) of section 210 of the Social Security Act (42 must end. about whether these private collection U.S.C. 410(e)) is amended— The bill also protects elderly and dis- agencies, so called PCAs, should be (1) by striking ‘‘(e) The term’’ and inserting abled persons from tax liability on able to play a limited supplementary ‘‘(e)(1) The term’’, workers provided to them under gov- role in ensuring that undisputed tax (2) by redesignating clauses (1) through (6) as ernment programs. debts are, in fact, paid. clauses (A) through (F), respectively, and (3) by adding at the end the following new H.R. 5719 enhances the fairness of our As we debate this particular issue yet paragraph: tax code and deserves this House’s again this afternoon, we’ll hear again ‘‘(2)(A) If any employee of a foreign person is total support. persuasive evidence making clear just performing services in connection with a con- Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- how successful the PCA program has tract between the United States Government (or ance of my time. already been in narrowing the tax gap, any instrumentality thereof) and any member of Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I and while carefully protecting tax- any domestically controlled group of entities yield myself so much time as I may payers rights. And we will also hear which includes such foreign person, such for- consume. how much additional promise this pro- eign person shall be treated as an American em- (Mr. REYNOLDS asked and was ployer with respect to such services performed gram holds for the future if it’s allowed by such employee. given permission to revise and extend to continue. ‘‘(B) For purposes of this paragraph— his remarks.) But for me and the area I represent, ‘‘(i) The term ‘domestically controlled group of Mr. REYNOLDS. Today is Tax Day, Western New York, the issue is much entities’ means a controlled group of entities the Madam Speaker, and all across the more than an abstract policy debate. common parent of which is a domestic corpora- country, millions of Americans will It’s also about jobs. As the Member of tion. wait patiently, or not so patiently, in Congress who represents rural Wyo- ‘‘(ii) The term ‘controlled group of entities’ line at the local post office, making means a controlled group of corporations as de- ming County in Western New York, I’m fined in section 1563(a)(1) of the Internal Rev- sure that their taxes are postmarked actually more familiar than most enue Code of 1986, except that— by the midnight deadline. Members with the work that PCAs do. ‘‘(I) ‘more than 50 percent’ shall be sub- Having recently struggled through After all, the largest single private em- stituted for ‘at least 80 percent’ each place it ap- the process of filling out my own tax ployer in Wyoming County, Pioneer pears therein, and forms, I share the frustrations of mil- Credit Recovery, is one of the only two ‘‘(II) the determination shall be made without lions of American taxpayers, not just companies nationwide that the IRS has regard to subsections (a)(4) and (b)(2) of section with the amount of taxes that we have selected to help get this important pro- 1563 of such Code. to pay, but with the dizzying maze of gram underway. A partnership or any other entity (other than a forms, worksheets and calculations re- Madam Speaker, Pioneer Credit is a corporation) shall be treated as a member of a controlled group of entities if such entity is con- quired by the IRS as well. highly respected local business that trolled (within the meaning of section 954(d)(3) But instead of working together in a has created more than 1,400 high-pay- of such Code) by members of such group (includ- bipartisan way to simplify the process ing jobs for families living in either my ing any entity treated as a member of such and enhance taxpayers rights, the ma- district or neighboring districts around group by reason of this sentence).’’. jority has chosen to bring forward a Buffalo and Rochester. And as my fel- (c) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment made partisan, political bill that has already low Members of Western New York’s by this section shall apply to services performed drawn a veto threat from the adminis- Congressional Delegation know, these after the date of the enactment of this Act. tration, and is almost certainly ‘‘dead jobs have been created in a region that SEC. 19. TIME FOR PAYMENT OF CORPORATE ES- on arrival’’ in the other body. TIMATED TAX. has faced serious economic challenges. The percentage under subparagraph (C) of To be sure, this legislation does con- This IRS contract has allowed Pio- section 401(1) of the Tax Increase Prevention tain a number of positive, pro-taxpayer neer Credit to turn an empty ware- and Reconciliation Act of 2005 in effect on the provisions, most of which have already house in Perry, New York into a thriv- date of the enactment of this Act is increased by passed the House last year in an over- ing job center for newly hired employ- 0.25 percentage points. whelmingly bipartisan basis as part of ees. In short, it’s been a great eco- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- H.R. 1677. Unfortunately for this House, nomic success story in part of Western tleman from Georgia (Mr. LEWIS) and and for taxpayers across the country, New York that has desperately needed the gentleman from New York (Mr. the majority has now abandoned that it. REYNOLDS) each will control 30 min- commonsense bipartisan approach that As someone who fought to give the utes. we brought to last year’s bill. IRS the authority to partner with The Chair recognizes the gentleman Instead the majority has included a these private companies in the first from Georgia. pair of highly controversial proposals place, I am deeply troubled that the Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam that kill any hope of bipartisan co- new majority is once again threatening Speaker, I yield myself as much time operation, one imposing a new substan- to deauthorize this important program as I may consume. tiation requirements on withdrawals just as it’s getting underway. Madam Speaker, on Tax Day, it is so from health savings accounts, and an- If this program is allowed to con- important that we bring H.R. 5719 to other cutting off the ability of care- tinue, Pioneer Credit will have the op- the floor of the House. Taxpayers must fully selected private businesses to as- portunity to compete for future IRS be treated fairly, and they deserve all sist the IRS in collecting delinquent contracts that could create many addi- the help we can give them. tax debt. tional jobs in the area of Western New This bill draws, in part, on legisla- Over the course of today’s debate, York that I represent. Killing this pro- tion authored by myself and many we’ll hear much more about the con- gram, on the other hand, would cost members of the Ways and Means Com- cerns that many Members have about my constituents real jobs at a time mittee. Most of the pieces of this bill the HSA provision, a provision that when Congress should be working to enjoy bipartisan support. was not subject to a single hearing in expand employment opportunities, par- This bill will assist victims of iden- the Ways and Means Committee, and ticularly in hard-hit areas that are tity theft and prevent the misuse of was inserted into the bill just prior to struggling economically. the IRS name in schemes that defraud mark-up without any real under- I would also like to note, Madam the public. standing of the potential consequences. Speaker, that under the Democrats The bill helps low-income taxpayers So let me take a moment to focus on convoluted PAYGO rules, proposals by allowing IRS employees to refer the other provision of concern, the pro- that reduce anticipated Federal reve- them to low-income taxpayer clinics, posal to repeal the IRS’s authority to nues must be offset by other provisions expanding earned income tax credit work with private collection agencies that raise revenue. As a result, today’s

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:35 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP7.025 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2311 proposal to eliminate the PCA pro- taxpayers, and she testified this is a you’re going to leave rural America, gram, a program that is currently ex- bad deal for taxpayers. We should get small town America out, and only pected to bring in more than a half bil- rid of it. urban areas can comply with this. lion dollars to the Federal Treasury, And we shouldn’t be surprised. We This is not good legislating. This has over the next decade, also requires had a similar program in the 1990s that not been seen through. No foresight. them to raise Federal revenue or taxes was ended because of abusive practices, No hearings. More to the point, it’s by the same amount somewhere else. and it failed to collect the money. going to make it harder for people in That’s right. The majority is raising Let’s learn from history. Let’s adopt rural and small towns to save tax tree taxes by a half a billion dollars today this legislation. for health care. It’s going to make it in order to eliminate the very program Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I harder for anybody to save tax free for that’s helping us to collect undisputed yield 3 minutes to my distinguished health care. This is going to raise tax debts, more effectively. Only in colleague on the Ways and Mean Com- health care costs, and it is going to Washington, Madam Speaker, only in mittee from Wisconsin (Mr. RYAN), an make it harder for patients to really Washington. expert on HSAs and other matters for get control of their health care des- This bill is wrong on policy, it’s consideration today. tiny. And that is why this bill should be wrong on job creation and it’s on the b 1645 way to mark April 15 for America’s defeated. For this piece of policy alone, hard-working taxpayers. Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Madam this bill should be defeated because it I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote. Speaker, why are we here? We’re here was not thought through. It was I reserve the balance of my time. because it’s Tax Day and the majority slammed in there at the last minute, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam decided they had to have a tax bill to and that is enough of a reason that on Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- come to the floor to pass on Tax Day. this day, on Tax Day, we should not be tleman from Maryland (Mr. VAN There are some good provisions in telling the American people, we’re HOLLEN), a member of the Ways and this bill. I want to talk about one pro- going to raise your taxes if you want to Means Committee. vision that is not a good provision. go buy health care. That’s wrong, but Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I thank my col- That’s what we call HSA substan- that’s what this bill does; and I think league from Georgia and thank him for tiation. What that basically means is we should reject this bill for that rea- his leadership on this important issue. without a single hearing, the majority son alone. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong sup- wants to bring these new red-taped Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam port of this legislation, the Taxpayer complicated rules to health savings ac- Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- Assistance and Simplification Act. It’s counts so that every time somebody tleman from North Dakota (Mr. POM- a set of commonsense reforms designed goes and makes a health care purchase EROY), a wonderful friend who is a to make the Tax Code a little more that’s under the deductible, they have member of the Ways and Means Com- consumer friendly for hardworking to first get permission from their bank- mittee. Americans. er or from the government before they Mr. POMEROY. Madam Speaker, I If the IRS has reason to believe that do it. That’s essentially what substan- appreciate very much the gentleman you’ve been a victim of identity theft, tiation does. from Georgia’s leadership of the Over- this bill says the IRS should let you Now, we’ve heard from banks, from sight Subcommittee on the Ways and know. the credit unions, from the NFIB and Means Committee. If you’re entitled to an unclaimed re- the small businesses. They’re all say- A couple of things to respond to. fund, this bill empowers the IRS to do ing, we’re not going to do it anymore. The matter before us involves a pay- more to find you. We’re not going to offer HSAs to our for, because unlike much of the work of And if you need help with your taxes, clients. my friend, the ranking member of the this bill lets the IRS refer you to a Madam Speaker, the key with health Budget Committee, this majority pays qualified taxpayer clinic that can pro- savings accounts is that people can for things that cost the Treasury. vide assistance. save tax free for their out-of-pocket Now, the HSA issue he just raised in- So whether it’s from eliminating nui- health care savings. Why on earth volves tax-free accounts and savings sance paperwork to publicizing the would we want to bring a bill to the accounts to be used for health care. We earned income tax credit to clamping floor which we know will reduce the ask that there be some verification to down on predatory ‘‘refund anticipa- use of health savings accounts? show the money withdrawn was spent tion loans,’’ this bill, time and again, The goal of this Congress ought to be for health care. That’s all. What drives sides with the taxpayer. to make health care more accessible us to this is a report that we had from I’m particularly pleased that it in- and more affordable. Unfortunately, one account manager that shows these cludes legislation many of us have this bill goes in the wrong direction. So funds being withdrawn for everything worked on to end the practice of boun- we want to inflict all of this red tape from body shop repair to fast food res- ty hunting and terminate the program that we don’t inflict on individual re- taurants. of contracting out the collection of tirement accounts or on home equity Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Madam taxes to private debt collectors. lines of credits on this, and this will Speaker, will the gentleman yield? Proponents of this program say it’s make it harder for people to save tax Mr. POMEROY. Sure I will yield. necessary to close the tax gap. The free for health care. It will tie them up Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. As the gen- facts just say they’re wrong. The pro- in red tape. It will say to the banks and tleman knows, this is their money, and gram, to date, hasn’t returned a single credit unions that offer these things, if they choose to withdraw their money dime of additional revenue to the U.S. don’t offer them anymore, and more to for non-health care reasons, they pay Treasury. In fact, so far as we gather the point, we’re doing this clumsy leg- taxes. here today, it’s been a revenue loser, islating without having had one hear- Mr. POMEROY. Reclaiming my time, an ideological driven black hole that ing in the Ways and Means Committee. and I only have 2 minutes, this HSA, I has sucked $50 million out of the Treas- More to the point, Madam Speaker, believe the gentleman would agree, in ury last year alone. And we would have is this. The market is already fulfilling fact I think he said it in his comments, been able to raise, and this is according the need to have better recordkeeping. is for the cost of health care. It gives a to both Republican and IRS commis- The market is already showing us they tax incentive cost, a tax assistance to sioners, we would have been able to can do this without this law. But if you taxpayers for health care costs, not for raise $1.4 billion in revenue from people impose this law, as this bill does, guess body shop costs. We don’t tax incent who hadn’t paid taxes if we’d simply what’s going to happen? People in rural body shop costs. So we would like to hired more IRS agents to do the job. America, people in some small towns, shut that abuse down. And that’s also the testimony of the people in Janesville, Wisconsin, they The question is legitimately raised. National Taxpayer Advocate at the De- won’t be able to subscribe to this law. Is this too onerous? Absolutely not. partment of Treasury. That’s the per- Their retailers don’t have the tech- Many of us have flex savings accounts son whose job it is to look out for the nology that’s being required here. So that are used for medical costs. Now,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:35 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.087 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2312 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 all we ask is that the same verification Ways and Means Committee from Cali- And the truth is the American people any Federal employee uses when they fornia (Mr. HERGER). care about two things when it comes to make a withdrawal in their flex sav- Mr. HERGER. Madam Speaker, as American taxes: Simplicity of the code ings account would be used to substan- Americans send their checks to the and fairness. And this is an example of tiate withdrawal from the health sav- IRS today, they have a number of con- the unfairness of our code. ings account. This isn’t inventing cerns. There are the dozens of tax pro- In fact, if you look at the Ugland something new. We’ve done it. It works visions that expired last year and have House in the Cayman Islands, one well. not yet been extended adding to eco- building houses 12,000 companies who Another feature of the bill that’s nomic uncertainty. There is the ineffi- have established post office boxes or drawn such objection is this business of ciency of many Federal agencies re- ZIP codes or modems there, and the putting out of business the whole no- sulting in waste of hard-earned tax dol- only purpose they’re there for is to tion of private bill collectors being lars, and there are the entitlement pro- avoid paying their fair share of their loosed on our taxpayers to collect reve- grams that threaten to double the Fed- taxes. And one of the pieces of this leg- nues owed the Federal Government. eral tax burden over the coming dec- islation is, in fact, to shut down the op- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- ades if they are not reformed. All of eration so companies cannot get con- tleman’s time has expired. these issues Congress should be consid- tracts doing government work here in Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam ering this Tax Day. the United States, paid for by the tax- Speaker, I yield the gentleman an addi- One complaint I have never heard payers, whose sole purpose is to avoid tional minute. from my constituents is that the IRS paying their fair share. Mr. POMEROY. Madam Speaker, I doesn’t ask them for enough informa- The company acknowledges that the refer my colleagues to the Washington tion. Yet the legislation before us reason they set up the Cayman Islands Post, the front page story today, ‘‘Col- would impose burdensome new report- was so they didn’t pay Social Security, lectors cost IRS more than they raise.’’ ing requirements on 5 million Ameri- they didn’t pay unemployment, they We have had, in fact, kind of the bill cans with health savings accounts. Al- collection version of the $600 toilet seat didn’t pay Medicare. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The for the old Pentagon contract procure- though Congress has held no hearings time of the gentleman has expired. ments. This was advertised to cost very to determine whether misuse of HSA Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam little, $10 to $14 million, well now up to funds is a real problem, these require- Speaker, I yield the gentleman an addi- $70 million and counting, a multiple of ments would make HSAs less conven- tional 30 seconds. what was initially advertised. That’s ient for consumers and could lead fi- Mr. EMANUEL. And the way this was the set-up cost. They said it was going nancial institutions to stop offering discovered was on a worker who was to bring all of this money. Well, the re- HSAs. laid off with 10,000 employees, went to ality is it has brought in only a frac- Ironically, this bill would also repeal go collect unemployment insurance tion of the money advertised. a program that collects bad tax debts. And so on a net basis, this whole ini- The majority’s message seems to be and was told no, you don’t have the tiative to bring in money owed us has that if you’re not paying your taxes, money for that because you didn’t pay cost us money. We’ve been shipping we will let you off the hook, but if you insurance. He said no, I work for an more money to contractors. This is an follow the rules, we will increase your American company, and then discov- administration and this is a minority burden of compliance. ered, in fact, he didn’t work for an that loves private contractors. And if Madam Speaker, that is the wrong American company. KBR was a com- it costs the Federal Government on the message to send this Tax Day. I urge a pany set up in the Cayman Islands for net balance, it doesn’t matter because ‘‘no’’ vote. the purpose of avoiding paying their they just so ideologically love private Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam fair share of taxes, and it is right here contractors. Speaker, no one on this side of the on April 15, when Americans are facing We should pass this bill and end this aisle is suggesting that we all bigger tax bills, higher costs for health failed experiment of private debt col- shouldn’t pay our fair share. care, higher costs for education, higher lection. Madam Speaker, I now yield 2 min- costs for gasoline, that in fact those Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, utes to the gentleman from Illinois companies that are servicing in Iraq I’ve been listening to some of my col- (Mr. EMANUEL), a member of the Ways pay their fair share and not use the tax leagues, and I’m sure we’ll have more and Means Committee. code to avoid their responsibility. on the Democratic side of the aisle Mr. EMANUEL. Madam Speaker, to Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I that have been such proponents of pick up on my colleague’s comments would like to yield 2 minutes to my doing away with the collection. I just about fairness, one of the provisions in colleague, the distinguished ranking want to remind some of them of a cou- this legislation deals with closing the member of the Health Committee of ple of things that we should look at. loophole for KBR, a former Halliburton Ways and Means from Michigan (Mr. First, this is money that the IRS will subsidiary, that used the Cayman Is- CAMP). not go after. It is part of the goal that lands to avoid paying taxes. And that Mr. CAMP of Michigan. I thank the Congress said we will pursue to get this is, it was discovered that in fact KBR, gentleman for yielding. money, and it was going to show a $1 they’re a company that was doing its Madam Speaker, here we are on Tax billion over 10-year revenue. operations in Iraq, was not paying and Day, April 15, talking about a bill Now, we have seen the start-up of consciously set up a company in the called the Taxpayer Assistance and PCAs, one in Iowa and one in New Cayman Islands, just a post office box, Simplification Act. A great title, but York, after a very clear scrutiny by the set up a company to avoid paying So- this bill falls remarkably short. IRS and by strong oversight of the cial Security, Medicare, and unemploy- What this Congress should be debat- Congress. And there are start-up costs ment insurance, which is how they be- ing today is legislation to simplify and of the $50 million, as we’re beginning to came the low bid. reform the tax code. The tax code is see the program come under way, to It is the company, by the way, I’m over 67,000 pages long. It takes tax- pursue money that the IRS either sure you remember this, that served payers 6 billion hours and over $260 bil- hasn’t collected, can’t collect, will not contaminated water to our troops, lion to comply with current tax laws. collect as the PCAs are pursuing it. costing the taxpayers more money to That’s unacceptable. And I have listened to a lot of people take care of the health of those troops. Instead of this bill, Congress needs to describe what they think they under- They set up an operation in the Cay- pass legislation to make filing tax re- stand of a PCA, but they have never man Islands, and in fact, their post of- turns simpler and fairer. While more really been in tune with it. It kind of fice was Post Office Box 847, One Cap- and more Americans are demanding reminds me of somebody debating ATM ital Place, 4th Floor, Shedden Road, Congress make our tax laws easier to legislation and never actually used an Grand Cayman, Cayman Islands, KY1– comply with, the Ways and Means ATM. 1103. And the reason they were the low Committee has held only one hearing Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to bidder? They didn’t pay their fair on tax reform since the beginning of the distinguished senior member of the share. last year.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:35 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.091 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2313 And just as the economy struggles in collect eight times as much per person adequate security controls over routers the face of problems in the housing and as these bounty hunters that they con- and switches that jeopardize sensitive the credit markets, rising gas and food tract out. With the minimum of a $70 taxpayer information. It was done by prices and an up-take on employment, million investment, we will raise over the Inspector General. And I want to the House Democrat budget proposes to $1.4 billion. just report, because we had it con- hit families with the largest tax in- Equally specious is the argument firmed by representatives of the ad- crease in history. here that we’re hearing about HSAs. ministration under our examination There are millions of Americans who that this, in fact, has occurred and it’s b 1700 have benefits, as my good friend from in the report which was submitted to Instead of reforming the Tax Code North Dakota pointed out, flexible sav- the Ways and Means Committee. And it and lowering the tax burden, the bill ings accounts. We have them for our says, ‘‘Impact to the Taxpayer: Be- before us ignores both those questions. Federal employees. And all they have cause the IRS sends sensitive taxpayer And while there are some good provi- to do, however, is there is some mini- and administrative information across sions in it, like I support the provision mal verification. What they’re pro- its networks, routers on the networks that no longer requires employees to posing is that we just ignore it and must have sufficient security controls keep track of the cell phone calls they allow people to use it for car washes to deter and detect unauthorized use. make on their office cell phones, other and country club memberships and rely Access controls for IRS routers were measures in the bill make it objection- on an occasional audit, which is much not adequate, and reviews to monitor able. more difficult because they have cut security configuration changes were I reject the majority’s attempts to back on the IRS. That’s foolish. It not conducted to identify inappropriate impose new administrative burdens on works for millions of Americans with use. A disgruntled employee, con- the use of health savings accounts. Mil- flexible benefit accounts, there’s no tractor or a hacker could reconfigure lions of Americans are enrolled in problem doing it with HSAs. routers and switches to disrupt com- HSAs because they provide consumers It is time for us to move forward puter operations and steal taxpayer in- with the ability to affordably manage with these simple, commonsense ef- formation in a number of ways, includ- their own health care costs. H.R. 5719 forts, steps that make the IRS more ef- ing diverting information to unauthor- ized systems.’’ will make it harder for people to save fective. More money for the taxpayers for their own health care. Madam Speaker, that same very day, prevents inappropriate use of tax ex- on March 26, the same Treasury Inspec- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The empt money. time of the gentleman has expired. tor General for Tax Administration Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, issued a second report called, ‘‘The Pri- Mr. REYNOLDS. I yield the gen- may I inquire as to how much time is tleman an additional minute. vate Collection Agencies Adequately remaining on both sides. Protected Taxpayer Data.’’ And this Mr. CAMP of Michigan. HSAs already The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- have a built-in enforcement mecha- information also was confirmed under tleman from New York has 15 minutes examination as we made inquiries to nism that seeks to ensure HSA funds remaining. The gentleman from Geor- are spent on qualified medical ex- the administration that confirmed that gia has 19 minutes remaining. the reports exist, and they were well penses. If a person spends those dollars Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I aware of these findings as well. And on on a nonqualified expense, they’re sub- yield myself as much time as I may page 2 of the Inspector General’s report ject to individual income taxes and a 10 consume. it said, ‘‘We reviewed the computer se- percent penalty. The IRS also has the Well, I just want to make sure at curity controls over taxpayer data pro- right to audit HSA withdrawals. least the taxpayers from the country- vided to the two current PCAs,’’ or pri- Americans are concerned about the side I come from realize that H.R. 5719, vate collection agencies for those cost of health care. Before Congress which we’re considering, the Taxpayer maybe not following the debate, ‘‘and rushes to impose new burdens on HSAs, Assistance and Simplification Act of determined that the controls were ade- the one innovation that helps patient- 2008, really sounds good. It sounds real quate. In particular, files were securely centered, individual health care, helps good on Tax Day, as I open my remarks transmitted from the IRS to the con- individuals take control of their health by saying that taxpayers are in line tractors and adequately secured on the care, we should find out first if there now or will be until midnight tonight contractor systems. In addition work really is a problem, and then, how we to have a postmarked April 15 date. stations used by contractor collection can fix it without restricting the abil- But we know that this legislation will personnel were adequately controlled ity of consumers to take greater con- face a steep consideration of some say- to prevent unauthorized copying of trol of their health care decision mak- ing ‘‘dead on arrival’’ in the other taxpayer information to removable ing. body. We’ve seen the administration media or transfer via e-mail. The con- I urge my colleagues to reject this have its advisers threaten veto. And tractors also maintained adequate flawed legislation. yet, while there were so many things audit trails and performed periodic re- Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam that we agreed upon in the Ways and views, including reviews to identify un- Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- Means Committee, Republicans and authorized access to taxpayer data.’’ tleman from Oregon (Mr. Democrats, we have a bill that brings Now, the response from the IRS, con- BLUMENAUER), a member of the Ways controversy, that brings another one- tained also on page two of the Treasury and Means Committee. House bill. It gets tough, as we move Inspector General said, ‘‘The key IRS Mr. BLUMENAUER. I appreciate the towards November of an election year, management officials reviewed the re- gentleman’s courtesy. to explain that we didn’t get much port prior to issuance and agreed to the I find no small amount of irony lis- done, but boy did we have a lot of ac- results of the review.’’ tening to our friends from the other tion on one-House bills. We know that in the operation of side of the aisle talk about complexity I want to just share for the record PCAs, we are going to see the collec- on Tax Day because for the 12 years here on this body what I did in the tion pursuit of $500 million over that that they were in charge there was an Ways and Means hearing. Because I over the next 10 years. And we know explosion, hundreds of thousands of ad- think there’s two important documents that if this legislation prevails, there is ditional words added to the IRS code; that my colleagues, as this debate goes going to be a tax increase of $500 mil- loopholes and complexity, not sim- today, and some of the consideration of lion to pay for this under the major- plification. what will be difficult on seeing PCAs, ity’s PAYGO rules. And so as we con- It is absolute hogwash that there are as the legislation may come to pass tinue the debate, make it clearly un- areas that the IRS won’t go after to from this body, we will see difficult derstood that the pursuit of these collect and we have to use private col- sledding in the other body, as well as PCAs was on proceeds that were not lection agencies. They are the people the administration, are two reports. collected, could not be collected, need- who decided to underfund the IRS. Tes- The Treasury Inspector General for ed to be collected in order to put into timony before our committee was con- Tax Administration wrote one on the Treasury this money owed by tax- clusive: The IRS-trained employees March 26, only weeks ago, that had in- payers to the government. And that as

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:35 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.092 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2314 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 we look at this legislation, what has On Tax Day, let’s pass something and In regards to the health savings ac- brought the controversy to do something positive for the American count, I really don’t understand the op- uncontroversial legislation, legislation people. position here. What we’re simply ask- that both parties could agree to, was Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I ing for is accountability. We know that the adding of HSA changes and dealing reserve the balance of my time. health savings accounts have been with the PCAs. My colleagues need to Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam spent for country club membership, consider the type of consequences we’re Speaker, I am delighted to yield 2 min- massage parlors, women’s lingerie seeing in what will be a misguided utes to the gentleman from New York, shops, casinos and gambling, dating change on PCA legislation. a member of the Ways and Means Com- and escort services. Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- mittee, my good friend, Mr. CROWLEY. Let’s really put this all in perspec- ance of my time. Mr. CROWLEY. I want to thank my tive. What we’re talking about is ac- Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam good friend from Georgia (Mr. LEWIS) countability in health savings ac- Speaker, I am delighted to yield 2 min- for yielding me this time. counts. We’re not saying they My colleagues, this is a good bill, and utes to the gentlewoman from Nevada, shouldn’t be used for health purposes, I ask all my colleagues to support this my good friend, Congresswoman BERK- but they should be held accountable. worthy effort. LEY, a member of the Ways and Means And Chairman LEWIS, I want to People right now, hardworking, hon- Committee. thank you personally, and your staff. est, faith-loving Americans that want Ms. BERKLEY. I want to thank the You went out of your way to include to donate to a charity or to their chairman for recognizing me. language that I had concerns of and church with after-tax payments have I don’t have any long Treasury re- to account for that charitable con- ports to read to you, and I’m not here wanted to include in this bill to in- crease the access of eligible taxpayers tribution before they can take a tax de- to tell you what should have been, to the EITC, the earned income tax duction. When it comes to health sav- what we could have done, should have credit. So I want to personally thank ings accounts, there is not that re- done, would have done. But I’m here to you and your staff for your outreach to quirement. And we’re talking about talk on behalf of H.R. 5719 because our office and including that. Ronald pretax dollars on health savings ac- there are some important components Reagan himself referred to the EITC as counts. There’s something wrong here. and provisions of this bill that, when the greatest anti-poverty program in I wish my Republican colleagues would taken together, will make future tax the history of our country, so I think it better understand it. It’s simply absurd days more fair and less strenuous for deserves worthy bipartisan support. that they don’t support simple ac- the average American taxpayer. Madam Speaker, we heard in testi- countability. H.R. 5719 contains provisions to en- mony last week in the Committee on The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- sure that taxpayers receive all the tax Ways and Means from the Taxpayer tleman’s time has expired. benefits they’re entitled to. This bill Advocate of the United States that Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. I yield to the will increase outreach to help tax- identity fraud against taxpayers is gentleman an additional minute. payers benefit from the earned income skyrocketing. This bill establishes Mr. CROWLEY. It is simply absurd to tax credit and find unclaimed refunds, some of the strongest protections for me that my Republican colleagues effectively lowering taxes for many taxpayers against identity theft scams, can’t understand that we’re simply Americans. I think this is a good provi- especially those at greatest risk of asking for accountability, that we’re sion. fraud, our seniors and veterans filing not looking to eliminate them, that if This bill also prevents the IRS from this year to claim the economic stim- they are using it for legitimate health using private debt collectors to collect ulus rebate check. But my colleagues purposes, that’s fine. Federal income taxes. Private debt col- on the other side of the aisle, my Re- lectors have proven to be poorly Now, I did note that the HSA, the publican colleagues and the Bush Ad- equipped for the job, actually costing Health Savings Account Council, says ministration, are adamantly opposed the IRS and taxpayers 37 million more that the IRS has the authority to audit to this taxpayer protection act because than they have collected. This change these accounts. Are they suggesting they’re opposed to the offset that we is an important move to protect tax- that the IRS audit every health sav- provide. payer privacy. And as a taxpayer and ings account to make sure that health as a citizen, I want the government and b 1715 savings accounts are being used for health reasons? I daresay that the IRS the IRS to do its job and not send this No one can argue that some of my is looking at probably more often than responsibility out to someone else. Republican colleagues philosophically not the charitable contributions that I’m also very supportive of a provi- oppose paying for anything and support hardworking Americans make and sion to postpone implementation of the the continuation of what I believe was making sure that those are legitimate 3 percent withholding requirement on 7 years of Republican economic theory charities before they’re able to deduct government payment to vendors. This of ‘‘borrow and spend.’’ And in case them from their taxes. requirement will cause significant ad- you’re keeping count, the results of the ministrative and financial burdens on Republican borrow and spend credit So what we are looking for is a little local governments, unfairly penalizing card economic policy is a $30,000 birth balance here in terms of what really companies, and raising prices on con- tax on every person born in this coun- are legitimate tax savings purposes in sumers. I think this is a good provision try today. In fact, in my own home, it’s health savings accounts. That’s really in this legislation. at $90,000 because I have an 8-, 7-, and simply what the Democrats are looking The bill also helps protect taxpayers 2-year-old. I can’t imagine that they for. by requiring the IRS to notify individ- would be very happy if they understood Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I uals if unlawful use of their identity is what the birth tax was that was placed yield myself such time as I may con- detected by cracking down on Web upon them by irresponsible and reck- sume. sites that try to defraud people less fiscal policies over the last 7 years. I have listened very carefully to my through use of the official IRS logo. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- friend and colleague from New York as The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tleman’s time has expired. he sees his views. time of the gentlewoman from Nevada Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam I thought maybe I might for the has expired. Speaker, I yield an additional minute record just outline that I have a copy Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. I yield the to the gentleman from New York. of a letter that numerous groups sent gentlelady 15 seconds. Mr. CROWLEY. Madam Speaker, in opposition to this legislation, pri- Ms. BERKLEY. All of these taken to- that’s why Democrats are trying to be marily due to HSAs, to both Chairman gether aren’t earth-shattering and responsible and we implemented the RANGEL and Ranking Member they’re not going to change the way pay-as-you-go principles, meaning all MCCRERY. And it leads off with the that we collect taxes in this country, new tax cuts and new spending in- NFIB and goes down to the National but it’s going to help, and it’s going to creases need to be paid for as we move Taxpayers Union, and it has the U.S. help millions of our fellow Americans. forward. Chamber and it has the Retail Industry

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:03 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.094 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2315 Leaders Association, the National Re- Mr. CROWLEY. Thank you. Jersey (Mr. ROTHMAN), a member of the tail Federation, the National Res- Madam Speaker, I note that the gen- Appropriations Committee. taurant Association, the National As- tleman made reference to the fact that (Mr. ROTHMAN asked and was given sociation of Manufacturers, and so the legislation, or at least the interpre- permission to revise and extend his re- many others. And I will make it avail- tation of the administration, that the marks.) able in case some of my colleagues legislation places onerous responsibil- Mr. ROTHMAN. I thank the chair- haven’t seen it. ities on the trustees of the HSAs. man for the time. This isn’t something Republicans on Where in the legislation does it say Madam Speaker, I rise today in this side of the aisle just kind of that? strong support of H.R. 5719, the Tax- dreamed up that there are problems Mr. REYNOLDS. Well, I will ask you payer Assistance and Simplification that make this legislation controver- to look that up, and at a later time I Act of 2008. sial with HSA legislation or with the will yield and you can point it out in Let me tell my colleagues that this PCAs. It’s well documented by the ex- my record. bill simply closes a lot of loopholes perts that are using the program. Mr. CROWLEY. Will the gentleman that were created when my Republican I also think, rather than some of my continue to yield? friends controlled this Congress in the colleagues interpreting what the ad- Mr. REYNOLDS. One more time. majority years ago and it also address- ministration may have for support or Mr. CROWLEY. I just would point to es some of the disastrous Bush admin- rejection of the legislation, maybe I the record that, in fact, it is not the re- istration policies that were adopted by should read into the RECORD exactly sponsibility of the trustees but of the my friends the Republicans when they what the Statement of Administration individual who opens an HSA account were in the majority. But they’re no Policy is on H.R. 5719 so that we all that we’re placing the burden on, that longer in the majority this year. know what the administration’s con- they prove that the HSA account is for Let me tell you what this is all cerns are. legitimate medical purposes. about. My Republican friends and the And for the record: ‘‘The administra- Mr. REYNOLDS. Reclaiming my Bush administration love to privatize. tion strongly opposes H.R. 5719, the so- time, Madam Speaker, I thank the gen- They wanted to privatize Social Secu- called ‘Taxpayer Assistance and Sim- tleman. rity. Remember that? They wanted to plification Act of 2008.’ The bill in- I just think it’s important we look at privatize prescription drugs, and they cludes provisions that would impose this. First, I heard the debate coming got away with it, and that’s why it’s so new administrative burdens on the from the majority, from the gen- expensive and convoluted. They wanted trustees of health savings accounts. tleman, that outlined his interpreta- to privatize health care at Walter Reed These new burdens on HSA administra- tion of why the administration was op- Hospital, and you know the disasters tors are unnecessary for efficient tax posed to the bill. I listened carefully. I that happened there. Trying to pri- administration, inconsistent with the made a decision to read into the vatize the delivery of the United States flexibility purposely afforded HSAs at RECORD exactly what the administra- mail; privatize security in Iraq by let- their inception, and could undermine tion’s policy position was on this so ting private contractors handle these efforts by employers, individuals, and that it was no longer an interpretation things for the U.S. Army. Blackwater insurers to reduce health care costs from a Member of Congress but exactly and Halliburton, sound familiar? and improve health outcomes by em- in written word what the administra- Well, one of the things that this bill powering consumers to take greater tion said relative to this bill. that we’re passing today in the House control of health care decision making. And I think while we’re looking at will do will be to eliminate one of the If H.R. 5719 were presented to the other aspects of this legislation, we do disastrous Bush and Republican poli- President with these provisions, his know the following: That the adminis- cies that they inserted in a 2004 bill. senior advisers would recommend he tration is going to veto this legisla- veto the bill. That policy was where they slashed the ‘‘Also, the administration strongly tion, that we also know it has difficult number of IRS tax collectors, and then opposes provisions of the bill that sledding in the other body. And it has they said, oh, my gosh, we can’t collect would repeal the current statutory au- in the past because there’s a track enough taxes; so you know what we’ll thorization for the Internal Revenue record, that it appears just with PCA do? We’ll privatize the collection of Service private debt collection pro- alone, let alone some of the concerns taxes. This was after they removed the gram. As of February 2008, over 98,000 that have been put forth in the letter number of IRS tax collectors. They cases have been referred to contrac- that I read from earlier on HSAs, that said we’ll hire private folks to collect tors, representing over $910 million in we now have another one-House bill taxes, but we’ll pay them eight times delinquent accounts. Terminating this being trumped up and laid out on Tax more than it would cost a Federal Gov- program would result in a loss of $578 Day. ernment employee. million in revenue over the next 10 And I will say the majority is superb The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- years, according to Congress’ Joint in showmanship. We seem to be able to tleman’s time has expired. Committee on Taxation. These are tax move legislation to the floor on signifi- Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam dollars that are legally owed to the cant days. Today is tax legislation on Speaker, I yield the gentleman an addi- government and are otherwise very un- Tax Day, April 15. tional 1 minute. likely to be collected by the IRS due to But I also know that the public is not Mr. ROTHMAN. I thank the gen- workload demands. As noted in pre- going to be confused by the fact that tleman. vious Statements of Administration while we trump up an extravaganza of So can you imagine, Madam Speaker, Policy, the administration strongly op- legislation on special days, today tax they slashed IRS collectors from peo- poses elimination of this program, legislation on April 15, that the voters ple who owed taxes, slashed the tax which is not consistent with the ad- are going to take a real hard look at collectors, and wanted to privatize it ministration’s commitment to a bal- what really got done, what has gotten and pay eight times more to their anced approach toward improving tax- through, what was made better for friends in private industry to do it. payer compliance and collecting out- America. And, again, we have another Eight times more. It only took now standing tax liabilities. If H.R. 5719 one-House bill that just, sadly, had too when the Democrats are in control of were presented to the President with much partisanship in it and fell away. the House that we are able now to pass these provisions, his senior advisers Madam Speaker, I reserve the bal- this bill today to end that program. would recommend that he veto the ance of my time. And when my friend from New York bill.’’ Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam on the other side of the aisle says, well, That is a Statement of Administra- Speaker, I would like to note that the you know, it’s only a one-House bill be- tion Policy on the record relative to NFIB has endorsed and supported H.R. cause the Senate won’t approve this, this. 5719. Passage of H.R. 5719 will be con- ask yourself why that is. Because there Mr. REYNOLDS. I now would yield to sidered a key vote for the NFIB. are only 51 Democrat Senators in the my colleague from New York for a Madam Speaker, I would like to yield Senate, and you need 60 votes in the question. 2 minutes to the gentleman from New Senate to overcome a filibuster. We

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:03 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.097 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2316 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 only have 51 Democrats in the Senate. utes to the gentleman from Georgia, a ply say that if the IRS is asking for We can’t get 9 Republicans to get rid of member of the Financial Services Com- this, that they could do a better job, this ridiculously wasteful program of mittee, my friend, Mr. SCOTT. they are the ones who we are holding privatizing tax collection. So it’s like Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. To my distin- responsible. We should make sure we that terrible story of the kid who kills guished colleague from Georgia, I want pass this legislation and let the IRS do his parents and pleads for mercy from to commend you on your excellent their job of collecting the taxes and the Court because he’s an orphan. They leadership on this very, very important not hand it off to these private bounty slashed the tax collectors. Then they and timely piece of legislation. A lot hunters. gave it to their cronies. Now they say has been said here today. The two Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, they can’t get Republicans to help us points of contention that the other side may I inquire on the amount of time fix this problem that they created. For- has brought have been in two areas. left, please. tunately, the House has a majority And let me just speak to those directly The SPEAKER pro tempore. The dis- that will. so that we can get to the facts of the tinguished gentleman from New York The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- matter. has 1 minute remaining. The distin- tleman’s time has expired. Now the other side says that they are guished gentleman from Georgia has Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam opposed to the health savings accounts 61⁄2 minutes remaining. Speaker, I yield the gentleman another compliance. Now, what we are saying Mr. REYNOLDS. I reserve the bal- 30 seconds. on our side is this: The health savings ance of my time. Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam Mr. ROTHMAN. So do you get, my accounts are set up for the purpose of Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 min- colleagues, the hypocrisy? They helping our constituents with health utes to the gentleman from North Da- slashed the tax collectors, paid eight care services. Now if that is the case, kota, (Mr. POMEROY), a member of the times more to this private contractor then it is very important that we set Ways and Means Committee. up a mechanism so that we can check cronies, and then when we get a Demo- Mr. POMEROY. I thank the chair- the abuses of that. They are not set up cratic majority in the House to pass man for yielding. this to eliminate this wasteful pro- for them to go and to use those ac- I want to begin my remarks by com- gram, they say it won’t pass the Sen- counts for massage parlors, for country mending the fine job Mr. REYNOLDS has ate. Because the Republicans in the clubs, for other issues and areas, and done today. He has indicated that this Senate won’t do it, and we need them escort services. legislation uniquely affects him be- to add up to the 60 votes to avoid the So it is important for us to be able to cause many of the people at the Pio- Republican filibuster, which they ex- simply do this. The bill simply requires neer Call Center, a private debt col- pect to do, to filibuster getting rid of the reporting of a holder of the health lector hired to collect this debt, are in this privatization of tax collection. service account of any funds used for his district. And I think we all recog- I urge the passage of this bill. nonhealth care purposes in order to re- nize he has done a fine job in fighting Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I duce the tax gap. That’s simple. for that business activity in his dis- think I heard my colleague when he Now, ladies and gentlemen, the trict today. He has given it everything said that Democrats are in the major- American people are holding on by he has, and I commend him for the job ity in this body, Democrats are in the their fingernails in this terrible econ- he has done. majority in the other body, but it’s the omy. And you may laugh and scorn But the reality in the policy context Republicans’ fault that this legislation about this being April 15. Of course it is summed up in a simple headline in isn’t going to happen. is April 15. And it is a day that the today’s Washington Post, ‘‘Collectors Now, I have explained a lot of tough, American people’s minds are totally fo- Cost IRS More Than They Raise.’’ Why challenging things to my constituents, cused on their personal finances. And it in the world would we want to continue but I don’t think they’re going to buy is important that this House of Rep- with an arrangement like that? But that. It’s just another one-House bill resentatives respond in a way that re- there are many other parts of this bill that is going to the other body and sponds to that interest. And so we are that are simplifying the process and going to see death. It isn’t going to see closing the gap. are helpful to taxpayers. And that is the light of day. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The why we have the support of the Amer- time of the gentleman has expired. b 1730 ican Institute of Certified Public Ac- Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam countants, the National Association of Now, moving to my colleague from Speaker, I am pleased to yield an addi- State Auditors, Comptrollers and New York who asked me the question. tional 1 minute to the gentleman from Treasurers, the National League of Cit- I didn’t think I could provide the an- Georgia. ies, U.S. Conference of Mayors, Citizens swer to his question quite as soon as I Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. So it is very for Tax Justice, National Consumer could, and saving him looking it up, be- important. And let me get to the other League, Consumer Federation of Amer- cause I assume as he went off the floor, area very quickly, and that is the area ica, and a late-breaking one. In fact, he might be looking up this. I want to of these private contractors. We have this organization has been mentioned go back again to the statement of ad- received complaint after complaint on both lists, the NFIB. ministration policy. The bill includes after complaint from your constituents Mr. REYNOLDS has indicated they provisions that would impose new ad- and our constituents who have been were opposed to the bill. This is prob- ministrative burdens on the trustees of abused by calls. Let me give you one ably a development that broke later health savings accounts. That is what example of an elderly couple that was than Mr. REYNOLDS’ information. But the administration said in their veto called 150 times, Madam Speaker, in- in fact, they are for the bill and indi- threat. cluding five times in one day, asking cate in a ‘‘key vote alert’’ that they Now on the bill as reported out of for a taxpayer. And it comes to find will be scoring this as a key vote. They committee by the majority, page 22, out that they are innocent. indicate that the ‘‘provisions in this line 7, 8 and 9 to my colleagues, says Again, the GAO found out that debt legislation seek to enact simpler tax the trustee of the health savings ac- collectors were placing over 1 million rules and reduce the paperwork burden count shall make a report regarding calls to innocent people just to reach associated with tax compliance.’’ such account to the Secretary and ac- 35,000 taxpayers. The Federal Trade They talk about a few provisions. count beneficiary setting forth. So I Commission had 130 complaints as of One of them is that right now we have want everyone to know, including my last year giving unaccountable private an onerous paperwork requirement on colleague who asked the question, it is tax collectors the right to look into employers providing cell phones to em- clear in your bill that you set forth and examine personal financial infor- ployees for business purposes. I com- that the HSA trustees would have new mation of our taxpayers. It is wrong. mend my Republican colleague on administrative burdens. Now let me tell you this, that the Ways and Means, SAM JOHNSON, for I reserve the balance of my time. commissioner of the IRS himself, Mr. bringing this to our attention. I was Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam Douglas Sherman, has asked for this pleased to cosponsor legislation with Speaker, I am pleased to yield 2 min- legislation. Madam Speaker, I just sim- him now included in the bill that

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:37 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.098 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2317 makes this paperwork requirement go filing their tax return, we should let with the very complicated process of filing away. them know that we are looking out for taxes. Just last night I passed H.R. 3548, the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The them, giving them protections they Plain Language in Government Communica- time of the gentleman from North Da- need and support that they deserve. tions Act, out of the House. This bill would kota has expired. This is a good bill. This is a nec- greatly simplify income tax forms and docu- Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam essary bill. ments, but until my bill becomes law, these Speaker, I yield the gentleman an addi- The private debt collection program taxpayer assistance clinics will continue to tional 1 minute. is an insult to the American taxpayers provide valuable services to taxpayers as tax Mr. POMEROY. I thank the gen- and our Federal tax system. It violates day approaches. tleman for yielding. the public trust, and this bill will bring I am supportive of the provision in this bill And so including the Pomeroy-John- it to an end. It must end. that requires the IRS to notify taxpayers if they son or the Johnson-Pomeroy bill in I urge all of my colleagues to support are potentially eligible for the Earned Income this I think was an important feature this important bill. Tax Credit. This is a good tax credit that to the NFIB deliberation that this is Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Madam Speaker, should be utilized by everyone who qualifies, indeed lessening paperwork require- today the House considers legislation related and I believe the IRS should help make sure ments on small employers, and there- to the burdens placed on everyday tax- that those who are eligible receive the full fore they support it. They do cite a payers—the Taxpayer Assistance & Simplifica- benefit. couple of other provisions, another pro- tion Act. This bill includes a number of good I am supportive of the provision in this bill vision of this legislation amending a provisions, of which I am supportive. However, that looks into the feasibility of providing tax recent change to the Tax Code that the bill also includes a provision which would refunds on debit cards. This could create a helps tax preparers better assist their cost Eastern Iowa hundreds of jobs. While more convenient process of receiving tax re- clients by changing an established there are various, well-thought-out taxpayer funds for many taxpayers. higher standard of reporting for pre- protections in this bill, they do not outweigh I am supportive of the provision in this bill parers. That creates a potential con- the negative impact this bill would have on which delays the requirement that Federal, flict of interest between clients and jobs in the First District. For this reason, I in- State, and local governments withhold 3 per- themselves. That is addressed in this tend to oppose H.R. 5719. cent from many government payments for legislation. Currently, the Internal Revenue Service is goods or services. This 3 percent withholding And they also talk about the legisla- allowed to contract with outside agencies for is bad for small businesses and creates a bu- tion including a 1-year delay of the im- assistance in collecting overdue taxes. After a reaucratic mess, and I believe this withholding plementation of the 3 percent with- rigorous competitive bidding process for these should be eliminated. I am also a cosponsor holding requirement by Federal, State contracts, an Eastern Iowa company was for- of H.R. 1023, which would completely repeal and local governments on payments for tunate enough to receive one of the contracts, the 3 percent withholding. goods and services which puts both an and has been hard at work ever since. While I am supportive of the provision in this bill administrative burden on all parties in- nobody likes to defend the tax man, the fact that eliminates the requirement for individuals volved and a strain on the daily oper- is, this company employs more than 625 peo- and small businesses to keep onerous records ating cash flow of small businesses. ple in Waterloo and another 200 in West Des of calls made on cell phones to substantiate There are other provisions, as well, but Moines. business use of such devices. I have heard I appreciate the NFIB’s laying them Unfortunately, the bill on the floor today in- from employers in Iowa’s First District about out as they have done on this letter. cludes a provision that would threaten these the administrative burden that this creates, In balance, this is a bill designed to Waterloo and West Des Moines jobs. This and I am glad Congress is reducing this bur- help taxpayers. That is why we passed provision would disallow any future contracts, den. it out of the Ways and Means Com- which could directly result in the loss of hun- I am supportive of closing the loophole that mittee. That is why it is before us on dreds of Iowa jobs. As the Representative of allows foreign subsidiaries of U.S. companies, Tax Day. We urge its adoption. Iowa’s First District, I cannot support the elimi- performing services as American companies, Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I nation of these jobs. to avoid paying taxes. This loophole results in am prepared to close if the gentleman While I intend to vote against this bill due to a higher tax burden being placed on America’s is. I would proceed and then have you this provision, I would like to stress my sup- working families, so I am glad this bill takes close if you are ready. port for other provisions in this bill: this action. Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam I am supportive of the provision in this bill Finally, I am supportive of the provision that Speaker, we are ready to close. that requires the IRS to notify taxpayers who helps protect against predatory lending by bar- Mr. REYNOLDS. I thank the gen- may have had their identity stolen. It is unfor- ring the IRS from providing certain services to tleman from Georgia who has done a tunate that the IRS does not already provide companies that offer refund anticipation loans, magnificent job of managing his time, this notification, and I believe that protecting if the IRS determines that the company and I’ve enjoyed working with him. the identities of American taxpayers should be charges predatory rates. Madam Speaker, today represents a primary goal of government. Again, I believe that many of the provision yet another missed opportunity on the I am supportive of the provisions in this bill in the Taxpayer Assistance & Simplification floor of this House. We could have ap- that strengthen additional protections against Act will help protect American taxpayers and proached the issues of taxpayer rights identity theft, by increasing the penalties for simplify the process of filing taxes. However, and tax simplification in a bipartisan those who mislead our citizens in order to these good parts of the bill do not outweigh way just as we did last year. But with steal private information. Identity theft is a very the direct, negative impact that the bill would the election season now in full swing, serious problem, and I am glad Congress is have on jobs in Iowa’s First District, which is the majority seems more interested in working to help protect Americans from this why I oppose this legislation. staging political theater than in actu- growing epidemic. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam ally getting something done for hard- I am supportive of the provision in this bill Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5719, working, middle-class taxpayers. This that ensures elderly and disabled individuals ‘‘Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act of House and this country deserve more, receiving in-home care are not subject to em- 2008’’, introduced by my good friend from especially on April 15, Tax Day. I urge ployment tax provisions. This is a much-need- New York, Representative CHARLES RANGEL. a ‘‘no’’ vote. ed change that helps protect our senior citi- COST AS COMPARED TO THE WAR IN IRAQ I yield back the balance of my time. zens and disabled citizens. This bill is estimated to cost $22 million dol- Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam I am supportive of the provision in this bill lars over the next 10 years. Before my Repub- Speaker, I want to thank the gen- to establish a grant program to expand and lican colleagues balk at this number I want to tleman from New York. I enjoyed improve income tax assistance programs to remind them over the past year, the Adminis- working with him on this bill. There provide services to taxpayers. I am also glad tration requested a total of $195.5 billion for being no more speakers, I will close, to see that the bill allows IRS employees to FY 2008 emergency war funds at three Madam Speaker. refer taxpayers needing assistance with tax times—in its original FY 2008 request in Feb- Madam Speaker, H.R. 5719 is good. It cases to taxpayer clinics. As an ardent sup- ruary 2008, in an amendment for Mine Resist- is good. It is good for the taxpayers. porter of tax simplification, this provision en- ant Ambush Program (MRAP) vehicles on July And today, when so many people are sures help is available to those having trouble 31, 2008, and in an amended request to cover

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:03 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.100 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2318 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 additional costs submitted on October 22, ELDERLY AND DISABLED INDIVIDUALS RECEIVING IN-HOME the authorization for the Internal Revenue 2008. Thus far, we have appropriated $90.4 CARE Service to use private contractors to collect billion for war-related costs of the Defense De- This bill would make the administrators of Federal income taxes. partment, State/U.S. Agency for International State and local government programs liable Just today, the press is reporting that this Development, USAID, and the Veterans’ Ad- for paying the employment taxes on amounts program, while perhaps well-intentioned, has ministration including funds in both regular and paid by government programs to in-home care cost the government—that is, the taxpayers— emergency appropriations acts. As of the en- workers provided to elderly and disabled per- some $37 million more than the total amount actment of the FY 2008 Consolidated Appro- sons. This is yet another provision of the bill of taxes it has collected, while the contractors priations, this brings the total for funds appro- that benefits our most vulnerable populations. have collected commissions of up to 24 per- priated to date to $700 billion for the wars in CONCLUSION cent for their efforts. The program has been Iraq, Afghanistan and enhanced security. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues on marked by harassment, abusive calling, and Let me be clear, we must support our troops both sides of the aisle to examine this bill in violations of taxpayer rights and disclosure and we must defend our Nation, but at a time its entirety and recognize that it benefits all protections. The Government Accountability when this country’s economy is spiraling Americans. I fully support what Representative Office has reported that debt collectors placed downward, this tax bill will impact Americans RANGEL and the Committee on Ways and over one million calls, many to innocent peo- regardless of their political affiliation providing Means has done to alleviate some of the bur- ple, trying to reach 35,000 taxpayers and the assistance at time when they most need it. den on taxpayers. Federal Trade Commission reports that as of SUMMARY OF H.R. 5719 Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I last year it had received 130 complaints and Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act rise in support of this very timely and impor- the National Taxpayer Advocate has counted of 2008—Amends the Internal Revenue Code tant measure. Its enactment will make a num- many more. The House has already twice to: (1) modify penalty provisions for tax return ber of worthwhile changes in the current tax voted to end this private collection program, preparers who take an unreasonable position laws and the policies of the Internal Revenue and we should do so again today. in the preparation of a tax return causing an Service, IRS. Madam Speaker, some have criticized this underpayment of tax; (2) eliminate certain re- To protect people against identity theft, it bill because it includes measures to implement strictions on the tax deduction for employee will require the IRS to notify a taxpayer if IRS the requirement that taxes be paid on funds use of cellular telephones; (3) exempt recipi- finds that someone else may have made un- withdrawn from a Health Savings account for ents of home care services from liability for authorized use of the taxpayer’s identity. purposes other than those related to health It will increase both the civil and criminal employment taxes for payments made to care. I think the purpose of these provisions is penalties that can be imposed on those who home care service providers; (4) authorize the appropriate, but it may be that they could be use misleading websites that imitate to seek to Secretary of the Treasury to make grants for more finely-tuned in order to achieve that pur- get personal information. This is important be- volunteer income tax assistance programs; (5) pose in a better way—something that may cause people are losing thousands of dollars require written notice to taxpayers of eligibility occur as the legislative process proceeds. In in tax refunds to such frauds. for the earned income tax credit; (6) place re- It will strengthen IRS outreach to make sure any event, I am not convinced that whatever strictions on information relating to refund an- that people know that they are entitled to tax shortcomings there may be in that or other ticipation loans; (7) require the Secretary to refunds or to payments under the Earned In- parts of the bill are sufficient to outweigh the notify a taxpayer of any unauthorized use of come Tax Credit, EITC. It would also permit benefits of the rest of the legislation. such taxpayer’s identity (suspected identity the IRS to refer these taxpayers to low income Overall, this is a good bill that will help the theft) uncovered during an tax investigation; tax clinics and increase funding for those clin- taxpayers and our country, and I urge its pas- (8) repeal the authority of the Internal Rev- ics, and strengthen taxpayer protections from sage. enue Service, IRS, to enter into private debt ‘‘predatory’’ providers of refund anticipation Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, I collection contracts; (9) extend the period dur- loans. And it clarifies that the IRS can use its rise today to express my opposition to H.R. ing which the IRS may return property seized website to publicize unclaimed taxpayer re- 5719, the Taxpayer Assistance and the Sim- in a wrongful tax levy; and (10) increase pen- funds. plification Act of 2008. While this bill has some alties for failures to provide correct tax infor- To help small businesses, the bill will elimi- good provisions, such as the delayed imple- mation and to file partnership or S corporation nate the outdated requirement to maintain and mentation of the 3-percent withholding on tax returns. submit detailed call records to substantiate Government contracts, the bad provisions sim- This bill delays until 2012 the 3 percent business use of employer-provided cell ply outweigh the good. Specifically, I am trou- withholding requirement on government pay- phones. bled by the section that would alter reporting ments to contractors providing goods and Of great importance to State and local gov- requirements for Health Savings Account, services. It also directs the Secretary of the ernments—including every county in Colo- HSA, owners. Treasury to conduct a feasibility study on al- rado—it will delay for one year the imposition This bill would require individuals using ternative means of delivering tax refunds. H.R. of a 3 percent withholding requirement on gov- HSAs to provide exhaustive documentation of 5719 seeks to expand the prohibitions against ernment payments for goods and services their medical expenses in order to qualify as the misuse of Department of the Treasury made after December 31, 2010. a tax-exempt expense. More than 5 million names and symbols to include misuse on an Further, to protect all of us, the bill includes Americans are taking advantage of these ac- Internet domain address. the ‘‘Fair Share Act,’’ which closes a loophole counts, and approximately 25 percent of HSA PROGRAMS FOR THE BENEFIT OF LOW-INCOME that now allows government contractors to owners had no health insurance prior to their TAXPAYERS avoid paying Social Security and Medicare participation. Currently, every HSA account There are parts of this tax bill that help the taxes. holder must file specific tax forms to provide working poor and our elderly, making this tax An example of how the current law could details about spending from the account. We bill truly live up to its name of being one of permit this was recently reported in the press must expand this program so we can help Taxpayer Assistance . . . not just a credit to account of how a company operating under families afford healthcare coverage and bring the top 2 percent of Americans. This bill would Federal contracts for reconstruction work in healthcare costs down. Requiring unnecessary authorize an annual $10 million grant for Vol- Iraq has listed the people doing that work as and duplicative paperwork is not the right way unteer Income Tax Assistance, VITA, pro- being employees of a subsidiary company to accomplish this goal. grams, increasing the annual aggregate limita- based in the Cayman Islands. As a result, HSAs are a very valuable asset to many of tion authorized on grants to qualified low-in- while people formally employed by the com- my constituents. The manufacturing industry is come taxpayer clinics to $10 million. pany with the Federal contract would be sub- one of the premier sources of jobs in my dis- This bill would allow IRS employees to refer ject to the 15.3 percent payroll tax for Social trict, and most of these manufacturing entities taxpayers needing assistance with tax cases Security and Medicare (half technically paid by are small in nature. In fact, approximately 93 to qualified low-income taxpayer clinics so the employer, the other half technically paid by percent of the more than 1,500 manufacturing they can get the help they need. Many people employees), that is not the case with people firms in my district employ less than 100 peo- are struggling with how to manage com- who are counted as working for a foreign com- ple. Employees of these small businesses are plicated tax cases when they can barely afford pany. This is not fair or just. It should not be the primary beneficiaries of HSAs. In a time to pay their mortgage. This portion of the bill permissible, and this bill would stop it by clos- when the cost of health care is sharply rising, will alleviate the fear that is sometimes associ- ing the loophole. it is crucial for us to promote the use of inno- ated with IRS tax cases particularly among In addition, the bill would strengthen ac- vative health care products such as HSAs, people who cannot afford legal counsel. countability and protect taxpayers by repealing helping families afford the health care they

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:23 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A15AP7.038 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2319 need. I am concerned that we will inevitably A provision of particular importance to me Mr. HERGER (during the reading). I deter these families from utilizing HSAs by and the taxpayers in the 7th Congressional request unanimous consent that the adding such draconian reporting requirements District is a requirement for IRS to notify tax- reading be dispensed with. for HSA owners. This will ultimately increase payers of potential eligibility for the Earned In- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the cost of health care for a large number of come Tax Credit for all open tax years and di- objection to the request of the gen- my constituents who currently take advantage rects the IRS to notify individuals who have tleman from California? of this valuable product. not filed a return, but who may be eligible for Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. I object. It is also worth noting that the best assist- the credit based on previous return informa- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Objec- ance we could provide to taxpayers is to pro- tion. tion is heard. tect them from the largest tax increase in In Indianapolis, there are tens of thousands The Clerk will continue to read. The Clerk continued to read. American history. Sadly, many of my col- of individuals who qualify for the credit who do The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- leagues are more interested in dealing with not claim it. This credit assistance is critically ant to the rule, the gentleman from minutia in the Tax Code rather than address- needed by many families in my district. California is recognized for 5 minutes ing the looming massive tax hike. Families in As an advocate for financial literacy I am in support of his motion and a Member my district in Michigan, home of this country’s pleased to lend my support to this legislation in opposition to the motion will be rec- worst economy, simply cannot afford to pay that enables organizations to better reach out ognized for 5 minutes. any more in taxes. A tax increase of this size to those low income individuals who have The Chair recognizes the gentleman would devastate families struggling with sky- been hit so hard during this turbulent time in from California. high unemployment, the mortgage crisis, and our economy. I thank Chairman RANGEL and Mr. HERGER. Madam Speaker, Fed- rising gas prices. It would add insult to injury my colleagues on the Ways and Means Com- eral law requires local governments to to ask them to pay more to this Government mittee for their hard and thoughtful work on cooperate with the Department of as well. this bill. Homeland Security’s Immigration and A tax increase of this scope would also be Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Madam Customs Enforcement. Local law en- devastating for job providers and small busi- Speaker, I yield back the balance of forcement authorities may turn over nesses, This Congress should be doing every- my time. individuals who have been apprehended thing it can to be helping our economy by cre- The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time if the police believe they are not le- ating jobs and encouraging growth. Dramati- for debate has expired. gally present in the United States. cally raising taxes would do just the opposite. Pursuant to House Resolution 1102, Unfortunately, many local govern- Madam Speaker, implementing the largest the previous question is ordered on the ments flaunt this requirement and tax increase in American history is a slap in bill, as amended. openly boast that they refuse to co- the face to all the families currently struggling The question is on the engrossment operate with the Federal Government to make ends meet. It has been made abun- and third reading of the bill. in helping to enforce our immigration The bill was ordered to be engrossed dantly clear today who stands with working laws establishing an irresponsible and read a third time, and was read the families and who stands with wasteful Wash- precedent and frustrating our shared third time. ington spending. I, for one, stand with the hard goal of having safe and secure borders. working men and women of Michigan and MOTION TO RECOMMIT OFFERED BY MR. HERGER As you know, taxpayers all across across this great land. Mr. HERGER. Madam Speaker, I the country subsidize local govern- Mr. CANTON. Madam Speaker, I rise today have a motion to recommit at the ments through a provision of Federal to oppose a provision in this bill that will dis- desk. law that permits States and localities courage the use of HSAs. HSAs are a new The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the to issue debt that is exempt from Fed- and innovative product in the health insurance gentleman opposed to the bill? eral taxes. field. Their glowing track record promises a Mr. HERGER. I am opposed to the tremendous breakthrough in the effort to ex- bill in its current form. b 1745 pand and improve health care. In 3 short The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The motion presents the Members of years, we have seen these accounts grow to Clerk will report the motion to recom- Congress with a simple question: Is it cover 4.4 million people, and will likely reach mit. reasonable to put some strings on this 6 million when the new numbers come out The Clerk read as follows: subsidy? next month. Mr. Herger moves to recommit the bill If adopted, the motion would clarify For those Americans who need health care H.R. 5719 to the Committee on Ways and that the Federal tax subsidy does not most, HSAs are working. Of HSA applicants, Means with instructions to report the same apply to new debt issued by States or 43 percent did not indicate previous insurance back promptly with the following amend- localities that declare themselves by when they signed up, and 66 percent of HSA ment: statute or other manner to be a sanc- account holders are families with children. Add at the end the following new sections: tuary city for illegal immigrants. In HSA users have demonstrated a greater likeli- SEC. 20. DENIAL OF TAX EXEMPT INTEREST WITH other words, having self-helped them- hood to seek preventive care, something we RESPECT TO BONDS OF SANCTUARY selves out of helping the Federal Gov- have always strived to achieve across the en- STATES AND CITIES. ernment address the growing burden of (a) IN GENERAL.—Paragraph (1) of section tire health arena. And, one-third of small em- 103(c) (defining State or local bond) is illegal immigrants, then they should ployers who now offer HSAs did not previously amended by adding at the end the following not expect American taxpayers to sub- offer insurance. new sentence: ‘‘Such term shall not include sidize their debt. We need to be looking for bipartisan ways any obligation of a State or political sub- Madam Speaker, on April 15, we are to help people get access to affordable health division thereof, if such State or political reminded again about the many Ameri- care, not take it away from them. subdivision has in effect a policy (whether cans who are playing by the rules, yet Mr. CARSON of Indiana. Madam Speaker, I statutory or otherwise) specifying that em- still feel the squeeze on their family rise today in strong support of H.R. 5719. It is ployees of such State or political subdivision budgets, particularly at tax time. Isn’t fitting that we are debating a bill that provides are not required to notify Federal officials of it only fair that we ask our city may- an alien who may be unlawfully present in much needed assistance for low and mod- the United States.’’ ors and county boards to do the same? erate income taxpayers. The Taxpayer Assist- (b) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The amendment This brings me to the second piece of ance and Simplfication Act recognizes the made by this section shall apply to bonds our motion to recommit. Many Amer- need for enhanced financial literacy for those issued after the date of the enactment of this ican families benefit from the Earned individuals by authorizing an annual $10 mil- Act. Income Tax Credit. It has helped mil- lion grant for the Volunteer Income Tax Assist- SEC. 21. EFFORTS TO ADMINISTER EARNED IN- lions of low-income families help make ance programs and increases the authoriza- COME TAX CREDIT. ends meet, though its cost to the tion levels for grants targeted to qualified low- The Secretary of the Treasury shall in- Treasury is not insubstantial. Studies crease the efforts of the Internal Revenue have often showed that the earned in- income taxpayer clinics to $10 million. Service to ensure, to the extent possible, These free taxpayer assistance programs that aliens unlawfully present in the United come tax credit is overclaimed by as walk these individuals through what can be a States are not allowed a credit under section much as 30 percent. In other words, daunting tax preparation process and alert 32 of the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 (re- many of those who receive the benefit them to assistance they may be eligible for. lating to earned income). are not actually entitled to it.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:23 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP7.030 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2320 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 As the underlying bill includes a pro- Now, you think, why? What is the ruled multiple times on the fact that a vision directing the IRS to conduct motive behind a motion like this? Why bill reported promptly out of the House outreach to inform individuals that would they not want this taxpayer bill may return to the House floor at the they may be eligible for the earned in- to move forward? Well, my friends, you discretion of the committee, and the come tax credit, the motion would add can find it on the front page of today’s fact that the Ways and Means Com- language directing the IRS to improve Washington Post. Basically, they are mittee brought this to the floor, it its efforts to identify individuals who trying everything they can to preserve could easily do so within a relatively may be ineligible for the EITC on ac- private bill collectors hired by the IRS short period of time, a matter of days? count of their citizenship status. to chase after taxpayers. The SPEAKER pro tempore. As the Madam Speaker, I encourage all of So here on Tax Day, April 15th, we Chair reaffirmed on November 15, 2007, my colleagues to vote for this motion are trying to stop private bill collec- at some subsequent time, the com- to recommit. While I am greatly con- tors from going after taxpayers on be- mittee could meet and report the bill cerned about the message sent by the half of the IRS, an endeavor that has back to the House. underlying bill that somehow we are cost taxpayers millions and brought in Without objection, the previous ques- going to take away an effective tool to not enough by any measure to cover tion is ordered on the motion to recom- ensure we all pay our fair share of the cost; a forgone revenue opportunity mit. taxes, this motion helps correct that of $81 million, testified by the Tax- There was no objection. wrong-headed tilt by trying to prevent payer Advocate, if we simply took the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tax benefits from going to illegal aliens money we sent to these private con- question is on the motion to recommit. and cities and States who shelter them tractors and hired employees to go The question was taken; and the from our immigration laws. ahead and collect that debt. But they Speaker pro tempore announced that I urge passage of the motion. are so completely convinced that they the noes appeared to have it. Madam Speaker, I yield back the bal- have got to pull every trick out of Mr. HERGER. Madam Speaker, I ob- ance of my time. their hat to try and stop our efforts to ject to the vote on the ground that a Mr. POMEROY. Madam Speaker, I rein in these private bill collectors quorum is not present and make the rise in opposition to the motion to re- that they brought this motion to re- point of order that a quorum is not commit. commit. present. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- I would yield such time as I have re- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Evi- tleman from North Dakota is recog- maining to the gentleman from New dently a quorum is not present. nized for 5 minutes. York (Mr. CROWLEY). The Sergeant at Arms will notify ab- Mr. POMEROY. Madam Speaker, we Mr. CROWLEY. I thank the gen- sent Members. have just obtained the motion in terms tleman. Pursuant to clause 8 and clause 9 of of trying to sort through the tax provi- I perused the motion to recommit by rule XX, this 15-minute vote on the sions, with an eye, among other things, Mr. HERGER. I think it is interesting, motion to recommit will be followed by to wondering whether or not people the other side has pointed out we have 5-minute votes on passage of the bill, if holding bonds of municipalities could chosen today, Tax Day, to bring this ordered; and suspension of the rules suddenly find themselves with taxes bill to the floor. It is also interesting with respect to H.R. 5517. they didn’t think they were going to they take this motion to recommit the The vote was taken by electronic de- have when they bought these bonds. same day that the Pope has arrived vice, and there were—yeas 210, nays Trying to work our way through here in the United States, who is with 210, not voting 12, as follows: these, one word jumped out on this mo- the President right now at the White [Roll No. 189] tion to recommit that really has shut House; the same Pope who has decried YEAS—210 down all further analysis by us, and the xenophobic nature of some of the that is the word ‘‘promptly,’’ because Aderholt Crenshaw Hill legislation that has been coming out of Akin Cubin Hobson this is yet another one of those mo- this House by the other side of the Alexander Davis (KY) Hoekstra tions to recommit that is designed for aisle. Altmire Davis, David Hulshof one purpose and one purpose only, and I think it is interesting to note that Bachmann Davis, Tom Hunter Bachus Deal (GA) Inglis (SC) that is to kill the bill they are trying no illegal aliens will be hurt by this Barrett (SC) Dent Issa to attach it to. That is because this motion to recommit. In fact, it will be Barrow Donnelly Johnson (IL) would take the Taxpayer Assistance the elderly woman who relies upon her Bartlett (MD) Doolittle Johnson, Sam and Simplification Act that we want to opportunities to buy these bonds for Barton (TX) Drake Jones (NC) Bean Dreier Jordan pass than April 15th and pack it off their income later in life. I would also Biggert Duncan Kanjorski back to the Ways and Means Com- point out it is quite possible that New Bilbray Ehlers Keller mittee, dispensing any possibility of York State and California, the States Bilirakis Ellsworth King (IA) Bishop (UT) Emerson King (NY) passing it off the floor today. It is a of two of the gentleman here today, Blackburn English (PA) Kingston procedural move by the minority to try could potentially be hurt by this mo- Blunt Everett Kirk and stop us from moving forward with tion to recommit. Boehner Fallin Kline (MN) this legislation. I think it is foolhardy. It obviously is Bonner Feeney Knollenberg Bono Mack Ferguson Kuhl (NY) What is unfortunate about that is an attempt to kill the bill by requiring Boozman Flake LaHood there are taxpayers that are going to it be promptly reported back to com- Boren Forbes Lamborn be benefited, benefited substantially, mittee, and therefore the attempt is Boustany Fortenberry Lampson by this legislation, small businesses Brady (TX) Fossella Latham clear, once again to use anti-immi- Broun (GA) Foster LaTourette that right now are subject to IRS audit grant rhetoric to kill the bill and to Brown (SC) Foxx Latta exposure if they are not keeping de- use ‘‘promptly’’ to kill the bill. Brown-Waite, Franks (AZ) Lewis (CA) tailed call records on cell phones that I urge my colleagues to reject this Ginny Frelinghuysen Lewis (KY) Buchanan Gallegly Linder they give their employees. We want to motion to recommit and to vote for the Burgess Garrett (NJ) LoBiondo take this relief away through this mo- underlying legislation. Burton (IN) Gerlach Lucas tion to recommit? I don’t think so. Mr. POMEROY. I yield back the bal- Buyer Giffords Lungren, Daniel We go through so many positive, tax- ance of my time. Calvert Gilchrest E. Camp (MI) Gillibrand Mahoney (FL) payer-friendly provisions in this bill, PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRY Campbell (CA) Gingrey Manzullo provisions that have received the sup- Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Madam Cannon Goode Marchant port of so many diverse organizations, Speaker, I have a parliamentary in- Cantor Goodlatte Marshall Capito Granger Matheson from the League of Cities, Association quiry. Carney Graves McCarthy (CA) of Mayors, NFIB and Consumers Fed- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Will the Carter Hall (TX) McCaul (TX) eration of America, it would take that gentleman please state his parliamen- Castle Hastings (WA) McCotter and take it off the table today, pre- tary inquiry. Chabot Hayes McCrery Coble Heller McHenry venting the House from moving this Mr. PRICE of Georgia. Madam Cole (OK) Hensarling McHugh forward. Speaker, isn’t it true the Chair has Conaway Herger McIntyre

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:03 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.103 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2321 McKeon Putnam Smith (NJ) NOT VOTING—12 a point of order. Would the gentleman McMorris Ramstad Smith (TX) Culberson Honda Radanovich Rodgers Regula Souder please state his point of order. Cummings Mack Richardson Mica Rehberg Space Mr. WESTMORELAND. The point of Delahunt Pallone Rush Miller (FL) Reichert Stearns Gohmert Peterson (PA) Wilson (NM) order is: Is it the Chair’s responsibility Miller (MI) Renzi Sullivan to rule on a point of order? Miller, Gary Reynolds Tancredo b 1821 Mitchell Rogers (AL) Terry The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Moran (KS) Rogers (KY) Thornberry Ms. ESHOO, Messrs. ALLEN, BRADY tleman has stated a parliamentary in- Murphy, Patrick Rogers (MI) Tiahrt of Pennsylvania, NADLER and Mrs. quiry. The Chair does rule on points of Murphy, Tim Rohrabacher Tiberi DAVIS of California changed their vote Musgrave Roskam Turner order. Myrick Royce Upton from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Neugebauer Ryan (WI) Walberg Messrs. BURGESS, SOUDER and Speaker, I make a point of order that Nunes Sali Walden (OR) TERRY changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’ Paul Saxton Walsh (NY) the electronic vote just completed vio- Pearce Schmidt Wamp to ‘‘yea.’’ lated clause 2(a) of rule XX which pro- Pence Sensenbrenner Weldon (FL) So the motion to recommit was re- vides in part ‘‘a recorded vote by elec- Petri Sessions Weller jected. tronic device shall not be held open for Pickering Shadegg Westmoreland The result of the vote was announced Pitts Shays Whitfield (KY) the sole purpose of reversing the out- Platts Shimkus Wilson (SC) as above recorded. come of such vote.’’ Poe Shuler Wittman (VA) PARLIAMENTARY INQUIRIES The SPEAKER pro tempore. As the Porter Shuster Wolf Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Price (GA) Simpson Young (AK) Chair advised on March 11, 2008, a chal- Pryce (OH) Smith (NE) Young (FL) Speaker, parliamentary inquiry. lenge to the Chair’s actions under The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- clause 2 of rule XX may be raised col- NAYS—210 tleman may state his parliamentary laterally. Abercrombie Gutierrez Pascrell inquiry. Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam, I am Ackerman Hall (NY) Pastor Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam raising that point. Allen Hare Payne Speaker, is it not true that you are the Andrews Harman Pelosi The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Arcuri Hastings (FL) Perlmutter deliberator and the decider of rules in Chair has just ruled. Baca Herseth Sandlin Peterson (MN) this House? The question is on the passage of the Baird Higgins Pomeroy The SPEAKER pro tempore. The bill. Baldwin Hinchey Price (NC) Chair rules on questions of order. Does Becerra Hinojosa Rahall The question was taken; and the Berkley Hirono Rangel the gentleman have a parliamentary Speaker pro tempore announced that Berman Hodes Reyes inquiry? the ayes appeared to have it. Berry Holden Rodriguez Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Bishop (GA) Holt Ros-Lehtinen Speaker, further parliamentary in- RECORDED VOTE Bishop (NY) Hooley Ross Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I Blumenauer Hoyer Rothman quiry. Is it not the job of the Speaker Boswell Inslee Roybal-Allard to interpret the rules of this House? demand a recorded vote. Boucher Israel Ruppersberger The SPEAKER pro tempore. Does the A recorded vote was ordered. Boyd (FL) Jackson (IL) Ryan (OH) The SPEAKER pro tempore. This Boyda (KS) Jackson-Lee Salazar gentleman have an inquiry to state? Brady (PA) (TX) Sa´ nchez, Linda Would the gentleman please state that will be a 5-minute vote. Braley (IA) Jefferson T. inquiry. The vote was taken by electronic de- Brown, Corrine Johnson (GA) Sanchez, Loretta vice, and there were—ayes 238, noes 179, Butterfield Johnson, E. B. Sarbanes Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Capps Jones (OH) Schakowsky Speaker, is it not true that under rule not voting 14, as follows: Capuano Kagen Schiff XX of this House, that it says that no [Roll No. 190] Cardoza Kaptur Schwartz votes will be kept open to change the Carnahan Kennedy Scott (GA) AYES—238 Carson Kildee Scott (VA) outcome of that vote; is that true? Abercrombie Courtney Harman Castor Kilpatrick Serrano The SPEAKER pro tempore. As the Ackerman Cramer Hastings (FL) Chandler Kind Sestak Chair advised on March 11, 2008, a chal- Allen Crowley Herseth Sandlin Clarke Klein (FL) Shea-Porter lenge to the Chair’s actions under Altmire Cuellar Higgins Clay Kucinich Sherman Andrews Cummings Hill Cleaver Langevin Sires clause 2 of rule XX may be raised col- Arcuri Davis (AL) Hinchey Clyburn Larsen (WA) Skelton laterally. Baca Davis (CA) Hinojosa Cohen Larson (CT) Slaughter Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Baird Davis (IL) Hirono Conyers Lee Smith (WA) Baldwin Davis, Lincoln Hodes Cooper Levin Snyder Speaker, further parliamentary in- Barrow Davis, Tom Holden Costa Lewis (GA) Solis quiry. Bean DeFazio Holt Costello Lipinski Speier The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Becerra DeGette Hooley Courtney Loebsack Spratt tleman may state his inquiry. Berkley DeLauro Hoyer Cramer Lofgren, Zoe Stark Berman Diaz-Balart, L. Inslee Crowley Lowey Stupak Mr. WESTMORELAND. Madam Berry Diaz-Balart, M. Israel Cuellar Lynch Sutton Speaker, as a parliamentary inquiry, Bishop (GA) Dicks Jackson (IL) Davis (AL) Maloney (NY) Tanner and I beg your pardon, but I don’t be- Bishop (NY) Dingell Jackson-Lee Davis (CA) Markey Tauscher lieve this is a hard question to answer. Blumenauer Doggett (TX) Davis (IL) Matsui Taylor Boren Donnelly Jefferson Davis, Lincoln McCarthy (NY) Thompson (CA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Boswell Doyle Johnson (GA) DeFazio McCollum (MN) Thompson (MS) tleman will state his inquiry. Boucher Edwards Jones (OH) DeGette McDermott Tierney Mr. WESTMORELAND. The par- Boyd (FL) Ellison Kagen DeLauro McGovern Towns Boyda (KS) Ellsworth Kanjorski Diaz-Balart, L. McNerney Tsongas liamentary inquiry, Madam Speaker, is Brady (PA) Emanuel Kaptur Diaz-Balart, M. McNulty Udall (CO) this: Is the Speaker the deliberator and Brown, Corrine Engel Kennedy Dicks Meek (FL) Udall (NM) the decider if the rules of this House Butterfield Eshoo Kildee Dingell Meeks (NY) Van Hollen are being followed? Capito Etheridge Kilpatrick Doggett Melancon Vela´ zquez Capps Farr Kind Doyle Michaud Visclosky The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Capuano Fattah Klein (FL) Edwards Miller (NC) Walz (MN) Chair rules on questions of order. Cardoza Feeney Kucinich Ellison Miller, George Wasserman Mr. WESTMORELAND. Ma’am, I Carnahan Filner Lampson Emanuel Mollohan Schultz don’t know how else to put it other Carney Foster Langevin Engel Moore (KS) Waters Carson Frank (MA) Larsen (WA) Eshoo Moore (WI) Watson than maybe a point of order. Castor Giffords Larson (CT) Etheridge Moran (VA) Watt The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Chandler Gilchrest LaTourette Farr Murphy (CT) Waxman tleman may state his point of order. Clarke Gillibrand Lee Fattah Murtha Weiner Clay Gonzalez Levin Filner Nadler Welch (VT) Mr. WESTMORELAND. The point of Cleaver Gordon Lewis (GA) Frank (MA) Napolitano Wexler order is: Is the Speaker of this House Clyburn Green, Al Lipinski Gonzalez Neal (MA) Wilson (OH) the deliberator and the decider if the Cohen Green, Gene LoBiondo Gordon Oberstar Woolsey rules of this House are being followed? Conyers Grijalva Loebsack Green, Al Obey Wu Cooper Gutierrez Lofgren, Zoe Green, Gene Olver Wynn The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Costa Hall (NY) Lowey Grijalva Ortiz Yarmuth Chair has recognized the gentleman for Costello Hare Lynch

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:03 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP7.029 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2322 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 Mahoney (FL) Pastor Space Westmoreland Wilson (SC) Young (AK) Hall (NY) McCarthy (NY) Sa´ nchez, Linda Maloney (NY) Payne Speier Whitfield (KY) Wittman (VA) Young (FL) Hall (TX) McCaul (TX) T. Markey Perlmutter Spratt Hare McCollum (MN) Sanchez, Loretta NOT VOTING—14 Matheson Pomeroy Stark Harman McCotter Sarbanes Matsui Price (NC) Stupak Culberson Mack Radanovich Hastings (FL) McCrery Saxton McCarthy (NY) Rahall Sutton Delahunt Pallone Richardson Hastings (WA) McDermott Schakowsky McCollum (MN) Rangel Tanner Gohmert Paul Rush Hayes McGovern Schiff McDermott Reyes Tauscher Honda Peterson (MN) Wilson (NM) Heller McHenry Schmidt McGovern Rodriguez Taylor Johnson, E. B. Peterson (PA) Hensarling McHugh Schwartz McHugh Ros-Lehtinen Thompson (CA) Herger McIntyre Scott (GA) McIntyre Ross Thompson (MS) b 1833 Herseth Sandlin McKeon Scott (VA) McNerney Rothman Tierney Mr. CRENSHAW changed his vote Higgins McMorris Sensenbrenner McNulty Roybal-Allard Hill Rodgers Serrano Towns from ‘‘aye’’ to ‘‘no.’’ Meek (FL) Ruppersberger Tsongas Hinchey McNerney Sessions Meeks (NY) Ryan (OH) Udall (CO) So the bill was passed. Hinojosa McNulty Sestak Shadegg Melancon Salazar Udall (NM) The result of the vote was announced Hirono Meek (FL) ´ Hobson Shays Michaud Sanchez, Linda Van Hollen Meeks (NY) Miller (MI) T. as above recorded. Hodes Shea-Porter Vela´ zquez Melancon Miller (NC) Sanchez, Loretta A motion to reconsider was laid on Hoekstra Sherman Visclosky Mica Miller, George Sarbanes Holden Shimkus Walz (MN) the table. Michaud Mitchell Schakowsky Holt Shuler Wasserman Miller (FL) Mollohan Schiff f Hooley Shuster Schultz Miller (MI) Moore (KS) Schwartz Hoyer Simpson Waters Miller (NC) Moore (WI) Scott (GA) TEXAS MILITARY VETERANS POST Hulshof Sires Watson Miller, Gary Moran (VA) Scott (VA) OFFICE Hunter Miller, George Skelton Murphy (CT) Serrano Watt Inglis (SC) Slaughter Waxman The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Mitchell Murphy, Patrick Sestak Inslee Mollohan Smith (NE) Murphy, Tim Shea-Porter Weiner finished business is the vote on the mo- Israel Smith (NJ) Welch (VT) Moore (KS) Murtha Sherman tion to suspend the rules and pass the Issa Moore (WI) Smith (TX) Wexler Nadler Shuler Jackson (IL) Moran (KS) Smith (WA) Wilson (OH) bill, H.R. 5517, on which the yeas and Napolitano Sires Jackson-Lee Moran (VA) Snyder Wolf nays were ordered. (TX) Neal (MA) Skelton Murphy (CT) Solis Woolsey The Clerk read the title of the bill. Jefferson Souder Oberstar Slaughter Murphy, Patrick Wu Johnson (GA) Space Obey Smith (NJ) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Murphy, Tim Wynn Johnson (IL) Speier Olver Smith (WA) question is on the motion offered by Murtha Ortiz Snyder Yarmuth Johnson, E. B. Spratt Musgrave Pascrell Solis the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Johnson, Sam Stark Myrick DAVIS) that the House suspend the Jones (NC) Stearns Nadler Jones (OH) Stupak NOES—179 rules and pass the bill, H.R. 5517. Napolitano Jordan Sullivan This will be a 5-minute vote. Neal (MA) Aderholt Fossella Miller, Gary Kagen Sutton Akin Foxx Neugebauer Moran (KS) The vote was taken by electronic de- Kanjorski Tancredo Alexander Franks (AZ) Nunes Musgrave vice, and there were—yeas 413, nays 0, Kaptur Tanner Bachmann Frelinghuysen Oberstar Myrick Keller Tauscher Bachus Gallegly not voting 18, as follows: Obey Neugebauer Kennedy Taylor Barrett (SC) Garrett (NJ) Olver Nunes [Roll No. 191] Kildee Terry Bartlett (MD) Gerlach Ortiz Pearce YEAS—413 Kilpatrick Thompson (CA) Barton (TX) Gingrey Pascrell Pence Kind Thompson (MS) Biggert Goode Abercrombie Burgess Dingell Pastor Petri King (IA) Thornberry Bilbray Goodlatte Ackerman Burton (IN) Doggett Payne Pickering King (NY) Tiahrt Bilirakis Granger Aderholt Butterfield Donnelly Pearce Pitts Kingston Tiberi Bishop (UT) Graves Akin Buyer Doolittle Pence Platts Kirk Tierney Blackburn Hall (TX) Alexander Calvert Doyle Perlmutter Poe Klein (FL) Towns Blunt Hastings (WA) Allen Camp (MI) Drake Peterson (MN) Porter Kline (MN) Tsongas Boehner Hayes Altmire Campbell (CA) Dreier Petri Price (GA) Knollenberg Turner Bonner Heller Pryce (OH) Andrews Cannon Duncan Pickering Bono Mack Hensarling Arcuri Cantor Edwards Kucinich Udall (CO) Putnam Pitts Boozman Herger Baca Capito Ehlers Kuhl (NY) Udall (NM) Ramstad Platts Boustany Hobson Bachmann Capps Ellison LaHood Upton Regula Poe Brady (TX) Hoekstra Bachus Capuano Ellsworth Lamborn Van Hollen Rehberg Pomeroy Braley (IA) Hulshof Baird Carnahan Emanuel Lampson Vela´ zquez Reichert Porter Broun (GA) Hunter Baldwin Carney Emerson Langevin Visclosky Renzi Brown (SC) Inglis (SC) Barrett (SC) Carson Engel Larsen (WA) Price (GA) Walberg Reynolds Brown-Waite, Issa Barrow Carter English (PA) Larson (CT) Price (NC) Walden (OR) Rogers (AL) Ginny Johnson (IL) Bartlett (MD) Castle Eshoo Latham Pryce (OH) Walsh (NY) Rogers (KY) Buchanan Johnson, Sam Barton (TX) Castor Etheridge LaTourette Putnam Walz (MN) Rogers (MI) Burgess Jones (NC) Bean Chabot Everett Latta Rahall Wamp Rohrabacher Burton (IN) Jordan Becerra Clarke Fallin Lee Ramstad Wasserman Roskam Buyer Keller Berkley Clay Farr Levin Regula Schultz Royce Calvert King (IA) Berman Cleaver Fattah Lewis (CA) Rehberg Waters Ryan (WI) Camp (MI) King (NY) Berry Clyburn Feeney Lewis (GA) Reichert Watson Sali Campbell (CA) Kingston Biggert Coble Ferguson Lewis (KY) Renzi Watt Saxton Cannon Kirk Bilbray Cohen Filner Lipinski Reyes Waxman Schmidt Cantor Kline (MN) Bilirakis Cole (OK) Flake LoBiondo Reynolds Weiner Sensenbrenner Carter Knollenberg Bishop (GA) Conaway Forbes Loebsack Rodriguez Welch (VT) Sessions Castle Kuhl (NY) Bishop (NY) Conyers Fortenberry Lofgren, Zoe Rogers (AL) Weldon (FL) Shadegg Chabot LaHood Bishop (UT) Cooper Fossella Lowey Rogers (KY) Weller Shays Coble Lamborn Blackburn Costa Foster Lucas Rogers (MI) Westmoreland Shimkus Cole (OK) Latham Blumenauer Costello Foxx Lungren, Daniel Rohrabacher Wexler Shuster Conaway Latta Blunt Cramer Frank (MA) E. Ros-Lehtinen Whitfield (KY) Simpson Crenshaw Lewis (CA) Boehner Crenshaw Franks (AZ) Lynch Roskam Wilson (OH) Smith (NE) Cubin Lewis (KY) Bonner Crowley Frelinghuysen Mahoney (FL) Ross Wilson (SC) Smith (TX) Davis (KY) Linder Bono Mack Cubin Gallegly Maloney (NY) Rothman Wittman (VA) Souder Davis, David Lucas Boozman Cuellar Garrett (NJ) Manzullo Roybal-Allard Wolf Stearns Deal (GA) Lungren, Daniel Boren Cummings Gerlach Marchant Royce Woolsey Sullivan Dent E. Boswell Davis (AL) Giffords Markey Ruppersberger Wu Tancredo Doolittle Manzullo Boucher Davis (CA) Gilchrest Marshall Ryan (OH) Wynn Terry Drake Marchant Boustany Davis (IL) Gillibrand Matheson Ryan (WI) Yarmuth Thornberry Dreier Marshall Boyd (FL) Davis (KY) Gingrey Matsui Salazar Young (AK) Tiahrt Duncan McCarthy (CA) Boyda (KS) Davis, David Gonzalez McCarthy (CA) Sali Young (FL) Ehlers McCaul (TX) Tiberi Brady (PA) Davis, Lincoln Goode Turner Emerson McCotter Brady (TX) Davis, Tom Goodlatte NOT VOTING—18 English (PA) McCrery Upton Braley (IA) Deal (GA) Gordon Everett McHenry Walberg Broun (GA) DeFazio Granger Cardoza Gohmert Peterson (PA) Fallin McKeon Walden (OR) Brown (SC) DeGette Graves Chandler Honda Radanovich Ferguson McMorris Walsh (NY) Brown, Corrine DeLauro Green, Al Courtney Linder Rangel Flake Rodgers Wamp Brown-Waite, Dent Green, Gene Culberson Mack Richardson Forbes Mica Weldon (FL) Ginny Diaz-Balart, L. Grijalva Delahunt Pallone Rush Fortenberry Miller (FL) Weller Buchanan Diaz-Balart, M. Gutierrez Dicks Paul Wilson (NM)

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:03 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP7.032 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2323 ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE b 1845 LOWERING THE COST OF FUEL The SPEAKER pro tempore (during TAX DAY (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- permission to address the House for 1 ing on this vote. (Mr. MCCAUL of Texas asked and was minute and to revise and extend his re- b 1840 given permission to address the House marks.) for 1 minute.) So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Mr. SHIMKUS. Madam Speaker, it is, Mr. MCCAUL of Texas. Madam in essence, the third day in the legisla- tive) the rules were suspended and the Speaker, once again, the tax man com- bill was passed. tive schedule when I come to the floor eth. Today, April 15, is a day American to talk about energy prices. The result of the vote was announced taxpayers scramble to comply with a as above recorded. When this Democrat majority took tax code over 67,000 pages long. over the House, the price of a barrel of A motion to reconsider was laid on In 2007, individual taxpayers spent the table. crude oil was $58 a barrel. Today, it over 3 billion hours complying with the hovers around $111 a barrel. f Federal income tax laws. Individuals In 2006, the Democrat leadership AUTHORIZING THE CLERK TO spent $26.5 billion for tax software, tax promised lower gas prices. What we’ve MAKE CORRECTIONS IN EN- repairs, postage, and other costs re- seen, in reality, is higher gas prices. GROSSMENT OF H.R. 5719, TAX- lated to filing their Federal income We’ve seen negative change, which has PAYER ASSISTANCE AND SIM- taxes. And corporations spend over $156 caused bitterness in rural America PLIFICATION ACT OF 2008 billion to comply with the Federal tax with the high-increasing cost to travel laws. around rural America. All we’re asking Mr. MCNULTY. Madam Speaker, I Americans may send $2.5 trillion to ask unanimous consent that the Clerk is for a plan to bring on more supply. the IRS, but the costs to our economy I have been in this well numerous be authorized to make technical cor- is much greater. Despite this, the ma- rections in the engrossment of H.R. times in this Congress to talk about jority party is forcing a $654 billion tax coal-to-liquid technologies. We 5719, to include corrections in spelling, increase on the American people, the punctuation, section numbering and shouldn’t limit it to that. We should largest tax increase in American his- talk about expanding renewable fuels. cross-referencing, and the insertion of tory. It is time to scrap this oppressive appropriate headings. We should talk about the outer conti- tax code. It is time to take a look at nental shelf. We ought to talk about The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there the fair tax or the flat tax as viable al- objection to the request of the gen- ANWR. We need to bring more supply ternatives to our overly burdensome to lower the cost of fuels because the tleman from New York? tax code, and it’s time to stop pun- There was no objection. average American citizens are tired of ishing taxpayers and pass fundamental paying these high gas prices, and it f tax reform. hurts the economy of this country. HONORING THE 125TH ANNIVER- f f SARY OF THE NATIONAL CRITTENTON FOUNDATION AMERICA, WE ARE ON YOUR SIDE SPECIAL ORDERS (Mr. WATT asked and was given per- ON TAX DAY The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. mission to address the House for 1 (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas asked BOYDA of Kansas). Under the Speaker’s minute and to revise and extend his re- and was given permission to address announced policy of January 18, 2007, marks.) the House for 1 minute and to revise and under a previous order of the Mr. WATT. Madam Speaker, I rise and extend her remarks.) House, the following Members will be today to recognize an historic anniver- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam recognized for 5 minutes each. sary of the National Crittenton Foun- Speaker, today is Tax Day, April 15, f dation, which was the first charitable and that’s why the Democrats have The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a organization created under a congres- risen today to be able to tell the Amer- previous order of the House, the gentle- sional charter, and is celebrating 125 ican people we’re on your side. The woman from Arizona (Ms. GIFFORDS) is years of service. Taxpayer Assistance and Simplifica- recognized for 5 minutes. People who recognize the Crittenton tion Act of 2008 may cost $22 million, (Ms. GIFFORDS addressed the House. name often recall only the maternity but I can assure you that it pales in Her remarks will appear hereafter in homes that were usually hidden and comparison to the money that my the Extensions of Remarks.) welcomed girls and young women seek- friends are spending on the unending f ing support during their unplanned war in Iraq. pregnancies. Much less is known about I am glad to stand with the taxpayers IRS EQUALS IRAQ REVENUE the influence of the national network of America, making sure that the el- SUPPLIERS of affiliated Crittenton agencies and derly and the disabled are exempted The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a their lasting impact on the social work from liability for employment taxes or previous order of the House, the gentle- profession. payments to home care service pro- woman from California (Ms. WOOLSEY) The unique relationship between the viders. They deserve our respect, and is recognized for 5 minutes. National Crittenton Foundation and today we give it to them. Ms. WOOLSEY. Madam Speaker, the Crittenton family of agencies is I am glad that we are requiring a today is April 15, Tax Day. Right now, based on the belief that addressing written notice to taxpayers of the eli- millions of Americans are hurrying to compelling social issues in the United gibility of the earned income tax cred- report their incomes to the IRS. Usu- States is best done through a network it. It’s a shame that so many think ally, ‘‘IRS’’ stands for ‘‘Internal Rev- of independent local agencies sup- that there is so much fraud for hard- enue Service,’’ but today, it might as ported by a national body. working Americans who don’t file for well stand for ‘‘Iraq revenue suppliers’’ There are now over 23 Crittenton their taxes who deserve it, and I’m de- because so much of our tax revenue is agencies across the country. Together lighted to stand with Americans to re- paying for the occupation of Iraq. they have provided over 2,200 years of peal the authority of the IRS to enter Joseph Stiglitz, the Nobel Prize win- continuous service to 5 million vulner- into private debt collection, those guys ning economist, has calculated the oc- able girls, young women and their fam- who have harassed the elderly, the cupation will cost at least $3 trillion. ilies. shut-ins, hardworking Americans be- That means that the occupation will Madam Speaker, I ask you and my cause they are private bounty hunters. cost each of our 300 million citizens colleagues to join me in wishing the Today we stand with hardworking $10,000, or an incredible $40,000 for a National Crittenton Foundation and Americans. We will do so as well. And family of four. its family of agencies across the coun- we honor our troops, declare the war’s America’s hardworking families are try happy anniversary, and our best end, bring them home and reinvest in struggling to keep their heads above wishes for another 125 years of success. America. water as we sink into a deep, what I

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:03 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.113 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2324 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 call, Iraq recession. Yet, they’re being AMERICA’S DOMESTIC OIL SUPPLY ficult, and they do it without environ- asked to hand over $40,000, most of CANNOT MEET ITS DEMAND mental damage. which goes to the foreign nations that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a b 1900 are lending us the money to keep the previous order of the House, the gen- We can increase our energy supply occupation going. And that $40,000, tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) is recog- and reduce the price of gasoline at the Madam Speaker, will get much bigger nized for 5 minutes. if the occupation goes on for another Mr. POE. Madam Speaker, the price pump by also allowing drilling in few years, for 100 years as some cheer- of gasoline goes up every day, and Con- ANWR. leaders for the occupation are dis- gress is partially to blame. The price of On top of the heightened demand for cussing. crude oil is increasing because demand crude oil, there is a heightened demand What have we gotten for our occupa- is increasing. Our domestic energy sup- for new refineries. Madam Speaker, I tion money? General Petraeus told us ply cannot meet that demand. The represent 21 percent of the Nation’s re- last week that the security situation in global demand for oil is also rising fineries in southeast Texas, but we Iraq has gotten much better. But 19 of with the industrialization of China. don’t have any new ones. The last oil our incredibly brave soldiers died last And increased demand for oil leads to refinery was built 32 years ago. Our oil week. And our top military leaders increased prices for many products, in- refineries have been punished by bu- continue to warn us that our obsession cluding products made out of plastic. reaucracy and unnecessary Federal with Iraq is breaking our military and The problem is that Congress has regulations. Too many unnecessary that we may wake up one day to find made it difficult for our supply to meet Federal regulations, too many govern- that we can’t meet a real threat to our that demand. There is a solution to the ment controls, too many high taxes, national security. problem. The solution is to increase the second highest corporate income Next month, the IRS will mail out our supply by exploring domestic en- tax in the world, and what happens? economic stimulus checks. I’m glad ergy sources and drilling in ANWR. They leave town, they go somewhere that that relief is on the way. But the Like it or not, crude oil is still the else. We must lift these burdens and best economic stimulus plan would be energy base of our Nation. Unlike encourage refinery development. Our to end the occupation of Iraq. The every other country on the planet, the gasoline prices will eventually drop as American people agree. A recent New United States does not take advantage soon as we build new refineries and we York Times/CBS poll found that 89 per- of its own natural resources. When drill offshore and we drill in ANWR. cent of the American people believe Congress abolished tax credits for do- The high prices of gasoline have that the cost of the occupation has mestic exploration and production, thrown the airline industry into chaos. contributed to our economic problems. Congress effectively abolished reason- Twenty-two percent of the Nation’s jet Last month, the Progressive Caucus able oil prices and then raised taxes on fuel is made in my district. But one ex- put forth an alternative budget that oil companies to $18 billion, taxes that ample, Madam Speaker, it costs an air- showed that we can actually achieve an are eventually passed on to us, the con- line company $44 a minute to allow a end to the occupation in Iraq and re- sumer. Thus, higher prices at the plane to idle on the runway. Thus, order our spending priorities. The pump. every plane that takes off that’s been budget is truly remarkable. We were And this Congress decided to even sitting there about 30 minutes costs able to fully fund the education that award Venezuelan Dictator Chavez and $1,500 in additional oil prices. our children deserved and that our Na- his nationalized oil company with a The high gas prices even affect the tion must have to remain competitive large tax break, a tax break they did 170,000 independently owned gas sta- in the global economy. tions in the country. They no longer We were able to invest in green jobs not give to American oil companies. It’s common knowledge that, if you make a profit on selling fuel. They that could employ millions of our citi- tax something, you’re going to get less hope to make one cent on every gallon, zens and put our Nation on the path to of it. If you tax oil, you get less of it. so they are thrilled if they make that the energy independence we must have Less of what? Less production and less penny. They make money by selling to fuel our economy and ensure our na- lottery tickets, donuts and beer, that’s tional security. And we were able to crude oil. Less oil on the market equals how they make their profit. provide health care coverage to every higher prices at the pump. And if we It’s time for us in Congress to en- American who lacks it, not only ful- look at the world crude oil reserves, 80 courage more domestic oil production, filling our promise to care for each percent of the world crude oil is con- lift the restrictions to offshore drilling, other, but making our country strong- trolled by foreign nationalized oil com- er and more competitive in the process. panies. We call them OPEC. Six per- and take care of ourselves. We must But instead of revving up these en- cent is controlled by Russian compa- stop relying on unstable, volatile re- gines of economic growth and social nies, and only six percent of the world gions in the world and pompous dic- justice, the administration will soon oil reserves is controlled by American- tators who hold Americans hostage send to Congress yet another request owned oil companies. You know, those with their crude oil. for emergency Iraq funding. This time American-owned oil companies that We have a problem, but we can solve around, the request will be for $108 bil- are capitalistic, that have stock- it. Otherwise, we’ll be parking our ve- lion. holders, we call them Americans. And hicles on the side of the road, riding bi- Madam Speaker, I agree that we those companies are making about 8 cycles to work, then blissfully won- must spend money on Iraq but not the percent, 81⁄2 profit. dering where all the crude oil went. way the administration wants to spend So the world is controlled by OPEC, And that’s just the way it is. it. It wants an open-ended occupation. not American oil companies. We may f be the world power, but the United Instead, we must fully fund the safe, THE STATE OF OUR ECONOMY responsible redeployment of our troops States does not control the world oil and military contractors out of Iraq. market. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a And we must help, not do it all, but The only control we have is over our previous order of the House, the gen- we must help to reconstruct Iraq. domestic energy supply, which we tleman from Georgia (Mr. SCOTT) is We’ve all heard of the so-called Pottery don’t take advantage of because of the recognized for 5 minutes. Barn rule: If you break it, you own it. U.S. restrictions on offshore drilling Mr. SCOTT of Georgia. Madam We need to expand that saying: If you and exploration. We have succumbed to Speaker, I appreciate this opportunity break it, you have a moral obligation the environmental fear myth that we to address the House for a few mo- to help rebuild it. cannot drill safely offshore. Other na- ments. It’s time for the madness to end, tions, including Britain, Norway, Hol- I think it’s very appropriate for us to Madam Speaker. It’s time to bring our land, and Denmark, take full advan- pause for a moment here and just re- troops home, get our fiscal house in tage of their natural resources and flect on where we are as a Nation and order, give the Iraqi people back their even permit offshore drilling in the as a people when it comes to our econ- sovereignty and help them rebuild North Sea, that area of the world omy and our financial House. This their country and their lives. where offshore drilling is the most dif- April 15, it’s Tax Day. It’s important

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:37 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.118 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2325 that this House of Representatives be ward, to keep Americans in their Rabushka proposed a radically simple mindful of the difficulties that the homes, even if it means coming up with structure that would transform the In- American people are faced with. the policies and moving as fast as we ternal Revenue Service and our econ- Madam Speaker, millions of Amer- can. If we could move with lickety- omy by creating a single tax rate for ican people and families are absolutely split speed to save Wall Street, Bear all Americans. Today, several States hanging on by their fingernails. Stearns, and Madam Speaker, I believe have implemented a single rate tax They’re on the verge of losing their that was the right thing to do because, structure for their State income tax, homes. Many have already. And so had we not, global markets would have and from Utah to Massachusetts citi- much of it has been because of bad poli- cascaded and we would have had an ex- zens are realizing the benefit. cies by their government. It is impor- traordinary world calamity in the fi- In Colorado, a single rate tax gen- tant for us to understand that, Madam nancial markets, but just as aggres- erated so much income that it was re- Speaker, so much of this could possibly sively as we moved with those policies duced 10 years after its implementa- have been prevented had we moved that helped Wall Street and Bear tion. In Indiana, the economy boomed quicker, had we made different poli- Stearns, we must move to help our after a single rate went into effect in cies. homeowners and our families. 2003, and since that time the corporate This is a very sobering time. Two And then finally, Madam Speaker, income tax receipts have grown by 250 major events happened today. One is, the real elephant facing us in the room, percent. the American people, many are in line the real looming threat economically Now, several people in Congress are at post offices as we speak trying to and financially to this country is our working on the problem. I have a bill, meet the midnight deadline to pay overwhelming debt. Madam Speaker, it H.R. 1040, which is a voluntary flat tax. their taxes. Others are struggling to do is staggering to look at the debt that A companion bill was introduced by so. Others are having difficulty even we are in. Every dime we are spending the senior Senator from Tennessee just beginning to comprehend the complex- is on borrowed money. And we have this past week. We have bills from ities, the complications of a tax code spent, Madam Speaker, as I conclude, DAVID DREIER, the gentleman from that even if they sat down to read it, it in the last 5 or 6 years, more money California, PAUL RYAN from Wisconsin, would take them over 1 year trying to from foreign governments than in the all trying to accomplish the same goal, read the tax code, let alone trying to entire history of this country. and it is so simple. You have a single understand it, just the volume of try- Madam Speaker, that’s the state of rate, you have a single piece of paper. ing to read it. our economy. And it’s very important And Madam Speaker, we in Congress You put in your name, just a little bit that we reflect it from the perspective must take into consideration how dif- of identification data, write in your in- of the American people. And I thank ficult that is, the fact that the Amer- come, there’s a line for personal ex- you for this opportunity. ican people, many are not even taking emptions, calculate your deductions the credits or getting the deductions f from personal exemptions and cal- that they should have because they COMPLEXITY OF TAX CODE culate your taxable income, multiply don’t understand it. Twenty-five per- it by a flat rate, subtract the taxes al- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ready withheld, and you’re done. And cent of American families that are en- previous order of the House, the gen- titled to the Earned Income Tax Credit what did that take? Not even 30 sec- tleman from Texas (Mr. BURGESS) is don’t even get it because they don’t un- onds. No more expensive tax attorney recognized for 5 minutes. bills, no more hours of stressful re- derstand how to do it. Mr. BURGESS. Madam Speaker, you Last year, over 65 percent of Amer- search, no more headaches. It is much know, it is said that nothing in the ican families had to get a private per- less costly, saving the taxpayers more world is certain except death and son from the outside to come help than $100 billion per year. And it would taxes. And I’ll tell you, being a physi- them with their taxes. That has in- increase tax compliance. The result: cian in my former life, that sometimes creased up 25 percent, since just 10 Increase in personal savings, and there even death is a little less complicated years ago it was 40. And in 1950, it was is a stimulus package that would have than our tax system. just 20 percent that did that. The com- an immediate effect on our American The complexity of the tax code is a plexity of our tax code is just out of economy. consequence of countless deductions whack. Many are gathered around the Recent polling by a group called and exemptions that are aimed not at kitchen tables right now trying to find American Solutions shows that over 80 collecting revenue, but steering a so- out how they’re going to have ends percent of Americans favor an optional meet. cial agenda. And the result is a Federal one-page tax return form with a single And Madam Speaker, the other phe- law that is fraught with opportunities rate. Now, we hear a lot of talk about nomenal event in our economy that for avoiding taxes and full of loopholes change this year. You practically can- took place today was the merger of to be exploited, all at the expense of not turn on the television without Delta Airlines and Northwest Airlines, fellow Americans. some political commercial talking making the largest airline company in My criticizing the tax code is as about change. Well, let’s consider how the world. That is certainly room to American as apple pie and baseball, change could improve the most com- celebrate, but it’s very important that and for good reason, because every year plicated of institutions, the Internal we be very mindful to both Delta and Americans spend billions of hours and Revenue Service. And more impor- Northwest to understand the implica- billions of dollars, and that’s not tantly, consider how that change could tions of that, to have the sensitivity counting the billions of hours that we deliver prosperity and return time, the that there are many thousands of fami- spend complaining about the tax code. precious commodity of time, to the lies that are impacted, and that we do Time is money, and time should be American taxpayer. Now, that’s a stim- not use the word ‘‘synergy’’ to equate spent growing the economy and cre- ulus package worthy of everyone’s with a loss of jobs, but that there are ating jobs. vote. no jobs lost. There is a strong prescription for real We in Congress must have the empa- change in our tax code. We caught a f thy of putting ourselves into the glimpse of it when Ronald Reagan cut THE REAL CULPRIT FOR RISING mindset of the American people, and the tax code in half back in 1986. As a FOOD PRICES we must show that we understand the result of that reform, the economy difficulties that the American people grew, revenues increased, and jobs were The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a are faced with; we understand the dif- created. The prescription is pretty sim- previous order of the House, the gentle- ficulties of knowing when they wake ple: Flatten the tax, broaden the base, woman from Ohio (Ms. KAPTUR) is rec- up the next morning, their car may be and shift the burden away from fami- ognized for 5 minutes. repossessed, they may have a fore- lies and small businesses. Ms. KAPTUR. Madam Speaker, the closure notice. And we do have a practical and effec- world is beginning to understand what Our policies must be, here in this tive blueprint, it’s called the flat tax. my constituents have known for far House of Representatives going for- Back in 1981, Robert Hall and Alvin too long, higher food prices and higher

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:03 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.120 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2326 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 commodity prices are destroying pros- Higher incomes around the world are along with other agencies and donors, to perity for millions and millions of peo- boosting demand for processed foods in help countries mitigate negative impacts. ple here at home and abroad. Whether countries such as India and China. And OPEN TRADE POLICIES there is a hungry person in Toledo, this higher demand has skyrocketed Longer-term answers to the problem of Ohio or in Haiti, the rising costs of the need for products produced across higher food prices centered on removing ob- basic food are really placing the the supply chain. Now, has the IMF stacles to increased supply, Strauss-Kahn world’s marginalized and poor in even a sought to better manage the uncon- said. tighter squeeze. The IMF cites increased trade as a policy trolled growth in developing countries? option for mitigating the effects of higher Getting in the front of devastation No. They’re just blaming America’s that higher commodity prices can commodity prices on national economies. farmers. IMF chief economist Simon Johnson told an cause is a challenge to all of us. While b 1915 April 9 World Economic Outlook briefing: I am pleased that the leaders of the ‘‘As a way to reduce global pressure on food International Monetary Fund and the With the U.S. dollar in free fall, and energy prices, more open trade policies World Bank have called for half a bil- American agricultural goods have be- in those products would be a good start. Less lion dollars more to feed the poor of come extremely attractive internation- insular biofuels policy in advanced econo- the world, I’m deeply troubled that ally and have placed great demand on mies would help relieve some pressure. At these leaders have pointed to the same foodstuff production domestically. the same time, we encourage countries to tired rhetoric in diagnosing the cause With greater competition for food, with avoid raising taxes or imposing quotas on their food exports. These reduce incentives of these rising prices. It’s been very in- more U.S. exports, our weak dollar due teresting for me to hear them say for domestic producers and also increase to terrible economic policies here at international prices.’’ they’re blaming higher food prices on home has decreased the power of Amer- IMPACT ON INFLATION the production of ethanol and biodiesel icans to purchase food produced right IMF research shows that higher prices for in agricultural America, which is actu- here in our country. Has the IMF iden- ally a new value-added market for our food pose new challenges for African policy- tified the weak dollar as the challenge makers and could have particularly adverse farmers. It’s actually a new market to millions of Americans faced with effects on the poor. Because food represents that’s taking land that is just laying food shortages? Of course not. They a larger share of what poorer consumers buy, fallow for years, where we have paid just blame the U.S. farmer and the new a global increase in food prices has a bigger commodity payments and gotten noth- developing market of biofuels. impact on inflation in poorer countries. ing, now we are beginning to reuse With the price of oil reaching over IMF studies show the rise in food prices re- some of that land again. $110 a barrel, the world’s addiction to flecting a mixture of longer-term factors The real culprit for rising food prices such as food crops being diverted to biofuel oil is driving up the production costs of production; higher food demand from emerg- is rising oil prices. Our world is facing agricultural products. How much do a crisis precipitated by the greater ing economies; and higher energy and fer- you think it costs to haul a truckload tilizer costs. Temporary factors, such as competition for dwindling supplies of of bell peppers from Salinas Valley in droughts, floods, and political instability, world energy that has caused all the California to Cleveland, Ohio? also contributed to higher food prices. prices of basic goods to skyrocket. But I cannot accept IMF’s wanton attack Strauss-Kahn displayed a map at the press instead of dealing with that reality of on the investment in rural America. If briefing that showed the impact of projected how oil is embedded in every aspect of we follow their formula, we would not food price increases on global trade balances. ‘‘Almost all African countries have a nega- life in this country and globally, be growing any food domestically. If we they’re trying to blame this on the new tive impact from these food prices,’’ Strauss- were following IMF’s advice, we would Kahn told the briefing. A problem in trade developing market of renewable en- not be developing the infrastructure ergy. balances meant problems in current ac- and capacity to produce our own re- counts. Problems in current accounts meant Yes, under current technology newable energy here at home and help problems that the IMF could help address, he biofuels consume some food stocks for lead the world in a real energy-inde- said. the production of fuel. Corn has been pendent transformation of this coun- New projections on the effects of higher utilized by some ethanol producers, for try. food prices follow publication of a World example. But to claim that biofuels are Bank-IMF report warning that most coun- Madam Speaker, Americans simply the cause of rising food prices, that’s tries will fall short on the Millennium Devel- must commit to cutting off our oil ad- disingenuous at best. Look to the ris- opment Goals, a set of eight globally agreed diction and restoring energy independ- ing oil prices at over $113 a barrel, and development targets that the international this oil-dependent economy must be- ence here at home. community is aiming to achieve by 2015. The [From IMF Survey Magazine, Apr. 10, 2008] report said that though much of the world is come energy independent here at home set to cut extreme poverty in half by then, FOOD PRICE RISES THREATEN EFFORTS TO CUT again. And renewable fuels based in ag- prospects are gravest for the goals of reduc- POVERTY—STRAUSS-KAHN riculture are a part of the solution for ing child and maternal mortality, with seri- this country in the world. Higher food prices have particularly ad- ous shortfalls also likely in primary school Take a look at the rising cost of fer- verse effect on the poor. completion, nutrition, and sanitation goals. tilizer that can be directly attributed Projections show nearly all African coun- tries suffering food price shocks. NEW KIND OF IMBALANCE to the increasing cost of natural gas IMF Spring Meetings to discuss global In Africa and Asia the effect of higher food and smaller crop sizes. According to strategy on food price crisis. prices would have to be seen not only in the recent Texas A&M Agriculture and A rise in food prices of 48 percent since terms of undermining the efforts to fight Food Policy Center analysis, rising fer- end-2006 is a huge increase that may under- against poverty but also as representing a tilizer costs have led to a $3 million mine gains the international community has new kind of macroeconomic imbalance, acre reduction in planted corn in the made in reducing proverty, IMF Managing Strauss-Kahn said. For a large part of Afri- 2006, 2007 crop year. Director Dominique Strauss-Kahn warned. ca, a shock could be expected that was as big Let’s look at another major cause He told an April 10 news conference in as, and maybe bigger than, previous shocks. globally of why food prices are going Washington that policy responses to higher Strauss-Kahn welcomed an initiative food prices have to be tailored to meet the launched by U.K. Prime Minister Gordon up: Drought. World food production has needs of each country. Brown that urges the IMF, the World Bank, gone down because in Australia and Strauss-Kahn said the IMF could take four and the United Nations to develop a global eastern Europe, and because of poor steps to help address higher food prices in strategy to address higher food prices. ‘‘The weather in Canada and western Europe the short term: initiative taken by Gordon Brown is per- and Ukraine, we’ve seen overall pro- Support countries in designing appropriate fectly timely, We need now to consider the duction reduced. With such world macroeconomic policies to deal with shocks; rise in food prices as something which is not stocks for wheat at 30-year lows, buy- provide advice and technical assistance for just happening for one or two months but as ers are turning to the United States for countries where rising food prices are erod- probably more structural,’’ Strauss-Kahn ing terms of trade, through targeted income said. supplies. Has the IMF offered sugges- support for the poor—without jeopardizing The Brown proposal would probably be on tions to these nations for dealing with hard-won gains on economic stabilization; in the agenda of the IMF-World Bank Spring the drought that global warming is countries where price shocks are affecting Meetings and of the ministerial meeting of causing? No. They’re just blaming the balance of payments, provide assistance the Group of Seven industrial countries, he America’s farmers. through IMF lending facilities, and work, added.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:03 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.122 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2327 FOREIGN SHORTFALLS IN IRAQ these efforts will be successful. It is working, low-income parents could AID PLEDGES time for Arab countries that are run- more easily push their families out of The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. ning surpluses to start paying their poverty if provided access to affordable BOYDA of Kansas). Under a previous share of the bills in Iraq. and reliable child care. This is why it is order of the House, the gentleman from Madam Speaker, I have said many critical that we properly fund Head North Carolina (Mr. JONES) is recog- times and said it today at the hearing Start and Child Care and Development nized for 5 minutes. that it’s our men and women who are Block Grants so we can expand enroll- Mr. JONES of North Carolina. in Iraq losing their legs, being para- ment and provide greater support to Madam Speaker, I would like to bring lyzed for the rest of their life, and los- working families and opportunity to to the attention of the House and to ing their life for this country. It is the our Nation’s children. the American people a disturbing situ- least that these Arab countries can do For years we have been provided with ation involving a shortfall in Iraq aid that are making dollars every time we statistics proving the benefits of Head pledges. This morning during a hearing put gas in our cars. It is time that they Start and affordable child care. We of the House Armed Services Com- meet their obligation to fulfill the $15.8 know that children enrolled in Head mittee, I also brought this issue to the billion that they pledged to help re- Start will excel academically, have attention of Secretary of State build Iraq. fewer health problems, and adapt bet- Condoleezza Rice, Secretary of Defense With that, Madam Speaker, before I ter both socially and emotionally. Robert Gates, and Admiral Michael close, I ask God to continue to bless However, to appreciate fully the ben- Mullen. our men and women in uniform, and I efits, Madam Speaker, one simply has On January 30, 2008, USA Today re- ask God to continue to bless America. to speak with the parents of these out- standing young students. In Iowa’s ported that allied countries have paid f only $2.5 million of the more than $15.8 Second District, which I am proud to billion they pledged to help rebuild REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- represent, I have been lucky enough to Iraq. The article further reports: ‘‘The VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF visit a number of Head Start locations, biggest shortfalls in pledges by 41 H.R. 5715, ENSURING CONTINUED and I have received letters from the donor countries are from Iraq’s oil-rich ACCESS TO STUDENT LOAN ACT parents of a number of these students. neighbors and U.S. allies, namely OF 2008 One of these letters was from Trina Saudi Arabia and Kuwait. Ms. CASTOR, from the Committee on Thompson, a single, hardworking par- Madam Speaker, it is extremely Rules, submitted a privileged report ent of two. Her youngest child attends troubling that some of the countries (Rept. No. 110–590) on the resolution (H. Head Start in Iowa City, where she that may benefit most from a secure Res. 1107) providing for consideration shared with me that ‘‘The staff and the and stable Iraq, particularly its neigh- of the bill (H.R. 5715) to ensure contin- program itself at Head Start are in- bors in the region, are not providing ued availability of access to the Fed- valuable to my family and many oth- the money they pledged to help achieve eral student loan program for students ers. It is a well-run program that has that goal. and families, which was referred to the been vitally beneficial to my daughter The United States, on the other House Calendar and ordered to be and my family.’’ Ms. Thompson went hand, has already spent $29 billion to printed. on to say, ‘‘I can go to work every day help rebuild Iraq, and Congress has ap- secure in the knowledge that my proved an additional $16.5 billion. And f daughter is safe in a positive learning unlike the United States, which is bor- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a environment with amazing people.’’ rowing money from foreign govern- previous order of the House, the gen- Ms. Thompson is not alone in her ments to pay its bills, many of Iraq’s tleman from Oregon (Mr. DEFAZIO) is praise of these critical programs and neighbors are running record surpluses recognized for 5 minutes. the outstanding educators and child because of profits their governments (Mr. DEFAZIO addressed the House. care providers. receive from their national oil compa- His remarks will appear hereafter in The photo behind me today is a photo nies. the Extensions of Remarks.) of one of these exceptional providers. In 2001 a gallon of gasoline cost f Kelly Mathews of Iowa City is pictured Americans $1.42. Today that same gal- here with children at the child care WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD lon costs us $3.36. In 2001 oil was $28 per center she runs in Iowa. Ms. Mathews barrel. Today that same barrel is al- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a works 50 hours a week with the chil- most $114. Many of the countries who previous order of the House, the gen- dren at this center. Then she spends are falling short on their pledges to tleman from Iowa (Mr. LOEBSACK) is additional time filling out paperwork, Iraq are withholding oil production and recognized for 5 minutes. completing continuing education cred- causing gas prices to rise on the Amer- Mr. LOEBSACK. Madam Speaker, its, shopping for supplies, and creating ican consumer. These countries have this week is Week of the Young Child, a challenging and exciting curriculum the economic resources to meet their and I stand before you and my col- for the children under her care. Ms. commitments to Iraq. leagues this evening to call for the full Mathews does all this for one clear rea- Madam Speaker, in a letter on Feb- funding of Head Start, our Nation’s son: ‘‘to change the world.’’ But we ruary 8 of this year, I expressed these premier early education program, and know this goal isn’t easy, especially concerns to Secretary Rice. Since then for Child Care and Development Block when Ms. Mathews is receiving a very I received a response from the Depart- Grants. modest salary with no benefits and no ment of State. They say they share my I understand firsthand how impor- paid time off. We must do better for concern that for some countries the tant Head Start and subsidized child Ms. Mathews, better for all the child pace of their assistance to Iraq has care programs are for low-income care providers and Head Start teachers, been too slow. The State Department working families. I grew up in poverty, better for the children in Iowa and also indicates that top officials con- and I had a single mother who suffered across the country, and better for hard- tinue to urge their government to fol- from mental illness. I relied on support working families. low through on their pledges, and with from my extended family, community, Unfortunately, this year the Presi- the increased successes, the depart- and friends. And as a result of the sup- dent failed to stand up for our coun- ment is working through multilateral port that I received, I was able to focus try’s children. He failed to prioritize forums to encourage donors to meet on school, work hard, and achieve the their needs, forgetting that these chil- their pledges. American Dream. However, not all dren are the key to our country’s fu- During this morning’s hearing, Sec- children are fortunate enough to have ture success. This year the President retary Rice also pledged that she will this sort of support system outside of proposes flat funding for child care redouble her efforts to encourage allies their homes, and even with this addi- that will cause 200,000 children to lose in the region to pay their way in Iraq. tional support, many of Iowa’s children access to child care assistance by 2009. Madam Speaker, out of fairness to the could benefit from attending Head The administration also acknowledges American taxpayer, I am hopeful that Start. Additionally, many hard- that fewer children will be served in

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:03 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.124 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2328 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 Head Start under their proposal. endowed by their creator with the unalienable most reliable partner in Latin Amer- Should these cuts be implemented, the rights of life, liberty and the pursuit of happi- ica, sending a terrible signal to all of Kelly Mathews of the world will find it ness. Every conflict and battle our Nation has Latin America that if you are a good even more difficult to make ends meet, ever faced can be traced to our commitment friend of the United States, you’re not and the Trina Thompsons and their to this core self-evident truth. It has made us very important and you’re not a very young children will find it next to im- the beacon of hope for the entire world. It is big priority, and when we have an possible to secure a spot at their local who we are. agreement, we’ll ignore it. Head Start. And this is simply not ac- And yet Madam Speaker, another day has Ladies and gentlemen, we have a ceptable. passed, and we in this body have failed again trade promotion agreement with Co- I urge all of my colleagues to take a to honor that foundational commitment. We lombia and the United States. It’s a moment this week in honor of the failed our sworn oath and our God-given re- good agreement. Why is it a good Week of the Young Child to think sponsibility as we broke faith with nearly 4,000 agreement? Because it’s a win-win-win about the tens of thousands of children more innocent American babies who died for Illinois workers, Illinois farmers, you represent that could be provided a today without the protection that we should Illinois manufacturers. The majority of wealth of opportunity and hope in their have given them. this House, an overwhelming bipar- lives if we simply reject the President’s Madam Speaker, let me conclude, in the tisan majority of this House, voted ear- budget proposal and choose to invest in hope that perhaps someone new who heard lier this past year to pass trade pref- the future and well-being of our chil- this sunset memorial tonight will finally em- erences for the Andean region, for dren. brace the truth that abortion really does kill lit- countries like Colombia, Ecuador, Bo- f tle babies, that it hurts mothers in ways that livia and Peru. And what the trade we can never express, and that 12,867 days preferences do is allow all the products SUNSET MEMORIAL spent killing nearly 50 million unborn children that come in from Colombia that enter The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a in America is enough; and that the America the United States duty free, no taxes, previous order of the House, the gen- that rejected human slavery and marched into no tariffs. So agricultural products and tleman from Arizona (Mr. FRANKS) is Europe to arrest the Nazi Holocaust, is still manufactured goods made in Colombia recognized for 5 minutes. courageous and compassionate enough to and produced in Colombia enter the Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. Madam Speaker, I find a better way for mothers and their babies United States duty free. However, stand once again before this body with yet an- than abortion on demand. without the trade promotion agree- other Sunset Memorial. So tonight, Madam Speaker, may we each ment, products made in Illinois by Illi- It is April 15, 2008, in the land of the free remind ourselves that our own days in this nois workers or farm goods like corn and the home of the brave, and before the sunshine of life are also numbered and that all and soybeans produced by Illinois sun set today in America, almost 4,000 more too soon each of us will walk from these farmers and, of course, manufacturers defenseless unborn children were killed by Chambers for the very last time. and workers all suffer taxes or tariffs abortion on demand—just today. That is more And if it should be that this Congress is al- on U.S.- and Illinois-made goods ex- than the number of innocent American lives lowed to convene on yet another day to come, ported to Colombia. that were lost on September 11th, only it hap- may that be the day when we finally hear the We have often heard from constitu- pens every day. cries of the innocent unborn. May that be the ents that say trade’s important in Illi- It has now been exactly 12,867 days since day we find the humanity, the courage, and nois and it just doesn’t seem right the travesty called Roe v. Wade was handed the will to embrace together our human and when one country’s products come into down. Since then, the very foundation of this our constitutional duty to protect the least of the United States duty free but we Nation has been stained by the blood of al- these, our tiny American brothers and sisters, don’t get reciprocity. And the U.S.-Co- most 50 million of our own children. from this murderous scourge upon our Nation lombia Trade Agreement gives us that Some of them, Madam Speaker, cried and called abortion on demand. reciprocity. In fact, farm organizations screamed as they died, but because it was It is April 15, 2008—12,867 days since Roe will tell you that the U.S.-Colombia amniotic fluid passing over their vocal cords v. Wade first stained the foundation of this na- Trade Agreement is the best ever nego- instead of air, we couldn’t hear them. tion with the blood of its own children—this, in tiated to give U.S. farmers and growers All of them had at least four things in com- the land of free and the home of the brave. and producers access to a foreign mar- mon. f ket. And when it comes to manufac- They were each just little babies who had tured goods, 85 percent of the manufac- done nothing wrong to anyone. Each one of THE U.S.-COLOMBIA TRADE PROMOTION AGREEMENT tured goods exported to Colombia them died a nameless and lonely death. And would be duty free immediately. each of their mothers, whether she realizes it The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a immediately or not, will never be the same. previous order of the House, the gen- b 1930 And all the gifts that these children might have tleman from Illinois (Mr. WELLER) is In my district, I have 8,000 constitu- brought to humanity are now lost forever. recognized for 5 minutes. ents, union members, who work for a Yet even in the full glare of such tragedy, Mr. WELLER of Illinois. Madam company which makes the yellow bull- this generation clings to a blind, invincible ig- Speaker, I rise to express concern dozers and yellow construction equip- norance while history repeats itself and our about an action taken by this House ment. Right now, those bulldozers own silent genocide mercilessly annihilates the this past week, and let me begin by made in America suffer a 15 percent most helpless of all victims to date, those yet asking this House who is America’s tariff, which means the cost of that unborn. best friend in Latin America? product is 15 percent more, making Il- Madam Speaker, perhaps it is important for Well, the answer is pretty loud and linois-manufactured construction those of us in this Chamber to remind our- clear, and that is America’s best friend equipment, like bulldozers and mining selves again of why we are really all here. in Latin America is the democratic Re- trucks, 15 percent more expensive but Thomas Jefferson said, ‘‘The care of human public of Colombia, a nation of 42 mil- also less competitive with Asian com- life and its happiness and not its destruction is lion people, the second largest Spanish- petition. the chief and only object of good govern- speaking nation in the world, a nation We need this trade promotion agree- ment.’’ which is recognized throughout Latin ment. And we need to have that The phrase in the 14th amendment capsul- America and, frankly, throughout the brought to the floor for an up-or-down izes our entire Constitution. It says: ‘‘No state world as United States’ most reliable vote. Because I believe if it is brought shall deprive any person of life, liberty or prop- partner in counterterrorism, United to the floor for an up-or-down vote, the erty without due process of law.’’ Mr. Speaker, States’ most reliable partner in coun- majority of this House would agree protecting the lives of our innocent citizens ternarcotics. It’s the Republic of Co- that we need to continue to expand our and their constitutional rights is why we are all lombia. markets overseas for Illinois-manufac- here. It is our sworn oath. Well, this passed week the House of tured goods and Illinois farm products The bedrock foundation of this Republic is Representatives, the Democratic ma- as well as American farm products and that clarion Declaration of the self-evident truth jority, which controls it, voted to turn American manufactured goods. It is a that all human beings are created equal and its back, this Congress’s back, on our good agreement.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 02:03 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.126 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2329 Now, there are those who say, ‘‘Co- the residents of the District of Colum- young for a few years of their lives. lombia, yeah, they are our partner, bia. And so I have come this evening to They, of course, are missionaries for and, of course, they are the oldest de- offer some remarks, remarks that I their Mormon church. And they are mocracy in Latin America. But there think are particularly justified today coming home to their families. Like has been violence in that country.’’ when the residents of the District of others who come home, the State of Historically they are right. President Columbia, like all other American citi- Utah wanted them counted since they Uribe, when he was elected, pledged to zens, are paying their Federal income remained residents. They took the defeat the FARC, the left-wing taxes. The difference is they are doing matter all the way to the Supreme narcotrafficking terrorist group which so without any voting representation Court. And because of the way the Cen- has troubled the nation of Colombia on the floor of the House or the Senate. sus Bureau and the administrative over the last 40 years. And he has made First, I begin with some gratitude to process had ruled, the Court allowed tremendous progress. my colleagues, the so-called Blue Dogs, the census to stand. And all of these In fact, President Uribe today enjoys for whom this hour had been claimed, missionaries exercising their freedom 80 percent approval. Eight out of 10 Co- but who gave it to me this evening be- of religion, their freedom of speech, lombians approve of the leadership of cause of the subject matter of this spe- while being residents of their State, President Uribe. And if you look at cial order. I very much appreciate their lost their State a seat. this Congress, this House of Represent- support. For those of you who don’t To say the least, residents of Utah atives, this Congress has an 18 percent know who the Blue Dogs are, they are were not joyful about this. And they approval rating. So clearly, the Colom- the more conservative Members of the have joined us in what would seem to bians think more of their president House. They supported the D.C. Voting be the example par excellence of win- than the American people do this Con- Rights bill that indeed passed the win in our country. A heavily Repub- gress. And at the same time that he House, one of the first. lican district and State, some would has made progress defeating the left- We hadn’t been here 6 months, I don’t say the most Republican State in the wing narcotrafficking FARC, 73 per- think we had been here more than 4 union, a big city in the United States cent of the Colombian people believe he months before this bill to give the Dis- tends to be Democratic, this one is, has made Colombia more secure and trict of Columbia citizens, the citizens joined together. It’s a wash politically. safer while respecting human rights. In of the Nation’s Capital, voting rights Nobody gains and nobody loses. Why fact, today the murder rate in Colom- only in this chamber, the people’s hasn’t this bill passed? bia is lower than in Washington, D.C. House. It was indeed passed by the Well, it has almost passed. And we It is lower than in Baltimore. In fact, House of Representatives, mind you, will get into that in a minute. Just a it is safer in Colombia than it is in our the only House that is affected. In a few more indications of gratitude. Nation’s Capital. Nation known more for its HENRY WAXMAN, chairman of the com- The U.S.-Colombia trade promotion incrementalism than for rapid change mittee that has direct jurisdiction, agreement is a good agreement for to effect justice, we have accepted the along with another chairman, JOHN American workers, American farmers notion that we must begin with the CONYERS, were extraordinary leaders in and American manufacturers. Let’s House, the people’s House. After more this process. I mentioned Utah. I thank bring it to a vote. than 200 years of meeting every obliga- Governor Jon Huntsman for coming tion that has been met by every other f here to testify about the importance of citizen, we think it is not too much to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a the bill and the entire Utah delegation, ask that the residents of the Nation’s previous order of the House, the gen- Representatives BISHOP, CANNON, and Capital have the vote at least in the MATHESON. tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) is people’s House. We are asking for no I particularly thank the 219 Demo- recognized for 5 minutes. more than that. crats and 22 Republicans who won a (Mr. BURTON of Indiana addressed Our thanks go especially to the vote of 241–177 and passed this bill last the House. His remarks will appear Speaker of the House, NANCY PELOSI, year. And may I thank the 8 Repub- hereafter in the Extensions of Re- who made it a priority to pass this bill licans and 49 Democrats who have marks.) and put her full energy behind it. She brought us so close that it is hard to f was willing to bring it to the floor. She believe that we are not already there. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a made it clear that she, as the leader, Only in the other body is 57 percent previous order of the House, the gen- the first woman to lead the House of not a majority. The Senate has re- tleman from North Carolina (Mr. Representatives, wanted to put her sig- quired 60 votes. We are three votes MCHENRY) is recognized for 5 minutes. nature on this bill and asked four short. We are so close. I have every rea- (Mr. MCHENRY addressed the House. Members on both sides of the aisle to son to believe that we will, in fact, this His remarks will appear hereafter in support it. Majority Leader STENY year pass the D.C. Voting Rights Act, the Extensions of Remarks.) HOYER, a longtime supporter of this creating a historic 110th Congress that f bill, as well, put all of his energy in it. every Member, I think, will be proud DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA VOTING Particularly when it was stopped first of. RIGHTS by a parliamentary maneuver, he I have to thank the local and na- worked tirelessly until he got this bill tional civil rights organizations that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under passed. He has been with us every step have been a formidable force spreading the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- of the way. These two leaders have around the country the message. There uary 18, 2007, the gentlewoman from stood for full representation and equal- are too many of them to name on the the District of Columbia (Ms. NORTON) ity for Americans in so many ways. No local level. The great leader has been is recognized for 60 minutes as the des- one should be surprised at the leader- DCVote Ilir Zerka and his army of resi- ignee of the majority leader. ship they have given us on this bill. dents in the region and in the city car- GENERAL LEAVE I have to very especially mention rying a message for us, the leadership Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, I ask Congressman TOM DAVIS who doggedly conference on civil rights, the Nation’s unanimous consent that all Members started us on what has been a truly bi- great leader on civil rights matters has may have 5 legislative days in which to partisan path. When I was in the mi- been a major figure in this bill. We revise and extend their remarks and in- nority and he indeed became the chief could not possibly have gotten this far clude extraneous material. sponsor of the House-only bill, I discov- without them, along with every major The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ered indeed a partner for us. The State civil rights organization in the coun- objection to the request of the gentle- of Utah barely missed getting a House try. woman from the District of Columbia? vote in the last census. And they I particularly thank my own mayor, There was no objection. missed it for reasons I have to put into Adrian Fenty, and city council chair, Ms. NORTON. Madam Speaker, this the RECORD. Utah sends many of its Vincent Gray, who joined every mayor is a special day for all Americans, none citizens who willingly agree to go away and city council of the District of Co- more so than the people I represent, and become missionaries when they are lumbia in supporting our residents and

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:35 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.129 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2330 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 this bill. And I especially thank the support the bill I have come to the would have done would have been to residents of the District of Columbia, floor to speak to tonight. That is close give a vote to Mr. Heflin and not to Mr. living and dead, who have fought for to an American consensus today. Chapman. equal citizenship over the ages. Why would people be for the vote? The reason we know it is that four I have not yet mentioned my Senate They are Americans, that is why. Do signers of the Constitution which gave partners, but they have been equally you really think that in this country the Congress this jurisdiction were important to this bill. You don’t pass a today, at war, a country where love of from Maryland and Virginia, which bill just in the House. Senator JOE country is manifest in everything we contributed the land for the city where LIEBERMAN was the lead Democratic do, they will do anything but say that we are today, two from Maryland and sponsor. Consistent with the way he people who have fought, yes, and died two from Virginia. They contributed has helped me on voting rights in every in every war since the country was cre- land on which a sizable number of their iteration, and there have been several ated, including the war that created own constituents were living. different kinds of bills, he became the the country itself, the American Revo- They made sure that in the 10-year lead sponsor here. lutionary War, that people who pay transition period during which the land A very special word of thanks goes to taxes the same way they do, are just was being shifted, that their residents Senator ORRIN HATCH of Utah. Some of like them, should not have representa- would still have the vote. But once, of you may think that ORRIN HATCH tion? It is a thoroughly American idea. course, it left the jurisdiction of Mary- comes to this because, after all, he rep- So don’t be surprised that 61 percent land and Virginia, it was up to the Con- resents Utah. And he does. But had you today support this bill, in the House gress. And the first Congress, in so had the pleasure of hearing Senator only, because that is all that is before many words, promised that when the HATCH in the committee hearings, you the other body, the Senate, as we land came after 10 years under the would understand that he is moved by speak. complete jurisdiction, that these resi- a deep principle about voting rights. Who are these people? We thought we dents would indeed continue to have His principal reason for voting rights would let you see exactly who we are the vote. dominated much of what he had to say talking about. This man’s name is We know it for sure, because not only about people who pay taxes and go to Larry Chapman, a resident of the Dis- were these residents of Maryland and war without representation. I thank trict of Columbia. I am proud to rep- Virginia living in the territory, but Senator ORRIN HATCH who was a good resent him. I don’t know him. I among them were men who had fought friend of mine before this bill. He has checked him out. He lives here. I rep- in the Revolutionary War. The one slo- endeared himself to me in ways I will resent him. By the way, note his uni- gan that every school child knows from never be able to pay by the way in form. He is a firefighter. He is a man that war is we are fighting against no which he has stood fast with us, yes, who risks his life for whoever is here, a taxation without representation. It is because his State is involved. Of Member of Congress, a visitor, a resi- inconceivable and it is impossible and course, that is his primary obligation. dent, a regional resident. it simply did not happen that the But making it clear in the way he dis- I don’t represent this man, Jayme Framers of the Constitution from cusses the bill that there is a deeply Heflin. He lives in Maryland. He does Maryland and Virginia gave the land rooted principle in his support. the same thing for Maryland that Mr. and said, take away the vote from the The many supporters of this bill will Chapman does for the District of Co- people we represent once you have ju- forgive me for not making this a call- lumbia. risdiction. ing of the roll. But I come to the floor I don’t think you will find an Amer- Maryland couldn’t give us the vote because on tax day in the District of ican citizen, if you went out with a once we became the Nation’s Capital. Columbia, people have gone all over microphone, who thinks that Larry Virginia couldn’t do it. Only the Con- the city to assure residents of the very Chapman, who lives in the District of gress can do it. The Constitution itself substantial progress we are making. Columbia, should not have representa- makes clear that the grant of exclusive DCVote and its coalition have been all tion in the Congress, someone who can jurisdiction to the Congress means across the United States targeting vote on war or peace or raising or low- that the Congress is empowered to seven States and have done a remark- ering taxes, and that Jayme Heflin offer this correction that has been able job. I have a little bit to say about should. needed for much too long. that. That is who I represent. The dif- This is another resident of the Dis- What I want to do this evening dur- ference between these two men cannot trict of Columbia whose work all of us ing this special order hour is to essen- be seen in their faces, cannot be seen in would admire, because she is a teacher. tially discuss this issue from three per- their jobs. The only difference is where Her name is Chandra Jackson-Sound- spectives. Whose rights are we talking they live. They live within a few miles ers, teaching and counseling in the about? What barriers are there? And of one another, because Maryland is D.C. public schools for 17 years. A na- whose responsibility is it to remedy part of our region, a region without tive Washingtonian, like me. She pays this matter? borders, as a matter of fact. If you go Federal income tax, like all the rest of to Maryland, you won’t even know you us who live here. We are not immune b 1945 are there. from that. There she is, teaching chil- I start with whose rights they are, Both of them pay Federal taxes. Both dren. because the greatest frustration I have of them don’t like it, and both of them Who would deny this young woman, had as a Member of the House is that do it. There should be no difference be- who has committed herself to one of most Americans do not know that tween Larry Chapman and Jayme Hef- the hardest jobs in the country, who 600,000 people live in the Nation’s Cap- lin. There is no difference. The only pays hefty federal income taxes, the ital and don’t have the same rights as difference is a difference that only this same rights that they have? No Amer- they have. A lot of them have been in body can correct. ican. No one imbued with the spirit of the armed services with people in Why do I say only this body? Because our Constitution or of the native ethic, Washington, DC. They come here, 20 the Congress has exclusive jurisdiction the ethic that gave birth to the coun- million of them, every year. There is over the Nation’s Capital. The Framers try, no taxation without representa- no indication, until they begin to see were intent upon one thing and one tion. license plates that say ‘‘no taxation thing only when they set up the Na- The more people know about D.C. without representation’’ on those offi- tion’s Capital. It certainly wasn’t to voting rights, the more support we cial license plates, which was put there deprive us of the vote. It was to make have. I ought to thank Stephen Colbert precisely to relieve our frustration sure we weren’t in a State, because you right here on the House floor, because that most people simply do not know. couldn’t tell when the State’s jurisdic- at least four times he has invited me I have a word to say about that, be- tion would conflict with the Federal ju- on the Colbert Report to make fun of cause increasingly people do know and risdiction. That is the only principle the District of Columbia for not having support us. According to the Wash- that was at stake. And, indeed, all the voting rights, until under cross-exam- ington Post poll, 61 percent say they evidence is that the last thing they ination one day on his program I found

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:23 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.132 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2331 out that he was born in the District of you. Women, 86 percent; men, 78 per- We, of course, have family or friends Columbia himself. He has managed to cent. living in D.C., I wouldn’t even cite get himself in the portrait gallery, to Let’s look at the age groups. Is this those. You would expect those people be sure, either in the men’s room or in all a young persons’ thing, or what? to perhaps be more aware and more in- a corner close to it. Young people, well, they were raised to clined to be with us. But I must here pay tribute to Ste- believe that democracy is for every- Registered voters, 81 percent of reg- phen, whom I call Colbert, because, body. They are off the charts, 87 per- istered voters support equal voting more than all we have been able to do, cent. But look at 35–54. They are at 78 rights for the residents of the city, and he has gotten the message out that percent. And look at 55 years old and here is one that cannot be put aside, 600,000 people live in the Nation’s Cap- above, many of whom were raised at a because this is the great divider, Re- ital, pay taxes, and do not have the time when many Americans did not publicans and Democrats, 77 percent of same representation as they do. He have equal rights and perhaps imbued Republicans, 82 percent of independ- makes fun of me. That is why I go on that culture. 55-years-old and above, 82 ents, 87 percent of Democrats, no sta- and allow it. ‘‘You must not be in the percent of the American people support tistical difference even by party on so United States.’’ He said, ‘‘Who could equal voting rights for the people who basic a matter as whether or not the you possibly represent?’’ ‘‘Why don’t live in the Nation’s Capital. people I represent, and I should be re- you move into the country?’’ That is Sometimes we find that some parts quired to do whatever this chamber what I have to take. of the country favor certain kinds of says, along with the others, and not action more than others. You are quite But taking what Colbert has thrown have any say, utterly and thoroughly aware that some parts of the country at me has gotten people to understand, un-American even to state such a prop- are more military, some parts of the yes, through his jostling and joking, osition. country are considered more liberal, so what is a very serious matter; that in Well, the Republicans who supported a country that is trying to bring de- it was important to know who are we talking about. And this I found perhaps us in the House on this bill, led by TOM mocracy all over the world, including DAVIS, including a number of others particularly Iraq, where we have given the most fascinating part of the revela- tion. who voted for us, didn’t have this fig- so many American lives, over 4,000, ure before them. They had a gut in- there are people right here who don’t b 2000 stinct of what it means to be an Amer- have the same rights that people from Northeast, 84 percent of the people; ican. the District of Columbia are, as I midwest, 80 percent of the people, these There are any number of them who speak, fighting to get for the residents are for equal voting rights; south, la- could be quoted. Among the most elo- of Iraq, Afghanistan and so many other dies and gentlemen, put aside your quent was Representative MIKE PENCE, countries. stereotypes, 84 percent of southerners who actually wrote out what was in his Support for D.C. voting rights keeps support equal voting rights in Congress head and published it and posted it, going up. I noted earlier that 61 per- for the people of the District of Colum- ‘‘Why I Voted for D.C. Representation cent say that they are specifically for bia; west, 80 percent. in the House,’’ and the senior Senator that bill, because that is the question So the south and the northeast give LUGAR, one of the eight Republicans we asked. You ask them the question, us the largest majority or super ma- who voted for this bill. But it was MIKE this is the kind of response you get. jorities, 84 percent each with midwest who started it here, because the bill ‘‘Do you support equal voting rights for and west right behind them at 80 per- started here. the people of the District of Colum- cent. In this metropolitan area, where Let me quote from Representative bia?’’ In 1999, you got 72 percent of they know us best, have seen us at our MIKE PENCE, a leader of most conserv- Americans saying yes. In January 2005, best and our worst, the metropolitan ative matters here, understood to be a you got 82 percent. area includes Virginia, Maryland, and leader in the House and particularly a Thank you, Colbert, D.C. Vote, Lead- the figure is 82 percent. much-respected conservative leader. He ership Conference on Civil Rights, and In the nonmetropolitan area, beyond is a wonderfully affable man, but he all of those who have helped us get the the counties immediately surrounding would be the first to note that he and message out. Eighty-two percent of the the District where people tend to be I have considerable differences on American people. Not a surprising fig- more conservative, hardly any dif- issues that come before this House. ure, not in the United States of Amer- ference, 83 percent there support it; 82 ica. percent in the immediate area. But at the time this bill was pending, What you may believe is that, well, I am still looking, friends, for some Representative PENCE wrote, ‘‘The fact they have got a lot of liberals up here, break in the public of the kind we regu- that more than half a million of Ameri- and what do you expect? A very sci- larly see on things like guns or the cans living in the District of Columbia entific poll was done behind these fig- military or the war. It will not be are denied a single voting representa- ures. With 72 percent and 82 percent, found in this graph, not on this Tax tive in Congress is clearly a historic you know there must be some biparti- Day, not tomorrow, not in the America wrong and justice demands that it be sanship here. of the 21st century, maybe in the addressed.’’ But are they all piled up in one part America of the 19th century, early 20th He goes on to say, ‘‘The old book of the country? Are they all really century. tells us what is required,’’ and he young people or older people? Who are But now for decades, I believe it quotes the Bible, ‘‘do justice, love these people who support D.C. voting would be difficult to find Americans kindness and walk humbly with Your rights? ‘‘Norton says who the people who would stand up and salute the God.’’ are who want voting rights. Well, who proposition that people who are paying Then he says, ‘‘I believe that justice are these people who registered these Federal income taxes, that people who demands we right this historic wrong. large numbers, 61 percent for this bill, are fighting and dying in war are being The American people should have rep- up to 82 percent if you ask the bald denied a say-so on those issues in this resentation in the people’s House. I be- question about equal voting rights in House. lieve that kindness demands that, like Congress for the people who live in the You break it down even further to Republicans from Abraham Lincoln to Nation’s Capital?’’ see who you are talking about, how Jack Kemp, we do the right thing for This is perhaps the most important about those who have a family member all Americans regardless of race or po- data, and it is fascinating for the Sen- in the military, 82 percent support D.C. litical creed. And I believe humility de- ate in particular to bear in mind, be- voting rights. How about a favorite mands that we do so in a manner con- cause it breaks down who we are talk- that is often cited as difference among sistent with our Constitution, laws and ing about in the American public. Americans, regularly attend services, traditions. The D.C. voting bill gets Notice how far out the blue bar goes. we note at a moment when the Pope this test, and I am honored to have the That is because there is no support less has just arrived in town, but we see opportunity to continue to play some than 77 percent among all adults, and that that’s 82 percent of those who reg- small role in leading our constitutional 82 percent is that figure I just showed ularly attend religious services. republic ever closer to a more perfect

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:35 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.133 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2332 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 union.’’ Those are the words of Rep- has been, perhaps, the foremost con- from Maryland and the Framers of the resentative MIKE PENCE. I believe they servative scholar to come forward for Constitution from Virginia meant to are words that history will remember. the bill. disenfranchise their own residents. Do The support continues to grow, the I particularly thank Walter Smith, a not say that the Framers of the Con- support reflected here, just to name a former corporation counsel, or attor- stitution meant once you crossed the few of the States that have been vis- ney general, as it is now called. Rich- District line, you would lose the rights ited, not by me but by residents in the ard Bress of Latham & Watkins, Walter you had on the other side in every city of the region. I want to thank the Smith of D.C. Appleseed, these are dif- other State of the Union. citizens of Oregon; of New Hampshire, ferent scholars who are from different The opponents rest on one word, and where a whole resolution has been in- parts of the constitutional spectrum that is the Constitution says that the troduced to support the bill; of Mon- who have come forward to be helpful. vote in the House should go to Mem- tana, where the editorial boards of the But you I think that I ought to cite bers of States. They say ah-hah, the major newspapers, in Montana, the conservative scholars. Frankly, those District is not a State; ergo, no vote Butte Chamber of Commerce, have ac- are the scholars on whom we have for you people. corded the residents of the District of chiefly relied because we believe that if Well, the fact is that since the pas- Columbia every courtesy in meeting we relied chiefly on Judge Wald or Wal- sage of the Constitution, this govern- with them and the papers have edito- ter Smith or many others who have ment, this Congress, has defined the rialized for voting rights. I named helped us, then we would have greater District as a State in over 500 provi- those States because DC Vote—Leader- difficulty in showing that this bill is sions of United States Code. The only ship Conference on Civil Rights have eminently constitutional. way in which we are not defined as a targeted those States among others. Remember, it’s the constitutional State respects our voting rights, and I particularly note a resolution in issue to which the opponents have been that brings me to the floor today. New Hampshire, pending in both the pushed back. They can’t make an argu- Cite chapter and verse to prove that, New Hampshire House and Senate that ment that sounds in American terms and I shall. And what I am citing is not is quite extraordinary. It expresses re- that the average person could under- only the language of the Constitution, gret that New Hampshire’s two U.S. stand. So they go into the Constitu- I am citing the Supreme Court of the Senators voted against the D.C. voting tion. United States who interprets the Con- rights bill and calling upon them to That, my friend, is defamation to the stitution. The Supreme Court has ap- correct that in the next vote. framers, because what they are saying, proved action by this Congress equat- As one of the sponsors, Representa- hey, the framers did it to you. We don’t ing the District of Columbia with the tive Cindy Rosenwald said, and I am have anything to do with it. States for constitutional purposes. quoting her, ‘‘We are, here in our small Of course, if the Framers did it to us, Here is the language from the Con- corner of the country, democracy’s then we must pass the bill and let the stitution that the Supreme Court over most passionate supporters. Therefore, only part of our Government that is the years says includes the District of I believe we should expect the same empowered to tell us that do so, and Columbia although the word ‘‘State’’ is level of commitment and passion for that’s the Supreme Court. used. representative democracy from those But, no, they sit back and fancy ‘‘Commerce among the States’’ taken elected officials who represent New themselves constitutional scholars for to court, the District is not a State and Hampshire in Congress.’’ the purpose of saying that 600,000 resi- shouldn’t be included in the commerce Thank you, New Hampshire. I thank dents who pay taxes like they do, have clause. Answer from the Supreme many others whose efforts today, up to served in the country’s wars, should Court: For these purposes, the Nation’s 10 States, I cannot specifically ac- not have the same rights they do. This Capital is included when the word knowledge in the time allotted to me. in the 21st century, no less. ‘‘State’’ is used. I bring you deep gratitude from the Professor Viet Dinh, who served as a Suits between citizens of different residents of the District of Columbia scholar, who served in the Bush Justice States, means something special for who have only my voice, no voice in Department under former Attorney the District of Columbia, it was al- the Senate, only my voice, and whose General Ashcroft, and, therefore, ad- leged, not a State, took it to the Su- voice, of their own, you will see in the vised the whole Justice Department, he preme Court. The Supreme Court says Internet but who do not have ways to was the man who advised them on con- citizens of different States of course in- reach you, which is why I am here this stitutional matters, testified there are cludes the Nation’s Capital. They said evening. no indications, textual or otherwise, to this is not what we meant, we only I must thank, in particular, the legal suggest that the Framers intended that meant that the District of Columbia scholars who have come forward. In congressional authority, under the Dis- would not be a part of a State. We set searching for legal comment, we found trict clause, that’s the District of Co- up something that for lack of a better many willing to come forward, and lumbia clause, extraordinary and ple- word we called a District of Columbia. from constitutional scholars of various nary power in all other respects, would What, is the Commonwealth of Vir- views, there were any number who not extend to grant District residents ginia not a State? Are they not a State were particularly helpful in expressing representation in Congress. because they are called a Common- and answering the hard questions that You see, we are left with either the wealth? Is the Commonwealth of Mas- have been raised, hard questions, not Framers intended to have the people sachusetts not a State? How in the because most Americans would con- who lived in the Nation’s Capital they world can one hinge a right so precious sider them such, but if you happen to just set up without the same rights as in this democracy on the use of the be a constitutional lawyer, and I, my- everybody else, or they intended some- word ‘‘State’’ when it has been inter- self, practice constitutional law, these body to be able to give it. Now, if they preted by the Supreme Court of the questions become closer questions than intended us not to have the same United States in decade after decade to if you are an American who does not rights then we, of course, have to include the District of Columbia? have to take the Constitution into ef- amend the Constitution. I must cite on this April 15, Tax Day, fect in forming your own view. But I would suggest that unless you my very favorite. If indeed States I particularly thank Kenneth Starr, can cite evidence of somebody getting means or does not mean the District of former judge Kenneth Starr; former up and saying that, that you have got Columbia, the people I represent want judge, Patricia Wald. Kenneth Starr is to find a better reason. every dime we have paid to the Federal a Republican. Patricia Wald is a Demo- Treasury back because the 16th amend- crat. Both have testified for the bill. b 2015 ment says there shall be direct taxes I thank Professor Viet Dinh who has To hide behind the Framers is an act by the Federal Government. Direct come forward in a quite extraordinary close to cowardice. If you think we taxes only on citizens of the States; if way. He is the point man on constitu- shouldn’t have it, you should say why. we are not a State, you owe us a lot of tional issues, or was, when Mr. Take the responsibility, but do not say money. It is almost silly to even try to Ashcroft was the attorney general. He that the Framers of the Constitution argue from so slim a use of language.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:23 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.135 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2333 When one reads the Federalist Pa- This place was entirely controlled by itself, scrubbed that terrible stain, that pers, if one reads American history, if southern Democrats who controlled racial stain off. To their great credit, one reads decade after decade where every subcommittee and every com- the Republicans joined us when we re- the matter of State has been chal- mittee because racial rhetoric and ra- authorized the 1965 Voting Rights Act. lenged when someone was trying to pay cial prejudice were used to get them There is no difference, no difference less taxes or trying to get out of the back to the House each and every year. whatsoever here. There’s no difference commerce clause, and in a dozen other It gives me great grief and sadness to when you are talking about the Dis- ways I could name and the Supreme see that Republicans have not been in trict of Columbia which, in the Viet- Court has simply pushed them back, I the forefront of this bill except for nam war, lost more men than did 10 don’t think you would be quick to con- those who have stepped forward and States; in World War II, lost more men tinue to make that argument. unabashedly embraced the bill and Re- than did four States; World War I, lost I want to especially thank the Blue publican traditions because it was after more men than did three States, and Dogs again for their generosity in giv- the Civil War that the District first got the Korean War, lost more than did ing me their hour. I want to thank all a delegate and home rule. It was the eight States. We have fought, died, bled of those on both sides of the aisle who Republican Congress that first gave us for the country we love. have rallied after more than two cen- democracy. It was the so-called radical The notion that there would be a turies finally to this idea. Republicans who in the Nation’s Cap- Member who’d have to come to the I want to leave you with a picture in ital exercised their right and their ob- floor to ask for such a right in 2008 your mind, this young woman, ligation to see that democracy came should be unthinkable. Chandrai Jackson-Saunders who pays here. It was the end of Reconstruction I particularly, tonight, dedicate her Federal income taxes and teaches and the Tildon-Hayes compromise with these remarks not only to those who our children and doesn’t have the vote. the withdrawal of Federal troops from paid their taxes today, but to those I am moved to tears and to laughter the South and the resurrection of who’ve given their lives in Iraq and Af- by a series of cartoons making fun of Democrats that overturned home rule ghanistan and most recently, Darryl our country for not giving the resi- for the District of Columbia and sent a Dent, the D.C. National Guard, Spe- dents of the District of Columbia a delegate who had only a term or two cialist Darryl Dent, Army Reservist vote. Here is one that happened to be back to where he came from. It was Re- Lieutenant Colonel Paul Kimbrough, in the Washington Post. It says ‘‘Im- publicans who were in the leadership Marine Lance Corporal Gregory Mac- port Democracy’’ on a raised placard, then. In the name of the great leaders Donald, Marine Lieutenant Colonel then in small print at the bottom it who gave birth to their party, you Kevin M. Shea, among thousands over says ‘‘No Invasion Necessary.’’ No, all would expect them to be in the leader- the years that we have sent to war, that is necessary is that we face up to ship now. proudly so. 200 years of obligation. The interesting thing is that this is a I dedicate these remarks to Wesley For me, I confess that this matter is now-majority African American city, Brown, the first black graduate of the deeply personal. I am the third genera- but that is a recent vintage. The seg- U.S. Naval Academy is still living. tion of Holmes family to live here. My regated city I grew up in was a major- There have been at least 20 Blacks who great grandfather, Richard Holmes, ity white city. It didn’t become major- had gone to the Naval Academy. They was really born in Virginia as a slave. ity black until close to 1960. Black peo- had to be what we called super Black. One day he left the plantation. He just ple in the minority took a lot of white They were driven out by the most hor- walked away; nobody must have been people down with them because the rendous racial harassment. The story looking. In my family no one says that fact is that race played a central role of sacrifices made—what’s my time? he gathered together in some kind of in the denial of voting rights and home The SPEAKER pro tempore (Ms. rule to the District of Columbia. Today heroic way—he left the plantation— TSONGAS). Ten seconds. and got as far as here and started our it is partisanship. But it was unabash- Ms. NORTON. The story of sacrifices family. edly race. Even though blacks were a made is not a story I should need to My father was born and raised in Dis- minority, there were enough blacks tell. All I should need to say is what I trict public schools, just like my here so that southern Democrats want- leave you with this evening, with my grandfather. My grandfather entered ed to be sure there was no home rule gratitude for your support and friend- the D.C. Fire Department in 1902. We and no representation, even a delegate. ship. have long been without our rights here. They were not bashful about it. I am an American. I represent 600,000 To quote one Alabama Democratic So for me it is first and foremost a Americans. Please do all you can to see Senator, ‘‘The Negroes flocked in, and matter for the people I represent. to it that we are treated as you would there was only one way out, and that But in the interest of revealing all want to be treated, like other Ameri- was to deny suffrage and power to that is concerned, hiding nothing, it is cans. every human being in the District,’’ hard for me to say that there is not a Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Madam that means regardless of race, creed or personal matter associated here, par- Speaker, today is Tax Day and it is the day color. ticularly when I see it is in the Senate that D.C. residents pay their Federal income that the bill is now awaiting 60 votes, b 2030 taxes. Yet D.C. residents remain without a although it already has 57 percent of I don’t want to hide from whence vote. D.C. residents enjoy many of the bene- the Senate, because what I remember cometh what gave birth to the issue fits of U.S. citizenship but they lack the vote. as a child growing up without a mayor, here. The rest of the Nation votes as District resi- without a city council, there was no Senator Ed Brooke, a native Wash- dents pay their taxes and serve in wars representation whatsoever here. The ingtonian, became the first popularly abroad in Iraq and Afghanistan. Andy Shallal, place was ruled by the Congress. The elected Black Senator, born and raised a D.C. citizen said it best, ‘‘People like me of President appointed three commis- in the District of Columbia, went to Iraqi ancestry and even my son, who was sioners; no democracy of any kind. And the same high school I did. But he had born in the United States, are entitled to vote it was a segregated city. Oh, how seg- to go outside the District of Columbia in the Iraqi’s election due in large part to the regated. The schools were not inte- to get any vote at all, and certainly a service of the citizens of the District of Colum- grated until Brown v. Board of Edu- vote in the Senate. bia and other Americans who have fought and cation. So there’s a very sorry racial history died in Iraq.’’ In spite of D.C. residents’ service When I was at Dunbar High School behind it all. The last thing Repub- in foreign wars and even in the American Rev- and had mostly finished high school, licans want to do is to attach their par- olution, and every war since where U.S. was the District was one of six Brown v. tisanship to that history because involved, D.C. residents cannot vote in their Board of Education cases. So the no- they’re not a part of that history. That own country. tion of filibuster rings far too personal history was led by Democrats, and Tax Day is a bitter reminder to the Nation to me. I remember the filibusters of the mostly southern Democrats. that the founders of our country who staged Senate, my friends, as a child. In the Now, the Democratic Party, to its their revolution for representation would then Senate, the N-word was routinely used. great credit, has taken that off of deny representation to residents of their very

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.137 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2334 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 own capital city. Professor Viet Dinh, Presi- to ensure that we put into place poli- Unfortunately, Madam Speaker, the dent Bush’s former assistant attorney general cies that will encourage strong, dy- landscape here in the House was dras- for constitutional matters, has wiped away the namic, economic growth and to make tically altered last week when my Cali- major argument that because the District is sure that there are opportunities for fornia colleague, Speaker PELOSI, took not a state, its American citizens cannot vote every single American. And Madam the unprecedented step, never before in the House by detailing the many ways in Speaker, we’re going to talk about that had this been done, but it was a step of which ‘‘since 1805 the Supreme Court has this evening. changing the Rules of the House in recognized that Congress has the authority to I have to say that my original inten- order to block a vote on the free trade treat the District as a state and Congress has tions for this special order were a little agreement. repeatedly exercised this authority.’’ My favor- different than they are going to end up In one fell swoop, she ended 3 ite is the 16th amendment which requires only being tonight. I’d planned to join to- months, what would be the beginning, that citizens of states pay Federal income night with several of my colleagues and tonight would have been part of taxes. Why then have District residents con- who have spent time in Colombia. I’d that, of substantive, bipartisan delib- tinuously been taxed without representation? planned to talk about what I’ve person- eration before it even had the chance There is a terrible racial stain that has been ally witnessed there, and I’d invited to begin. Apparently, she didn’t like at the core of the denial of the rights of D.C. many of my colleagues to do the same. her odds in what would clearly have citizens. Congress required the same racial I’d hoped to make this a bipartisan been a fair fight, so she changed the segregation in schools and public accom- endeavor, and I extended invitations to rules in the middle of the game. modations in D.C. and other parts of the several of my Democratic colleagues to The condemnation from around the South until the 1954 Brown decision. As one participate this evening. And I will say country came swiftly. Now, I have con- southern Senator put it, ‘‘The Negroes . . . that I still do hope that we might have trol of the floor now for an hour, and I flocked in . . . and there was only one way a chance to do that. And one of our could easily fill the entire 1 hour sim- out . . . and that was to deny . . . suffrage Democratic colleagues did come up to ply by reading the scathing editorials entirely to every human being in the District.’’ me and say that he had hoped to par- that have come about over the past Former Republican Senator Edward Brooke, ticipate. week reproaching the Democratic lead- a native Washingtonian and the Nation’s first I thought that this was very impor- ership for their petulant act. The New popularly elected black Senator wrote, ‘‘The tant, because I knew that when the York Times, the Los Angeles Times, experience of living in a segregated city and of President sent, a week ago today, when the Washington Post, hardly mouth- serving in our segregated armed forces per- he sent the implementing legislation pieces for Republicans or President haps explains why my party’s work on the Vot- for the U.S/Colombia Free Trade Agree- Bush. And even Speaker PELOSI’s ing Rights Act reauthorization last year and on ment, a 60-day clock, under trade pro- hometown newspaper, the San Fran- the pending D.C. House Voting Rights Act has motion authority, would begin. We cisco Chronicle. All, Madam Speaker, been so important to me personally. The irony would have 60 legislative days to hold a have had the harshest of words for the of course, is that I had to leave my hometown vote on the agreement. This meant dangerous and unprecedented action to get representation in Congress and to be- that the House of Representatives that was taken here last week. come a Member.’’ would face a vote on the U.S./Colombia Now, I’ll read just a few of those Today, on Tax Day, we need to move to Free Trade Agreement some time in highlights. I mentioned Speaker abolish the irony and the tragedy of the many probably late July. That would leave PELOSI’s hometown newspaper, the San who have come to the Nation’s capital seeking us 3 months for debate, discussion, edu- Francisco Chronicle, a paper that I ac- freedom for well over 200 years. It is on this cation, and enlightenment about what tually enjoy reading myself, but again, day, that D.C. residents pay their Federal in- this agreement would mean to the far from being a Republican mouth- come taxes without a vote. American people. piece. They accuse Speaker PELOSI of Presently, only three votes are needed for However, despite the ample time ‘‘pandering’’ and ‘‘playing politics.’’ Senate passage of the D.C. Voting Rights Bill. granted under trade promotion author- It points out that the decision to I am a supporter of the bill in the House. I ap- ity, I knew that many of my col- block a vote on the agreement is espe- peal to your conscience and ask for your vote leagues, particularly my Democratic cially egregious, considering that she so that finally there will be a vote for your fel- colleagues, remained deeply ambiva- represents a region that heavily de- low Americans here, who have paid for this lent on the trade agreement itself. We pends on exports for its economic com- precious right many times over in blood and certainly saw that as we had this de- petitiveness and job creation, particu- tears. Support the voting rights bill today. bate last week. larly through its ports. f For this reason, it was my hope that My hometown paper, the Los Angeles this special order this evening would be Times, stated it very plainly, and I COLOMBIA FREE TRADE opening the 3-month discussion in a bi- quote. ‘‘Halting the vote wasn’t about AGREEMENT partisan way, and what I wanted to do the U.S. economy and wasn’t about Co- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under was I wanted to shift the focus away lombia. It was about politics.’’ That’s the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- from the free trade agreement, and I’d what the Los Angeles Times, again, uary 18, 2007, the gentleman from Cali- hoped that a group of Republicans and hardly a Republican mouthpiece, had fornia (Mr. DREIER) is recognized for 60 Democrats who’ve gone to Colombia to say. minutes as the designee of the minor- could come together here on the House It points out that the FTA creates ity leader. floor to simply share our experiences quite a bind for the Democratic leader- Mr. DREIER. Madam Speaker, thank and describe what we’ve seen in Colom- ship because what is good for their you very much. It is true that today is bia, over the past year, or at least a party is bad for the United States of the day that the American people have half a year. America. their obligation to pay taxes for the I knew that much of the free trade It highlights the current imbalance American government to continue to agreement debate would hinge on the in our trade relationship. We have an function. And obviously, there are current situation, as it exists in Co- open market, yet face barriers in Co- many good things that the Federal lombia, what progress has been made, lombia. Government does, and there are many what steps has the Colombian govern- I’ll say that again. And Los Angeles not so good things that the Federal ment taken. Times pointed that out, Madam Speak- Government does. I wanted this debate to stay ground- er. We allow the rest of the world, in- But one of the things that I think is ed in facts and a full understanding of cluding Colombia now, under the very important for us to focus atten- the Colombia, of 2008, not a caricature ATPA, the Andean Trade Preference tion on, especially as we deal with a of the Colombia past. I’d thought that Agreement, we allow them access to challenging economy, is the need for us bipartisan, firsthand testimony would the U.S. consumer market. All this to ensure that, as stewards of those further that goal of allowing the Amer- agreement that we had hoped to be de- taxpayer dollars, those dollars fund ican people and our colleagues to un- bating now, but the clock has stopped this institution, the greatest delibera- derstand the changes that have taken on that. All this agreement would do tive body known to man, and we need place in Colombia. was level that playing field and allow

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To add to the absurdity, bilitation and reintegration into soci- clares that last week’s actions ‘‘reduce they do it in the name of protecting ety with the help of government-funded the United States’ credibility and le- American workers. social programs. The same has been of- verage in Colombia and beyond,’’ add- Now, we’re in a time, as I said, today fered to rank-and-file guerrillas who ing that it ‘‘serves human rights in Co- is Tax Day, April 15. We’re dealing, un- wish to surrender their arms. lombia no good’’ whatsoever. The cause fortunately, with an economic slow- Now, Madam Speaker, I had the op- of human rights, about which many of down, and there is a great deal of eco- portunity to witness the real-world im- our colleagues rarely talk, and which nomic anxiety throughout the United plications of these demobilization ef- we’re all concerned about, would do no States of America and in other parts of forts. When I was in Colombia last Au- good by not proceeding with consider- the world. You might think that we gust, several of my colleagues and I ation. could finally put politics aside and had the chance to sit down with former The New York Times is certainly, as make the rational, logical decision to paramilitary members. These are I said, no knee-jerk supporter of the give American workers equal treat- young men and women, and I do mean agreement. Actually, they, last year, ment and to protect American exports young, teenagers in most cases, who in the New York Times, proposed post- by creating new markets for U.S. goods had heart-wrenching tales to share poning the consideration. And that was and services. But unfortunately, and with us. We heard from one young man last year. And yet this year they are bizarrely, that’s apparently not the who described his parents’ murder strong proponents of our moving ahead case. By blocking a vote on the Colom- right before his eyes. In his grief and with this. bia Free Trade Agreement, the Demo- anger, he turned to vigilantism. Like The Washington Post, Madam Speak- cratic leadership has blocked a clear so many Colombians spanning multiple er, was the quickest of all the major win for our exports and the workers generations, he experienced the horror papers to condemn Speaker PELOSI’s who produce those exports. of violence, and he turned to violence decision, equating the move to telling himself. b 2045 Colombia to ‘‘drop dead.’’ That’s what The leaders of these paramilitary the Washington Post had to say, and The second form of damage that has groups, like their guerrilla counter- calling into question the Democrats been done is in the international arena. parts, committed heinous acts of vio- credibility and judgment. Again, we wander into the absurd. lence and are now paying their debt to The message from around the Nation Time and again, I hear my Democratic society. As remarkable an achievement has been clear and unequivocal. The colleagues decry what they call our di- as that is, the much harder part is unprecedented rule change was a grave minished standing in the world. Presi- bringing these young men and women, mistake that should be corrected im- dent Bush has, in fact, diminished our like those who I met, back into soci- mediately by proceeding with a vote. standing and in fact is a big part of the ety. The damage described in those edi- presidential campaign. I met them at a vocational training torials is twofold, economic and inter- They accuse the administration of facility where they are learning the national. Now, I would add an addi- unilateralism and a disregard for our skills that will allow them to provide tional level to that that really hasn’t allies. They say that that has hurt our for themselves and become responsible been pointed to in a lot of these edi- leadership and our credibility in the members of society. They’re learning torials, the institutional damage that international community. And in the to leave their violent past behind them has been done. presidential campaign, they promise, and contribute to a peaceful and pros- Now, first the economic damage. As I Senators CLINTON and OBAMA, they perous Colombia. said just a moment ago, the Andean promise to restore our prestige. These efforts undertaken by Presi- Trade Preferences Act, which Congress And yet the Democratic leadership dent Uribe’s government are already renewed just a few weeks ago, allows raced to sabotage our relationship with serving as a model for other post-con- all Colombian goods, virtually all Co- our best and closest ally in South flict countries that have faced similar lombian goods to enter the United America with what could only be de- challenges. The process, Madam Speak- States duty free. They have full access scribed as reckless abandon. Following er, of demobilization and reconciliation to our market, and we don’t get the a mere 1 hour of debate, they chose to is not easy. There is still a great deal same treatment today. American goods treat our close democratic friend in our of work that needs to be done. While face an average of 14 percent tariff on very own hemisphere, a slap in the face most paramilitary groups have been goods that we are sending into the Co- is the way this was described by the dismantled, there are still vigilantes in lombian market, with agricultural Vice President of Colombia, or as the the jungle. There are still violent lead- products facing particularly steep bar- Las Vegas Review Journal put it, a ers at large who must go to jail. The riers. stab in the back. That’s how the action guerrilla groups have yet to lay down These preferences, like all of our that was taken here last week has been their arms. And even as demobilization preference system, have enjoyed over- characterized. goes forward, the work of reintegration whelming bipartisan support in Con- Colombian democracy has grown will take years. gress. So Democrats and Republicans steadily stronger under the courageous But, Madam Speaker, I saw first- have come together to say that we leadership of President Uribe with hand, as I know my colleagues who are should allow these Colombian goods to whom I spoke today. His popularity going to be participating in this Spe- come into the United States, their has soared above 70 percent and stayed cial Order have. Tough work is being products, whether it’s coffee, cut flow- there because he took his country from done, and it is being done with great ers, bananas, it allows them to vir- the brink of a failed State and put it success. tually tariff free come into United back on the path of peaceful and pros- At the same time this trans- States. So Democrats and Republicans perous stability. He’s strengthened formation is taking place, Colombia alike said that’s good for our con- democratic institutions, not least of has also faced a formidable foe of de- sumers. which is a Justice Department that has mocracy on its border. We all know And yet, this free trade agreement, aggressively tackled the culture of im- very well. Hugo Chavez has long been which would end the imbalance and ex- punity for murderers. working to dismantle democratic insti- tend that same preferential treatment Under Uribe’s presidency, crime has tutions and free markets in his country for American exports, is opposed by the plummeted, largely because he has ag- of Venezuela and to export his authori- Democratic leadership. gressively pursued the eco-terrorist tarian designs throughout the region. It’s a bizarre quirk of American poli- guerillas and the equally murderous He suppressed dissent, trashed the Ven- tics. The Democrats always support paramilitaries. The former have been ezuelan constitution and squashed free

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.140 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2336 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 enterprise. He’s interfered with the ambiguous in its demands. I was in- Majority Leader HOYER to make a com- elections of his neighbors and drawn volved in the negotiations in putting mitment to hold a vote on this very Ecuador and Bolivia into his orbit. trade promotion authorities together. important Colombia Free Trade Agree- He keeps company with Daniel Or- It is very, very rigorous because I be- ment prior to the August recess. I call tega, Fidel Castro, and Mahmoud lieve in the first branch of government, on them to quit demagoging this issue Ahmedinejad. His anti-democratic in- I’m a believer in this institution, and I and let their rank-and-file Members stitutions for this hemisphere are no believe that we have very important vote their conscience. secret, and he is as openly hostile to rights. I will say that I completely disagree the region’s bulwarks of democracy as The requirements for any adminis- with the statement made by Speaker he is to the United States of America. tration under Trade Promotion Au- PELOSI here last week. She said that Just weeks ago, he sent troops to his thority are laid out very clearly, and one of the reasons she didn’t want this border with Colombia in a naked act of as my colleagues who are here on the vote is that she was afraid it would go hostility. Flush with oil money, we all floor know, this administration fol- down to defeat. As I look at my col- know that Hugo Chavez poses a grave lowed those directives to the letter in leagues who have joined me here, we’ve threat to Latin America. both spirit and in letter. They followed been working in a bipartisan way, and President Uribe, facing enormous it to a T. These requirements were de- I’m not going to state the names of any challenges within his own borders and signed to ensure that Congress is con- of my colleagues on the other side of on the front lines of this ideological sulted at every single step of the way. the aisle; but the fact of the matter is, battle, is standing up. Colombia, under This goal was demonstrably and un- in going through this 3-month process, his leadership, is actively countering equivocally achieved. I have every confidence that a bipar- the influence of Hugo Chavez by acting But under Trade Promotion Author- tisan majority of this institution as a model of the great gains to be ity, there are two sets of processes: would recognize that helping American made in a free and transparent democ- There is the negotiating process, which workers, strengthening a democratic racy. closely involves Congress but is led by ally, doing everything that we can for With seemingly little thought for the the administration, and there is the the word of this institution, would be cause of democracy or U.S. interests, congressional process. Both processes the right thing to do. I know that be- the Democratic leadership has dis- are unambiguously defined by very cause, frankly, more than a few Demo- regarded both with last week’s vote. strict timetables. crats have told me that they want to Only time will tell the extent of the The first timeline was followed. The have a choice to vote for and support damage to our relationship with Co- second timeline was abrogated. One this measure. lombia or our struggle to rein in the side followed the rules in good faith; Passage of the U.S.-Colombia Free influence of Hugo Chavez. The damage the other side cheated. The Charlottes- Trade Agreement is clearly in our eco- to our credibility may be even more ville Daily Progress outlined the impli- nomic and our foreign policy interest. durable, unfortunately. cations of these actions perfectly, and Blocking it is clearly not. And chang- We have now sent a clear message to they said, ‘‘If rules of procedure mean ing the rules in the middle of the game our partners: our word at the negoti- nothing, then the legislative process because you’re afraid of a fair fight is ating table is cheap, and if we don’t can be warped, and moreover, it can be not defensible. It’s time for us to exert like how things are going, we will just warped at the discretion of a single true leadership as an institution and change the rules in the middle of the powerful person. This is not the way make sure that we pass this agree- process. The implications extend well democracy should work. The effort to ment. beyond trade. The United States is en- change the rules after the process was So those are my prepared remarks, gaged in a great many negotiations on under way dishonors Congress.’’ Madam Speaker. And I’m so proud that a great many issues: Israeli-Pales- Those are not my words. Those are I have been joined by a number of my tinian peace talks, nuclear non- the words of the editorial written in colleagues, all of whom have been proliferation, regional diplomatic ef- the Charlottesville Daily Progress. great champions in this effort and have forts for Iraq. If our word to our close Madam Speaker, so much for institu- worked on the notion of expanding op- friends can’t be trusted, how will we ef- tional pride. The message the Demo- portunities for U.S. goods and services fectively engage around the globe? cratic leadership has sent is that the to be sold all around the world. Our credibility, Madam Speaker, and ends justify the means. And what lofty And one of the great leaders who has our leadership in the international goal did they sacrifice institutional in- been pursuing this, specifically in this community can hardly endure when tegrity for? Killing an agreement, kill- hemisphere for many, many years and they are so casually disregarded by ing an agreement that extends pref- was a great champion of the Central this body. erential treatment to American work- American Free Trade Agreement and a This was the main thrust of the criti- ers and strengthens a key democratic wide range of other free trade initia- cism from editorial boards across the ally in our own hemisphere. tives, comes from a State, by the way, country. But to economic and foreign No wonder the condemnation came so that is the headquarters for Cater- policy damage, I would add institu- swiftly, and my staff has done a great pillar, and we know that by not passing tional damage. Ironically, the vote to deal of research. We have yet to find an this free trade agreement, we are pre- kill the free trade agreement succeeded editorial that is in support of the ac- venting good, hardworking Caterpillar because the Democratic leadership ef- tions of the Speaker. As I said, her employees from having an opportunity fectively argued to its membership hometown paper, the New York Times, to duty-free sell their very important that it was in the House’s interest, this the Washington Post, on and on and on, equipment into Colombia. And I’m very institution’s interest to do so. They ap- we’re going to discuss some of those happy at this time to yield to my very, pealed to that institutional and party further in just a minute. It is not too very good friend who I’m saddened to pride. I have already discussed the late though, Madam Speaker, it is not say will not be joining us in the 111th issue of party pride, Madam Speaker, too late to correct this. Congress because he’s chosen to retire as the L.A. Times editorialized, it’s no We were supposed to have a 3-month to spend time with his wonderful, won- secret on this issue, Democratic party process of debate and deliberations. We derful and very young family, but I’m interests run counter to our Nation’s can still have it. We were supposed to happy to yield to my friend from Illi- interest. have a vote at the end of that process. nois (Mr. WELLER). But the claims of institutional pre- The Democratic leadership can still Mr. WELLER of Illinois. I want to rogative are utterly specious. During commit to do it. thank the gentleman for yielding. I the rule debate last week, I went I mentioned the fact that I spoke also want to thank Mr. DREIER for your through the administration’s require- with President Uribe a few hours ago. leadership tonight as well as your con- ments under Trade Promotion Author- He’s patient and he’s optimistic. tinuous leadership on trade issues be- ity chapter and verse, and I won’t be- Frankly, he has no choice other than cause, as you pointed out, the actions labor them here. Suffice it to say, the to be patient and optimistic. Madam of this House last week have done a lot Trade Promotion Authority was not Speaker, I call on Speaker PELOSI and of damage to the reputation not only

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.141 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2337 to the House of Representatives but growth going on in the Andean region, most dangerous spot in the world. And the reputation of the United States in which Colombia is leading, and a lot of now Medellin has a murder rate that is Latin America. that is in the energy and the mining too high. We have a murder rate that is President Uribe is a popular elected and raw material sector, which means too high in the District of Columbia. official. This Congress has an 18 per- they’re going to use construction We have a murder rate that is too high cent approval rating. President Uribe equipment. And right now, the con- in the United States of America. But enjoys an 80 percent approval rating struction equipment that union work- the transformation of Medellin under because he’s made such progress in ad- ers make in the district I represent, the great Mayor Sergio Fajardo, with dressing five decades of violence and places like Joliet, Aurora, Pontiac and whom I’m sure you met, has been so civil problems in the democratic Re- Decatur, it faces a 15 percent tariff dramatic. His leadership and the lead- public of Colombia. And as a result, when exported to Colombia. Now, some ership of President Uribe has just today, 73 percent of Colombians say would say, what does that mean? transformed that city. Is that what my they feel more secure because of Presi- That’s a 15 percent tax on the price of friend found? dent Uribe’s leadership, but also they that bulldozer. So that makes U.S. Mr. CARTER. Absolutely. Trans- feel that he has brought security while products less competitive, say, than formed it completely. It’s a joy to be in respecting human rights. competing with Japan. Medellin, it really is. And, you know, the Medellin cartels are gone, and they b 2100 Mr. DREIER. If I could reclaim my time, I would say taxes are something are prospering. Mr. DREIER. If I could reclaim my very important today to discuss. I And, you know, they talked to us and time, I would like to pose a question, if mean, we talk about that tax on April they said, look, we are trying to stand I might, to my friend. 15. up for democracy and free enterprise, As we hear this 73 percent support Mr. WELLER of Illinois. And of we believe in this system. And this level in Colombia, we know that the course these tariffs would be elimi- trade agreement is the linchpin that opposition here in the United States to nated immediately upon implementa- holds it all together for this country this is being led by the AFL–CIO and tion of the U.S-Colombia Trade Agree- that has worked so desperately to solve organized labor. Now, I’m sure that my ment. I yield back the time, but it is so problems that, quite frankly, not very friend has seen in Colombia, as I have, important to point out, Illinois is a big many countries in the world would that the private sector unions in Co- winner, manufacturers as well as farm- have been able to solve. Getting 40,000 lombia are strongly supportive of this ers. people to lay down their arms is a agreement. Is that the case or not? Mr. DREIER. I thank my friend. I major project. I would be happy to yield to my hope that you can stay for a few min- Mr. DREIER. And Madam Speaker, I friend. utes because I know we would like to would like to ask my friend if he, in Mr. WELLER of Illinois. I thank you get in some other questions. fact, had the chance to meet with any for your generous time. When my friend began discussing the of these young people who had been This past week, as we all know, there fact that a delegation came from Co- former paramilitaries, and I wonder if was a delegation of labor leaders from lombia of union leaders to the United he has any anecdotes that he can share Colombia, including both the private States, I thought that you were going with us. sector and as well as public sector to mention the fact that a delegation Mr. CARTER. We did. We divided unions, and they made the point that of Members of the United States Con- into groups and met with an assort- the majority of industrial unions, pri- gress went last week to Colombia. One ment of both male and female. And vate sector unions support the U.S.-Co- of those who went was the distin- you’re right— lombia Trade Agreement, but the oppo- guished secretary of the Republican Mr. DREIER. Share one of those sto- sition is coming from the government Conference, our very, very good friend, ries. employees, who are not even impacted. Judge John Carter, a gentleman from Mr. CARTER. You know, the first Mr. DREIER. In no way impacted by Texas. And I would love to hear his question, they all started talking this agreement at all. thoughts, having just been in Colombia about how they joined the paramilitary Mr. WELLER of Illinois. That’s cor- a week ago, on his trip. And I am happy unit. They told about families being rect. And one point you made earlier to yield to my friend. slaughtered, being separated from their that I would like to—and I don’t want Mr. CARTER. I thank you for yield- families, having to run and escape the to be greedy with the time, you’ve been ing to me. My friend from California is guerrillas that came out of the woods. very generous. gracious to do so. And they ran to escape, and then came Mr. DREIER. I would just like to in- Let me start off by telling you what back to find their families slaughtered, clude our colleagues here with the dis- happened when I decided I was going to and so they joined a paramilitary cussion. Colombia. My daughter, who lives here group. And a question was asked, rath- Mr. WELLER of Illinois. But I would in Washington, called me up and said, er naively, I think, by us, you mean, just like to comment on one point that Daddy, I told you not to go down to Co- you were carrying weapons? Abso- you made. lombia. Didn’t you see ‘‘Clear and lutely. Every one of them, male and fe- You said Illinois is headquarters to Present Danger?’’ Didn’t you see that male, were carrying weapons. And now Caterpillar, and people think of the movie? Have you lost your mind? they are working in programs that are yellow construction equipment. There I want to point that out because I changing the culture of these people is more to it than you think, and that’s think that’s a lot of what the Amer- that joined the violent behavior. They why this trade agreement is so impor- ican people think about Colombia when have laid down their weapons. We tant. I have 8,000 Caterpillar employees it comes to their mind, they think of asked them why. They said the residing in the 11th Congressional Dis- that movie and that book. And I am comandantes said we have talked to trict of Illinois. They’re union mem- pleased to say that I was very pleas- the president, we lay down our weap- bers, every one of them. And Cater- antly surprised to find a very peaceable ons, and they did. pillar, of course, would benefit from place where an awful lot of people have They are out studying. They’re proud this, and that means their workers done an awful lot of hard work to get to say they’re getting high school edu- would as well. Half of their production violent people out of their country and cations. They’re proud to say they’re in Illinois is dependent on exports. to get those people who joined defense going to trade schools. A few were Mr. DREIER. So maybe there would bands and guerrilla bands to lay down proud to say they had received admis- be more than 11,000 workers if this their weapons. sion to university. These were jungle agreement were to go through. Mr. DREIER. Madam Speaker, I fighters just a short while ago, and now Mr. WELLER of Illinois. There would would like to ask my friend, did you they are coming into society and work- be. And their growth has come as a re- have a chance to visit Medellin? ing very hard because they see a future sult of export. Mr. CARTER. I was in Medellin. for Colombia. And this future rests But the point that really needs to be Mr. DREIER. Medellin was the mur- upon a world of free enterprise and made is there is tremendous economic der capital of the world, clearly the trade, and this agreement starts the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.142 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2338 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 process that gives them many opportu- world, prunes, are grown there, wal- trade unionists by right-wing paramilitary nities for free trade around the world. nuts, almonds, these specialty crops. groups. Last year, we advised Congress not Mr. DREIER. Absolutely. My friend And America cannot consume all that to ratify the trade agreement until Colombia is absolutely right. And I will tell you, we produce. As a matter of fact, one- demonstrated progress in investigating the murders and prosecuting and convicting these meetings are always, for me, I’ve third of all that we produce we need to their perpetrators. participated in several of them, very be able to export. And to be able to see, Though by no means ideal, the situation emotional. As I said in my opening re- again, talking about Colombia, what today has improved. Thirty-nine trade marks, I remember very vividly seeing this does for American workers, we unionists were killed last year, down from this young, I mean, a kid, he said he just heard about Caterpillar from our 197 in 2001, the year before the government of ´ was 18 years old when he watched the good friend from Illinois (Mr. WELLER) Alvaro Uribe came to office. Prosecutors ob- just earlier in his district, the thou- tained 36 convictions for the murder of trade Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colom- unionists—up from 11 in 2006 and only one in bia, the FARC, which we all know that sands that it affects. And so it affects 2001. The budget of the prosecutor general’s acronym, they came in and they mur- in the district I represent. office has increased every year. Last year, it dered his mother and father right in Right now, because of our duty free created a special unit to prosecute labor front of him. And of course he was, like status for the Andean nations, which murders that has obtained 13 sentences. any of us would be, so angry and so bit- we’ve gone in to try to help Colombia, Pressure from the United States Congress ter that he joined with the para- Colombia was not always this great na- has contributed to this progress, nudging the Colombian government with its offer that military and began being, as you said tion where some 42,000 former para- military, as we were talking about ear- gains on the human rights front would lead so well, Mr. CARTER, a guerrilla fighter. to ratification of the trade agreement. Wash- And he was able to become productive lier, have gone from fighting the coun- ington must sustain the pressure to ensure because of the trade schools that have try to now being part of the country the energetic prosecution of crimes by para- been put into place. and supporting them. As we know, it military thugs and further reduce violence And the patriotism that these young wasn’t always that way. And so some against union members. It has a powerful Colombians have for their country and years ago we gave these Andean na- tool to do so: about $600 million a year in their desire for a peaceful nation is so tions, including Colombia, Peru, Pan- mostly military aid for Colombia to combat ama, and others, the ability to be able drug trafficking. The money must be ap- great. They were forced into this be- proved by Congress every year. cause these narcoterrorists in the to export into the United States duty Rejecting or putting on ice the trade FARC were resorting to murdering free, duty free, but yet we still have ex- agreement would reduce the United States’ their parents. And so many others have port duties, some as high as 60, 70 per- credibility and leverage in Colombia and be- been tragically murdered there. To see cent, going into their country. yond. In a letter last year to Congressional this take place and to hear those indi- And what this free trade agreement Democrats, a group of Democratic heavyweights from the Clinton administra- vidual stories, they are very, very emo- would do is it would be able to give us the same access to their markets that tion and previous Congresses wrote: ‘‘Walk- tional. In fact, as you listen to these ing away from the Colombia trade agreement people, I mean, I’m getting emotional they currently have to ours, to our rice, to our walnuts, to our wheat, to or postponing it until conditions are perfect thinking about it because of the fact would send an unambiguous signal to our that these young people who have been our corn, to other commodities that friends and opponents alike that the United forced into this are now becoming pro- are so very, very important. States is an unreliable partner without a vi- So it is important what we’re doing. ductive members of society. And the sion for cooperation in our hemisphere.’’ It It’s important not only for, we were notion of our not doing what we can to would serve human rights in Colombia no discussing the change in Colombia good. bring about peace and stability in this itself, which is our strongest ally in Unfortunately, the agreement has become hemisphere is, I think, very, very dis- South America; we cannot turn our entangled in political jockeying between the tressing. back on them, we cannot slap them in White House and Democrats. The Democrats I am happy to see that we’re joined are right to demand assistance for American the face. by the very distinguished ranking workers, and the Bush administration should And Madam Speaker, I would like to member of the Subcommittee on Trade work with Congress to expand the safety net place into the RECORD some of these of the Ways and Means Committee, my for workers displaced by globalization. But editorials that you were speaking this should not stop the Colombian trade California colleague, Mr. HERGER. And about, Mr. DREIER, for the RECORD. pact from coming to fruition. I would be happy to yield for some [From the New York Times, Apr. 12, 2008] comments to my very good friend. [From the Washington Post, Apr. 10, 2008] TIME FOR THE COLOMBIAN TRADE PACT Mr. HERGER. Well, I want to thank DROP DEAD, COLOMBIA American workers are understandably anx- my good friend, Mr. DREIER, for setting ious. Their incomes went nowhere through The year 2008 may enter history as the this up this evening. six years of economic growth. Many are los- time when the Democratic Party lost its way This is so incredibly important. It’s ing their jobs as the economy slips into re- on trade. Already, the party’s presidential important to our Nation, it’s impor- cession. Yet concern about workers’ plight candidates have engaged in an unseemly con- tant to our workers at a time when should not lead Congressional Democrats to test to adopt the most protectionist posture, we’re seeing our economy dipping, reject the trade agreement with Colombia. suggesting that, if elected, they might pull when we need to be able to produce This deal would benefit the American econ- out of the North American Free Trade omy and further the nation’s broader inter- Agreement. Yesterday, House Speaker Nancy jobs. And we look at how we produce Pelosi declared her intention to change the jobs. Since last year, some 27 percent ests in Latin America. It is time for Congress to ratify it. procedural rules governing the proposed of our increase in gross domestic prod- The trade pact would produce clear bene- trade promotion agreement with Colombia. uct came from exports. It’s projected fits for American businesses and their work- President Bush submitted the pact to Con- that just this year of our increase in ers. Most Colombian exports are exempt gress on Tuesday for a vote within the next gross domestic product, some 40 per- from United States’ tariffs. American ex- 90 legislative days, as required by the ‘‘fast- cent will be again from exports. ports, however, face high Colombian tariffs track’’ authority under which the U.S. nego- And I wish it weren’t true, but it and would benefit as the so-called trade pro- tiated the deal with Colombia. Ms. Pelosi says she’ll ask the House to undo that rule. seems like perhaps the best kept secret motion agreement brought them down to zero. The likely result is no vote on the agree- in our Nation today is that the United The deal also would strengthen the institu- ment this year. Ms. Pelosi denies that her in- States is the largest trading nation in tional bonds tying the United States to Co- tent is to kill the bill, insisting yesterday the world. We’re the largest exporting lombia, one of America’s few allies in an im- that Congress simply needs more time to nation in the world. portant region that has become increasingly consider it ‘‘in light of the economic uncer- I represent, as my good friend knows, hostile to the United States’ interests. Per- tainty in our country.’’ She claimed that she a very rich agricultural district north haps most important, the deal would provide feared that, ‘‘if brought to the floor imme- of Sacramento in northern California. a tool for Colombia’s development, drawing diately, [the pact] would lose. And what mes- investment and helping the nation extricate sage would that send?’’ But Ms. Pelosi’s deci- Mr. DREIER. Beautiful area. sion-making process also included a fair Mr. HERGER. One of the richest ag- itself from the mire of poverty that provides sustenance to drug trafficking and a bloody component of pure Washington pique: She riculture areas in the world, second insurgency. accused Mr. Bush of ‘‘usurp[ing] the discre- largest rice producing district. Some 60 Violence in Colombia is way too high. We tion of the speaker of the House’’ to schedule percent of all the dried plums in the remain very concerned over the killing of legislation.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:23 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.144 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2339 That political turf-staking, and the Demo- ship. I’m glad to join all the Members now coming at a disadvantage to their crats’ decreasingly credible claims of a here tonight on this important issue. neighbors, in Peru and Central Amer- death-squad campaign against Colombia’s The reason this country is so dis- ican countries. So they actually lost trade unionists, constitutes all that’s left of the case against the agreement. Economi- mayed by the action last week is that ground from a jobs perspective. cally, it should be a no-brainer—especially it was such a huge loss for American And, finally, to turn our back on at a time of rising U.S. joblessness. At the jobs, for security in our hemisphere, what a tremendous ally, as you have moment, Colombian exports to the United and a big loss for America’s prestige noted over and over, who has made States already enjoy preferences. The trade around the world. such great progress, who we deserve to agreement would make those permanent, but b 2115 engage more and be a stronger partner it would also give U.S. firms free access to with, not to turn our back on, it’s a Colombia for the first time, thus creating Colombia’s a remarkable trading huge loss. U.S. jobs. Politically, too, the agreement is partner, as you have noted. They are a in the American interest, as a reward to a Mr. DREIER. I thank my friend for friendly, democratic government that has remarkable study and model in his very thoughtful contribution, made tremendous strides on human rights, progress, in democracy, and human Madam Speaker. despite harassment from Venezuela’s Hugo rights, pulling themselves up by their And one of the issues that has come Cha´ vez. bootstraps by rule of law and freedom to the forefront, and I would be happy To be sure, President Bush provoked Ms. of speech and freedom of trade, all the to yield to any of my colleagues who Pelosi. But he forced the issue only after American traits that you have to ad- months of inconclusive dickering convinced would like to comment on this, has him that Democrats were determined to mire. They’re in our backyard. They’re been this notion that the Colombian avoid a vote that would force them to accept in our hemisphere. A remarkable trad- Government is somehow murdering accountability for opposing an agreement ing partner. union leaders. We have continued to that is manifestly in America’s interest. It I think last week many in America hear this. And it is true. In the past it’s turns out his suspicions were correct. wondered just what happened to this been absolutely outrageous to see the ‘‘I take this action with deep respect to the great country. Who could imagine that people of Colombia and will be sure that any treatment. message they receive is one of respect for America, with the world’s largest econ- But in the last several years under their country, and the importance of the omy, would cower from Colombia be- the leadership of President Uribe, very friendship between our two countries,’’ Ms. hind walls of protectionism? Who could important steps have been taken to Pelosi protested yesterday. Perhaps Colom- imagine the world’s strongest democ- bring to justice any of those who have bia’s government and people will understand. racy would be afraid to even debate, been responsible for the heinous act of We don’t. even consider this agreement? And who murdering these union leaders. And the Mr. DREIER. Madam Speaker, let me could imagine, by changing the rules government has done something which express my appreciation to my friend after we had already shaken hands and is totally unprecedented. The govern- for pointing to these editorials be- signed an agreement, that we would ment does not want to see union lead- cause, as I said a few minutes ago, send a signal to the rest of the world ers killed; so what do they do? There we’ve done a great deal of research. that we are no longer not even a reli- are 1,500 union leaders who enjoy full We’ve been trying desperately to find able trade leader in this world but we security protection paid for by the an editorial anywhere in this country are not even reliable negotiators, that Government of Colombia. And yet we that has been written in support of the our word, our bond, our agreements continually hear arguments put for- egregious action taken by the Demo- mean nothing? ward by our friends at the AFL–CIO cratic leadership in this institution, And the loss in jobs, as you know, that ‘‘the Colombian Government is undermining the ability to open up this America is wide open, Mr. DREIER. As murdering our brothers.’’ I mean I’ve very important new market for U.S. you know, we can buy anything from heard that chant over and over and workers, agricultural products and almost any country anywhere we want manufactured goods. We hear from over again. Because, of course, as these in our communities. very thoughtful arguments that my California and Illinois and other States Mr. DREIER. And that’s a good as well. And I actually have, I think, colleagues have put forward are there, thing. the only response that they can have is about 15 of these editorials here with Mr. BRADY of Texas. But when we some incredible quotes that are pretty the Colombian Government is mur- try to sell our goods and services damning. And again, these come from dering, is murdering, our brothers. around the world, we find too much of publications that are hardly considered I would be happy to further yield to it blocked. As we have said before, it’s Republican mouth pieces. my friend. You know, we had this very harsh not enough anymore to just buy Amer- Mr. BRADY of Texas. Very briefly, criticism level at the President of the ican. We have to sell American. We Judge Carter was with me and others United States, and he somehow was have to sell our goods and services here 2 weeks ago as we met with the trying to ram this thing through and throughout the world. But when we do, general prosecutor, an independent rush it. We know that this agreement, we find so much of the world is closed prosecutor, for the country of Colom- the negotiation began 4 years ago, it off, locked away from us. bia. was completed 2 years ago, and a year Colombia, a great partner, has been Mr. DREIER. I believe he’s called the and a half ago it was signed. There selling their goods and services into Fiscalia. have been constant attempts to bring America since 1991, but we face real Mr. BRADY of Texas. Yes. And he this up; 27 meetings held with the barriers when we try to do the same, told us straight out, because we asked Democratic leadership by this adminis- and this trade agreement creates that him, he said there is no thread, no di- tration, and yet, as has been pointed two-way trade. rect or indirect thread at all, between out in these editorials, this terrible ac- For Texas I know it’s critical. We’re the Colombian Government and any tion was taken. the largest seller of goods to Colombia. murders of anyone, much less union I’m very pleased that one of the great We sell about a little over a billion dol- leaders. And he said what you’ve said, free traders in this institution who rep- lars a year in chemicals, construction, that this government has not only sat resents the very important port town equipment and machinery and com- down to prosecute those who would of Houston, Texas, has joined us, an- puters. And under this agreement we commit violent crimes against union other hardworking member of the would sell another billion dollars of not leaders but provides protection. In fact, Ways and Means—I guess we’ve got only that but grapefruit and beef and it is safer to be a union leader in Co- three members of the Ways and Means financial services. A number of services lombia than just the general popu- Committee here, so I’m particularly our small businesses could sell into Co- lation might be. That is such an effort pleased to have members of that very, lombia, our neighbor in the backyard they have made. That government is very important committee with us, in- and in our hemisphere. So we lost jobs providing a lower level of violence, a cluding my good friend, as I said, from here in America. safer country for all citizens. Houston, Mr. BRADY. Colombia lost jobs because they lost So the argument that they are tar- Mr. BRADY of Texas. Thank you, Mr. a guaranteed market because by not geting or that they are allowing it or DREIER. And thank you for your leader- acting, by changing the rules, they are just looking the other way is exactly

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP7.045 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2340 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 wrong, and the unions themselves told things are taking place in our hemi- hands with President Uribe and com- us that. sphere. And this Monroe Doctrine, I plete this Colombia Free Trade Agree- Mr. DREIER. That’s right because, as think, calls upon us to be good dip- ment. I pointed out earlier, the private sector lomats, good stewards of the money, Mr. DREIER. So basically this would unions, and Mr. WELLER and I had this and good promoters of trade, taking best be described as a win-win all the exchange, are very supportive of this. care of American jobs and protecting way around. It’s a winner for the cause And I suspect that on your trip, you our opportunity to compete in the rest of democracy and freedom and the rule had a chance to meet with a number of of the world. All of this comes together of law in South America, which we all those union leaders. in this Colombia Free Trade Agree- know is very important. It’s a winner Let me just say that one Member ment. when it comes to stopping those drug who is here that we haven’t heard from What happened here in this Congress traffickers who are selling drugs, poi- is the distinguished gentleman from was a shameful act. And Americans soning our children and grandchildren. Iowa. have to be viewed as having character, And then we look at the opportunity Madam Speaker, I would be very the kind of character that holds up created for the United States of Amer- happy to yield to my friend from Iowa when a business deal is a deal. We did ica, our workers. They’re greatly bene- (Mr. KING). more than shake hands on this. This fited by this. Mr. KING of Iowa. I thank the gen- Congress passed it. The President And that’s why I continue to try to tleman from California for yielding, signed it. This agreement was nego- figure out why it is that anyone would and I thank him especially for gath- tiated under terms that said this trade oppose this. I mean we use the term ering us together here for this Special agreement will come to the floor of ‘‘no brainer’’ to describe this. It really Order. this House and it will be brought for- is a no brainer. We used that in the de- Being mindful of the clock, there are ward for a vote, up or down, in 90 days. bate last week. I know that the distin- a few points I would like to make. And That’s the deal. That’s the deal it was guished ranking member of the Ways one of them is to address our trade def- negotiated under. That’s the deal that and Means Committee, Mr. MCCRERY, icit. We have had a trade deficit over it should have been brought to the and a couple of others have said this is the last several years that has grown floor of this House under. a no brainer. an average of about 20 percent a year. Mr. DREIER. Madam Speaker, I And these editorials that have been Now, it’s flattened out in this last year would like to reclaim my time so I written, I think we probably should because the weaker dollar has shifted could propound a question to my share some of the words of these publi- so that we have more exports in pro- friend, and I don’t mean to interrupt cations that often criticize Republican portion. However, I believe the dollar his very thoughtful statement. policies who have come forward with needs to be shored up. And why would But as I listened to the arguments this. I know a number of things have a nation that has a trade deficit refuse that have been made by Speaker been put forward. But one thing just to allow a trade agreement that would PELOSI and others against this, they today, the Wall Street Journal had an open up a country to allow our goods to said we have an economy that is weak- editorial that was in strong support of go in? ening. We all know that is the case. a letter, an open letter, that came from I’m astonished continually at the Our economy is facing very serious former senior administration officials continuing shift on the part of the challenges. Here again, this is Tax Day, from the Clinton administration and Democrats. And I looked through the April 15, and it is hard for people to Democratic Members of Congress, and trade agreements that we have dealt make ends meet. It has become more it was signed by 35 of them, former col- with here since I have been in this Con- difficult. So the argument has been leagues of ours who are Democrats. gress, and I’m thinking of trade agree- made. I hear Speaker PELOSI regularly And it includes people, by the way, just ments like Singapore and Chile and say we need to focus on American some of the signatories of this letter, Australia and Morocco, the Central workers and their concerns rather than the former Commerce Secretary Wil- American Free Trade Agreement, DR– some kind of agreement, and so we liam Daley, who is from Mr. WELLER’s CAFTA. All of those gave us opportuni- should put off this agreement until our State that we talked about; Stuart ties that were advantageous to us. And economy is stronger. Eizenstat, a very prominent brilliant the logic in this is just as clear and And I just don’t quite understand economic mind; General Barry McCaf- simple: If you market something or if that. And I wonder if my friend might frey; our former colleague who was a you’re doing business with people, enlighten me on exactly what the point Republican Senator but went on to be where you buy it from is where the jobs of that statement is. the Secretary of Defense in the Clinton are. That’s where the production is. We And I further yield. administration, Bill Cohen, signed this. have production in the United States. Mr. KING of Iowa. If we took that po- So a lot of people have signed this let- We need to market more goods over- sition with every country on the globe, ter. seas. If we shore up the dollar, and I you could virtually guarantee our It says: ‘‘We believe this agreement think we should, we’re going to need to economy would collapse, not get is in both our vital national security be more aggressive marketing our stronger. We need to make every move and economic interests. We feel that goods overseas. Colombia’s sitting that we can make to improve this the treaty should be considered as soon there waiting to open that up. economy. I’m really not as concerned as possible.’’ I remind people it’s not I have to say a couple kind words as the pundits are, but it’s prudent for actually a treaty; it’s an agreement. about our pork producers. They sold us to open trade. Free trade, fair trade ‘‘We feel that the treaty should be con- $8.5 million worth of pork into Colom- smart trade is a better code word for sidered as soon as possible and that bia last year, not a lot. They’re losing this, and it means jobs in America. The any obstacles be quickly and amicably money on every head today. They need U.S. market is open to Colombia. resolved.’’ to open up this market. It would be in They’re saying, let’s open our market The letter cites ‘‘an overwhelming multiples if we would simply allow to you. I’m happy to send Caterpillars national security imperative’’ and that that tariff that’s in Colombia to dis- down there. We buy them in my busi- ‘‘President Uribe has been a strong and appear, which would happen imme- ness. And I’m happy to send the pork faithful ally. To turn our back on the diately if we could sign into this free down there that we produce and every- Colombia Free Trade Agreement would trade agreement. That’s some of the thing that we can compete with. This be a severe blow to that relationship components. global market that we’re involved in and would send a very negative mes- But I am also more concerned about demands that we export, and the West- sage to our friends in a volatile region? our relationships in the Western hemi- ern hemisphere demands that we lead. The letter praises Colombia for its sphere. And as we watch Hugo Chavez And that means we need to promote ‘‘dramatic improvement in security’’ teaming up and picking up the legacy strong, strong relationships in the and for being ‘‘a model of open market of Fidel Castro and watching the un- Western hemisphere. And as we watch democracy that supports fundamental rest that’s being promoted or watching the bullying tactics of Hugo Chavez, I U.S. national interests’’ and points out tanks roll up to the border, these think that cries out for us to shake that these are ideals that many in the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.146 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2341 region ‘‘openly scorn,’’ of course, refer- itself. So if the commitment is to trade I thank again my colleagues, Madam ring, as my friend just said, to Hugo adjustment assistance and economic Speaker, and with that I yield back the Chavez. The letter goes on to praise stimulus so that we can create more balance of my time. Uribe personally for his ‘‘great per- jobs in the United States of America, f sonal courage’’ in aggressively going the answer is, pass the U.S.-Colombia IRAN on the offensive in fighting free-trade agreement. narcoterrorists and dramatically in- I would be happy to yield to my The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under creasing drug interdiction and eradi- friend from Texas. the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- cation of criminals to the United Mr. CARTER. I agree wholeheartedly uary 18, 2007, the gentlewoman from States, or extradition of criminals. that I think an up-or-down vote and we California (Ms. WATERS) is recognized Eradication of criminals too, we want will have a Colombia free-trade agree- for 60 minutes. to do that. It also praises his substan- ment. I think that our Democratic col- GENERAL LEAVE tial progress in the issue of violence leagues will be reasonable and under- Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, I ask against trade unionists, pointing out stand this. And I think we have the unanimous consent that all Members that Uribe has provided special secu- votes to get it done. may have 5 legislative days in which to rity protection to some 9,400 individ- But I think Speaker PELOSI needs to revise and extend their remarks and in- uals. This number says including 1,900 release this and let us have a vote. clude extraneous material. trade unionists. I said 1,500, and this That is the key thing. And you notice The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there letter that these officials of the Clin- that letter you just read kept talking objection to the request of the gentle- ton administration and former Demo- about national security. What we real- woman from California? cratic Members of the United States ly have here, if you look at it closely, There was no objection. Congress said 1,900 trade unionists have is a contest of two socialist—we used Ms. WATERS. The subject of my Spe- been able to receive this kind of pro- to call them Communist—a regime in cial Order is Iran. tection. Hugo Chavez, and we have Uribe who is Madam Speaker, at the time the war And that’s why I implore my col- trying to create a free democracy, and in Iraq began in March of 2003, who leagues in the Democratic leadership a free enterprise system. These are would have thought that we were being to bring this up for a vote. two, side-by-side competing systems led into perhaps the worst foreign pol- Mark my words, and I would ask any that will influence that entire con- icy disaster in America’s history? of my colleagues who are here if they tinent. Many of us voted against the war au- disagree with my assessment, if after And that is why this is in our na- thorization in the first place. But we go through these arguments, which tional security interest. It is not just a many more Members wish they had we have begun talking about tonight trade agreement which is going to ben- voted against it. We now know that and we talked a little bit about last efit American workers. It is a security this country was led into this war with week, is there any doubt that we would agreement that points to the direction faulty intelligence and a deafening war have strong bipartisan support with that we stand up for what we believe drum from the administration. many Democrats joining with us in in, democracy and free enterprise. The question that we raise tonight is support of this? Mr. DREIER. My friend makes a very this: Could the Bush administration good and important point here. And I possibly be planning for a war with b 2130 was talking to my colleague, Dan Lun- Iran? There isn’t any empirical evi- I would be happy to yield to any of gren, who served here, I was pleased to dence to prove that the Bush adminis- my colleagues who have any thoughts serve with him during the 1980s when tration is planning for war. But there or comments on that at all. I suspect we were in the midst, and I know my are experts that are indeed worried you might agree with me, but if you friend from California came in 1986 to that the same playbook that was used have any thoughts on it, I would be this institution. We have spent time, to bring this country into the Iraq war happy to. energy, resources and weapons in deal- is now being used to toward Iran. The Mr. BRADY, you look like you would ing with the expansion of Communism administration is pushing suspect in- like to cast your vote. in Central America as we were pro- telligence. And it has severely in- Mr. BRADY of Texas. Absolutely. viding resources to the Democratic re- creased and sharpened since their rhet- There have been a number of Democrat sistance in Nicaragua known as the oric first began toward Iran. colleagues who have traveled to Colom- Contras. And we regularly hear criti- We come to the floor tonight to re- bia to see that remarkable progress cism from Democrats that what we sist efforts by this administration to firsthand, who have assessed it them- should be doing in Iraq is we shouldn’t paint war with Iran as a necessary next selves rather than playing the politics be using weapons, we should, in fact, be step in our so-called war on terror. A of it, and who have been both public engaging and using trade and other vast majority of foreign policy and and private in their support for this things. military experts agree that war with agreement. I think all they would like And what is it we have here? We have Iran would be a colossal error. is an up-or-down vote, a fair chance to Democrats, the Democratic leadership, Allow me to spend a few minutes to debate this issue and bring it to the unfortunately, saying that as we seek explain why I feel that U.S. strikes floor. I am confident with it would to build a stronger relationship with a against Iran are a real possibility. Let pass. And I am confident we would send country that is standing up to us look at some of the signs that we a completely different signal to our al- narcoterrorists, that is standing up to may be headed for war. The increased lies like Colombia and the rest of the the expansion of Hugo Chavez on their rhetoric. The administration is build- world. borders trying to extend into the coun- ing the volume of inflammatory rhet- Mr. DREIER. Madam Speaker, my try, and they are saying ‘‘no’’ to this. oric toward Iran in a similar fashion to friend is absolutely right. And it is They are saying ‘‘no’’ to this because the run-up to the Iraq war. Strong very interesting. We have heard the somehow they believe it is going to statements about Iran’s intervention Speaker, Speaker PELOSI, talk about hurt U.S. workers. in Iraq could set the stage for U.S. at- the need for trade adjustment assist- To me it is absolutely outrageous tack on Iranian military or nuclear fa- ance, a second stimulus package. And that this has taken place. And Madam cility. Madam Speaker, I would argue that Speaker, let me express my apprecia- Surrogates in the administration, in- the Colombia free-trade agreement, tion to my colleagues for the time that cluding the President himself, have in- which will create an opportunity for they have spent here this evening. And creasingly stressed a full range of nega- more U.S. workers to sell their goods I hope very much that Speaker PELOSI tive Iranian behavior, including that and agricultural products into Colom- and the Democratic leadership will, in Iran is killing U.S. soldiers in Iraq, bia is, in fact, trade adjustment assist- fact, schedule a vote on the U.S.-Co- supplying weapons, training and fund- ance itself. And I would argue that this lombia free-trade agreement before the ing to special groups. agreement, job creating, is in fact an August recess. Let’s begin the process They also say that Iran is interfering economic stimulus package in and of of debate and voting right now. with the peace process in the Middle

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.147 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2342 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 East. And they go on to talk about military that senior military officers nizations all over this country who General Petraeus and Ambassador should have resigned when they knew want to hear from BARBARA LEE about Crocker as they argued that Iran is the the White House to be heading to a what is going on in Congress. major future threat to stability in reckless war in Iraq. The question she is most confronted Iraq. Some are speculating that the recent with is when will this Congress end the Iran seeks to build nuclear weapons. retirement of Admiral Fallon is a di- war and bring our soldiers home? What When this point was dismissed by the rect result of his steadfast opposition are you going to do about a President recent National Intelligence Estimate to war with Iran. He even made his dis- who is ignoring the will of the people stating that Iran had long since halted agreements with the administration and ignoring the will of Congress in their nuclear enrichment, the adminis- public before his retirement. their attempts to resist the continued tration criticized the report. In a now-famous profile that Admiral funding of the war? Every weekend, Allow me to read a short selection of Fallon agreed to do for Esquire maga- somewhere in this country, BARBARA clips from recent press clippings that zine, he was characterized as the only LEE is attempting to answer those expose the irresponsible rhetoric com- man standing between war with Iran. questions and engage the American ing from the Bush administration. This Let me read an excerpt from that ar- citizens about what is happening here. headline from the Daily Telegraph on ticle. I yield to BARBARA LEE. April 7, 2008: British Fear U.S. Com- This was Esquire magazine, March 11, Ms. LEE. Madam Speaker, let me mander is Beating the Drum for Iran 2008. The title is ‘‘The Man Between begin by thanking my colleague Con- Strikes. ‘‘British officials gave warning War and Peace.’’ The article goes on to gresswoman MAXINE WATERS, the gen- yesterday that America’s commander say that if in the dying light of the tlewoman from California, for orga- in Iraq will declare that Iran is waging Bush administration, we go to war nizing this very important special war against the U.S.-backed Baghdad with Iran, it will all come down to one order tonight. Let me just say to you, Government. A strong statement from man. If we do not go to war with Iran, Congresswoman WATERS, your clear General David Petraeus about Iran’s it will all come down to one, that same voice and your sound judgment as the intervention in Iraq could set the stage man. So while Admiral Fallon’s boss, co-founder of the Out of Iraq Caucus for a U.S. attack on Iranian military President George W. Bush, regularly has helped guide this antiwar move- facilities, according to a Whitehall as- trash-talks his way to world war III ment, not only here in the House of Representatives, but throughout the sessment.’’ and his administration casually casts country. Another headline: Petraeus Says Ira- Iranian President Mahmoud Your boldness and your vision in or- nian-Backed Groups Are Greatest Ahmadinejad as this century’s Hitler, a ganizing those of us who knew that Threat to Iraq. This is in the crown it has awarded once before, to this war was wrong from day one in Bloomberg News April 9, 2008. ‘‘The so- deadly effect, it’s left to Fallon, and putting together over, what, some 77 called ‘special groups,’ which are fund- apparently Fallon alone, to argue that, members now of the Out of Iraq Cau- ed, trained and armed by Iran, played a as he told al Jazeera last fall, this con- cus, I have to salute you and thank you ‘destructive role’ in the recent clashes stant drumbeat of conflict is not help- for that, because we will never go back between extremist militias and Iraqi ful and not useful. again. All we can do is go forward to Government forces in Basra and Bagh- Another sign that the U.S. may be try to end this occupation and try to dad, Petraeus said. ‘Iran has fueled the thinking about war is the offensive prevent another preemptive war violence in a particularly damaging against the Mahdi Army. Moqtada al against Iran. way,’ he told the House Armed Services Sadr has promised full-scale attacks on It is very timely that Congress- Committee today in Washington, his America’s interests in Iraq in the event woman WATERS has called us here to- second day of testimony to lawmakers. of strikes on Iran. As commander of night to sound the alarm on Iran. It is ‘Unchecked, the ‘special groups’ pose the multinational force in Iraq, Gen- truly disturbing to me to hear many of the greatest long-term threat to the vi- eral David Petraeus still presides as the same drumbeats on this adminis- ability of a Democratic Iraq.’’ the commander of the Iraqi security tration ’s march to war with Iran as we Again, that was the Bloomberg News, forces as well. Any operation against saw 5 years ago in the run-up to the April 9, 2008. the Mahdi Army would have been au- war in Iraq. So I want to provide just a Another headline, the Voice of Amer- thorized by him. What motivation did little bit of history on Iraq to draw out ica, April 2, 2008, Israel to Redistribute the United States have in fueling a vio- some of these parallels, in the hope Gas Masks Amid Fears of War with lent confrontation with the powerful that they will provide Congress and the Iran. militia at a time when al Sadr had de- American people with a clear warning ‘‘Israel’s security Cabinet has decided clared a truce and the progress of the signal. to redistribute gas masks to the entire surge was being reported to Congress? Madam Speaker, this discussion is population amid fears of a nonconven- One explanation is that recent oper- also timely today because today is tional war with Iran. The last distribu- ations against al Sadr’s militia, the April 15th, and millions of Americans tion was just before the U.S. invasion Mahdi Army, may have been meant to across our country are right now rac- of Iraq 4 years ago.’’ neutralize possible resistance inside of ing the clock to beat the tax filing Another headline in the New York Iraq in the event of a strike on Iran. deadline. Lots of them are asking, how Times, April 12, 2008. The headline b 2145 much do they owe and what is the gov- reads, Iran Fighting Proxy War in Iraq, ernment doing with their money? U.S. Envoy Says. The following five reasons are taken One answer, Madam Speaker, is that ‘‘Iran is engaging in a proxy war with verbatim from an article in U.S. News in the last 5 years, this administration the United States in Iraq, adopting tac- and World Report that was published has spent nearly a half trillion dollars tics similar to those it has used to on March 5th entitled ‘‘Six Signs the on the Iraq war and occupation. This back fighters in Lebanon, the United U.S. May Be Headed For War in Iran.’’ Iraq tax, and that is what it is, an Iraq States ambassador to Iraq said Friday. Before I go into the five reasons that tax, comes out to approximately $16,500 While Bush administration officials I have taken verbatim from this article for every American family of four. Has have long denounced what they have in U.S. News and World Report, I am the tax been worth it? Let’s look at described as Iran’s meddling in Iraq, going to recognize the Congresswoman what we have gotten in exchange. Mr. Crocker’s language was unusually from Oakland, California, BARBARA More than 4,000 of the Nation’s best strong from Mr. Bush down, adminis- LEE, who is cochair of the Progressive and bravest have been killed. More tration officials this week have been Caucus. She is one of the co-founders of than 30,000 others have been wounded, turning up the volume on Iran.’’ the Out of Iraq Caucus. She has been many suffering permanent and debili- A further sign that the U.S. may be consistent in her resistance to this war tating injuries. Tens of thousands of headed for war is Admiral Fallon’s res- in Iraq. innocent Iraqi civilians have died, and ignation. In the aftermath of the disas- She is an organizer. She is a constant millions have been internally displaced trous invasion of Iraq, there has been speaker on the speaking engagement or sought refuge in neighboring coun- discussion within media and in the circuit, speaking with groups and orga- tries. Meanwhile, the occupation of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.149 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2343 Iraq has caused serious damage to they return home many, many post- This is starting to sound like the America’s international reputation and traumatic stress issues that we have groundwork being laid for the need to created a generation, mind you, a gen- never seen before. Nearly 60,000 vet- take defensive action against Iran. eration of future enemies incensed by erans of the wars in Iraq and Afghani- This is unacceptable. We should not be the endless occupation of their country stan have been diagnosed with looking for an excuse to attack Iran. by a foreign power. posttraumatic stress disorder, and Congress should not stand for yet an- Madam Speaker, compounding the most experts in the field believe the other so-called preemptive military folly of this strategic blunder, the $500 numbers could be much higher. strike, and we should take action to billion which American taxpayers al- Some may ask, why is it necessary to clearly prohibit any such attempt ready have spent on this occupation is review this history? Well, as the old against Iran. now undermining our ability to finance saying goes, those who forget history As I stated, we have been down this the investments needed to address the are doomed to repeat it. The other rea- road before. We have learned a simple pressing domestic needs of the Amer- son for reviewing this history is be- truth from five hard and bitter years in ican people and to revive our sagging cause it goes straight to the veracity Iraq. No unjust war ever produced a economy. Given what the Iraq tax has and the credibility of this administra- just and lasting peace. It has not brought American families, and this tion that brought us this debacle and worked in Iraq. It will not work in $500 billion is quickly mounting to al- which may be maneuvering to reprise Iran. most $3 trillion very soon, is anyone its strategic and geopolitical incom- What is needed is not another rush to really surprised that the American peo- petence by taking preemptive military unwarranted, unnecessary and mis- ple are angry and demanding change? action against Iran. guided military action, but rather a The saddest aspect of this whole If you listen carefully, you can hear strong diplomatic surge for peace and story and this whole episode, Madam the same distant drumbeats of a com- reconciliation. And, yes, I do believe Speaker, is it did not have to be that ing war with Iran. The signs are very that a nuclear-armed Iran poses a dan- way. Along with 125 of my colleagues, a familiar. Nearly on a daily basis we ger. I believe we need to move forward substantial majority of House Demo- read or hear these from the administra- with nonproliferation efforts, including crats, I opposed the war, like Congress- tion, and let me just repeat a few of looking at our own arsenal of nuclear woman WATERS did, from the begin- these drumbeats that we hear. weapons in our own country. Nuclear ning, and we voted against the resolu- They say Iran is the single greatest weapons should not be an option at this tion authorizing the use of military threat to the stability in Iraq, al- point, given the dangers of the world. force. though when I asked General Petraeus So we need to address nuclear non- I offered an amendment Congress- last week if Iran was in Iraq 5 years proliferation in the context of a strong woman WATERS supported, we got 72 ago, he said they weren’t really ‘‘kiss- diplomatic initiative. votes during that period, to the origi- ing cousins.’’ I think that is what his One of the most important first steps nal use of force resolution to prohibit comment was. No, Iran was not in Iraq we should take is to have direct, com- the administration, remember this, 5 years ago. prehensive and unconditional bilateral Congresswoman WATERS, we tried, we Iran is building nuclear weapons. talks with Iran. To facilitate this goal, tried, we did everything we could do to Iran is killing American soldiers in it is imperative for the administration try to keep the administration from Iraq, arming, training and funding in- to show that it is serious in this en- taking military action until the United surgents and terrorists. deavor by appointing a special envoy. I Nations could complete their inspec- Iran is interfering with the peace think we need to appoint a special per- tions and confirm that Saddam Hus- process in the Middle East. son, an individual who does nothing sein’s regime indeed possessed weapons I am reminded how the administra- but ensure that we move forward to re- of mass destruction which it intended tion sent General Colin Powell, do you duce the tensions in the region, and to use against us or to give to our remember that, Congresswoman WA- this envoy should receive the necessary sworn enemies. TERS, the Secretary of State, by far the support to carry out his or her man- Had the Lee amendment been adopt- most effective and respective spokes- date. ed, we would have learned much sooner man, before the United Nations Secu- That is why I introduced H.R. 5056, and at far less cost what the whole rity Council to make the case to the the Iran Diplomatic Accountability world knew, that evidentially we didn’t world that Iraq posed an imminent Act of 2008. Among other things, this know, but some of us knew, but the threat to regional peace and security. bill directs the President to appoint a whole world now knows, including the The case presented by General Powell high level envoy empowered to conduct American people, that Iraq did not pose accomplished its mission, but its fac- direct, unconditional, bilateral nego- an imminent threat to the United tual foundation rested on falsehoods, tiations with Iran for the purpose of States, was not involved in the Sep- misinformation and speculation easing tensions and normalizing rela- tember 11th attacks, had no ties to al masquerading as evidence. To this day, tions between the United States and Qaeda and had no weapons of mass de- General Powell regards his perform- Iran. No one says this is going to be struction. ance that day as really a mark on an easy, but we must start somewhere. The war and occupation has also ex- otherwise distinguished career of pub- The latest National Intelligence Esti- acted an awful toll on our military lic service to our Nation. mate released last week representing force, our structure, our readiness, and General Petraeus is the 2008 version, the consensus view of our 16 intel- the men and women in uniform and quite frankly, of General Powell. He in- ligence agencies clearly indicates that their families. General Richard Cody, spires more confidence than President Iran is nowhere close to having nuclear the Army Vice Chief of Staff, testified Bush and is far more credible than Vice weapons capability. The NIE assess- before the Congress that the Army is President CHENEY. But so did General ment underscores why it is critical for out of balance. The current demand of Powell inspire and bring this credi- Congress to ensure that this adminis- our forces in Iraq and Afghanistan ex- bility to this administration, and he tration’s saber rattling against Iran ceeds the substantial supply and limits turned out to be wrong; terribly wrong. does not turn into a march to war. We our ability to provide ready forces for Again last week, General Petraeus have been down this path before. other contingencies. testified that Iranian-backed so-called Madam Speaker, in conclusion, the Because of this administration’s mis- special groups posed the greatest long- last 5 years in Iraq demonstrates the take, tens of thousands of servicemen term threat to the viability of a Demo- folly of rushing off to start a war. We and women have been required to un- cratic Iraq. He testified that it was don’t need another war in Iran. We dertake lengthy deployments into the these groups that launched Iranian need to end the war in Iraq and fully war zone, two, three, and some even rockets and mortar rounds at Iraq’s fund the redeployment of American four times. This has placed enormous seat of government two weeks ago, troops so that they may be reunited strain on them and their families and causing loss of innocent life and fear in with their families in the United increased their risk of struggling with the capital and requiring Iraqi and coa- States. We need to use our funds to mental health issues, including when lition actions in response. support them, protect them, and bring

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.150 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2344 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 them home. And we need to begin to I want to join with Representative article, the Times of India, Iran, on move forward to address the real issues WATERS and Representative LEE in Wednesday, said it was ‘‘ready to sign with regard to Iran and begin to take calling for an open dialogue, uncondi- the India-Pakistan-Iran gas pipeline the military option off of the table, be- tional bilateral dialogue. Dialogue is deal,’’ but technical issues between the cause our President, this country al- not a gift, dialogue is not a present, two are hindering the process. ways has the military option, and it dialogue is not a reward. ‘‘We are ready to sign the agreement makes no sense to use this or to talk Dialogue is a tool that can help us as soon as possible,’’ Iranian Deputy about it if we truly intend to reduce stabilize the world, bring peace to mil- Foreign Minister for Economic Affairs tensions and look for some form of lions and millions of people all over the said. ‘‘Everything is okay from our global peace and security. world. Dialogues should not be used as side. There are some technical issues Thank you, again, Congresswoman some sort of a gift. It doesn’t make between India and Pakistan,’’ he said. WATERS for calling us together today. sense for any nation to say capitulate ‘‘The India-Pakistan-Iran pipeline, Ms. WATERS. I would like to thank to our demands, and then we will talk which is dubbed as the ’Peace Pipeline,’ the gentlewoman from California for to you. The very purpose of negotiation is stuck over issues such as price and her consistent and persistent leader- is to say, let’s talk, and the first agen- transition fees.’’ ship on this issue of war in Iraq, and I da item could be serious problems we So much for isolating Iran from thank her for coming to the floor this have with one another. Pakistan and India. All right, so Iraq, evening to help sound the bell against But the start is talking, uncondi- they are talking to them, Iran, Paki- a possible march to war with Iran. tional talking, talking with a clear stan and India are talking, but, okay, We have been joined by another one agenda in mind, talking with no illu- maybe we can still get Russia and of our colleagues who too has been con- sions about differences. But talking, China, countries that have militaries, sistent in his opposition to this war. nonetheless, is something that I think countries that have economies, coun- From the very day that he first came we need, and we need it now. tries that have been freestanding and to this chamber, he made it clear I want to say that our effort to iso- independent for many, many, many, where he stood on this war. He has late Iran by not talking to Iran, re- many, many years. Okay, what about Afghanistan? Isn’t joined with us on the floor on many minds me of our effort of trying to iso- that country essentially a failed state other occasions and it is a constant late Cuba by not talking to Cuba. Now which we invaded and kicked out the everybody in the world does business part of his agenda wherever he is to re- Taliban and now are trying to recon- with Cuba except the United States. mind people that we are in a war that struct today? makes no sense, where lives are being American farmers wanting to sell ‘‘In the electricity substation just lost, and hopes and dreams are being grain, Cubans want to buy stuff from outside of Herat, western Afghanistan, dashed. the U.S., people wanting to see family, there’s the loud hum of power—Iranian He brings a special kind of under- those things are hampered because we power,’’ that’s right. ‘‘More electricity standing about what is going on be- are the only ones in the world main- reaches Herat than the city can use, cause of his familiarity with the Arab taining this policy of nondialogue. I but the industrial park just across the nations and with Islam, and he has fear that we could end up in the same road from the NATO military base is done a wonderful job of helping to way with Iran. putting it to good use. teach and introduce to the Members of Let me just point out an article in ‘‘Small plastic bottles of fizzy orange this Congress other cultures and help- the Times online from March 3, 2008. juice shuffle along the conveyor belt to ing us to understand how they operate, The headline is, ‘‘Four kisses, then the be labeled and packed—the building is what they are all about, and helping us band played: the day former foes be- noticeably Iranian in design and the to gain respect for those that some- came friends.’’ markings on the machinery show ex- times are singled out for war, when, of It starts out describing a meeting be- actly which country helped these Af- course, problems and issues could be tween Mahmoud Ahmadinejad and ghan businessmen. handled with diplomacy. Nouri al-Maliki. It goes on to talk ‘‘The camels grazing outside cau- I am proud to yield time to Rep- about how a young girl dressed in a tiously cross the fast, straight, asphalt resentative KEITH ELLISON to sound the white dress clutched a bouquet of flow- road—one of the best roads in Afghani- alarm. ers as she waited with a small boy in a stan stretching 120km to the border. smart suit to greet President ‘‘Soon a railway will link Afghani- b 2200 Ahmadinejad of Iran, who began a his- stan to Europe, or so boasts the Iranian Mr. ELLISON. I would like to thank toric visit to Iraq. government.’’ you, Congressman WATERS and Con- Earlier today, we heard a speaker I would just mention, with a quick gressman LEE. Before I got to Congress who I won’t name say that, oh, the Google search, Iraq, India, Pakistan I thought both of you just were tow- United States needs to get with China and, now, Afghanistan are all coa- ering heroes of peace. Now that I have and Russia to isolate Iran. China and lescing economically with Iran. We are been here and had the chance to get to Russia, we can’t even get Iraq to iso- not talking to Iran. We don’t talk to know both of you, I am certain that I late Iran. Iran. We don’t want to try to get into was right from the very first impres- We can’t even get Iraq, a country we that market of 70 million people. We sion I had of you. Thank you for stand- have invaded and essentially have don’t want to try to open up diplo- ing up and calling this special order to- taken over, though it does operate matic ties and work on issues. night. under the guise of sovereignty, we We are not trying to solve this nu- The point I would like to make is can’t even get them to say don’t talk clear conflict with dialogue, discussion simply this. We see in Iran a country to Iran. They have open relationships and open conversation. We are just try- we have not had any open diplomatic with Iran and are building them more ing to isolate them, but nothing sug- relationships with since 1979, except for and stronger every day. It doesn’t gested we are being successful at doing brief moments around IEDs last sum- make any sense. that. mer. The meetings have not been con- Now, it’s not just Iraq that has a wel- The fact is maybe isolation of Iran is tinued, and, in essence, we have had no come mat for Iran. But let me just say not the right tactic. Maybe the right real diplomatic relationships with Iran that when Americans, Members of Con- tactic is to try to talk to them, to try in many, many years. gress go to Iraq, all of us know we go to build a better relationship, to try to Many Americans don’t remember the into military aircraft that takes eva- have cultural exchange, try to have ex- day when we did have relationships sive maneuvers into Baghdad, because change of views, different though they with Iran. Yet, despite all these years we are concerned about our safety. may be, with an eye toward a more of having no diplomatic ties to Iran, no This is a fact. So much for isolating peaceful world, with an eye toward a open communications, channels of Iran from Iraq. Okay, well, then, what world in which people can have secu- communications, it really has not about another country, Pakistan. We rity and in which an eye toward which solved any of the problems. Not talking send a lot of money to Pakistan. Yet the world can rest and feel their chil- has not helped. Pakistan announced in a March 5, 2008 dren are safe at night.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:10 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.151 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2345 The fact is this saber rattling, I re- based war planes and sea launch mis- action to stop Iran from getting a nu- member that it was about maybe 16 siles as the weapons to destroy Iran’s clear bomb. In the past, though, Israeli months ago that I sat in my first meet- air defenses and nuclear infrastructure. officials have quite consistently said ing that I ever had with the President, ‘‘Two U.S. warships took up positions that they are prepared to act alone if with, I believe, Representative LEE and off Lebanon earlier this month, replac- that becomes necessary to ensure that Representative WATERS. I think it was ing the USS Cole. The deployment was Iran does not cross a nuclear weapons Representative LEE who said, are you, said to signal U.S. concern over the po- threshold. Was Peres speaking for him- Mr. President, planning on hitting litical stalemate in Lebanon and the self, or has President Bush given the Iran? He gave us a sure statement that influence of Syria in that country. But Israelis an assurance that they won’t he was not. the United States also would want its have to act alone? Yet ever since that time, all we have warships in the eastern Mediterranean Israel’s war with Hezbollah. While been hearing, time and time again is in the event of military action against this seems a bit old, Israel’s July 2006 that Iran is the problem. Iran to keep Iranian ally Syria in war in Lebanon against Iranian-backed I don’t know how Iran could be the check and to help provide air cover to Hezbollah forces was seen at the time problem in Iraq without the complicity Israel against Iranian missile reprisals. as a step that Israel would want to of the Iraqi government. I mean, I need One of the newly deployed ships, the take if it anticipated a clash with Iran. somebody to correct me on this point USS Ross, is an Aegis guided missile The radical Shiite group is seen not because I just don’t get it. How can destroyer, a top system missile defense only as a threat on its own, but also as Iran be an issue in Iraq unless Iraq against air attacks.’’ a possible Iranian surrogate force in wants them in the country. It just This article goes on to talk about the event of war with Iran. So it was doesn’t make any other kind of sense ‘‘Vice President Cheney’s peace trip: important for Israel to push Hezbollah to me, and I need somebody to explain Cheney, who is seen as a leading hawk forces back from their positions on that, because maybe I have just not on Iran, is going on what is described Lebanon’s border with Israel and to do been in Congress long enough to get it. as a Mid East trip to try to give a boost enough damage to Hezbollah’s Iranian- Let me just say, I want to move aside to stalled Israeli-Palestinian peace supplied arsenals to reduce its capabili- now, and I want to thank the two Mem- talks. But he has also scheduled two ties. Since then, Hezbollah has been bers who have been leading the charge, other stops: One, Oman, is a key mili- able to rearm through a United Na- along with Congresswoman WOOLSEY, tary and ally and logistics hub for mili- tions force that polices a border buffer who is recovering from back surgery. I tary operations in the Persian Gulf. It zone in southern Lebanon. know if she was feeling better she also faces Iran across the narrow, vital So as you can see, there is quite a bit of reason to be concerned about the ad- would be right better with you, the Strait of Hormuz, the vulnerable oil ministration’s saber-rattling towards triad, the triad for peace. I admire you transit choke point into and out of the Iran. There is no way to prove their in- so much. Persian Gulf that Iran has threatened tentions, and I hope we are wrong, but Ms. WATERS. Thank you very much, to blockade in the event of war. Cheney I am so pleased and proud to have been we really can’t afford to be wrong. is also going to Saudi Arabia, whose Another encounter like in January joined by my colleagues here this support would be sought before any evening to sound the alarm. Let me say between the U.S. Navy and an Iranian military action given its ability to in- speedboat could be used as an excuse that again, we are sounding the alarm. crease oil supplies, if Iran’s oil is cut We are opening up the debate. We are for retaliation similar to the Gulf of off. Back in March, 2002, Cheney made Tonkin incident that began the Viet- raising the questions. We are chal- a high-profile Mid East trip to Saudi nam War. The White House would sim- lenging this administration on the Arabia and other nations that officials ply claim that we were ‘‘provoked’’ and issue of war with Iran. said at the time was about diplomacy We are saying, Mr. President, we were defending ourselves. to Iraq and not war, which began a I would like to stop at this time and have watched, we have listened, and we year later.’’ yield time to the gentlelady from have learned. We are smarter people Vice President CHENEY has been on Houston, Texas, who has been con- when we hear talk about war, when we that trip, as we pretty well know, sistent in her work with the Out-of- hear accusations being made. When we based on the advanced intelligence re- Iraq Caucus in an attempt to bring our hear a march to war we now recognize vealed by this very, very well-placed soldiers home. It is with great pleasure it for what it is. It is a given that we article. that I yield to Congresswoman JACK- have this knowledge that we have ac- They go on to talk about the Israeli SON-LEE. quired since we have been here since air strike on Syria. Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank the start of the war with Iraq. We do b 2215 the distinguished chairwoman, MAXINE not intend to sit idly by without open- WATERS. I would say I am delighted to ing up the discussion, without making Israel’s air strike deep in Syria last be part of the Out-of-Iraq Caucus, but the challenge, without raising the October was reported to have targeted that is not the appropriate term. I am questions. a nuclear-related facility, but details delighted, however, to join my col- have remained sketchy, and some ex- As I said, prior to the opening lines leagues, Chairwoman WATERS and Con- of the presentation that was just given perts have been skeptical that Syria gresswoman BARBARA LEE and the by Congresswoman BARBARA LEE, there had a covert nuclear program. other members who have participated were signs of war that have been iden- An alternative scenario floating in and submitted their statement. tified, not only by some of the experts Israel and Lebanon is that the real pur- I wanted to join my colleagues be- that we have been talking to, but by pose of the strike was to force Syria to cause it has been a very long journey. those who have been writing and switch on the targeted electronics for I remind Congresswoman WATERS in watching what has been going on. newly received Russian anti-aircraft the fall of 2002, we were working hard As I mentioned before, there is talk, defenses. The location of the strike is for people to study the resolution being and there are news articles. seen as on a likely flight path to Iran. put before them. We garnered some 133- U.S. News & World Report, published That is also crossing the friendly Kurd- plus votes to vote in opposition to the on March 11, title, ‘‘6 Signs the U.S. ish-controlled northern Iraq. Knowing then-Iraq resolution. May Be Headed for War in Iran.’’ Let the electronic signatures of the defen- I want to speak constitutionally and me repeat that, U.S. News & World Re- sive systems is necessary to reduce the why this special order and the position port published on March 11 titled ‘‘6 risk for warplanes heading to targets that Members are taking in opposing Signs the U.S. May Be Headed for War in Iran. any preemptive attack or invasion of in Iran.’’ They go on to give the other identi- Iran and standing solidly against the Warships off of Lebanon, with the fication markers that should be perceived authority that the President Army fully engaged in Iraq, much the watched and should be vetted. may have. contingency planning for possible mili- Israeli comments. Israeli President Frankly, if we look at the 2002 reso- tary action has fallen to the Navy, Shimon Peres said earlier this month lution, we will find that it can be as- which has looked at the use of carrier- that Israel will not consider unilateral sessed that the President’s authority

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:21 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.152 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2346 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 has expired. Saddam Hussein is no not. The statistics of the war in Iraq As a nation, we have already paid an enor- longer there. Elements of the resolu- are devastating. Yes, I am prepared mous price for the war in Iraq. We have tion required that. The government has today to declare a military success in squandered an exponentially increasing changed. There has been a democratic Iraq. A military success means that amount of money, and, worst of all, lost an un- election, and there may be some ques- our soldiers on one and two and three acceptably large number of American lives. tion as to whether the adherence of the and four redeployments have done ev- However, the over 4,000 U.S. casualties and U.N. Security Council resolution is erything the Commander in Chief has the $3,919 per second ($123.6 billion per still part of that 2002 war resolution. asked them to do. Saddam Hussein is year) we are spending in Iraq have bought But I would argue that there have been gone, there have been democratic elec- neither peace nor security. so many resolutions in the U.N. we tions, and U.N. resolutions adhered to. Mr. Speaker, even as our troops are caught could also concede the point that we Bring those soldiers home, declare a in the midst of instability and civil war in Iraq, have protected or adhered to those res- military success, and make the state- the President has begun the march to war olutions. ment to the American people that we with Iran. We cannot compound the mistakes I truly believe that we are at such a will never recklessly invade another of the Iraq war with the even bigger mistake point in history that any actions by country. of opening up a second military conflict in the the President would warrant extreme Iran is somewhat different from Iraq; Middle East. And yet, the Administration has actions; or I should not suggest ex- and, therefore, may have a different begun to set the stage for a U.S. attack on treme, I should suggest constitutional story to tell. It may not be the easy Iranian military or nuclear facilities by issuing actions by this Congress. It may war- route that they might have thought strong statements about Iran’s intervention in rant raising issues of impeachment. Iraq was. But frankly, my view is that Iraq, and using inflammatory rhetoric against The reason I say that is to use the War we have crossed the constitutional Iran in a similar fashion to the run-up to the Powers Act in a way that ignores the bounds and that as I yield back to the Iraq war. constitutional privilege and right of distinguished chairwoman, I simply be- In recent weeks, the Administration has in- this Congress to declare war, I believe, lieve that we have come to a crisis creasingly referred to negative behavior of the is not doing well by the American peo- point that this Congress must accept Iranian regime. Despite contrary findings by ple. its duty and say to the President that the National Intelligence Estimate (NIE), Bush We already know the results of a war no war can be declared without a vote has increasingly stated that Iran is building nu- without end, the Iraq war, that is cost- of the United States Congress under clear weapons. The Administration has also ing $339 million a day, that has already the Constitution, and I would join with cited Iran as a cause of instability in Iraq, and gone past a trillion dollars, that has my colleagues, the chairman of the has argued that Iran is killing U.S. soldiers seen 9,500 of our soldiers injured or Human Right Subcommittee on Inter- and supplying weapons, training, and funding. maimed, sometimes injured or maimed national Issues of the Foreign Affairs I certainly believe that the current state of for life, to see 4,000-plus die. It is a war Committee, Chairman DELAHUNT, to affairs in Iran, and specifically those issues re- without end. suggest that the War Powers Act lating to U.S. sanctions on Iran and the secu- Frankly, the question has to become should be amended and should now be rity of the region, are extremely important and what is the President’s goal and intent that it can only be utilized by a Presi- in desperate need of discussion. As a Member if he has an idea that Iran is the next dent when the Nation is under immi- of Congress, I find Iran’s support of terrorist target. Has he looked to diplomacy and nent attack and when there is neces- organizations, pursuit of nuclear weapons, and looked to the question of working with sity to go forward to protect our citi- dismal human rights record to be extremely China or Russia to contain Iran? Has zens. Other than that, that War Powers worrisome. However, I am also concerned by he looked at negotiation with the indi- Act should be amended, it should be what appears to be movement by this Admin- viduals in Iran who really may be in- drawn down, and we should stand with istration toward yet another war in the Gulf re- terested in some sort of resolution? Is the Constitution. No invasion of Iran gion, without having first exhausted diplomatic he buying into the constant refrain on my watch, and constitutional impli- means of addressing any conflicts. that Iran is providing the weapons in cations for the President of the United I have long been an advocate of a free, Iraq? Is he also looking to the per- States if such attack is proposed. independent, and democratic Iran. I believe in ceived friendship between the Iraq gov- I thank the distinguished gentlelady an Iran that holds free elections, follows the ernment and the Iran government? for her leadership in the Out-of-Iraq rule of law, and is home to a vibrant civil soci- None of the above. Caucus. ety; an Iran that is a responsible member of What I sense in the administration is I join my colleagues here tonight to discuss the region and the international community, a percolating attempt to attack Iran, a very important issue: the possibility that this particularly with respect to the proliferation of and that percolating attempt based Administration may be intent on leading us nuclear weapons. An Iran that, unfortunately, upon the representation of nuclear into another war in the Middle East, this time we do not see today. weapons. I don’t want Iran to possess against Iran. I would like to thank my col- The only effective way to achieve lasting the capacity to engage and to utilize league Congresswoman WATERS for orga- peace and prosperity in the region, along with nuclear weapons, nor am I interested in nizing this special order on Iran. Even as we bringing about reforms in Iran’s polity, is to as- protecting an Iran that has been hos- remain engaged in a war in Iraq to which sist the Iranian people in their quest to tile to the world. I am not interested in there is no military solution, this Administration achieve political, social, and religious liberty. coddling terrorists. But we can clearly has begun beating the drum for war with Iran. Every government can be judged with the way see that the policies in Iraq have not I strongly urge my congressional colleagues to in which it treats its ethnic and religious mi- deterred the terrorists. They have only send a clear message to President Bush that norities, and the current Iranian government grown the terrorists. And I would ques- he does not currently have authorization to gets a failing grade for its treatment of its tion whether the only way to create use military force against Iran. many and diverse minorities. peace in the Mid East is to again at- Mr. Speaker, I believe that using a military The controversy surrounding Iran’s procure- tack another country in the Mid East. strike against Iran would be a colossal error. ment of nuclear energy is cause for great con- It is important that we continue to As a nation, we are still paying an unaccept- cern; however, the administration’s avoidance engage for two distinct states, the Pal- ably high price for this Administration’s ill-ad- of any and all diplomatic relations with Iran is estinian and Israel negotiations. I vised and ill-executed invasion of Iraq in cause for greater alarm. Moreover, the current would have hoped that this administra- March 2003. In 2002, when I voted against the rhetoric from the Bush Administration regard- tion would have spent their time fol- Joint Resolution to Authorize the Use of ing war with Iran is both counterproductive lowing through on the road map that United States Armed Forces Against Iraq, I did and highly inflammatory. While full diplomatic, the President announced some few so because I believed that this would be a war political, and economic relations between the years back. I believe that we were dis- without end. I believed this resolution would U.S. and Iran cannot be normalized unless tracted in Iraq. We were distracted in trap us in a conflict that, like the Vietnam War, and until enforceable safeguards are put in Iraq from Afghanistan and from solv- would consume American resources and lives place to prevent the weaponization of Iran’s ing the Palestinian-Israeli question. without tangible yield. Unfortunately for the nuclear program, these policy objectives So I rise today to join my colleagues people of both this country and Iraq, this has should not constitute pre-conditions for any and say not on my watch, absolutely proven true. diplomatic dialogue.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:21 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.154 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2347 Establishing a diplomatic dialogue with the Well, for the life of me, this is the ties. Nevertheless, we all know that Government of Iran and deepening relation- People’s House. I cannot figure out U.S. strikes against Iran would be dis- ships with the Iranian people would help foster why we cannot have a resolution as astrous. greater understanding between the people of basic as that come to this body so we Middle East experts generally agree Iran and the people of the United States and can pass that. I think that should be a that Iran would respond to a U.S. would enhance the stability and the security of minimum standard to protect the strike by attacking U.S. and Israeli in- the Persian Gulf region. Doing so would re- American people from first of all what terests throughout the region and pos- duce the threat of the proliferation or use of could be total chaos. Secondly, when sibly globally. These strikes would lead nuclear weapons in the region, while advanc- you just look at the expenditure of re- to a greater Middle East war, including ing other U.S. foreign policy objectives in the sources and what a possible preemptive greater loss of life, financial burden, region. The significance of establishing and strike could cost as it relates to Iran in over stretch of our military and worse. sustaining diplomatic relations with Iran cannot terms of treasury, blood, our young We’re sounding the alarm this be over-emphasized. Avoidance and military men and women and also our financial evening and we are sending a message intervention cannot be the means through resources. We may just be a few voices to the President of the United States of which we resolve this looming crisis. in the wilderness crying out tonight, America and to the Vice President, Mr. Speaker, Middle East experts have re- but we are crying out very loudly and particularly now to the Vice President, peatedly stated that a U.S. attack on Iran asking the American people to look at who, when he was reminded by an ABC would have disastrous consequences. Among these signs because as Congresswoman News reporter that the recent polls possible outcomes, many experts agree, WATERS said, we are sounding the show that two-thirds of Americans say would be an Iranian counter-attack on U.S. alarm so we can stop what appears to the fight in Iraq is not worth it, his re- and Israeli interests in the region or through- be on the horizon. sponse, ‘‘and so?’’ out the world. Such an attack could also lead Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. If the Well, Mr. Vice President, our ‘‘and to a greater Middle East War, and would un- gentlelady would yield, I just came so’’ to you tonight is, and so the Amer- doubtedly bring with it a greater loss of life back from Iraq, and you are so right. ican people do not want us to continue and financial burden. After going and I think getting a very this war in Iraq and to air strike in Mr. Speaker, now is the time that we need wide view of the status of affairs there, Iran. We’re sounding the alarm. And I to be looking to ending one Middle East con- clearly as we have understood or un- will yield time to the gentleman who flict, not to beginning another. We need to derstand, the government is leaning on just left the Speaker’s seat to complete work to rebuild our standing in the inter- the captains of our military. Ranks at this colloquy that we’ve had here this national community, not to raise further enmity the captain level are like the govern- evening. in the Middle East and beyond by attacking ment. There is no seeming intent or Mr. ELLISON. Madam Speaker, I just another nation. I strongly urge my colleagues plan that would cease the Maliki gov- want to again thank Representatives to speak out against any potential military ernment from leaning on the United WATERS and LEE and SHEILA JACKSON strike in Iran. States military, using it as a crutch. LEE. Ms. WATERS. I thank the gentlelady So there is no evidence that suggests I just want to make a few quick from Texas, and I am very, very appre- that they don’t intend to have perma- points. We’re under no illusions. I ciative of the fact that the gentlelady nent military bases. In fact, every indi- think that by this special order, I don’t is one of the Members of Congress that cation from the presentations of the think anyone intends to excuse belli- we can always count on to confront the military and others is that they would cose, inflammatory remarks that have challenges that we are confronted with, have it. I believe they are in violation been made by the President of Iran. particularly as it relates to this war, of maybe not the rules of this House, There’s no excusing that. But you don’t and at this time I yield to the gentle- but certainly the respect of the three deal with bellicose remarks with a war. woman from California (Ms. LEE). branches of government. You deal with bellicose remarks by Ms. LEE. I, too, want to commend Finally, I would say that I have legis- issuing a statement condemning those the gentlelady from Texas for raising lation that declares a military success, statements, but not with a war. And I some of the constitutional issues that that lists the criteria under which our don’t think any bellicose statements or we have to grapple with each and every soldiers went in, and moves it to a dip- inflammatory remarks by the Presi- day. lomatic surge. We should not fool our- dent of Iran could ever justify an at- I would like to talk briefly about the selves. The intent is a permanent base tack which will result in the massive issue of the preemptive strike which is that allows them to do the preemptive loss of life. central to this administration’s foreign strike that you are speaking of against I also want to say that a strike and military policy. any country in the Mideast, and in par- against Iran, no one can predict what In essence what the Bush administra- ticular Iran. I believe we have to stop the consequences of that will be. Will it tion has decided is that it is all right, it now, and we have to stop it forever, excite the Shiia community in Paki- and actually it is their standard, to be and we have to lean on the Constitu- stan, of which 30 percent of the people able to use force not necessarily in the tion because we have seen over the last are Shiia there? What will it do to Af- face of an imminent threat, but it is all couple of years the Constitution ig- ghanistan? right and it is a policy of this adminis- nored, and that simply cannot stand in Again, Iran is providing electricity in tration to be able to use force to pre- this place called America. Afghanistan in an effective way, much, vent a future perceived threat. All of much more than other countries have this is couched in this global war on b 2230 done. Again, Kabul and Kandajar are terror where oftentimes they believe Ms. WATERS. Thank you very much not electrified 100 percent of the time. they do have a blank check to use force to both SHEILA JACKSON-LEE and BAR- What will happen in Lebanon? Will wherever they want to go in the world. BARA LEE for, again, their constant and that inflame another war such as the When you look at what they are try- consistent struggle working in this one in the summer of 2006? That could ing to do now in Iraq with regard to the House against the war. inflame the region, and no one knows security agreements, they are trying to Mr. Speaker, and Members, press re- whether bombs will start falling from negotiate a permanent military pres- ports have given us some indications of other parts of the region. ence in Iraq without even coming back the thrust of current White House di- This war against Iran, a strike to Congress to try to get the authority rected planning. The strike would be against Iran has no clear outcome. It is to do that. I think minimally, and we against Iranian terrorist facilities, the a very bad idea. And I think that what have several bills that have been intro- Revolutionary Guard units and/or nu- we must do is pursue diplomatic nego- duced into this body, that basically clear production facilities, a limited tiations, and remember that negotia- just say before the administration de- air strike operation with the objective tion is not a reward, it’s not a gift, it’s cides to use force or take military ac- of changing Iranian behavior. Those not a present; it’s a tool for the secu- tions or strike Iran, minimally they who argue for the strike are saying rity of the world. must come to Congress to seek author- there will be very few U.S. casualties Ms. WATERS. Madam Speaker, and ization. and very few Iranian civilian casual- Members, I am pleased that we have

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:21 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP7.047 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2348 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 taken time from our schedules to come tory. And so, tonight, when I talk called Archimedes Patty, who was to the floor tonight to sound the about the U.S. view of the war in Iraq, among the first Americans to meet Ho alarm. The saber rattling is going on it is to illustrate the complexity of Chi Minh in 1945; sent there by this by this administration. The remarks that conflict, the complexity of the in- government as the head of the OSS or that we’re hearing day in and day out trigue and violence that we are now the Office of Strategic Services, which are more accusatory toward Iran. We seeing, the complexity of the way for- was the forerunner of the CIA, to find are made to believe that we are some- ward, but, in fact, there is a way for- out how we can find people in Indo- how being placed at a great threat by ward. china, to see, to gather intelligence Iran. So I want to give a brief history cov- about the Japanese troop movements And so we know where this is going. ering about the last 60 years. And what in that region of the world since we We know what this means, and we’re I would like to share with the Amer- couldn’t get any intelligence from the saying, we must not rule out diplo- ican people, Mr. Speaker, among many, French or the Chinese or anybody else. macy. We must believe that we can set- many periodicals, many books, many And Archimedes Patty discovered tle differences by way of diplomacy. resources, I’d like to share ideas to- this man, the head of the Viet Minh, We know that we’ve still got work to night from seven books. known as Ho Chi Minh that was willing do on Iraq. We’ve still got to make The first one is Violent Politics by to help and in fact did help the United many Members of this House feel com- William Polk, who served in the Ken- States gather intelligence on Japanese fortable with the idea that they can nedy and Johnson Administration. Vio- troop movements in Indochina; helped confront their President, that they can lent politics is not what we see here on many, many, many Americans, downed still be very, very patriotic as they the House floor. Violent politics is pilots and so on, and allied himself stand up against war and bringing our when diplomacy fails and war begins, with the United States in 1945, hoping soldiers home. We know that the work war usually that engulfs communities to get help from the United States, not has to be done, but we’ve got to add to or regions, not in what we saw in World from Russia, not from China, to gain that work the fact that we can stop an War II, but in insurgencies, where his independence from French colonial airstrike on Iran and we can stop the there are no munitions factories to rule. A fabulous book that shows the notion that somehow we must send bomb, there are no supply lines to intricacies of how diplomacy works more soldiers in. bomb, there are no massive armies to sometimes, and how the bureaucracy doesn’t always work too well when f bomb or thousands of tanks to take out, but violent politics as it envelops communicating those kinds of pieces of AN AMERICAN PERSPECTIVE ON regions in insurgencies. information. Seven books, Violent Politics, Fi- THE WAR IN IRAQ And is there an effective counter in- asco, All the Shah’s Men, Treacherous The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. surgency to that particular break down Alliance, Battle for Peace, Human Op- ELLISON). Under the Speaker’s an- in diplomacy? tions, Why Vietnam. Sounds like a tall nounced policy of January 18, 2007, the We’re seeing an insurgency in the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. order. Middle East, in the Middle East, in But, Mr. Speaker, I can imagine the GILCHREST) is recognized for 60 min- Iraq, in Afghanistan, and certainly in American public, who have some dis- utes. other places. In Violent Politics, Wil- Mr. GILCHREST. I thank the Speak- satisfaction, some apprehension, some liam Polk gives an idea of how an in- anger, some wanting a ray of hope er for the time. And Mr. Speaker, what surgency actually works, and how you about the conflict in Iraq and Afghani- I would like to talk about today, and can deal with an insurgency like we’re stan, I can see the American public, it’s actually a pretty good follow-up to experiencing now in Iraq and Afghani- over the next many months, turning the previous special order by Ms. WA- stan. the television off every single night for TERS, who is a classmate of mine, going The other book is Fiasco by Thomas 1 or 2 hours, every night, and dedi- back to, I was going to say 1891, but Ricks. How did we get involved in Iraq? cating themselves to help the solution, going back to 1991, MAXINE and I came What were the mistakes, the very the American solution, the American in as freshman and we’ve been here clear, obvious mistakes over the plan- solution of how to solve this difficult now for the past 17 years. And the pre- ning in the first few years? problem in the Middle East, by becom- vious discussion about the Iraq war, The next one is by Steven Kinzer, All ing informed, by finding out informa- the relationship with Iran, I think, the Shah’s Men; America’s relationship tion, by becoming more knowledgeable leads fairly well into the special order with a large country that is seeking to about these issues, not waiting for the that I am prepared to give tonight. have influence for self-defense pur- government that people sometimes as- Mr. Speaker, what I would like to do poses, mainly, the country of Iran. sume is competent, but being a part of is to give a presentation on the war in The next one is Trita Parsi who the process. Iraq, the Middle East, an American wrote Treacherous Alliance. What is Now, I mentioned the book Human perspective on the Cold War that en- the arrangement or what has been the Options by Norman Cousins. And I gulfed the world for many decades, an arrangement or the alliance and some- want to give you two quotes out of that American perspective on the Cold War times the verbal conflict between book to frame this discussion tonight. and how it impacted the Middle East, Israel and Iran? The first one is, ‘‘Knowledge is the sol- the present crisis in the Middle East The next is Tony Zinni, who was vent for danger.’’ You want to solve a and Iraq, from an American perspec- Commander of CENTCOM for a number problem? You need a couple of things. tive, and an American perspective on of years, spent much of his military You need initiative, of course. You’re the way forward. Marine career in the Middle East. He going to turn the TV off and read these When I say an American perspective, wrote a book about the Battle for books. You need initiative. And then as tonight, Mr. Speaker, I’m trying to re- Peace. Tony Zinni, like President Ei- you read this material, some of it is late an idea that the United States, for senhower, knows you need a strong pretty intricate, exquisite detail, com- the past 50 years, has seen itself not as military, strong intelligence, and con- plicated. But you need some ingenuity a lone super power in the world, but as sensus in dialogue and diplomacy. That and intellect to figure it out. And you a Nation, as Walt Whitman described, plays a vital role in actions that the have that. the race of races, the United States, United States is involved in. But what this assignment will give to the melting pot. An interesting book called Human you is knowledge. It’ll give you infor- The United States has engaged itself Options by Norman Cousins. What kind mation. It’ll give you a depth of infor- in the fiber of the international com- of decisions do we make? Why do we mation so that, you, as an individual, munity, and has not seen itself as a make them? And do we know all the can become more competent to share lone ranger in the international arena options that are before us? this with your fellow Americans and of conflict, of economy, of culture, of The last book is a little bit older. It’s maybe even write your congressman. exchanges. The United States has seen about the Vietnam war, called Why The other one in Human Options, the itself as an integrated part of the inter- Vietnam? How did we get involved in quote, is ‘‘History is a vast early warn- national community in much of its his- that conflict? It’s written by a man ing system.’’ We know more about

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:45 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.156 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2349 Vietnam, or we should today, than we the United States to these kinds of America does not become stronger by did 40 years ago, 50 years ago when we threats from the Soviet Union, from putting more people in cemeteries as a became embroiled in that tragic con- Nikita Khrushchev? Open dialogue. He result of these violent conflicts. flict. invited President Khrushchev to come Let’s take a look at the Middle East, And we say we should have had, you and tour American cities, ride on the area that we’re now dealing with, know, it’s okay to say it now, and American trains, go to our suburbs, during the Cold War. hindsight is better than foresight. visit our farms, visit our schools. Then, as now, it was a complex place. We’ve had 40 years of experience to President Eisenhower’s response was There was intrigue there, and there know what was good and what was bad dialogue. was a great deal of violence. Let’s look about that conflict. But I will tell you What happened in 1962 when it was at some of the incidents that the that when the United States became discovered by our spy planes that Cuba, United States has been involved in or involved in that violent conflict, we al- Fidel Castro, had deployable nuclear was involved in. ready had all the information we need weapons in Cuba 90 miles off the coast In 1953, actually in 1950, Muhammed to know. We needed to understand the of Florida? What was Kennedy’s re- Mossadeq was a duly elected Prime history of our relationship with Indo- sponse? Call the Kremlin. Have a dia- Minister of Iran running a secular china, with China, and their relation- logue. Negotiate with the Soviet country moving toward democracy. ship, Vietnam, with the rest of the Union. Talk to Nikita Khrushchev. But because of some misunder- world. But we didn’t bother to under- What happened? The weapons were re- standings, believe it or not, between stand or listen carefully enough to moved; we avoided war. what the British Petroleum Company, what Archimedes Patty was saying China, Communist China, said that called the Anglo Persian Petroleum when he spoke to Ho Chi Minh. We they would not mind if half the popu- Company, which is now today BP, Brit- ish Petroleum, they had some strong didn’t know the history of Vietnam in lation of China was wiped off the face disagreements with Muhammed 1945 in 1965, and we should have. of the earth as long as they destroyed the United States. Violent rhetoric Mossadeq. The United States, under b 2245 pointed at the United States. What was John Foster Dulles, was thinking, al- History is a vast early warning sys- President Nixon’s response to Mao though they were wrong, that tem. We owe it to the soldiers in Iraq, Zedong? Nixon went to China. Nixon Muhommad Mossadeq had a strong re- we owe it to the soldiers in Afghani- opened the dialogue that continues lationship with the Soviet Union and stan, we owe it to eighth graders and today. he might turn to communism. ninth graders in high school today who Is China today a model democracy? In 1953, we were at the very early stages of the Cold War, and a lot of will graduate in just a few years and No. Does China have human rights vio- things were going on. But as a result of should not have to be involved in a lations? Yes. Are they well-known? Do some misunderstanding, the United conflict that, if we put our intellect to- we know that they continue to violate States planned a coup inside its em- gether with enough knowledge, this freedom of speech, freedom of press, bassy in Tehran, and it turned out to can be solved. freedom of religion? Do they continue be a very violent, very bloody coup in So I would suggest to the American to violate human rights? The answer is which their duly elected prime min- people, Mr. Speaker, that every single yes. What is our response to China? It’s ister was removed from office, put night, if you’re a patriotic American, our biggest trading partner. We con- under house arrest for the rest of his you want to solve this problem. You stantly have a dialogue. The Olympics want to commit yourself to bringing life. And we put in the Shah. The will be held there. Do we condemn the United States put in the Shah. In 1953, the troops home in a responsible fash- Chinese for human rights violations? ion, find some source of information, we broke down a relationship that we How do we deal with it? Do we get our- had had with Iran for many, many read it objectively. selves in violent politics? No. The an- You know, Rudyard Kipling, the years. swer is dialogue. The United States was looked upon writer and poet from Great Britain, Those were our successes. They con- as being the beacon of hope around the traveled the world, spent much time in tinue to be a struggle. They continue world by many people, including Ira- India, had a son who died in World War to be a challenge, but we continue to nians, hoping the United States would I in northern France in a violent strug- pursue them through dialogue. help them gain some equality with the gle. And to express his sorrow, Rudyard What happened in Vietnam? Ho Chi British extracting oil from Iran. In Kipling said, why did young men die Minh. A tiny old man with slight 1953, we started a violent coup in Iran. because old men lied? whiskers who, in 1945, wanted to ally What happened in 1979? Most of us I want to paraphrase that today. Old himself with the United States to gain would remember. In 1979, there was a men should talk before they send sovereignty from under the French co- revolution in Iran. The United States young men to die. We should talk. We lonial rule. What happened in the embassy in Tehran was taken over by should be knowledgeable. We should 1950s? Senator McCarthy talked about the Revolutionary Guard, and all rela- spend the time to understand the na- communism. John Foster Douglas tionships with the United States were ture of history, the nature of conflict. wanted to contain Communism. We broken. But it’s interesting that the Let’s take a short walk back in his- somehow didn’t listen to the people in American embassy was taken over in tory to the Cold War and some of its the State Department or the CIA. We Tehran, the same embassy that successes and failures. somehow didn’t follow that path to dia- planned the coup in 1953. That was a President Eisenhower and the leader logue with Khrushchev or dialogue mistake. We lit a slow fuse in 1953 that of the Soviet Union, Premier Khru- that got ourselves out of the Cuban blew up in 1979. shchev, Nikita Khrushchev, bitter en- missile crisis or dialogue with Mao What about the Soviet Union in the emies, faced off with thousands of nu- Zedong. Middle East during the Cold War? It’s clear weapons all armed, ready to go at So what happened because there like a roller coaster ride. Sometimes a moment’s notice. We know that wasn’t a dialogue? 58,000 Americans they were allied with certain Arab na- Khrushchev told the United States and died. Hundreds of thousands were tions; sometimes they were not allied the Western powers many, many times wounded. Post-traumatic stress syn- with certain nations. Most Arab na- that he was going to bury us. One time drome still affects thousands of Viet- tions always distrusted the Soviet in the United Nations, we remember nam veterans. Well more than a mil- Union because they were a country of this, Nikita Khrushchev took his shoes lion Vietnamese died because we didn’t atheists, and Arab nations were a coun- off, pounded the podium, looked right have the dialogue. try under Islam. at the western diplomats—ours was It’s time, Mr. Speaker, for the Amer- How about Israel during the Cold Henry Cabot Lodge at the time—point- ican public to really understand the War? It’s interesting, and you ought to ed his finger and said, we will bury complexities of international politics. read the book ‘‘Treacherous Alliance’’ you. The dialogue, communications, con- by Trita Parsi, to understand the na- What was Eisenhower’s response dur- sensus can be a strong and powerful ture of the relationship between Israel ing the time that he was President of tool to enhance America’s interest. and Iran between 1948 and 1991. Israel

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:44 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.157 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2350 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 and Iran had many enemies in com- has been a focus of America’s attention Amman, Iraq, Afghanistan, Lebanon, mon. They were both enemies of the since 9/11, an absolute focus of Amer- you name it. They all have some dif- Soviet Union. They were both enemies ica’s attention mainly because we were ferences in the way they look at reli- of many Arab states, especially Iraq attacked, thousands of Americans were gion and the way they look at their under Saddam Hussein. And as a result killed. We invaded Afghanistan to get leadership. They’re either democracies of that, because they had the same en- rid of the source of the attack, al or they’re monarchies or they’re dicta- emies—and Iran is a Persian country, Qaeda and the Taliban, and then we torships, but what they have in com- does not speak Arabic, speaks Farsi, it subsequently invaded Iraq in which we mon is they want stability in that re- is an Islamic State, but Israel and Iran eliminated a brutal dictator, Saddam gion. had many similar enemies. And so they Hussein. We eliminated a potential for The present crisis, the war in Iraq, had secret arrangements: Oil for tech- weapons of mass destruction. the war in Iraq is not World War II. It nology. That went on to 1991. We are beginning and we have devel- is not like World War II. There are no Russia invaded Afghanistan from 1980 oped a working Iraqi Government. Iraq munitions factories to bomb anywhere and the war went on to just about 1989. has been the focus of America’s atten- in Iraq like there were in Germany and They call it Russia’s Vietnam. Iran and tion, but how much information do we Japan. There are no standing armies. Iraq went to war in 1980 to 1988. There know about this region, about Iraq? There are no supply lines. We are fight- ing an insurgency, a very multi-com- were more people killed in the Iran- b 2300 Iraq War than all of the Americans plex insurgency. killed in World War I, World War II, But again, I would recommend read- Where are we now? Why is there a Korea, and Vietnam. More people ing especially some of these books to sense of urgency to find a resolution, killed between 1980 and 1988 between bring us up to date on some of that in- an end to this conflict? We say there’s two neighboring states. The blood, the formation. 34,000 casualties. What does that mean, bitterness, the fear, remains to this The Shiites, the Sunnis and the 34,000 American casualties? That day. Kurds, the main factions in Iraq, the means there’s more than 4,000 young 1979, Egypt decided that they were Shiites and the Sunnis are Muslim, the American soldiers dead. Thirty thou- going to recognize Israel, and Egypt be- Kurds are Muslim. What is the dif- sand wounded. What does that mean? came more of an American ally than a ference between the Shiites and the That means 30,000 Americans have Soviet ally. Jordan followed not far be- Kurds and the Muslims? Much of it has come back that have been brutally hind. to do with historic understanding blown up and have lost limbs, been What I’m trying to present to you is about who would be inheriting burned severely. Their physical lives that the Middle East, in most of recent Muhammad’s role in the Muslim faith. are, for the most part, ultimately and history, has been a place of intrigue, a But the average Muslim, I will tell you, absolutely changed. They will never be place of complexity, and a place of vio- whether they’re a Sunni, a Shia or a the same. With courage, they can pick lence. What do we see now today in the Kurd, the average Muslim wants to live up the pieces of their life and move on Middle East? their life in peace, wants human rights with strong families. We know that in the three great reli- for themselves and their family. They There are tens of thousands who have gions faith is very important. It’s a want to raise their family. post traumatic problems. I will say part of everyone’s life. The three great There is no bitter quarrel among the that everyone that enters a war zone, religions of Judaism, Christianity, and average Muslim about who’s a Sunni or 100 percent comes back with post-trau- Islam. And in many places in the Mid- a Shia, who is supposed to inherit the matic stress. Now, what does that dle East, the Jews, the Christians, and role of Muhammad. The average Mus- mean? That means that the violence the Muslims live together. There is lim wants to live their life in peace. that they see, the violence and destruc- even intermarriage. The children go to They want human rights. They want tion of explosions, of human bodies school, and when they learn about justice. They want the rule of law. being torn to pieces, that image that their faith, they just move to different They want freedom of religion, freedom they see and experience never leaves classrooms. When they learn about of thought, freedom of expression. their memory. They will always re- math, they move back to the math Where the trouble comes with the Is- member that. That image never goes classroom together or the history lamic faith is with al Qaeda, with the away. It just happens that your soldier classroom together. And this is Taliban. Sometimes I would even say can deal with it effectively and become throughout much of the Middle East. with the teachings of Wahhabi, where a productive citizen and take that So there is a strong religious compo- they confine themselves to a certain image in their mind and figure out how nent. Faith is important in their life. monstrous certainty. to conduct themselves in a normal But in many communities, the three Iran, by the way, as do most other fashion so they can lead a good life, great religions live side by side, and for Arab countries, oppose the teachings of they can raise a family, they can have the most part, harmoniously. al Qaeda. They oppose the teachings of a relationship, they can deal with it. Oil is a vital component of their eco- Taliban. One of our problems in the Some cannot. Some are psycho- nomic viability. We know that and the Middle East is to find allies, is to have logically scarred for a long time to world knows that. The oil exports from a dialogue with other countries. And I come. the Middle East are extremely vital for will tell you, when the Taliban took The war so far is costing a little over their economy, and that’s why we have over Afghanistan, just think about $600 billion. That’s where we are as far not seen the Gulf of Hormuz, where this, when the Taliban took over Af- as the Treasury is concerned. The most of that oil comes out of, we have ghanistan, every country in the world American people want a conclusion to not seen that, we have not seen any of pulled their embassy out except Iran. the conflict. How are we going to end those countries in the Middle East try Iran left its embassy in Kabul. And the war in Iraq? to shut that route out. what did the Taliban soldiers do? They There is global dissent about our pol- Today, as in the past, but especially went to the Iranian Embassy in Kabul, icy at present. There is a struggling today, the geopolitical balance of pulled out the 11 Iranians, and they Iraqi Government. Are they ready to power is fractured. What does that shot them, the only embassy left in take over completely with their poli- mean? That means, which direction is Kabul. What did the Taliban do? They tics, with their military, with their in- the Middle East going to go? shot the Iranians. Who helped them? Al frastructure, with their economy? Not Mr. Speaker, who is going to have Qaeda. Is Iran a friend of these Islamic quite yet, they aren’t. Some of our more influence in the Middle East? extremists? No. Is Iran a friend of the Arab allies, including Saudi Arabia, Will it be Saudi Arabia? Will it be Taliban and al Qaeda? No. Is Iran open our strongest ally in the Middle East, Iran? Will it be Israel? Will it be Rus- to discussion about these issues to have stated publicly that America’s sia? Will it be China? Will it be Eu- bring stability? The answer is yes. war in Iraq is illegal. That is where we rope? Will it be the United States? No- There are many differences between are at this point. body knows exactly right now. But these Arab countries, whether it’s Can we leave Iraq, like some of our what we do know is the Middle East Saudi Arabia, Iran, Syria, Qatar, generals have suggested; drive them to

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If we abruptly leave Iraq, discussions with Saudi Arabia are pret- ation measures. that chaos will be multiplied by a ty important. International support structure from thousand times. Our discussions with Iraq, obviously, the international community, that has When the French began to pull out of can be very interesting, especially with worked so well for many decades, and Vietnam, they left some military the Iranians, because the Iraqis have integrated security alliance. We have there. And the famous battle of Dien diplomatic relations with the Iranians, it, we’ve had it for some time with Bien Phu has been retold many times. and vice versa; Maliki has gone to NATO. We’ve had it with SEATO, the If we leave Iraq under the present con- Tehran, Ahmadinejad has gone to Southeast Asia Treaty Organization. ditions and leave some American Baghdad. So the Iraqis can see us as We’ve had it with Latin America, the troops there, how many should we being a little closer to their relation- Organization of American States. The leave? We don’t want another Dien ship as far as the Iranians are con- Soviet Union had it. They know how Bien Phu for American soldiers in Iraq. cerned. these integrated security alliances General Petraeus said there is no Now, the Iranians, obviously, we work. We are fully aware of the War- military solution in the war in Iraq. Is talked a little bit about the Iran-Iraq saw Pact, that gave those countries there a political solution? What is the war that lasted from 1980 to 1988 and participating a certain amount of road ahead? how many hundreds of thousands of strength. There is a great deal of talk about Iranians were killed. The Iranians fear An integrated economic system can elections in October. We really have to the kind of government that could do help immensely. And I’m not saying work toward that goal. What about a that again in Iraq. that you will have a NATO-type alli- hydrocarbon law? Is there a strong The differences between the Ba’athist ance among Middle Eastern countries, local police force? Is there a strong party, the Sunnis, the old Saddam Hus- Iraqi national army? Is there a stable but you can begin to discuss an inte- sein regime is could that possibly come grated security alliance. government? How do we achieve these back? So our relationship, our open goals, and many more? We don’t dialogue with the Iranians is pretty b 2315 achieve them with military power important. alone. That simply is not going to No one in the Middle East wants too Continue the current military draw- work. much Russian influence. They remem- down of American troops that is now Let’s take a look at the way forward. ber the old Soviet Union, they remem- ongoing strategically and in a respon- What do we do? Very complicated situ- ber Afghanistan. They simply don’t sible manner. Continue to work toward ation. History, to a certain extent, can know if Russia has found its soul yet, a reconciliation among the different be a guiding post to avoid certain ob- so many in the Middle East fear too factions in the Shia community, the stacles that we don’t anticipate, but much Russian influence. Many in the Sunni community, and the Kurds. And let’s take a look. we have seen recently in Basra between Iraq. The United States and the Middle East fear too much Chinese in- fluence because they know China is Iraq, the United States, and the coun- United States military is the skeletal try of Iran, the resolution to that vio- structure upon which the entire Iraqi looking for resources, especially oil. So the U.S. involved in the Middle lent conflict in Basra among the dif- society rests right now. We are the ferent Shia factions. Reconciliation structure that that government de- East in all these areas, including Syria, among those factions can work. pends upon. If we pulled out, to a large including, I will say, Hamas and And let’s take a quick look histori- extent, at least for a time, hard to pre- Hezbollah, it is America’s power that cally at how these alliances can work. dict, there would be chaos. So we are gives us the ability to negotiable, to In 1941 the United States signed the At- the skeletal structure upon which the dialogue, to communicate, to find some lantic Charter with a number of Euro- entire Iraqi society rests. way to talk to our allies, our friends, If we just focus on Iraq, though, we and also our enemies in the Middle pean countries. And in part how did understand there is no long-term mili- East. This is not Chamberlain giving that Atlantic Charter work? What were tary solution to its insurgency, there is away Czechoslovakia. This is the some of the provisions? It said that all no basic long-term political solution if United States, the most powerful coun- peoples have a right to self-determina- we just focus in on Iraq. The United try in the world militarily, economi- tion. Trade barriers were to be lowered. States needs to understand the region cally, and with our diplomats, dis- There was to be global economic co- and how we impact the region and how cussing the issues in the Middle East operation and advancement of social we can be interconnected with many of with our friends, our allies, and our en- welfare, freedom from want and fear, the problems that are there. And that emies, not giving up anything, cer- disarmament of aggressor nations. Why will also begin to help resolve the Iraqi tainly not giving up territory, not giv- did we sign the Atlantic Charter actu- question. ing in to threats, not giving in to pro- ally in September of 1941? Because we Many of the insurgents in Iraq still liferation of nuclear weapons or weap- knew the war wasn’t going to last for- are al Qaeda and the Taliban. Many of ons of mass destruction. This is the ever and we knew that we needed some the recruiting tools to bring more peo- United States, with its power, negoti- agreement about sovereignty and ple into that violent extremist move- ating its way to find a solution with human rights that we could work to- ment is the Palestinian-Israel ques- our strength. ward. Those would be our goals. tion. So if the United States, and we’ve Eisenhower said in the 1950s, and it’s That, I have to say as an aside, it was already begun that, we’ve seen the true today, the United States’ ability signed in 1941. In 1942, with Ho Chi Bush Administration in Annapolis, to be a super power, to be strong, is a Minh living under Japanese rule with we’ve seen some discussions in a num- three-legged stool, a strong military, a the blessings of the French in Indo- ber of levels trying to resolve and rec- strong intelligence system, and con- china, Ho Chi Minh said, ‘‘I hope that oncile the differences between the dif- sensus and dialogue. That’s in our arse- means that that Atlantic Charter also ferent factions in Palestine and the dif- nal as well, diplomacy, trade, edu- includes Asians.’’ And, unfortunately, ferent factions in Israel. If the United cation, technology, social exchanges, he went on to say a few years later, States becomes an objective arbitrator science exchanges, cultural exchanges. since the Atlantic Charter talked with the Palestinian-Israel question, That’s the beacon, that’s our strength. about sovereignty, he said, ‘‘I guess the we will reduce significantly the num- So let’s take a look at some ways to Atlantic Charter did not include ber of people that are recruited into resolve this problem. We have the mili- Asians.’’ the violent Islamic community known tary. People know we’re strong. We A couple of decades after the Atlan- as al Qaeda. have the best intelligence in the world. tic Charter was written and signed,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:21 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.160 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2352 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 there was something called the Hel- History is the vast early warning sys- create a policy that will lead us out of sinki Accords. The Helsinki Declara- tem. this conflict, that will take us through tion was signed in December, 1975, by What is our policy now based on in the violence and understand the nature many European countries, including the Middle East? Do we have a definite of this conflict so a resolution can the Soviet Union, including Eastern direction? Are we sure about our come to the fore. Europe. And, by the way, the Atlantic power, our power to influence, our Mr. Speaker, I want to wish the Charter was what led into the United power of trade, our power of human American people well in their assign- Nations to help secure sovereignty for dignity? What is our policy now in the ment to read these books that will countries, human rights, freedom of ex- Middle East? bring knowledge to the fore: ‘‘Violent pression, freedom of thought, and so Sam Rayburn, former Speaker, Politics’’ by William Polk, ‘‘Fiasco’’ by on. In 1975, and I want to bring this out former Member of the House, the build- Thomas Ricks, ‘‘All the Shah’s Men’’ for another particular reason and how ing right across the road is named after by Steve Kinser, ‘‘Treacherous Alli- it can apply today in the Middle East, him, the Rayburn Office Building, ance’’ by Trita Parsi, ‘‘The Battle For in 1975 a number of countries signed where I work. What did Sam Rayburn Peace’’ by Tony Zinni, ‘‘Why Viet- the Helsinki Declaration, and what did say years ago that is actually applica- nam?’’ by Archimedes Patti, and that say in part? It said ‘‘sovereign ble today? ‘‘Any mule can kick a barn ‘‘Human Options’’ by Norman Cousins. equality, respect for the rights inher- door down, but it takes a carpenter to f ent in sovereignty.’’ It said, ‘‘refrain- build one.’’ It takes a carpenter to ing from the threat of use of force.’’ build a barn. LEAVE OF ABSENCE This helped trigger dialogue between We need more carpenters. We need By unanimous consent, leave of ab- the differences of nations that had con- more people who understand the nature sence was granted to: flict. ‘‘Peaceful settlements of dis- of conflict. We need more people that Mr. PALLONE (at the request of Mr. putes.’’ We didn’t go to war with the have a sense of urgency. HOYER) for today. Soviet Union. We didn’t go to war with The soldiers in Iraq that are driving Mr. CULBERSON (at the request of Mr. East Germany. We didn’t go to war in convoys that actually in the next BOEHNER) for today and the balance of with a number of other conflicts few minutes might run over a land the week on account of official busi- around the world. ‘‘Nonintervention in mine, those soldiers need to know, ness. internal affairs. Respect for human those soldiers in Iraq who are stun- Mr. LOBIONDO (at the request of Mr. rights, including the freedom of ningly competent about what they do, BOEHNER) for April 14 and up until 6 thought. Equal rights and self-deter- need to know that we, the policy- p.m. today on account of visiting serv- mination of peoples. Fulfillment in makers, are also stunningly competent icemen and women in Afghanistan. good faith of obligations under inter- in how we developed a policy that they Mr. MACK (at the request of Mr. national law.’’ have to take out. BOEHNER) for April 14 and the balance Now, Brezhnev actually liked this. But I will tell the American people, of the week on account of an illness. Premier Brezhnev of the Soviet Union, Mr. Speaker, just don’t wait for the f Prime Minister Brezhnev, liked that government to be competent. You’re SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED because he thought that all the land hoping they are competent. You’re that the Soviet Union then occupied, hoping they know what they are doing. By unanimous consent, permission to he would be able to occupy that terri- Turn your television off 2 hours every address the House, following the legis- tory forever. But what, in fact, did the night and start trying to understand lative program and any special orders Helsinki Accords actually do to people the nature and the culture and the his- heretofore entered, was granted to: around the world, Eastern Europe, and tory and the intrigue and the com- (The following Members (at the re- Soviet Republics like the Ukraine? plexity of the violence in the Middle quest of Mr. MCNULTY) to revise and What did it do? It gave them official East so you’re better able to under- extend their remarks and include ex- permission to say what they felt, to stand it. traneous material:) say what they thought, and the world Rudyard Kipling lost his son in Ms. GIFFORDS, for 5 minutes, today. would listen, and the world did listen. France a long time ago, and to soothe Mr. SCOTT of Georgia, for 5 minutes, People living in the Ukraine today, the his pain, he said, ‘‘Why did young men today. former Soviet Union, will tell you that die because old men lied?’’ Today old Ms. KAPTUR, for 5 minutes, today. Ms. WOOLSEY, for 5 minutes, today. the Helsinki Accords was that trigger, people should talk before they send Mr. DEFAZIO, for 5 minutes, today. that slow fuse that led to their self-de- young people to die. Mr. LOEBSACK, for 5 minutes, today. As we look back on the landscape of termination, their sovereignty, their (The following Members (at the re- independence. The Atlantic Charter, human tragedy, what and who in every quest of Mr. POE) to revise and extend instance was the enemy? What caused the Helsinki Accords. their remarks and include extraneous What the United States can do in the the violence? What caused the pain? material:) Middle East is to remember those What caused the despair? What caused Mr. POE, for 5 minutes, April 22. words, bring about a Middle East sum- the suffering? I will tell you we have Mr. JONES of North Carolina, for 5 mit in which there can be Middle East three enemies in the landscape of minutes, April 22. accords, to bring about sovereignty, to human tragedy: ignorance, arrogance, Mr. SALI, for 5 minutes, April 16. bring about human rights, to bring and dogma. When you put those three Mr. WELLER of Illinois, for 5 minutes, about the respect for international law, things together, it leads to this mon- today and April 16. to bring about respect for human strous certainty, this oversimplifica- f thought. It can do for the Middle East tion of what the issues actually are, what it did for former Soviet Republics this monstrous certainty that comes ADJOURNMENT that are now independent, now free. out of al Qaeda that I’m right and Mr. GILCHREST. Mr. Speaker, I And the Ukraine is trying to get into you’re wrong, this monstrous certainty move that the House do now adjourn. the European Union. The Ukraine is that comes out of the Taliban, I’m The motion was agreed to; accord- trying to get into NATO, as is Kosovo, right and you’re wrong. A suicide ingly (at 11 o’clock and 25 minutes as is Macedonia, former Soviet Repub- bomber should do his job, that’s what p.m.), the House adjourned until to- lics. View of the Helsinki Accords is God wants. We know that’s not right. morrow, Wednesday, April 16, 2008, at what led to their ability to become sov- We know that’s wrong. 10 a.m. ereign and free nations and develop de- What’s the antidote over history to f mocracy. What can happen in the Mid- ignorance, arrogance, and dogma? dle East under these circumstances is Knowledge to replace ignorance, hu- EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, the same thing. Eisenhower talked to mility to replace arrogance, and toler- ETC. Khrushchev. Kennedy avoided war in ance to replace dogma. We, as the pol- Under clause 8 of rule XII, executive Cuba. Nixon talked to Mao Tse-tung. icymakers, need to be knowledgeable communications were taken from the Knowledge is the solvent for danger. and informed so we are competent to Speaker’s table and referred as follows:

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:21 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP7.162 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H2353 6078. A letter from the Director, Regu- on the Arts and Artifacts Indemnity Pro- cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation latory Management Division, Environmental gram for Fiscal Year 2007, pursuant to 20 of Implementation Plans; Revisions to the Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- U.S.C. 959(c); to the Committee on Education Nevada State Implementation Plan; Updated cy’s final rule — Ferric Citrate; Inert Ingre- and Labor. Statutory and Regulatory Provisions; Re- dient; Exemption from the Requirement of a 6089. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- scissions [EPA-R09-OAR-2007-1155; FRL-8548- Tolerance [EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0479; FRL-8071- ment of Health and Human Services, trans- 8] received April 3, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 2] received March 31, 2008, pursuant to 5 mitting as required by Sections 913(b)(2) and 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Ag- Section 902(g) of the Healthcare Research Commerce. riculture. and Quality Act of 1999 (Pub. L. 106-129), re- 6098. A letter from the Director, Regu- 6079. A letter from the Director, Regu- ports entitled ‘‘The National Healthcare latory Management Division, Environmental latory Management Division, Environmental Quality Report 2007’’ (NHQR) and ’’The Na- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- tional Healthcare Disparities Report 2007’’ cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation cy’s final rule — Fenhexamid; Pesticide Tol- (NHDR); to the Committee on Energy and of Implementation Plans; North Carolina: erance [EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0303; FRL-8357-2] Commerce. Approval of Revisions to the 1-Hour Ozone received April 3, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 6090. A letter from the Director, Regu- Maintenance Plan for the Raleigh/Durham 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agri- latory Management Division, Environment and Greensboro/Winston-Salem/High Point culture. Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Areas [EPA-R04-OAR-2008-0036-200801(a); 6080. A letter from the Director, Regu- cy’s final rule — National Perchloroethylene FRL-8551-9] received April 3, 2008, pursuant latory Management Division, Environmental Air Emission Standards for Dry Cleaning Fa- to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- cilities [EPA-HQ-OAR-2005-0155; FRL-8547-4] Energy and Commerce. cy’s final rule — Buprofezin; Pesticide Toler- (RIN: 2060-AO52) received March 27, 2008, pur- 6099. A letter from the Director, Regu- ance [EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0426; FRL-8356-9] re- suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- latory Management Division, Environmental ceived April 3, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. mittee on Energy and Commerce. Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agri- 6091. A letter from the Director, Regu- cy’s final rule — Virginia: Final Authoriza- culture. latory Management Division, Environmental tion of State Hazardous Waste Management 6081. A letter from the Director, Regu- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Program Revision [EPA-R03-RCRA-2008-0256; latory Management Division, Environmental cy’s final rule — Federal Implementation FRL-8548-9] received March 27, 2008, pursuant Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Plan for the Billings/Laurel, Montana, Sulfur to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on cy’s final rule — S-Abscisic Acid, Temporary Dioxide Area [EPA-R08-OAR-2006-0098; FRL- Energy and Commerce. Exemption From the Requirement of a Tol- 8551-2] (RIN: 2008-AA01) received March 31, 6100. A letter from the Director, Regu- erance [EPA-HQ-OPP-2008-0092; FRL-8357-4] 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the latory Management Division, Environmental received March 27, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Committee on Energy and Commerce. Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agri- 6092. A letter from the Director, Regu- cy’s final rule — Revision to the California State Implementation Plan, Bay Area Air culture. latory Management Division, Environmental 6082. A letter from the Director, Regu- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Quality Management District [EPA-R09- latory Management Division, Environmental cy’s final rule — Delegation of New Source OAR-2007-0970; FRL-8547-6] received March Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Performance Standards and National Emis- 27, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to cy’s final rule — Flonicamid; Pesticide Tol- sion Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants the Committee on Energy and Commerce. 6101. A letter from the Director, Regu- erance [EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0338; FRL-8356-7] for the States of Arizona and Nevada [AZ latory Management Division, Environmental received March 27, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. and NV-EPA-R09-OAR-2006-1014 FRL-8551-1] Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agri- received March 31, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. cy’s final rule — NESHAP: National Emis- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and culture. sion Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants: 6083. A letter from the Director, Regu- Commerce. Standards for Hazardous Waste Combustors; latory Management Division, Environmental 6093. A letter from the Director, Regu- Amendments [EPA-HQ-OAR-2004-0022 FRL- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- latory Management Division, Environmental 8549-4] (RIN: 2050-AG35) received March 27, cy’s final rule — Dicamba; Pesticide Toler- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the ance [EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0325; FRL-8356-6] re- cy’s final rule — Delegation of National Committee on Energy and Commerce. ceived March 27, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Emission Standards for Hazardous Air Pol- 6102. A letter from the Director, Regu- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agri- lutants for Source Categories; State of Ne- latory Management Division, Environmental culture. vada, Nevada Division of Environmental Pro- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- 6084. A letter from the Director, Regu- tection [EPA-R09-OAR-2008-0229; FRL-8550-9] cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation latory Management Division, Environmental received March 31, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. of Implementation Plans; State of Missouri Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and [EPA-R07-OAR-2008-0103; FRL-8549-8] re- cy’s final rule — Acequinocyl; Pesticide Tol- Commerce. ceived March 27, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. erance [EPA-HQ-OPP-2006-0678; FRL-8356-6] 6094. A letter from the Director, Regu- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and received March 27, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. latory Management Division, Environmental Commerce. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agri- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- 6103. A letter from the Director, Regu- culture. cy’s final rule — Alabama: Final Authoriza- latory Management Division, Environmental 6085. A letter from the Director, Regu- tion of State Hazardous Waste Management Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- latory Management Division, Environmental Program Revision [EPA-R04-RCRA-2007-0992; cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- FRL-8550-3] received March 31, 2008, pursuant of Implementation Plans; State of Missouri cy’s final rule — Flumioxazin; Pesticide Tol- to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on [EPA-R07-OAR-2008-0100; FRL-8549-6] re- erance [EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0308; FRL-8352-5] Energy and Commerce. ceived March 27, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. received February 29, 2008, pursuant to 5 6095. A letter from the Director, Regu- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Ag- latory Management Division, Environmental Commerce. riculture. Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- 6104. A letter from the Director, Regu- 6086. A letter from the Director, Regu- cy’s final rule — Final 8-hour Ozone National latory Management Division, Environmental latory Management Division, Environmental Ambient Air Quality Standards Designations Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- for the Early Action Compact Areas [EPA- cy’s final rule — Utah: Final Authorization cy’s final rule — Bifenazate; Pesticide Toler- HQ-2008-0006; FRL-8550-1] (RIN: 2060-AO83) re- of State Hazardous Waste Management Pro- ance [EPA-HQ-OPP-2007-0302; FRL-8351-6] re- ceived March 31, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. gram Revisions [EPA-R08-RCRA-2006-0127; ceived February 29, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and FRL-8538-1] received February 29, 2008, pur- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Agri- Commerce. suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- culture. 6096. A letter from the Director, Regu- mittee on Energy and Commerce. 6087. A letter from the Directors, Congres- latory Management Division, Environmental 6105. A letter from the Director, Regu- sional Budget Office and Office of Manage- Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- latory Management Division, Environmental ment and Budget, transmitting a joint re- cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- port on the technical assumptions to be used of State Air Quality Plans for Designated cy’s final rule — Partial Withdrawal of Di- in preparing estimates of National Defense Facilities and Pollutants; State of Maryland; rect Final Rule Revising the California State Function (050) fiscal year 2009 outlay rates Control of Large Municipal Waste Combustor Implementation Plan, Monterey Bay Unified and prior year outlays, pursuant to 10 U.S.C. (LMWC) Emissions from Existing Facilities Air Pollution Control District and San Joa- 226; to the Committee on the Budget. [EPA-R03-OAR-2008-MD-0209; FRL-8552-5] re- quin Valley Air Pollution Control District 6088. A letter from the Chairman, National ceived April 3, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. [EPA-R09-OAR-2007-1074, FRL-8537-9] re- Endowment for the Arts and Member Federal 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and ceived February 29, 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Council on the Arts and the Humanities, Na- Commerce. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and tional Foundation on the Arts and the trans- 6097. A letter from the Director, Regu- Commerce. mitting the Federal Council on the Arts and latory Management Division, Environmental 6106. A letter from the Director, Regu- the Humanities’ thirty-second annual report Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- latory Management Division, Environmental

VerDate Aug 31 2005 03:21 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 4634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L15AP7.000 H15APPT1 wwoods2 on PRODPC68 with HOUSE H2354 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE April 15, 2008 Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- 6118. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- H.R. 5793. A bill to restrict any State or cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation ment of Health and Human Services, trans- local jurisdiction from imposing a new dis- of Air Quality Implementation Plans; Com- mitting the Department’s biennial report on criminatory tax on cell phone services, pro- monwealth of Virginia; Control of Particu- evaluation, research and technical assist- viders, or property; to the Committee on the late Matter from Pulp and Paper Mills; Cor- ance activities supported by ‘‘The Promoting Judiciary. rection [EPA-R03-OAR-2005-VA-0011; FRL- Safe and Stable Families Program’’; to the By Mr. BRADY of Texas (for himself, 8537-6] received February 29, 2008, pursuant Committee on Ways and Means. Mr. AKIN, Mr. BACHUS, Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina, Mr. BARTLETT of to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on f Energy and Commerce. Maryland, Mr. BILBRAY, Mrs. 6107. A letter from the Director, Regu- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON BLACKBURN, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. BROUN of latory Management Division, Environmental PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Georgia, Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Protection Agency, transmitting the Agen- Florida, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. cy’s final rule — Approval and Promulgation Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of CAMPBELL of California, Mr. CARTER, of Air Quality Implementation Plans; State committees were delivered to the Clerk Mr. CHABOT, Mr. COLE of Oklahoma, of Maryland; Revised Definition of Volatile for printing and reference to the proper Mr. CONAWAY, Mr. EDWARDS, Mr. Organic Compound (VOC) [EPA-R03-OAR- calendar, as follows: ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, Mr. 2007-1157; FRL-8532-4] received February 21, Ms. CASTOR: Committee on Rules. House FEENEY, Mr. FLAKE, Ms. FOXX, Mr. 2008, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Resolution 1107. Resolution providing for GARRETT of New Jersey, Mr. Committee on Energy and Commerce. consideration of the bill (H.R. 5715) to ensure GOHMERT, Mr. GOODE, Mr. HALL of 6108. A letter from the Chairman, Federal continued availability of access to the Fed- Texas, Mr. HENSARLING, Mr. HERGER, Communications Commission, transmitting eral student loan program for students and Mr. HOEKSTRA, Mr. INGLIS of South the Commission’s FY 2007 Annual Report re- families (Rept. 110–590). Referred to the Carolina, Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas, quired by Section 203 of the Notification and House Calendar. Mr. JONES of North Carolina, Mr. Federal Antidiscrimination and Retaliation KING of Iowa, Mr. KINGSTON, Mr. Act of 2002, Pub. L. 107-174; to the Committee f LAMBORN, Mr. MCCAUL of Texas, Mr. on Energy and Commerce. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS MCCOTTER, Mr. MCKEON, Mr. MACK, 6109. A letter from the Inspector General, Mrs. BONO MACK, Mr. MARCHANT, U.S. House of Representatives, transmitting Under clause 2 of rule XII, public Mrs. MYRICK, Mr. MILLER of Florida, the Inspector General’s final report on the bills and resolutions were introduced Mr. MORAN of Kansas, Mr. Management Advisory review of the Ex- and severally referred, as follows: NEUGEBAUER, Mr. PAUL, Mr. PENCE, change 2003 Implementation; to the Com- By Mr. DEFAZIO (for himself, Mr. Mr. PITTS, Mr. PRICE of Georgia, Mr. mittee on House Administration. COSTELLO, Mr. PETRI, Mr. DUNCAN, RYAN of Wisconsin, Mr. SENSEN- 6110. A letter from the Acting Adminis- Mr. OBERSTAR, Mr. LIPINSKI, Mr. FIL- BRENNER, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. SHIMKUS, trator, FAA, Department of Transportation, NER, Mr. COHEN, Mr. BOOZMAN, Mr. Mr. STEARNS, Mr. TERRY, Mr. THORN- transmitting the Federal Aviation Adminis- CAPUANO, and Mr. GEORGE MILLER of BERRY, Mr. WELLER, and Mr. WEST- tration’s Capital Investment Plan (CIP) for California): MORELAND): fiscal years 2009-2013, pursuant to 49 U.S.C. H.R. 5788. A bill to amend title 49, United H.R. 5794. A bill to provide for the periodic app. 2203(b)(1); to the Committee on Trans- States Code, to establish prohibitions review of the efficiency and public need for portation and Infrastructure. against voice communications using a mo- Federal agencies, to establish a Commission 6111. A letter from the Assistant Secretary for the purpose of reviewing the efficiency of the Army for Civil Works, Department of bile communications device on commercial airline flights, and for other purposes; to the and public need of such agencies, and to pro- Defense, transmitting the Administration’s vide for the abolishment of agencies for position on the budgeting for the Park River Committee on Transportation and Infra- structure. which a public need does not exist; to the at Grafton, North Dakota, flood damage re- Committee on Oversight and Government By Mr. WU (for himself, Mr. GORDON, duction project; to the Committee on Trans- Reform. portation and Infrastructure. Mr. BAIRD, and Mr. WILSON of Ohio): H.R. 5789. A bill to reauthorize the Small By Mr. CAMPBELL of California: 6112. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- H.R. 5795. A bill to require the Secretary of Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Pro- ment of Transportation, transmitting a re- the Interior to notify units of local govern- gram and the Small Business Technology port entitled, ‘‘Fundamental Properties of ment when a Native American group files a Transfer (STTR) Program, and for other pur- Asphalts and Modified Asphalts-II’’ sub- petition to become a federally recognized In- poses; to the Committee on Small Business, mitted in accordance with Section 6016(e) of dian tribe and before the decision on the pe- and in addition to the Committee on Science the Intermodal Surface Transportation Effi- tition is made, and for other purposes; to the and Technology, for a period to be subse- ciency Act of 1991 (ISTEA), Pub. L. 102-240, Committee on Natural Resources. quently determined by the Speaker, in each and Section 5117(b)(5) of the Transportation By Ms. CLARKE: Equity Act of the 21st Century (TEA-21) and case for consideration of such provisions as H.R. 5796. A bill to provide funding for the the extension of those provisions through FY fall within the jurisdiction of the committee Neighborhood Reinvestment Corporation for 2007; to the Committee on Transportation concerned. mortgage foreclosure mitigation activities; and Infrastructure. By Mr. FOSTER: to the Committee on Appropriations. 6113. A letter from the President and Chief H.R. 5790. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- By Mrs. DRAKE: Executive Officer, National Railroad Pas- enue Code of 1986 to allow the deduction for H.R. 5797. A bill to amend title 5, United senger Corporation, transmitting Amtrak’s State and local real property taxes whether States Code, to provide for a qualified Roth Grant and Legislative Request for FY09, pur- or not the taxpayer itemizes other deduc- contribution program under the Thrift Sav- suant to 49 U.S.C. 24315(b); to the Committee tions, and for other purposes; to the Com- ings Plan; to the Committee on Oversight on Transportation and Infrastructure. mittee on Ways and Means. and Government Reform. 6114. A letter from the Board of Trustees, By Ms. SHEA-PORTER (for herself and By Mr. HILL: National Railroad Retirement Investment Mr. LATHAM): H.R. 5798. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Trust, transmitting the National Railroad H.R. 5791. A bill to amend title 10, United enue Code of 1986 to allow a credit for care Retirement Investment Trust’s annual man- States Code, to clarify the effective date of packages provided for soldiers in combat agement report covering FY 2007, pursuant active duty of members of the reserve com- zones; to the Committee on Ways and Means. to 45 U.S.C. 231n Public Law 107-90, section ponents of the Armed Forces receiving an By Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of 105; to the Committee on Transportation and alert order anticipating a call or order to ac- Texas: Infrastructure. tive duty in support of a contingency oper- H.R. 5799. A bill to amend titles XVIII and 6115. A letter from the Director, National ation for purposes of entitlement to medical XIX of the Social Security Act to improve Science Foundation, transmitting the Foun- and dental care as members of the Armed the transparency of information on skilled dation’s Performance Highlights for FY 2007; Forces on active duty; to the Committee on nursing facilities and nursing facilities and to the Committee on Science and Tech- Armed Services. to clarify and improve the targeting of the nology. By Mr. MOORE of Kansas (for himself, enforcement of requirements with respect to 6116. A letter from the Chairman, Board of Ms. PRYCE of Ohio, Mr. CAMPBELL of such facilities; to the Committee on Ways Veterans’ Appeals, Department of Veterans California, and Mr. KLEIN of Florida): and Means, and in addition to the Committee Affairs, transmitting a copy of the Report of H.R. 5792. A bill to amend the Liability on Energy and Commerce, for a period to be the Chairman for FY 2007; to the Committee Risk Retention Act of 1986 to increase insur- subsequently determined by the Speaker, in on Veterans’ Affairs. ance competition and available coverage for each case for consideration of such provi- 6117. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- consumers; to the Committee on Financial sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the ment of Veterans Affairs, transmitting a Services. committee concerned. copy of a draft bill entitled, ‘‘To amend title By Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California By Mr. KANJORSKI: 38, United States Code, to improve veterans’ (for herself, Mr. CANNON, Mr. COHEN, H.R. 5800. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- health care benefits and for other purposes’’; Mr. CHABOT, Mr. MEEKS of New York, enue Code of 1986 to impose a windfall profit to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. and Mr. SENSENBRENNER): tax on oil and natural gas (and products

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thereof) and to appropriate the proceeds for H.R. 5808. A bill to amend the Public LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ of California, Ms. the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Health Service Act to authorize the National SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. SIRES, Ms. SOLIS, Program; to the Committee on Ways and Institute of Environmental Health Sciences Mr. STARK, Ms. SUTTON, Mr. TOWNS, Means, and in addition to the Committee on to develop multidisciplinary research cen- Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ, Mr. Appropriations, for a period to be subse- ters regarding women’s health and disease WEINER, Mr. WEXLER, and Ms. WOOL- quently determined by the Speaker, in each prevention, and for other purposes; to the SEY): case for consideration of such provisions as Committee on Energy and Commerce. H. Con. Res. 328. Concurrent resolution fall within the jurisdiction of the committee By Ms. SLAUGHTER (for herself, Mr. supporting the goals and ideals of the Na- concerned. BLUMENAUER, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. CON- tional Day of Silence with respect to anti- By Mr. LAMPSON (for himself, Mr. YERS, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender BOSWELL, Mr. SPACE, Mr. HILL, Mr. HINCHEY, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, name-calling, bullying, and harassment BARROW, and Mr. MELANCON): Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota, Mr. faced by individuals in schools; to the Com- H.R. 5801. A bill to provide for direct access MCGOVERN, Mr. MCNULTY, Mr. mittee on Education and Labor, and in addi- to electronic tax return filing, and for other GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. tion to the Committee on the Judiciary, for purposes; to the Committee on Ways and MORAN of Virginia, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, a period to be subsequently determined by Means. Mr. WAXMAN, and Mr. HONDA): the Speaker, in each case for consideration By Ms. LEE (for herself, Mr. ELLISON, H.R. 5809. A bill to amend the Public of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- and Mr. DAVIS of Illinois): Health Service Act to authorize the National tion of the committee concerned. H.R. 5802. A bill to amend the Personal Re- Institute of Environmental Health Sciences By Mr. SHAYS (for himself and Mr. sponsibility and Work Opportunity Rec- to conduct and coordinate a research pro- REICHERT): onciliation Act of 1996 to repeal the denial of gram on hormone disruption, and for other H. Res. 1108. A resolution expressing the food stamp eligibility of ex-offenders; to the purposes; to the Committee on Energy and sense of the House of Representatives that Committee on Agriculture. Commerce, and in addition to the Commit- By Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California: future Iraq reconstruction should be paid for tees on Natural Resources, and Science and by the Government of Iraq; to the Com- H.R. 5803. A bill to direct the Election As- Technology, for a period to be subsequently sistance Commission to establish a program mittee on Foreign Affairs. determined by the Speaker, in each case for By Mr. SIRES: to make grants to participating States and consideration of such provisions as fall with- units of local government which will admin- H. Res. 1109. A resolution honoring the in the jurisdiction of the committee con- ister the regularly scheduled general elec- memory of Dith Pran by remembering his cerned. tion for Federal office held in November 2008 life’s work and continuing to acknowledge By Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ: for carrying out a program to make backup and remember the victims of genocides that H.R. 5810. A bill to amend title V of the So- have taken place around the globe; to the paper ballots available in the case of the fail- cial Security Act to provide grants for Committee on Foreign Affairs. ure of a voting system or voting equipment school-based mentoring programs for at risk in the election or some other emergency sit- teenage girls to prevent and reduce teen f uation, and for other purposes; to the Com- pregnancy, and to provide student loan for- mittee on House Administration. giveness for mentors participating in such ADDITIONAL SPONSORS By Mr. MCDERMOTT (for himself, Mr. programs; to the Committee on Energy and TIERNEY, Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts, Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors Commerce, and in addition to the Committee Mr. STARK, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. were added to public bills and resolu- on Education and Labor, for a period to be DOGGETT, Mr. EMANUEL, Mr. tions as follows: subsequently determined by the Speaker, in PASCRELL, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. CROW- each case for consideration of such provi- H.R. 25: Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. LEY, Ms. SCHWARTZ, Mr. DAVIS of Ala- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the H.R. 351: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Ms. NORTON, bama, Ms. DELAURO, Mr. GEORGE committee concerned. and Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania. MILLER of California, Ms. LINDA T. By Mr. WAXMAN (for himself, Mr. H.R. 406: Mr. BUYER, Mr. COBLE, Mr. DAVIS SA´ NCHEZ of California, Mr. HARE, Ms. CLAY, and Mr. HODES): of Kentucky, Mr. DOOLITTLE, Mr. EHLERS, SUTTON, Mr. HONDA, Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. H.R. 5811. A bill to amend title 44, United Ms. GRANGER, Mr. HAYES, Mr. SAM JOHNSON BRADY of Pennsylvania, Mr. States Code, to require preservation of cer- of Texas, Mr. MARCHANT, Mr. RAMSTAD, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. CUMMINGS, Mr. KAGEN, tain electronic records by Federal agencies, ROYCE, Mr. SHUSTER, and Mr. TURNER. and Mr. LEVIN): to require a certification and reports relat- H.R. 471: Mr. LOBIONDO, Ms. DELAURO, Mr. H.R. 5804. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- ing to Presidential records, and for other KELLER, and Mr. HINOJOSA. enue Code of 1986 to modify the rules relat- purposes; to the Committee on Oversight and H.R. 510: Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. BARTON ing to the treatment of individuals as inde- of Texas, Mr. CALVERT, Mr. LEWIS of Cali- pendent contractors or employees, and for Government Reform. fornia, Mr. GARY G. MILLER of California, other purposes; to the Committee on Ways By Mr. YOUNG of Alaska (for himself, Mr. HOEKSTRA, Mr. WITTMAN of Virginia, Mr. and Means. Mr. PAUL, and Mr. CANTOR): H.R. 5812. A bill to amend title II of the So- PEARCE, and Mr. SULLIVAN. By Mr. PEARCE: H.R. 643: Mr. VAN HOLLEN. H.R. 5805. A bill to establish a new solar cial Security Act to authorize waivers by the H.R. 657: Mr. HONDA. energy future for America through public- Commissioner of Social Security of the 5- private partnership and energy leasing for month waiting period for entitlement to ben- H.R. 661: Mr. ELLISON. reliable and affordable energy for the Amer- efits based on disability in cases in which the H.R. 688: Mr. JONES of North Carolina and ican people, and for other purposes; to the Commissioner determines that such waiting Mr. GERLACH. Committee on Natural Resources. period would cause undue hardship to termi- H.R. 728: Mr. ALTMIRE. By Mr. RUSH (for himself and Mr. nally ill beneficiaries; to the Committee on H.R. 919: Ms. FOXX. OXX UPTON): Ways and Means. H.R. 953: Ms. F . H.R. 5806. A bill to permit universal service By Mr. CONYERS (for himself, Ms. KIL- H.R. 981: Mr. RYAN of Ohio. support to schools under the Communica- PATRICK, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. UPTON, Mr. H.R. 1043: Ms. SLAUGHTER. tions Act of 1934 to be used for enhanced MCCOTTER, Mr. CAMP of Michigan, H.R. 1050: Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi, Ms. emergency notification services; to the Com- Mr. EHLERS, Mr. DINGELL, Mr. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, Mr. ELLISON, and Mr. mittee on Energy and Commerce. WALBERG, Mr. KNOLLENBERG, Mr. HONDA. By Mr. SALAZAR: ROGERS of Michigan, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. H.R. 1056: Mr. HOEKSTRA. H.R. 5807. A bill to amend title 10, United STUPAK, Mr. HOEKSTRA, and Mrs. H.R. 1057: Mr. HOEKSTRA. States Code, to provide for the distribution MILLER of Michigan): H.R. 1076: Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky and Mr. of a share of certain mineral revenues, and H. Con. Res. 327. Concurrent resolution MCKEON. for other purposes; to the Committee on Nat- congratulating and saluting Focus: HOPE on H.R. 1185: Mr. GRIJALVA. ural Resources, and in addition to the Com- its 40th anniversary and for its remarkable H.R. 1190: Mr. TOWNS and Mr. GRIJALVA. mittee on Energy and Commerce, for a pe- commitment and contributions to Detroit, H.R. 1228: Mr. ALLEN. riod to be subsequently determined by the the State of Michigan, and the United H.R. 1293: Mr. AKIN. Speaker, in each case for consideration of States; to the Committee on Oversight and H.R. 1303: Mr. CHANDLER. such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- Government Reform. H.R. 1380: Mrs. BONO Mack. tion of the committee concerned. By Mr. ENGEL (for himself, Ms. BALD- H.R. 1524: Mr. JACKSON of Illinois, Mr. CAS- By Ms. SLAUGHTER (for herself, Mr. WIN, Mrs. CAPPS, Mrs. DAVIS of Cali- TLE, Mr. HARE, Mr. ORTIZ, and Mr. WALBERG. BLUMENAUER, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. CON- fornia, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. FARR, Mr. H.R. 1540: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, Mrs. YERS, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. FATTAH, Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. GUTIER- LOWEY, and Mr. BARTLETT of Maryland. HINCHEY, Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, REZ, Mr. HOLT, Mr. HONDA, Mr. H.R. 1707: Mrs. LOWEY. Ms. MCCOLLUM of Minnesota, Mr. LOEBSACK, Mrs. LOWEY, Mrs. H.R. 1742: Mr. JACKSON of Illinois, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. MCNULTY, Mr. MALONEY of New York, Mr. LYNCH, Mrs. NAPOLITANO, and Mr. JEFFER- GEORGE MILLER of California, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. SON. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, MCNULTY, Mr. NADLER, Ms. NORTON, H.R. 1776: Mr. CARNAHAN, Mr. LOEBSACK, Mr. WAXMAN, and Mr. HONDA): Mr. PALLONE, Mr. ROTHMAN, Ms. and Mr. CHANDLER.

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H.R. 1843: Mr. BLUNT and Mr. ENGLISH of H.R. 5057: Mr. MOORE of Kansas. MCDERMOTT, Mr. ELLISON, and Mr. MCGOV- Pennsylvania. H.R. 5131: Mr. BURGESS. ERN. H.R. 1884: Ms. KAPTUR, Mrs. BOYDA of Kan- H.R. 5174: Mr. MCNULTY. H.R. 5737: Mrs. DRAKE, Mr. SOUDER, and Mr. sas, Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. PASCRELL, H.R. 5176: Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. BUCHANAN. MS. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. H.R. 5223: Ms. BERKLEY and Mr. HARE. H.R. 5740: Mr. SIRES, Mrs. MILLER of Michi- HILL, and Mr. HELLER. H.R. 5236: Mr. SHADEGG. gan, Mr. CARSON, Mr. DONNELLY, and Mr. H.R. 1921: Mr. FRANK of Massachusetts. H.R. 5315: Mr. CARSON. FEENEY. H.R. 1932: Mr. TIBERI and Mr. DAVID DAVIS H.R. 5441: Mr. LIPINSKI and Mr. MICA. H.R. 5749: Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. POMEROY, of Tennessee. H.R. 5443: Mr. FOSSELLA. Mr. DINGELL, Mr. WILSON of Ohio, Mr. STU- H.R. 1983: Mr. CHANDLER. H.R. 5445: Mr. ELLISON and Mr. KLINE of PAK, and Mr. KILDEE. H.R. 2188: Mr. GERLACH and Mr. ALLEN. Minnesota. H.R. 5752: Mr. MANZULLO. H.R. 5447: Ms. SCHWARTZ, Mr. HONDA, Mr. H.R. 2267: Mr. PLATTS. H.R. 5753: Mr. MCGOVERN. LINCOLN DAVIS of Tennessee, Mrs. MALONEY H.R. 2329: Mrs. BACHMANN, Mr. KLEIN of H.R. 5759: Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. of New York, Mr. BLUMENAUER, Mr. Florida, Mr. WELCH of Vermont, and Mr. H.R. 5762: Mr. DEFAZIO. HINOJOSA, Mr. BRALEY of Iowa, Mr. BISHOP of ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. H.R. 5770: Mr. HONDA. Georgia, and Mr. BERMAN. H.R. 2332: Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. H.R. 5775: Mr. SHADEGG. H.R. 5450: Mr. ALTMIRE. YOUNG of Alaska, and Mr. SHADEGG. H. Con. Res. 70: Mr. DELAHUNT. H.R. 5461: Mr. ALLEN. H.R. 2343: Mr. KENNEDY. H. Con. Res. 195: Mr. TANNER, Mrs. CAPPS, H.R. 5466: Ms. SUTTON. H.R. 2371: Mr. RUPPERSBERGER, Mr. ROSS, Mr. COHEN, Mr. MARCHANT, Ms. BORDALLO, H.R. 5473: Mr. DELAHUNT, Mr. WALZ of Min- Mr. TERRY, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. BUTTERFIELD, Ms. GRANGER, and Mr. HINOJOSA. nesota, Mr. MARKEY, Mr. MCINTYRE, Mr. Mr. ALTMIRE, and Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. H. Con. Res. 223: Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. FRANK of Massachusetts, Mr. WILSON of Ohio, H.R. 2380: Mr. KAGEN and Mr. HOBSON. H. Con. Res. 244: Mr. HUNTER, Mr. MAHONEY Mr. BARROW, Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut, H.R. 2421: Ms. TSONGAS. of Florida, Mr. CULBERSON, and Mr. DICKS. Mr. HINCHEY, Mr. HODES, Ms. GIFFORDS, Mr. H.R. 2458: Mr. BRADY of Texas. H. Con. Res. 295: Mr. MCCARTHY of Cali- MCGOVERN, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. BRALEY of H.R. 2593: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, Ms. SUTTON, fornia, Mr. ABERCROMBIE, and Mr. WITTMAN Iowa, Ms. SHEA-PORTER, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY, and Mr. HONDA. of Virginia. Mrs. CAPPS, and Mr. CARSON. H.R. 2676: Mr. PLATTS and Mr. BRALEY of H. Con. Res. 298: Mr. BURTON of Indiana. H.R. 5481: Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Iowa. H. Con. Res. 322: Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. LINCOLN H.R. 5488: Mr. MCDERMOTT and Mr. H.R. 2686: Mr. MCINTYRE and Mr. POMEROY. DIAZ-BALART of Florida, Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. KUCINICH. H.R. 2892: Ms. LEE and Mr. FRANK of Massa- ALTMIRE, Mr. DAVIS of Alabama, Mr. H.R. 5490: Mr. BARRETT of South Carolina. chusetts. PERLMUTTER, Mr. HELLER, Mr. YOUNG of H.R. 5515: Mr. GOHMERT. H.R. 2976: Mr. COHEN and Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Alaska, Mr. SMITH of New Jersey, Mr. BILI- H.R. 5546: Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. H.R. 3054: Ms. WATERS. H.R. 5561: Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN and Mr. RAKIS, Mr. REHBERG, Mr. LARSEN of Wash- H.R. 3149: Mr. CARTER. MCHUGH. ington, Mr. COSTA, Mr. YARMUTH, Mr. UDALL H.R. 3189: Mr. CONYERS. H.R. 5585: Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. of New Mexico, Mr. ELLISON, Mr. SHAYS, Mr. H.R. 3463: Mr. BLUMENAUER. H.R. 5591: Mr. SOUDER, Mr. WALBERG, and BOOZMAN, Mr. SALI, Mr. POMEROY, Mr. H.R. 3543: Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. HINOJOSA. SOUDER, Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. CRENSHAW, and H.R. 3544: Mr. HINOJOSA, Mr. HILL, Mr. H.R. 5595: Mr. SOUDER, Mr. CARSON, Mr. Mr. NUNES. BRADY of Pennsylvania, and Mr. CRAMER. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania, and Mr. HARE. H. Res. 353: Mr. BUTTERFIELD. H.R. 3616: Mr. MOORE of Kansas. H.R. 5596: Mr. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. H. Res. 373: Ms. TSONGAS. H.R. 3642: Mr. MCGOVERN. TANCREDO, Mr. BILBRAY, and Mr. FRANKS of H. Res. 887: Mr. MCINTYRE. H.R. 3652: Mr. GRIJALVA, Mr. LEWIS of Arizona. H. Res. 896: Mrs. BONO MACK. Georgia, and Mr. OBERSTAR. H.R. 5609: Mr. PAYNE. H. Res. 1008: Mr. WAMP. H.R. 3654: Mr. CARSON and Mr. HILL. H.R. 5611: Mr. PLATTS and Mr. AKIN. H. Res. 1011: Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of Cali- H.R. 3658: Mr. MCDERMOTT. H.R. 5613: Mr. LOBIONDO, Mr. BRADY of fornia, and Ms. ESHOO. H.R. 3660: Mr. SESSIONS and Mr. HUNTER. Pennsylvania, Mr. KLEIN of Florida, Mr. LIN- H. Res. 1043: Mr. BRADY of Pennsylvania, H.R. 3728: Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. FATTAH, and COLN DIAZ-BALART of Florida, Mr. MELANCON, and Mr. HARE. Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. RUSH, Mr. COHEN, Mr. BACA, Mr. H. Res. 1069: Mr. MANZULLO. H.R. 3797: Mr. KIND. HINOJOSA, Mr. COURTNEY, and Mr. RYAN of H. Res. 1091: Mr. MICA, and Mr. MARIO H.R. 3818: Mr. LATTA and Mr. HUNTER. Ohio. DIAZ-BALART of Florida. H.R. 3886: Mr. RYAN of Ohio. H.R. 5627: Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. SHULER, Mrs. H. Res. 1095: Mrs. JONES of Ohio. H.R. 3981: Mr. ALEXANDER. MILLER of Michigan, Mr. PENCE, Mr. KUHL of H. Res. 1096: Mr. CLEAVER, Mr. UDALL of H.R. 4044: Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. PETERSON of New York, and Mr. KNOLLENBERG. New Mexico, Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. SALAZAR, Mr. Minnesota, Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, and Mr. H.R. 5629: Mr. DELAHUNT and Mr. NUNES. ISRAEL, Mr. WU, Mrs. CAPPS, Mr. ELLISON, HINOJOSA. H.R. 5642: Mr. DANIEL E. LUNGREN of Cali- Mr. GONZALEZ, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. BAIRD, Mr. H.R. 4061: Mr. MARSHALL. fornia and Mr. GOHMERT. TAYLOR, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. POMEROY, Mr. H.R. 4093: Mr. ARCURI. H.R. 5646: Mr. KINGSTON, Mr. WESTMORE- KIRK, Mr. MATHESON, and Ms. HERSETH H.R. 4126: Mr. MCKEON, Mr. ENGLISH of LAND, Mr. LINDER, Mr. BARTLETT of Mary- SANDLIN. Pennsylvania, Mrs. JONES of Ohio, and Mr. land, Mrs. BLACKBURN, Mr. AKIN, Mr. DEAL of NUNES. Georgia, Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. f H.R. 4188: Mr. HONDA and Ms. WASSERMAN GOHMERT, Mr. MARCHANT, Mr. ADERHOLT, and SCHULTZ. Mr. FEENEY. CONGRESSIONAL EARMARKS, LIM- H.R. 4204: Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. H.R. 5659: Mr. PAUL. ITED TAX BENEFITS, OR LIM- H.R. 4236: Mr. WALZ of Minnesota. H.R. 5684: Mr. WELCH of Vermont, Mr. H.R. 4279: Ms. WATSON. HINOJOSA, Mr. SPACE, and Mr. ROSS. ITED TARIFF BENEFITS H.R. 4310: Mr. HARE. H.R. 5695: Mr. GINGREY, Mr. HELLER, and Under clause 9 of rule XXI, lists or H.R. 4651: Mr. WELCH of Vermont. Mr. GALLEGLY. statements on congressional earmarks, H.R. 4775: Mrs. MALONEY of New York and H.R. 5709: Mr. BOSWELL, Mr. ENGLISH of limited tax benefits, or limited tariff Mr. WAXMAN. Pennsylvania, and Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. H.R. 4838: Mr. WELCH of Vermont. H.R. 5712: Mr. SARBANES, Mr. BRALEY of benefits were submitted as follows: H.R. 4926: Mr. BLUMENAUER. Iowa, Mr. HODES, and Mr. MURPHY of Con- The amendment to be offered by Rep- H.R. 4927: Mr. UDALL of Colorado. necticut. resentative GEORGE MILLER of California or a H.R. 4930: Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. H.R. 5717: Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. designee to H.R. 5715, the Ensuring Contin- H.R. 4934: Mr. WILSON of Ohio. H.R. 5731: Mr. CAMPBELL of California, Mr. ued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008, H.R. 4987: Mr. CALVERT. GARY G. MILLER of California, and Mr. does not contain any congressional ear- H.R. 5032: Mr. DOOLITTLE, Mr. SENSEN- ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. marks, limited tax benefits, or limited tariff BRENNER, Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. TIAHRT, Mr. H.R. 5734: Ms. CORRINE BROWN of Florida, benefits as defined in clause 9(d), 9(e), or 9(f) PICKERING, and Mr. SHADEGG. Ms. Linda T. Sa´ nchez of California, Mr. of Rule XXI.

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Vol. 154 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, APRIL 15, 2008 No. 59 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was appoint the Honorable JON TESTER, a Sen- POPE BENEDICT XVI’S VISIT TO called to order by the Honorable JON ator from the State of Montana, to perform THE UNITED STATES the duties of the Chair. TESTER, a Senator from the State of Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, this Montana. ROBERT C. BYRD, President pro tempore. week we welcome his Holiness, Pope Benedict XVI, for his first visit to PRAYER Mr. TESTER thereupon assumed the chair as Acting President pro tempore. America as Pope. The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- Here in Washington, Pope Benedict fered the following prayer: f will meet the President at the White Let us pray. House, marking only the second time Almighty God, we come to You in RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY LEADER in America’s history that a pontiff has weakness and seek Your strength. visited the White House. He will offer Without Your presence, life’s chal- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Mass at the newly opened Nationals lenges overwhelm. Lift our burdens and pore. The majority leader is recog- Park, and deliver an address at Catho- fill our life with Your joy. nized. lic University. Strengthen our lawmakers. Use their f Pope Benedict will then travel to talents and abilities to make a positive New York, where he will address the difference in our world. Empower them SCHEDULE United Nations, visit Ground Zero, site with Your providential care to find cre- Mr. REID. Mr. President, following of the devastating 9/11 terrorist at- ative paths that will bring this Nation my remarks and those of Senator tacks, and say Mass at Yankee Sta- to a desired destination. Inspire their MCCONNELL, the Senate will be in a pe- dium. minds with insight and wisdom, their riod of morning business for 1 hour, During his visit, the Pope will also hearts with resiliency and courage, and with Senators allowed to speak therein champion a brotherhood of faith be- their bodies with vigor and vitality. for up to 10 minutes each, with the tween the religions, by meeting with May your peace flow into them, time equally divided between the two leaders from the Buddhist, Muslim, calming their spirits, directing their leaders or their designees. Hindu, Jewish, and other faiths. dispositions, and controlling all they The Pope’s visit observes some im- ORDER OF PROCEDURE say and do. portant anniversaries. Wednesday, I ask unanimous consent that the We pray in Your great Name. Amen. April 16, will be his 81st birthday, and first 30 minutes be given to the Repub- Saturday, the 19th, will mark the third f licans and the final 30 minutes to the anniversary of his election as Pope. PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE majority. His visit also coincides with the 200th The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- The Honorable JON TESTER led the anniversary of four of the oldest dio- pore. Without objection, it is so or- Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: ceses in the United States, one of dered. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the which was established in my own State Mr. REID. Mr. President, following United States of America, and to the Repub- of Kentucky. Two hundred years ago that time, the Senate will resume con- lic for which it stands, one nation under God, this month, Pope Pius VII carved the indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. sideration of H.R. 1195. Diocese of Bardstown from one of the I ask unanimous consent that the f oldest dioceses in the New World. Senate recess from 12:30 until 2:15 p.m. APPOINTMENT OF ACTING The territory of the Bardstown Dio- today to allow for the weekly caucus PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE cese once covered a giant swath of luncheons. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The land, including what are now the The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- States of Kentucky, Tennessee, Ohio, clerk will please read a communication pore. Without objection, it is so or- to the Senate from the President pro Indiana, Illinois, Michigan, Iowa, Wis- dered. consin, Missouri, and half of Arkansas. tempore (Mr. BYRD). Mr. REID. I thank the Chair. The Bardstown Diocese was estab- The legislative clerk read the fol- lished alongside the dioceses of Boston, lowing letter: f Philadelphia, and New York. Its seat U.S. SENATE, RECOGNITION OF THE was eventually moved to Louisville, PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, REPUBLICAN LEADER Washington, DC, April 15, 2008. KY, and made an archdiocese. But its To the Senate: THE ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- place in the history of American Ca- Under the provisions of rule I, section 3, of pore. The Republican leader is recog- tholicism continues to be a point of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby nized. pride across Kentucky.

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor.

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VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S2986 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 15, 2008 Kentuckians celebrate this bicenten- JACKIE ROBINSON We saw the plan last month in a nial throughout the year at the St. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, budget that only one Democrat in the Thomas Church, considered the ‘‘Cra- Jackie Robinson broke baseball’s color Senate voted against, a blueprint that dle of Catholicism’’ in the Bluegrass barrier on this day in 1947. He imme- raises taxes on middle class families by State and still located in Bardstown. A diately made his mark on the field and $2,300 a year. Our friends won’t admit this is a tax two-story log house that stands on St. off the field, winning the Rookie of the hike; they won’t say they’re raising Thomas’ property is the oldest struc- Year Award in 1947 and suffering pain- taxes; they plan to do it quietly, by let- ture related to the Catholic faith in ful indignities from fans and opposing ting all the recently enacted tax cuts our region of the United States. players with both patience and grace. and credits that Americans have bene- Built in 1795 by Thomas and Ann As a young man growing up in Louis- fited from over the past several years Howard, the property was willed to the ville, I always took pride in the fact expire. church by Mr. Howard in 1810, and it that Pee Wee Reese, a graduate of my became the first home of the St. Thom- If you ask about it, they will tell you high school, had become a Major Lea- these tax cuts were only for the rich as Seminary, the first seminary west of guer and even the captain of his team, the Alleghenies. It later served as the anyway. the Brooklyn Dodgers. But I was even Don’t listen to them—unless, of residence of Bishop Benedict Joseph more proud of the fact that Pee Wee Flaget, first bishop of the Bardstown course, you think 43 million American walked over to Jackie one day when families with children who will pay Diocese. the taunts were especially tough, put Bishop Flaget and others who worked thousands more in taxes under the his arm on Jackie’s back, and sent a Democrat budget are rich, and should to establish the Bardstown Diocese message to the fans that Jackie Robin- be taxed more; or that all 18 million were pioneers of the land as well as of son was no different than anyone else seniors who will pay thousands more in the spirit. Kentucky was the western they came to root for that day. taxes under the Democrat budget are frontier of the young United States at Reflecting on Jackie’s courage, a rich and should be taxed more; or that that time, and frontier life posed many baseball commentator said this week every owner of the 27 million small hardships. that it is remarkable to note that in businesses in the U.S. who will have to Yet Bishop Flaget successfully made all the photographs from those years, pay $4,100 more in taxes under the his work and presence felt throughout Jackie always seemed to be smiling, Democrat budget are rich and should the diocese, and the St. Thomas despite the jeers and taunts and the ha- be taxed more. Church still cites his influence today, tred. Under the budget that every Demo- two centuries later. We honor Jackie Robinson today for crat in the Senate but one voted for The resolve and faith displayed by his courage and his example and for ac- last month, taxes will go up on anyone the founders of that Bardstown Diocese celerating the march toward equality who makes more than $34,000. Are these are the same resolve and faith that for all Americans. people rich? Should they pay more in have enabled so many other Catholic f taxes? missionaries to attract more than 1 bil- The first-year teacher in Louisville lion adherents to the Catholic faith. TAX DAY who makes $35,982—is he or she rich? As the Bishop of Rome, the Pope’s Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, Does he or she need to be taxed more? leadership inspires millions with con- I will bet they don’t think so. fidence that mankind can find God’s most Americans view April 15 as a sort of national anti-holiday, when they are How about the veteran teacher with will amidst the chaos of this world. a Ph.D. who maxes out at $73,418—is he Yet, for all the obvious affection peo- forced to take a hard look at how much of their money goes into a Washington or she rich? Does he or she need to be ple show him, Pope Benedict would be taxed more? I will bet they don’t think the first to recognize that he is merely spending machine instead of their chil- drens’ education or their gas tank. so. ‘‘a simple, humble laborer in the vine- Our Democrat friends have their own It is worth noting that most people yard of the Lord.’’ answer to these questions: they voted don’t dread tax day as much as they We are honored by his visit. And in for an amendment last month that ex- used to; as much as they did before Re- Bardstown, Washington or elsewhere, tends tax breaks on married couples publican policies significantly reduced we welcome Pope Benedict VXI to and children. bring his labors to America. the share of the family budget that The problem, of course, is that they Mr. President, I yield the floor. goes from taxpayer wallets to the voted for a similar amendment last The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- Treasury Department. year, and then they didn’t do a thing pore. The majority leader is recog- According to a recent Gallup poll, 43 about it. They had no intention of nized. percent of middle income earners say making it into law. they are paying too much in taxes—43 So if past experience is any indica- percent, but still far fewer than the 59 f tion of future events, our friends won’t percent who thought they were being act on the amendment this year either. overtaxed 7 years ago. PAPAL VISIT They cast a vote that’s intended to ap- The reason for the drop-off isn’t too peal to working families, but their Mr. REID. Mr. President, tomorrow hard to figure out: The reason a lot record shows they won’t follow through the President has invited a number of fewer people think their tax burden is by actually doing anything about it. people to the White House to greet the too high is that their tax burden is a As Americans struggle to pay the Pope on the south lawn. That will be at lot lower than it was 6 years ago. bills and millions worry about falling 10 o’clock in the morning. We are going Married couples and families with home values and whether they will to be in session and have a regular ses- children have benefited from tax cred- even be able to keep their homes, they sion tomorrow. We will make sure its, tens of millions of Americans have should be able to expect more from there are no votes between 10 and 11. benefited from tax cuts on dividends Congress than political cover votes and On Thursday, for the Mass, for those and capital gains, including more than class warfare rhetoric. Members of the Catholic faith, and oth- 250,000 people in Kentucky. All the recently enacted tax cuts will ers who wish to attend the Mass at the And that is why it’s critical that soon expire. These cuts have helped baseball stadium, we are not going to middle class Americans understand the tens of millions of American families come in until 12:45. That will allow path that Democrats are headed down. and seniors. These folks should know people to go to the Mass and give them At a time when the economy is slow- what is coming. And Democrats in time to come to the Capitol. We will ing and Americans are paying record Washington should relent on their start legislating at 12:45 on Thursday. prices for food, gas, and healthcare, our plans to return to the bad old days Hopefully, we will complete some legis- Democrat friends are preparing the when 60 percent of them thought their lation at that time. Hopefully, we will largest tax hike in U.S. history—nearly tax bills were too high. be on the technical corrections bill or three times larger than the previous That is the road our friends on the another piece of legislation. record. other side are taking us down. They

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2987 have shown us the blueprint. It cer- taxes on every American taxpayer by The last thing our economy needs tainly was not written with working doing nothing, intentionally doing right now is a tax increase, which is families in mind. nothing. what Americans will receive when the I yield the floor. The plan of the Democrats raises 2001 and 2003 tax cuts expire. And you f taxes on the average American family know what will happen. It will not only by $2,300 a year. A $2,300 increase in be a tax increase on individual fami- RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME taxes will be a devastating hit to lies; by increasing significantly taxes The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- American families. For families in Mis- on small business, it is going to curb pore. Under the previous order, leader- souri and across the Nation, this is job growth, it is going to cut the abil- ship time is reserved. $2,300 they will no longer be able to use ity of people to find a job. to buy groceries, put gas in their car, Let me be clear. Unless we stop this f pay tuition, or purchase prescription looming tax hike, which would be the MORNING BUSINESS drugs. And, as Senator MCCONNELL largest in history, more than 2 million The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- pointed out, there will be an even larg- Missouri families will face higher tax pore. Under the previous order, there er tax increase on small businesses— bills. My bill would prevent the family- will now be a period of morning busi- small businesses that we expect to cre- budget-killing tax hikes. My bill would ness for up to 1 hour, with Senators ate the new jobs we will continue to simplify the tax rate for millions of permitted to speak therein for up to 10 need as our economy and technology Americans. My bill would mean tax re- minutes each, with the time equally di- evolves. lief and real money back into the pock- Unfortunately, not only are taxes vided and controlled between the two ets of American families. getting higher, they are getting more leaders or their designees, with the Re- Let’s get real about taxes and bring complicated. According to the Presi- publicans controlling the first half and back some common sense to a Tax dent’s panel on tax reform, there have the majority controlling the final half. Code that is too complex, too con- been more than 14,000 changes to the The Senator from Missouri is recog- fusing, and too costly. This plan will Tax Code since 1986. With all of these nized. give American taxpayers what they changes, it is no wonder that the aver- need: a fairer system that puts more of f age time burden for all taxpayers filing their own money back in their pocket- TAX DAY a 1040 is 30 hours, and now more than 6 books and takes off their back the has- in 10 Americans hire someone to help sle of April 15. Mr. BOND. Mr. President, today mil- prepare their returns every year. I ask for the support of my col- lions of Americans are reminded about So in addition to taking 113 days in leagues in bringing a radical but sim- Ben Franklin’s poignant observation: wages, the Federal Government re- ple commonsense reform to our Tax Nothing is certain but death and taxes. quires you to spend an initial day and Code. Today families across the Nation are even more money to hire a professional Mr. President, I yield the floor. being forced to tighten their belts as to make sense of what you owe. It is a The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- the Federal Government takes more daunting task for anyone, particularly pore. The Senator from Wyoming. and more of their hard-earned money. if they have a family and business ac- Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President, 20 For working families, the tax bill that tivities to make sense of what they years ago today, Senator Malcolm Wal- comes due every April 15 is often a tre- owe. lop of Wyoming came to the Senate mendous burden. In fact, the average In January, I introduced a radical so- floor to speak about the tax burden American pays more in taxes than it lution, and I think the time has come Americans face. He came to the floor spends on food, shelter, clothing, and for a radical solution to bring some because it was April 15, tax day. He transportation combined. common sense to this process. My bill, came to extend his sympathies to the For American families, tax day is a the Fair and Simple Tax Act, will sim- many, as he called it, ‘‘frustrated tax- real eye opener. This year, families plify the Tax Code and help American payers who were probably at this will work the first 113 days of the year families keep more of their paychecks. minute,’’ he said, ‘‘sweating bullets to pay their Federal, State, and local It will get rid of the AMT and the dou- over a form 1040 while gnawing through taxes. Unfortunately, this year tax day ble calculations middle-income tax- yet another pencil.’’ has come around when families are fac- payers must make. It will eliminate He spoke 2 years after Congress en- ing spiking energy, housing, and health higher tax rates, get rid of the myriad acted the landmark 1986 tax reform care costs, runaway college tuition, targeted reductions, credit givebacks, bill, legislation intended to reform and and high rising prices for consumer phase-ins, phase-outs, and other special simplify the Code and make the chaos goods. interest provisions. of past April 15s mere memories. That While the Senate has acted to help The Fair and Simple Tax Act will legislation did not reform the Tax these families in the short term, the provide a simpler, lower, flat income Code, and it fell far short of tax sim- stimulus and housing relief bills, a tax option, as well as offer historic tax plification. long-term fix is a long way off and relief for families and businesses to Senator Wallop voted against final badly needed. We should support long- create jobs for American workers. passage, and he knew that history term economic growth policies that This bill will reduce the tax rate on would be on his side. lower taxes, create more jobs, and grow families and the employers who create The same day, he introduced into the our American economy. jobs, make permanent existing tax re- CONGRESSIONAL RECORD a 1988 guest Our distinguished minority leader, lief, keep current deductions for home editorial from the Casper Star Tribune, the Senator from Kentucky, Mr. mortgage interest and charitable de- a newspaper in Wyoming. The editorial MCCONNELL, has outlined the dangers ductions, but give Americans more reflected the sentiments similar to of going back to a high-tax era. We all control over their health care by pro- those expressed by Senator Wallop. know that the tax reductions adopted viding tax relief to individuals and Less than 2 years after enactment of by Congress in 2003 which gave relief families who do not now have access to that 1986 law, tax reform and sim- for capital gains taxes encouraged employer-provided health care. plification spawned 2,704 changes in the more small businesses to invest, gave Also, my bill will eliminate the death Internal Revenue Code, 42 new regula- them the resources to grow, and small tax which is a significant burden for tions, 65 announcements, 32 revenue businesses are the dynamic engine of farmers and small businesses. rulings, and 48 new tax forms. this country. The best fiscal policy is economic The changes were so complicated That tax relief provided some 8.4 mil- growth, job creation, and keeping taxes that in a nationwide study of 50 tax lion new jobs. But as Senator MCCON- low for middle-class families. And the preparers who were given hypothetical NELL said, my friends on the other side best economic or fiscal policy is also identical pieces of information about of the aisle have proposed a budget the best social policy. There is no bet- what a family would do in trying to that includes the largest tax increase ter policy than assuring a good-paying figure out their taxes, none of the 50 in American history and would raise job for hard-working Americans. tax preparers came out with the same

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It to achieve their dreams. years ago today into the CONGRES- is the people’s money; it is not the Today, we are talking about tax day SIONAL RECORD was a Wyoming physi- Government’s money. for the Federal taxpayer, and I think cian named JOHN BARRASSO. That is The American taxpayer deserves bet- we ought to learn something from the right, the current occupant of Senator ter, the American taxpayer deserves lessons we have found demonstrated in Wallop’s Wyoming Senate seat. tax simplification, the American tax- places such as Texas, where we have The reform envisioned by Congress payer deserves tax relief, and the kept taxes low. Having lower tax rates failed miserably to achieve its desired American taxpayer deserves action. is perhaps the best stimulus package result. Today, Americans continue the Change the system? Well, it is not an you could ever pass. We have passed a painful experience of frantically at- easy undertaking but a necessary one. couple stimulus packages so far this tempting to complete their tax returns Four criteria are necessary to make year. First, the bipartisan package, and write their checks to the Govern- the effective change. It must be fair so which will result in a check being writ- ment before the clock strikes mid- people pay their fair share. It must be ten to many taxpayers that they will night. simple so people can quickly file their receive in the next few weeks, and then The Tax Code is even longer today, own returns. It must be uniform. No we also passed a housing bill last week. 6,000 pages and over 2.8 million words, matter who you are, the system must But I submit the best stimulus we and it is growing. Provisions within be applied equally to every taxpayer. could pass is by keeping taxes low. the Code regularly expire, and then And, No. 4, it must be consistent. This first chart I have demonstrates they are extended on an irregular Changing the system every year is not an uncomfortable fact, and that is the basis. The IRS estimates that the aver- good for the economy and is not good American taxpayer has to work until age amount of time an American tax- for taxpayers. April 23 of this year in order to pay payer is going to take to fill out their During his floor speech on April 15, their taxes. In other words, here we are tax returns in this year is over 30 1988, 20 years ago today, Wyoming Sen- on April 15, and taxpayers still have hours. More than 6 in 10 Americans ator Malcolm Wallop said that his vote another few days, another week or so hire someone to help prepare their re- against the tax reform conference re- to work to pay their tax bill before turns for them. Hundreds of billions of port, as he said, ‘‘was one of the best they can begin to work for themselves dollars are spent annually trying to things I have done since I have been in and for their families and for their comply with our complicated tax laws. the Senate.’’ He was right on target. small business. Many post offices across America His words have survived the test of This is another revealing chart, I will be staying open until midnight to- time. Let us hope that 20 more years— think, because it points out how many night. Why? To give taxpayers one last 20 more years—do not pass before we days of the year an individual works, shot to meet the deadline. get it right. or the average taxpayer works, to pay It is no wonder that more than 10 I yield the floor. for essentials such as housing, which is million Americans will request an ex- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- very much a part of our agenda re- tension this year. The future does not pore. The Senator from Texas. cently because of the housing crunch; look much better for American tax- Mr. CORNYN. Mr. President, how health care, health care costs are a sig- payers, both in terms of tax simplifica- much more time remains for business nificant portion of every family’s budg- tion and in terms of tax relief. on our side? et, and the average taxpayer works 50 Americans work day in and day out The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- days a year to pay for their health to pay for Washington programs that pore. Fourteen and a half minutes. care; food, equating to 35 days; and they would not wish on their worst Mr. CORNYN. I thank the Chair. transportation, 29 days. As you can see, enemy. In too many families, one par- Mr. President, recently, I noted a to pay Federal taxes, an individual has ent works to put food on the table and story in the Wall Street Journal that to work 74 days; to pay the State, the other parent works to pay for the preceded the primary date of March 4 local, and other taxes, it is another 39 Washington bureaucracy. in Texas, and Ohio as well. Not to pick days. The Government is too big. It spends on our friends in Ohio by any means, Particularly at a time when the too much. Americans get it. Americans but I was interested to see the story economy is not doing as well as we have to balance their own budgets. discussed of why it is jobs and people would like, Congress seems to be acting They have to balance their own check- were leaving Ohio and why people were inconsistently, first of all, in passing a books. The Government should do the moving to Texas. We have had 3 mil- stimulus package which is sending same. And the Government should do it lion people move to Texas since 2000. checks to taxpayers because we are the same way that American families Basically, the journalist said it worried taxpayers don’t have enough do it—by controlling spending. boiled down to three things: He said, money to spend to help stimulate the The current tax system is a mess, it No. 1, Texas is a State that believes in economy. Yet at the same time, both is too complicated, it is antigrowth, free trade. We believe NAFTA, the the House of Representatives and this and it discourages additional invest- North American Free Trade Agree- body passed a budget that raises taxes, ment in America. The American tax- ment, has actually increased jobs in imposing almost $2,400 more in taxes payer rightfully deserves a system that our State and in the United States by onto my constituents in Texas. is simple. The American taxpayer de- creating jobs for those goods that are Now, it may not seem like a lot of serves a system that provides cer- manufactured here and then sold in money to some here in Washington, tainty. The American taxpayer de- Canada and Mexico. but I can assure you that to many of serves a system that encourages suc- No. 2, the article pointed out Texas is my constituents, this is real money cess and innovation, and the American a right-to-work State. In other words, and money they would prefer to have taxpayer deserves a system that is you don’t have to join a labor union in to invest in their businesses and spend based on what is in their best interests order to get a job. You can if you want according to their own desires rather and not the best interests of Govern- to, but you are not required to do so as than to have Uncle Sam tap them for ment. a condition of employment. an additional $2,400. Have you ever wondered why tax day No. 3, this article pointed out Texas I would also note this has an is April 15 and not, say, 6 months later, did not have a State income tax, and I antistimulus effect—raising taxes—and October 15? Imagine, if you will, if tax assure you we never will. The people in is inconsistent with what we are doing day were right before election day. my State like government as small as with regard to trying to get more Then the voices of the taxpayers would possible. They like to keep taxes low, money in the hands of the American

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The only thing going down is our com- taxpayers in order to get them to spend The Heritage Foundation has esti- prehension and our understanding of it so it would stimulate the economy. mated that if in fact this tax increase the tax system; all other costs associ- We did this at the same time we are goes into effect—the one contemplated ated with this unnecessarily complex raising taxes and basically taking that by the 2009 budget—more than 70,000 and impenetrable system are going up. same money away and more. If we Texans will likely lose their jobs be- Families and entrepreneurs, as I said, agree that putting more money in the cause the budget assumes higher taxes, spend a lot of money—billions of dol- pockets of the American people is the which will harm job creation and re- lars—and thousands of hours each year best way to stimulate the economy, duce economic output. trying to figure out how to do the right why are we still looking to take more I know there is a lot of revisionist thing and how to comply with the In- money from them during tax season? history in Washington about what the ternal Revenue Code. In fact, they will One of the most effective tools for last 5 or 6 years has been like in terms spend more than 6 billion hours com- combating this and wasteful spending, of the economy, but the fact of the plying with the Federal income Tax in general, is more information, and I matter is the economy has been very Code, with an estimated compliance think a proposal I made yesterday, good, by and large. At least 8 million cost of more than $265 billion. This has which I would talk like to talk briefly constituents of mine in Texas bene- more than doubled since the mid-1990s. about, will actually help us hold the fitted from the tax relief we have Estimates are it will continue to in- Federal Government more accountable passed since 2001. I would note, rough- crease at an even faster rate. for the money it spends and give the Every year, the National Taxpayer ly, that same number of new jobs was American taxpayers more information Advocate highlights this complexity in created across the country—roughly 9 so they can make sure their voice is one way or another as one of the top 10 million new jobs—since the tax relief heard when it comes to tax policy and problems taxpayers face. We know the how much money we take out of their we passed in 2003. In 2007, at least 6.9 Tax Code is full of special interest pockets in order to fund the Federal million Texans benefitted from the new loopholes and that with each year the Government. low 10-percent tax bracket created American taxpayer spends more and Yesterday, I introduced a bill called back in 2001, and more than 2 million more time and more and more money the Federal Spending and Taxpayer Ac- Texas families used the $1,000 child tax to try to figure out how to comply with cessibility Act of 2008. This bill creates credit, all of which are timed to expire its burdensome provisions. Taxpayers, an online earmark tracking system in 2011, unless Congress acts to make as I indicate, are working longer each taxpayers can use free of charge to that tax relief permanent. year to pay for Government—a total of search for earmarks by recipient, ap- If there is one thing we could do that 113 days this year. I think most Amer- propriations bill, State, and Member in would have the surest impact of bol- ican taxpayers, if you asked them the real time during the appropriations stering the economy, giving people question: Do you like the system as it process. This legislation also directs more money to spend as they see fit, it exists now or would you like tax re- the IRS to provide each taxpayer with would be to make the tax relief perma- form, something simpler, flatter or a concise and easy-to-read personal nent—the relief that was made tem- fairer? they would say: Whatever our record of the amount of taxes they porary back in 2001 and 2003. The divi- Tax Code, whether it be a flat tax, a have already paid, as well as a projec- dends and the capital gains reductions sales tax or an income tax, it should be tion of the taxes they will owe into the we passed in 2003 will also expire as based on three fundamental ideas: sim- future, up until the time they retire. If well. These, of course, most often im- plicity, fairness, and transparency. this sounds familiar, that is because pact people when they buy and sell I have to tell you our Tax Code does the Social Security Administration things they own—when they buy stock not, as currently written, meet any of sends a similar statement of Social Se- in their retirement plans, the dividends those three requirements—of sim- curity taxes paid and how much you tax relief in particular. We are going to plicity, fairness or transparency. I can expect, upon retirement, to receive see that increase dramatically, unless think these simple standards ought to in benefits. I think it can play an im- Congress acts to stop the guide us in reforming and simplifying portant role when taxpayers are plan- antistimulative effect I mentioned a the income tax code. I have heard sev- ning their future, to provide them with moment ago. eral proposals made in the last couple a better idea of how much they will Today, of course, as I said, is an im- days. Senator WYDEN, from Oregon, has owe in the future so they can take that portant day for every American, but it talked about a flat tax he has proposed. into account. is certainly not a day for celebrating. Senator ALEXANDER, from Tennessee, These statements would provide tax- This is not a holiday for most Ameri- likewise has proposed a tax return you payers with a reminder of how much cans. Today is a day of observance that could fill out in one page. Wouldn’t our Government is spending and give is mandated by the Federal Govern- that be great, to have a single page, them even more reason to keep track ment and an observance which is uni- something so easy to understand you of how their money is spent, along with versally dreaded by the American peo- could send in a single sheet of paper the political accountability that would ple—tax day. One of the biggest rea- and know you have complied with your flow from that. This legislation would sons people hate tax day is because it obligations to pay and report your in- also build on the Federal Funding Ac- reminds them of the complex, incom- come taxes due? countability and Transparency Act of prehensible system through which a While comprehensive tax reform may 2006, which created a one-stop, search- faraway agency, known as the Internal not be right around the corner, the last able Web site for all Federal contracts Revenue Service, sends them a pile of thing we should do is to raise taxes on and grants. This legislation would ex- forms they have to navigate to figure families and entrepreneurs by letting pand the Web site by including the ex- out how much they owe the Federal the tax relief passed by Congress in penditures of all Federal agencies, in- Government. 2001 and 2003 expire. I have already cluding salaries, rent, supplies, and They may ask: Do I get a W–2 or a talked about the budget and its impact transportation. I know not every W–4? Can I fill out the 1040EZ or should on people in my State, but the budget American is going to be interested in I get the schedule D form? Do I fill out passed last month would now require 27 that level of detail, but I think it is im- the 1099 miscellaneous and the 1099 div- million small businesses all across the portant it be made available to every- idend form? What is form 5498 for or country to owe an additional $4,100. one who is interested and particularly 1065 or 4562? That is, if, in fact, the revenue projec- for the press who can report on it and Well, you get my point, hopefully. tions in that budget are kept, 43 mil- let the American people know what the Our tax laws continue to proliferate lion families will owe an extra $2,300 facts are. and become increasingly complex and each, and 18 million seniors will each On this tax day, I urge our colleagues increasingly incomprehensible to most owe an additional $2,200. in the Senate to take a new stand

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S2990 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 15, 2008 against growing Government, growing bad. In the State of Nevada, because of Can you imagine filibustering a bill spending, and growing taxes. the downturn in the economy, the Gov- that is correcting technical mistakes I yield the floor. ernor, with the State legislature, has made by the two Houses in passing this The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- had to cut almost $1 billion in pro- legislation previously? They are fili- pore. The majority whip is recognized. grams that are there in the State— bustering that—commas, semicolons, f road construction, new buildings, new dotting an ‘‘i,’’ crossing a ‘‘t,’’ that is programs—and cutting some of the old what we are doing, that is what this DELAYING TACTICS IN THE programs. Of course, they have a pro- legislation is all about, technical cor- SENATE gram to let prisoners out of our prisons rections—supported by the ranking Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I am more quickly, not because it is good for member, Senator INHOFE, and the going to yield to the majority leader the people of the State of Nevada but chairman, Senator BOXER. They are when he comes to the floor, which because they are desperate for money. filibustering this, making us use all could be momentarily. But I would like We are paying record prices for near- the time. to, if I may, in morning business, ad- ly everything. Yet the average house- Some may ask why they are doing dress an issue which I think goes to the hold income has dropped. American this. The main reason is they are pro- heart and soul of what the Senate is all families are earning less and paying tecting the status quo. Time after about. One hundred men and women more. The Republican answer, for 7 time, Republicans seemed intent on ob- come together in this Senate, two from years, has been to slash taxes for the struction only for obstruction’s sake. each State, to be part of a rich tradi- ultrawealthy, to side with big business, They pursued this course on legislative tion in the history of this country, part oil companies, utility companies, and matters large and small. It doesn’t of a national debate about the issues let the little guy fend for himself. have to be, as they have done many that are timely and important. It is an We have worked hard, as the Demo- times, stopping us from moving for- opportunity for the American people, cratic Party—first in the minority, ward on matters relating to Iraq— through us, to have a voice and actu- now in the majority—to cut taxes for many times. Let’s consider that a big ally speak to these issues. the middle class, to end the dependence issue. But let’s consider what we are Unfortunately, time and again, this on oil that keeps our gas and heating doing today a small issue—technical voice has been silenced, delayed by tac- bills sky high, to make health care and corrections on a bill. tics from the minority side of the aisle. college tuition more affordable for Look what is going on in the country today. Look what is going on in the I see the majority leader is here. I am families. We have now tried for days to world today. We listen to the news or going to yield to him at this point. I quickly pass a highway bill that takes find it in the newspaper. Today in know he wanted to make the opening care of some of the problems we had in Iraq—scores of people killed in Iraq. statement in morning business. the massive bill we had before. There Bombs here, bombs there, two Amer- I yield to the majority leader. are corrections we would like to make ican soldiers killed in Iraq yesterday. on that. Last Thursday evening, the f We have learned 2.7 million people are distinguished assistant leader was on FILIBUSTERS AND DELAYS IN THE displaced in Iraq. That is Iraqis. The the floor, as was the assistant leader SENATE population is only 25 million people to for the Republicans. We talked about: Mr. REID. Mr. President, I extend my begin with and 2.7 million of them are Why are we having another filibuster wandering around trying to find a appreciation to my good friend, the on this? My friend, the junior Senator senior Senator from the State of Illi- place to live in Iraq. About 3 million from Arizona, said: Oh, there will be no have left the country. They have nois. filibuster on this, everything is going Today is April 15. It is a big, red-let- blocked us from doing anything about fine—words to that effect. We had to that. ter day for people because it is the last vote last night to invoke cloture, and day to file your income tax returns. As We had General Petraeus talk about rather than being able to legislate on what is going on in Iraq. He didn’t an- we send in our taxes—and some, as will the bill, we are talking on the bill, happen tonight, will wait in line to file swer the question: Are we any safer stalling, wasting time. now than we were before this Iraq war their tax returns—it is a good time to We could have started on this legisla- started, before the surge started? No give thought to the economic state of tion Thursday night. We could have answer to that. When are we going to our families and our economy, gen- legislated all day yesterday and all day get our troops home? No answer to erally. today. But, no, we are not going to be that. They have even gone forward on Since President Bush took office, the able to do that. We are going to use the tactics delaying matters on legislation cost of gasoline has gone up more than full 30 hours. they ultimately came to support— 100 percent, more than doubled. The This is a number—it is probably stalling for time. cost of home heating has skyrocketed. higher than this, but let’s assume this The most unfortunate aspect of Re- The price we pay for groceries has is right. The last time we came out and publican strategy is real people suffer never been higher. said there were 70-plus filibusters, they because of it. Why do I say that? There The head of the World Bank said, 3 came out and said: Oh, no, not that are a lot of things we need to do as a days ago, that 31 countries will be in many, not that many. So say 65, for country. We have, now, a big merger desperate need of food within a matter purposes of this discussion. that took place making big business of months, and there could be riots in In the history of this country pre- even bigger. Delta Airlines has joined those countries. We are very fortunate viously—and I am going to use leader with Northwest. They will have 75,000 in America, we don’t have a shortage of time, not morning business time, Mr. or 80,000 employees. Now there is talk food. But people are having trouble President, during my presentation. of United joining with other compa- paying for the food they would like to The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- nies. We have heard Southwest Air- eat. The same is true for health care, pore. The Senator has that right. lines—they were flying airplanes that for prescription drugs—for college tui- Mr. REID. Mr. President, in the en- were in bad shape, but they did it any- tion. At the University of Nevada, we tire history of the country, no matter way. have a new law school. I was happy to what has been going on in this coun- We have learned in recent weeks the see in the latest rankings it came out try—and we have been through some Federal Aviation Agency is protecting ranked 78th—a new law school ranked difficult times—the most filibusters we the airlines and not the consumer. We 78th in the Nation. That is remarkable. ever had were 61 or 62 during a 2-year have a bill we need to do, FAA reau- They have done such a good job. period of time, during an entire Con- thorization. We need to do that bill. We But they also announced they are gress. But now, in the first year of this would like to bring up that bill, but we going to double the tuition at that new Congress, they broke that record— cannot because we are being stalled on small law school—double the tuition. stalling, slowing things down so we a technical corrections bill—only stall- The cost of going to State institutions cannot legislate the people’s business. ing for time. is going up. Why? Because the econo- That is because they are protecting the Veterans health care—Senator mies of our States are so desperately status quo. AKAKA has asked for months: Why

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2991 can’t I bring up my bill? Every time, I not know what they could talk about That is part and parcel now of the say to him: Senator AKAKA, we are in their caucus about how difficult this procedure in the Senate. But you say: doing our best, but they stalled us on particular technical corrections bill is. Well, wait a minute. That is a big this and they stalled us on that. That I said we are not going to fill the tree, issue. Global warming is a controver- is something we want to do this work which means they can offer amend- sial issue with some. You expect some period, as we do the FAA legislation. ments. Let them offer amendments. We political controversy. Right? There is an important piece of legis- invite them to offer amendments. But Well, accepting that argument, I lation—genetic nondiscrimination. A let’s move forward on this legislation. then have to ask you: Why were we in- lot of things are happening in medi- The Republican filibusters of this volved in a filibuster until last night cine. We have the ability to look at Congress, 65, is recordbreaking. They by the Republicans on the bill before us people and find out what their genes should be proud of that. We invoked today? This is a technical corrections are going to forecast for the future. cloture on more than 65 of those issues. bill. When we passed the highway bill, But we don’t want, as a result of ad- We are still counting. Today is one of the Federal highway bill years ago, it vances in medical care and treatment those counts that continue. I am very was a huge bill affecting the entire in this regard, to have someone who disappointed that we are being stalled United States of America. Then, as we may be prone to getting some disease again on something as insignificant as combed through it, word for word, line 10 or 15 years from now be discrimi- a technical corrections bill on high- for line, page for page, we found there nated against in the workplace. This is ways. were technicalities that needed to be an important piece of legislation, and The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- changed: punctuation, references to a it is being held up; we can’t get to that. pore. The Senator from Illinois. road instead of a trail. You find them Flood insurance—we want to be able Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, will you in here. They go on for hundreds of to do this. It is important to the Amer- alert me when I have spoken 10 min- pages. ican people. We hear a lot about the utes in morning business. But they are technical in nature; it is Federal Emergency Management Agen- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- not a big policy debate. This kind of cy. What they deal with more than pore. The Senator will be notified. bill usually passes in the Congress by a anything else—more than earthquakes, Mr. DURBIN. A filibuster is a way to voice vote late at night and no one no- tornadoes, fires—is floods. Flooding is stop the Senate from acting. A fili- tices. It is housekeeping. That is ordi- the most devastating natural disaster buster is an effort to make sure the narily what we do when we try to catch we have every year in America, and we Senate does nothing. You saw the up and make sure everything is done want to do something to have the flood movie with Jimmy Stewart, ‘‘Mr. just right. insurance program in this country Smith Goes to Washington.’’ He took Senator BOXER has worked long and mean something. We saw the never- to the floor as a freshman Senator and hard to bring it out of her committee ending litigation in Louisiana and Mis- stood there speaking in a filibuster and bring it to the Senate floor, and the Republicans initiated a filibuster sissippi and Alabama as a result of until he collapsed in physical exhaus- against the technical corrections bill. Katrina. One of the reasons for that tion. That is like having a resolution to sa- litigation is the legislation was not Well, it does not quite happen that lute motherhood and having them ini- clear. It was not good legislation. We way anymore. What happens, of course, tiate a filibuster. Where is the con- need to change that. is someone says: I am going to stop the Food safety? My friend from Illinois Senate, and you are going to have to troversy? There is no controversy in has been working for a long time to do come up with 60 votes to stop me. this bill. If they want to offer amend- ments, we said on this side: If they are something about food safety—what can Well, Democrats have 51 votes in this germane amendments to the bill, have we do to make it better, so that when current Senate; the Republicans have at it. That is what the Senate is all you go to a fast-food restaurant, you 49. So anytime we want to move for- about, after all. don’t get salmonella; if you get a ward with a piece of legislation to But the Republican strategy of fili- steak, it is OK. Has it been inspected? which a Republican Senator objects, we busters, as indicated by this chart, in need their help to stop a filibuster. We have not been able to legislate in the history of Congress, the minority They know that. that regard. party has initiated no more than 57 It is disheartening to recognize and So their strategy this year has been filibusters in any 2-year period of time. realize what we are not able to do, as a to slow us down to a crawl so nothing That is the record, 57 in 2 years. result of the Republicans wanting to happens and to make sure when some- So far in this Congress, we are barely maintain the status quo. Why can’t we thing comes up that they think might a few months into the second year. The go through this piece of legislation, let be a delicate vote for them to face, minority party, the Republicans, has Senator BOXER move forward on com- they start a filibuster. Then we cannot initiated 65 filibusters, and we are still pleting it, and then go to one of the come up with 60 votes, and we move on counting. other matters. There are a lot of other to something else. You say to yourself: Well, they must matters we need go to. I have only The net result of this filibuster strat- have been some pretty controversial mentioned a few of them. egy from the Republican side of the issues they had to filibuster. A tech- When I go home, people ask: Why aisle is that critically important nical corrections bill? So why do they aren’t you getting more done? I tell issues, such as the ones mentioned by filibuster? So that we burn the clock them the Republicans are stalling, the majority leader, cannot be ad- and eat up days so we cannot address they want the status quo. Here is a per- dressed in the Senate. The House the issues that are even more impor- fect illustration, I say to my friends passes important and timely legisla- tant to this country. who have asked that question. Why are tion and sends it over, and the Repub- Would it not be great for us as a Sen- we being asked to waste valuable Sen- lican strategy on this side is to stop ate to consider and debate a national ate time—that is all we have is time— anything from happening. energy policy to bring down the price valuable Senate time on something Look at the issues we are facing in of gasoline in the United States? No that is so unnecessary. We are waiting this country. The Senator from Cali- way. The Republicans insist on filibus- here. We came in at 10. The Repub- fornia is here. She is the chairman of tering a bill that focuses on punctua- licans say we can’t go to the bill; they the Environment and Public Works tion. Would it not be timely for us to want to go to their caucus and discuss Committee, and this committee is con- consider the cost of health insurance to what they want to do on the technical sidering critical legislation on the businesses and families across America corrections bill. question of global warming. This is im- and find a way to make it more afford- I hope that my friends on the other portant for us as a nation. It is impor- able and accessible? No way. The Re- side of the aisle, the Republicans, tant for our planet. And we know when publicans want to debate a bill which would let us start legislating. After we this critical legislation which has now changes the word ‘‘trail’’ to ‘‘road’’ and passed the stimulus bill for housing, I been reported from her committee filibuster it. thought we could enter into a program comes to the floor, we will face a string That is the reality. And time and where we would start doing that. I do of filibusters. again when we have brought up issues,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S2992 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 15, 2008 the Republicans have initiated a fili- Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I, too, side of the aisle, the hard right versus buster in this Congress. You cannot rise in strong support of the transpor- the right, versus the mainstream read this; I can barely read it. It is a tation technical corrections bill. First, versus the moderates. They are all in a list of the Republican filibusters so far I commend my friend and colleague, knot, and they cannot come to an in this Congress, 65 and still counting. Senator BOXER, on her hard work and agreement on anything, even a tech- Let me give you a couple of exam- leadership in putting in these correc- nical corrections bill that everyone has ples, if I can, of the egregious Repub- tions. agreed to on the substance. lican filibusters in this Congress. We I thank Leader REID for his deter- So the only thing that can unify had a bill to implement the 9/11 Com- mination to get this act through the them is a two-letter word: N-o. mission Report to fight terrorism in body. Yet it seems our colleagues Well, let me say that to allow any America—filibustered by the Repub- across the aisle will stop at nothing to single Member to obstruct this bill is licans. obstruct our efforts which will improve not living up to what the Senate is all We had a bill authorizing the intel- the lives of working Americans who about. It is not living up to what ligence agencies to make America struggle to make ends meet and fili- America is all about. It is not living up safer—filibustered by the Republicans. buster a comma, filibuster an excla- to what democracy is all about. Our We had a bill for court security so mation point, filibuster the name leader has not said you cannot amend. that judges and their families would be change of a road to a way. Our leader has not said you cannot de- safe when they are at work or at What is going on here? What is going bate. I know there are a few Members home—filibustered by the Republicans. on? Well, I have two points I would like on the other side of the aisle who be- We had a water resources bill to deal to make. But first I ask my colleagues lieve there may be changes made. Let with the infrastructure of America and across the aisle, is there any topic that them debate it and let’s vote. create good-paying jobs right here at you will not filibuster? If you will fili- But, no, the answer is only no. It has home—filibustered by the Republicans. buster a technical corrections bill, not been only on this bill. My friend The Clean Energy Act, an effort to name changes, punctuation changes, and colleague from Illinois went use renewable, sustainable energy to corrections in terms of where the miles through a long list of bills that are reduce pollution and stimulate the were supposed to be and where they even more consequential than this one. needs of our economy—filibustered by are, what will you not filibuster? Now, this one is not inconsequential. the Republicans. Now, let’s talk about two things. The changes are inconsequential, but The CHIP reauthorization bill, a bill First, this bill is a win-win for the the results are consequential. Again, it for health insurance for poor children American people. We are entering a re- will employ thousands of people and re- across America, not poor enough to cession. We all know we need to prime lease millions of dollars that have al- qualify for Medicaid, not lucky enough the pump. Many of us believe we should ready been paid for to do worthy to have health insurance—filibustered have a large public works spending pro- projects. That, nobody disputes. But instead by the Republicans. gram. But the question is, Should we we have 65 filibusters already; 57 is the The economic stimulus package to pay for it or should we not? record—65 and going up. The filibuster get this country out of the recession But in the SAFETEA–LU bill, this used to be used on issues of major im- and moving—filibustered by the Repub- technical corrections bill, the money is portance. It is now being used for ev- licans. already allocated. It cannot be spent erything, even the changing of punctu- A Consumer Products Safety Com- because of some nonpolitical small ation and spelling, misspellings. Why? mission overall to stop toys with lead- error in the drafting. So this bill Because the only thing that unifies the based paint from coming into this makes those corrections and hundreds other side is the word ‘‘no.’’ country from China—filibustered by of projects can sally forth and employ Well, the American people, come No- the Republicans. people with no particular cost to the vember 2008, are going to say ‘‘no’’ to GOP used to stand for Grand Old Federal Government. Who could object the other side. Party. That is what the Republicans to that? Do my colleagues want to tell They are going to say: No more of called their party, the Grand Old the construction workers and those this obstruction. We are going to give Party. But when it comes to the Re- who have little diners and lunch places our side the number of votes we need to publicans in the Senate, GOP stands and restaurants where construction move forward, because 50 votes is not for ‘‘Graveyard of Progress.’’ They workers eat, and those who supply the enough. Sixty is the need. This tem- want to stop this Senate from making construction industry: Heck with all of porary refuge in the word ‘‘no’’ of a any progress on critical issues for this you, we are filibustering. false unity will only be temporary. country. They want to run out the So on the merits it makes no sense to I yield the floor. clock by filibustering a technical cor- block this bill—on the merits. I have to The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- rections bill. say this to our minority leader: I know pore. The Senator from Washington. There is only one remedy for this. It there are probably Members on his side Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I come comes in November. The American peo- who say: I want something else. I do to the floor, along with the majority ple will have a chance to speak then. not want to let this bill go through. leader and my colleagues, to express They can initiate a filibuster which the There is a larger obligation. If we let our extreme frustration with what the Republicans will hear. They can speak every single Member of the other side minority, the Republicans are doing to long and loudly and clearly that it is of the aisle paralyze this body, then we block basic bills from getting through time for change in this Senate. The old are doing America a disservice. the Senate. We are trying to move to ways of Washington dominated by spe- I would plead with the minority lead- debate and offer amendments on a cial interest groups really hidebound to er to tell his individual Members: You basic bill that needs to be done, called the partisanship that will not even let do not have—each one of you does not a technical corrections bill for trans- us bring up these technical correction have veto power over anything, par- portation projects, changing minor issues has to change. ticularly something as trivial as this. things in the law so it can move for- Voters in this country have the last So why is this happening? That is the ward. Normally this bill is done late at word in November to elect agents of second point I wanted to address. I will night; everyone agrees to it; there is no change, people who will make a dif- tell you why. The other side is basi- objection; it moves on; it takes only a ference for improving this country. cally paralyzed. They have no program few hours of time. It has gone through I yield the floor. for America. They have no agenda for a lot of work in committee, which Sen- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- America. They do not know what to ator BOXER chairs. They have done all pore. The Senator from New York. say except the old nostrums that were their homework. It has passed on a bi- Mr. SCHUMER. Mr. President, I ask rejected years and years and years ago. partisan basis, and it was approved by that you notify me when I have gone 10 They cannot say yes and so they try to the Senate late last night as a proce- minutes in morning business. show some kind of position. They just dural move. But we are here today, The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- say no. That is what is going on here. spending hours and hours with no abil- pore. The Senator will be so notified. It is the internal problem on the other ity to move forward, no ability to offer

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We have learned I yield the floor and suggest the ab- What are we going to do about the ris- that firsthand, because at the core a sence of a quorum. ing cost of health care? What are we filibuster is any procedural move to The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- going to do about the fact that fewer delay the Senate. Any one Senator has pore. The clerk will call the roll. and fewer doctors are seeing seniors the power to delay us. The majority The legislative clerk proceeded to going into Medicare? What are we and the minority have the power to call the roll. going to do about veterans waiting in talk to Members and say: This is im- Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I ask line to get the care they have been portant to enough of us that we need to unanimous consent that the order for promised? What are we going to do move past those objections and begin the quorum call be rescinded. about the housing crisis? What are we to move this forward. We need to work The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- going to do about Iraq and the Presi- toward an agreement so we can move pore. Without objection, it is so or- dent’s request for $109 billion more? In forward. dered. Washington, Boeing workers come up Time and time again we have seen Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, could people use delays on motions to pro- to me and say: What are we going to do the Chair tell me what the current ceed, and then the Senate has to wait about a procurement process that has state of the parliamentary situation is 30 hours, 30 long hours with people such allowed our military to send $40 billion right now? to a European-owned company, our tax as me sitting out here talking on the floor on miscellaneous subjects until f dollars, at a time when our economy is we can finally get through 30 hours so struggling, to a European-owned com- CONCLUSION OF MORNING we can then be on the floor for hours pany to start producing the backbone BUSINESS waiting for Senators to offer amend- of our military, our air tankers? What The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ments. That kind of delay has forced are we going to do about that? pore. Morning business is closed. this Senate in this Congress for over a These are issues that we as Demo- year now into weeks and weeks and f crats want to bring to the floor and weeks of wasted time. No wonder the have major debates on, move legisla- HIGHWAY TECHNICAL CORREC- American people think nothing is get- tion forward. They will take time. TIONS ACT OF 2007—MOTION TO ting done in Washington. We are seeing There is disagreement. Growing up in PROCEED delay after delay. Believe me, we are Washington State, when somebody said The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- all frustrated that we cannot get to there is a filibuster, I assumed it was a pore. Under the previous order, the those important topics of the day, to Senate will resume consideration of major argument of the day. We would be able to have perhaps a real filibuster the motion to proceed to H.R. 1195, rush to find out what it was about and on a real issue that is important, that which the clerk will report. see which Senators were arguing which would change the direction of this The legislative clerk read as follows: way and wonder in what direction this country. That is what a filibuster would change our country in the fu- ought to be about. But here we have to Motion to proceed to consideration of Cal- ture. file cloture on the motion to proceed to endar No. 608, a bill (H.R. 1195) to amend the We are a long way from that today. Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Trans- basic bills. We have had to file proce- The filibuster is now being used as a portation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, to dural motions on whether to follow the delaying tactic so we won’t get to make technical corrections, and for other 9/11 Commission recommendations, purposes. those critical pieces of legislation, which then passed 97 to nothing, once those critical debates we ought to be The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- we got through all of those hours of pore. The Senator from California is having in the Senate. waiting around. On the intelligence au- Republicans have engaged in an his- recognized. thorization bill, we had to file a motion toric, record-setting level of obstruc- Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I am to proceed to the bill, had to wait the tion over the last 14 months. They very hopeful we can move this bill. 30 hours, and then the vote was 94 to 3. haven’t filibustered the bills them- When my kids were a little younger, So a couple of Senators forced an en- they used to say: Mom, it is a no- selves, but they have filibustered mo- tire Senate to wait 30 hours and not get brainer. tions to proceed to basic bills that we anything done. Bill after bill I could This is a no-brainer. This is some- need to pass to keep Government run- list a desire on the part of the minority thing we need to do. We passed a very ning. They have delayed us from mov- to delay progress. ing forward even after voting in favor What we are seeing is Republicans important bill several years ago that of these bills. That is where we find who are united for obstruction on issue funds our highways and our transit. As ourselves today. Once again, Repub- after issue. Month after month, Repub- often happens—because the years pass licans have decided to keep us from licans have put delay before debate, and the studies take place and you find moving forward simply to delay procedure above progress, and obstruc- there were errors in such a big bill that progress. They don’t oppose the legisla- tion before solutions. encompasses so many programs—there tion. In fact, after filing cloture on the The American people, certainly in were certain very important transpor- motion to proceed last Thursday and my State of Washington, want us to tation projects, highway projects that waiting the obligatory 30 hours, last move forward and deal with the issues got stymied because of a technical night the Senate voted, and 93 Sen- critical to their families. They are problem. We also had one account that ators wanted to move this legislation struggling today with the economy. was oversubscribed and we need to forward. So why are we sitting here They are worried about their ability to make some fixes there because that today delaying 30 more hours before retire. They are worried about being particular account funds research into Senators can even start to offer amend- able to send their kids to college. Cer- the state of our bridges, our highways, ments, if they so choose, so that we tainly, our men and women who have our transit systems, and we all know can then move the bill to final passage, gone to fight the war in Iraq are com- with bridges collapsing in America unless, of course, we have to file a mo- ing home and facing delays. Yet we today, we can’t short ourselves on the tion to end debate and get to another can’t get a veterans bill up on this funding. We need to find out exactly filibuster of 30 hours, which will take a floor because of the delays we are see- what is the state of our fiscal infra- lot more time. ing. structure. We have seen this before. It is about Here we are today, waiting around to In a great economy, you can’t move delaying. It is about not allowing vote on a technical corrections bill to a people and you can’t move goods with- America to move forward. It is about transportation bill that ought to take out a transportation infrastructure. not allowing progress. The word ‘‘fili- a few minutes. That means roads that are not falling

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S2994 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 15, 2008 apart, bridges that are not falling Boston College Eagles men’s ice hock- captain [Mike Brennan] all the way down apart, transit systems that work. Espe- ey team on their Division I National and you can’t say enough about just this cially in this time of more awareness of Championship and to offer a Senate feeling and the achievement.’’ When Allen and his teammates were cele- being efficient, energy efficient, all of resolution with my colleague from brating their victory, John Muse was only 12 this works together as we look at glob- Massachusetts, Senator KERRY, to rec- years old. The Falmouth native, who back- al warming and the best ways to com- ognize the team’s extraordinary ac- stopped the Eagles in all 44 games this sea- bat that. complishment. son, allowed only two goals in the Frozen This is a very simple bill. Why are we This past Saturday, in Denver, Bos- Four, one each to North Dakota and Notre standing here without actually voting ton College defeated the University of Dame. on a few amendments that we know ‘‘He’s been unbelievable,’’ said Bertram. ‘‘I Notre Dame four goals to one to claim think everyone is going to know who John some of my Republican friends have? It their third national championship and Muse is now. We’re so proud of him and we is because there is a move by some Re- their second since 2001. For the Eagles had so much confidence in him. That’s a publican Senators to slow us down, and their legion of supporters, known hard thing, to come in as a freshman, and slow down our work. My colleagues as the ‘‘Super Fans,’’ this victory the whole year he has played solid, con- heard about it previous to my taking marks the culmination of years of hard sistent hockey. The way he played in the Frozen Four is unbelievable. These guys are the floor today. Several colleagues work in which they reached the Frozen talked about the unprecedented num- lucky to have him for another three years.’’ Four’s championship game in 3 con- While Muse was keeping out goals in his ber of filibusters. secutive years. Junior Nathan Gerbe end, neither the Fighting Sioux nor the But I have to say on the bright side, was named the Frozen Four’s Most Fighting Irish could do a thing about junior this is a bill that Senator INHOFE and I Outstanding Player. left wing Nathan Gerbe, who tallied 4 points have worked very closely on. We agree Led by head coach Jerry York, Na- in each game (five goals, three assists) on on it. It is bipartisan in nature. There the way to being named the tournament’s than Gerbe, captain Mike Brennan, and most outstanding player. It’s as if Gerbe was are a couple of colleagues who don’t assistant captains Matt Greene and like a couple of things in here. We will playing on an entirely different stage than Dan Bertram, the Eagles compiled an anyone else. All they could do was watch. deal with that. We will deal with it, impressive overall record of 24 wins, 11 ‘‘In our eyes, he’s the best player in the but let’s get moving. It seems a shame losses, and 8 ties during the 2007 to 2008 country,’’ said Bertram. ‘‘To show up in the to have the Presiding Officer sitting in season, which also included Boston Col- biggest games, I think that’s the best the chair in front of an empty Chamber [praise] someone can give you. He’s a big- lege’s 14th victory in the historic while the time clicks away and we game player. To lead this team and score Beanpot Championship. can’t get anything done on a technical those big goals, he’s going to be a great play- With their work ethic and dedication, corrections bill. er at the national level, too, but it’s just so I might say everyone is quite aware the Eagles have made the entire Bos- nice to experience and play with him here ton College community and all of us in and just see that talent first-hand. He’s a that we are in an economic slowdown. game-breaker and if you give him some I look at this bill as a little bit of a New England proud. We congratulate the entire team, its coaches, and fans. chances and loosen up a little bit, he’s going ministimulus package, because it will to make you pay. The last two games, he was unleash about $1 billion for very impor- We also thank Father William P. unbelievable.’’ tant projects already approved. It will Leahy, president of Boston College, The seniors provided strong leadership unleash those funds. For every billion who has proved that you can foster a throughout the season, which was not always collegiate environment in which both very smooth. There were winless streaks, in- dollars, tens of thousands of new jobs juries, and player dismissals. But the steady are created in the construction indus- academic and athletic excellence are the order of the day. The team deserves upperclassmen helped right the ship for the try. We have a very long list of people stretch run and none allowed themselves to supporting us on this bill. Again, I call great credit for its extraordinary get too excited until practically the final on my friends and colleagues on the achievement, and I urge my colleagues seconds ticked off the clock. other side of the aisle who for some in the Senate to approve this resolu- ‘‘I wasn’t exhaling until I looked up with tion. six seconds left and said, ‘All right, I don’t reason are holding up this bill: Please. think they can score three goals with six We are willing to have votes on your Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- sent that an article from the Boston seconds left,’’’ said Bertram. ‘‘It’s almost objections in the form of an amend- surreal when you’re sitting there and kind of ment. We are willing to work with you. Globe be printed in the RECORD. watching the clock go down, 30 seconds at a We want to get this bill done. The There being no objection, the mate- time. I guess when it got to 1:30 [left] and I’m American people need this bill done. rial was ordered to be printed in the thinking, ‘This is really in out of reach now.’ There is no reason to get it caught up RECORD, as follows: Six seconds was the only time I was like, [From the Boston Globe, Apr. 14, 2008] ‘OK, start enjoying it a little bit.’’’ in other political arguments and ques- Senior Matt Greene said in his 22 years of tions. AT BC, A MOMENT TO SAVOR living, the feeling of accomplishment is un- I hope I can come out here in short (By Nancy Marrapese-Burrell) matched. order with the news that my Repub- DENVER.—When Boston College won its ‘‘I can’t say this is the best feeling I’ll ever lican friends have decided to let us go NCAA championship in 2001, Bobby Allen feel, but this certainly is the highlight of my to the amendment process so we can was one of the team captains. So it seemed life so far,’’ he said. Greene acknowledged, however, it hadn’t move forward and complete our work fitting that it was Allen who gave the 2007– 08 Eagles a crucial pep talk last week just quite hit him that although the seniors went on this bill. out on the ultimate high, his collegiate ca- At this point I yield the floor and prior to their departure for the Mile High City and this year’s Frozen Four. reer is over. note the absence of a quorum. ‘‘I’ve got a couple more weeks to stick In essence, Allen told the players to live in The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- around the BC campus,’’ said Greene. ‘‘It’s the moment, to revel in the joy of the event the last time I’ll stare across and give [An- pore. The clerk will call the roll. and remember that hockey is a labor of love. drew] Orpik a wink or maybe throw a tape The legislative clerk proceeded to The team took that message to heart. ball at [Brian Gibbons] or maybe a little bit call the roll. After beating Notre Dame, 4–1, in the title of ice at [Kyle Kucharski]. That’s all a part The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- game Saturday night at the Pepsi Center, of being a team. pore. The Senator from Massachusetts. the seniors in particular felt the weight of ‘‘Hockey is a special sport because you Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask the world lifted off their shoulders. They grow in relationships more than I think in unanimous consent that the order for were the ones who most acutely realized it any other sport. We deeply mean what we the quorum call be rescinded. was their last chance after two consecutive say and it’s going to hit me for sure.’’ The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- failed attempts at the crown. Senior center Bertram said as devastated as they were to pore. Without objection, it is so or- Dan Bertram said they were determined it lose in the two title games prior to this one, dered. wasn’t going to elude them a third time. that’s how incredible the feeling is to win. ‘‘I think [the experience factor] helped us a ‘‘You never want to lose,’’ said Bertram. f lot,’’ said Bertram. ‘‘I know with our senior ‘‘It’s nice as senior, you’re remembered for CONGRATULATING BOSTON COL- class here, we were all pretty tight. We your last game. There is no better feeling LEGE MEN’S ICE HOCKEY TEAM didn’t know exactly what the feeling was than leaving Boston College, which has been like to be on the other side and we sure as so good to us, on top and winning. It’s some- Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I wel- heck didn’t want to have that this year. Ev- thing I’ll never forget and it’s something for- come this opportunity to congratulate eryone else really saw the passion from our ever I will be proud of.’’

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2995 The Eagles will hold an autograph session Resolved, That the Senate— scribed, which is a fancy way of saying at Conte Forum at 5:30 this afternoon, fol- (1) congratulates— we need to figure out another way to lowed by a victory celebration at 6:15 p.m. (A) the Boston College men’s ice hockey complete our work. That is taken care Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask team for winning the 2008 National Colle- of in this bill. unanimous consent that the Senate giate Athletic Association Division I Na- We need colleagues to help us. We are proceed to the immediate consider- tional Ice Hockey Championship; and (B) the players, coaching staff, faculty and not adding one dime to the spending on ation of S. Res. 514 submitted earlier staff of the university, student body, and transportation systems and highways. today. fans whose determination, strong work All we are doing is making technical The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ethic, drive, and support made the 2007–2008 corrections to make sure some of the pore. The clerk will report the resolu- championship season possible; projects that have been stymied—let’s tion by title. (2) congratulates the University of Notre say because the environmental report The assistant legislative clerk read Dame men’s ice hockey team for its success came in and said we can’t do alter- as follows: in the 2007–2008 season and for reaching the native 1, we have to do alternative 2, Frozen Four for the first time in the team’s A resolution (S. Res. 514) congratulating and alternative 2 was not authorized— the Boston College men’s ice hockey team on history; and winning the 2008 National Collegiate Ath- (3) directs the Secretary of the Senate to will be allowed to move forward. letic Association Division I National Ice transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution I did a press conference today with Hockey Championship. to— both management and labor of the There being no objection, the Senate (A) Boston College President Father Wil- building trades. The construction liam P. Leahy, S.J.; workers are hurting out there. We proceeded to consider the resolution. (B) Boston College Athletic Director Gene Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask know we are in a recession. This is a DeFilippo; and mini-economic stimulus bill. We are unanimous consent that the resolution (C) Boston College Head Coach Jerry York. be agreed to, the preamble be agreed not suggesting it is a cure-all by any Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I sug- to, the motions to consider be laid means. It is a small bill, but it will un- gest the absence of a quorum. upon the table, and any statements be leash $1 billion across this great Nation The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- printed in the RECORD without inter- of ours. When you unleash $1 billion of pore. The clerk will call the roll. vening action or debate. spending, what it means is tens of The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- The assistant legislative clerk pro- thousands of workers will get jobs. pore. Without objection, it is so or- ceeded to call the roll. They are doing important projects— dered. Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask fixing bridges, fixing roads, building The resolution (S. Res. 514) was unanimous consent that the order for transit systems—all the good work agreed to. the quorum call be rescinded. that makes our Nation work. The preamble was agreed to. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- I am here. It is about 2:20 in the The resolution, with its preamble, pore. Without objection, it is so or- afternoon. We have been on the floor of reads as follows: dered. the Senate since early Monday. Frank- S. RES. 514 f ly, this bill could have been done in an hour or two. We are very willing to Whereas, on Saturday, April 12, 2008, the RECESS Boston College men’s ice hockey team (re- take the few amendments there are and ferred to in this preamble as the ‘‘Eagles’’) Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask work with the authors of those amend- won the 2008 National Collegiate Athletic As- unanimous consent that the Senate ments. We may have to have just an sociation (NCAA) Division I National Ice stand in recess until 2:15 p.m. this up-or-down vote because, frankly, we Hockey Championship by defeating the Uni- afternoon. are not going to entertain anything versity of Notre Dame men’s ice hockey There being no objection, the Senate, team by the score of 4 to 1 in the final game that changes the law. This is just a of the Frozen Four; at 12:24 p.m., recessed until 2:15 p.m. technical corrections bill. But if there Whereas the University of Notre Dame and reassembled when called to order are things we can do to accommodate men’s ice hockey team deserves great re- by the Presiding Officer (Mr. CARPER). our colleagues, we are happy to do spect for reaching the Frozen Four for the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- them. first time in the team’s history and then ad- ator from California is recognized. When I say ‘‘we,’’ I not only mean the vancing to the National Championship game; f Democratic members of the committee Whereas the victory for Boston College but the Republican members of the marked the Eagles’ third national hockey HIGHWAY TECHNICAL CORREC- championship, after the team’s first cham- committee. Senator INHOFE has been TIONS ACT OF 2007—MOTION TO working very closely with me, and we pionship win in 1949 and its second cham- PROCEED—Continued pionship win in 2001; feel very good about our work to- Whereas the Eagles earned the number 1 Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I am gether. We managed to get our WRDA seed in the NCAA hockey tournament with very hopeful that our Republican bill through, the Water Resources De- an impressive overall record of 24 wins, 11 friends had a good meeting about this velopment Act, in 7 months after it losses, and 8 ties during the 2007–2008 season; SAFETEA-LU technical corrections languished 7 years. We can do it on this Whereas the Eagles were led by junior Na- bill and that they decided to work with too. On that we had to override the than Gerbe, the Nation’s leading scorer in us to get this job done. This, as we say, men’s college ice hockey, who came in sec- President’s veto. The President sent us ond for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, is definitely not rocket science. It is a a little note that he doesn’t love this with 35 goals and 32 assists during the sea- bill that is going to correct some mis- bill; there is one thing he doesn’t like. son; takes we made in this enormous high- The fact is, the one thing he doesn’t Whereas the Eagles have made the Na- way transportation bill that was like was signed off on by Republicans tional Championship game in each of the passed several years ago. It is going to and Democrats on the Banking Com- past 3 years, demonstrating extraordinary make very important corrections so mittee. It has to do with how we teamwork and dedication; the Department of Transportation can prioritize transit projects. The desire Whereas the remarkable 2007–2008 season proceed to investigate the status of our also included a memorable victory for the of the committee to put this in the bill Eagles in the historic Beanpot Championship highways, our bridges, and our transit is a reiteration of SAFETEA-LU. It in February 2008, earning Boston College its systems. really doesn’t change anything, it just 14th Beanpot Championship; The bottom line is, as we get ready stresses it. The President does not like Whereas Boston College ‘‘Super Fans’’ for our next highway bill—and, Mr. it, but I am hopeful he is not going to traveled great distances all year and gave President, you are such a key player on veto. He didn’t say he is going to veto. the Eagles strong support throughout their our committee. You know this as well He just said he didn’t appreciate the championship season; and as I do. We see bridges collapsing. We guidance we are giving him. We don’t Whereas Boston College and its student need to know the extent of the prob- athletes are well known for their commit- believe it is a veto threat. We believe ment to both athletic and academic excel- lems we are facing. we can get this to his desk. lence, ranking sixth nationally among NCAA Because of a problem in the bill, the Think about how good we will feel to Division I schools in the graduation rate of account that we need to fund these in- know that people who are hurting can student athletes: Now, therefore, be it vestigations and studies is oversub- get jobs right now—that is really what

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S2996 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 15, 2008 it is about right now—and, frankly, ly can’t do anything. They know that. amount of time they work to pay the companies that are hurting can get But I believe the American people will taxes themselves. At the end of the contracts. recognize in November what has hap- day, despite our lengthy codified tax Again, this is a no brainer, for want pened in the Senate. law, there is no evidence to suggest of a better term. This is something we I suggest the absence of a quorum. that Americans know how much they should do. We should do it quickly. I The PRESIDING OFFICER. The should be paying in taxes in any given stand by ready, willing, and able to get clerk will call the roll. year or why. this work done. The assistant legislative clerk pro- Our Tax Code should aspire to be I do not see anyone else on the Sen- ceeded to call the roll. clear and transparent, rather than ate floor wishing to speak. Mr. Presi- Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I ask multifarious and convoluted. Everyone dent, I will be back when I have to be unanimous consent that the order for should be able to have a basic under- back. the quorum call be rescinded. standing of the Tax Code, knowing how I yield the floor and suggest the ab- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and why they are taxed. The Tax sence of a quorum. objection, it is so ordered. Code’s constant phase-ins and phase- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Mr. ALLARD. I ask unanimous con- outs are a nuisance at best and a nega- clerk will call the roll. sent that I speak as in morning busi- tive force, at worst, in the daily eco- The assistant legislative clerk pro- ness. nomic lives of American families and ceeded to call the roll. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without businesses. Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- objection, it is so ordered. Moreover, taxpayers with the same imous consent the order for the TAX REFORM incomes, family situation, and other quorum call be rescinded. Mr. ALLARD. Mr. President, I rise key characteristics often face different The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without today to talk about an issue that is tax burdens. This differing treatment objection, it is so ordered. very important to the hard-working creates a perception of unfairness in Mr. REID. Mr. President, here we men and women of our great country; the Tax Code and has left many Ameri- are. It is 2:15, 2:20. The caucus has that is, tax reform. I believe the Fed- cans discouraged. ended for the Republicans, and there is eral tax burden is excessive and overly At present, how much or little tax- still no decision on the momentous de- intrusive. Reform of the IRS and the payers pay in taxes is sometimes de- cision on whether we can legislate on a current tax system is long overdue. pendent on where they happen to live technical corrections bill. It is too bad If our Democratic colleagues have and the choices made by their employ- that we cannot move forward; we have their way, the Tax Code will continue ers. so much to do in this body to meet the to be excessive and overly intrusive. In In 1986, President Ronald Reagan, a needs of the American people. We need recent years it has become abundantly true visionary in this area, signed the to do something about the reauthoriza- clear to me that we have lost sight of Tax Reform Act of 1986 which reduced tion of the Federal Aviation Agency. the fact that the fundamental purpose top marginal individual rates from 50 We have an equal pay issue we have to of our tax system is to raise revenues percent to 28 percent, increased the deal with. We have a veterans health to fund our Government. standard deduction, and reduced the matter we have to deal with. We have In its current application, the U.S. top corporate tax from 50 percent to 34 to deal with a long list of legislation, tax system distorts the economic deci- percent. In doing so, this reform act and we are being stopped from doing sions of families, of businesses, leading simplified the Tax Code, broadening that today. We were stopped from to an inefficient allocation of resources the income tax base, allowing for lower doing it yesterday. We were stopped and hindering economic growth. marginal rates, and curtailing the use from doing it on Thursday. Our tax system has become unstable of individual tax shelters. I want to be spread on the record and unpredictable. Frequent changes to While the 1986 act was a step in the that this obstructionism of the Repub- the Tax Code have caused volatility right direction, unfortunately, it did licans has been carried to a fine art. that is harmful to the economy and not produce a long-lasting trans- They are doing a great job. They are creates additional compliance costs. formation of our tax system. Today, basically obstructing everything, stall- The tax system was originally intended our tax system bears little resemblance ing for time to maintain the status to be an efficient and simple system to the simple low-rate system promised quo. We have had 7-plus years of this designed to raise revenues for our na- by the 1986 reform. This is due to con- administration which has brought this tional defense, social programs, and stant tweaking over the years. More country down, not up. We have an vital Government services. However, than 100 different acts of Congress have economy that is staggering. We have a the current tax system is now so com- made nearly 15,000 changes to the Tax housing crisis like we have rarely plex that approximately $150 billion is Code. seen—maybe during the Great Depres- spent each year by taxpayers and the Public opinion polls indicate that sion but not since then. We have a war Federal Government to make sure that Americans believe taxpayers should that is costing us $5,000 a second, and taxes are tallied and paid correctly. not have to pay more than one-fourth the Republicans want to maintain the This is an enormous expense and a of their income to the Government. status quo. waste of resources. At present, the The current Tax Code hardly reflects The only thing they talk about is United States has instituted a tax sys- this perspective. Depending on the let’s have the Bush tax cuts go on a lit- tem that thwarts basic economic deci- level of income, the amount of deduc- tle bit longer. Let’s do tort reform. It sions, punishes wise and productive in- tions, and the type of family, one’s in- is no longer a serious debate on legisla- vestments, and rewards those who come can be taxed at 25 percent, 28 per- tion. It is a serious debate on how to work less and borrow more. cent, 33 percent, or 35 percent. keep attention away from the failed As it stands, the quagmire that is our I support broad-based tax reform and Presidency of George Bush. existing Tax Code penalizes savings, a simplified tax system. It is my belief We can have a vote at 11:30 tonight, contributes to the ever-increasing cost that any reform to the current tax sys- approximately. It takes a majority of health insurance, and undermines tem should benefit the middle class. vote. That is all it takes to move for- our global competitiveness. More dis- The vast majority of taxpayers are the ward on this legislation. Until then we turbing is the fact that Americans middle class, and they have borne the can do nothing. We cannot legislate spend more than 3.5 billion hours doing burden of the current system. until the 30 hours is used. In the 65 or their taxes, which is the equivalent of While I was a member of the Colo- 70 filibusters they have conducted in hiring almost 2 million new IRS em- rado Legislature, we implemented a 5- the Senate—my math is not good ployees; more than 20 times the agen- percent flat tax for Colorado. I believe enough instantaneously to tell you cy’s current workforce, I might add. we should take a similar approach on how many hours we have eaten up on On average, Americans spend the the Federal level. While I would be days like this just doing nothing, just equivalent of more than half of one willing to consider a flat tax or a sales letting the statutory 30 hours run out— work week; that is, 26 hours, on their tax or other plans on the Federal level, but during that period of time we real- taxes each year, not to mention the it is important that any replacement

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2997 plan be simple and fair. The replace- Mr. DEMINT. Mr. President, I ask projects, essentially adding new ear- ment system must provide tax relief unanimous consent that the order for marks to the bill. for working Americans. It must protect the quorum call be rescinded. The President’s statement of admin- the rights of taxpayers and reduce our The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without istrative policy regarding this tech- collection abuse. But most impor- objection, it is so ordered. nical corrections bill contains strong tantly, a new system must eliminate Mr. DEMINT. Mr. President, I want language critical of this legislation, the bias against savings and invest- to take a few minutes to speak on the and let me quote some from that SAP. ment and against economic growth and transportation technical corrections The administration notes with strong con- job creation. bill, which we will be discussing this cern that the majority of the bill is devoted No one can deny that our Tax Code is week. Later on I will offer a motion to to earmarks. The bill modifies hundreds of in dire need of reform. Its complexity, recommit, with some considerations I earmarks from a bill that passed in 2005, ef- lack of clarity, unfairness, and dis- fectively creating new earmarks, including a would like to address now. stand-alone section that would provide man- proportionate influence on behavior A lot of us were part of moving this datory funding for magnetically levitating has caused great frustration. Our cur- through Congress. It is an important rail. The effort through H.R. 1195 to modify rent Tax Code has been shaped by goals transportation bill, when roads and these earmarks from an authorization that other than simplicity, by intentions bridges are in desperate need of funding passed only three years ago is a further re- other than helping the taxpayer plan for repairs and widening. flection of those inefficiencies. Therefore, ahead, and by objectives other than ex- There were over 6000 politically di- the Administration urges that these provi- panding our economy. Not only has it rected earmarks in the original high- sions be removed from the bill. failed to keep pace with our economy, way bill. Now, the corrections bill in- That is effectively what my motion frequent changes have made it unstable volves 500 of those earmarks. I thought will address when we offer it later in and unpredictable. Years of hodgepodge we should talk about the bill and what the week. Government interference and ad hoc this means, as far as transportation in Again quoting from the administra- meddling have left our Tax Code in the United States. tion’s position on this bill: shambles. While we cannot change the First, I want to thank Senators The administration urges Congress to re- past, we can learn valuable lessons BOXER and INHOFE for all of the work strict the bill to true technical changes. For from the same and remedy our mis- they have done on transparency on this example, in addition to those noted above, takes. both the Senate-proposed substitute and the legislation. While I strongly believe we underlying bill contain substantive changes If we do not take steps to imme- should put an end to the practice of to statutory provisions regarding waiver pro- diately simplify and reform the Tax earmarking, if the Senate is going to cedures for Buy America requirements that Code, it will become more complex, earmark, it must do it in a transparent should be removed from the bill because they more unfair, and less conducive to our manner. I believe the chairwoman and are not technical corrections. In addition, economy’s future growth. ranking member have set an example section 104 of the substitute would repeal Small reforms are not enough. A for all committees in providing infor- section 111(d) of title 23 of the U.S. Code, total overhaul of the existing system is mation in a way that people can look which allows idling reduction facilities at public rest areas in Interstate rights-of-way. the only chance we have of righting at it and debate it. It is all right for us this wrong and getting our economy This provision is a policy change, not a tech- to disagree on whether we like ear- nical amendment. Repealing this section of and our deficit back on track. marks. In this case, we can do it with Raising taxes is not an option. Our the U.S. Code would eliminate a beneficial full disclosure of what is actually in initiative first proposed by this administra- Democratic colleagues seem to believe the bill. tion. that raising taxes or doing nothing The American people deserve to We have heard for the past months, about taxes is the best policy. Just last know how their elected representatives and will continue to hear today, that month, Democrats proposed raising are spending their money, and the way Members of Congress know what is best taxes on the average American family this bill handles earmark disclosure in their districts—know better than by $2,300 per year. Earlier this year, helps us do just that. The Senators some unelected Federal bureaucrat. If Democrats passed a proposal calling for from California and Oklahoma have a Member of Congress knows what is the largest tax hike in history. If disclosed the sponsor, the recipient, Democrats continue down this path of best for their district, then why are we and the purpose of the earmarks in this tax increases and a do-nothing tax pol- debating a 138-page so-called technical bill, in addition to letters disclosing icy, more and more American families corrections package? I suppose some of that the sponsors have no financial in- will suffer. these are drafting errors, and I do not It is important to point out that to terests in the particular earmark. I deny there should always be room for do nothing on the Tax Code means a was also pleased to see that disclosures some error in the legislative process. tax increase is going to happen within were made in a timely manner so we But page after page of corrections does the next several years. A do-nothing could review them before we began not speak well for our whole ear- policy on taxes will allow for the expi- consideration of the legislation. They marking process. ration of several key tax provisions. It have gone beyond the requirements of The 1982 highway bill had only 10 ear- will further the reach of the AMT, the the Senate rules, and I applaud them marks. That number rose to 538 in 1991, alternative minimum tax. We will see a for their commitment to transparency. and 1,800 in 1998. The SAFETEA-LU tax increase of more than $1.2 trillion I hope the other committees are equal- highway authorization bill we are talk- over the next 10 years. ly committed to transparency. ing about today contained an inexcus- At a time of economic uncertainty, My colleagues have suggested on the able 6,000 earmarks, at a cost of well raising taxes and taking money out of floor that this bill is needed so States over $20 billion and now nearly 500 the pockets of the American people can move forward with planning and changes in the technical corrections should not be the goal of the Congress. construction of authorized projects package. A 2007 report by the Depart- We must act now. We have a responsi- from the last highway reauthorization ment of Transportation Office of In- bility to our constituents and the Na- bill. As with all large bills, there were spector General, requested by Senator tion to resolve the predicament the typos and other errors in this bill, and TOM COBURN, found that DOT earmarks current tax system has put us in. If we the technical corrections bill we are have increased in number by 1,150 per- do not act sooner rather than later in discussing this week was designed to cent from 1996 to 2005—an incredible in- reforming our tax system, it will con- correct those technical errors and crease—and, as we can see, a number tinue to become more complex and problems. I think that is something, that has been very difficult for us to cumbersome. obviously, we need oftentimes to do manage effectively here in the Con- I yield the floor and suggest the ab- with most of our legislation. But in- gress. sence of a quorum. stead of correcting the errors from the This administration has projected The PRESIDING OFFICER. The last reauthorization bill, the com- that the highway trust fund will have a clerk will call the roll. mittee decided to rewrite public law negative balance of $3.2 billion by 2009 The assistant legislative clerk pro- and add contract authority as well as if we continue on the path of out- ceeded to call the roll. add to spending levels for certain spending the receipts in this account.

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Press reports indicate that the plete the highway account and cause Page 29 amends an earmark in cur- MAGLEV route is nearly identical, as I the highway trust fund to be bankrupt rent law that provides $2.7 million for mentioned before, to a completely pri- sooner than projected. upgrades to an interchange in Pennsyl- vately financed rail project, which is I know the case has been made that vania by striking the $2.7 million estimated to cost between $3 billion this technical corrections bill does not amount and increasing the earmark to and $5 billion. This legislation would increase the overall amount, but as we $3.2 million. use taxpayer dollars to fund a govern- went back through this and found nu- Page 35 amend a New York earmark ment project that is in direct competi- merous earmarks that were no longer in current law that provides $4 million tion with an existing privately funded needed or even wanted, instead of mov- for Miller Highway improvements by effort. ing that money to savings, we moved it striking the existing earmark and in- The Government does not need to be to earmarks, and new earmarks, and to serting the following new earmark: pe- replacing private sector involvement. add to additional earmarks at a time destrian paths, stairs, seating, land- In 2005, the Los Angeles Times had this when we need to be trying to save scaping, lighting, and other transpor- to say about MAGLEV: money to overcome the projected def- tation enhancement activities along The long-running debate over MAGLEV icit. Congress needs to take a timeout Riverside Boulevard and at Riverside trains is a battle between faith and reason. and examine the country’s infrastruc- Park South. This is not a technical They have to rely on faith because there is correction, and it is one of the reasons very little evidence of the practicality of ture priorities instead of relying solely these systems. Only one commercial high- on Members of Congress transportation we are not rebuilding and improving and maintaining bridges in America, speed MAGLEV train exists, covering a 19- earmarks. mile stretch from Shanghai to Pudong Inter- Of most concern is that many of the because we are focused on things that national Airport. Why spend so much money, earmarks requested and funded in high- are not basic infrastructure. especially if it’s from taxpayers, when you way authorization bills are neither the Pages 63 and 64 amend a New York might get more bang for the buck out of most effective nor efficient use of earmark in current law that provides cheaper alternatives? That the Primm line funds. Many of them, such as an ear- $500,000 for design and construction of has gotten this far is a tribute to the power an access road to Plattsburgh Inter- and determination of the Senate Majority mark for renovating the Apollo The- Leader, who undoubtedly sees MAGLEV as ater, have nothing to do with transpor- national Airport by striking this de- scription and inserting the following promising a new transportation system for tation. Senators and House Members pork. have picked particular projects for new earmark: preparation, demolition, disposal, and site restoration of Alert The Associated Press also reported a funding that they know will result in Facility on Access Road, Plattsburgh few weeks ago that the country of Ger- their gaining political support. They International Airport. many has canceled its initiative to will get more votes in their reelection So we found we didn’t need the build a MAGLEV link to the Munich campaigns for bringing home the money in one area, but we found a new airport, citing escalating costs. Ger- bacon, but funding will be redirected area, instead of saving it, as we appar- many’s transportation minister told from highway projects where it is most ently need to do to keep the Highway reporters that it was ‘‘not possible to needed. Trust Fund on the path of solvency. finance the project’’ since the cost had This is why I have proposed this mo- The most glaring example of a non- more than doubled. tion to recommit, that will send this technical correction made by this bill I guess anything is possible when it bill back to the committee and require is the MAGLEV section, which pro- is taxpayer money, but, clearly, build- that the bill be reported back to the vides $90 million over 2 years in manda- ing an unproven experimental project, Senate with an amendment that elimi- tory spending for a MAGLEV rail where private money is already accom- nates any provision in the bill that in- project from Nevada to California. plishing the same thing, does not make creases spending for earmarks that are Under current law, this project was very much sense. In this transpor- contained in the SAFETEA bill. In- simply between two cities in Nevada, tation bill, not only will this experi- creasing spending for existing ear- but this technical corrections bill mental rail provision eventually cost marks is simply not a technical correc- paves the way for extending this billions in Federal funding and insert tion, and such provisions do not belong project all the way to California and the Government into the private mar- in this legislation, that is intended to leaves the Federal Government on the ket, where it doesn’t belong, it would only correct the technical aspects of hook for paying the price tag. most likely also be bad for consumers. the bill. How will this project expand Federal According to my last check on the Here are a few examples of provisions spending? Well, first, it jams all the Internet, the nonstop flights from Los in this bill that are not technical cor- funding into the last 2 years, which in- Angeles to Las Vegas are 1 hour 10 rections but are actually inserting new creases the baseline from $30 million in minutes and cost only $118 for a round earmarks into law or significantly in- 2009 to $45 million. The way we fund trip. That is $59 each way. creasing funding for existing earmarks. things here is based on year-to-year I ask my colleagues how much these Page 18 amends an earmark in cur- baselines. It turns the funding from an MAGLEV trips will cost. Are we abso- rent law that provides $800,000 for an authorization to direct spending. In the lutely certain it will cost less than $59 intersection project in Pennsylvania by original bill, it allows the funding of a each way? If not, why would not con- striking the $800,000 designation and project. Now it requires the funding of sumers fly? increasing the earmark to $2.4 million. a project. It extends the Federal I would hazard a guess here that if we That is not a technical correction. project from Primm, NV, to Anaheim, were asking Members of the Senate to On page 19, we amend an earmark in CA, and it involves the Federal Govern- invest their own personal money in current law that provides Federal ment in a dubious construction project this project, not one would reach for funds for widening two blocks of Poplar that will create an unwanted transpor- their wallet. But this is taxpayers’ Street from Park Avenue to 13th tation mode, the cost of which will money we are spending on something Street in Williamson County, IL, by likely expand considerably. none of us would do as individuals. striking that description and inserting Along this same route, a private Even the administration has weighed the following new earmark, which is to company has raised billions of dollars in on this provision stating that the construct a connector road from Rush- to build a high-speed rail corridor from bill modifies hundreds of earmarks ing Drive north to Grand Avenue in Nevada to California without any tax- from a bill that passed in 2005, effec- Williamson County. It is not a tech- payer money. Our role in Government tively creating new earmarks, includ- nical correction. It is a new project and should be to make the private sector ing a stand-alone section that would it is the elimination of another one. work, not to replace it and to compete provide mandatory funding for mag- Page 22 amends an earmark in cur- with it with taxpayer dollars. netic levitating rail. The administra- rent law that provides $800,000 to widen In addition to increasing Federal tion urges these provisions be removed State Road 80 in Henderson County, funding, this provision inserts the Gov- from the bill.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S2999 We are not talking about technical The importance of transparency in paragraphs. For example, section 105 of corrections. These provisions increase Government operations was also recog- the bill is 63 pages containing 386 ear- funding for existing earmarks and cre- nized by Jefferson. In 1808, he wrote: marks. These earmarks contain such ate new earmarks. Proponents of this The same prudence, which, in private life, illuminating descriptions as ‘‘In item legislation will argue that the bill would forbid our paying our money for unex- number 753 by striking $2,700,000 and spends no new Federal dollars and, in plained projects, forbids it in the disposition inserting $3,200,000.’’ That is all we fact, even saves taxpayers a few mil- of public moneys. know unless we go back to the original lion dollars. While that is true, the bill As I said before, I doubt very seri- bill to figure it out. The earmark de- accomplishes this by rescinding funds ously any Member of this Senate would scription for this one simply says it is left in the Treasury that were never invest their own money in an unproven from BILL SHUSTER and gives the used by a few earmarks previously au- technology over a route where there is SAFETEA–LU section it amends. Even thorized by Congress. However, it is already going to be private competi- with the list of earmark descriptions, clear to me that this bill is just an- tion. one has no idea what this amendment other way for Congress to create new Jefferson also astutely recognized does without going to the underlying earmarks, increase spending for exist- that large amounts of spending would bill. When you look at the law, you see ing earmarks without actually appear- inevitably lead to outside efforts to re- that it has to do with ‘‘Widening of Rt. ing to be doing just that. direct that money. He wrote in 1801 22 and SR 26 in Huntingdon. Upgrades In addition, by shifting existing fund- about the need ‘‘to reform the waste of to the interchange at U.S. Rt. 22 and ing from one earmark to be used for a public money, and thus drive away the SR 26.’’ I still have no idea why this completely new earmark, this bill also vultures who prey upon it[.]’’ project needs a $500,000 plus-up, but at creates new projects which now rely on George Washington noted in 1792 that least I have a general idea what the the Federal Government to continue no mischief is ‘‘so afflicting and fatal project is. But, again, I do not expect their funding in the future. In the long to every honest hope, as the corruption that any of my colleagues actually run, this legislation encourages waste- of the legislature.’’ looked up this earmark. ful Washington spending through the Congressional approval ratings, as we broken process of earmarking. This bill highlights the fact that this all know, are now at record lows be- is a terrible way to write legislation, Here is an example of a true tech- cause taxpayers do not believe we are nical correction included in this legis- where we all decide the different being honest or open about how we projects we want and force them in a lation. On page 24 of the bill, there is a spend their money. provision that would strike the word single bill. This bill demonstrates to One might argue that earmarking is me and the American people that ear- ‘‘country’’ and insert the word ‘‘coun- a simpler system. There is really no ty’’ in an earmark for ‘‘New County marking is out of control and that the meddling by bureaucrats, no cost-ben- process is inefficient. road on Whidbey Island’’ in Wash- efit analysis, no hearing just a big pie We are spending time on the Senate ington State. The current law refers to that is sliced up into pieces of varying floor to pass 138 pages of ‘‘fixes’’ to this road as ‘‘New Country Road,’’ sizes, with the senior Members getting mistakes and errors relating to exist- which was a mistake, and this bill the biggest slice. But this is no way to ing earmarks. I say to my colleagues, would correct that error by inserting run a government or a country. we have much more pressing needs that the word ‘‘county.’’ Clearly, this is a This bill proves that the so-called deserve our time and attention, such as true technical correction and rep- simplicity of the system is not all it is providing health insurance to the mil- resents the spirit of what this bill was cracked up to be. One of the changes in lions of uninsured across this Nation, intended to accomplish, which is to this bill involves removing an earmark making health care more affordable, correct technical errors contained in that was not even wanted but was se- and passing the FISA reauthorization current law. cretly put into a bill after the bill had Another argument we hear is that bill to protect our homeland. Instead, already passed. Now, that is the sort of earmarking Federal tax dollars is our we are spending precious time fixing technical correction we should be pass- ‘‘constitutional obligation.’’ Our col- earmarks—hardly a high priority with ing right now. Why did it take so long league, Dr. Coburn, wrote an excellent taxpayers who are disgusted with the to identify an earmark that was not article entitled ‘‘Founders vs. Pork’’ way their hard-earned tax dollars are wanted or needed? Fortunately, in this addressing this bogus claim. I will not being wasted now. bill, we could remove it. Senator read the article in its entirety, but I I urge my colleagues to support this COBURN has an amendment that will commend it to all my colleagues. It amendment. Again, it does not strike contains some excellent quotations force an investigation of this bizarre process by which an earmark finds its any earmarks that are in law. It allows which I will share. all the technical corrections that are Thomas Jefferson, in a 1796 letter to way into a bill that already has passed. I look forward to the findings. I en- included in this bill, but it simply says James Madison regarding federally we would eliminate any new earmarks funded local projects, said that courage my colleagues to support it. I applaud the committee for pro- in this bill and any increases in exist- ‘‘[O]ther revenues will soon be called ing earmarks. I think that is what a into their aid, and it will be the source viding earmark disclosure, more ear- mark disclosure than we have seen out technical corrections bill should be. of eternal scramble among the mem- Mr. President, I yield the floor. bers, who can get the most money of most committees. Senators BOXER The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- wasted in their State; and they will al- and INHOFE are to be commended for ator from Maryland. ways get the most who are the mean- their effort they have made to comply est.’’ with the letter and the spirit of the Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I intend In a 1792 letter to Alexander Ham- law. As I said, I hope all the commit- to speak for a few minutes on behalf of ilton conveying what he believed to be tees will follow example. However, this the committee in response to the com- the public’s perception of government, bill does not have a committee report. ments made by the Senator from South George Washington cited worries about In that sense, Senators have been de- Carolina. I ask unanimous consent that the ‘‘increase in the mass of the debt,’’ nied the tools we customarily rely on the Senator from Georgia then be rec- which had ‘‘furnished effectual means to decipher massive catchall bills such ognized for up to 5 minutes to talk as of corrupting such a portion of the leg- as this. For example, without the in morning business and then followed islature, as turns the balance between ‘‘changes in existing Law’’ document, by the Senator from North Dakota. the honest voters[.]’’ Hamilton, who fa- which is contained in all committee re- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without mously clashed with Jefferson and ports, we are theoretically supposed to objection, it is so ordered. Madison on fiscal matters, responded go through each earmark and try to Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I first that ‘‘[e]very session the question figure out what it is amending. Since it thank my colleague from South Caro- whether the annual provision should be is almost certain that few Members lina for acknowledging that the process continued, would be an occasion of per- will actually do this beyond projects that was used on this technical correc- nicious caballing and corrupt bar- they inserted in the bill personally, the tions bill was a very open process, one gaining.’’ bill is largely a series of meaningless in which all the changes were open for

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It was a technical corrections bill—and I am colleagues to support the committee Jackie Robinson who paved the way for going to respond to one of the projects and support the process, the very open so many great athletes today. specifically that the Senator from and fair and transparent process that Little did he know, back then in 1947, South Carolina has talked about—but was used by the committee in devel- that he would be followed by the likes that it is a normal process when we oping the changes that are in this leg- of Larry Doby, Willie Mays, and my pass a large bill to go through a tech- islation. good friend, Hank Aaron. But what a nical corrections process in order to Mr. President, I yield the floor. great inspiration he has been for all of correct mistakes that were made or The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- America. Today, I honor the man who clarify or, as priorities change, to deal ator from Georgia. stood boldly against those who resisted with the regions to make sure the Fed- JACKIE ROBINSON racial equality, and I acknowledge the eral programs are properly targeted to Mr. CHAMBLISS. Mr. President, I profound influence of one man’s life on the needs. This is a technical correc- rise today to commemorate a seminal the American culture. Jackie Robin- tions bill. moment in our Nation’s history. On son’s life and legacy will be remem- Third, let me point out that the re- this day in 1947, Jackie Robinson broke bered as one of great importance in gions have come to us to ask for clari- the color barrier to Major League Base- American history. fications or modifications of projects ball after years of segregation. I will yield the floor. within the area, not increasing the Jack Roosevelt Robinson was born in The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mrs. costs. I thank the Senator from South 1919 to a family of sharecroppers in MCCASKILL). The Senator from North Carolina for pointing out that this leg- Cairo, GA. Cairo, the home of the syrup Dakota is recognized. Mr. DORGAN. Madam President, if islation does not increase costs; in fact, makers, is a small town in south Geor- people are by any chance watching the it will save some money. I appreciate gia located about 35 miles from my proceedings of the Senate this after- him pointing that out. hometown of Moultrie. noon, they may wonder what on Earth So we are in agreement on all those As you can imagine, Jackie was very is happening or more likely what is not points. We are going to save money. It talented and did extremely well at happening. It has become customary, corrects mistakes that were made, and sports. At UCLA, Jackie became the when we try to do business in the Sen- it deals with regional priorities that first athlete to win varsity letters in ate in recent months, that we discover have been requested of us, consistent four sports—football, basketball, base- there is a filibuster that requires a clo- with prior authorizations of Congress. ball, and track. He was even named ture motion to be filed on almost any- I point out one project, and that is All-American in football. thing. On the Senate floor today, as I the maglev project. I do not want to Jackie enlisted in the U.S. Army in understand it, we are on a 30-hour debate the merits or demerits of the World War II, and following his dis- postcloture period on a motion to pro- maglev project because I do not think charge in 1944, he played the season in ceed to a technical corrections bill. that would be appropriate on a tech- the Negro Baseball League and a cou- nical corrections bill. But where the That is almost unbelievable to me. ple of years in minor league ball. It is not unusual. We have had 65 fili- Senator from South Carolina is incor- In 1947, following Jackie’s out- busters in this Congress. Why would rect is that this is a technical correc- standing performance in the minor someone require a cloture motion to be tion of prior actions of Congress. It leagues, Brooklyn Dodgers vice presi- filed in order to break a filibuster on a provides contract authority. That is dent Branch Rickey decided it was motion to proceed to a technical cor- what we intended to do in the time to integrate Major League Base- rections bill? The only conceivable rea- SAFETEA–LU Act. So this is not any- ball, which had not had an African- son to do that is to stop the Senate thing new in maglev. The areas that American player since 1889. When from doing anything. I guess those who are involved were the same areas that Jackie first donned a Brooklyn Dodg- have been doing this in the minority were previously identified. It does not ers uniform, he led the way to the inte- party have been pretty successful. expand the project and makes tech- gration of professional athletics in Today is tax day, April 15. One might nical corrections as far as contract au- America. ask, if we were not doing this—stand- thority. In his first year, he hit 12 home runs ing around and gnashing our teeth and What the Senator from South Caro- and helped the Dodgers win the Na- wiping our brow, wondering why we lina is debating is the merits of tional League pennant. That year, Rob- can’t move this—what would we be maglev, and this is the wrong bill on inson led the National League in stolen doing? If we didn’t have a minority which to debate that. By the Senator’s bases and was also selected Rookie of that insists on a motion to proceed, a own admission, this is a technical cor- the Year. Robinson succeeded in put- filibuster, a cloture motion and 30 rections bill, and we should just be ting racial conflict and prejudice aside hours postcloture, what would we be talking about whether the language is to show the world what a talented indi- doing? what was intended by Congress in its vidual he was. His success in the major We would probably be doing some previous actions, and clearly it was, to leagues opened the door for other Afri- worthwhile things. It is not that the make sure we do it right based on pre- can-American players. underlying bill is not worthwhile, it is. vious actions. Jackie Robinson himself became a It should be done quickly and easily. It I hope the Senator from South Caro- vocal champion for African-American is a technical corrections bill. But lina will heed his own advice; that is, athletes, civil rights and other social what, for example, could we do? let’s make the technical corrections and political causes. After baseball, I thought, because it is April 15, a bill deal with those types of issues. And Robinson became active in business day a lot of people recognize as a day of I am afraid his amendment would not. and continued working as an activist obligation to pay their taxes, I would As now explained to us, he wants to for social change. He was the first Afri- mention perhaps a few of the things we eliminate some of these projects, and can-American inducted into the base- could be doing on the floor of the Sen- that is not the purpose of a technical ball Hall of Fame and, in 1997, his num- ate if we had a bit of cooperation and corrections bill. I can understand Mem- ber was retired by Major League Base- if we could get the minority party to bers being concerned about that ap- ball. agree—and in every one of these cases, proach. I am proud of the work of the I can recall, as a small boy, being a certainly we could not. But let me de- committee. The committee did identify Brooklyn Dodgers fan. The main rea- scribe what we might do, just on the those—and it is relatively few when son was because my older brother was Tax Code. you consider how many authorizations a New York Yankees fan and the peren- The Government Accountability Of- are in the SAFETEA–LU Act—to clar- nial World Series game was between fice found that 59 of the 100 largest

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3001 publicly-traded Federal contractors— Do you know what the workers at loses money. Maybe, since it is tax day, that is companies that did work for the Huffy bicycle did the last day of work, we could shut down this tax scam, al- Federal Government in 2001—had es- as their plants were closed down? As though the President has threatened to tablished hundreds of subsidiaries lo- they pulled out of their parking spaces, veto legislation that shuts down these cated in offshore tax havens to avoid the workers left a pair of empty shoes kind of tax scams, for reasons I don’t paying taxes to the United States of where their car used to park. It was understand. America. They want all the benefits their poignant way to say: You can But we could try. We could decide, you can get from being a contractor for move our jobs to China, but you are you know, if working folks pay taxes, the Government, but they do not want not going to fill our shoes. This com- maybe everybody else can pay taxes. to pay taxes to this country. pany received a tax break for moving Perhaps we can pass a piece of legisla- I discovered this some long while jobs to China. tion that says those on Wall Street ago. It actually comes from an enter- Fruit of the Loom underwear—every- who are getting what is called carried prising reporter named Dave Evans body knows about Fruit of the Loom interest, some of the wealthiest people with Bloomberg News. I mention that underwear. You remember, they used in the United States, should pay a because it is important. He discovered to do commercials with the dancing higher income tax rate than 15 percent. that in this building in the Cayman Is- grapes. I don’t know who would dress Almost everybody pays a higher in- lands, a 5-story white building on up as a grape and dance, but I guess come tax rate than 15 percent, but Church Street, there are 12,748 corpora- they got paid to do that, so you have those who are making the biggest tions that call it home. They are not commercials of dancing grapes adver- there. It is their post office mailing ad- money on Wall Street in the form of tising Fruit of the Loom underwear. what is called carried interest, they are dress for the purpose of saying they are The problem is, there is no Fruit of the in the Cayman Islands to avoid paying laughing all the way to the bank. They Loom underwear made in America any- U.S. taxes. get a 15-percent tax rate. Perhaps we If we were not spending our time at more because they all went offshore to could change that. parade rest, or posing as potted plants be produced and the company got a tax Perhaps another thing we could do because the minority doesn’t want to break to do it. Why? Because this spe- this afternoon, if we were not forced to move ahead on anything, not even a cific company did that? No, because 30 hours of dead time, is we could deal motion to proceed on a technical cor- companies that shut down their Amer- with what the Internal Revenue Serv- rections bill, are there other things we ican manufacturing plants and move ice is doing by farming out tax collec- can do? We could solve this, couldn’t their jobs overseas get a tax break tions that need to be made—these are we? We could say: If you are going to from this country. It is the most per- people who owe taxes—to debt collec- run your income through a subsidiary nicious thing I have ever seen. I tried tion agencies in the private sector. in a tax-haven country to avoid your four times to correct it on the floor of This is going to be hard for anybody to obligation to the United States, maybe the Senate. I ask people to look up the believe or understand, but here is what you don’t need to contract with the votes and see who is standing up for they have done. This administration is Federal Government. Maybe you don’t American jobs and American workers. so anxious to privatize and farm out need to get the Federal Government’s Perhaps we could do that on tax day, everything, they have gone into the In- business. Or perhaps on tax day, we maybe fix that problem and say: At the ternal Revenue Service and said let’s might say we will close this tax loop- very least, let’s stop subsidizing, farm out these collections of taxes hole—just like that. If you are not through the Tax Code, the shipping of owed, so they have contracted with a doing substantive business in a tax- American jobs overseas. couple of companies. The problem is haven country, we will not recognize Here is another thing we could prob- that this privatization program lost $50 you as having gone to a tax-haven ably do if the minority weren’t requir- million in its first year and is expected country, and you will pay taxes as if ing cloture motions and engaging in 65 to lose more this year. you never left our country. filibusters, which take up dead time. I should point out for anybody The IRS’s private revenue collection If we were not seeing all these inter- target for the current fiscal year was minable delays, perhaps we would pass watching or listening, nothing can be done during this period. We are in a 30- $88 million. But they now project that legislation that I have offered pre- the program will collect only $23 mil- viously, and that is to say to American hour postcloture period on a motion to proceed—not even on the bill, on a mo- lion. After excluding commissions, on- companies: If you shut your manufac- going operational costs and capital in- turing plant, fire your workers and tion to proceed to a technical correc- tions bill. So this 30 hours is dead time, vestments, the IRS will still be $31 mil- move your operations overseas, you are lion in red this year. not going to get a tax break anymore. designed by the minority because they It is unbelievable. How can the Inter- Someone might say: Do they get a tax do not want us to do anything we prob- nal Revenue Service contract with a break for that? They sure do. Let me ably could do on this tax day. company that is going to lose money give an example. I assume that almost We have a Tax Code that allows al- collecting taxes? I have a piece of legis- everyone has ridden in a Radio Flyer most unbelievable tax breaks to some lation that says stop it. Maybe we Little Red Wagon. It was made for 110 companies. This happens to be a street- could work on that and pass that legis- years in Illinois, in Chicago, IL. Radio car in Germany owned by an American lation today—see if we could find some Flyer Little Red Wagon was created by company. Why? Because they are ex- deep reservoir of common sense. The an immigrant who came here and cre- perts in streetcars in Germany? No, be- National Taxpayer Advocate who ated a big business. cause they get big tax breaks when The thing is, after 110 years the they do this. works at the IRS has said: Had that Radio Flyer Little Red Wagons are not This is a sewer system in Germany. money been spent for collectors at the manufactured here. They are all gone. Wachovia Bank, a U.S. company, was IRS, they would have raised $1.4 bil- They are in China. Every Radio Flyer buying sewer systems in Germany. lion. Instead, they invested $71 million Little Red Wagon is now manufactured Think of that—do you think it is be- to use private collectors and returned in China. By the way, the company got cause they are experts in sewer sys- just $32 million in 2007. So they missed a tax break to move the jobs to China. tems? No. Do you think they wanted to it by about $1.368 billion. Isn’t that in- I have spoken often on the floor buy a sewer system and move it to credible? about Huffy bicycles—20 percent of the America? No, not at all. They want to Does anybody care? Apparently not. American bicycle market and made in buy sewer systems in Europe so they We are in 30 hours dead time on a mo- Ohio by workers who were earning $11 can avoid taxes in the United States, tion to proceed to a technical correc- an hour plus benefits. Not any more. because if you buy a sewer system from tions bill, guaranteeing nothing can be They all got fired in Ohio and all these a European city and you now own it, done on the floor of the Senate. jobs were moved to Shenzhen, China. you can actually depreciate it and then There are a couple of other things we Huffy bicycles are made by people who lease it back to the city and everybody might consider when we are thinking work 12 to 14 hours a day, 7 days a makes money—except the American what could we do this afternoon in this week, for 30 cents an hour. taxpayers and the Federal Government dead time.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3002 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 15, 2008 This is a photograph of Mr. Efriam large major integrated oil companies day, in every way, a filibuster on the Diveroli. He is the chief executive offi- because they are making a massive floor of the Senate, even on motions to cer of a firm that received $300 million amount of profit. Then other people are proceed. That is the last thing this in U.S. Army contracts. He’s 22 years wondering: Do I have enough in my gas American public should expect from a old. His dad actually started a shell tank to be able to drive to work tomor- Congress that ought to come to work company back in the 1990s, and then he row? How am I going to do that? ready to go to work on issues that real- took it over. He said he was the only So while all of this is going on today, ly matter in peoples’ lives every single employee, except it lists a vice presi- the Federal Government is putting day. dent. The vice president is a massage 70,000 barrels of sweet, light crude oil I yield the floor. therapist. He is 25 years old. underground in the Strategic Reserve. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- So here we have a 22-year-old chief And they are going to do it every sin- ator from Vermont. executive officer and a 25-year-old mas- gle day all year long, 70,000 barrels a MIDDLE CLASS AMERICA sage therapist running a company in day, stuck underground. Mr. SANDERS. Madam President, I Miami. They got $300 million from the Now, the Strategic Reserve is a de- commend my friend from North Da- U.S. Department of Defense to provide cent idea. It is 97 percent filled. Why on kota. He is exactly right. The middle ammunition to the Afghan fighters. Earth would we, when oil has hit $113 a class in our country is in deep trouble. Let me describe where they are. They barrel, continue, through this Bush and Some would argue the middle class is are in this building. No, they do not Cheney administration, to put oil un- collapsing. And the people of our coun- own this building; they are in a little derground and thereby put upward try are looking to Washington, to us, part of this building with an unmarked pressure on gasoline prices and oil to get something done. What they are door. So you have a 22-year-old and a prices? It makes no sense at all. finding is a filibuster on a corrections 25-year-old massage therapist working So, perhaps, were the dead time not bill and inaction in every single area out of an unmarked office in Miami, required by the minority, we could that faces working people in our coun- FL; Miami Beach, FL, and they are work on that, or perhaps with respect try. supposed to, with $300 million, provide to the price of gasoline and oil, we A couple of weeks ago in Vermont we ammunition to the Afghan fighters on could work on increasing the margin held several town meetings on the behalf of the U.S. Defense Department. requirements for those who are specu- economy. I invited Vermonters to re- Here is a picture of the ammunition. lating in the futures markets. spond to our Web site about what the Some of it is ammunition from China The commodities futures market, es- collapse of the middle class means to from the 1960s. You can see what it pecially for oil, is an unbelievable car- them personally. I think it is one thing looks like. And the Afghan fighters nival of speculation. Do you know that for those of us to give a speech, to use were saying: Wait a second. What are when you buy stocks, there is a 50 per- huge numbers, to talk in an extrava- you sending us? Bullets that do not cent margin requirement. But if you gant way; it is another thing to hear fire? Now, I must say, the New York want to buy oil, God bless you, it is directly from people in terms of what Times deserves some real credit. Three only 5 to 7 percent. You want to con- is going on in their lives. What I promised that I would do, and people wrote this story. The New York trol 100,000 barrels of oil tomorrow, continue to do, is read some of these Times, I can tell from the story, they $7,000 will do that. That is the margin. very poignant e-mails I received, most- traveled around the world to get the So, as a result, you have unbelievable ly from Vermonters, some from other details. speculation in these markets driving parts of the country, where people are Now, we did not do it. We should up the price well above that which the simply saying: Look, this is what is have. We should have done it in some- fundamentals of oil supply and demand going on in my life today. I thought I thing called a Truman committee. The would justify. was in the middle class, but I no longer bipartisan Truman committee was cre- Perhaps we can do something about am. saying to the exchanges: There must be ated in the Second World War, run by So what I want to do is read a few of increased margin requirements to stop Harry Truman. By the way, it started the e-mails that I received, to put what with $15,000 and has saved the Amer- this speculation hurting our country. we are debating and discussing in a ican taxpayer $15 billion going after It is driving up the price of oil, driving very personal tone, in the real words of waste, fraud, and abuse in defense con- up the price of gasoline in a manner real Americans. This is the collapse of tracting. that is completely unjustified. Stop the the middle class as described by ordi- Three times we have voted on a Tru- speculation, stop putting 70,000 barrels nary people. man committee in the Congress, and of sweet light crude underground every We received an e-mail from an older three times it has been turned back by day. Maybe those would be two things couple in the State of Vermont. This is the minority. we could do when we are required to what they wrote. The woman writes: Now, I will come later and give a file cloture petitions to stop a fili- My husband and I are retired and 65. We longer presentation about defense con- buster on issues such as a motion to would like to have worked longer, but be- tracting and the most unbelievable proceed. cause of injuries caused at work and the waste, fraud, and abuse in the history I mean it is unbelievable to me that closing of our factory to go to Canada, we of this country. But we do not need we find ourselves in this position. chose to retire early. Now with oil prices the more than the picture of the president There is so much to do, and it is such way they are, we cannot afford to heat our of this company who got $300 million. important work. Yet here we find our- home unless my husband cuts and splits The question I started with today is, wood, which is a real hardship as he has had selves with the American people look- his back fused and should not be working What could we be doing in 30 hours of ing in on the Senate and wondering: most of the day to keep up with the wood. dead time, if the minority had not re- What on Earth are they doing? Not only that, he has to get up two to three quired that there be a cloture petition Well, what we are doing is what we times each night to keep the fire going. and had not effectively filibustered on are required to do by the rules when We also have a 2003 car that we only get to a motion to proceed to a bill that is one side decides it wants the Senate to drive to get groceries or go to the doctor or going to get overwhelming support? I stand at parade rest almost all the to visit my mother in the nursing home 3 do not understand it. time. miles away. It now costs us $80 a month to We have such big challenges in our go nowhere. We have 42,000 miles on a 5-year- Finally, we probably could do some- old car. I have Medicare but I cannot afford thing about the price of oil or gasoline country. I have mentioned energy. I prescription coverage unless I take my while we are on the Senate floor during have mentioned the fiscal policy. I money out of an annuity, which is supposed this dead time if we were not prevented have mentioned health care. We have to cover the house payments when my hus- by the minority, prevented by a Presi- such big challenges that ought to be band’s pension is gone. We also only eat two dent’s threatened veto pen. our agenda. This country deserves bet- meals a day to conserve. Oil and gas. Well, look, today is ter, and our agenda is, in my judgment, This is a 65-year-old couple in the Tuesday, and oil is at $113 a barrel. something on which the American peo- State of Vermont in the year 2008, and Some are going to the bank with a big ple expect us to make progress. They I suspect this story is being told all smile on their face, particularly the do not expect us to see every single over America.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3003 Here is another story about a woman It is poignant. It is true. This is what Here are a few more e-mails. This who lives in our largest county, a younger person from Vermont writes: comes from a veteran from the State of Chittenden County. She writes: I am 23 years old. I have about $33K of edu- Vermont: First of all, I am a single mother of a 16- cation debt + $12K of credit card debt and The real killer is the price of heating fuel. year-old daughter. I own a condominium. I only make about $26K a year + benefits. I Up here in northern Vermont we need heat have worked at the hospital for 16 years and barely make enough to support myself and in the winter. With a Military Pension I make a very good salary, in the high $40,000 whenever unexpected expenses come up I end make too much to get any assistance. We got range. I own a 2005 Honda Civic. I filled up up having to use credit to cover them. I feel a 2.8% pension increase in January, and the my gas tank yesterday, and it cost me al- like I will never catch up and now every- price of heating fuel has increased by about most $43. That was at $3.22 a gallon. If prices thing is getting even more expensive; it 50%. We have to cut back on food in order to stay at that level, it will cost me $160 per seems hopeless. Meanwhile I listen to the stay warm. Thank you. news and how the rich are getting richer and month to fill up my gas tank. A year ago, it it is making me hate this country. I am not Somebody trying to live on a mili- would cost me approximately $80 per month. an economics expert but I know that things tary pension that goes up 2.8 percent, I now have to decide what errands I really could be done differently to help people like need to run and what things I can do over the price of home heating fuel soars, me who work hard and get little in return in- the phone or the Internet. not making it. stead of rewarding those who have the abil- This is another short e-mail we re- But the other issue is, if I use my cell ity to use their money to make more money. phone too much during the month, my bill ceived: We heard Senator DORGAN talk about will increase and that will cost me more The company I work for has just an- money. I feel as though I am between a rock huge tax breaks that go to some of the nounced a ‘‘raise freeze’’ which means not and a hard place no matter how hard I try to wealthiest people, people who don’t pay even a cost of living increase can be expected adjust my budget for the month. I am watch- their taxes because they move to the this year . . . this will be tough for us, as we ing my purchases in the grocery store and Cayman Islands and set up phony front were counting on at least a cost of living in- department stores more closely because of offices. This writer, who may not have crease in a year where the cost of living has increased prices. a PhD. in economics, hit it right on the surely increased, be it groceries, fuel, wood, I am not sure that can I afford to take a head. This young man and these old gasoline, etc! summer vacation this year. I usually take a day off during my daughter’s spring vacation people are the people we should start Let me finish by reading an e-mail so we can go shopping in New Hampshire worrying about, not the wealthiest from another young Vermonter: somewhere. I have already cancelled those people who are having it very good. As a graduating law student I am particu- plans for this year. Let me talk briefly about a woman. larly concerned with the potential reduction I am hoping that I can take a few days off This is another piece of reality. She of jobs available to me. I am leaving school this summer to go to Maine. We will see how writes: with a great amount of debt in student loans the gas prices are this summer, but I hear it As a couple with one child, earning about and credit cards and entering the uncertain is going to get worse. Not much hope for $55000/year, we have been able to eat out a job market. someone on a tight budget. bit, buy groceries and health insurance, con- I currently pay a tremendous amount of Here we have somebody who asks tribute to our retirement funds and live a money in rent. I would like to work in pov- nothing more than to be able to take a relatively comfortable life financially. We’ve erty law but those jobs only pay about 36,000 so it is unlikely going to happen. few days off with her daughter to go never accumulated a lot of savings, but our bills were always paid on time and we never shopping. Somebody who works very Here is an example of a young man had any interest on our credit card. who goes to law school, wants to work hard cannot even do that because the Over the last year, even though we’ve price of gas is soaring. tightened our belts (not eating out much, in poverty law, but because his debts Here is another e-mail that comes watching purchases at the grocery store, not are so high and the interest rate on from a woman living in a small town in buying ‘‘extras’’ like a new TV, repairing the that debt is so high, he no longer has a Vermont. This is what she writes: washer instead of buying a new one . . . ), choice of careers. This is happening to and we find ourselves with over $7000 of cred- young people all over the country. Yesterday I paid for our latest home heat- it card debt and trying to figure out how to ing fuel delivery, $1,100. I also paid my $2,000 The middle class in America is col- pay for braces for our son! lapsing. Poverty is increasing. The gap plus credit card balance much of which I work 50 hours per week to help earn extra bought gas and groceries for the month. My money to catch up, but that also takes a toll between the very wealthy and every- husband and I are very nervous about what on the family life—not spending those 10 body else is growing wider. Today we will happen to us when we are old. hours at home with my husband and son have by far the most unequal distribu- Although we have three jobs between us, makes a big difference for all of us. My hus- tion of wealth and income of any major and participate in a 403(B) retirement plan, band hasn’t had a raise in 3 years, and his country on Earth. We are the only we have not saved enough for a realistic employer is looking to cut out any extra post-work life if we survive to our life ex- major country on this planet without a benefits they can to lower their expenses, national health care program. The cost pectancy. As we approach the traditional re- which will increase ours! of college education is very high, while tirement age, we are slowly paying off our Here is a woman who has to work daughter’s college tuition loan and trying to the oil companies make huge profits. longer hours in order to try to catch keep our heads above water. We have always Our people cannot afford to fill up their lived frugally. We buy used cars and store- up, and she can’t spend time with her gas tanks. husband and son, which is what her life brand groceries, recycle everything, walk or As Senator DORGAN said, the time is is about. How many millions of people carpool when possible, and plastic our win- long overdue for this Congress to start dows each fall. Even so, if and when our son are in the same boat? focusing on the real issues facing ordi- decides to attend college, we will be in deep What is not usually talked about on debt at age 65. P.S. Please do not use my the floor of the Senate is the fact that nary Americans. The time is now for us name. I live in a small town and this is so here in the United States, our people to develop the courage to stand up to embarrassing. work longer hours than do the people the big money interests, the 35,000 lob- Well, it is not embarrassing. That is of any other industrialized country. byists who surround us every day, the the story being told from one end of Not talked about terribly often is that big campaign contributors who want this country to the other. People who to make ends meet now, in the vast benefits for the wealthy and the power- thought that after working their entire majority of middle-class life, you need ful. We have an obligation to stand up lives, they would be able to retire with both the husband and the wife working for the middle class. I hope we can a little bit of security and a little bit of long hours. Despite those two incomes, begin doing that as soon as possible. dignity are now wondering, in fact, if people have less disposable income I yield the floor. they will be able to survive at all. today than 30 years ago in a one-in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- After working your whole life and come family. But when you talk about ator from Iowa. being frugal, you should not have to re- the collapse of the middle class, one of TAX FILING DAY tire in debt dependent upon a credit the manifestations of much of it is that Mr. GRASSLEY. Madam President, card. people have to claw and scratch and my colleagues on this side of the aisle The e-mails we receive from people work so hard that their family lives de- have spoken today about tax issues be- who are young, middle age and old, teriorate. In this case, a woman cannot cause today is the day for filing income each in its own way is a work of poetry even spend the time she would like tax. I think it is appropriate that we because it comes from people’s hearts. with her son and husband. remind each other about a lot of tax

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3004 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 15, 2008 issues that are very important that we history of the country will happen We are really not generating a lot of have to decide this year, next year, and without a vote of the people, we can do controversy and debate, are we, about the following, or we are going to have something about it. We ought to do this bill? Two or three little amend- the biggest tax increase in the history something about it. Stopping these tax ments we could take care of in a mat- of the country. We are taking the op- increases ought to be a major goal. ter of an hour, that is about it. But portunity on April 15 to talk about Maybe taxes should not be lowered. No- what has happened is that the Repub- those. body is talking about lowering taxes. lican minority is trying to stop the When I was chairman of the Senate But we ought to keep the present level majority party—the Democratic Finance Committee, I worked to get of taxation, because it has been good Party—from considering and passing through a narrowly divided Senate the for the economy. It has been good for important legislation. biggest tax cut in a generation. We re- the taxpayers, because we do not see a In the history of the U.S. Senate— duced income tax rates for individual revolt going on by taxpayers as we this grand body, this deliberative taxpayers. We created the first ever 10- have seen in recent years in the Con- body—in the history of this institu- percent bracket for lower income gress. tion, the record number of filibusters workers so they didn’t have to pay as I yield the floor. in any 2-year period of time was 57, much tax as they would at the 15-per- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The as- until the Republican minority decided cent bracket on their first dollars sistant majority leader. to take on this strategy. So far, last earned. We reduced the marriage pen- Mr. DURBIN. What business is pend- year and the first few months of this alty because we don’t think one ought ing before the Senate? year, there have been 65 Republican to pay more taxes because they are The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- filibusters this Congress, and still married. We created a deduction for ate is under cloture on the motion to counting. They have broken a record. college tuition. We also passed a deduc- proceed to H.R. 1195, surface transpor- Who cares? Well, I think a lot of people tion for schoolteachers buying supplies tation technical corrections. should care. for their classrooms. I could go on with Mr. DURBIN. Madam President, We heard the Senator from Vermont a lot of other provisions in those tax under cloture, what it means of course a few minutes ago. He talked about his bills, but they have all had good eco- is we are doing nothing—good speeches genuine concern about working people nomic consequences. We ought to con- on important topics, but we are not in his State. He talked about the im- sider that they should not sunset. considering legislation. We are not de- pact of this economy on average work- Now I and others are at work to bating a bill. We are killing time, ing families. He talked about the im- make sure this tax relief is extended. If which turns out to be the major occu- pact of gasoline prices, $3.50 a gallon it is allowed to expire, Americans will pation of the Senate for the last year and higher. He talked about the impact be hit with the biggest tax increase in and a half. Why? Because the minority of food costs going up on families all history. That is one thing. But it is party, the Republican Party, has a across America, the cost of health in- quite another thing that this is going strategy. It is a strategy of using fili- surance, the cost of college education, to happen without a vote of Congress. busters to slow down or stop any bill the cost of daycare for kids. He talked In other words, on that magic date of from passing in the Senate. Today we about the fact that the majority of sunset, we go back to levels of taxation are seeing that strategy in the ex- families have not seen an increase in as they were before January 1, 2001, and treme. real income over the last 7 years of this we automatically, without a vote of The bill pending before the Senate is administration. He feels, as I do, that Congress, end up with the biggest tax H.R. 1195. In the annals of legislative this Senate should be dealing with that issue. What is keeping us from doing increase in the history of the country. history in the Senate, this will not go People say: Well, we are going to con- down as a great piece of legislation. so? The filibusters from the Republican tinue existing tax law. They need to be This is not a bill that was worked on side of the aisle: 65 and still counting, intellectually honest and tell people for years by Senators and their staffs, a record number of filibusters. So Senator MCCONNELL, who is the that when they are doing that, they are conceived with grand ideas to change Republican minority leader in the Sen- going to allow the biggest tax increase this great country. This is a bill which ate, was asked a question at a press in the history of the country. by and large changes punctuation in conference today. The reporter said to We can intervene. We need to inter- the Federal highway bill, a bill we Senator MCCONNELL about his Repub- vene. It is my goal to intervene. The passed several years ago. Then when we lican caucus: last thing families need, the last thing carefully read it afterwards, we said: small businesses need, the last thing We got some of this wrong. This should Are you and the caucus prepared now to start slowing down work on the floor and investors need is a tax increase. But not have been ‘‘trail.’’ It should have legislation in response? read ‘‘road.’’ This section you referred that is what will happen this year and He answers: in 2010, if Congress doesn’t act. to wasn’t exactly accurate. It is an- Last week the Senate demonstrated other section. Well, we are on the highway technical cor- rections bill. It is open for amendments. We support for extending current law tax So we created a technical corrections were discussing various amendments at our relief without offsets, when it voted on bill, a bill that cleaned up the Federal lunch earlier and I assume amendments are energy tax incentives, things that are highway bill. This technical correc- going to be offered and dealt with. meant to make the United States more tions bill is now being filibustered by That was his answer, and unfortu- energy efficient and less dependent the Republican side of the aisle. They nately it is wrong. We are not consid- upon foreign sources of energy. That want to stop us from voting on a tech- ering amendments to this bill because same approach demonstrated last nical corrections bill. They want to we are still under cloture on the mo- week, extending current tax law relief delay our consideration of even this tion to proceed that doesn’t expire without offsets, should rightfully apply housekeeping bill. You ask yourself until 11:30 p.m. tonight. to other expiring tax provisions, in- why. Frankly, because they don’t want So if Senator MCCONNELL really cluding the research and development us to take up legislation of even great- wants us to consider amendments to tax credit and the individual tax provi- er importance. This is an important this bill and get it finished, he needs to sions I have already mentioned. I will bill. Don’t get me wrong. By cleaning walk out on the floor and agree to a be working hard to see that that does up the old Federal highway bill, we can unanimous consent to move to this bill happen so taxpayers don’t get hit with move forward on highway projects. We immediately and consider it. Then his even higher taxes. I learned a long time can spend a billion dollars creating statement to the press this afternoon ago that you can’t raise taxes high good-paying jobs right here in the will be accurate. But until he does, it is enough to satisfy the appetite of Con- United States, 4 to 500 different not accurate. We are stuck, stuck on gress to spend money. projects across our country, 40,000 new cloture, stuck, as we have been time Stopping the tax increases that peo- jobs. That is good. But these were all and again by this Republican minority. ple say we are not voting for, we are destined to occur. We are just making I, for one, believe they have pushed it only allowing present law, which sure the language is clear enough to to the extreme—a filibuster on a tech- means the biggest tax increase in the move forward. nical corrections bill.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3005 Can you think of anything else, clean up a Federal highway bill of sev- people who live in all of those homes, Madam President, we might be consid- eral years ago, that is being filibus- those homes that Wall Street people ering? Well, how about the policy on tered by the Republican side of the were betting against in some sense, the war in Iraq, a war that claimed 2 aisle. This is shameful. It is such a 2007 was a very tough year. The home American lives yesterday, a war that waste of time in this great institution, ownership rate has actually fallen over has taken over 4,025 of our best and but it is a specifically designed strat- the past 6 years, both nationally by a bravest, that has injured more than egy by the Republicans to slow down slight amount and close to 2 percent in 30,000, that has cost this country over the business of the Senate and to stop the Midwest. What is extraordinary $700 billion, that continues to cost us us from considering critically impor- about this fact is that it came during a $10 billion to $15 billion a month; a war tant legislation for America. period of the lowest interest rates since that claims the lives of our soldiers, I would say to Senator MCCONNELL, the Eisenhower administration. With ruins the morale of many troops who who said that we are on the highway the economy expanding, with interest refuse to reenlist; a war that has technical corrections bill and it is open rates at record lows, home ownership stretched our military to a breaking for amendments, it will be open for should have expanded. Instead, it point. Is that worth a few minutes of amendments when Senator MCCONNELL shrunk. debate here on the floor of the Senate, comes to the floor and gives us his con- The reason is another trend that has the policy of this country toward the sent to stop the filibuster and to give received too little notice by the Na- war in Iraq? us a chance to pass this bill, as we tion’s newspapers and the Nation’s How about the war in Afghanistan? A should have last week, and move on to media: economic growth, simply put, war that was designed to go after those more important legislation—legisla- has not benefited most Americans. In- responsible for 9/11, to capture Osama tion the American people ask us to stead, income and wealth are more and more flowing to the most affluent in bin Laden; a war which is stalled be- consider. Sixty-five Republican filibus- our country. The middle class, mean- cause we have dedicated so many re- ters this Congress and still counting. while, must work harder and longer to sources to Iraq; a war which we must The Grand Old Party, the Republican try to maintain its standard of living. win so that al-Qaida and the Taliban do Party, the GOP now has a new name. It Real wages have been in decline for the not resume their control over this poor is no longer the GOP, Grand Old Party. past several years. The only way a lot country; a war which sadly has not re- From the Republicans in the Senate, of families have kept up is, first, the sulted in the capture of Osama bin we have learned that it is the Grave- entry of more women into the work- Laden more than 6 years after the ter- yard of Progress. That is their idea of place—women in greater numbers; sec- rible tragedies of 9/11. Is that worth a their role in the Senate. Any proposal ond, workers in this country working few hours on the floor, maybe a resolu- for change, any proposal for progress, longer and longer hours, overtime if tion, maybe a discussion about policy? they want to kill. This graveyard is they can get it, two jobs, sometimes I think it is, but we can’t get to it be- going to speak back to them in Novem- even three jobs; and third, the only cause Republican filibusters are stop- ber. way families have kept up is by taking ping us. I think the American people have had on more and more debt. The third Maybe we should spend a few mo- it with the obstructionism, the slow- strategy can be a recipe for disaster; ments talking about our dependence on downs, and the obstacles we are seeing sooner or later, the bills come due. You foreign oil and what we can do to bring here in Washington. The voters get can’t borrow your way very long to a down gasoline prices across America; their chance in November. I hope they decent standard of living. how we can work on a bipartisan basis will join us. I hope they will send more to find renewable, sustainable sources Economic security begins with eco- Senators to Washington who are pre- nomic opportunity. That means good- of energy that fuel our economy with- pared to not only debate but vote for paying jobs. It means the kind of train- out killing our environment. Is that change, Senators who are willing to ing that enables workers to diversify worth a little debate here on the floor say: Put an end to these mind-numbing their skills and take on new chal- of the Senate? Most Americans think it filibusters and get down to work. Roll lenges. It means high-quality primary, is an important issue but, sadly, we are up your sleeves and do something to secondary, and, yes, higher education. stuck with a Republican filibuster make life better for working families. Our Nation is the wealthiest in the again. Maybe we could spend some Do something about this energy crisis. world. Overall economic growth has time bringing the bill out of the Com- Make this planet a safer place for our been strong. Working families should mittee on the Environment, the cap kids to live on. Be responsible when it be thriving. By and large, they are not. and trade bill, a bipartisan bill by Sen- comes to spending, and start bringing Working families are struggling to find ator WARNER, a Republican of Virginia, the American soldiers home. That is and maintain good-paying jobs to keep Senator LIEBERMAN, an independent what we should be doing. Instead, we their health benefits, to keep their pen- Democrat of Connecticut. Maybe we are stuck in another Republican fili- sion benefits if they have them, and could bring that to the floor and talk buster. those benefits, those health and pen- about a way to clean up this world’s I yield the floor. sion benefits, are being scaled back. It environment so our kids have a fight- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- costs more and more, as people pain- ing chance to have a planet they can ator from Ohio is recognized. fully know every day, to fill the gas live on, so that we can devise with Mr. BROWN. Madam President, tank. People are borrowing in record American ingenuity a system using our today is tax day. People all across amounts just to cover day-to-day costs. free market to make this a cleaner America are heading to the post office So many Ohioans from Galion to Gal- planet. Is that worth a few hours of de- to get that all-important ‘‘April 15’’ lipolis are struggling. bate on the floor? postmark. OK, not everybody waits The Center for American Progress Debate on the Children’s Health In- until the last minute, but there are looked at some key statistics over the surance Program that the President enough procrastinators among us that past 5 years and found that the average has vetoed not once but twice, a pro- this is sort of a rite of spring. The first job growth is one-fifth the rate of pre- gram to extend health insurance cov- week in Washington brings the cherry vious business cycles. The average job erage to some children in America who blossoms. The 15th of the month brings growth is one-fifth—20 percent—the are not poor enough to qualify for Med- long lines near midnight in front of the rate of previous business cycles. Wages icaid and not lucky enough to have main post office just a few blocks from have been flat. Only 28 percent of mid- parents with health insurance, is that the floor of the Senate. dle-class families have the financial re- worth a few hours of debate on the For some taxpayers, 2007 was a very sources to sustain themselves through floor? I think it is. good year. Huge fortunes were made on a period of unemployment. The average Those issues and so many others are Wall Street by people who correctly family took on debt equal to 126 per- the ones the American people expect us bet against the housing market, and cent of disposable income just to man- to be talking about right here in Wash- some of those of the very wealthiest age its day-to-day expenses. ington. But instead we have a bill, with people were given huge tax breaks that Having witnessed the weakest eco- grammar and punctuation, trying to the middle class never saw. But for the nomic expansion in modern history—in

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 15, 2008 other words, the growth in our econ- cases, are falling apart. If my col- engineers and laborers and all kinds of omy, the expansion in our economy leagues don’t like a project, they can workers that are paid decent wages. It was weaker than the expansion of the make their case and offer an amend- is a stimulus, as the Senator says. It economy at any time in recent his- ment instead of the obstructionism, in- injects money into our economy imme- tory—we now find ourselves in a reces- stead of blocking these issues, instead diately. These are ready-to-go projects. sion once again. So we didn’t have very of their 65 filibusters. We need to fund them so we can work strong growth when things were sup- The American people are tired of this immediately to create these jobs, posedly good—when profits were up, kind of delay. Their taxes should pay which will spin off and create other when there was economic growth—but for a government that will work on jobs. it wasn’t spread around very well. Now their behalf, rather than only on behalf But it is the same old story. We have we find ourselves in a recession once of the wealthiest and most powerful had 65 filibusters from Republicans to again. We have had three straight people in this country. stop us from moving forward on every- months of job losses. Consumer con- We cannot continue down a path that thing from health care, to education, fidence in Lima and in Zanesville and undermines the middle class. We can- to ending the war in Iraq, to jobs pro- all over my State is understandably not just hope for real economic recov- grams such as this. This is the best shaken. ery. You simply cannot get there from kind of jobs and economic development Our Nation cannot afford to take here. program. Not only will it create jobs these statistics in stride, just hoping Mrs. BOXER. Will the Senator yield immediately, but it makes it much that the precarious financial position to me for a question? easier for economic development and of working families is a temporary phe- Mr. BROWN. Yes. for people to bring new business into nomenon linked to the ebbs and flows Mrs. BOXER. I thank my friend for communities because the infrastruc- of our economy, because it is not. Our that, because this bill before us is a job ture is more modern. economy as a whole is losing ground. producer. There is tremendous support Mrs. BOXER. I want to ask some- As our trade deficit skyrockets, energy for it. I wanted to make sure my friend thing else. The Senator is not on the and health care costs spiral upward, was aware—because I have to ask him committee of jurisdiction, but I know good-paying jobs are too often shipped a question—of the support we have. he is interested to hear this. We cor- overseas, and our Federal deficit The thing is, when you unleash a bil- rect a real problem in this bill. The or- climbs higher and higher and higher. lion dollars for 500 projects, which have ganization that does the evaluation of Yet, when Congress tries to address been tied up for technical reasons, it is our Nation’s bridges, highways, and all any of these problems, we find our- going to create jobs. I ask my friend if of our byways, has run out of funds. selves faced with filibusters, one after he was aware of the broad support we The funds they had have been oversub- another after another, as well as veto have. I will read the list of organiza- scribed. What we do, without adding threats. When we tried to react to the tions supporting this technical correc- any new funds, is enable them to get Housing crisis last fall, Republicans ob- tions bill, which will free up some 500 funding and to continue their work, as jected. When we tried to tackle the highway projects: American Associa- we get ready for the next highway bill, topic in February, the Republicans ob- tion of Highway and Transportation which is coming to us next year. I wanted to make sure my friend was jected and we faced a filibuster. Even Officials, which is the departments of aware that, as we get ready for the new today, the President threatens to veto transportation for all 50 States; Amer- highway bill, we need to know the con- the bill passed by the Senate. Sixty- ican Highway Users Alliance; American dition of our highways. We have seen five filibusters, as Senator DURBIN and Public Transit Association, which is collapsing bridges. That is another rea- others have said, 65 filibusters—more the transit systems; American Road son it is so important. I am very hope- filibusters already in the year and 3 and Transportation Builders Associa- tion, which is more than 5,000 members ful that by this evening we are going to months this Senate has been in session see some relenting. I have been on the than in any 2-year period in the history of the transportation construction in- dustry; Associated General Contrac- floor since Monday morning. I don’t of the U.S. Senate. Sixty-five filibus- mind that, but it is wasting time, truth ters. It means we haven’t been able to tors, which is more than 32,000 contrac- tors, service providers, and suppliers; be known. We can have a few amend- do what we ought to do in education, ments and we can wrap this up. My col- Council of University Transportation on health care, on infrastructure, and, leagues can go back home and say we Centers, which is more than 30 univer- most importantly, on the war in Iraq. have done something. Today, as an example, we are simply sity transportation centers from across I want to specifically know if my col- trying to pass a technical corrections the country; National Stone, Sand and league was aware of this particular ac- bill to a highway bill. Yet our Repub- Gravel Association, the companies pro- count that funds the investigation of lican colleagues are filibustering and ducing more than 92 percent of crushed the state of our infrastructure—that slow walking the legislation once stone and 75 percent of the sand and they have run out of money, and that again. Sixty-five filibusters. gravel used in the United States annu- we fix that in this bill? We spend $3 billion a week in Iraq, ally; National Asphalt and Pavement Mr. BROWN. I thank the Senator for with no questions asked. Halliburton Association, which is more than 1,100 this information and for all she is can rob us blind, but we avert our gaze. companies that produce and pave with doing. But to try to build a road, a bridge, or asphalt. I yield the floor. some other public works in the United The point is, when we do this work, The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. States, and you will meet with filibus- in many ways we are creating a bit of SALAZAR). The Senator from Florida is ters, delays, and obstructionism by the a stimulus. These are the companies recognized. Republicans. In other words, taxpayers and the workers who are suffering PAPAL VISIT are paying $3 billion and building hun- right now because of the economic Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, I am dreds of water systems in Iraq—spend- downturn. Before my friend leaves, I delighted that the Senator from Colo- ing that money with Halliburton and wanted to thank him and also ask him rado is in the chair. Bechtel—and the money goes to these if he was aware of the strong support I will begin by simply extending a contractors instead of that money for this bill. word of welcome to the Holy Father, coming back to local businesses and Mr. BROWN. Yes, there is strong sup- who, a few minutes ago, landed in our building water and sewer systems in port. I appreciate the comments of the country for his historic visit. I feel tre- Defiance, Findlay, Bryan, Napoleon, Senator from California. There is mendously honored that I will have the and Perrysburg, OH—places that are strong support for this bill, but not opportunity to see his arrival cere- being squeezed and are not able to af- just in those groups. I had in my office mony at the White House tomorrow ford the reconstruction of the water building trades people from Mansfield, and, of course, then to be with him and sewer systems they need. Lima, Cleveland, Dayton, and Colum- and, I presume, with the President as We should be doing a lot more con- bus. They were talking about the kinds we celebrate Mass with him at Nation- struction and a lot less obstruction. of jobs—good-paying jobs—in our State als Park. It is a momentous and his- Our roads and bridges, in too many on road crews, such as the operating toric occasion.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3007 I know I speak for many of us as I the Americas’’ in Miami—was respon- Colombians. It is also a remarkable achieve- say the Holy Father is welcome to the sible for $2.1 billion in exports to Co- ment of bipartisan U.S. foreign policy. Vio- United States. We are delighted he is lombia in 2007, the second largest ex- lence has fallen to its lowest level in a gen- eration, and 45,000 fighters have been de- here. We hope his message of spiritual port total in the Nation. mobilized as the country’s narco-guerrilla renewal, hope, and peace is one that The free trade agreement would ben- groups have lost legitimacy. While drug-traf- will resonate with the American peo- efit the more than 28,500 companies in ficking poses a continuing threat, Colom- ple. my State that provided products in bia’s leaders have eliminated two-thirds of COLOMBIAN FREE TRADE AGREEMENT areas such as computers and elec- its opium production, and more than 500 Mr. President, the Colombian free tronics, machinery manufacturing, and traffickers have been extradited during the trade agreement is of great importance transportation equipment. Uribe administration—by far the most extra- The trade agreement makes sense ditions from any country to the United to me personally. It is something that States. I believe requires the attention of this economically, but also from a national Colombia’s economic resurgence has been a Congress, and it is something whose security standpoint, it strengthens our critical factor in its recent progress, Robust time has come for us to act and make relationship with a key Latin Amer- investment has boosted economic growth a determination. ican ally and demonstrates our com- and development. The creation of new jobs There has been a great deal of atten- mitment to supporting nations who has provided tens of thousands of Colom- tion focused on the future prospects of choose their leaders through free and bians with long-term alternatives to nar- cotic trafficking or illegal emigration. this trade agreement with Colombia. fair democratic elections and who sup- The US.-Columbia Trade Promotion Agree- The core question is whether we think port the rule of law. ment will build upon these recent advances people in the United States should be In fact, the U.S. Southern Command, to enhance the long-term prospects for able to effectively compete in Colom- which oversees our forces in Central peace, stability, and development in Colom- bia. What is at stake is whether we and South America, sees the Colom- bia. Providing new incentives for investment want to create jobs here in the United bian free trade agreement as a critical and job creation, this landmark accord will component of our Nation’s Latin Amer- help ensure that Colombia stays on the path States, create additional wealth in the of economic openness, the rule of law, and United States, and export more goods ican policy. transparency. and services to Colombia. A few days ago, I saw Admiral It is in our national interest to help Co- The fact is that a free trade agree- Stavridis, head of the Southern Com- lombia progress along the road toward demo- ment with Colombia benefits all of the mand, who was testifying before the cratic consolidation and economic develop- stakeholders involved. It is good for Senate Armed Services Committee. I ment. This trade agreement will advance the United States, it is good for Colom- asked Admiral Stavridis whether he U.S. security and economic interests by forg- ing a deeper partnership. bia, but it also is good for the Western felt the Colombian free trade agree- Finally, approving this agreement will Hemisphere. ment was an important component of meet our duty to stand shoulder-to-shoulder The United States would reap imme- our overall policy for the region and with Colombians as they have stood by the diate benefits of a free trade agreement whether it would add to our ability to United States as friends and allies. For all of with Colombia in our level of exports— increase U.S. influence and security in these reasons, we strongly urge Congress to one of the strongest and more positive the area. He wholeheartedly agreed. approve the U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion areas of our economy today. Recently, a group of SouthCom mili- Agreement. I know the Senator from Ohio was Sincerely, tary leaders, including GEN Peter GENERAL JAMES T. HILL, just speaking about the economic hard Pace, expressed their support of the Commander in Chief, times in our country. I know and re- agreement in an open letter to Con- United States South- spect him greatly. I am not sure he gress. ern Command 2002– agrees this is a good agreement for us These officials know of the diplo- 2004. to sign. But what better way is there of matic opportunities this trade agree- GENERAL BARRY improving economic circumstances ment represents, especially given their MCCAFFREY, than to export and sell more of our unique perspective on the current cli- Commander in Chief, goods to a country that wants to be our U.S. Southern Com- mate in Central and South America. mand 1994–1996. friend and our partner. In their letter, they affirm that pass- GENERAL PETER PACE, By leveling the playing field and ing this agreement ‘‘will build upon Commander in Chief, eliminating the tariffs on products we [Colombia’s] recent advances to en- U.S. Southern Com- export to Colombia, this agreement hance the long-term prospects for mand 2000–2001. would benefit those responsible for the peace, stability, and development in GENERAL CHARLES E. $8.6 billion in merchandise the United Colombia.’’ WILHELM, States exported to Colombia last year. They also argue that it is in our ‘‘na- Commander in Chief, U.S. Southern Com- Currently, more than 9,000 United tional interest to help Colombia along States companies export products to mand 1997–2000. the road toward democratic consolida- GENERAL GEORGE Colombia. Of those, 8,000 are small and tion and economic development.’’ JOULWAN, medium-sized firms. In the absence of a Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- Commander in Chief, free trade agreement, these firms must sent to have this letter printed in the U.S. Southern Com- pay up to 35 percent when sending their RECORD. mand 1990–1993. goods to Colombia. On the other side of There being no objection, the mate- Mr. MARTINEZ. Mr. President, Co- the equation, more than 90 percent of rial was ordered to be printed in the lombia remains one of our strongest al- imports from Colombia coming into RECORD, as follows: lies within the region. It is the stra- the United States arrive here duty free. OPEN LETTER TO CONGRESS FROM FORMER tegic center of Latin America, of all of This agreement will immediately COMMANDERS OF THE U.S. SOUTHERN COM- the Andean countries. Geographically, eliminate tariffs on more than 80 per- MAND SUPPORTING THE U.S.-COLOMBIA it is in a precise and important spot in cent of American exports of industrial TRADE PROMOTION AGREEMENT the region. It is a country of 40 million and consumer goods, and then reaching We are writing to urge your support for the people. It is a very significant country. up to 100 percent over time. U.S.-Colombia Trade Promotion Agreement. Fostering this important relation- This is an agreement that will bring This vital agreement will advance U.S. inter- ship holds strategic importance to ad- more business to American firms, and ests in Colombia, a strategically located vancing our security and economic in- it will bring higher demand for prod- country that is arguably our closest ally in terests in South America and also with ucts from farmers in Louisiana, ma- Latin America. It will also underscore our the Colombian Government. Colom- chinery manufacturing workers in Ala- deep commitment to stability and growth in bia’s Congress voted twice in favor of the strategically important Andean region, bama, transportation equipment pro- which depends on Colombia’s continued passing this trade agreement. viders in Illinois, and electronics mak- progress as a resilient and democratic soci- It would honor the commitment we ers in California. ety. made when signing the agreement last My own State of Florida—home to Colombia’s transformation over the past year and would provide greater sta- what we think of as the ‘‘gateway to decade is a triumph of brave and principled bility and security to the Colombian

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 15, 2008 people as their quality of life continues dent and I so often yearn for in this tion that supports a brand of terrorism to improve. I know some critics of the Congress started under President Clin- much like al-Qaida. trade agreement point to some of the ton with support from the Republicans, FARC’s greatest enemy is stability, violence against labor organizers that continued under President Bush with the same sort of political and economic has occurred over the years as the rea- support from Democrats. stability provided by trade agreements son not to ratify. We had Plan Colombia. This has been such as these. In doing so, I believe they fail to rec- a way of helping the Colombian Gov- They oppose the democratically ognize the progress that has occurred ernment and the Colombian people to elected Government, and they would in Colombia in recent years. Colombia continue to strengthen their democ- love nothing more than to return Co- has had a violent history. I can recall racy. President Uribe was elected to of- lombia to the days of corruption, in younger days when I used to travel fice with over 60 percent of the Colom- chaos, murder, and mayhem. It would to Colombia frequently. It was not only bian vote, and he is a democratically be unwise to abandon this vital alli- a beautiful and wonderful country, but elected leader who is fighting an insur- ance in the face of a difficult time for you were perfectly free to go through- gent group that seeks to destroy his them. out the country. Over the years, the vi- Government and democracy in Colom- A trade agreement with the United olence brought upon the people of Co- bia by means of violence. States would deal a blow to those at- lombia by FARC, or the Revolutionary When we stand with President Uribe, tempting to hinder Colombia’s growth, Armed Forces of Colombia, has when we stand with the duly con- to those who offer a misguided vision wreaked havoc on that country. It was stituted Government elected by the of the future of the region to those who to the point where the violence was in- people of Colombia, we are standing on hear their cry. credible. the side of those who respect democ- The fact is, there is a battle of ideas Six years ago, as President Alvaro racy, freedom, and human rights. going on in the hemisphere, and this Uribe delivered his inaugural address, When we talk about the kidnappings, battle of ideas is one we cannot shrink mortar shells landed near the Presi- these kidnappings have now been lim- from but must engage. By entering dential palace in Bogota and killed 14 ited to poor peasants, although that into this agreement, we would join a people and wounded another 40. That has been part of it, but it has also in- growing list of partners in the region was the level violence had reached in cluded Government officials. Miss Be- that have demonstrated commitment this country. tancourt, who has gained international to human rights, free and fair elec- These events and crimes against notoriety because of efforts by the tions, and strengthening trade rela- labor organizers were common prior to French Government to free her, was a tions with us. when President Uribe came into office Presidential candidate in the midst of We have a very strong partnership. in 2002. Since that time, violence has a Presidential campaign when she was NAFTA, I must confess I find it a little dramatically decreased in Colombia, kidnapped. Also, members of the Con- difficult to understand how NAFTA, and the Colombian Government’s pres- gress of Colombia, businesspeople— which has created jobs all over Amer- ence is being felt in cities and towns they have shown no mercy. Today it is ica, could be faulted for jobs going to across the nation. rumored they maintain about 700 kid- China. And I cannot believe, on a seri- Let me point out that one death of napped victims with them in the jun- ous note, those who seek to be the an innocent civilian or one death of a gles of Colombia. Colombia’s Foreign President of our country would walk union leader or union organizer is one Minister is someone who was a victim away from that trade agreement. The death too many. Colombia has seen of kidnapping who escaped 5 years ago, fact is, this trade agreement is one more than its share of violence. maybe more, from the jungles of Co- that would enhance and advance the I point to this chart which I believe lombia and has regained his freedom. interests of the United States. is accurate in pointing out the actual Public school enrollment in Colom- I do not believe in a country that figures when it comes to union leader bia has increased 92 percent. The child would be afraid to compete with those violence. Notice the high point in 2001. mortality rate has decreased dramati- abroad. I believe in the America that is This is before President Uribe was cally as the Government turned its proud and strong and can compete with President. Then he comes into the focus to human rights and also living anyone in the world. We cannot just Presidency and look at the dramatic conditions. The number of tourists vis- shelter within our shores. We cannot drop since his Presidency down to iting Colombia has doubled in the last just retreat to fortress America. Those where it is today. This is not just vio- 5 years. days are gone. We created the global lence against union leaders. President Colombia is on the rise. Colombians trade we live in today and to retreat Uribe has been effective in pacifying enjoy a better quality of life because from that would be a misguided mis- the country. they have been living in a country that take. The violence against unionists has is more peaceful. For that, I think the Over the weekend, both the New declined 86 percent during his time in Colombian people are very grateful to York Times and the L.A. Times ran office from 2002 to 2007. The reason for the United States. There is no country pieces urging Congress to ratify this this decline is President Uribe’s atten- in the region that is more pro-U.S, that important and historic trade agree- tion and response to concerns over is more pro-American, and so much ment. According to the New York these attacks. The President estab- wants to interact and work with us. Times, ‘‘rejecting or putting on ice the lished an independent prosecutor unit Enhancing that relationship will con- trade agreement would reduce the and created a special program to pro- tinue to bring prosperity at a time United States’ credibility and leverage tect labor activists. They can actually when Colombians continue to face de- in Colombia and beyond.’’ seek protection from the Government stabilizing forces of terrorism. And the L.A. Times characterized the and be provided with armored vehicles, There is a second aspect of Plan Co- House’s decision to halt the vote by with protection for union halls, and lombia. It is not just about building stating ‘‘it wasn’t about the U.S. econ- personal protection for them as they go the Colombian military, as important omy and it wasn’t about Colombia. It about the country. as that is. There is a second phase. It is was politics.’’ There has been significant progress about people, it is about job genera- I don’t want to dwell on that issue in other areas of Colombia as well, tion, job creation. That is why it is im- because I believe the best way for this which is improving the lives of the Co- portant to enter into this free-trade to take place is for us to continue to lombian people. agreement so that U.S. investment dol- work together in a bipartisan fashion It is astonishing to see homicides are lars might flow to Colombia and in- to try to bring about an agreement down 40 percent, kidnappings are down crease jobs in Colombia as we increase that would be good for America, good 83 percent, and terrorist attacks are jobs in America as well. for the region, good for Colombia, good down 76 percent. This is as a result of One of the most prominent for the United States, good for our peo- what, in fact, has been a very success- narcoterrorist organizations operating ple, good for their people. This is the ful partnership. One of those moments within their borders is the FARC. ELN kind of trade agreement that is a win- of bipartisan agreement that the Presi- is another one. FARC is an organiza- win.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3009 I was talking about NAFTA. We then this bill to the floor. This bill is a step continued expansion of our economy. It moved to Central America and the Do- in the right direction as this Congress is, in fact, an essential driver of our minican Republic, and we have CAFTA. focuses more and more attention on economic prosperity. As President Ken- That trade agreement is creating and our national infrastructure. nedy once said: generating jobs in that region. We have I urge all of my colleagues to support Building a road or highway isn’t pretty. a free-trade agreement with Peru and this bill, as well as future efforts, to But it’s something that our economy needs Panama, and if Colombia joins in, that strengthen our national infrastructure. to have. would create a powerful, mighty trade The Presiding Officer, being a Sen- And nowhere is this truer than in alliance creating and generating jobs ator from Colorado, knows and I know rural America. and exports from the United States to there is a new economy in the future. In Minnesota, the relationship be- this region. It is the energy economy. But if we are tween highways and the economy is I was meeting this morning with a going to move forward the next cen- most obvious in our rural areas. Trans- gentleman who is hoping to be the next tury’s economy, we cannot be stuck in portation is absolutely essential to Ambassador of the United States to the last century’s transportation sys- their viability and to their vitality. Honduras. I asked him how has CAFTA tem. Rural Minnesota is now in the midst of impacted our relationship with Hon- I believe when you invest in infra- an economic revival that promises to duras. He said there has been several structure, you invest in the American grow even stronger. We are seeing this billion dollars a year of trade between economy. Rebuilding Main Street all over America with the energy revo- us and Honduras, and it had increased means revitalizing Main Street. The lution, whether it is wind or solar or U.S. exports to Honduras by 18 percent. Federal Highway Administration esti- geothermal or whether it is ethanol or That is good for America. That is good mates that for every $1 billion of Fed- biodiesel. As our Nation demands greater en- for American jobs. eral highway investment, it creates ergy independence and security, the So I hope calmer voices will prevail. over 30,000 jobs. So when we rebuild our rural parts of our country are poised to It would give us a chance to vote on roads, we strengthen our economy. As you know, a bridge collapsed one benefit enormously with the further this important trade agreement. It was day in the middle of Minnesota. It was development of home-grown energy. I signed by Colombia and the United something no one could ever believe believe we need to be prepared to maxi- States well over a year ago. There is would happen in the middle of our mize the opportunities offered by this never a perfect time for these agree- major Interstate Highway System. renewable energy revolution. It is only ments. I believe the votes are there. I As I said that day, a bridge should beginning to emerge, but it promises believe it is time to allow the votes to not fall down in the middle of America, major economic and technological take place instead of utilizing proce- especially not an eight-lane interstate changes for our country. dural maneuvers that, at the end of the highway, especially not one of the Already the development of wind day, are not particularly democratic. most heavily traveled bridges in our farms and ethanol plants has rejuve- Mr. President, I hope we can move State, and especially not at rush hour nated many rural areas in our State. forward to consider this agreement, to in the heart of a major metropolitan We are third in the country when it study the elements of it, to see the area, and especially not in my front comes to wind energy. But at the same merits of it. It goes beyond stating the yard. As you know, Mr. President, as time, these wonderful new energies are obvious: that this is something that you have seen, the area of that bridge placing new demands on our transpor- not only would help economically, but was only 8 blocks from my house. tation infrastructure. Here is one ex- it would also be a tremendous boost to Unfortunately, it has taken a dis- ample: Demand for ethanol has in- our relationship in this region of the aster of this magnitude to put the issue creased dramatically. This Congress world that all too often feels forgotten, of infrastructure investment squarely has pushed it. We are now with corn that all too often feels our eyes are fo- on the national agenda, and it is long ethanol, but we know we will also ex- cused elsewhere in the world, but are overdue. pand into cellulosic, switchgrass, prai- always our closest neighbors, are al- The sudden failure and collapse of rie grass, and other forms of biomass. ways our people who each and every the I–35W bridge has raised many ques- For the first 6 months of 2007, ethanol day signify more and more to us. tions about the condition and safety of production in the United States totaled A great many people of Colombian our roads and bridges. In fact, we just nearly 3 billion gallons—32 percent heritage live in the State of Florida had a bridge that was similarly de- higher than the same period last year. and in other States of our country. signed shut down in St. Cloud, MN, Currently, there are 128 ethanol They are great contributors to the about an hour and a half away from the plants nationwide, with total annual American experiment. I am proud to bridge that collapsed. It was designed production capacity nearing close to 7 have them among my constituents. I by the same designer, with the same billion gallons. An additional 85 plants know in the southern part of my State, problem with the bent gussets. The in- are under construction. As we know, this is a big, important issue. It is one vestigation is still going on into the this is just the beginning. We look at whose time has come. I hope the exact cause and triggering events that places such as Brazil, which are com- Speaker will reconsider. I hope we will led to the collapse of the I–35W bridge. pletely energy independent because of move forward with this important The fact a bridge closed down so what they have done with sugarcane. trade agreement. near, and the State of Minnesota de- We know corn isn’t the only answer. Mr. President, I yield the floor. cided to replace that bridge rather We will expand into other kinds of eth- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- than repair it, shows this is not an iso- anol. But we do know this is going to ator from Minnesota. lated incident. Critical investment in place demands—demands we want to Ms. KLOBUCHAR. Mr. President, I the maintenance and construction of have—on our Nation’s transportation rise in support of passing the bill that our Nation’s transportation is impera- infrastructure. is on the Senate floor; that is, the tive. Strengthening and maintaining Total ethanol production in the SAFETEA–LU technical corrections our national infrastructure must be a United States is projected to exceed 13 bill. When we look at the bill that is of national priority. billion gallons per year by early 2009, if the magnitude of the SAFETEA–LU At the moment, our priorities are not not sooner. What does that mean in bill and its extraordinary importance in the right place. We spend $12 billion terms of transportation? Well, this in our economy, there are bound to be a month in Iraq, with no end in sight, means an average square mile of land some drafting errors and issues. I am but our bridges fall down in the middle in southern Minnesota, which now gen- glad we are taking the time to correct of America. We have tax cuts for the erates the equivalent of 80 loaded these errors so we can continue to top 1 percent, but it is getting harder semitrucks per year, could soon strengthen our national infrastructure and harder for the middle class to get produce double that—160 loads of grain and our economy. by. We need to better prioritize our na- per year. As more homegrown energy is As a member of the Environment and tional spending. produced, rural roads and bridges will Public Works Committee, I applaud Our robust, well-maintained, up-to- have greater demands placed on them, Senator BOXER’s leadership in getting date highway system is vital to the as will rural rail.

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Minnesota are in such disrepair they cause of safety concerns. And if you The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- have actually been letting them go to drive that 94 Interstate right now, I ator from California. dirt. We are going the opposite because can tell you, you waste so much time Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I am sit- they do not have the money to repair sitting in traffic you practically feel ting here and listening to Senator them. sick to your stomach if you are there KLOBUCHAR, and I am so proud of her The ethanol plant in Benson, MN, in rush hour. work on the committee that I am for- now has over 525 fully loaded semis We need that mass transit, and legis- tunate enough to chair, the Environ- hauling either corn, ethanol or other lators and people who were originally ment and Public Works Committee. forms of biodiesel from their plant completely opposed to this project are This committee is so interesting be- every week. This is a 45-million gallon now standing up in front of the line be- cause we do everything from global ethanol facility. Their production falls cause they know how important it is warming legislation, protecting endan- around the middle of Minnesota’s 16 for their constituents. This is a case gered species, to rebuilding the infra- ethanol plants. where I have to tell you the constitu- structure of our Nation on the public SMI Hydraulics is a company in rural ents were there before the elected offi- works side. It is kind of an interesting divide, be- southwestern Minnesota that manufac- cials and led the way to try to get this cause when it comes to rebuilding the tures the bases for the wind towers you Northstar rail in. And because of the see all across southern Minnesota. I infrastructure, we have more bipar- Federal help, it is now getting built. tisan support right now than for pro- have visited the company. They basi- The bottom line for any business is tecting the environment; where Sen- cally started in a barn, and they are you lose money when your people and ator WARNER, on global warming, has building these huge wind towers. The your products get stuck in traffic, and frankly been our hero on the other side heavy trucks that bring the steel to you also lose the ability to attract top- of the aisle, joining with us. But on the the company put an understandable notch, talented workers if they must infrastructure, Senator INHOFE and I heavy burden on the roads they travel contend with aggravating and time- have worked very closely together, and and are putting their durability to the consuming traffic jams. To combat this with the help of members of the com- test. threat, we must commit to broadening The U.S. Department of Agriculture mittee, such as Senator KLOBUCHAR, we our transportation options, developing are making progress. estimates truck freight in rural Amer- the right mix of multimodal solutions Before the good Senator leaves the ica is going to double—double—by the to serve our emerging needs, while floor, I wanted to make sure she was year 2020. The continuing trend toward maintaining our existing systems and aware of something in this bill that is greater reliance on trucking to support highways. This mix, of course, includes so crucial and is very much apropos to these industries raises concern about not just rail but rapid bus transit, her reminding us about the bridge col- the wear and tear on rural roads and high-occupancy toll lanes, and any- lapse in Minnesota. We fix an oversight bridges. Many of these roads and thing we can do to try to move the peo- in SAFETEA–LU that resulted in a bridges were built before this trend was ple to the places they need to go. particular account being oversub- evident. Whoever thought they would Our Nation has faced this challenge scribed. That account was the surface be carrying this huge wind tunnel? No before, a half century ago, and we suc- transportation research development one ever thought it would happen, but ceeded in building a new modern trans- and deployment account. it does. They were not designed for this portation system for a new modern Now, what does that do? It is a very type of traffic. economy. At the heart of it all was the fancy name. Basically, that particular Much of the rural road network in interstate highway system. In his 1963 account funds research into the status the United States was constructed dur- memoir, ‘‘Mandate for Change 1953– of our infrastructure. It takes a look at ing an era of slower travel and lighter 1956,’’ President Eisenhower famously our infrastructure, and it tells us what vehicles. Current traffic, which is heav- said this of transportation: we need to do to keep up. Do we need ier and wider, has accelerated the rate More than any single action by the govern- to reinforce our bridges, for example. of deterioration and made these types ment since the end of the war, this one That is one of the aspects they look at. of roads less serviceable. In many im- would change the face of America. Its impact The appraisal of our highways. How do portant grain-producing States, such on the American economy—the jobs it would we fund transit? What is the physical as Minnesota, more than 40 percent of produce in manufacturing and construction, condition of our roads? How do they the major highway system is rated as the rural areas it would open up—was beyond operate? What is their performance calculation. being in less than fair condition. Our level? It is so crucial that we have the transportation systems need to support He was right. It is our responsibility information. the development of these industries, so to restore Eisenhower’s vision of a My colleague from Minnesota wrote we need to look at the full spectrum of transportation infrastructure that the carbon registry bill that is part of transportation options. works for all of America. I can tell you our global warming bill because she I truly appreciate Senator BOXER’s this firsthand, from my heart, having knows that before you can solve global leadership, looking not just at truck seen what happens when you don’t in- warming, you need to know how much travel, not just at roads but also at vest as you are supposed to; having carbon and other greenhouse gases are mass transportation and other ways we seen a major bridge fall down one day in the atmosphere. We can’t write a can transport our goods to market. in the middle of America; having seen new bill in 2009 unless we know the sta- With more than half our State of Min- the promise in the rural parts of our tus of our roads, our freeways, our nesota’s total population now living in State of the new energy revolution but bridges, and our highways. So that is the seven-county Twin Cities metro then hearing how they can’t get their why this bill is so important. area, the need for more transportation goods to market because they have a We have been here for 2 full days options has become very clear to all of bunch of single-road highways, when now. I have been ready, willing, and us. they have trucks that are trying to able to take any and all amendments. It is not just about the rural areas in bring wind towers in, when they are We have said the bill is closed. We are our State. Increasing traffic congestion trying to be part of the solution to this not adding anything new because we has become a major threat to Min- energy crisis. want to keep this bill the exact same nesota’s quality of life and our pros- It is our responsibility to restore cost as the SAFETEA–LU bill. We are perity, costing precious time and that vision that Eisenhower had—to not adding anything. We are, in es- money for both commuters and busi- build this transportation infrastruc- sence, making technical corrections to

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We yield to my colleague. I guess I am talking to colleagues want to unfreeze that. Ms. KLOBUCHAR. I ask the Senator, who may be in their offices and I am So here we are for 2 days, standing on how long has she been trying to get saying, especially to my Republican our feet begging our Republican friends this bill through? I know she has been friends, come join us. Let’s do some- not to filibuster this bill. What is the waiting. I know it has been months. thing good for the people. This is very point? Everybody wants this bill, ex- Mrs. BOXER. The House passed it 1 important for your States. You have cept maybe one Senator who doesn’t year ago, and we passed it in the com- the American Association of State like one provision in it. We had the mittee in June 2007. This is not some- Highway and Transportation Offi- vote to proceed. I think it was 93 to 1. thing that—this has been around. We cials—that’s the department of trans- So everyone wants this bill. This bill have been asking Senator REID. He portation for all 50 States—calling on doesn’t add any new spending, it wanted to bring it up, but it is getting us to act. There is no reason to hold unleashes a billion dollars of important caught up in other matters. It has been this up. We are wasting precious min- projects. That is why we have extraor- a long time. utes. We are wasting precious hours. dinary support—and I don’t have the Ms. KLOBUCHAR. It seems to me, We are wasting precious days. We have chart here—from all our construction when there is so much bipartisan sup- a lot of other work to get done. trades people, the management side, port, the other side of the aisle would My goodness, I don’t understand fili- the labor union side, the worker side. try to advance this bill. I know in our bustering this bill which, again, is We have it all. We have the heads of all State we have had this tragedy. They within the budget. It doesn’t add a the transit agencies across the coun- see this not only as you talk about it— penny more than we were supposed to try. They all want this bill. It is very as a way to figure out, do an analysis spend. I am a little perplexed as to why impressive. of what we really need to meet our we are sitting here at 10 to 6 at night Oh, good, we have it back. I will show transportation needs but they also and we can’t get anybody to come here it one more time, because when you need it as investment. As you know, we to offer an amendment. But I am ever hear who is backing us—and they are were unable, on the stimulus package, hopeful, because it is my nature, that not backing us quietly, they are on the to get some of the things we wanted on people will realize, as they go back to phones, they are calling Members and the Democratic side, so we did get the their offices and see their phone mes- saying: Let this bill go. check in the mail to people. But long sages from all these people, that this is When my kids were young, they after those rebate checks are cashed, real. This is real. We need to get it would call something a no-brainer. we need a long-term investment strat- done. That is what this bill is, a no-brainer. egy in this country that invests in jobs. Mr. President, I suggest the absence This bill makes eminent sense. I thank Senator BOXER for bringing of a quorum. I will be back as soon as Here is the list: The American Asso- up that piece of the bill. I was very fo- I have some news to share with col- ciation of Highway and Transportation cused on the nuts and bolts on the leagues. Officials—from all 50 States—support roads, the wear and tear on the roads The PRESIDING OFFICER. The us; the American Highway Users Alli- that we all think about when driving clerk will call the roll. ance—millions of highway users; the on the highway, but we also have to The legislative clerk proceeded to American Public Transit Association— think about this as an investment call the roll. transit systems from across the coun- strategy. I thank her for bringing out Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, I try; American Road and Transpor- that important point. ask unanimous consent that the order tation Builders—that is more than Mrs. BOXER. I am happy to do it, I for the quorum call be rescinded. 5,000 members of the transportation say to my friend, and I am glad she The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. construction industry; Associated Gen- asked me when we passed this bill out MENENDEZ). Without objection, it is so eral Contractors—that is 32,000 con- of committee—June 2007. June 2008 is ordered. tractors; Council of University Trans- fast upon us. The House also passed it Mr. WHITEHOUSE. Mr. President, portation Centers—more than 30 uni- a year ago. the matter before the Senate now that versity transportation centers from This is a long time in coming. You is currently being blocked by the mi- across the country; The National are so right, we all talk about the need nority is a bill that would permit work Stone, Sand and Gravel Association— to make sure there are good jobs for to proceed on hundreds of highway and these are the companies that produce people. This is a ministimulus package transportation infrastructure projects, more than 92 percent of crushed stone right here. There are 500 important creating tens of thousands of construc- and 75 percent of sand and gravel used projects that will move forward. This tion jobs, and pouring $1 billion into in the United States annually; and the means real jobs, real jobs in the U.S. of our economy. This is timely legislation National Asphalt and Pavement Asso- A. When you are building a road here, to repair our roads and bridges now, ciation—more than 1,100 companies. you are building a road here. This is while our economy needs the work. Yet These are the folks who are suffering important. this bill is stalled in this body because right now. These are the folks who It is unusual to see all of these folks Republicans in the Senate will not have gotten caught in this recession we team up together. We had a press con- allow it to move forward. are in. These are the folks who are call- ference this morning, management and Unfortunately, we have seen this ing Senators and saying: Please, let labor together saying: Please, here is movie too many times. The minority this bill go. an opportunity. has engaged in no less than 65 filibus- Senator BOXER supports it, Senator There is nothing negative to say ters in this Congress—an astounding INHOFE supports it, Senator KLOBUCHAR about this bill, as far as I am con- number that lays bare the minority’s supports it, Senator BAUCUS supports cerned. You may have one or two lack of interest in solving the real it, Senator ISAKSON supports it. I could projects you wouldn’t vote for, but the problems America faces. What a list members from our committee—al- fact is they have come from the Mem- record—65 filibusters, the most ever. most all. As I said, we had a vote of 93 bers of Congress who know their dis- That is what the minority has to con- to 1 to proceed to this bill. tricts and know their States. tribute to the problems America is fac- Calling all Republican friends: I was very glad Senator DEMINT ing. Please, please, please, relent. Please, called and said he was pleased with the A number of our Republican col- let’s get going. People are counting on way we did our disclosure under the leagues have come to the floor of the you. They need the work. They need new ethics rule, that our committee Senate to speak today, but we have

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The two economies, well, that is Federal and State tax returns to be at all goes to the lowest earning fifth, fine with them so long as their friends filed. Today, we should remember that families who earn $15,000 a year or less. are winning. But that is not good for the work of Government does not just This is the George Bush idea of fair tax America. cost money, it costs our money. For policy. In fact, that is not America, not the that reason, we should ask how this The President’s insistence on forcing one we know. The tool they have used Government is spending our hard- through these cuts without making up over and over and over is the filibuster. earned money and whether the prior- for the lost revenue, to defer that pain With a $7.7 trillion Bush Debt ities reflected in the Federal Govern- to later generations—to our children, foundering us, with families across the ment’s spending are truly the right pri- to our grandchildren—was not only country in their home States, everyone orities for our people and for our time. cowardly leadership, it left our budget struggling, you would think they These are difficult days. Today, fami- in precarious straits. The Bush tax would want their role to be more pro- lies throughout my State of Rhode Is- cuts of 2001 and 2003 cost a staggering ductive than being the biggest filibus- land and all across this country are $1.9 trillion, and they account for 25 ters in American history. You would reading their bank statements, opening percent of the $7.7 trillion Bush Debt. think they would want a more produc- their bills, reading their local news- The $7.7 trillion Bush Debt is the dif- tive record and legacy than that. But, no, they want to dig a $7.7 trillion hole papers, and finding that the looming ference between the nonpartisan Con- and then filibuster the folks who are downturn in the economy leaves them gressional Budget Office projections as trying to get America out of it. It is so struggling to make ends meet. Every- President Clinton left office compared clear that Senate Republicans would where we look, prices are rising, from to the budgetary nightmare George prefer to engage in overheated and the groceries that feed our families to Bush created—$7.7 trillion. overhyped tax rhetoric than they I am from Rhode Island. One trillion the gasoline that fuels our cars. Every would roll up their sleeves, sit down, dollars is an unthinkable amount of day, more Americans face the disaster and get to work on legislation solving money in a small State such as Rhode of foreclosure. Every day, more Ameri- the real problems working Americans cans face the nightmare of cata- Island. I do not know what $7.7 trillion are facing across our country each day. strophic health care bills. is. So I have tried to scale it for my- I will tell you, it is clear and it is dis- In these days of insecurity, the peo- self. I have here in my hand a simple appointing. ple of this country are looking for an- penny. A simple penny. If this simple I yield the floor, and I suggest the ab- swers, for solutions, for a new direc- penny were $1 billion—now, even in sence of a quorum. tion. Democrats in the Senate are Rhode Island $1 billion is big money— The PRESIDING OFFICER. The working overtime to provide that new if this simple penny were $1 billion, $7.7 clerk will call the roll. direction. We passed an economic stim- trillion is a stack of these simple bil- The legislative clerk proceeded to ulus package, legislation to address the lion-dollar pennies that is 39 feet high, call the roll. housing crisis, and a budget plan to put takes us right to the top of this room Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- our Government back on the path to with a simple penny being a full billion imous consent that the order for the surplus and cut taxes for middle-class dollars. quorum call be rescinded. families. We know we need a change of It is an astonishing burden for this The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without course and, most particularly, a change country to have to bear. It is the re- objection, it is so ordered. of leadership in the White House to get sponsibility of George Bush and the Re- Mr. REID. Mr. President, the record our country back on track. publicans, and we have to get serious has been made clear today. We wish we But Senate Republicans today are about it. But are the Senate Repub- had been doing some legislating. We making it clear that they do not agree. licans willing to get serious about it? have not been. I have had a number of Instead of putting working families No. If they have their way, the wealthi- conversations with my distinguished first, instead of getting our infrastruc- est Americans will continue to profit counterpart, Senator MCCONNELL. Senator MCCONNELL, following the ture repaired, they want to protect the to the tune of trillions of borrowed dol- caucus he had with his Senators, as I massive Bush tax cuts for the wealthi- lars while those most in need receive have with mine every Tuesday, my un- est Americans, a fiscally irresponsible virtually nothing. According to the derstanding is a concern was raised in policy that has left our country tril- Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, the caucus about the number of judges lions of dollars in debt. Instead of a the poorest Americans—the lowest 20 who have been or not been approved by budget that focuses Federal Govern- percent of income earners would re- the Senate in these last few months. ment spending on our children and our ceive less than 0.5 percent of the value As you know, one day last week we veterans, Republicans want to stick us of extending Bush tax cuts between approved five judges, one circuit court with the status quo, pouring hundreds 2009 and 2018. The top 20 percent, on the judge and four district court judges. We of billions of dollars into an endless other hand, would receive a staggering thought that was a step in the right di- war in Iraq without spending a dime 74 percent of the value, a total of near- rection. What are we going to do the here at home to fix the problems that ly $4 trillion over that 10-year period. rest of this year? You know, there is a face American families. And, of course, this is Bush tax pol- Thurmond doctrine that says: After Senate Democrats support tax cuts icy, so the higher the income, the June, we will have to take a real close for middle-class families, including tar- greater the benefit. Close to $1.2 tril- look at judges in a Presidential elec- geted help for families with children or lion in Bush tax cuts would accrue to tion year. seeking to adopt a child. Indeed, the the top 1 percent of American house- June is fast approaching. I believe budget resolution this year would pro- holds. Households with annual incomes that is the time set forth in the Thur- vide those tax cuts in a fiscally respon- of more than $1 million a year, those mond doctrine. So today Senator sible way, without digging our country alone receive $834 billion, $834 billion in MCCONNELL and I in our conversations deeper into debt. But President Bush extended Bush tax cuts. talked about all of the various judges and his Republican allies in the Senate The reckless fixation on tax cuts for who could be brought up, should be want to extend the extravagant por- our wealthiest folks that the Bush ad- brought up, may be brought up, and we tions of the 2001 to 2003 Bush tax ministration has pursued is driving us went over the different circuits and breaks that are weighted heavily to- to a bad place, to a divided America talked in some detail. ward the wealthiest Americans. with two economies, a gilded economy Following my first conversation with Mr. President, 71 percent of the value for the wealthy, and a worried struggle Senator MCCONNELL, I called the Judi- of the tax cuts in 2009 will go to the for everyone else. That is not good for ciary Chairman, Senator LEAHY. He

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And after the telephone con- proved in this Congress seven circuit ciary Committee can move matters to versation I called Senator MCCONNELL. judges. Except for last week, there had the floor. We have North Carolina, Senator LEAHY came to my office and not been one since last September. I South Carolina, Rhode Island, Mary- we visited again about the judges. We am sure the majority leader would land. We have Pennsylvania. The Penn- believe we need to make more progress agree with me that we are running dra- sylvania situation, we have a Democrat on judges. matically behind. We know there is an and a Republican there. As I recall the As we have said before, we do not election coming up in the fall. judge’s name, the nominee there is a want the minority to be treated the The majority leader mentioned the man by the name of Pratter. We have way we were treated during the Clinton so-called Thurmond rule which at some someone from Virginia. We have, as of years. We have done a pretty good job. point here will probably be imple- today, two from Maryland. We have a At this time we have probably ap- mented, indicating there will not be wide range to choose from. I say to my proved 90 percent of President Bush’s any circuit judges approved. friend from Kentucky, no, it should not judges, lots and lots of judges, well We currently have before the com- be because you have two from the same over 100 judges we have approved. mittee two judges, one from North party from one State and they are not The Republican leader asked me: Carolina and one from South Carolina. our party, that should not cause them What can you do before our Memorial The one from North Carolina has a not to have their nominee approved. As Day recess? What I have told him is we unanimously well qualified from the I indicated last week when we got into are going to do our utmost, we are not American Bar Association and has pre- a discussion about this, we should going to talk about district court viously been confirmed to his current measure the quality of the nominees, judges, we are going to approve district position as a district court judge by not the quantity. We are today talking court judges, the exact number of the Senate. The blue slips are back on about the quantity of nominees. But which I do not know, and Senator both of these judges. We anticipate we also have to be concerned about the LEAHY and I are going to do everything there will be a nominee from Virginia quality of these nominees. We should we can to approve three circuit court who will have blue slips returned and, confirm capable, mainstream nominees judges by Memorial Day. in the near future, two nominees from who are the product of bipartisan co- I would like to be able to guarantee the State of Michigan whose blue slips operation. With this committee, to get that. I cannot guarantee it. A lot of will be returned. As we all know, in something out of the committee, it has things happen in the Senate. But I am Michigan there are two Democratic to be bipartisan. I guess it doesn’t have going to do my very best. I want to live Senators and in Virginia there is one to be, but that is the way we would like up to what I am saying here on the Democratic Senator and one Repub- it. floor right now. Senator LEAHY knows lican. In South Carolina and North So we have done a pretty good job. I am here speaking before the Amer- Carolina, there are two Republican Last year, we had a very controversial ican people today and to Senator Senators. The chairman of the Judici- judge. One of the Senators on the Judi- MCCONNELL. So we are going to do our ary Committee has made it clear he is ciary Committee decided she would very best to approve three circuit court not likely, almost certainly not likely, vote with the minority. As a result of judges by Memorial Day. That is about to move a nominee from a State for that, a controversial judge was re- the best I can do. Which ones, I have which there are no blue slips. So we ported to the floor and ultimately ap- told Senator MCCONNELL. There are a have blue slips in on North and South proved. So we are working very hard to number of alternatives we can have. He Carolina, and both nominees have been arrive at three judges by the time of knows some by name, I know them by waiting for quite some time. So there our break, which is 5 weeks from now, name. I do not want and I do not are nominations ready to go. I believe. I said when I got this job, choose to go over them name by name What I have said is there is a great that if the nominations of judges are at this time. But we have a number to interest on my side in seeing three cir- important to my friend, the Republican choose from to get to those three. I cuit court nominees confirmed by the leader, they are important to me. I will do the best I can, working with Senate before the Memorial Day re- have some knowledge of difficulties Senator LEAHY and the Judiciary Com- cess. The majority leader has indicated with judges on the floor, having sur- mittee. And when I say ‘‘bring to the he is comfortable with that. We have vived, as the Democratic leader, the so- floor,’’ that means confirm the judges. not picked the candidates, but let me called nuclear option. So I understand The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Re- suggest it would be unfair to discrimi- how people feel strongly about judges. publican leader. nate against a State which has two Re- Democrats feel strongly about them. Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, my publican Senators with blue slips in Republicans feel strongly about them. good friend, the majority leader, and I, and has had nominees pending for quite When Senator Lott was majority lead- I think at the beginning of this con- some time in favor of nominees only er, he said words to the effect: Why ference—and I believe this is a correct recently with blue slips in or only re- should we worry about them in the characterization of where we were; I cently nominated. The principle should Senate? People don’t care about judges. am sure he can disabuse me of the no- be the same regardless of whether a This is something that is just within tion if it is not a direct characteriza- State is represented by two Repub- the Senate. tion of where we were—we felt at the licans, two Democrats or one Repub- I, personally, don’t feel that way. I very least, President Bush, with regard lican and one Democrat. If the blue feel these men and women who have to circuit court nominees, should be slips are in, the blue slips are in. If the lifetime appointments are extremely treated as well as President Reagan, nominee is otherwise qualified and important and that we should—even President Bush 41, and President Clin- noncontroversial, I would hope, I say though Senator Lott might be right, ton were treated in the last 2 years of to my good friend, the majority leader, maybe people outside Washington don’t their Presidencies. he would share my view that we should care about judges, I care about judges. Each of those Presidents found them- not discriminate against a nominee The Republican leader cares about selves with the following dilemma: The from a State with two Republican Sen- judges. I will try my best to get three Senate was in the control of the oppos- ators, the nominees having been pend- judges approved by the Senate before ing party, so there was a certain sym- ing for quite some time, in favor of re- the Memorial Day recess. metry to this President. George W. cent nominees who happen to be from Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, the Bush ends up the last 2 years of his States with two Democratic Senators only thing I would add with regard to Presidency similarly situated to Presi- or one Democratic and one Republican my earlier comments, just picking, for

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I the chairman of the Judiciary Com- what I have said. I have to work with didn’t understand. We have a few mittee. In the case of the Fourth Cir- the committee, within the rules they amendments. We are very happy to cuit, it has been declared a judicial have, and do the best I can. deal with them. We have every group in emergency. It is one-third vacant. The Mr. MCCONNELL. Mr. President, I the country, every construction group, nominee from North Carolina, to pick guess the only thing I would add, would management, labor, everyone, we have an example, is not controversial, has a the majority leader agree with me on every State asking us to do this bill. I unanimously well qualified from the the following principle: That a circuit didn’t understand, frankly, why we ABA. The blue slips are back from both judge from a State with two Repub- were waiting around. I wonder, I ask North Carolina Senators. My only lican Senators, who is completely my leader—and I would be delighted to point to my good friend, the majority qualified and upon which two blue slips hear from the Republican leader as leader, was it would seem not to be have already been returned and have well, given this colloquy you had back fair, when you have a nominee pending been pending for a long time, does the and forth—and I know the Senator for a long time who is not controver- majority leader share my view that from Nevada as well as anyone here. sial, upon which the blue slips have those type nominees from States with When he gives his word like this and been returned, where there are two Re- two Republican Senators should not be says: I am going to do everything I can, publican Senators, for that nominee to discriminated against in trying to listen, I think that is as good as it gets be in effect moved to the back of the meet our responsibility? We have only around here. I am hopeful, and I would bus while you handle nominees nomi- confirmed seven circuit judges ask my leader to tell me and the Re- nated more recently from a State with throughout this Congress. We are a publican leader as well, Senator INHOFE two Democratic Senators or a State long way from coming anywhere close is here, I am here, we are very anxious with one Democrat and one Republican to what President Clinton got at 15. to move our bill forward, 500 transpor- Senator. Mr. REID. Mr. President, I hope the tation projects, not one penny of added What I am pleading for is a sense of record will reflect the smile on my face spending; it will unleash a billion dol- fairness. I believe in the case of both because the fact is, we had, for years, lars’ worth of jobs, I am wondering North Carolina and South Carolina, two Democratic Senators from a State whether you could let us know tonight with the judicial emergency existing and those nominees of President Clin- what are the chances that we are going on the Fourth Circuit, you could make ton weren’t even given a hearing. More to be able to move forward. a strong case that they should be dealt than 60 weren’t even given a hearing. Mr. REID. I say to my friend, I wish with first under the standards of the They were pocket vetoed, for lack of a we had moved to this bill Thursday chairman of the Judiciary Committee. better description. So, yes, I think if night, legislated yesterday and today. But in particular I cite the nominee you have two Senators from the same We haven’t done that. from North Carolina because he has party, they should not be discrimi- f been declared noncontroversial, had nated against. I mentioned their the unanimous ABA approval rating, names. Their names are Matthews and HIGHWAY TECHNICAL and has been pending for hundreds of Conrad. I have spoken to Senator CORRECTIONS ACT OF 2007 days. I don’t know why we couldn’t LEAHY. The first time I talked to him Mr. REID. Mr. President, I now ask meet the goal the majority leader has was today. Of course, we will take a unanimous consent that all postcloture set out of doing three circuit court look at those. time be yielded back, the motion to nominees before Memorial Day. There Mr. MCCONNELL. Well, I certainly proceed be agreed to, and the motion to is no reason not to. There are enough understand what the intention of the reconsider be laid upon the table, and ready to be dealt with who don’t re- majority leader is. We will need to dis- that the Senate now proceed to the quire additional paperwork. cuss this further, I guess privately. I consideration of H.R. 1195. So I guess my question of the major- certainly understand his intention. I The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there ity leader is, What is his view as to the know he is a person who operates in objection? likelihood that we would get three cir- good faith. I trust him. We have had a Without objection, it is so ordered. cuit judges confirmed before the Me- good relationship over the last period The clerk will report. morial Day recess? during which we have been in our re- The legislative clerk read as follows: Mr. REID. Mr. President, first of all, spective positions. I guess the calcula- A bill (H.R. 1195) to amend the Safe, Ac- Chairman LEAHY understands. If there tion I have to make, at some point, is countable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users, to make is an emergency in a circuit, he under- what is the likelihood of this occur- stands the importance of doing some- technical corrections, and for other pur- ring, because there is a deep-seated un- poses. thing about that. He has expressed that rest on our side related to this low publicly and privately. Also, in this The Senate proceeded to consider the number of circuit court judges. I think bill, which had been reported from the overall process, let’s make sure we un- that is understandable. It is a paltry derstand, there are vacancies out there Committee on Environment and Public number in comparison to how Presi- Works, with an amendment to strike in the circuit courts that we have no dent Reagan, President Bush, and nominees for. We are waiting for them. all after the enacting clause and insert President Clinton were handled in a in lieu thereof the following: I say to my friend, as I have said be- similar situation. But I understand the fore, I am going to do everything to SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. representations my good friend, the This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Highway Tech- work with the Judiciary Committee. majority leader, has made as far as he nical Corrections Act of 2007’’. Senator LEAHY said he would do that is prepared to go today. We will con- SEC. 2. SURFACE TRANSPORTATION TECHNICAL too. I think we can say we would work tinue to discuss the matter. CORRECTIONS. very hard to make sure there are no Mr. REID. Mr. President, the only (a) CORRECTION OF INTERNAL REFERENCES IN holdovers. That is, if somebody is re- thing I would say, my good friend DISADVANTAGED BUSINESS ENTERPRISES.—Para- ported out, we will do our very best to asked the odds. I am from Las Vegas. I graphs (3)(A) and (5) of section 1101(b) of the make sure they don’t waste that week don’t bet. I hope they are good odds. I Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transpor- on that. I am going to do what I can to am going to do everything I can to live tation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1156) are amended by striking ‘‘paragraph (1)’’ fulfill what I have said. I will do every- up to what I have said this last 5 or 10 each place it appears and inserting ‘‘paragraph thing within my power to get three minutes. (2)’’. judges approved to our circuits before Mrs. BOXER. Will the Senator yield, (b) CORRECTION OF DISTRIBUTION OF OBLIGA- the Memorial Day recess. my leader yield to me for a question? TION AUTHORITY.—Section 1102(c)(5) of the Safe,

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(i) CORRECTION OF AMENDMENT TO ADVANCE ing and inserting ‘‘PROGRAM FOR BRIDGES NOT (c) CORRECTION OF FEDERAL LANDS HIGH- CONSTRUCTION.—Section 115 of title 23, United ON FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS’’; and WAYS.—Section 1119 of the Safe, Accountable, States Code, is amended by redesignating sub- (J) in subsection (n)(4)(B) (as redesignated by Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A section (d) as subsection (c). subparagraph (G)) by striking ‘‘State highway Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1190) is amended by (j) CORRECTION OF HIGH PRIORITY agency’’ and inserting ‘‘State transportation de- striking subsection (m) and inserting the fol- PROJECTS.—Section 117 of title 23, United States partment’’. lowing: Code, is amended— (2) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— ‘‘(m) FOREST HIGHWAYS.—Of the amounts (1) by redesignating subsections (d) through (A) METROPOLITAN PLANNING.—Section made available for public lands highways under (h) as subsections (e) through (i), respectively; 104(f)(1) of title 23, United States Code, is section 1101— (2) by redesignating the second subsection (c) amended by striking ‘‘replacement and rehabili- ‘‘(1) not more than $20,000,000 for each fiscal (relating to Federal share) as subsection (d); tation’’. (3) in subsection (a)(2)(A) by inserting ‘‘(112 year may be used for the maintenance of forest (B) EQUITY BONUS PROGRAM.—Subsections Stat. 257)’’ after ‘‘21st Century’’; and highways; (a)(2)(C) and (b)(2)(C) of section 105 of title 23, ‘‘(2) not more than $1,000,000 for each fiscal (4) in subsection (a)(2)(B)— (A) by striking ‘‘subsection (b)’’ and inserting United States Code, are amended by striking year may be used for signage identifying public ‘‘subsection (c)’’; and ‘‘replacement and rehabilitation’’ each place it hunting and fishing access; and (B) by striking ‘‘SAFETEA–LU’’ and inserting appears. ‘‘(3) not more than $10,000,000 for each fiscal ‘‘Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Trans- (C) ANALYSIS.—The analysis for chapter 1 of year shall be used by the Secretary of Agri- portation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 title 23, United States Code, is amended in the culture to pay the costs of facilitating the pas- Stat. 1256)’’. item relating to section 144 by striking ‘‘replace- sage of aquatic species beneath forest roads (as (k) CORRECTION OF TRANSFER OF UNUSED ment and rehabilitation’’. defined in section 101(a) of title 23, United PROTECTIVE-DEVICE FUNDS TO OTHER HIGHWAY (n) CORRECTION OF NATIONAL SCENIC BYWAYS States Code), including the costs of con- SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PROGRAM PROJECTS.— PROGRAM COVERAGE.—Section 162 of title 23, structing, maintaining, replacing, and removing Section 130(e)(2) of title 23, United States Code, United States Code, is amended— culverts and bridges, as appropriate.’’. is amended by striking ‘‘purposes under this (1) in subsection (a)(3)(B) by striking ‘‘a Na- (d) CORRECTION OF DESCRIPTION OF NATIONAL subsection’’ and inserting ‘‘highway safety im- tional Scenic Byway under subparagraph (A)’’ CORRIDOR INFRASTRUCTURE IMPROVEMENT provement program purposes’’. and inserting ‘‘a National Scenic Byway, an PROJECT.—Item number 1 of the table contained (l) METROPOLITAN TRANSPORTATION PLAN- All-American Road, or one of America’s Byways in section 1302(e) of the Safe, Accountable, NING.—Section 134 of title 23, United States under paragraph (1)’’; and Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Code, is amended— (2) in subsection (c)(3) by striking ‘‘or All- Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1205) is amended in (1) in subsection (f)(3)(C)(ii) by striking sub- American Road’’ each place it appears and in- the State column by inserting ‘‘LA,’’ after clause (II) and inserting the following: serting ‘‘All-American Road, or one of America’s ‘‘TX,’’. ‘‘(II) FUNDING.—In addition to funds made Byways’’. (e) CORRECTION OF INFRASTRUCTURE FINANCE available to the metropolitan planning organi- (o) CORRECTION OF REFERENCE IN TOLL PRO- SECTION.—Section 1602(d)(1) of the Safe, Ac- zation for the Lake Tahoe region under other VISION.—Section 166(b)(5)(C) of title 23, United countable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation provisions of this title and chapter 53 of title 49, States Code, is amended by striking ‘‘paragraph Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1247) prior to an allocation under section 202 of this (3)’’ and inserting ‘‘paragraph (4)’’. 1 is amended by striking ‘‘through 189 as sections title, the Secretary shall set aside ⁄2 of 1 percent (p) CORRECTION OF RECREATIONAL TRAILS 601 through 609, respectively’’ and inserting of funds authorized to be appropriated to carry PROGRAM APPORTIONMENT EXCEPTIONS.—Sec- ‘‘through 190 as sections 601 through 610, re- out that section, which shall be provided to the tion 206(d)(3)(A) of title 23, United States Code, spectively’’. Tahoe Metropolitan Planning Organization to is amended by striking ‘‘(B), (C), and (D)’’ and (f) CORRECTION OF PROJECT FEDERAL carry out the transportation planning process, inserting ‘‘(B) and (C)’’. SHARE.—Section 1964(a) of the Safe, Account- including the environmental review of transpor- (q) CORRECTION OF INFRASTRUCTURE FI- able, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity tation projects to complete environmental docu- NANCE.—Section 601(a)(3) of title 23, United Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1519) is mentation for the Lake Tahoe region under the States Code, is amended by inserting ‘‘bbb amended— Tahoe Regional Planning Compact as consented minus, BBB (low),’’ after ‘‘Baa3,’’. (1) by striking ‘‘only for the States of Alaska, to in Public Law 96–551 (94 Stat. 3233) and this (r) CORRECTION OF MISCELLANEOUS TYPO- Montana, Nevada, North Dakota, Oregon, and subparagraph.’’; GRAPHICAL ERRORS.— South Dakota,’’; and (2) in subsection (j)(3)(D) by inserting ‘‘or the (1) Section 1401 of the Safe, Accountable, (2) by striking ‘‘section 120(b)’’ and inserting identified phase’’ after ‘‘the project’’ each place Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A ‘‘section 120’’. it appears; and Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1226) is amended by (g) TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT (3) in subsection (k)(2) by striking ‘‘a metro- redesignating subsections (d) and (e) as sub- AND OPERATIONS DEFINED.—Section 101(a) of politan planning area serving’’. sections (c) and (d), respectively. title 23, United States Code, is amended by add- (m) CORRECTION OF HIGHWAY BRIDGE PRO- (2) Section 1404(e) of such Act (119 Stat. 1229) ing at the end the following: GRAM.— is amended by inserting ‘‘tribal,’’ after ‘‘local,’’. ‘‘(39) TRANSPORTATION SYSTEMS MANAGEMENT (1) IN GENERAL.—Section 144 of title 23, United (3) Section 10211(b)(2) of such Act (119 Stat. AND OPERATIONS.— States Code, is amended— 1937) is amended by striking ‘‘plan administer’’ ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The term ‘transportation (A) in the section heading by striking ‘‘re- systems management and operations’ means an placement and rehabilitation’’; and inserting ‘‘plan and administer’’. integrated program to optimize the performance (B) in subsections (b), (c)(1), and (e) by strik- (4) Section 10212(a) of such Act (119 Stat. 1937) of existing infrastructure through the implemen- ing ‘‘Federal-aid system’’ each place it appears is amended— tation of multimodal and intermodal, cross-ju- and inserting ‘‘Federal-aid highway’’; (A) by inserting ‘‘equity bonus,’’ after ‘‘min- risdictional systems, services, and projects de- (C) in subsections (c)(2) and (o) by striking imum guarantee,’’; signed to preserve capacity and improve secu- ‘‘the Federal-aid system’’ each place it appears (B) by striking ‘‘freight intermodal connec- rity, safety, and reliability of the transportation and inserting ‘‘Federal-aid highways’’; tors’’ and inserting ‘‘railway-highway cross- system. (D) in the heading to paragraph (4) of sub- ings’’; ‘‘(B) INCLUSIONS.—The term ‘transportation section (d) by inserting ‘‘SYSTEMATIC’’ before (C) by striking ‘‘high risk rural road,’’; and systems management and operations’ includes— ‘‘PREVENTIVE’’; (D) by inserting after ‘‘highway safety im- ‘‘(i) regional operations collaboration and co- (E) in subsection (e) by striking ‘‘off-system provement programs’’ the following: ‘‘(and sepa- ordination activities between transportation and bridges’’ each place it appears and inserting rately the set aside for the high risk rural road public safety agencies; and ‘‘bridges not on Federal-aid highways’’; program)’’. (F) by striking subsection (f); SEC. 3. MAGLEV. ‘‘(ii) improvements to the transportation sys- (G) by redesignating subsections (g) through (a) FUNDING.—Section 1101(a)(18) of the Safe, tem, such as traffic detection and surveillance, (s) as subsections (f) through (r), respectively; arterial management, freeway management, de- (H) in subsection (f) (as redesignated by sub- Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation mand management, work zone management, paragraph (G))— Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1155) emergency management, electronic toll collec- (i) in paragraph (1)(A)— is amended by striking subparagraphs (A) and tion, automated enforcement, traffic incident (I) in clause (vi), by inserting ‘‘, except that (B) and inserting the following: management, roadway weather management, any unobligated or unexpended funds remain- ‘‘(A) $20,000,000 for fiscal year 2007; and traveler information services, commercial vehicle ing upon completion of the project under this ‘‘(B) $35,000,000 for each of fiscal years 2008 operations, traffic control, freight management, clause shall be transferred to and used to carry and 2009.’’. and coordination of highway, rail, transit, bicy- out the project described in clause (vii)’’ after (b) CONTRACT AUTHORITY.—Section 1307 of the cle, and pedestrian operations.’’. ‘‘Vermont’’; and Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transpor- (h) CORRECTION OF REFERENCE IN APPORTION- (II) in clause (viii), by inserting ‘‘and cor- tation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. MENT OF HIGHWAY SAFETY IMPROVEMENT PRO- ridor’’ after ‘‘bridge’’; and 1217) is amended by adding at the end the fol- GRAM FUNDS.—Effective October 1, 2006, section (ii) in paragraph (2), by striking the para- lowing: 104(b)(5)(A)(iii) of title 23, United States Code, is graph heading and inserting ‘‘BRIDGES NOT ON ‘‘(e) CONTRACT AUTHORITY.—Funds author- amended by striking ‘‘the Federal-aid system’’ FEDERAL-AID HIGHWAYS’’; ized under section 1101(a)(18) shall be available

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 6333 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3016 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 15, 2008 for obligation in the same manner as if the (24) in item number 4003 by striking the interchange reconstruction including U.S. 169/ funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title project description and inserting ‘‘City of Coun- Valley View Road interchange, Twin Cities Met- 23, United States Code; except that the funds cil Bluffs and Pottawattamie County East Belt- ropolitan Area’’; shall not be transferable and shall remain avail- way Roadway and Connectors Project’’; (47) in item number 4365 by striking the able until expended, and the Federal share of (25) in item number 4043 by striking ‘‘MP 9.3, project description and inserting ‘‘34th Street re- the cost of a project to be carried out with such Segment I, II, and III’’ and inserting ‘‘Milepost alignment and 34th Street and I–94 interchange, funds shall be 80 percent.’’. 24.3’’; including retention and reconstruction of the SE SEC. 4. PROJECTS OF NATIONAL AND REGIONAL (26) in item number 4050 by striking the Main Avenue/CSAH 52 interchange ramps at I– SIGNIFICANCE. project description and inserting ‘‘Precon- 94, and other transportation improvements for The table contained in section 1301(m) of the struction and construction activities of U.S. 51 the city of Moorhead, including the SE Main Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transpor- between the Assumption Bypass and Vandalia’’; Avenue GSI and Moorhead Comprehensive Rail tation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. (27) in item number 4058 by striking the Safety Program’’; 1203) is amended— project description and inserting ‘‘For improve- (48) in item number 4369 by striking the (1) in item number 19 by striking the project ments to the road between Brighton and Bunker project description and inserting ‘‘Construction description and inserting ‘‘Regional rail expan- Hill in Macoupin County’’; of 8th Street North, Stearns C.R. 120 to TH 15 in sion and transportation infrastructure in the vi- (28) in item numbers 4062 and 4084 by striking St. Cloud’’; cinity of Santa Teresa, New Mexico’’; and the project descriptions and inserting ‘‘Precon- (49) in item number 4371 by striking the (2) in item number 22 by striking the project struction, construction, and related research project description and inserting ‘‘Construction description and inserting ‘‘Redesign and recon- and studies of I–290 Cap the Ike project in the and ROW of TH 241, CSAH 35 and associated struction of interchanges 298 and 299 of I–80 and village of Oak Park’’; streets in the City of St. Michael’’; accompanying improvements to any other public (29) in item number 4089 by inserting ‘‘and (50) in item number 4411 by striking roads in the vicinity, Monroe County’’. parking facility/entrance improvements serving ‘‘Southaven’’ and inserting ‘‘DeSoto County’’; (51) in item number 4424 by striking the SEC. 5. IDLING REDUCTION FACILITIES. the Museum of Science and Industry’’ after project description and inserting ‘‘U.S. 93 Evaro Section 111 of title 23, United States Code, is ‘‘Lakeshore Drive’’; to Polson transportation improvement projects’’; amended by striking subsection (d). (30) in item number 4103 by inserting ‘‘and ad- jacent to the’’ before ‘‘Shawnee’’; (52) in item number 4428 by striking the SEC. 6. PROJECT AUTHORIZATIONS. (31) in item number 4110 by striking the project description and inserting ‘‘U.S. 76 im- (a) IN GENERAL.—The table contained in sec- project description and inserting ‘‘For improve- provements’’; tion 1702 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Ef- ments to the road between Brighton and Bunker (53) in item number 4457 by striking the ficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Hill in Macoupin County’’; project description and inserting ‘‘Construct an Users (119 Stat. 1256) is amended— (32) in item number 4120 by striking the interchange at an existing grade separation at (1) in item number 3688 by striking ‘‘road’’ project description and amount and inserting SR 1602 (Old Stantonsburg Rd.) and U.S. 264 and inserting ‘‘trail’’; ‘‘Upgrade 146th Street to Improve I–69 Access’’ Bypass in Wilson County’’; (2) in item number 3691 by striking the project (54) in item number 4461 by striking the description and inserting ‘‘Hoonah roads’’; and ‘‘$800,000’’, respectively; (33) in item number 4125 by striking ‘‘$250,000’’ project description and inserting ‘‘Transpor- (3) in item number 3695 by striking ‘‘in tation and related improvements at Queens Uni- Soldotna’’ and inserting ‘‘in the Kenai River and inserting ‘‘$1,650,000’’; (34) by striking item number 4170; versity of Charlotte, including the Queens corridor’’; Science Center and the Marion Diehl Center, (4) in item number 3699 by striking ‘‘to im- (35) by striking item number 4179; (36) in item number 4185 by striking the Charlotte’’; prove fish habitat’’; project description and inserting ‘‘Replace the (55) in item number 4507 by striking the (5) in item number 3700 by inserting ‘‘and project description and inserting ‘‘Design, right- ferry facilities’’ after ‘‘a ferry’’; Clinton Street Bridge spanning St. Mary’s River in downtown Fort Wayne’’; of-way and construction of Highway 35 between (6) in item number 3703 by inserting ‘‘or other Norfolk and South Sioux City, including an roads’’ after ‘‘Cape Blossom Road’’; (37) in item number 4299 by striking the project description and inserting ‘‘Improve U.S. interchange at milepost 1 on U.S. I–129’’; (7) in item number 3704 by striking ‘‘Fair- (56) in item number 4555 by inserting ‘‘Canal banks’’ and inserting ‘‘Alaska Highway’’; 40, MD 715 interchange and other roadways in the vicinity of Aberdeen Proving Ground to sup- Street and’’ after ‘‘Reconstruction of’’; (8) in item number 3705 by striking ‘‘in Cook (57) in item number 4565 by striking the Inlet for the Westside development/Williamsport- port BRAC-related growth’’; (38) in item number 4313 by striking ‘‘Mary- project description and inserting ‘‘Railroad Con- Pile Bay Road’’ and inserting ‘‘for development struction and Acquisition, Ely and White Pine of the Williamsport-Pile Bay Road corridor’’; land Avenue’’ and all that follows through ‘‘Rd. corridor’’ and inserting ‘‘intermodal access and County’’; (9) in item number 3828 by striking (58) in item number 4588 by inserting ‘‘Private ‘‘$2,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$11,000,000’’; pedestrian safety improvements’’; (39) in item number 4315 by striking Parking and’’ before ‘‘Transportation’’; (10) by striking item number 3829; (59) in item number 4596 by striking the ‘‘stormwater mitigation project’’ and inserting (11) by striking item number 3832; project description and inserting ‘‘Transpor- ‘‘environmental preservation project’’; (12) in item number 3861 by striking the tation center, Corning’’; (40) in item number 4318 by striking the project description and inserting ‘‘Creation of a (60) in item number 4610, by striking the project description and inserting ‘‘Planning, de- greenway path along the Naugatuck River in project description and inserting ‘‘Demolition, sign, and construction of improvements to the Waterbury’’; site restoration, and hazardous material abate- highway systems connecting to Lewiston and (13) in item number 3883 by striking the ment of Alert Facility at Plattsburgh Inter- Auburn downtowns’’; project description and inserting ‘‘Wilmington national Airport’’; Riverfront Access and Street Grid Redesign’’; (41) in item number 4323 by striking the (61) in item number 4649 by striking the (14) in item number 3892 by striking project description and inserting ‘‘MaineDOT project description and inserting ‘‘Fairfield ‘‘$5,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$8,800,000’’; Acadia intermodal passenger and maintenance County, OH U.S. 33 and old U.S. 33 safety im- (15) in item number 3894 by striking facility’’; provements and related construction, city of ‘‘$5,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$1,200,000’’; (42) in item number 4338 by striking the Lancaster and surrounding areas’’; (16) in item number 3909 by striking the project description and inserting ‘‘Construct 1 or (62) in item number 4651 by striking ‘‘for the project description and inserting ‘‘S.R. 281, the more grade-separated crossings of I–75, and transfer of rail to truck for the intermodal’’ and Avalon Boulevard Expansion Project from make associated improvements to improve local inserting ‘‘, and construction of an intermodal Interstate 10 to U.S. Highway 91’’; and regional east-west mobility between Mile- freight’’; (17) in item number 3911 by striking the posts 279 and 282’’; (63) in item number 4691 by striking the project description and inserting ‘‘Construct a (43) in item number 4355 by striking the project description and inserting ‘‘Transpor- new bridge at Indian Street, Martin County’’; project description and inserting ‘‘Design, engi- tation improvements to Idabel Industrial Park (18) in item number 3916 by striking the neering, ROW acquisition, construction, and Rail Spur, Idabel’’; project description and inserting ‘‘City of Holly- construction engineering for the reconstruction (64) in item number 4722 by striking the wood for U.S. 1/Federal Highway, north of of TH 95, from 12th Avenue to CSAH 13, includ- project description and inserting ‘‘Highway, Young Circle’’; ing bridge and approaches, ramps, intersecting traffic, pedestrian, and riverfront improvements, (19) in item number 3937 by striking the roadways, signals, turn lanes, and multiuse Pittsburgh’’; project description and inserting ‘‘Kingsland by- trail, North Branch’’; (65) in item number 4749 by striking ‘‘study’’ pass from CR 61 to I–95, Camden County’’; (44) in item number 4357 by striking the and inserting ‘‘improvements’’; (20) in item number 3945 by striking ‘‘CR 293 project description and inserting ‘‘Design, con- (66) in item number 4821 by striking ‘‘highway to CS 5231’’ and inserting ‘‘SR 371 to SR 400’’; struct, ROW, and expand TH 241 and CSAH 35 grade crossing project, Clearfield and Clinton (21) in item number 3965 by striking ‘‘trans- and associated streets in the City of St. Mi- Counties’’ and inserting ‘‘Project for highway portation projects’’ and inserting ‘‘and air qual- chael’’; grade crossings and other purposes relating to ity projects’’; (45) in item number 4360 by striking the the Project in Cambria, Centre, Clearfield, Clin- (22) in item number 3986 by striking the project description and inserting ‘‘Planning, de- ton, Indiana, and Jefferson Counties’’; project description and inserting ‘‘Extension of sign, and construction for Twin Cities Bio- (67) in item number 4838 by striking ‘‘study’’ Sugarloaf Parkway, Gwinnett County’’; science Corridor in St. Paul’’; and inserting ‘‘improvements’’; (23) in item number 3999 by striking ‘‘Bridges’’ (46) in item number 4362 by striking the (68) in item number 4839 by striking ‘‘fuel- and inserting ‘‘Bridge and Corridor’’; project description and inserting ‘‘I–494/U.S. 169 celled’’ and inserting ‘‘fueled’’;

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(69) in item number 4866 by striking (d) ADDITIONAL DISCRETIONARY USE OF SUR- SEC. 9. BUDGET JUSTIFICATION. ‘‘$11,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$9,400,000’’; FACE TRANSPORTATION PROGRAM FUNDS.—Of Section 1926 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexi- (70) by inserting after item number 4866 the the funds apportioned to each State under sec- ble, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Leg- following: tion 104(b)(3) of title 23, United States Code, a acy for Users (49 U.S.C. 301 note; 119 Stat. 1483) State may expend for each of fiscal years 2007 is amended by striking ‘‘The Department’’ and ‘‘4866A RI Repair and restore $1,600,000’’; through 2009 not more than $1,000,000 for the inserting ‘‘Notwithstanding any other provision railroad bridge in following activities: of law, the Department’’. Westerly (1) Participation in the Joint Operation Cen- SEC. 10. BUY AMERICA. ter for Fuel Compliance established under sec- (71) in item number 4892 by striking the Section 1928 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexi- tion 143(b)(4)(H) of title 23, United States Code, project description and inserting ‘‘Construct a 4- ble, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Leg- within the Department of the Treasury, includ- lane highway between maverick Junction and acy for Users (119 Stat. 1484) is amended— ing the funding of additional positions for motor (1) by redesignating paragraphs (2) through the Nebraska border’’; (72) in item number 4915 by striking the fuel tax enforcement officers and other staff (5) as paragraphs (3) through (6), respectively; project description and inserting ‘‘For projects dedicated on a full-time basis to participation in and (2) by inserting after paragraph (1) the fol- of highest priority, as determined by the South the activities of the Center. lowing: Dakota DOT’’; (2) Development, operation, and maintenance (73) in item number 4916 by striking of electronic filing systems to coordinate data ‘‘(2) the current application by the Federal ‘‘$1,000,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$328,000’’; exchange with the Internal Revenue Service by Highway Administration of the Buy America (74) in item number 4924 by striking States that impose a tax on the removal of tax- test as applied only to components or parts of a ‘‘$3,450,000’’ and inserting ‘‘$4,122,000’’; able fuel from any refinery and on the removal bridge project and not the entire bridge project (75) in item number 4927 by striking the of taxable fuel from any terminal. is inconsistent with this sense of Congress;’’. project description and inserting ‘‘Construction (3) Development, operation, and maintenance SEC. 11. TRANSPORTATION IMPROVEMENTS. and Improvements to the College Street Cor- of electronic single point of filing in conjunction The table contained in section 1934(c) of the ridor, Great Smoky Mountain Heritage Highway with the Internal Revenue Service by States Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transpor- Cultural and Visitors Center in Maryville’’; that impose a tax on the removal of taxable fuel tation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. (76) in item number 4960 by inserting ‘‘of from any refinery and on the removal of taxable 1486) is amended— which $50,000 shall be used for a street paving fuel from any terminal. (1) in item number 12 by striking ‘‘Yukon project, Calhoun’’ after ‘‘County’’; (4) Development, operation, and maintenance River’’ and inserting ‘‘Kuskokwim River’’; (77) in item number 4974 by striking ‘‘, Sevier of a certification system by a State of any fuel (2) in item number 18 by striking ‘‘Engineering County’’; sold to a State or local government (as defined and Construction in Merced County’’ and in- (78) in item number 5008 by inserting ‘‘/Kane in section 4221(d)(4) of the Internal Revenue serting ‘‘and safety improvements/realignment of Creek Boulevard’’ after ‘‘500 West’’; Code of 1986) for the exclusive use of the State SR 165 project study report and environmental (79) in item numbers 5011 and 5033 by striking or local government or sold to a qualified volun- studies in Merced and Stanislaus Counties’’; ‘‘200 South Interchange’’ each place it appears teer fire department (as defined in section (3) in item number 38 by striking the project and inserting ‘‘400 South Interchange’’; 150(e)(2) of such Code) for its exclusive use. description and inserting ‘‘Relocation of the (80) in item number 5021, by striking ‘‘Pine (5) Development, operation, and maintenance Newark Train Station’’; View Dam,’’; of a certification system by a State of any fuel (4) in item number 57 by striking the project (81) in item number 5026 by striking the sold to a nonprofit educational organization (as description and inserting ‘‘Kingsland bypass project description and inserting ‘‘Roadway im- defined in section 4221(d)(5) of such Code) that from CR 61 to I–95, Camden County’’; provements on Washington Fields Road/300 includes verification of the good standing of the (5) in item number 114— East, Washington’’; organization in the State in which the organiza- (A) by striking ‘‘IA–32’’; and (82) in item number 5027 by inserting ‘‘and tion is providing educational services. (B) by inserting ‘‘SW’’ after ‘‘Construct’’; (6) in item number 122 by striking the project roadway improvements’’ after ‘‘safety project’’; SEC. 7. CORRECTION OF INTERSTATE DESIGNA- (83) in item number 5028 by inserting ‘‘and TION. description and inserting ‘‘Design, right-of-way, and construction of the SW Arterial and con- roadway improvements’’ after ‘‘lighting’’; (a) TREATMENT.—Section 1908(a) of the Safe, (84) in item number 5029 by inserting ‘‘and Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation nections to U.S. 20, Dubuque County’’; (7) in item number 130 by striking the project roadway improvements’’ after ‘‘lights’’; Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1469) (85) in number 5032 by striking the project de- description and inserting ‘‘Improvements and is amended by striking paragraph (3). scription and inserting ‘‘Expand Redhills Park- rehabilitation to rail and bridges on the (b) NATIONAL HIGHWAY SYSTEM.—Section way, St. George’’; Appanoose County Community Railroad’’; 1908(b) of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Effi- (86) in item number 5132 by striking the (8) in item number 133 by striking ‘‘IA–32’’; cient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for project description and inserting ‘‘St. Croix (9) in item number 138 by striking the project Users (119 Stat. 1470) is amended by striking River crossing project, Wisconsin State Highway description and inserting ‘‘West Spencer Belt- ‘‘from the Arkansas State line’’ and inserting 64, St. Croix County, Wisconsin, to Minnesota way Project’’; ‘‘from Interstate Route 540’’. State Highway 36, Washington County’’; and (10) in item number 142 by striking ‘‘MP 9.3, (87) in item number 5161 by striking the SEC. 8. FUTURE OF SURFACE TRANSPORTATION Segment I, II, and III’’ and inserting ‘‘Milepost project description and inserting ‘‘Raleigh Street SYSTEM. 24.3’’; Extension Project in Martinsburg’’. Section 1909(b) of the Safe, Accountable, (11) in item number 161 by striking ‘‘Bridge re- (b) TRANSFER OF PROJECT FUNDS.—The Sec- Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A placement on Johnson Drive and Nall Ave.’’ and retary of Transportation shall transfer to the Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1471) is amended— inserting ‘‘Construction improvements’’; Commandant of the Coast Guard amounts made (1) in the matter preceding subparagraph (A) (12) in item number 182 by striking the project available to carry out the project described in of paragraph (9) by striking ‘‘July 1, 2007’’ and description and inserting ‘‘Improve U.S. 40, item number 4985 of the table contained in sec- inserting ‘‘December 31, 2007’’; M.D. 715 interchange, and other roadways in tion 1702 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Ef- (2) in paragraph (11)(C) by striking ‘‘the Ad- the vicinity of Aberdeen Proving Ground to sup- ficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for ministrator of the Federal Highway Administra- port BRAC-related growth’’; Users (119 Stat. 1447) to carry out that project, tion’’ and inserting ‘‘the Secretary’’; (13) in item number 198 by striking the project in accordance with the Act of June 21, 1940 (3) in paragraph (11)(D)(i) by striking ‘‘, on a description and inserting ‘‘Construct 1 or more (commonly known as the ‘‘Truman-Hobbs Act’’) reimbursable basis,’’; grade separated crossings of I–75 and make as- (33 U.S.C. 511 et seq.). (4) in paragraph (15) by striking ‘‘$1,400,000 sociated improvements to improve local and re- (c) UNUSED OBLIGATION AUTHORITY.—Not- for each of fiscal years 2006 and 2007’’ and in- gional east-west mobility between Mileposts 279 withstanding any other provision of law, un- serting ‘‘$1,400,000 for fiscal year 2006 and and 282’’; used obligation authority made available for an $3,400,000 for fiscal year 2007’’; (14) in item number 201 by striking the project item in section 1702 of the Safe, Accountable, (5) by redesignating paragraphs (14), (15), description and inserting ‘‘Alger County, paving Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A (16), and (17) as paragraphs (15), (16), (17), and a portion of H–58 from Buck Hill to a point lo- Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1256) that is re- (18), respectively; and cated 4,000 feet east of the Hurricane River’’; pealed, or authorized funding for such an item (6) by inserting after paragraph (13) the fol- (15) in item number 238 by striking the project that is reduced, by this section shall be made lowing: description and inserting ‘‘Develop and con- available— ‘‘(14) LIMITATIONS.— struct the St. Mary water project road and (1) for an item in section 1702 of that Act that ‘‘(A) FUNDS.—Funds made available to carry bridge infrastructure, including a new bridge is added or increased by this section and that is out this section may be expended only to sup- and approaches across St. Mary River, stabiliza- in the same State as the item for which obliga- port the activities of the Commission. tion and improvements to United States Route tion authority or funding is repealed or reduced; ‘‘(B) DATA, ANALYSES, AND REPORTS.—No 89, and road/canal from Siphon Bridge to Spider (2) in an amount proportional to the amount data, analysis, report, or other document pre- Lake, on the condition that $2,500,000 of the of obligation authority or funding that is so re- pared for the Commission to fulfill the duties of amount made available to carry out this item pealed or reduced; and the Commission may be provided to, or shared may be made available to the Bureau of Rec- (3) individually for projects numbered 1 with, any other commission or task force until lamation for use for the Swift Current Creek through 3676 pursuant to section 1102(c)(4)(A) of the data, analysis, report, or document has been and Boulder Creek bank and bed stabilization that Act (119 Stat. 1158). made available to the public.’’. project in the Lower St. Mary Lake drainage’’;

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(16) in item number 329 by inserting ‘‘, Tulsa’’ (g) TECHNICAL AMENDMENTS.— ‘‘(ii) a combination of suspension of all driv- after ‘‘technology’’; (1) SURFACE TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH.—Sec- ing privileges for the first 45 days of the suspen- (17) in item number 358 by striking ‘‘fuel- tion 502 of title 23, United States Code, is sion period followed by a reinstatement of lim- celled’’ and inserting ‘‘fueled’’; amended by striking the first subsection (h), re- ited driving privileges for the purpose of getting (18) in item number 374 by striking the project lating to infrastructure investment needs reports to and from work, school, or an alcohol treat- description and inserting ‘‘Construct a 4-lane beginning with the report for January 31, 1999. ment program if an ignition interlock device is highway between Maverick Junction and the (2) ADVANCED TRAVEL FORECASTING PROCE- installed on each of the motor vehicles owned or Nebraska border’’; and DURES PROGRAM.—Section 5512(a)(2) of the Safe, operated, or both, by the individual; (19) in item number 402 by striking ‘‘from 2 to Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation ‘‘(B) be subject to the impoundment or immo- 5 lanes and improve alignment within rights-of- Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1829) bilization of, or the installation of an ignition way in St. George’’ and inserting ‘‘, St. George’’. is amended by striking ‘‘PROGRAM APPRECIA- interlock system on, each motor vehicle owned SEC. 12. HIGHWAY RESEARCH FUNDING. TION.—’’ and inserting ‘‘PROGRAM APPLICA- or operated (or both) by the individual;’’. (a) F–SHRP FUNDING.—Notwithstanding any TION.—’’. SEC. 17. RESEARCH TECHNICAL CORRECTION. other provision of law, for each of fiscal years (3) UNIVERSITY TRANSPORTATION RESEARCH.— Section 5506(e)(5)(C) of title 49, United States 2007 through 2009, at any time at which an ap- Section 5506 of title 49, United States Code, is Code, is amended by striking ‘‘$2,225,000’’and portionment is made of the sums authorized to amended— inserting ‘‘$2,250,000’’. be appropriated for the surface transportation (A) in subsection (i)— SEC. 18. EFFECTIVE DATE. program, the congestion mitigation and air (i) by striking ‘‘In order to’’ and inserting the (a) IN GENERAL.—Except as otherwise pro- quality improvement program, the National following: vided in this Act (including subsection (b)), this Highway System, the Interstate maintenance ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In order to’’; and Act and the amendments made by this Act take program, the bridge program, or the highway (ii) by adding at the end the following: effect on the date of enactment of this Act. safety improvement program, the Secretary of ‘‘(2) SPECIAL RULE.—Nothing in paragraph (1) (b) EXCEPTION.— Transportation shall— requires a nonprofit institution of higher learn- (1) IN GENERAL.—The amendments made by (1) deduct from each apportionment an ing designated as a Tier II university transpor- this Act (other than the amendments made by amount not to exceed 0.205 percent of the appor- tation center to maintain total expenditures as sections 4, 6, and 11) to the Safe, Accountable, tionment; and described in paragraph (1) in excess of the Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A (2) transfer or otherwise make that amount amount of the grant awarded to the institu- Legacy for Users (Public Law 109–59; 119 Stat. available to carry out section 510 of title 23, tion.’’; and 1144) shall— United States Code. (B) in subsection (k)(3) by striking ‘‘The Sec- (A) take effect as of the date of enactment of (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— retary’’ and all that follows through ‘‘to carry that Act; and (1) FUNDING.—Section 5101 of the Safe, Ac- out this section’’ and inserting ‘‘For each of fis- (B) be treated as being included in that Act as countable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation cal years 2007 through 2009, the Secretary shall of that date. Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1779) expend not more than 1.5 percent of amounts (2) EFFECT OF AMENDMENTS.—Each provision is amended— made available to carry out this section’’. of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient (A) in subsection (a)(1) by striking ‘‘509, and Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users SEC. 13. RESCISSION. 510’’ and inserting ‘‘and 509’’; (Public Law 109–59; 119 Stat. 1144) (including Section 10212 of the Safe, Accountable, Flexi- (B) in subsection (a)(4) by striking the amendments made by that Act) (as in effect ble, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Leg- ‘‘$69,700,000’’ and all that follows through on the day before the date of enactment of this acy for Users (as amended by section 1302 of the ‘‘2009’’ and inserting ‘‘$40,400,000 for fiscal year Act) that is amended by this Act (other than Pension Protection Act of 2006 (Public Law 109– 2005, $69,700,000 for fiscal year 2006, $76,400,000 sections 4, 6, and 11) shall be treated as not 280)) (119 Stat. 1937; 120 Stat. 780) is amended by for each of fiscal years 2007 and 2008, and being enacted. $78,900,000 for fiscal year 2009’’; and striking ‘‘$8,593,000,000’’ each place it appears (C) in subsection (b) by inserting ‘‘or, in the and inserting ‘‘$8,710,000,000’’. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- case of funds appropriated by subsection (a) to SEC. 14. TEA–21 TECHNICAL CORRECTIONS. ator from California is recognized. carry out section 5201, 5202, or 5203, 80 percent’’ (a) IN GENERAL.—Section 1108(f)(1) of the Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, I am after ‘‘50 percent’’. Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century very pleased we are on this bill. Sen- (2) FUTURE STRATEGIC HIGHWAY RESEARCH (23 U.S.C. 133 note; 112 Stat. 141) is amended by ator INHOFE and I haven’t wasted the PROGRAM.—Section 5210 of the Safe, Account- striking ‘‘2003’’ and inserting ‘‘2009’’. time. We have been talking with our able, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity (b) BEARTOOTH HIGHWAY, WYOMING AND MON- colleagues. I think for the interest of Act: A Legacy for Users (119 Stat. 1804) is TANA.—Item number 1646 of the table contained all Members, at this point we don’t ex- amended— in section 1602 of the Transportation Equity Act pect any votes tonight, but we cer- (A) by striking subsection (c); and for the 21st Century (112 Stat. 317) is amended (B) by redesignating subsection (d) as sub- tainly do hope in every way possible in the project description by striking ‘‘and con- section (c). struction’’ and inserting ‘‘reconstruction, main- that we will start disposing of the (c) CONTRACT AUTHORITY.—Funds made amendments in the morning. We will available under this section shall be available tenance (including routine and preventive main- tenance), snow removal, and pavement preser- be here about 10:30. We urge our col- for obligation in the same manner as if the leagues to come down and offer their funds were apportioned under chapter 1 of title vation’’. 23, United States Code, except that the Federal SEC. 15. HIGH PRIORITY CORRIDOR AND INNOVA- amendments. We will debate them, we share shall be determined under section 510(f) of TIVE PROJECT TECHNICAL CORREC- will have our votes on them, and we TIONS. that title. will get something done for the Amer- (a) HIGH PRIORITY CORRIDORS.—Section (d) APPLICABILITY OF OBLIGATION LIMITA- ican people. 1105(c) of the Intermodal Surface Transpor- TION.—Funds made available under this section I yield the floor at this time. shall be subject to any limitation on obligations tation Efficiency Act of 1991 (105 Stat. 2032; 119 I see my ranking member and I am for Federal-aid highways and highway safety Stat. 1212) is amended— (1) in paragraph (63) by striking ‘‘and United delighted he is here. construction programs under section 1102 the The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transpor- States Routes 1, 3, 9, 17, and 46,’’ and inserting ‘‘United States Routes 1, 9, and 46, and State ator from Oklahoma is recognized. tation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (23 U.S.C. Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, I thank 104 note; 119 Stat. 1157) or any other Act. Routes 3 and 17,’’; and (e) EQUITY BONUS FORMULA.—Notwith- (2) in paragraph (64)— the chairman of the committee. This is standing any other provision of law, in allo- (A) by striking ‘‘United States Route 42’’ and something we have spent a long time cating funds for the equity bonus program inserting ‘‘State Route 42’’; and on. I think it is very important for all under section 105 of title 23, United States Code, (B) by striking ‘‘Interstate Route 676’’ and in- of us on both sides of the aisle to un- for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2009, the serting ‘‘Interstate Routes 76 and 676’’. derstand that what we are considering (b) INNOVATIVE PROJECTS.—The table con- Secretary of Transportation shall make the re- here is not the transportation reau- quired calculations under that section as if this tained in section 1107(b) of the Intermodal Sur- face Transportation Efficiency Act of 1991 (105 thorization bill of 2005. That was done. section had not been enacted. That is history. That is behind us. A (f) FUNDING FOR RESEARCH ACTIVITIES.—Of Stat. 2048(b)) is amended in item number 89, in the amount made available by section 5101(a)(1) the matter under the column with the heading technical corrections bill is common of the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient ‘‘INNOVATIVE PROJECTS’’, by inserting ‘‘and con- with every bill, every major piece of Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users tiguous counties’’ after ‘‘Michigan’’. legislation that comes along. Some- (119 Stat. 1779)— SEC. 16. DEFINITION OF REPEAT INTOXICATED times in the case—I will go ahead and (1) at least $1,000,000 shall be made available DRIVER LAW. say in my case of Oklahoma, we had a for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2009 to Section 164(a)(5) of title 23, United States major project that was about a $200,000 Code, is amended by striking subparagraphs (A) carry out section 502(h) of title 23, United States project in Durant, OK in which, accord- Code; and and (B) and inserting the following: (2) at least $4,900,000 shall be made available ‘‘(A) receive— ing to our transportation commis- for each of fiscal years 2007 through 2009 to ‘‘(i) a driver’s license suspension for not less sioner and the Transportation Depart- carry out section 502(i) of that title. than 1 year; or ment of Oklahoma, that same amount

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Then my junior Senator has is no one who is more conservative lot of money, that doesn’t do anything a concern over something that is a than I am by all ratings in my last 22 more—it doesn’t even maintain what process that happened—it didn’t even years in both the House and the Sen- we already have. We don’t even have a happen here, but it happened in the ate. There are no new projects. There is lot of new stuff in there. There is not a other body. Now, I agree with him, it is no new spending. The amount of money person in America who doesn’t know something that was egregious and that was authorized is the same we have a crisis. Some of these Mem- needs to be investigated. I think it amount of money that is authorized at bers of this committee or this body, if should be. I think there are a lot of dif- the present time in the technical cor- you don’t think it is a crisis, call your ferent ways of doing it. I want to join rections bill. So it is not somehow get- wife at home, or your husband, and hands with him and get this done. ting some kind of an earmark or some- they will tell you it is a crisis. It is So we, to my knowledge, only have thing else in it. worse every year. It is not something those three things that are out there I have often said that of all of the that we can make a decision today and that are holding this up. I would invite systems we use in Washington to ac- all come to our good senses and get it those three authors to come down. I complish things, probably the trans- done and it will be done tomorrow. It is think while we are not going to be hav- portation system is the best. I don’t a long lead time. It is a complicated ing votes tonight, we can start debat- know of anyone who complains about process. But it is one of the things that ing these tonight, and tomorrow morn- paying into the highway trust fund has worked well. ing we could actually vote on some of when they get gasoline. They want to I know there are a lot of people who these. But I agree with the chairman of be sure it is going to go to building want to satisfy some constituency that the committee, Senator BOXER, and the highways, repairing bridges. But what says you are spending too much majority and the minority leaders in we do in the State of Oklahoma is we money. You tell that constituency to this body that we need to get it done. have eight transportation districts, go out and drive in the traffic for a We are not going to get it done until eight transportation commissioners, while and see what kind of serious we get the amendments down here, de- all geographically located. They make problems we have. bate them, and decide what is the will recommendations. What I do with a I have often said—and I have followed of this body. That is what we are sup- transportation bill is I leave it up to this myself—we all in this body have posed to be doing for a living around them to make the determination as to different priorities. That is what here. That is what happens. where that goes. The States are mak- makes it a representative body. I have I yield the floor and suggest the ab- ing those decisions. The highway trust often said we need to, No. 1, take care sence of a quorum. fund—there are some States where the of our Nation’s security, have a mili- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The money doesn’t go straight into trans- tary that can defend our country; No. clerk will call the roll. portation. They have been robbing bal- 2, take care of the infrastructure we The assistant legislative clerk pro- ances of the highway trust fund for as have and move forward with that; and ceeded to call the roll. long as I know. We have corrected that No. 3, which is kind of a pet thing with Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask problem in the State of Oklahoma. In- me, and I think everyone who has pre- unanimous consent that the order for stead of having it go to other causes, it viously been a mayor of a major city— the quorum call be rescinded. goes to correcting the crisis we are in unfunded mandates is another area The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without right now. that I feel this governing body should objection, it is so ordered. I wish to say that for those of us who be paying attention to. But we have a f are conservatives, this is something bill. We have a bill that is working that works well. If there is any func- now. We are improving highways. We MORNING BUSINESS tion of government that needs to be ad- are adding lanes. But we have come to Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask dressed and has to be addressed at the a stop. I think anyone who tries to unanimous consent that the Senate Federal level, it is our roads and high- keep this from becoming a reality proceed to a period of morning busi- ways. We have States such as Montana, doesn’t want to address a serious prob- ness, with Senators permitted to speak big States that have very few people. lem we are faced with. therein for up to 10 minutes each. You still have to get across them. You No one else is going to do it for us. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without have the congested eastern States that The States can’t do it. It has to be done objection, it is so ordered. have the opposite situation. That is by the Federal Government. We passed f why way back in the Eisenhower ad- a bill. We are going to be coming up ministration they decided to go in to- against another bill next year when COLOMBIA FREE TRADE gether and create this system we still this runs out in 2009. We are going to be AGREEMENT have today. It is one that has worked reauthorizing for the next 5 years or 7 Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, earlier fairly well. I don’t want people out years or maybe even longer. But this this month, President Bush sent up an- there to think this is something that has to be done and we need to get it other trade agreement to the House of has a bunch of projects and a bunch of done now. Representatives. This agreement is a earmarks in it. It doesn’t. This is We do have several amendments. I bilateral trade agreement with Colom- something we spent 2 or 3 years inten- understand the concern of the Senator bia. He calls it a ‘‘free trade agree- sively working on prior to its passage from South Carolina who has made his ment,’’ a term we use around here—I in 2005. Now we want to make these statements, and he has done so very am not sure why, except that it sounds corrections to make sure the rest of eloquently. Frankly, I agree with al- good, because these trade agreements the projects get done. most everything he says. The only generally are—I don’t have it in front Here is the dilemma we have right thing I disagree with is that this bill of me, but it was too thick to bind in now. We have a lot of projects—not isn’t creating new projects, isn’t spend- its original printing. It is about seven nearly enough but a lot of projects— ing new money. We need, in his State or eight hundred pages. that we authorized in 2005. If we don’t as well as my State and in all 50 NAFTA, the North American Free have technical corrections, we are up States, to get on with this. I hope peo- Trade Agreement—which the Presiding against the wall now where we can’t ple realize these are not new projects; Officer opposed 15 years ago, as I did— get anything more done, and we have it is not an increase in spending. It was even longer than that. The way given our word to people all through- doesn’t spend at all; it is an authoriza- they sell these agreements is they say out the country that we are going to tion bill. we are eliminating the tariffs on the improve bridges, we are going to try to Another amendment that is going to trade relationship between—in this save lives, and it has virtually stopped be pending is that of my good friend case it is Colombia, and Colombia still

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If it five, six pages long and eliminate the down in Bucyrus, or in Ashland, it gets to this body, I am hopeful Mem- tariff schedule, making a real free means fewer firefighters, fewer school- bers will do the right thing and say to trade agreement. teachers, fewer restaurant workers, President Bush: It is not time to do a These are not free trade agreements fewer realtors, and fewer people who trade agreement. This trade policy in the President sends us, nor are they serve those jobs—those people who had our country has failed. It is not work- free trade agreements that Presidents the manufacturing jobs. ing for our country, it is not working in the past sent. They are hundreds and So it is pretty clear that the trade for our national security, it is not hundreds of pages of protectionism, agreements, in addition to other dam- working for our communities, it is not pages outlining protections for the age they have done, clearly—when you working for our families, and it is not drug companies, protections for the en- have a trade deficit that goes from $38 working to build the middle class in ergy companies, for financial services billion to $800 billion in a decade and a this society the way we should. companies, banks and others, and pro- half, they have done significant dam- I yield the floor. tections for the pharmaceutical indus- age to our country and, most impor- f try. That is what these supposed free tantly, to our communities and our TRIBUTE TO CLARENCE W. DUPNIK trade agreements are. families. It is interesting that those of us who I will close on something specifically Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today oppose these ‘‘free trade agreements’’ unique to the Colombia trade agree- to pay tribute to one of America’s fin- because they don’t protect our commu- ment. We know that in Colombia they est, Clarence W. Dupnik, Sheriff of nities, frankly, are called ‘‘protection- have had a significant number of mur- Pima County, AZ, who celebrates 50 ists.’’ If we are going to write these ders committed against union activ- years of law enforcement service to his community this year. agreements and build in protections for ists. I heard a Member of the House say Clarence Dupnik is known as a man the drug companies, the oil industry, today there were more union activ- of action, integrity, and innovation. and the other energy companies, the fi- ists—organizing union leaders—mur- These skills have been invaluable to nancial services companies, the banks, dered in Colombia than anywhere in his 50 years of service to Arizona, and and the insurance companies, we also the rest of the world combined. the Nation. should build in protections for our Although President Uribe of Colom- Sheriff Dupnik began his career in workers in New Jersey and in Ohio, bia says union violence has come down law enforcement in 1958 as a patrol offi- protections for our communities in and his spokespeople in this body say cer with the city of Tucson Police De- Lima, and Mansfield, and Tiffin, OH, the same, the fact is that union mur- partment, TPD. He held various posi- protections for food safety, and build in ders, deaths of union activists in the tions within the Tucson Police Depart- protections for consumer product safe- first 3 months of 2008 are almost twice ment, rising to major in charge of field ty. what they were in 2007. Adding insult operations by the time he retired from But that is not what they do. What is to injury, we have seen fewer and fewer the TPD in January 1977. From there, most curious about these agreements convictions. Only about 3 percent of he was appointed chief deputy sheriff of that the President has sent up—in this these murders have resulted in convic- Pima County Sheriff’s Department, case the most recent is Colombia—it tions of the people who have been and later appointed Pima County Sher- reminds me of the old Einstein saying guilty of the murders. To add even fur- iff in 1980. that the definition of insanity is doing ther insult to this whole issue, the Since 1980, Clarence Dupnik has been the same thing over and over and over American Government, the State De- elected to seven consecutive terms of again and expecting a different out- partment has said the paramilitary office as Pima County Sheriff, a posi- come. vigilantes who are allied often with the tion in which he remains today. Clar- We have seen, in almost 15-plus years Uribe Government who have killed the ence Dupnik’s many years of service to in the House of Representatives, and union activists are classified by our Pima County represent a remarkable now in the Senate—and it is roughly State Department as terrorists. We, in achievement and a great responsibility. the same period of the Presiding Offi- essence, are supporting the Uribe Gov- During his tenure as sheriff, the pop- cer—we have seen our trade deficit go ernment that is allied with para- ulation of Pima County has nearly dou- from $38 billion in 1992, to in excess of military vigilantes who are called ter- bled in size. Today it claims almost $800 billion last year. It is hard to rorists by our own Government. 400,000 residents, making it the second- know exactly what that means. A $38 I don’t quite see why we would want highest populated county in Arizona. billion deficit—that means we buy $38 to reward that Government. I want In addition, Pima County shares 123 billion more in this country than we President Uribe to succeed. I think he miles of border with the nation of Mex- sell to other countries. It is $800 billion has done decent works. But I don’t ico. These characteristics have brought more that we buy in this country than think we should reward him with a on special challenges, which Sheriff we sell to other countries. That is a trade agreement and lose the leverage Dupnik met head on, with an admi- huge amount of dollars, obviously. we have to try to get the activist mur- rable commitment to crime reduction. That $800 billion—it was boiled down der rate down and also so that the peo- Over the last three decades, Sheriff by the first President Bush, who said ple have the opportunity to join unions Dupnik has been instrumental to the that a billion dollar trade surplus, or in Colombia. Fewer than 5 percent of reduction of the per capita crime rate deficit, translated into 13,000 jobs. So if the Colombian workforce is unionized. in Pima County. He has fought crimi- you have a trade surplus—in other That is the lowest or second lowest in nal enterprises, drug trafficking orga- words, if you are selling more than you the Western Hemisphere. nizations, and gangs. He also worked are buying as a nation, a billion dol- They are not doing what they need to with former U.S. Surgeon General lars, according to President Bush the do to bring working families into the Richard Carmona to improve law en- first, would add up to about 13,000 new middle class, as we have seen in our forcement capabilities by integrating jobs—net gain of jobs in your country. country. The reason we have a pros- special weapons and tactics with emer- But if you have $1 billion deficit, it perous Zanesville and a prosperous gency medical assistance. Addition- means it is a 13,000 net job loss in your Springfield, OH, in part is because of ally, he had the foresight to deploy 350 country. We have not a billion dollar people’s ability to join a union and bar- new mobile data computers in all Sher- trade deficit but an $800 billion one. Do gain collectively for better wages, iff’s patrol vehicles—both patrol and the math. What does that mean in lost health care, and pensions. unmarked—before most other depart- jobs? It means an awful lot of lost man- In the country of Colombia, they do ments in Arizona. Sheriff Dupnik also ufacturing jobs in my State, from not have those opportunities. For us to participated in the Joint Terrorism Cleveland, to Dayton, to Lima, to Can- put the imprimatur of the U.S. on a Task Force and served on the Execu- ton, to Kent, to Ravenna, to all over free-trade agreement for that social tive Committee of the FBI.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3021 Using his many years of law enforce- able. I applaud his efforts and wish him tients to Joint Commission-certified stroke ment experience and leadership skills, the best in his future endeavors. centers. That rule should take effect within Clarence Dupnik has worked hard to a month or so. f Until those changes take place, Virginia improve and give back to his commu- TREATING VICTIMS OF STROKE and District residents might be wise to know nity in any way he can. He introduced MORE EFFECTIVELY the signs of stroke. If they suspect they’re Drug Abuse Resistance Education, having a stroke, they then, directly or DARE, and School Resource Officer Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, a re- through a family member acting on their be- programs in Pima County schools. In cent article in the Washington Post half, might ask to be taken to a specialized addition, Sheriff Dupnik instituted a highlights the serious additional harm stroke center. About 780,000 Americans have a stroke countywide community policing pro- that is being done to victims of stroke each and every day by our failure to each year. The vast majority of strokes, 87 gram, created the Multi-agency Nar- percent, are ischemic, caused by a clot that cotic Investigations Unit, and estab- get them as quickly as possible to hos- cuts off blood supply to the brain, according lished the Command Group of the Ari- pitals or other treatment centers quali- to the American Heart Association. zona Alliance Planning Committee. In fied to provide the timely, appropriate TPA, when given within three hours of the addition, he founded and chairs a drug- care that can make all the difference onset of a stroke, can increase the chances of prevention group called Arizona for a between recovery and permanent dis- a full neurologic recovery by at least 25 per- cent, said Robert Bass, executive director of Drug-Free Workplace. ability or death. Not all hospitals have this capa- the Maryland Institute for Emergency Med- The dedication and service of Clar- ical Services Systems, or MIEMSS. But the ence Dupnik during his 50-year law en- bility, and Massachusetts and a hand- drug’s associated risks, which include major forcement career is truly commend- ful of other States have begun imple- bleeding in the brain, make it even more cru- able. I thank Sheriff Dupnik for his menting systems to make better qual- cial to get care at the right facility, Bass many years of service and wish him ity care available and to inform the said. further success in the years to come. I public and emergency medical services Finding a hospital that specializes in of the location of the nearest facility stroke care is even more important at a time know that these years of public service when most are having trouble finding spe- have sacrificed time from his family capable of providing such care. What is cialists to ‘‘take call’’—that is, to see pa- and I would like to take this moment needed most, however, is national lead- tients at the hospital. to also thank and acknowledge his wife ership to make prompt and quality There are no hard numbers on the short- Susie and their family. With Sheriff care for stroke victims a reality age, but the American College of Emergency Dupnik’s great example in mind, I hope throughout this country. Physicians reported in 2006 that three-quar- that we can all work together to re- I believe our colleagues in the Senate ters of emergency departments nationwide and House will be interested in this im- had problems finding specialists such as neu- duce crime in our Nation. rosurgeons to take call. The shortage was es- f portant article, and I ask unanimous pecially acute in orthopedics, plastic surgery consent to have it printed in the and neurosurgery. HONORING DR. JAMES HANSEN RECORD. Being seen by a neurology specialist Mr. REID. Mr. President, I rise today There being no objection, the mate- doesn’t guarantee a good stroke outcome. to recognize Dr. James Hansen upon re- rial was ordered to printed in the But it is crucial to have a physician trained ceiving the Desert Research Institute’s RECORD, as follows: in stroke care, said Lee Schwamm, vice chairman of the neurology department and Nevada Medal for 2008. [From the Washington Post, Apr. 1, 2008] This award, which will be formally director of acute stroke services at Massa- NEW RULES ON STROKE chusetts General Hospital in Boston. presented to Dr. Hansen in Reno to- CARE CENTER NETWORKS MAY SAVE LIVES ‘‘Many people assume that stroke can be night and in Las Vegas on April 17, was (By Alicia Ault) and is treated by anyone,’’ he said, which established 20 years ago by the Desert In the event of a stroke, time is brain— simply isn’t true. Massachusetts was the first state to create Research Institute, DRI, to recognize meaning the more quickly you recognize the a stroke care system, in 2004, partly because outstanding achievements in science problem and get proper medical treatment, of the problem of getting on-call specialists. and engineering. DRI is a world leader the more likely you are to survive and mini- Under the plan, designated hospitals agree to mize neurological damage. Increasingly, ex- in the study of environmental sciences, have the appropriate diagnostics and staff perts are concluding that means getting to and Dr. Hansen should be proud to re- (including neurologists on duty or available the right hospital, and fast. ceive such an honor. through telemedicine) and the ability to give According to the American Stroke Asso- Dr. Hansen directs the NASA God- TPA within three hours. They also agree to ciation and many neurologists, the right fa- dard Institute for Space Studies, and is report on the quality of care. cility is one that has been designated by a an adjunct professor of Earth sciences In mid-2005, the state began requiring am- state agency or the Joint Commission (which bulances to take patients to stroke centers. at Columbia University’s Earth Insti- accredits hospitals for quality and safety) as tute. He received his bachelor’s degree Within a year, the number of stroke patients having the appropriate medical staff, the receiving TPA increased by 20 percent, from the University of Iowa in 1963, fol- ability to quickly administer such diag- Schwamm said. Now the goal is to increase lowed by his master’s in 1965, and his nostic tests as computed tomography, and a the number of patients who get to the hos- Ph.D. in 1967. He was elected to the Na- potentially lifesaving drug, tissue plas- pital in time, he added. Sixty-eight of the tional Academy of Sciences in 1995, and minogen activator (TPA), which dissolves state’s 72 hospitals have been designated as has received numerous awards through- clots. stroke centers by the Massachusetts health In some states, including Maryland, you out his illustrious career. department. don’t have to worry about which hospital Several states have followed Dr. Hansen has spent decades re- might be best. Ambulance crews who suspect searching climate change, and his work Massachusetts’s lead, including Maryland (in a stroke are required to seek out a des- 2007), New York, New Jersey and Florida. has broadened public knowledge about ignated stroke center, unless the nearest one Maryland hospitals that apply for the accelerating changes in the climate is an unreasonable distance away. stroke center designation are evaluated by a due to global warming. He has linked Now health officials in Virginia and the state inspection team. Hospitals can also be human-produced emissions to an over- District say they are considering similar certified by the Joint Commission. all increase in global temperature and plans. The nonprofit commission began certifying In March, Virginia Gov. Timothy M. Kaine called for international cooperation to stroke centers in 2003. So far, 455 hospitals signed a bill requiring local health officials nationwide have received that designation. address the issue. Dr. Hansen high- to rush stroke patients to Joint Commission- Twenty-eight hospitals have received lights the dangerous path we tread if certified primary stroke centers. Even Maryland’s five-year stroke center certifi- we fail to reduce our reliance on fossil though that law has not yet taken effect, cation. These hospitals can evaluate stroke fuels. At the same time, he has out- emergency medical technicians typically patients, give the initial treatment and, in lined the steps that need to be taken in route patients to stroke centers, said Paul most cases, admit patients directly to a spe- order to reverse the course of global Sharpe, trauma and critical care coordinator cial stroke unit in the hospital, Bass said. warming and stabilize our climate. for Virginia’s Office of Emergency Medical Since the program’s establishment, the num- Services. I am proud to honor Dr. James Han- ber of patients receiving clot-busting ther- In Washington, Michael Williams, medical apy has increased 20-fold, said John Young, sen and his many achievements. The director of Fire and Emergency Medical stroke system coordinator for MIEMSS. contributions that he has made to the Services, said he soon will issue a protocol Like the District, Virginia does not have scientific community are truly invalu- requiring transport of suspected stroke pa- its own stroke center certification process.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3022 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 15, 2008 Certification isn’t a guarantee of superior at E.O. Green Junior High in Oxnard, statutes—the Terrorist Hoax Improve- care, said Ralph Sacco, chairman of the CA, was critically wounded by a class- ments Act and the Law Enforcement American Stroke Association’s Stroke Advi- mate. He was later declared brain dead. Officers Safety Act—which are de- sory Committee and chairman of neurology Then, on February 14, tragedy struck signed to improve public safety. at the Miller School of Medicine at the Uni- at Northern Illinois University. A Specifically, the bill would improve versity of Miami. But it’s an indicator that the hospital has the infrastructure in place— former student opened fire in a geology the safety and security of students and the commitment—to deliver high-qual- class, killing 5 students and wounding both at the elementary and secondary ity treatment, he and Schwamm agreed. 16, before killing himself. As hundreds school level and on college and univer- What should you do if you think you or a of mourners remembered one of the sity campuses. The K–12 improvements loved one are having a stroke? Northern Illinois University victims at are drawn from a bill that Senator The keys to a good outcome, Schwamm a funeral service, more than 1,000 Vir- BOXER introduced right after the Vir- said, are knowing the warning signs, calling ginia Tech students—many of the same ginia Tech tragedy, and I want to 911 immediately and getting to a primary thank Senator BOXER for her hard stroke center. students who will grieve tomorrow for He and others say they hope that every their lost friends, classmates, and pro- work on this issue. The improvements state adopts a system to require transport to fessors—gathered in solidarity for a include increased funding for much those centers. It could be a lifesaving trip. candlelight vigil in Blacksburg, VA. needed infrastructure changes to im- f Eight months ago, the Senate Judici- prove security as well as the establish- ary Committee took a step to make ment of hotlines and tip-lines, which FIRST ANNIVERSARY OF THE our schools and college campuses safer will enable students to report poten- VIRGINIA TECH TRAGEDY when it reported the School Safety and tially dangerous situations to school Mr. LEAHY. Mr. President, tomor- Law Enforcement Improvement Act of administrators before they occur. row, April 16, 2008, marks the first an- 2007, S. 2084. Regrettably, the Senate To address the new realities of cam- niversary of the horrific incident at has failed to take up and pass that bill pus safety in the wake of Virginia Tech Virginia Tech that resulted in the trag- to improve school safety. The 1-year and more recent college incidents, the ic deaths of 32 students and faculty anniversary of the Virginia Tech inci- bill also creates a matching grant pro- members and serious injuries to many dent reminds us why this comprehen- gram for campus safety and security to other innocent victims. Our hearts go sive legislation should be considered be administered out of the COPS Office out to the victims’ families as they and passed without further delay. of the Department of Justice. mourn their loved ones who tragically In originating the bill more than 8 The grant program would allow insti- lost their lives before their time. Our months ago, the Judiciary Committee tutions of higher education to apply, sympathies also go out to the survivors showed deference to Gov. Tim Kaine for the first time, directly for Federal of this terrible incident, as well as the and the task forces at work in Virginia funds to make school safety and secu- entire Virginia Tech community, and sought to complement their work rity improvements. The program is au- whose resilient spirit and courage in and recommendations. Working with thorized to be appropriated at $50 mil- the face of tragedy over the past year several Senators, including Senators lion for the next 2 fiscal years. While this amounts to just $3 per student have been truly remarkable. BOXER, REED, SPECTER, FEINGOLD, each year, it will enable schools to We cannot reverse the senseless vio- SCHUMER, and DURBIN, the committee lence of one year ago, nor can we repair originated this bill and reported it at more effectively respond to dangerous all of the damage that the heinous acts the start of the 2007 academic year in situations on campus. The bill would also make sworn law of one very disturbed young man the hope that Congress would adopt enforcement officers who work for pri- caused for an entire community. But these critical school safety improve- vate institutions of higher education one thing we can do to honor the vic- ments last fall. We worked hard to get and rail carriers eligible for death and tims and their families is ensure that it done. disability benefits and for funds admin- our schools, colleges, and universities The incidents at E.O. Green Junior istered under the Byrne Grant Program have the support and resources they High, Mitchell High School, Louisiana and the Bulletproof Vest Partnership need to protect our children. Technical College, and Northern Illi- Grant Program. Providing this equi- Regrettably, 1 year after the tragic nois University are just a few of the table treatment is in the best interest events at Virginia Tech, little has been tragic events that have claimed lives of our Nation’s educators and students done at the national level to address or resulted in serious injuries to stu- and will serve to place the support of the dangers our students continue to dents since the Virginia Tech tragedy. the Federal Government behind the face. Over the past 12 months, we have In the time since this bill was reported dedicated law enforcement officers who continued to see threatening conduct out of the Judiciary Committee, we serve and protect private colleges and and, too often, deadly acts of violence have seen tragic deaths at Delaware universities nationwide. The leadership involving students of all ages. Only State University and the University of of Senator JACK REED has been vital in yesterday we learned that several col- Memphis and grievous injuries sus- this area. leges were shut down as officials as- tained by students and teachers at The bill also helps law enforcement sessed graffiti messages threatening vi- SuccessTech Academy in Cleveland, by making improvements to the Law olence on campus. School lockdowns OH. And there have been numerous Enforcement Officers Safety Act of are becoming all too common in our lockdowns nationwide as a result of 2003, LEOSA. These amendments to ex- communities. threatening conduct in our schools, in- isting law will streamline the system A string of tragedies in just 1 week’s cluding recent lockdowns at Fern by which qualified retired and active time this past February reminded us Creek High School in Louisville, KY, officers can be certified under LEOSA. once again that our students face more and St. Peter’s College in Jersey City, It serves us all when we permit quali- than merely threatening violent con- NY. fied officers, with a demonstrated com- duct. Between February 8 and Feb- The School Safety and Law Enforce- mitment to law enforcement and no ad- ruary 14, at least four incidents at ment Improvement Act would address verse employment history, to protect schools and colleges resulted in death the problem of violence in our schools themselves, their families, and their or serious injury to students of all in several ways. The bill authorizes fellow citizens wherever those officers ages. Federal assistance for programs to im- may be. On February 8, a female student prove the safety and security of our The bill focuses on prevention as killed two other students, and then schools and institutions of higher edu- well, by incorporating the PRE- herself, inside a classroom on the cam- cation, provides equitable benefits to CAUTION Act at the request of Sen- pus of Louisiana Technical College in law enforcement serving those institu- ators FEINGOLD and SPECTER. This pro- Baton Rouge. Three days later, a stu- tions, including bulletproof vests, and vision authorizes grants to develop pre- dent at Mitchell High School in Mem- funds pilot programs to develop cut- vention and intervention programs for phis, TN, was left in critical condition ting-edge prevention and intervention our schools. after a violent incident in the school’s programs for our schools. The bill also Finally, the bill incorporates the cafeteria. A day later, a 15-year-old boy clarifies and strengthens two existing Terrorist Hoax Improvements Act of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3023 2007, at the request of Senator KEN- the Founding Fathers could not have program did not exist and the IRS in- NEDY. imagined must be readily available to stead allocated $7.65 million in appro- The Virginia Tech Review Panel—a citizens across the country. The Cap- priated funds to its automated collec- body commissioned by Governor Kaine ital Area District Library continues to tion system, ACS, function, the return to study the Virginia Tech tragedy— fulfill this need in Lansing and Ingham on investment would be vastly greater. has issued its findings based on a 4- County, and has done so for 10 years IRS data shows that the average return month investigation of the incident with remarkable effectiveness. I con- on investment for the ACS program is and its aftermath. This bill would gratulate all who have worked so hard about 20:1, which would mean that an adopt a number of recommendations on this venture, and extend my deepest expenditure of $7.65 million would gen- from the Review Panel aimed at im- appreciation for their service to the erate annual revenue of $153 million.’’ proving school safety. citizens of our State. Ms. Olson then recommended that the We must not miss this opportunity to f private debt collection initiative be implement these initiatives nationwide terminated. I concur. and to take concrete steps to ensure IRS PRIVATE DEBT COLLECTION The privatization initiative is also the safety of our kids. The Senate ACTIVITIES putting millions of Americans’ per- should move forward and act. I hope Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, today is sonal information at risk. I do not be- those who are holding up this legisla- April 15, the day when millions of lieve that Americans want private col- tion will reconsider their position Americans are hurrying to file their in- lection agencies tio have access to today as we prepare to remember and come tax forms to meet the midnight their sensitive, personal information to honor those who so tragically lost deadline. Many of my colleagues have that should only be reserved for the their lives, and those who had their spoken today about the need to make Federal Government and the qualified, lives changed forever, in the most more effective and responsible use of trained, accountable personnel who deadly incident on a college campus in Federal tax dollars, and I agree that we work at the IRS. our Nation’s history. must do so. One place to start is with The Ways and Means Committee re- The Senate should move forward to the IRS’s own private debt collection cently considered legislation that invest in the safety of our students and program. would repeal the IRS’s authority to use to better support law enforcement offi- Today, the Washington Post reported private debt collection agencies. The cers across the country by considering that the Internal Revenue Service’s use Taxpayer Assistance and Simplifica- and passing the School Safety and Law of private debt collection agencies is tion Act was reported out of committee Enforcement Improvement Act of 2007. expected to cost taxpayers more than in a bipartisan vote. My distinguished f $37 million this year. Throughout our colleague from North Dakota has in- Nation’s history, the Federal Govern- troduced similar legislation that would CAPITAL AREA DISTRICT LIBRARY ment had always assumed responsi- prohibit the IRS from using private 10TH ANNIVERSARY bility for tax collection. But in 2004, debt collection companies, and I am Mr. LEVIN. Mr. President, since the through legislation that I opposed, pleased to be an original cosponsor of first library society was formed in De- Congress gave the IRS authority to use that bill. troit in 1817, libraries have played a private debt collection companies to The private debt collection program central role in the cultural and eco- collect undisputed tax debts of less also has generated considerable confu- nomic development of the people of than $25,000. The companies also would sion among taxpayers. Under the rules Michigan. Nearly 200 years after that receive a 25-percent commission on all of the program, collectors cannot say first foray into book-sharing, libraries receipts. Although the stated goal was they are working for the IRS or that have spread across our State. Today I to improve the efficiency of tax collec- they are calling about a tax matter would like to take a moment to recog- tions, it is clear that this plan is not without first receiving proof of a tax- nize the Capital Area District Library working. payer’s identity. This has led to nu- in Ingham County, which is celebrating In fact, even before Congress adopted merous complaints from consumers a decade of enriching the Lansing area, this approach, former IRS Commis- who have received calls from collec- and in doing so has continued the long sioner Charles Rossotti estimated, in a tors, pressing them to provide Social history of libraries making important 2002 report to the IRS Oversight Board, Security numbers and other personal contributions to our State. that if Congress were to appropriate an information without first identifying The Capital Area District Library additional $296 million to hire more the purpose of the call. Citizens are system plays a significant role in the compliance employees, the agency justifiably fearful of being scammed, early stages of learning for children in could collect an additional $9.47 billion. and so they refuse to provide the com- Lansing, and provides important re- In other words, every dollar spent on panies with any information. By any sources for continuing education for collection would net $31. But rather measure, this program is not working. adults. The 13 libraries and the book than increase the number of IRS em- Mr. President, the private debt col- mobile are places where all are wel- ployees, Congress ignored Commis- lection experiment has failed. Tax col- come to access and pursue a wealth of sioner Rossotti’s advice and instead lection is a fundamental responsibility information. Patrons can work on their spent scarce taxpayer funds to pri- of Government, and Congress should own, in organized programs, or with vatize IRS functions, with dismal re- provide the IRS with the staff and the assistance of the highly effective sults. other resources needed to fulfill this library staff, who are focused on pro- In March 2008, Nina Olson, the Na- responsibility, not enrich private com- moting learning and enjoyment. tional Taxpayer Advocate, reported to panies at the expense of American tax- The resources available through the Congress that the program actually is payers. Today on April 15—Tax Day— Capital Area District Library also play losing money. Testifying before the millions of Americans are rushing to a critical role in economic develop- House Ways and Means Committee, Ms. file their taxes before the midnight ment. Considering that more than half Olson said that the IRS is losing at deadline. Many are writing checks to of all American households do not have least $81 million a year by using pri- the IRS, and so it is an appropriate computers or Internet access, the Cap- vate debt collection companies. The time to reconsider the millions of dol- ital Area District Library resources are IRS spent $71 million to start the pro- lars they are spending on the private more important than ever to connect gram and it spends $7.65 million annu- debt collection program. It is time for our citizens to technology and informa- ally to operate it, plus on average $4.6 this body to pass Senator DORGAN’s bill tion in this rapidly changing world. million in commissions that are paid to and end this inefficient use of taxpayer Thomas Jefferson once wrote to John the private collectors. Despite using dollars. Adams, ‘‘I cannot live without books.’’ aggressive tactics, the companies have f Books and education were a bedrock of collected only $49 million, little more life for our Nation’s Founding Fathers than half of what it has cost the IRS to HONORING OUR MILITARY and of our democracy; books and edu- implement the program. By contrast, Mr. NELSON of Nebraska. Mr. Presi- cation and new learning resources that Ms. Olson testified, and I quote, ‘‘if the dent, I rise today to honor the courage

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3024 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 15, 2008 and selflessness of the men and women been deployed six times; this speaks to ministrator Dave Lauriski said during serving so bravely in America’s mili- Captain Veath’s remarkable dedication that meeting. ‘‘This alone is unprece- tary and, in particular, to acknowledge and selflessness. dented . . . NSSGA is again showing its those from my home State of Ne- That day was a vivid reminder of our leadership.’’ braska. Last week, the testimony of American soldiers, who must leave On the environmental front, Ms. Wil- GEN David Petraeus and Ambassador their loved ones in order to serve in son led the industry in investing in a Ryan Crocker before the Senate on the battles nearly 7,000 miles away from study ‘‘righting an assumption we just situation in Iraq reminded everyone of their homes. Today, I offer my most didn’t believe was right.’’ Through the the personal sacrifices of the men and sincere appreciation and gratitude to efforts of the association and its mem- women and their families who are serv- soldiers such as Army CPT Logan bers, it was determined that the aggre- ing their country in support of Oper- Veath. We must never forget these gates industry is not a major emitter ations Iraqi Freedom and Enduring brave men and women, who have val- of PM–10—a particular type of air pol- Freedom. iantly and selflessly served their coun- lutant. The final regulations reflected The United States is engaged in a try, together with their families, who the investment by the industry in rec- protracted war for the first time since provide them with immeasurable sup- ognizing that aggregate operations are the end of the military draft 35 years port. Their honor in service must re- not a major source of coarse particu- ago. The strains of this prolonged en- main a source of inspiration for us all. late matter. gagement in Iraq and Afghanistan are f Considering almost half of all underscored by the burdens placed on crushed stone, sand and gravel pro- our service members and their fami- ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS duced in the United States is used for lies. The voluntary nature of our mili- building the Nation’s transportation tary accentuates these burdens, being HONORING JENNIFER JOY WILSON infrastructure, Ms. Wilson has led her borne by a relative few. This present members in establishing a strong situation is unique compared to Amer- ∑ Mr. INHOFE. Mr. President, today I grassroots presence connecting the in- ica’s past military engagements. World wish to honor Jennifer Joy Wilson. For dustry’s workforce with their elected Wars I and II and the conflicts in Korea the past decade, Ms. Wilson has served officials while increasing their activity and Vietnam relied on conscription; first as the head of the National Stone on Capitol Hill. Leveraging the asso- consequently, the effects of these wars Association, and then after the merger ciation’s resources, Ms. Wilson has also were felt by a broad number of ordi- of two similar groups, as the president worked closely with industry coali- nary Americans. Today, the current and CEO of the National Stone, Sand & tions to advocate for sound and sen- wars in Iraq and Afghanistan have Gravel Association, NSSGA. Based in sible transportation policies. placed our soldiers and military fami- Alexandria, VA, NSSGA is the world’s Ms. Wilson has also worked to raise lies in an extraordinary situation. largest mining association by product awareness of the public, legislators, I have visited Iraq four times and Af- volume. Its member companies rep- and of regulators at all levels to the ghanistan twice since the commence- resent more than 90 percent of the immeasurably important role aggre- ment of Operations Iraqi Freedom and crushed stone and 70 percent of the gates play in maintaining America’s Enduring Freedom and have met with sand and gravel produced annually in high quality of life. She calls this ef- countless soldiers and their families. the United States and approximately fort ‘‘romancing the stone’’ which in- Each of these visits and meetings has 118,000 working men and women in the cludes her leadership in establishing further elevated my personal gratitude aggregates industry. During 2006, a The Rocks gallery at the and appreciation of these men and total of about 2.95 billion metric tons Smithsonian’s National Museum of women, and consequently, these sol- of crushed stone, sand and gravel, val- Natural History and creating a perma- diers and their families are constantly ued at $21 billion, were produced and nent endowment to support the gal- at the forefront of my thoughts. Last sold in the United States. lery, all totaling more than $3.1 mil- week, a news story described the battle This year Ms. Wilson has been given lion. of Sadr City, a district in Baghdad, the distinguished honor of being se- Many people have been able to take Iraq, and featured a young man whom lected as AggMan of the Year by Ag- credit for industry accomplishments, I had watched grow up in Nebraska. gregates Manager magazine, one of the but selection as AggMan of the Year This news story evoked those same construction aggregates industry’s denotes something not everyone can feelings of deep gratitude and immense leading trade publications. lay claim to—respect of one’s peers. pride. During her tenure, the NSSGA led an For this reason I stand here today to The soldier featured in the story was effort to improve employee safety in take a moment and congratulate a Army CPT Logan Veath, of Chadron, the aggregate industry by developing woman who has done so much for NE. I had last seen Captain Veath 5 new safety procedures, called Part 46, America and the good people in the ag- months ago at a reunion of the Big Red for the U.S. Mine Safety & Health Ad- gregates industry all the while earning Battalion, the University of Nebraska’s ministration, MSHA. The joint indus- their respect.∑ Reserve Officers’ Training Corps, try-labor effort produced a proposal f ROTC, unit, of which he was a member ‘‘that would apply better to our indus- while attending our shared alma try and provide managers and workers RECOGNIZING NORTH SEATTLE mater. I had first met Captain Veath with effective means to prevent acci- COMMUNITY COLLEGE when he was 16 years old, and we remi- dents and fatalities.’’ By all accounts, ∑ Mrs. MURRAY. Mr. President, I wish nisced at that reunion of our past expe- Part 46 has shown remarkable success today to recognize the North Seattle riences together. Captain Veath was in reducing employee injuries. Community College, in my home State dressed in cowboy attire—because that On February 11, 2003, an alliance be- of Washington, as a local leader in sus- is exactly what he is in Nebraska. In tween NSSGA and MSHA was an- tainability practices. The work of fact, I almost didn’t recognize him in nounced. Signed at the NSSGA’s Cen- North Seattle Community College, and the news story from Iraq, as he had a tennial Convention in Orlando, FL, the especially of the North Seattle Com- Kevlar helmet on his head instead of agreement calls for the two bodies to munity College Sustainability Com- his usual cowboy hat. work closely together on the pro- mittee, has made significant contribu- Captain Veath’s entire family was motion of safe working conditions, the tions to raising awareness of sustain- also at the reunion, and they provided development of effective miner train- ability issues in everyday life on the a brief glimpse into how a family copes ing programs, and the expansion of the campus. with a loved one who is called upon to mine safety and health outreach and Created in 2005, the North Seattle serve tours of duty lasting from 12 to 15 communication. ‘‘For the first time Community College Sustainability months. Captain Veath is unique in ever, MSHA and an industry associa- Committee holds regular meetings to that this is his sixth tour of duty serv- tion have jointly agreed to adopt safe- coordinate sustainability practices ing in Iraq or Afghanistan. Less than 1 ty and health performance goals with with faculty, staff, administrators, stu- percent of Army service members have objective measures,’’ then MSHA Ad- dents, and interested local residents.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3025 This committee has helped to create My home State of Washington has al- MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE and implement an impressive list of ways been a leader when it comes to At 4:53 p.m., a message from the community-wide activities including: environmental sustainability. For 75 House of Representatives, delivered by sustainability curriculum, courses, and years we have been on the cutting edge Ms. Niland, one of its reading clerks, service learning opportunities; a Web of utilizing natural resources to create announced that the House has passed site with useful resources; and an an- sustainable, clean emissions power. I the following bills, in which it requests nual Earth Day celebration. think that Washingtonians, living next the concurrence of the Senate: The North Seattle Community Col- door to some of the most pristine river H.R. 3548. An act to enhance citizen access lege Sustainability Committee also valleys and snowcapped peaks in the helped incorporate new resource man- to Government information and services by world, realize how unfair it would be if establishing plain language as the standard agement practices into campus oper- our great-grandchildren couldn’t do the style for Government documents issued to ations and expanded the campus trail same. the public, and for other purposes. system. By providing these services, Furthering our State’s environ- H.R. 4881. An act to prohibit the awarding the North Seattle Community College mentally conscious tradition, in the of a contract or grant in excess of the sim- Sustainability Committee has done a spring of 2005, North Seattle Commu- plified acquisition threshold unless the pro- wonderful job of engaging students, nity College president Dr. Ron LaFay- spective contractor or grantee certifies in writing to the agency awarding the contract teachers, and local citizens. ette put NSCC on track to be a leader I believe that in order to truly em- or grant that the contractor or grantee has in the sustainability movement by cre- brace the opportunities and challenges no seriously delinquent tax debts, and for ating a standing advisory Sustainable of tomorrow, the youth of our Nation other purposes. Committee to address issues of sustain- must have access to programs that fos- ability at the school. f ter stewardship and long-term commit- The committee, made up of faculty, ment to community awareness. Wash- staff, administrators, students, and in- MEASURES REFERRED ington State is fortunate to have terested citizenry, began meeting regu- The following bill was read the first schools like North Seattle Community and the second times by unanimous College, which is a natural arena for larly in 2006. Since then, it has spear- consent, and referred as indicated: the kind of innovation our Nation headed NSCC’s efforts to become a needs in order to embrace new environ- local and national model for sustain- H.R. 4881. An act to prohibit the awarding mentally friendly practices. Green pro- ability practices. of a contract or grant in excess of the sim- plified acquisition threshold unless the pro- grams and activities are critical to the The Sustainability Committee cre- ated and has begun to implement goals spective contractor or grantee certifies in development of environmentally aware writing to the agency awarding the con- citizens. I was proud to introduce the that include creating and developing a fact sheet, Web site, and other informa- tractor grant that the contractor or grantee Higher Education Sustainability Act to has no seriously delinquent tax debts, and help provide resources for college and tion-sharing methodology; creating for other purposes; to the Committee on universities to implement sustain- and coordinating curriculum around Homeland Security and Governmental Af- ability programs, and my hope is that sustainability issues. This includes de- fairs. veloping new stand-alone courses, inte- schools like North Seattle Community f College will continue to serve as great grated studies programs, service learn- ing and distance learning opportuni- role models for other colleges around REPORTS OF COMMITTEES the Nation as they work on sustain- ties; furthering the development of a ability issues. campus trail system, including a walk- The following reports of committees It is inspiring to see that the issue of ing trail and an interpretive nature were submitted: sustainability is bringing people to- trail; incorporating sustainable prac- By Mr. BIDEN, from the Committee on gether, and I am proud North Seattle tices into campus operations—includ- Foreign Relations, with an amendment in Community College is empowering the ing food service, waste management, the nature of a substitute: S. 2731. A bill to authorize appropriations entire campus to work on positive solu- and resource usage; and sponsoring the annual Earth Week celebration. In 2007, for fiscal years 2009 through 2013 to provide tions. I am sure North Seattle Commu- assistance to foreign countries to combat nity College will continue to be suc- this festival included guest speakers HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, and malaria, and for cessful in inspiring change and pro- and over 35 vendors including edu- other purposes (Rept. No. 110-325). viding continued leadership on this im- cational institutions, environmental portant issue.∑ nonprofits, and neighborhood busi- f ∑ Ms. CANTWELL. Mr. President, with nesses. Earth Day just a week away, I wish to I am personally encouraged by the INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND recognize the steps colleges and univer- attention North Seattle Community JOINT RESOLUTIONS sities in my State are taking to in- College and other Washington State The following bills and joint resolu- crease public awareness about the ef- schools have given to advancing sus- tions were introduced, read the first fect our daily actions have on the envi- tainable practices in our schools and and second times by unanimous con- ronment. Specifically, I would like to communities. I hope more institutions sent, and referred as indicated: applaud the commitment North Seattle of higher education will follow suit in By Mr. BINGAMAN (for himself and Community College has made to incor- years to come.∑ Mr. SMITH): porate sustainable practices into ev- f S. 2855. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- eryday life at the college and local enue Code of 1986 to adjust the dollar level. MESSAGES FROM THE PRESIDENT amounts used to calculate the credit for the Sustainability, the simple idea that Messages from the President of the elderly and the permanently disabled for in- we can meet the needs of the present United States were communicated to flation since 1985; to the Committee on Fi- without compromising the ability of nance. the Senate by Mr. Williams, one of his By Mr. ALEXANDER: future generations to meet their own secretaries. S. 2856. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- needs is a concept that is relevant to f enue Code of 1986 to provide taxpayers a flat our lives now more than ever. Today, tax alternative to the current income tax our reliance on fossil fuels is not only EXECUTIVE MESSAGES REFERRED system; to the Committee on Finance. exacerbating economic woes, it is driv- As in executive session the Presiding By Mr. SALAZAR (for himself and Mr. ing too many of our foreign policy deci- Officer laid before the Senate messages ALLARD): sions and fueling the detrimental from the President of the United S. 2857. A bill to amend title 10, United forces of climate change. It is time we States submitting sundry nominations States Code, to provide for the distribution and a withdrawal which were referred of a share of certain mineral revenues, and shift our focus to sustainable practices for other purposes; to the Committee on that encourage a cleaner environment, to the appropriate committees. Armed Services. healthier communities, a stronger (The nominations received today are By Ms. MIKULSKI (for herself, Ms. economy, and most importantly, na- printed at the end of the Senate pro- STABENOW, Mr. SMITH, and Mr. tional security. ceedings.) INOUYE):

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A bill to establish the Social Work SUBMISSION OF CONCURRENT AND Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for col- Reinvestment Commission to provide inde- SENATE RESOLUTIONS legiate housing and infrastructure pendent counsel to Congress and the Sec- grants. retary of Health and Human Services on pol- The following concurrent resolutions S. 678 icy issues associated with recruitment, re- and Senate resolutions were read, and tention, research, and reinvestment in the referred (or acted upon), as indicated: At the request of Mrs. BOXER, the name of the Senator from Florida (Mr. profession of social work, and for other pur- By Mr. KENNEDY (for himself and Mr. NELSON) was added as a cosponsor of S. poses; to the Committee on Health, Edu- KERRY): cation, Labor, and Pensions. S. Res. 514. A resolution congratulating the 678, a bill to amend title 49, United By Mr. WEBB (for himself and Mr. Boston College men’s ice hockey team on States Code, to ensure air passengers WARNER): winning the 2008 National Collegiate Ath- have access to necessary services while S. 2859. A bill to amend the Family Edu- letic Association Division I National Ice on a grounded air carrier and are not cational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 to Hockey Championship; considered and unnecessarily held on a grounded air clarify limits on disclosure of student health agreed to. carrier before or after a flight, and for records, and for other purposes; to the Com- By Mr. WHITEHOUSE (for himself, Mr. other purposes. mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and REED, Mr. BIDEN, and Mr. CORNYN): S. 777 Pensions. S. Res. 515. A resolution commemorating By Mr. CASEY (for himself and Mr. the life and work of Dith Pran; to the Com- At the request of Mr. CRAIG, the MARTINEZ): mittee on the Judiciary. name of the Senator from Alaska (Ms. S. 2860. A bill to diminish predatory lend- By Mr. LUGAR (for himself, Mr. BIDEN, MURKOWSKI) was added as a cosponsor ing by enhancing appraisal quality and Mr. KERRY, Mr. FEINGOLD, and Mr. of S. 777, a bill to repeal the imposition standards, to improve appraisal oversight, to CASEY): of withholding on certain payments ensure mortgage appraiser independence, to S. Res. 516. A resolution solemnly com- made to vendors by government enti- provide for enhanced remedies and enforce- memorating the 25th anniversary of the ment, and for other purposes; to the Com- ties. tragic April 1983 bombing of the United S. 970 mittee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Af- States Embassy in Beirut and remembering At the request of Mr. SMITH, the fairs. those who lost their lives and those who By Mr. SCHUMER (for himself and Mr. where injured; considered and agreed to. name of the Senator from Mississippi AKAKA): (Mr. WICKER) was added as a cosponsor S. 2861. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- f of S. 970, a bill to impose sanctions on enue Code of 1986 to prohibit the imposition Iran and on other countries for assist- of a separate fee for electronic filing of re- ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS ing Iran in developing a nuclear pro- turns and statements for individuals, and for S. 186 other purposes; to the Committee on Fi- gram, and for other purposes. At the request of Mr. SPECTER, the nance. S. 1010 By Mr. REID (for Mrs. CLINTON): name of the Senator from North Caro- At the request of Mr. SMITH, the S. 2862. A bill to provide for National lina (Mrs. DOLE) was added as a cospon- name of the Senator from Nebraska Science Foundation and National Aero- sor of S. 186, a bill to provide appro- (Mr. NELSON) was added as a cosponsor nautics and Space Administration utiliza- priate protection to attorney-client of S. 1010, a bill to amend the Internal tion of the Arecibo Observatory; to the Com- privileged communications and attor- Revenue Code of 1986 to encourage mittee on Health, Education, Labor, and ney work product. Pensions. guaranteed lifetime income payments By Mr. VITTER: S. 267 from annuities and similar payments of S. 2863. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- At the request of Mr. BINGAMAN, the life insurance proceeds at dates later enue Code of 1986 to provide a Federal in- name of the Senator from Montana than death by excluding from income a come tax credit for certain stem cell re- (Mr. TESTER) was added as a cosponsor portion of such payments. search expenditures; to the Committee on of S. 267, a bill to amend the Omnibus S. 1120 Finance. Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of At the request of Mr. HARKIN, the By Mr. AKAKA: S. 2864. A bill to amend title 38, United 1968 to clarify that territories and In- name of the Senator from Connecticut States Code, to include improvement in dian tribes are eligible to receive (Mr. DODD) was added as a cosponsor of quality of life in the objectives of training grants for confronting the use of meth- S. 1120, a bill to amend the Public and rehabilitation for veterans with service- amphetamine. Health Service Act to provide grants connected disabilities, and for other pur- S. 268 for the training of graduate medical poses; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the residents in preventive medicine and fairs. public health. By Ms. SNOWE (for herself, Mr. REED, name of the Senator from Montana S. 1390 Mr. KERRY, Mr. LIEBERMAN, Mr. (Mr. TESTER) was added as a cosponsor HUNE WHITEHOUSE, Ms. COLLINS, and Mr. of S. 268, a bill to designate the Ice Age At the request of Mr. T , his KENNEDY): Floods National Geologic Trail, and for name was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 2865. A bill to permit qualified with- other purposes. 1390, a bill to provide for the issuance drawals from a capital construction fund ac- of a ‘‘forever stamp’’ to honor the sac- S. 358 count under chapter 535 of title 46, United rifices of the brave men and women of At the request of Ms. SNOWE, the States Code, for gear or equipment required the armed forces who have been award- names of the Senator from Rhode Is- for fishery conservation or safety of life at ed the Purple Heart. sea without regard to the minimum cost re- land (Mr. WHITEHOUSE) and the Senator S. 1483 quirement established by regulation; to the from New York (Mr. SCHUMER) were At the request of Mr. ROCKEFELLER, Committee on Finance. added as cosponsors of S. 358, a bill to the name of the Senator from Massa- By Mr. REID (for Mrs. CLINTON): prohibit discrimination on the basis of S. 2866. A bill to require greater disclosure chusetts (Mr. KERRY) was added as a genetic information with respect to of senior corporate officer compensation, to cosponsor of S. 1483, a bill to create a health insurance and employment. empower shareholders and investors to pro- new incentive fund that will encourage tect themselves from fraud, to limit con- S. 582 States to adopt the 21st Century Skills flicts of interest in determining senior cor- At the request of Mr. SMITH, the Framework. porate officer compensation, to ensure integ- name of the Senator from Washington rity in Federal contracting, to close cor- S. 1512 (Mrs. MURRAY) was added as a cospon- porate tax loopholes utilized to subsidize At the request of Mrs. BOXER, the senior corporate officer compensation, and sor of S. 582, a bill to amend the Inter- name of the Senator from Pennsyl- for other purposes; to the Committee on Fi- nal Revenue Code of 1986 to classify vania (Mr. CASEY) was added as a co- nance. automatic fire sprinkler systems as 5- sponsor of S. 1512, a bill to amend part By Mr. BINGAMAN (for himself and year property for purposes of deprecia- E of title IV of the Social Security Act Mrs. HUTCHISON): tion. to expand Federal eligibility for chil- S. 2867. A bill to authorize additional re- S. 638 dren in foster care who have attained sources to identify and eliminate illicit sources of firearms smuggled into Mexico for At the request of Mr. ROBERTS, the age 18. use by violent drug trafficking organiza- name of the Senator from Mississippi S. 1638 tions, and for other purposes; to the Com- (Mr. WICKER) was added as a cosponsor At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the mittee on the Judiciary. of S. 638, a bill to amend the Internal name of the Senator from Georgia (Mr.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3027 ISAKSON) was added as a cosponsor of S. (Mr. WICKER) was added as a cosponsor (Mr. SALAZAR) was added as a cospon- 1638, a bill to adjust the salaries of Fed- of S. 2485, a bill to amend the Public sor of S. 2598, a bill to increase the sup- eral justices and judges, and for other Health Service Act to provide for the ply and lower the cost of petroleum by purposes. participation of physical therapists in temporarily suspending the acquisition S. 1711 the National Health Service Corps of petroleum for the Strategic Petro- At the request of Mr. BIDEN, the Loan Repayment Program, and for leum Reserve. name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. other purposes. S. 2631 DURBIN) was added as a cosponsor of S. S. 2498 At the request of Mr. MCCONNELL, 1711, a bill to target cocaine kingpins At the request of Mr. BINGAMAN, the the name of the Senator from Utah and address sentencing disparity be- names of the Senator from North Da- (Mr. HATCH) was added as a cosponsor tween crack and powder cocaine. kota (Mr. CONRAD), the Senator from of S. 2631, a bill to award a congres- S. 1926 Illinois (Mr. DURBIN), the Senator from sional gold medal to Daw Aung San At the request of Mr. DODD, the name Nevada (Mr. REID), the Senator from Suu Kyi in recognition of her coura- of the Senator from Maine (Ms. SNOWE) Nebraska (Mr. NELSON), the Senator geous and unwavering commitment to was added as a cosponsor of S. 1926, a from Massachusetts (Mr. KENNEDY), the peace, nonviolence, human rights, and bill to establish the National Infra- Senator from California (Mrs. BOXER), democracy in Burma. structure Bank to provide funding for the Senator from Minnesota (Ms. S. 2668 qualified infrastructure projects, and KLOBUCHAR), the Senator from At the request of Mr. KERRY, the for other purposes. Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), the Senator name of the Senator from New Hamp- IKULSKI UNUNU S. 2021 from Maryland (Ms. M ), the shire (Mr. S ) was added as a co- Senator from Washington (Mrs. MUR- sponsor of S. 2668, a bill to amend the At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the name of the Senator from New York RAY), the Senator from Michigan (Ms. Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to re- STABENOW), the Senator from Montana move cell phones from listed property (Mrs. CLINTON) was added as a cospon- sor of S. 2021, a bill to provide (Mr. TESTER), the Senator from Arkan- under section 280F. $50,000,000,000 in new transportation in- sas (Mr. PRYOR), the Senator from Wis- S. 2674 frastructure funding through bonding consin (Mr. KOHL), the Senator from At the request of Mr. BURR, the name to empower States and local govern- Hawaii (Mr. AKAKA), the Senator from of the Senator from New Mexico (Mr. ments to complete significant infra- New Jersey (Mr. LAUTENBERG), the Sen- DOMENICI) was added as a cosponsor of structure projects across all modes of ator from Hawaii (Mr. INOUYE), the S. 2674, a bill to amend titles 10 and 38, transportation, including roads, Senator from California (Mrs. FEIN- United States Code, to improve and en- bridges, rail and transit systems, ports, STEIN), the Senator from Michigan (Mr. hance procedures for the retirement of and inland waterways, and for other LEVIN), the Senator from North Dakota members of the Armed Forces for dis- purposes. (Mr. DORGAN), the Senator from Arkan- ability and to improve and enhance au- sas (Mrs. LINCOLN), the Senator from thorities for the rating and compensa- S. 2035 Ohio (Mr. BROWN), the Senator from tion of service-connected disabilities in At the request of Mr. SPECTER, the Vermont (Mr. LEAHY), the Senator veterans, and for other purposes. name of the Senator from North Caro- from Rhode Island (Mr. REED), the Sen- S. 2681 lina (Mrs. DOLE) was added as a cospon- ator from Iowa (Mr. HARKIN), the Sen- At the request of Mr. INHOFE, the sor of S. 2035, a bill to maintain the ator from Maryland (Mr. CARDIN), the names of the Senator from Utah (Mr. free flow of information to the public Senator from New York (Mr. SCHUMER), BENNETT), the Senator from Wisconsin by providing conditions for the feder- the Senator from Oregon (Mr. WYDEN), (Mr. FEINGOLD), the Senator from Mon- ally compelled disclosure of informa- the Senator from West Virginia (Mr. tana (Mr. TESTER), the Senator from tion by certain persons connected with ROCKEFELLER), the Senator from Indi- Oregon (Mr. WYDEN), the Senator from the news media. ana (Mr. BAYH), the Senator from Connecticut (Mr. LIEBERMAN) and the S. 2310 Washington (Ms. CANTWELL), the Sen- Senator from Kentucky (Mr. BUNNING) At the request of Mr. MARTINEZ, his ator from South Dakota (Mr. JOHNSON) were added as cosponsors of S. 2681, a name was added as a cosponsor of S. and the Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. bill to require the issuance of medals 2310, a bill to establish a National Cat- FEINGOLD) were added as cosponsors of to recognize the dedication and valor of astrophic Risks Consortium and a Na- S. 2498, a bill to authorize the minting Native American code talkers. tional Homeowners’ Insurance Sta- of a coin to commemorate the 400th an- S. 2747 bilization Program, and for other pur- niversary of the founding of Santa Fe, At the request of Mr. JOHNSON, the poses. New Mexico, to occur in 2010. name of the Senator from Montana S. 2368 S. 2505 (Mr. TESTER) was added as a cosponsor At the request of Mr. PRYOR, the At the request of Ms. CANTWELL, the of S. 2747, a bill to grant a Federal name of the Senator from Louisiana names of the Senator from Michigan charter to the National American In- (Mr. VITTER) was added as a cosponsor (Ms. STABENOW) and the Senator from dian Veterans, Incorporated. of S. 2368, a bill to provide immigration New Hampshire (Mr. GREGG) were S. 2756 reform by securing America’s borders, added as cosponsors of S. 2505, a bill to At the request of Mr. BIDEN, the clarifying and enforcing existing laws, allow employees of a commercial pas- names of the Senator from Missouri and enabling a practical employer senger airline carrier who receive pay- (Mrs. MCCASKILL) and the Senator from verification program. ments in a bankruptcy proceeding to Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) were added as S. 2399 roll over such payments into an indi- cosponsors of S. 2756, a bill to amend At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the vidual retirement plan, and for other the National Child Protection Act of names of the Senator from New York purposes. 1993 to establish a permanent back- (Mr. SCHUMER) and the Senator from S. 2510 ground check system. New York (Mrs. CLINTON) were added as At the request of Ms. LANDRIEU, the S. 2758 cosponsors of S. 2399, a bill to expand name of the Senator from New Jersey At the request of Ms. MURKOWSKI, the and improve housing counseling serv- (Mr. MENENDEZ) was added as a cospon- names of the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. ices by increasing financial education sor of S. 2510, a bill to amend the Pub- INOUYE), the Senator from Idaho (Mr. and counseling services available to lic Health Service Act to provide re- CRAIG) and the Senator from Kansas homeowners and prospective home- vised standards for quality assurance (Mr. ROBERTS) were added as cospon- buyers in financial turmoil or who seek in screening and evaluation of sors of S. 2758, a bill to authorize the credit or other personal financial as- gynecologic cytology preparations, and exploration, leasing, development, pro- sistance, and for other purposes. for other purposes. duction, and economically feasible and S. 2485 S. 2598 prudent transportation of oil and gas At the request of Mr. TESTER, the At the request of Mr. DORGAN, the in and from the Coastal Plain in Alas- name of the Senator from Mississippi name of the Senator from Colorado ka.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3028 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 15, 2008 S. 2760 chusetts (Mr. KERRY) was added as a social workers serve. I am honored to At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the cosponsor of S. 2844, a bill to amend the introduce this bill named after two so- name of the Senator from Iowa (Mr. Federal Water Pollution Control Act to cial visionaries, Dorothy I. Height and GRASSLEY) was added as a cosponsor of modify provisions relating to beach Whitney M. Young. Dorothy Height, a S. 2760, a bill to amend title 10, United monitoring, and for other purposes. pioneer of the civil rights movement, States Code, to enhance the national S. RES. 500 like me began her career as a case defense through empowerment of the At the request of Mr. KENNEDY, the worker and continued to fight for so- National Guard, enhancement of the name of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. cial justice. Whitney Young, another functions of the National Guard Bu- OBAMA) was added as a cosponsor of S. trailblazer of the civil rights move- reau, and improvement of Federal- Res. 500, a resolution honoring military ment, also began his career trans- State military coordination in domes- children during ‘‘National Month of the forming our social landscape as a so- tic emergency response, and for other Military Child’’. cial worker. He helped create President purposes. Johnson’s War on Poverty and has S. RES. 506 S. 2771 served as President of the National As- At the request of Mr. NELSON of Ne- At the request of Ms. LANDRIEU, the sociation of Social Workers. Congress- braska, the names of the Senator from names of the Senator from New York man TOWNS introduced the companion OLLINS (Mrs. CLINTON) and the Senator from Il- Maine (Ms. C ) and the Senator bill in the House of Representatives linois (Mr. OBAMA) were added as co- from Minnesota (Mr. COLEMAN) were last month. sponsors of S. 2771, a bill to require the added as cosponsors of S. Res. 506, a As a social worker, I understand the president to call a White House Con- resolution expressing the sense of the critical role social workers place in the ference on Children and Youth in 2010. Senate that funding provided by the overall care of our populations. Social S. 2775 United States to the Government of workers can be found in every facet of At the request of Mr. KERRY, the Iraq in the future for reconstruction community life—in hospitals, mental names of the Senator from Illinois (Mr. and training for security forces be pro- health clinics, senior centers, and pri- DURBIN) and the Senator from Vermont vided as a loan to the Government of vate agencies that serve individuals (Mr. LEAHY) were added as cosponsors Iraq. and families in need. Social workers of S. 2775, a bill to amend the Internal S. RES. 513 are there to help struggling students, Revenue Code of 1986 and the Social Se- At the request of Mrs. DOLE, her returning soldiers, and chronically ill. curity Act to treat certain domesti- name was added as a cosponsor of S. Oftentimes, social workers are the only cally controlled foreign persons per- Res. 513, a resolution congratulating available option for mental health care forming services under contract with the Army Reserve on its centennial, in rural and underserved urban areas. the United States Government as which will be formally celebrated on The number of adults over the age of 65 American employers for purposes of April 23, 2008, and commemorating the will double by the year 2030 and social certain employment taxes and benefits. historic contributions of its veterans workers will be at the forefront of pro- S. 2785 and continuing contributions of its sol- viding compassionate care to this bur- At the request of Ms. STABENOW, the diers to the vital national security in- geoning community. Yet there will not names of the Senator from Montana terests and homeland defense missions be enough social workers to meet these (Mr. TESTER) and the Senator from of the United States. needs. Today 30,000 social workers spe- South Dakota (Mr. THUNE) were added f cialize in gerontology, but we will need as cosponsors of S. 2785, a bill to amend 70,000 of these social workers by 2010. I STATEMENTS ON INTRODUCED title XVIII of the Security Act to pre- want to make sure that when the aging BILLS AND JOINT RESOLUTIONS serve access to physicians’ services tsunami hits us, we have the workforce under the Medicare program. By Ms. MIKULSKI (for herself, in place to care for our aging family S. 2819 Ms. STABENOW, Mr. SMITH, and members, the Alzheimer patients, the At the request of Mr. ROCKEFELLER, Mr. INOUYE): disabled. the names of the Senator from Mary- S. 2858. A bill to establish the Social This bill is about reinvesting in so- land (Ms. MIKULSKI) and the Senator Work Reinvestment Commission to cial work. It provides grants that in- from Michigan (Ms. STABENOW) were provide independent counsel to Con- vest in social work education, research, added as cosponsors of S. 2819, a bill to gress and the Secretary of Health and and training. These grants will fund preserve access to Medicaid and the Human Services on policy issues asso- community based programs of excel- State Children’s Health Insurance Pro- ciated with recruitment, retention, re- lence and provide scholarships to train gram during an economic downturn, search, and reinvestment in the profes- the next generation of social workers. and for other purposes. sion of social work, and for other pur- The bill also addresses how to recruit S. 2839 poses; to the Committee on Health, and retain new social workers, research At the request of Mr. CORNYN, the Education, Labor, and Pensions. the impact of social services, and fos- names of the Senator from Tennessee Ms. MIKULSKI. Mr. President, in ter ways to improve social workplace (Mr. ALEXANDER) and the Senator from honor of World Social Work Day, I rise safety. This bill establishes a national New Hampshire (Mr. SUNUNU) were today to introduce the Dorothy I. coordination center that will allow so- added as cosponsors of S. 2839, a bill to Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. So- cial education, advocacy and research provide emergency relief for United cial Work Reinvestment Act. I am institutions to collaborate and work States businesses and industries cur- proud to sponsor this legislation that together. It will facilitate gathering rently employing temporary foreign will improve the shortage of social and distributing social work research workers and for other purposes. workers as we move into an era of un- to make the most effective use of the S. 2840 precedented healthcare and social serv- information we have on how social At the request of Mr. SCHUMER, the ice needs. Social workers play a crit- work service can improve our social name of the Senator from New Jersey ical role combating the social problems fabric. This bill also gives social work (Mr. MENENDEZ) was added as a cospon- facing our Nation. We must have the the attention is deserves. It creates a sor of S. 2840, a bill to establish a liai- workforce in place to make sure that media campaign that will promote so- son with the Federal Bureau of Inves- our returning soldiers have access to cial work, and recognizes March as So- tigation in United States Citizenship mental health services, our elderly cial Work Awareness Month. and Immigration Services to expedite maintain their independence in the As a social worker, I have been on naturalization applications filed by communities they live in, and abused the frontlines of helping people cope members of the Armed Forces and to children are placed in safe homes. This with issues in their everyday lives. I establish a deadline for processing such bill reinvests in social workers by pro- started off fighting for abused children, applications. viding grants to social workers, review- making sure they were placed in safe S. 2844 ing the current social workforce chal- homes. Today I am a social worker At the request of Mr. LAUTENBERG, lenges, and determining how this with power. I am proud to continue to the name of the Senator from Massa- shortage will affect the communities fight every day for the long range

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3029 needs of the Nation, on the floor of the workplace improvements, research, edu- lions of vulnerable individuals, families and United States Senate and as the Chair- cation and training, and community-based communities that we work with daily. woman of the Aging Subcommittee of programs of excellence. This investment will IASWR and the social work research commu- be returned many times over both in support the Health, Education, Labor and Pen- nity stands ready to work with you. If you for effective social service solutions and in have questions or need additional informa- sions Committee. direct services to client populations. tion, please do not hesitate to contact me. I believe that social work is full of The Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. Sincerely, great opportunities, both to serve and Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act is JOAN LEVY ZLOTNIK, to lead. Social work is about putting a commitment to ensure that social workers Executive Director. our values into action. Social workers can provide indispensable services for years to come. The future of the profession de- Mr. SMITH. Mr. President, I rise are our best and brightest, our most pends on the measures that are taken toward today, on World Social Work Day, to committed and compassionate. They reinvestment today. We thank Senator Mi- introduce the Dorothy I. Height and are at the frontlines of providing care, kulski for her dedication to and leadership of Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social Work Re- often putting themselves in dangerous the social work profession and urge every investment Act. I am pleased to be and violent situations. Social workers member of the Senate to show their support joined by my colleagues Senator BAR- for professional social workers as well as the have the ability to provide psycho- BARA MIKULSKI and Senator DEBBIE logical, emotional, and social support— individuals, groups, and communities they serve. STABENOW in supporting this important quite simply, the ability to change Sincerely, legislation to help ensure the sustain- lives. That is why we must reinvest in Action Network for Social Work Edu- ability of the social work field. I look social work—we must recruit, retain cation and Research, Association of forward to continuing our collabora- and research. I think we can do better Baccalaureate Social Work Program tion on this bill and other efforts to by our Nation’s troops, seniors, and Directors, Association of Oncology So- support the tremendous work of our children, by making sure we have the cial Work, Clinical Social Work Asso- nation’s social workers as they ensure ciation, Council on Social Work Edu- social workforce in place to meet their the safety and welfare of our citizens in needs. I’m fighting to make sure we do. cation, Group for the Advancement of Doctoral Education in Social Work, In- need of guidance and protection. The Dorothy I. Height and Whitney stitute for the Advancement of Social Social workers in America face an M. Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvest- Work Research, National Association array of issues that impact their abil- ment Act is strongly supported by the of Deans and Directors of Schools of ity to stay in the profession. We know National Association of Social Workers Social Work, Social Welfare Action Al- that as the U.S. population increases and the Institute for the Advancement liance, Society for Social Work and Re- and ages, caseworkers’ caseloads con- of Social Work Research. I want to search. tinue to increase, causing greater pres- thank Senators STABENOW, SMITH, and sure to perform with ever decreasing INSTITUTE FOR THE ADVANCEMENT INOUYE for their cosponsorship of this OF SOCIAL WORK RESEARCH, resources. Further, relatively low bill. Washington, DC, April 12, 2008. wages make it difficult for social work- I look forward to working with my Hon. BARBARA MIKULSKI, ers to stay in their profession long- colleagues to enact this important U.S. Senate, Senate Office Building, Wash- term. These are just a few of the many piece of legislation. ington, DC. challenges they face. Those in the so- Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- DEAR SENATOR MIKULSKI: As the Institute cial work field need our support in cre- sent that letters of support be printed for the Advancement of Social Work Re- ating innovative ways to keep them in search (IASWR) celebrates its 15th anniver- in the RECORD. sary, this is an important opportunity to the profession they love and therefore There being no objection, the mate- recognize the strides that have been made in help the people in our communities rial was ordered to be placed in the knowledge development and research infra- who need their expertise and compas- RECORD, as follows: structure development in social work over sion. NATIONAL ASSOCIATION OF the past decade and one half. However, the Unfortunately, my home State of Or- SOCIAL WORKERS, growing demands for social work services, egon is not immune to these problems. Washington, DC. the focus on implementation of evidence- We all know of the wonderful work based practices, and the need to address both We, the undersigned professional social that social workers do to protect chil- work organizations, join with the National recruitment and retention of professional so- Association of Social Workers (NASW) in cial workers, requires that there be enhanced dren from abuse and neglect. Particu- showing our full support for the Dorothy I. federal investments in the social work pro- larly in parts of Oregon where Meth- Height and Whitney M. Young, Jr. Social fession. As the number of children in foster amphetamine abuse has caused wide- Work Reinvestment Act. Social workers pro- care rises, as our population ages, as school spread suffering, social workers have vide indispensible services in nearly every drop-out rates increase, and as deployed sol- risen to the occasion to ensure children diers and returning veterans require ex- community nationwide and to millions of get the help that they need. However, Americans including aging baby boomers, panded access to health, mental health and social services, the need for professional so- less recognized is the work that they wounded veterans, former prisoners, at-risk do on behalf of our elderly. About 13 students, abused and neglected children, and cial workers at all levels of practice and in all fields of practice has never been greater. those diagnosed with cancer, serious mental percent of Oregon’s population is per- IASWR would like to thank you for stand- illness, and those with HIV and AIDS. These sons over the age of 65, which is above ing with your profession in introducing the essential services have a positive impact on the national average of about 12.4 per- Dorothy I. Height/Whitney M. Young Social cent. This number is expected to in- the mental, social, and psychosocial func- Work Reinvestment Act in the Senate. This tioning of clients across the country. While Act is one important step in addressing crease dramatically in coming years as professional social workers are more nec- workplace and workforce issues faced by so- our population continues to age, our essary today than at any other time in our cial workers. It will also provide discre- seniors live longer and we see more of history, they are also facing barriers that tionary grants to implement best practice our elderly with multiple chronic con- challenge the profession including insur- models in social agencies and it provides in- mountable education debt, insufficient sala- ditions. Many of these elderly will de- centive programs to attract the next genera- pend on the help and guidance of social ries, and serious safety concerns. tion of social work practitioners and social The Dorothy I. Height and Whitney M. workers to ensure their well being. work researchers. Of particular importance I encourage all of my colleagues to Young, Jr. Social Work Reinvestment Act will be the Social Work Reinvestment Com- takes important steps to ensure the future mission that will examine critical issues and join me, Senator MIKULSKI and Senator viability of the social work profession. The potential solutions facing the profession STABENOW in championing this legisla- legislation explores the many successful ef- today. tion to support the needs of our social forts already undertaken by our nation’s so- As a social worker, I know that you recog- workers. I look forward to its swift cial workers, while examining the persistent nize the challenges faced by the social work passage. challenges to these efforts. A Social Work profession, including low salaries, high case- Reinvestment Commission will provide a loads, lack of access to the latest technology By Mr. WEBB (for himself and comprehensive analysis of current workforce to facilitate service delivery, shrinking trends and develop long-term recommenda- Mr. WARNER): availability of services, and concerns about S. 2859. A bill to amend the Family tions and strategies to maximize the ability safety. The Social Work Reinvestment Act of America’s social workers to serve their begins to address these concerns. Educational Rights and Privacy Act of clients with expertise and care. Demonstra- Thank you for all of your leadership and 1974 to clarify limits on disclosure of tion programs will be funded in the areas of commitment to social work and to the mil- student health records, and for other

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3030 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 15, 2008 purposes; to the Committee on Health, tion and 9 percent seriously considered sui- Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I am in- Education, Labor, and Pensions. cide, according to a 2006 national survey con- troducing today the proposed Training Mr. WEBB. Mr. President, I ask ducted by the American College Health Asso- and Rehabilitation for Disabled Vet- unanimous consent that the text of the ciation. erans Enhancement Act of 2008. This (7) While most people in the United bill be printed in the RECORD. States with a mental disorder eventually measure would make two small but, I There being no objection, the text of seek treatment, a National Institute of Men- believe, necessary changes in the De- the bill was ordered to be printed in tal Health study found pervasive and lengthy partment of Veterans’ Affairs program the RECORD, as follows: delays in getting treatment, with the median of Independent Living services con- S. 2859 delay across disorders being nearly a decade. ducted under the authority of chapter Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Over a 12-month period, 60 percent of those 31 of title 38, United States Code. Representatives of the United States of America with a mental disorder got no treatment at in Congress assembled, all. VA’s IL Program was first estab- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. (8) A 2006 survey sponsored by the Amer- lished in 1980 by Public Law 96–466, the This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Family ican College Counseling Association found Veterans Rehabilitation and Education Educational Rights and Privacy Act Amend- that 9 percent of enrolled students sought Amendments of 1980. Initially, that law ments of 2008’’. counseling last year and 92 percent of coun- provided for the establishment of a 4- SEC. 2. FINDINGS. seling center directors reported an increase year pilot program designed to provide Congress finds the following: in the number of students with severe psy- independent living services for severely (1) Federal authorities charged with ex- chological disorders. (9) Recent events, including the campus disabled veterans for whom the amining the tragic shootings at Virginia achievement of a vocational goal was Tech in April 2007 found that confusion and shootings at the Virginia Tech and Northern overly-restrictive interpretations of Federal Illinois universities, have further high- not reasonably feasible. The number of privacy laws, State medical confidentiality lighted the deadly problems of mental illness veterans who could be accepted annu- laws, and regulations unnecessarily impede and violence in American schools. The ally into the pilot program was capped the effective transfer of information that Northern Illinois shooting resulted in 6 at 500. In 1986, the program was ex- could prove useful in averting tragedies. deaths while the Virginia Tech killings left tended through 1989 and then, in 1989, it Some school administrators are unaware of 32 people dead, making it the most lethal was made in Public Law 101–237, the school shooting in United States history. exceptions to Federal privacy laws that Veterans’ Benefits Amendments of SEC. 3. STUDENT HEALTH RECORDS. could allow relevant information about a 1989. In 2001, the 500 annual cap on en- student’s mental health to be appropriately The Family Educational Rights and Pri- shared. vacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232g) is amended rollees was increased to 2,500. (2) The purpose of this Act is to elimi- by adding at the end the following: The measure I am introducing would nate ambiguity in Federal education privacy ‘‘(k) CONSULTATION WITH OFF CAMPUS remove any cap on the number of en- law to ensure that the Family Educational MEDICAL PROFESSIONALS.—Nothing in this rollees in any year. In earlier years, as section shall prohibit a physician, psychia- Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 (FERPA) is a pilot project, the cap may have been not interpreted as prohibiting information trist, psychologist, or other recognized sharing between on-campus and off-campus healthcare professional or paraprofessional appropriate in order to give VA an op- health care providers when both are involved acting in the individual’s professional or portunity to manage the program in in treating a student. Such ‘‘consults’’ are paraprofessional capacity, or assisting in the most effective manner possible and generally permitted by State medical con- that capacity, from consulting with or dis- in 2001, it made sense to increase that fidentiality law, and FERPA should not be closing records described in subsection cap in light of the increased demand interpreted as posing an additional obstacle. (a)(4)(B)(iv) with respect to a student, to a and need for the program. The Virginia Tech Review Panel rec- physician, psychiatrist, psychologist, or ommended that changes to ‘‘FERPA should other recognized healthcare professional or Now, however, it makes sense to lift explicitly explain how it applies to medical paraprofessional acting in the individual’s the cap altogether. This is especially so records held for treatment purposes’’. The professional or paraprofessional capacity, or since this important program is de- panel reported that misinterpretation of how assisting in that capacity, outside the edu- signed to meet the needs of the most student treatment records are handled under cational agency or institution in connection severely service-connected disabled FERPA as the main source of confusion. with the provision of treatment to the stu- veterans and more and more of those dent.’’. FERPA protects the privacy of both student returning from combat have suffered education records and student treatment SEC. 4. SAFE HARBOR PROVISION. records from being disclosed generally. The Family Educational Rights and Pri- the kind of devastating injuries that (3) The Virginia Tech Review Panel rec- vacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232g) is amended may make employment not reasonably ommended that Federal privacy laws should in subsection (f) by adding at the end the fol- feasible for extended periods of time. be amended to include ‘‘safe harbor’’ provi- lowing: ‘‘The release by an educational agen- The VA’s Inspector General found, in sions that would insulate a person or organi- cy or institution of education records or per- a report issued in December of last zation from the loss of Federal education sonally identifiable information contained in year, that ‘‘the effect of the statutory funding for making a disclosure with a good such records in the good faith belief that faith belief that the disclosure was necessary such release is necessary to protect against a cap has been to delay IL services to se- to protect the health or safety of a student potential threat to the health or safety of verely disabled veterans.’’ This delay or member of the public at large. The Com- the student or other persons, shall not be happens because VA has developed a mission further recommended that the Fed- deemed a failure to comply with this section procedure that holds veterans in a eral Educational Rights and Privacy Act of regardless of whether it is subsequently de- planning and evaluation stage when 1974 (FERPA) be amended to clarify the abil- termined that the specified conditions for the statutory cap may be in danger of ity of educational institutions to disclose in- such release did not exist.’’. being exceeded. formation in emergency situations and to fa- SEC. 5. EMERGENCY EXCEPTION AMENDMENT. cilitate treatment of students at off-campus The Family Educational Rights and Pri- The bill I am introducing today facilities. vacy Act of 1974 (20 U.S.C. 1232g) is amended would eliminate the cap entirely as (4) Mental disorders frequently begin in subsection (b)(1)(I) by striking ‘‘is nec- recommended by VA’s IG. It would also during youth. Research supported by the Na- essary’’ and all that follows and inserting ‘‘is make the program mandatory rather tional Institute of Mental Health found that necessary, according to the good faith belief than a discretionary pilot effort and half of all lifetime cases of mental illness of the educational agency or institution or would include improvement in quality begin by age 14; three quarters have begun persons to whom such disclosure is made, to of life an objective of training and re- by age 24. protect against a potential threat to the (5) In 2004, the Centers for Disease Con- health or safety of the student or other per- habilitation for veterans with service- trol and Prevention reported 4,316 suicides sons; and’’. connected disability who are partici- among young adults aged 15-24, making it pating in programs of IL services. For the third leading cause of death in this age By Mr. AKAKA: these veterans—with respect to whom group. There were an additional 5,074 sui- S. 2864. A bill to amend title 38, it has been determined that employ- cides among those aged 25-34, making it the United States Code, to include im- ment is not a present, reasonably fea- second leading cause of death in this age provement in quality of life in the ob- sible option but one that may be fea- group. (6) Depression, mental illness, and sui- jectives of training and rehabilitation sible in the future—it seems appro- cide are problems on college campuses. In for veterans with service-connected priate to look not only at future em- 2006, 44 percent of college students reported disabilities, and for other purposes; to ployment prospects but also toward feeling so depressed it was difficult to func- the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. improving the individual’s quality of

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The rules Our fisheries are the only remaining in the RECORD. are intended to prevent entanglements commercial wild capture industries in There being no objection, the text of of endangered whales in fishing gear. the Nation; fishermen are the last com- the bill was ordered to be placed in the By NMFS’s own estimates, this rule mercial hunters. As such, they must RECORD, as follows: will impose annual costs of approxi- strike a unique balance between plying S. 2864 mately $14 million on our fisheries, their trade and protecting the resource Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- over 90 percent of which will be borne and the environment that supports it. resentatives of the United States of America in by the lobster industry. But a report The Nation’s managers thus strive to Congress assembled, issued by the Government Account- balance the two parallel goals of sus- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. ability Office in August 2007 found the taining our fish stocks and the viabil- This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Training agency’s economic analysis to be insuf- and Rehabilitation for Disabled Veterans En- ity of our fishing industries. The bill I hancement Act of 2008’’. ficient, and that it could not estimate introduce today will help achieve that SEC. 2. INCLUSION OF IMPROVEMENT IN QUAL- the extent to which these costly meas- balance by making fishing gear re- ITY OF LIFE AS OBJECTIVE OF ures would protect whales. While we quired for conservation or safety pur- TRAINING AND REHABILITATION must protect our endangered species, it poses more affordable for America’s FOR VETERANS WITH SERVICE-CON- NECTED DISABILITIES. is senseless to impose ineffective meas- hard-working fishermen. (a) INCLUSION IN SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE ures on an already struggling industry. I want to thank my colleagues, Sen- UNDER TRAINING AND REHABILITATION.—Sec- These regulations are particularly ators REED, KERRY, LIEBERMAN, tion 3104(a)(15) of title 38, United States concerning given the additional hard- WHITEHOUSE, COLLINS, and KENNEDY for Code, is amended by inserting before the pe- ships our fishing communities cur- co-sponsoring this legislation. riod at the end the following: ‘‘and to im- rently face, especially down east where Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- prove a veteran’s quality of life’’. lobster plays an integral role in the re- (b) INDEPENDENT LIVING SERVICES AND AS- sent that the text of the bill be printed gional economy. The groundfish indus- SISTANCE.— in the RECORD. (1) ENTITLEMENT OF CERTAIN VETERANS.— try, once the lifeblood of this region, is There being no objection, the text of Section 3109 of such title is amended by in- now virtually non-existent, with just the bill was ordered to be printed in serting before the period at the end the fol- one active permit remaining east of the RECORD, as follows: lowing: ‘‘and to improve such veteran’s qual- Penobscot Bay. Lobster has been the S. 2865 ity of life’’. lone bright spot in recent years, with (2) PROGRAM OF SERVICES AND ASSIST- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- annual landings throughout the state resentatives of the United States of America in ANCE.—Section 3120 of such title is amend- in the neighborhood of $300 million. ed— Congress assembled, (A) in subsection (a), by striking ‘‘may’’ Unfortunately, early returns for 2007 SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. and inserting ‘‘shall’’; and have declined by more than 20 percent This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Fisheries (B) in subsection (d), by inserting before from the record highs of 2005 and 2006, Capital Construction Fund Enhancement Act the period at the end of the first sentence and with fuel and bait prices at record of 2008’’. the following: ‘‘and to improve such vet- highs, the harvest numbers already are SECTION 2. CERTAIN QUALIFIED CAPITAL CON- eran’s quality of life’’. leading to tightening budgets and STRUCTION FUND WITHDRAWALS. SEC. 3. REPEAL OF LIMITATION ON NUMBER OF dwindling profits. The bottom line is Section 53509 of title 46, United States VETERANS ENROLLED IN PRO- Code, is amended— GRAMS OF INDEPENDENT LIVING that it is no exaggeration to say that these rules could put many lobstermen (1) by striking ‘‘or’’ after the semicolon in SERVICES AND ASSISTANCE. paragraph (1) of subsection (a); Section 3120 of title 38, United States Code, out of business. The effect on fishing (2) by redesignating paragraph (2) of sub- as amended by section 2 of this Act, is fur- families, and even on entire fishing section (a) as paragraph (3); ther amended— communities, could be devastating. (3) by inserting after paragraph (1) of sub- (1) by striking subsection (e); and Furthermore, these rules bring addi- section (a) the following: (2) by redesignating subsection (f) as sub- tional safety concerns to the lobster ‘‘(2) the acquisition of gear or equipment section (e). industry. Many offshore areas in Maine required for safety of life at sea or to comply By Ms. SNOWE (for herself, Mr. have extremely rocky sea floors. Sink- with conservation measures within a fishery; or’’; and REED, Mr. KERRY, Mr. ing rope vastly increases the likelihood that the line will chaff and snag, wear- (4) by inserting after ‘‘withdrawal.’’ in sub- LIEBERMAN, Mr. WHITEHOUSE, section (c) the following: ‘‘The minimum Ms. COLLINS, and Mr. KENNEDY): ing the rope to the point that it can cost requirements established by such regu- S. 2865. A bill to permit qualified suddenly snap, or pulling the boat’s lations (50 C.F.R. 259.31) shall not apply to a withdrawals from a capital construc- rail towards the waterline where it can withdrawal described in subsection (a)(2).’’. tion fund account under chapter 535 of more easily be swamped and capsized title 46, United States Code, for gear or by a large wave. By Mr. BINGAMAN (for himself equipment required for fishery con- Passage of this bill would be a step and Mrs. HUTCHISON): servation or safety of life at sea with- toward alleviating the economic and S. 2867. A bill to authorize additional out regard to the minimum cost re- safety impacts of these rules by open- resources to identify and eliminate il- quirement established by regulation; to ing fishermen’s individually held Cap- licit sources of firearms smuggled into the Committee on Finance. ital Construction Funds, or CCF’s, to Mexico for use by violent drug traf- Ms. SNOWE. Mr. President, I rise purchases of fishing gear required to ficking organizations, and for other today to introduce the Fisheries Cap- meet conservation measures required purposes; to the Committee on the Ju- ital Construction Fund Enhancement within a fishery or for purchase of diciary. Act of 2008. This bill will help alleviate equipment to increase the safety of life Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I rise the potentially devastating economic at sea. Currently, fishermen can de- today to introduce the Southwest Bor- impacts of recent regulations on the posit a portion of their pre-tax income der Violence Reduction Act. This legis- lobster industry issued by the National into a CCF, and that money can then lation is aimed at addressing the drug- Marine Fisheries Service, and simulta- be withdrawn for purchase or recon- related violence that has plagued parts neously encourage conservation in our struction of fishing boats. Expanding of Mexico and ensuring that we dedi- Nation’s fisheries and enhance the safe- the qualified withdrawals from these cate the resources necessary to stop ty of the men and women who make accounts would reduce the safety and the flow of weapons that help fuel this their living at America’s most dan- economic impacts of these and other violence. gerous profession. fishing regulations. Furthermore, this In the Mexican state of Chihuahua, On October 5, 2007, the National Ma- bill would provide an additional outlet which shares a border with New Mex- rine Fisheries Service, or NMFS, issued for the $221 million currently held in ico, there have been over 200 killings

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3032 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 15, 2008 since the beginning of 2008, an increase ATF initiative, Project Gunrunner, men’s college ice hockey, who came in sec- of about 100 percent over the previous which is aimed at combating arms ond for the Hobey Baker Memorial Award, year. This violence, which is mostly smuggling. The bill would also increase with 35 goals and 32 assists during the sea- the training and support of Mexican son; perpetrated by international drug traf- Whereas the Eagles have made the Na- ficking organizations, impacts the law enforcement in investigating fire- tional Championship game in each of the well-being and safety of communities arms trafficking cases. past 3 years, demonstrating extraordinary on both sides of the U.S.-Mexico bor- Specifically, the legislation would teamwork and dedication; der. enable ATF to hire, train, and deploy Whereas the remarkable 2007–2008 season Recently it was reported that the en- an additional 80 special agents to es- also included a memorable victory for the tire police force in Palomas, a Mexican tablish and support seven more Project Eagles in the historic Beanpot Championship town just across the border from Co- Gunrunner Teams that are solely de- in February 2008, earning Boston College its voted to disrupting firearm trafficking 14th Beanpot Championship; lumbus, New Mexico, resigned after re- Whereas Boston College ‘‘Super Fans’’ peated threats from drug traffickers. organizations smuggling weapons into traveled great distances all year and gave The Chief of Police fled to the United Mexico. The bill also would make it the Eagles strong support throughout their States to seek asylum. On another re- possible for ATF to place at least 12 ad- championship season; and cent occasion, the Columbus Port of ditional special agents in Mexico to Whereas Boston College and its student Entry was shut down after there were support Mexican law enforcement in athletes are well known for their commit- several killings nearby. As a result, tracing seized firearms. Two Special ment to both athletic and academic excel- American school children who com- Agents could be assigned to U.S. Con- lence, ranking sixth nationally among NCAA sulates throughout the border region, Division I schools in the graduation rate of mute back and forth over the border student athletes: Now, therefore, be it had to receive a police escort. And just Guadalajara, Chihuahua, Matamoros, Resolved, That the Senate— yesterday, the Department of State re- Hermosillo, Tijuana, and Mazatlan, in (1) congratulates— newed a travel advisory warning of the conjunction with existing DEA offices. (A) the Boston College men’s ice hockey ongoing violence. Funds would cover salaries, protective team for winning the 2008 National Colle- I have met with Mexico’s Ambas- and investigative equipment, and other giate Athletic Association Division I Na- sador, Foreign Minister, and Attorney costs associated with maintaining a tional Ice Hockey Championship; and foreign presence. And lastly, the legis- (B) the players, coaching staff, faculty and General to raise serious concerns about staff of the university, student body, and the level of violence in the region and lation would significantly increase fans whose determination, strong work to discuss ways to address this prob- ATF efforts to assist and train Mexican ethic, drive, and support made the 2007–2008 lem. I am pleased that the Government law enforcement officers with weapons championship season possible; of Mexico understands the gravity of trafficking investigations. The bill au- (2) congratulates the University of Notre this situation and I appreciate Mexi- thorizes $24.5 million for each fiscal Dame men’s ice hockey team for its success co’s response in sending 2,000 troops to year 2009 and 2010 to implement this in the 2007–2008 season and for reaching the Act. Frozen Four for the first time in the team’s Chihuahua to bring it under control. history; and However, both Mexican and U.S. law I strongly believe that it is essential (3) directs the Secretary of the Senate to enforcement officials have stressed the that the U.S. enhance its efforts to transmit an enrolled copy of this resolution need to more aggressively target the stop the flow of weapons being traf- to— criminal enterprises that are supplying ficked into Mexico, and I hope my col- (A) Boston College President Father Wil- weapons to drug cartels. According to leagues will join me in this effort. liam P. Leahy, S.J.; (B) Boston College Athletic Director Gene ATF, about 90 percent of the firearms f DeFilippo; and recovered in Mexico are trafficked SUBMITTED RESOLUTIONS (C) Boston College Head Coach Jerry York. from the United States because high- powered weapons are much easier to f purchase in the U.S. than in Mexico. SENATE RESOLUTION 514—CON- SENATE RESOLUTION 515—COM- The drug cartels operating along the GRATULATING THE BOSTON COL- MEMORATING THE LIFE AND border smuggle illegal narcotics into LEGE MEN’S ICE HOCKEY TEAM WORK OF DITH PRAN the United States and use revenue de- ON WINNING THE 2008 NATIONAL Mr. WHITEHOUSE (for himself, Mr. rived from the drug trade to purchase COLLEGIATE ATHLETIC ASSOCIA- REED, Mr. BIDEN, and Mr. CORNYN) sub- the firearms they need to maintain TION DIVISION I NATIONAL ICE mitted the following resolution, which control over drug trafficking routes. HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP was referred to the Committee on the According to ATF, about 90 percent of Mr. KENNEDY (for himself and Mr. Judiciary: the firearms recovered in Mexico origi- KERRY) submitted the following resolu- S. RES. 515 nate from sources within the United tion; which was considered and agreed Whereas, between 1975 and 1979, Dith Pran States because high-powered weapons, to: dedicated his life and journalistic career to such as M–50s, are much easier to pur- preventing genocide by exposing the atroc- S. RES. 514 chase in the United States than in ities perpetrated by the Khmer Rouge regime Whereas, on Saturday, April 12, 2008, the in his native Cambodia; Mexico. The ability to fight drug traf- Boston College men’s ice hockey team (re- fickers is significantly hampered by Whereas Dith Pran, the subject of the ferred to in this preamble as the ‘‘Eagles’’) Academy Award-winning film ‘‘The Killing the fact that these violent groups use won the 2008 National Collegiate Athletic As- Fields’’, survived the genocide in Cambodia smuggled weapons to assassinate mili- sociation (NCAA) Division I National Ice in which up to 2,000,000 men, women, and tary and police officials, murder rival Hockey Championship by defeating the Uni- children, including most of Dith Pran’s ex- members of drug organizations, and versity of Notre Dame men’s ice hockey tended family, were killed by the Khmer kill innocent civilians. team by the score of 4 to 1 in the final game Rouge; In order to reduce violence in the re- of the Frozen Four; Whereas Dith Pran assisted many of his gion and disrupt the drug trade, it is Whereas the University of Notre Dame fellow journalists who were covering the im- men’s ice hockey team deserves great re- essential that we aggressively work to pending takeover of Cambodia by the Khmer spect for reaching the Frozen Four for the Rouge to escape unharmed from the country prevent drug trafficking organizations first time in the team’s history and then ad- when the capital of Cambodia, Phnom Penh, operating in Mexico from obtaining vancing to the National Championship game; fell to the Khmer Rouge in 1975; these weapons. This effort requires Whereas the victory for Boston College Whereas Dith Pran was subsequently im- that additional resources be allocated marked the Eagles’ third national hockey prisoned by the Khmer Rouge, and for 4 to target weapons trafficking networks championship, after the team’s first cham- years endured forced labor, beatings, and un- supplying these arms and enhanced pionship win in 1949 and its second cham- conscionable conditions of human suffering; international cooperation in tracing pionship win in 2001; Whereas, in 1979, Dith Pran escaped from Whereas the Eagles earned the number 1 forced labor past the Khmer Rouge’s ‘‘killing the sources of weapons seized in Mex- seed in the NCAA hockey tournament with fields’’, a term Mr. Dith created to describe ico. an impressive overall record of 24 wins, 11 the mass graveyards he saw on his 40-mile To this end, the legislation I am in- losses, and 8 ties during the 2007–2008 season; journey to a refugee camp in Thailand; troducing today would authorize addi- Whereas the Eagles were led by junior Na- Whereas Dith Pran, in the words of New tional resources to expand a successful than Gerbe, the Nation’s leading scorer in York Times Executive Editor Bill Keller,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3033 ‘‘reminds us of a special category of journal- a United States Embassy vehicle on January that a hearing has been scheduled be- istic heroism, the local partner, the stringer, 15, 2008, which injured 2 Lebanese employees fore the Subcommittee on National the interpreter, the driver, the fixer, who of the Embassy and killed 3 Lebanese passers Parks. The hearing will be held on knows the ropes, who makes your work pos- by: Now, therefore, be it Wednesday, April 23, 2008, at 3:00 p.m., sible, who often becomes your friend, who Resolved, That the Senate, on the 25th an- may save your life, who shares little of the niversary of the April 18, 1983, bombing of in room SD–366 of the Dirksen Senate glory, and who risks so much more than you the United States Embassy in Beirut, Leb- Office Building. do’’; anon— The purpose of the hearing is to re- Whereas Dith Pran moved to New York in (1) remembers the victims of the bombing; ceive testimony on the following bills: 1980 and devoted the remainder of his life and (2) joins family and friends in mourning S. 662, to authorize the Secretary of journalistic career to advocating against the American and Lebanese victims who lost the Interior to conduct a special re- genocide and for human rights worldwide; their lives in this tragic bombing; source study to evaluate resources at Whereas Dith Pran educated people around (3) condemns all terrorist acts that delib- the Harriet Beecher Stowe House in the world about the horrors of genocide in erately target the innocent; and general, and the genocide in Cambodia in (4) reiterates its strong support for the Brunswick, Maine, to determine the particular, through his creation of the Dith people of Lebanon and their Government as suitability and feasibility of estab- Pran Holocaust Awareness Project; they seek to build a better future free from lishing the site as a unit of the Na- Whereas, in 1985, Dith Pran was appointed the threat of terrorist violence. tional Park System, and for other pur- a United Nations Goodwill Ambassador by f poses; S. 827, to establish the Free- the United Nations High Commissioner for dom’s Way National Heritage Area in Refugees; AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND the States of Massachusetts and New Whereas Dith Pran lost his battle with PROPOSED Hampshire, and for other purposes; S. cancer on March 30, 2008, leaving behind a world that better understands the tragedy of SA 4527. Ms. LANDRIEU submitted an 923 and H.R. 1528, to amend the Na- the genocide in Cambodia and the need to amendment intended to be proposed by her tional Trails System Act to designate prevent future genocides, largely due to his to the bill H.R. 1195, to amend the Safe, Ac- the New England National Scenic compelling story, reporting, and advocacy; countable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Trail, and for other purposes; S. 956, to Whereas Dith Pran said, ‘‘Part of my life is Equity Act: A Legacy for Users to make establish the Land Between the Rivers saving life. I don’t consider myself a politi- technical corrections, and for other pur- National Heritage Area in the State of cian or a hero. I’m a messenger. If Cambodia poses; which was ordered to lie on the table. SA 4528. Mrs. LINCOLN (for herself and Mr. Illinois, and for other purposes; S. 2073, is to survive, she needs many voices.’’; and to amend the National Trails System Whereas the example of Dith Pran should PRYOR) submitted an amendment intended to endure for generations: Now, therefore, be it be proposed by her to the bill H.R. 1195, Act relating to the statute of limita- Resolved, That it is the sense of the Senate supra; which was ordered to lie on the table. tions that applies to certain claims; S. that— f 2513, to modify the boundary of the (1) Dith Pran is a modern day hero and an Minute Man National Historical Park, exemplar of what it means to be a citizen of TEXT OF AMENDMENTS and for other purposes; S. 2604, to es- the United States and a citizen of the world; Ms. LANDRIEU submitted tablish the Baltimore National Herit- (2) the United States owes a debt of grati- SA 4527. an amendment intended to be proposed age Area in the State of Maryland, and tude to Dith Pran for his tireless work to for other purposes; S. 2804, to adjust prevent genocide and violations of funda- by her to the bill H.R. 1195, to amend mental human rights; and the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Effi- the boundary of the Everglades Na- (3) teachers throughout the United States cient Transportation Equity Act: A tional Park, and for other purposes; should spread Dith Pran’s message by edu- Legacy for Users to make technical H.R. 53, to authorize the Secretary of cating their students about his life, the corrections, and for other purposes; the Interior to enter into a long-term genocide in Cambodia, and the collective re- which was ordered to lie on the table; lease with the Government of the sponsibility of all people to prevent modern- as follows: United States Virgin Islands to provide day atrocities and human rights abuses. On page 97, between lines 2 and 3, insert land on the island of Saint John, Vir- f the following: gin Islands, for the establishment of a SENATE RESOLUTION 516—SOL- (1) in item number 273, by striking the school, and for other purposes; and EMNLY COMMEMORATING THE project description and inserting ‘‘Improve- H.R. 1483 (Subtitles C, D, and F of title 25TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ments to on/off ramp system from I–10 to II, title III, section 4006 of title IV, and TRAGIC APRIL 1983 BOMBING OF Ryan Street (LA 385), including installation titles V and VI only), to amend the of an exit ramp for eastbound traffic on I–10, THE UNITED STATES EMBASSY Omnibus Parks and Public Lands Man- incorporating, as necessary, portions of agement Act of 1996 to extend the au- IN BEIRUT AND REMEMBERING Front Street and Ann Street, and including THOSE WHO LOST THEIR LIVES repair and realignment of Lakeshore Drive, thorization for certain national herit- AND THOSE WHO WERE INJURED and to include the expansion of Contraband age areas, and for other purposes. Bayou Bridge’’; Because of the limited time available Mr. LUGAR (for himself, Mr. BIDEN, for the hearing, witnesses may testify Mr. KERRY, Mr. FEINGOLD, and Mr. SA 4528. Mrs. LINCOLN (for herself by invitation only. However, those CASEY) submitted the following resolu- and Mr. PRYOR) submitted an amend- wishing to submit written testimony tion; which was considered and agreed ment intended to be proposed by her to for the hearing record should send it to to: the bill H.R. 1195, to amend the Safe, the Committee on Energy and Natural S. RES. 516 Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Trans- Resources, United States Senate, Whereas, on April 18, 1983, terrorists deto- portation Equity Act: A Legacy for Washington, DC 20510–6150, or by email nated a bomb at the United States Embassy Users to make technical corrections, to [email protected] in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 63 people, includ- and for other purposes; which was or- .gov. ing 42 American and Lebanese Embassy staff; Whereas the bombing injured many other dered to lie on the table; as follows: For further information, please con- people, including 35 Embassy staff; On page 78, strike lines 3 and 4 and insert tact David Brooks or Rachel Whereas President Ronald Reagan de- the following: Pasternack. nounced the ‘‘vicious terrorist bombing’’ as a (386) in item number 3735 by striking the ‘‘cowardly act’’; and project description and inserting ‘‘Widening f existing Highway 226, including a bypass of Whereas the April 18, 1983 attack was at AUTHORITY FOR COMMITTEES TO the time the deadliest attack against a Cash and a new connection to Highway 49’’; United States diplomatic mission in history, and MEET but was followed by other terrorist attacks f COMMITTEE ON BANKING, HOUSING, AND URBAN against Americans in Beirut including the AFFAIRS bombing of the United States Marines bar- NOTICE OF HEARING Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask racks in Beirut on October 23, 1983, which COMMITTEE ON ENERGY AND NATURAL unanimous consent that the Com- killed 241 members of the United States RESOURCES Armed Forces, the bombing of the United mittee on Banking, Housing, and States Embassy annex in Beirut on Sep- Mr. BINGAMAN. Mr. President, I Urban Affairs be authorized to meet tember 20, 1984, which killed 12 people, in- would like to announce for the infor- during the Session of the Senate on cluding 9 Embassy staff, and the bombing of mation of the Senate and the public April 15, 2008, at 10 a.m., to conduct a

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE S3034 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE April 15, 2008 hearing entitled ‘‘Turmoil in U.S. Cred- committee on Public Lands and For- tion to those who lost their lives, many it Markets: Impact on the Cost and ests, be authorized to meet during the others were injured, including 35 em- Availability of Student Loans.’’ session of the Senate to conduct a bassy personnel. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without hearing on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at On April 18th, 2008, the State Depart- objection, it is so ordered. 2:30 p.m., in room SD366 of the Dirksen ment will host a commemoration cere- COMMITTEE ON HEALTH, EDUCATION, LABOR, Senate Office Building. mony. Senior U.S. Government offi- AND PENSIONS The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without cials will join Ambassador Robert Dil- Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask objection, it is so ordered. lon, the U.S. Ambassador to Lebanon unanimous consent that the Com- SUBCOMMITTEE ON TRANSPORTATION SAFETY, at the time of the bombing, and over mittee on Health, Education, Labor, INFRASTRUCTURE SECURITY, AND WATER 100 family members of the victims to and Pensions be authorized to meet, QUALITY remember their sacrifice. The U.S. during the session of the Senate, to Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask Senate also joins in honoring the serv- conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘Ending unanimous consent that the Com- ice of those who died, mourning their Abuses and Improving Working Condi- mittee on Environment and Public death, and condemning all terrorist tions for Tomato Workers’’ on Tues- Works, Subcommittee on Transpor- acts that deliberately target the inno- day, April 15, 2008. The hearing will tation Safety, Infrastructure Security, cent. We also reiterate our unwavering commence at 10 a.m. in room 430 of the and Water Quality be authorized to support for the people of Lebanon and Dirksen Senate Office Building. meet during the session of the Senate their government as they seek to build The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without on Tuesday, April 15, 2008 at 3 p.m. in a better future free from the threat of objection, it is so ordered. room 406 of the Dirksen Senate Office terrorist violence. COMMITTEE ON FINANCE Building to hold a hearing entitled, Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask ‘‘Pharmaceuticals in the Nation’s unanimous consent that the resolution unanimous consent that the Com- be agreed to, the preamble be agreed mittee on Finance be authorized to Water: Assessing Potential Risks and to, and the motions to reconsider be meet during the session of the Senate Actions to Address the Issue.’’ laid upon the table. on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at 10 a.m., in The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without 215 Dirksen Senate Office Building, to objection, it is so ordered. objection, it is so ordered. hear testimony on ‘‘Tax: Fundamentals f The resolution (S. Res. 516) was in Advance of Reform’’. PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without agreed to. objection, it is so ordered. Mr. DORGAN. Madam President, I The preamble was agreed to. ask unanimous consent that Maria The resolution, with its preamble, COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS reads as follows: Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask Kate Dowling, a detailee of Senator unanimous consent that the Com- KENNEDY’s HELP Committee staff, be S. RES. 516 mittee on Foreign Relations be author- granted the privilege of the floor for Whereas, on April 18, 1983, terrorists deto- ized to meet during the session of the the duration of the Ledbetter Fair Pay nated a bomb at the United States Embassy Restoration Act. in Beirut, Lebanon, killing 63 people, includ- Senate on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at ing 42 American and Lebanese Embassy staff; 2:30 p.m. to hold a hearing on law of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without objection, it is so ordered. Whereas the bombing injured many other war treaties. people, including 35 Embassy staff; The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without f Whereas President Ronald Reagan de- objection, it is so ordered. COMMEMORATING THE 25TH ANNI- nounced the ‘‘vicious terrorist bombing’’ as a COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND VERSARY OF THE APRIL 1983 ‘‘cowardly act’’; and GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS BOMBING OF THE UNITED Whereas the April 18, 1983 attack was at the time the deadliest attack against a Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask STATES EMBASSY IN BEIRUT unanimous consent that the Com- United States diplomatic mission in history, mittee on Homeland Security and Gov- Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask but was followed by other terrorist attacks unanimous consent that the Senate against Americans in Beirut including the ernmental Affairs be authorized to bombing of the United States Marines bar- meet during the session of the Senate proceed to the consideration of S. Res. 516, which was submitted earlier today. racks in Beirut on October 23, 1983, which on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at 10 a.m. to killed 241 members of the United States conduct a hearing entitled, ‘‘Nuclear The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Armed Forces, the bombing of the United Terrorism: Confronting the Challenges clerk will report the resolution by States Embassy annex in Beirut on Sep- of the Day After.’’ title. tember 20, 1984, which killed 12 people, in- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without The assistant legislative clerk read cluding 9 Embassy staff, and the bombing of objection, it is so ordered. as follows: a United States Embassy vehicle on January 15, 2008, which injured 2 Lebanese employees COMMITTEE ON HOMELAND SECURITY AND A resolution (S. Res. 516) solemnly com- of the Embassy and killed 3 Lebanese passers GOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS memorating the 25th anniversary of the by: Now, therefore, be it Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask tragic April 1983 bombing of the United States Embassy in Beirut and remembering Resolved, That the Senate, on the 25th an- unanimous consent that the Com- niversary of the April 18, 1983, bombing of mittee on Homeland Security and Gov- those who lost their lives and those who were injured. the United States Embassy in Beirut, Leb- ernmental Affairs be authorized to anon— meet during the session of the Senate There being no objection, the Senate (1) remembers the victims of the bombing; on Tuesday, April 15, 2008, at 3:15 p.m. proceeded to consider the resolution. (2) joins family and friends in mourning to conduct a hearing entitled ‘‘Census Mr. LUGAR. Mr. President, I rise to the American and Lebanese victims who lost in Peril: Getting the 2010 Decennial commemorate the 25th anniversary of their lives in this tragic bombing; Back on Track, Part II.’’ the tragic April 1983 bombing of the (3) condemns all terrorist acts that delib- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without U.S. Embassy in Beirut. As we speak, erately target the innocent; and (4) reiterates its strong support for the objection, it is so ordered. thousands of State Department em- people of Lebanon and their Government as SELECT COMMITTEE ON INTELLIGENCE ployees are living and working abroad, they seek to build a better future free from Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask promoting U.S. interests and building the threat of terrorist violence. unanimous consent that the Select stronger relations with foreign govern- f Committee on Intelligence be author- ments and their peoples. While their ized to meet during the session of the work is always important, it is also ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, APRIL Senate on April 15, 2008, at 2:30 p.m. to sometimes dangerous. The 25th anni- 16, 2008 hold a closed hearing. versary of the April 18, 1983, bombing of Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, I ask The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without the U.S. embassy in Beirut reminds us unanimous consent that when the Sen- objection, it is so ordered. of this fact. On that sad day, the lives ate completes its business today, it SUBCOMMITTEE ON PUBLIC LANDS AND FORESTS of 63 people, including 42 Americans stand adjourned until 9:30 a.m. tomor- Mr. KENNEDY. Mr. President, I ask and Lebanese members of the Embassy row, Wednesday, April 16; that fol- unanimous consent that the Sub- staff, were tragically taken. In addi- lowing the prayer and the pledge, the

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:52 Jun 26, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 4624 Sfmt 0634 J:\CRONLINE\2008BA~2\2008NE~2\S15AP8.REC S15AP8 mmaher on PROD1PC76 with CONG-REC-ONLINE April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S3035 Journal of proceedings be approved to DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE JESSE LAPIERRE, OF VIRGINIA date, the morning hour be deemed ex- RACHEL BICKFORD, OF NEW HAMPSHIRE DEPARTMENT OF STATE FREDERICK H. GILES, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA pired, the time for the two leaders be CYNTHIA M. GUVEN, OF VIRGINIA CAROLYN LEE AKER, OF VIRGINIA reserved for use later in the day, and ERIK W. HANSEN, OF VIRGINIA JEEMES LEE AKERS, OF VIRGINIA the Senate then proceed to a period of RACHEL HODGETTS NELSON, OF CALIFORNIA EUNJOO A. ALAM, OF VIRGINIA PAUL R. ALLEN, OF VIRGINIA morning business for up to 60 minutes, DEPARTMENT OF STATE ERIK M. ANDERSON, OF NEW HAMPSHIRE with Senators permitted to speak for KIM FELICIA DUBOIS, OF FLORIDA SHRI A. ARORA, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA IRVIN HICKS, JR., OF MARYLAND RICHARD A. BAKEWELL, OF VIRGINIA up to 10 minutes each and the time SARA K. HODGSON, OF MISSOURI BENJAMIN BARRY, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA equally divided and controlled between JEFFREY SCOTT WALDO, OF WYOMING TRACY BECKER, OF VIRGINIA STEVEN TERRY BENFELL, OF VIRGINIA the two leaders or their designees, with FOR APPOINTMENT AS FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER OF ROBERT C. BLACKSTONE, OF MARYLAND the majority controlling the first half CLASS FOUR, CONSULAR OFFICER AND SECRETARY IN JEREMY M. BLUM, OF FLORIDA THE DIPLOMATIC SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF MELANIE LYNETTE BONNER, OF MISSISSIPPI and the Republicans controlling the AMERICA: SARAH E. BOSWELL, OF VIRGINIA final half; that following morning busi- DEPARTMENT OF STATE BRUCE M. BOURBEAU, OF VIRGINIA CARRIE BRAMAN, OF VIRGINIA ness, the Senate resume consideration MIRIAM LAILA AWAD, OF TEXAS JOSEPH C. BRISTOL, OF WASHINGTON of H.R. 1195, the highway technical cor- JARED BANKS, OF MARYLAND HEATHER WINN BROMAN, OF VIRGINIA rections bill. ANNE WHITE BENJAMINSON, OF TEXAS BRUCE T. BROOKS, OF VIRGINIA JOHN C. BERGEMANN, OF VIRGINIA SUSAN A. BROWN, OF VIRGINIA The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without TIMOTHY DAVID BIRNER, OF MISSOURI PETER EGILL EGGERZ BROWNFELD, OF VIRGINIA objection, it is so ordered. RUSSELL K. BROOKS, OF NEW JERSEY STEPHEN C. BURGIN, OF VIRGINIA NEDA A. BROWN, OF TENNESSEE EDWARD C. BURLESON, OF TEXAS FREDERICK E. N. BRUST, OF NEW YORK f LEWIS W. BURNS III, OF NORTH CAROLINA ANIA BURCZYNSKA CANAVAN, OF WASHINGTON GINA M. CABRERA-FARRAJ, OF VIRGINIA BENJAMIN CADE CANAVAN, OF FLORIDA PAULINA CARRASCO, OF VIRGINIA ANAMIKA CHAKRAVORTY, OF CALIFORNIA ADJOURNMENT UNTIL 9:30 A.M. CHRISTINA JEANNE CAVALLO, OF VIRGINIA AKUNNA E. COOK, OF MARYLAND TODD M. CISZ, OF VIRGINIA TOMORROW PETER J. COVINGTON, OF CALIFORNIA LAWRENCE HUSTON CLIFTON, OF VIRGINIA MARIO CRIFO, OF TEXAS TALYON J. COLEMAN, OF MINNESOTA Mr. BROWN. Mr. President, if there JENNIFER J. DANOVER, OF MINNESOTA STACIE LEIGH CONSTANTINE, OF VIRGINIA is no further business to come before JACQUELINE SAMARA DELEY, OF CALIFORNIA BRIAN E. DENVER, OF VIRGINIA SARAH B. CROCKETT, OF VIRGINIA the Senate, I ask unanimous consent VITO DIPAOLA, OF GEORGIA KELIA EILEEN CUMMINS, OF NEW YORK that it stand adjourned under the pre- ROBERT F. DOUGHTEN, OF MONTANA RICHARD E. DALEY, OF FLORIDA LINDA A. FENTON, OF KANSAS ANNE BARBER DAVIS, OF VIRGINIA vious order. CYRIL M. FERENCHAK, OF FLORIDA ANN MARIE DEAL, OF MASSACHUSETTS JOSHUA FISCHEL, OF IDAHO NATHAN L. DIETRICH, OF VIRGINIA There being no objection, the Senate, ´ DOUGLAS A. FISK, OF NEW MEXICO STEVEN J. DUBE, OF ILLINOIS at 7:05 p.m., adjourned until Wednes- ERIC GREGORY FLAXMAN, OF TEXAS KONSTANTIN DUBROVSKY, OF VIRGINIA day, April 16, 2008, at 9:30 a.m. MARILYN R. GAYTON, OF CALIFORNIA QUINTON L. DUFFY, OF COLORADO ALEXANDER C. GAZIS, OF NEW YORK J. COE ECONOMOU, OF NEW YORK f YVONNE MARIE GONZALES, OF CALIFORNIA CHARLES WILLIAM ELLIOT III, OF VIRGINIA KATHERINE A. GREELEY, OF CALIFORNIA MARY M. ENNIS, OF VIRGINIA CHRISTOPHER JAMES HARRIS, OF VIRGINIA AMANDA M. EVANS, OF MARYLAND NOMINATIONS LAUREN HOLT HANSEN, OF CALIFORNIA HEATHER CARLIN FABRIKANT, OF THE DISTRICT OF CHRISTOPHER DREW HOSTER, OF OHIO COLUMBIA Executive nominations received by KAREN W. HSIAO, OF UTAH PHILLIP FANTOZZI, OF VIRGINIA the Senate: RODNEY MAX HUNTER, OF INDIANA KATHRYNN RAE FESTA, OF VIRGINIA PAUL I. JUKIC, OF CONNECTICUT HENRY DOUGLAS FLACH, OF VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF JUSTICE HEATHER E. KALMBACH, OF PENNSYLVANIA COLLIN J. FLYNN, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA YOLANDA V. KERNEY, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MATTHEW D. FRANKE, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MICHELE M. LEONHART, OF CALIFORNIA, TO BE ADMIN- KRISTIN LOUISE KNEEDLER, OF FLORIDA ISTRATOR OF DRUG ENFORCEMENT, VICE KAREN P. DAVID CHARLES GAMBLA, OF VIRGINIA DANIEL D. KOSKI, OF TEXAS TANDY, RESIGNED. ANDREW M. GHOBRIEL, OF VIRGINIA BRIAN KRESSIN, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ACQUANIA V. GIBBS, OF MARYLAND THE JUDICIARY SRINIVAS RAO KULKARNI, OF TEXAS RENEE P. GOFF, OF VIRGINIA LAUREN MARCUS LADENSON, OF WASHINGTON ANN DELONG GREENBERG, OF VIRGINIA STEPHEN JOSEPH MURPHY III, OF MICHIGAN, TO BE JILL MARY LARSON, OF MINNESOTA LONI MARIA GREENBERG, OF MARYLAND UNITED STATES DISTRICT JUDGE FOR THE EASTERN LOWELL DALE LAWTON, OF NEVADA MICHAEL THOMAS HACKETT, OF CONNECTICUT DISTRICT OF MICHIGAN, VICE PATRICK J. DUGGAN, RE- ANDREW T. LEE, OF CALIFORNIA MAXWELL J. HAMILTON, OF LOUISIANA TIRED. EDWARD PAUL LUCHESSI, OF CALIFORNIA J. MICHAEL HARVEY, OF WASHINGTON HELENE N. WHITE, OF MICHIGAN, TO BE UNITED LORA OMAN LUND, OF VIRGINIA CHARLES E. HAVENER, OF MARYLAND STATES CIRCUIT JUDGE FOR THE SIXTH CIRCUIT, VICE TODD HARRY LUNDGREN, OF WASHINGTON ROBERT B. HAWKINS III, OF CALIFORNIA SUSAN BIEKE NEILSON, DECEASED. ANDREW T. MACDONALD, OF TEXAS ANDREW WILLIAM HAY, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA ERIK J. MAGDANZ, OF CALIFORNIA IN THE COAST GUARD ROBERT ARMSTRONG HELWIG III, OF VIRGINIA LATRANDA SHONTELL MARTIN, OF GEORGIA JOHN BRIAN HERICKHOFF, OF VIRGINIA THE FOLLOWING NAMED INDIVIDUAL FOR APPOINT- MARIELLE HALLER MARTIN, OF INDIANA MICHAEL J. HESSLER, OF VIRGINIA MENT AS A PERMANENT COMMISSIONED REGULAR OFFI- MICHAEL J. MCKEOWN, OF TEXAS MICHEL C. HO, OF VIRGINIA CER IN THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD IN THE TAWNIE A. MCNEIL, OF CALIFORNIA COURTNEY ANNE HOMAN-JONES, OF MARYLAND ELISE MICHELLE MELLINGER, OF HAWAII GRADE INDICATED UNDER TITLE 14, U.S.C., SECTION 211: HEATHER S. HONAKER, OF VIRGINIA DENNY J. MEREDITH III, OF MISSOURI DAVID MAURICE JONES, OF ILLINOIS KIMBERLY A. MORALES, OF PENNSYLVANIA To be lieutenant KRISTIN MICHELLE HOOPER, OF VIRGINIA GREGORY LANE NAARDEN, OF TEXAS PHILLIP ANDREW HOOPER, OF VIRGINIA TREVOR M. HARE LONG T. NGUYEN, OF CALIFORNIA DAVID C. HORENGIC, OF VIRGINIA SUE ELLEN KRISTINE OSTREM, OF NEW JERSEY THE FOLLOWING NAMED INDIVIDUAL FOR APPOINT- CHARLES C. HULL, OF MARYLAND MENT AS A PERMANENT COMMISSIONED REGULAR OFFI- MELINDA M. PAVEK, OF WYOMING OMAR KAMAL JABBOUR, OF VIRGINIA CER IN THE UNITED STATES COAST GUARD IN THE RAIMONDS PAVLOVSKIS, OF NEW YORK ALEXANDER J. JARZ, OF VIRGINIA GRADE INDICATED UNDER TITLE 14, U.S.C., SECTION 211: JEAN L. PIERRE-LOUIS, OF FLORIDA BRENDAN H. JOHNSON, OF VIRGINIA KRISTYNA L. RABASSA, OF MICHIGAN JEFFREY M. JORDAN, OF MARYLAND To be lieutenant commander ANNA RADIVILOVA, OF FLORIDA KEITH P. JORDAN, OF VIRGINIA CHRISTIAN WILLIAM REDMER, OF TENNESSEE SUSAN M. MAITRE DOVAS A. SAULYS, OF ILLINOIS NICKOLAS A. JORJANI, OF VIRGINIA ROBERT WARREN KACHUR, OF VIRGINIA FOREIGN SERVICE MORDICA MICHELLE SIMPSON, OF FLORIDA MATTHEW ANDERS SINGER, OF VIRGINIA STEPAN KARAKESISOGLU, OF MARYLAND THE FOLLOWING-NAMED PERSONS OF THE AGENCIES ROBIN DIANE SOLOMON, OF TEXAS KATHERINE MICHELLE KELLEY, OF MARYLAND INDICATED FOR APPOINTMENT AS FOREIGN SERVICE OF- JOHN C. TAYLOR, OF WYOMING MICHAEL JAMES KELLY, OF MARYLAND FICERS OF THE CLASSES STATED. YODCHIWAN DEW TIANTAWACH, OF OREGON SUSAN KOPP KEYACK, OF PENNSYLVANIA FOR APPOINTMENT AS FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER OF MATTHEW A. TOLLIVER, OF VIRGINIA DONG-SUNG KIM, OF MARYLAND CLASS ONE, CONSULAR OFFICER AND SECRETARY IN THE JESSICA MARIE TORRES, OF FLORIDA THANH C. KIM, OF TEXAS DIPLOMATIC SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMER- ERIC RICHARD TURNER, OF VIRGINIA CARINA DEA KLEIN, OF NEW YORK ICA: ANDREW JOSEPH VADEN, OF TEXAS GEORGE E. KRAMER, OF VIRGINIA JENNIFER R. VAN TRUMP, OF CALIFORNIA KRIS S. KUMAR, OF VIRGINIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE PATRICK H. VENTRELL, OF COLORADO JONATHAN P. LALLEY, OF VIRGINIA SCOTT D. LANDSMAN, OF ILLINOIS CRAIG LEWIS CLOUD, OF FLORIDA RAJEEV M. WADHWANI, OF NEW JERSEY JENNIFER D. WASHELESKI, OF THE DISTRICT OF JOSEPH AARON LARSON, OF VIRGINIA FOR APPOINTMENT AS FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER OF COLUMBIA ELLISON S. LASKOWSKI, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA CLASS TWO, CONSULAR OFFICER AND SECRETARY IN CARL THOMAS WATSON, OF NEW YORK JEFFREY DEAN LASSETER, OF VIRGINIA THE DIPLOMATIC SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF GINA M. WERTH, OF NEVADA DARLENE M. LIAO, OF VIRGINIA AMERICA: DIANNE KAYE WEST, OF SOUTH DAKOTA LEAH CHRISTINE LIOTT, OF MARYLAND ALEXANDER WHITTINGTON, OF TEXAS KENDRICK M. LIU, OF CALIFORNIA DEPARTMENT OF STATE SARA S. YUN, OF VIRGINIA LIANA M. LUM, OF MARYLAND AYO W. LYNN, OF VIRGINIA JOHN CHARLES DOCKERY, OF TEXAS THE FOLLOWING-NAMED MEMBERS OF THE FOREIGN PATRICK S. LYON, OF MARYLAND MARY-KATHARINE RANKIN, OF TEXAS SERVICE TO BE CONSULAR OFFICERS AND SECRETARIES ERIN NICHOLE MARKLEY, OF MISSOURI ERICA KEEN THOMAS, OF MARYLAND IN THE DIPLOMATIC SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF NICHOLAS FRANCIS VAZQUEZ MATHEW, OF VIRGINIA MARIKA RICHTER ZADVA, OF CALIFORNIA AMERICA: KEITH A. MCCOY, OF VIRGINIA FOR APPOINTMENT AS FOREIGN SERVICE OFFICER OF DEPARTMENT OF COMMERCE REID B. MCCOY, OF TEXAS CLASS THREE, CONSULAR OFFICER AND SECRETARY IN N. DEAN MESERVY, OF MARYLAND THE DIPLOMATIC SERVICE OF THE UNITED STATES OF TERESA HOWES, OF MICHIGAN FAITH MCCARTHY MEYERS, OF VIRGINIA AMERICA: WILLIAM KUTSON, OF MARYLAND CHRISTOPHER C. MILLER, OF VIRGINIA

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MARK R. MINEO, OF FLORIDA THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT MICHAEL D. CONGER MARLA ANNE MONTEVALDO, OF VIRGINIA IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT WILLIAM L. MORRIS III, OF VIRGINIA CATED WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY GILBERT GEORGE MORTON, OF NEW YORK AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION RESERVE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: KALPANA MURTHY, OF WASHINGTON 601: JASON ZIMPRICH NADON-RZASA, OF VIRGINIA To be captain TODD R. NEIMAN, OF ILLINOIS To be lieutenant general JAMES R. DUNWORTH KEVIN D. NELSON, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA MAJ. GEN. MARK D. SHACKELFORD CHRISTOPHER R. NEWMAN, OF VIRGINIA BRUCE A. HORTON RUTH NEWMAN, OF COLORADO IN THE ARMY ROBERT K. LANSDEN RICHARD F. NICHOLES, OF VIRGINIA FRANCIS J. MCCABE II CHARLOTTE SULLIVAN NUANES, OF THE DISTRICT OF THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT NEIL R. REILLY COLUMBIA IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED CHARLES A. ROZHON, JR. BRIAN O’BEIRNE, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND MICHAEL A. SANO NICOLE L. O’BRIEN, OF VIRGINIA RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT KERRI ANN OLSEN, OF VIRGINIA To be lieutenant general TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY MATTHEW RYAN PACKER, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUM- BIA MAJ. GEN. FRANK G. HELMICK RESERVE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: TAMMY B. PALTCHIKOV, OF ALABAMA To be captain ELEANOR B. PEARSON, OF VIRGINIA THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT CHARLES STEPHEN PENNYPACKER, OF VIRGINIA IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED WILLIAM K. DAVIS LAUREN E. PETERS, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE AND ROBERT T. DURAND SHANE M. PETERSEN, OF VIRGINIA RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 601: THOMAS R. GRESBACK KRISTA PICA, OF VIRGINIA To be lieutenant general JON C. LUNDBERG JEREMY B. PINNER, OF VIRGINIA TERRANCE L. SHANNON ESTHER A. PIZARRO, OF VIRGINIA BRIG. GEN. JOHN F. MULHOLLAND, JR. KATHLEEN R. WRIGHT JAMES PLASMAN, OF ILLINOIS LOUIS S. POLLARD, OF VIRGINIA THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT PAMELA ROSS DIEFENDERFER PONTIUS, OF THE DIS- TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY TRICT OF COLUMBIA UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C. SECTION 624: RESERVE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: CARTER JAMES POTTS, OF VIRGINIA To be major To be captain CYNTHIA ZUNIGA PRASZCZALEK, OF MARYLAND CLAIRE V. QUIRKE, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA KENNETH D. SMITH KATHLEEN GROMILOVITZ PRASHANTH RAJAN, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA JOHN F. LANDRY THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT NAYEONG L. RANDORF, OF VIRGINIA JAMES M. MANCHER GREGORY N. RANKIN, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY JAMES E. REESE, OF PENNSYLVANIA UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C. SECTION 624: THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT JAMIE ROANE, OF VIRGINIA To be lieutenant colonel TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY ROSELLEN ALBANO ROBERT, OF VIRGINIA RESERVE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: MICHAEL A. ROBERTS, OF VIRGINIA JOHN M. HOPPMANN OLGA B. ROMANOVA, OF NEW YORK To be captain THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT IVAN F. RUIZ, OF VIRGINIA THOMAS E. FOLLO TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES ARMY ROBERT RUSCHENBERG, OF CALIFORNIA JOHN M. PIETKIEWICZ JUDGE ADVOCATE GENERAL’S CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, ALEXANDER THEODORE RYAN, OF PENNSYLVANIA SARAH M. STANDARD BRIGITTA J. SAJCIC, OF VIRGINIA U.S.C., SECTIONS 624 AND 3064: TANYA YUKI SALSETH, OF CALIFORNIA To be lieutenant colonel THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT ROCCO C. SANTORO, OF MARYLAND TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY BRANDE HANNAH SASSMAN, OF VIRGINIA AMY M. BAJUS RESERVE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: CRAIG G. SCHMAUS, OF VIRGINIA SHANE E. BARTEE ANDREW HUBBARD SCHUT, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUM- JOSEPH B. BERGER III To be captain BIA LOUIS A. BIRDSONG DAVID J. HARACH ANDREW C. SCHWARTZ, OF MARYLAND PAULETTE V. BURTON WILLIAM T. LITTLE ANDREW CRAWFORD SCHWARTZ, OF VIRGINIA ERIK L. CHRISTIANSEN MARK D. MAXWELL JOE L. SEPULVEDA, OF VIRGINIA DAVID T. CLUXTON PATRICK R. MULCAHY MELISSA K. SHOEMAKER, OF VIRGINIA STEVEN P. CULLEN ASHLI C. SIMPSON, OF TEXAS GAIL A. CURLEY THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT EILEEN SIMPSON, OF VIRGINIA KATHRYN A. DONNELLY TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY JONATHAN M. SMALLRIDGE, OF THE DISTRICT OF CO- GREGG A. ENGLER RESERVE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: LUMBIA KWASI L. HAWKS NOLAN G. SMASH, OF MARYLAND MICHAEL K. HERRING To be captain GREGORY MICHAEL SMITH, OF VIRGINIA JONATHAN HOWARD DONALD R. BURNS JASON A. SMITH, OF VIRGINIA JOHN T. HYATT MICHAEL D. COOK ROBERT THOMAS SMITH, OF VIRGINIA IAN R. IVERSON RANDALL J. GEIS STEPHANIE P. SMITH, OF VIRGINIA MELVIN C. JENKS DEAN C. HALVORSON RAVINDRA MOHAN SRIVASTAVA, OF COLORADO CARL A. JOHNSON WILLIAM R. LARAY JOHN W. STABLES, OF TEXAS NICHOLAS F. LANCASTER WILLIAM D. MICHAEL NATASHA N. STITH, OF VIRGINIA JEFFERY D. LIPPERT ROBERT J. STOLZ, OF VIRGINIA DONALD G. LOBEDA, JR. THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT LIAM L. SULLIVAN, OF NEW HAMPSHIRE JOSEPH M. MASTERSON TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY MATTHEW JOSEPH SULLIVAN, OF VIRGINIA DAVID E. MENDELSON RESERVE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: MEREDITH JILL SUMPTER, OF VIRGINIA MATTHEW M. MILLER ELIZABETH TANG SWEET, OF NEW JERSEY To be captain PHILIP C. MITCHELL TRISHA ANN TAINO, OF VIRGINIA SUSAN E. MITCHELL LISA Y. TAM, OF VIRGINIA ROBERT J. BARTON II JOHN C. MOORE CONSTANTINO THEOHARATOS, OF ARIZONA MICHAEL P. CARTER MICHAEL E. MUELLER ERIC J. THEUS, OF VIRGINIA STEPHEN M. DEBRUYNKOPS CHARLES C. POCHE BOBBI C. THOMAS-TAGAI, OF TEXAS DOUGLAS S. FARNCOMB LUIS O. RODRIGUEZ PATTY ANN TRUGLIO, OF VIRGINIA CHARLES A. GUNZEL JOHN T. ROTHWELL DAVID COLIN TURNBULL, OF NEW YORK THOMAS L. MORGAN MICHELLE L. RYAN ANDREW UTZ, OF VIRGINIA ANTHONY NICKENS PETER P. VELASCO, OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA KENNETH W. SHAHAN LYNN J. PETERSEN JILLIAN MARIE WALKER, OF VIRGINIA WILLIAM D. SMOOT III ROBERT A. UHLIG ERIKA A. H. WANAMAKER, OF VIRGINIA SUSAN B. SUTHERLAND CHRISTOPHER M. WAALER JUSTIN T. WARNICK, OF VIRGINIA KURT A. TAKUSHI THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT SHAWNTAE WHITE, OF OHIO JAMES L. VARLEY TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY MICHELLE A. WHITEMAN, OF MARYLAND ROBERT P. VASQUEZ RESERVE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: CURT WHITTAKER, OF OREGON IN THE MARINE CORPS ARIC C. WILLIAMS, OF VIRGINIA To be captain GEORGE THOMAS WOOD IV, OF VIRGINIA THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT JEFFREY TODD WORKMAN, OF MARYLAND TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES MA- DREW G. FLAVELL JARED M. YANCEY, OF VIRGINIA RINE CORPS UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C. SECTION 624: ERIC W. JOHNSON MARA YAVERBAUM, OF VIRGINIA SCOTT A. LANGLEY MICHAEL B. YORKE, OF VIRGINIA To be lieutenant colonel TONYA Y. W. PRINGLE KIRA L. ZAPORSKI, OF WISCONSIN DAVID G. MCCULLOH TODD A. ROSE ROBERT E. SAWYER JOSEPH P. WAITE SECRETARIES IN THE DIPLOMATIC SERVICE OF THE PAUL F. WECKMAN UNITED STATES OF AMERICA: PAUL W. VOSS DENISE G. MANNING, OF VIRGINIA IN THE NAVY THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY THE FOLLOWING-NAMED CAREER MEMBERS OF THE THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT RESERVE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE OF THE DEPARTMENT OF TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY STATE FOR PROMOTION IN THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERV- RESERVE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: To be captain ICE TO THE CLASSES INDICATED: CAREER MEMBERS OF THE SENIOR FOREIGN SERVICE To be captain TERI J. BARBER OF THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, CLASS OF MIN- MARY K. CAFFREY ADAM J. COGHAN ISTER COUNSELOR, EFFECTIVE JANUARY 6, 2008: SHARON S. DOXEY VALERIE L. EICHENLAUB ROBERT A. ECKERT, OF FLORIDA THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT STEPHEN D. KIBBEY KIMBERLY K. OTTWELL, OF ARIZONA TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY RESERVE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: PATRICIA A. LEOPARD IN THE AIR FORCE ROBERTA E. SYBA To be captain LORI A. YOST THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICER FOR APPOINTMENT IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE TO THE GRADE INDI- JOHN E. PASCH III THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT CATED WHILE ASSIGNED TO A POSITION OF IMPORTANCE THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY AND RESPONSIBILITY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY RESERVE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: 601: RESERVE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: To be captain TO BE LIEUTENANT GENERAL To be captain ERIC B. ANDERSON MAJ. GEN. DANA T. ATKINS RICHARD C. BOEHM MARLIN C. ANTHONY

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WILLIAM L. BACH MARK D. LOWMAN SAMUEL J. MANDELL JAY S. BOWMAN WILLIAM F. LUSSIER JOHN A. MANNARINO SYBIL V. BRADLEY SCOT T. LYNN KATHRYN L. MAURER MICHAEL L. ELLIOTT MICHAEL A. MALOWNEY BRIAN C. POEHLER CARLOS E. FLANAGAN KEVIN L. MARLOWE ROBERT D. POWELL DONALD M. GORDNIER DONATO B. MASAOY III CLYDE E. ROYSTON TED C. GRAHAM STEPHEN MASI ERIC S. SCHNEIDER KEVIN O. HENDRICKS ALISON S. MCCRARY LUCY A. SIMONIAN ANDREW E. HOPKINS TODD R. MCKINLEY JOHN D. TODD RANDOLPH B. JOHNSON ANTHONY MCKINNEY SUSAN D. TOTH JON C. KREITZ EDWARD MEANY SCOTT A. WOODWORTH WILLIAM J. LEAR, JR. JAMES J. MEHAIL LEONARD A. ZIMMERMANN I PAUL G. MATTINGLY II JOHN E. MENDEL CHRISTOPHER S. MOORE DOMINIC J. MEOLI THE FOLLOWING NAMED INDIVIDUALS FOR APPOINT- SAMUEL L. TATE KEVIN P. MONAGLE MENT IN THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES STEVEN D. VINCENT WALLACE F. MOORE NAVY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 531: GEORGE N. WHITBRED IV KEITH E. MORAN To be lieutenant commander ARIEL C. NAGALES THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT MICHAEL S. NEWMAN SAMUEL G. ESPIRITU TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY DAVID P. ODEA, JR. MILLER J. KERR RESERVE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: MATTHEW P. OKEEFE PAUL G. SCANLAN To be captain DONALD S. PAGEL, JR. DAVID J. POPOVICH THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR TEMPORARY CLAYTON R. ALLEN GREGORY J. RALSTIN APPOINTMENT TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE AYAD N. ALSAIGH RANDALL K. REID UNITED STATES NAVY UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION DOUGLAS J. ANDERSON PAUL D. REINHART 5721: SAMUEL W. ASBURY MARK J. RETZLOFF To be lieutenant commander KELLY J. BALTZ ALLAN D. RISLEY JOHN H. BARNET, JR. JEFFREY M. ROGALINER TERRY L. BUCKMAN MICHAEL D. BELL DANIEL R. ROMAN ROBERT D. CARTER, JR. MATTHEW C. BINSFIELD MARCO F. ROMANI CHRISTOPHER C. COFFEY DANIEL J. BURQUE BRIAN S. RUSSELL KENNY J. COMEAUX ANDREW P. CAMPBELL DAVID M. SALUTO GEORGE R. EBARB PAMELA K. L. CAREL ANTHONY J. SANNICOLAS CHAD A. FELLA WESLEY J. CARPENTER STEVEN A. SCHELLBERG WILLIAM D. FRANCIS DOUGLAS R. CARROLL DAN S. SCHINDLER JOHN T. GREEN STEPHAN J. CASSIDY KENNETH A. SCHROEDER JELANI K. HALE GREGG T. CLARK ROBERT E. SECHRIEST JEFFREY P. HARVEY MICHAEL W. CLARK GERALD A. SHERMAN ROBERT A. HEELY, JR. RICHARD G. COLBURN KRISTI L. SIDEBOTTOM TIMOTHY KNAPP MARTIN R. COSTA THOMAS J. SKUBIC BRIAN J. LADIEU GEORGE M. COX ANDE A. SMITH DAVID C. LEIKER RONALD A. CRADDOCK LANCE A. SNIDER TERRY P. MCNAMARA JOHN W. CRAIG CRAIG S. SOER ERIC A. NICHOLSON OWEN J. CURLEY DAVID V. SPEARS JASON P. PATTERSON RODNEY P. DEWALT MICHAEL A. STEWART DAVID A. PFAEFFLIN DAVID P. DIPESA VINCENT L. TISEO ANGEL F. RODRIGUEZ MATTHEW S. DOYLE JESS H. UMPHENOUR KENNETH M. ROMAN CRAIG R. DUGAN WARREN K. VANEMAN ANTHONY M. ROMERO MICHAEL R. DUNNE FRANK T. WALLACE CHAD J. ROUM MICHAEL S. EKLUND DAVID H. WEEKS JOHN W. RYAN DAVID C. ENGLEHART CURTIS A. WOLD KENNETH A. SABOL ROBERT J. FINKELSTON ERIC F. ZANIN KENNETH D. SAUNDERS JEFFREY C. FLUMIGNAN TIMOTHY J. SHIVOK THE FOLLOWING NAMED OFFICERS FOR APPOINTMENT ADRIANANTHONY GARCIA CHAD B. STEINBRECHER TO THE GRADE INDICATED IN THE UNITED STATES NAVY LEONARD A. GESHAN, JR. GREGORY L. TAYLOR RESERVE UNDER TITLE 10, U.S.C., SECTION 12203: SHANE A. GRAY RITCHIE L. TAYLOR GERALD E. GREEN, JR. To be captain FRANCIS J. WALTER III MICHAEL L. HARRIS THOMAS M. WILLIAMS DAVID W. HEGLAR TAMMY M. BAKER JOSEPH J. HORVATH KATHLEEN BOEHMER CHRISTOPHER K. HYDER DAVID H. BULFORD f GUY D. V. JACKSON ROBIN K. CLEMENTS WILLIAM S. JOHNSON CHARLES M. CONWAY III WITHDRAWAL DANIEL T. KELLY TIMOTHY W. CROY GEORGE A. KENYON, JR. RALPH L. DEFALCO Executive Message transmitted by MICHAEL KIRKPATRICK DAVID J. DORAN JAMES P. KITZMILLER GEORGE C. DRISCOLL the President to the Senate on April 15, RUDOLPH KLICEK, JR. MARY S. ELLIS 2008 withdrawing from further Senate LEIGH L. KOJIRO BRUCE D. GARROTT JOSEPH G. LAMACK II GREGORY K. HAYES consideration the following nomina- JOSEPH C. LAULETTA, JR. WILLIAM R. HUNT tion: STEVEN E. LEAHY MARK A. KENNEY PAUL D. LEBRASSEUR LINDA K. KNIGHT STEPHEN JOSEPH MURPHY III, OF MICHIGAN, TO BE CLAUDE P. R. LIM JOHN H. LAGORIO, JR. UNITED STATES CIRCUIT JUDGE FOR THE SIXTH CIR- JAMES S. LITTLE DREW F. LIEB CUIT, VICE SUSAN BIEKE NEILSON, DECEASED, WHICH ALEXANDER R. LOVETT EVAN C. LOVE WAS SENT TO THE SENATE ON MARCH 19, 2007.

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PERSONAL EXPLANATION CELEBRATING THE FIFTIETH AN- Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join NIVERSARY OF WEBSTER, TEXAS me in commending Gage Carter Herrington for HON. PHIL ENGLISH his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of HON. NICK LAMPSON America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- OF PENNSYLVANIA ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. OF TEXAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Madam Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Speaker, I am TRIBUTE TO THE CLARION PUBLIC Speak, on rollcall No. 185, H.R. 3548, the pleased to stand before you today in celebra- LIBRARY Plain Language in Government Communica- tion of the fiftieth anniversary of the City of tions Act of 2007, I would have voted in favor Webster, Texas. Webster was incorporated on HON. TOM LATHAM of the bill. I was held up in Pennsylvania due April 19th, 1958, almost 80 years after it was to a car accident that shut down the PA Turn- settled by James W. Webster. OF IOWA pike. Since its settlement in 1879, Webster has IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Had I been present, I would have voted enjoyed a rich and varied history. Its tem- ‘‘yea’’. perate climate and the dedicated work of its Tuesday, April 15, 2008 residents nursed the fledgling Texas rice in- Mr. LATHAM. Madam Speaker, I rise today f dustry, now a multimillion-dollar economic suc- to congratulate the Clarion Public Library on cess. In more recent years, Webster has be- its 100th year anniversary. The Clarion Public HONORING AND RECOGNIZING THE come home for much of the aerospace indus- Library serves over 3,000 residents of Clarion, DIOCESE OF ST. CLOUD CATHO- try and serves as the gateway to Johnson Iowa as well as residents of the surrounding LIC CHARITIES’ MEALS ON Space Center. Its population has blossomed, areas in Wright County. WHEELS PROGRAM from a handful of ranching settlers in 1879 to In February 1907, the Clarion City Council over 9000 residents. voted to contribute $5,000 to erect and main- HON. MICHELE BACHMANN Webster has also served as a vital con- tain a public library after Mr. Morgan Everts, a nector for the Bay Area. Its official emblem, an OF MINNESOTA pioneer of Webster City, Iowa, offered to sup- unbroken chain, reflects its role as a link in the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES plement the project with a $10,000 donation. Bay Area economy and between the cities of The structure of the library was erected by Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Houston and Galveston, as well as the John- F.F. McManus at the contract price of $9,921, son Space Center. The emblem also symbol- Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise to without a furnace or furnishings, and was built izes Webster’s constant progress and growth, in the same style of architecture as the Car- recognize and pay honor to the immense serv- a connection between the past and the future. ice the Meals on Wheels Association of Amer- negie libraries around the country. The build- As Webster enters its next 50 years, I have ing was opened to the public in April 1908. ica, MOWAA, has made to the most vulner- no doubt that it will continue to achieve suc- The 5,000 square-foot library contains a able senior citizens of our Nation. The cess. I am proud to celebrate with the resi- large basement where the heating plant, store MOWAA represents a number of member sen- dents of Webster their legacy and hopes for rooms and auditorium are located. A high flag- ior nutrition programs in each State throughout the years ahead. I wish the City of Webster a staff is set in front of the building, designed to the country, including several in Minnesota. bright future and congratulate them on this hold ‘‘Old Glory,’’ which was the gift of Captain This organization represents America’s com- golden anniversary. mitment to community service by restoring dig- Terrell. f nity and respect to all citizens, regardless of From April 1908 to January 1913, Mrs. G.T. race or religion. In addition, their annual March GAGE CARTER HERRINGTON Eldridge served as the first librarian and was for Meals campaigns have served as a plat- subsequently followed by Mrs. Irving E. Nagle. form to raise funds, create awareness, and in- HON. SAM GRAVES Mrs. Marrian Gannon was the longest serving crease the number of volunteers to enhance head librarian from 1967 to 1996, and the cur- OF MISSOURI the association and its critical objectives. rent head librarian, Nola Waddingham, has IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I would particularly like to commend the served since 1996. Meals on Wheels program run by Catholic Tuesday, April 15, 2008 In 1984, a total remodeling of the library Charities of the Diocese of St. Cloud. They Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly was completed. With a grant from the Kinney- provide hot, nutritious meals and deliver them pause to recognize Gage Carter Herrington, a Lindstrom Fund and help from the city council, to frail, homebound seniors. very special young man who has exemplified the children’s library was moved to the base- Since its humble beginnings in Great Britain the finest qualities of citizenship and leader- ment, an elevator was installed, and a meeting during World War II and the first American ship by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts room for cultural events was constructed. home-delivered meal program in Philadelphia, of America, Troop 45, and by earning the Today the Clarion Library Board and the City Pennsylvania, in January of 1954, Meals on most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. of Clarion are raising funds to expand and Wheels has provided vulnerable senior Ameri- Gage has been very active with his troop, renovate this historic library. cans with not only a warm meal, but also a participating in many scout activities. Gage Throughout the many years the Clarion warm heart. There is nothing greater in life participated in the National Youth Leadership Public Library staff has strived to meet the than a person’s self-respect, and the MOWAA Training in Boy Scouts of America. Gage is needs of the people in the area by providing has made that ideal a cornerstone of their also a Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O-Say. excellent information and encouraging citizens mission and organization. Gage has also excelled academically, rank- to read. I congratulate the Clarion Public Li- Madam Speaker, it is my honor to recognize ing 11th in his class of 201 at Lafayette High brary on this historic anniversary. It is an today the selfless commitment of the Meals on School. Gage participated in the National Ge- honor to represent Nola Waddingham, the li- Wheels Association of America and its dedi- ography Bee at the State level, earned a dou- brary board of trustees, and all of the Clarion cated volunteers across the country. It is ble varsity letter on the debate team, and Library staff in the United States Congress, through their service that we can be proud to earned medals at the Science Fair and and I wish the Clarion Public Library continued call ourselves Americans. Science Olympiad. success well into the future.

∑ This ‘‘bullet’’ symbol identifies statements or insertions which are not spoken by a Member of the Senate on the floor. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:43 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP8.001 E15APPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with REMARKS E610 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 15, 2008 PAYING TRIBUTE TO DAN CONGRATULATING TAIWANESE owners of Brenny’s Transportation and Brenny McPARTLAND PRESIDENT-ELECT MR. MA YING- Specialized in St. Cloud, Minnesota, for their JEOU participation in the U.S. Department of Home- HON. JON C. PORTER land Security’s Highway Watch program. By OF NEVADA HON. DANIEL LIPINSKI dedicating the time and effort of their drivers, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF ILLINOIS Todd and Joyce Brenny are helping to keep Tuesday, April 15, 2008 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES our Nation safe. Mr. PORTER. Madam Speaker, it is my dis- Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Highway Watch is a program through which tinct pleasure to rise today to honor Dan Mr. LIPINSKI. Madam Speaker, I rise today truck drivers are trained to spot suspicious ac- McPartland by entering his name in the CON- to congratulate Mr. Ma Ying-jeou on his suc- tivity while on the roads and to report it to a GRESSIONAL RECORD, the official record of the cess in the March 22 presidential election in national call center so that public safety offi- proceedings and debates of the United States Taiwan, as well as applaud the democratic cials can both address a particular issue and Congress since 1873. Today I honor Dan process that led to his election. The success detect early if a pattern is arising. Minnesota McPartland, who is retiring after 27 years of of the fair and peaceful Taiwanese presidential was one of the first three states to join this service to the Clark County School District De- election and the transfer of power from one program when it was first started by the Amer- partment of Food Services. party to another demonstrate that Taiwan is a ican Trucking Association, ATA, in 1998. Then Mr. McPartland has been a resident of genuine democracy and a shining example of it was a safety awareness program, teaching southern Nevada since 1968. Throughout his freedom for the rest of the region. drivers to report road hazards and accidents. service, Dan has provided leadership and sta- As Mr. Ma is inaugurated on May 20th, I bility to a vital department of southern Ne- look forward to continuing the exceptional rela- Following 9/11, the Department of Home- vada’s education system. During his time as tionship between the United States and Tai- land Security worked with ATA to add an anti- director of food services, Dan led numerous wan. Taiwan is one of America’s strongest terrorism component to the program’s cur- projects to effectively feed and nourish Clark partners in the region and a true friend of the riculum. Since 2004, about 800,000 drivers, County students. Such projects included tech- United States. Similarly, I am pleased to know State transportation workers, and toll booth nology upgrades in every school cafeteria of Mr. Ma’s pledged support for strengthening operators, including 9,921 drivers in Minnesota networked to the main food service office as ties with the U.S. and I am confident that our alone, have been trained. That turns out to be well as the implementation of a strict nutrition relationship will grow stronger. a cost of about $31 per driver. In 2007, more policy that regulated all foods sold in schools I also applaud the president-elect’s initia- than 3,000 calls were logged as part of the during business hours. Mr. McPartland ex- tives to improve relations between Taiwan and program nationwide, including 1,700 security- panded the department to keep up with rapid China through increased dialogues on pro- related calls. growth and maintained a financially sound posals that would greatly benefit the people of All 60 of Brenny’s drivers and office employ- budget while doing so. Dan was recognized Taiwan and China. Increased communication ees participate in Highway Watch. They have with the Golden Carrot in 2004 for his excep- and commerce between the people of China taken a real interest in supporting our efforts and Taiwan will greatly assist in reducing ten- tional innovation and leadership in promoting to keep our Nation safe and I commend them sions in the region while allowing the Chinese child health and nutrition through school food and all their fellow trucking companies who to see firsthand the success of democracy in service. take part in this program for their efforts. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Dan Taiwan. McPartland. His dedication and commitment to I rise today, Madam Speaker, to commend f the students of Clark County is commendable the democratic process that led to the free and his efforts have enriched countless lives. and fair election of Mr. Ma Ying-jeou, whom I LOPEZ SIBLINGS TO ALL I congratulate Mr. McPartland on his much de- heartily congratulate on his attainment of this COMPETE IN OLYMPIC GAMES served retirement and wish him all the best in high office. his future endeavors. I sincerely hope that the rest of the world f has taken note of the historic events that have transpired in these free and transparent elec- HON. NICK LAMPSON PERSONAL EXPLANATION tions. May this democratic spirit reach far and OF TEXAS wide and inspire a desire to foster democracy IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. THOMAS H. ALLEN all around the world. Again, I congratulate Mr. OF MAINE Ma in his election and wish him the very best. Tuesday, April 15, 2008 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Mr. LAMPSON. Madam Speaker, this sum- PERSONAL EXPLANATION Mr. ALLEN. Madam Speaker, on April 14, mer, the United States will be sending three 2008, I was unavoidably absent from the siblings to compete in the Olympic Games. HON. PHIL ENGLISH This outstanding feat has not occurred since House due to a family illness. OF PENNSYLVANIA If I had been present, I would have voted 1904, and I am honored to recognize these in- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall vote No. 183, a motion by Mr. dividuals from the Houston area: Steven ELLSWORTH of Indiana to suspend the rules Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Lopez, Mark Anthony Lopez, and Diana and agree to the passage of H. Res. 886, a Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Madam Lopez. resolution expressing sympathy to the victims Speaker, on rollcall No. 184, H. Res. 994, Ex- Each of the three is an exceptional athlete and families of the tragic acts of violence in pressing support for designation of a National and will be representing the United States in Colorado Springs, Colorado and Arvada, Colo- Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia Awareness the sport of taekwondo this summer. Steven rado. Day, I would have voted in favor of the resolu- Lopez spent the majority of his life in his I would have also voted ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall tion. I was held up in Pennsylvania due to a hometown of Sugar Land, Texas, and is a vote No. 184, a motion by Mr. DAVIS of Illinois car accident that shut down the PA Turnpike. two-time Olympic Gold Medalist and four-time to suspend the rules and agree to the pas- Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ world champion. Mark Lopez was born in sage of H. Res. 994, a resolution expressing f Houston, Texas, and is a recipient of three support for designation of a National IN HONOR OF BRENNY TRANSPOR- World Championship Medals including a Gold Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia Awareness TATION’S COMMITMENT TO OUR Medal in 2005. Diana Lopez is the youngest of Day. the three and was also born in Houston, I would have also voted ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall HOMELAND SECURITY Texas, and received a Gold Medal in 2005. vote No. 185, a motion by Mr. BRALEY of Iowa to suspend the rules and agree to the pas- HON. MICHELE BACHMANN These extraordinary individuals deserve OF MINNESOTA sage of H.R. 3548, the Plain Language in America’s utmost appreciation and support. I IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Government Communications Act of 2007. am proud to have such remarkable citizens in I ask unanimous consent that this statement Tuesday, April 15, 2008 my district, and I wish them the best in the be inserted in the appropriate place in the Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise 2008 Summer Olympics and in the years RECORD. today to commend Todd and Joyce Brenny, ahead.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:43 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP8.009 E15APPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with REMARKS April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E611 CORY S. ADAMS Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues today to ‘‘Also remaining are those 44 glass blocks vote for this important resolution that will sup- on the flight path. (There were 40 passengers port the establishment of National Child Abuse and crew and four Islamic terrorists on HON. SAM GRAVES Flight 93.) The Memorial Project acknowl- OF MISSOURI Prevention Month. edges the 40 blocks inscribed with the names IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f of my son and the other heroes, and they ac- Tuesday, April 15, 2008 knowledge the three inscribed with the 9/11 QUESTIONS ABOUT DESIGN OF date, but they pretend not to know about Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly PROPOSED FLIGHT 93 MEMORIAL this one: the huge glass block that dedicates pause to recognize Cory Adams, a very spe- the entire site. cial young man who has exemplified the finest HON. JIM RAMSTAD ‘‘When this 44th glass block is pointed out, Project Partners say that it can’t be counted qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- OF MINNESOTA ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- with the other blocks because it is not the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES same size. What? Because the capstone to ica, Troop 60, and by earning the most pres- Tuesday, April 15, 2008 the terrorist memorializing block count is tigious award of Eagle Scout. magnificent, that is supposed to make it Cory has been very active with his troop, Mr. RAMSTAD. Madam Speaker, Tom Bur- okay? participating in many Scout activities. Cory has nett, Jr. was a true American hero. All Ameri- ‘‘For every Islamic or terrorist memori- shown an extraordinary commitment to Scout- cans owe Tom and the other passengers on alizing feature of the crescent design, the ing as evidenced by earning 45 merit badges. United Flight 93 a deep debt of gratitude for Park Service has another equally phony ex- their bravery on September 11, 2001. Indeed, cuse. Cory is also a Brave in the Tribe of Mic-O- ‘‘What do we have to do to convince those Say. the Members of this body may owe their very opponents that the proposed Flight 93 Red Cory’s Eagle Scout service project was lives to Tom Burnett, Jr. and the other coura- Crescent still doesn’t cut it? It is terribly placing two swinging benches at the ponds lo- geous passengers. Tom Burnett, Jr. grew up flawed and should be thrown out to begin the cated at Duncan park in Savannah, Missouri. in Bloomington, Minnesota, in the 3rd Con- quest for an entirely new design worthy of Cory performed the majority of the work, and gressional District, which I am privileged to their efforts, those heroic Americans who supervised other Scouts, friends and family represent. were on that plane that fateful day. Tom was among the small group of pas- ‘‘I was on the second jury in August, 2005, that helped with the project. This project con- that approved that design over my objec- tinued the tradition of community service es- sengers who confronted the hijackers that tions. I objected then, in August 2005, and I tablished by the Boy Scouts of America. fateful morning. Department of Defense offi- am still adamantly opposed today to a de- Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join cials believe Flight 93 was headed for a target sign that is riddled with Islamic symbols. me in commending Cory Adams for his ac- here in Washington, most likely the White ‘‘By consensus, the Stage II jury forwards complishments with the Boy Scouts of Amer- House or the Capitol. this selection to the partner (architect Paul Tom’s father, Tom Burnett, Sr., has long- Murdoch) with the full and unqualified sup- ica and for his efforts put forth in achieving the port of each juror, says the report that was highest distinction of Eagle Scout. held and serious concerns about the design of issued. f the Flight 93 Memorial Project proposed for ‘‘No, to the contrary, the vote was not the site where the plane crashed in Pennsyl- unanimous, it was 9 to 6, and we, the minor- PERSONAL EXPLANATION vania. ity, had no veto power. This is my effort to Madam Speaker, I would like to insert com- get back in the game. HON. TRENT FRANKS ments from Tom Burnett, Sr., regarding what ‘‘I don’t want that design that has been re- designed several times by its originator and OF ARIZONA he believes to be serious problems with the a design committee. In addition to the Red IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES design of the memorial to his beloved son and Crescent being a giant mosque, the proposed Tuesday, April 15, 2008 the other passengers. Here are Tom Burnett, ‘Tower of Voices’ looks like an Islamic min- Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. Madam Speaker, Sr.’s important concerns about the Flight 93 aret. Memorial: ‘‘Millions of Americans and I find the ‘Red on rollcall No. 182 I was unavoidably detained. Crescent of Embrace’ an insult to my son Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’. ‘‘I am the father of Tom Burnett, Jr., a passenger on Flight 93 on 9–11–2001. Tom Jr. and the others on Flight 93 who engaged in a f led the effort to take that flight back from violent struggle to take that plane back from the Islamic hijackers and were sud- EXPRESSING SUPPORT FOR DES- the hijackers, and he and 39 passengers and crew almost succeeded. denly placed in the vanguard of the war on IGNATION OF APRIL 2008 AS NA- ‘‘My son confronted a terrible moment of terrorism. Facing unfathomable choices, TIONAL CHILD ABUSE PREVEN- truth. Faced with a plot against our nation, Tom was calm, clear headed, decisive and TION MONTH he and the other heroes of Flight 93 fought fearless. I can only hope that in the years to back, and at the cost of their lives, foiled come the rest of us live up to the standard of SPEECH OF that plot to destroy the White House or the heroism that he and others set on 9/11. HON. HEATH SHULER Capitol. Now it is time for the rest of us to ‘‘What I am preeminently concerned about face our moment of truth. Flight 93 has been is what our countrymen will feel and learn OF NORTH CAROLINA rehijacked, and I am requesting that, if you when they visit the site. ‘‘The story, when properly presented, will IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES can, demand that a proper investigation of honor and reverberate in history. What those the Memorial Project be conducted. Monday, April 14, 2008 heroes accomplished for their fellow Ameri- ‘‘This was no accident. The Memorial Mr. SHULER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in cans, and for the entire Western World. Project held an open design competition in ‘‘I would want them to feel the desperate- support of H. Res. 1097 to support National time of war, inviting the entire world to Child Abuse Prevention Month. I am com- ness of those aboard Flight 93 as they be- enter. Guess who joined in? That group of came aware of what was happening, and mitted to preventing child abuse and neglect trees that sits roughly in the position of the their cold realization of what they had to do. so that all children can grow and prosper in a star on an Islamic flag is the crash site. I want them to ask themselves, what would safe, nurturing, and healthy environment. What do you think is being memorialized I have done had I been aboard that flight? We As a father of two children, nothing is more here? know that in very little time the passengers important to me than protecting the welfare of ‘‘A second Islamic feature that I also pro- got out of their seats, and attempted to take tested when I served on the Stage II jury is back the airplane. all children. Safe, nurturing, and healthy envi- the minaret-like Tower of Voices, formed in ronments are necessary for the well-being of ‘‘I do not want my son’s name used any- the shape of a crescent, with its top cut at an where on that Memorial, which is an insult children and their families. All children need to angle so that its crescent arms reach up into to him and the other passengers and crew, know that they are special and that they are the sky. Upturned crescents are a standard and what is needed is a thorough, honest and loved by their parents. mosque adornment in many Muslim coun- objective investigation of the process during By raising awareness of child abuse and ne- tries. its selection, how and why. glect, parents and teachers can protect chil- ‘‘Every iota of this original Crescent of ‘‘I am confused but undaunted by the at- dren from the risks associated with abuse and Embrace design remains completely intact tacks on me and anybody else who is against neglect. By supporting National Child Abuse in the so-called ‘redesign.’ That is why Con- this design centered around Islamic sym- gressman Tancredo asked the Park Service bolism. Prevention Month, Congress can take a strong to scrap the existing design entirely. Instead ‘‘Those who have opposed me in many ef- stand against child abuse and neglect. of getting rid of the giant crescent as forts to be heard includes some of the vic- My heart goes out to all children and fami- Tancredo demanded back in 2005, architect tims family members (thankfully, few), offi- lies that have experienced abuse and neglect Paul Murdoch only disguised it with a few cials in the National Park Service, a few in their homes. surrounding trees. newspapers and some others.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:43 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP8.006 E15APPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with REMARKS E612 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 15, 2008 ‘‘The possibility of them prevailing to rail- contributions. Our community is fortunate to letters to the editor, and by directly challenging road the acceptance of this flawed design have had such a devoted leader. anti-liberty officials at forums such as city worries me! But I am undaunted in my at- council meetings. In addition to his own activi- tempt to start over, to scrap it, and get a f ties, Mr. Baltic generously shared his support new design. That doesn’t include a bow to PERSONAL EXPLANATION the Islamic fanatics. and counsel with numerous organizations that ‘‘An investigation is needed to avoid a cat- work to advance the cause of liberty. aclysmic mistake. It must be now, or else HON. PHIL ENGLISH Perhaps Mr. Baltic’s most lasting contribu- the flawed design could come about. Let us OF PENNSYLVANIA tion to the freedom movement came when get at the truth. Their stubborn persistence IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES then-president of the Advocates for Self Gov- is terribly misguided. Maybe well inten- ernment Marshall Fritz showed Mr. Baltic a Tuesday, April 15, 2008 tioned, but flawed in telling me that I don’t computer game Mr. Fritz developed that iden- see what I see. Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Madam tified an individual’s political philosophy based ‘‘Designer Paul Murdoch (and others) are Speaker, on rollcall No. 183, H. Res. 886, ex- engaging in personal attacks on anyone op- on responses to 10 questions on economic posed, including Alec Rawls who has written pressing sympathy to the victims and families issues and 10 questions on civil liberties. Mr. widely damning the Memorial. His latest, a of the tragic acts of violence in Colorado Baltic, who was quite impressed with the book, ‘‘Crescent of Betrayal,’’ gives a rea- Springs, Colorado and Arvada, Colorado, I chart, suggested that the Advocates produce soned and thorough explanation for scrap- would have voted ‘‘yea.’’ I was held up in business-card sized versions of the graph and ping it. Pennsylvania due to a car accident that shut quiz. The result was the ‘‘World’s Smallest Po- ‘‘I am suggesting that it is past time to down the PA Turnpike. litical Quiz,’’ one of the freedom movement’s start over with a new design, one that will Had I been present, I would have voted most recognized and effective outreach tools. truly be worthy of those 40 heroes.’’ ‘‘yea.’’ Bernie Baltic set an example for all those Madam Speaker, may God bless Tom Bur- f wishing to effectively advance the cause of lib- nett and his family. And may God bless Amer- erty. Madam Speaker, I salute Bernie Baltic ANDREW B. CARROLL ica and all the heroes like Tom who gave their for his many contributions to the freedom lives to save others on September 11. movement and extend my condolences to Mr. f HON. SAM GRAVES Baltic’s family and friends. OF MISSOURI TRIBUTE TO COMMISSIONER PAUL f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ELIZONDO, FORMER CHAIRMAN PERSONAL EXPLANATION OF THE COUNCIL OF COMMUNITY Tuesday, April 15, 2008 HEALTH CENTERS Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly HON. SANFORD D. BISHOP, JR. pause to recognize Adam Carroll, a very spe- OF GEORGIA cial young man who has exemplified the finest HON. CHARLES A. GONZALEZ IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF TEXAS qualities of citizenship and leadership by tak- Tuesday, April 15, 2008 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ing an active part in the Boy Scouts of Amer- ica, Troop 60, and by earning the most pres- Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Madam Speaker, I tigious award of Eagle Scout. regret that I was unavoidably absent yesterday Mr. GONZALEZ. Madam Speaker, I rise Adam has been very active with his troop, afternoon, April 14, on very urgent business. today to pay tribute to an extraordinary person participating in many scout activities. Adam Had I been present for the three votes which and a dynamic force within the Center for has shown an extraordinary commitment to occurred yesterday, I would have voted ‘‘aye’’ Health Care Services community. Commis- scouting as evidenced by earning 62 merit on H. Res. 886, rollcall vote No. 183; I would sioner Paul Elizondo served with distinction on badges. Andrew is also a Brave in the Tribe have voted ‘‘aye’’ on H. Res. 994, rollcall vote the Center for Health Care Services Board of of Mic-O-Say. No. 184; and I would have voted ‘‘aye’’ on Directors for 8 years. From 1988 until 1995 he Andrew’s Eagle Scout service project con- H.R. 3548, rollcall vote No. 185. served first as Board Secretary and then he sisted of constructing and placing two Martin f served two terms as the chairman of the Bird Houses at Messick Park in Savannah, board. Missouri. Andrew supervised other scouts, TRIBUTE TO SENATOR JOHN W. CHCS would not have been the same with- friends and family that assisted with this DRUMMOND out the efforts of Paul Elizondo. As chairman, project. This project continues the long tradi- he worked tirelessly, both internally and exter- tion of community service established by the HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN nally, to improve the center’s services to its Boy Scouts of America. OF SOUTH CAROLINA clients. He encouraged, funded, and pushed Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES innovative programs in child and adolescent me in commending Andrew Carroll for his ac- Tuesday, April 15, 2008 mental health care, substance abuse treat- complishments with the Boy Scouts of Amer- ment, and mental retardation services. ica and for his efforts put forth in achieving the Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise During his tenure, the center rose to na- highest distinction of Eagle Scout. today to pay tribute to a great statesman, a tional prominence and he was appointed to f tremendous public servant and a good friend. the Executive Board of the National Council of Senator John W. Drummond will retire this Community Health Centers. I’m pleased to TRIBUTE TO BERNIE BALTIC year after serving in the South Carolina Gen- recognize his continuous dedication and will- eral Assembly since 1965. His leadership will ingness to foster the growth of CHCS through- HON. RON PAUL certainly be missed. out the community so patients might obtain OF TEXAS John W. Drummond was born in Green- more efficient access to treatment. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES wood, South Carolina, on September 29, It is my honor to pay tribute to such a lead- 1919, to mill worker parents. He was the er. He is an innovative thinker who continu- Tuesday, April 15, 2008 fourth of seven children growing up a deeply ously took it upon himself to confront various Mr. PAUL. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay religious, working-class family, whose values community issues with sound solutions. tribute to Mr. Bernie Baltic of Cleveland, Ohio. shaped the man John was to become. Commissioner Paul Elizondo continues to Mr. Baltic, who recently passed away, was a As a young man, John’s family moved to keep track of the center’s activities and serv- tireless champion of liberty. His advocacy of the town of Ninety Six, where he attended ices. At the national, State, and local level he applying the freedom philosophy to the issues school until he graduated in 1937. With few is an omnipresent ‘‘watchdog’’ and advocate of the day was made all the more effective by options available to him, John decided to join for the clients they serve. Above all, he whole- his voracious reading of both the classics of the military. He joined the 263rd South Caro- heartedly believes in the center, its people, its liberty and the latest policy studies. lina Coast Artillery Regiment, the equivalent of mission, and their ability to help the people Any politician or bureaucrat at any level of today’s National Guard, and was stationed in they serve. government who threatened individual liberty Charleston. By early 1941, John earned the His hard work was much appreciated and was sure to hear from Mr. Baltic. Mr. Baltic rank of Sergeant and he enjoyed military life. along with others that know him, I would like also worked to educate and mobilize his fellow Everything changed with the bombing of Pearl the rest of America to recognize his many citizens in the cause of liberty through writing Harbor later that year.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:43 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A15AP8.013 E15APPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with REMARKS April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E613 John’s regiment was federalized, and he Just two years later, John challenged the in- John Drummond for his statesmanship and his was eager to see action in the war. He took cumbent Senator from Greenwood over the numerous contributions to South Carolina and a paratroopers exam at the Citadel, hoping to issue of who should provide power to their the Nation. I am proud to call him a friend. change his military assignment and get closer rural county. He, with the help of his ally Duke f to the action. John scored so well, he was en- Power, won that contest, and in January 1967, couraged to become a pilot and was sent to John became a South Carolina State Senator CONGRATULATING THE PLATTS- Randolph Air Force Base in San Antonio for representing Greenwood. BURGH STATE WOMEN’S HOCKEY training. The skills he demonstrated in flight Senator Drummond came into office with TEAM UPON WINNING THE 2008 training school led instructors to send John to high ideals and a mind to shake up the status DIVISION III NATIONAL CHAM- Tallahassee to become a bomber pilot. After quo. His first effort was an attempt to eliminate PIONSHIP training, he was inducted into the 405th Bomb- the seniority system which controlled the Sen- er Group Unit of the 510th Fighter Squadron. ate. His bold move was quickly thwarted by HON. JOHN M. McHUGH His skill as a bomber pilot earned him the the Senate President Pro Tempore Edgar OF NEW YORK nickname ‘‘Ace.’’ In September 1943, John’s Brown. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES squadron was transferred from Florida back to During his 43 years in the General Assem- his home State of South Carolina and an air bly, Senator Drummond made education his Tuesday, April 15, 2008 base in Walterboro. top priority. He was a staunch supporter of the Mr. MCHUGH. Madam Speaker, I rise today His return home got John into some hot Education Finance Act of 1977, the Education to congratulate the State University of New water. While out on a training mission, John Improvement Act of 1984, and the Education York at Plattsburgh (Plattsburgh State) Lady buzzed his hometown of Ninety Six. This for- Accountability Act of 1998. He was also a Cardinals upon winning the 2008 NCAA Divi- bidden practice earned him a demotion in rank strong advocate for the Home Rule Act of sion III Women’s Ice Hockey National Cham- to 2nd Lieutenant and a winter of sleeping out 1976, which allowed counties and municipali- pionship, their second consecutive national in a pup tent. ties more autonomy. championship. I am proud to represent the Finally in March 1944, the 510th received its Senator Drummond has always been a pro- Lady Cardinals and the community of Platts- orders to report to Christchurch, England, to ponent of more transparency in government. It burgh. begin its service on the war front. By May, was appropriate that his first committee chair- On March 22, 2008, Plattsburgh State won John was flying reconnaissance and combat manship was of the Senate Ethics Committee. the Division III National Championship when it missions over the German-occupied Nor- Under his leadership, the Senate passed the defeated the Manhattanville College Lady mandy area of France. He rose to the rank of South Carolina Ethics Act of 1975, which es- Valiants by a score of 3 to 2 at the Stafford Captain and was a fighter commander. On D- tablished the State Ethics Commission with Ice Arena in Plattsburgh, NY. The Lady Car- Day, June 6, 1944, John was in the midst of oversight over financial disclosure, campaign dinals seized the lead at 9:59 of the first pe- the invasion protecting the ships that were at- disclosure and conduct of elected officials. He riod when Laurie Bowler scored the first goal tacking the beaches of Normandy. was also a leading voice to expand the Com- On July 29, 1944, John’s plane was shot mission’s authority with the passage of the of the game. After the Valiants evened the down by German anti-aircraft fire, and he Ethics Reform Act of 1991, following the Oper- score just over a minute later, Stephanie managed to escape the burning plane, al- ation Lost Trust scandal. Moberg and Captain Danielle Blanchard com- though his parachute didn’t open fully due to Senator Drummond was also a key player in bined on a beautiful goal, finished by Blan- his close proximity to the ground. Although in- the restructuring of State government. He chard, to put the Lady Cards back in the lead jured, John rolled into the bushes, but was served on the Commission on Government at 13:50. Forty-nine seconds later, Amber Ellis soon captured by German soldiers. He be- Restructuring, which made numerous rec- scored the Cardinals third and the eventual came a POW and was sent to a camp in Ger- ommendations that were enacted into law in game-winning goal, which was assisted by many where he remained in horrid conditions 1993. In order to ensure passage of these re- Kate Fairfield and Brittany Meade. Goaltender until May 13, 1945. forms, Senator Drummond used his role as Danielle Beattie turned away 22 shots to win When he returned to the United States after Chairman of the Senate Finance Committee to her 21st game of the season. his liberation, John spent time recovering in a threaten to withhold the budget until the gov- Blanchard, Beattie, Captain Julie Devereux, military hospital from severe malnutrition and ernment restructuring package was approved. Moberg, and Sharis Smith were all named to other ailments related to his time in the POW His political maneuvering paid off, and the Re- the NCAA All-Tournament Team; Blanchard camp. Upon his return to Ninety Six, John structuring Act of 1993 passed with bipartisan and Devereux were also named to the AHCA made good on a promise he had made to him- support. All-American First Team. Blanchard, a three- self to woo and marry an acquaintance, Holly In 1996, Senator Drummond became the time All-American who scored a career-high Self, affectionately known as Ms. Holly. The Senate President Pro Tempore, a title which 28 goals as part of a 48-point season, also two married on June 12, 1947, and had three he earned through the seniority system he had earned the 2008 Laura Hurd Award, which is sons. sought to dismantle as a young, independent- given to the Nation’s top player. In 1946, John was officially discharged from minded Freshman Senator. Although his rogue The Lady Cardinals were coached by head the Air Force. He decided to go into business tendencies mellowed over time, Senator coach Kevin Houle, who won the Division III for himself, and opened a donut shop—the Drummond’s effectiveness grew. In 2001, he Women’s Ice Hockey Coach of the Year for Golden Ring Bakery. He owned, managed and became President Pro Tempore Emeritus the third straight year and currently has the did all the work himself with the help of just when the Republicans took control of the Sen- best career record (121–19–7; 847 winning one employee until 1954. John then accepted ate, but he didn’t succumb to the pressure to percentage) among all active coaches in an offer from his father-in-law to become a switch parties as so many of his colleagues NCAA hockey. Other team members included manager at Greenwood Petroleum Company. had. assistant coaches Chad Kemp and Erin He showed a real talent for the oil business, Madam Speaker, I ask that you and my col- O’Brien and players Kristen Bond, Ainsley growing and expanding its operations. Later leagues join me today in celebrating the ex- Brien, Assistant Captain Lindsay Brown, Kara he inherited Greenwood Petroleum and began traordinary career and life of South Carolina Buehler, Shay Bywater, Elise Campbell, Drummond Oil Company, making both very Senator John Drummond, who I am proud to Megan DiJulio, Helen Giroux, Amanda Hoy, successful businesses. call one of my best friends in South Carolina Tara Khan, Mandy Mackrell, Kayla McDougall, On June 6, 1964, John announced his can- politics and government. He is a true public Steph Moon, Claire O’Connor, and Sarah didacy for the South Carolina House of Rep- servant, from his courageous service in World Samson. resentatives. He won his first election, and War II to his uncompromising representation in Madam Speaker, it is an honor to have the took his seat in the General Assembly in Jan- the South Carolina General Assembly. He has opportunity to congratulate the Plattsburgh uary 1965. He immediately caught the atten- always remained true to the values instilled State Lady Cardinals ice hockey team. Ac- tion of the very powerful Speaker of the him growing up in the small community of cordingly, I now ask my colleagues to join me House, Sol Blatt, and he became one of ‘‘Sol’s Ninety Six. His tremendous legacy is one that in honoring the entire Lady Cardinals hockey boys,’’ which provided him invaluable tutelage honors his humble beginnings and speaks team for their remarkable accomplishments and political opportunities. highly of his personal integrity. I commend this season.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:43 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP8.019 E15APPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with REMARKS E614 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 15, 2008 CONGRESSWOMAN JO ANN S. An investment in R&D is an investment in TRIBUTE TO COMMEMORATE THE DAVIS POST OFFICE the U.S. economy. In 2003, for example, U.S. 40TH ANNIVERSARY OF DR. companies invested $140.1 billion in domestic KING’S ASSASSINATION SPEECH OF research and development. HON. BOB GOODLATTE As we have seen in Silicon Valley and else- HON. JAMES E. CLYBURN OF VIRGINIA where, that investment has strengthened our OF SOUTH CAROLINA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES economy and led to remarkable technological IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Wednesday, April 9, 2008 advancements. Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Mr. GOODLATTE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today At a time when our economy is shedding Mr. CLYBURN. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation. I think this is a fit- jobs, a swift extension of the R&D tax credit today to mark 40 years since the assassina- ting tribute to our late friend and colleague Jo makes abundant sense. More than 90% of the tion of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. In doing so, Ann Davis. This legislation would designate Jo benefits of the credit are attributable to sala- I would like to submit for the RECORD a state- Ann’s home post office in Gloucester, Virginia ries of workers performing U.S.-based re- ment from Ralph B. Everett, President and as the ‘‘Congresswoman Jo Ann S. Davis Post search. CEO of the Joint Center for Political and Eco- Office.’’ A permanent extension of the credit would nomic Studies. The Joint Center is one of the nation’s premier research and public policy in- I had the opportunity to first meet Jo Ann be ideal. Since its inception in 1981, the R&D stitutions and the only one whose work fo- Davis when she was a member of the Virginia tax credit has been extended 12 times for pe- cuses primarily on issues of particular concern General Assembly. She showed there the riods ranging from 5 years to 6 months. same courage, determination and hard work to African Americans and other people of that she showed here during her service in the Given the long time horizon for returns on color. United States Congress. Right through to her R&D investments, this ad hoc and piecemeal ‘‘While the 40th anniversary of the assas- final week here, she was still working for the approach to extending the credit is problem- sination of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther people of the First Congressional District of atic. King, Jr. evokes deeply troubling memories, it Virginia. She was very proud of her represen- Nonetheless, the prospect of the credit laps- also serves as an important milestone in as- tation of those great people and often talked ing altogether is even more problematic. Given sessing the progress this nation has made about her district as being America’s First the intense global competition faced by our and how far we must yet go to transform Congressional District because it contained most innovative industries, we cannot cede America in the way that Dr. King envisioned. Jamestown and Yorktown and Williamsburg, any more ground to those countries that pro- For many people, the passing of four dec- ades has not diminished the memory of how and worked very hard for the past several vide expansive, permanent R&D incentives to difficult and uncertain those times were. In my years as we prepared for last year’s celebra- lure away R&D investments. tion of the 400th anniversary of the settlement hometown of Orangeburg, South Carolina, the of Jamestown. Swift action on the R&D tax credit is critical tragic and untimely death of Dr. King intensi- Sadly, Virginia lost a devoted public servant to innovation centers like the Silicon Valley fied the sense of despair and unease that when Congresswoman Jo Ann Davis passed and to the overall health of the U.S. economy. many of us already felt after the February 8, away after her two year battle with breast can- We must act quickly and decisively to main- 1968, shooting by law enforcement officers of cer. Jo Ann was not only a dear friend but a tain and advance America’s place as a leader three unarmed students, including my high true public servant, working tirelessly on be- in innovation. school classmate Delano Middleton, during a half of all Virginians. Jo Ann was an active protest at South Carolina State College and vocal participant of this body. She was f against a segregated bowling alley. This be- vigilant in looking after the interests of Virginia came known as the Orangeburg Massacre. and her congressional district. Jo Ann loved ZACHARY BEATTIE In those dark days we wondered, how being in her district and particularly her home would the dream survive without Dr. King to in Gloucester. It was here at home that she lead us toward the Promised Land? could be with her wonderful husband, Chuck, HON. SAM GRAVES But history records that sadness and anxiety her children and grandchildren, and her gave way to determination and action. Dr. OF MISSOURI horses and it was here where she passed on. King’s spirit continued to guide the movement It is only fitting that the Jo Ann S. Davis IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES as African Americans began to concentrate on Post Office will be in Gloucester, the town that the everyday task of translating hard won she loved, in the district she fought tirelessly Tuesday, April 15, 2008 rights into representation and influence in our system of governance in order to secure jus- for here in Congress. This will serve as a me- Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly morial to her work for the people of America’s tice under the law, greater opportunity and an pause to recognize Zachary Beattie, a very America that lives up to its historic promise. First Congressional District, the people she special young man who has exemplified the served with distinction, courage, great honor The Joint Center was founded for this pur- finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by pose and played a critical role in the ensuing and determination. taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of I am proud to be a cosponsor of this tribute progress. Today, we honor Dr. King for his be- America, Troop 60, and by earning the most quest of a legacy and a dream that did not die to my friend Jo Ann. I hope that all members prestigious award of Eagle Scout. will join me in honoring the service of our with him, but rather has served as a lodestar brave and courageous colleague. Zachary has been very active with his troop, for all that has been accomplished since the f participating in many scout activities. Along tragic day of his assassination. with his 42 merit badges, Zach has earned the We also recognize there is much to be EXTENSION OF THE RESEARCH World Heritage Award and the Mile Swim done—just as Dr. King did when, in the wake AND DEVELOPMENT TAX CREDIT Award. Zach is also a Warrior in the Tribe of of historic gains in civil and voting rights, he Mic-O-Say. sought to direct our attention to the need for fundamental changes in the political and eco- HON. ZOE LOFGREN In 2003, Zach earned the Shawn Burke nomic life of the nation, so that justice could OF CALIFORNIA High Adventure Scouting Award and in 2005 truly prevail and opportunity could flow to IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES he earned the Jeff Prewitt Scouting Spirit every American. On this day and in his mem- Award. Along with scouts, Zach is active in Tuesday, April 15, 2008 ory, let us commemorate Dr. King’s vision many community and school activities. Zach is Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. Madam and, at the same time, invigorate ourselves also a member of Fellowship of Christian Ath- Speaker, I rise to ask my colleagues to act with resolve and forbearance to make his letes, Future Teachers of America and Na- swiftly to pass a strengthened and seamless dream a reality from sea to shining sea.’’ extension of the Research and Development tional Honor Society. Madam Speaker, I ask you to join Ralph B. Tax Credit. Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join Everett, the Joint Center for Political and Eco- The R&D tax credit expired at the end of me in commending Zachary Beattie for his ac- nomic Studies, and me in honoring the great last year, creating an unacceptable degree of complishments with the Boy Scouts of Amer- legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. As we uncertainty for our country’s most innovative ica and for his efforts put forth in achieving the celebrate the life of Dr. King, I hope that we industries. highest distinction of Eagle Scout. will be reminded to never be silent in the face

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:43 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A15AP8.022 E15APPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with REMARKS April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E615 of injustices and inequities. I hope we will courage in the face of adversity is something Furthermore, a recent article in the Boston stand, as Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. stood, for special that deserves honoring today on the Globe highlighted the possible link between what is right, and just for all. floor of the people’s House. obesity and exposure to bisphenol A (BPA), f Donald W. Dillman was born in Columbus, an estrogen-like compound found in many Indiana on March 8, 1940, to Shirley ‘‘Bud’’ common plastic objects. ULTIMATE TEST OF A MORAL and Jessie Cecil Anderson Dillman. He was a While the evidence is mounting that there is SOCIETY graduate of Hope High School, Class of 1957. an association between these chemicals and On June 24, 1962, he married Rena Blake, hormone disruption, research remains limited, HON. FRANK R. WOLF with whom he shared and celebrated forty-five particularly on the impact on women and on OF VIRGINIA years of marriage. how long-term, low-dose exposure to environ- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The ‘‘unofficial mayor’’ of Hope, Don helped mental pollutants impacts children at critical organize countless civic projects and commu- Tuesday, April 15, 2008 stages of development. nity initiatives over the years ranging from new A couple years ago, I participated in a study Mr. WOLF. Madam Speaker, according to playground equipment for the town square to conducted by the Environmental Working GAO we are $5.3 trillion deep in publicly held launching the Hope Chamber of Commerce. Group to find out what toxic substances I, in debt, and have an estimated $54.3 trillion in He even stepped in as an anonymous reporter particular, and Americans in general, have unfunded promised benefits if we don’t change covering Hope Town Council meetings for the been exposed to throughout our lives. My our current course. Hope Star Journal. stunning test results showed literally hundreds The Social Security and Medicare Trustees Don worked for decades to improve the of chemicals pumping through my vital organs reports recently issued only reinforce the dire community, serving in important leadership po- every day. These chemicals include PCBs that condition of our fiscal health. sitions. He served as President of Heritage of were banned decades ago, as well as chemi- This is a fundamental issue for our country’s Hope for over thirty-five years. He was a cals like Teflon that are currently under Fed- economic future. It’s also a generational issue. founder and board member of the Hawcreek- eral investigation. Pete Peterson’s commentary in Newsweek Flatrock Endowment Fund, applying his fund- The study also tested 10 newborn babies last week ends by quoting Dietrich Bonhoeffer, raising prowess to help it grow to over and found that on average, each one had the German pastor who was instrumental in $225,000. Since the early 1970s, Don led the some 200 chemicals in their blood at the time the resistance movement against Nazism. Hope Heritage Days festival, which draws of birth. The fact that we have children coming He said, ‘‘The ultimate test of a moral soci- thousands to the town each fall. into this world already polluted and at the ety is the kind of world it leaves to its chil- Don was not just bold about fundraising for same time, do not know what the effects of dren.’’ the community; he was also bold about his that pollution will be on their mental and phys- I can’t help but wonder what sort of future faith. He served as a deacon at the First Bap- ical development, is both bad policy and im- today’s partisan Washington is leaving genera- tist Church of Hope for many years. But most moral. We must test chemicals before they go tions to come. If we can come together—both of all his faith shone through his commitment onto the market, not after they get into our sides of the aisle—we can ensure that our to the community of Hope, Indiana despite his bloodstreams. children and grandchildren have all the oppor- own physical illnesses. For several years, I have called on Con- Sadly, Don has passed away, but he leaves tunity you and I have had. gress to enact legislation that would allow NIH a strong legacy of personal faith and selfless The bipartisan Cooper-Wolf SAFE Commis- to expand its research on the impact of these service that serve as a powerful example to all sion could give this country a chance to get chemical pollutants on the health of women who knew him. I offer my sincere condolences back on track—to rein in entitlement spending. and children. to his wife Rena, their sons Jon and Darrell, If there are other bipartisan ideas on how to Once again, I am introducing two important and two grandchildren James and Jessica. address this issue, we should talk about those bills that I hope will advance this research— too. f the Environmental Hormone Disruption Act Doing nothing is simply not an option. I urge THE ENVIRONMENTAL HORMONE and the Women’s Environmental Health and Congressional leadership and Treasury Sec- DISRUPTION ACT AND THE WOM- Disease Prevention Act. The Environmental retary Paulson to embrace the Cooper-Wolf EN’S ENVIRONMENTAL HEALTH Hormone Disruption Act authorizes the Na- legislation. AND DISEASE PREVENTION ACT tional Institute of Environmental Health f Sciences (NIEHS) to conduct a comprehen- sive program to research and educate the PERSONAL EXPLANATION HON. LOUISE McINTOSH SLAUGHTER OF NEW YORK public on the health effects of hormone-dis- rupting chemicals. The Women’s Environ- HON. BILL SHUSTER IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, April 15, 2008 mental Health and Disease Prevention Act au- OF PENNSYLVANIA thorizes the NIEHS to establish multidisci- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ms. SLAUGHTER. Madam Speaker, today plinary research centers to investigate how en- I’m proud to introduce the Environmental Hor- Tuesday, April 15, 2008 vironmental factors may be related to women’s mone Disruption Act and the Women’s Envi- health and disease prevention. Mr. SHUSTER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall ronmental Health and Disease Prevention Act. Increased investments in research now Nos. 183, 184, and 185 I was not present be- Consider for a moment that a woman’s life- could prevent and treat a broad range of dis- cause I was returning from a field hearing. time risk of breast cancer is 1 in 7 today, com- eases and disorders in future generations. I Had I been present I would have voted: ‘‘yes’’ pared to 1 in 22 in the 1940s—over half of the urge my colleagues to support these bills on rollcall 183—H. Res. 886, ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall cases are unexplained. And, over the last 30 today. 184—H. Res. 994, and ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall 185— years, the U.S. has seen a steep rise in the H.R. 3548. occurrence of childhood cancers, testicular f f cancer, juvenile diabetes, attention deficit dis- order, learning disabilities, thyroid disorders, PERSONAL EXPLANATION TRIBUTE TO DONALD DILLMAN cognitive impairment, and autoimmune dis- orders. Autism cases alone rose 210 percent HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS HON. MIKE PENCE between 1987 and 1998. OF NEW JERSEY OF INDIANA About 100,000 chemicals are registered for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES use in the United States. However, 90 percent of these have never been fully tested for their Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 impact on human health. Scientists have Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I was un- Mr. PENCE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to found that exposure to these synthetic chemi- avoidably detained from voting on April 10, pay tribute to Don Dillman’s remarkable life of cals disrupts hormone function and contributes 2008. Had I been present I would have voted selfless service. Inspired by his strong Chris- to increased incidences of diseases. We al- ‘‘yea’’ on the following rollcall votes: rollcall tian faith, he subordinated his personal strug- ready know the tragic impact that diethyl- No. 178, rollcall No. 179. rollcall 180, rollcall gle with diabetes to his singular focus on the stilbestrol, or DES, has had on the daughters 181. important volunteer work he did to improve the of women who took this anti-miscarriage drug I would have noted ‘‘nay’’ on the following community of Hope, Indiana. His admirable prescribed until 1971. rollcall vote: rollcall No. 182.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:43 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP8.023 E15APPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with REMARKS E616 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 15, 2008 HONORING MATHEW DAVID goals that many only dream about in a life- IN HONOR OF SENATOR THURMAN BUCHHOLZ time, at a tender age of 39. He serves as a G. ADAMS, JR., PRESIDENT PRO great role model for youth in the United States TEMPORE DELAWARE STATE HON. SAM GRAVES as evidence the American dream can be SENATE OF MISSOURI achieved. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f HON. MICHAEL N. CASTLE OF DELAWARE Tuesday, April 15, 2008 CONGRATULATING CLARENCE W. DUPNIK FOR 50 YEARS OF LAW IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly Tuesday, April 15, 2008 pause to recognize Mathew David Buchholz a ENFORCEMENT SERVICE TO THE very special young man who has exemplified TUCSON, ARIZONA, COMMUNITY Mr. CASTLE. Madam Speaker, it is with the finest qualities of citizenship and leader- great pleasure that I rise today to recognize ship by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts HON. ED PASTOR Senator Thurman G. Adams, Jr., who was of America, Troop 303, and in earning the OF ARIZONA elected by his colleagues as Senate President most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Pro Tempore of the Delaware General Assem- Mathew has been very active with his troop, Tuesday, April 15, 2008 bly in January of 2003. Senator Adams is also participating in many scout activities. Over the the longest serving member of the State Sen- Mr. PASTOR. Madam Speaker, I rise today ate in Delaware history, as he has rep- many years Mathew has been involved with to pay tribute to one of America’s finest, Clar- scouting, he has not only earned numerous resented the 19th Senate District of Sussex ence W. Dupnik, Sheriff of Pima County, Ari- County since 1972, and I had the personal merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- zona, who, this year, celebrates 50 years of ily, peers, and community. pleasure of serving with him in the State Sen- law enforcement service to his community in ate during my last term as a Senator from Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join Tucson, Arizona. Sheriff Dupnik began his ca- me in commending Mathew David Buchholz 1972 to 1976 and again as Lt. Governor from reer in February, 1958, as a Patrol Officer with 1981 to 1985. In addition, when I was Gov- for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts the City of Tucson Police Department. While of America and for his efforts put forth in ernor of Delaware from 1985 to 1993 I worked there, he held various positions, rising to closely with Senator Adams on many issues. achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Major in charge of Field Operations when he Scout. During his career in public service, Senator retired in January, 1977. From there, he was Adams has held many distinguished positions. f appointed Chief Deputy Sheriff of the Pima Before becoming President Pro Tempore, he CONGRATULATING JUNOT DIAZ County Sheriffs Department, and was ap- served as Senate Majority Leader from 1999 FOR WINNING THE 2008 PULITZER pointed Pima County Sheriff on February 19, to 2003. Senator Adams serves on several PRIZE FOR FICTION 1980. Since that time, Sheriff Dupnik has been standing committees, including the Agriculture elected to 7 consecutive terms of office as Committee, the Highways & Transportation HON. CHARLES B. RANGEL Pima County Sheriff, a position in which he re- Committee, and as longtime Chairman of the mains today. Of his 50 years of law enforce- Executive Committee. In this position he has OF NEW YORK ment service, Clarence Dupnik has served 31 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES overseen the appointment of Chief Justices, years as Sheriff of Pima County, the 2nd larg- Judges, cabinet secretaries and individuals to Tuesday, April 15, 2008 est populated county in the States of Arizona, other prominent positions within State Govern- Mr. RANGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise today and the 7th largest county in the nation—a re- ment. He has worked for the interests of Dela- to praise and congratulate Junot Diaz for win- markable achievement! ware’s farm community and expended much During his law enforcement career, Sheriff ning the Pulitzer Prize for fiction on Monday, effort toward such causes as improving roads Dupnik has, among other things: April 7, 2008, for his novel ‘‘The Brief Won- and the quality of Delaware’s public education Led the reduction of the per capital crime drous Life of Oscar Wao.’’ system. As a member of the Public Safety rate in Pima County to levels equal to the City Junot Diaz was born in the Dominican Re- Committee, Senator Adams sponsored legisla- of Scottsdale and one-half the crime rate with- public on December 31, 1968, but has lived tion that established Delaware’s ‘‘Enhanced in the City of Tucson. most of his life in New Jersey. As a child he Created the Metropolitan Area Narcotics 911’’ emergency telephone system. Senator Adams is a lifelong Delawarean, loved reading, and his favorite book of all time Trafficking Interdiction Squads (MANTIS). is ‘‘Planet of the Apes.’’ After high school, Founded the Command Group of the Ari- being born and raised in Bridgeville, DE, in the Junot attended the University of Rutgers zona Alliance Planning Committee, a joint fed- very district that he now represents. After where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in eral, state, and local law enforcement task graduating from Bridgeville High School, Sen- English in 1992, later received his Master of force to interdict and prevent the smuggling of ator Adams went on to earn a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the University of Cornell in 1995, illegal narcotics into Arizona from Mexico. Science degree in Agricultural Education from where he decided to develop his passion for Collaborated with the FBI to participate in the University of Delaware. Senator Adams creative writing. the Joint Terrorism Task Force, and was ap- was married for almost 50 years to Hilda Junot Diaz first made a name for himself pointed to serve on the Executive Committee McCabe Adams, who passed away in 2002. with his critically acclaimed short story collec- of the FBI. His world revolves around family and his two tion ‘‘Drown’’ in 1996, which featured the short Pursued and secured funding from the De- daughters, Polly and Lynn, son Brent who stories ‘‘Ysrael’’, and ‘‘Drown’’. In this novel he partment of Homeland Security for a helicopter passed away, seven grandsons and four developed the short stories into segments of to identify and interdict terrorists. great-grandchildren mean the world to him. He the life of a Dominican immigrant getting ac- Introduced Drug Abuse Resistance Edu- is the president of T.G. Adams & Sons, Inc., custom to life in the United States. He also cation (DARE) in Pima County Schools. a feed and grain company, and oversees a published a translated version of ‘‘Drown’’ ti- Founded the drug prevention group known large farming business. Senator Adams has tled ‘‘Negocios.’’ This short story novel made as the Arizonans for a Drug-Free Workplace, served on various boards, including the East- him a household name in the Dominican and serves as its Chairman. ern Shore Grain Dealers Association, of which American communities nationwide. Madam Speaker, the dedication and service he was president, chairman of the United His latest novel, ‘‘The Brief Wondrous Life of Clarence Dupnik to Pima County during his Methodist Church Administrative board, presi- of Oscar Wao’’ has been praised as the best 50 year law enforcement career is truly com- dent of Harrington Raceway, and as director novel of 2007 by Time Magazine, New York mendable and worthy of note by this body. We of Baltimore Trust Company, Milford Memorial Magazine, the Washington Post, and count- thank Sheriff Dupnik for his long and illustrious Hospital and the Medical Center of Delaware. less other newspaper publications. In this career, and wish him further success in the In addition to his public service, Senator novel he portrayed the story of a boy, who is years to come. We know that all of the years Adams devotes time to community outreach fascinated with comic books, who lives with a of public service have sacrificed time from this and charitable projects through the Bridgeville dysfunctional Dominican family, who decide to family and personal matters, so we take this Lions Club, several Shrine Clubs, and numer- move back home during the dictatorship of moment to also thank and acknowledge his ous other organizations. Finally, if we could Rafael Trujillo. wife, Susie, and their families. The Tucson get his beloved Baltimore Orioles back into the Junot Diaz is a wonderful example that any- community, and the state of Arizona as a World Series I am certain Senator Adams thing you put your mind and dedication to can whole, is a better place because of you, my would consider his work complete, well at be achieved in great depth. He has achieved friend, Sheriff Dupnik. least for a moment or so.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:43 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15AP8.003 E15APPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with REMARKS April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E617 I commend and thank Senator Thurman classified as missing-captured for nearly 4 as democracy building, stability efforts and Adams for his innumerable contributions and years, I offer my deepest thanks and respect peace-keeping. Many of my fellow Kansans many years of admirable service to the State for your sacrifice. And to the family of Ser- share in this tremendous Army Reserve tradi- of Delaware. I am confident that he will con- geant Ahmed Altaie, who is still listed as miss- tion, as members of the 89th Regional Readi- tinue to serve the people of Delaware with ing-captured after 16 months, I offer my con- ness Command. Their mission is to help train passion and excellence and I am very proud tinued hope and prayers. and deploy America’s most effective sup- to call him my friend. At any given time, more than 20,000 Army porting ground forces. f Reserve Soldiers are deployed to no fewer Army Reserve soldiers must balance military than 18 countries around the world. Their ef- obligations with family obligations and also CONGRATULATING THE ARMY forts ensure that America’s vital national secu- manage a delicate balance with their full-time RESERVE ON ITS CENTENNIAL rity interests are fulfilled and that our home- civilian careers. Employers must cope with land is protected. I am proud to be counted these year-long deployments and balance the SPEECH OF among their ranks. instability created from having one less em- HON. STEVE BUYER These Soldiers and their loved ones shoul- ployee to conduct business. Additionally, we OF INDIANA der a greater share of our burden than at any as a Nation must ensure that these Army Re- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES time in our Nation’s history. This resolution serve heroes are taken care of when they re- turn from deployments. We must properly treat Tuesday, April 8, 2008 represents an opportunity for Congress to rec- ognize the incredible history of service, sac- returning soldiers for post traumatic stress dis- Mr. BUYER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in rifice, and accomplishment of those Soldiers orders, and ensure their transition back to ci- support of House Joint Resolution 70. The who have served in the Army Reserve since vilian life is as smooth as possible. Centennial of the Army Reserves marks our its inception. Please join me in celebrating that I encourage my colleagues to support this proud heritage of citizen soldiers who have al- heritage and recognizing their proud history by important resolution and am pleased that ways answered the call to duty with honor and supporting this resolution. today the House recognizes the role of the Army Reserve. pride. I want to thank my colleagues Mr. f BISHOP, Mr. TAYLOR, and Mr. SHIMKUS for their f leadership on this resolution. As an original CONGRATULATING THE ARMY HONORING MR. JOSEPH DELANEY cosponsor of this resolution and as a co-chair RESERVE ON ITS CENTENNIAL FOR HIS YEARS OF COMMUNITY of the National Guard and Reserve Compo- SERVICE ON STATEN ISLAND, nents Caucus, I’m very pleased that 260 of my SPEECH OF NEW YORK colleagues from both sides of the aisle recog- HON. TODD TIAHRT nize the crucial impact the members of the OF KANSAS HON. VITO FOSSELLA Army Reserve have had on this great Nation IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES throughout its 100-year history. OF NEW YORK Over my 28 years of service as a member Tuesday, April 8, 2008 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES of the Army Reserve, I have had the good for- Mr. TIAHRT. Madam Speaker, I rise today Tuesday, April 15, 2008 tune to see firsthand the actions of the men to join my colleagues in support of H.J. Res. Mr. FOSSELLA. Madam Speaker, I rise and women of this fine organization—they are 70, congratulating the Army Reserve on their today to honor a pillar of community service in the virtual bedrock of our Nation. I’ve seen the 100-year history. The U.S. Constitution of my district, Mr. Joseph Delaney. The Univer- dedication of these Citizen-Soldiers operating 1789 and the Militia Act of 1792 officially re- sity of Notre Dame Alumni Association offi- across the United States; in the Netherlands, affirmed the continued reliance of the new Na- cially recognizes 230 Alumni clubs throughout Belgium, and Germany; during Operations tion on the citizen-soldier for defense. Accord- the world. This includes the University of Notre Desert Shield and Desert Storm in Kuwait and ing to Army Reserve Historian Lee S. Harford, Dame Alumni Club of Staten Island, located in surrounding countries; and in the current con- Jr., the antecedents and heritage of the cur- my Congressional District. For 10 years the flicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Regardless of rent United States Army Reserve are found in Staten Island Club was led by a gentleman I the operating environment or the personal the tradition of the ‘‘federal’’ or ‘‘national’’ rise to honor today, Mr. Joseph Delaney. sacrifice required, these great Americans have American citizen-soldier, dating back at least During Joe’s leadership, the Alumni Club responded again and again to our Nation’s as far as the French and Indian War (1756– became one of the most altruistic, charity-ori- call. From the initial call-up of the Army Re- 1763). America would be a very different place ented organizations on Staten Island. The Uni- serve to run down the bandit ‘‘Pancho’’ Villa, were it not for the patriotism and dedication of versity of Notre Dame Alumni Association rec- through bloody battles in World Wars I and II, these citizen-warriors. ognized the Staten Island Club with its pres- to the wars in the Persian Gulf, they have al- Members of the Army Reserve bring matu- tigious Charlie F. Lennon Award, recognizing it ways answered the Nation’s call in its time of rity, experience and civilian-acquired skills to as the most outstanding club in the entire net- need, riding toward the sound of the guns, the active military components and since Sep- work, in both 1999 and 2005. The club was around the world, without hesitation. tember 11, 2001, over 188,025 soldiers have also recognized by the University Alumni As- Today’s Army Reserve can no longer be been mobilized in support of Operation Endur- sociation as the most outstanding club for their characterized as a strategic reserve; it is an ing Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom. size of membership three times, in 1997, operational force called upon to be at the fore- The Army Reserve provides trained and ready 2002, and 2005. front of our Nation’s warfighting capability. Of soldiers and units with the critical combat Joe’s community service is not restricted the 180,000 officers and enlisted soldiers serv- service support and combat support capabili- solely to his leadership of the Alumni Club. In ing in today’s Army Reserve, nearly 3,000 are ties necessary to support Nation strategy dur- the wake of the 9/11 terrorist attacks Joe ar- Hoosiers. I’m extremely proud of these men ing peacetime, contingencies and war. They ranged for the University of Notre Dame Glee and women and the sacrifices that they make are a key element in the Army multi-compo- Club to visit Staten Island and headline a every day to keep our Nation free and safe. nent unit force, training with Active and Na- fundraiser which raised $11,000 to help the Lieutenant General Jack Stultz, the Chief of tional Guard units to ensure all 3 components families of police and fire officers who died at the United States Army Reserve, recently work as a fully integrated team. the World Trade Center. On two separate oc- said, ‘‘Our Citizen-Soldiers depend on their Since September 11th, the Nation’s Reserve casions Joe has coordinated fundraisers for families, friends, civilian employers, and com- Components have evolved from a strategic the benefit of St. Peter’s Elementary School munity to help them balance their responsibil- force in reserve to an operational force that is raising a total of $17,000 for the school. ities and commitments.’’ And so, to those who constantly deployed. Gone are the days of While no longer serving as the Club’s Presi- support our federal Citizen-Soldiers, I offer my working 2 weekends a month and 2 weeks in dent, Joe continues to direct their annual heartfelt thanks and congratulations for help- the summer. The on-going Global War on Ter- Christmas Toy Drive which aides the Salvation ing make this centennial possible. And to the rorism has seen citizen-warrior deployments Army, The New York Foundling Hospital, and families and loved ones of the 156 soldiers of go from 1 in every 5 years to now 1 in every the Seaman’s Society. He also coordinates the Army Reserve who have borne the ulti- 2–3 years. Army Reserve members are de- their Annual Thanksgiving Clothes Drive which mate sacrifice in support of Operations Endur- ployed all around the world and fulfill a wide provides coats to the needy at Project Hospi- ing Freedom and Iraqi Freedom, including the range of capabilities that include war-fighting, tality. One of Joe’s greatest charity successes family of Staff Sergeant Keith Maupin whose humanitarian assistance, disaster relief, and has been building the annual ‘‘Bread of Life body was indentified only days ago after being post-conflict and transitional operations such Food Drive.’’ Through this drive the Alumni

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:43 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A15AP8.031 E15APPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with REMARKS E618 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 15, 2008 Club has donated over 800,000 food products Head Start is a successful national school gather to honor Chuck and Bobbie Terrell as to local needy families and individuals. The readiness program. It provides comprehensive they are presented with the prestigious Golden New York City Council recognized Joe’s ef- education, health, nutrition and parent involve- Baton Award from the San Bernardino Sym- forts for the Food Drive and honored him with ment services to low-income children and their phony Guild. In the Guild’s 77 years of its ex- an award in 1997. families. Unfortunately, Head Start has experi- istence, this will only be the ninth time that this Certainly, Joe Delaney is a giant of the Stat- enced a 12 percent decline in funding from honor has been awarded. The Guild is hon- en Island community service community and I Fiscal Year 2002 through Fiscal Year 2009. oring them not only for their significant con- rise today to join the Notre Dame Alumni Club These recent cuts have left individual Head tribution to the San Bernardino Symphony but in honoring Joe for his years of service to our Start programs strapped for funding and only also for their commitment and dedication to community. The Alumni Club will be honoring able to serve about 40 percent of the eligible the San Bernardino community as a whole for Joe at their annual ‘‘Universal Notre Dame population of children and families. Without in- having spent over 50 years in the field of edu- Celebration’’ on April 18th. creased funding, this percentage will continue cation. I rise to offer gratitude to Mr. Delaney on to decrease due to the reality that more fami- After honorably serving his country in the behalf of my constituents on Staten Island, lies are having difficulty making ends meet. United States Marine Corps, Chuck began his and to thank him for his years of community For Kansas, this means putting in jeopardy the career by teaching social science at Azusa service. over 50,000 children who currently use these High School in 1956. Over the next 10 years, f services. I joined with my colleagues in send- he served as a teacher, a counselor, the di- ing letters to the Budget Committee and the rector of activities, the unit administrator, and CONGRATULATING MICHAEL J. Appropriations Committee asking them to finally, as principal, starting in 1963. During MAHER ON RECEIVING THE make funding for Head Start a priority and those years, Bobbie supported her husband MOTHER ROSALIE CLIFTON HILL hope we will soon vote to increase funds for by raising their children, and also stayed ac- SERVICE AWARD Head Start. tive in her church, the Jr. Women’s Club and The Child Care and Development Block the United Way. In addition to performing his HON. DARRELL E. ISSA Grant (CCDBG) program provides funding for duties as principal, Chuck received his edu- OF CALIFORNIA child care for low income families. Child care cation doctorate from the University of South- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES costs continue to skyrocket—Kansas families ern California. Tuesday, April 15, 2008 pay an average of about $9,000 a year for an From 1966 to 1977, Chuck served as super- infant in full-time center care. Yet federal sup- intendent of schools for the communities of Mr. ISSA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to port for affordable child care hasn’t kept pace. Needles, Corona and Norco. Bobbie received honor Michael J. Maher upon his receipt of the Because of funding shortfalls, only about one her B.A. in psychology from Cal State Ful- University of San Diego’s Mother Rosalie Clif- in seven children eligible for federal assistance lerton in 1974, and began teaching elementary ton Hill Service Award for 2008. actually receives it. Over the last six years school in Chino. In honor of Mother Rosalie Clifton Hill, the about 150,000 children lost child care due to For the past 30 years the Terrells have University of San Diego (USD) presents this CCDBG funding shortfalls. Congress must made their home in San Bernardino. Chuck award annually to an alumnus who personifies renew its commitment to making sure our chil- became San Bernardino County Super- the spirit and philosophy of the University. dren—our future—aren’t the ones bearing the intendent of Schools in 1982 and worked in Such a person must exhibit involvement, serv- burden of tight financial times. Kansans rely that capacity until his retirement in 1993. After ice enthusiasm and commitment well beyond on CCDBG—in 2005, 18,800 Kansas children receiving her master’s degree in counseling what is expected of an USD alumnus; dem- were served by the CCDBG. We need to from Cal State San Bernardino, Bobbie onstrate support of, and service to the USD make sure that Kansas’ working parents have worked in the Alvord School District as an ele- Alumni Association; and must exemplify in all access to low-cost, high-quality child care so mentary counselor and a resource specialist. aspects of his or her life an incorporation of they can continue working and supporting their Bobbie eventually earned her school psycholo- honesty, loyalty, integrity and fidelity. family. I joined in sending a letter to the Ap- gist’s credential from Cal State San Michael J. Maher epitomizes these above propriations Committee asking them to support Bernardino and became a school psychologist mentioned qualifications. Graduating from the funding for the Child Care and Development in the Jurupa Unified School District until her University of San Diego in 1970 with a bach- Block Grant (CCDBG) program and hope to retirement in 1993. elor’s degree in philosophy, Mr. Maher re- vote for an increase in funding this year. Their careers aside, I am sure the Terrells turned to San Diego in 1976 to begin his 32- My fellow colleagues, it is time that we have would say that their greatest accomplishment year professional career. a frank and open conversation with the Amer- is their family, which includes their children Maher has been a fervent supporter of the ican people. The decisions that this Congress Greg and Kathy, their six granddaughters and University of San Diego’s athletic programs. is going to have to make for this next fiscal two great-grandchildren. He has been instrumental in the continued year are going to be tough, but they must be In retirement, the Terrells continue to serve success of the University’s golf program as done. Over the next months, we must work to- their community as they always have. Chuck well as the Torero Athletic Committee. He has gether to restore fiscal responsibility and, at still serves San Bernardino to this day, as dedicated hundreds of hours of mentoring to the same time, make sure we deliver services president of the board of trustees for the San student athletes. to our constituents. Being fiscally responsible Bernardino Community College District. Bob- His continued support of the University has does not mean that we can forget about the bie has served as treasurer for the San positively influenced associates and fellow importance of early childhood education. Pro- Bernardino Symphony Guild for the past 4 alumni to become more involved. grams like Head Start and CCDBG are impor- years. Active in the Presbyterian Church, she Madam Speaker, I ask you to please join tant for everyone involved: they enable lower has also served as treasurer at the presbytery me in congratulating Michael Maher upon his income families to work and improve their eco- level for 6 years. receipt of this esteemed honor. nomic situation; they make sure that dedicated Madam Speaker, it is my great honor to rec- f public servants, like child care providers, re- ognize the service, sacrifice, and dedication of WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD ceive the compensation they deserve; and Chuck and Bobbie Terrell. Their impact on our they ensure that all children get the social and community over the years serves as a great SPEECH OF educational start that will serve them through- reminder that a life spent educating others is HON. NANCY E. BOYDA out their lives. a life of a true patriot. f f OF KANSAS IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HONORING CHUCK AND BOBBIE HONORING MORGAN WALKER Monday, April 14, 2008 TERRELL MARTZ Mrs. BOYDA of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, on February 5, 2008 the President sent Congress HON. JOE BACA HON. SAM GRAVES OF CALIFORNIA OF MISSOURI his proposed budget. This budget is out of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES touch with the values of the good people who reside in the Second District of Kansas. I am Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Tuesday, April 15, 2008 deeply concerned about the President’s fund- Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, on May 16, Mr. GRAVES. Madam Speaker, I proudly ing cuts in early childhood education. 2008, the San Bernardino community will pause to recognize, Morgan Walker Martz a

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:43 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A15AP8.034 E15APPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with REMARKS April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E619 very special young man who has exemplified ers in the city of Arvada and in Jefferson Madam Speaker, during the week of March the finest qualities of citizenship and leader- County as well as those in El Paso County 3–7, 2008, I was unavoidably absent from roll- ship by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts and Colorado Springs who, assisted by Fed- call votes 88–106. of America, Troop 175, and in earning the eral authorities and medical professionals lim- Had I been present I would have voted most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. ited the danger to the church and local com- ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 88, H.R. 1143, ‘‘yea’’ on Morgan has been very active with his troop, munity. And it offers the heartfelt condolences rollcall vote 89, H.R. 1311, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall participating in many scout activities. Over the of the House of Representatives to the victims vote 90, H.R. 816, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 91, many years Morgan has been involved with and families of these tragic acts of violence in H.R. 4191, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 92, H. Con. scouting, he has not only earned numerous Colorado and conveys our gratitude to Jeanne Res. 278, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 93, H. Res. merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- Assam, city and county officials, as well as the 951, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 96, H. Res. 1014, ily, peers, and community. police, fire, sheriff, Federal authorities, and ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 97, H.R. 4774, ‘‘yea’’ on Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join emergency medical teams whose quick re- rollcall vote 98, H. Con. Res. 286, ‘‘nay’’ on me in commending Morgan Walker Martz for sponse saved lives. rolicall vote 100, H.R. 1424 the Motion to Re- his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of Second, on rollcall No. 184, to suspend the commit with Instructions, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- rules and pass H. Res. 994, regarding Na- 101, H.R. 1424, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 102, ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. tional Glanzmann’s Thrombasthenia Aware- H.R. 5400, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 104, H. Res. f ness Day, I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ 1015, ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall vote 105, H.R. 2857 And, third, on rollcall No. 185, to suspend the Flake of Arizona Amendment, ‘‘yea’’ on APRIL 15TH—TAX DAY the rules and pass H.R. 3548, as amended, rollcall vote 106, H.R. 2857 the Inslee of the Plain Language in Government Commu- Washington Amendment. HON. MICHAEL T. McCAUL nications Act, as a cosponsor of that measure Madam Speaker, during the week of March OF TEXAS I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ 10–14, 2008, I was unavoidably absent from IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES H.R. 3548 requires Federal agencies to use rollcall votes 108–145. plain language in government documents re- Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Had I been present I would have voted lated to obtaining a service or a benefit. It re- ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 108, H. Res. 537, ‘‘yea’’ Mr. MCCAUL of Texas. Madam Speaker, sponds to the fact that government documents on rollcall vote 109, H.R. 3196, ‘‘yea’’ on roll- once again the Tax Man cometh. Today, April often are complex and difficult to understand, call vote 110, H.R. 4166, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 15, is the day American taxpayers scramble to particularly when they are not written clearly. 115, H. Res. 924, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 116, comply with a tax code, over 67,000 pages To address this problem, President Clinton in Motion, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 117, H.R. 2082, long. 1998 issued a memorandum that, in part, re- ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 118, H. Res. 948, ‘‘yea’’ In 2007, individual taxpayers spent an esti- quired Federal agencies to use plain language on rollcall vote 119, H. Res. 493, ‘‘yea’’ on mated 3.18 billion hours complying with the in all documents that explain how to obtain a rollcall vote 122, H. Res. 1031, ‘‘yea’’ on roll- Federal income tax laws. Individuals spend benefit or service. However, while a few agen- call vote 130, H. Res. 1036, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall $26.5 billion for tax software, tax preparers, cies still maintain plain language programs, ef- vote 131, H.R. 5563, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote postage, and other costs related to filing their forts to promote plain language have waned. 132, H. Con. Res. 316, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote Federal income tax, while corporations spend H.R. 3548 defines plain language and requires 133, H. Res. 936, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 134, $156.5 billion to comply with Federal tax laws. agencies to use plain language in any new S. 2733, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 137, H. Con. Americans may send two and a half trillion document that explains how to obtain a serv- Res. 312 Kilpatrick of Michigan Amendment, dollars to the IRS, but the cost to our econ- ice or a benefit or that is relevant to obtaining ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 138, H. Con. Res. 312 omy is much greater. Despite this, the majority a service or a benefit. The bill ensures that Lee of California Amendment, ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall party is forcing a $654 billion tax increase on many of the letters, forms, and other docu- vote 140, H. Con. Res. 312 Ryan of Wis- the American people, the largest in American ments that people receive from the govern- consin Amendment, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 141, history. ment will be written in a clear, understandable H. Con. Res. 312, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 142, It’s time to scrap the IRS and this oppres- way. Under this bill, for example, the Social H. Res. 991, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 143, H. sive tax code. It’s time to look at the fair tax Security Administration would be required to Res. 1041 On Ordering the Previous Ques- or the flat tax as viable alternatives to our use plain language in letters that provide tion, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 144, H. Res. 1041 overly burdensome tax code. It’s time to stop beneficiaries information about Social Security. On Agreeing to the Resolution, ‘‘yea’’ on roll- punishing taxpayers and pass fundamental tax I joined in cosponsoring the bill because I call vote 145, H.R. 3773. reform. think it is important for those of us in govern- Madam Speaker, during the week of March f ment to do more to communicate clearly with 31–April 4, 2008, I was unavoidably absent our employers, the American people, and I PERSONAL EXPLANATION from rolicall votes 147–160. hope that the Senate will join the House in Had I been present I would have voted HON. MARK UDALL giving prompt approval to the legislation. ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 147, H.R. 3352, ‘‘yea’’ f on rollcall vote 148, H.R. 2675, ‘‘yea’’ on roll- OF COLORADO call vote 149, H. Con. Res. 302, ‘‘yea’’ on roll- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES PERSONAL EXPLANATION call vote 150, H. Con. Res. 310, ‘‘yea’’ on roll- Tuesday, April 15, 2008 HON. BOBBY L. RUSH call vote 151, H. Res. 1005, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall Mr. UDALL of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I vote 152, H. Res. 1021, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote OF ILLINOIS was unable to be present for three rollcall 154, H. Res. 1065 On Ordering the Previous IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES votes on April 14th. If I had been present for Question, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 155, H. Res. those votes, I would have voted as follows: Tuesday, April 15, 2008 1065 On Agreeing to the Resolution, ‘‘yea’’ on First, on rollcall No. 183, to suspend the Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, during the rollcall vote 156, H.R. 5501 Carson of Indiana rules and pass H. Res. 886, Expressing sym- week of February 25–29, 2008, I was unavoid- Amendment, ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall vote 157, H.R. pathy to the victims and families of the tragic ably absent from rollcall votes 69–87. 5501 On Motion to Recommit with Instruc- acts of violence in Colorado Springs, Colorado Had I been present I would have voted tions, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 158, H.R. 5501 On and Arvada, Colorado, as a cosponsor of the ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 69, H. Res. 978, ‘‘yea’’ Passage, ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall vote 159, H.R. 4847 resolution I would have voted ‘‘yes.’’ on rollcall vote 70, H. Res. 930, ‘‘yea’’ on roll- On Motion to Recommit with Instructions, As the resolution reminds us all, on Sunday, call vote 71, H. Res. 944, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 160, H.R. 4847 On Pas- December 9, 2007, a troubled individual was vote 74, H. Res. 974, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 75, sage. responsible for killing several innocent people H.R. 3521 the Sires of New Jersey Amend- Madam Speaker, during the week of April and injuring others at, first, the Youth With a ment, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 76, H.R. 3521 the 7–11, 2008, I was unavoidably absent from Mission facility in Arvada and, a few hours Meek of Florida Amendment, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall rollcall votes 161–182. later, at the New Life Church in the Colorado vote 81, H. Res. 1001, ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall vote Had I been present I would have voted Springs Area—where he was fatally shot by 83, H.R. 5351 on Motion to Recommit with In- ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 161, H.J. Res. 70, ‘‘yea’’ Jeanne Assam, a volunteer private security structions, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 84, H.R. on rollcall vote 162, H.R. 2464, ‘‘yea’’ on roll- guard. 5351, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 85, S. 2272, ‘‘yea’’ call vote 163, S. 793, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote The resolution rightly commends Ms. Assam on rollcall vote 86, H.R. 4454, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall 164, H. Res. 1084 On Ordering the Previous and the quick response of local first respond- vote 87, H.R. 4454. Question, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 165, H. Res.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:43 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K15AP8.002 E15APPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with REMARKS E620 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 15, 2008 1084 On Agreeing to the Resolution, ‘‘yea’’ on of their hard-earned money, investments, and as an enlisted person or as a warrant officer rollcall vote 166, H. Res. 1077, ‘‘yea’’ on roll- retirement savings. Our servicemembers in for any part of a month, all military pay re- call vote 167, H.R. 2016 the Grijalva of Ari- Iraq and Afghanistan think about these issues ceived for military service in that month is ex- zona Amendment, ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall vote 168, as well. I firmly believe it is time to improve cluded from their gross income. For commis- H.R. 2016 the Bishop of Utah Amendment, the options at their disposal to secure a com- sioned officers, the monthly exclusion is ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall vote 169, H.R. 2016 the fortable retirement after their service to our capped at the highest enlisted pay, plus any Bishop of Utah Amendment, ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall Nation. hostile fire or imminent danger pay received. vote 170, H.R. 2016 the Bishop of Utah Currently, two common options available in With a Roth TSP, these individuals could earn Amendment, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 171, H.R. the private sector used as retirement savings this pay tax-free, grow their investment in their 2016 the Altmire of Pennsylvania Amendment, tools are the Individual Retirement Account Roth TSP, and then withdraw it all tax-free ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall vote 172, H.R. 2016 the (IRA) and a 401(k), which is an employer- after age 591⁄2, having never been required to Pearce of New Mexico Amendment, ‘‘nay’’ on sponsored retirement plan where the employer pay taxes on the invested money. rollcall vote 173, H.R. 2016 On Motion to Re- matches the employee’s contributions up to a The men and women of our military worry commit with Instructions, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote specified limit. Both can be structured as ei- about consequences on a day-to-day basis 174, H.R. 2016 On Passage, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall ther a ‘‘Traditional’’ or ‘‘Roth’’ plan. that most Americans never even consider. The vote 175, H.R. 2419, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote Many are familiar with the Roth and Tradi- least we can do in return is provide our serv- 176, H.R. 5489, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 177, tional IRA options as Roth IRAs have been ice members with choices and options that will H.R. 5472, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 179, H. Res. around since 1998. However, a Roth 401(k) is allow them to plan for their future and help to 1083, ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 180, H. Res. 1038, a fairly new option that is similar to the Roth ensure that they never have to worry about a ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 181, H. Res. 1092, ‘‘nay’’ IRA in that it allows after-tax contributions to secure retirement. on rollcall vote 182, H.R. 2537 the Flake of Ar- fund tax-free retirement income. The Roth 401(k) option was established as f izona Amendment. part of the Economic Growth and Tax Relief WEEK OF THE YOUNG CHILD f Reconciliation Act of 2001 (EGTRRA) and THE DAILY 45: 23 CHICAGO PUBLIC went into effect on January 1, 2006. The Pen- SPEECH OF SCHOOL CHILDREN KILLED TO sion Protection Act of 2006, signed into law by HON. IKE SKELTON DATE President Bush on August 17, 2006, makes the Roth 401(k) permanent, removing the De- OF MISSOURI cember 31, 2010 expiration date that pre- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. BOBBY L. RUSH viously was in force. Monday, April 14, 2008 OF ILLINOIS Traditional IRA and 401(k) plans are funded Mr. SKELTON. Madam Speaker, let me IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES through tax-deferred contributions or ‘‘before- take this means to add my voice of support to tax’’ contributions, which means the money Tuesday, April 15, 2008 the Head Start program. As you know, since contributed is taken out of a person’s pay be- Mr. RUSH. Madam Speaker, today, Ameri- the program began more than 40 years ago, fore Federal and, in almost all cases, state in- cans across the country are engaging in a de- it has served millions of low-income children come taxes are withheld. Any earnings are bate on whether or not they are bitter. Wheth- and their families across the United States. also tax-deferred. This means that an indi- er it’s bitterness about guns or bitterness Over the years, I have had the opportunity vidual does not pay income taxes on contribu- about the economy. to visit Head Start centers across Missouri’s tions and earnings in their IRA or 401(k) ac- Madam Speaker, this debate is a diversion 4th Congressional District, which I have the count until their money is withdrawn, usually at from the real issue of the plague of gun vio- honor to represent in Congress. I am always retirement. lence in our communities. I rise, today, to With a Roth plan, an individual does not re- impressed by the dedicated staff who do so mourn the gun-related deaths of far too many ceive the tax deduction for their contribution, many good things to help prepare the children young people who were students at Chicago’s but all the money in the account grows tax- for their school careers. Every child in America public schools. As of today, that number free and can be withdrawn tax-free subject to has the right to a good start in life. It can stands at 23–all but two of those deaths was certain criteria. For many, the Roth is the bet- make all the difference in their future. By due to gun violence. ter deal. partnering with parents to promote early child- That’s 23 young people who, in the pursuit As such, more and more companies have hood development, which is so critical, Head of what other families take for granted—get- started to offer Roth 401(k)s since they were Start helps make sure that those futures are ting an education—have to duck and cover allowed to start doing so two years ago, and not jeopardized on the basis of a family’s in- just to learn how to read and write. many firms that don’t yet provide this option come. Shannon Brown, 17, is the latest student to are considering adding it in the future. This year, I have continued my strong sup- die from a gunshot. Described by his younger However, in a glaring omission, this same port for Head Start funding and will work with brother, Keishawn, as a ‘‘good big brother,’’ option has not been extended to the federal my colleagues in the days ahead to see that Brown was a happy and responsible child who Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which is the federal this vital program’s future is secure. Children enjoyed school and hanging out with his government’s in-house 401(k) retirement sav- truly are the hope of our Nation. They will be friends. He became the victim of gun violence ings plan for the federal workforce and our the leaders of tomorrow, and we owe it to following a fist fight in his neighborhood. men and women in uniform. them to see they have every opportunity to Like a scene from a bad Hollywood movie, That is why today I have introduced the succeed. he stumbled toward his home, while bleeding Roth TSP Act of 2008. This bill will simply pro- f profusely, and collapsed on the stairs. Last vide the same 401(k) options available in the week, law enforcement captured his alleged private sector to participants in the TSP. Cur- CELEBRATING THE 100TH ANNI- assailant, the 26–year-old who Shannon had rently, there are 3.9 million account holders in VERSARY OF THE EDGE HILL bested in the fist fight. the TSP. These include civilians who are em- FIRE COMPANY When will Americans say ‘‘enough is ployed by the U.S. Government and our mili- enough? Stop the killings! tary personnel. HON. ALLYSON Y. SCHWARTZ f Our men and women in uniform and the OF PENNSYLVANIA federal workforce may find the option to struc- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES INTRODUCTION OF THE ROTH TSP ture their retirement plans as a Roth TSP to Tuesday, April 15, 2008 ACT OF 2008 be a better deal. My legislation will place the same options available in the private sector at Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I rise HON. THELMA D. DRAKE their disposal and provide another option today to honor and congratulate the Edge Hill OF VIRGINIA when considering their long term financial and Fire Company on the celebration of their 100th IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES retirement planning. Allowing this option could anniversary. Beginning in 1908 with just a few provide greater growth potential and greater volunteers and hand drawn equipment, the Tuesday, April 15, 2008 return on investment for their retirement sav- Edge Hill Fire Company has developed into a Ms. DRAKE. Madam Speaker, today is tax ings than under the traditional TSP structure. modern, professional fire company. day. This is a day when all Americans are re- Consider the potential benefit to our military. In Philadelphia 272 years ago, Benjamin minded of the federal government’s treatment If military personnel serve in a combat zone Franklin started the first fire department in

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:43 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A15AP8.041 E15APPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with REMARKS April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E621 America. Franklin’s brigade, comprised entirely Marine Corps included tours with three Marine carnival balloon, it is time to bring a dose of of volunteers, was dedicated to looking out for Divisions. He served as a Marine Barracks sanity to our tax laws. their neighbors. Today, volunteers constitute Commanding Officer in the Personnel Man- Madam Speaker, today we took an impor- 73 percent of all firefighters nationwide, and agement and Assignment Office at Marine tant step by passing legislation to deny gov- Franklin’s proud tradition of volunteerism is Corps Headquarters, and completed his ca- ernment contracts to firms that are delinquent being continued by the brave firefighters of reer in the Liaison Office to the United States in tax payments. No longer shall we allow cor- Edge Hill Fire Company. Senate from July 1975 until November 1979. porations to reap war profits while defrauding In 1909, following a serious fire in the vil- He spent two tours in the Vietnam War with taxpayers by not paying their fair share. lage of Edge Hill, a few residents spear- duty as an Aerial Observer; he served as a We also took aim at the ridiculous practice headed the effort to protect properties and Battery Commander twice, a Battalion Oper- of hiring outside collection agencies to harass lives in their community against future destruc- ations Officer, an Assistant Regimental Oper- American taxpayers at a cost higher than the tion. By 1911, Edge Hill Fire Company was ations Officer, and a Marine Amphibious Unit money they take in. If America truly is the land able to purchase a fire truck, the first motor- Operations Officer and Fire Support Coordi- of opportunity, then that opportunity must ex- ized apparatus in Abington Township. In 1933, nator. He received many notable personal tend to all members of the American family. the company moved into a new firehouse, built decorations during his military service, which We cannot be nickel-and-diming hardworking and funded largely by the company’s volun- include the Legion of Merit, the Bronze Star families while losing tens of billions of dollars teers. This firehouse, located on Limekiln Pike with Combat ‘‘V,’’ the Air Medal, the Navy in waste, fraud and abuse in questionable at Cricket Avenue is still in use today, but has Commendation Medal with the Combat ‘‘V,’’ contracts awarded to politically-connected been renovated to serve as a meeting hall. As the Navy Achievement Medal, the Combat Ac- firms doing business in Iraq. the community grew, so did the fire company, tion Ribbon, the Presidential Unit Citation, the Madam Speaker, I am new to this body, but building a large addition in 1956 to include Navy Unit Citation, the Vietnam Staff Service I am not new to politics. I understand that the three truck bays, a service bay, hose tower, Honor Medal and other campaign medals. only way anything gets done in the halls of radio and recreation room. Following his U.S. Marine Corps Service, power is when someone stands up and insists Today, the company continues their proud Mr. Barry served as a Legislative Director in on action. Today, on Tax Day, let us make a tradition of providing the best service to the the U.S. Senate and was appointed in 1981 promise to work toward ending this dev- community. They, as the firefighters described as Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense in astating and costly war, providing middle-in- by Benjamin Franklin, still ‘‘apply themselves the Reagan Administration. He was awarded come tax relief and once and for all doing with all vigilance and resolution,’’ as well as the Department of Defense Civilian Distin- away with subsidies for oil companies. Only dedication and courage, to the protection of guished Service Medal in 1985. then, can Americans start to feel that Tax Day their community in times of fire crises and as Mr. Barry’s professional positions included is something more than a shake-down of hard- promoters of fire safety and prevention. Director of Legislative Affairs for Sikorsky Air- working families. Madam Speaker, once again I congratulate craft, Director of Washington Operations for f the members of the Edge Hill Fire Company Pneumo Abex Corporation, and Vice President CBO COST ESTIMATE FOR H.R. 5715, for their service, commitment, and sacrifice. I of Washington Operations for AAI Corporation. THE ENSURING CONTINUED AC- ask that my colleagues join me in celebrating He was active in defense and industrial asso- CESS TO STUDENT LOANS ACT this milestone and wish the dedicated fire- ciations, and officially retired in March of 2006. OF 2008 fighters another 100 years of success and Surviving family in addition to his wife, Eliza- safety. beth, include eight children, two step-children, HON. GEORGE MILLER f five sons-in-law, one daughter-in-law, and eleven grandchildren. The children are Bar- OF CALIFORNIA TRIBUTE TO LIEUTENANT bara Barry, Emily Helm, Paul Barry, Kathleen IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COLONEL ALBERT P. BARRY Mullins, Eileen Macleay, Beatrice McMurrer, Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Sarah Smith, Matthew Barry, Tanya Taylor, Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California. Madam HON. JOHN P. MURTHA and Tom Taylor. Speaker, with respect to the requirements of OF PENNSYLVANIA Madam Speaker, Lt. Col. Albert Barry was a clause 3(c)(2) of rule XIII of the House of Rep- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES true American Patriot. He was a man who resentatives and section 308(a) of the Con- Tuesday, April 15, 2008 loved his family and did his duty to his coun- gressional Budget Act of 1974 and with re- try. He was unselfish in service and he was a spect to requirements of 3(c)(3) of rule XIII of Mr. MURTHA. Madam Speaker, I would like great friend to many, including myself. I want the House of Representatives and section 402 to take this opportunity to recognize the late to conclude my remarks by commending him of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, the Lt. Col. Albert P. Barry, USMC (Ret.). On De- for his life well lived and I want to thank him Committee on Education and Labor received, cember 2, 2007, Lt. Col. Barry passed away at for his many years of service in helping to subsequent to the filing of the Committee re- his South Carolina home with his loving wife, make our country great. port, the following estimate for H.R. 5715 from Mrs. Elizabeth Taylor Barry, by his side. On f the Director of the Congressional Budget Of- January 16, 2008, he received full U.S. Marine fice: Corps honors at Arlington National Cemetery. TAX DAY, APRIL 15TH The date was very special in that it would U.S. CONGRESS, CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET OFFICE, have been Al and Liz’s 20th wedding anniver- HON. JACKIE SPEIER Washington, DC, April 15, 2008. sary. OF CALIFORNIA Hon. GEORGE MILLER, Madam Speaker, Al lived a full and coura- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Chairman, Committee on Education and Labor, geous life even through his battle with glio- House of Representatives, Washington, DC. blastoma, terminal brain cancer. He refused to Tuesday, April 15, 2008 DEAR MR. CHAIRMAN: The Congressional give up and he and Liz filled their last year Ms. SPEIER. Madam Speaker, I have long Budget Office has prepared the enclosed cost with hope, prayer, and as much laughter as known that the war in Iraq was costing our estimate for H.R. 5715, the Ensuring Contin- ued Access to Student Loans Act of 2008. possible. Sustained by family and all those Nation far too much. But after less than a If you wish further details on this esti- who knew him well, Al’s reaction was typical week here in Washington, I’m sad to say, it is mate, we will be pleased to provide them. of the Marine within. He had been given his even worse than I thought. Today, on the day The CBO staff contact is Deborah Kalcevic. ‘‘orders’’—by physicians this time—and he set millions of Americans pay their Federal in- Sincerely, out to ‘‘beat it.’’ He never complained—and come taxes, it is disheartening to point out ROBERT A. SUNSHINE, never failed to be Al Barry. that the average American’s total tax bill pays (For Peter R. Orszag, Director). Albert P. Barry was born on April 12, 1936, for less than one half of one second of this Enclosure. in New Haven, Connecticut. He earned a unnecessary war. H.R. 5715—Ensuring Continued Access to Stu- Bachelor’s Degree at Tufts University and a At a time when hard-working, two-income dent Loans Act of 2008 Master’s Degree at Syracuse University. In families struggle to pay their mortgages, when Summary: H.R. 5715 would: Alter repayment and eligibility terms on 1958, he joined the U.S. Marine Corps, was gas prices force small businesses to raise parent Loans for Undergraduate Students commissioned a Second Lieutenant in Decem- prices on basic services and necessities, (PLUS), ber 1959, and retired as a Lieutenant Colonel when support for college students continues to Increase the annual and aggregate bor- in 1979. His 21-year active duty service in the decline and CEO salaries rise faster than a rowing limits on unsubsidized loans,

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:43 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K15AP8.010 E15APPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with REMARKS E622 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks April 15, 2008 Give the Department of Education tem- bill would have no impact on revenues. CBO would impose no costs on state, local, or porary authority to purchase guaranteed has not yet completed an estimate of the im- tribal governments. loans from private lenders, and pact of H.R. 5715 on discretionary spending: Estimated cost to the Federal Govern- Clarify provisions relating to the lender-of- implementing the bill would probably in- last-resort program. crease costs for administering the federal ment: The estimated budgetary impact of On balance, CBO estimates that enacting student loan programs. H.R. 5715 is shown in the following table. The the bill would increase direct spending by H.R. 5715 contains no intergovernmental or costs of this legislation fall within budget $320 million over the 2008–2013 period and by private-sector mandates as defined in the function 500 (education, training, employ- $390 million over the 2008–2018 period. The Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) and ment, and social services).

By fiscal year, in millions of dollars— 2008– 2008– 2008 2009 2010 2011 2012 2013 2014 2015 2016 2017 2018 2013 2018

CHANGES IN DIRECT SPENDING Changes to PLUS Program: Estimated Budget Authority ...... ¥35 ¥75 ¥75 ¥80 ¥85 ¥95 ¥100 ¥110 ¥115 ¥125 ¥135 ¥445 ¥1,030 Estimated Outlays ...... ¥20 ¥55 ¥65 ¥70 ¥75 ¥85 ¥90 ¥95 ¥105 ¥110 ¥115 ¥370 ¥885 Raise Limits on Unsubsidized Loans: Estimated Budget Authority ...... ¥90 ¥180 5 105 115 105 115 125 135 145 155 60 735 Estimated Outlays ...... ¥50 ¥135 ¥45 65 100 100 100 110 115 125 135 35 620 Purchase of Guaranteed Loans: Estimated Budget Authority ...... 0 655 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 655 655 Estimated Outlays ...... 0 655 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 655 655 Lender of Last Resort: Estimated Budget Authority...... * * * * * * * * * * * * * Estimated Outlays...... * * * * * * * * * * * * * Total Changes: Estimated Budget Authority: ...... ¥125 400 ¥70 25 30 10 15 15 20 20 20 270 360 Estimated Outlays ...... ¥70 465 ¥100 ¥5 25 15 10 15 10 15 20 320 390 Note: PLUS = Parent Loans for Undergraduate Students, * = less than $500,000.

Basis of estimate: For this estimate, CBO crease, as these students and parents would loan guarantee industry has sufficient cap- assumes that H.R. 5715 will be enacted before shift some of their borrowing to the unsub- ital to make student loans for the upcoming July 1, 2008. As required under the Federal sidized loan program, which has a lower in- school year. Credit Reform Act of 1990, the costs of stu- terest rate. CBO estimates these changes For those reasons, we expect that allowing dent loans are estimated on a net-present- would increase direct spending by $35 million the Department of Education to purchase value basis. over the 2008–2013 period and by $620 million guaranteed loans would likely increase costs Changes to PLUS program over the 2008–2018 period. to the federal government. Based on prelimi- The bill would make two changes to the Purchase of guaranteed loans nary information from FEEL lenders, guar- PLUS program. First, it would allow parents The bill would grant the Department of anty agencies, and the Department of Edu- to defer payment on their PLUS loans until Education the authority to purchase guaran- cation, CBO estimates this provision could six months after the dependent borrower teed loans originated on or alter October 1. increase direct spending by $655 million in leaves school. Under current law, parents 2003. from lenders in the Federal Family 2009. Those costs could be higher or lower de- must begin repaying the loan 60 days after Education Loan (FFEL,) program, if the Sec- pending on what price the Secretary sets for disbursement. CBO projects that approxi- retary determines that there is insufficient guarantee purchases. mately 10 percent of parent borrowers would capital available to meet the demand for Lender of last resort take advantage of this determent before re- guaranteed loans. The Secretary would have H.R. 5715 also would clarity two provisions paying their loans. Interest rates on parent full discretion over the purchase price of the of the lender-of-last-resort program, which loans range between 7.9 percent and 8.5 per- loans and the decision to buy. This authority provides loans to students who otherwise are cent. Because interest on these loans would would expire on July 1, 2009. unable to obtain a loan under the regular accrue during deferment, CB0 estimates this Under the hill, the Secretary could pur- loan application process. First, it would provision would decrease direct spending by chase guaranteed loans only after deter- specify that guaranty agencies may carry $370 million over the 2008–2013 period and by mining that such a purchase is in the best out the functions of the lender-of-last-resort $885 million over the 2008–2018 period. interests of the United States and does not program on a school-wide basis rather than In addition. H.R. 5715 would allow a lender have a cost to the government. C130 believes an individual borrower basis. CBO estimates to determine that a potential PLUS bor- that the likelihood of increased costs is that this provision would have a negligible rower who is delinquent on a home mortgage greater than the likelihood of increased sav- impact on direct spending. payment for fewer than 181 days (and might ings if the Secretary purchases guaranteed Second. it would clarify that the Secretary otherwise be deemed not creditworthy) to loans for the following reasons: of Education has the authority to advance quality for the PLUS program due to extenu- CBO expects that the volume of loans pur- federal funds to guaranty agencies serving as ating circumstances. Based on information chased by the department would yard di- lenders of last resort who do not have suffi- from lenders and other groups, C130 esti- rectly with the offer price. In considering cient capital to originate guaranteed loans. mates this provision would have a negligible possible outcomes, higher prices would result CBO estimates this provision would have no impact on direct spending. in higher volumes, and hence relatively large impact on direct spending because the U.S. Raise limits on unsubsidized loans costs; outcomes assuming lower prices would Department of Education has this authority probably involve a lower volume of loans H.R. 5715 would increase the borrowing under current law and has published regula- purchased, and any savings under such sce- limits on unsubsidized loans for all students tions governing the lender-of-last-resort au- narios would he relatively small. Thus, the by $2,000 per year and raise aggregate bor- thority. expected value of the range of possible re- rowing limits to accommodate those in- Intergovernmental and private-sector im- sults would be a cost. creases. pact: H.R. 5715 contains no intergovern- C130 expects that lenders would have bet- Based on data from the National Student mental or private-sector mandates as defined ter information about the future profit- Loan Data System and the National Postsec- in UMRA and would impose no costs on ability of each loan than the Secretary and ondary Student Aid Study (NPSAS) and state, local, or tribal governments. might he able to sell loans that are more about applicants for federal financial assist- Estimate prepared by: Federal costs: Debo- likely to enter default. and thus generate ance. CBO estimates these changes would in- rah Kalcevic and Justin Humphrey; Impact costs to the government. Lenders would have crease the volume of unsubsidized loans by on state, local, and tribal governments: an incentive to sell the loans that are most more than $1 billion in fiscal year 2008; that Burke Doherty; Impact on the private sec- likely to result in costs to the government, increase would grow to more than $8 billion tor: Nabeel Alsalam. Finally, CBO is unsure how the Secretary in fiscal year 2018. CBO expects that the vol- would balance the need to be budget-neutral Estimate approved by: Peter H. Fontaine, ume of loans made to parents and graduate with a competing need to ensure that the Assistant Director for Budget Analysis. students in the PLUS program would de-

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:43 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A15AP8.046 E15APPT1 ccoleman on PRODPC75 with REMARKS Tuesday, April 15, 2008 Daily Digest Senate Stephen Joseph Murphy III, of Michigan, to be Chamber Action United States District Judge for the Eastern District Routine Proceedings, pages S2985–S3037 of Michigan. Measures Introduced: Thirteen bills and three reso- Helene N. White, of Michigan, to be United lutions were introduced, as follows: S. 2855–2867, States Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit. 2 Air Force nominations in the rank of general. and S. Res. 514–516. Pages S3025–26 2 Army nominations in the rank of general. Measures Reported: Routine lists in the Army, Coast Guard, Foreign S. 2731, to authorize appropriations for fiscal Service, Marine Corps, Navy. Pages S3035–37 years 2009 through 2013 to provide assistance to Nomination Withdrawn: Senate received notifica- foreign countries to combat HIV/AIDS, tuberculosis, tion of withdrawal of the following nomination: and malaria, with an amendment in the nature of a Stephen Joseph Murphy III, of Michigan, to be substitute. (S. Rept. No. 110–325) Page S3025 United States Circuit Judge for the Sixth Circuit, Measures Passed: which was sent to the Senate on March 19, 2007. Congratulating Boston College Men’s Ice Hockey Page S3037 Team: Senate agreed to S. Res. 514, congratulating Messages from the House: Page S3025 the Boston College men’s ice hockey team on win- Measures Referred: Page S3025 ning the 2008 National Collegiate Athletic Associa- tion Division I National Ice Hockey Championship. Additional Cosponsors: Pages S3026–28 Pages S2994–95 Statements on Introduced Bills/Resolutions: Commemorating the 25th Anniversary of the Pages S3028–33 1983 Bombing of the United States Embassy in Additional Statements: Pages S3024–25 Beirut: Senate agreed to S. Res. 516, solemnly com- Amendments Submitted: Page S3033 memorating the 25th anniversary of the tragic April Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S3033 1983 bombing of the United States Embassy in Bei- rut and remembering those who lost their lives and Authorities for Committees to Meet: Pages S3033–34 those who where injured. Page S3034 Measures Considered: Safe, Accountable, Flexi- Privileges of the Floor: Page S3034 ble, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Leg- Adjournment: Senate convened at 10 a.m. and ad- acy for Users: Senate began consideration of H.R. journed at 7:05 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Wednes- 1195, to amend the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Effi- day, April 16, 2008. (For Senate’s program, see the cient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users remarks of the Acting Majority Leader in today’s to make technical corrections, after agreeing to the Record on pages S3034–35.) motion to proceed to its consideration. Pages S2993–94, S2995–S3019 Committee Meetings A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- viding for further consideration of the bill at ap- (Committees not listed did not meet) proximately 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, April 16, 2008. Pages S3034–35 APPROPRIATIONS: DEPARTMENT OF THE Nominations Received: Senate received the fol- INTERIOR lowing nominations: Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Inte- Michele M. Leonhart, of California, to be Admin- rior, Environment, and Related Agencies concluded istrator of Drug Enforcement. a hearing to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Department of the Interior, D433

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after receiving testimony from former Senator Dirk Beaverhead-Deerlodge National Forest, Montana, to Kempthorne, Secretary of the Interior. Jefferson County, Montana, for use as a cemetery, APPROPRIATIONS: FDA and S. 2581, to designate as wilderness additional National Forest System lands in the Monongahela Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Agri- National Forest in the State of West Virginia, after culture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Admin- receiving testimony from Senators Warner and istration, and Related Agencies concluded a hearing Boxer; Joel Holtrop, Deputy Chief, National Forest to examine proposed budget estimates for fiscal year System, United States Forest Service, Department of 2009 for the United States Food and Drug Adminis- Agriculture; Henri Bisson, Acting Senior Advisor to tration, after receiving testimony from Andrew von the Secretary for Alaska Affairs, and Elena Daly, Di- Eschenbach, Commissioner, United States Food and rector, National Landscape Conservation System, Bu- Drug Administration, Department of Health and reau of Land Management, both of the Department Human Services. of the Interior; J.J. Murray, Virginia Wilderness U.S. CREDIT MARKETS AND STUDENT Committee, Charlottesville; Stanley Senner, Audubon LOANS Alaska, Anchorage; and Della Trumble, King Cove, Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Alaska, on behalf of the Agdaagux Tribe. Committee concluded a hearing to examine credit PHARMACEUTICALS IN DRINKING WATER markets in the United States, focusing on the impact Committee on Environment and Public Works: Sub- on the cost and availability of student loans, after re- committee on Transportation Safety, Infrastructure ceiving testimony from John F. Remondi, Sallie Security, and Water Quality concluded a hearing to Mae, Inc., Reston, Virginia; Tom Deutsch, American examine pharmaceuticals in the nation’s drinking Securitization Forum, New York, New York, on be- water, focusing on assessing potential risks and ac- half of the Securities Industry and Financial Markets tions to address this issue, after receiving testimony Association; Patricia A. McGuire, Trinity Wash- from Benjamin H. Grumbles, Assistant Adminis- ington University, and Sarah Flanagan, National As- trator for Water, Environmental Protection Agency; sociation of Independent Colleges and Universities, Robert M. Hirsch, Associate Director for Water, both of Washington, D.C.; and Mark Kantrowitz, United States Geological Survey, Department of the FinAid.org, Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania. Interior; Shane Snyder, Southern Nevada Water Au- LANDS BILLS thority, Henderson, on behalf of the American Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Sub- Water Works Association; David Pringle, New Jer- committee on Public Lands and Forests concluded a sey Environmental Federation, Trenton, on behalf of hearing to examine S. 570 and H.R. 1011, bills to the New Jersey Environmental Federation and Clean designate additional National Forest System lands in Water Action; and Jennifer Sass, Natural Resources the State of Virginia as wilderness or a wilderness Defense Council, and Alan Goldhammer, Pharma- study area, to designate the Kimberling Creek Po- ceutical Research and Manufacturers of America, tential Wilderness Area for eventual incorporation in both of Washington, D.C. the Kimberling Creek Wilderness, to establish the TAX REFORM Seng Mountain and Bear Creek Scenic Areas, to pro- Committee on Finance: Committee concluded a hearing vide for the development of trail plans for the wil- to examine tax reform, focusing on the fundamentals derness areas and scenic areas, S. 758, to direct the for advancement, after receiving testimony from Secretary of the Interior to convey the Alta-Hualapai Daniel N. Shaviro, New York University School of Site to the city of Las Vegas, Nevada, for the devel- Law, New York, New York; Michael J. Graetz, Yale opment of a cancer treatment facility, H.R. 1311, to Law School, New Haven, Connecticut; and Jason provide for the conveyance of the Alta-Hualapai Site Furman, Brookings Institution, and Robert Carroll, to the Nevada Cancer Institute, S. 1680, to provide Tax Foundation, both of Washington, D.C. for the inclusion of certain non-Federal land in the Izembek National Wildlife Refuge and the Alaska TREATIES Peninsula National Wildlife Refuge in the State of Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded Alaska, S. 2109, to designate certain Federal lands in a hearing to examine Protocol Additional to the Ge- Riverside County, California, as wilderness, to des- neva Conventions of 12 August 1949, and relating ignate certain river segments in Riverside County as to the Adoption of an Additional Distinctive Em- a wild, scenic, or recreational river, to adjust the blem (the ‘‘Geneva Protocol III’’), adopted at Geneva boundary of the Santa Rosa and San Jacinto Moun- on December 8, 2005, and signed by the United tains National Monument, S. 2124, to direct the States on that date, the Amendment to Article 1 of Secretary of Agriculture to convey certain land in the the Convention on Prohibitions or Restrictions on

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the Use of Certain Conventional Weapons Which School of Government, Cambridge, Massachusetts; May be Deemed to be Excessively Injurious or to Cham E. Dallas, University of Georgia College of Have Indiscriminate Effects (the ‘‘CCW Amend- Public Health, Athens; and Roger C. Molander, ment’’), and the CCW Protocol on Explosive Rem- RAND Corporation, Santa Monica, California. nants of War (the ‘‘CCW Protocol V’’) (Treaty Doc. 109–10), the Hague Convention for the Protection 2010 DECENNIAL CENSUS of Cultural Property in the Event of Armed Conflict Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- (the Convention) and, for accession, The Hague Pro- fairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine the tocol, concluded on May 14, 1954, and entered into 2010 Decennial Census, focusing on automation and force on August 7, 1956 with accompanying report information technology in order to improve census from the Department of State (Treaty Doc. 106–01), coverage, accuracy, and efficiency, after receiving tes- and protocols to the 1980 Convention on Prohibi- timony from Carlos M. Gutierrez, Secretary, and tions or Restrictions on the Use of Certain Conven- Steve H. Murdock, Director, United States Census tional Weapons Which May Be Deemed to Be Ex- Bureau, both of the Department of Commerce; and cessively Injurious or to Have Indiscriminate Effects: Mathew Scire, Director, Strategic Issues, and David the amended Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions A. Powner, Director, Information Technology Man- on the Use of Mines, Booby-Traps and Other De- agement Issues, both of the Government Account- vices (Protocol II or the Amended Mines Protocol), ability Office. the Protocol on Prohibitions or Restrictions on the Use of Incendiary Weapons (Protocol III or the In- TOMATO WORKERS’ WORKING cendiary Weapons Protocol), and the Protocol on CONDITIONS Blinding Laser Weapons (Protocol IV) (Treaty Doc. Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions: 105–01), after receiving testimony from John B. Committee concluded a hearing to examine ending Bellinger, Legal Adviser, Department of State; and abuses and improving working conditions for tomato Charles A. Allen, Deputy General Counsel (Inter- workers, after receiving testimony from Lucas national Affairs), and Brigadier General Michelle D. Johnson, Deputy Director for the War on Terrorism Benitez, Coalition of Immokalee Workers, and Roy and Global Effects, J–5 Strategic Plans and Policy Reyna, both of Immokalee, Florida; Charlie Frost, Directorate, Joint Staff, the Pentagon, both of the Collier County Sheriff’s Office, Naples, Florida; Mary Department of Defense. Bauer, Southern Poverty Law Center Immigrant Jus- tice Project, Montgomery, Alabama; Reginald L. NUCLEAR TERRORISM Brown, Florida Tomato Growers Exchange, Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- Maitland; and Eric Schlosser, Monterey, California. fairs: Committee concluded a hearing to examine nu- clear terrorism, focusing on confronting the chal- INTELLIGENCE lenges of various nuclear attack scenarios, after re- Select Committee on Intelligence: Committee held closed ceiving testimony from John R. Gibb, New York hearings on intelligence matters, receiving testimony State Emergency Management Office, Albany; Ash- from officials of the intelligence community. ton B. Carter, Harvard University John F. Kennedy Committee recessed subject to the call.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:44 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D15AP8.REC D15APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with DIGEST D436 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST April 15, 2008 House of Representatives established by regulations of the Committee on Chamber Action House Administration: H.R. 5493, to provide that Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 25 pub- the usual day for paying salaries in or under the lic bills, H.R. 5788–5812; and 3 resolutions, H. House of Representatives may be established by reg- Con. Res. 328; and H. Res. 1108–1109 were intro- ulations of the Committee on House Administration; duced. Pages H2354–55 and Pages H2297–98 Additional Cosponsors: Pages H2355–56 Permitting active duty members of the Armed Report Filed: A report was filed today as follows: Forces who are assigned to a Congressional liaison H. Res. 1107, providing for consideration of the office of the Department of Defense at the House bill (H.R. 5715) to ensure continued availability of of Representatives to obtain membership in the ex- access to the Federal student loan program for stu- ercise facility established for employees of the dents and families (H. Rept. 110–590). Page H2354 House of Representatives: H. Res. 1068, amended, Recess: The House recessed at 11:07 a.m. and re- to permit active duty members of the Armed Forces convened at noon. Page H2272 who are assigned to a Congressional liaison office of the Department of Defense at the House of Rep- Suspensions: The House agreed to suspend the rules resentatives to obtain membership in the exercise fa- and pass the following measures: cility established for employees of the House of Rep- Federal Law Enforcement Officers Congressional resentatives. Page H2298 Badge of Bravery Act of 2007: H.R. 4056, amend- Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ‘‘To per- ed, to establish an awards mechanism to honor Fed- mit active duty members of the Armed Forces who eral law enforcement officers injured in the line of are assigned to a Congressional liaison office of the duty; Pages H2276–78 Armed Forces at the House of Representatives to ob- Supporting the mission and goals of National tain membership in the exercise facility established Crime Victims’ Rights week: H. Res. 1053, to sup- for employees of the House of Representatives.’’. port the mission and goals of National Crime Vic- Page H2298 tims’ Rights week in order to increase public aware- Suspension—Failed: The House failed to agree to ness of the rights, needs, and concerns of victims and suspend the rules and pass the following measure: survivors of crime in the United States; Pages H2278–80 Emergency Assistance for Secure Elections Act of 2008: H.R. 5036, amended, to direct the Adminis- Recognizing and honoring the 40th anniversary of congressional passage of title VIII of the Civil trator of General Services to reimburse certain juris- Rights Act of 1968 (the Fair Housing Act) and the dictions for the costs of obtaining paper ballot vot- 20th anniversary of the Fair Housing Amend- ing systems for the general elections for Federal of- ments Act of 1988: H. Res. 1095, to recognize and fice to be held in November 2008 and to reimburse honor the 40th anniversary of congressional passage jurisdictions for the costs incurred in conducting au- of title VIII of the Civil Rights Act of 1968 (the dits or hand counting of the results of the general Fair Housing Act) and the 20th anniversary of the elections for Federal office to be held in November Fair Housing Amendments Act of 1988; 2008, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 239 yeas to 179 Pages H2280–84 nays, Roll No. 188. Pages H2289–97, H2306–07 Religious Worker Visa Extension Act of 2008: Authorizing the use of the rotunda of the Cap- H.R. 5570, amended, to amend the Immigration itol for the presentation of the Congressional and Nationality Act to eliminate the sunset in the Gold Medal to Michael Ellis DeBakey, M.D.: The special immigrant nonminister religious worker visa House agreed to discharge from committee and agree program; Pages H2284–89 to S. Con. Res. 71, to authorize the use of the ro- Agreed to amend the title so as to read: ‘‘To tunda of the Capitol for the presentation of the Con- amend the Immigration and Nationality Act with gressional Gold Medal to Michael Ellis DeBakey, respect to the special immigrant nonminister reli- M.D. Pages H2298–99 gious worker program, and for other purposes.’’. Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act of Page H2289 2008: The House passed H.R. 5719, to amend the Providing that the usual day for paying salaries Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to conform return in or under the House of Representatives may be preparer penalty standards, delay implementation of

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:44 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D15AP8.REC D15APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with DIGEST April 15, 2008 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D437 withholding taxes on government contractors, en- Shulman, Commissioner, IRS, Department of the hance taxpayer protections, and assist low-income Treasury. taxpayers, by a recorded vote 238 ayes to 179 noes, CAPITOL VISITOR CENTER Roll No. 190. Pages H2299–H2306, H2307–22 Rejected the Herger motion to recommit the bill Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Legisla- to the Committee on Ways and Means with instruc- tive Branch held a hearing on the Capitol Visitor tions to report the same back promptly with an Center. Testimony was heard from the following of- amendment, by a yea-and-nay vote of 210 yeas to ficials of the Architect of the Capitol: Stephen Ayers, 210 nays, Roll No. 189. Pages H2319–21 Acting Architect of the Capitol; Bernie Ungar, Pursuant to the rule, the amendment in the na- Project Executive; and Terrie Rouse, CEO, Visitor ture of a substitute recommended by the Committee Service, both with Capitol Visitor Center; Terry on Ways and Means now printed in the bill shall be Dorn, Director, Physical Infrastructure Issues, GAO; considered as adopted. Page H2299 and Phillip Morse, Chief, U.S. Capitol Police. Agreed that the Clerk be authorized to make SOUTHCOM technical and conforming changes to reflect the ac- tions of the House. Page H2323 Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Mili- H. Res. 1102, the rule providing for consideration tary Construction, Veterans Affairs, and Related of the bill, was agreed to by a recorded vote of 222 Agencies held a hearing on SOUTHCOM. Testi- ayes to 195 noes, Roll No. 187. Page H2306 mony was heard from Adm James E. Stavridis, USN, Agreed to the Sutton amendment to the rule by Commander, U.S. Southern Command. voice vote, after agreeing to order the previous ques- BUILDING PARTNERSHIP CAPACITY AND tion by a yea-and-nay vote of 220 yeas to 196 nays, DEVELOPMENT OF THE INTERAGENCY Roll No. 186. Pages H2305–06 Committee on Armed Services: Held a hearing on Build- Suspension—Proceedings Resumed: The House ing Partnership Capacity and Development of the agreed to suspend the rules and pass the following Interagency. Testimony was heard from Robert M. measure which was debated on Monday, April 14th: Gates, Secretary of Defense; and Condoleeza Rice, Texas Military Veterans Post Office Designa- Secretary of State. tion Act: H.R. 5517, to designate the facility of the OVERSIGHT—DEFENSE TRAVEL SYSTEM United States Postal Service located at 7231 FM 1960 in Humble, Texas, as the ‘‘Texas Military Vet- Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Over- erans Post Office’’, by a 2⁄3 yea-and-nay vote of 413 sight and Investigations held a hearing on oversight yeas with none voting ‘‘nay’’, Roll No. 191. of the Defense Travel System. Testimony was heard Pages H2322–23 from the following officials of the Department of Defense: Michael L. Dominguez, Principal Deputy Quorum Calls—Votes: Four yea-and-nay votes and Under Secretary, Personnel and Readiness; and David two recorded votes developed during the proceedings Fisher, Director, Business Transformation Agency; of today and appear on pages H2305, H2306, McCoy Williams, Director, Financial Management H2306,07, H2320–21, H2321–22, H2322. There and Assurance, GAO; and a public witness. were no quorum calls. OVERSIGHT—FCC Adjournment: The House met at 10:30 a.m. and adjourned at 11:25 p.m. Committee on Energy and Commerce: Subcommittee on Telecommunications and the Internet held a hearing entitled ‘‘Oversight of the Federal Communications Committee Meetings Commission—the 7 MHz Auction.’’ Testimony was CIA heard from the following officials of the FCC: Kevin Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on De- J. Martin, Chairman; Michael J. Copps, Jonathan S. fense/Select Intelligence Oversight Panel met in ex- Adelstein, Deborah Taylor Tate and Robert M. ecutive session to hold a hearing on the CIA. Testi- McDowell, all Commissioners; and public witnesses. mony was heard from the following officials of the FINANCIAL LITERACY AND EDUCATION CIA: Stephen R. Kappes, Deputy Director; and Brian P. Shortley, Chief Financial Officer. Committee on Financial Services: Held a hearing enti- tled ‘‘Financial Literacy and Education: The Effec- IRS tiveness of Governmental and Private Sector Initia- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Finan- tives.’’ Testimony was heard from the following offi- cial Services and General Government held a hearing cials of the Department of the Treasury: Anna on the IRS. Testimony was heard from Douglas Escobedo Cabral, Treasurer of the United States;

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:44 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D15AP8.REC D15APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with DIGEST D438 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST April 15, 2008 Cassandra McConnell, Director, Consumer and Com- Kris, former Associate Deputy Attorney General; and munity Affairs, Office of Thrift Supervision; and a public witness. Barry Wides, Deputy Comptroller for Community Affairs, Office of the Comptroller of the Currency; OVERSIGHT—WEST-WIDE ENERGY AND JoAnn Johnson, Chairman, National Credit Union MINERAL PROCESS Administration; Sandra Braunstein, Director, Divi- Committee on Natural Resources: Subcommittee on Na- sion of Consumer and Community Affairs, Federal tional Parks, Forests and Public Lands and the Sub- Reserve Board of Governors, Federal Reserve System; committee on Energy and Mineral Resources held a Robert W. Mooney, Deputy Director, Consumer joint oversight hearing on the West-wide Energy Protection and Community Affairs, FDIC; Dean Corridor Process: State and Community Impacts. Martin, Treasurer, State of Arizona and public wit- Testimony was heard from Luke Johnson, Deputy nesses. Director, Programs and Policy, Bureau of Land Man- agement, Department of the Interior; Joel Holtrop, EMERGENCY MORTGAGE LOAN Deputy Chief, National Forest System, USDA; Jo- MODIFICATION ACT OF 2008 anna Prukop, Secretary of Energy and Minerals, State Committee on Financial Services: Subcommittee on Cap- of New Mexico; and public witnesses. ital Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enterprises held a hearing on H.R. 5579, Emergency MISCELLANEOUS MEASURES; OVERSIGHT Mortgage Loan Modification Act of 2008. Testimony DC WATER AND SEWER AUTHORITY was heard from public witnesses. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, Sub- committee on Federal Workforce, Postal Service and TSA OUTLOOK the District of Columbia approved for full Com- Committee on Homeland Security: Subcommittee on mittee action the following bills: H.R. 5718, Federal Transportation Security and Infrastructure Protection Employees Paid Parental Leave Act; and H.R. 3774, held a hearing entitled ‘‘Moving Beyond the First Senior Executive Service Diversity Assurance Act of Five Years: How the Transportation Security Admin- 2008. istration (TSA) will Continue to Enhance Security The Subcommittee also held an oversight hearing for all Modes of Transportation.’’ Testimony was on D.C. Water and Sewer Authority (DCWASA), heard from Kip Hawley, Assistant Secretary, Trans- Testimony was heard from John B. Stephenson, Di- portation Security Administration, Department of rector, Natural Resources and Environment, GAO; Homeland Security; Cathleen Berrick, Director, Ben Grumbles, Assistant Administrator, Water, Homeland Security and Justice, GAO; pubic wit- EPA; the following officials of the D.C. Water and nesses. Sewer Authority: Robin B. Martin, Chairman, Board of Directors; Jerry Johnson, General Manager, Daniel MILITARY AND OVERSEAS VOTING Tangherlini, City Administrator, District of Colum- Committee on House Administration: Held a hearing on bia; Timothy Firestine, Chief Administrator Officer, Military and Overseas Voting: Problems and Montgomery County; Anthony H. Griffin, County Progress in Ensuring the Vote. Testimony was heard Executive, Fairfax County, and Jacqueline F. Brown, from Representatives McCarthy of California and Chief Administrator Officer, Prince Georges County, Maloney of New York; Michael Dominguez, Prin- all Members of the Board. cipal Deputy Under Secretary, Personnel and Readi- ness, Department of Defense; Beth Chapman, Sec- NEW CONTRACTING AND PROPERTY retary of State, Alabama; and public witnesses. BILLS Committee on Oversight and Government Reform: Sub- NATIONAL SECURITY LETTERS REFORM committee on Government Management, Organiza- ACT OF 2007 tion and Procurement held a hearing on New Con- Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Constitu- tracting and Property Bills. Testimony was heard tion, Civil Rights and Civil Liberties held a hearing from the following officials of OMB: Paul Denett, on H.R. 3189, National Security Letters Reform Act Administrator, Federal Procurement Policy; and of 2007. Testimony was heard from the following of- Danny Werfel, Acting Comptroller, Federal Finan- ficials of the Department of Justice: Glenn A. Fine, cial Management; the following officials of the GSA: Inspector General; and Valerie E. Caproni, General David Drabkin, Acting Chief Acquisition Officer Counsel, FBI; the following former officials of the and Senior Procurement Executive; and Stan Department of Justice: Bruce Fein, former Associate Kaczmarczyk, Acting Deputy Associate Adminis- Deputy Attorney General; Michael J. Woods, former trator, Office of Governmentwide Policy; Barry Chief, FBI National Security Law Unit; and David Sabin, Deputy Assistant Attorney General, Criminal

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Division, Department of Justice; and a public wit- VETERANS’ HEALTH MEASURES ness. Committee on Veterans’ Affairs: Held a hearing on the following bills: H.R. 5730, To direct the Secretary of ENSURING CONTINUED ACCESS TO Veterans Affairs to display in each prosthetic clinic of the STUDENT LOANS ACT OF 2008 Department of Veterans Affairs an Injured and Amputee Committee on Rules: Granted, by a vote of 8–4, a Veterans Bill of Rights; H.R. 2818, to amend title 38, structured rule providing for consideration of H.R. United States Code, to provide for the establishment of 5715, the Continued Access to Student Loans Act of Epilepsy Centers of Excellence in the Veterans Health 2008. The rule provides one hour of general debate Administration of the Department of Veterans’ Affairs; equally divided and controlled by the chairman and H.R. 5554, Veterans’ Substance Use Disorders Prevention and Treatment Act of 2008; H.R. 5622, Veterans Timely ranking minority member of the Committee on Edu- Access to Health Care Act; H.R. 5595, Make Our Vet- cation and Labor. The rule waives all points of order erans Smile Act of 2008; and H.R. 5729, To amend title against consideration of the bill except clauses 9 and 38, United States Code, to direct the Secretary of Vet- 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides that the amend- erans Affairs to provide comprehensive health care to chil- ment printed in Part A of the Rules Committee re- dren of Vietnam veterans born with Spinua Bifida, and port accompanying this resolution shall be consid- for other purposes. Testimony was heard from Represent- ered as adopted and that the bill, as amended, shall atives Filner, Michaud, Ginny Brown-Waite, Perlmutter, be considered as read. The rule waives all points of Carney, and Ellsworth; Gerald M. Cross, M.D., Principal order against provisions of the bill, as amended. The Deputy Under Secretary, Health, Veterans Health Ad- rule provides that no further amendments to the bill, ministration, Department of Veterans Affairs; and rep- as amended, shall be in order except those amend- resentatives of veterans organizations. ments printed in Part B of the Rules Committee re- INSTABILITY OF HEALTH COVERAGE IN port. The further amendments made in order may be AMERICA offered only in the order printed in the report, may be offered only by a Member designated in the re- Committee on Ways and Means: Subcommittee on port, shall be considered as read, shall be debatable Health held a hearing on the Instability of Health for the time specified in the report equally divided Coverage in America. Testimony was heard from and controlled by the proponent and an opponent, former Senator Dave Durenburger of Minnesota; and shall not be subject to amendment, and shall not be public witnesses. subject to a demand for division of the question in MIP BUDGET the House or in the Committee of the Whole. The Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence: Met in execu- rule waives all points of order against the further tive session to hold a hearing on Fiscal Year 2009 amendments printed in the report except for clauses Budget-Military Intelligence Program. Testimony 9 and 10 of rule XXI. The rule provides one motion was heard from departmental witnesses. to recommit with or without instructions. The rule provides that, notwithstanding the operation of the f previous question, the Chair may postpone further consideration of the bill to a time designated by the Joint Meetings Speaker. Testimony was heard from Representatives George Miller of California and McKeon. FARM BILL EXTENSION ACT Conferees met to resolve the differences between ENERGY’S FUTUREGEN PROGRAM the Senate and House passed versions of H.R. 2419, Committee on Science and Technology: Subcommittee on to provide for the continuation of agricultural pro- Energy and Environment held a hearing on Depart- grams through fiscal year 2012, but did not com- ment of Energy’s FutureGen Program. Testimony plete action thereon, and recessed subject to the call was heard from C. H. Albright, Under Secretary, and will meet again on Wednesday, April 16, 2008, Department of Energy; and public witnesses. at approximately 1:30 p.m. FEDERAL MARITIME COMMISSION BUDGET f Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure: Sub- COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR WEDNESDAY, committee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transpor- APRIL 16, 2008 tation held a hearing on Fiscal Year Budget: Federal (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Maritime Commission. Testimony was heard from the following officials of the Federal Maritime Com- Senate mission: A. Paul Anderson; Joseph E. Brennen; Har- Committee on Appropriations: Subcommittee on Defense, old J. Creel, Jr., and Rebecca F. Dye, all Commis- to hold hearings to examine the Department of Defense sioners. medical programs, 9:30 a.m., SD–192.

VerDate Aug 31 2005 04:44 Apr 16, 2008 Jkt 069060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\CR\FM\D15AP8.REC D15APPT1 bajohnson on PROD1PC77 with DIGEST D440 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST April 15, 2008 Full Committee, to hold hearings to examine the Sup- House plemental Request for war funding for fiscal year 2008, Committee on Appropriations, Subcommittee on Financial 12 noon, SD–106. Services and General Government, on SEC, 10 a.m., 2220 Subcommittee on Energy and Water Development, to Rayburn. hold hearings to examine proposed budget estimates for Subcommittee on Military Construction, Veterans Af- fiscal year 2009 for the Department of Energy, 2 p.m., fairs, and Related Agency Agencies, on Special Operations SD–138. Command, 10 a.m., H–143 Capitol. Subcommittee on Commerce, Justice, Science, and Re- Committee on Armed Services, hearing on the National In- lated Agencies, to hold hearings to examine proposed dustrial Security Program: Addressing the Implications of budget request for fiscal year 2009 for the Federal Bureau Globalization and Foreign Ownership for the Defense In- of Investigation, 2 p.m., SD–124. dustrial Base, 10 a.m., 2118 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Financial Services and General Gov- Subcommittee on Land Forces and the Subcommittee ernment, to hold hearings to examine proposed budget on Readiness, joint hearing on H. Res. 834, Regarding estimates for fiscal year 2009 for the Internal Revenue the readiness decline of the Army, Marine Corps, Na- Service, 3 p.m., SD–192. tional Guard, and Reserves, and the implications for na- Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Per- tional security, 2 p.m., 2118 Rayburn. sonnel, to hold hearings to examine the defense authoriza- Committee on Education and Labor, to mark up H.R. tion request for fiscal year 2009 on military beneficiary 3185, 401(k) Fair Disclosure for Retirement Security Act organizations regarding the quality of life of Active, Re- of 2007, 1 p.m., 2175 Rayburn. serve, and retired military personnel and their members, Committee on Financial Services, Subcommittee on Capital and the future years defense program, 2:30 p.m., Markets, Insurance, and Government Sponsored Enter- SR–232A. prises, hearing entitled ‘‘Examining Proposals to Reform Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: to Insurance Regulation,’’ 2 p.m., 2128 Rayburn. Subcommittee on Housing and Community Oppor- hold hearings to examine U.S. credit markets, focusing on tunity, hearing on H.R. 5679, Foreclosure Prevention and proposals to mitigate foreclosures and restore liquidity to Sound Mortgage Servicing Act of 2008, 10 a.m., 2128 the mortgage markets, 10 a.m., SD–538. Rayburn. Subcommittee on Housing, Transportation and Com- Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Bor- munity Development, to hold hearings to examine afford- der, Maritime, and Global Counterterrorism, hearing en- able housing opportunities, focusing on reforming the titled ‘‘Moving Beyond the First Five Years: Ensuring housing voucher program, 2 p.m., SD–538. Successful Implementation of the Western Hemisphere Committee on Environment and Public Works: Sub- Travel Initiative, 2 p.m., 311 Cannon. committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to hold Committee on the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Immigra- hearings to examine surface transportation and the global tion, Citizenship, Refugees, Border Security and Inter- economy, 10 a.m., SD–406. national Law, oversight hearing on the H–2b Program, 2 Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to exam- p.m., 2141 Rayburn. ine the nominations of Robert J. Callahan, of Virgina, to Committee on Natural Resources, Subcommittee on be Ambassador to the Republic of Nicaragua, Heather M. Fisherie, Wildlife and Oceans, oversight hearing on the Hodges, of Ohio, to be Ambassador to the Republic of implementation of the Illegal, Unregulated and Unre- Costa Rica, Barbara J. Stephenson, of Florida, to be Am- ported fishing provisions of the High Seas Driftnet Fish- bassador to the Republic of Panama, Peter E. Cianchette, ing Moratorium Protection Act and a hearing on H.R. of Maine, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Costa 5741 Shark Conservation Act of 2008, 10 a.m., 1324 Rica, Hugo Llorens, of Florida, to be Ambassador to the Longworth. Republic of Honduras, Stephen George McFarland, of Subcommittee on Water and Power, oversight hearing Texas, to be Ambassador to the Republic of Guatemala, on Indian Water Rights Settlements, 2 p.m., 1324 Long- all of the Department of State; and Samuel W. Speck, of worth. Committee on Oversight and Government Reform hearing on Ohio, to be a Commissioner on the part of the United Healthcare Associated Infections: A Preventable Epi- States on the International Joint Commission, United demic; and to consider the following measures: H.R. States and Canada, 2:30 p.m., SD–419. 5683, Government Accountability Office Act of 2008; Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime and H.R. 4791, Federal Agency Data Protection Act; H.R. Drugs, to hold hearings to examine violence and exploi- 5712, Close the Contractor Fraud Loophole Act; H.R. tation in the 21st century, focusing on solutions for pro- 5718, Federal Employees Paid Parental Leave Act; H. tecting our children, 2 p.m., SD–226. Res. 49, Expressing the sense of the House of Representa- Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship: to hold tives that there should be established a National Letter hearings to examine the impact of the credit market on Carriers Appreciation Day; H.R. 127, Recognizing and small businesses, 2:30 p.m., SR–428A. celebrating the 50th anniversary of the entry of Alaska in Special Committee on Aging: to hold hearings to examine the Union as the 49th State; H. Res. 1073, Expressing caring for the elderly, focusing on how to support those the sense of the House of Representatives that public on the frontline, 3 p.m., SD–562. servants should be commended for their dedication and continued service to the Nation during Public Service

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Recognition Week, May 5 through 11, 2008; H. Res. service; H.R. 4884, Helping Our Veterans to Keep Their 1091, Honoring the life, achievements, and contributions Homes Act of 2008; H.R. 4889, Guard and Reserves Are of Charlton Heston and extending its deepest sympathies Fighting Too Act of 2008; H.R. 4539, Department of to the family of Charlton Heston for the loss of such a Veterans Affairs Loan Guaranty Cost Reduction Act of generous man, husband, and father; and H. Res. 5477, 2007; H.R. 3646, To direct the Secretary of Veterans’ Af- To designate the facility of the United States Postal Serv- fairs and the Secretary of Labor to conduct a joint study ice located at 120 South Del Mar Avenue in San Gabriel, on the fields of employment for which the greatest need California, as the ‘‘Chi Mui Post Office Building,’’ 9:45 for employees exists in various geographic areas; H.R. a.m., 2154 Rayburn. 5664, to amend title 38, United States Code, to direct Subcommittee on Information Policy, Census and Na- the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to update at least once tional Archives, hearing on the Electronic Communica- every six years the plans and specifications for specially tions Preservation Act, 2 p.m., 2247 Rayburn. adapted housing furnished to veterans by the Secretary; Subcommittee on National Security and Foreign Af- H.R. 3798, National Guard Employment Protection Act fairs, to continue hearings on What are the Prospects, of 2007; H.R. 3681, Veterans Benefits Awareness Act of What are the Costs?: Oversight Missile Defense, 2 p.m., 2007; H.R. 3393, Reservist Access to Justice Act of 2154 Rayburn. 2007; H.R. 3889, To amend title 38, United States Committee on Science and Technology, hearing on the Na- Code, to require the Secretary of Veterans Affairs to con- tional Nanotechnology Initiative Amendments Act of duct a longitudinal study of the vocational rehabilitation 2008, 10 a.m., 2318 Rayburn. programs administered by the Secretary; and H.R. 5684, Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation, to con- Veterans Education Improvement Act of 2008, 1 p.m., sider the Science and Technology Innovation Act of 2008, 334 Cannon. 2 p.m., 2318 Rayburn. Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence, executive, brief- Committee on Small Business, Subcommittee on Con- ing on Fiscal Year 2009 Budget-HUMINT, 1 p.m., tracting and Technology, hearing on the obstacles that H–140 Capitol, small businesses currently face in securing federal con- Subcommittee on Terrorism, Human Intelligence, tracts, 2 p.m., 1539 Rayburn. Analysis, and Couner-Intelligence, executive, briefing on Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, hearing on Hot Spots, 8:45 a.m., H–405 Capitol. the Clean Water Restoration Act of 2007, 11 a.m., 2167 Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warm- Rayburn. ing, hearing entitled ‘‘Green Capital: Seeding Innovation Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Subcommittee on Eco- and the Future Economy,’’ 2 p.m., 210 Cannon. nomic Opportunity, hearing on the following bills: H.R. 4883, To amend the Servicemembers Civil Relief Act to Joint Meetings provide for a limitation on the sale, foreclosure, or seizure Conference: meeting of conferees on H.R. 2419, to pro- of property owned by a servicmember during the one-year vide for the continuation of agricultural programs period following the servicemember’s period of military through fiscal year 2012, 1:30 p.m., SH–216.

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Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, April 16 10 a.m., Wednesday, April 16

Senate Chamber House Chamber Program for Wednesday: After the transaction of any Program for Wednesday: Consideration of H.R. morning business (not to extend beyond 60 minutes), 2634—Jubilee Act for Responsible Lending and Ex- Senate will continue consideration of H.R. 1195, High- panded Debt Cancellation of 2007 (Subject to a Rule). way Technical Corrections. Possible continued consideration of H.R. 2537—Beach Protection Act of 2007.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Gonzalez, Charles A., Tex., E612 Porter, Jon C., Nev., E610 Goodlatte, Bob, Va., E614 Ramstad, Jim, Minn., E611 Allen, Thomas H., Me., E610 Graves, Sam, Mo., E609, E611, E612, E614, E616, E618 Rangel, Charles B., N.Y., E616 Andrews, Robert E., N.J., E615 Issa, Darrell E., Calif., E618 Rush, Bobby L., Ill., E619, E620 Baca, Joe, Calif., E618 Lampson, Nick, Tex., E609, E610 Schwartz, Allyson Y., Pa., E620 Bachmann, Michele, Minn., E609, E610 Latham, Tom, Iowa, E609 Bishop, Sanford D., Jr., Ga., E612 Lipinski, Daniel, Ill., E610 Shuler, Heath, N.C., E611 Boyda, Nancy E., Kans., E618 Lofgren, Zoe, Calif., E614 Shuster, Bill, Pa., E615 Buyer, Steve, Ind., E617 McCaul, Michael T., Tex., E619 Skelton, Ike, Mo., E620 Castle, Michael N., Del., E616 McHugh, John M., N.Y., E613 Slaughter, Louise McIntosh, N.Y., E615 Clyburn, James E., S.C., E612, E614 Miller, George, Calif., E621 Speier, Jackie, Calif.,E621 Drake, Thelma D., Va., E620 Murtha, John P., Pa., E621 Tiahrt, Todd, Kans., E617 English, Phil, Pa., E609, E610, E612 Pastor, Ed, Ariz., E616 Udall, Mark, Colo., E619 Fossella, Vito, N.Y., E617 Paul, Ron, Tex., E612 Wolf, Frank R., Va., E615 Franks, Trent, Ariz., E611 Pence, Mike, Ind., E615

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