S720 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 2006 lives. I sincerely hope that at the end President Reagan did leave the White history,’’ as Ronald Reagan prophesied of the day, after my colleagues have House 17 years ago. For some young during the depths of the Cold War. taken a close look, they will say this people, this seems like a long time ago. Today, because of Ronald Reagan, bill should not pass, that it is not fair, President Reagan’s words and deeds there are literally hundreds of millions it is unfair to so many people. It is are still so applicable today. of people who were once locked behind more important for us to step back He left our world 2 years ago, but we the Iron Curtain living in countries we now and decide what is reasonable. Fol- are still living in the wake of the now know as free countries—Lith- low many State examples, such as Reagan era. It was Ronald Reagan, uania, Latvia, Estonia, former East Texas and Illinois, that have found let’s remember, along with Margaret Germany, Poland, the Czech Republic, ways to deal with this issue in a hu- Thatcher and Pope John Paul II, who Slovakia, Hungary, Romania, Bulgaria, mane, sensible way, to bring it under fundamentally changed all the dynam- and added countries such as Ukraine control. I think we can do that. ics of the Cold War, to bury com- and Georgia, which are now tasting I don’t take anything away from Sen- munism and advance human liberty. that sweet nectar of liberty as opposed ator SPECTER or Senator LEAHY, the While many in those days accepted the to being behind the Iron Curtain. It is ranking member, who support it. They perpetual menace of communism and because Ronald Reagan provided us put in many hours in preparation. But the perpetual servitude of millions of with a perseverance—he persevered, I have to tell them at the end of the men and women locked behind the Iron our allies persevered, particularly in day, despite all their best efforts, there Curtain, Ronald Reagan did not. His Western Europe, and freedom has pre- are fatal flaws in this bill which I hope philosophy toward the Cold War was vailed. will lead to its defeat. radically different from the elite sages Five years after he left office in 1994, I will vote against the motion to pro- of the establishment. As Governor of we were all crushed to learn about ceed. I hope my colleagues will look at California and then also as President, Ronald Reagan being diagnosed with it long and hard because this is not he offered very clear and refreshing Alzheimer’s disease. He concluded his just a matter of passing another bill. ideas. He was asked one time: farewell address and letter to the This is a bill that would touch the lives Mr. Reagan, what is your strategy on the American people by writing: of many innocent people, many inno- Cold War? Now I begin the journey that will lead me cent families, and many victims who He declared: into the sunset of my life. I know that for will be denied their day in court, their About the Cold War, my view is that we America there will always be a bright new chance for just compensation. win and they lose. dawn ahead. I yield the floor and suggest the ab- He came into office as President. In As always, Ronald Reagan was right. sence of a quorum. his inaugural address in 1981, he called Despite new and numerous challenges, The PRESIDING OFFICER. The for an era of national renewal, and this this blessed country, America, has clerk will call the roll. stood strong for freedom, extending the The legislative clerk proceeded to was something very important after blessings of liberty and prosperity to a call the roll. the years of malaise that we had in the Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I ask late 1970s. That is exactly what his 8- whole new generation of Americans unanimous consent that the order for year Presidency turned out to be—an and sharing those blessings with even the quorum call be rescinded. era of national renewal for security, for more people who live here in this The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without opportunity, and for foundational val- world. objection, it is so ordered. ues. The Reagan revolution reversed When Ronald Reagan passed away on June 5, 2004, I know you, Mr. Presi- f the high unemployment, high inflation, economic policies of the 1970s and un- dent—and I see Senator HATCH from PRESIDENT RONALD REAGAN’S leashed the greatest economic boom in Utah here—and all of America grieved 95TH BIRTHDAY American history. and mourned. He was my political Mr. ALLEN. Mr. President, I rise late His policies proved that low taxes are hero. But I also felt grateful, grateful in the afternoon, early evening, in re- good for the taxpayers, and they are for our country, for America, that we membrance of a great patriotic leader, also good for the economy, with more and, indeed, the world were blessed to a person who I think was America’s investment and more jobs and, for have had Ronald Reagan’s common- greatest leader of the 20th century and those who care about it, generating sense leadership and unwavering com- one of history’s alltime adherence ad- more revenue for the Government. mitment to the ideals of freedom vocates and leaders for freedom, indi- After his tax cuts started to impact the throughout the world. vidual freedom, liberty, and the ad- economy in 1983, the wheels of Amer- Today, on what would have been his vancement of security for free and just ican commerce started to move again. 95th birthday, I reflect on everything societies. The gentleman I am talking We saw an explosion of job creation, in- Ronald Reagan accomplished during about would have been 95 years old novation, and investment. his extraordinary life. If you want to today, and that is Ronald Wilson In foreign affairs, President Reagan measure a person’s greatness and what Reagan. scrapped the policy of coexistence. He he or she did in their life, you kind of I would hope, actually, on future made the advancement of freedom, not determine it by the number of people birthdays, the date of the birth of Ron- containment, into the foundational who were positively impacted by their ald Wilson Reagan, some Senator will principle of America’s foreign policy. efforts, their deeds, and their life—in stand in this Chamber and remind He rebuilt America’s military strength. Ronald Reagan’s case, as I said, the Americans and remember Ronald He started and initiated the Strategic hundreds of millions of people in Cen- Reagan, his words, his ideas, and his Defense Initiative which put unprece- tral and Eastern Europe who were lib- inspiration. dented strains on the Soviet economy erated from the tyranny of com- Ronald Reagan was one who moti- and their ability to finance their mili- munism, but we also have Americans, vated me to get involved in organized tary. now over 300 million strong, who have politics, and there are literally tens of He refused to be cowed into silence been enriched by the peace and pros- thousands of others. There are certain when talking about our enemy or the perity that resulted from Ronald Rea- people, though, if one looks through evils of communism. He called the So- gan’s courageous commitment to history, whose words are ones you can viet Union an evil empire. Oh, they foundational ideals. use; they are just enduring principles. I criticized him, but, indeed, that was an There are many such as myself—and think of Thomas Jefferson, John accurate description. He was a vocal, really too many to count—who were in- Locke, George Washington, James tireless champion for freedom. He went spired by meeting Ronald Reagan in Madison, Benjamin Franklin, Mark to Brandenburg Gate in 1987 and boldly person, who were touched by his great Twain—all those great quotes from said, ‘‘Mr. Gorbachev, tear down this character and integrity, his unfailing Mark Twain—even Will Rogers. But in wall.’’ He was criticized, but 2 years optimism and patriotism, his genuine our day, the person for inspiration, to later, the Berlin Wall was gone, and 2 good will and sense of humor, and his help us decide how to meet the chal- years after, the Soviet Union itself was words that applied the philosophy of lenges of our day, was Ronald Reagan. gone, discarded into the ‘‘ash heap of our Founders, whether it is George

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:03 Feb 07, 2006 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06FE6.030 S06FEPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMSENATE February 6, 2006 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S721 Washington in his peace-through- I mentioned earlier Ronald Reagan’s President and the Congress to balance strength approach or James Madison in tax cuts in the 1980s and the positive the budget every year. That is impor- understanding our representative de- impact that had for jobs, investment, tant because if deficits continue, we mocracy or the spirit of this country as and economic progress in our country. will end up with higher interest rates. written by Thomas Jefferson in our When I came to the Senate in 2001, this Higher interest rates result in fewer Declaration of Independence. country was actually in the midst of an and fewer Americans, especially young Everyone remembers meeting Ronald economic slowdown. Over the next 3 people, able to afford their own home. Reagan. I met him first when I was in years, we passed three rounds of tax Owning one’s own home is the Amer- high school. We moved out to Cali- cuts, and as a result we have an eco- ican dream. It is also a question of fair- fornia when my father became head nomic growth in this country which is ness and opportunity. So to prevent in- coach of the L.A. Rams. Ronald Reagan very good, with rising income, more terest rates from rising, we do need the that year was elected Governor and jobs, more investment, and record institutional mechanism to get this used to come to practices. One thing I home ownership. We have even had deficit under control and we need to really remember about Ronald Reagan record tax revenue for the Government wrestle it down with a change of the is that he didn’t just talk about ideals because more people are working, in- Constitution. and principles; as Governor and as vesting, and creating more jobs. Taken together, I believe lower taxes President, he put them into action. He However, Americans are going to be on the taxpayers, coupled with both realized we are all put here on Earth to hit with tax increases in the next 2 the line-item veto and a balanced budg- do something, and we cheat ourselves years if we do not prevent tax in- et amendment, will restore fiscal ac- or others if we do not advocate and ad- creases, which would put a damper on countability and common sense to vance those ideas. our economy, create less investment, Washington, and be a fitting capstone President Reagan gave my father in make our country less competitive to the Reagan legacy. the 1980s a plaque which bore his fa- and, in fact, have fewer jobs for the Ronald Reagan is no longer with us mous quote: ‘‘If not us, who? If not men and women of our country. in body, but he is surely with us in now, when?’’ My father kept that President Reagan showed us how tax spirit. On his 95th birthday, my plaque on his desk. When my father relief can revitalize and recharge the thoughts are with him and his family, passed away, my mother gave it to me, American economy. Let’s not hurt particularly his wonderful bride and saying I should have it. I had it on my American jobs and American people wife Nancy, who exhibited such grace mantel as Governor of Virginia in the and competitiveness by raising taxes. and dignity as First Lady and later in capitol designed by Thomas Jefferson. I We should take action this year to pre- caring for her husband during his very keep that plaque, ‘‘If not us, who? If vent tax increases, and the Federal long goodbye. not now, when?’’ on my mantel in the Government actually ought to be look- My thoughts are also on America, U.S. Senate. ing to reduce taxes to make our coun- this land Ronald Reagan loved so much Ronald Reagan was a man of action. try more competitive for investment, and led so well, a land that has been He was one who produced many great jobs, and opportunity. continually blessed by God with great quotes over the years. In fact, a whole People are concerned, as I am, about patriots such as President Reagan, who industry has sprung up around them. I fiscal accountability. Again, let’s look possessed strong character, integrity, share with my colleagues and Amer- to Ronald Reagan for guidance. I point and commitment to enduring values ican people my very favorites: out that in President Reagan’s farewell address to the American people as and principles. No weapon in the arsenals of the world is I am going to close with this observa- so formidable as the will and moral courage President, he said that he was ‘‘still tion by President Reagan, which I be- of free men and women. It is a weapon our sounding off about those things I didn’t lieve is still true. adversaries in today’s world do not have. get accomplished while I was Presi- Here is another great quote which is dent. First, I’m out there stumping to We have every right to dream heroic the essence of my philosophy: help future Presidents—Republican or dreams. Those who say we’re in a time where there are no heroes, they just don’t know Every dollar the government does not take Democrat—get those tools they need to where to look. from us, every decision the government does bring the budget under control. And There are heroes all across this coun- not make for us will make our economy those tools are a line-item veto and a try. There are heroes serving this coun- stronger, our lives more abundant, and our constitutional amendment to balance future more free. try on ships. They are serving us in the budget.’’ He also understood our country: Today, the bloated cost of Govern- Iraq. In America, our origins matter less than ment has become indefensible. We need Mr. President, President Reagan: our destination, and that is what democracy to bring fiscal accountability to Wash- Happy birthday. Your dream lives on. is all about. ington. The Federal Government needs It warms the hearts and it cheers the Today, we face challenges. We have a to spend smarter and learn to do more spirit of freedom-loving people war on terror. I believe our mission in with less. And that starts, in my view, throughout the world. this present war on terror can find us with reviving a pair of ideas Ronald I yield the floor. constructive examples from President Reagan shared in his farewell address: Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, I com- Reagan’s administration. We are mak- the line-item veto and the balanced pliment my distinguished friend, the ing progress in Iraq and Afghanistan. budget amendment. Senator from Virginia, for the remarks In the coming years, there will be both When I was Governor, I had the he just finished with regard to Presi- breakthroughs and setbacks in both power of the line-item veto. Forty-six dent Reagan and Mrs. Reagan. It is countries as we lead this generational Governors have that power. Let me tell very fitting and appropriate the distin- struggle against the forces of Islamic you, it is useful. It is a way of knock- guished Senator speak here today be- terrorism and fascism. But let’s re- ing out wasteful, undesirable expendi- cause he reminds me a lot of Ronald member Ronald Reagan. The Cold War tures and policies. You don’t have to Reagan—in the philosophy he has, the lasted for nearly 50 years, and he per- use it too much after you use it a few guts he has, the ability to move people severed. Let’s keep and remember Ron- times, and the message is understood. in so many other ways. I have to say, ald Reagan’s legacy of strong leader- I want the President to have the I believe I was one of the few, maybe ship as a guiding example to ourselves same power I had as Governor, and so, the only person Ronald Reagan ever as we adapt and protect America in together with Senator JIM TALENT of preprimary endorsed. It was a great this war on terror. Missouri, we have introduced a con- thrill for me. In the area of our economy, we want stitutional amendment to provide the In 1980, I went to multiple States as to make sure the United States is the President the line-item veto so that one of his two major surrogates who world capital of innovation, a land of the President and the Congress can be spoke for him all over the country. I opportunity for all, and is more com- held accountable for nonessential Gov- will never forget the Reagan campaign petitive. If we do so, we need to keep ernment spending. team did not want him to go to the Ronald Reagan in mind as we choose I will also be proposing a constitu- first—what they call cattle show—in our country’s economic policies. tional amendment that will require the New Hampshire. So they asked me to

VerDate Aug 31 2005 01:03 Feb 07, 2006 Jkt 049060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 4637 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\G06FE6.032 S06FEPT1 hmoore on PROD1PC68 with HMSENATE S722 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE February 6, 2006 go in his place and appear with the real progress toward health care re- integrated health information tech- other seven or eight Presidential can- form. nology system will be critical to these didates. My date for that evening was Health savings accounts were estab- efforts. The President’s budget outlines none other than Nancy Reagan. She lished in the Medicare Modernization several proposals designed to improve was so beautiful—she was such a beau- Act of 2003. These accounts allow HSAs and to make them more attrac- tiful person. It was such an honor to be Americans to save tax-free dollars to tive to employers and employees. The able to speak for the President, for the pay for their everyday health care ex- employer community also has devel- then Governor Reagan. He meant so penses on their own terms. At the same oped a set of proposals designed to im- much to me and I am grateful that the time, these accounts are coupled with prove HSAs. The Senate should give se- distinguished Senator from Virginia high-deductible comprehensive insur- rious consideration to all good ideas to has spoken for all of us on this subject. ance policies to cover larger medical make health savings accounts work I hope and pray Mrs. Reagan has every- bills and also provide specific coverage better. thing that will make life worthwhile, for preventive care. These are important goals. even though Ronald Reagan is now This makes sense. HSAs allow indi- Health savings accounts are a good gone. viduals to save tax free for everyday thing for our citizens, and they are a We love both of them. We revere the medical expenses, while preserving in- good thing for the economy. memories we have of both of them. Of surance for major health care needs. HSAs will make health insurance less course, we look forward to continuing With HSAs, individuals have unprece- expensive in the long run, which is the to meet with Mrs. Reagan as time goes dented choice in their health care and best thing we can do to tackle the on. are still protected from the high costs problem of the uninsured in this coun- f of serious illness. The result is predict- try. HEALTH SAVINGS ACCOUNTS able. Insurance becomes less expensive They will make the health care sec- if it is used only for major medical ex- tor of our economy more user-friendly Mr. HATCH. Mr. President, last week penses, and consumers make value- and more efficient. the President of the United States based choices in their routine medical They will give workers more choice came to us with an ambitious domestic care. and more flexibility in their choice of policy agenda for the next year. There And, as we all know, the high cost of plans and in deciding where they want were many noble goals outlined in that health insurance is the real problem to work. speech. But in my opinion, one of the that we face in providing health care In short, they would help to bring our most important and most necessary is coverage to all Americans. The current health care system into the new econ- his proposal to expand health savings low-deductible plans so common in the omy. accounts, or HSAs. workplace are increasingly costly for In 1980, most people in this country There is not a single person in this businesses and result in lower wages had rabbit ears on their televisions and institution who fails to recognize the for workers and reduced employment. a choice of three channels. ever-growing problem of health care More and more small businesses are Today, we have the internet. We have expenses for ordinary Americans. For opting not to offer a health care insur- cell phones. We have ATMs on every at least a decade now, this debate has ance benefit at all. For the unemployed block. been front and center in American poli- and/or the uninsured, health insurance Yet, in some ways, our system of em- tics. The American people are fed up ployer-provided health care is a dino- and are telling us they want solutions premiums are far too expensive. Health savings accounts are proving saur. It dates back to a policy decision to this crisis. In the last 30 years we have seen true themselves to be one important part of made to assist employers during World revolutions in the way consumers do the solution to our health care crisis. War II and it is not aging well. There business in this country. Informed Americans certainly think so. Since are too many Americans without em- American consumers are increasingly January 2004, over 3 million Americans ployer-provided health insurance, and involved in a direct way in making de- have enrolled in HSAs. those with it are routinely frustrated cisions on issues that affect their lives As innovative and popular as HSAs with the level of customer service. and that of their families. As an indi- are proving to be, however, they are far The Bush administration estimates vidual: from perfect. By improving and ex- that under current law, the number of It is easier to invest today. panding them, health savings accounts Americans with HSAs will grow to 14 And it is easier to bank today. could be even more effective in helping million by 2010. By improving the pro- There is more choice in education. us reach our objectives. gram, however, we could see this num- And there are more opportunities in I believe we need to create more in- ber go as high as 21 million. the workplace. centives for employers to offer these As a member of the Finance Com- But almost uniquely in the American plans and for individuals to enroll in mittee, I am deeply interested in work- economy, our health care system is be- them. Incentives can be designed to as- ing with my colleagues to help improve coming more expensive and more dif- sure adequate coverage and enrollment HSAs in the coming months and years. ficult for individuals to make personal of those with chronic illnesses. The President’s proposal represents a choices regarding their care. Because The President has made it clear that unique opportunity to make health of the current structure of insurance we need to make these plans fairer and care in this country more equitable, plans, most consumers do not have the available to a larger number of Ameri- more affordable, and more cost-effec- information they need with regard to cans. Individuals that purchase HSAs tive. the cost or the quality of health care on their own should have the same tax I urge my colleagues on both sides of that they receive. Information is read- advantages as those with employer- the aisle to join me in these efforts. ily available to make a value-driven sponsored insurance. To achieve this, I believe we would all be better off if decision on purchasing a television or a premiums for HSA-compatible insur- we would do so. cell phone, but when it comes to health ance policies should be deductible from f care, the consumer has little basis on income taxes and an income tax credit HONORING OUR ARMED FORCES which to make a rational quality and provided to offset payroll taxes paid on cost-based decision. What separates our premiums for HSA policies. All taxes FIRST LIEUTENANT GARRISON AVERY increasingly complex and expensive on out of pocket spending through Mr. HAGEL. Mr. President, I rise to health care system from other sectors HSAs should be eliminated. HSA insur- express my sympathy over the loss of of our economy that have become more ance policies should be portable be- Army 1LT Garrison Avery, from Ne- user-friendly in the last 30 years is a tween employers and across State braska. Lieutenant Avery died of lack of adequate information and a lines. To allow for better individual wounds he suffered when an improvised lack of direct consumer decision mak- healthcare decisions, information on explosive device detonated near his ing. price and quality of healthcare must be military vehicle while on patrol in I think that health savings accounts transparent and readily available. Ac- Baghdad, Iraq on February 1. He was 23 provide an incredible opportunity for celeration of the implementation of an years old.

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