E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record United States th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 112 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 157 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2011 No. 108 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was ernor Kasich signed into law one of the the 2008 elections. Almost one-fourth of called to order by the Speaker pro tem- most draconian voter measures in the African American voting age citizens pore (Mr. POE of Texas). Nation. Ohio’s House bill 194 invali- and one-fifth of seniors do not have f dates a vote where a voter properly government-issued ID; yet new laws re- marks the ballot in support of a par- quire them to pay for IDs in order to DESIGNATION OF SPEAKER PRO ticular candidate but also writes in the vote. This is a poll tax. We must in- TEMPORE name of that same candidate. These form our constituents that their funda- The SPEAKER pro tempore laid be- bills dramatically reduce the time al- mental right in a democracy is being fore the House the following commu- lotted for early voting and eliminate infringed and fight back against this nication from the Speaker: the requirement that poll workers di- voter suppression epidemic. WASHINGTON, DC, rect voters to the correct precinct. Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I now yield July 19, 2011. These new policies are a clear attempt to my good friend, the Congresswoman I hereby appoint the Honorable TED POE to to prevent certain predetermined seg- from Florida, CORRINE BROWN. act as Speaker pro tempore on this day. ments of the population from exer- Ms. BROWN of Florida. All across the JOHN A. BOEHNER, country we are witnessing efforts to Speaker of the House of Representatives. cising their right to vote. To be frank, Mr. Speaker, these ef- suppress minority voting rights. How is f this being done? By deterring minority forts have an all too familiar stench of voters from registering to vote and MORNING-HOUR DEBATE the Jim Crow era. The bill pending in from going to the polls in an organized my State and all the others are the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- effort to turn the clock back to the pe- works of covert opportunists seeking ant to the order of the House of Janu- riod prior to the 1965 Voting Rights to disenfranchise and suppress the ary 5, 2011, the Chair will now recog- Act. I am from Florida, and in my nize Members from lists submitted by rights of American citizens. I’m here State, our current Governor, Rick the majority and minority leaders for today to tell you that we will not relin- Scott, is doing everything he can to morning-hour debate. quish our constitutional rights, and we follow in the steps of what has oc- The Chair will alternate recognition plan to fight to uphold the franchise curred across the country, striving to between the parties, with each party others fought and died to protect. We stamp out the gains we worked so hard limited to 1 hour and each Member will not lie down. for so many, many years to achieve. other than the majority and minority Mr. Speaker, I yield to my friend In Florida, earlier this year, Gov- leaders and the minority whip limited from North Carolina, Mr. G.K. ernor Scott signed the Omnibus Elec- to 5 minutes each, but in no event shall BUTTERFIELD. tions bill, which takes away many of debate continue beyond 11:50 a.m. Mr. BUTTERFIELD. I thank the gen- Florida voters’ basic rights. Its provi- f tlelady for yielding. sions include numerous hideous items Mr. Speaker, across the country, Re- much like those in bills passed in other VOTER SUPPRESSION publican-led legislatures are pushing State legislatures around the Nation to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The and passing laws that will suppress mi- keep African Americans and Hispanics Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from nority and elderly voters in the coming from going to the polls or refraining Ohio (Ms. FUDGE) for 5 minutes. election. Under the guise of ‘‘elimi- from participating in early voting in Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise nating voter fraud,’’ Republicans have the upcoming 2012 elections. today to address bills pending or al- a solution to a problem that simply The new law passed in Florida would ready signed into law in 47 States that does not exist. In my home State of make voting more difficult for people will disenfranchise voters. These bills North Carolina, where the Republican who have recently changed residence as will prohibit address changes at the legislature is attempting to require well as shorten early voting time, from polls, end volunteer-run voter registra- voter ID at the polls, there were only 14 days to 6 days. It would provide a tion drives, eliminate same-day voter 44 cases of voter fraud in the 2008 and 100-foot buffer between voters standing registration, and limit the ability of 2010 elections combined. Forty-four in line to get information. And it goes absentee voters to cast their ballot. cases out of over 7 million ballots cast. on and on and on. In addition, it im- Many of the bills include highly re- Is this a serious voter problem? No. poses a $50 fine on election supervisors strictive voter photo identification re- Unfortunately, it is a cynical and who are late in filing routine reports to quirements. malicious Republican attempt to sup- the State. Just this month, Mr. Speaker, the press minority and elderly voters who After what happened in Florida in Ohio State Legislature passed and Gov- turned out in historical numbers for the 2000 coup d’etat, it is amazing to

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 Mar 15 2010 00:43 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19JY7.000 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5154 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 me that Florida would pass such hid- in the winter did nothing—the program see his legacy used to play chicken eous laws. I think it’s very important will begin to go bankrupt in 2024, 13 with the world’s greatest economic en- that the Justice Department weigh in years from now. That is simply gine; but as Reagan often quoted John and that the people in Florida are not unsustainable and unacceptable. Adams, ‘‘facts are stubborn things.’’ disenfranchised. When I was a boy and a young man, The facts are these: President f the fundamental issue confronting the Reagan raised the debt ceiling 18 times. Nation was the threat of the Soviet He recognized the danger of economic THE NATIONAL DEBT AND FISCAL Union and international communism, brinkmanship. President Reagan took RESPONSIBILITY the focus of evil in the modern world, responsibility when the deep tax cuts The SPEAKER pro tempore. The as President Reagan said. of 1981 didn’t produce the promised rev- Chair recognizes the gentleman from b 1010 enue. He worked with both sides of the New Jersey (Mr. LANCE) for 5 minutes. aisle to find a more sustainable bal- Mr. LANCE. Mr. Speaker, as our Na- The fundamental issue confronting ance. He worked with Tip O’Neill to tion’s debt now approaches its current the Nation in the 21st century is fiscal shore up Social Security. He worked $14.29 trillion limit, many Americans responsibility. Will our children live in with my predecessor Dan Rosten- rightfully ask: How did this happen? a diminished America? Will the prom- kowski to reform the Tax Code and In the past decade alone, Congress ise of America that each generation eliminate tax loopholes. has authorized an increase in the debt will do better than the generation be- All of these actions would be con- 10 times. When Republicans had con- fore it continue to exist? Will we con- demned as tax increases by the purists trolled the White House and Congress, tinue to lead the world or will leader- who follow the image instead of the it was Republicans who voted for it. ship pass to China or India or to some man. Image worship is a bipartisan dis- When Democrats have controlled the other place? ease, but we all do ourselves and our White House and Congress, it has been This is the great issue confronting Nation a disservice by distorting past Democrats who have voted for it. the people of the United States, and it images to justify present policies. The Federal Government has only is the great issue confronting us here As another American President, John managed to balance its budget five in Congress as well. Let’s get our fiscal F. Kennedy, once put it: ‘‘The greatest times in the last 50 years, most re- house in order. enemy of the truth is very often not cently with President Clinton, a Demo- f the lie—deliberate, contrived and dis- crat, and Republican control in the THE REAGAN MYTH honest—but the myth—persistent, per- House of Representatives. Washington suasive and unrealistic.’’ now borrows approximately 40 percent The SPEAKER pro tempore. The To say I disagreed with President of every dollar it spends. Foreign inves- Chair recognizes the gentleman from Reagan on a number of issues is an un- tors hold half of our Nation’s $14 tril- Illinois (Mr. QUIGLEY) for 5 minutes. derstatement, but the more I get to lion debt—not only from China, but Mr. QUIGLEY. Mr. Speaker, an know the myth, the more I like the from Great Britain, Saudi Arabia, and American President once wrote a letter man. President Reagan was not a pic- other places as well. Admiral Mullen, to the Senate majority leader, urging ture on the wall. He was President of the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of him to raise the debt ceiling. the United States for two terms in of- Staff, has called the national debt ‘‘the The President wrote: ‘‘The full con- fice, and he did his best to fulfill his single biggest threat to our national sequences of a default or even the seri- sworn obligations. security.’’ ous prospect of default by the United We in Congress would do well to fol- For the first time in modern history, States are impossible to predict and low his lead and focus on what we can last year’s Congress passed no budget, awesome to contemplate. do during our short time in office. no fundamental blueprint for spending, ‘‘Denigration of the full faith and Let’s truly follow President Reagan’s and no final decision on spending levels credit of the United States would have example and govern for the future, not through the appropriations process for substantial effects on the domestic fi- a past that never existed. Instead of the entire fiscal year. We’ve been oper- nancial markets and on the value of talking to portraits, let’s talk to each ating under a series of continuing reso- the dollar in exchange markets.’’ other. That President’s name was Ronald lutions, which has led to uncertainty f as to Federal levels of spending and as Reagan, and the year was 1983. to tax rates, which in turn has led to a He closes his letter to Senate Major- AFGHANISTAN lack of hiring in the private sector, ity Leader Howard Baker, saying: ‘‘The The SPEAKER pro tempore. The with an unemployment rate of 9.2 per- risks, the costs, the disruptions, and Chair recognizes the gentleman from cent, which in turn has led to less reve- the incalculable damage lead me to but North Carolina (Mr. JONES) for 5 min- nues in Federal coffers—a vicious cycle one conclusion: The Senate must pass utes. that cannot continue. this legislation before the Congress ad- Mr. JONES. Mr. Speaker, I am once Any agreement to President Obama’s journs.’’ again on the floor of the House with a request to increase our borrowing limit Watching the House floor 28 years picture of children who have lost a should include a real plan to bring our later, you could be forgiven for being loved one in Afghanistan. Eden and fiscal house in order and reduce the Na- surprised Reagan would ever say such a Stephanie Balduf, shown here at Ar- tion’s unsustainably high levels of Fed- thing. That’s because the Reagan who lington Cemetery, lost their father, eral spending, debt and deficits. This gets referenced on the floor here is a Sergeant Kevin Balduf, on May 12 of should include substantial reductions myth while the Reagan who wrote to this year. in current spending—at least $100 bil- Howard Baker urging pragmatism was Sergeant Balduf, who was stationed lion in fiscal year 2012—limiting Fed- a man. at Camp Lejeune Marine Base, and eral expenditures to a certain percent- The real Ronald Reagan once said: Lieutenant Colonel Benjamin Palmer, age of gross domestic product. ‘‘All of us have grown up accepting, stationed at Cherry Point Marine Base, The historic norm has been 20 per- with little question, certain images as were sent with the mission to train Af- cent over the last generation. Trag- accurate portraits of public figures— ghan citizens to become police. The ically, we’re now at 24 percent—and some living, some dead. Seldom, if men had just sat down to dinner when safeguards that will restrict future ever, do we ask if the images are true a rogue trainee opened fire, killing spending, such as a balanced budget to the original.’’ both men. amendment, which is contained in 49 of In the year of his 100th birthday, the In an e-mail to his wife the day be- our 50 States. Great Communicator might be amazed fore he died, Sergeant Balduf said: ‘‘I Also, we must put partisanship aside at how far his own image has shifted don’t trust them. I don’t trust them for and include reforms to save Social Se- from the original. anything, not for anything at all.’’ curity, Medicare, and Medicaid. If we He’d see his most dedicated followers This brings me to a quote from AC do nothing, for example, regarding using his name as justification for say- Snow’s recent column in the Raleigh Medicare—and the President’s budget ing ‘‘no’’ to honoring our debts. He’d News and Observer, titled, ‘‘Time to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:43 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.002 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5155 Bring Them Home. Let Them Live.’’ Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker and my more importantly, our moral obliga- Mr. Snow is a well-known and re- colleagues, as we go home to our dis- tion. I will place this into the RECORD spected correspondent in North Caro- tricts, I am certain that no constitu- for when we come back and try to de- lina. ents have said they wake up in the cide what is our responsibility. ‘‘It seems we never run out of wars. morning wondering about what we’re Some people have come to this Con- It is as if one small country after an- going to do with the debt ceiling. In gress with a commitment not to raise other sends out engraved invitations my district, most wonder how they’re taxes no matter what, whether we’re reading: ‘We’re having a war. Please going to get a job, how they’re going to attacked, whether the revenue’s com- come.’ take care of their families. ing from obscene tax offenses, whether ‘‘And Uncle Sam goes, lugging bor- So many Americans have lost their the Tax Code could be improved. rowed billions and thousands of young jobs through no fault of their own. For those of you who remember ka- men and women to sacrifice on the They didn’t commit any wrongdoing. mikaze pilots, these were people who altar of so-called ‘freedom’ or ‘nation- They lost their savings. Many are were prepared to lose their own lives in building.’ ’’ homeless. They’ve lost their self-es- fighting our forces during World War II Mr. Speaker, I go back to the two lit- teem. They’ve lost their health bene- even if it meant that they were de- tle girls in this picture. How many fits, and they’re looking toward this stroying somebody. more children will be at the graveside Congress to kind of put America on the There are people here that are pre- of a loved one? How many more will pared to destroy the fiscal reputation have to know the pain of war? right track—to restore the middle class I further quote from AC Snow’s arti- that made us such a great and success- of the United States of America so that cle, which is quoted from the play Les ful Nation. they can go back home and say they Miserables: ‘‘He is young. He is only a Instead of talking about jobs, we find fulfilled their commitment about not boy. You can take. You can give. Let ourselves holding the President hos- raising revenues and about slashing him be. Let him live. Bring him home. tage by saying, unlike other Presi- and cutting those people that made Bring him home. It’s way past time to dents, we’re not going to increase the this great country the great country stop playing politics with the lives of debt ceiling. This is a technical way of that it is. America’s youth. Bring them home. saying that we owe $14.3 trillion to peo- So I see on television no one talking Let them live, not just 30,000 of them— ple whom we borrowed from for unnec- about the poor. But thank God we do all of them.’’ essary wars, for tax cuts that shouldn’t have ministers, priests, rabbis, imams, I agree with Mr. Snow and many oth- have been there, and for a variety of and of all of the religions and people ers across this Nation who are calling things that unemployed people that have come together, most of for our troops to come home. Bin throughout the United States are just whom from foreign lands, that say this Laden is dead, and there are fewer than not responsible for. Instead of talking land is my land and in this country a 30 al Qaeda remaining in Afghanistan, about jobs, they will tell you we have poor person can make it, and we never, according to intelligence reports. We to cut spending. never, never will forget where we’ve have done our job. We have won. It is come from. b 1020 time to bring them home. Some people have managed to get out The reason I continue to come down So the people who have lost their of poverty. Others have enjoyed the here on the floor is because of a state- jobs may lose their Medicaid, those middle class. Let’s hope that our kids ment former Secretary of Defense Bob who are poor enough to be eligible for and grandkids will be able to enjoy the Gates made before the Armed Services it; the older people that soon will be or benefits of doing the right thing. Committee in February, and I sit on are entitled to Medicare and the hos- [From Faith in Public Life and Sojourners, that committee: pitals and the doctors and the nurses; July 19, 2011] ‘‘That is why we believe that, begin- and, of course, Social Security that so AN OPEN LETTER TO CONGRESS AND THE ning in fiscal year 2015, the United many millions of Americans have come PRESIDENT—LISTEN TO YOUR PASTORS States can, with minimal risk, begin to depend on. Cutting these benefits More than 4,000 of them believe the federal reducing Army active duty end are not just cutting benefits for the budget is not just a fiscal document, but a strength by 27,000 and the Marine Corps vulnerable, but we’re cutting jobs. You moral one. by somewhere between 15,000 and 20,000. can’t cut benefits without cutting hos- We are local pastors. We work, pray, and These projections assume that the pital workers, without cutting off do whatever we can to remain faithful to the number of troops in Afghanistan would nurses and doctors and those that pro- responsibility of every Christian to help the be significantly reduced by the end of poor. Still, we can’t meet the crushing needs vide the services for the vulnerable. by ourselves. 2014, in accordance with the President’s Is this the only way we can go? Of strategy.’’ Programs like SNAP, WIC, Medicaid, and course not. Head Start aren’t just abstract concepts to I share this because I believe we are Pastors and rabbis and imams all us; they serve the same people we serve. still in a black hole even with the over the country ask: Why are you There are changes that can be made or effi- President withdrawing 10,000 troops picking just on the vulnerable? Why ciencies that can be found, but every day we this year. Let’s not wait until 2014 or are you picking on the sick and the see what government can do. 2015. Let’s not bring any more pain to poor and the aged? We have seen government support allow our military families. Our job is done. young people to be the first members of their Is there another way that we can re- families to get college degrees, ensure moth- Let’s bring them home. solve this problem? You bet your life Mr. Speaker, before closing, one ers can feed their children a healthy diet, en- there is. Because, just as in biblical more time, on the faces of these little able those with disabilities to live fulfilling girls is the face of pain, of a daddy they days, we have among us those who lives, give much needed medical care to will never grow up to know. It is time really God has blessed with riches that those who can’t afford it, support seniors, our parents and grandparents never provide housing for families, and help people to bring them home, Mr. Speaker. It is in finding a job. time to bring them home. thought could be accumulated. Are we asking them to pay just a little bit to As Christians, we believe the moral meas- On behalf of Eden and Stephanie and ure of the debate is how the most poor and all the children across this country ease the pain for those that are vulner- vulnerable people fare. We look at every who have lost loved ones, may God able? budget proposal from the bottom up—how it bless you and your families. May God I don’t know about you, but our pas- treats those Jesus called the ‘‘least of these’’ bless our men and women in uniform, tors and rabbis have spoken out. And (Matthew 25;45). They do not have powerful and may God continue to bless Amer- for those of you who don’t have pastors lobbies, but they have the most compelling ica. and don’t have rabbis or don’t have claim on our consciences and common re- time to listen to our obligation mor- sources. f ally, to the people that can’t speak for As Christian leaders, we are committed to JOBS fiscal responsibility and shared sacrifice. We themselves, the people who have no want to support you in reducing the deficit. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The lobbyists, I will place into the RECORD There is more need today than churches can Chair recognizes the gentleman from what 4,000 pastors have said is not just meet by themselves. This is why we join in New York (Mr. RANGEL) for 5 minutes. our legal and political obligation but, the ‘‘Circle of Protection’’ around programs

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:41 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.004 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5156 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 that meet the essential needs of hungry and neither should the Federal Govern- VOTER ID SUPPRESSION LAWS poor people at home and abroad. ment. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The f I came to Washington to stop the Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from THE DEBT CEILING spending and abuse of government. Florida (Ms. BROWN) for 5 minutes. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The That’s why I will fight this debt ceiling Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, Chair recognizes the gentleman from increase without a serious plan to re- I yield to the gentleman from Virginia, duce our debt. And the people of south- BOBBY SCOTT. Missouri (Mr. LONG) for 5 minutes. Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, our debt west Missouri agree with me. Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. I rise today ceiling is currently $14.3 trillion—or I have had hundreds of phone calls in opposition to an unfortunate trend more than $45,000 for every American and emails and messages in my office that seems to be creeping up all over man, woman, and child. By the end of about the debt ceiling. It is something the country: laws requiring voters to the year, our debt will be larger than that the people of the Seventh District show some form of photo ID before vot- the size of our entire economy, a sig- feel very strongly about, and I want to ing. Currently, 29 States have laws on nificant amount of that owed to for- share a few of their thoughts with you: the books requiring all voters to show eign countries. Oddly enough, even some form of identification before vot- Fifty-one percent of the calls and let- ing, and many of these require a photo though we’re driving faster and faster ters to my office say don’t raise the towards a cliff, instead of slowing ID. debt ceiling under any circumstances; Now, my home State of Virginia re- down, President Obama is hitting the 26 percent say raise it with substantial quires voter identification or a signa- gas. cuts; 10 percent are okay to raise it ture on an affirmation of identity After President Bush’s second term, whatever; and 10 percent say you can form, which is a much better process. the national debt was $10 trillion. This raise it but do not increase taxes. The was accrued over 43 Presidents. In just people have spoken. b 1030 1 2 ⁄2 years, President Obama has man- There’s an old saying that if you owe This year, many other State legisla- aged to increase our Federal deficit by the bank a thousand dollars, that’s tures are considering measures that over $4.3 trillion, 40 percent since he your problem; but if you owe the bank would require voters to have an actual was sworn into office January 20 of a million dollars, that’s the bank’s identification. While voter ID may 2009. problem. We’re at a point where the fi- seem like a good way to keep voter Let me say that again. In 2 years our nancial community, our bank, is start- fraud at a minimum, this type of re- government has borrowed nearly 40 ing to fear that our problem is becom- quirement has serious unintended con- percent of the debt that it took 200 ing their problem. Two major rating sequences. years to accumulate. There is no word agencies, Moody’s and Standard & Mr. Speaker, requiring a photo ID in the English language for this kind of Poor’s, have publicly announced that will make it a little bit more difficult recklessness. they are going to reassess America’s for some voters to exercise their right At the turn of the 20th century, the AAA credit rating. to vote. We should particularly be con- Federal Government consumed about 6 cerned that provisions like these have The people have spoken. The business to 8 percent of the gross domestic prod- a disparate impact on minorities. One community has spoken. When will the uct. Back then America became the nationwide study of voting-age citizens President and the Democrats listen? greatest industrial power and the found that African Americans are more wealthiest economy in the history of Every dollar we spend on political than three times as likely as others to the world when the Federal Govern- preferences is one more dollar Amer- lack a government-issued photo ID. ment spent just between 6 and 8 per- ican families cannot spend on their And these laws have unintended con- cent of GDP. Today, the Federal Gov- children, one more dollar that small sequences, such as the situation where ernment spends no less than 25 percent business cannot spend hiring an em- nuns were denied the right to vote be- of GDP. And on top of that, the rest of ployee, one more dollar that a worker cause they couldn’t produce a photo the government, State and local, can’t save for his retirement. This time ID, even though they were personally spends even more. Total, around 40 per- it’s serious. known to the election officials. cent of GDP is consumed by govern- Cut, Cap, and Balance is the first It’s obvious that voter ID laws will ment at all levels. step but by no means the last. We have not prevent people from voting, but it What have we gotten for this unprec- to make immediate cuts to show the fi- creates another little barrier that will edented level of Federal spending? Our nancial community that we’re serious mean that a few potential voters will infrastructure is crumbling, our econ- about being good on our promise to not get their paperwork in on time and omy is weak, and jobs are not being repay our debts. And the President will miss the voter registration dead- created. If government spending stimu- needs to get serious. He refused to put lines. These few voters could make the lated anything, then business should be his plan in writing but vows to veto our difference in an election. booming. It turns out the only stim- Cut, Cap, and Balance. A speech or a Mr. Speaker, these voter ID laws are ulus going on is the debt. framework is not a plan. a solution in search of a problem. And despite all of that, despite com- Well, the first thing to do when you There’s no credible evidence that in- mon sense, the President is asking for dig yourself into a hole is to stop person voter fraud is a persistent prob- even more credit. The President wants digging. We need commonsense reforms lem. And the voters who will be denied us to trust that government will live that will make sure this will not hap- the opportunity to vote under these within its means this time. Giving a pen again. We need spending caps, a processes will certainly outnumber any blank check to the government makes balanced budget amendment, spending fraudulent votes that are prevented. as much sense as investing with Bernie cuts which will balance our budget. Voting is not an arbitrary, incon- Madoff. But most of all, we need something sequential act. Democratic leaders think they can that’s not very common: common Mr. Speaker, it is important that we continue to spend as much money as sense. ensure that every eligible voter is they want whenever they want to. given the opportunity to vote free from They are upset that Republicans are I would like to close with one of the any unnecessary barriers. making a big deal about the debt ceil- hundreds of letters from one of my con- Ms. BROWN of Florida. I now yield to ing increase because they want to be stituents: the gentleman from Georgia, Congress- able to spend taxpayer dollars without ‘‘Dear Congressman LONG, do not man JOHN LEWIS, ‘‘Mr. Civil Rights.’’ ever having a check or balance to ask budge. We put you in office to stop Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, if that spending is necessary. these big spenders. Go ahead and call the Voting Rights Act made it possible Enough is enough. It’s time to end his bluff. I am in tornado-ravaged Jop- for all of our citizens to become par- this irresponsible spending. Families in lin and rebuilding my house. I’m glad ticipants in the democratic process. southwest Missouri cannot spend 42 you are covering my wallet in Wash- Mr. Speaker, voting rights are under percent more than they take in, and ington.’’ attack in America. There’s a deliberate

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:43 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19JY7.002 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5157 and systematic attempt to prevent mil- made things worse. Unemployment is And I’m happy to report to this lions of elderly voters, young voters, at 9.2 percent, and that doesn’t count House that the USS Hartford is now students, minority, and low-income the millions who have given up. The back underway, performing its mis- voters from exercising their constitu- President merely fomented a cycle of sions, and will extend the life of, again, tional right to engage in the demo- debt and joblessness that defines the a submarine that this country invested cratic process. Voter ID laws are be- last 21⁄2 years, which has placed us close to $1 billion 20 years ago when it coming all too common. where we’re at today. was first constructed. Again, the re- But make no mistake: Voter ID laws Now, with the national debt at crisis placement costs, if this work had not are a poll tax. People who struggle to levels, he is standing in the way of been done, would be close to $2 billion. pay for basic necessities cannot afford commonsense solutions; offering only What the folks at EB were able to do, a voter ID. lectures, not leadership. He has asked again, at a cost of about 5 percent of The right to vote is precious and al- Congress to consent to continue busi- that, was to get the USS Hartford oper- most sacred and one of the most impor- ness as usual without making serious ating and at great savings to the U.S. tant blessings of our democracy. Today spending reforms. taxpayer. we must be strong in protecting that As a matter of conscience, this Con- And I want to share this story be- blessing. We should be making it easy, gress cannot support allowing Presi- cause it demonstrates that when you simple, and convenient for people to dent Obama to continue to steer Amer- invest in people, nuclear welders today, vote. ica’s debt past the point of no return. as Admiral Kevin McCoy testified be- Before the Voting Rights Act of 1965, Mr. Speaker, we will be judged harshly, fore the House Armed Services Com- people stood in unmovable lines. Some- and rightfully so, by future generations mittee last week, have a value to the times people were asked to count the if we fail to act. The Cut, Cap, and Bal- U.S. workforce almost as great as a number of bubbles in a bar of soap, the ance Act ends the era of rampant gov- surgeon in terms of the skills that they number of jelly beans in a jar. People ernment spending. It immediately re- have. were asked to pass a so-called literacy duces spending by $100 billion, cuts $6 b 1040 test. Lawyers, doctors, teachers, and trillion over the next 10 years, and de- college professors flunked the so-called mands a strong balanced budget When you invest in people, when you literacy test. Before the passage of the amendment. have those skills and when you have Voting Rights Act of 1965 46 years ago, Mr. Speaker, I believe the Cut, Cap, the kind of teamwork that we see at many people were jailed, beaten, and and Balance Act is what the American EB, this country can succeed in ways some were even killed for trying to reg- people want and what Washington des- that no other country in the world can ister and vote. perately needs. even touch us. The complexity of a nu- We must not step backward toward f clear submarine matches anything that another dark period in our history. The a space shuttle entails in terms of the CONGRATULATING THE ELECTRIC vote is the most powerful nonviolent challenges to support human life in an BOAT WORKFORCE tool we have in a democratic society. environment where human life cannot We must fight back. We must speak up The SPEAKER pro tempore. The exist. And the capabilities of one of and speak out. We must never, ever go Chair recognizes the gentleman from these vessels, again, defy almost back. Connecticut (Mr. COURTNEY) for 5 min- human imagination. We will not stand idly by while mil- utes. So congratulations to the workforce lions of Americans are denied their Mr. COURTNEY. Mr. Speaker, in at Electric Boat for showing again that right to participate in the democratic March of 2009, the USS Hartford, a 17- the United States of America is capa- process. year-old Los Angeles-class submarine, ble of almost taking on any challenge f was steaming into port in the Strait of when it has the right combination of Hormuz. Visibility was low, and they investment, skill and talent, some- CUT, CAP, AND BALANCE were riding at ocean surface level thing which, as we look at our chal- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The when, out of the blue, they were struck lenges that we face as a Nation today, Chair recognizes the gentleman from by the USS San Antonio, an LPD am- is something that we can both take in- California (Mr. HERGER) for 5 minutes. phibious ship. When it violently col- spiration from, but also learn valuable Mr. HERGER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in lided with the Hartford, the Hartford lessons about where the right priorities strong support of the Cut, Cap, and rolled 85 degrees, throwing sailors, any- of this government should be. And in- Balance Act. thing that wasn’t tied down, flying into vesting in education, workforce skills The national debt has shattered con- the air. again is the best investment to grow fidence in our economy, has cost jobs, The good news is that the collision this economy and solve America’s and is preventing our economic recov- did not result in a breach of the sub- problem. ery. Working families across our Na- marine. There was no leak through the Mr. Speaker, I will include in the tion are living within their means dur- pressure hull. But the bad news is that RECORD an article from The New Lon- ing tough times. If the rest of America the sail of the submarine was badly don Day written by Jennifer gets it, why doesn’t Washington? torn 20 to 25 degrees. McDermott, which again documents I recently did a Main Street-style The ship limped home to its home this amazing story of technological walk-and-talk in my district where I port in Groton, Connecticut, which was success. met with a number of small business a tough voyage going across the Atlan- [From TheDay.com, July 17, 2011] owners and their employees. They tic, again riding at the surface, which, ELECTRIC BOAT GETS USS HARTFORD BACK TO shared their concern about our out-of- as many people who know submariners SEA control debt and frustration with know, is the worst place to ride a sub- (By Jennifer McDermott) Washington for enacting policies that marine. But it made it back to port. REPAIRS TO DAMAGED SUB TOTAL $120 MILLION hold down job creation and economic And then the challenge was before GROTON, CT.—Repairing a severely dam- growth rather than fostering an envi- the shipyard about how to repair a ship aged 17-year-old submarine with the tech- ronment that will enable them to that was 17 years old, that was built nology Electric Boat uses to build modern thrive. But the comment I heard most with totally different technology, subs was like reconstructing a Ford Model T often was, ‘‘What is Washington think- hand-drawn prints, a workforce that in a Lexus shop. ing?’’ I told them I really don’t under- had largely retired, and parts that real- The Navy contracted with EB for about stand it either. ly weren’t in existence anymore. But $120 million worth of repairs to the USS President Obama has spent his ad- the folks at Electric Boat, 450 strong, Hartford after the Los Angeles-class sub- ministration enacting policies that came together as a team and, calling marine collided with a Navy amphibious ship in the Strait of Hormuz in 2009. have added more debt to our Nation back some of their retirees, were able, The Navy wanted the submarine back at than the previous 43 Presidents com- over a period of 18 months, to perform sea as soon as possible—ideally, in one year. bined. The tragic reality is that the the most ultimate body shop repair job The repair team at EB knew the Hartford President’s big spending policies only of a Los Angeles-class submarine. (SSN 768) had rolled about 85 degrees and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:43 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.008 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5158 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 damaged its sail, hull and port bow plane. Gwudz could only recall one other repair Mr. PAUL. Mr. Speaker, the Congress But the destruction turned out to be far job at EB where the level of damage on a is concerned about the debt. The people worse than expected. submarine came close to the severity of the are concerned about the debt. The mar- The sail leaned 15 to 20 degrees to the star- Hartford’s. In the early 1980s, he said, a Los kets are concerned about the debt. The board side. Seventy-five percent of it was Angeles-class submarine needed its masts torn off. It would have to be removed to fixed and a patch underneath. The graving world is concerned about the debt and patch the hull. dock was secured for this confidential job what we’re doing here today because There would be no saving the sub if the and Gwudz said he was never told how the we live with a world fiat dollar stand- Hartford did not keep its shape when welders submarine sustained its damage. ard, and so the whole world is engulfed cut into the hull to remove the damaged sec- EB can now use what it learned working on in this very serious problem. tion, or after they patched it. the Hartford to repair other Los Angeles- I do not understand, though, that if And the team discovered after the sub- class submarines more effectively, Gwudz the debt is the problem, and I agree, marine was taken out of the water that the said. The USS Alexandria (SSN 757) is at EB the debt is the problem, that for us to bow plane had caved in to the ballast tank. for routine maintenance. The masts and antennas weren’t working be- Instead of taking a ventilation valve apart come here and raise the debt by $2.4 cause hydraulic fluid had shot through the to see which of the older parts are corroded, trillion is the solution. That just baf- system after the collision and damaged for example, Gwudz said they will know to fles me. I think it’s a distraction, be- many valves. get new flappers or linkages because these cause when a country gets indebted to ‘‘In my 38 years here, we have never parts were corroded on the Hartford. That the degree that we’re indebted, the worked on something of this magnitude, gives vendors more time to make the parts country always defaults. This is his- repairwise,’’ said Stanley J. Gwudz, the di- so they are ready when EB needs them. toric, especially if the country is a sig- rector of ship’s management who likened the Robert Hamilton, an EB spokesman, said repairs to reconstructing a Model T. the Hartford repair job ‘‘used 50 Connecticut nificant country. On occasion a small This type of repair is ‘‘about as complex as suppliers with a total spend of $3.5 million.’’ country will quit sending the checks they come,’’ said Rear Adm. David M. The project took more than one million and they’ll go bankrupt. We’re not Duryea, deputy commander for undersea man-hours and the efforts of 450 people at its going to do that, but we will default warfare. peak. because the debt is unsustainable. The $120 million price tag is less than 5 RETIREES SHARE KNOWLEDGE This year it is said that we have a percent of what it would have cost to replace debt increase of $1.6 trillion, but that’s Because EB and its relatively young work the Hartford with a new Virginia-class sub- force are set up for building today’s Virginia- marine. not true. If you count what we borrow class submarines—not for major repairs to ‘‘Everybody in the Navy had a lot of con- from the pension funds, the Social Se- the aging Los Angeles class—some former fidence in EB and the NAVSEA team to exe- curity and highway funds, it’s $2 tril- employees came out of retirement to share cute the repairs,’’ Duryea said, referring to lion. But if you include the increase in their knowledge. the Navy command responsible for over- The trick was figuring out how to combine the entitlement obligation, it’s $5 tril- seeing the construction and maintenance of lion. So this is a huge, huge problem. today’s technology with yesterday’s hand- the Navy’s ships. ‘‘Certainly we knew it drawn designs, some of which didn’t match But the argument here is how do you would be a challenge, but EB does a very default. And it is said that if we don’t up. Daniel Vieira, the ship’s manager for the good job at executing complex work. This repair project, laughed when asked how such was just another example of the fine work raise the debt limit, we’re going to de- a feat was accomplished. they were able to do. fault and not send out the checks. I ‘‘I lived it, and I’m not sure,’’ Vieira said. ‘‘We needed this capability out in the don’t believe that for a minute. Some- ‘‘It was through a lot of pain. You know, you fleet,’’ Duryea said. ‘‘Hartford has a lot of how or another the checks are going to depend on a lot of people with a lot of experi- good life left in her, and we wanted to get go out. ence and training to come back to you and her back to sea.’’ say, ‘This is right. This isn’t. We need to fix But if you really wanted to live with- HARTFORD AT FAULT this.’ ’’ in the technicalities of law, there’s a The biggest problem was that the sail had EB originally built the Hartford at a cost very simple thing you could do. We owe crushed into the pressure hull. It had been 20 of about $900 million. the Federal Reserve $1.6 trillion. Well, years since anyone in the shipyard had per- The submarine returned to the Naval Sub- that’s not a real debt. They bought formed a major cut into a submarine’s hull, marine Base in February, nearly two years after the March 2009 crash and 18 months those Treasury bills with money out of the pressure-tight shell of a submarine, thin air. We could just write that off or while maintaining the circularity of the after arriving at EB. The submerged submarine and the USS quit paying the interest, tide ourselves ship. ‘‘The pressure hull is sacred ground,’’ New Orleans (LPD 18), a San Diego-based over and get down to serious business Vieira said. ‘‘It keeps water out. Anytime amphibious ship, had both been heading into and cut back and live within our you have anything that penetrates the pres- port when the collision occurred. means, and that would be a solution. The fuel tank ruptured on the New Orle- sure hull, it’s a big deal.’’ But to increase the national debt will ans, creating a 16-by-18-foot hole and spilling The half-moon shaped patch to fix the hull about 25,000 gallons of diesel fuel. Two bal- only encourage another type of default, measured more than 150 square feet. and that’s what we’re going through. ‘‘It’s very easy to get warping or misalign- last tanks were damaged. Navy investigators concluded the crew of We’re engaged in the most difficult and ment or change the geometry with all the the Hartford was at fault. The sub’s leader- welding, which would have significant ef- a very bad way of defaulting, and that ship was called ‘‘ineffective and negligent’’ fects,’’ Vieira said. ‘‘The ship is shaped that is through the destruction of the cur- and sailors were accused of falling asleep on way for a reason.’’ rency. the job, spending too much time away from Welders and shipfitters at EB’s Quonset Today we have an inflation rate of 9 their stations and chatting informally while Point facility built a new sail using the mod- percent, and that is defaulting. So if a working. ular construction techniques developed for Vieira could see a silver lining in the task government can default and print the Virginia class. Years ago they would of repairing the Hartford. He said the repairs money, and if they can get a 50 percent have had to fix the hull, then build the sail were an opportunity for senior employees to inflation rate over a period of time, piece by piece on the submarine. impart their knowledge to the younger ones The repairs could have taken years if each they’ve cut that debt in half. That is so these newer employees will be able to help step were done in sequence, instead of at the the goal; that is what’s happening. And with work on the Los Angeles class in the fu- same time, Gwudz said. that is very, very serious. ture. USEFUL LESSONS LEARNED Just in these last 3 years in dealing Duryea agreed that there were technical with this crisis, the dollar has been de- Few vendors still make parts for Los Ange- lessons learned but, he said, ‘‘my only hope les-class submarines. is we don’t have to do these types of repairs valued 50 percent against gold. And In the crash, the bow plane was forced again.’’ gold, of course, is the best measure- back into its locking mechanism, caving the f ment of the value of a currency. It’s structure into the ballast tank. A 16-inch di- been that way for thousands of years, ameter shaft bent 4 inches, but a new shaft RAISING THE DEBT LIMIT and it cannot be denied because it’s wasn’t available. So EB engineers incor- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The economic law. So we are defaulting. porated the 4-inch bend into the design. A Chair recognizes the gentleman from And when the American people go new, fully functional bow plane was built around the bent shaft to dive the sub. Texas (Mr. PAUL) for 5 minutes. out and start buying goods and serv- The damaged valves were replaced. (Mr. PAUL asked and was given per- ices, like they are now, they are recog- Testing at sea in January showed the re- mission to revise and extend his re- nizing they cost a lot of money. So pairs to be successful. marks.) right now we are in the early stages of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:43 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19JY7.001 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5159 rampant inflation, which means we’re issued, mind you, in order to cast a bal- from the public to pick Democratic going to be hit with higher prices and lot. Representatives to switch the prior- higher interest rates. That is going to However, for any number of reasons, ities of this House to those that would be a tax. 21 million Americans do not have a be more reflective of the middle class So I see the only solution is to cut government-issued ID required by and people who are yearning for oppor- spending. Now, the reason we don’t cut these voter ID laws; and, thus, the fun- tunity. spending is one side loves entitlements damental right of American citizens is b 1050 and the other side loves war. And even taken away. Most State legislatures But whether they’re intentional or this token attempt, $100 billion of cuts have enacted or have proposed legisla- not, if they have an effect that is when we have this huge, huge deficit tion echoing similar detrimental vot- harmful to voting rights, just like will accomplish very little. ing changes. Many of these bills have other laws, if they have an effect in But there’s no mention of cutting only one true purpose, and that is the practice, they are just as harmful and military spending. I don’t want to cut disenfranchisement of specific popu- just as wrong as if they were intended. defense spending. This military spend- lations of eligible voters. And there is no question that these In California, unfortunately, there is ing doesn’t defend us; it makes things types of impediments to require people worse. a voter ID bill pending to suppress to get voter IDs, when 25 percent of Af- Our problem in this country doesn’t voter participation. It would cost, rican Americans in this country don’t come only from the Congress; it comes mind you, $26, $26 just to get the re- have that type of ID and 8 percent of from the people. The people still have a quired documents to qualify for a gov- Caucasians are in the same limitation strong appetite for Big Government ernment ID. This certainly looks like a of not having that type of ID, it’s obvi- programs. They’re not willing to cut. poll tax to me, which all of us from the ous that African Americans and stu- They think government can take care South know and remember as a way to dents and others are the ones that are of us from cradle to grave and that we keep African Americans from voting. designed to be targeted by these laws. can be the policeman of the world. These voter ID laws have a partisan In my State of Tennessee that passed So some day we, as a country, we, as agenda seeking to deny specific popu- such a law, to get a photo ID is not a people, and we, as a Congress, will lations of people the opportunity to easy. I went myself to get a driver’s li- have to ask, what should the role of not to vote, which is really very cense with a photo ID. It took 1 hour government be? The Founders had a shameful before they have an oppor- and 20 minutes, constantly standing in pretty strong suggestion. They wrote a tunity to elect their representatives in line, no place to sit. It was not easy Constitution and said the government government. And we cannot allow this. and people will not be able to do it. It should be very limited and the govern- So I have to thank Congresswoman will be an impediment to them and ment should be protecting our liberties MARCIA FUDGE, the Congressional limit their opportunity to vote. It’s and providing national defense and a Black Caucus, and all of our colleagues wrong. sound currency. We don’t do any of for their voices to protect the right for I would like to thank Ms. LEE and that. We’ve embarked on a course that all citizens across this Nation. And I Congresswoman FUDGE for bringing was destined to end badly, and this is urge the Department of Justice to be this to the American public’s atten- where we are today. vigilant and aggressive in protecting tion. So if we don’t understand this, this the civil rights and voting rights of Ms. LEE. Thank you. default will not be because we don’t Americans. f send out the checks. We will send out We go around the world preaching de- IT’S TIME TO BALANCE OUR the checks. It will be defaulted on be- mocracy and the importance of voting; BUDGET cause people will get their money back, yet we are going in the opposite direc- or they will get their Social Security tion in our own country. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The checks, and it won’t buy anything. Now I would like to yield to the gen- Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from Missouri (Mrs. HARTZLER) for 5 min- That is much, much worse than facing tleman from Tennessee, Representative utes. COHEN. the fact that we not raise the debt Mrs. HARTZLER. Mr. Speaker, only Mr. COHEN. Thank you, Ms. LEE. I limit and work our way out of this. in Washington can you hear people say appreciate your yielding, and I appre- That is devastating economically, that it’s irresponsible to balance the ciate Congresswoman FUDGE for bring- and it’s devastating politically, be- budget. I actually heard Democratic ing this issue to the floor. cause we just saw a taste of what hap- leaders on TV this weekend com- We previously heard from other pens, how the anger is built when you plaining that it would require a super- Congresspeople and particularly the see other countries in Europe now de- majority vote to raise taxes on the distinguished Congressman JOHN faulting and can’t pay their bills. So American people but only a majority this is more significant than ever be- LEWIS, who was a civil rights hero in to cut spending. cause we provide the reserve currency the 60s and risked his life, as others Well, maybe some people have been of the world. did, and gave their lives for the right in Washington too long to realize it, f to vote. but the American people want to tie We are experiencing today, after Washington’s hands and make it easier THE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHT TO International Nelson Mandela Day, VOTE to cut spending than raise taxes. They yesterday was Nelson Mandela’s 91st want to cap the growth of government. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The birthday. Next month we’ll dedicate a They want to require a balanced budg- Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from memorial to Dr. Martin Luther King et. California (Ms. LEE) for 5 minutes. on the Mall. When you think about For decades we’ve heard excuses for Ms. LEE. Mr. Speaker, the right to Martin Luther King and Nelson why Washington’s special and vote is a fundamental right which is at Mandela and JOHN LEWIS, you’ve got to shouldn’t be forced to balance its budg- the heart of this Nation. This right is think about voting rights and how far et. It’s time to tell those people that under attack. the Nation and the world have come in their scare tactics are over. This is a I came to this floor, after the stolen the last 45 years and how long it took new day. In America the people are Presidential elections in Florida and to get there. sovereign, and today the people de- Ohio, to protest the results of these And to think that there are impedi- mand accountability. They demand a two elections that were filled with ments being placed in the way of peo- responsible, constrained government. voter suppression. Now, years later, 34 ple to vote, whether intentional or not, They demand a balanced budget. Clear- States, once again, in our map of I believe those impediments are being ly Washington is never going to choose shame, require voters to present IDs to placed there intentionally to dissuade to balance its budget; so the people de- vote in Federal, State, and local elec- African Americans and Democratic- mand that we force it to. tions. And in 15 of those States, voters leaning groups from voting in the 2012 Forty-nine out of fifty States have must present a photo ID. Some States election, Rovian tactics to stop Presi- some form of a balanced budget amend- require that the ID be government- dent Obama from being re-elected and ment. If 98 percent of the States know

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:43 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.017 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5160 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 this is a wise plan, why do Washington pecting meaningful spending cuts be- damental right is the linchpin of our democ- politicians fight tooth and nail against fore raising the debt ceiling without racy. it? The answer is plain and simple: raising taxes. Taxpayers don’t like Unfortunately, the right to vote was not rec- power. They will try to scare the what’s going on, and we aren’t going to ognized for all people in this country at its in- American people any way they can to sit by and watch anymore.’’ ception. Indeed, for the several decades after avoid losing power over this massive, Here’s from Margaret from Lake the signing of the Constitution, the right to bloated bureaucracy. They will say Ozark: ‘‘A minimum of $4 billion over vote belonged to white men who owned prop- today that they must have this power 10 years is a drop in the bucket. We erty alone. or else they can’t keep taking care of also need a constitutional amendment Through a long-fought effort by dedicated people. They will try to scare seniors since our leaders can’t seem to stop activists, courageous legislators and judges, to continue their unrestrained power spending and do the right thing. Do the and with the gradual evolution of public senti- to borrow. They say they will manage right thing now.’’ ment, the voting franchise was extended by their borrowing power wisely; they will Here’s from Judy from Warsaw, Mis- law to all white men, non-white men, women, restrain themselves. souri: ‘‘The very idea of increasing the native Americans, and then finally, to all citi- Well, talk is cheap, and I’ve heard debt limit to get us out of trouble is zens over the age of 18. this same line for decades. What mat- absurd. You cannot borrow your way However, even though the right to vote was ters are results. How have Washington out of trouble. Deal with it. Cut the legally recognized for all citizens of age, there politicians been managing their bor- pork.’’ have always been sinister efforts to suppress rowing power? One number will tell Mark from Camdenton, Missouri: the vote of certain citizens who were guaran- you: $14.3 trillion—the amount of our ‘‘We have always had to live within our teed the right to vote by the Constitution. debt today. means, and it is time for the govern- Through poll taxes, grandfather clauses, lit- A balanced budget amendment is es- ment to do the same. We can’t have ev- eracy tests, intimidation and outright violence, sential because the government has erything we want. The government voter suppression remained an agenda by shown time and time again that until needs to be reduced. I do not think my those who do not believe in the principle of we restrain its spending with fiscal children and grandchildren should pay one person, one vote, and who seek to keep handcuffs, the problem will continue. for our lack of responsibility.’’ certain groups from participating in our democ- President Obama has only made our Larry from Conway, Missouri: ‘‘This racy. spending problem worse by adding $3.7 is a turning point in history.’’ VOTER ID trillion to the national debt in just 2 I agree. Let’s do the right thing. Voter photo identification legislation a recent years. The President has spent more Today let’s pass Cut, Cap, and Balance. phenomenon and the latest tactic of the voter money in less time than any other f suppression agenda. Only a decade ago, in leader in American history. VOTER SUPPRESSION AND VOTER any of our 50 states, a voter could set out on Last week President Obama told Re- ID election Tuesday and be permitted to vote in publicans, ‘‘Don’t call my bluff.’’ Well, his or her respective state without being re- I for one think this game has gone on The SPEAKER pro tempore. The quired to present a photo ID to election offi- long enough. The power needs to be re- Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from cials strained. As Lord Acton famously said, Texas (Ms. JACKSON LEE) for 5 minutes. Alarmingly, since that time, 15 states have ‘‘All power tends to corrupt; absolute Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. adopted photo ID requirements for voting. In power corrupts absolutely.’’ Today we Speaker, I rise to oppose the epidemic fact, at least 34 states have introduced legisla- fight back against this corruption of across America of voter suppression tion requiring voters to produce photo IDs at absolute power. Today we stand with and requiring voter ID. the voting booth in this year alone. Seven the American people. Today we vote to Do you realize that in almost every states, including my home state of Texas, return the power to the people. election in my own State of Texas have adopted the strictest form of voter photo We invite President Obama to get on there has been discrimination, intimi- ID legislation with the fewest exceptions. board, oppose this runaway spending, dation to voters? Where we used to be This raises the question: what caused these and pass a balanced budget. Five years able to use a birth certificate, a utility states to, after more than two centuries of ago he agreed. On March 16, 2006, then- bill, government check, paycheck, and holding elections without photo ID require- Senator Barack Obama stood in the other documents, now we cannot be- ments, impose such a burden on voters? Pro- well of the Senate and said, ‘‘The fact cause someone suggests that someone ponents of these laws argue that voter identi- that we are here today to debate rais- will steal someone’s birth certificate to fication fraud is an epidemic in America, while ing America’s debt limit is a sign of impersonate a voter. I don’t think there has been little documented evidence. leadership failure.’’ He spoke of the that’s right. Voter impersonation fraud occurs when one ‘‘commonsense budgeting principle of What we need now is to eliminate the person votes using the identity of another. balancing expenses and revenues.’’ But poll tax of the 21st century. Barbara In order to obtain a state-issued photo ID then 5 years down the road, unfortu- Jordan recognized that voting is a valid under these statues, states often charge nately, President Obama is singing a right, not a privilege, and she stood in fees. Moreover the documents used for proof different tune. He has demanded more the gap to ensure that Texas was cov- of identity in order to obtain photo IDs, such borrowing authority with no strings at- ered by the Voting Rights Act. Barbara as birth certificates and social security cards, tached. When his own party voted Jordan would not be here today if we also cost money. When added together, along against that proposal a few weeks ago, had the voter intimidation that we’re with transportation costs, the amount of he started telling us that we must raise seeing growing across America. money required to obtain an acceptable form the debt ceiling and called our com- Eliminate voter intimidation by of identification can be substantial for a citizen monsense budgeting reforms ‘‘gim- elimination of the oppressive voter ID who lacks the financial means to do so. micks’’ and ‘‘radical.’’ requirement by returning to the stand- Harper v. Virginia Board of Elections, a Su- Well, here’s what I’m hearing from ard and acceptable requirements such preme Court case decided in 1966, outlawed people in Missouri, my district. That’s as birth certificates, current utility the Jim Crow requirement that a citizen pay a where common sense is: bill, government check which provide poll tax in order to be allowed to vote in an Here’s Reggie from Adrian, Missouri: the protection to protect the vote so election. (Majority Opinion by Justice Douglas) ‘‘Raising the debt ceiling is like hand- that seniors and others will not be In its decision, the Court said—quote—‘‘We ing five more credit cards to someone stopped from voting. conclude that a State violates the Equal Pro- who has already maxed out 50 other INTRODUCTION tection Clause of the Fourteenth Amendment credit cards and then sitting back and Good morning Members of Congress, Con- whenever it makes the affluence of the voter saying you fixed the problem. How gressional Black Caucus Members. Today, we or payment of any fee an electoral standard.’’ dumb would that be?’’ address an issue that disturbs the very foun- However, with voter photo ID requirements, Here’s from Michael in Sedalia: dation of our Nation; the right of each and those who would suppress the rights of citi- ‘‘Don’t give in. As a veteran receiving every citizen to participate in electing their rep- zens to vote would have vote a way to imple- a pension, I continue to stand behind resentatives in government. Enshrined in our ment a backdoor poll tax. Voters without valid, you and the House leadership in ex- Constitution by our Nation’s founders, this fun- non-expired state or federal government

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:41 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.012 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5161 issued identification documents will be bur- of people stealing other people’s birth certifi- Mr. Speaker, voting is a fundamental dened with the expenses of obtaining one of cates in order to show up at an election to right of every American. Yet here we those prescribed forms of ID. vote! Where is the sense in that? I don’t know are, decades after the civil rights Because of the state’s so-called ‘‘rational about you, but I have never heard a single movement, watching as States across basis’’ for requiring photo identification in order case in which a person stole someone else’s this great Nation pass laws that to vote, Indiana’s state photo ID law was birth certificate and then showed up at the threaten the ability of citizens to par- upheld by the Supreme Court in Crawford in polls and voted as that person. ticipate in our government. This trend 2008. No, the fact that birth certificates were re- is troubling and one that we must The effects of such a ruling are unduly dis- moved from Texas election law as a permis- closely monitor. My State, the great criminatory and target specific groups of vot- sible form of identification reveals that voter Hoosier State of Indiana, was the first ers: low income voters, racial and ethnic mi- impersonation fraud is merely a pretextual ar- to impose a strict law requiring voters norities, senior citizens, disabled voters, and gument; a guise under which the real purpose to present government-issued identi- college students. I will leave you to guess of suppressing the votes of certain people can fication despite having no evidence of which party has been behind the concerted be achieved. That is something for which we actual voter fraud. and overzealous efforts by state legislatures cannot stand. As other States follow suit, we risk and governors to push these discriminatory However, while a birth certificate is no broadening the threat to the rights of bills. longer good enough to prove your identity for the poor, the elderly, the young, and Eleven percent of the population, or roughly the purpose of voting in the State of Texas, minority voters. I do not believe the 21 million people, do not have a government- ‘‘coincidentally’’, the new law does allow vot- right to vote should hinge on one’s issued photo identification document. ers to use concealed handgun licenses in ability to obtain specific identifica- Nationwide, depending on the state, African- order to be permitted to cast their ballots. tion. As a Nation, we should not allow Americans are 2 or 3 times as likely as their There is no doubt that the Texas Voter ID laws that block the rights of vulner- white counterparts to lack government-issued law was specifically crafted with the intent to able groups or discriminate. To do so photo identification. Nearly a fifth of our sen- impose new obligations on the rights of certain would be to forfeit the fundamental iors do not have government-issued photo Texans to vote, while attempting to preserve quality of this right and the purpose IDs. the rights of other citizens they believe to be behind it. We must remember that voting is a right predisposed to voting a certain way. Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. under our Constitution, not a privilege. We This is wrong in the State of Texas, and it Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from must prevent this effort to turn back the hands is wrong in America. Georgia (Mr. JOHNSON). of time in order to prevent eligible voters from CONCLUSION Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Mr. Speak- exercising their Constitutional rights. In the Harper Supreme Court case, Justice er, nothing is more fundamental to our TEXAS Douglas closed his majority opinion with these democracy than the right to vote. By Now, I am sad to report that my home state words: ‘‘Wealth or fee paying has, in our view, stoking the fires of fear and anger, of Texas has been the latest victim of the sys- no relation to voting qualifications; the right to aided and abetted by the U.S. Supreme tematic effort to suppress votes all around vote is too precious, too fundamental to be so Court with its Citizens United decision America. In late May, Governor Rick Perry burdened or conditioned.’’ opening the door for unlimited cor- signed into law the Texas iteration of voter Mr. Speaker, may I ask how much porate spending on elections, the Re- photo identification legislation, which was time I have remaining, please. publicans seized a death grip on this The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- based upon the extremely restrictive Indiana Congress. Now they want to keep con- tlewoman has 4 minutes remaining. photo ID law. trol of Congress so they have embarked Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I would The history and current state of discrimina- on an old strategy, voter suppression. like to yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gen- tory voter suppression in Texas is so perva- One of their tactics in making it tleman from Ohio (Mr. RYAN). sive that any substantive change to its election more difficult for citizens to vote is law must be submitted by preclearance to the b 1100 imposing an unnecessary requirement Department of Justice under Section 5 of the Mr. RYAN of Ohio. I thank the gen- that voters show a State-issued ID to Voting Rights Act. This makes Texas one of tlelady, and I would also like to thank vote. This is a blatant attempt to keep the 9 states in our country that must submit Representative FUDGE for her leader- certain populations from voting, thus election law alterations, such as photo ID re- ship. ensuring that Republicans maintain quirements, to the Department of Justice be- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- control of Congress. fore the changes are permitted to take effect. tlelady may not yield blocks of time. Voter suppression is not right. It is The law is set to take effect in January next Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I yield not fair, and it is simply un-American. year. to the gentleman from Ohio. And that’s real, ya’ll. Currently, Texas election law allows voters Mr. RYAN of Ohio. I thank the gen- Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. to use their birth certificate, a current utility bill, tlelady. I would also like to thank Rep- Speaker, let me thank Congresswoman a government check, a paycheck, official mail resentative FUDGE and the Congres- FUDGE and let me make a commitment addressed to them, and other documents in sional Black Caucus. to the American people that you can be lieu of a driver’s license issued by the state or This issue of voter identification and assured that these Members of Con- a U.S. passport. These documents have long voter suppression goes to the heart of gress, the Congressional Black Caucus, been sufficient in the state of Texas to prove our Constitution in this country. Elev- the Tri-Caucus, will stand in the gap to one’s identity for the purposes of voting. en percent of adults would not have a prevent elections from being stolen and However, once the new law takes effect, qualified identification to be able to go your fundamental birthright of voting those alternative forms of identification will be and vote; 25 percent of African Ameri- from being stolen. That is justice, and unavailable to citizens of Texas. In fact, Texan cans would not have a qualified ID to we will be fighting for justice. voters will be unable to use their birth certifi- be able to vote. cate, which is issued by the State of Texas, in And I have one question: Where’s the f order to vote. Tea Party on this issue? Where’s the CONEY ISLAND CELEBRATES 125TH Now, this fact is particularly revealing, espe- Tea Party with all the placards about YEAR cially in light of the purported reason for pass- freedom and liberty and we’re losing ing voter photo identification legislation, which our country? We have an issue that is The SPEAKER pro tempore. The is to combat a ‘‘supposed’’ widespread prob- fundamental to what it means to be an Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from lem of voter impersonation fraud. American, the right to vote. The ques- Ohio (Mrs. SCHMIDT) for 5 minutes. If we are to accept their argument that the tion I have is: Where’s the Tea Party Mrs. SCHMIDT. Mr. Speaker, today I voter photo ID laws are for the purpose of pre- on the voter suppression issue? rise to honor something really wonder- venting voter impersonation fraud, then why Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I thank ful in my district, the 125th birthday of not continue to allow people to use birth cer- the gentleman. And I yield now to the America’s sixth-oldest amusement tificates? By banning citizens from using their gentleman from Indiana (Mr. CARSON). park in Cincinnati, Ohio. state-issued birth certificates, we are required Mr. CARSON of Indiana. I thank Con- What began as a 20-acre apple or- to believe the ridiculous and unfounded notion gresswoman JACKSON LEE. chard on the banks of the Ohio River in

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:41 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19JY7.006 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5162 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 1867 was quickly transformed into a Mr. CLARKE of Michigan. Mr. because the most powerful way that we private picnic retreat, complete with a Speaker, to the American people, I can restore our economic, strength, to bowling alley, a dance hall, and a mule- want to address the debt that is killing create jobs that are sustainable, is to powered merry-go-round. jobs in this country and robbing Amer- help Americans get out of debt. In 1886, Parker Grove became known icans of their financial security. And I Now Congress has an obligation to do as Ohio Grove, the Coney Island of the also will propose how we get out of so because we changed the rules over West, after being sold to the Ohio that debt, to really create jobs and re- the past decade or so to put Americans Grove Corporation. Modeling itself store financial security to all Ameri- in all this debt. But just as Congress after Coney Island in New York City, cans. has an obligation to act, I’ve got to they quickly dropped the name of Ohio Now, the Federal debt is important. talk to you, the American people. Grove and just called it Coney Island We have to do everything we can this You’ve got to act, too. You’ve got to and began to add more rides and more week and next week to avoid a govern- take responsibility. You want this gov- attractions. In 1911, the first roller ment default, because if the govern- ernment to get out of debt, then you coaster was added, the Dip the Dips, ment defaults on its obligations, at the get out of debt personally. Stop the and in 1913 the Dip and Dots was added. very least that is going to cause inter- spending. Stop the borrowing. Stop But it wasn’t until 1924 that the signa- est rates to rise on the borrowing that overconsumption, buying things that ture attraction of Coney Island was re- the American people hold as debt and you don’t need with money that you alized when George Schott, one of Cin- that could drive people further into fi- don’t have. That’s robbing you and cinnati’s greatest philanthropists, pur- nancial distress and into foreclosure your family of a future. It’s robbing chased with a group of investors Coney and bankruptcy. this country out of jobs. Island. But the debt that is crushing the So I am going to ask every American In 1925, they added Sunlite Pool, the American people is the mortgages, the right now, get out your credit cards, world’s largest recirculating swimming student loans, the credit cards, that cut them up, free yourselves. Free pool. Mr. Speaker, let me give you the people have to bear. Now I am from De- yourselves. Don’t count on this Con- dimensions of this pool because it is troit, and jobs are important. In fact, I gress to help you. This Congress al- bigger than a football field. A football represent one of the regions of the ready voted to end Medicare. They’re field is 300 feet by 160 feet; this is 200 country that has the highest unem- flirting with disaster on this debt right feet by 401 feet. In addition to being ployment rate. But as important as now. the world’s largest recirculating pool, jobs are to the economy, we have got I’m asking Americans, take control it continues to be the largest flat sur- to get Americans out of debt. I know of your financial future, get out of face pool in North America, and was folks who are working right now, they debt, and let’s demand that this Con- the precursor to zero-depth pools in the have jobs, they are earning income, but gress help you get out of debt. United States. It went through a lot of they have no money because their in- trials and tribulations over the next f come is going to pay off bills. It’s going part of the century, but they kept add- CUT, CAP, AND BALANCE ACT IS A to creditors. They can’t provide for ing new attractions and new rides, in- PLAN THAT CAN WORK themselves. They can’t provide for cluding ones that I enjoyed as a child, their families. They can’t provide secu- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The like the Wildcat and the Shooting Star. rity for the future because they are in Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from In 1971, a decision was made to take North Carolina (Ms. FOXX) for 5 min- the amusement portion of it and move debt. And this American personal debt is also costing this U.S. economy jobs utes. it to another portion in my district in Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, today the Kings Island, which made people won- because when people don’t have money to save, money to invest, they can’t House is going to debate a bill that der what would happen to Sunlite Pool. holds the potential to move us away But again, the visionaries realized they really spend it on businesses that could hire more people and create more jobs. from a debt crisis and toward pros- had an attraction, they had a water perity. I want to associate myself with park, and they continued to add dimen- My point is this, and I am speaking to a few of the Members of Congress the comments that were made by our sions to Sunlite Pool to make it an at- colleague the gentlelady from Missouri traction. In 1986, River Bend was real- who are here right now, but more im- portantly, I am speaking to you, the (Mrs. HARTZLER) a couple of speakers ized by putting in two separate thea- ago when she talked about how our col- ters, outdoor theaters, to allow con- American people, because maybe you leagues on the other side of the aisle certs to occur. Today, Coney Island can help me drive this Congress to ad- say that it is irresponsible to amend continues to thrive with a small dress the real debt that is threatening the Constitution in order to require the amusement park for children, the this democracy and our economy. Congress to balance the budget. Sunlite Pool, and a thriving River b 1110 Yesterday in the Rules Committee, Bend. This country’s economy will not re- I would like to say, on a personal we heard from the gentleman from bound strongly, and we will not easily note, I remember my mother telling Maryland who talked about how we’re get out of this recession as long as me stories when her mother took her; twisting the Constitution to put in a my mother took me; I took my daugh- Americans are underwater on their limit on how we could cut taxes, raise ter; and over the Fourth of July break, mortgages, defaulting on student taxes, into the Constitution, that how, I was able to take my two grandsons to loans, and maxing out on their credit by putting a two-thirds vote and re- Coney Island to swim in the pool. cards. If we want to create jobs, jobs strictions into the Constitution, we’re I am so excited that this beautiful at- that will truly be sustainable and help damaging the Constitution. traction has continued to exist for 125 provide families with real financial se- Mr. Speaker, nothing could be fur- years. I want to celebrate the tenacity curity, this Congress must realize that ther from the truth. Congresses in the of the folks along the way who have when the American people are in debt, past have proven that they don’t have continued to invest in this great asset so is this country. the restraint that’s necessary to keep in my district, and I want to wish them So here’s what I’m urging today. I our spending under control. We need a a great happy birthday, and I hope am going to have a resolution I’m constitutional amendment in order to Coney Island continues for at least an- going to put forth, that as we work to do that. other 125 happy years. Happy birthday, prevent a government default on its ob- They did admit yesterday that we are Coney Island. ligations, that we also have to work to paying the credit card from the past, make sure that Americans don’t fur- and I want to point out that under f ther default on their debt. So I am ask- President Obama, the average annual GETTING AMERICANS OUT OF ing, in as strong as possible a way as I deficits that were in existence under DEBT can, for this Congress, on certain loan President Bush became monthly defi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The obligations, to immediately work to cits under President Obama. Since 21⁄2 Chair recognizes the gentleman from cut mortgages down to the value of years ago, the national debt has in- Michigan (Mr. CLARKE) for 5 minutes. your home, to forgive student loans, creased by $3.7 trillion.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:43 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.016 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5163 That’s why we need to cut spending, Carolina, Alabama, Texas, Kansas, and very high bar before we make it more Mr. Speaker. We need to cut our spend- Tennessee. Governor Scott Walker of difficult to exercise our rights as U.S. ing. We need to cap our spending at no Wisconsin and Governor Rick Perry of citizens. more than 20 percent of the GDP. Texas both signed laws this year that And what’s the bar that Wisconsin That’s what it was traditionally. It has would require each voter to show an of- uses to justify its law? The Wisconsin now eased up to 23 percent. We have to ficial, valid photo ID to cast a ballot, Attorney General’s office found in the take it back down. despite the fact that studies show up to 2-year Election Fraud Task Force in- Mr. Speaker, I also want to point 11 percent of eligible voters nationwide vestigation that there were 20 in- out, as my colleague from Missouri don’t have government-issued IDs. stances of possible voter fraud out of 3 said, that when President Obama was In Florida, Governor Rick Scott million votes cast. That’s seven-thou- Senator Obama, he spoke on the Sen- signed a bill to tighten restrictions on sandths of 1 percent. And a photo ID ate floor and voted against raising the third-party voter organizations and would not have prevented any of these debt limit, saying that it was a failure shorten the number of early voting discrepancies. of leadership. He doesn’t admit that days. Governor Scott also helped to People of color are singled out for now, that it’s a failure of leadership. pass a ban on felon voting rights, forc- disenfranchisement when you consider He doesn’t even admit that he’s part of ing nonviolent offenders to wait 5 years in Wisconsin that 55 percent of African the problem. And part of the problem is after completing their sentences to American women, 49 percent of African that he has no plan. When we asked apply to have their rights restored. American men, 59 per of Latinas, 46 yesterday in Rules, ‘‘Where’s the Presi- The Florida legislature also passed percent of Latinos don’t have this kind dent’s plan?’’ we were told it was in his new laws that makes it tougher for of ID. And when you consider the 18- to speech at George Washington Univer- get-out-the-vote groups to register new 24-year-old group, 78 percent of African sity. Well, even his own staff people, voters and reduces the number of early American males don’t have this ID and even his own appointees, say they can’t voting days from 14 to 8. 66 percent of African American women score a speech. Make no mistake: We’ve been down don’t have the ID. I wonder who they’re Republicans have a plan, and our this road before with Jim Crow laws. trying to disenfranchise. plan is to cut, cap, and balance. We These smoke-and-mirror policies are We implore the Department of Jus- tice to intervene and prevent these ex- need a constitutional amendment, Mr. poll taxes and literacy tests by another tremely transparent efforts to burden Speaker, in order to force the Congress name. Communities must be alert and likely Democratic voters at the polls. to do its job. Past Congresses, as it has aware of these new laws. We will not been shown, couldn’t do it. We’re will- allow the work, sacrifice and death of f ing to do that. There is no leadership our forefathers and civil rights leaders IN SUPPORT OF THE CUT, CAP, on the part of the Democrats. The to have been in vain. We are prepared AND BALANCE ACT budget that the President presented in for this fight, and fight we will. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The February was voted down, 97–0, in the The new voter ID laws and other re- Chair recognizes the gentleman from Senate. Even his own party will not strictions have the potential to dis- Pennsylvania (Mr. FITZPATRICK) for 5 support him. enfranchise millions of eligible voters. minutes. And what about all these corporate Minorities, poor people, seniors, and Mr. FITZPATRICK. I rise today in loopholes that the President and our students are among those that will be support of the Cut, Cap, and Balance colleagues keep talking about? The impacted the most. Act, and I urge my colleagues on both President talks about these corporate b 1120 sides of the aisle here to support the jets, but he doesn’t admit the fact that bill when it comes to the floor later The Justice Department must get in- the loopholes he’s talking about, which today. This legislation not only pro- he calls subsidies, that loophole was in volved. They must make sure that vides a workable framework to avert the stimulus that he forced through these laws that we have fought so hard an economically dangerous default on this Congress, that no Republican for on voting rights are not under- our obligations but it also sets the voted for. So the corporate loophole for mined. stage for real structural changes to the the jets is one the President put into I yield to the gentlewoman from Wis- way the Federal Government spends place, and now he’s condemning it. consin (Ms. MOORE). our tax dollars, something that the Mr. Speaker, we need our President Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, when I be- President has yet to propose. and our colleagues on the other side of came a Member of Congress, I swore an Lately, there have been stories and the aisle to fess up to the fact that oath to support and defend the Con- speculation about the major credit rat- they’ve created this problem, they stitution of the United States of Amer- ing agencies such as Moody’s and have no plan to solve it, and all they ica. And I rise today to affirm that Standard and Poor’s threatening to want to do is throw barbs at the Repub- commitment by speaking out against downgrade America’s creditworthiness licans who are showing the courage to State efforts to undermine the basic should we fail to raise the statutory do something about this serious debt right to vote—a right that has been af- debt ceiling. These ratings are more crisis that we face in this country. firmed by no less than three amend- than letters on paper. They affect ments to the Constitution: the Voting f Americans in all walks of life and in Rights Act; over 150 years of litigation, very real ways. A downgrade of our Na- VOTER SUPPRESSION blood, sweat, tears, and lies. No right tion’s credit rating would make mort- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The under the Constitution has been more gages more expensive, make it more Chair recognizes the gentlewoman from defended by the American people. Yet difficult to get a loan for a car, and California (Ms. WATERS) for 5 minutes. Wisconsin just passed a very restrictive could make student loans unaffordable. Ms. WATERS. Thank you very much, voter ID, photo ID card in order to While default would likely ensure Mr. Speaker. vote. downgrade, a debt ceiling increase is no In 2011, we see that voter suppression I can remember when then-Rep- longer alone sufficient to ensure our is real and rearing its ugly head in too resentative Walker and I, the Governor AAA credit rating. Moody’s has warned many Republican-led legislatures of Wisconsin, debated this issue. And that the outlook to our bond rating across this country. With only 15 he, like so many other people, said, would remain negative should any plan months left before the next Presi- Well, what’s the big deal? What’s going forward not include long-term dential election, Republicans are re- wrong with having a photo ID? You deficit reduction. It is not enough to writing voting laws to require photo need a photo ID to go to Blockbuster’s simply raise the limit on the credit identification at the polls, reduce the and get a video. You need a photo ID to card and continue making the min- number of days of early voting, and to drive. You need a photo ID to get medi- imum monthly payments. We must enhance voting restrictions against ex- cine. Well, getting a video from Block- begin to pay down our debt. felons and out-of-state students. buster’s is not a right. The right to One need look no further than Greece Since January, voter ID laws have vote is a very, very important badge of and Portugal as examples of govern- passed in Florida, Wisconsin, South democracy in this country. We need a ments which have failed to address

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:43 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.018 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5164 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 their debt crises in time to avoid bru- way you’re operating your business, we H.R. 2560, the Cut, Cap, and Balance tal austerity measures which have very clearly believe that your business Act of 2012. caused widespread civil disorder in is going to go bankrupt. But even more Moody’s and Standard & Poor’s have those countries. The politicians in importantly to this institution, this warned the United States that our Greece and Portugal thought they lending institution, we’re concerned AAA credit rating is at risk if Presi- could avoid making the tough decisions about the fact that our institution is dent Obama does not raise the debt that were clearly laid out before them. going to be placed in a very tenuous ceiling by August 2. By passing Cut, They thought they could make it position on any loans that we make to Cap, and Balance, we can respond with through just one more quarter or just you; therefore, our position right now confidence, create economic certainty, past one more legislative session, or is that when you come to us next Au- get our spending under control, and put maybe they could just buy themselves gust, we’re not going to lend you the America back to work. enough time to let the next guys han- money for your line of credit. Mr. Speaker, 61⁄2 months ago, I left dle it. We cannot continue to operate Yesterday, this same businessman life as a small business man, and have under the same delusions. walked into that same lending institu- had the honor of representing the con- The Cut, Cap, and Balance Act avoids tion and said, My accountant and I stituents of the 17th Congressional Dis- a crippling default and sets us on a have done the same analysis that trict of Illinois. I come to the floor this path to fiscal solvency by making real you’ve done on the situation of our op- morning with some observations about spending cuts now, placing statutory eration. We’ve looked at it, and we ac- where we’ve made progress and where limits on spending, and sending a bal- tually agree that we have gone in the we’ve met frustration. During this anced budget amendment to the wrong direction now for many, many time, we have seen tangible results. States, a measure that so many of us years and we have spent more than This Congress repealed the onerous have so consistently supported. These we’ve made for many, many years. And 1099 tax provision, which prevents our decisions, Mr. Speaker, will not be we, quite frankly, got away from doing job creators from being bogged down in easy. No change ever is. As these de- the needs of our company to doing the a nightmare of paperwork. This Con- bates have gone on for the past several wants of our company. gress cleaned up the mess left by last months, I have been reminded of Thom- Therefore, we are seriously in debt. I year’s Congress by cutting billions in as Paine when he wrote: ‘‘If there must want to start off by saying I recognize spending. This House has cut its own be trouble, let it be in my day, that my that. And when you gave us our wake- office budgets by 5 percent, saving tax- children may have peace.’’ We need to up call, we sat down and analyzed what payers $35 million, and later this week, decide what our legacy to our children we could do to show you that we are we’ll cut our office budgets by another and their children will be—a mountain changing the direction of our business. 6.4 percent. Most importantly, this of debt or a sound government that And here’s what we propose to you: House of Representatives fulfilled its lives within its means. responsibility by passing a budget. b 1130 f This budget cuts trillions of dollars in GETTING A HANDLE ON DEBT First, we propose to you that, this spending, but more importantly, it year, here are the reductions we’re puts forth a plan to save Medicare in- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The going to make on our credit cards, and Chair recognizes the gentleman from stead of letting it go insolvent. here are the places where we’re going As a new Member of this House, there Texas (Mr. CARTER) for 5 minutes. to cut back on the way we spend. Mr. CARTER. Six months ago, a has also been frustration with the proc- small businessman was called into a fi- That’s for this year. ess. Our national debt is $14.3 trillion. nancial lending institution and asked Now, we’ve also analyzed every sec- Each child born today, including my to come in and talk to the officer in tion in the departments of our busi- new granddaughter, Reagan, already charge. He went into that office and ness, and we have determined that owes $46,000 as their share of the na- the officer in charge told him, You we’re way over what we really need to tional debt. Yet there are some Mem- have been a customer of this organiza- function as a prosperous business, so bers of this body—97 to be exact—who tion for quite a few years and we have we’re going to offer to you that our wanted to give President Obama the constantly been giving you a line of business plan over the next 10 years is authority to raise the debt limit by $2.4 credit every summer to continue your to put a ceiling on every department trillion with no questions asked. operation for the next year. and every part of our business oper- Congress has raised the debt ceiling This year our examiners have noted ation so that we will never rise above 51 times since 1978, and look where we for us and also through our board of di- that ceiling; therefore, we will be con- are today. How can we see these next 2 rectors we’ve examined your operation tinually reducing the level of our weeks as anything but an opportunity and your borrowing patterns. Here’s spending over the next 10 years. to put our great country on a better what we’ve discovered: We’ve discov- Then, finally, we are making a pledge fiscal path? ered that where you had a going facil- to you of everything not encumbered in I did not come here to get my name ity and you were doing well and you our business that we will balance our on a wall plaque. I came here so that were employing people and things were budget, that we will prepare a budget when my newly born granddaughter, going well, we’ve started to see a trend and balance that budget every year and Reagan, asks me, ‘‘Grandpa, what did in your business to where you are in- that, if at any time it doesn’t, then im- you do to help fix this country?’’ I’ll be creasing your debt more and more and mediately you will call every note we able to tell her that I was part of a more. Not only were you spending our have. class that changed the focus of this line of credit that this bank lent to you This is a parable, but it’s also the re- town from bloated spending to spend- to continue your operations through- ality in the United States of America ing cuts. I’ll be able to tell her that, out the year, but outside of that line of today for everybody but the Federal today, we took a vote on legislation credit, you were accumulating many, Government. That’s why, today, the that does three very important things: many, many credit cards. And now at Republicans will offer that same plan It cuts spending. It promotes spend- this point in time, it is our under- of Cut, Cap, and Balance. ing caps to 19.9 percent of GDP by 2021. standing and the way we look at it is f It makes the raising of the debt ceiling not only are you using our line of cred- contingent upon a balanced budget CUT SPENDING, CAP SPENDING, it that we gave you but you also have amendment. AND BALANCE THE BUDGET maxed out every credit card you have We are only 2 weeks away from the got, and, quite honestly, we are amazed The SPEAKER pro tempore. The deadline set by Mr. Geithner, but we’ve at the number of credit cards you actu- Chair recognizes the gentleman from seen no plan from this administration ally have. We didn’t really know any- Illinois (Mr. SCHILLING) for 5 minutes. or the Democrats in the House. Let me body could have that many credit Mr. SCHILLING. Mr. Speaker, today repeat that we have seen no plan from cards. we have an opportunity to take action the administration or the Democrats in So we’re just going to warn you, if and promote certainty in both our this House. We all know it’s easier to you don’t change the direction of the economy and the markets by passing criticize than to offer a plan of your

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:43 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.019 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5165 own. Now, before this plan to cut our we need to level the playing field, but Washington, D.C., in our Nation’s cap- spending and balance our budget is that won’t by itself solve the problem, ital, do we think there is this inex- demagogued, let me tell you exactly because even if we close the loopholes haustible resource called the American how this thing works: and rein in the subsidies, the govern- taxpayers’ hip pocket to be able to This plan makes no changes to Social ment will still have a spending prob- draw from so that government can Security and Medicare. This plan lem, and it will only be a matter of grow. The constant argument, my makes no changes to the veterans’ time before another tax increase is pro- friends, is government needs it more spending. This plan will cut spending posed. than the people at home. I don’t think by $111 billion in fiscal year 2012. Past all of the talking points and hy- so. Come and walk my district. Look in We must use this debate as an oppor- perbole, the President’s real choice is the eyes of the people right now that tunity to bring real change to Wash- about the tax burden families and busi- are struggling to be able to keep that ington and to start paying down our nesses face in Nevada and across the roof over the top of their heads. debt. If you believe that cutting spend- country. Will that burden be lower or We have that economic challenge. We ing and providing a way forward for a higher? I am fighting to make sure it’s face a debt in this country of $14.4 tril- balanced budget are commonsense lower. Our job creators, like Steve, re- lion. Now, I don’t know about you. I’m ideas, vote for this legislation. alize this. Why doesn’t Congress? a small businessman. It’s hard really to f Forty-nine of 50 States balance their get your arms around just what is a budgets. Why doesn’t Congress? Nevada million dollars, let alone a trillion dol- CUT, CAP, AND BALANCE families live within their means. Why lars. WASHINGTON’S CHECKBOOK doesn’t Congress? Well, if you’re a basketball fan, you The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Just because there are checks in the may have paid a little attention to this Chair recognizes the gentleman from checkbook doesn’t mean there is last season. LeBron James, arguably Nevada (Mr. HECK) for 5 minutes. money in the checking account. The one of the best basketball players in Mr. HECK. Mr. Speaker, I am here to Cut, Cap, and Balance proposal is a the entire country, being paid $40 mil- share a short letter I received from one thoughtful solution to solving the gov- lion a year to be able to play basket- of my constituents who used to own a ernment’s spending problem that pro- ball, well, if he wants to earn just $1 trillion, we have to wish him very good small business. His name is Steve, and tects the promise of Social Security health. He’ll have to play basketball his letter eloquently addresses the and Medicare for seniors and veterans’ for 25,000 years to earn just $1 trillion. issue we are discussing today. benefits to our brave men and women Steve wrote: ‘‘I know it is a very con- We’ve stacked up over $14.4 trillion. who have fought to protect our free- The President has asked for a blank tentious time in Washington. The 2008 doms. It will cut $5.8 trillion over the election led me to sell my business be- check to increase the debt of this coun- next decade and give our job creators try an additional 2 trillion-plus dollars. cause I saw an assault on the small confidence that we are serious about business owner. My peers continue to Is the time now for fiscal responsi- getting this economy back on track. bility in Washington? It is. We have to ask me how I anticipated our current I urge my colleagues to support the situation. rise to be able to meet that challenge. Cut, Cap, and Balance bill and show Cut, cap, and balance, is that unreason- ‘‘First, it was the mandated health that we are serious about balancing insurance, then more government regu- able? We can demonize it. We can say Washington’s checkbook. that Washington is above the rules of lation and regulators, and now it is the every American and the rules they assault on my earnings that I worked f have to be able to live with, or we can hard for over the last 40 years. b 1140 look to the people who we sent to ‘‘The President and his Progressive THE DEBT CEILING Washington to stand up for us to live friends will not be satisfied until they under the same constraints that we do kill what reward for risk incentive is The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Chair recognizes the gentleman from in our individual lives. left. If we’ve spent more than we’ve taken Colorado (Mr. TIPTON) for 5 minutes. ‘‘Equal wealth for everyone is not in, we have to be able to find ways to Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, as Ameri- guaranteed in our Constitution. be able to cut back. We then also have cans, we face a challenge. The question ‘‘The reward for risk is what made to have that alternative to be able to yet to be answered is: Will we rise to be this country what it is today. restrain that spending and then to be able to meet that challenge? ‘‘I ask that you hold the line even if able to balance the budget. it means losing the next election.’’ We can often hear in the debate on Unfortunately, yesterday the Presi- I came to Congress to get Nevada’s this floor something that happens at dent said that it was going to be dead economy back on track, and the only every Super Bowl at half time. It’s on arrival. I hope that our American way to do that is by listening to our called ‘‘kick, pass, and punt.’’ We can citizenry will rise to this challenge. I job creators—by listening to their con- kick each other around, we can pass on have great hope that this Chamber will cerns and then addressing those very this problem in addressing it today, pass Cut, Cap, and Balance. But we concerns. When I talk with Nevada’s and we can punt to the next genera- need to let the Senate of the United small business owners, they feel the tion. But I think far more is expected States and the President of the United same way Steve does. They say the rea- of us. States know that we’re going to be son they’re not creating jobs is due to The people who elected us, the people holding them accountable. Our future too many harmful regulations, too who sent us to this office, are seeking truly depends on it. many taxes and too much government solutions and leadership to be able to This is our time. This is our chal- spending. deal with the true challenges that we lenge. This is truly our opportunity. We are in a fiscal crisis, and it is kill- all face at home. Let’s put aside what is often referred ing our job creators’ very ability to Last night around dinner tables to as just politics as usual. This is not create jobs. In all of my conversations across our country, moms and dads a Democratic issue. This is not a Re- with Nevada business owners, the one were going over the family budget publican issue. This is an American thing—the one thing—I’ve never heard looking at how much it cost to fill up issue. them say is, ‘‘Do you know what would that gas tank, how they’re going to I hope that our Members will join help me create more jobs? A tax in- meet that family budget to be able to with me in seeking real solutions to crease.’’ put food on the table, to be able to real problems to deal with it so that I urge Nevadans and my colleagues keep a roof over their heads. They’re the American people can look to a not to listen to the President’s false spending within their means. brighter future. choice—the idea that we can fix gov- Forty-nine of our 50 States have one f ernment’s fiscal problems by merely form or another of a balanced budget closing loopholes and reining in sub- requirement meaning that, as States, RECESS sidies. Now, let me be clear. I support they have to be able to live within The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- closing loopholes and subsidies because their means. Surprisingly, only here in ant to clause 12(a) of rule I, the Chair

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:43 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.021 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5166 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 declares the House in recess until noon COMMUNICATION FROM THE the constitutional question being raised. The today. CLERK OF THE HOUSE (H. DOC. process by which this system was prescribed Accordingly (at 11 o’clock and 45 NO. 112–44) is a direct violation of both the letter and the spirit of the U.S. Constitution. minutes a.m.), the House stood in re- The SPEAKER laid before the House Further, since Proposition 14 instituted cess until noon. the following communication from the the election process within the state con- f Clerk of the House of Representatives; stitution, the state legislature is not able to which was read and, together with the specify a different process, should it so b 1200 choose. This is also a direct violation of both accompanying document, referred to the letter and the spirit of the U.S. Constitu- AFTER RECESS the Committee on House Administra- tion. Finally, choosing the manner of hold- The recess having expired, the House tion and ordered to be printed: ing elections is not a duty that can be dele- was called to order by the Speaker at HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, gated directly to the legislature. Such dele- noon. Washington, DC, July 19, 2011. gation would violate both the previously Hon. JOHN BOEHNER, mentioned clause as well as Article 4, Sec- f The Speaker, House of Representatives, tion 4 of the Constitution: ‘‘The United States shall guarantee to PRAYER Washington, DC. DEAR MR. SPEAKER: I have received the fol- every State in this Union a Republican Form The Chaplain, the Reverend Patrick lowing correspondence regarding the elec- of Government, and shall protect each of J. Conroy, offered the following prayer: tion of Janice Hahn to fill the vacancy of the them against Invasion; and on Application of the Legislature, or of the Executive (when Dear God, we give You thanks for 36th congressional district for the state of California. The correspondent was not a can- the Legislature cannot be convened), against giving us another day. domestic Violence.’’ didate for office and affirms that he is not el- We ask Your special blessing upon As such, any election held under this proc- igible to contest the election under the law. the Members of this people’s House. ess, which was not prescribe by the legisla- As such, I forward the correspondence to the ture of California, is not valid and the office They face difficult decisions in difficult House for its disposal. times, with many forces and interests should remain unfilled until such time as a With best wishes, I am, constitutional election can take place. demanding their attention. Sincerely, Respectfully, KAREN L. HAAS, Give them generosity to enter into TONY DETORA. their work. May they serve You in the Clerk. f work they do, as You deserve; give of Enclosure. themselves and not count the cost; ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER JULY 18, 2011. fight for what is best for our Nation Hon. KAREN L. HAAS, The SPEAKER. The Chair will enter- and not count the wounds; toil until Clerk of the House of Representatives, tain up to 15 requests for 1-minute their work is done and not seek to rest; Washington, DC. speeches on each side of the aisle. and labor without seeking any reward, DEAR MS. HAAS, I am protesting the elec- f other than knowing they are doing tion of Janice Hahn in the July 12, 2011 Spe- AMERICA’S JOBLESSNESS Your will and serving the people of this cial Election to fill the vacancy for the Thir- great Nation. ty-Sixth Congressional District of Cali- (Mr. ROGERS of Alabama asked and fornia. was given permission to address the Bless them, O God, and be with them As I was not a candidate for this election, and with us all this day and every day House for 1 minute.) I am not eligible to challenge the election Mr. ROGERS of Alabama. Mr. Speak- to come. May all that is done be for under the preferred method specified by the Your greater honor and glory. Federal Contested Elections Act. I am, how- er, this country has a real problem Amen. ever, eligible to protest the election accord- with jobs, or the lack of jobs, and our ing to Chapter 9 of Volume 2 of Deschler’s economy. It’s what we in the Congress f Precedents of the United States House of need to be debating solutions to re- THE JOURNAL Representatives which provides for a protest solve. Instead, we’re having to argue filed by ‘‘any other person’’ to be referred to with the President about our debt ceil- The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- the Committee on House Administration for ing. ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- investigation. The President is refusing to cut ceedings and announces to the House The House of Representatives has the con- spending that every American knows his approval thereof. stitutional authority to determine if a Mem- we have to do unless he gets tax in- ber-elect is ‘‘duly elected.’’ See Powell v. Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- creases. And he’s threatening to with- nal stands approved. McCormack (1969). Further, the U.S. Su- preme Court made it clear that the House of hold Social Security checks from sen- Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, pur- Representatives is the final authority to iors to get his way. I think that’s suant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a make ‘‘an unconditional and final judgment’’ shameful, and he’s going to have to an- vote on agreeing to the Speaker’s ap- in determining questions regarding the elec- swer for that one day. But right now, proval of the Journal. tions of Members of that body, and that the we’ve got a solution in the House, the The SPEAKER. The question is on courts have no role in reviewing any such de- Republicans do, called Cut, Cap, and the Speaker’s approval of the Journal. termination. See Roudebush v. Hartke (1972). Balance, that will limit spending to a The election referenced above was not a The question was taken; and the level that we can afford in a respon- Speaker announced that the ayes ap- valid election because it violated Article 1, Section 4, clause 1 of the Constitution: sible way without new taxes. peared to have it. ‘‘The Times, Places and Manner of holding We’re urging the President to do Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on Elections for Senators and Representatives, something big. He says he wants to do that I demand the yeas and nays. shall be prescribed in each State by the Leg- something big about our debt problem. The yeas and nays were ordered. islature thereof; but the Congress may at This is the solution. We urge him to The SPEAKER. Pursuant to clause 8, any time by Law make or alter such Regula- work with us and not demand new rule XX, further proceedings on this tions, except as to the Places of chusing Sen- taxes. And once he will do that, we can question will be postponed. ators.’’ turn to some meaningful things that The Manner of holding this special election f was not prescribed by the California State will help improve the job situation, Legislature, but rather through a ballot which, by the way, is at 9.2 percent un- PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE process which amended the State Constitu- employment and going in the wrong di- The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman tion. Senate Bill 6 approved a ballot measure rection. We can do some things, like from Missouri (Mr. CLEAVER) come for- to be placed for consideration before the peo- getting the regulators off our commu- ward and lead the House in the Pledge ple of the State of California. This action did nity banks so that small businesses can of Allegiance. not prescribe the manner of elections. The have access to capital, and shrinking people of the California, and not the legisla- the size of EPA and OSHA and NLRB, Mr. CLEAVER led the Pledge of Alle- ture thereof, then prescribed the manner of giance as follows: holding elections by voting in favor of Prop- which are bloated in their infrastruc- I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the osition 14, which institutes a ‘‘top two pri- ture and are just stifling jobs in Amer- United States of America, and to the Repub- mary system’’ within the California State ica. We have a lot of things we can do. lic for which it stands, one nation under God, Constitution. The merits and shortcomings But first, we’ve got to get our spending indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. of this particular system are irrelevant to under control.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:41 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.023 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5167 I urge my colleagues to vote for Cut, missing. This administration ignores Where are the liberals’ plans? It’s Cap, and Balance. the obvious. It’s not the gun; it’s the been over 800 days since the liberals f shooter. And in this case, it’s the Fed- passed a budget in the Senate. eral Government’s recklessness and The President’s failed plan does not CUT, CAP, AND BALANCE stupidity that led to at least two mur- cut spending. Instead, it just raises (Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas asked ders. It’s time to control the ATF, not taxes in a recession, killing jobs. and was given permission to address guns. I hope both parties can come to- the House for 1 minute and to revise And that’s just the way it is. gether to enact the Cut, Cap, and Bal- and extend his remarks.) ance Act, which I am grateful to have f Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. cosponsored to benefit the young peo- Speaker, I rise in opposition to the COMMEMORATING COLOMBIAN ple of our country. drastic cuts to Social Security, Medi- INDEPENDENCE DAY In conclusion, God bless our troops, care, and other crucial Federal pro- (Mr. CICILLINE asked and was given and we will never forget September the grams that passage of the Cut, Cap, permission to address the House for 1 11th in the global war on terrorism. and Balance Act would force upon the minute.) f American people. The Cut, Cap, and Mr. CICILLINE. Mr. Speaker, I rise WHERE ARE THE JOBS? Balance Act takes our Nation closer to today to honor and recognize the rich (Mr. BACA asked and was given per- default by holding the debt ceiling hos- history of Colombia as we mark Colom- mission to address the House for 1 tage until Congress passes a constitu- bian Independence Day on July 20. We minute.) tional amendment to limit total Fed- honor the people of Colombia and those eral spending to 18 percent of our gross Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, last year my individuals of proud Colombian descent Republican colleagues ran their cam- domestic product. who are celebrating more than 200 The last time Federal spending was paign on the slogan: ‘‘Where are the years of independence. jobs?’’ It’s been 28 weeks since the Re- below 18 percent of the gross domestic Colombians have been immigrating product was 1966, when the median age publicans took control of the House, to Rhode Island for the past 50 years, and the question still remains: Where was nearly 8 years younger and the av- and I would like to thank them for erage cost of health care was one-fifth are the jobs? their great contributions to our State. We all know that the Bush tax for of what it is today. Even under Presi- Simon Bolivar led the people of Colom- the wealthy failed to create new jobs. dent Ronald Reagan, Federal spending bia in the first raising of their flag, sig- They fooled the public once. It ain’t averaged over 22 percent of gross na- nifying their sovereignty and the birth going to happen again. tional product. Though this legislation of one of the most culturally rich na- Now, instead of working to create may claim to exempt many Federal tions in all of Latin America. Today we jobs, Republicans are holding our coun- programs from its spending limita- celebrate a great country, its people, try hostage, taking the debt limit tions, there is almost no possible way their traditions, and the mark they talks to the brink. to revert Federal spending back to have made on cities like Central Falls, Under the Republican budget pro- 1960s levels without sharp cuts to every Providence, and Pawtucket, Rhode Is- posal, seniors will lose guaranteed program, including Social Security and land, and others, adding to the vi- medical benefits, have their out-of- Medicare. Even the FY 2012 budget that brancy of these communities. For that pocket medical expenses double. The the House Republican majority passed alone, I am proud to honor your herit- Republican plan will reopen the Medi- in April, which would dismantle Medi- age and the difference you have made. care doughnut hole area, costing 4 mil- care as we know it, allowed for Federal And as I pay tribute to the people of lion seniors an additional $2.2 billion. spending to be above 20 percent of the the great Nation of Colombia, I also It’s wrong to make our seniors suffer gross domestic product. want to, again, extend my thoughts to give a tax break to the ultrarich and I urge my colleagues on both sides to and sympathies to Colombians every- corporations that ship jobs overseas. vote to support America’s retirees, vet- where for the suffering that continues No new taxes, no new jobs. No taxes, erans, and children and oppose this to occur because of the floods in your no jobs. No taxes, no jobs. dangerous legislation. country. May we continue to be in- Let’s put together a plan that lowers f spired to support the people of Colom- our deficit without doing it on the CONTROL THE ATF, NOT GUNS bia through this difficult time as we backs of our seniors and the middle celebrate Colombian Independence Day class. (Mr. POE of Texas asked and was and honor the enormous contributions given permission to address the House f of Colombian Americans. for 1 minute.) CO-OP DEFAULTS Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, f (Mr. PITTS asked and was given per- under the ATF’s Operation Fast and b 1210 mission to address the House for 1 Furious, straw purchasers bought and CUT, CAP, AND BALANCE minute and to revise and extend his re- sold guns to Mexican drug cartels while marks.) the ATF watched. It is hard to under- (Mr. WILSON of South Carolina Mr. PITTS. Mr. Speaker, would you stand why the ATF is complicit in the asked and was given permission to ad- invest in a company if there were a 40 drug smuggling business. Maybe the dress the House for 1 minute and to re- percent chance that you would lose all government hoped it would lead to vise and extend his remarks.) of your money? That doesn’t sound like more gun control, but unfortunately, it Mr. WILSON of South Carolina. Mr. much of an investment. Most people led to murder. Speaker, today we will have the oppor- would call that gambling. But that is Border Patrol agent Brian Terry and tunity to vote for a solution on the im- exactly what the Federal Government ICE agent Jaime Zapata were killed by pending debt ceiling issue in Wash- is about to do in setting up the new guns that were trafficked into Mexico ington. The Cut, Cap, and Balance Act ObamaCare health care co-ops. under this operation. Rather than in- of 2011 will cut $111 billion of spending The Department of HHS will loan vestigate this ill-conceived and dan- next year; it will cap the total Federal more than $4 billion in the coming gerous operation, the Federal Govern- spending for the next 10 years; and, fi- years as an attempt to set up at least ment is doing what it does best, cre- nally, it will require the passage of a one co-op in each State. They project ating gun control regulations to solve balanced budget amendment before that 40 percent of the loans given out a problem it created. The President’s raising the national debt limit. to plan the co-ops will go into default. new discriminatory Executive order re- This year the Federal Government 35 percent of the loans to keep the co- quires border States to report pur- will spend twice the amount it spent ops solvent are also projected to go chases of two or more rifles to the just 10 years ago. The government has into default. This could add up to bil- ATF, the very agency that purposely a spending problem. It is not a lack of lions of dollars lost. and incompetently let over 2,000 guns revenue, and it must be addressed to We raised taxes by more than $1 tril- go to Mexico, 1,400 of which are still protect senior citizens. lion so that we could burn it away on

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:43 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.025 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5168 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 projects with an extremely high rate of RECOGNITION OF THE U.S. over the last couple of years: We want failure. When we take money away WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM to take our country back. Well, today, from the private sector and then burn (Ms. HOCHUL asked and was given when we’re voting on the so-called Cut, it away on government projects, the re- permission to address the House for 1 Cap, and Balance Act, we now know sult is going to be lost jobs and a strug- minute and to revise and extend her re- where they want to take our country gling economy. marks.) back to—1966. Those are the spending We need jobs, not more failed govern- Ms. HOCHUL. Mr. Speaker, while we levels that would be required if we pass ment programs. are preoccupied with the weighty Cut, Cap, and Balance. f issues of the day, we also need to take Now, there were a lot of cool things about 1966. Gas was 25 cents a gallon. MEAN-SPIRITED STINGERS a moment to acknowledge what is also good. The average car cost about $3,400, a (Mr. CLEAVER asked and was given Today I’d like to recognize an excep- new car. A home was $20,000, and eggs permission to address the House for 1 tionally strong and inspiring group of were 55 cents a dozen. It would be nice minute and to revise and extend his re- women, the United States women’s soc- if we could pay those prices again. It marks.) cer team. Despite fierce competition, would be nice if our seniors who are Mr. CLEAVER. Mr. Speaker, this is a these women overcame insurmountable cared for by doctors and hospitals very sad time for me and, I hope, for odds and made it through five rounds could rely on that kind of 1966 pricing. others. Unemployment is at 9.2 per- of play, doing us all proud. Unfortunately, they can’t. cent. For African Americans, it’s at What is most exciting to me is that So what cut, cap, and balance would 16.2. If you use the Labor Department’s two of our strongest players hail from really mean is slash, shred, and punish. U6 standards, it’s almost 30 percent. western New York: Abby Wambach, Slash the budget, shred the safety net, And all we want to do here is argue— born and raised in Rochester; and Alex and punish the American citizens who argue. can least afford it, all while protecting These are real human beings who are Morgan, who currently plays for the the wealthiest, most successful and the out here struggling. I saw a lady the Western New York Flash. These two most specially treated people in this other day working at a hotel, cleaning women gave the United States our country—our millionaires, billionaires, up, with a college degree from Howard goals, proving to be tremendous ath- oil companies, and giant corporations. University. She can’t get a job. letes that deserve our recognition. So I urge all of our colleagues to reject And so what are we going to do in thanks to Abby and Alex and the entire the reckless Republican agenda known Congress? While Congress likes to bash, team for making all western New as ‘‘cut, cap, and balance.’’ the jobless need cash. Yorkers and America proud. And I What do we need to do to get things would like to note that they work to- f gether as a team on behalf of America. going? Well, we need to stop being so b 1220 mean. Mean, that’s what we are down I think there are some lessons that here. we should take from these inspiring FREE TRADE AGREEMENTS A bumblebee cannot sting and make women, and I’d be very proud to wel- (Mr. CANSECO asked and was given honey at the same time. And what we come them to our Capitol and give permission to address the House for 1 have decided to be in Congress is a big them a tour of this distinguished body. minute.) group of 435 stingers. f Mr. CANSECO. Mr. Speaker, as I talk f SUPPORT THE CUT, CAP, AND to residents of the 23rd Congressional SEPARATING WANTS FROM NEEDS BALANCE ACT District of Texas that I have the privi- lege to represent, the top concern (Mr. LANDRY asked and was given (Mr. WALBERG asked and was given permission to address the House for 1 about which I hear is the need to cre- permission to address the House for 1 ate jobs. minute and to revise and extend his re- minute.) Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, we re- For 2 years, President Obama and marks.) Washington liberals attempted to Mr. LANDRY. Mr. Speaker, I’m new ceived word yesterday that the Presi- spend and borrow our way to a better to Washington; so sometimes I don’t dent has threatened to veto the bill we economy. It simply didn’t work. Tril- understand why this town makes ev- will consider later today, H.R. 2560, the lions of dollars later, all we have is a erything so hard. Cut, Cap, and Balance Act. As a co- For decades now, this town has sponsor of this bill, I can’t disagree national debt that every American squandered the wealth of the people of more. household has over $120,000 of its share, the United States. And, yes, it is the We have a spending problem, not a and 29 straight months of unemploy- people’s money, not Washington’s. revenue problem. For the President to ment at 8 percent or higher, the long- Our spending is 24 percent of our threaten to veto a serious proposal est streak since the Great Depression. economy. Our revenue is 15 percent. that will put our country back on the There’s another way to create jobs: And 24 is larger than 15. What we spend path to fiscal responsibility dem- Pass the pending free trade agreements is more than we take in. We have a onstrates his stubborn insistence on with Colombia, Panama, and South spending problem here. continuing reckless spending and debt. Korea. According to the Business Mr. President, stop the class warfare If the President wants to continue to Roundtable, these three agreements and end the threats to our seniors. You disregard the voice of the people, then alone will create more than 250,000 know they are the most vulnerable, he will veto this bill, despite never pre- jobs. At a time when over 14 million and it is they who have carried the bur- senting a plan of his own. Americans are unemployed, it’s time to den of this government’s reckless The President will do what he choos- put the politics aside and pass these spending for decades. es to do, but I will do what the people three job-creating agreements. The Since you refuse to lead with a plan, and our Nation’s future demand. Unless time has come to pass the Colombia, we have. I’m sorry you don’t like our we want to face even longer-term eco- Panama, and South Korea Free Trade plan, but you don’t have a plan or have nomic difficulties, the President should Agreements. not put a plan forward. reconsider his position and support this f We must get America’s fiscal house plan that cuts spending and encourages in order. To do so will require fiscal RYAN BUDGET WITH LIPSTICK IS job growth. COMING TO THE HOUSE TODAY discipline and sacrifices. We must sepa- f rate our wants from our needs. This (Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia asked and bill forces us to do that. BACK TO 1966 was given permission to address the It is the responsible thing to do, and (Mr. YARMUTH asked and was given House for 1 minute and to revise and it is the only way to guarantee the fu- permission to address the House for 1 extend his remarks.) ture solvency of the United States and minute.) Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. Cut, Cap, the protection of our citizens from an Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, we’ve and Balance is not a jobs bill; it’s a job- out-of-control government. heard at rallies all across the country killing bill. It’s a new way of trying to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:43 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.029 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5169 ramrod the Ryan budget proposal down We are still counting the losses from food, $100 a year more on gas. Do you our throats. It’s the Ryan budget with the BP oil spill, but we know that com- get it? lipstick, and it’s really just slash-and- panies like BP get $4 billion in tax sub- f burn politics with a new face. sidies every year. That’s what I call a WASHINGTON HAS A SPENDING Today, the Republicans will vote disaster. On the other hand, the stim- PROBLEM unanimously for this draconian slash- ulus bill saved over 400,000 jobs. Over and-burn Ryan budget plan that they 6,000 of those educational jobs are in (Mr. TIPTON asked and was given now call ‘‘Cut, Cap, and Balance.’’ For Louisiana and 48,000 in Florida. Does permission to address the House for 1 the third time, the Republicans will that sound like a disaster to you? minute and to revise and extend his re- vote unanimously to cut Medicare and Today I will place in the CONGRES- marks.) change Social Security to a voucher SIONAL RECORD the latest breakdown of Mr. TIPTON. Mr. Speaker, I just got program that puts our seniors at the the educational jobs saved by the stim- off the phone with a constituent of mercy of the for-profit insurance com- ulus. mine, Tom Abbot, a small businessman panies. And that’s real. f who cares about his family, cares about We need jobs and economic growth, his business, the people that he works THE CUT, CAP, AND BALANCE ACT not cut, cap and balance, which is, with. He asked a very simple question: again, just slash-and-burn politics, the (Mr. MCKINLEY asked and was given I have to live within my budget; why Ryan budget proposal with lipstick. permission to address the House for 1 doesn’t Washington? And that’s the real deal. That’s realer minute.) The plan that we have put forward than ‘‘Real Deal Holyfield.’’ Mr. MCKINLEY. Mr. Speaker, the would take over a 10-year period, cap- f size of our debt is the greatest threat ping the spending at 18 percent. As to our Nation’s economy, and it inhib- Americans, I think we need to ask the MR. PRESIDENT, IT’S TIME FOR A its the creation of jobs, jobs needed in question: Have we had an 18 percent in- PLAN West Virginia and all across America. crease in our family budgets year over (Mr. AUSTRIA asked and was given But there is a plan to correct this. The year? I think the answer is no. permission to address the House for 1 Cut, Cap, and Balance Act, which I’m I’d like to quote for you some of the minute and to revise and extend his re- cosponsoring, lays out a clear and re- President’s plan to deal with the eco- marks.) sponsible vision for solving our debt nomic challenges that we face. There is Mr. AUSTRIA. Mr. Speaker, our Na- limit crisis. not one. The silence is deafening. tion is facing a debt crisis that threat- President Obama must realize that My friends, the American people ex- ens our economy, our national secu- his request to raise the debt ceiling pect more. The American people de- rity, and our children’s future. without fundamental spending reforms serve better. Washington does not have This administration continues to is a non-starter. I won’t deny that the an income problem; it has a spending borrow and spend money we don’t have. President inherited a bad economic sit- problem. And the time for us to speak They just don’t get it. Our debt crisis uation, but he made it worse. His failed on behalf of the American people is is not because of taxing too little, but stimulus program, the job-killing costs now. a result of Washington spending too of ObamaCare, and the billions of dol- f much and pushing the bill to the Amer- lars added to our country’s spending b 1230 ican people, both now and for future through expanded programs have all generations. Our children will owe ap- contributed to the trillion dollars of MEDICARE’S SUCCESSFUL ANTI- proximately $45,000 to our creditors, new debt we are faced with today. POVERTY PROGRAM and that’s unacceptable. It’s time to get serious and solve the (Ms. HANABUSA asked and was I know folks back home in Ohio and problem. We have a plan. Let’s pass given permission to address the House across this Nation are tightening their Cut, Cap, and Balance today. for 1 minute.) own belts and must live within their f Ms. HANABUSA. Mr. Speaker, July means. It’s time the Federal Govern- ECONOMIC CONSEQUENCES OF is a month to celebrate birthdays, the ment does the same with Americans’ DEFAULT independence of this Nation, and the hard-earned tax dollars. 46th birthday of Medicare. Medicare is The solution begins with the Cut, (Ms. MOORE asked and was given the best health care program ever and Cap, and Balance bill—cut spending permission to address the House for 1 the most successful anti-poverty pro- now, live within our means by capping minute and to revise and extend her re- gram. future spending, and move towards a marks.) So the question we should all be ask- balanced budget amendment. Ms. MOORE. Mr. Speaker, you’ve ing ourselves is, why then do the Re- Mr. President, we have a debt crisis heard the so-called ‘‘experts’’ predict publicans want to do away with Medi- and it’s time for a plan now. the economic consequences of default care as we know it? And the answer f on the debt, but your question is, what probably is because we have forgotten does this have to do with me? And SUCCESS OF STIMULUS what Medicare was meant to do. GWEN, can you please tell me what this Prior to 1965, 44 percent of our sen- (Ms. BROWN of Florida asked and means in plain English? For example, iors had no health care. Now 40 million was given permission to address the the Federal Reserve analysis that de- are enrolled. Before 1965, 40 percent of House for 1 minute and to revise and fault would cause point increases in those 65 and older were at or below the extend her remarks.) Treasury yields. Translation: Every poverty level. Now only 10 percent fall Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, point increase means the loss of hun- in that category. Life expectancy was last week, during the debate on dis- dreds of thousands of jobs—your job. 70.2 years. Now it is 78.2 years of age. aster relief funding, a Republican from The economist William Seyfried said So we should ask ourselves: Why do we Louisiana called the stimulus bill a a 1 percent change in GDP growth cor- want to touch Medicare as we know it? ‘‘disaster.’’ I wonder if the victims of relates with .4 percent total employ- Medicare has done what we needed it to disasters such as the BP spill or Hurri- ment change. Translation: Every per- do. cane Katrina would agree. Let’s com- centage loss of GDP means 640,000 lost Happy birthday, Medicare. pare. jobs—your jobs. f Katrina destroyed about 400,000 jobs Default permanently raises the inter- and caused $100 billion in damages. The est rates, says J.P. Morgan, and they CUT, CAP, AND BALANCE PLAN stimulus bill gave $237 billion in tax estimate that interest rates could rise (Mr. HENSARLING asked and was breaks to 95 percent of American work- 75 to 100 basis points. Translation: given permission to address the House ers. According to the CBO, the stim- Mortgages rise $1,000; credit card inter- for 1 minute and to revise and extend ulus bill saved or created 3.3 million est rises by $250. And the decline of the his remarks.) jobs this year alone. Does that sound value of the dollar. Translation: $182 Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, like a disaster, Mr. Speaker? extra on your utilities, $318 a year on every day in my district in Texas, I

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:43 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.031 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5170 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 hear from small business people who tended Onondaga Community College within our means. This crisis is not tell me, I’m afraid to hire new workers for a year before enlisting in the Ma- just a problem for the future; it is because I think this national debt will rine Corps in 2008. Corporal Schneider hurting job creation today. We must end up bankrupting my business, not to is survived by his parents, Richard and focus on establishing an environment mention my country. Lorie Schneider; a brother, Kevin; and that will help create jobs. The Cut, The American people are saying to his fiancee, Theresa Lynn Dodge of Cap, and Balance plan does just that. Washington, quit spending money we West Columbia, Texas. f don’t have. Corporal Schneider was a proud and So today, House Republicans will valiant marine. But he was also a son, REJECT THE CUT, CAP, AND bring to the floor the Cut, Cap, and a brother, a grandson, a fiancee, friend, BALANCE ACT Balance plan. Cut Federal spending at and comrade. He will be greatly (Mr. PAYNE asked and was given least back to its 2008 levels. Who is missed, and no words will diminish the permission to address the House for 1 going around saying government grief of those who knew and loved him. minute and to revise and extend his re- wasn’t big enough before Barack In his death, he has earned the thanks marks.) Obama came here? of a grateful Nation. Mr. PAYNE. Mr. Speaker, I am Cap it. Let’s make sure government f pleased to join my colleagues today to address H.R. 2560, the Cut, Cap, and doesn’t grow beyond our ability to pay REJECT CUT, CAP, AND BALANCE for it. Balance Act. And then balance. Small businesses, (Mr. BRALEY of Iowa asked and was House Republicans are bringing to families, States, everyone has to bal- given permission to address the House the floor H.R. 2560, which is another at- ance their budget except for the Fed- for 1 minute.) tempt to enact the policies embedded Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. Wake up, eral Government. Is there any mystery in their budget resolution. However, America. We are going to be voting why we have $14 trillion of debt? There this act is even more extreme because today on a bill that has never seen a is no other credible plan on the table it mandates that the House and Senate committee hearing. It has never been that avoids default and solves the prob- approve a constitutional amendment the subject of a markup in any com- lem. imposing their political philosophy. mittee, and there are going to be no The Senate, 800 days, no budget. The While House Democrats have pushed amendments to this bill. The Repub- President, he gives us a speech, not a for a balanced approach to minimize licans are calling this their Cut, Cap, plan. And the only thing he has put on the deficit, Republican Members have and Balance bill. But in reality, it is the table is more job-killing tax in- pushed forward with a plan to end gut, gap, and handcuff. Medicare in order to preserve tax creases on small businesses. Gut: There is no way to get to their Mr. Speaker, that doesn’t work. It is breaks for special interests, Big Oil, numbers of deficit reduction without and corporations that transport jobs time for cut, cap, and balance. seriously gutting Medicare, Social Se- f abroad. Throughout the process of ne- curity, and Medicaid. No way. gotiations, House Democrats have fo- Gap: Their policies are going to fur- MAKE AMERICANS DEBT FREE cused on protecting Medicare, ther widen the income gap between (Mr. CLARKE of Michigan asked and strengthening the middle class, and middle class Americans and the richest was given permission to address the creating jobs. America’s middle class Americans by perpetuating a policy House for 1 minute and to revise and and seniors will suffer the most as the that has allowed that to exist for the extend his remarks.) GOP continues to stand in the way of a last 10 years. Mr. CLARKE of Michigan. Mr. And handcuff: You would be speaking reasonable, balanced deficit reduction Speaker, I’m asking this Congress to German, Japanese, or Russian if this agreement. The national unemployment rate is cut the true tax that is really crushing balanced budget amendment was in ef- down to 9.1 percent; however, 8.8 mil- Americans, that is preventing real job fect during World War II and during lion jobs were lost. So I ask that we re- growth and robbing our people of finan- the Cold War, because during World ject this bill coming up. cial security. I am asking this Congress War II we had debt in this country that on certain loans to cut mortgages down was 120 percent of our GDP, and in the f to home values. For certain student dawn of the Cold War, it was 100 per- b 1240 loan borrowers, let’s forgive those stu- cent of our GDP. TIME FOR A BALANCED BUDGET dent loans. That is why this bill doesn’t make AMENDMENT This Congress is responsible for the sense for America. I urge my col- American people in large part being in leagues to reject it. (Mr. NUGENT asked and was given the debt that they are in. We deregu- f permission to address the House for 1 lated many financial institutions that minute and to revise and extend his re- recklessly put the American people in ENACT CUT, CAP, AND BALANCE marks.) debt. The one powerful way to restore (Mr. BILIRAKIS asked and was given Mr. NUGENT. Mr. Speaker, 49 States our economy and create jobs is to permission to address the House for 1 do it. Counties do it. Cities do it. Now make sure Americans personally are minute.) it’s time for the Federal Government debt free. Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, today to do it—to pass a balanced budget f the House will vote to enact a Cut, amendment. It is about passing a bal- Cap, and Balance plan to put an end to anced budget amendment and getting HONORING MARINE CORPORAL the spending-driven debt that has crip- this Nation back on track to meet our KYLE SCHNEIDER pled our economy. obligations, our spending obligations, (Ms. BUERKLE asked and was given There has been a lot of talk about but also to match it with what we permission to address the House for 1 getting our fiscal house in order. While bring in and collect in taxes and reve- minute.) some in Washington would like to sim- nues. Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, it is ply fix up the front yard, today’s pro- Mr. Speaker, it’s time for a balanced with great sadness that I wish to in- posal will give our fiscal house a new budget amendment. form the House of Representatives that foundation and fundamentally reform f on June 30, 2011, Marine Corporal Kyle the way that our government spends Schneider of Phoenix, New York, in money. This plan incorporates real A PERVERSION OF THE Onondaga County was killed by an im- spending cuts today, places limits on CONSTITUTION provised explosive device while serving Federal spending for coming years, and (Mr. POLIS asked and was given per- in Helmand province, Afghanistan. advances a balanced budget amend- mission to address the House for 1 Corporal Schneider was born in Syra- ment to address our debt crisis and minute and to revise and extend his re- cuse and lived in Baldwinsville, New kick-start our economy. marks.) York, for most of his life. He was a The bottom line is that we have to Mr. POLIS. Mr. Speaker, what is graduate of Baker High School and at- reduce our spending and start living being talked about today in terms of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:46 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.033 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5171 inserting language into our United S. Con. Res. 25. Concurrent resolution wel- floor and say, Just raise the debt ceil- States Constitution that constrains fis- coming the independence of the Republic of ing. As you know, Mr. Speaker, we’ve cal policy is nothing more and nothing South Sudan, congratulating the people of had that vote. We brought a clean debt less than a perversion of our demo- South Sudan for freely and peacefully ex- limit vote to the floor. I would say for pressing their will through an internation- cratic Republic. To take a major power ally accepted referendum, and calling on the the sake of all the young people we’re away from the people of this country Governments and people of Sudan and South blessed to have here in the gallery with and replace it with an arbitrary per- Sudan to peacefully resolve outstanding us today, Mr. Speaker, we voted ‘‘no.’’ centage, 18, 19.7 percent, whatever that issues including the final status of Abyei. We defeated that clean debt ceiling to percentage is that is proposed to put f say, no, we cannot simply extend into the Constitution as a percentage America’s line of credit. We must take PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION of GNP to spend on government, takes action to bend that curve of debt. Now OF H.R. 2560, CUT, CAP, AND BAL- a basic power away from the people to that was this House acting, Mr. Speak- ANCE ACT OF 2011 elect Representatives to have those er. discussions. Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, by di- Last week, America’s credit rating That’s what we’re here for. Should it rection of the Committee on Rules, I agencies joined in that debate. I read be 18 percent? 22 percent? 19 percent? 15 call up House Resolution 355 and ask to you from Moody’s last week: percent? Let’s debate that and let the for its immediate consideration. ‘‘While the debt ceiling has been House and let the people of this coun- The Clerk read the resolution, as fol- raised numerous times in the past and try work their will. To put that into lows: the issue has sometimes been conten- the United States Constitution in an H. RES. 355 tious, bond interest and principal pay- arbitrary figure without a single hear- Resolved, That upon the adoption of this ments have always been paid on time. ing, without a single discussion, be- resolution it shall be in order to consider in If the debt limit is raised again and de- sides 1 hour of debate here on the floor the House the bill (H.R. 2560) to cut, cap, and fault is avoided, a AAA rating would of the House, is a perversion of the balance the Federal budget. All points of likely be confirmed.’’ very Constitution that we began this order against consideration of the bill are That’s what we hear all too often, waived. The bill shall be considered as read. session by reading into the RECORD of Mr. Speaker. What we don’t hear is the House. All points of order against provisions in the bill are waived. The previous question shall this second sentence: f be considered as ordered on the bill to final ‘‘However, the outlook assigned at CUT, CAP, AND BALANCE passage without intervening motion except: that time would very likely be changed (1) four hours of debate equally divided and to negative unless a substantial and (Mr. SCALISE asked and was given controlled by the chair and ranking minority credible agreement is achieved on a permission to address the House for 1 member of the Committee on the Budget; budget that includes long-term deficit minute.) and (2) one motion to recommit. reduction. To retain a stable outlook, Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, over the The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. such an agreement should include a last few months, we’ve heard a lot of WOMACK). The gentleman from Georgia deficit trajectory that leads to sta- speeches about fiscal responsibility. is recognized for 1 hour. Today, here on the floor of the House bilization and then decline in the ratio Mr. WOODALL. I thank you, Mr. of the Federal Government debt to of Representatives, we’re going to give Speaker. Members of Congress the opportunity GDP.’’ For the purpose of debate only, I Mr. Speaker, that may be a lot of to put their money where their mouth would like to yield the customary 30 bond analyst speak, but what that is. minutes to my friend from Massachu- The cut, cap, and balance plan actu- means in simple terms is, if we do setts (Mr. MCGOVERN), pending which I ally imposes real cuts to spending nothing as a Nation, our credit rating yield myself such time as I may con- today. It puts caps on future growth, will be downgraded, and if we simply sume. During consideration of this res- and it says that we’re going to put an raise the debt limit and do nothing to olution, all time yielded is for the pur- amendment in the Constitution that get a handle on our debt, our credit pose of debate only. requires the Federal Government to do rating will also be downgraded. That’s what States and families do, and that’s GENERAL LEAVE Moody’s, Mr. Speaker. actually balance the budget. Mr. WOODALL. I ask unanimous con- S&P writes the same thing last week: Yet yesterday, the President comes sent that all Members may have 5 leg- ‘‘We view an inability to timely out and says he would veto this plan. islative days to revise and extend their agree and credibly implement medium- Well, of course, this is a President who remarks. term fiscal consolidation policy as in- said he wants commissions to balance The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there consistent with a AAA solvent rating, the budget, who blames other people objection to the request of the gen- given the expected government debt for the problems in Washington, who tleman from Georgia? trajectory noted above.’’ makes you think that the corporate jet There was no objection. Mr. Speaker, that’s what we’re talk- owners are going to mysteriously bal- Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, House ing about today. Just cutting doesn’t ance the budget. Resolution 355 provides a closed rule get it done. We’ve got some debt limit This is a real proposal that actually for consideration of H.R. 2560, the Cut, issues that we’ve got to deal with. Just gets us back to a balanced budget. The Cap, and Balance Act of 2011. The rule capping doesn’t get it done. We’ve still President, I think, has shown that he’s provides for 4 hours of general debate got some debt limit issues that we’ve not serious about addressing the prob- on the underlying bill and grants the got to deal with. Just balancing lem of out-of-control spending. It’s not minority party a motion to recommit, doesn’t get it done. We’ve still got debt that we’re taxed too little in this coun- with or without instructions. limit issues that we have to deal with. try; it’s that Washington spends too Mr. Speaker, we are at a seminal mo- But, Mr. Speaker, just raising the debt much. ment in our Nation’s history. When I limit doesn’t get it done either. Cut, cap, and balance actually ad- turn on the television, when I read the It requires cutting, it requires cap- dresses the problem and puts fiscal san- newspapers, I get a lot of advice. Folks ping, it requires balancing, and it re- ity back in Washington where it’s des- say act: act to raise the debt ceiling, quires raising the debt limit. perately needed. act to cut spending, act to balance the We have brought that resolution to f budget. the floor today. Mr. Speaker, while so Mr. Speaker, today we are here to do many other folks in this town are con- MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE all of those things—cut, cap, balance, tent to talk, to pontificate, to share A message from the Senate by Ms. and with it increase the debt ceiling in their wisdom with absolutely any tele- Curtis, one of its clerks, announced order to allow this country to continue vision camera who will listen, this that the Senate has agreed to a concur- its good line of credit. House moves forward legislation that rent resolution of the following title in But, Mr. Speaker, that line of credit describes line by line by line, in painful which the concurrence of the House is is not something we can take for grant- detail, what we will do to restore requested: ed. Too often, I hear folks come to the America’s fiscal house.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:46 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.038 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5172 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 I’m proud to be a cosponsor of this structure, all while protecting tax cuts ify that, I am pleased to yield 2 min- legislation. I’m proud to be a member for the very wealthiest Americans and utes to my friend from the Rules Com- of the Rules Committee that has re- corporations. The bill would require us mittee, the gentleman from Florida ported this rule to the floor today. I to cut Federal spending as a percentage (Mr. NUGENT). rise in strong support of this rule, Mr. of GDP to a level not seen since 1965. Mr. NUGENT. I thank my fellow Speaker. And we had a very interesting discus- Rules Committee member, the gen- I reserve the balance of my time. sion in the Rules Committee last night tleman from Georgia. Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I want about the significance of that date. One I rise in support of both the rule, H. to thank the gentleman from Georgia, of my Republican colleagues noted that Res. 355, and the underlying legisla- my friend, Mr. WOODALL, for yielding 1965 was a time when we enacted some tion, H.R. 2560. me the customary 30 minutes, and I of our ‘‘so-called anti-poverty pro- Mr. Speaker, there’s no way to get yield myself 5 minutes. grams.’’ And she’s exactly right, Mr. around it: Washington has a spending (Mr. MCGOVERN asked and was Speaker. addiction. The unchecked, out-of-con- given permission to revise and extend Apparently, the Republican leader- trol spending has gone on for decades. his remarks.) ship would like to take America back Regardless of what party controlled Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to a time before Medicare, before Med- the White House or Congress, Wash- in strong opposition to this closed rule icaid, before food stamps and school ington spent, spent, and spent some and in even stronger opposition to the lunches, before Meals on Wheels and more. And although throughout his underlying bill. This is a closed rule. Head Start and Pell Grants. If that’s campaign President Obama promised a My friend from Georgia (Mr. their vision for America, Mr. Speaker, ‘‘net spending cut,’’ that hasn’t hap- WOODALL) was on the floor last week they should have the guts to stand on pened. In fact, he’s kept on spending telling us how excited he was as we de- the floor and say so. But it’s not my vi- and adding trillions of dollars to our bated a modified open rule for a flood sion. It’s not the vision of the people I debt, and that’s why we’re in the situa- insurance bill. My friend talked about represent in Massachusetts. It’s not tion we are today, debating raising our how proud he was of the open process the vision of the American people who debt ceiling once again. that allowed Members to offer germane believe that in the richest society in Mr. Speaker, I don’t want to raise amendments to the bill. But here we the history of the world we have an ob- the debt ceiling. Instead, I want our are today considering legislation that ligation to make sure that the most Nation to get real with the spending would fundamentally transform the vulnerable among us don’t fall through and make some changes. H.R. 2560 isn’t United States economy, gut many of the cracks. the easy choice, but it’s the right the programs like Social Security and At the same time, this bill would go choice, and that’s why I’m cosponsor of Medicare that millions of Americans out of its way to enshrine in the Con- this critical piece of legislation. rely upon, and make radical changes to stitution of the United States to pro- H.R. 2560 raises the debt ceiling, the Constitution, and the Republican tect tax cuts and loopholes for the something I’m willing to say most of majority of the Rules Committee has richest 1 percent of Americans. Under my Republican colleagues and I decid- brought it to the floor under a closed this bill, Congress would need a mere edly do not want to do. In return, rule. No hearings. No witnesses. No majority to slash Medicare, but would though, H.R. 2560 implements spending markups. No nothing. need a supermajority to close a loop- cuts for this year and caps for the next hole that gives preferential treatment 10 years. b 1250 to owners of corporate jets. Talk about But we all know statutory budget This bill was cobbled together last picking winners and losers, Mr. Speak- cuts from past Congresses don’t mean Friday night and rushed to the floor er. an awful lot, which is why H.R. 2560 just a few days later. I wonder if my In the ongoing budget negotiations, also calls for Congress to pass and send friend from Georgia is just as excited the Republican leadership of this House to the States a balanced budget amend- about this process, because I’m sure have said that they will absolutely not ment. Such an amendment would real- not. consider raising any revenue to address ly hold Washington’s feet to the fire. It Last night in the Rules Committee, I the deficit and the debt, but listen to would mean the U.S. Constitution pro- offered my friends on the other side of this: According to news reports, hibits the Federal Government from the aisle the opportunity to put their they’re willing to force seniors receiv- spending more than it collects. votes where their rhetoric is and sup- ing Medicare home health care to fork The SPEAKER pro tempore. The port an open rule. They chose to vote over new copays. So if an elderly time of the gentleman has expired. ‘‘no.’’ Every single Republican member woman in Worcester with diabetes has Mr. WOODALL. I yield the gen- on the Rules Committee voted ‘‘no.’’ to pay more for a visiting nurse, the tleman an additional 30 seconds. As for the underlying legislation, Mr. Republicans say so be it. But heaven Mr. NUGENT. Now that, Mr. Speak- Speaker, I can’t quite figure out if this forbid that oil companies making bil- er, is a balanced budget amendment to is a meaningless exercise in political lions and billions of dollars in profits the United States Constitution. That’s theater or an actual expression of Re- have to pay their fair share. Maybe real action. It’s the real change and ac- publican values. Frankly, I can’t figure they’ll call those new copays ‘‘user countability in government that Amer- out which is worse. If it’s theater, it fees’’ so that Grover Norquist and the ica needs and deserves. Mr. Speaker, we would get lousy reviews. Both the Club for Growth will give them a pass. need a balanced budget amendment. White House and the Senate have made But tell the woman in Worcester who The President has yet to send to this it very clear that they have no interest will be forced to go into a nursing body anything in writing. All we’ve re- in supporting this bill. It’s not going home that her taxes didn’t go up. ceived is a speech and rhetoric. We anywhere. Maybe it’s just a rotten Mr. Speaker, this is an awful, awful need to move this country forward. We piece of red meat that the leadership is bill brought to the floor under an need a balanced budget amendment. throwing to their right-wing base in awful, awful process. I urge my col- We need to pass H.R. 2560. anticipation of an actual agreement to leagues on both sides of the aisle to re- Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield raise the debt ceiling and cut the def- ject this cynical effort and get back to 3 minutes to the gentleman from Colo- icit. If so, it’s a complete waste of this work and meaningfully address the rado, a member of the Rules Com- body’s time. But if the Republican budget issues facing this Nation. Time mittee, Mr. POLIS. leadership means what they say, that is running out. We need to get to work Mr. POLIS. I thank the gentleman they would like this bill to become the to seriously resolve this crisis. Reject from Massachusetts for the time. law of the land, it’s a frightening pros- this bill. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to pect. I reserve the balance of my time. the rule and the underlying bill before This legislation would result in stag- Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I’m us. gering cuts to programs like Social Se- confused about whether time is run- Mr. Speaker, I support a balanced curity, Medicare, Medicaid, Pell ning out or about whether we’re mov- budget amendment, but what the ma- Grants, medical research, and infra- ing too quickly here today, but to clar- jority has brought before the House is

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:46 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.040 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5173 not even close to a balanced budget mocracy itself should be treated more Congress that was sent here by the amendment. This is a political exercise seriously than this. The concept of en- American people to turn things designed to soothe the feelings of the shrining a particular percentage of around—and the American people are most radical conservative elements in public expenditures as a percentage of awake, Mr. Speaker. They are watch- the House and debase our Constitution GDP is contrary to the concept of a ing us, and they are tired of Democrats and our democracy in the process. democratic republic in which Congress telling them that 2+2=13. If Democrats Cut, cap, and balance is simply an at- is elected by the people of this country and the President are not willing to tempt to slash, burn, and deny respon- to govern this country. give the American people this chance sibility for the deficit and debt limit For these reasons and others, I by helping Republicans pass a balanced crisis and distort the nature of our strongly urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on the rule budget amendment in this Congress, democratic Republic, reducing the abil- and the bill. the resulting consequences will be ity of Congress to represent the will of Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I am theirs alone, and I believe the people the voters of this country and ren- pleased to yield 3 minutes to a gen- will hold them accountable. dering elections and the public will tleman who held a very persuasive Spe- By passing this Cut, Cap, and Bal- meaningless. cial Order on this topic last night, the ance bill along with the balanced budg- If we’re going to enact a balanced gentleman from Arizona (Mr. FRANKS). et amendment, we can restore con- budget amendment, it should be prag- Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. I certainly fidence in the American economy in matic. It should be modeled after the thank the gentleman for yielding. markets here and across the world. We type of approach that most States Mr. Speaker, all financial budgets can see more revenue come into these have. States have to balance their will eventually balance. No individual, coffers than has ever happened in the budget. Families have to balance their no family, no business, and no govern- history of the Nation, and we can set budget. Why shouldn’t the United ment can indefinitely continue to this country on a new road to the States Congress? Like many people on spend more money than they take in brightest days it has ever seen. It is my side of the aisle, I could support without someone having to make up something that is truly an opportunity language that would require and en- the difference. Mr. Speaker, that in- beyond our dreams. This is the time to shrine that total outlays do not exceed cludes the Federal budget of the United do it, and by the grace of God, that’s total receipts. That’s what it means to States. exactly what we intend to do. balance a budget, as families and busi- Neither Mr. Obama nor congressional Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, let’s nesses across America know. Democrats can repeal the laws of be clear. Under the Republican plan, Instead, the proposal before the mathematics. The Federal budget of they will cut Social Security and Medi- House is a recipe for tying the Nation’s the United States Government will care by $6,000 per senior citizen. Talk budget policy in knots and handing eventually balance. The question is about a tax increase. power over the budget process to a mi- whether the White House and those of At this point, I would like to yield 1 nority of the House Members or us in this body will balance this budget minute to the gentlewoman from Texas unelected Federal judges. It would ourselves by wise policy or whether na- (Ms. JACKSON LEE). make the entire Congress cease to tional bankruptcy and financial ruin Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I thank function as a representative body by will do it for us. the gentleman very much for yielding. locking them into arbitrary percent- From the day Barack Obama walked I am just overwhelmed with the ages that were set without a single into the White House, his breath- words ‘‘breathtakingly arrogant poli- hearing or any process in our United takingly arrogant policies have abso- cies.’’ I am literally shocked, and let States Constitution as a public expend- lutely ignored economic and financial me tell you why. iture share of GNP. reality. It took America the first 216 When you want to understand, my If you require a supermajority for years of its existence to accumulate Republican friends, why we’re in the even the smallest possible increase in the debt that Barack Obama has accu- position we’re in, what about the 37.5 revenue, you’ve essentially ensured mulated in the short 21⁄2-year span of percent of the debt being the Bush-era that all the major pieces of legislation his Presidency. He rammed a nearly $1 tax cuts of which this bill and any of that Congress has passed would never trillion government takeover of health your negotiations don’t in any way have passed. If this amendment were in care down the throats of the American suggest revenue?—which the American place in 1965, Congress never would people, and he spent another nearly $1 people understand. have passed Medicare. In 1993, we trillion on a failed government-based Arrogant policies by the President? wouldn’t have passed President Clin- boondoggle for economic stimulus. The Recovery and Reinvestment was ton’s deficit reduction plan and bal- During his short time in office, he has only 5.2 percent, creating 3 million anced the budget, or the 1997 balanced increased our Federal debt by nearly $4 jobs. Let me say that again: 3 million budget agreement under President trillion in new debt, and now he says jobs. The economic downturn came Bush. we will have $1 trillion-plus deficits about with the Iraq war and others. Furthermore, the spending caps that ‘‘for years to come.’’ So, today, my friends come on the this bill sets for spending are com- Then, when speaking of the effort to floor of the House with the Cut, Cap, pletely arbitrary. They’re pulled out of reduce the deficit, the President has and Balance. As a member of the Judi- thin air. They bear no relation to our the hubris to tell conservative Repub- ciary Committee, let me suggest to you national needs now or in the future. licans to take a balanced approach and that the amendments that were put in A balanced budget amendment must to eat our peas. To that, I would just the bill have destroyed any sense of treat outlays and revenues equally, not say to the President: Please pull up a balance to the balanced budget amend- bias one or the other in the Constitu- chair, sir. We are ready to eat our peas, ment. tion itself, our fundamental governing and we need help. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The document. This Cut, Cap, and Balance bill is ac- time of the gentlewoman has expired. The majority is not only ignoring the tually a solution to America’s problem. Mr. MCGOVERN. I yield the gentle- realities of basic math, they’re turning It does not cut Social Security. It does woman an additional 1 minute. their backs on the pledges of an open not cut Medicare. It does not cut com- Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I have a process. This bill was brought to the pensation to our men and women in new name for the bill, the bill which floor rapidly through the Rules Com- uniform by one dime; but the balanced tap dances around the question of rev- mittee yesterday, without a markup, budget amendment it proposes does enue and lifting the debt ceiling, which without hearings, without witness tes- give us an honest chance of reforming was done 60-plus times over America’s timony, and without allowing amend- and saving those programs and our lifetime with Reagan, Carter, President ments from Republicans or Democrats. country from bankruptcy in the future. Bush and President Bush, and Clinton. Mr. Speaker, this is not the Demo- So it’s the ‘‘Tap Dance, Losers’ Club b 1300 crat Congress of last year that gave a and Bust the benefits bill.’’ The losers A bill of this magnitude with such standing ovation to a $2 trillion in- are seniors and young people and those far-reaching consequences for our de- crease in our debt limit. This is the who need Social Security and those

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:46 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.042 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5174 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 who are disabled. Then, finally, instead and is a testament to the seriousness with ened by default and foreclosures would cause of the balanced budget amendment, it which we must approach this issue. However, a further depression of home values, destroy- is the bust the benefits of those who this time around, my Republican colleagues ing whatever equity families might have left in are in need and of the young people have created an impasse based upon an ideo- their homes after the housing crisis. Moreover, who are looking forward to a pros- logical commitment to spending cuts. While I the long-term effects would reduce spending perous future and expanded opportuni- understand and share the concern of my Re- and investment in the housing market. ties in this Nation. publican colleagues with respect to deficit Republicans are attempting to place into our What do we need?—not the Cut, Cap, spending, and will continue to work with them constitution the requirement that we balance and Balance. It in no way invests in in order to find reductions, now is not the time the budget every year. In reality, achieving a America. It in no way ends the tax to put ideology over pragmatism. The reality is balanced budget is not something that should loopholes that are part of our increas- that, on August 3rd, the United States will automatically be required every year. For ex- ing debt. It will block the United begin to default on its debt obligations if the ample, during economic downturns, the gov- States Congress from closing the loop- debt ceiling is not raised. ernment can stimulate growth by cutting taxes holes of those who make billions of dol- This detour into a spending debate is as un- and increasing spending. A constitutional lars every 3 months. We need innova- necessary as it is perilous, as increasing the amendment requiring us to cut spending to tion, infrastructure and education. debt ceiling does not obligate the undertaking match revenue every year would limit our abil- That equals jobs. of any new spending by the Federal Govern- ity to respond to changing fiscal conditions Parents, I don’t want to see the end ment. Rather, raising the debt limit simply al- and would dramatically impede federal re- of your children’s opportunities by lows the government to pay existing legal obli- sponses to high unemployment as well as fed- closing elementary and high schools gations promised to debt holders that were al- eral guarantees for food and medical assist- and by disallowing them from going to ready agreed to by Presidents and Con- ance. college. That is what this bill is—not gresses, both past and present. As it stands, H.J. Res. 1 requires spending to cut, not to cap, not to balance. It’s Moreover, the impending crisis would have cuts even deeper than those in this bill; in fact, the ‘‘Tap Dance, Losers’ Club, and Bust already occurred were it not for the extraor- it requires that spending be cut to the levels the Benefits of the American People dinary measures taken by Treasury Secretary in the Republican Study Committee budget, bill.’’ Let me suggest to you that these Timothy Geithner, including the suspension of levels that were so extreme that fewer than are the losers of this bill. Don’t support the investment in securities to finance the Civil half of House Republicans voted for that budg- a bill that will cause the American peo- Service Retirement and Disability Fund, as et. Finally, requiring a two-thirds vote to ap- ple to lose the American Dream. well as the redemption of a portion of those prove revenue increases creates a barrier to I rise today in opposition to H.R. 2560, the securities already held by that fund. fixing inequities in our tax code by protecting ‘‘Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011,’’ which If the United States defaults on its obliga- more than $1 trillion in spending through the attempts to resolve our budget ceiling crisis by tions on August 3rd, the stock market will tax code—spending that often benefits special authorizing an increase in the debt limit while react violently to the news that for the first interests, like owners of corporate jets—and implementing spending cuts, caps on future time in history, America is unable to keep its well-to-do Americans. spending, and requiring an amendment to the promises to pay. Not once in American history H.R. 2560 cuts $111 billion in FY 2012, Constitution. While I support bipartisan efforts has the country’s full faith and credit been places firm caps on future spending, and is to increase the debt limit, I cannot support a called into question. contingent upon House and Senate passage bill that is a clear attempt to enact the policies Once America defaults, investors who pur- of a Balanced Budget Amendment. embedded in the Republican budget resolution chase U.S. bonds and finance our government H.R. 2560, is yet another attempt to enact and to then enshrine the Republican budget in will be less likely to lend to America in the fu- the policies that Republicans approved with our Nation’s Constitution. ture. Just as a person who defaults on a loan their budget resolution this spring—to end the This bill should be called the ‘‘Tap Dance, will find it harder to convince banks to lend Medicare guarantee while continuing tax Loser Club, and Bust Bill.’’ It tap dances them money in the future, a country that de- breaks for special interests and the wealthy. It around raising our debt ceiling and acting in a faults on its debt obligations will find it harder requires immediate and steep spending cuts responsible manner to pay our Nation’s debt to convince investors to lend money to a gov- starting this October that will put more Ameri- obligations. Our Nation will be joining the los- ernment that did not pay. Showing the world cans out of work while the country is still re- ers club by threatening to eliminate important that the United States does not pay its debts covering from the worst recession since the social programs such as Medicaid, Medicare, makes the purchasing of that debt less desir- Great Depression. It caps total spending—in- Social Security, and Pell grants. There has able because it requires the assumption of cluding mandatory spending programs, such been a theme this Congress of focusing on more risk on the part of the investors. as unemployment benefits, that are designed cutting programs for the most at need and ig- Furthermore, any investors that do continue to grow when the economy is bad—for fiscal noring the need to focus on job creation. This to purchase U.S. Treasury bonds will demand years 2013–2021 at lower percentages of the bill busts the hopes and dreams of our chil- much higher interest rates in order to cover economy (Gross Domestic Product, or GDP). dren, seniors, and military families. It busts the the increased risk. Once a default occurs, in- While it is clear that the country cannot con- hopes to grow our Nation in the future. H.R. vestors figure that the chance of the United tinue on an unsustainable fiscal path, the bill 2560 has earned the name the ‘‘Tap Dance, States defaulting again is much greater, and limits spending to a percentage of GDP that Loser Club, and Bust Bill.’’ I will call it that will require the government to pay higher rates the country has rarely achieved in the past. from this point forward, because that is what of interest in order to make the loan worth the For example, the bill limits total outlays to 19.7 it is . . . when something walks like a duck, risk for investors to take on. percent of GDP in 2018; outlays were at or quacks like a duck and looks like a duck . . . Imagine the impact on our stock market if below that level in only 12 of the last 43 years Call it a duck!!!! This bill is wasting a tremen- we do not pay our debts. As we have seen (from 1997 through 2004, and from 1969 dous amount of time when we should be fo- throughout the recent financial crisis, a bad through 1972). cused on paying our Nation’s bills and resolv- stock market hurts not only big businesses Enforces the Republican budget resolution ing our differences! and large investors on Wall Street, but small by limiting total federal outlays—including So- I stand here today to state firmly that in- businesses and small investors as well. Fami- cial Security and Medicare—at the Republican creasing the debt ceiling is the responsible lies with investments tied to the stock market, budget’s percentage of GDP in fiscal years thing to do. Congress has already debated such as 401(k)s, pension plans, and savings, 2013 through 2021. Automatic sequestration and approved the debt that an increased ceil- will once again see the value of their invest- again would occur if the levels are breached. ing makes room for. However, my Republican ments drop. The American people are tired of More immediately. colleagues have chosen to use this as an op- the uncertainty of the value of their retirement H.R. 2560 requires passage of a specific portunity to hold the American people hostage accounts. We must not allow another wild fluc- type of a so-called ‘‘balanced budget’’ con- to their extreme agenda. They know that the tuation to occur due to default and add to the stitutional amendment by both the House and ‘‘Tap Dance Loser Club, and Bust Bill’’ is not uncertainty still lingering in the minds of citi- the Senate before the debt limit can be in- a realistic proposal. zens. creased. This new hurdle makes it even hard- The fact that Congress, a body that typically As if another stock market crisis were not er for Congress to increase the debt limit by has its fair share of political battles, has never enough, the housing market would take an- August 2, which it must do to avoid fiscal ca- played political chicken when it came to rais- other hit if America defaulted. Higher mort- lamity and higher interest costs for consumers ing the debt ceiling should give us all pause, gage rates in a housing market already weak- and the government alike.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:33 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.057 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5175 STEEP SPENDING CUTS FOR 2012 raise the debt ceiling 3 times in the next year country with drunk driving. Are we H.R. 2560 limits fiscal year 2012 discre- in an amount totaling $2.5 trillion. Further- going to solve that problem by raising tionary and entitlement spending to the levels more, it permits Congress to vote on a resolu- the blood alcohol level? Absolutely not. in the Republican budget. If spending exceeds tion of disapproval of each increase of the Are we going to solve this problem of these limits there would be an automatic se- debt ceiling, essentially assigning blame to runaway spending by just simply rais- questration that makes an across-the-board President Obama for each increase. It in- ing the debt ceiling without these cave- cut to most programs to bring down spending. cludes a plan to reduce the deficit in the ats of cut, cap, and balance? Absolutely Spending in 2012 is to be cut by a net total amount of $1.5 trillion over 10 years through not. That’s why we have to do this—to of $111 billion below current services. cuts to domestic programs, while avoiding cuts rein in this spending and to bring it Discretionary Cap—The bill’s authors say to entitlement programs or raising new taxes. down to historical levels of 20 percent they intend to cut non-security discretionary Moreover, the Reid-McConnell debt ceiling of GDP. spending for next year by $76 billion (a rough- proposal would create a new Congressional Then the final part of cut, cap, and ly one quarter reduction in budget authority), Panel tasked with coming up with, by the end balance, Mr. Speaker, is the balance to below the 2008 level, and increase security of the year, a way of reducing the deficit by part. The President is asking for a bal- spending, matching the President’s request. another $2.5 trillion or more through cuts in anced approach. That’s exactly what However, the bill does not provide separate entitlements and other yet-to-be identified this is. This is the balanced approach discretionary caps except for war funding, so steps. The proposed committee would be that makes sense because every other Congress could cut where it chooses. comprised of 12 lawmakers who would issue Entitlement Cap—The bill exempts veterans’ pledge in the past with regard to rein- a report to Congress on how to achieve this. ing in spending, whether we’re talking benefits, Medicare, Social Security, and net in- While I am still not convinced that the cuts for terest from its entitlement (or direct spending) about Pay-As-You-Go—the Democrats this proposal will not unfairly harm our seniors like to tout that plan—never has cap. These programs comprise roughly two- and other beneficiaries of domestic programs, thirds of all entitlement spending. The bill cuts worked because we don’t abide by these I anticipate the product of these negotiations, pledges; we continue to spend. the remaining direct spending by $51 billion (7 as they appear to be far more realistic than percent) in 2012, down to the levels in the Re- The only way to make sure that fu- the bill before us today. ture Congresses rein in this spending publican budget. The cuts will fall on programs I urge my Colleagues to oppose H.R. 2560 on a permanent level is to have a bal- like school lunches, student loans, food which I have called the ‘‘Tap Dance, Loser anced budget amendment that calls for stamps (SNAP), Medicaid, and unemployment Club, and Bust Bill,’ for it will send our Nation a supermajority to raise taxes. There insurance—some of the very programs de- in the wrong direction. This detour into a signed to automatically increase when the are 49 out of 50 States that have a bal- spending debate is as unnecessary as it is economy is down in order to lessen the impact anced budget amendment. Why in the perilous, as increasing the debt ceiling does of job losses and associated economic hard- world wouldn’t Democrats join with not obligate the undertaking of any new ship. Republicans in calling for a balanced spending by the federal government. Rather, As with the discretionary cap, there would budget amendment? Then to think that raising the debt limit simply allows the govern- be an automatic sequestration if direct spend- the President would issue a statement ment to pay existing legal obligations prom- ing is not sufficiently cut. Past sequestration of administrative policy in opposition ised to debt holders that were already agreed provisions exempted specific programs, includ- to this is absolutely ridiculous. to by Presidents and Congresses, both past ing low-income programs, but this bill repeals Support this commonsense bill. the broad list that has been the basis for se- and present. We must protect Medicare, So- cial Security, Pell Grants and a plethora of Stand strong for our country. This is questration in the past. Instead the bill ex- the land of the free, but it has to be the empts a smaller range of programs (but com- other programs that are aimed at helping our citizens. I will not stand by any bill which land of the strong before it can become prising about half of the budget): military per- the land of the free. sonnel accounts, TRICARE for Life, military threatens to eliminate Medicare. retirement, veterans benefits, Medicare, Social Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield Security, and net interest. myself 15 seconds to say to the gentle- b 1310 lady that there is only one bill in this HOLDS DEBT LIMIT INCREASE HOSTAGE TO PASSAGE OF Congress that abolishes every single Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield SPECIFIC TYPE OF BALANCED BUDGET CONSTITU- myself 10 seconds. TIONAL AMENDMENT corporate loophole in the entire United I just want to say to the gentleman This bill will add a new obstacle to increas- States Tax Code. That’s H.R. 25, the from Georgia the reason why the Presi- ing the debt limit before the August 2 deadline Fair Tax. I would welcome the gentle- dent issued a veto threat is because he by mandating that the House and the Senate lady on that bill because I too share a first pass a Constitutional amendment requir- desire to see those loopholes elimi- doesn’t want you to destroy Social Se- ing a balanced budget. The bill specifies that nated. curity and Medicare, two of the most the Constitutional amendment has to be H.J. I now yield 2 minutes to a cosponsor important social programs in this Res. 1 or a ‘‘similar amendment’’ that (1) limits of the Fair Tax, the gentleman who has country that benefit millions and mil- total outlays to no more than total receipts; (2) cosponsored bipartisan tort reform leg- lions of seniors. limits spending as a percentage of GDP; and islation here in the House, the gen- I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman (3) requires that tax increases be approved by tleman from Georgia (Mr. GINGREY). from California (Ms. MATSUI). a two-thirds vote in both Houses of Congress. Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. I thank Ms. MATSUI. Mr. Speaker, I rise in Moreover, the Constitutional amendment the gentleman for yielding. strong opposition to this rule and the itself is merely a ploy to make tax cuts for the Mr. Speaker, I rise, of course, in extreme ideological bill before us wealthy and tax loopholes for big corporations strong support of this bill and rule, today. that of cut, cap, and balance. a permanent fixture of American governance. The Cut, Cap, and Balance Act, or as It would make any revenue-raising measure The gentlelady from Texas just stood up and said she would call it the ‘‘Tap it should be more appropriately called unconstitutional unless a two-thirds super- the ‘‘cut, cap, and end Medicare act,’’ majority approves it. This is simply unprece- Dance’’ bill. Quite frankly, what the President has in mind I would refer to is one of the most radical bills to come dented and unacceptable. before this body. An alternative plan, put forth by Senate as the ‘‘Whistling Past the Graveyard’’ Democratic and Republican Majority and Mi- plan. This cut, cap, and balance ap- But perhaps I should not be sur- nority Leaders HARRY REID and MITCH proach to this problem is just that prised. I’ve already seen the majority MCCONNELL, respectively, deals with the debt within the first provision of cutting of my colleagues on the other side of ceiling crisis in a way that is less controversial spending, Mr. Speaker, of $111 billion the aisle vote to end Medicare, slash for Democrats. Although still in the negotiation and with $35 billion of that, by the way, Medicaid, and now they want to cut stages, the plan has a few emerging ideas for mandatory spending, yet not one Social Security benefits, too. and general bipartisan support in the Senate. dime—not one dime—from Social Secu- Instead of listening to the American However, House Republicans have expressed rity or Medicare. We protect our sen- people, the House Republican leader- their dissatisfaction with the proposal. iors. ship continues to advocate for the Tentatively, the Reid-McConnell Debt Ceil- But as to this spending problem, I elimination of Medicare, all while con- ing Proposal would allow the President to mean, it’s just like the problem in this tinuing to protect tax loopholes and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:41 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19JY7.015 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5176 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 subsidies for Big Oil and Wall Street power in Congress and the White that we made to America in the largest executives. This bill is actually more House, I am convinced that Wash- landslide election in 70 years last No- extreme than the Republican budget ington, D.C., is not only broke, it’s bro- vember when the people of America passed in April calling for deeper cuts ken. spoke clearly and elected a new major- and more hardships for the middle And the American people know in ity to govern the House to take Amer- class and older Americans. their heart of hearts there is some- ica down the path to a balanced budget In fact, this bill does nothing to cre- thing missing in the equation. It’s in to restore prosperity, to restore jobs ate jobs nor invest in the roads, the guardrails in the Constitution of that had been lost under this Presi- bridges, clean energy technology, and the United States of America. It is the dent. job training that would really get our guardrails that say it must be the ob- The American people spoke deci- economy moving. jective of the Congress and of this and sively last November and asked this In short, H.R. 2560 will stifle growth, of future administrations to live within new constitutional conservative major- hurt middle class families, and under- our means. ity in the House to cut spending, to cap cut America’s seniors. In my district Thirty-one States have a balanced spending, to enact a balanced budget there are over 93,000 Social Security budget requirement in their constitu- amendment to the Constitution, to beneficiaries and over 85,000 Medicare tion. Indiana has a prohibition on in- shrink the size of the government, to enrollees. curring debt. Forty-nine States require get the government out of our lives and On behalf of my constituents and for a balanced budget. out of our pockets and put us back on future generations, I stand in strong The time has come to cut, the time a path of prosperity, which this legisla- opposition to this bill and the rule. I has come to cap spending, but the time tion does. know that there are those on the other has come to make any increase in the I am very proud to be a coauthor of side of the aisle who want to support a debt ceiling contingent on sending a the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of the reasonable plan to reduce the deficit. balanced budget amendment to the balanced budget amendment to the This is not the plan. Constitution to the States for ratifica- Constitution, which has worked so well I urge my colleagues on both sides of tion. And this we must do. in Texas. Texas is a beacon for other the aisle to reject this dangerous pro- Mr. MCGOVERN. I yield 30 seconds to States. We have demonstrated in Texas posal. the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. JACK- when you live within your means, when Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, at this SON). you cut taxes, when you limit litiga- time I am pleased to yield 2 minutes to Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Mr. Speak- tion, when you limit regulation, when my friend from Indiana (Mr. PENCE). er, I would be happy to use the 30 sec- you get the government out of our (Mr. PENCE asked and was given per- onds, but I wanted to ask the distin- pockets and off our backs that Amer- mission to revise and extend his re- guished gentleman from Indiana a ican ingenuity, American entrepre- marks.) question with my 30 seconds if he neurship will thrive and the economy Mr. PENCE. I thank the gentleman would be willing. will grow. for yielding. Will the gentleman engage in a brief People have been voting with their Mr. Speaker, I rise as a cosponsor question and answer? feet to move to Texas, and we in this and urge strong support of my col- As I understand it, under your bal- new constitutional conservative major- leagues for the Cut, Cap, and Balance anced budget amendment, in the event ity in the House are doing today what Act, H.R. 2560. that Congress is unable to achieve a we promised America we would do last I really believe if you owe debts, pay balanced budget, a lawsuit could be November. We are cutting. We’re re- debts. We must find a way to honor the filed forcing the Federal judiciary into affirming the Ryan budget which, by full faith and credit of the United the budget process. In effect, your bal- the way, does not affect—anyone over States of America. But even more im- anced budget amendment would re- the age of 55 is unaffected by the Ryan portant than that, we must find a way verse the constitutional relationship budget, is unaffected by this Cut, Cap, to restore the faith and confidence of by legalizing the legislature and politi- and Balance Act, but if we do nothing, the American people and the world cizing the Judiciary. Is that your ex- if you are under the age of 55, you will community in the fiscal integrity of pectation, that a Federal judge could be affected because Medicare is on a the United States of America. That is ultimately have the final say over path to bankruptcy, as is Social Secu- our dual challenge. budget matters in the House? rity. After years of runaway Federal The SPEAKER pro tempore. The So we’re taking decisive action spending by both political parties, time of the gentleman has expired. today, Mr. Speaker, to put America Mr. MCGOVERN. I yield the gen- after failed economic policies by this back on a path to prosperity, to grow administration, we find ourselves at a tleman an additional 10 seconds. Mr. PENCE. Will the gentleman jobs, to get the Federal Government place of unprecedented fiscal crisis— yield? back within the bounds of the Con- more than a $14 trillion national debt, Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. I yield to stitution with a balanced budget $1.65 trillion deficits. We now borrow the gentleman from Indiana. amendment. I am very proud today, more than 40 cents of every dollar that Mr. PENCE. It would be my expecta- Mr. Speaker, to be here in support of we spend here in Washington, D.C. tion that we would not yield the juris- this legislation, which will honor the The Cut, Cap, and Balance Act ap- diction of constitutionality exclusively promise we made to America. plies commonsense principles and fis- to the judiciary. Throughout American Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield cal discipline to the challenges of history, it has mostly settled there, 1 minute to the gentleman from Cali- spending restraint today, but it also in- but we contain it as well. But ulti- fornia, a member of the Budget Com- troduces a new element—and that is a mately it would put the American peo- mittee, Mr. HONDA. balanced budget amendment to the ple in charge—— Mr. HONDA. I rise today to oppose Constitution. Yes, we cut spending by Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Reclaiming this ridiculous cut, cap, and balance $111 billion next year, about $5.8 tril- my time—— proposal. lion over 10. Yes, we cap Federal spend- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The By walking away from every negotia- ing to back under 20 percent of GDP. time of the gentleman has again ex- tion—from the Deficit Commission to But I think the time has come to make pired. the Biden Commission to direct talks any increase in the debt ceiling contin- Mr. WOODALL. At this time I am with the President—Republicans have gent on sending a balanced budget pleased to yield 2 minutes to another made it clear that they place petty pol- amendment to the States. And here’s cosponsor of the Fair Tax, the gen- itics above responsibly solving the why. tleman from Texas (Mr. CULBERSON). country’s budget challenges. This is Washington, D.C., is not only broke, (Mr. CULBERSON asked and was the first budget bill or deficit reduc- it’s broken. Let me say again. After given permission to revise and extend tion plan in the past quarter century more than a decade here seeing my his remarks.) that fails to specifically protect pro- party in power in Congress and in the Mr. CULBERSON. Mr. Speaker, grams for the most vulnerable Ameri- White House, seeing another party in today the House is honoring a pledge cans from across-the-board cuts.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:35 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.046 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5177 b 1320 But we have got to get spending under Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield The ‘‘duck, dodge, and dismantle control. myself 15 seconds to say that that com- act’’ will butcher Social Security, And today is the day we can cast that peting vision of trillions more in stim- Medicare, Medicaid, unemployment in- vote. Today is the day we can decide ulus and more in government jobs and surance, child nutrition, the Supple- we’re going to restore American com- more in government spending is one mental Nutrition Assistance Program, petitiveness, we’re going to restore idea of how to revive this economy. It’s nutrition for Women, Infants, and Chil- American credibility, and we’re going just not one that I share. dren, Planned Parenthood, supple- to restore American confidence. I yield at this time 2 minutes to the mental income for the elderly, public Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, let me gentleman from Alabama (Mr. schools, teachers, and pay for fire- just say to the gentleman from Lou- BROOKS), who also I do not believe isiana that we can’t compete without fighters and cops—all so that the Re- shares that opinion. investments in innovation and infra- publicans can protect tax breaks and Mr. BROOKS. Mr. Speaker, back structure and education, and the bill tax subsidies for the wealthy and pow- home in my district, one of the things that my Republican friends have erful by erecting a constitutional bar- I am understanding and commu- brought before us today on the floor rier to any measure that would raise nicating with people is the difficulty in would devastate this economy. It any revenue. their understanding the difference be- This bill is as extreme as it is unprec- would absolutely devastate the Amer- tween millions in debt, billions in debt, edented. It is not a serious response to ican economy. and trillions in debt. So I heard an I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman months of good faith negotiations by analogy the other day that I thought from New York (Mr. SERRANO). was appropriate, that hopefully will the Democrats. I call on the House Re- (Mr. SERRANO asked and was given publicans to stop the games and the help the American people better under- permission to revise and extend his re- stand the financial situation in the posturing and do the responsible thing marks.) United States of America. for the American people, and I urge my Mr. SERRANO. I thank the gen- Imagine that you are a family and colleagues to reject this bill. tleman. Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, at this I rise today to speak against this rule you haven’t been keeping track of your time, it gives me great pleasure to and this bill. This will not solve our finances for a good while. Finally, you yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nation’s problems but, instead, will decide to sit down at your kitchen Louisiana, Dr. BOUSTANY. devastate our economy and the most table, the two spouses get together, Mr. BOUSTANY. I thank the gen- vulnerable in our society. and they accumulate their income, tleman for yielding time to me. Our Nation has run into fiscal prob- they accumulate their expenses, and Our country is at a pivotal point in lems for three reasons, none of which they accumulate their debt. And as its history. Economists would call this are addressed by this bill: the Bush tax they go through their income, they dis- an inflection point. But for those of us cuts, foreign wars, and the recession. cover that they have about $50,000 that who are not economists, it’s a critical When the fiscal situation of the gov- they can spend—that’s their income— time; it’s a pivotal time. We have to ernment was better, I warned that for the upcoming year. And then they decide, are we going to compete in the their spending on tax cuts and foreign look at their expenses, and they put all 21st century and see this country pros- wars would cause fiscal problems which the bills together and how they spent per and lead in the 21st century? Or Republicans would then balance on the over the past year. And they discover will we sink in a sea of red ink? That’s backs of social programs. But when the that last year, they spent $80,000, what it’s come down to. times were good, Republicans ignored meaning that they have spent $30,000 I think we need to move forward with these valid concerns, saying that ‘‘tax more than their income. And then fi- a bold plan. We haven’t seen anything cuts pay for themselves’’ and, fa- nally, they pick up their Visa card bill, from the President. He hasn’t put any- mously, ‘‘deficits don’t matter.’’ They and that Visa card bill is $320,000. thing on the table. We’re coming for- were wrong, and working families are Well, those are the exact same ratios ward with a plan that’s credible. It lays suffering. that we’re talking about with the out a path, a credible path to get us Now we get the explanation that by United States Government and the back to fiscal sanity. $46,000 for every cutting government jobs and spending, debt that we face. We have got a budg- man, woman, and child is what the you will create jobs and revive the et that’s around $3.5 trillion. We have debt stands at today, and that does not economy. However, it is clear that got an income that’s a little over $2 include the unfunded liabilities going what we really need are good, stable trillion, and we have a deficit that is to the future, which takes us well jobs and stimulus in order for the econ- $14.3 trillion. All of that is north of that figure. We have a lot of omy to grow again. My constituents unsustainable. It is a financial house of work to do. It’s time for this Congress never got the benefits of the Bush bub- cards. And we have to take a tough but to get serious about its responsibility, ble. They worked the jobs that were reasonable course, and that’s what cut, its responsibility to bring fiscal sanity available and paid their taxes. Now the cap, and balance is all about. Cut, cap, and fiscal balance back. jobs have evaporated, and the social and balance, that is the way we score We have a spending problem. There is safety net that they paid into is under financial security for the United States clearly a spending problem. But if you severe threat. of America, and that is the way to cre- look at the two fundamental problems I will vote against this bill on behalf ate jobs. facing the country, it’s our of my constituents and the people like Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield unsustainable debt, but it’s also the them across this Nation. I will be cast- 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from lack of economic growth to create pri- ing a vote for fairness and economic Connecticut (Ms. DELAURO). vate sector jobs. Now if we take the growth, against the Bush policies that Ms. DELAURO. I rise in strong oppo- path that our friends want to take, the Republicans are seeking to extend, sition to this rule and the legislation they’re going to raise taxes. They’re and for a better future for our children. before us today. going to raise taxes across the board. Our Nation became great by making If we do not act in 2 weeks, the And what you’re going to see is a wors- investments in our people and infra- United States will, for the first time in ening economic situation. We’re not structure and by creating a stable mid- history, default on its debt. With the going to see the kind of job growth—in dle class and a robust social safety net. economy in a vulnerable position right fact, we very well could go back into a It became great through Americans now, we should be working to create recession with that type of plan. supporting one another and paying jobs. Instead of acting responsibly and Our plan puts us on a sustainable their fair share of the taxes. Today, we in a bipartisan way to raise the debt path. Coupled with tax reform, coupled watch as the Republicans continue to ceiling, the Republican majority has with an energy strategy which we turn their backs on that history and decided to make this a form of hostage- have, and moving forward with an ag- continue their push towards a ‘‘me taking to press their agenda. gressive export-oriented trade policy, first’’ economic system. I want no part Congress has always paid for its past you will see a competitive America; of that bleak future, nor should our financial commitments with Repub- you will see job growth in this country. Nation. lican majorities agreeing to raise the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:35 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.048 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5178 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 debt ceiling seven times during the I had an email from a constituent a What about programs that help low- Bush administration. Everyone under- few minutes ago. They’re watching the income children visit their doctor? No. stands the long-term challenge posed debate and, I would offer to my col- They are getting pushed overboard. by budget deficits, and President leagues, I think lots of Americans are What about programs that ensure Obama and Democrats support a bal- watching this debate. They’re waiting that veterans benefits are paid on anced approach to addressing that to see if we have the courage, if we time? No, veterans are being pushed challenge. have the political will to actually do overboard. Yet the ideological and extreme bill something about spending money we But the massive Bush tax cuts for the before us today does not address the don’t have for programs our constitu- wealthy, the tax subsidies for Big Oil? number one concern of the American ents don’t want. They’re too precious, the Republicans public, jobs, but rather seeks to imple- Amazingly, my constituent could not say. They have to be kept on board. So ment an agenda that will, in fact, de- believe that there are people who billionaires will not see their stroy jobs and the social safety net, would actually come to this floor and undeserved tax breaks taken away. The ends Medicare, and reduces the Social say that they opposed cutting what the oil industry will not see their unjusti- Security benefits that our seniors have Federal Government spends because fied tax subsidies, as consumers are earned and deserve. Rather than mak- we’re borrowing 40 cents of every dollar tipped upside down at gas stations, ing investments to create jobs and eco- that is spent. They were amazed that taken away from them. No, those sub- nomic growth, the Republican majority people would oppose placing a cap over sidies, they have to be kept on board. is proposing cuts which will lead to a what that government can spend. And And, ladies and gentlemen, that’s not loss of hundreds of thousands of jobs, they were quite amazed that they fair. That’s not balanced. even as we are mired in unacceptably would actually stand and oppose a bal- Grandma, kids, veterans, they should high unemployment. anced budget amendment, something not have to contribute to balancing the With this bill, the Republicans that is long overdue for our country. budget, but billionaires and Big Oil are choose to put in place a spending cap This problem has been years, decades exempted by the Republicans. This is that will cement in law the Republican in the making. I think we all agree the face of their party—Big Oil and bil- budget that chooses to end Medicare, with that. But I also think there’s one lionaires. That’s who they are pro- places the burden of deficit reduction thing that we will all agree with: The tecting. on the backs of the middle class and past 3 years has seen such a rapid rate They have deficit attention disorder. the most vulnerable. And, finally, the of accelerated spending that it has If there were such a thing as a Nobel Republican majority is choosing to added $3.4 trillion, this administration Prize in economics in reverse, they hold hostage an increase in the debt has added $3.4 trillion to our debt. Un- would be the first winners of it. ceiling to the approval of an amend- precedented. Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield ment that will make it impossible to And, indeed, included in that was the 2 minutes to a mentor of mine, the gen- raise revenue. passage of the President’s health care tleman from the great State of Georgia What do I mean? It will make it im- bill, PPACA, or Obamacare, which (Mr. KINGSTON). possible to end the subsidies to Big Oil, spent another $1.2 trillion. And, by the Mr. KINGSTON. After a 3-year spend- make it impossible to close the loop- way, to my colleagues, you all made ing spree in which the President drove holes that allow corporations to ship the choice and the decision in that bill up the national debt by 56 percent, the their jobs overseas, or abuse tax havens to cut $575 billion out of Medicare. I President has the nerve to tell the that allow them to pay almost nothing just remind you of that. American people that they have to eat The time has come for fiscal respon- in Federal taxes. To achieve deficit re- their peas. This from a President who sibility. It is time to pass Cut, Cap, and duction, they will end Medicare, imple- has had the Federal Government on a Balance. I encourage my colleagues to ment deep cuts to Social Security and supersize me diet since the day he was support the rule and to support the other programs that are critical to the sworn in. Marie Antoinette would be middle class. bill. Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, before proud of such arrogance. b 1330 I yield to the gentleman from Massa- One must ask, where has the Presi- Instead, what they need to do is to go chusetts, I just would like to respond dent been? He owns this economy. It’s after the 12 largest corporations in this to the gentlelady from Tennessee. his policies that have left 15 million Nation. The Citizens for Tax Justice When she talks about the need for po- Americans without work. It’s his poli- has said that those corporations pay a litical will, what we need is the polit- cies that have stifled business growth negative 11⁄2 percent tax on $171 billion ical will to stand up to Big Oil and to and investment. It’s his policies that in profits and about $64 billion in tax end subsidies that amount to corporate have given us more deficit spending subsidies. welfare. than any other administration in his- You want to do something to balance The bill that my Republican col- tory. the budget and make a deal with def- leagues are bringing to the floor today The President talks about entitle- icit reduction? Go after those corpora- let’s them off the hook and, instead, ment reform but offers no plan, no leg- tions that are paying zero in taxes in- goes after the poor and the most vul- islation. The President talks about his stead of going after middle class Amer- nerable and our senior citizens. That’s budget fairness, and yet this very budg- icans or seniors who rely on Medicare why this bill is so outrageous, because et was rejected by the HARRY REID Sen- and who rely on Social Security. they are so unfair. ate Democrats by a vote of 97–0. Mr. Speaker, this Republican agenda Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the The President denounces the Bush undermines America as a country gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. tax cuts yet personally extended them where middle class American families MARKEY). a few months ago. In 2006, the Presi- have an opportunity for a decent re- Mr. MARKEY. Americans today are dent voted against increasing the debt tirement. getting an up-close view of Repub- ceiling citing a lack of leadership, now Oppose this outrageous piece of legis- licans’ misguided plans, misplaced pri- he offers none. lation. orities, and massive assault on the But today, the House Republicans Mr. WOODALL. Mr. Speaker, I yield middle class. It’s not, as they call it, will lead with a plan. That plan is cut, 2 minutes to a colleague who is a great ‘‘Cap, Cut, and Balance.’’ It’s really a cap, and balance. And on the back, we leader on this issue, the gentlewoman ‘‘Cash Cow for Billionaires.’’ have the President’s plan. This is it: from Tennessee (Mrs. BLACKBURN). The Republicans are pushing Grand- speeches. That’s what we get after 3 Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, this ma and middle class families overboard years and the largest deficit in history is quite an interesting debate that while protecting the superrich and the from the President of the United we’re having, and I think it is an his- powerful. States, speeches and admonishments. toric day. It is a time when we have Will Republicans protect Grandma’s Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Will the the opportunity to do something about Medicare and Social Security checks? gentleman yield? the out-of-control, reckless Wash- No. Grandma is being pushed over- Mr. KINGSTON. I yield to my friend ington spending. It’s long overdue. board. from Illinois.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:35 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.049 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5179 Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. I thank the I ask for a ‘‘no’’ vote on the bill and Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I thank gentleman for yielding. a ‘‘no’’ vote on the underlying rule. the gentleman for yielding. Is it the gentleman’s opinion that Mr. WOODALL. I reserve the balance I will not take a minute. I will just under the Republican cut, cap, and bal- of my time. ask the sponsor of the bill, as I did last ance program—— Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I yield night in the Rules Committee, do you Mr. KINGSTON. Reclaiming my 1 minute to the gentleman from Illi- genuinely believe that this particular time, you’ve got to go fast because I’m nois (Mr. JACKSON). measure is going to become the law? willing to answer your question but I Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. I thank the Mr. CHAFFETZ. Will the gentleman can’t—— gentleman for yielding. I’m going to yield? Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Is the gen- try to speak as quickly as I possibly Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I yield to tleman prepared to turn the balancing can. the gentleman from Utah. aspect of this program over to the Fed- Under the balanced budget amend- Mr. CHAFFETZ. I genuinely hope it eral judiciary? ment, the sole responsibility for inter- does become the law. I think the Amer- Mr. KINGSTON. The President has preting the Constitution of the United ican people deserve this Federal Gov- backed us up against the wall. If we States is the Federal court system, a ernment to live within the confines of don’t do something serious and, yes—— Federal judge. And I wanted to ask the a balanced budget amendment. Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Is the gen- gentleman if he would join me in just Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Reclaim- tleman prepared to turn the balancing an answer to the question—since it’s on ing my time, I heard the word that you aspect over to the Federal judiciary? my time—what would qualify a Federal ‘‘hope.’’ Let me tell you what I told Mr. KINGSTON. I agree with you. By judge to cut a Federal program? What you last night; I’ll bet you cash money law we need to have a balanced budget would qualify them? Would we take that it ain’t going to become the law. amendment so that Congress’ hands them through a process in the Senate, Mr. CHAFFETZ. If the gentleman will be tied from increasing the deficit. asking them what programs they sup- will yield, I don’t take cash bets. But Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Will it be port? Are we politicizing the judiciary? you know what? You also talked about the responsibility of the Federal judici- Mr. WOODALL. Will the gentleman bouncing; and the only thing that’s ary? yield? going to bounce is the government’s The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. I yield to check. time of the gentleman has expired. the gentleman from Georgia. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Mr. WOODALL. I thank the gen- tleman from Florida has yielded back b 1340 tleman for yielding. his time. Mr. MCGOVERN. I yield 2 minutes to The answer is there’s absolutely Mr. CHAFFETZ. I’m sorry. I thought the gentlewoman from Maryland (Ms. nothing different from this amendment he yielded to me. I apologize. EDWARDS). than any other amendment to the Con- Mr. WOODALL. I continue to reserve Ms. EDWARDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in stitution that relies on the judiciary to the balance of my time. opposition to the rule and the under- interpret it. Mr. MCGOVERN. I yield myself the lying bill. Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Reclaiming balance of my time. For months our colleagues on the my time, so instead of the Congress of Mr. Speaker, once again I stand in other side have known of the need to the United States making a judgment strong opposition to this closed rule avoid a default crisis and meet our Na- about programs and then answering to and to the underlying bill. tion’s obligations. But instead, today the people in an elective political proc- It’s time for a grown-up moment, Mr. they move with lightning speed to the ess, we are shifting the responsibility Speaker. It’s time for the Members of floor a sham bill that is nothing more to a Federal judge to make a cut in the the House, Republican and Democrat, than a way to score political points at program; is that correct? to come together to address the loom- a time that we need, the markets need, Mr. WOODALL. That is not correct. ing crisis over the debt limit. We are and the world needs seriousness. The responsibility lies here, as my col- exactly 2 weeks away from the possi- It’s time to meet our obligations for league knows. But as is true with every bility of the United States defaulting seniors, retirees, and veterans, for So- word in the Constitution, it relies on on its obligations of not paying its cial Security and Medicare, and to cre- the judiciary to interpret it. bills. This is not an acceptable out- Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. Reclaiming ate jobs and grow this economy. Those come. on the other side of the aisle know that my time, the responsibility for inter- I know that there are some on the the bill that’s on the floor today would preting the Constitution is a Federal other side of the aisle—in fact I talked do nothing like that. The underlying judge. Under a balanced budget amend- to one just this morning—who will not bill would in fact reap catastrophic ment, a Federal judge would be respon- vote for anything that raises the debt consequences for our Nation’s economy sible for cutting these programs; is ceiling. That’s unfortunate. Default and our most vulnerable communities, that correct? would result in collapsing markets and Mr. WOODALL. Will the gentleman and that’s the truth. skyrocketing interest rates. It would yield? What kind of majority wants to Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. I would be deal a devastating blow to the full throw our economy into another tail- happy to yield to the gentleman from faith and credit of the United States. It spin by having us default on our obliga- Georgia. would throw even more Americans out tions? Well, I’m going to tell you it’s Mr. WOODALL. I have the sponsor of of work. The bill before us does nothing the irresponsible kind. They have been the legislation right here to answer to prevent that outcome. unrelenting in their quest to eliminate that very question. Slashing Medicare and Social Secu- Medicare and cut Social Security, and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The rity while protecting tax cuts for the this bill is no different. time of the gentleman has expired. wealthy is not a responsible solution. I The American public needs to under- Mr. WOODALL. I continue to reserve think the American people have made stand what is at stake here: It’s the de- the balance of my time. it clear in poll after poll after poll. fault on our Nation’s obligations that Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I have They have said to my Republican col- will throw out of whack Social Secu- no further requests for time. Does the leagues, keep your hands off of Medi- rity, Medicare benefits, veterans’ bene- gentleman have additional speakers? care and off of Social Security. fits, everything that we know in this Mr. WOODALL. I don’t, though I do What my Republican colleagues are economy because of the foolishness have the bill’s sponsor here to answer trying to do with this legislation is that’s going on here in this Chamber. any questions you all might have. lower the standard of living for our I ask my colleagues to please be re- Mr. MCGOVERN. He didn’t answer senior citizens. They deserve a hell of a sponsible. Protect our future; protect any of them last night; so I’m not sure lot better. The fact of the matter is our our children’s future; invest in our whether we will get many answers here senior citizens have built this country, roads and our bridges and our infra- today. they have worked hard to make this structure; create jobs; but please stop I yield 1 minute to the gentleman country what is today. They deserve this foolishness. from Florida (Mr. HASTINGS). better from this Congress. They should

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:35 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.051 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5180 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 not have to pay to balance this budget HOYER said this: ‘‘This country con- setting when we had that very open because they did not cause this eco- fronts a critical threat caused by the budget debate earlier this year in April nomic crisis. continuation of large annual deficits. I where we brought every budget to the It is just simply unfair to protect all am absolutely convinced that the long- House and said: What can we agree on this corporate welfare, all these tax term consequences of refusing to come as a House? And you know what we loopholes to protect corporations with to grips with the necessity to balance agreed, Mr. Speaker? We agreed on the jets and to protect corporations so our budget will be catastrophic. And priorities that are set forth in Cut, they don’t have to pay taxes, and they those who will pay the highest price for Cap, and Balance. can incorporate overseas in Bermuda our fiscal responsibility, should we fail, Now, there has been a lot of talk or the Cayman Islands. It is just wrong. will be those least able to protect about who is willing to compromise. It is wrong to continue these subsidies themselves and the children of today Mr. Speaker, I can’t find a single col- to Big Oil that have made billions and and the generations of tomorrow.’’ league on this side of the aisle who is billions and billions of dollars. Why Mr. Speaker, this debate is about enthusiastic about raising the debt aren’t they paying their fair share? those who are least able to protect limit, not one. But folks are willing to And Mr. Speaker, it is just wrong to themselves, and this is about the vision do it if we can preserve the Republic radically alter the Constitution of the that we have chosen for ourselves as for our children and grandchildren, United States of America. We need to Americans. which we can do with cut, cap, and bal- focus on jobs, and innovation plus in- b 1350 ance. frastructure plus education equals jobs. Mr. Speaker, there’s all of this talk We have to invest as well as cut. This Mr. Speaker, 223 years ago, in a let- in Washington about default on the na- bill would slash the investments we ter written in November, Thomas Jef- tional debt. That is a serious conversa- need to put people back to work and to ferson said this: I wish it were possible tion, a serious conversation. grow our economy. It cuts Pell Grants. to obtain a single amendment to our I want to talk about defaulting on It would cut education at every level. Constitution. I would be willing to de- the promises of our Founders. I want to It would cut monies for roads and pend on that alone for the reduction of talk about defaulting on our Republic. bridges. It would cut money that would the administration of our government One wish Thomas Jefferson had, one help this economy grow that can help to the genuine principles of its Con- wish: If it were possible to obtain a sin- put more people back to work so we stitution. I mean an additional article gle amendment to our Constitution, it can start reducing the debt in a respon- taking from government the power of would be an additional article taking sible way. borrowing. from government the power of bor- Mr. Speaker, at the end of this de- Our Founding Fathers, 223 years rowing. bate, I will ask the House to defeat the ago—folks talk about a bill being I understand, Mr. Speaker, that previous question. If the previous ques- rushed to the floor. This is a debate there’s a lot of reluctance to do that. tion is defeated, I will offer an amend- that has been going on since the found- There are lots of great things that ment that will ensure that this bill ing of our Nation, since the founding of folks have, priorities that they would does nothing to impede job increases our Nation. We had this discussion in like to spend on. This isn’t about those and economic growth. So a vote in 1995. We had this discussion in 1994. spending priorities. We’ll still have favor of the previous question is a vote Every Congress for the 10 years be- that conversation. H.R. 1 was about to increase unemployment and to tween 1985 and 1995, we discussed a bal- those priorities. Our budget discussion threaten our economic recovery. anced budget amendment. Apparently, was about our priorities. Today, it is Given the fact that you gave us a there was no need to discuss it any about the future of our Republic. You closed rule, I don’t think it’s too much longer, and look where we are. need read no further, Mr. Speaker, to ask that we have at least some lan- I was down in Chinatown the other than the credit rating agencies telling guage in here that protects jobs and day, Mr. Speaker, where, conveniently us that August 2 is not the date we that would protect the American work- enough, our United States debt auc- have to fear. Today is the day that we er. tions were held, right downtown in have to fear because, if we fail to pass Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous con- Chinatown. We sold $36 billion of debt this bill, our Republic stands in peril. sent to insert the text of the amend- in Chinatown the day I was down there Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support ment in the RECORD along with extra- at 0.0005 percent interest. But hear for this rule. I am grateful to the Budg- neous materials immediately prior to this—I will close as I opened, Mr. et Committee for bringing forward this the vote on the previous question. Speaker—from our friends at S&P: ‘‘We resolution, and I ask for a unanimous The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there view an inability to timely agree and vote of support as this resolution objection to the request of the gen- credibly implement medium-term fis- comes to the floor. tleman from Massachusetts? cal consolidation policy as inconsistent The text of the material previously There was no objection. with a AAA sovereign rating.’’ referred to by Mr. MCGOVERN is as fol- Mr. MCGOVERN. I urge my col- Mr. Speaker, this isn’t about raising lows: the debt limit; this is about preserving leagues to vote ‘‘no’’ on the previous AN AMENDMENT TO H. RES. 355 OFFERED BY question, reject this closed rule that is the Republic. Go ahead and raise the MR. MCGOVERN OF MASSACHUSETTS unfair, and reject the underlying legis- debt limit; Moody’s says that’s not (1) Strike ‘‘the previous question’’ and all lation. enough. Go ahead and raise the debt that follows and insert the following: Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance limit; S&P says that’s not going to get The previous question shall be considered of my time. you anywhere. Inconsistent with a as ordered on the bill and on any amendment Mr. WOODALL. I yield myself such AAA rating is the borrowing and spend- thereto to final passage without intervening time as I may consume. ing that this Congress has brought to motion except: (1) four hours of debate equal- Mr. Speaker, it was 224 years ago the House. ly divided and controlled by the chair and that the Constitutional Convention Now, we talked about rushing a bill ranking minority member of the Committee on the Budget; (2) the amendment printed in was wrapping up that summer in 1787. to the House floor, Mr. Speaker. I’ll section 2, if offered by the Minority Leader Ben Franklin walked out of the front say this, and some of my Democratic or her designee, which shall be in order with- door and a woman asked him, ‘‘What colleagues have said it, and I associate out intervention of any point of order, shall did you create?’’ And he famously re- myself with their comments: This re- be considered as read, and shall be separately sponded, ‘‘A republic, if you can keep flects the priorities of this House. What debatable for 30 minutes equally divided and it.’’ That’s what the debate is about we’re working on today is exactly what controlled by the proponent and an oppo- here today, Mr. Speaker—our Republic, we were working on when we worked nent; and (3) one motion to recommit with or and can we keep it? on H.R. 1 in February, one of the most without instructions. (2) At the end of the resolution, add the Mr. Speaker, the last time we de- open and brilliant moments in this following: bated a balanced budget amendment House’s history in terms of debate. SEC. 2. The amendment referred to in the was back in 1995, 16 years ago. At that Well, the priorities we are setting first section of this resolution is as follows: time, now-Minority Leader STENY today are the same priorities we were At the end of the bill, insert the following:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:35 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.053 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5181 TITLE IV—PROTECTIONS FOR JOBS AND ber leading the opposition to the previous Posey Runyan Sullivan ECONOMIC GROWTH question, who may offer a proper amendment Price (GA) Ryan (WI) Terry or motion and who controls the time for de- Quayle Scalise Thompson (PA) SEC. 401. PROVISIONS OF ACT INEFFECTIVE IF Reed Schilling Thornberry RESULTING IN JOB LOSSES OR bate thereon.’’ Rehberg Schmidt Tiberi SLOWER GDP GROWTH. Clearly, the vote on the previous question Reichert Schock Tipton No provision in this Act or amendment on a rule does have substantive policy impli- Renacci Schweikert Turner made by this Act shall apply if it would re- cations. It is one of the only available tools Ribble Scott (SC) Upton sult in a reduction in private payroll em- for those who oppose the Republican major- Rigell Scott, Austin Walberg ployment or a slower growth of GDP. ity’s agenda and allows those with alter- Rivera Sensenbrenner Walden native views the opportunity to offer an al- Roby Sessions Walsh (IL) (The information contained herein was Roe (TN) Shimkus Webster ternative plan. Rogers (AL) Shuler West provided by the Republican Minority on mul- Mr. WOODALL. I yield back the bal- Rogers (KY) Shuster Westmoreland tiple occasions throughout the 110th and Rogers (MI) Simpson Whitfield 111th Congresses.) ance of my time, and I move the pre- Rohrabacher Smith (NE) Wilson (SC) vious question on the resolution. THE VOTE ON THE PREVIOUS QUESTION: WHAT Rokita Smith (NJ) Wittman Rooney Smith (TX) Wolf IT REALLY MEANS The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Ros-Lehtinen Southerland Womack This vote, the vote on whether to order the question is on ordering the previous Roskam Stearns Woodall previous question on a special rule, is not question. Ross (FL) Stivers Yoder merely a procedural vote. A vote against or- The question was taken; and the Royce Stutzman Young (IN) dering the previous question is a vote Speaker pro tempore announced that NAYS—175 against the Republican majority agenda and the ayes appeared to have it. a vote to allow the opposition, at least for Ackerman Green, Al Pallone Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, on Altmire Green, Gene the moment, to offer an alternative plan. It Pastor (AZ) Andrews Grijalva Payne is a vote about what the House should be de- that I demand the yeas and nays. The yeas and nays were ordered. Baca Gutierrez Pelosi bating. Baldwin Hanabusa Perlmutter Mr. Clarence Cannon’s Precedents of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Barrow Hastings (FL) Peters House of Representatives (VI, 308–311), de- ant to clause 9 of rule XX, the Chair Bass (CA) Heinrich Peterson scribes the vote on the previous question on Becerra Higgins Pingree (ME) will reduce to 5 minutes the minimum Berkley Himes the rule as ‘‘a motion to direct or control the time for any electronic vote on the Polis consideration of the subject before the House Berman Hinojosa Price (NC) Bishop (GA) Hirono question of adoption of the resolution. Quigley being made by the Member in charge.’’ To Bishop (NY) Hochul Rahall defeat the previous question is to give the The vote was taken by electronic de- Boswell Holden Rangel opposition a chance to decide the subject be- vice, and there were—yeas 235, nays Brady (PA) Holt Reyes fore the House. Cannon cites the Speaker’s 175, not voting 21, as follows: Braley (IA) Honda Richardson ruling of January 13, 1920, to the effect that Brown (FL) Hoyer [Roll No. 603] Butterfield Inslee Richmond ‘‘the refusal of the House to sustain the de- Ross (AR) mand for the previous question passes the YEAS—235 Capps Israel Cardoza Jackson (IL) Rothman (NJ) Adams Duncan (TN) control of the resolution to the opposition’’ King (NY) Carnahan Jackson Lee Roybal-Allard Aderholt Ellmers in order to offer an amendment. On March Kingston Carney (TX) Ruppersberger Akin Emerson 15, 1909, a member of the majority party of- Kinzinger (IL) Carson (IN) Johnson (GA) Ryan (OH) Alexander Farenthold fered a rule resolution. The House defeated Kline Chandler Johnson, E. B. Sa´ nchez, Linda Amash Fincher Labrador Chu Kaptur T. the previous question and a member of the Austria Fitzpatrick Lamborn Cicilline Keating Sanchez, Loretta opposition rose to a parliamentary inquiry, Bachus Flake Lance Clarke (MI) Kildee Sarbanes asking who was entitled to recognition. Barletta Fleischmann Landry Clarke (NY) Kind Schakowsky Bartlett Fleming Lankford Speaker Joseph G. Cannon (R–Illinois) said: Clay Kissell Schiff Barton (TX) Flores Latham ‘‘The previous question having been refused, Cleaver Kucinich Schwartz Bass (NH) Forbes the gentleman from New York, Mr. Fitz- LaTourette Clyburn Langevin Benishek Fortenberry Scott (VA) gerald, who had asked the gentleman to Latta Cohen Larsen (WA) Berg Foxx Scott, David Lewis (CA) Connolly (VA) Larson (CT) yield to him for an amendment, is entitled to Biggert Franks (AZ) Serrano LoBiondo Conyers Lee (CA) the first recognition.’’ Bilbray Frelinghuysen Sewell Long Cooper Levin Because the vote today may look bad for Bilirakis Gallegly Sherman Lucas Costa Lewis (GA) Bishop (UT) Gardner Sires the Republican majority they will say ‘‘the Luetkemeyer Costello Lipinski Black Garrett Slaughter vote on the previous question is simply a Lummis Courtney Lofgren, Zoe Blackburn Gerlach Smith (WA) vote on whether to proceed to an immediate Lungren, Daniel Critz Lowey Bonner Gibbs Speier vote on adopting the resolution . . . [and] E. Crowley Luja´ n Bono Mack Gibson Stark Mack Cuellar Lynch has no substantive legislative or policy im- Boren Gingrey (GA) Sutton Manzullo Cummings Maloney plications whatsoever.’’ But that is not what Boustany Gohmert Thompson (CA) Marchant Davis (CA) Markey they have always said. Listen to the Repub- Brady (TX) Goodlatte Thompson (MS) Marino Davis (IL) Matheson Brooks Gosar lican Leadership Manual on the Legislative McCarthy (CA) DeFazio Matsui Tierney Broun (GA) Gowdy Process in the United States House of Rep- McCaul DeGette McCarthy (NY) Tonko Buchanan Granger resentatives, (6th edition, page 135). Here’s McClintock DeLauro McCollum Towns Bucshon Graves (GA) how the Republicans describe the previous McCotter Deutch McGovern Tsongas Buerkle Griffin (AR) McHenry Dicks McIntyre Van Hollen question vote in their own manual: ‘‘Al- Burgess Griffith (VA) McKeon Dingell McNerney Vela´ zquez though it is generally not possible to amend Burton (IN) Grimm McKinley Donnelly (IN) Meeks Visclosky the rule because the majority Member con- Calvert Guinta McMorris Doyle Michaud Walz (MN) Camp Guthrie trolling the time will not yield for the pur- Rodgers Edwards Miller (NC) Wasserman Campbell Hall pose of offering an amendment, the same re- Meehan Engel Miller, George Schultz Canseco Hanna sult may be achieved by voting down the pre- Mica Eshoo Moran Waters Cantor Harper vious question on the rule. . . . When the Miller (FL) Farr Murphy (CT) Watt Capito Harris Miller (MI) Fattah Nadler Waxman motion for the previous question is defeated, Carter Hartzler Miller, Gary Frank (MA) Napolitano Welch control of the time passes to the Member Cassidy Hastings (WA) Mulvaney Fudge Neal Woolsey who led the opposition to ordering the pre- Chabot Hayworth Murphy (PA) Garamendi Olver Wu Chaffetz Heck vious question. That Member, because he Myrick Gonzalez Owens Yarmuth then controls the time, may offer an amend- Coble Hensarling Neugebauer ment to the rule, or yield for the purpose of Coffman (CO) Herger Noem NOT VOTING—21 Cole Herrera Beutler Nugent amendment.’’ Bachmann Filner Moore Conaway Huelskamp Nunes Blumenauer Giffords Pascrell In Deschler’s Procedure in the U.S. House Crawford Huizenga (MI) Nunnelee Capuano Graves (MO) Rush of Representatives, the subchapter titled Crenshaw Hultgren Olson Castor (FL) Hinchey Schrader ‘‘Amending Special Rules’’ states: ‘‘a refusal Culberson Hunter Palazzo Cravaack King (IA) Wilson (FL) to order the previous question on such a rule Davis (KY) Hurt Paul Doggett Loebsack Young (AK) Denham Issa Paulsen [a special rule reported from the Committee Ellison McDermott Young (FL) on Rules] opens the resolution to amend- Dent Jenkins Pearce ment and further debate.’’ (Chapter 21, sec- DesJarlais Johnson (IL) Pence Diaz-Balart Johnson (OH) Petri b 1419 tion 21.2) Section 21.3 continues: ‘‘Upon re- Dold Johnson, Sam Pitts Messrs. ISRAEL, GUTIERREZ, and jection of the motion for the previous ques- Dreier Jones Platts tion on a resolution reported from the Com- Duffy Jordan Poe (TX) KILDEE changed their vote from mittee on Rules, control shifts to the Mem- Duncan (SC) Kelly Pompeo ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:35 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19JY7.024 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5182 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 Messrs. GUINTA, BARTLETT, and SWEARING IN OF THE HONORABLE United States Congresswoman, JANICE FRANKS of Arizona changed their vote JANICE HAHN, OF CALIFORNIA, will surely add more victories to her from ‘‘nay’’ to ‘‘yea.’’ AS A MEMBER OF THE HOUSE already long list of accomplishments. So the previous question was ordered. Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I ask unan- She is joined today by her son Danny; The result of the vote was announced imous consent that the gentlewoman daughter, Katy; son-in-law, John; and as above recorded. from California, the Honorable JANICE three grandchildren—Brooklyn, Stated against: HAHN, be permitted to take the oath of McKenna and Josiah. Mr. FILNER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 603, I office today. Mr. DREIER. Will the gentleman was unable to vote due to previous commit- Her certificate of election has not ar- yield? ments in my district. Had I been present, I rived, but there is no contest and no Mr. STARK. I yield to the gentleman would have voted ‘‘no.’’ question has been raised with regard to from California. f her election. Mr. DREIER. I thank my friend for COMMUNICATION FROM THE The SPEAKER. Is there objection to yielding. CLERK OF THE HOUSE the request of the gentleman from Let me join on behalf of my Repub- The SPEAKER laid before the House California? lican colleagues from California and the following communication from the There was no objection. across the country in extending a Clerk of the House of Representatives: The SPEAKER. Will Representative- hearty congratulations to our new col- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, elect HAHN and the members of the league, filling the great shoes—they’re Washington, DC, July 13, 2011. State delegation present themselves in not huge shoes of course—but suc- Hon. JOHN BOEHNER, the well. ceeding our good friend Jane Harman. The Speaker, House of Representatives, All Members will rise and the Rep- Washington, DC. I have to say, Mr. Speaker, that JAN- resentative-elect will please raise her ICE HAHN comes from a family that has DEAR MR. SPEAKER: I have the honor to right hand. transmit herewith a facsimile copy of a let- had a great, great, long tenure of pub- ter received from Mr. Jacob Corbin of the Ms. HAHN appeared at the bar of the lic service. Her father, Kenneth Hahn, Elections Division of the California Sec- House and took the oath of office, as served as a supervisor in the County of retary of State’s office, indicating that, ac- follows: Los Angeles—a huge job. They rep- cording to the unofficial returns of the Spe- Do you solemnly swear or affirm that resent about three times as many peo- cial Election held July 12, 2011, the Honor- you will support and defend the Con- ple as we, Mr. Speaker; and her broth- able Janice Hahn was elected Representative stitution of the United States against to Congress for the Thirty-Sixth Congres- er, of course, a judge, has served as the all enemies, foreign and domestic; that mayor of the city of Los Angeles. sional District, State of California. you will bear true faith and allegiance With best wishes, I am, Our new colleague has come here at Sincerely, to the same; that you take this obliga- certainly an extraordinarily crucial KAREN L. HAAS, tion freely, without any mental res- time in our Nation’s history, and will Clerk. ervation or purpose of evasion; and face many challenges ahead; but I also Enclosure. that you will well and faithfully dis- want to say that our thoughts and SECRETARY OF STATE, charge the duties of the office on which STATE OF CALIFORNIA, prayers go to our new colleague. Not you are about to enter, so help you everyone knows that, literally on the Sacramento, CA, July 12, 2011. God. Hon. KAREN L. HAAS, eve of the election, her mother, Ra- The SPEAKER. Congratulations, you Clerk, House of Representatives, mona, passed away suddenly. I know Washington, DC. are now a Member of the 112th Con- that she, as are all the members of the DEAR MS. HAAS: This is to advise you that gress. Hahn Family, would be extraordinarily the unofficial results of the Special General f proud of this moment. Election held on Tuesday, July 12, 2011, for Representative in Congress from the Thirty- WELCOMING THE HONORABLE We extend a hearty congratulations. Sixth Congressional District of California, JANICE HAHN TO THE HOUSE OF Mr. STARK. Please join me and all of show that Janice Hahn received 41,585 or 54.6 REPRESENTATIVES the California delegation in welcoming percent of the total number of votes cast for JANICE. The SPEAKER. Without objection, that office. The SPEAKER. The gentlewoman It would appear from these unofficial re- the gentleman from California is recog- from California is recognized. sults that Janice Hahn was elected as Rep- nized for 1 minute. resentative in Congress from the Thirty- There was no objection. Ms. HAHN. Good afternoon, Mr. Sixth Congressional District of California. Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, the resi- Speaker, Leader PELOSI, and honored To the best of our knowledge and belief at dents of California’s 36th Congressional Members. this time, there is no contest to this elec- District chose JANICE HAHN last week It is wonderful to be here today rep- tion. resenting the 36th Congressional Dis- As soon as the official results are certified in a special election to succeed our es- to this office by Los Angeles County, an offi- teemed colleague Jane Harman. Jane trict in California. I am honored and cial Certificate of Election will be prepared will be missed, but we welcome JANICE thankful for this incredible oppor- for transmittal as required by law. to Congress where she will undoubtedly tunity to serve here in the United Sincerely, serve as a powerful champion for her States House of Representatives. I am JACOB CORBIN, constituents. humbled to be the first Los Angeles Elections Division, She begins her career in Congress City councilmember elected to Con- California Secretary of State. with a strong record of fighting for gress since Ed Roybal almost 50 years SPECIAL ELECTION NIGHT VOTE TALLY SEMI-OFFICIAL jobs, the environment and working ago. CANVASS, U.S. REPRESENTATIVE 36TH CONGRESSIONAL families. As a city of Los Angeles coun- I was born into public service. My DISTRICT* cilwoman, she led successful initiatives dad, Kenny, represented the people of [Special General Election, July 12, 2011] to improve her community. She cre- Los Angeles for 46 years. My brother, ated jobs by standing with unions and Jim, served as mayor, and is now a su- Districtwide Los Angeles County:** perior court judge. Our dad taught us Registered Voters ...... 342,492 advocating for development to promote Votes Cast ...... 76,221 tourism. She worked to clean the air in that serving others is more than a County Turnout % ...... 22.3 L.A. by addressing the pollution from job—it’s a calling. It requires honesty, Total Reportable Precincts ...... 261 the ports and by enacting strong diesel hard work and, most of all, the courage Precincts Reporting ...... 261 Percentage of Precincts Reporting ...... 100.0 truck emission standards. She stood to do the right thing. with working families through her sup- In 1961, a young and controversial Janice Craig Huey, Hahn, Dem. Rep. port of living wages and health care. civil rights leader named Martin Lu- JANICE carries on the legacy of her ther King, Jr. came to Los Angeles for Votes Cast ...... 41,585 34,636 Percentage of Total Votes Cast ...... 54.6 45.4 father, Kenny Hahn, a former Los An- his very first visit, and not a single * Vacancy resulting from the resignation of Jane Harman. geles County supervisor and a pas- elected official wanted to greet or wel- ** Congressional District 36 is wholly contained in Los Angeles County. sionate civil rights advocate. As a come him except for one—my father.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:14 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.058 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5183 That’s where I got my political cour- Barton (TX) Griffith (VA) Paul Green, Al Lynch Roybal-Allard age. We know that Americans are Bass (NH) Grimm Paulsen Green, Gene Maloney Ruppersberger Benishek Guinta Pearce Grijalva Markey Ryan (OH) counting on us now more than ever to Berg Guthrie Pence Gutierrez Matheson Sa´ nchez, Linda solve their problems, and working to- Biggert Hall Petri Hahn Matsui T. gether with courage and in good faith, Bilbray Hanna Pitts Hanabusa McCarthy (NY) Sanchez, Loretta Hastings (FL) McCollum Sarbanes I believe we can and we will. Bilirakis Harper Platts Bishop (UT) Harris Poe (TX) Heinrich McGovern Schakowsky This past week, I experienced a won- Black Hartzler Pompeo Higgins McIntyre Schiff derful victory but also a profound loss. Blackburn Hastings (WA) Posey Himes McNerney Schwartz My dear, sweet mother passed away un- Bonner Hayworth Price (GA) Hinojosa Meeks Scott (VA) Bono Mack Heck Hirono Michaud Scott, David expectedly the day before the election. Quayle Boren Hensarling Reed Hochul Miller (NC) Serrano She was the driving force behind our Boustany Herger Rehberg Holden Miller, George Sewell family, and this is the first accomplish- Brady (TX) Herrera Beutler Reichert Holt Moore Sherman Honda Moran Brooks Huelskamp Renacci Sires ment I’ve ever had and not been able to Hoyer Murphy (CT) Slaughter Broun (GA) Huizenga (MI) Ribble share with her. She was looking for- Buchanan Hultgren Inslee Nadler Smith (WA) Rigell Bucshon Hunter Israel Napolitano Speier ward to seeing this day, and I know Rivera Buerkle Hurt Jackson (IL) Neal Stark both she and my father are looking Roby Burgess Issa Jackson Lee Olver Sutton Roe (TN) down today, smiling. Burton (IN) Jenkins (TX) Owens Thompson (CA) Rogers (AL) And for that, I want to thank every- Calvert Johnson (IL) Johnson (GA) Pallone Thompson (MS) Rogers (KY) one who made this possible. Thank you Camp Johnson (OH) Johnson, E. B. Pastor (AZ) Tierney Campbell Johnson, Sam Rogers (MI) Kaptur Payne Tonko to my children—Katy, Danny and Canseco Jones Rohrabacher Keating Pelosi Towns Mark; my son-in-law, John; my five Cantor Jordan Rokita Kildee Perlmutter Tsongas beautiful grandchildren, three of whom Capito Kelly Rooney Kind Peters Van Hollen Ros-Lehtinen ´ are here today—McKenna, Brooklyn Carter King (IA) Kissell Peterson Velazquez Cassidy King (NY) Roskam Kucinich Pingree (ME) Visclosky and Josiah; and thank you to Leader Chabot Kingston Ross (FL) Langevin Polis Walz (MN) PELOSI, Democratic Whip HOYER and Chaffetz Kinzinger (IL) Royce Larsen (WA) Price (NC) Wasserman the California delegation. Coble Kline Runyan Larson (CT) Quigley Schultz Coffman (CO) Labrador Ryan (WI) Lee (CA) Rahall Waters I want to thank my good friend Jane Cole Lamborn Scalise Levin Rangel Watt Harman for her years of service to this Conaway Lance Schilling Lewis (GA) Reyes Waxman Congress and to this Nation and to the Crawford Landry Schmidt Lipinski Richardson Welch people of the 36th District; and when Crenshaw Lankford Schock Lofgren, Zoe Richmond Woolsey Culberson Latham Schweikert Lowey Ross (AR) Wu she stepped down, I told her to leave Davis (KY) LaTourette Scott (SC) Luja´ n Rothman (NJ) Yarmuth the initials on the door. Denham Latta Scott, Austin NOT VOTING—19 Thanks to my campaign staff and Dent Lewis (CA) Sensenbrenner volunteers and the voters. I will work DesJarlais LoBiondo Sessions Bachmann Filner Rush Diaz-Balart Long Shimkus Blumenauer Giffords Schrader every day, with every bit of strength Dold Lucas Shuler Capuano Graves (MO) Wilson (FL) that I have, to serve you. Dreier Luetkemeyer Shuster Castor (FL) Hinchey Young (AK) I look forward to working with each Duffy Lummis Simpson Cravaack Loebsack Young (FL) Duncan (SC) Lungren, Daniel Doggett McDermott and every one of you and in getting to Smith (NE) Duncan (TN) E. Smith (NJ) Ellison Pascrell know each and every one of you. Ellmers Mack Smith (TX) b 1439 Thank you. God bless you, and God Emerson Manzullo Southerland bless our beautiful country. Farenthold Marchant Stearns So the resolution was agreed to. Fincher Marino Stivers Fitzpatrick McCarthy (CA) The result of the vote was announced f Stutzman Flake McCaul Sullivan as above recorded. Fleischmann McClintock ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER Terry A motion to reconsider was laid on Fleming McCotter Thompson (PA) Flores McHenry the table. The SPEAKER. Under clause 5(d) of Thornberry Forbes McKeon Stated against: rule XX, the Chair announces to the Tiberi Fortenberry McKinley Mr. FILNER. Madam Speaker, on rollcall House that, in light of the administra- Foxx McMorris Tipton tion of the oath to the gentlewoman Franks (AZ) Rodgers Turner 604, I was unable to vote due to previous Upton AHN Frelinghuysen Meehan commitments in my district. Had I been from California (Ms. H ), the whole Walberg number of the House is 433. Gallegly Mica present, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ Gardner Miller (FL) Walden f f Garrett Miller (MI) Walsh (IL) Gerlach Miller, Gary Webster PERSONAL EXPLANATION PROVIDING FOR CONSIDERATION Gibbs Mulvaney West Westmoreland OF H.R. 2560, CUT, CAP, AND BAL- Gibson Murphy (PA) Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Madam Speaker, Gingrey (GA) Myrick Whitfield on Monday, July 18, and Tuesday, July 19, I ANCE ACT OF 2011 Gohmert Neugebauer Wilson (SC) missed a couple of rollcall votes. Had I been The SPEAKER. Without objection, 5- Goodlatte Noem Wittman Gosar Nugent Wolf present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on Nos. minute voting will continue. Gowdy Nunes Womack 601, 603, 604 and ‘‘nay’’ on No. 602. There was no objection. Granger Nunnelee Woodall The SPEAKER. The question is on Graves (GA) Olson Yoder f the resolution. Griffin (AR) Palazzo Young (IN) PERSONAL EXPLANATION The question was taken; and the NOES—177 Mr. PASCRELL. Madam Speaker, today, Speaker announced that the ayes ap- Ackerman Carney Cummings July 19th, I unavoidably missed two rollcall peared to have it. Altmire Carson (IN) Davis (CA) votes. Had I been present, I would have voted RECORDED VOTE Andrews Chandler Davis (IL) ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall vote No. 603, On Ordering Baca Chu DeFazio Mr. MCGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I de- Baldwin Cicilline DeGette the Previous Question on H. Res. 355. Addi- mand a recorded vote. Barrow Clarke (MI) DeLauro tionally, had I been present I would have A recorded vote was ordered. Bass (CA) Clarke (NY) Deutch voted ‘‘nay’’ on rollcall No. 604, On Agreeing Becerra Clay Dicks The SPEAKER. This is a 5-minute Berkley Cleaver Dingell to H. Res. 355. vote. Berman Clyburn Donnelly (IN) f The vote was taken by electronic de- Bishop (GA) Cohen Doyle REPORT ON H.R. 2584, DEPART- vice, and there were—ayes 236, noes 177, Bishop (NY) Connolly (VA) Edwards Boswell Conyers Engel MENT OF THE INTERIOR, ENVI- not voting 19, as follows: Brady (PA) Cooper Eshoo RONMENT, AND RELATED AGEN- [Roll No. 604] Braley (IA) Costa Farr Brown (FL) Costello Fattah CIES APPROPRIATIONS BILL, 2012 AYES—236 Butterfield Courtney Frank (MA) Mr. SIMPSON, from the Committee Adams Alexander Bachus Capps Critz Fudge Aderholt Amash Barletta Cardoza Crowley Garamendi on Appropriations, submitted a privi- Akin Austria Bartlett Carnahan Cuellar Gonzalez leged report (Rept. No. 112–151) on the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:35 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.061 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5184 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 bill (H.R. 2584) making appropriations ‘‘(2) following any adjustment under para- order to consider a bill or joint resolution for the Department of the Interior, en- graph (1), the House or Senate Committee on which waives, modifies, or in any way alters vironment, and related agencies for the Appropriations may report appropriately re- a sequestration order unless the chair of the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, vised suballocations pursuant to section House or Senate Committee on the Budget 302(b) of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974 certifies that the measure achieves the same and for other purposes, which was re- to carry out this subsection. levels of reductions in new budget authority ferred to the Union Calendar and or- ‘‘(d) GLOBAL WAR ON TERRORISM.—If a bill and outlays for the applicable year as set dered to be printed. or joint resolution is reported making appro- forth in the order.’’. The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mrs. priations for fiscal year 2012 that provides TITLE II—CAP EMERSON). Pursuant to clause 1, rule funding for the global war on terrorism, the allowable adjustments provided for in sub- SEC. 201. LIMIT ON TOTAL SPENDING. XXI, all points of order are reserved on (a) DEFINITIONS.—Section 250(c) of the Bal- the bill. section (c) for fiscal year 2012 shall not ex- ceed $126,544,000,000 in budget authority and anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control f the outlays flowing therefrom. Act of 1985 is amended by striking paragraph (4), redesignating the succeeding paragraphs GENERAL LEAVE ‘‘SEC. 317. CERTAIN DIRECT SPENDING LIMITS. ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—It shall not be in order accordingly, and adding the following new Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Madam in the House of Representatives or the Sen- paragraph: Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that ate to consider any bill, joint resolution, ‘‘(19) The term ‘GDP’, for any fiscal year, all Members may have 5 legislative amendment, or conference report that in- means the gross domestic product during days in which to revise and extend cludes any provision that would cause total such fiscal year consistent with Department their remarks and include extraneous direct spending, except as excluded in sub- of Commerce definitions.’’. section (b), to exceed the limits specified in (b) CAPS.—The Congressional Budget Act material on H.R. 2560. of 1974 is amended by inserting after section The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there subsection (c). ‘‘(b) EXEMPT FROM DIRECT SPENDING LIM- 318 the following new section: objection to the request of the gen- ITS.—Direct spending for the following func- ‘‘SEC. 319. ENFORCING GDP OUTLAY LIMITS. tleman from Wisconsin? tions is exempt from the limits specified in ‘‘(a) ENFORCING GDP OUTLAY LIMITS.—In There was no objection. subsection (c): this section, the term ‘GDP outlay limit’ f ‘‘(1) Social Security, function 650. means an amount, as estimated by OMB, ‘‘(2) Medicare, function 570. equal to— CUT, CAP, AND BALANCE ACT OF ‘‘(3) Veterans Benefits and Services, func- ‘‘(1) projected GDP for that fiscal year as 2011 tion 700. estimated by OMB, multiplied by Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Madam ‘‘(4) Net Interest, function 900. ‘‘(2) 21.7 percent for fiscal year 2013; 20.8 ‘‘(c) LIMITS ON OTHER DIRECT SPENDING.— percent for fiscal year 2014; 20.2 percent for Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution The total combined outlays for all direct 355, I call up the bill (H.R. 2560) to cut, fiscal year 2015; 20.1 percent for fiscal year spending not exempted in subsection (b) for 2016; 19.9 percent for fiscal year 2017; 19.7 per- cap, and balance the Federal budget, fiscal year 2012 shall not exceed cent for fiscal year 2018; 19.9 percent for fis- and ask for its immediate consider- $680,730,000,000.’’. cal year 2019; 19.9 percent for fiscal year 2020; ation. SEC. 102. STATUTORY ENFORCEMENT OF SPEND- and 19.9 percent for fiscal year 2021. The Clerk read the title of the bill. ING CAPS THROUGH SEQUESTRA- ‘‘(b) GDP OUTLAY LIMIT AND OUTLAYS.— TION. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ‘‘(1) DETERMINING THE GDP OUTLAY LIMIT.— Title III of the Congressional Budget Act ant to House Resolution 355, the bill is The Office of Management and Budget shall of 1974 is amended by inserting after section establish in the President’s budget the GDP considered read. 317 the following new section: The text of the bill is as follows: outlay limit for the budget year. ‘‘SEC. 318. ENFORCEMENT OF DISCRETIONARY ‘‘(2) TOTAL FEDERAL OUTLAYS.—In this sec- H.R. 2560 AND DIRECT SPENDING CAPS. tion, total Federal outlays shall include all ‘‘(a) IMPLEMENTATION.—The sequesters Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- on-budget and off-budget outlays. shall be implemented as follows: resentatives of the United States of America in ‘‘(c) SEQUESTRATION.—The sequestration to Congress assembled, ‘‘(1) DISCRETIONARY SPENDING IMPLEMENTA- enforce this section shall be implemented TION.—For the discretionary limits in sec- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. pursuant to section 254 of the Balanced This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Cut, Cap, tion 316 of the Congressional Budget Act of Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act and Balance Act of 2011’’. 1974, pursuant to section 251(a) of the Bal- of 1985. anced Budget and Emergency Deficit Control TITLE I—CUT ‘‘(d) EXEMPT PROGRAMS.—Section 255 of the Act of 1985 with each category sequestered Balanced Budget and Control Act of 1985 SEC. 101. MODIFICATION OF THE CONGRES- separately. shall not apply to this section, except that SIONAL BUDGET ACT. ‘‘(2) DIRECT SPENDING IMPLEMENTATION.— Title III of the Congressional Budget Act payments for military personnel accounts (A) The sequestration to enforce this section (within subfunctional category 051), of 1974 is amended by inserting at the end for direct spending shall be implemented the following: TRICARE for Life, Medicare (functional cat- pursuant to section 254 of the Balanced egory 570), military retirement, Social Secu- ‘‘SEC. 316. DISCRETIONARY SPENDING LIMITS. Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act rity (functional category 650), veterans ‘‘(a) IN GENERAL.—It shall not be in order of 1985. (functional category 700), and net interest in the House of Representatives or the Sen- ‘‘(B) Section 255 of the Balanced Budget (functional category 900) shall be exempt.’’. ate to consider any bill, joint resolution, and Control Act of 1985 shall not apply to amendment, or conference report that would this section, except that payments for mili- SEC. 202. ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES UNDER THE CONGRESSIONAL BUDGET ACT cause the discretionary spending limits as tary personnel accounts (within subfunc- OF 1974. set forth in this section to be exceeded. tional category 051), TRICARE for Life, (a) ENFORCEMENT.—Title III of the Congres- ‘‘(b) LIMITS.—In this section, the term ‘dis- Medicare (functional category 570), military sional Budget Act of 1974 is amended by add- cretionary spending limits’ means for fiscal retirement, Social Security (functional cat- ing after section 319 the following new sec- year 2012: for the discretionary category, egory 650), veterans (functional category tion: $1,019,402,000,000 in new budget authority and 700), net interest (functional category 900), $1,224,568,000,000 in outlays. and discretionary appropriations shall be ex- ‘‘SEC. 320. ENFORCEMENT PROCEDURES. ‘‘(c) ADJUSTMENTS.—After the reporting of empt. ‘‘It shall not be in order in the House of a bill or joint resolution relating to the glob- ‘‘(b) MODIFICATION OF PRESIDENTIAL Representatives or the Senate to consider al war on terrorism described in subsection ORDER.— any bill, joint resolution, amendment, or (d), or the offering of an amendment thereto ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—At any time after the Di- conference report that would cause the most or the submission of a conference report rector of OMB issues a sequestration report recently reported current GDP outlay limits thereon— under subsection (a) and section 319(c) the set forth in section 319 of the Congressional ‘‘(1) the chair of the House or Senate Com- provisions of section 258A of the Balanced Budget Act of 1974 to be exceeded.’’. mittee on the Budget may adjust the discre- Budget and Emergency Deficit Control Act (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.—The table of con- tionary spending limits provided in this sec- of 1985 shall apply to the consideration in the tents in section 1(b) of the Congressional tion for purposes of congressional enforce- House of Representatives and the Senate of a Budget and Impoundment Control Act of 1974 ment, the budgetary aggregates in the con- bill or joint resolution to override the order is amended by inserting after the item relat- current resolution on the budget most re- if the bill or joint resolution, as enacted, ing to section 315 the following new items: cently adopted by the Senate and the House would achieve the same level of reductions ‘‘Sec. 316. Discretionary spending limits. of Representatives, and allocations pursuant in new budget authority and outlays for the ‘‘Sec. 317. Certain direct spending limits. to section 302(a) of the Congressional Budget applicable fiscal year as set forth in the ‘‘Sec. 318. Enforcement of discretionary and Act of 1974, by the amount of new budget au- order. direct spending caps. thority in that measure for that purpose and ‘‘(2) POINT OF ORDER.—In the House of Rep- ‘‘Sec. 319. Enforcing GDP outlay limits. the outlays flowing therefrom; and resentatives or Senate, it shall not be in ‘‘Sec. 320. Enforcement procedures.’’.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:35 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.064 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5185 TITLE III—BALANCE Madam Speaker, we find this Nation And what does their budget plan do? SEC. 301. REQUIREMENT THAT A BALANCED more than $14 trillion in debt. We’re Yes, it is the same old plan to end the BUDGET AMENDMENT BE SUB- paying more than $600 million a day in Medicare guarantee, to slash Medicaid, MITTED TO STATES. interest on that debt. Now imagine, to cut education while protecting spe- (a) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary of the Treasury shall not exercise the additional imagine the United States of America cial interest tax breaks, like subsidies borrowing authority provided under sub- without that debt. We don’t get any- for Big Oil companies. section (b) until the Archivist of the United thing for that $600 million. But it’s an And here’s what they’re saying: Un- States transmits to the States H.J. Res. 1 in obligation. We need to live up to those less we do that, unless we take that, the form reported on June 23, 2011, S.J. Res. obligations. they’re going to prevent the United 10 in the form introduced on March 31, 2011, What this bill says is very simple: States from paying its bills. or H.J. Res. 56 in the form introduced on We’re going to cut. We’re going to Remember, these are bills that are April 7, 2011, a balanced budget amendment make an immediate cut to some spend- coming due on actions that this Con- to the Constitution, or a similar amendment ing, a paltry $111 billion in the first if it requires that total outlays not exceed gress has already taken. These are the total receipts, that contains a spending limi- year. Number two, we’re going to cap bills to pay for two wars. These are tation as a percentage of GDP, and requires as a percentage of our gross domestic bills to pay for the prescription drug that tax increases be approved by a two- product the amount of money that plan that was never paid for. And one thirds vote in both Houses of Congress for we’re going to spend going forward so of the primary reasons we don’t have their ratification. that there are targets in place for fu- enough revenue coming in to pay those (b) AMENDMENT TO TITLE 31.—Effective on ture Congresses to consider and weigh bills is because of the tax cuts in 2001 the date the Archivist of the United States and make the good decisions that need transmits to the States H.J. Res 1 in the and 2003 that disproportionately bene- form reported, S.J. Res. 10 in the form intro- to be made. How are we going to fited the very wealthy. duced, or H.J. Res. 56 in the form introduced, prioritize things? And, number three, It’s interesting to hear some of our a balanced budget amendment to the Con- we are going to seek to have a balanced Republican colleagues who have been stitution, or a similar amendment if it re- budget amendment come to the floor of here for that entire period of time and quires that total outlays not exceed total re- the House, come to the Senate, and voted on all those things saying that ceipts, contains a spending limitation as a pass both bodies. it’s a sacrifice for them to accept re- percentage of GDP, and requires tax in- If we can make that historic move sponsibility and pay the bills for the creases be approved by a two-thirds vote in and pass to the States a balanced budg- things they voted for. Imagine if the both Houses of Congress for their ratifica- et amendment, then we will solve the tion, section 3101(b) of title 31, United States American people took that position. underlying challenge that faces this Code, is amended by striking the dollar limi- And what are the consequences of the country: We are spending too much tation contained in such subsection and in- United States failing to pay its bills? money. I think everybody understands serting $16,700,000,000,000. The same thing that would happen to that. But the question is: Are we really The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- an American family that decided not to tleman from Wisconsin (Mr. RYAN) and going to do something about it? The question for the President, the pay its bills, whether it’s its mortgage, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. VAN its car payment, whatever it might be. HOLLEN) each will control 2 hours. question for this body moving forward, is: Do we have the fortitude to actually It would undermine the creditworthi- Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Madam ness of that American family. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that put before the States an amendment? That’s all we ask. Can the States have And taking that action will under- the gentleman from Utah (Mr. mine the creditworthiness of the CHAFFETZ), a member of the Budget a say in this? To my Senate colleagues, Madam United States. That will lead to a rise Committee, control 30 minutes; the in interest rates and a sinking econ- gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. GAR- Speaker, I would encourage them, they are to represent the States. What are omy. It would hurt every American RETT), the vice chair of the Budget family. And it would increase—not de- Committee, control 30 minutes; and the they afraid of if they won’t send a bal- crease—the deficit of the United gentleman from Ohio (Mr. JORDAN) anced budget amendment forward for States. That is the result our Repub- control 30 minutes of debate. their ratification? The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there We have to change the way we do lican colleagues are threatening in this objection to the request of the gen- business in Washington, D.C. America bill if their demands are not met. tleman from Wisconsin? gets it. America understands it. But So let’s dig a little deeper into those There was no objection. this body, in its history, has not lived demands. As I say, what they want to Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. With respect up to that call. The future of our Na- do is impose the same budget plan that to the remaining time, I will reserve tion depends upon it. they voted on earlier in this House and the balance of my time and turn it over There is going to be all kinds of rhet- we debated. It does end the Medicare to the gentleman from Utah. oric about how we’re cutting Medicare. guarantee, it does slash Medicaid and The SPEAKER pro tempore. The It’s not true. It simply says we’re going education, and it does protect cor- Chair recognizes the gentleman from to have to put ourselves on a glide path porate tax loopholes. Only this time Utah. to get some fiscal sanity back here. it’s worse, because they want to take Mr. CHAFFETZ. I yield myself such Now, there is a timetable that is be- that budget plan and implant it in the time as I may consume. fore us. We’re going to run out of Constitution of the United States. Madam Speaker, today is an historic money. We’re spending money we don’t Now, nobody in this body should be today. We have an opportunity in this have. But there is a timetable before fooled for one moment. This is not an body to send a strong signal to the us. And so in just 2 weeks, we’re going ordinary balanced budget amendment country that we’re going to live within to come upon this deadline. This is a to the Constitution. We can have that our means. At the heart of this discus- real plan that can solve the problem debate, and there are legitimate argu- sion is a discussion about whether or and something that should be widely ments. This does something very dif- not our country is going to live within embraced on both sides of the aisle. ferent and very sinister. It manipulates its means. I reserve the balance of my time. the Constitution of the United States What we ask for at the heart of this Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I yield myself in a way to graft the Republican budg- proposal is that we balance our budget. such time as I may consume. et plan into the Constitution. How does It’s something that families do. It’s Madam Speaker, this is no time for it do it? There are two devices, and the something that businesses do. A bal- this body to be playing dangerous gentleman knows them well. anced budget amendment is something games with the American economy and that 49 States across the country have. with American jobs, and yet that’s ex- b 1450 Unfortunately, in Congresses past, actly what’s going on on the floor of The first is, it says you can cut Medi- Presidents past, we have not lived this House today. Our Republican col- care, you can cut Social Security, you within our means. I have heard the ar- leagues are taking the position that can cut education, with a majority gument that says, Oh, we don’t need a unless and until we accept their radical vote. But if you want to cut a subsidy constitutional amendment; we just budget plan, they will prevent the for a Big Oil company for the purposes need to do our job. United States from paying its bills. of reducing the deficit, if you want to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:35 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19JY7.018 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5186 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 cut corporate jet loopholes for the pur- cuts for every dollar in revenue. He Forty-nine States, including my pose of reducing the deficit, that’s not makes it very clear he wants to get the home State of Virginia, already have a a majority vote. That’s a super- revenue, closing some of these cor- balanced budget requirement, and it’s majority, two-thirds vote. So it biases porate tax loopholes, asking the top 2 time that the Federal Government re- the Constitution itself in a manner percent of income earners in the flect the same policy to get our fiscal that prefers cuts to Medicare bene- United States to just go back to the house in order. Cut, Cap, and Balance ficiaries who have a median income of rates they were paying during the Clin- makes sure that we begin to treat tax- under $22,000 before asking the very ton administration, a time we all re- payer dollars more responsibly, just wealthiest in our country to return to member when the economy was boom- like families and businesses do with the same tax rates that were in place ing and we created 20 million jobs. their own budgets. during the Clinton administration. So let’s take a balanced approach to We need to act today. We cannot con- Secondly, it says, we have to pass a this. Let’s not take the position that if tinue to kick the can down the road. constitutional amendment in the next our demands are not met, if we can not Madam Speaker, the President con- 2 days that also includes an overall cap manipulate the Constitution of the tinues to say, as the gentleman on the on spending. And if you look at the bill United States to engraft our budget other side tries to imply as well, that that came out of the Judiciary Com- plan into that founding document, then they want to do big things. We do as mittee, what that would impose is an we’re going to let the United States well, as evidenced by our budget that 18 percent cap. Maybe 18 percent, fail to pay its bills and suffer the ter- we put on the table. But we implore the other side to get serious. Let’s do maybe 19 percent in the end, we don’t rible economic consequences. It’s not big things. Let’s get our fiscal house in know, but you have to have a cap. And so much Members in this body that order. But let’s do so without imposing the one that’s come out so far has an 18 will be suffering those; its the Amer- higher taxes on the small business peo- percent cap. ican people. Let’s not do that to the ple that we so desperately need to start Now, let’s put that number into con- American people. I reserve the balance of my time. hiring again. text. Not since 1966, just after we en- And the gentleman from Maryland acted Medicare to protect our senior Mr. CHAFFETZ. I would ask the gen- tleman if he could give us a copy of loves to talk about those corporate citizens from health crisis, not since loopholes. He loves to talk about cor- that time has the United States met that plan right now here during this debate, we would certainly appreciate porate jet owners and the kind of pref- that level of expenditures. We’ve been erences that exist in the Code. The gen- over that level of expenditures. So by it. The second thing is what we’re talk- tleman from Maryland knows all too putting that cap on, combined with the ing about is a balanced budget. That’s well, he and I were in discussions for provision to make it easier to cut really what we’re talking about. almost 7 weeks when I said, again and Medicare than it is to cut corporate I now yield 1 minute to our leader, again, that we would be happy to en- tax subsidies, they are writing into the the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. CAN- gage in a discussion of tax reform to Constitution itself this bias. They’re TOR). get rid of those loopholes. The gen- stacking the constitutional deck in Mr. CANTOR. Madam Speaker, it is tleman also knows that those loopholes favor of engrafting their budget plan time to be honest with the American and the costs associated with those into our founding document. people. At a time when our government loopholes pale in comparison to the Now, I heard the gentleman say, and borrows 40 cents of every dollar it problem. we hear it many times, and I hope we spends, we have got no choice but to Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Will the gen- won’t hear it again on this floor today, cut spending and begin living within tleman yield? 49 of the 50 States have balanced budg- our means. Mr. CANTOR. I will not yield. et amendments. That’s true. But they Contrary to what the gentleman on So I know it makes for good politics don’t have this kind of balanced budget the other side of the aisle continues to to go throw the shiny ball out there, amendment. They don’t have balanced say, no one, no one wants to bring de- Madam Speaker, that somehow Repub- budget amendments with these per- fault onto our country. And with mil- licans are wed to that kind of policy to nicious features, with some exceptions. lions of Americans out of work, we’ve sustain these preferences, when all Fourteen States have a super- got to focus on getting the economy along, in our budget and in our plan, majority requirement written into growing again. we have said we are for tax reform. We their constitution. For a good number We, as Republicans, as the new ma- have said we are for bringing down of those, it’s less than two-thirds, jority in this House, as the gentleman rates on everybody. which is what this would require. Six- from Maryland knows, have put a plan And that’s it, Madam Speaker. Let’s teen States write into their Constitu- on the table that ensures Washington get serious and stop playing politics. It’s not about that. There is no dis- tion spending caps, and only seven does not continue to spend money it agreement that any of us want to sup- States in the country combine the two. doesn’t have. House Republicans have a So let’s not talk about how every port those loopholes. plan to cut, cap, and balance our way But what’s really going on, Madam State can balance the budget, an argu- to prosperity. This commonsense legis- ment which also ignores the reality Speaker, in all of the debt discussion, lation provides a straightforward plan in all of the negotiation, is the fact that the Federal Government is not to curb our massive debt and to finally just any old State. It is the Federal that the minority and its party and the begin to limit spending. President continue to insist that we Government of the United States of The legislation before us would re- America. It needs to be able to respond raise taxes on the small business peo- quire, one, a balanced budget compo- ple that we need so desperately to to emergencies and wars and the like. nent; two, a supermajority require- begin creating jobs and hiring people So let me close with this, Madam ment to raise taxes on the American Speaker. We do need to, number one, again. people; and, three, a limit on spending Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, make sure we pay our bills; and, num- as a percentage of GDP. I wish the gentleman had yielded be- ber two, we need to get our deficits Madam Speaker, today the House has cause I think it would have become under control in a way that helps our the opportunity to show the people very clear that the Republican position economy, not hurts it. And that’s why that sent us here that we are serious is they won’t close a tax loophole that the President of the United States put about turning the page on the failed generates one penny for deficit reduc- forward a proposal that is modeled on fiscal policies that this town has been tion, not one penny. the framework that was put forward by about over the last several decades and the Simpson-Bowles commission. It begin to get the fiscal house in order. b 1500 doesn’t have every detail in it, but it House Republicans were voted into So you can’t close a corporate jet adopts that framework that says let’s office to change the culture in Wash- loophole if it’s going to deficit reduc- cut the deficit by approximately $4 ington, and we will not support the tion. You can’t say to the oil and gas trillion over the next 10 years. Let’s do other side’s request or the President’s companies we’re going to end your sub- it in a balanced way. In fact, it’s tilted request to increase the debt limit with- sidy if it’s going to go for deficit reduc- toward spending cuts—$3 of spending out meaningful reforms to the system. tion. We all know there are a lot of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:35 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.068 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5187 Washington lobbyists that manipulate would be a catastrophe for this country long-term solutions. In the short term, the Tax Code around here. Getting a to allow this to take place. We need to responsible, appropriate spending re- tax break, a taxpayer giveaway to the stay at the table and continue to nego- ductions. In the midterm, limit and Tax Code, is just like getting some- tiate around the idea of jobs, taking a control Federal spending as a percent thing through spending, and yet our look at those things strategically that of gross domestic product. And in the Republican colleagues refuse to allow can be cut that create jobs, and those long term, stop the madness. Force any cut in a loophole to go to deficit revenues that can be enhanced to cre- Washington to do what every single reduction, not one penny. ate jobs to put the American people family in this country does and every Again, we heard it from the majority back to work. That’s what the Amer- single business in this country does, leader, we’re going to hear it I guess all ican people want to see, the Congress and that is to balance our budget. day, 49 out of 50 States have balanced that can come together. President Obama has issued a veto budget amendments. This is not the I stand by our President and by this threat, saying essentially that bal- kind of balanced budget amendment great chairman in making sure that we ancing the budget is an unrealistic pol- States have. This writes into the Con- don’t go through this theater of the ab- icy goal. This is an administration that stitution of the United States again a surd. You know that this is not a true says it wants to do big things. Mr. preference for cutting Medicare and balanced budget amendment. You President, is getting our debt and def- Social Security—that requires a major- know that in your heart. You have tal- icit under control too much to ask? Is ity vote—but in order to close one of ented and good people on your side, as that too big, Mr. President? What is those corporate tax loopholes for the do we. Let’s be about putting America unrealistic is to assume that we can purpose of reducing the deficit you back to work and create jobs. Let’s not spend at the levels that President need a two-thirds vote. You’re going to talk about defaulting on the Nation. Obama and congressional Democrats imbed into the Constitution of the We’re defaulting on the American peo- have done over the past few years, United States those policy preferences. ple. Let’s talk about putting them amass trillion-dollar annual deficits, That is exactly what this does. back to work. That’s what we need to and still have a vibrant economy. Now So let’s not hear about the 49 States. do in this Nation. that’s unrealistic. Putting America’s They don’t all have these spending Mr. CHAFFETZ. For 2 years under fiscal house in order is not only real- caps, and they don’t all have that pref- Barack Obama, the Democrats had the istic and achievable, it’s imperative; erence protecting special interest tax House and Senate and the Presidency, it’s imperative in order to get our breaks from use for deficit reduction. you didn’t do a thing to touch those so- economy moving again and create jobs. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to called ‘‘loopholes.’’ To try to feign how This bill is a positive solution, a our distinguished leader of the Demo- exasperated you are at this point is commonsense solution, an honest solu- cratic Caucus, the gentleman from somewhat disingenuous to somebody tion, and a bold solution. I encourage Connecticut (Mr. LARSON). who sat here for 2 years with you hav- my colleagues to support this bill and Mr. LARSON of Connecticut. Madam ing the House, the Senate, and the begin to travel on a path to prosperity. Speaker, I rise to associate myself with Presidency and doing nothing about it. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I yield myself the remarks of the distinguished gen- What we’re fighting for is more tax- such time as I may consume. tleman from Maryland (Mr. VAN HOL- payers, not more taxes. When the I just want to make a couple of LEN). President said he was going to veto points in response to statements that Let me say that in his opening com- this bill, it provided a whole lot of clar- have been raised. ments I think he has laid it out pretty ity to a guy like me. Because if we Not only would this write in the Con- well. Cut, cap and balance—one has to can’t find common ground on balancing stitution a two-thirds requirement for resist on our side the notion that this the budget—how dare we offer that we getting rid of special interest tax is cut, cap, and get rid of Medicare. want to balance the budget? That’s all breaks for the purposes of deficit re- The public has had it with this the- we ask for in this country, is put us on duction, it would make it easier to cre- ater of the absurd that’s going on. a trajectory to balance the budget. ate new special interest tax loopholes They want Congress to come together, ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE than to eliminate them. If a Wash- as our President has suggested, and do The SPEAKER pro tempore. The ington lobbyist is pushing for a big spe- the most important thing that we Chair will remind Members that all re- cial break, you can do that with a ma- can—create jobs for the American peo- marks should be addressed to the jority vote under this constitutional ple. Chair. amendment. But if you want to elimi- At Augie & Ray’s in my hometown, Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I nate one of those special interest tax people ask me, what’s going on? Seems yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from loopholes, whoops, you need a two- like a light beer commercial where Georgia (Mr. PRICE), the chairman of thirds vote. there is this endless quibbling back and the House Policy Committee. Now let’s be very clear on what the forth, with people on both sides of the Mr. PRICE of Georgia. I thank the President has said. Yes, we want to aisle who care deeply about their coun- gentleman for yielding. close those corporate loopholes. He has try but seem to do little about putting Madam Speaker, I’ll tell you, my also been very clear that beginning in the Nation back to work. friend talks about the theater of the 2013 we should go back to asking the We face a crisis with a debt ceiling, a absurd. I’ll tell you what’s absurd: It’s very top income earners to pay the debt ceiling that 17 times under Ronald saying that they have a plan when they same rates they were paying during the Reagan was lifted without any bill have no plan at all. That is what’s ab- Clinton administration, which, as I being held hostage, and clearly not pro- surd. said, was a time when the economy was grams like Medicare and Social Secu- That we are here today dealing with booming. Now every time we mention rity. This is a time for us to come to- this challenge ought not be a surprise that fact we hear our Republican col- gether and reason in a rational process. to anybody. Decade after decade, Con- leagues talk about small business and There are no immediate tax imposi- gress after Congress, President after how they’re going to protect small tions placed by the President—all of President, they have borrowed too business. When you hear that language, you who have been in negotiations un- much, spent too much, and taxed too you really know that they’re using derstand and know that. In fact, this much, which is why our new majority— that as cover to protect some of these Congress, when we were in the major- now just over 6 months in office—has big special interests. ity, passed the largest tax cut for the put forward positive, substantive pro- middle class. posals to change the way that Wash- b 1510 I continue to believe that the people ington does business. It’s exactly what Why do I say that? We agree that in my home town have it right, that America is demanding. small businesses are the engine of this the issue is about jobs. We cannot take Our challenges are huge, but solu- economy; but if you look at the Joint this Nation up to the precipice, up to tions based upon principle is exactly Tax Committee report, July 12, non- the cliff again and risk endangerment what is needed, and hence this current partisan, they say that 3 percent of all of default. As Ronald Reagan said, this bill, with short-term, midterm and businesses would even be impacted—

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:35 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.070 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5188 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 only 3 percent. Less than 3 percent of businesses, and bad for our Nation’s It is time to cut up the Federal credit all businesses would be impacted by economy now and into the future. We card and stop placing this govern- the President’s proposal, those that file should not let it pass. ment’s out-of-control spending habits as S corporations. And then it goes on Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, the onto the backs of future generations. to provide a warning here, specifically only thing Cut, Cap, and Balance is bad This bill does exactly that. I am proud saying beware because these entities for is for Members of Congress because to support it. might not be ‘‘small,’’ in quotes. we are going to actually rein in spend- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, In fact, they say in 2005, over 12,000 S ing. They’re actually going to have to the sponsor of the bill mentioned some corporations and 6,000 partnerships had live within a balanced budget. House rules. I think he is well aware receipts of more than $50 million. I would also highlight rule XXI, sec- that you can always waive House rules Among those are KKR and tion 5(b). I have heard a lot of rhetoric by majority vote. Thank goodness you Pricewaterhouse. Now these are all in the news and other places about how cannot just waive the Constitution of good businesses, but I would ask my there is going to be such a higher the United States. Our Founders made colleagues whether they are small busi- standard. It should be noted that the it difficult to get bad ideas into the nesses. And let’s not use the rhetoric of passage of a tax rate increase, a bill or Constitution. Again, I want to make it small businesses to protect preferences joint resolution, amendment, or con- clear, this is not your garden-variety for the big guys. ference report carrying a Federal in- balanced budget amendment. This is We all need to share responsibility come tax rate increase may not be con- manipulating the Constitution of the for getting this deficit under control. sidered as passed or agreed to unless so United States itself in a way that We need a balanced approach to doing determined by a vote of not less than makes it easier to cut Medicare, easier that. three-fifths of the Members voting. to cut Social Security, and easier to With that, I yield 3 minutes to the It was that same standard and cut education than it is to cut cor- gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. threshold when NANCY PELOSI was the porate tax loopholes for the purpose of SCHWARTZ), my colleague on the Budg- Speaker of the House as it is today, so reducing the deficit. et Committee. we have had that higher standard for With that, I yield 3 minutes to the Ms. SCHWARTZ. Madam Speaker, I raising taxes. That is nothing new. gentlewoman from Minnesota (Ms. appreciate the comments of the rank- At this time, I would like to yield 2 MCCOLLUM), a member of the Budget ing member and this discussion. minutes to the gentleman from Wis- Committee. Let me be very clear. Let me start by consin (Mr. RIBBLE), a freshman Mem- Ms. MCCOLLUM. Madam Speaker, just saying that Republicans continue ber. to play politics rather than do what is Mr. RIBBLE. Madam Speaker, I rise the bill on the floor right now is a po- best for this country, particularly to today in support of H.R. 2560, the Cut, litical gimmick. It is a stunt. It is not do what is responsible at a critical Cap, and Balance Act of 2011. a serious effort. But this bill does re- time for our Nation. They are once To put our Nation back on the path flect Republican values. This Repub- again holding American families and to prosperity, government needs to lican bill protects the wealthiest American businesses hostage by truly live within its means, and that Americans. This Republican bill pum- threatening to allow the United States means Congress must be required to mels seniors and the middle class. And, to default on our debt, to not meet our pass budgets that spend the same no surprise, this bill panders, even responsibilities until their extreme ide- amount of money that comes in. grovels to the Tea Party extremists. ological demands are met. Just last weekend, S&P announced This bill will end the Medicare guar- Their plan is not a balanced approach they were reviewing America’s AAA antees. This bill will kill jobs. And, to what is right for our country. It bond rating. They warned if Congress thank goodness, this bill will never ends the Medicare guarantee for our and the President could not reach an pass the United States Senate. This seniors. Let me repeat that: It ends the agreement to structurally reform our bill will never become law. Medicare guarantee for our seniors. spending and debt problems, not just The Republican majority is wasting And it slashes educational opportuni- raising the debt ceiling, our country precious time as the clock ticks and ties for the next generation of Ameri- will face a risk of having its bond rat- ticks closer to default and economic cans. It inhibits our ability to foster an ing downgraded. This will not only re- disaster. The Republican majority is environment for private sector eco- sult in higher borrowing rates for indi- choosing to bring America to the brink nomic growth by cutting any chance of viduals and businesses, but also stifle of default for reasons that have every- investment in scientific research and new job creation and capital invest- thing to do with politics and nothing technology, in roads, bridges and high- ment. We simply cannot allow this to to do with reasonable governing. The ways, and in access to higher edu- happen. American people reject the Tea Party’s cation, to the very, very kinds of ac- A few days ago, President Obama dangerous brand of Armageddon eco- tions we need to take to establish an said we have to eat our peas. Well, I nomics. It is time to take responsi- atmosphere for private sector growth couldn’t agree more. Our bloated and bility for paying America’s bills and in this Nation, whether large or small obese Federal budget needs a healthy raise the debt ceiling without Tea business. and balanced diet, one that trims the Party gimmicks and games. The Republican plan is disastrous at fat of overspending and grows the mus- This Congress needs to take a serious a very fragile time in our economic re- cle of our Nation’s economy. And stand and get busy creating jobs and covery. It will devastate America’s fu- that’s exactly what H.R. 2560 does. It putting people back to work and get- ture economic competitiveness. The provides a balanced approach to our ting this economy growing. Let’s end Republican majority has yet to Nation’s fiscal problems, and there is the debate on this radical legislation produce legislation that puts the nothing more balanced than a balanced right now. Let’s get to the real work of American economy back on track and budget. There is nothing more Amer- cutting deficits, creating jobs, and Americans back to work. ican than permitting the States and, growing the economy. This legislation guarantees that we more importantly, the American peo- Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I won’t meet our obligations of the Na- ple to have a voice in the direction this yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from tion to our seniors or to our children, Nation will take. There is nothing Texas (Mr. FLORES), a member of the and it would dramatically reduce our more prudent than stepping forward House Budget Committee. ability to compete in a global econ- and leading today so our children and Mr. FLORES. Madam Speaker, on omy. Make no mistake, the Republican grandchildren will have a better future July 15, 2011, just 4 days ago, President plan is, and always has been, to cut So- tomorrow. Obama said, ‘‘We don’t need a constitu- cial Security and Medicare, to cap eco- The future of our country is on the tional amendment to do our jobs.’’ But nomic opportunity, and to balance the line; and if this body wants to ensure a the President clearly does. Let’s go budget on the backs of middle class brighter, more prosperous future for through the facts which the other side families. our children and grandchildren, we has conveniently forgotten. Cut, Cap, and Balance is bad for must fundamentally change Washing- In the 30 months that he has been American families, bad for American ton’s spending habits. President, a short 30 months, he has

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:35 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.073 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5189 added almost $4 trillion to our national bill extended the life of the trust fund, (Mr. GOODLATTE asked and was debt. That is $133 billion a month, $3.1 and we also did it by getting rid of the given permission to revise and extend million per minute, $51,000 per second. overpayments to some of the Medicare his remarks.) We have seen the destruction of Advantage plans that were being paid Mr. GOODLATTE. I rise in strong Medicare through the enactment of at 114 percent of what other plans were support of the Cut, Cap, and Balance ObamaCare, making Medicare insol- being paid for. Taxpayers were oversub- legislation. I commend the gentleman vent by more than $60 trillion. You sidizing those plans, as were Medicare from Utah and all the others who have want to talk about Medicare destruc- recipients. brought this forward, and here’s why, tion, you can look right over here and With that, I yield 3 minutes to a ter- right here: see Medicare destruction. rific member of the Budget Committee, We had a vote here on the floor of We have almost 40 million Americans the gentleman from New York (Mr. this House a few weeks ago about the on food stamps, the most ever. We have TONKO). President of the United States’ re- spent $1 trillion on a stimulus plan, but Mr. TONKO. I thank the ranking quest: just give me a clean debt limit we still have one out of every six work- member of the committee for yielding. increase. Every single Republican and ing-age Americans either under- Madam Speaker, there is not a single nearly a majority of the Democrats employed or unemployed. person in this Chamber who doesn’t voted to do the opposite, to not give want to balance the budget, but the b 1520 him a debt limit increase. legislation before us today is not about This shows us why we are here today This is what Mr. Obama calls ‘‘win- that. It is about enshrining a particu- with Cut, Cap, and Balance legislation. ning the future.’’ That’s what he larly radical interpretation of the Re- This is the track that the Democrats threatened in his veto of Cut, Cap, and publican agenda into the foundational have us on right now. This is the track Balance. document, a precious document, our we would be on if the President had He wants to win the future. Mr. Constitution, that guides our system of gotten his wish for a debt limit in- Obama, you’re not winning the future. government. crease without any spending cuts, If successful, it would put in place a You’re not winning anything. The without any caps on future spending, cap on Federal spending at 18 percent Obama plan for our country is tax, and without what 80 percent of the of GDP, turning back the clock more spend, and regulate; not winning the American people want, which is a bal- than half a century to the glory days of future. anced budget amendment to the United 1966. Though it makes for a great press More taxes mean fewer jobs. More States Constitution. release, why didn’t anyone else think spending and more debt: fewer jobs and This green line is what we’re voting of this solution? Even President less economic growth. More regulation: on today. This is what the House budg- Reagan never once requested a Federal fewer jobs, less economic growth. et, already adopted by this institution And with the Obama plan, there’s budget that spent nearly this low. Well, to begin with, our population is and that we’re operating under right more. You get to have gasoline prices now with our appropriations bills, this that are double what they were when much larger and much older on average than it was in 1966. Some see that as a is what would put us on a target to not he was inaugurated. But there is a real only balance the budget but also to pay plan to correct this. problem. Seniors are expensive, they say. I suppose that’s one way of look- off the $14 trillion national debt that Cut, Cap, and Balance takes away the we are faced with right now, that our blank check that this Congress has ex- ing at it. And if all you’re worried about is how much Grandma’s nursing children and grandchildren are faced ercised for decades and that this Presi- with, that the future of our economy is dent clearly seems to enjoy. It’s time home care costs, then this is the bill for you. But since 1966, Grandma is liv- faced with right now. we stopped the blank check spending This is the choice that we have here now and take the necessary steps to ing, on average, nearly 10 years longer. There is no price you can place on that, today. Take care of the debt limit. force Washington to act responsibly Don’t default on our obligations. No and live within its means just like my and there is no question that it’s be- cause she’s getting a guaranteed level one here wants to do that. But also cut constituents in Texas do already. It’s spending, cap spending, and pass a bal- time for Cut, Cap, and Balance. of health care. This bill, according to their own anced budget amendment to the United ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE leaders, enshrines the Republican plan States Constitution. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- to end Medicare in the United States In 1995, we came within one vote in bers are reminded to address their re- Constitution. Right there, after the the United States Senate, after the marks to the Chair and not to others in freedom of religion, the freedom of House of Representatives cast 300 bi- the second person. thought, the freedom of assembly, we partisan votes for a balanced budget The time of the gentleman has ex- can have the freedom from health care amendment to the United States Con- pired. after age 65. stitution, and now we have the oppor- Mr. CHAFFETZ. I yield the gen- This is nothing more than a political tunity to lay the groundwork to do it tleman an additional 30 seconds. stunt, a gimmick that would change again, but this time to succeed; and we Mr. FLORES. When I was sworn in, the fundamental rules of our demo- have much, much greater reason to do my constituents gave me a stamp that cratic system so our Republican col- that because of the fact that we are said: Non-Sufficient Funds, Denied By leagues can make it easier to end Medi- faced with this mountain of red ink Taxpayers. Mr. Obama, your plan is de- care and more difficult to cut tax give- that we can turn into a bright future nied by taxpayers. aways to millionaires, to billionaires for America. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, and their friends in Big Oil. I urge my colleagues to support this when we were all sworn in, we were Let’s stop this nonsense and get back legislation. also sworn to protect the Constitution to work. Let’s stop the nonsense that is Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I yield myself of the United States, not manipulate playing games with America’s working such time as I may consume. the Constitution of the United States families. They promote this as a way Madam Speaker, we have been mak- to protect special interest tax breaks to fiscal sanity, but, rather, it’s a lack ing a point that this is not your garden for oil and gas companies or other spe- of investment in sanity. It’s an assault variety constitutional amendment. cial interests by implanting into that on our children, our families, our vet- This is— document a requirement that two- erans, our seniors. Let’s put America Mr. GOODLATTE. Will the gen- thirds of this body and the Senate have back to work. Let’s invest in those op- tleman yield? to vote to get rid of them for purposes portunities and reduce the deficit as we Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I will yield on of deficit reduction. move forward. Enough with the foolish your time, Mr. GOODLATTE, and I’m I also think that while we’re all enti- gimmicks. happy when you have some time to do tled to our own opinions, we’re not en- Mr. CHAFFETZ. I love that: foolish that. titled to our own facts. If you look at gimmicks, balancing our budget. In fact, I think you’re going to want the Medicare trustees’ report, it will I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman an opportunity, because the gentleman indicate that the health care reform from Virginia (Mr. GOODLATTE). from Virginia was asked at the hearing

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:35 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.075 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5190 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 on his proposal for a constitutional come to California. Every year the House, the President is now threat- amendment, which was voted out of State is held hostage. Every year my ening to veto a cut, cap, and balance the committee, to identify one budget Republican colleagues attempt to have before it was even brought to the floor that would meet the requirements of a cap that is passed similar to the cap for debate. their version, this version of the con- that is proposed in this legislation. And this isn’t the first time that the stitutional amendment, and it was And every year the State reaches the President has rejected a good plan put pointed out that even the draconian— brink of a shutdown. So why on Earth together by the House of Representa- Mr. GOODLATTE. Will the gen- would we want to import the disfunc- tives. Not only did the House provide a tleman yield for a question? tion from California to the Nation? plan in the Path to Prosperity, our Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I will not yield on We should be dealing with the debt House Republican budget, but here we my time. ceiling free and clear. We should not are today, about to vote on Cap, Cut, The gentleman pointed out that not force a default in order to bring about and Balance, which represents a solu- even the Republican budget that passed legislation that is not related to the tion to the current debt ceiling debate. the House, that ends the Medicare debt ceiling. Our government should For someone who claims he wants to guarantee and is draconian, not even not pick winners and losers, which is solve this issue, he has rejected every that would meet those requirements, exactly what will happen if we don’t good proposal that has come his way. that the budget that would meet those raise the debt ceiling—whether vet- Mr. President, it is time to eat your requirements was that passed by the erans should be paid, if IRS refunds can peas. Republican Study Group, which is like be honored, if Pell Grants will be avail- I urge my colleagues to vote for Cut, the Republican plan on steroids. In able, and if food stamps can be distrib- Cap and Balance. fact, a lot of Members on the Repub- uted. And that’s exactly what would ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE lican side decided that was way over- happen if the debt limit is not raised. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The board. That would require slashes in I urge a ‘‘no’’ vote on this bill. Chair will once again remind Members, things like Medicare and Social Secu- Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I very gently, to address their remarks rity even more than the Republican believe the gentleman said he would to the Chair and not to others in the budget that passed the House. answer a question if we asked it on our second person. So that is the one budget that was time. The question I have for the gen- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I would just re- identified as meeting the requirements tleman is: Would you support any bal- mind my colleagues that the President of that constitutional amendment. anced budget amendment? Is there any has put on the table a balanced ap- This is not a simple constitutional balanced budget amendment that you proach to reducing the deficit. It would amendment. They know that that’s a would support? cut about $4 trillion from the deficit popular idea. I yield to the gentleman from Mary- over the next 10 to 12 years. It’s a bal- land. anced approach, again, based on the b 1530 Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I would be happy overall framework of the bipartisan So they’re dressing up their par- to entertain a debate. Simpson-Bowles Commission. It calls ticular version of it in that language, Mr. CHAFFETZ. It’s just a ‘‘yes’’ or for $3 in spending cuts for $1 in rev- talking about 49 out of 50 States have ‘‘no.’’ enue. It would be raised after 2013 by this. Again, two devices: One, super- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Here’s the ques- closing special interest tax loopholes majority; a two-thirds vote required to tion—— and asking the folks at the very top to cut corporate tax loopholes when only Mr. CHAFFETZ. It’s a simple ‘‘yes’’ go back to the same rates that were in a simple majority is required to cut or ‘‘no.’’ place during the Clinton administra- Medicare and Social Security. We don’t Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Let me just say tion. That’s what the President said. think things like that belong in the this. I would not want to prevent the It’s hard to have a conversation when Constitution of the United States. United States from being able to re- the other party to the negotiations I yield 3 minutes to a distinguished spond in cases of war, in national emer- takes the position that they will not member of the Budget Committee, the gency. allow one cent from closing a corporate gentlewoman from California (Ms. Mr. CHAFFETZ. Reclaiming my tax loophole to go for the purposes of BASS). time—— deficit reduction. And now we see them Ms. BASS of California. I would like Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I’m happy to trying to enshrine within the Constitu- to thank the ranking member of the work with the gentleman on that en- tion a limitation on our ability to get Budget Committee, of which I’m very terprise, but that’s very different than rid of those special interest tax loop- proud to be a member. what you’re talking about. holes. They would now require a two- I rise in strong opposition to H.R. Mr. CHAFFETZ. Reclaiming my thirds vote. That is a Washington lob- 2560. I have to tell you, Madam Speak- time, I will now yield 2 minutes to the byist’s dream in the Constitution. er, that to me it feels like Groundhog gentlewoman from Tennessee, DIANE I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished Day again here in the House of Rep- BLACK, who is here as a freshman in ranking member of the Small Business resentatives. ‘‘Duck, dodge, and dis- the House of Representatives. Committee, the gentlewoman from mantle’’ is brought to the floor today Mrs. BLACK. Last week, President New York (Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ). for a vote. I have to tell you that I’ve Obama got up on his bully pulpit and Ms. VELA´ ZQUEZ. Thank you, Rank- seen this movie before. The storyline he told the House Republicans it was ing Member, for yielding. rewards the ultrawealthy while pun- ‘‘time to eat our peas’’ as a part of the Madam Speaker, as we debate how to ishing working families. debt deal. The President said that to avert the default crisis, we should ac- I served as Speaker of the California us, yet he has not come forward with a knowledge what got us into the current Assembly while my State staggered detailed written plan of his own. All we mess. The real reason that the United from budget crisis to budget crisis. We hear from the White House is about States faces this dilemma dates back cut spending drastically—from $110 bil- job-killing tax increases and a mys- to a series of irresponsible tax cuts: lion to $83 billion. But every year, Cali- tical dollar amount of cuts with no ac- $2.5 trillion in tax giveaways that were fornia is subject to national ridicule. tual concrete figures on how to achieve unpaid for and went disproportionately Why does California have this problem? it. The President has yet to put his to the wealthiest Americans put us on Well, Madam Speaker, we have a bal- plan on the table, even though the Con- this sustainable path. anced budget requirement in Cali- gress has been asking for a scorable We were told tax cuts would provide fornia. We require a two-thirds vote to plan from him for months. In fact, he an economic boost. So what did we get raise revenue. We can pass tax loop- did not even respond to a request from for this enormous addition to the def- holes and breaks on a simple majority myself and 76 of our freshman members icit? Was our economy strengthened? vote. who wrote to him and asked him over Were new jobs created? The answer is a So how is that working for us in Cali- a month ago to come to the table and resounding no. In fact, the median in- fornia? Well, I’d like to invite my col- put pen to paper. And yet, even in the come for working families fell by 2.4 leagues on the other side of the aisle to absence of a plan from the White percent during the first 10 years these

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:58 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.078 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5191 tax cuts were in place—while food, with still no plan to pay it off. That locking in all these tax laws? You’re housing, and other necessities became does not solve the debt crisis. That ac- just freezing in every single impro- more expensive. Job creation plum- celerates our debt crisis. priety that’s in the Tax Code. meted to 33 new jobs a month, the low- I have heard all day what a disaster These people in my town hall meet- est levels since President Hoover. The it would be to balance our budget. Only ing said, Stop playing games. They said record is clear: Giving tax breaks to in this room is it a disaster to balance it because they don’t think you should the wealthiest without paying for it the budget. I don’t think Americans put conditionality on it. Vote for a ballooned our deficit but didn’t create understand what we’re talking about. I clean debt limit. I did. Not one of you jobs. don’t think they understand how out of did it. Not one Republican voted for Now, the proposal before us will not touch we have really become that we that. Shame on you. Shame on you for just continue this misguided policy of would argue about balancing the budg- playing fire with the United States slash and burns, but make it worse. It et. S&P and Moody’s have both threat- Constitution. Shame on you on the cut, won’t create jobs for Americans but ened to downgrade our debt, not be- cap, and ruin of the United States. will slash services working families cause we’re approaching August 2, but Vote ‘‘no.’’ rely on. Make no mistake, America: because we have no credible plan to ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE This plan begins the dismantling of ever pay this off. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Medicare and Social Security. Mean- Cut, Cap, and Balance gives us a Chair will, once again, remind the while, subsidies for big oil companies credible framework from which, year Members that remarks in debate must and tax breaks for billionaires will be after year, we will work to be able to be addressed to the Chair and not to locked in. Most of all, at a time when resolve this debt, pay it down, and get other Members in the second person. our economy is struggling, this bill back to balance. Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, will cost hundreds of thousands of can hear the chant on the other side nobody is saying that we shouldn’t bal- American jobs. If you like 9 percent un- with regard to the some 90 times the ance our budget. We should balance our employment, you will love this bill. debt ceiling has been raised. That’s the budget. In fact, the last time it was in Vote against this bill. Stop playing problem. I can hear the chant on the balance was during the Clinton admin- pure politics. The American people de- other side: One more time. One more istration when they took a balanced serve nothing less. time. One more time. approach to reducing the deficit, in- Mr. CHAFFETZ. We have 9 percent- That’s why we’re in this mess. It’s cluding having in place sufficient reve- plus unemployment, Madam Speaker. that Congresses in the past have not nues from the folks at the very top to We’ve been north of that for a long heeded the call. They have not said, help cover our bills. ‘‘Enough is enough.’’ Now, as our debt time. And we’re now also saddled with Then what happened in 2001–2003 is more than $14 trillion in debt. that we had back-to-back tax cuts that ceiling starts to reach a panic, we’re I would now like to yield 2 minutes disproportionately benefited the very going to get close to 100 percent of our to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. wealthy, which are a significant con- gross domestic product. Enough is enough. LANKFORD), who is on the Budget Com- tributor to why there is now a mis- I would now like to yield 2 minutes mittee. match between the bills we have to pay to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Mr. LANKFORD. We have two dis- and the revenue coming in, which is YOUNG). tinctly different views. And it’s not why the President of the United States Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. Madam just Republican or Democrat views. has said, Let’s reduce the deficit. Let’s Speaker, I was on record last night, One group sees the impending crisis as do it in a balanced way. Let’s do $3 in speaking to the Cut, Cap, and Balance whether we’re going to vote to increase cuts to $1 in revenue. the debt ceiling and all the crisis is I go back to the fact that the Repub- Act of 2011 and as to what the many based around August 2. The other licans in the House want to insert in merits are of this legislation. I think it group sees the crisis as the debt itself. the Constitution of the United States a is a fine bill, and I commend its consid- How you see the crisis will affect provision that would require a two- eration to those on the other side of your view of how you choose to solve thirds vote to get rid of a special inter- the aisle; but I have to say the debate it. If the problem is the uncertainty est tax loophole for the purpose of def- surrounding Cut, Cap, and Balance has around just this vote, then we do what- icit reduction. That kind of makes it a certain Alice in Wonderland char- ever it takes to get past August 2 and difficult to have a balanced plan. acter to it. It made me open up the old the problem is solved. With that, I yield 2 minutes to the storybook just minutes ago and recall a favorite passage. b 1540 gentleman from California (Mr. FARR). Mr. FARR. I thank the gentleman for I recall Alice asks, ‘‘Would you tell If the problem is the debt, when we yielding. me which way I ought to go from raise the ceiling, we will face a debt ap- Last night, I was in a town hall here?’’ to which the Cat responds, proaching $14 trillion with no strategy meeting in California, and it was very ‘‘That depends a good deal on where to pay off that debt. Our disaster is not clear. It was a bipartisan whole group you want to get to.’’ averted. It has been accelerated. of people, and what they told us very Alice replies, ‘‘I don’t much care As we know, just raising the debt truly is, Stop playing games. They where.’’ Then of course the Cat says, limit does not solve the problem, as know that the United States Congress, ‘‘Then it doesn’t matter which way you we’ve done that many times in the since 1940, has voted over 90 times—90 go.’’ past. The economy that we have now is times—to raise the debt and never once I get the sense my good friends on as a result of the actions that we’ve with a game, never once with pre- the other side of the aisle don’t really taken in the past to continually raise conditions of, Oh, we’ve got to do this. care where we go from here. They cer- the debt ceiling over and over again We’ve got to do that. tainly don’t care enough to put a spe- with no plan to get out of it. You guys are ruining this country’s cific plan forward themselves. What if we raise the debt ceiling and fiscal future by lighting a fire to our Unemployment remains at 9.2 per- agree to the President’s oral plan that fiscal sanity and to our reputation. cent. Investment in hiring remains he has given of $14 trillion, whatever You want to take down our Constitu- sluggish all around this country, par- that plan may be? tion by requiring a two-thirds vote. ticularly in places like my southern In- From the best we understand, Tim- You should look before you leap. Cali- diana district. Uncertainty reigns othy Geithner made the statement in fornia did this by initiative in 1990. about future taxes, future interest June that the plan is $2 trillion in cuts That State has had a two-thirds vote rates, future inflation rates all because over the next 10 years, $1 trillion in tax locked up. It’s impossible to get it out Washington continues to spend way too increases and $1 trillion in interest sav- of any fiscal crisis, and it has dropped much money, often on things we don’t ings, whatever that means. If we ac- from the sixth wealthiest economy in need, but also on important public pro- complish that plan and do that and the world. grams. We need to figure this out. We just raise the debt ceiling, we will then Do you want to follow that lead by need to figure it out as a country. Our have a debt in 10 years of $24 trillion amending the U.S. Constitution and national debt is over $14 trillion. It’s

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:58 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.085 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5192 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 time we come forward with specific b 1550 In a matter of only 2 years, non-de- plans. Yet the other side still has no Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, the fense discretionary spending has in- plan, seemingly no new ideas to offer country has a job crisis. We have the creased 84 percent and annual deficits to this debate, no solutions—only poll- same private sector jobs we did in 2001 have exceeded a trillion dollars for 3 tested rhetoric. and 14 percent more people looking for straight years. And our debt has grown The American people deserve more work. One of the ways to solve that job by nearly $4 trillion since President than this during this critical time. Our crisis, not the only way, is to try to Obama took office. markets certainly are asking for more keep interest rates stable and low so Let us think about cut, cap, and bal- than this. Standard & Poor’s on July 14 entrepreneurs can invest. ance in a larger context. Let’s think said, ‘‘We may lower the long-term rat- Today represents a terrible wasted about who is really impacted by the ing on the U.S. . . . if we conclude that opportunity. On the other side of this out-of-control spending this legislation Congress and the administration have Capitol this very morning, three Demo- seeks to end. not achieved a credible solution to the cratic Senators and three Republican In my home County of Meade Coun- rising U.S. Government debt burden Senators came together and said they ty, Kansas, population 4,575, there was and are not likely to achieve one in the were ready to embrace a plan that be- one birth announcement this week. On foreseeable future.’’ gins by cutting spending about $3 out his birthday, that child received an We need a plan. House Republicans of every $4. It cuts social programs. It IOU for nearly $46,000 to the Federal have been putting forward plans. We would cut defense, get us out of Iraq Government, and that’s before this put forward a plan already approved to and Afghanistan. It would take a seri- President adds more to the country’s close tax loopholes, something we’ve ous look at Medicare and Social Secu- debt burden. heard a lot about, in order to help cre- rity, which are in many cases contrib- Any request to increase the country’s ate jobs by making the Tax Code flat- uting to this deficit. And it would say debt must be accompanied by a clear ter, fairer and simpler. that those who benefit from ethanol plan that will reduce the amount of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The subsidies and oil company tax breaks, money that a child born in Meade time of the gentleman has expired. the wealthiest people in this country County, Kansas, owes to the politicians Mr. CHAFFETZ. I yield the gen- would have to pay a little bit more to in Washington, D.C. tleman an additional 15 seconds. pay their fair share. Let’s cut spending now, cap spending in the future, and pass a balanced Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. We need a Something like that is what should budget amendment and make history plan from the President. We need more be on the floor here this afternoon be- for all America’s children. It is the certainty restored to these markets. cause it can pass, the President can right thing to do. Let’s reject this Alice in Wonderland sign it, and it can solve the fiscal prob- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, sort of leadership. lems of this country or take a step in the right direction. But we don’t have as part of the plan the President has Don’t bring me problems, I say to my put on the table that would reduce the colleagues. Bring me solutions. One so- something like that. Instead, we have a plan that says the following and puts it deficit by $4 trillion over about 10 to 12 lution is the Cut, Cap, and Balance years, he has about a trillion dollars in Act, and I commend it for your consid- in the Constitution: The guy who runs an ethanol com- cuts in discretionary spending. He does eration. ask the Pentagon, which is the one Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Madam Speaker, pany who gets massive public subsidies to make profits is completely left agency that has never passed a GAO the one surefire way that we’re going audit, to help contribute toward resolv- to send interest rates up in this coun- alone. He doesn’t have to do anything. But the woman who cleans his office at ing that deficit problem. And he also try and add to the cost of living for does it without making deep cuts in every American is if the United States night is going to have to pay more to go to college, more for health care for critical investments for our country doesn’t pay its bills—bills for obliga- like education, like investment in in- tions that we’ve already taken on, herself, her children, and her parents, and more for just about anything else frastructure. which is what this is about. Some peo- We’re going to see in a couple of ple, again, think it’s a sacrifice to pay she wants in her life. There is something wrong with that weeks a bill that may come out of the bills for actions and decisions that Transportation Committee that dra- they’ve already supported and voted picture. Sacrifice that is equitably and broad- matically slashes infrastructure in- for. I would also point out that the Re- ly shared is needed in this country, but vestments at a time when we have 20 publican budget that passed the House a blind adherence to a special class of percent unemployment in the construc- and that would be put into this bill Americans who are so powerful and so tion industry. would require us to raise the debt ceil- entitled they pay nothing is the wrong So, yes, we have to make these cuts. ing by $8 trillion between now and 2022. way to go. And the last thing in the The President’s plan makes the cuts. So let’s not play this game with re- world we ought to do is put that error But let’s not take a hatchet to edu- spect to paying our Nation’s bills. on the Constitution. cation investments. Let’s not take a We have to do two things: We have to Vote ‘‘no’’ on this travesty. hatchet to investing in critical infra- pay our Nation’s bills—every family Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, at structure, and let’s not enshrine in the knows they have to pay their bills— any time we would love to see the Constitution of the United States a and we have to come up with a deficit Democrats’ plan. preference for cutting Medicare and reduction plan. If you could actually slide it across Social Security over cutting special in- The reality is the President has put a the table to us, we would certainly ap- terest tax loopholes. That’s what this plan on the table. The reality is our preciate it. provision will do. Republican colleagues don’t happen to I would like to yield 2 minutes to the With that, I yield 3 minutes to the like it because, as I said, for every $3 in gentleman from Kansas (Mr. distinguished vice chairman of the spending cuts, it would ask us to have HUELSKAMP). Democratic Caucus, the gentleman $1 in revenue from closing these special (Mr. HUELSKAMP asked and was from California (Mr. BECERRA). interest tax loopholes. Again, they given permission to revise and extend Mr. BECERRA. Once again, the pub- want to manipulate the Constitution of his remarks.) lic is way ahead of the politicians. By the United States to protect those Mr. HUELSKAMP. A day like today nearly three to one, Americans reject loopholes, to make it hard to get rid of does not come often, Madam Speaker. this Republican budget scheme. In fact, them. In only a handful of instances in our nearly 70 percent of Americans dis- With that, I yield 2 minutes to the Nation’s history has our Constitution approve of how Republicans are han- gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. AN- been amended. There can not be a bet- dling this deficit and default crisis. DREWS). ter or more urgent time for this House Even 51 percent of Americans who are (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given and the Senate and the United States registered Republicans disapprove of permission to revise and extend his re- of America to pass a constitutional how congressional Republicans are marks.) amendment to balance the budget. handling these negotiations.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:58 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00040 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.087 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5193 And by wide margins, Americans talking points. Clearly, we’re not going mind my colleagues that the reason we have sent a very clear signal to us in to be getting that here this evening. have to raise the debt ceiling is for ob- Congress here: Do not cut Medicare to What we’ve heard so far is this bill is ligations that have already been in- pay for deficits that were caused by going to dismantle Medicare. I encour- curred, votes that have already been things like the Bush tax cuts to the age my colleagues across the aisle to taken. For example, two wars, an un- wealthy and two unpaid-for wars in actually read the bill before they come funded prescription drug bill, and the Iraq and Afghanistan. in and talk about it. And page 4 specifi- reality of two tax cuts that dispropor- Today, millions of Americans are liv- cally says we don’t cut Medicare in tionately benefited the very wealthy. ing through tight budgets. As they sit this bill. Now, I would urge my colleagues to at the kitchen table, they don’t have We’ve heard the President say that read the bill. The section the gen- the luxury of walking away from the Social Security checks might not go tleman referred to dealt with the se- tough choices as some in Congress have out on August 3. That’s just false. The questration. There’s nothing in the bill done. They know that they must bal- President has every legal authority that says not to cut Medicare or Social ance today the needs that they have and the money available to him to send Security as part of reaching those tar- with the investments of tomorrow. those checks out. If he wants to, those gets. In fact, they’re going to implant That’s why Americans would see checks will go out on August 3. in the Constitution of the United straight through this cut-and-paste We’ve heard the country will default States a spending level that we have budget scheme. on our debt if we don’t raise the debt not achieved since just after we passed Under this budget scheme, if an ceiling. Not true. The authority is Medicare. American family wanted to buy a there. The money is there. We have So what they would do through this house, guess what? You better have plenty of money with which to pay the is call for deep cuts in Medicare. The cash to pay for it, because you cannot interest on our debt. There will be no numbers in this particular statutory borrow if you have to live under this default on our debt. provision track the budget that the Re- budget scheme. No mortgages. If you We heard the President say he’s publicans passed off this floor. The want to send your child to college, you going to cut $4 trillion from spending. CBO analyzed that. It looked at the im- better have every single cent you need But when pressed on it, he admitted pact on Medicare beneficiaries, and it’s to send your child to college today to that the spending cuts this year were in a letter dated April 5, 2011, to the pay for the full cost of that tuition. No actually $2 billion. Let’s put that in chairman of the Budget Committee, student loans because you could not perspective. Four trillion is $4,000 bil- pointing out that under the Republican borrow. So much for the American lion, and the President admits that budget plan, Medicare beneficiaries Dream for the American people. only $2 billion of that is this year. will end up paying about 60 percent of Two hundred days into this Congress b 1600 the costs compared to 25 to 30 percent and not one bill yet from this House is under Medicare today. enacted to put Americans back to We’ve heard today from my col- It’s interesting that Members of Con- work. And this proposal would elimi- leagues on the other side, Mr. Speaker, gress have written into the statute pro- nate hundreds of thousands of jobs al- ‘‘duck, dodge, and dismantle,’’ which I visions that say for Members of Con- most immediately. think is somewhat ironic in that it was gress, we will have about 72 to 75 per- How are we going to get past the next The Washington Post who actually ac- cent of our premiums and costs covered 14 days if today, on this floor, we’re de- cused the President in those exact when we’re saying to seniors on Medi- bating a bill that we know will not same words of ‘‘ducking’’ his obliga- care, let’s put in these spending caps pass in the Senate, that the President tions with his 2012 budget. Talk about that will require you to pay a whole lot has said that he would veto? And in 14 ‘‘dodging’’ responsibilities, it’s now more. short days, it’s not an issue of paying been 811 days since our colleagues in With that, I yield 3 minutes to the our bills. It’s a matter of watching the the Senate, controlled by the Demo- gentleman from Ohio (Mr. RYAN), a dis- interest rates on people’s mortgages crats, have introduced any budget tinguished member of the Budget Com- skyrocket. It’s a matter of watching whatsoever. And if we want to talk mittee. the value of the dollar plummet. And about ‘‘dismantling,’’ we can talk Mr. RYAN of Ohio. I thank the gen- it’s a matter of watching People’s re- about replacing Medicare as we know tleman. tirement accounts or their 401(k) or it, which is exactly what has happened. I would also like to thank our rank- IRA all of a sudden drop simply be- The Medicare, as we have known it for ing member for carrying the flag here cause people here in the House of Rep- generations, is gone and has been dis- on our side and combating some of the resentatives decided to play politics. placed and dismantled and replaced misinformation that’s coming out from That’s what this is about. And that’s with an independent payment advisory the other side. And I know the other why, once again, the public is way board. side certainly feels the same way. ahead of the politicians. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to real But it’s not the President saying all Let’s get to work. Let’s stop leaving debates on real issues. I look forward these things are going to happen if we the negotiating table. Let’s get this to having conversations in this Cham- do not address this issue. It’s every done. The President has said he is will- ber that are similar to the conversa- economist on the planet, except for a ing to go with a balanced approach. tions that take place at every house- few that may get paid by somebody This gets us nowhere. We need to go hold, every business, every county, who wants them to come up with an- somewhere, because America still has a town, and State in this country about other solution or another answer. So to long way to travel. what our priorities are and how to pin this all on the President, to say Mr. CHAFFETZ. It’s always compel- spend money responsibly. We are not that he’s somehow hyping this, I think ling, Mr. Speaker, when they have to going to have that conversation in this is not exactly true. use a poll to figure out how to do pub- Chamber until we pass Cut, Cap, and I think what the American people are lic policymaking. And to suggest that Balance. seeing and what we’re seeing now is there would be no more mortgages is Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I that as we come to the end, as we get just fantasy. It’s amazing what gets think the American families gathering close to a solution to this problem, the made up in this discussion instead of a around their tables do not have the op- House Republican Caucus says, Wait, serious discussion about balancing our tion of not paying their bills on obliga- we’ve got a solution. Let’s change the books. tions they’ve already incurred. They Constitution. That is not a sincere ef- I would now like to yield 2 minutes can’t say, Oh, it’s okay to not pay my fort to try to address this problem. We to the gentleman from South Carolina car payment, but I will pay my mort- have had people negotiating this day in (Mr. MULVANEY). gage. They don’t have that choice; and, and day out. And to come in within Mr. MULVANEY. I can’t tell you how frankly, the United States Government days of us destabilizing the markets much I long for a discussion of ideas, should not be saying that we’re going and say, Our solution is to change the an honest and open discussion of real to make those choices. We should be Constitution of the United States, I ideas in this Chamber as opposed to paying all our bills. And I would re- think is inadequate.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:58 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00041 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.090 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5194 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 I have heard several Members get up the taxes on anyone during a deep re- I guess some of our colleagues on the and talk about this debt in the last cession is going to help with the econ- Republican side, when they’re talking couple of years and everything else, omy.’’ President Obama responded, about balancing the budget, they’ve completely ignoring the fact that our ‘‘Normally you don’t raise taxes in a never heard of America paying its bills economy collapsed just 2 years ago. recession, which is why we haven’t and during world wars. We paid our bills Just 2 years ago, the economy com- why, instead, cut taxes.’’ So I guess through the Civil War. We paid our pletely collapsed and collapsed, in part, what I would say to Scott is, his eco- bills through the Marshall Plan, when because of the recklessness and the de- nomics are right. And, Mr. President, I America was extended as never before. regulation of Wall Street, taking the would agree with that. The American people want a func- cops off the beat and letting all of Today we’re hearing from the Demo- tional government. They want a re- these financial machinations continue crats that we’re paying for the Bush sponsible path forward, and this is not to happen without any regulation at tax cuts. Well, I was elected last No- the path that they’re suggesting. all. So to put up a placard that says, vember but was here for 2 months when A balanced budget constitutional We need to reduce regulations on Wall we voted to extend those Bush tax cuts amendment would straitjacket the Street, is a recipe to implement the which now I would refer to them as the Federal Government of the United same policies that got us into trouble Obama-Bush tax cuts. So I think it’s States. I wonder how our Tea Party in the first place. important that we remember who we friends feel about a Republican Party And, lastly, I would just like to say I should be really pointing the finger at, disturbing the Constitution to pay for know this is called a balanced budget that we should be pointing it at Wash- George Bush’s tax cuts. And recall the amendment, but the one thing that is ington. There’s plenty of blame to go weapons of mass destruction, 31,000 not included is balance. When you look around. wounded in Iraq? That bill is due and at the last 30 years, and you look at I believe we are in a situation right we need to pay it. Whether you were the accumulation of wealth that went now where we have a broken business. for Iraq or against it, they served us from the middle class, wages being It is time for new leadership to come in honorably, and that’s what this debate stagnant over 30 years, and the fact and evaluate the situation. And what is about. that in the late seventies, the top 1 Republicans are proposing today is The war in Afghanistan, we have to percent of people in the country, the that we’re going to give ourselves some pay that bill whether we were for it or top 1 percent of the wealthiest, had 9 breathing room with a debt ceiling in- against it; $2.3 trillion worth of tax percent of real income in the late sev- crease. But more importantly, we are cuts, while simultaneously invading enties. The top 1 percent now has 25 going to show the banker that we are two countries, a prescription D Medi- percent of real income in the country. not going to continue to borrow and care benefit that was never paid for. The average CEO in the late sixties spend, but we are going to change our Friends everywhere, and I hope every spending habits and the way that we made $48 for every $1 the worker made. speaker that comes to the microphone, operate. Today it’s $280. including the gentleman from Utah, If we want to kick the can down the To try to put into the Constitution of answers the following question: Was road and say we’re not concerned about the United States an additional hurdle the money borrowed along the way in a changing the way that we’ve operated, to try to ask those people who have series of supplemental budgets to mask that’s what the Democrat proposal is, benefited so greatly for being born in the size of the expenditures they were just raise the debt ceiling without any America and for generating wealth in requesting? reforms to our current budget process. The people that set the fire are now America and having a court system So I believe that this new leadership the ones calling the fire department. and a military and transportation sys- that we are seeing right here in this We’re in debt because of the positions tem available to them to make it hard- House is saying we’ve got to stop kick- that they offered when Bill Clinton er to ask them to contribute to solve ing the can down the road. Reform left. When Clinton walked out the door some of these problems, I think, is a spending. Reform Washington. there was a $5.7 trillion surplus, five real problem because at the same time Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, balanced budgets since World War II, you’re making it easier, with your again, the President has said two and Bill Clinton gave us four of them. GDP number of 18 percent, to cut Medi- things: Number one, America pays its We’re here today because of the poli- care and to cut those programs that bills for the obligations that it’s in- cies they embraced. are investments here in the United curred. Number two, he put a plan on Mr. CHAFFETZ. I yield 2 minutes to States that keep this great system the table to reduce the deficit by $4 the gentleman from New Hampshire going. trillion; again, $3 in spending cuts for Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, all we (Mr. GUINTA). $1 of revenue. Mr. GUINTA. Mr. Speaker, I find my- ask for is a balanced budget amend- I would point out to the gentleman, self in an unfortunate position today ment. All we ask for is for people to the President was very explicit. He said representing New Hampshire, listening live within their means. If you listen to that the revenue component would to the conversation and the debate the Democrats and what they suggest, begin in January of 2013; and in the that we’ve had here in this House. This just go ahead and spend more. Go meantime, he’s actually proposed ex- is a hallowed Chamber, a place that I ahead and keep racking it up on the tending the payroll tax for another am honored to serve, honored to bring credit card. There are no consequences. year during the year 2012 so that con- a responsibility to my constituents There are consequences. sumers would have more money to gen- from New Hampshire, to, in a dignified I now yield 2 minutes to the gen- erate more demand in the economy, way, communicate those feelings that tleman from Indiana (Mr. STUTZMAN). which is very fragile right now. Mr. STUTZMAN. I thank the gen- are reflected by people in New Hamp- tleman from Utah for yielding. b 1610 shire. And I have sat here for the bet- Washington is broke, Mr. Speaker, But make no mistake: Our long-term ter part of 2 hours, being ridiculed be- and the American people know it, and challenge is getting the economy going cause my party has the willingness and they know how to get out of the mess again and reducing our deficit, and the ability to bring an idea to the floor of that we’re in. economy needs that to happen, and it this House. I would like to reference back to Au- should happen in a balanced way. Now, I don’t expect everybody, every gust of 2009. The President visited my I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman Member of this institution, to agree district in northern Indiana. He was from Massachusetts (Mr. NEAL) a mem- with the idea, but I would humbly ask visiting the city of Elkhart, Indiana. ber of the Ways and Means Committee. that Members of this institution recog- And during that press conference, he Mr. NEAL. I rise in opposition to the nize that there is an idea on the table. unleashed some very interesting state- ‘‘cut, cap, and balance ruse act.’’ This The Cut, Cap, and Balance Act is an ments. And a brave constituent of is an ideologically extreme piece of leg- act not only that I support, but I co- mine, Scott Ferguson, expressed his islation that will end Medicare as we sponsored because I feel that America disappointment with taxes and asked know it, and it preserves tax cuts for is in crisis; that my constituents from the President to ‘‘explain how raising the wealthiest Americans. New Hampshire feel New Hampshire

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:58 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.094 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5195 and America is in crisis because of the into law. Yet, this measure doubles have been proportionally roughly half spending levels we find ourselves in. down on the Ryan budget proposal the size of those that the Federal Gov- And it wasn’t one party or the other. that, itself, would end Medicare. Retir- ernment has run up in the same period. We got here holding hands over a long ees would see, at the very least, a 10 These budget protections work— period of time. percent cut in their Social Security maybe not perfectly, but they do work. But now we have a responsibility as plans. Nursing home care, which makes And I might add that when California Americans, not as members of a party, up half of Medicaid expenditures, also had a real spending limit, as this but as Americans, to do something would be slashed. And that is not measure calls for, California enjoyed about this crisis. I will not go home alone. The devastating cuts to endless an era of balanced budgets, prudent re- and look my children in the eye and programs, such as grants for higher serves, no tax increases, and steady say that their father couldn’t work education that have been vital in cre- economic growth. with Members of the other side of the ating opportunity and building a The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. aisle to solve America’s problems. strong American middle class. LATOURETTE). The time of the gen- So today we are here to vote on Cut, More than 14 million Americans tleman from Utah has expired. Cap, and Balance, a measure that cuts today remain jobless. But instead of Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I spending immediately, that caps spend- using their new House majority to pur- yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from ing back to the 20 percent norms and sue a jobs agenda, it has come to this. Vermont (Mr. WELCH). brings a balanced budget amendment Nearly 7 months after they assumed Mr. WELCH. I thank the gentleman approach so the future, the solvency of the majority, instead of promoting from Maryland. this Nation, can be restored. growth, encouraging job creation, and We face two immediate challenges. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I reinforcing the economic recovery, Re- The first is, will we pay our bills? agree with much of what the gen- publicans have been bringing about un- That’s the whole issue of raising the tleman said, especially that we need to certainty. debt limit. America pays its bills, it’s take responsibility for our own actions. We must, indeed, confront the deficit, as simple as that. If we owe veterans And that’s why nobody should be tak- but not as the Republicans now pro- who served this country their benefits, ing the position that we won’t pay the pose, tearing apart what has helped they’re going to get paid. If we went to bills of the United States of America create the fabric of the American mid- a war and didn’t pay for it and fund it unless we get a plan that’s 100 percent dle class. when we went, we have to pay that bill our way. Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, the when it becomes due. That is the ques- American families can’t say to the President submitted a budget, a budget tion. And by the way, Republican mortgage company, you know what? I that never balances. In fact, it doubles iconic figure, Ronald Reagan, who was don’t like the way you’re handling and triples the debt. It went to the familiar with tax and budget fights, this. I’m not going to pay you, or what- United States Senate, and 97–0—97–0— was the one who said he would never ever. And so we need to take that same not one Democrat voted in favor of make the debt ceiling, America’s full approach. that. faith and credit, a hostage to a point of Decisions have been made in the Has the President submitted any sort view, and did the right thing to pay past. We’re obligated to pay the bill for of adjustment or amendment to that? those bills. those decisions. Let’s not try and duck No, he has not. The reality is this The second issue that we face—and I those responsibilities for our own ac- President has no plan. We have a plan. acknowledge my Republican colleagues tions. We can solve the underlying problem for their focus on this—is a long-term I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman and take care of paying our bills on fiscal plan. The bill that we have from Michigan (Mr. LEVIN), the distin- August 2. brought before the floor, a balanced guished ranking member of the Ways I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman budget amendment, raises the ques- and Means Committee. from California (Mr. MCCLINTOCK), a tion: Is it an effective tool, or is the (Mr. LEVIN asked and was given per- member of the Budget Committee. mission to revise and extend his re- better approach a balanced approach to marks.) b 1620 revenues and to spending? Mr. LEVIN. In this bill the Repub- Mr. MCCLINTOCK. I thank the gen- The State of Vermont does not have licans are trying to repeal the second tleman for yielding. a balanced budget amendment, yet in half of the 20th century. We’ve spent Mr. Speaker, this vote stands as a de- Vermont we pay our bills and we bal- decades trying to knit a truly Amer- fining moment in this crisis. Every rat- ance our budget. We do it, number one, ican fabric around a strengthened mid- ing agency has warned that an increase by working together. And one of the dle class. It’s a fabric that holds, at its in the debt limit without a credible points that the rating agencies have core, retirement security, health care plan to balance the budget will do made is the apprehension here is not so through Medicare and Medicaid, and great damage to our Nation’s credit. much our ability to pay our bills, it’s educational benefits for all through And worse, fiscal experts warn that our ability to work together. Working programs such as Pell Grants. without such a plan we risk a sovereign together requires that we have a bal- For Republicans, the purpose of this debt crisis within the next 2 years. ance of cuts, look at that budget, measure is to appeal to their base. But This measure gives the President ev- where can we save money? But it also in so doing, they are debasing what we erything he has asked for—the $2.4 tril- requires that we have a balance of rev- have built over the last half century. lion debt increase to pay for the bills enues because part of the goal here— And it could not come at a worse time that he and the Congress have reck- again, of a confident country—is to for this country. Republicans say they lessly racked up. But it also calls for a grow our economy. That requires in- are dedicated to the markets, but they constitutionally enforceable workout vestment in infrastructure, in edu- are essentially now saying, financial plan to place our Nation back on the cation, in new industries. And if we are markets be damned. course to fiscal solvency, the center- going to be successful, this cannot be As one analyst put it yesterday, ‘‘The piece of which is a balanced budget just cuts. It has to be balanced with in- closer we get to this August deadline, amendment that has been proposed in vestments that will grow this econ- the more anxious investors become.’’ one form or another since the birth of omy, grow jobs, bring that unemploy- One anonymous Republican told Polit- our Constitution and that 49 States ment rate down. We can do it together. ico yesterday, and I quote, ‘‘I’m embar- have adopted. I see the gentleman from South Caro- rassed to be a Republican. These guys Now, the gentleman from Maryland lina included in his approach cutting don’t understand capital markets. This reminds us that only a few of those 49 the Pentagon. That has to be on the isn’t about who wins an election. This States have both a balanced budget re- table. is about whether people are going to be quirement and a two-thirds vote for The SPEAKER pro tempore. The able to finance a home.’’ tax increases. My home State of Cali- Chair recognizes the gentleman from It was 46 years ago this month that fornia happens to be one of them. Cali- New Jersey (Mr. GARRETT) for 30 min- President Johnson signed Medicare fornia’s deficits, as bad as they are, utes.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:58 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.097 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5196 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 Mr. GARRETT. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 ficiaries, unbelievable from a Member b 1630 minute to the gentleman from Florida from south Florida. It slashes Medicaid But you know what the other side (Mr. WEST). and critical investments essential to fails to mention in any of these sce- Mr. WEST. I do need to correct my winning the future in favor of pro- narios is what would happen if we don’t colleague from Vermont: I’m not from tecting tax breaks for Big Oil, million- get spending under control. The chal- South Carolina; I’m from Florida, but aires and companies who ship Amer- lenge is clear. What are the solutions, that’s okay. I’m the guy with hair. ican jobs overseas. though, to it? I would like to start off by saying Achieving a solution to America’s House Republicans today are dem- this very simply, I rise in support of fiscal challenges is absolutely an eco- onstrating that we are committed to H.R. 2560 because when I look back a nomic necessity, but the only way to confronting our country’s addiction to few years, 2007 to 2011, $8.67 trillion, achieve a real solution is through spending and debt with bold and deci- $10.4 trillion, and now we’re at about shared sacrifice. We can’t ask our sen- sive action and with a plan in place. $14.5 trillion in debt. From 2009 to 2011, iors, working Americans, and students The cut, cap, and balance plan is not $1.42 trillion, $1.29 trillion, and an esti- to bear the burden of our deficits when only the right prescription to address mated $1.65 trillion in deficits. we’re asking nothing of corporations, our fiscal crisis, it is the only plan on The President’s budget for fiscal year special interests, and the wealthiest the table that makes structural 2012, 0–97; 800-plus days the Senate few. Incredibly, our friends across the changes to right our fiscal ship. In fact, aisle won’t even put that on the table. Democrats have not passed a budget; $1 it is the only plan in place. The nonpartisan CBO, Congressional trillion of wasteful spending of the Nobody wants to raise the debt ceil- Budget Office, has said that the num- stimulus. We still have unemployment ing, but if it’s going to be raised, we ber one policy decision that brought us at 9.2 percent nationally, 16.2 percent should use it as an opportunity to fi- to the need to prevent the Nation from in the black community; and 13 percent nally implement comprehensive reform defaulting on our debt for the first of my brothers and sisters who are measures to ensure that we never find time in history were the Bush tax cuts coming back from combat zones are ourselves in this situation again; be- in 2001 and 2003 that disproportionately unemployed. Our debt to GDP ratio is cause if we do nothing, we put off the benefited the wealthiest Americans. about 70 percent. Our government tough decision for another day, the Yet here we are again rewarding the spending to GDP ratio is 24.4 percent; only one to blame is ourselves. This is 47 percent of our debt is owned by for- most privileged at the expense of our working families and our seniors, the our moment. This is our time to act. eign nations, 27 percent with China. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman We are going in the wrong direction. bedrock of our society. Cut, cap, and balance may make for a from Indiana (Mr. ROKITA). I stand in support of H.R. 2560 because Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, it has great sound bite, but it would have a this is insanity, and we cannot con- been very interesting listening to this devastating impact on our economy tinue to do the same thing expecting debate so far. I want to add a couple of and American seniors. It is clearly different results. points to it. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I more like ‘‘duck, dodge, and dis- First of all, I would note for the would again remind my colleagues that mantle.’’ For the sake of our economy, record that this government is spend- it is essential that we move beyond the last time we were running a budget ing $7 million a minute. We are bor- politics as usual and take action to re- surplus was during the years of the rowing $3 million a minute of that $7 duce our Nation’s deficit and get our Clinton administration. During that million. This is money that most fiscal house in order. period of time our spending was at a On behalf of the 102,000 Medicare Americans will never see in a lifetime, level that was higher than the limita- beneficiaries in my home district and and we are spending that much in a tion in here, and we were paying our on behalf of all middle class Ameri- minute. Now, as I listened to the debate so obligations. What this would do would cans, I urge my colleagues to join me far, I couldn’t help but wonder, Mr. create an anti-majoritarian, anti- in opposition to this reckless bill and Speaker, what is this President, what democratic provision in the Constitu- pass a balanced plan that engages us are the Democrats so very scared of? tion that says you can’t balance your all in shared sacrifice to solve our Na- Why are they scared of letting a bal- budget at 19 percent of GDP, even if tion’s debt crisis. that’s the will of the American people, Mr. GARRETT. Mr. Speaker, I yield anced budget amendment go to the even if it’s how we did it back during people of this country? Let’s be clear, myself 11⁄2 minutes. the Clinton administration. I rise today in support of a plan, an voting for this bill starts a balanced Mr. Speaker, I yield 21⁄2 minutes to actual plan, to address our fiscal crisis, budget amendment process, not the im- the distinguished gentlewoman from to cut, cap and balance. plementation of the amendment. So Florida (Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ), a Now, Mr. Speaker, with our debt now why are they so scared of the people of member of the Budget Committee. topping $14 trillion, we have no other this country? Ms. WASSERMAN SCHULTZ. Mr. choice but to start sending clear, im- Well, if you believe that government, Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to mediate signals to the marketplace if you believe that elites can make bet- H.R. 2560, which attempts to manipu- and the world that we are serious about ter decisions for the people of this late the Constitution in order to im- spending and debt reform. And to show country than the people can, if you be- pose a Ryan budget plan on steroids. that we are serious, we need to put lieve that they should be controlling This is yet another thinly veiled at- skin in the game in the form of imme- the people’s money, their property, tempt by our colleagues across the diate spending cuts today, caps on better than the people can, well, no aisle to end Medicare as we know it spending that occurs tomorrow, and a wonder they are scared. Because over- while refusing to even consider ending balanced budget amendment to protect whelmingly, the people of this country ill-advised tax breaks for millionaires. us from spending too much in the fu- would say to us exactly what they say It is crucial that the American peo- ture. around the kitchen table, and that is ple understand that this plan would re- You know, I find it interesting that we have to live within our means. quire even deeper cuts than under the the proponents of a debt limit increase My second point, Mr. Speaker, this is Ryan Republican plan we saw in April. without any substantial reforms point the first time that I can tell in the his- This means deeper cuts to investments to the so-called financial meltdown- tory of this Republic that this kind of in education, clean energy, and in- type scenarios of failing to raise the debt has been racked up with no inten- creased costs for our seniors. debt limit by August 2. We hear that tion and no plan to pay it back. This is President Obama has vowed to veto interest rates for U.S. Treasuries would the first time. And, quite frankly, I this bill, which ends the Medicare guar- skyrocket, causing the cost of serv- don’t know of anything more piggish or antee. And, incredulously, the gen- icing current debt to increase, which in un-American than racking up a bill to tleman from Florida, who represents turn would require more borrowing and be passed on to our best asset, our fu- thousands of Medicare beneficiaries, as disastrous consequences for the Fed- ture—our kids—just so we can have do I, is supportive of this plan that eral budget and also the global econ- more on our plate now, just so that we would increase costs for Medicare bene- omy. can have more largess, just so we can

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:58 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.099 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5197 be more selfish in the here and now and But this bill would destroy those time for the Congress to embrace a bal- kick that can down the road and let hopes and those dreams. It will plunge anced budget amendment which will our kids pay for it. our economy back into a deep reces- then set us upon a course where fiscal Since when has that become part of sion. It will mean more lost jobs, more discipline is not merely an option but a American exceptionalism? Since when lost homes, and seniors living in pov- necessity. Only then, Mr. Speaker, will has that attitude become part of this erty without health care and basic ne- the Congress balance its own budget. country? cessities. It will mean children going I urge support of this worthwhile and Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I hungry, and it will keep smart young commonsense piece of legislation and know that the gentleman is new to the people from going off to college. would like to see it enacted, although body, but there were lots of decisions This bill will sell the very soul of our that probably will not be the conclu- made over the past years for which the Nation. We, as Americans, are better sion. bills are coming due now. For example, than this. We are more compassionate Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I continue to re- in 2005 when our Republican colleagues than this. We know better. serve the balance of my time. headed up the House, we passed a pre- It is easier to destroy than it is to Mr. GARRETT. I yield 1 minute to scription drug add-on to Medicare build. Another generation of leaders the gentleman from Texas (Mr. OLSON). Mr. OLSON. I thank my colleague which was not funded, not one penny. did more with less; they built people from New Jersey for the time. It was all put on the credit card. Two up. We cannot turn back. Mr. Speaker, there are two reasons wars were put on the credit card; and Vote ‘‘no’’ on this bill. Let’s go back why this is the most important vote of again, tax cuts in 2001, 2003 that dis- to the table and work on a compromise my 21⁄2 years in Congress: Their names proportionately benefited the very that prevents default, preserves our are Kate and Grant Olson. They are my wealthy that created this gap. moral obligation to our seniors, and children. Kate is 14 and Grant is 11. My So I agree with the gentleman. It is puts America back on the road to wife, Nancy, and I uprooted them from time, sir, to take responsibility for our greatness. the only home that they knew and actions. And it is interesting to hear Mr. GARRETT. I yield 1 minute to moved back to my home State of Texas some folks say that it is a sacrifice for the gentlelady from Michigan (Mrs. to run for Congress because we were us to have to pay bills for decisions MILLER), who is concerned not only worried that the ever-increasing Fed- that were made in the past. about the soul of the Nation today but eral debt was the greatest threat to Now, yes, we need to get the deficit the soul of the Nation for our posterity their future. under control. And again, the Presi- as well, who is not willing to duck the Today, for the first time in my chil- dent of the United States has put on hard fiscal issues. dren’s young lives, the House of Rep- the table a balanced approach over 10 Mrs. MILLER of Michigan. Mr. resentatives is passing game-changing years, $3 of spending cuts to $1 of rev- Speaker, after years, literally years, of legislation that puts our Nation on a enue. And again, our Republican col- growing government and increasing path to fiscal sanity and ensures that leagues have walked away from the spending beyond all reason, it is now my Kate, my Grant, your Kates and table because they don’t want to raise long past time to bring fiscal sanity to your Grants, have better lives than we one penny of revenue from closing cor- Washington and to put America on a did. porate tax loopholes. path to prosperity. I urge my colleagues to make a Just to be clear, the President’s plan Mr. Speaker, our national debt has downpayment on the future of Amer- would extend middle class tax cuts be- increased. Today it exceeds $14 trillion. ica’s youth and vote in support of H.R. yond 2013. The President’s plan would Our debt has increased by almost $4 2560. say let’s extend the payroll tax cut for trillion, which is more than $120 billion Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I would just ask 2012. But he says let’s get serious about a month in new debt just since Presi- my Republican colleagues to consider our deficit and let’s do it in a balanced dent Obama has been in office. That is why they want to write a provision in way with shared responsibility. $120 billion each and every month with the Constitution of the United States With that, I yield 2 minutes to the this new President. that would make it harder to shut gentleman from Georgia (Mr. LEWIS), a Government has grown so large that down a special interest tax loophole for member of the Ways and Means Com- it now spends nearly 25 percent of our the purpose of reducing the deficit for mittee who knows a lot about the im- annual economic output, a level not our children and grandchildren. portance of shared responsibility. seen since World War II. That has I now yield 4 minutes to our very dis- Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, crowded out private sector growth and tinguished Democratic whip and my the American people are sick and tired new jobs and opportunities that Ameri- colleague from the State of Maryland of Washington petty games. People’s cans need and are demanding. (Mr. HOYER). lives, their homes, their retirement, This plan puts forward real cuts to Mr. HOYER. I thank my friend, the their health care are hanging in the spending; no smoke, no mirrors. It en- ranking member of the Budget Com- balance. The American people are forces discipline with real caps on mittee, Mr. VAN HOLLEN, for yielding. good, strong, resilient people. They are spending and a balanced budget amend- The American public are rightfully willing to sacrifice to get our country ment. And it gives the President the very distressed with the Congress of back on track. But they will not be increase in the debt ceiling he is seek- the United States. They’re distressed played as fools. Middle class Americans ing if the balanced budget amendment that at a time of great challenge and know they are not getting a fair shake. is sent to the States. great risk, that we fiddle while the This bill protects tax breaks for the Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to debt threatens to burn us, to place our wealthiest Americans, while the mid- join me in supporting this common- country in the position of being ad- dle class pay more than their fair share sense reform. judged uncreditworthy. That is not and watch their retirement savings dis- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I re- worthy of this Congress or any one of appear. The American people know serve the balance of my time. us that serves in this Congress. that there is a deliberate, systematic Mr. GARRETT. Mr. Speaker, at this We have 14 days, according to the attempt to destroy Medicare, to dam- time I yield 1 minute to the gentleman Secretary Treasurer, until such time as age Medicaid, and threaten Social Se- from North Carolina (Mr. COBLE). America will be unable to pay its obli- curity. This is ducking, dodging, and Mr. COBLE. Mr. Speaker, many gations, whether to foreigners or to destroying. If it looks like a duck, Members of recent sessions of Congress people in this country. That is not a walks like a duck, quacks like a duck, have not been known as practitioners situation that will be looked at posi- it must be a duck. of fiscal discipline. tively by the financial sector or by any The American people want one thing. one of our constituents whose ability They want jobs, good jobs, jobs that b 1640 to save, to have a 401(k) that is stable, pay the bills, give people back their Balanced budget amendment philos- to purchase an automobile or a refrig- dignity, and get people back on track ophy has well served thousands of gov- erator or send their kid to college will with the American Dream. Our Nation ernmental entities and hundreds of be put at risk because of increased in- deserves nothing less. thousands of households. Now is the terest rates. Not one of us will be held

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:58 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.102 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5198 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 harmless if this Congress fails to do its has no chance of passage, and we need ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE duty. to stop fiddling. We need to do our The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- Ladies and gentlemen, we have had a work and make sure America can pay bers are again reminded to address number of efforts to get us to where we its debts, because if it can’t, every one their remarks to the Chair. It is inap- needed to be to get back to fiscal re- of our constituents will lose and our propriate to address occupants of the sponsibility. I’m amused when I hear country will lose. gallery and also to address others in our new Members talk about the fiscal Our oath of office was to preserve and the second person. irresponsibility, because I’ve served protect. Defeat this ill-advised, ill- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. This is a time for here long enough to know that the two timed, unconsidered piece of legisla- choosing. We have to reduce our def- Presidents under whom the debt was tion and let us move to fiscal responsi- icit. We have to get the budget in the raised most were Ronald Reagan, a 186 bility in a way that will bring us all to- balance. The question is, how we do percent increase from the $985 billion gether in a bipartisan way, as Bowles- this? And we believe that it is a corrup- total debt when Ronald Reagan took Simpson tried to do, as BIDEN tried to tion of the Constitution to write into office to over $2.8 trillion, and George do, and as, frankly, Mr. BOEHNER and the Constitution itself a provision that Bush II, who increased the national the President tried to do. Let’s get to says a majority vote can cut Medicare debt 86 percent. Did he do it alone? Of that objective. The country deserves it. and Social Security but you need a course not. Did we all do it, Repub- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE two-thirds undemocratic vote to close licans and Democrats? Yes. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- a corporate tax loophole for the pur- Democrats believe that the debt was bers are reminded to address their re- pose of reducing the deficit. raised because we bought things on the marks to the Chair and not to others in I yield 1 minute to gentlewoman Republican watch that were not paid the second person. from California (Ms. LEE). for. That’s indisputable. You cannot Mr. GARRETT. I yield 2 minutes to Ms. LEE. First, let me thank the argue that. Those are the facts. The the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. gentleman for yielding and for his out- fact is, did we do the same in the GRAVES), who recognizes that if the standing leadership. Obama administration? We did. Why? balanced budget amendment was ap- I rise in strong opposition to what Because we had to respond to the deep- propriate back in 1995, with debt now has been appropriately labeled as the est recession we have seen. We didn’t reaching over $14 trillion today, how ‘‘duck, dodge, and dismantle’’ budget create enough jobs. In fact, we lost much more so is it relevant to pass bill. The Republicans duck making the jobs. today. hard choices by requiring us to actu- So we bring a bill to the floor some Mr. GRAVES of Georgia. I thank the ally amend our Constitution before we weeks ago to address the creditworthi- gentleman for yielding. can act to avoid default. The end re- ness of the United States of America, Here we are. We are at the moment of sult: America fails to pay its bills on and the chairman of the Ways and choosing, and we just heard from the time. Means Committee said, We offer this former leader of the former majority The Republicans dodge facing the bill to fail. Not to solve the problem. party that we need to oppose this. real challenge by continuing tax To fail. But to those in the gallery here breaks for the super wealthy and Big Now we bring a bill to the floor of the today, to those watching on camera, House of Representatives this day, 14 Oil, funding two wars, and other Re- just in a few hours you will get the op- publican interests. And the Repub- days before the debt limit is reached portunity to see behind me on this and America might default for the first licans want to dismantle our Nation’s board every name of every Member of economic security for seniors, the dis- time in history. This bill was written Congress and how they vote. They will sometime late Friday or perhaps Sat- abled, and the poor by cutting Medi- make a choice. They will take their care, Medicaid, and Social Security. urday. How many of you said, Have you voting card, of which you’ve entrusted read the bill? How many hours have Making heartless cuts on the backs of us with, and they will make a decision: the most vulnerable will not balance you taken to consider this bill? this Nation should balance its budget I’ve read the bill, too, Paul. I guar- the budget. And it’s morally wrong. or not. Now, with only 14 days left, Repub- antee you there is not an American This isn’t so much about cut, cap, who’s not on the Budget Committee licans are pushing forward legislation balance. This is about prosperity or that will guarantee a default and will that reads this bill knows what impact continued high unemployment. That it has, and the chairman of the Budget kill hundreds of thousands of jobs. This would be green for prosperity, red for ‘‘duck, dodge, and dismantle’’ bill Committee is shaking his head and high unemployment. This is about ac- agreeing with me. The fact of the mat- would end the social safety net, kill countability and constraints, green, or jobs, and set our Nation back rather ter is you haven’t had one second of Washington run wild. Again, that hearing on this, there was no markup than move it forward. I urge my col- would be the red button and the status leagues to oppose this job-killing bill on this bill, and it has significant con- quo. sequences. that would end up being written in Let me tell you, my friends on the stone in our Constitution. It turns the b 1650 other side of the aisle, I’m one of those American Dream into a nightmare. who stands in this well who voted for This is about sustainability of our fu- Mr. GARRETT. Mr. Speaker, just to the balanced budget amendment in ture or continued uncertainty as we’ve remind the other side of the aisle with 1995. seen thus far. Or, better yet, this is regard to the radical plan that we The SPEAKER pro tempore. The about standing on our own. The green talked about here with regard to time of the gentleman has expired. button, independence of this great Na- changing or amending the Constitu- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I yield the gen- tion. Or, continued and increasing tion, it was Thomas Jefferson who said, tleman an additional minute. bondage of foreign nations and our in- in a letter to John Taylor, I wish that Mr. HOYER. I voted because I be- debtedness. Again, the red button. it were possible to obtain just a single lieved we needed to get to fiscal re- Members of Congress, this is your amendment to our Constitution. I sponsibility, and in fact we did, and we time of choosing. We’ve heard so many would be willing to depend on that balanced the budget 4 years in a row, names invoked here today. Former alone, that our government would re- and George Bush inherited a $5.6 tril- Presidents, Members of Congress, other turn to the genuine principles of the lion projected surplus. Not debt. Not Congresses. But, guess what? This is Constitution. And he was speaking, of deficit. And 22 million jobs having been your time. This is your choice. This is course, of what we’re doing here today, created before he took office. Eight your voting card. What will you what Thomas Jefferson wished that we years later, we had increased the debt choose: A prosperous future for this had done over 200 years ago: a balanced by $5 trillion. Nation or continue the status quo? budget amendment. I’m not going to vote for the bal- I urge Members, let’s choose a great, With that, I yield 2 minutes to the anced budget amendment, and I urge prosperous future for this Nation. gentlewoman from Washington (Mrs. my colleagues to reject this bill, which America deserves it. MCMORRIS RODGERS).

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:58 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.105 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5199 Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. I rise in At a recent roundtable in Minnesota, fiscal behavior of Washington, D.C., the strong support of H.R. 2560 to address a small business owner told me, The only way to restore the integrity of our national debt. government is out of control. It’s too this Chamber, to restore the confidence In 2006 then-Senator Barack Obama big, and I don’t like it. Well, I don’t in the people we serve, is to make it voted against raising the debt ceiling. like it either, and it’s costing our coun- constitutional, a balanced budget He said at that time that the rising na- try jobs. It’s time for Washington to do amendment. tional debt was a ‘‘sign of leadership what’s right. We need to make the b 1700 failure.’’ Today, President Barack tough choices necessary to get our Na- Obama is asking Congress to raise the tion’s fiscal house in order. No one said No gimmicks, Mr. Speaker. No hol- national debt $2.4 trillion, largely to it would be easy, but it certainly is low promises. Simple language that fund many of the programs that he’s necessary. rank-and-file Americans can wrap their had passed in the last couple of years. The legislation before us today will heads around: a constitutional require- And to put that into perspective, that end unsustainable spending and put ment for this country to balance its amounts to $20,000 for every American this Nation back on a fiscally respon- books. family. Congress is being asked to add sible path. I urge my colleagues to sup- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I $20,000 in debt burden to every Amer- port it. continue to reserve the balance of my ican family. And we owe it to them be- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I time. fore we raise that debt to make sure we continue to reserve the balance of my Mr. GARRETT. I yield 11⁄2 minutes to are cutting up the credit cards and time. the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. KING- that we are not going to continue to Mr. GARRETT. Just to the gen- STON). spend beyond our means. tleman from the other side of the aisle Mr. KINGSTON. I thank the gen- House Republicans are committed to who made the point regarding what tleman from New Jersey for yielding. getting our fiscal house in order. House sort of amendment that Thomas Jeffer- During his 8 years as President, Republicans are committed to pro- son may have been looking for today, President Bush increased the national tecting our excellent credit rating. It is whether he actually would be looking debt $3 trillion. We spent too much the national debt that threatens our for one, what we call a supermajority, money. But not to be outdone, in a 3- credit rating. The bill before us today, what have you, in point of fact I be- year period of time, President Obama Cut, Cap, and Balance, is a credible lieve Jefferson would be going even fur- has increased the national debt $5 tril- plan to address this situation. It will ther than what we are doing here today lion—a 56 percent increase. Then he cut spending immediately, it will enact and simply say that Congress should turns around and lectures middle class spending caps, and it will require the not have the ability to borrow at all. American families, struggling families, passage of a balanced budget amend- The amendment that we are putting to eat their peas. He offers no plan, no ment. Forty-nine out of 50 States bal- forward would actually give us greater answers—nothing but a phoney budget ance their budgets. flexibility with that in time of emer- that even failed in the Democrat-con- The President’s spend, borrow, and gency, in time of war, and Congress can trolled Senate 97–0. HARRY REID voted bail out policies have clearly failed. I take it upon themselves to borrow. Jef- against his budget. urge my colleagues to support this leg- ferson understood that first and fore- The President owns this economy, islation. Let’s help America’s economy most that Congress, just like the busi- not Haliburton, not Cheney, not George today and let’s keep the American nesses and families at the time, needed Bush. It’s the President. He owns the Dream alive for many years to come. to live within their means. And he saw skyrocketing debt. He owns the 15 mil- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I would hazard a it as immoral, basically, to take the re- lion unemployed. He owns the failed guess that Thomas Jefferson would not sponsibilities of this generation and stimulus plan. President Obama owns want to write into the Constitution of place them on future generations. the extended Bush tax cuts because it the United States anti-democratic pro- At this time I yield 2 minutes to the was he who extended them 2 years. visions that said you need two-thirds gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Now, in our time of great fiscal crisis, in order to close special interest tax WOMACK). when America needs leadership, he is loopholes for the purpose of deficit re- Mr. WOMACK. I thank the gentleman absent. duction or to say that we’re going to for yielding. The Republicans in the House are of- decide now, for all time, that we have Mr. Speaker, I’ve had the privilege of fering a plan, and I understand the to balance our budget at 18 percent of serving Arkansas’ Third District now Democrats don’t like it. That’s good, GDP rather than some other number for a little more than 6 months in this because sometimes the two parties that may be the will of the American Congress. And I can still hear the have to battle it out, and you get a bet- people. voices of those people who sent me ter product from it, but you can’t do it Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of here. Their voices said, Steve, you’ve when the Democrats aren’t offering a my time. got to go to Washington and you’ve got plan. We will pass this plan today, and Mr. GARRETT. I yield 1 minute to to cut spending. You’ve got to empower I hope HARRY REID and the Democrats the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. the private sector. You’ve got to re- will pass a plan and that we can get to- KLINE). duce the size of government. You’ve gether. I hope the President decides to Mr. KLINE. I thank the gentleman got to get to Washington and help put offer a plan. Maybe we can look at his, for yielding. us back to work. Those same conversa- and maybe out of the three possibili- Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong tions at home at the kitchen table, ties, we can do what’s best for the support of H.R. 2560, the Cut, Cap, and people discussing their personal budg- American people, but we can’t do it un- Balance Act. The severity of our Na- ets, saying to me that, I have to live less the President decides to engage tion’s fiscal crisis cannot be over- within my means, why doesn’t Wash- and take on the role of leader. stated. More than 14 million Americans ington? Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, are looking for work. Meanwhile, Fed- Mr. Speaker, to each of these com- once again, the President had a plan to eral spending continues at an unprece- ments I say, we have an answer. It’s a reduce the deficit by about $4 trillion dented pace, with an average of $4 bil- trifecta, if you will. It’s called Cut, over 10 years—$3 in cuts, $1 in revenue. lion added to our country’s debt every Cap, and Balance. Our Republican colleagues walked day. We need to encourage economic Mr. Speaker, I realize I’ve only been away from the table because they growth and investment. Instead, lead- here a short time, but I know full well didn’t want $1 of deficit reduction from ers on the other side of the aisle are how Washington works. And I know closing special interest tax loopholes. pushing more reckless policies, more that this concept is foreign to the With that, I yield 31⁄4 minutes to the redtape, and more taxes to pay for many people who have been here down distinguished member of the Judiciary their irresponsible spending spree, through the years. But if you look Committee, the gentleman from New leaving job creators frozen by uncer- around and take an objective view, you York (Mr. NADLER). tainty and fear, and risking our future will know that the only way to bring Mr. NADLER. Many of our colleagues prosperity. legitimate control to the irresponsible on both sides of the aisle would not be

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:58 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.111 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5200 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 here today if President Jefferson had anced budget. Many of its provisions A balanced budget amendment is not borrowed to finance the Louisiana simply cement into the Constitution long overdue. Purchase. the policy preferences of the current Republicans have heard the Amer- Mr. Speaker, this bill promises all majority and bind our children and ican people’s call to action to reduce the fun of a constitutional amendment grandchildren to those preferences. spending, and that is why I strongly without actually amending the Con- The two-thirds requirement, for ex- support this measure. I urge my col- stitution. It simply says that the ample, to increase revenues would have leagues to vote in favor of the Cut, United States should default on our the perverse effect of allowing special Cap, and Balance Act. debts and destroy our economy if we interest tax loopholes to be slipped Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I don’t amend the Constitution. into law with a majority vote, but continue to reserve the balance of my If we default on our debts, we will do would require a supermajority to re- time. more damage to our economy than peal them. This is not just antithetical Mr. GARRETT. I yield 1 minute to large deficits, tax increases and draco- to a balanced budget; it would also ce- the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. nian cuts combined. Right now, we ment the most corrupt aspects of our ROE). enjoy very low interest rates because Tax Code into the Constitution. Mr. ROE of Tennessee. I rise today in we are still the most stable, reliable The amendment would also require a support of the Cut, Cap, and Balance and wealthy country in the world. two-thirds vote for any budget that ex- Act because American families deserve If the markets get the idea that we ceeds 18 percent of GDP. The CBO tells to have a government that lives within are too dysfunctional to pay our debts, us: ‘‘Outlays have averaged close to 21 its means, just like they do. even though we are certainly wealthy percent of GDP over the past 40 years.’’ Our national debt has grown in ex- enough to do so, nothing else will mat- Federal outlays have not dropped cess of $14 trillion—that’s more than ter. Interest rates will climb. Home- below 18 percent since 1966—that is, $46,000 for every man, woman and child owners and businesses will be pushed since the enactment of Medicare. in this country—and we continue to out of the credit market. The stock Regardless of what other parts of this borrow, roughly, 40 cents of every dol- market will crash. bill may say, there is no way to meet lar we spend. This is a path to financial Never before in the history of this these restrictions without destroying ruin that will leave the next genera- country has anyone been irresponsible Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, tion with a less prosperous America enough to play chicken with our full veterans’ programs, and military pre- than the one we inherited. faith and credit. Never. paredness. That’s just arithmetic, and Now, I find it astonishing on the We know how to balance the budget, no amount of rhetoric will change it. House floor that balancing our budget because we’ve done it before. In the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The would have a devastating effect on our not-too-distant past, we managed, in time of the gentleman has expired. economy. It’s hard to believe, but it Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I yield the gen- working with President Clinton, not has been said. tleman an additional 10 seconds. only to balance the budget but to run The Cut, Cap, and Balance Act keeps Mr. NADLER. The real problem is the promise we made to the American surpluses and begin paying down the that tax revenues have declined from debt. Unfortunately, President Bush people to cut spending while also 201⁄2 percent of GDP in 2000 to 141⁄2 per- and a Republican Congress managed to granting the President’s request for a cent of GDP because we no longer tax debt limit increase. By cutting spend- turn record surpluses into record defi- the millionaires, the billionaires and cits in record time. ing $111 billion the first year alone, by the large corporations the way we used capping future spending and by laying Rather than admit to serious Repub- to. lican economic mismanagement and the groundwork for a balanced budget Let’s start doing that, and we can amendment, this package will save $5.8 finding responsible solutions, we get have a balanced budget without phoney this dusted-off quack cure from the trillion over the next 10 years. This bill constitutional amendments which is nothing more than good old-fash- past. The so-called balanced budget promise balanced budgets, without amendment requires a balanced budget ioned common sense, and I urge my showing how, but that do protect the colleagues to support this. much sooner than does the Republican millionaires from paying their fair budget that the House recently passed, share. b 1710 the one that abolishes Medicare and Mr. GARRETT. We are also reminded The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without turns Medicaid into a block grant. that Jefferson said in 1816 that he sin- objection, the gentleman from Virginia I asked the sponsor of the balanced cerely believed that the principle of (Mr. MORAN) will control the time on budget amendment, the gentleman spending money today that we don’t the minority side. from Virginia, how he thought this have, to be paid for by posterity, is but There was no objection. could be done. He answered that the swindling future generations—some- Mr. MORAN. I reserve the balance of Republican Study Committee budget, thing this Republican Party does not my time, Mr. Speaker. which is even more radical than the wish to do. Mr. GARRETT. I yield 1 minute to Ryan budget, would be in balance in With that, I yield 1 minute to the the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. just 9 years. That’s what we’re really gentleman from Ohio (Mr. JOHNSON). SCALISE). voting for today—an accelerated Mr. JOHNSON of Ohio. Mr. Speaker, Mr. SCALISE. I rise in support of version of the Republican Study Com- I rise today in strong support of H.R. Cut, Cap and Balance. mittee budget. Anyone voting for this 2560, the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act. If you look at what American fami- should be prepared to go home and ex- Last November, the American people lies have been telling us for the last plain that vote, including Republican sent a clear and resounding message to few years, during these tough economic members who voted against their study cut up the Nation’s credit card and to times what they have been doing is committee budget. stop spending money we don’t have. they have been cutting back. They Economists have long known that, in Today, we are doing that. have been tightening their belts, and good times, you should balance the This act makes immediate spending they sit around the kitchen table and budget and pay down the debt but that, cuts and forces the Federal Govern- figure out how to balance their budget in times of recession, when tax reve- ment to do what Americans all over and live within their means. nues plummet and the economy con- this country are doing: living within Yet today on the other side, all tracts, you have to spend money on un- their means. This legislation also be- you’ve seen is a parade of Members employment insurance and on putting gins to cap Federal Government spend- coming and criticizing the concept of a people back to work. You must run a ing at levels that are historically sus- balanced budget, actually calling it ex- deficit to get the economy going again. tainable to ensure vibrant economic treme, radical. Imagine that. Only a The balanced budget amendment would growth. Finally, this measure forces big-spending Washington liberal could force us to do the exact opposite and the Federal Government to do what to think it would be radical to require turn every recession into a depression. most Americans is simply plain com- Washington to start living within its This constitutional amendment does mon sense: to spend only the amount of means like families have been doing for a whole lot more than require a bal- money that you have. years.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:58 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.114 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5201 So, frankly, American families would Mr. STEARNS. It’s been said before ability to balance the budget in a bal- say it’s about time. Welcome to the that the United States Government anced way. party. And, instead, some people think owes close to $14.3 trillion. An estimate With that, I reserve the balance of you can just live in this fantasy land by the CBO reveals that by the year my time. where you can just keep taxing, spend- 2021, the government will spend 100 per- Mr. GARRETT. Would that we had ing, borrowing money from China and cent of every dollar in revenue on enti- the problem of this Congress over the act like the day of reckoning is never tlements. Simply raising the debt limit last 2 years trying to balance the budg- going to come and kick the can down to $16.3 trillion without comparable et, what with $1 trillion in additional to our children and our grandchildren spending reduction is irresponsible at stimulus spending, $2 trillion in the and make it their problem. best and catastrophic for our Nation at cost of ObamaCare, $3 trillion overall Well, it’s time to say enough is worse. added to the budget deficit. Would that enough. We’re not going to pass this on Forcing our Nation’s spiraling and be the problem that we’d look to the to the next generation. We’re going to out-of-control debt onto the backs of other side of the aisle to try to live deal with our problems today. We’re our country’s children and grand- within our means. Unfortunately, going to set priorities today and do the children is irresponsible. Comparable that’s not the case. And that’s the rea- tough things people sent us to do. And spending reductions would be in the son why, as our Founders understood that means cutting, capping, and bal- amount of at least $2 trillion. But as and as we spoke of Jefferson before, the ancing the Federal budget. that does not even cover the interest need to try to constrain ourselves with Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, on the debt, a $4 trillion spending re- cutting spending now, placing legisla- again, the choice is not whether we put duction would be appropriate; and tive caps offered tomorrow, and then in place a plan to reduce the deficit and that’s what we should be working on. going forward in the future with a con- balance the budget. The issue is how Today we must ask ourselves, Is this stitutional balanced budget amend- we do that. That is the difference here. blessed country of ours disciplined ment. With that, I reserve the balance of enough to solve the debt problem With that, I yield 1 minute to the my time. through austerity and productivity? I gentlelady from North Carolina (Mrs. Mr. GARRETT. I yield 1 minute to think we can. I believe we can. But MYRICK), who understands the impor- the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. GIBBS). Mr. GIBBS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today only if we break from the tradition of tance of living within our means. Mrs. MYRICK. Mr. Speaker, the pos- in strong support of Cut, Cap, and Bal- spending and raising our debt limit. In- sible default of the Federal Govern- ance. Out-of-control spending by the stead, we must pass H.R. 2560, the Cut, ment presents a near-term problem Federal Government has driven our Cap, and Balance Act. country to the brink of financial melt- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I which could have disastrous effects in down. continue to reserve the balance of my the short-term on our economy. Our Nation’s debt crisis was easily time. But the bigger problem is long term predictable. In recent years, America Mr. GARRETT. I yield 1 minute to because Washington has just been has watched as the size of the Federal the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. spending too much money for too darn Government has ballooned and deficit BERG). long—borrowing 40 cents just about of spending has reached dangerous levels. Mr. BERG. Mr. Speaker, we’ve been every dollar we spend, most of it from Yet despite the warning, Congress down this road before. Our country China, and sending the bills to our kids stuck with business as usual—more faces unprecedented debt. The House and our grandkids. spending, more regulations, and bigger has worked to cut spending and reduce This bill to cut spending, cap and government. It’s time to put an end to the deficit. But the Senate Democrat then balance the budget is something business as usual for the good of the leadership and the Obama administra- that needs to be done. And we can’t country. Our country needs it, the tion would rather raise taxes and mis- keep kicking the can down the road. American people demand it, and the fu- lead Americans with scare tactics rath- You’ve heard that before, but it’s true. ture of our grandchildren depends on er than support these commonsense so- The responsibility is on us to do the it. lutions, solutions that would help get right thing for tomorrow for our fami- This legislation puts us on the path our country back on track. lies and everybody else. of fiscal responsibility, brings cer- We cannot do the same thing over We balanced the budget almost, some tainty, and restores private sector con- and over again and expect a different years ago. It’s not impossible. It can be fidence. The naysayers say we can’t do result. Americans have tightened their done if we have the courage to do it; 49 this. They argue for tax increases on belts, and they’ve made the tough out of 50 States do it. our job creators. This measure will un- choices. It’s time for Washington to do So we need to remember there’s no leash the private sector and result in the same. such thing as government money. It is more revenues to ensure strength in Our financial situation is a mess. It’s the taxpayers’ money. It’s our job to be Social Security, Medicare, and other going to be a long road to get our coun- responsible stewards of that. We need needed programs. try back on track, but it’s clear we can to step up and take that responsibility Just raising the debt ceiling without begin right here. We need to cut the and pass this bill. spending cut reforms according to spending, we need to cap the growth in Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, Moody’s and Standards & Poor’s will government, and we need to balance that’s right. A few years ago during the probably lead to a downgrade of U.S. the budget. Clinton administration when they took paper and a downhill spiral, higher in- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I a balanced approach to deficit reduc- terest rates, higher taxes, and less op- would remind my colleagues that this tion, we did run surpluses. portunities. I urge the support of this provision that they’re talking about, With that, I yield 2 minutes to the and to cut spending now instead of 6 to the constitutional proposal that came gentlelady from Texas (Ms. JACKSON 10 years from now. out of the Judiciary Committee, would LEE). Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I re- prohibit the Congress from balancing Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. I thank serve the balance of my time. the budget at 13 percent of GDP ex- the distinguished member of the Budg- Mr. GARRETT. I yield 1 minute to penditures. It would say you cannot et Committee as well for the great the gentleman from Florida (Mr. make that choice. It would also say work that he has been doing. STEARNS), who, while the White House you have to reach a two-thirds hurdle As I listened to my friends discuss says that leadership is not simply pro- to reduce the special interest tax this question of being responsible, I posing a bill to vote up or down, recog- breaks for the purpose of deficit reduc- want to at least announce breaking nizes that the White House has not tion. news that our friends in the other body given us any plan of leadership so far So we keep hearing about this bal- have come up with a semi-solution on on this issue. anced budget amendment without any revenue and on the question of how we (Mr. STEARNS asked and was given mention from our colleagues that would cut. They are seeking to be re- permission to revise and extend his re- they’ve inserted these two devices into sponsible; and today in this body, we marks.) the Constitution that would limit our are not.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:58 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.116 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5202 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 b 1720 duck, quacks like a duck and looks like a duck to put ideology over pragmatism. The reality is I heard a tutorial about the green . . . call it a duck. This bill is wasting a tre- that, on August 3rd, the United States will light and the red light, which, as a mendous amount of time when we should be begin to default on its debt obligations if the Member, you understand green is ‘‘yes’’ focused on paying our nation’s bills and re- debt ceiling is not raised. and ‘‘no’’ comes up red. What the red solving our differences. This detour into a spending debate is as un- will mean is to stop the insanity, to As we continue to discuss the necessity of necessary as it is perilous, as increasing the stop the loss of our moral compass, the increasing out debt ceiling, I have heard the debt ceiling does not obligate the undertaking responsibility to pay America’s bills. concerns of many of my constituents and the of any new spending by the Federal Govern- What the green light will mean is that American people regarding the size of our na- ment. Rather, raising the debt limit simply al- America, in fact, would not be paying tional debt and the care with which taxpayer lows the government to pay existing legal obli- the bills of our families. We wouldn’t money is spent. I, too, am concerned about gations promised to debt holders that were al- be paying Social Security; interest these issues; for to burden future generations ready agreed to by Presidents and Con- rates would spike; the U.S. dollar of Americans with tremendous amounts of gresses, both past and present. would decline; and our credit would lit- debt should not be a way to avoid our fiscal Moreover, the impending crisis would have erally go out the door. Being without responsibilities to the American people. How- already occurred were it not for the extraor- responsibility is what we are planning ever, the task of resolving our debt ceiling cri- dinary measures taken by Treasury Secretary to do. Then we will lose the ability to sis must take precedence over other con- Timothy Geithner, including the suspension of pay for the Medicare of American Sen- cerns, including political ideology. the investment in securities to finance the Civil iors and would no longer keep Amer- Prior to the existence of the debt ceiling, Service Retirement and Disability Fund, as ica’s hospital’s open and doctors paid. Congress had to approve borrowing each time well as the redemption of a portion of those So don’t be fooled by the green light the Federal Government wished to borrow securities already held by that fund. tutorial. We, frankly, are going to lose money in order to carry out its functions. With If the United States defaults on its obliga- our way. We’ll close hospitals. We the onset of World War I, more flexibility was tions on August 3rd, the stock market will won’t have the ability to provide for needed to expand the government’s capability react violently to the news that for the first our seniors, and these are the very per- to borrow money expeditiously in order to time in history, America is unable to keep its sons that my colleagues over here be- meet the rapidly changing requirements of promises to pay. Not once in American history lieve that they are helping. But the funding a major war in the modern era. has the country’s full faith and credit been main point that I want to emphasize To address this need, the first debt ceiling called into question. Once America defaults, investors who pur- very quickly is that the Constitution was established in 1917, allowing the Federal chase U.S. bonds and finance our government of the United States already says that Government to borrow money to meet its obli- will be less likely to lend to America in the fu- the validity of the public debt of the gations without prior Congressional approval, ture. Just as a person who defaults on a loan United States in the 14th Amendment, so long as in the aggregate, the amount bor- will find it harder to convince banks to lend section 4, shall not be questioned. rowed did not eclipse a specified limit. them money in the future, a country that de- Let me tell you today that a bal- Since the debt limit was first put in place, faults on its debt obligations will find it harder anced budget amendment will destroy Congress has increased it over 100 times; in to convince investors to lend money to a gov- the United States, and it will not allow fact, it was raised 10 times within the past ernment that did not pay. Showing the world us to pay for those in need. Tap dance, decade. Congress last came together and that the United States does not pay its debts losers’ club, bust the benefits. That’s raised the debt ceiling in February 2010. makes the purchasing of that debt less desir- what this bill is. Tap dance, losers Today, the debt ceiling currently stands at able because it requires the assumption of club, and bust the benefits. That is $14.3 trillion dollars. In reality, that limit has al- more risk on the part of the investors. what will happen to all of us. Ameri- ready been eclipsed, but due to accounting Furthermore, any investors that do continue cans like the friends and families of procedures by Treasury Secretary Geithner, to purchase U.S. Treasury bonds will demand our military personnel will suffer. the debt limit can be artificially avoided until much higher interest rates in order to cover The SPEAKER pro tempore. The August 2nd. the increased risk. Once a default occurs, in- time of the gentlewoman has expired. Congress must act now in order to avert a vestors figure that the chance of the United Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to crisis. Never in the history of America has the States defaulting again is much greater, and H.R. 2560, the ‘‘Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of United States defaulted on its debt obligations. will require the government to pay higher rates 2011,’’ which attempts to resolve our budget We must be clear on what this issue means of interest in order to make the loan worth the ceiling crisis by authorizing an increase in the for our country. United States Treasury bonds risk for investors to take on. debt limit while implementing spending cuts, have traditionally been one of the safest in- Imagine the impact on our stock market if caps on future spending, and requiring an vestments another country or investor could we do not pay our debts. As we have seen amendment to the Constitution. While I sup- make. For foreign nations and investors, pur- throughout the recent financial crisis, a bad port bipartisan efforts to increase the debt limit chasing a U.S. Treasury bond meant that they stock market hurts not only big businesses and to resolve our differences over budgetary held something virtually as safe as cash, and large investors on Wall Street, but small revenue and spending issues, I cannot sup- backed by the full faith and credit of the businesses and small investors as well. Fami- port a bill that unduly constrains the ability of United States Government. lies with investments tied to the stock market, Congress to deal effectively with America’s In turn, with the proceeds from the bonds, such as 401(k)s, pension plans, and savings, economic, fiscal, and job creation troubles. the Federal Government of the world’s largest will once again see the value of their invest- As I stated earlier this afternoon, This bill economy is able to finance its operations. If ments drop. The American people are tired of should be called the ‘‘Tap Dance, Loser Club, the United States defaults on its debt obliga- the uncertainty of the value of their retirement and Bust Bill.’’ It tap dances around raising tions, the financial crisis that began in 2008 accounts. We must not allow another wild fluc- our debt ceiling and acting in a responsible would pale in comparison, according to eco- tuation to occur due to default and add to the manner to pay our nation’s debt obligations. nomic experts. The ensuing economic catas- uncertainty still lingering in the minds of citi- Our nation will be joining the losers club by trophe would not only place the U.S. economy zens. threatening to eliminate important social pro- in a tailspin, but the world economy as well. As if another stock market crisis were not grams such as Medicaid, Medicare, Social Se- The fact that Congress, a body that typically enough, the housing market would take an- curity, and Pell grants. There has been a has its fair share of political baffles, has never other hit if America defaulted. Higher mort- theme this Congress of focusing on cutting played political chicken when it came to rais- gage rates in a housing market already weak- programs for the most at need and ignoring ing the debt ceiling should give us all pause, ened by default and foreclosures would cause the need to focus on Job creation. This bill and is a testament to the seriousness with a further depression of home values, destroy- busts the hopes and dreams of our children, which we must approach this issue. However, ing whatever equity families might have left in seniors, and military families. It busts the this time around, my Republican colleagues their homes after the housing crisis. Moreover, hopes to grow our nation in the future. I state have created an impasse based upon an ideo- the long-term effects would reduce spending again that H.R. 2560 has earned the name the logical commitment to spending cuts. While I and investment in the housing market. ‘‘Tap Dance, Loser Club, and Bust Bill.’’ I will understand and share the concern of my Re- Increasing the debt ceiling is the responsible call it the ‘‘Tap Dance, Loser Club, and Bust publican colleagues with respect to deficit thing to do. Congress has already debated Bill’’ from this point forward, because that is spending, and will continue to work with them and approved the debt that an increased ceil- what it is . . . when something walks like a in order to find reductions, now is not the time ing makes room for. However, my Republican

VerDate Mar 15 2010 02:58 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.125 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5203 colleagues have chosen to use this as an op- levels would force devastating cuts to Med- surance may not be enough to cover the portunity to hold the American people hostage icaid, Medicare, Social Security, Head Start, losses. Specialists from the FEMA go on foot to their extreme agenda. They know that the child care, Pell grants, and many other critical and help families with losses from natural dis- ‘‘Tap Dance, Loser Club, and Bust Bill’’ is not programs. asters. They offer loans up to $200,000 to re- a realistic proposal. Any cuts made to accommodate a man- pair or replace real estate; $40k to repair or In fact, part of the bill is another attempt to dated balanced budget would fall most heavily replace personal property, at low interest get the Paul Ryan budget plan enacted, which on domestic discretionary programs; the im- rates. Once funding is stripped from this dis- caps annual spending as a share of GDP. mediate result of a balanced budget amend- aster loan program, are people going to be Moreover, it limits discretionary spending for ment would be devastating cuts in education, happy with the interest rates that are provided the global war on terror. As a member of the homeland security, public safety, health care courtesy of their Loser Club membership? Committee on Homeland Security, I am acute- and research, transportation and other vital My home state of Texas ranks 43rd in edu- ly aware of the threats our Nation faces from services. cation, and last (50th) in the nation in people terrorism. By tying the hands of Congress in As written this bill would cut total funding for over 25 who only have a high school edu- the fight against terrorism, this bill puts our non-defense discretionary programs by ap- cation. This bill will destroy the hopes and troops and our homeland at risk. The safety of proximately 70 percent in 2021, and by more dreams of people who are striving to improve the American people has no price, and Con- than $3 trillion over the next ten years. This in- those numbers. With this bill, our children will gress should not be constrained when coming cludes veterans’ medical care, most homeland be given a ‘‘Loser Club’’ education and go on together to decide what level of funding is security activities, border protection, and the to earn ‘‘Losers Club’’ degrees. most appropriate for the global war on terror. FBI. These cuts will impact funds to protect An alternative plan, put forth by Senate If that were not enough, this bill goes be- our Nation’s food and water supply, environ- Democratic and Republican Majority and Mi- yond simply implementing budgetary re- mental protections, medical research, edu- nority Leaders HARRY REID and MITCH straints, and contains the absurd requirement cation, and services for disadvantaged or MCCONNELL, respectively, deals with the debt that a Constitutional amendment be passed by abused children, frail elderly people, and peo- ceiling crisis in a way that is less controversial both the House and Senate and submitted to ple with severe disabilities. for Democrats. Although still in the negotiation states prior to any increase in the debt ceiling. H.J. Res 1 proposes to convert Medicare to stages, the plan has a few emerging ideas Leaving the merits of such a Constitutional vouchers and raises its eligibility from age 65 and general bipartisan support in the Senate. amendment aside for a moment, do the pro- to 67. It also raises the Social Security retire- However, House Republicans have expressed ponents of this bill honestly expect such an ment age to 70. It contains cuts to the core their dissatisfaction with the proposal. amendment to be submitted to the states by programs for the poorest and most disadvan- Tentatively, the Reid-McConnell debt ceiling the August 2nd deadline? taged Americans in 2021; Medicaid, the Sup- proposal would allow the President to raise Passing an amendment to the Constitution plemental Nutrition Assistance Program the debt ceiling 3 times in the next year in an is one of the most serious processes the (SNAP, formerly food stamps), and Supple- amount totaling $2.5 trillion. Furthermore, it United States Congress can undertake, requir- mental Security Income would all be cut in permits Congress to vote on a resolution of ing a two thirds supermajority of support in half. disproval of each increase of the debt ceiling, both the House and Senate and ratification by This bill will make victims of natural disas- essentially assigning blame to President three fourths (3⁄4ths) of the States. The Found- ters part of the ‘‘Loser Club.’’ As the drought Obama for each increase. It includes a plan to ers purposely made the amendment process a in Texas continues, ranchers are forced to sell reduce the deficit in the amount of $1.5 trillion long and arduous one. Do my Republican col- cattle in the largest beef-producing state. The over 10 years through cuts to domestic pro- leagues really expect Congress to capriciously drought has also induced wildfires. Just last grams, while avoiding cuts to entitlement pro- pass an amendment altering our Nation’s month, a fire that lasted more than a week grams or raising new taxes. founding document on such short notice; an burned over 4,200 acres and destroyed be- Moreover, the Reid-McConnell debt ceiling amendment that will fundamentally change our tween two and three million dollars in timber. proposal would create a new Congressional country without reasonable time for debate; Since November 2010, more than 13,000 fires panel tasked with coming up with, by the end without the opportunity for a hearing or ques- have burned over 3.29 million acres of Texas of the year, a way of reducing the deficit by tioning of witnesses; without any reports as to land. Texas Governor Rick Perry requested another $2.5 trillion or more through cuts in what impact it may have? that the President declare disaster areas in entitlements and other yet-to-be identified By tying the fate of whether the United the State of Texas in order to make those steps. The proposed committee would be States pays its debt obligations to the histori- areas eligible for federal relief funds. This bill comprised of 12 lawmakers who would issue cally prolonged Constitutional amendment threatens to take away those very funds. a report to Congress on how to achieve this. process, the Republicans who support this bill In the State of Missouri, storms, tornadoes, While I am still not convinced that the cuts for have demonstrated, at this critical juncture in and floods recently ravaged the lands. A nu- this proposal will not unfairly harm our seniors American history, that they are profoundly irre- clear plant was inches of water away from and other beneficiaries of domestic programs, sponsible when it comes to the integrity of our being shut down because of rising flood water. I anticipate the product of these negotiations, economy and utterly bereft of sensible solu- Levees failed to block surging flood waters. as they appear to be far more realistic than tions for fixing it. The Army Corps of Engineers responded, the bill before us today. Moreover, the Constitutional amendment helping with hundreds of thousands of sand- I urge my colleagues to consider the con- itself is merely a ploy to make tax cuts for the bags. stituents in their home districts who would be wealthy and tax loopholes for big corporations This bill threatens to make losers out of the hurt by the ‘‘Tap Dance, Loser Club, and Bust a permanent fixture of American governance. people who suffer from these natural disas- Bill.’’ My Republican colleagues who support It would make any revenue-raising measure ters. The Small Business Administration (SBA) the passage of this bill seem more concerned unconstitutional unless a two-thirds super- helps homeowners, renters, businesses of all with advancing their own agenda rather than majority approves it. This is simply unprece- sizes, and private nonprofit organizations to with resolving a debt ceiling crisis that is plac- dented and unacceptable. fund repair or rebuilding efforts and cover the ing our economy in great peril. Federal Re- H.J. Res. 1, one of the Constitutional cost of replacing lost or personal property de- serve Chairman Ben Bernanke warned that amendment bills acceptable under this bill, stroyed by disasters. The SBA sets up tem- defaulting could ‘‘throw the financial system limits annual federal spending to 20 percent of porary disaster loan outreach centers where into chaos’’, and ‘‘destroy the trust and con- the prior year’s gross domestic product (GDP), small business applicants can apply for low in- fidence that global investors have in Treasury a limit even lower than 20 percent of the cur- terest loans and information and updates. The securities as being the safest liquid assets in rent year’s GDP since GDP typically grows SBA lets natural disaster victims submit dis- the world’’. Instead of injecting ideological each year. By contrast, federal spending aver- aster loan applications for damage and losses spending cuts and bizarre Constitutional aged 22 percent of GDP during Ronald Rea- from storms, tornadoes, and flooding. Instead amendments, into the traditionally non-political gan’s presidency—before the baby boomers of submitting applications to the SBA, victims business of raising the debt ceiling, we must had reached retirement age, swelling the pop- of natural disasters will be submitting applica- work quickly to pass a bill that makes good on ulation eligible for Social Security and Medi- tions to join the ‘‘Loser Club.’’ our debt obligations and restores confidence care, and when health care costs were much The Federal Emergency Management Agen- in American credit. lower. As written this bill would render Social cy (FEMA) receives applications for assistance ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Security unconstitutional in its current form. in the form of grants and loans. Private insur- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- Capping future spending below Reagan-era ance companies deny many claims. Private in- bers are advised to heed the gavel and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:14 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19JY7.028 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5204 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 consume only the time yielded them by will bankrupt America and jeopardize never get the loan that he’s asking for. the managers of the floor. our children’s futures. I have struggled on this vote because of Mr. GARRETT. Mr. Speaker, I would We must take extraordinary action the $14 trillion of debt that our Nation just remind Members of what the lead- to solve our debt problems, and I urge faces. President Obama has yet to er on the other side said, wondering my colleagues to support the Cut, Cap, come up with a plan that changes our whether Members have actually read and Balance Act. By making imme- spending trajectory, but this House the bill. If Members do read the bill, diate cuts and bringing Federal spend- has. Cut, Cap, and Balance—it’s not they understand that Cut, Cap, and ing in line with historic averages, we just any plan, but it’s revolutionarily Balance, as provided before us, actually can promote job growth, sustain our reformed the way Congress spends does those three things and allows us Nation’s economic viability, and en- money. to pay the bills at the same time. sure that the future of America is se- We aren’t $14 trillion in debt because With that, I yield 1 minute to the cure. Mr. Speaker, Members of Con- we tax Americans too little. We’re in gentleman from Florida (Mr. ROSS). gress, let’s throw Americans a lifeline debt because Congress has spent too Mr. ROSS of Florida. I thank the and vote ‘‘yes’’ on the Cut, Cap, and much money. We don’t have a revenue gentleman for yielding. Balance Act. problem, folks. We have a spending Mr. Speaker, for the last 30 years, I Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, it problem. have spent my life as a husband, a does not throw Americans a lifeline to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The small business owner, and a State leg- write into the Constitution of the time of the gentleman from New Jersey islator. And one thing I have learned United States a provision that creates has expired. from this is that common sense is not a preference for cutting Medicare and The gentleman from Ohio (Mr. JOR- so common here in Washington, D.C. Social Security over cutting subsidies DAN) is recognized for 30 minutes. As a husband, I know it would be irre- for oil companies. Mr. JORDAN. I yield such time as he sponsible to buy a shiny new car or a I reserve the balance of my time. may consume to the gentleman from Mr. GARRETT. I yield 1 minute to new boat when my family couldn’t af- South Carolina (Mr. DUNCAN). the gentleman from Texas (Mr. BAR- ford to make their mortgage payment Mr. DUNCAN of South Carolina. I or their food payment. As a business TON). (Mr. BARTON of Texas asked and thank the gentleman from Ohio for owner, I know that when I didn’t have was given permission to revise and ex- that. enough to meet my expenses, I didn’t tend his remarks.) Folks, reforms like a balanced budg- raise revenues on my customers. I cut Mr. BARTON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, et amendment, coupled with spending back my expenses. And as a legislator, I am one of the original sponsors of the caps and significant spending cuts, are I knew that with a balanced budget tax limitation/balanced budget amend- the types of revolutionary reforms that amendment, we could operate a State ment under the Contract with America can prevent our children and grand- successfully. In the State of Florida, back in 1995. I have got one of the most children from inheriting mountains of we did that. You do not see Floridians conservative voting records in the debt. Passing off the debt problem to running down the street hungry and ri- House over the last 25 years. Common them may be the easy way. But it is oting. No, you see Florida living within sense tells you that our budget prob- not the American way, and it’s defi- its means because of a balanced budget lem today is a spending problem. It is nitely not the Christian way. amendment. not a revenue problem. And as the first As President Reagan said, ‘‘You and Mr. Speaker, those opposed to this law of ditch-digging says, When you I, as individuals, can, by borrowing, plan are frightened. They are fright- are digging a hole, in order to fill it, live beyond our means, but only for a ened because they know that any cuts you’ve got to stop digging it deeper. limited period of time. Why, then, agreed to in ‘‘deals’’ aren’t binding on President Obama’s budget that he should we think that collectively, as a a future Congress and a balanced budg- submitted to the Congress earlier this Nation, we’re not bound by that same et amendment is. They know that Cut, year does not have a budget deficit of limitation? We must act today in order Cap, and Balance brings real spending less than $500 billion over a 10-year pe- to preserve tomorrow.’’ reductions today and will force govern- riod. Cut, Cap, and Balance may have Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I ment in the future to get an agreement some technical issues with it, but the would point out that when Ronald of the whole family, the supermajority, basic premise is sound: We need to Reagan was President, he raised the to go into debt or raise taxes. A bal- spend less money short term, this year; debt ceiling 17 times and specifically anced budget amendment is common we need to spend less money in the wrote to the Congress, saying that fail- sense. The American people are watch- next 5 years; and we need a constitu- ure to pay our bills would jeopardize ing, and their patience is wearing thin. tional amendment that locks into the creditworthiness and trust- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I place that we, over time, have to bal- worthiness of the United States. Let’s continue to reserve the balance of my ance our budget every year unless not make that mistake. President time. there is some act of war or national Reagan didn’t want to make that mis- Mr. GARRETT. I yield 1 minute to emergency going on that takes a two- take. the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. thirds vote to override. Vote for this I yield 1 minute to the gentleman PALAZZO). bill later this evening. from Pennsylvania (Mr. FATTAH). Mr. PALAZZO. Mr. Speaker, with a Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I continue to re- b 1730 record debt level of $14.2 trillion, un- serve the balance of my time. employment at 9.2 percent, and our The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- Mr. FATTAH. Members speak with so spending habits out of control, Ameri- tleman from New Jersey has 30 seconds much certainty about these things. It’s cans are searching for answers. They remaining. not what we know that’s the problem. are searching for a plan that gives Mr. GARRETT. At this point, I will It’s what we know that just isn’t so. them real hope, a lifeline that will pull yield that 30 seconds to the gentleman Now, first and foremost, when we them out of the water and onto solid from South Carolina (Mr. DUNCAN). look at the Constitution of the United ground. The Cut, Cap, and Balance Act Mr. DUNCAN of South Carolina. Mr. States, and we look at article I, when is that lifeline. It is a simple plan with Speaker, one problem that I see from we deal with the legislature, among guaranteed results. my colleagues across the aisle and the other things, the items or powers Raising the debt ceiling without seri- President is that many of them have granted to the legislature, the first one ous spending reforms would be nothing never signed the front of a paycheck. is to borrow on credit on behalf of the more than a green light for more of They have only signed the back of a United States. Now, if the Forefathers President Obama’s failed spending pro- paycheck. I was a small-town banker had no notion that we would be bor- grams, more job-destroying tax hikes, for 81⁄2 years. I practice the five Cs of rowing, they would not have granted and more crushing debt. The Presi- credit: character, capacity, capital, this as the first enumerated power to dent’s policies have us borrowing 40 collateral, and cash flow. the legislature. cents on every dollar we spend and will If our country was held to these same But let’s deal with this more make our children foot the bill. This standards, President Obama would commonsensical misinformation that’s

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:46 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00052 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.126 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5205 been shared on the floor. They said, The bill before us today, Cut, Cap, never become law, that it is going no- well, most families have to balance and Balance, is a tangible idea that where in the Senate. their budgets. No, our families have demonstrates we have to pay our bills Their slash-and-burn cuts have not mortgages. They don’t wait till they while making sure our future credit created a single job for hardworking get homeless to then go the bank to card statements are not budget-bust- middle class families. And, in fact, try to get a roof over their family’s ing. most economists say that cutting too head. They borrow so they can have a If we want to protect our seniors and deeply, too strongly would hinder eco- home. our grandchildren, encourage small nomic recovery and could return us to They don’t wait until they need a business, and create jobs and safeguard a recession. car; they borrow the money to have the the American Dream, we need to get For the average American family, car. our economy back on track. That the Republican proposal would mean a They said most businesses balance starts with living within our means. cut in their future prospects, a cap on their budget. The manufacturers in my It’s about time. their dreams for tomorrow, and bal- district don’t wait until their machines Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I re- ancing the budget on the backs of fall apart to recapitalize their business. serve the balance of my time. America’s seniors, while they refuse to So we need to stop dealing in false- Mr. JORDAN. I yield 1 minute to the even look at cutting a special interest hoods here and know that our country, gentleman from Illinois (Mr. tax break or subsidy. They continue to the greatest superpower in the world, HULTGREN). subsidize companies that send our jobs has to act in responsible ways. Mr. HULTGREN. Mr. Speaker, the overseas and subsidize record-breaking I encourage a ‘‘no’’ vote on this pro- American people know that Wash- profits that our oil companies have, posal. ington has a massive spending and debt but they’re subsidizing some of them to Mr. JORDAN. I yield 1 minute to the problem that threatens not only our the tune of 40 percent. gentleman from the great State of Lou- Nation’s credit rating, but our fiscal The Republicans have brought us to isiana (Mr. LANDRY). future. the brink of a national default in an ef- Mr. LANDRY. Mr. Speaker, I rise in As a father of four, I understand the fort to force the American people to ac- favor of H.R. 2560. threat our Nation’s fiscal crisis poses cept their ideological agenda. We need to set the record straight. to them and to others in their genera- Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, before See, the President said we don’t need a tion. A child born today inherits more yielding to the gentleman from Indi- ana, let me just say this: This idea that constitutional amendment to make than $45,000 of debt, an astounding and there’s no chance this will pass the government do its job. I don’t see why terrifying statistic. he cares. He normally ignores the Con- It’s clear that Congress needs to cut Senate, how do we know? We don’t stitution most of the time. spending to ensure that America re- know until we send it over there. He says he will veto this bill if it mains strong and prosperous for future Maybe HARRY REID will have the cour- comes to his desk. Well, he can go generations. We must fight both the age to bring it up on the floor. We ahead and veto it; but if he does, it is threat of downgrade and the threat of don’t know. he who is choosing our seniors over ev- You know what? Every Friday night default. This commonsense bill pro- eryone else. It is he who is choosing when they get ready to play the game, vides a guide to doing just that, with- not to move America forward. there’s always one team that’s favored, out raising taxes on job creators. Let’s look at the record. House Re- maybe heavily favored. But they still We must force this government to publicans reluctantly passed a CR kick the ball off, they still play the live within its means, preserve our Na- which was diluted by him and the Sen- game, and sometimes the underdog tion’s sterling credit rating, and fight ate. We passed a budget, something the wins. for a brighter future for our kids and Senate hasn’t done in 811 days, and In fact, anything of real magnitude our grandkids. something the last Congress didn’t do that’s ever happened, the conventional I urge my colleagues on both sides of in the last year of the last Congress. wisdom was, it can’t happen. So how do the aisle to support the Cut, Cap, and I’m sorry if they don’t like our plan, we know? but the President hasn’t even put up a Balance bill and send it to the Senate I’m sick of this argument it can’t plan. He gives us no choice. with the strongest possible support. happen in the Senate. We don’t know So, no, Mr. President, we don’t need Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I that. If the conventional wisdom al- a balanced budget amendment, but you still fail to see how it helps our kids ways won out, there wouldn’t be a do. and helps our seniors to write into the United States of America. This is one Therefore, I urge my colleagues to Constitution of the United States a of those historic moments. And to say rise and support Cut, Cap, and Balance. bias in favor of cutting Medicare and this thing can’t pass the Senate is just cutting Social Security and cutting ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE plain wrong, just plain wrong. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The education before cutting special inter- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Will the gen- Chair has a plethora of advisories. est tax breaks. They would require tleman yield? First of all, Members are reminded to only a majority to cut Social Security Mr. JORDAN. I yield to the gen- address their remarks to the Chair and and Medicare, but two-thirds to get rid tleman from Maryland. not to others in the second person. of special interest tax breaks for the Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Here’s the ques- Secondly, personally disparaging re- purpose of reducing the deficit. That’s tion. As you know, this requires that marks directed at the President of the why this is a question of priorities and we later pass a constitutional amend- United States are inappropriate. a question of balance. ment. In fact, between now and August Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I re- How do we reduce the deficit? How do 2 we have to pass a constitutional serve the balance of my time. we get it into balance? amendment which, of course, requires Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 I yield 11⁄2 minutes to the gentle- two-thirds in the House. We’ll find out minute to the gentlewoman from West woman from New York (Mrs. MALO- by later this evening whether or not Virginia (Mrs. CAPITO). NEY). this bill will even get two-thirds in the Mrs. CAPITO. Mr. Speaker, we’re Mrs. MALONEY. I thank the gen- House. broke. Everyone from the small busi- tleman for his leadership and for point- Mr. JORDAN. I think it’s going to ness owner in West Virginia to Stand- ing out the priorities and the focus and get 218, and we’ll send it to the Senate. ard and Poor’s and Moody’s is looking the injustice and unfairness of the Re- At some point we may be able to get to Washington to solve this fiscal mess. publican proposal. two-thirds. That’s our whole goal. This We have a responsibility to dem- At a time when Congress should be bill needs 218. onstrate that we can responsibly raise laser focused on finding new ways to Mr. VAN HOLLEN. The point is, this the debt ceiling by changing the way grow our economy and create Amer- bill says you can’t continue to pay the Washington treats the taxpayers’ dol- ican jobs, we find ourselves, once bills unless, between now and August 2 lars. The reason we’re in over our again, bogged down in producing the or whenever—— heads is not because we’re taxed too Republican version of ‘‘Waiting for Mr. JORDAN. I know what the bill little; it’s because we spend too much. Godot.’’ We all know that this bill will says.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:31 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00053 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.127 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5206 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 Mr. VAN HOLLEN. We pass a con- They have a $1 trillion stimulus bill, a Mr. SOUTHERLAND. Mr. Speaker, stitutional amendment with the provi- $1 trillion-plus ObamaCare, and they every second of every day Washington sions that you have in here. And so it don’t want to come to the table and adds another $40,000 to our national will be a test today whether you can have a conversation about how we’re debt. In fact, by the time I finish get the two-thirds to change the Con- going to reduce spending in the U.S. speaking this sentence our national stitution in the ways you’re talking Government. And then we hear all this debt will increase another $360,000— about. conversation about tax loopholes. Well, $360,000 in one sentence. welcome to the party. We’ve reached the edge of a cliff, and b 1740 Mr. Speaker, 2 months ago, we had a it’s going to take tough decisions and Mr. JORDAN. Reclaiming my time, bill on the floor where we did away responsible leadership to eliminate this is the gentleman from Maryland sug- with all these loopholes and reformed massive, massive debt. That’s why gesting that if there are some changes our tax codes and they did nothing to today I rise in support of H.R. 2560, the made to the balanced budget amend- support that reform, and now they Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011. I ment in our legislation that there demagogue our plan again. support it because it’s right, not be- would be 50 votes in the House to sup- We hear about sending jobs overseas. cause it’s a Republican plan, but be- port it on your side? Well, jobs are going overseas because cause it’s a commonsense plan. It’s the Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I’ve already indi- we’re taxing our businesses too much. American family plan. cated that there is a conversation to be When you tax them too much, they go Every American family cuts their had with respect to what is a reason- other places. And when they go other budget, caps their budget, and balances able approach, but that is absolutely places—like China, India, Mexico, and their budget with their own finances; not what we’re dealing with in this Vietnam—they take our jobs with so should Washington. That is not an particular bill as we’ve debated. them. unfair expectation. To argue against Mr. JORDAN. That’s good to know. I’ve heard a lot about Medicare. The this is to argue against common sense. Reclaiming my time, so what you’re only party in this House who has cut This is to say, as bad parents do, ‘‘Do saying is you guys actually think the Medicare is the Democrat Party—$500 as I say, not as I do.’’ That is bad par- balanced budget amendment is a good billion out of Medicare in an IPAB bill enting, and that’s also bad legislation. idea and something we need. that is going to ration care for our sen- Unfortunately, over the past 3 Mr. VAN HOLLEN. We believe, as the iors. months, our efforts to get serious President said, the best way for us to ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE about this crisis have been met with balance the budget is to get together The SPEAKER pro tempore. The scare tactics. Enough. Enough of the and hammer out a deal sooner rather Chair will again remind Members to political parlor tricks coming out of than later. heed the gavel and consume only the this city. It is time for us to do the job Mr. JORDAN. Oh, that’s really time yielded to them. that the American people sent us here Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I worked well over the last 40 years. to do: practice common, walking- would urge my colleagues to look at I yield 15 seconds to the gentleman around sense. That’s what my grand- the Congressional Budget Office anal- from Indiana (Mr. BURTON). father taught me. That’s good at home; ysis of the impact of the Republican Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speak- that’s good in the family; that’s good budget on senior citizens on Medicare. er, the American people who may be in small business; and it is good enough Essentially what they do is give sen- paying attention to this whole debate for Washington, D.C. iors a raw deal compared to what Mem- may be a little confused; so let me just Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, bers of Congress get themselves, a raw sum it up in one sentence: They want American families don’t have the lux- deal in a big way. to spend more, they want to tax more, ury of saying if we don’t get things 100 and we don’t. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 percent our way, we won’t pay our fam- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I yield myself minute to the gentleman from Lou- ily bills. such time as I may consume. isiana, Dr. FLEMING. I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, if what the gentleman Mr. FLEMING. Mr. Speaker, but for Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 is saying is that we think we should the President of the United States who minute to the gentleman from Ohio get rid of a lot of the pork barrel serves today and a Democrat-con- (Mr. CHABOT). spending in the Tax Code, whether it’s trolled Congress over the last 2 years, Mr. CHABOT. Our national unem- oil subsidies or whether it’s for cor- we wouldn’t be here today debating ployment rate is stuck at over 9 per- porate jets, yes, we think we should get this; $3.8 trillion added to our debt and cent. We’re currently borrowing 43 rid of some of that stuff for the purpose continuing on that same glidepath. cents on every dollar that’s spent of reducing the deficit. Mr. Speaker, we’re here today be- around here, and our national debt Mr. JORDAN. Will the gentleman cause people across America—busi- stands at a staggering $14.5 trillion. yield for a question? nesses, cities, States—all have to bal- The American people are demanding Mr. VAN HOLLEN. We have a lot less ance their budgets. The only game in that we in Congress provide real solu- time; otherwise, I would. this country, the only entity that tions to these serious problems. The If the Speaker would tell us how doesn’t have to balance its budget is Cut, Cap, and Balance Act does just much time is remaining. the Federal Government, and that’s that. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- what has ruined our economy. The debate today is not whether we tleman from Ohio has 233⁄4 minutes re- So all we’re asking for in this bill is should make good on our current obli- maining, and the gentleman from simply to immediately cut $111 million gations. We’re all in agreement that we Maryland has 401⁄2 minutes remaining. in fiscal 2012; begin capping our spend- must pay our bills, but the spending in Then the gentleman from Wisconsin ing rates, bringing it down to what’s Washington is out of control and it has (Mr. RYAN) will control 30 minutes. traditional, 18 percent; and then, fi- to stop. We have to cap future spend- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I re- nally, passing a balanced budget ing, and passing a balanced budget serve the balance of my time. amendment that will finally put the re- amendment is critical to doing that; Mr. JORDAN. I yield 1 minute to the straints on this body, on the President because, let’s face it, historically Con- gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. of the United States, and certainly on gress has shown no will or the ability DUFFY). the Senate, finally, so we will begin to stop its addiction to spending. Mr. DUFFY. Mr. Speaker, we’ve had doing the people’s work and allow this Right now, back in my district in a great debate here on Cut, Cap, and economy to flourish once again. Cincinnati, hardworking Americans are Balance. All the points have been Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I making tough decisions, tightening made. But as I sit here and listen to continue to reserve the balance of my their belts, and making sacrifices to this debate, Mr. Speaker, I can’t help time. pay their bills. They expect us to do but notice the hypocrisy. Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 the same. We’re dealing with the other side, minutes to the gentleman from Florida Now let’s do the right thing and pass who is the advocate of three wars. (Mr. SOUTHERLAND). this critical bill.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:14 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.129 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5207 Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I arguments are that there is an ur- I reserve the balance of my time. continue to reserve the balance of my gency, no matter how jarring the un- Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, what de- time. employment figures are at 9.2 percent, fies logic is a $14 trillion debt and the Mr. JORDAN. I yield 2 minutes to the no matter what the rating agencies are Democrats’ unwillingness to say let’s gentleman from Arizona (Mr. FLAKE). saying, the gentleman from Maryland do what everyone else has to do. Let’s Mr. FLAKE. Mr. Speaker, this has is basically saying: No, no, no, there’s put a balanced budget requirement in been a fascinating debate. Members on a better plan. the Constitution so that politicians both sides of the aisle stand and claim But I would submit that there is no have to do what they have to do in moral superiority when it comes to the better plan. There is no more balanced their homes. debt that we’ve accumulated. There is plan than cut, cap, and balance. Obviously, the other route didn’t plenty of blame to go around. Most Americans as they are listening work. So what part of $14 trillion don’t When Republicans had majorities in to this debate, they are hearing Wash- you understand? What part of bal- both the House and the Senate and ington, D.C., basically say hold the ancing the budget don’t you under- when there was a Republican in the line. Defend the status quo. Lash our- stand? White House, we behaved badly, from selves to the mast and we’re going to Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I understand $14 No Child Left Behind to prescription get around the cape, by golly, if we trillion and—— drug benefits, bloated farm bills, swol- only stick on the current course. Well, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- len highway bills, bridges to nowhere, the current course is a failure. There’s tleman from Ohio controls the time. pork strewn everywhere. Let’s be hon- nobody who can defend the status quo ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE est, we were headed toward this fiscal with a straight face. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The cliff long before the current President What happens now is this majority Chair, understanding that there are took the wheel. has come up and said: Okay, there is a passionate arguments on both sides, pathway forward, and the pathway for- would ask all Members to observe the b 1750 ward is immediate short term and long decorum of the House and conduct de- term. And I don’t see what the argu- So here we are today, Mr. Speaker. It bate accordingly by speaking one at a matters little who drove what shift. ment is. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Will the gen- time. What matters is that we, both parties, Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 are teetering on the fiscal cliff, getting tleman yield? Mr. ROSKAM. I am happy to yield to minutes to the gentleman from Cali- ready to drag the country into the fornia (Mr. MCCARTHY), the distin- abyss. the gentleman from Maryland. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I thank the gen- guished majority whip. Fortunately, the 2006 midterm elec- tleman. Mr. MCCARTHY of California. I tions sent many of us on a detour on If what you mean by protecting the thank my colleague from Ohio for the road to Damascus, and we are here status quo is meaning that I am op- yielding and for his work on this legis- today with a cut, cap, and balance plan posed to actually manipulating the lation. that will put us back on sure financial Constitution of the United States to It is interesting to listen to the de- footing. If the other side of the aisle make it harder to reduce special inter- bate, and that is healthy. That’s why has a plan that does not entail more of est tax breaks, yes, I don’t think we we are on this floor. the same behavior that got us here, we should change the Constitution that ‘‘Defying logic,’’ an interesting term. should consider that plan. To date, we way. But if you mean we should—— Defying logic, when you think of a debt have seen no such plan. Mr. ROSKAM. I will graciously re- limit. What is a debt limit, and why I urge my colleagues on both sides of claim my time. are we debating it? the aisle to support this cut, cap, and Furthermore, they are doing it in an The debt limit, to the American peo- balance legislation. orderly basis; that is, amending the ple so you understand, is to pay for the Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I Constitution forthrightly and directly. obligations that this government has agree with a lot of what the gentleman I think, in closing, Mr. Speaker, my already promised. said. hat is off to the gentleman from Mary- So let’s think about defying logic. I would say that the President has land who, no matter what the majority The economy is tough, so I sat in this put a plan on the table to reduce the has come up with, always comes up House and I watched the other side of deficit by $4 trillion over about 10 with some argument that just defies the aisle, Mr. Speaker, put together a years. It does it with $3 in spending logic. But I think most Americans, as stimulus bill where I even watched cuts to $1 in revenue. That approach they are listening to this debate, are their own people stand on the floor and apparently was rejected by our col- saying cut it, cap it, and balance it. say they didn’t know if it would work. leagues. And do it now. At the end of the day, defying logic I reserve the balance of my time. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I meant $278,000 for every job that was Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, you know think what will defy the logic of the created. why it was rejected? Because it is the American people is why our Republican Defying logic to the American public same old game. It is exactly the same colleagues are going to write into the is that more people in America today old game. The cuts come in the out- Constitution of the United States a believe that Elvis Presley is alive than years; the tax increases come now. provision that says a majority vote is the stimulus created a job. Defying And, oh, here we go again. And, yes, needed to cut Medicare, a majority logic is that we have gone 28 straight there are no specifics to it. It is the vote is needed to cut Social Security, a months with unemployment above 8 same old game. majority vote is needed to cut edu- percent. Defying logic is to continue I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman cation, but you need two-thirds vote to this pattern. But today we have a de- from Illinois (Mr. ROSKAM). cut subsidies for Big Oil companies, bate. Today we have a choice. Today Mr. ROSKAM. I thank the gentleman you need a two-thirds vote to get rid of we can take a new path. for yielding. subsidies for corporate jets. That is I understand why so vigorously you Mr. Speaker, I sit back, and as we are something that defies logic. fight this; because it would be a change watching the debate today, I have got You would also write into the Con- to America. It would change the direc- to take my hat off to the gentleman stitution a provision that says even if tion. And the one thing I would ask is: from Maryland, who I think has the you balanced the budget at 19 percent When will the assault on the American toughest job in the whole Chamber, Mr. of GDP or some other level so that we people stop? That would be defying the Speaker; and that is, he is basically, can meet the needs of Social Security pattern of where we are going to go. today, the lawyer for the status quo. and Medicare, you wouldn’t be able to So I want to ask you one thing. We And that’s a tough job. That’s a tough do that. You would constitutionally ask in this bill to cut where you had argument to make. No matter how prohibit that kind of balanced budget, government spending, just discre- thoughtful the arguments have been on one that meets the needs of Social Se- tionary, gone up 84 percent in the last this side of the aisle that there is an curity and Medicare beneficiaries. That 3 years—to small business, that would urgency, no matter how poignant the defies logic. be quite odd that they weren’t able to

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:46 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.132 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5208 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 do that—that we are going to cap it so tleman can say, oh, we’re going to President Clinton followed suit. In it can’t grow out of control, and then write this in. The States get to decide fact, he raised the top tax rates to 39.6 we’re going to ask for a balanced budg- this. That’s the other part of this equa- percent. Now we heard at the time all et that 49 States even have as a stat- tion. of the Republican arguments, that you ute. I would yield 2 minutes to the gen- should only cut spending, you can’t What I want to say today is a new tleman from South Carolina (Mr. raise new revenue because it’s going to path. It is not a path to repeating mis- GOWDY). cost jobs, and so on. Not one Repub- takes; it is a path to a new future. Mr. GOWDY. I want to thank the lican vote was cast for the tax in- When you think of a balanced budget gentleman from Ohio for yielding and crease, but what happened? We know and you question whether it will pass, for his leadership on this and so many what happened. Twenty million jobs you know, 16 years ago we came one other issues. were created. We had surpluses. We had vote shy in the Senate. It passed this Mr. Speaker, the President says he the strongest economy in modern his- body with fewer people on this side. wants to do a big deal. He says he tory. We reduced welfare. We grew the That meant people on the other side of wants to do something transformative. middle class. Homeownership in- the aisle voted for it. There are some of He wants to do something that will creased. And we handed over a surplus, the people in your leadership who have echo in eternity. And he’s willing to a projected surplus, of $5.6 trillion. In voted for it. risk his political career to get it done. fact, this year we would have paid off History tells a very different story. Now, I want the American people to our public debt. And what happened to In 2006, Senator Barack Obama joined think and imagine, imagine had we those who paid at that highest rate of 47 Senate Democrats in voting ‘‘no’’ on gotten that one vote, the debate today 39.6 percent? They brought home more raising the debt ceiling. This, the first would not have taken place. The debate after-tax income than at any prior post-partisan President, cast a decid- today would not be about $14 trillion. time in American history. It worked. edly partisan vote in joining every sin- The debate today wouldn’t be that we And now your party comes in with gle one of his colleagues in saying ‘‘no’’ had to change the path. The debate this attitude we’ve been hearing about to raising the debt ceiling. Did calami- today would be about the future of this all day, you want to drastically cut tous have a different definition in 2006? taxes, shrink government, and ensure a country. What do you think we would Was reneging on your debt somehow be debating? What investments we permanent indebtedness. In fact just more palatable in 2006? Was the apoca- this spring you voted for a Republican would make to continue to make this lypse not blowing in 2006? In 2007 and country strong? What ability we could budget that increased the deficit by 2008, when again this body voted on $8.8 trillion, from $14.3 to $23.1 trillion grow with our businesses, and it raising the debt ceiling, the President, wouldn’t be about unemployment. over the next 10 years. But now you who was a Senator from Illinois, was don’t want to pay for it. So I want to harken back to a former absent for both votes. President who said we could go to that That’s what happened during the last Fast forward to President Obama. He Bush administration. We didn’t pay for shiny city on the hill. My charge is for has proposed a budget that raises this anything. We didn’t pay for tax cuts. this body to join us on that climb be- debt by trillions of dollars, with no We didn’t pay for wars. We didn’t pay cause this is the first step. And when spending cuts, and then he famously for expansion of Medicare. That’s why we get there, we will recharge that invites our colleague, PAUL RYAN, to we’re in the hole that we’re in. light so this country burns brighter the White House to lecture him on sen- Alan Greenspan said, ‘‘Restore the with freedom and liberty than it has in sitivity and entitlement reform while Clinton tax rates.’’ Every Republican times before. offering absolutely no plan whatsoever in 2001 and 2003 voted to let the Bush Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, on his own for entitlement reform. tax cuts expire in 2011. Do it. Be re- there are some things that we want to Then he said he wanted a clean debt sponsible. Pay off our debts. Let’s get change, and there are some things we ceiling increase, free from the back to policies that work with a gov- don’t want to change. One of the things nuisances of spending cuts, entitlement ernment that deserves the trust of its we don’t want to change capriciously is reform, and personal responsibility. citizens. the Constitution of the United States How do you go from voting ‘‘no’’ on ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE of America. raising the debt ceiling to saying you The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- I think many of us think it is a cor- want a clean increase in the debt, to bers are again reminded to address ruption to the Constitution to write in now saying you want to do something their remarks to the Chair and not to provisions that say you can only bal- transformative that echoes in eternity? others in the second person. ance the budget the way the Repub- Mr. Speaker, the President says he Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I ask licans want to balance the budget; you has a plan. Forgive our skepticism. I’d unanimous consent that the gentleman can only do it by capping things at 18 like to see the plan. I prefer cut, cap, from Wisconsin (Mr. RYAN) control the percent even if that means deep cuts to and balance over punt, pass, and kick. balance of my time, who will also take Social Security and deep cuts to Medi- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The over the final 30 minutes. care. Chair would congratulate both floor The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without b 1800 managers as we are at 383⁄4 minutes on objection, the gentleman from Wis- the majority side and 38 minutes on consin will now control 383⁄4 minutes. We think it’s a corruption of the Con- the minority side. There was no objection. stitution to write into the founding The Chair recognizes the gentleman The SPEAKER pro tempore. The document a provision that says it’s from Maryland. Chair recognizes the gentleman from easier to cut Medicare and Social Secu- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Thank you, Mr. Wisconsin. rity than corporate tax breaks. That is Speaker. Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, in here. We keep hearing 49 out of 50 I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished at this time I would like to yield 1 States. Forty-nine out of 50 States do gentleman from Virginia (Mr. MORAN). minute to the gentlewoman from Illi- not write those kind of provisions into Mr. MORAN. Mr. Chairman, I haven’t nois (Mrs. BIGGERT). their State Constitutions—a very few read Ayn Rand for 45 years, so all I Mrs. BIGGERT. I thank the gen- do—and for good reason: They’re bad have as a reference point is what I’ve tleman for yielding. ideas, they’re bad ideas now, and they observed over the last 20 years in this Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this will be bad ideas in the future which body. bill. It’s no secret that our Nation’s would constrain a Congress from bal- I remember when we were trying to $14.3 trillion debt poses an extraor- ancing the budget in a way that re- pull out of the last recession in 1990. dinary threat to our financial future, flects the will of the American people. George H.W. Bush called the leaders of and extraordinary times call for ex- I reserve the balance of my time. both political parties together. They traordinary measures. The Cut, Cap, Mr. JORDAN. Mr. Speaker, I would came up with a compromise. They and Balance Act would finally end the just add, 38 of those 50 States would raised revenue, they cut spending, and fiscal uncertainty and force the Fed- have to agree to this before the Con- they started to pull us out of the reces- eral Government to put the interests of stitution would be amended. The gen- sion. The economy started rebounding. the taxpayers first.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:46 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.136 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5209 Our colleagues across the aisle claim spending to 18 percent of GDP. The last tremendous leadership as the ranking that this plan goes too far by restrict- time Federal spending was below 18 Democrat on the Budget Committee ing future borrowing, but the reality is percent of GDP was 1966. Even under and for bringing to that debate and that this bill simply caps spending at Ronald Reagan, the Federal spending that discussion at the table the values the same sustainable rates as past gen- averaged over 22 percent of GDP. of the American people and the con- erations, about 20 percent of GDP, a There’s almost no conceivable way to cerns they have as they sit around post-World War II average. revert spending back to the 1960s levels their kitchen table. For too long, government has spent without sharp cuts in every program, They are concerned that this Satur- the taxpayers into a debt they cannot including Medicare and Social Secu- day will mark the 200th day of the Re- afford. Cut, Cap, and Balance would rity. In order to reduce Federal spend- publicans attaining the majority in the show our creditors, our competitors, ing to 18 percent of GDP, every Federal House of Representatives. And yet and the American people that we are program, including Social Security and today another day goes by when we do willing to make the tough choices Medicare, would need to be cut by 25 not have a jobs bill on the floor. In- needed to restore confidence and percent. deed, we should have a jobs bill. This growth in the United States. Faced with the need to increase the isn’t a jobs bill. We should be working Mr. Speaker, it’s time to cut the debt ceiling in 1987, President Reagan together to lower the deficit, to grow spending and give American businesses called on Congress to raise the ceiling the economy, to create jobs; and we the certainty and stability they need and said failure to do so would threat- should be doing so in a balanced, bipar- to create jobs. en those who rely on Social Security tisan way. Instead, we have before us what is called the Republican plan to Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I re- and veterans benefits, create insta- bility in the financial markets, and cut, cap, and end Medicare. serve the balance of my time. This legislation is the Republican Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, cause the Federal deficit to soar. It’s funny, I agree with President Reagan. budget that was voted on earlier this I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from year all over again. Wildly unpopular Pennsylvania (Mr. PLATTS). Our last balanced budget was in 1999 and 2000, the last years of the Democratic Presi- among the American people, the Re- Mr. PLATTS. I appreciate the gen- publican budget, again, ended Medi- tleman yielding. dent Bill Clinton. Since 2001 we had 9/11, fed- eralizing airport security, war in Iraq, Afghani- care, made seniors pay more for less, I rise today in support of H.R. 2560. It while it gave take breaks to Big Oil is important for the President and Con- stan, war on terror, a prescription drug plan for seniors, and 2001 and 2003 tax cuts—none of and corporations sending jobs overseas. gress to reach a final agreement on the It made kids pay less for their edu- debt ceiling that helps restore fiscal re- these were paid for—all went to the National debt. We had a balanced annual budget with- cation while it gave tax breaks to the sponsibility in Washington, honors wealthiest people in our country. America’s obligations, and puts our out cutting Medicare or Social Security in 1999 and 2000. It is time for this chamber to end As our Republican colleague, Con- Nation back on the path to prosperity. gressman JIM JORDAN, chairman of the It is clear that our economy will con- the political theater, to take the necessary steps to avoid default, and I urge my col- Republican Study Committee, which is tinue to struggle until Washington the source of this budget, said on Sun- demonstrates the ability to get our leagues to oppose this dangerous legislation. Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, day, this legislation basically mirrors spending and our debt under control. at this time I yield 1 minute to the the budget proposal that the House As the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of gentleman from Virginia (Mr. HURT). passed this year. And indeed it does. It Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen, has stat- Mr. HURT. I thank the gentleman for is summed up in one sentence: it ends ed, our national debt is the biggest yielding. Medicare, making seniors pay more, threat to our national security. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support while giving take breaks to Big Oil and The Cut, Cap, and Balance bill before of H.R. 2560. We are in a spending-driv- corporations sending jobs overseas. us addresses our Nation’s spending and en debt crisis that continues to stall Furthermore, economists believe that debt challenges in a manner that stops job creation, passes a crushing finan- the result of this legislation will be the delaying hard decisions. We imme- cial burden on to our children, and af- result of the loss of 700,000 jobs. diately cut spending by over $100 bil- fecting all Fifth District Virginians. This legislation harms middle class lion, we cap spending in future years at Since President Obama took office, our families. But don’t take my word for it. less than 20 percent of GDP, and send a national debt has increased by $3.7 tril- Nearly 250 national organizations op- balanced budget amendment to the lion, raising our current total debt to pose this legislation, saying it would States for ratification. an unacceptable $14 trillion. Now, after almost certainly necessitate massive At $14 trillion and counting, our na- 21⁄2 years of reckless spending, the cuts to vital programs like Social Se- tional debt currently is quickly ap- President is asking that we raise the curity, Medicare, Medicaid, veterans proaching 100 percent of GDP. The Fed- debt ceiling once again. But we have benefits, and lead to even deeper cuts eral Government is borrowing 40 cents yet to see any concrete plan from this than the House-passed budget. of every dollar it spends. America can- administration to help rein in the out- Mr. Speaker, I heard the previous not continue on this unsustainable fis- of-control government spending that speaker say we have to think about fu- cal path. The full faith and credit of has brought us to the brink of a debt ture generations as we go forward in the United States Government depends crisis. this debate. Indeed, I agree. For that on Congress acting. So the House is once again leading in reason, I call young people to my office I urge a ‘‘yes’’ vote. delivering on the message sent by the over and over again, and most recently, last week, a large group of college stu- b 1810 people of Virginia’s Fifth District to change the culture in Washington and dents, some just newly graduated, and Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I yield 1 minute end the government spending spree by I said, Your name is used at the table to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. GENE putting forth a commonsense proposal of the debt reduction; your name is GREEN). that will cut, cap, and balance Federal used at the table that we owe this to (Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas asked spending and force Washington to live future generations. I’d like to know and was given permission to revise and within its means. Now is the time to from you as a member of the next gen- extend his remarks.) put in place effective spending reforms eration, as a leader of the next genera- Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. I rise in to reduce our debt and deficits, return tion, what do you think about what’s opposition to the drastic cuts to Social certainty to the marketplace, and pre- going on at the debate table, the dis- Security, Medicare, and other crucial serve the American Dream for our chil- cussion table in the White House? What Federal programs that this Cut, Cap, dren and grandchildren. do you think of that? What values do and Balance Act would force on the Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I yield 1 minute you want me to bring from your gen- American people. The Cut, Cap, and to the distinguished Democratic lead- eration to that table? Balance Act takes our Nation closer to er, the gentlelady from California (Ms. With great wisdom they talked about default by holding the debt ceiling hos- PELOSI). the fact that education was central to tage until Congress passes a constitu- Ms. PELOSI. I thank the gentleman their success and to America’s com- tional amendment to limit Federal for yielding. I commend him for his petitiveness now and in the future.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:46 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.138 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5210 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 They talked about jobs. They said, b 1820 term plan to reduce the deficit, create Please don’t have the cuts in the legis- Community colleges are wonderful, jobs, grow the economy, and strength- lation deter job growth and growth of and they do a great job for our country en the middle class. the economy. They said, Please don’t and the education of our children and Let us recognize that the best way to harm Medicare and Medicaid, because the training of our workers and the reduce the deficit is to get the Amer- that’s very important to our families. rest. I had the privilege of speaking at ican people back to work. Let us do as In fact, for many of our families, that the graduation commencement cere- the President called upon us to do: to enables them to afford our ability to go mony at San Francisco Community out-build, out-educate, out-innovate to college. We just wouldn’t make it College last month, so I value what the rest of the world to win the future without that. they do; but this young man had no by creating jobs. Together, we can keep Actually, one other thing they talked choice because the cost of other edu- America number one. about was, We want to share in reduc- cation to him would be prohibitive, and I see my distinguished friend from In- ing the deficit. We believe that every- again, because of the economic situa- diana is here, and I heard his one-sen- one has a responsibility to do so, but tion, he had to stay close to home. tence summation earlier. I won’t re- we want our voices to be heard. And So let’s listen to these people whose peat it, but I’ll give you my one-sen- we’re concerned with voter suppression names we use—the next generation, the tence summation on this: This legislation ends the Medicare now around the country and that bar- young people. We cannot heap moun- guarantee, making seniors pay at least riers will be thrown up that will hurt tains of debt onto them. Indeed, we $6,000 more while giving tax breaks to our participation in the electoral proc- shouldn’t. Indeed, we didn’t. When Big Oil and corporations sending jobs ess. So when I went to the White President Clinton was President, he overseas. House, I spoke about that. took the deficit that he’d inherited on a path of fiscal soundness. Four of the I hope that some of our Republican But yesterday I met with high school five of his last budgets were either in colleagues will do what they did before students, well over a hundred high surplus or in balance. You’ve heard and vote against this budget plan. A school students. I asked them the same that over and over again. He took a $5.6 majority of Republicans voted against question. They had similar answers. trillion trajectory into surplus, only to this budget plan when it came to the They also said, Tell them if they care be reversed by President Bush with his floor the day of the Ryan budget. I call about the future generations, they tax cuts for the rich, with his give- upon all of us to do the right thing for should care about our education, they aways to the pharmaceutical industry the next generation and vote ‘‘no.’’ should care about the budget deficit, and by not paying for the wars. He Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, they should care about jobs. They took us on a trajectory of a swing of I yield myself 15 seconds only to say should also care about the environ- $11 trillion—the biggest fiscal swing in that the only place where our budget ment, because the condition of the en- the history of our country. mentions oil is when we say we want to vironment is important to us. That’s the path we’re on. drill for more of it in our country. We But going back to those college stu- I didn’t hear anybody on the Repub- don’t address the tax issue. In fact, dents, that day I went into the White lican side say ‘‘boo, boo’’ when the what we call for is eliminating loop- House and told my colleagues—the President was taking us so deeply into holes to lower tax rates. We save Medi- President, the Vice President, and our debt; and every time, we stepped up to care, and guarantee the program is Democratic and Republican col- the plate and lifted the debt ceiling be- there for people 55 and above—more leagues—what those college students cause that was the right thing to do. importantly, contrary to the current said about education, for example. And Much has been said, if we don’t lift law, which takes Medicare away from then I listened to the discussion and I the debt ceiling, as to what that means current seniors as they now know it. thought, Who is going to tell the chil- to our economy. We hear sounds from With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 dren? Who is going to tell the children the tables in boardrooms about what it minutes to the House Republican Con- that at this table the suggestion is will do to the stock market, the credit ference chairman, the gentleman from made that young people should spend markets, what it will do to the fiscal Texas (Mr. HENSARLING). $36 billion more for interest on their soundness of our country, our reputa- Mr. HENSARLING. Mr. Speaker, this student loans so that we can reduce the tion overseas—and that’s very impor- Nation suffers from a surplus of defi- deficit, but not touch $37 billion—al- tant. Yet it’s not only important what cits. most the same number—$37 billion in is said around the boardroom table; it’s First, our seniors have a health care tax subsidies for Big Oil. Who’s going important as to what this means deficit because, in the last Congress, to tell the children that that is what around the kitchen table for America’s Democrats cut Medicare by a half a the values are that are being proposed working families. trillion dollars, hastening its bank- by the Republicans at that table—$36 American families could soon see an ruptcy and then creating a new board, billion more charged to students, $37 increase in their cost of mortgages, car called the IPAB, in order to ration the billion as a gift to Big Oil. But don’t loans, credit cards, and student loans. access and quality of their health care. touch that to reduce the deficit. Social Security and veterans’ checks Next, they brought us a jobs deficit. could be held up. Stock prices, which Millions are unemployed and they re- It’s stunning to me. are important to our economy, could main unemployed—the highest dura- So as we use the name of the next fall with a direct hit on families’ tion of long-term unemployment since generation and what we owe them and 401(k)s, pensions and savings. It would the Great Depression. what they expect as they come out of be a job destroyer, heaping more eco- Then, Mr. Speaker, we have the fi- school or what they need in order to af- nomic insecurity on America’s families nancial deficit. After the President’s ford school, in some cases that increase and on the concerns they have as to the trillion-dollar stimulus program, which in the cost of interest payments will education of their children, the health has failed miserably, after his $1.4 tril- make it prohibitive—not more expen- of their families and the security of lion takeover of our health care sys- sive—prohibitive for young people to their retirements around that kitchen tem, after an increase of base govern- go to school. One young man in high table. Rather than making progress on ment—24 percent in 2 years and three school said to me yesterday, I just the debt limit to prevent these wide- trillion-dollar-plus deficits in a row, we graduated from high school at the top spread consequences for America’s now have a debt crisis. So the Presi- of my class. I had great grades and middle class, this legislation takes us dent says, Do you know what? We need scores and everything, but I can’t af- backward: throwing up further road- a balanced plan. I want you, Repub- ford to go to college. I can only go to blocks to increasing the debt limit. licans, to raise taxes to pay for my the community college in my town be- Mr. Speaker, we still have time to spending. cause I can only afford to be close to come together in a bipartisan and bal- Mr. President, one of the greatest im- home and go to a community college. anced way for a ‘‘grand bargain’’ that pediments we have to job creation So please, in whatever it is you do, would ensure our Nation meets its obli- today is the threat of taxes to pay for don’t hurt community colleges. gations while working toward a long- your spending.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 03:46 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.141 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5211 Every day, I hear from small business Let’s go through some of the provi- and Medicare, and you can’t cure that people in my congressional district. I sions. with a simple nice little title. heard from Kristine Tanzillo of Canton, The first provision of the balanced I urge my colleagues to oppose this Texas: ‘‘Washington seems to think budget amendment requires a budget legislation. they can tax its way out of our eco- not in balance to require a three-fifths Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, nomic problem, which is not possible. vote in the House and the Senate. The I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman We are not hiring or planning to grow fact is every budget that we considered from Wyoming (Mrs. LUMMIS). for the next several years. We are con- this year—in fact, most of the budgets, Mrs. LUMMIS. We don’t have to pass cerned that our government will raise virtually every budget in the last 10 this bill to read this bill. We know taxes or put other burdensome restric- years—was not balanced in the first what’s in it. It’s been online for 72 tions on us that we will not be profit- year. So all of those budgets, including hours. The American people can go able.’’ the Republican Ryan plan, even the Re- read it. The financial deficit is tied to our publican Study Committee plan, would But in case you haven’t read it, let jobs deficit. The American people have have required a three-fifths vote to me tell you what it does. It caps spend- a message for their government: pass in both the House and the Senate. ing. It caps spending consistent with It is time to quit spending money we Now, the deficit reduction requires the discretionary spending cuts that do not have. It is time to quit bor- tough votes, often career-ending votes. we passed in the budget earlier this rowing 42 cents on the dollar, much of The 1993 Clinton budget that was on year. And it cuts some mandatory it from the Chinese, and then sending the way to paying off the national spending in 2012, setting us on the path the bill to our children and grand- debt, if we hadn’t changed it after 2001, that Moody’s and S&P say they need to children. It is why, today, House Re- we would have paid off the entire debt ensure investors that they can have publicans bring to the floor the Cut, held by the public. By now, we would confidence in U.S. treasuries. Cap, and Balance program. owe nothing to China, Japan, and It will create the glide path that Ben Cut. It cuts spending to at least the Saudi Arabia. But that didn’t get Bernanke has told us over and over ’08 levels. Who thought that govern- three-fifths of the vote, and 50 Demo- that we need to bring spending under 20 ment was too small before President crats lost their seats as a result of that percent of GDP. And it will pass a bal- Barack Obama came into town? plan. anced budget amendment, like the vast Cap. Since World War II, spending Likewise, this year’s Republican majority of States have. This is the has averaged 20 percent of our econ- Ryan plan, which repeals Medicare as way to implement what we need to omy. Under this President, it’s 25 per- we know it, is a good deficit reduction raise our debt ceiling. cent, growing to 40. Let’s keep it at 20 plan. Didn’t get anywhere close to We know that we cannot default on percent. three-fifths, and Democrats have al- our debt, so we will raise our debt ceil- Balance. Every family in America ready picked up one seat in the special ing in a way that Standard & Poor’s has to balance their budgets around election because the Republican can- and Moody’s have said they need to see the kitchen table. Every small business didate supported the Republican Ryan in order to assure our borrowers that has to balance their budgets as do 49 of plan. our currency is valuable, that our obli- the 50 States. But no. Our Democrat So deficit reduction requires tough gations will be met, and that we are colleagues said it is radical. It is rad- votes, and increasing the votes needed going to get our spending under con- ical to balance the budget. trol. What I say is, if we want jobs, hope to pass it will not help pass a deficit re- As the chairman of the House Budget and opportunity, we must cut, cap, and duction plan. Now, while it’s harder to pass a def- Committee said a few minutes ago, balance. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I would again re- icit reduction plan because of the when we passed his budget, we passed a mind my colleagues that the last time three-fifth’s requirement, increasing plan that would broaden the base of the Federal Government budget was in the deficit can still occur. Last Decem- taxes and lower the rate, that would surplus was during the Clinton admin- ber, we passed $800 billion in additional not cut Medicare for seniors, for people istration, at a time when they took a deficits by extending the tax cuts. over 55 years of age who aren’t yet on balanced approach to deficit reduc- Those still could have been passed Medicare, did not touch Social Secu- tion—unfortunately, one that has been under this legislation because you only rity, and yet would preserve for the rejected by our colleagues in the com- need a simple majority to cut taxes. American people the decisions that munications and conversations with And a budget which even proposes addi- this country was founded on. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I the President of the United States, who tional tax cuts and even higher deficits just remind my colleagues that only has put forward a proposal for $3 in would require the same three-fifths seven States placed both the super- spending cuts, for $1 in revenue, again, vote as the tough deficit reduction majority requirements and the caps generated by closing special interest would require. Tax cuts can pass by a simple major- that this would place in the Constitu- loopholes and by returning to the rates ity, but tax increases will require a tion of the United States. that were in place for the very top in- two-thirds vote. Common sense will With that, I yield 1 minute to the come earners, rates that were in place tell you that that will make it harder gentlewoman from Illinois (Ms. SCHA- during the Clinton administration, to balance the budget. KOWSKY), who has been a leader and which was the last time we were in sur- The two-thirds provision to spend fighter in this debate. plus. With that, I yield 3 minutes to a more than 18 percent of GDP will obvi- Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. This Republican member of the Judiciary Committee, ously put pressure on Medicare and bill cuts, caps, and balances all right— the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Medicaid, since we haven’t been to 18 cuts Medicare, caps Medicaid, balances percent of GDP since Medicare was en- the budget on the backs of seniors. And SCOTT), who has been a real leader on this debate. acted. You can cut the benefits with a Republicans like to say that the public Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, simple majority, but to save the pro- supports a balanced budget amend- I oppose this legislation, and I would grams with additional taxes will re- ment. But when you ask them if they like to focus my comments on the bal- quire a two-thirds vote. support balancing the budget by mak- anced budget amendment because the Finally, Mr. Speaker, we know that ing cuts to Medicare and Social Secu- dirty little secret about the balanced we should not be distracted by mis- rity, by a 2–1 margin, the American budget amendment is that it does not leading titles. We should notice that people say ‘‘no.’’ And what liberal require a balanced budget. the legislation will make it harder to media outlet conducted that poll? Fox actually balance the budget because it News. b 1830 increases the number of Members who There is something very, very wrong It will actually make it more dif- might have to cast career-ending votes, and un-American with the Republican ficult for future Congresses to balance makes it virtually impossible to raise proposal that makes it far easier to cut the budget, so the title is just mis- revenues or close loopholes. It will Medicare than to cut subsidies for oil leading. compel deep cuts in Social Security and gas companies, easier to cut Social

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:05 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.143 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5212 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 Security than ask for one penny more ority to put in the Constitution of the Today the majority of Americans from millionaires and billionaires. United States a preference to cutting don’t believe that successive genera- Of course we need to address our eco- education, to cutting Medicare as com- tions will enjoy the quality of life that nomic challenges, but not by holding pared to cutting subsidies for special they’ve enjoyed, and a lot of that fear our country hostage and threatening to interest corporations, special interest is driven by unrestrained Federal Gov- not pay our bills with catastrophic tax breaks for the purposes of reducing ernment, unrestrained spending, be- consequences that will hurt every the deficit. cause the majority of Americans un- American in order to push an extreme With that, I yield 11⁄4 minutes to the derstand the proverb: The borrower is agenda that cuts Social Security, gentleman from New York (Mr. ENGEL). the slave to the lender. Just a few hours ago, Harper Grace Medicare, and Medicaid. b 1840 We have a jobs crisis. We have a dis- Nunnelee entered the world. And appearing middle class crisis. And this Mr. ENGEL. I thank the gentleman. today, in her honor, her grandfather I’ve listened to this debate for a illogical bill, which has no chance of will cast a vote to secure the blessings while now. The American people want becoming law, will make things much of liberty for Harper Grace and for her us to compromise. The American peo- worse. brother, Thomas, and for their succes- Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. At this time ple are in the middle. That’s where sive generations yet unborn. And I I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman most of the American people are. And hope that a majority of my colleagues from Alabama, the chairman of the Fi- they don’t want extremes from either will join me as we vote to cut, to cap, side. nancial Services Committee, Mr. BACH- and to balance. So what would we do logically to find US. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I a solution in the middle to close our Mr. BACHUS. Mr. Speaker, we just think we would all agree if we saw a budget deficit? We would, first of all, heard that we were cutting Medicare; wasteful spending program, we should cut spending. Secondly, we would close but, in fact, it was the minority party cut it for the purpose of reducing the tax loopholes to big corporations. And, that cut $500 billion out of Medicare deficit. And the question is: If there is thirdly, we would let those who can af- last year to pass ObamaCare. How a wasteful or unnecessary special inter- ford to pay more, pay more. quickly we forget. est tax loophole, why shouldn’t we cut The President has proposed some- Mr. Speaker, at one time, people it for the purpose of reducing the def- thing like this, a $4 trillion reduction stored cash under their mattress for icit? Why should we write into the Con- in the deficit, and the Republicans safekeeping. Now people all over the stitution of the United States a provi- have refused to do it. They refuse to world put that same money in treasury sion that says you need two-thirds to even plug loopholes from Big Oil and bills. That benefits every American in cut a wasteful tax loophole rather than Gas. countless ways. Let’s not lose that ad- say let’s cut it to reduce the deficit for So this is where we are now. It takes the benefit of our children? vantage. two to tango. If they’re going to vote The imminent threat to the safe I would also observe, Mr. Speaker, ‘‘no’’ on anything that closes tax loop- haven of treasury bonds and our na- that the Republican plan, with respect holes, then we have to just raise the tional security is default and down- to Medicare, would force seniors out of debt ceiling. the current Medicare system into the grade. However, by far, the overriding Now, we voted seven times under danger is too much government spend- private insurance market where the President Bush to have a clean debt private insurance industry would ra- ing. The Federal Government must do ceiling raised, 28 times under President what every family in America is called tion their care. They would get a lot Reagan to have a clean debt ceiling less support from the Medicare pro- on to do at times when things are raised, and yet the Republicans won’t tight. That’s cut spending and live gram and yet face much higher costs. do it and they bring us to the brink of That is a deal that Members of Con- within their means. disaster. gress don’t give to themselves, and I As long as we ignore our spending The truth of the matter is we don’t don’t think we should ask seniors to problem, the economy will weaken, need extremes. And, as was pointed out take a deal that Members of Congress confidence will not be restored, jobs here before, this will end Medicare and themselves do not take. will not be created. We, and more pro- Medicaid and Social Security as we With that, I yield 1 minute to the foundly, our children and grand- know it because it will make it easier gentleman from California (Mr. children, will bear the costs. to cut those programs than it is to cut GARAMENDI). Earlier, the minority leader said: subsidies to Big Oil. That is shameful, (Mr. GARAMENDI asked and was What will the students say? What will and this should be rejected. given permission to revise and extend the children say? Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. I yield my- his remarks.) Let me say this. When we say to self 30 seconds to simply say, I think Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. Speaker, them your money’s all gone, we spent the gentleman threw Social Security in Americans want jobs. After 200 days of it, we lacked the courage to address there for good measure in the budget. Republican power in this House, not the problems, we didn’t confront the That is assumed. Underneath these one jobs bill. This cut, slash, and burn problems, what will our children say to caps, it doesn’t address Social Secu- legislation will not work. us? What will our grandchildren say? rity. It probably should. We need an invest, grow, and build The heritage of America has never But, more to the point, Mr. Speaker, strategy. That’s what Americans want been ‘‘can’t do’’; it’s always been ‘‘can guess what ends Medicare as we know from Congress. They want us to invest do.’’ We can do it. We can rise to the it? The current law, the President’s in education, invest in research, and challenge. We can answer our children health care law. It raids $500 billion out invest in innovation so that America and our grandchildren in future years of Medicare to spend on another pro- can remain a leader in the global econ- and say we did the right thing for you. gram, and then puts a board of 15 omy. They want us to invest in infra- We did the right thing for our country. unelected, unaccountable bureaucrats structure, build bridges, highways, We confronted the problems. in charge of price controlling and, clean energy and cut our dependence Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, therefore, rationing Medicare for cur- on foreign oil, because when we make what the Democratic leader asked was rent seniors. Medicaid’s going bank- it in America, that’s when America how could we tell the children that we rupt. If you want these programs to will make it. Americans can make it. chose to reduce the deficit by cutting succeed, you have to reform these pro- Cut, yes. What we ought to cut are their ability to afford college rather grams. the Republican giveaways to the Big than cutting subsidies for the oil and Leaders see the problem and fix the Oil companies, to the Wall Street bar- gas industry? Those are the kind of problem. That’s what we propose to do. ons, to the hedge fund managers who choices we’re making. This is not a With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 enjoy massive tax breaks. That’s where question about whether to reduce the minutes to the gentleman from Mis- the cuts ought to be. They ought to be deficit. This is a question about how we sissippi (Mr. NUNNELEE). cut out. do it and what priorities we have. And Mr. NUNNELEE. Mr. Speaker, I want And what of this legislation that’s we think it’s absolutely the wrong pri- to thank the gentleman for yielding. before us? We ought to vote ‘‘no.’’

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:05 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.146 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5213 Cut what doesn’t create jobs for middle ending tax breaks for corporations and million- a bill to extend the current tax rates class families, like Republican giveaways to aires and billionaires and bringing our troops because they knew what would happen big oil companies. And save what actually home from Afghanistan, my friends on the if we raised taxes in an economy as works, like innovation to jumpstart new indus- other side of aisle want to cut Medicare, Med- sluggish and as poor as this one is right tries and education to help middle class peo- icaid, and Social Security benefits for those now. Raising taxes is the wrong thing ple get good jobs. Americans who need them. to do for this economy and for this I therefore rise in strong opposition to H.R. I urge my colleagues to see this charade for country. 2560, the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act. This bill what it is—an attempt to balance the budget Mr. Speaker, most States have bal- is an extreme version of the Republican budg- on the backs of those with less for the benefit anced budget amendments. It’s time et plan that would make permanent the dan- of those with more—and vote ‘‘no’’ on H.R. for the Federal Government to do the gerous budgetary and constitutional measures 2560. same. This massive spending-induced that would destroy Medicare and Medicaid, Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, debt is crushing the American Dream. and reduce Social Security benefits for those I yield myself 30 seconds to say, I hope We must stand up for the American who need them the most. The bill would also the gentleman joins us in supporting Dream and do what’s right for Amer- handicap the government’s ability to respond our plan, then, because our plan says ica. to economic downturns and create jobs, and it let’s get rid of all those tax loopholes. I urge my colleagues to pass H.R. fails to address some of the real drivers our Let’s make the tax code flatter and 2560, Cut, Cap, and Balance. debt—tax breaks for corporations and the rich fairer. Let’s get tax rates down for all Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, this and runaway Pentagon spending, including Americans and for businesses so we can certainly is the only plan on the table our misadventures in Iraq and Afghanistan. grow our economy. that would insert a provision into the This legislation is an affront to the very prin- Mr. GARAMENDI. Will the gen- Constitution of the United States that ciples of this nation. In 1961, President John tleman yield? makes it easier to cut Medicare and F. Kennedy in his inaugural address said, ‘‘If Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. I will not. easier to cut Social Security than it is a free society cannot help the many who are Here is the deal, Mr. Speaker. When to cut subsidies to oil and gas compa- poor, it cannot save the few who are rich.’’ we tax our businesses at higher rates nies or other special interests for the Unfortunately, it seems that my colleagues on than our foreign competitors tax purpose of reducing the deficit. We the other side of the aisle have no regard for theirs, they win; we lose. Some compa- think that’s a bad idea. That’s why it’s this fundamental American value, as the bill nies utilize loopholes and pay no taxes. not part of the President’s balanced they have brought to the floor today attempts Others pay the second-highest tax rate plan to reduce the deficit by $4 trillion to balance the budget on the backs of those in the industrialized world. over 10 to 12 years. with less for the benefit of those with more. It Yielding myself 15 more seconds, I b 1850 attempts to balance the budget on the backs would simply say, Mr. Speaker, that of seniors, by taking away their Medicare ben- the goal here is to get rid of all these With that, I yield 1 minute to the efits. It attempts to balance the budget on the loopholes so whoever you are, no mat- gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. backs of the disabled, by taking away their ter what you make, you pay the same HOLT). Social Security benefits. It attempts to balance amount of tax rates. Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, this bill has the budget on the backs of low-income Ameri- We need to reform this Tax Code so a slogan for a title and unrealistic non- cans, by taking away their Medicaid. And who we create jobs. If we simply raise taxes, sense inside. Under this, millions of stands to gain from taking away Medicare, raise spending, borrow more money, we students would not get Pell Grants, Medicaid and Social Security benefits? Special lose jobs. This debt is a threat to our and education and related programs interests and the rich. current economy, and the Tax Code is would be cut by about 25 percent. In addition to taking away Medicare, Med- a current threat to our economy. And further, for the third time, yes, icaid and Social Security benefits, H.R. 2560 With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 the third time, the majority is voting would also subvert the federal government’s minutes to the gentlelady from New today to end Medicare and double ability to respond to downturns in the economy York (Ms. BUERKLE). health care costs for seniors. We or special needs including a possible national Ms. BUERKLE. I thank the gen- shouldn’t be surprised that the major- security crisis. During inevitable cyclical tleman from Wisconsin for yielding me ity is squeezing out Medicare. They downturns, it will be necessary to raise the this time. never liked it in the first place. debt limit to stimulate growth by cutting taxes Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. We shouldn’t be surprised that they and providing unemployment benefits to help 2560, the Cut, Cap, and Balance Act. are reducing education grants. They people get back on their feet if they’re laid off, This legislation is strong medicine, Mr. promised they would. among several proven effective measures. Speaker, but it is what will cure what We shouldn’t be surprised that they Furthermore, in the event of a security threat, ails the American economy. want to preserve subsidies and give- we have an obligation to act. This bill, includ- For far too long, Washington has aways to Big Oil and other fat cats be- ing the proposed balanced budget constitu- overspent, borrowed, and heaped debt cause that’s been their raison d’etre for tional amendment would make it nearly impos- upon our children and our future chil- a century. sible to respond to any economic or security dren. If we don’t make a change with We should be surprised, or at least crisis. cut, cap, and balance now, the Amer- disappointed, that they want to sac- At the root of all of this is a system of mis- ican Dream will go away; and our chil- rifice America’s credit rating and good guided priorities. My Republican colleagues dren and our grandchildren won’t have name. We should be disappointed too have determined that in order to balance the the opportunities that this country has that they won’t allow Congress to get budget, we should prioritize cutting Medicare, always offered. on with the work, the hard work, the Medicaid and Social Security benefits, instead It’s time for the Federal Government important work of actually making of addressing what got us into this current def- to get our spending under control; and jobs. icit—a porous, lopsided tax code designed to this legislation, Mr. Speaker, is a good Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. I yield 1 make the rich richer, and two unnecessary first step. It’s a reasonable plan, far minute to the gentleman from Utah wars, one of which we continue to wage. This more than we’ve seen from the Senate (Mr. BISHOP). bill does nothing to end the tax breaks we cur- or from the President. It is the only Mr. BISHOP of Utah. Mr. Speaker, as rently provide for millionaires and billionaires, plan that will cut, cap, and balance, previous speakers have said, we do not hedge fund managers and oil companies. Nor and do what we need to do for this have a revenue problem, and we don’t does it address runaway Pentagon spending. economy. have just a spending problem. We have Based on CBO’s most conservative estimates, Mr. Speaker, Washington has a a doing problem. the DOD alone is projected to spend nearly spending problem. It does not have a The Federal Government for several $300 billion on the Afghan and Iraqi wars from taxing problem. decades has expanded beyond our core 2012 through 2015, and estimates by Harvard I would just remind the Speaker, in constitutional responsibilities and, in researchers which take into account long-term December, a Democratic-controlled so doing, we have created the financial costs like caring for our veterans put the total House, a Democratic-controlled Sen- crisis in which we find ourselves today. cost of these wars in the trillions. Rather than ate, and a Democratic President passed A balanced budget amendment would

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:05 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19JY7.044 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5214 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 be a great addition to the Constitution, The Cut, Cap, and Balance Act auto- Okay. Time for a little bit of mathe- in conjunction with and for the 10th matically saves $111 billion in 2012 and matical reality. We borrow $4.7 billion amendment. around $5.8 trillion over the next 10 every year. If we were to eliminate For, indeed, what we refer to as fed- years. It includes enforceable caps on that incentive for those corporate jet eralism is a solution to our problems spending that will bring the size of gov- purchases, fine. But it takes care of 15 and the salvation to this country. And ernment back to below 20 percent of seconds of borrowing a day. How can 15 this bill before us today is an excellent GDP. And the legislation cuts up the seconds of borrowing a day be an hon- first step on our way to that ultimate government’s credit cards by passing a est discussion? salvation. balanced budget amendment. So let’s go on to the next one. How Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I yield 1 minute Cut, Cap, and Balance will create a many times today have we already to the gentlewoman from California future of better opportunities for our heard about evil fossil fuels, those sub- (Mrs. DAVIS). children, Micah and Claire, my sidies to Big Oil? Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- grandkids. Washington will finally Well, let’s do this. If we were to wipe er, I want to bring the debate back to have to do what every American family out the subsidies to all fossil fuels, it real people, to seniors who’ve been con- and every business does every day, bal- would take care of 2.2 minutes of bor- tacting my office sharing their fears, ance the budget. rowing a day. How’s that an honest de- their concerns over inaction in this This Saturday, I enjoyed an after- bate? So we’re living in that fantasy Congress over the debt crisis. noon of kicking the walnut down the world. A widow from San Diego called to street with Claire and Micah, 41⁄2 and 3 So let’s actually go on to one of the ask if she’d get her social security years old, but I don’t want to kick the other ones, the Bush-Obama tax exten- check after August 2, the payment she can down the road for them. sions. You know, because how many earned working hard for years and I didn’t have the guts to tell them years. She doesn’t know how she’s times do we hear around here, oh, it’s that we’ve already taken their tax dol- going to pay her Medicare premiums, those millionaires and billionaires. lars from them before they’re even at her mortgage, her grocery bills or her Well, let’s do this. What would the the point of going to school and ulti- prescriptions. math be if you got rid of those tax ex- Our constituents do expect us to mately going to work. tensions for all Americans? It would We need to stop our spending now. work together to solve serious prob- buy you 28 minutes of borrowing a day, lems. Yet we seem to be stringing the Cut, cap and balance. and that’s assuming you don’t slow Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I American public along here, playing down the economy, you don’t raise un- yield 1 minute to the gentleman from games with their futures. employment. Actually, we use the This legislation was put together in Oregon (Mr. DEFAZIO). President’s numbers and pretend you the dark of night and brought straight Mr. DEFAZIO. I supported an honest, get every dollar in, 28 minutes a day. to the House floor. My colleagues bipartisan balanced budget amendment So think about that. The rhetoric didn’t hear from one witness on its in 1995. There is no balanced budget you’ve heard here for hours wouldn’t consequences, didn’t hold one hearing, amendment in this legislation. There is even buy, or would actually only buy and completely bypassed the regular a big dollop of legislative legerdemain one-half an hour of borrowing a day. legislative process. and blackmail. It simply says that the So I turn to my brothers and sisters Instead of wasting valuable time on Republicans will drive the country to on the left and say, what would you legislation that won’t move beyond default unless Congress later passes like to do with the other 231⁄2 hours of this Chamber, we should focus on forg- their right-wing version of a balanced borrowing every single day? ing a bipartisan solution to the debt budget amendment that requires an impossible two-thirds vote to close the crisis. Let’s agree on meaningful and b 1900 rational solutions for the long term be- most egregious tax loophole, the same Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Again, I would re- fore the debt crisis becomes worse. loopholes that the gentleman from We can do one with job creation that Wisconsin purports to want to close. mind my colleagues to do the basic won’t slash health research, innova- With apologies to Lewis Carroll, math. Go back to the last time the tion, Medicare, Medicaid or education. ‘‘There’s no use trying,’’ said Alice. budget of the United States was in sur- Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. I yield 2 ‘‘One can’t believe imaginary things.’’ plus; it was during the Clinton admin- minutes to the gentleman from Michi- ‘‘I dare say you haven’t had much istration. It followed on some very dif- gan (Mr. WALBERG). practice,’’ said the Queen. ‘‘When I was ficult decisions in the early 1990s. And Mr. WALBERG. Mr. Speaker, we’re your age I did it for half an hour a day. what it included, as part of a balanced broke, and that’s really not the legacy Why, sometimes I believed as many as approach, was asking the folks at the that I want to leave Micah and Claire, six imaginary things before breakfast,’’ very top to pay a little higher rate my grandkids. or in this case, before dinner and cock- than they are today. And what the More unrestrained spending and tax tails at the Republican Club. President has proposed is to ask those increases will only slow our economy Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. May I in- Americans, as part of a shared respon- and make our fiscal problems worse. quire as to the division of time between sibility, to go back to paying those Raising the debt ceiling without sig- the two. rates. nificant reform is not a solution. It’s a The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. And what our colleagues would plant gimmick. We have to get our spending YODER). The gentleman from Wisconsin in the Constitution of the United under control; and Cut, Cap and Bal- has 201⁄4 minutes, and the gentleman States is a supermajority requirement, ance is a path to fiscal responsibility. from Maryland has 213⁄4 minutes. two-thirds vote, to go back to the same Mr. Speaker, this year alone the Fed- Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. I yield 2 tax rates that were in place during the eral Government will spend twice what minutes to the gentleman from Ari- Clinton administration, but a majority it spent just 10 years ago, and more zona (Mr. SCHWEIKERT). vote if you want to reduce the deficit than 40 percent of it is borrowed Mr. SCHWEIKERT. Mr. Speaker, my by cutting benefits for Medicare bene- money. We will have accumulated reason for coming to the floor today is, ficiaries—whose average income, by more debt in the past 21⁄2 years than we look, there’s already been some won- the way, median income is under did during the Presidencies of Wash- derful arguments, hopefully on our $22,000 a year. ington through George H.W. Bush. side, talking about cut, cap and bal- Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the That’s right. It took 41 Presidencies to ance being a realistic path to get there. gentleman from Rhode Island (Mr. spend what we have spent since 2009. But I’m here because the political rhet- LANGEVIN). We’ve got to stop spending money we oric seems to lack basis in math. So (Mr. LANGEVIN asked and was given don’t have. It’s causing the private sec- let’s have a little fun here. permission to revise and extend his re- tor to sit on the sidelines, take fewer How many times today have we al- marks.) risks, and create fewer jobs. And that’s ready heard the comments about those Mr. LANGEVIN. Mr. Speaker, I rise what it’s all about, isn’t it, growing the corporate jets? We need to get rid of in strong opposition to the Cut, Cap economy, creating jobs? that depreciation. and Balance Act, which is nothing

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:05 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.151 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5215 more than a politically motivated dis- practice business as usual with no plan After a 3-year spending spree in traction from the ongoing budget nego- to control spending. But what will that which the President drove up the na- tiations necessary to avoid a cata- lead to? Higher taxes, more spending, tional debt 56 percent, he has the nerve strophic default on our Nation’s finan- more debt, and fewer jobs. And with to tell the American people to eat their cial obligations. What we need at this our country right now at a financial peas. After he has been on this challenging time is shared sacrifice. crossroads and unemployment at 9.2 supersize-me diet, he turns around and The Democrats have called for sig- percent, this is simply a future that we tells struggling middle class families nificant cuts, closing tax loopholes, cannot afford. By cutting spending how to behave. and requiring people in the highest in- now, by capping growth of government, One must ask, where has the Presi- come brackets to pay their fair share and by requiring a balanced budget, we dent been? He owns this economy. He while Republicans continue to push an can finally get our fiscal house in order has been in office nearly 3 years; it is unrealistic plan that relies exclusively and get people back to work. his. It’s his policies that have left 15 on draconian cuts—on the backs of our American families have tightened million Americans out of work; it’s his seniors, on the backs of working fami- their belts in these tough economic policies that have stifled growth and lies. times; Washington should do exactly business investment; it’s his policies One thing is clear: if we don’t reach the same thing. We need to pass the that have created and are continuing common ground now, America will de- Cut, Cap, and Balance Act so that we these so-called ‘‘tax breaks’’ for Big fault on its debt, and that cannot hap- can address our spending-driven debt Oil. It’s his very signature that has ex- pen. The most dangerous provision of crisis, start paying down the national tended the Bush tax cuts. this bill is the Republican version of debt, and get our economy back on It’s his policies that have given us the so-called ‘‘balanced budget amend- track. This is about protecting the fu- the highest deficit spending in the his- ment.’’ While a balanced budget ture of our children and our grand- tory of the United States of America. amendment done the right way is wor- children. He owns this, not President Bush, not thy of consideration, it must, at a min- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I Vice President Cheney, not the Repub- imum, be crafted responsibly and pro- find it very curious that on the one lican Party, not Halliburton, not all vide flexibility in times of war, reces- hand our Republican colleagues are the other straw men that the President sion, or national emergency. This bill saying that the revenues that the likes to set up to distract the Amer- does not do that. President has requested as part of a ican people. It was President Obama We all agree that the budget should balanced plan are peanuts, that they’re who cut Medicare $562 billion. It was be balanced; it needs to be. And Con- irrelevant, and on the other hand argu- President Obama who set up IPAB, gress already has the necessary legisla- ing that somehow if you raise those which is a health care rationing system tive tools to change its fiscal policies, revenues it’s going to crush the econ- which our moms and dads and grand- as we witnessed during the era of sur- omy. They’re trying to have it both parents will have to be suffering under. pluses under the Clinton administra- ways. The fact of the matter is they It was this President who took unem- tion. The challenge lies in our collec- are a balanced part of an overall ap- ployment from 7 percent up to nearly tive abilities and individuals’ inten- proach that talks about reducing our 10 percent. tions to work together toward a com- deficit in a balanced way. And I go And now we’re having the debate of promise that prioritizes programs most back to the fact that the last time we the decade, and where is the President? beneficial to our economy, cuts tril- had that balanced approach was the We get from him, not a plan, but lions in spending, and increases reve- last time that we had Federal budget speeches, finger-pointing, rhetoric, nues from those who can afford it. surpluses. vague promises, but no plan. If there is With that, I yield 1 minute to the Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, a plan, could you lay it on the table? gentlelady from New York (Ms. I yield myself 1 minute, if we’re going And I’ll ask my Democrat friends, do CLARKE). you have a plan? We keep hearing the into recalling history, just to simply Ms. CLARKE of New York. I thank say that the ‘‘corporate tax loophole’’ President has a plan. Could you put it my colleague for the time. on the table? I might want to vote for is a provision that was in the Presi- Mr. Speaker, the Republican major- it. I might be interested in reading the dent’s stimulus bill drafted by Demo- ity has spent over 6 months of the bill. If there is a plan, could you please crats, passed by Democrats, not sup- American people’s time making it put it on the table? Just as I thought, ported by Republicans. The ‘‘oil tax abundantly clear what their priorities subsidies’’ were the result of a bipar- there is no plan. are not. The Republican majority does The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tisan legislation responding to a WTO not have time to address jobs. As I suit which said that all American pro- time of the gentleman has expired. stated, we are here over 6 months into Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. I yield the ducers, manufacturers, domestic pro- the 112th Congress, and we have yet to ducers get lower tax rates if they gentleman an extra 15 seconds. take one vote on a single comprehen- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. The gentleman produce something in America. sive jobs bill. asked a question. Will the gentleman What the other side is simply saying The Republican majority does not is, no, let’s just raise that tax on just yield? have time to address the economic re- Mr. KINGSTON. This is the plan: cut, oil and gas, not on any other manufac- alities facing millions of homeowners cap, and balance. And this is the Presi- turer, and that is a subsidy for oil and still facing foreclosure. In fact, we dent’s plan: speeches. That’s all we’re gas. have voted on Republican bills that getting, no legislation whatsoever. Mr. Speaker, these provisions are so further undercut those who have lost I’ll be glad to yield to my friend from infinitesimally small, they’re just fun- their homes. Maryland. damentally un-serious. They’re just an The Republican majority does not The SPEAKER pro tempore. The attempt to score political points to try have time to work with the President time of the gentleman has expired. and dodge coming up with solutions to and congressional Democrats to deal Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Well-timed. solve the problem. We have a debt with our national debt. They would b 1910 problem we have to deal with; we have rather protect tax cuts for multi-mil- a deficit problem we have to deal with. lionaires and billionaires and tax loop- Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, as If we don’t deal with it, we’re going to holes for corporate interests. the gentleman well knows, the Presi- lose more jobs. What the Republican majority does dent has put on the table a balanced With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 have time for is playing games, spend- approach, $4 trillion in 10 to 12 years, $3 minute to the gentleman from Min- ing 4 hours debating a bill that, thank in spending cuts to $1 in revenue. In nesota (Mr. PAULSEN). God, is dead on arrival in the Senate. fact, the Speaker of the House and the Mr. PAULSEN. I thank the gen- Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, President of the United States, as my tleman for yielding. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman colleagues well know, were talking Mr. Speaker, it is true that we could, from Georgia (Mr. KINGSTON). about a number of components of that as some of my colleagues on the other Mr. KINGSTON. I thank the gen- plan. What was very clear is our col- side of the aisle suggest, continue to tleman for yielding. leagues didn’t want to touch it because

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:05 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.154 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5216 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 of this principle they have that not $1 their watch. And now what are they We cannot be looking at trillions of from closing a tax loophole or revenue saying? They’re saying pass a constitu- dollars in deficit spending and expect can go for the purpose of reducing the tional amendment before we win the that this is going to be a jobs plan. We deficit. Presidency again so we stop us from have to tighten our belt. The American We heard a little rewrite of history. killing the economy again. Pass a con- public has tightened their belt. Amer- Let’s just remember that when the stitutional amendment that doesn’t let ican families are living under a bal- President of the United States was us do it again with a Republican Presi- anced budget in their own right. Amer- sworn in, he immediately faced a dent, with 12 years of controlling the ican businesses are doing the same. record $1.3 trillion deficit. The guy House and the Senate. They should expect that their Federal took office, and it was $1.3 trillion that They want to leave America on the Government should also live within he inherited. And 700,000 jobs were brink of becoming a deadbeat debtor to their means. going down the tubes every month. It the world because they are irrespon- There is no question that this is a took a little while to turn things sible, ignoring what the American peo- very serious time. We are not going to around, and things are still very, very ple are screaming at them: work to- become a deadbeat debtor. The way I fragile. gether as parties; have deficit reduc- tell my constituents back home, it is What would be a huge mistake is to tions and revenue increases and tax in- like purchasing a business. We think go back to the same trickle-down on creases on billionaires. But the Repub- we have the best business in the world steroids policy that got us into this licans refuse to come together. They in the United States of America. And mess to begin with, because we know refuse to ensure that not just grandma yes, it has got some debt, which we are how the movie ended at the end of the having a shrinking of her Medicare obligated to pay. But we have to re- Bush administration. They left this ad- benefit, kids losing their Pell Grants, structure how that business is taking ministration with a pile of debt, an but also billionaires are at the table if on that debt if we are serious about economy that was falling through the this is such an Armageddon level of fi- wanting to reform it for next genera- floor. We need to work together to fix nancial crisis facing our country. tions. this problem. But taking the position But they are tied. They are tied back Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, it that you’re going to prevent the United to the Tea Party. They are tied back to does not encourage certainty or con- States from paying its bills unless you those who have tethered them to a pol- fidence in the markets or anywhere implant in the Constitution a provision icy that does not allow them to escape else for one party to say that if they that says it is easier to cut Social Se- their deficit attention disorder. don’t get the budget their way, they’re curity and Medicare than cut corporate Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, going to prevent the United States tax loopholes to reduce the deficit is I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from paying its bills. That sends a ter- not going to fly with the American from Illinois (Mr. DOLD). rible message. American families don’t people. Mr. DOLD. I thank the gentleman have the luxury of saying that they’re With that, I yield 3 minutes to the from Wisconsin for yielding. not going to pay their bills. gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. We did hear some rhetoric on the With that, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. MARKEY), the ranking member of the other side that basically said we do Natural Resources Committee. have a plan, that the President has laid CLARKE). Mr. CLARKE of Michigan. Mr. Mr. MARKEY. I thank the gen- out a plan; it’s clear. Well, frankly, the Speaker, I ask this Congress to cut and tleman. A poll completed by Gallup CBO—the Congressional Budget Of- cap the true debt that is crushing just 3 days ago basically showed what fice—has taken a look at that to say Americans right now, robbing them of Democrats have been saying all along— we can’t score speeches. This is a very any financial security and killing off Americans want their Congress to serious time. We do need to talk about jobs. I’m asking this Congress to take come together to tackle our debt level a big, bold plan to put ourselves and certain mortgage loans, cut those with a responsible program of spending our country back on the right course. mortgage principals and cap them to cuts and new revenues. We just heard some rhetoric talking current home value. Let’s do that. Here is what the poll said: 80 percent about how this was the deficit that the That will help people who are under- of all voters want the Democrats and Republicans had run up. Let me tell water right now on their mortgages. you, yes, the Republicans have had Republicans to come together on Let’s cut, cap, and forgive certain some deficit spending. This is a bipar- spending cuts and tax increases; 77 per- student loans so Americans won’t have cent of Independents, even 74 percent of tisan issue. Washington has a spending to spend a lifetime repaying back on Republicans agree. CBS has a very problem. We are spending $1.6 trillion their education. You see, when you similar poll. this year of money we don’t have; 42 give Americans more money by elimi- But what the Republicans are saying cents of every single dollar that we are nating their personal debt, they’ll be is we’re not going to pay attention. spending is borrowed. able to save more and invest more and The Republicans are suffering from def- Mr. Speaker, I’m a small business responsibly spend more. That’s how icit attention disorder. They’ve spent owner. I employ just under 100 people. you create jobs, the most powerful their time in power paying attention to For me, that’s 100 families. These are way. To get this economy engaged everything but the deficit. They have families that are living paycheck to again is to help Americans become free deficit attention disorder. They ex- paycheck. If I ran my business like the of personal debt. tended massive Bush tax cuts for the Federal Government is run today, I Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, rich. They voted to support billions in would be out of business inside the I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from subsidies to the most profitable oil month. It is frankly irresponsible the South Carolina (Mr. MULVANEY), a companies. They ran up trillions in way that this country is being run member of the Budget Committee. debt to finance two wars; allowed Wall right now. We have to talk about tight- Mr. MULVANEY. ‘‘The fact that we Street to run wild with deregulation ening our belt. We cannot continue to are here today to debate raising Amer- and smash our economy onto the spend the way that we have been ica’s debt limit is a sign of leadership rocks, but they only want to focus on spending and expect that we’re going failure. Leadership means that the the deficit when it means ending Medi- to get jobs. This is about jobs and the buck stops here. Instead, Washington is care, when it means shrinking Social economy. We have to make sure that shifting the burden of bad choices Security. They only want to focus on we’re providing more certainty because today on to the backs of our children the deficit when they can still protect I can tell you I have received phone and grandchildren. American has a billionaires and protect big business, calls from constituents and from busi- debt problem and a failure of leader- Big Oil. ness owners back in my district. There ship, and Americans deserve better.’’ The Republicans have political amne- are 650 manufacturers in the 10th Dis- I wish I could take credit for that sia. They controlled the Congress for 12 trict of Illinois. They do need to have one, Mr. Speaker, but I can’t because years. President Bush controlled the some certainty before they are going to that was President Obama in 2006. Presidency for 8 years. They are the invest back in their business and cre- I also wish I could take credit for: ones that ran up this huge deficit on ate additional jobs. ‘‘I’m willing to take down domestic

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:05 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.157 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5217 spending to the lowest percentage of It disinvests in education, R&D, and Let us be clear: A vote for this bill is our overall economy since Dwight Ei- infrastructure in this country. That a vote for drastic cuts to Medicare and senhower.’’ equals unilateral disarmament when it for putting teachers, firefighters, and I wish I could take credit for that. comes to global competition and inno- police all over our country out of work. That was the President last week. vation, and we might as well hand it Republicans need to stop playing Finally, I wish I could take credit for over to our competition in Brazil, games with our economy and start the claim that the President is offering China, and India. working for what the American people a comprehensive program to force us to Shame on you. I urge the defeat of want: comprehensive deficit reduction live within our means. This is sup- this phony bill. that shares the burden, strengthens posedly a $4 trillion reduction in spend- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Medicare and Social Security, ends tax ing, four thousand billion dollars that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Mem- giveaways for the well-connected, and in all actuality only cuts spending $2 bers are reminded to address their re- puts our country on a path to financial billion next year. Talk is cheap in this marks to the Chair and not to others in security. This bill fails to address these town, Mr. Speaker; it is time to match the second person. needs and should be defeated. actions and words. It is time to act on Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, the spending difficulty that we have at this time I would like to yield 1 I yield myself 30 seconds to simply say, and to pass Cut, Cap, and Balance to- minute to the gentleman from Cali- if we’re talking balance, let’s remem- night. fornia, the chairman of the Govern- ber the fact that a big tax increase is ment Reform Committee, Mr. ISSA. b 1920 already coming in current law. (Mr. ISSA asked and was given per- Let’s remind ourselves of the fact Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I mission to revise and extend his re- that in 2013, you have $800 billion in yield myself such time as I may con- marks.) taxes with the health care law. The sume. Mr. ISSA. Mr. Speaker, for more President is promising another $700 bil- Let me just quote from a letter: than an hour, I’ve listened to floor de- lion in tax increases. We’ve got a $1.5 ‘‘Denigration of the full faith and bate, and it seems like one side wants trillion tax increase coming, hitting credit of the United States would have to say that we have to cut and the small businesses square in the bottom substantial effects on the domestic fi- other side says that any cut we do is line. It’s putting a chilling effect on wrong. One side says we have to do tax nancial markets and on the value of jobs, and in the interest of balance, increases. The other side says no. the dollar in exchange markets. The they want to put more tax increases on Nation can ill-afford to allow such a re- What the American people need to hear, Mr. Speaker, is we now spend al- top of that. sult. The risks, the costs, the disrup- With that, Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 most a quarter of every dollar produced tions, and the incalculable damage lead minute to the gentleman from Texas in our economy, and as my now de- me to but one conclusion, that we must (Mr. CANSECO ceased father-in-law would have said, ). pass legislation to raise the debt ceil- Mr. CANSECO. Once again, in the de- Taxes are rocks in your knapsack. The ing.’’ bate over our Nation’s fiscal future, American people cannot afford to have President Ronald Reagan. the House of Representatives is lead- Now, there’s legislation floating more and more weight on the economy. This is not an argument about how ing. I commend my colleagues for around here that creates this delusion, bringing forward a solution to cut, cap, into thinking that somehow we can get much we spend. This is an argument about what the American people can and balance the Federal budget. To- to that date and it’s all made up, that gether, these will help ensure that it is Secretary Geithner cooked the books, afford in overhead that ultimately hurts our competitiveness in jobs big the Federal budget that will be re- and there’s legislation that says, you strained and not the family budget. know what, let’s pay the Government and small, foreign and domestic. So I will be voting for this and every Regrettably, I cannot vote for this of China and other creditors before we other initiative that can possibly give bill. I do so not because I have any pay our troops, before we pay our So- the American people a fighting chance issue with cut, cap, and balance. I cial Security beneficiaries. to compete for good-paying jobs here strongly support that part of the bill. What Moody’s, what Standard & and in competition with the rest of the What I cannot support is that this bill Poor’s, what the U.S. Chamber of Com- world. fulfills President Obama’s request to merce and others are telling us is, you I urge the support of the bill. raise the amount of debt that will be can’t decide to pay your mortgage but Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, borne by American taxpayers by over not your car payment. If the United again, the President’s proposal, which $2 trillion. Every American household’s States is not fulfilling its obligations mirrors the framework of the bipar- share of our national debt is already at to pay for what it has already bought, tisan Simpson-Bowles Commission, $120,000, and President Obama has as Ronald Reagan said, that would says we’ll do $3 in cuts with $1 in rev- asked this House to add an additional have catastrophic consequences. enue. It’s shared responsibility to re- $20,000 per household to that burden. That is why it’s so dangerous to take ducing our deficit so that our economy It is regrettable that President the position that somehow unless in in the future can grow. Let’s make sure Obama has asked Congress to raise the the next couple of weeks we pass a con- that we don’t do anything now that Nation’s debt ceiling and allow more stitutional amendment that would will hurt the fragile economy. debt to be thrust upon American tax- make it easier to cut Medicare and So- I yield 1 minute to the gentleman payers in order to pay for the spending cial Security than cut subsidies for the from Michigan (Mr. PETERS). binge he embarked upon over the past purpose of reducing the deficit, if we Mr. PETERS. I rise today in opposi- 2 years. don’t do that, we’re not going to allow tion to H.R. 2560. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- the United States to pay its bills, and Since taking office, I have fought for tleman from Wisconsin has 81⁄2 min- the economy, as President Reagan said, greater fiscal responsibility in Wash- utes, and the gentleman from Mary- would go straight downhill. ington. I have voted against hundreds land has 81⁄4 minutes. With that, I yield 1 minute to the of billions of dollars in new spending. Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I gentleman from Virginia (Mr. CON- And today there is a new bipartisan yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from NOLLY). consensus that a comprehensive deficit New York (Mr. ISRAEL). Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. Who are reduction plan is a national priority. Mr. ISRAEL. I thank my friend from you kidding? Unfortunately, Republicans are Maryland. Cut, slash, and burn. You bypassed squandering this opportunity. Rather Well, they’re right about something. your own rules to bring it to the floor. than a balanced approach, they are This is cut, cap, and balance. Except You say it protects Medicare. It de- pursuing a radical agenda that will that it cuts at the middle class, it caps stroys Medicare. You say you’re pro- force our Nation’s seniors and middle Medicare, and it balances budgets on tecting jobs. You’ll cost hundreds of class to sacrifice while letting million- the backs of seniors. That is the funda- thousands of jobs if this ever saw the aires and special interests keep their mental difference between them and light of day in law. tax breaks and loopholes. us, Mr. Speaker.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:05 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.159 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5218 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 Look. We agree that our debt is lem—it starts to put us in the right So let’s see what it is that they’re de- unsustainable, and that we’ve got to pathway—but it actually sends it to manding in exchange for letting the tighten our belts. We’ve got to reduce the States. And, ladies and gentlemen, economy go. It’s the same old plan that spending. We believe that we need to what should we be afraid of? All we’re we saw in the House before. It does end balance our budget through a balanced asking to do is put forward a balanced the Medicare guarantee, it slashes combination of spending cuts and rev- budget amendment and send it to the Medicaid, it cuts education, and it pro- enue increases, and we’ve got to grow State with a very high threshold, tects special interest tax loopholes. our economy. where three out of four States would But what makes this particularly egre- But here’s what this budget says. It have to ratify it in order for it to be- gious, what should, I think, upset says to a constituent of mine living in come an amendment to the Constitu- every American, is they’re trying to Deer Park, New York, that if you’re a tion. engineer those changes through the middle class family and you want to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Constitution. send your child to college, to Suffolk time of the gentleman has expired. We keep hearing this is just a plain Community College, you pay more for Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. I yield the old balanced budget amendment; 49 out your Pell Grant. You pay more for tui- gentleman an additional 30 seconds. of 50 States have it. Not true. This tion. If you are a worker in Huntington Mr. CHAFFETZ. We keep spending would put into the Constitution of the who just lost a job because the corpora- money that we don’t have. Every time United States, embed in our Constitu- tion that you are working for we look at a decision, we have to un- tion, a provision that makes it easier outsourced your job to China, you derstand we’re asking to pull money to cut Medicare or Social Security or watch your unemployment insurance out of somebody’s pocket and give it to education, a 50 percent vote; but if you be capped or cut. But if you’re a mil- somebody else. Those days are gone. want to cut a special interest tax loop- lionaire making over $1 million a year, I came to Washington, D.C., to hole—I don’t care whether it’s oil and you get a $100,000 tax cut. That’s not change the way we do business. Cut, gas subsidies, corporate jet, you name cut, cap, and balance. It is an assault cap, and balance will do that. We need it—that a lot of Washington lobbyists on the middle class, and it is an assault a balanced budget amendment. The work overtime to get inserted into our on fairness. choice is clear: Are you in favor of a Tax Code and which amounts to spend- Mr. Speaker, the middle class has al- balanced budget or not? That’s what’s ing through the Tax Code, if you want ways been the backbone of our econ- before us today, and that’s the direc- to do that, you need a two-thirds vote. They put another mechanism into omy, and this legislation is a kick in tion this country needs to go to get its the Constitution. They would make it the stomach to the middle class. They fiscal house in order. unconstitutional to balance the budget tell us that they want to cut spending. Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. I have no if we’re having expenditures at the rate They will not cut spending when it further requests for time, and I reserve of 19 or 20 percent of GDP, according to comes to tax loopholes. They will in- the balance of my time. the provision that came out of their crease it. They will not cut spending Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, I amendment. In other words, the Amer- when it comes to those $4 billion in oil yield 1 minute to the gentleman from ican people cannot choose a level of ex- company subsidies. They will increase New Jersey (Mr. ANDREWS). penditures that would allow us to meet it. They will not cut spending when it (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given our obligations under Medicare and So- comes to special interest tax pref- permission to revise and extend his re- cial Security. Since 1966, our Federal erences. They will increase it. But marks.) expenditures have been above 18 per- when it comes to the middle class, they Mr. ANDREWS. I’d like to take time cent of GDP; in other words, since we want them to pay more. out for just a minute and go back to enacted Medicare. So they want to pre- Mr. Speaker, the real cut, cap, and the question I’m hearing most people vent us by constitutional fiat from bal- balance should be this: We ought to cut in America ask about, which is jobs. ancing the budget at a higher level of those tax loopholes, we ought to cap And one of the things we keep hearing those tax subsidies, and we ought to expenditures. from the other side is that asking eth- Let me make one last point on Medi- balance this budget through the right anol producers to give up their subsidy and smart kinds of spending reductions care, because we’ve heard about the or asking corporations to give up their Democrats cut $500 billion. What we and revenue increases that are fair. special loopholes is a job-destroying I thank the gentleman for his time. did was we eliminated the 114 percent idea. subsidy that was going to Medicare Ad- b 1930 Please, before you cast this vote, all vantage plans. We did do that. And, Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, Members look at these facts. In 2001, you know what? Republicans say, What at this time I yield 1 minute to the and again in 2002, we did what the ma- a terrible thing. But if you look at gentleman from Utah, a member of the jority says endlessly they want to do— their budget, they assume that change. Budget Committee, Mr. CHAFFETZ. cut taxes on the wealthiest Americans. They keep that change. What they Mr. CHAFFETZ. Routinely, the other The economy produced zero net private don’t do is what we did, which was to side of the aisle, Mr. Speaker, has made sector jobs between 2001 and 2008. use the savings to close the prescrip- the allegation that the President has In 1993, President Clinton did the op- tion drug doughnut hole. The Repub- offered a balanced plan. I would argue posite of what the majority says it lican budget would immediately reopen that he has offered neither. The Presi- wants to do. He made a modest in- that doughnut hole. So they took the dent has never introduced a balanced crease in the tax rate of the wealthiest savings that they’re complaining plan. He’s never had anything that’s in Americans. The economy produced 23 about, but they didn’t use any of it to balance. In fact, the budget that he million new private sector jobs. close the doughnut hole. submitted never balances. In fact, it The House deserves the facts in going Again, the fundamental question is doubles and then triples the debt. It forward in this debate, and the Amer- this. We all understand that we’ve got went before the United States Senate, ican people deserve a real jobs plan to reduce the deficit. We’ve got to and 97–0 that budget was rejected, re- from this House. bring the budget into balance. The jected by the United States Senate. So Mr. VAN HOLLEN. I’ll end where we question is how we choose to do that. to suggest that he’s offered something started today, which is to say that our And why would we implant into the in balance is not true. Republican colleagues are playing a Constitution a mechanism that stacks The second part of this, he has not very dangerous game with the economy the deck in favor of choosing to cut introduced a plan to deal with this cri- and with jobs. What this legislation be- Medicare and Social Security and edu- sis that we’re in. There is no piece of fore us says is that unless we graft cation over choosing to cut corporate paper. There’s lots of speeches. There onto the Constitution a preference for tax loopholes or asking the folks at the are lots of things like going out and their way of addressing the budget def- very top to pay more? But they would doing press conferences. But we need a icit, unless we do that, they will pre- do that to our Constitution. solution. vent the United States from paying its The Founders made it difficult to What cut, cap, and balance does is it bills, with all the terrible economic change the Constitution for good rea- not only solves the short-term prob- consequences for American families. son. This, I believe, is a corruption of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:05 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.162 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5219 the constitutional process, because it debt in 5 years and triples it in 10 this says is there is no way you can tax would place these mechanisms into our years. your way out of this problem. We asked founding document that essentially That’s not leadership. the Congressional Budget Office. If we graft the Republican budget plan into What has the other body done in the tried to do that—have balance, raise that document. And that’s what this Senate, our partners on the other side taxes—the tax rates on the next gen- vote is all about. of the aisle? Mr. Speaker, it has been eration would be this: And what they’re saying is that un- 811 days since they bothered trying to The lowest income tax bracket that less two-thirds of the House and two- pass a budget. Congress has gone for 2 lower income people pay, which is 10 thirds of the Senate adopt that kind of years without a budget. percent now, goes to 25 percent. Mid- constitutional amendment, we’re not What did we do when we assumed the dle-income taxpayers would pay a 66 going to pay our bills, bills which the majority? We passed a budget. We percent rate. The top tax rate, which is Speaker of the House and the majority wrote a budget. We did it in daylight, what all those successful small busi- leader and people on both sides of the not in the backroom. We drafted it. We nesses that create most of our jobs pay, aisle should pay because they are the brought it through the committee. We would go to 88 percent. That’s accord- consequence of decisions that were had amendments. We brought it to the ing to the Congressional Budget Office. made by this body. And right or wrong, floor. We debated it and we passed it. That’s the path we’re on right now. when you bring up a bill, you can’t say That is what we’ve done. This is unsustainable. you’re not paying for it. And if we take When you take a look at our prob- What is needed is leadership, and the the position that we’re not going to lem, Mr. Speaker, you have to address reason we’re talking about this debt pay for it, the economy will suffer, in- what is driving our debt. Here are just limit increase is that we’ve seen none— terest rates will go up. That will hurt the cold, hard facts: 10,000 people are none from the President, none from the every American family, and it will retiring every day. The baby boomers other body. So, if we’re not going to make it harder for us to reduce the def- are here, and we’re not ready for them. have a budget process, how on Earth icit. Far fewer people are following them are we going to get spending under con- So let’s come together around a bal- into the workforce. Health care costs trol so we can solve this problem? anced plan. The President’s put a pro- are going up four times the rate of in- Our budget, this cap and this cut, posal on the table: $4 trillion over 10 to flation. The Congressional Budget Of- gets the debt paid off. It puts us on a 12 years, patterned after the bipartisan fice is telling us Medicare goes bank- path to prosperity. It closes loopholes Simpson-Bowles commission; $3 in rupt in 9 years. Medicaid is already to lower tax rates to grow jobs. It says cuts, $1 in revenue. Let’s take a bal- bankrupting our States. These are the that the genius of America is the indi- anced approach. That’s the way we did drivers of our debt. By the year 2025, vidual, is the business, not our govern- it the last time our budget was in sur- three programs—Social Security, Med- ment. It maintains the American leg- plus. icaid, Medicare—plus our interest, con- acy of leaving the next generation bet- Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, sume 100 percent of all Federal reve- ter off, and we know, without a shadow I yield myself the balance of my time. nues. By the end of this decade, 20 per- of a doubt, we are leaving the next gen- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- cent of our revenues goes to just pay- eration worse off. In the good old days tleman has 7 minutes remaining. ing interest. of 2007, we used to say that this debt Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, This is unsustainable. was a threat to our children and our here’s our problem. We have a crushing So what does our budget do? What grandchildren. burden of debt that is coming to hit does the document that we passed that Not so anymore. our economy. This is what it all comes shows leadership on this issue do? It is a threat to our economy today. down to. We are driving our country It saves these programs. Pass Cut, Cap, and Balance. Save this and our economy off of a cliff. The rea- For Medicare, we say you’re already country. Grow the economy. Save the son is because we are spending so much retired if you’re retired. If you’re about Nation for our children and our grand- more money than we have. to retire, we don’t want to pull the rug children. out from under you. You organized Mr. DREIER. Mr. Speaker, today I will cast 1940 b your life around these programs, so my vote in support of H.R. 2560, the Cut, Cap We can’t keep spending money we let’s keep it as is; but in order to cash- and Balance Act of 2011, despite having con- don’t have. Forty-two cents out of flow that commitment, in order to cerns about it. With the August 2 deadline for every dollar coming out of Wash- make good on that promissory note, reaching a solution on our debt crisis fast ap- ington—it’s borrowed money. Let’s you have to reform it for the next gen- proaching, I believe this measure is necessary take a look at where it’s coming from. eration. Let’s do it in a way that looks in order to move the process forward. We’re borrowing it, 47 percent of it, like the commission that President However, I remain opposed to key provi- from other countries—China number Clinton offered, a system that resem- sions in H.R. 2560 and will continue to work one. Mr. Speaker, you can’t have sov- bles the one we have as Members of vigorously for better solutions. My primary ereignty, self-determination as a coun- Congress: where we get to choose the concern with this legislation is the requirement try, if we are relying on other govern- plans that meet our needs, where we for a balanced budget amendment to the con- ments to cash-flow half of our deficit. don’t subsidize wealthy people as stitution. In 1995, I voted in favor of a bal- This is where we are. much, and where we subsidize low-in- anced budget amendment. That effort ulti- Here is the problem we have right come and sick people a whole lot more. mately failed in the Senate by a single vote. now, Mr. Speaker. We have a leadership That’s what a ‘‘safety net’’ is. With the benefit of hindsight, we can see that deficit. I keep hearing about the Presi- We fix it and we save Medicare. that was the right outcome. Just two short dent has got a plan; the President is of- What does the law do that the Presi- years later, we proved that we could balance fering balance. The President hasn’t of- dent does? It raids a half a trillion dol- the budget without altering our most inspired fered a thing yet—nothing on paper, lars from Medicare. It puts a new board founding document. nothing in public. Leaning on reporters in charge of price controlling and ra- What’s more, the State of California has at press conferences is not leadership. tioning care to current seniors, and it proved the futility of balanced budget amend- Giving speeches, according to the CBO, does nothing to save it from bank- ments for years. Despite a constitutional man- is not budgeting. ruptcy. date for balanced budgets, California persist- The President did inherit a tough These are the issues that have got to ently fails to live within its means and spend problem—no two ways about it. What be dealt with. the taxpayers’ money prudently and effec- did he do with this problem? He drove Mr. Speaker, we keep hearing about tively. us deeper into debt: $1 trillion of bor- balance. We keep hearing about the Exercising our Article 1, Section 7 power of rowed money for stimulus that was need to raise taxes as we cut spending the purse with responsibility and discipline promised to keep unemployment below $3 for $1 or something to that effect. doesn’t take a constitutional amendment. It 8 percent, that went up to 10, and now The red line shows Congressional Budg- simply takes the will to do the right thing. it’s at 9.2; a stalled economy; a budget et Office projections on spending. The We have already accomplished something the President gave us that doubles the green lines are taxes. Basically, what that seemed impossible just a few months

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:05 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.164 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5220 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 ago: we have fundamentally altered the con- Wednesday, I co-authored a bill that would re- ance Act is an important step to bring fiscal versation here in Washington. While the last move default as an option and guarantee that sanity back to Washington. We can no longer two Congresses presided over an 82% in- our military was paid first. We can meet our continue to kick the can down the road hoping crease in non-defense discretionary spending, obligations, keep our bond rating and keep our that someone else will make the tough we have already halted and reversed the promises, but we have to make the tough choices. I strongly support passage of this im- growth in spending. choices now to turn our economy around and portant legislation, and urge my colleagues to Now we are on the brink of enacting tril- put Americans back to work. support the bill. lions—that’s trillions with a ‘‘T’’—in spending Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise Mr. WOLF. Mr. Speaker, America is in crisis cuts. While a final deal remains elusive, we today in strong support of H.R. 2560, the Cut, mode today. We are up against a deadline to have forged consensus on the central, funda- Cap and Balance Act, which is common-sense increase our nation’s $14.3 trillion debt limit to mental point that no rise in the debt ceiling legislation that will bring our fiscal house back meet its financial obligations. can be enacted without trillions in spending in order, and will finally get our government off There was initial hope some weeks ago that cuts. That is a tremendous achievement that its spending binge. with the president finally leading the talks with seemed barely conceivable a short time ago. We can no longer operate on a business as Republican and Democratic leaders in the It is a testament to what can be achieved usual mentality, and the time to rein in our House and Senate, we would see a plan to re- when we have the will and resolve to confront deficit spending is now. Families sit down and verse the spending spiral. But we’ve been the great challenges we face. make budgets—then they spend within their waiting and waiting and watching and watch- We must now put that will and resolve to- means. It is imperative, now more than ever, ing for that puff of white smoke to come over ward a final deal that will not only make tril- that Congress abide by those same principles. the White House to signal to the American lions in spending cuts, but also enact mean- Instead of applying for new credit cards, we people that their government leaders have ingful reforms that put us on the path to elimi- need to cut up the ones we already have. I come together and agreed on a plan and dis- nating the deficit, paying down our debt and have long argued that our spending practices aster has been averted. Regrettably, we still fostering growth and opportunity. These solu- in Washington are unsustainable, and have wait as the debt clock ticks toward the nation’s tions are within reach. They are closer than routinely voted against spending measures in default. they’ve been in years. The only question is Democratic and Republican-led Congresses What has been so frustrating to me to watch whether we have the will to achieve them. I that have contributed to the crisis we face over the past months is that everyone knows urge my colleagues, both Republicans and today. that our country is awash in red ink, everyone knows that our country is spending and bor- Democrats, to come together. To rise to the Since Republicans retook control of the rowing too much, everyone knows that entitle- enormous challenges we confront and forge a House in January, we have changed the dis- ment spending is unsustainable, everyone deal that not only restores the vitality and sol- cussion in Washington from how much more knows that job creation is stagnant with unem- vency of our economy for ourselves, but for are we going to spend, to how much are we ployment today hovering around 9 percent. generations to come. going to cut. There are some who feel that our I’ve been sounding this alarm for five years. Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise in op- problem is not our spending; rather, it is we Everyone knows all this and yet here we are are not bringing in enough revenue. I find this position to the motion before us. While I em- today without the president, who has been thought process misguided. It is not viable to brace the principles of cut, cap and balance, leading the debt negotiations, putting pen to increase taxes drastically enough to bridge the the motion does not go far enough in fun- paper on a plan for all to see. But the House $1.58 trillion gap between our spending and damentally restructuring the way Washington today is saying to the American people that revenues, without destroying jobs and dam- spends taxpayer dollars. The principles found we can’t continue to sit around and wait as in this bill are a step in the right direction to- aging our already struggling economy. The Cut, Cap and Balance Act is a plan to our debt grows and the risk of national decline ward the fundamental restructuring we need in and a downgrading of our nation’s credit rating bring long-term change to the Washington the way Washington spends taxpayer dollars. become visible over the horizon. spending machine. First, this legislation would Along with cutting spending, putting in place The House today has a plan before it. The enforceable spending caps that put us on a cut spending by $111 billion in fiscal year majority Republicans are offering the Cut, Cap path to balance and passing a balanced budg- 2012, reducing non-defense discretionary and Balance plan. It reduces spending now, et amendment, we must also repeal and spending below 2008 levels, which was called caps future spending and says we must bal- defund Obamacare. for in the House-passed budget plan. Second, ance our budget. Is it a perfect plan? No. I We must remember that Obamacare is the this legislation would place a cap on total don’t agree with all the numbers and the prior- largest spending and entitlement program in spending as a share of GDP. Without caps on ities. There are changes I would make and dif- our nation’s history. That means, at a time spending, future Congresses will ultimately re- ferent policies I would include. when we can least afford it, President Obama sort back to the spending practices that have But we are at the point today that we cannot added to our spending problem by the trillions. led to the situation we are currently facing. allow the perfect to become the enemy of the Without its repeal, we cannot have real eco- Third, this legislation will only provide for an good. We have to lay down a marker, move nomic reform. increase in the debt limit if Congress sends a the process forward and continue to work for At a time of trillion-and-a-half-dollar deficits Balanced Budget Constitutional Amendment to a balanced plan to put America on a path to and 9.2 percent unemployment—it was jaw- the states for ratification. A Balanced Budget financial responsibility. dropping to hear the President say this past Amendment to the Constitution would legally As we listen to some call for a plan that in- Friday that we need only ‘‘modest adjust- force our government to live within its means. cludes more ‘‘revenue,’’ I want to be clear that ments’’ to fix our economy, and to suggest It’s interesting to see that while many of my I don’t support raising taxes on American fami- that 80% of the American people want a bal- colleagues on the other side of the aisle, in- lies. I believe any responsible plan must take anced approach, meaning tax increases, to cluding our President, have argued that a con- a look at reforming and simplifying the tax solve our debt problems. stitutional amendment is not necessary, 49 code to allow hard-working Americans to keep President Obama also said ‘‘we don’t need states currently abide by some form of a bal- more of their own money and to spur indi- a constitutional amendment to do our jobs.’’ anced budget requirement. vidual savings and small business job cre- But we have the problems we do because We cannot pass the financial burdens of our ation. Washington hasn’t been doing its job. And a country on to our children and grandchildren. A balanced plan also must look at the rea- Balanced Budget Amendment would have It is important to note, that while I am not sons that have allowed the ethanol industry to kept President Obama from adding more than proud of the spending habits of Republicans become one of the most subsidized industries 4 trillion to our national debt. when we were in charge, the unprecedented in the United States and other businesses to The current negotiations over the debt ceil- spending increase since 2009 when President flourish because of direct spending through ing illustrate exactly what is wrong with Wash- Obama took office needs to be noted. Under earmarks in the tax code. We must also look ington. his leadership, our national debt has increased at certain tax earmarks and expenditures on We should not continue to spend and bor- by $3.7 trillion. Once again, that is $3.7 trillion the books which allow entities, such as Gen- row trillions that we don’t have just because in only two and a half years. It took the U.S. eral Electric, to not only owe no federal taxes, that’s always the way politicians have done from 1776 until 1992 to accumulate the same but to also claim a multimillion dollar tax ben- things in the past. Those days are over. amount of debt that President Obama accu- efit. The American people have had enough. mulated in two and a half years. I also believe a balanced plan must include The President needs to stop scaring our Given our fiscal challenges that lay ahead, a mechanism to force Congress and the presi- military and stop threatening default. Last the time to act is now. The Cut, Cap, and Bal- dent to live within our nation’s means. That’s

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:05 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A19JY7.051 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5221 why I have long supported a balanced budget The second title would enforce arbitrary and more extreme than those in this spring’s Re- amendment to the Constitution. extreme annual federal government spending publican budget, which would have ended As I mentioned earlier, I have been trying to limits. The bill pays lip service to protecting Medicare. A vote for this bill would not only be get the attention of Congress and past and Medicare and Social Security in the near another vote to end Medicare—it would be a present administrations on the debt crisis fac- term—because even right-wingers understand vote to dramatically slash programs for the ing our country. My message has been sim- the importance of these programs to the most vulnerable Americans, programs like ple: If America continues on its debt and def- American people. However, there is no mathe- Medicaid and Social Security. Republicans icit track, we edge closer and closer to the fi- matical way that the federal government could would break the Medicare guarantee—but nancial cliff and cede our standing as the meet these draconian limits without putting they are adamantly opposed to asking the world’s leading nation. Medicare and Social Security on the chopping best-off among us to contribute their fair I have called for a bipartisan solution that block. share. Nor would they ask for cuts in defense puts all options on the table and fully address- The third title would prohibit the debt ceiling spending. es ways to reverse our current deficit spend- from being raised until Congress sends a Bal- In fact, this bill would actually make a job- ing track and also our nation’s unfunded obli- anced Budget Amendment to the States for destroying default on our debt more likely. In gations, which are the real drivers of our debt. ratification—all before the August 2nd deadline order to pay our bills, Republicans would re- This includes all entitlements—Social Security, when we begin to default. This Amendment to quire us to pass a Constitutional amendment Medicare, and Medicaid—and other manda- the Constitution would require even more re- that would permanently enshrine their partisan tory spending, defense spending, discretionary strictive spending limits over time. Importantly, budget priorities in law and make it virtually spending, and tax policy, namely the closing it would also mandate a two-thirds vote in both impossible to raise revenue. It is nothing more of tax loopholes and tax earmarks. the House and Senate—a nearly impossible than a ransom demand—and the beneficiaries The Bowles-Simpson commission offered a hurdle—to ever close corporate tax loopholes of than ransom demand are the most privi- plan with everything on the table, and I was or enact tax increases. leged Americans, who are asked to sacrifice anxious to have the chance to vote on it, but With their Slash, Burn and Pander Act, nothing even as ordinary Americans are asked the president, as did the Congress, walked House Republicans are saying to the Amer- to sacrifice their futures, their security, and away from the report last December of the ican public that the federal government will no their health. very group he created. I was pleased to see longer provide the services and programs they When even three-quarters of Republicans the ‘‘Gang of Six’’ senators pick up the broad value. At the same time, Republicans would said in a poll last week that they want a bal- outlines of Bowles-Simpson and continue to make special interest tax breaks permanent by anced deficit solution, it is clear that this bill is work together this year on a comprehensive requiring a super-majority to change existing targeted at the extreme fringe in American pol- deficit reduction plan. The news earlier today law. itics, a small minority of the far right. I urge my that the Gang of Six has offered a path for- What’s most stunning about this debate is colleagues to affirm that this House represents ward and that a large group of senators from that everyone knows this bill has no chance of all Americans—and to vote down this bill. both sides of the aisle is reacting positively to becoming law. In just two weeks, the United Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, I sub- the plan is very encouraging. States will start defaulting on its obligations. mit the following exchange of letters: I do not want the United States to default The House’s actions today waste precious HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, from a failure to raise the debt limit. The full time and take us further away from a solution. COMMITTEE ON THE BUDGET, Washington, DC, July 19, 2011. faith and credit of the United States is on the President Obama already put a deficit deal on Hon. DAVE CAMP, line. Without an agreement, the cost to every the table that goes beyond what many Demo- Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, American to borrow will rise, from home loans crats and I are comfortable with. House Re- Washington, DC. to car loans to student loans; the checks the publicans rejected him out-of-hand and, in- DEAR CHAIRMAN CAMP: Thank you for your Treasury writes will pick winners and losers. stead, have offered the radical legislation be- letter regarding H.R. 2560, the Cut, Cap, and It is precisely because the stakes are so fore us today. Balance Act of 2011, which is expected to be high that I vote today for H.R. 2560 with the The fact that this inane piece of legislation considered on the floor this week. The Com- mittee on Ways and Means makes a valid fervent hope that it will force the president and is on the floor highlights the difference be- point that certain provisions in this legisla- the House and Senate to come together and tween governing and campaigning—and tion are in your Committee’s jurisdiction. I embrace a realistic and balanced deficit and makes clear that many on the Republican side appreciate your decision to facilitate prompt debt reduction plan like the one recommended of the aisle remain unable to make that dis- consideration of the bill by the full House. I by Bowles-Simpson and the Gang of Six that tinction. understand that by foregoing a sequential re- puts our nation on sound financial footing for I urge my colleagues to join my in voting ferral, the Committee on Ways and Means is not only today, but for our children and grand- ‘‘no’’ on the Slash, Burn and Pander Act. not waiving its jurisdiction. Per your request, I will include a copy of children’s generations. Mr. HOYER. Mr. Speaker, I don’t think that our exchange of letters with respect to H.R. Mr. STARK. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposi- there is a Member here who doesn’t believe 2560 in the Congressional Record during tion to this ridiculous legislation quickly cob- that America is in poor fiscal health. But the House consideration of this bill. We appre- bled together by House Republicans to ap- question facing us is this: do we value fiscal ciate your cooperation and look forward to pease their Tea Party fringe. The so-called responsibility enough to make hard choices, working with you as this bill moves through ‘‘Cut, Cap and Balance’’ Act (H.R. 2560) is a give up some of what we want, and come to the Congress. dangerous political stunt that pushes our Na- the compromise that our form of government Sincerely, tion right up to the edge of default. demands? Or do we see the possibility of a PAUL RYAN, Chairman. With this bill—better called the Slash, Burn fiscal crisis as nothing more than a chance to and Pander Act—House Republicans are tak- advance our ideological ends? What matters HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, ing our country to the brink of insolvency and more to us—restoring America’s health, or COMMITTEE ON WAYS AND MEANS, financial devastation to make absolutely sure gratifying our party’s ideology? We cannot Washington, DC, July 18, 2011. that rich people in America keep their tax have both. Hon. PAUL RYAN, breaks, that big oil and gas companies con- It’s clear that the first, responsible approach Chairman, Committee on the Budget, tinue to receive their corporate welfare, and is typified by President Obama, who has of- Washington, DC. that the pharmaceutical industry be spared fered a compromise plan to reduce our long- DEAR CHAIRMAN RYAN: I am writing con- cerning H.R. 2560, the ‘‘Cut, Cap, and Balance from contributing to our economic recovery. term deficit by $4 trillion, even as it gives up Act of 2011’’ which is expected to be sched- The first title of the bill would immediately spending that Democrats value highly. It’s also uled for floor consideration this week. slash federal spending at such massive levels clear that the reckless, ideological approach is As you know, the Committee on Ways and as to endanger our government’s ability to typified by the Republicans who have thus far Means has jurisdiction over the bonded debt perform basic functions. If enacted, it would rejected that compromise because it does not of the United States. Title III of this bill likely prevent the government from sending conform to 100 percent of their demands. amends Title 31 of the United States Code by out Social Security checks to seniors, from It’s also typified by this radical plan to cut, changing the amount of debt subject to the statutory limit. In order to expedite H.R. providing unemployment insurance benefits cap, and end Medicare. This bill, under the 2560 for Floor consideration, the Committee during our ongoing economic crisis, from con- guise of responding to a fiscal emergency that will forgo action on the bill. This is being ducting NIH research to find cures for deadly they themselves helped create, would write done with the understanding that it does not diseases, and from ensuring our food is safe Republicans’ most extreme and unpopular pri- in any way prejudice the Committee with re- to eat. orities into law. It would impose cuts even spect to the appointment of conferees or its

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:14 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19JY7.053 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5222 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 jurisdictional prerogatives on this or similar In closing Mr. Chairman, we find ourselves cent cut to the NSF budget, we can roughly legislation. in a debt crisis not because the debt ceiling is estimate that such a cut would lead to the re- I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming this understanding with too low, but because federal government duction of over 17,000 research grants: about respect to H.R. 2560, and would ask that a spending is too high! 16,500 funded by the various Research Direc- copy of our exchange of letters on this mat- H.R. 2560, the Cut, Cap and Balance Act is torates, and 750 funded by the Education and ter be included in the Congressional Record a Constitutional, permanent solution which will Human Resources Directorate. during Floor consideration. put an end to the spending-driven debt spiral We cannot predict where the next scientific Sincerely, and rescue our children and grandchildren breakthroughs will come from, or which re- DAVE CAMP, from a future of bankruptcy and limited oppor- search grant will lead to the next Google or Chairman. tunity. GPS. So not only will these budget cuts affect Mr. FRELINGHUYSEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of Texas. over 200,000 people supported by NSF, in- in support of H.R. 2560, ‘‘The Cut, Cap and Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.R. cluding graduate students, undergraduates, K– Balance Act’’ of 2011. 2560, the Republican ‘‘Cut, Cap, and Balance 12 teachers, and K–12 students, but these This legislation would cut total spending by Act,’’ which is before us today. I am sorry that cuts will most certainly significantly harm our $111 billion in FY 2012 and would institute the House of Representatives has to spend nation’s ability to innovate, create jobs, and hard spending caps over the next ten years. any time on this deeply flawed piece of legis- compete in the global economy. The bill would provide for the president’s re- lation instead of dealing with the host of seri- With these kinds of budget cuts, we will be quest for a debt ceiling increase if and only if ous issues facing our Nation. a Balanced Budget Amendment passes Con- supporting less cutting-edge research and I have limited time, so I am not going to try building fewer critically important scientific re- gress and is sent to the states for ratification. today to cover all of the significant problems Today, we find ourselves on the precipice of search user facilities, but perhaps the biggest inherent in H.R. 2560; I know that there are problem is the loss of human capital. China a national economic calamity. other Members who plan to address many of I am NOT speaking about the current de- and Europe are increasing funding for re- the issues I care about, such as the central bate over the debt ceiling, which is indeed search and building world class research facili- truth that this bill would end the Medicare very serious. ties while we are heading in the opposite di- America pays its bills and default would be guarantee. That in itself is reason enough to rection. Those countries are successfully re- irresponsible! oppose H.R. 2560, but I also want to highlight cruiting our best and brightest as we success- But rather, I am referring to an the devastating impact this bill would have on fully recruited theirs for many decades. our Nation’s competitiveness, our ability to in- unsustainable national debt—fueled by out-of- Such steep cuts to the National Science novate, and our ability to create the jobs of the control spending and its damaging partner, ris- Foundation will cause vital investments in sus- future. ing taxes—that threatens to overwhelm our tainability, leading edge technology, and entire economy. We are truly on the verge of As written, the legislation before us today would cut non-security discretionary spending STEM education to be greatly delayed, re- becoming ‘‘Athens on the Potomac.’’ duced, or altogether cancelled. These invest- Even if we were not facing a debt ceiling for FY 2012 by $76 billion. That translates into a 25 percent cut in budget authority next year ments include support for: NSF-wide emphasis question, I would urge that we enact steep on Science, Engineering, and Education for and immediate federal spending cuts, as the with similar draconian cuts in the years that follow. What will be the impact of cuts of that Sustainability, including vital investments in Committee on Appropriations is doing. clean energy research; major investments crit- These reductions must be implemented now magnitude? They will be profound and will in- flict long-term damage to our Nation’s well- ical to job creation and competitiveness, such because the ‘promise’ of cuts five or eight or as advanced manufacturing and the National 10 years from now means very little without a being. Let me give just a few examples. Robotics Initiative; pathbreaking efforts to im- way to enforce them. First, let’s consider the impact of such a cut prove pre-college and undergraduate edu- The only way to truly guarantee spending on the programs that help to predict severe cuts from future Presidents and future mem- weather, something that has been a particular cation, including the Teacher Learning for the bers of Congress is to make sure that the concern in many parts of the Nation this year. Future program and new investments to trans- Constitution requires it. With these cuts, Mr. Speaker, we would es- form undergraduate science courses. We’ve tried lower spending targets before. sentially be guaranteeing a diminished na- A budget cut of even 5 percent to NSF’s We’ve attempted to use deficit reduction tional capability for weather forecast and pre- Major Research Equipment and Facilities and goals. diction, especially of severe weather events. Construction account would result in the termi- We’ve enacted ‘‘across-the-board’’ spending Why? Because a 25 percent cut to our polar nation of approximately $100 million in con- cuts. and geostationary weather satellite programs tracts to industry for work in progress on major We’ve impounded federal dollars. will delay NOAA’s ability to procure follow-on facilities for environmental and oceanographic We’ve even sequestered funding to force weather satellites that provide the weather research. This would directly lead to layoffs of deficit reduction. data needed 7 days a week, 24 hours a day roughly 100 direct scientific and technical staff, The fact of the matter is that none of them to make accurate long-term weather forecasts. with larger impacts at supplier companies. In worked. What will happen? Well, for one thing, we addition, costs over the life of these projects A $14.3 trillion national debate stands as an would increase by over $100 million because appalling monument to Washington’s extrava- won’t get 10-day weather forecasts; the best we’ll get with good accuracy are 48-hour of delays in the construction schedule. Again, gance. this is the potential scenario with a 5 percent Congress and the President always find an- weather predictions. Farmers, emergency cut—not the 25 percent cut to discretionary other waiver, another loophole, another proce- management officials, military planners, fisher- authorizations included in the bill before us dural escape clause to get around what com- man, coastal residents and marine transpor- today. mon-sense tells us has to be done: we must tation capabilities, the tourism industry, and all be made to live within our means. Americans and other American businesses will The National Science Foundation is the pre- Because we cannot continue to spend be operating with weather predictions that are mier STEM education research organization in money we do not have, we are here today to severely diminished in accuracy. When it the country. For decades, NSF has been a cut spending immediately, set enforceable fu- comes to extreme weather events such as leader in improving our collective under- ture caps on spending and send to the states those that we’ve been experiencing across the standing of how students learn, and how we for ratification a balanced budget amendment Nation, diminished weather forecasting directly can develop the most effective and inspiring to our Constitution. increases the risk of loss of lives and property, curriculum and train the most effective and in- My Colleagues, the preamble to that Con- not to mention the widespread economic spiring teachers. The education research stitution states that we are to ‘‘promote the losses that come from our inability to prepare being funded at NSF is critical to helping us to general Welfare, and secure the Blessings of for such extreme events. better understand what works and what Liberty to ourselves and our posterity . . .’’ Mr. Speaker, why would Congress want to doesn’t, so that we can invest in programs As I said earlier, we stand at a financial ‘‘go blind’’ to severe weather and put our peo- that will really make a difference in our precipice. Our current federal fiscal policies ple and our economic infrastructure at risk, es- schools. Cuts to STEM education at NSF not are unsustainable for us and for our pos- pecially when our economic recovery is so only will directly impact many students and terity—our children and their children. fragile and Americans are struggling daily to teachers across the country, but it will greatly The legislation before us would return us to make ends meet? limit our ability to improve the state of edu- the spirit and the letter of the Constitution’s Turning now to NSF, while it’s difficult to cation in this country for every student and Preamble. quantify the devastating impacts of a 25 per- every teacher.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:14 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A19JY7.058 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5223 We cannot afford to make cuts to STEM A cut of this magnitude would not only pre- novation capabilities. I want the record to be education at a time when other countries are clude new projects, such as those rec- clear that I do not support the cuts in this bill, consistently outperforming us on international ommended in National Academies decadal nor do I support the process under which this tests. For example, in the 2009 PISA, Amer- surveys, but could even jeopardize missions bill has come to the House floor. We can— ican schoolchildren ranked 17th out of 34 being readied for launch in FY 2012, such as and should—do better. This bill is short-sight- OECD countries in science. Shanghai-China, the Mars Science Laboratory, the NPP weath- ed; its negative impacts would cost more in Finland, Hong Kong-China, and Singapore er satellite, and the Radiation Belt Storm the long-term than any immediate budget re- were the highest performers in the science as- Probe, a mission that will help us understand ductions would save in the short-term. I urge sessment. Furthermore, American school- the impact of the radiation belt environment on my colleagues in Congress to vote NO on this children ranked 25th out of 34 OECD coun- spacecraft, something with important practical bill. tries for math. Shanghai-China, Singapore, significance. Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in and Hong Kong-China ranked first, second Mr. Speaker, I don’t want to sit on the side- opposition to the Republican plan to end Medi- and third in math, respectively. This is simply lines while other nations are the first to an- care and the health care safety net. not the time for us to be cutting funding for nounce major scientific discoveries, draw the Republicans are playing a dangerous game critical STEM education programs at the NSF. world’s top science and engineering talent into of chicken. They are threatening to hold the Mr. Speaker, the bad news in this bill does their fold, and begin to assume leadership in global economy hostage unless President not end there. The impact on NASA is equally areas where the U.S. has always been on the Obama and the Senate agree to their de- grim. For example, a 25 percent reduction to cutting-edge. mands to slash Medicare and Medicaid. NASA’s Space Operations account is over $1 NASA’s education programs would also suf- We must reject this assault on seniors, the billion. This cut could cause NASA to reduce fer if this bill ever becomes law. Mr. Speaker, disabled, and children. the number of cargo and crew transportation we tell the youth of this nation to reach for the Previous amendments to the Constitution flights to the International Space Station, stars, and NASA is truly one of the agencies have ended slavery and guaranteed the rights thereby jeopardizing its agreement with ISS that inspire our next generation to dream big of citizens of all races to equal treatment partners to have 6 crew members operate the and pursue the disciplines that we know are under the law. They have guaranteed the free- $100 billion research facility. Delaying con- needed to keep our nation strong—science doms of speech and religion, and for protec- tracted for cargo and crew flights from com- and engineering. However, under this bill, a 25 tion from unwarranted government intrusions mercial partners and Russia may have finan- percent cut to NASA’s education programs on personal rights. cial repercussions. It could render NASA un- would cripple initiatives such as the Space What great principle do Republicans seek to able to fulfill its agreed-to pension liability pay- Grant and EPSCoR (Experimental Program to enshrine into the Constitution today? ments to shuttle workers and it could jeop- Stimulate Competitive Research) programs, The principle that the rich should never pay ardize our ability to receive data from on-going minority education projects such as the Minor- more taxes; deep space missions by not having the money ity Undergraduate Research and Education That Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Secu- needed to replace critical components in its Project (MUREP), and K–12 teacher training rity are too expensive for our Nation to afford; unreliable and outdated communications net- and student opportunities that are so critical to And the U.S. Congress should be stripped work. building and stimulating our future capabilities. of its ability to increase spending to protect A 25 percent reduction to NASA’s Explo- Finally, Mr. Speaker, a 25 percent reduction our economy from recession. ration account would cut almost a billion dol- to NASA’s Cross Agency Support account Republicans say that they are protecting lars, further delaying the development of the would have serious implications for NASA’s Medicare for the future—don’t buy it. That’s Space Launch System and Multipurpose Crew safety and mission success, NASA’s informa- what they told us about their budget plan. It Vehicle—NASA’s follow-on human space tion technology activities, and our ability to op- wasn’t true then, and it isn’t true now. transportation and exploration vehicles—caus- erate NASA Centers across the U.S. I’d hate Republicans tried to end Medicare as we ing an even greater gap in the ability of a U.S. to think what a cut to NASA’s safety and mis- know it in the budget they passed in April. government-operated human transportation sion success activities would mean for ensur- Public outrage stalled their plans. So today system to access space whenever needed, as ing the safety of our nation’s astronauts they have a new approach: Pass a constitu- well as causing disruption to on-going con- launched into space and the success of the tional amendment that that would make it im- tracts, possibly requiring extensive layoffs and critical functions they and our robotic space- possible for Congress to continue to fund financial compensation due to terminated con- craft perform. At a time when cybersecurity is Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security. tracts and further destabilizing the aerospace being discussed as a key issue across federal Their objective is to end Medicare as we industrial base. agencies, this cut would reduce NASA’s crit- know it, repealing its guarantees of coverage A 25 percent reduction to NASA’s Aero- ical information technology functions, including for hospital care, chemotherapy, doctor’s vis- nautics Research account is over $142 million. information security. It is highly likely that a cut its, and prescription drugs. In its place they This will force cuts to NASA’s critically impor- to the agency operations budgets included in would create a voucher system—and yes, it is tant research in aviation safety and airspace this account could require NASA to shut down a voucher. Seniors would be forced into the systems and delay work needed by the FAA NASA Centers, lay off additional contractors, private market to buy health insurance with to increase the capacity and efficiency of the and take actions that would have negative re- only limited financial support from the govern- nation’s air transportation system through percussions throughout communities and re- ment. NextGen modernization. In addition, it will pre- gions at a time when local economies are al- This plan will increase premiums and cost vent NASA from conducting unique research ready stressed and jobs are hard to come by. sharing by $6,000 per person. And they want required to develop environmentally respon- Mr. Speaker, I hope that my remarks give to write it into the Constitution! sible aircraft. Members and the American public some idea And they want to destroy Medicaid too. Re- NASA’s science programs would also suffer of the harm that enactment of this short-sight- publicans would cut Medicaid in half by 2022, deep cuts, an outcome that will be doing long- ed piece of legislation would do, not only to leaving tens of millions of people without ac- term damage to an area in which the United the agencies listed, but also to other important cess to care. People in nursing homes would States has maintained unquestioned leader- R&D initiatives at the Department of Energy, be cut off. They would also slash support for ship. It is doing the challenging R&D projects the National Institutes of Standards and Tech- the Children’s Health Insurance Program, that keep our companies and workforce at the nology, and NOAA, to name but a few of the jeopardizing access to care for 8 million kids. top of their game—whether it’s landing space- affected agencies. Medicaid is the primary payer for long-term craft on Mars, acquiring data to understand At the end of the day, Mr. Speaker, this bill care and the home and community-based the complex behavior of our own planet, or is not going to become law. It is simply a di- services that help people stay out of nursing carrying out the analysis of data collected from version from the serious business on which homes. Who will now bear the $72,000 per space. Cutting NASA’s science programs by this body should be focusing its attention. year cost of a nursing home for an 85-year old 25 percent will severely harm our ability to However, it is not a harmless diversion. The grandmother who collects $10,000 a year in carry out pathbreaking research, such as in- extreme and ill-considered cuts that would Social Security benefits? Her children will try, vestigating dark energy, which may lead to flow from its enactment send a terrible mes- but only the rich will be able to afford the revolutionary breakthroughs in our under- sage to our citizens about this House’s prior- costs in today’s economy. standing of our Universe. It will also draw the ities. When your car is low on gas, you don’t This is a complete abdication of our commit- best and brightest who seek inspirational and siphon more out of the tank, yet that is what ment to providing care with dignity for our sen- challenging projects. this bill would do to the nation’s R&D and in- iors.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:30 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A19JY7.067 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5224 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 The Republican proposal has other deplor- about this bill is that it has the word balance percent unemployment, Congress should able consequences. It would make it impos- in the title. The actual title should be ‘‘Cut, De- focus on growing the economy, lowering un- sible to invest in biomedical research to find fault, and End Medicare Act’’ since it would employment and reducing our deficit. tomorrow’s cures and technologies for cancer, have a devastating effect on all American fam- We can achieve this economic growth Alzheimer’s, and heart disease. It would effec- ilies and businesses. This legislation makes through a fiscal policy that invests in our fu- tively foreclose the possibility that Congress significant cuts to social programs, and caps ture, creates broad based economic growth could address climate change by putting a spending at unprecedented levels. and shares the burden of debt reduction. In- price on carbon emissions. It would cripple the Quite simply, this is the worst piece of legis- stead, we are debating an ideologically ex- FDA, threatening the safety of our pharma- lation I have seen while serving in Congress. treme policy that makes the Majority’s budg- ceuticals and our food. This legislation seals tax breaks for richest et’s treatment of seniors, the middle class and This is an extreme and dangerous proposal. Americans, while gutting Medicare for seniors our children look balanced. Instead of holding our seniors hostage, we and other critical programs for students, such This bill caps spending at 18 percent of need to work together to pass a realistic com- as Pell Grants. In order to eliminate tax breaks Gross Domestic Product (GDP), a level not promise that will ensure we honor our debt for the richest two percent of Americans, a seen since 1966, when seniors made up 9 while lowering our deficit. supermajority of Congress would be required percent of the population, not the 13 percent I urge a no vote on this legislation. for approval. This bill will adversely impact the they make up today. In 1966, the average cost Mr. BLUMENAUER. Mr. Speaker, the na- Hispanic community and will substantially of medical care was $1,500 a year, not the tion’s financial future should be serious busi- weaken the American economy. $8,200 that it is today, and almost no Ameri- ness. Unfortunately, House Republicans are The Republican plan is not the balanced ap- cans were enrolled in Medicare, whereas over not treating it that way. It’s bad enough that proach Americans favor: spending cuts and 46 million seniors are enrolled today. too many of them are willing to court financial revenue increases, but instead the Tea Party Even more disturbing, the bill holds an in- disaster by hijacking the process of raising the plan will lock in cuts over the next 10 years as crease in the debt ceiling hostage to the pas- debt ceiling. Today’s vote is perhaps the clear- severe as those in the Ryan budget plan that sage of a so-called ‘‘Balanced Budget Amend- est illustration of their cavalier approach. they passed in April. In fact, according to a ment.’’ This Balanced Budget Amendment is The vote on the so-called Cut, Cap, and CBS News Poll released Monday, 66 percent more radical than those that have been con- Balance bill comes without legislative work in of Americans say an agreement to raise the sidered by Congress in the past. Unbelievably, any substantive committee. As a member of amount of money the nation can borrow it would require a supermajority in both both the Budget and Ways and Means Com- should include both spending cuts and tax in- houses of Congress to raise revenues. However, you would only need a simple ma- mittees, I would have welcomed hearings and creases. This bill would exacerbate the debt jority to cut taxes on the wealthy and multi-na- work sessions which would have shown this crisis by making it more difficult for the U.S. to tional corporations and slash government pro- bill to be a travesty. Not a single president in pay its bills by August 2nd and force the pas- grams that our most vulnerable citizens rely 50 years proposed any budget that would sage of a constitutional amendment that would on. What type of priorities do we have when have met their requirements that spending be require a two-thirds approval to raise any rev- we change the Constitution to make it easier limited to 18 percent of GDP. Ronald Reagan enue in the future. to cut Medicare and Social Security, and near- never proposed a budget under 21 percent. This bill would require slashing $111 billion ly impossible to end the tax breaks for special House Republicans would mandate a bal- immediately from critical programs, in FY2012, interests groups like the oil industry? anced budget every year, whether we were at without regard to the 9.2 percent unemploy- We are at a place in our history where the war or dealing with the fallout of a tragic nat- ment rate. These cuts would cause the loss of concentration of wealth at the very top has ural disaster or an economic meltdown. Cuts roughly 700,000 jobs in the current weak only been matched at the time immediately to Medicare, the social safety net and student economy. In fact, the Republicans’ slash and prior to the Great Depression. This bill will not loans would still be possible with a single ma- burn politics have not created a single job for only continue this trend, but it will act as a cat- jority vote, and yet eliminating tax breaks for hardworking middle class families in over the alyst where the people who already have so the favored and the wealthiest individuals or 200 days they have controlled the House. In- much, will be given so much more. corporations would require a two-thirds super- stead of rebuilding our economic infrastructure And if one thinks that the Balanced Budget majority. Since House Republicans want to by investing in roads, ports, bridges, and edu- Amendment is sound fiscal policy, they would continue to protect some areas of spending cation and job training programs to help mid- be sorely mistaken. One only has to look at and give more tax breaks to people who don’t dle class Americans, they push a radical and many of the states who have Balanced Budget need them, this means even more draconian dangerous ideological agenda. Amendments on the books to see what hap- cuts to the programs that people depend on H.R. 2560 also continues the Republicans pens when you amend your Constitution to the most. assault on our nation’s seniors. Their plan will promote ideology and politics over common The House Republican approach is not inevitably result in the end of the Medicare sense fiscal solutions. about controlling the national debt. The Re- guarantee, shifting thousands of dollars of The budget priorities enshrined in this legis- publican budget still increases the debt ceiling health costs onto seniors, shredding the social lation have been soundly rejected by the almost $9 trillion. Yet their proposal would re- safety net and our promise to protect our most American people, who have also made it clear quire three-fifths supermajority to raise the vulnerable. Social Security would also be af- that they want Congress to come together and debt ceiling in the future. This bizarre legisla- fected, even though Social Security doesn’t solve our fiscal problems and to stop political tion would freeze into Federal law and the add 1 penny to the deficit. posturing. We need to be serious in our at- Constitution the same dysfunctional mechan- Rather than focusing on innovation, infra- tempts to right our fiscal ship, but this Majority ics which made the State of California the fis- structure, education, and jobs, Republicans is asking our seniors, our children and our cal basket case that it is today. want to manipulate the Constitution to make it middle class workers to take on all the sac- Fortunately, this wacky and irresponsible easier to cut Medicare and Social Security rifice while asking nothing of the wealthiest measure will not be enacted by this Congress; than to close special interest tax loopholes. amongst us. I therefore urge my colleagues to even if Congress were to pass it, the Presi- The bill destroys Social Security and Medi- reject this legislation. dent would veto it. The legislation does put the care as we know them. These programs are Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong spotlight on the risks to the country’s financial extremely important to seniors, especially to opposition to H.R. 2560, which should be future if voters reward this behavior. The only those in my district. H.R. 2560 is nothing more called the Cut, Cap, and Default Act. This is good that may come of the charade is that it than an ideological piece of legislation to pur- not a serious attempt to deal with our debt or might provide cover for a deal averting the sue a radical policy agenda of attacking the the looming threat that the United States could damage from the debt ceiling gamesmanship. livelihood of our seniors, while protecting tax default on its obligations. If the concern of the Everyone knows we must honor our debts. breaks for special interests and the wealthiest supporters of this legislation was truly our na- Perhaps this foolishness will permit Repub- Americans. For these reasons, I strongly urge tional debt, they would not be working to pass lican leadership to walk themselves and their my colleagues to oppose this legislation and a bill that would virtually guarantee default on members off the ledge and not punish Amer- stand firm in support of our seniors, children, our debt. This may provide some political ican families. I strongly oppose this cynical, ill- and most vulnerable. cover for certain members, but it is not a seri- advised proposal. Mr. PASCRELL. Mr. Speaker, ‘‘The Cut, ous response to the problems of our economy. Mr. REYES. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Cap, and Balance Act’’ shows yet again how To raise the debt limit, this legislation re- strongly oppose the Republican’s ‘‘Cut, Cap, out of step the Majority is with the needs and quires two-thirds of both chambers of Con- and Balance Act.’’ The only thing balanced concerns of ordinary Americans. With over 9 gress to pass a balanced budget amendment

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:14 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A19JY7.068 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5225 that games the system by making it far easier Balanced Budget Amendment to the U.S. 45 years behind the curve. Why would we tie to slash federal programs like Medicare (with Constitution. With this amendment we can Congress’ hands in the event of future eco- a simple majority vote) than to raise taxes on begin to restrain growth of Washington bu- nomic challenges? In economic downturns the wealthy or eliminate special interest loop- reaucrats whose sole job is to prevent re- Congress should be able to cut taxes or in- holes (a higher than majority, two-thirds of source development and make everyone’s life crease investments to stimulate growth. This members must agree). Unneeded tax breaks more complicated and more difficult. By forc- is basic economic policy. for oil companies or loopholes that benefit ing future Congress to spend only what they This proposal turns a blind eye not just to hedge fund managers would be protected, but take in revenue, we can finally create a gov- basic economics, but to the two pressing and Medicare, Social Security, unemployment in- ernment which lives within its means. related challenges facing our country: growing surance, and other programs that matter to In the 112th Congress, I am a proud and the economy and charting a course back to the middle class and the most vulnerable original cosponsor of a balanced budget fiscal balance. It would necessitate across the members of our community would be on the amendment and in previous Congresses I board cuts in the domestic programs—edu- chopping block. In addition to our social safety have voted for a balanced budget amendment cation, research, infrastructure and Medi- net programs, this bill would force cuts in pro- five separate times. Since my first vote in care—that make us strong and ensure our grams ensuring public safety, investing in edu- favor of a Balanced Budget Amendment in economic success. We know that the best cation and infrastructure, and protecting our 1982, I have supported the idea that Con- cure for a budget deficit is a growing econ- environment. gress, like every American family, must make omy, but this bill requires deep spending cuts Under this bill, multimillionaires could rest and stick to a budget. Alaskan families seem starting in October that could stall the recovery easy that they wouldn’t lose the generous tax to understand this concept, it is time that and put more Americans out of work. The budget surpluses we achieved during cuts they received under President George W. Washington learned from their example. the 1990s were the result of a concerted effort Bush. But poor seniors who need Medicaid to Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I rise is strong to balance the budget through a comprehen- be able to get nursing home care would be opposition to H.R. 2560. sive approach. Revenues, entitlements, mili- out of luck. Pell Grants that enable middle and This misguided legislation is a ridiculous tary and domestic spending—all were on the low income students to go to college would gimmick that has been dismissed as such by table. We balanced the budget four years in a have to be cut. Nutrition programs for children budget and economic experts on both sides of row. We paid off more than $400 billion of the and the elderly would be curtailed. Govern- the aisle. national debt. Yet those surpluses were ment efforts to protect clean air and water and It does nothing to pay our bills. It does noth- squandered during the George W. Bush ad- to protect the wildlife, especially endangered ing to create jobs and grow our economy. And ministration through trillions in tax cuts and species, would suffer. it does nothing to address the rapidly ap- two wars and a privatized prescription drug It has long been the goal of some to ‘‘starve proaching default crisis. plan—none of it paid for. Then, when the re- the beast,’’ that is, to cut taxes to the level So what would it actually do? cession hit in 2008, we were already deep in that government services they feel are unnec- It would destroy jobs and cause economic a fiscal hole and our ability to take effective essary are eliminated. These ‘‘services’’ in- catastrophe. It protects tax breaks and loop- countermeasures was dangerously com- clude Medicare, Medicaid, Social Security, en- holes for Big Oil and Wall Street by cutting the promised. We must never let that happen vironmental regulation, and the U.S. Depart- critical safety net programs seniors, children again. ment of Education to name a few well-known and American families depend on. And, it The bill before us is the opposite of a bal- targets. would double down on the draconian Ryan anced, comprehensive approach. This bill I recognize the need to get our debt under Budget, ending Medicare and more than dou- makes it easier for future Congresses to cut control. But we are in the process of recov- bling health care costs for seniors. Medicare than to close tax loopholes for oil ering from a devastating recession brought on Rather than wasting yet more time debating companies or millionaires, because it requires by the policies of the very people calling for a bill that won’t pass the Senate and would be a 2/3 vote for any measure that raises rev- cuts in spending today. We have to raise the vetoed by the President, we should be doing enue. The Ronald Reagan-Tip O’Neal agree- debt ceiling because we have less revenue the one thing guaranteed to reduce our deficit ment to save Social Security in 1983 would due to the Bush tax cuts, billions spent on two immediately—create jobs. not have passed this hurdle. George H. W. wars, and critically needed efforts to pull our Yes, we must make tough choices to reduce Bush’s bipartisan 1990 deficit reduction plan economy out of the nose dive it was in at the spending and balance our budget. But these would not have passed this hurdle, nor would end of the Bush administration. Holding the cuts must not endanger our economic future. the Democratic deficit reduction plan of 1993. full faith and credit of the United States hos- We still need to invest in innovation, infrastruc- So this bill willfully cuts off Congress’ access tage is not the answer to our problems. We ture and education to create the jobs today to the tools that have produced meaningful need to come together and take the respon- and in the future and to ensure a well-trained deficit reduction and boosted economic sible action of raising the debt limit and then workforce to do those jobs. growth, at a time when our economy is fragile Putting people to work and helping busi- move on to addressing the most serious crises and millions of Americans are out of work. facing our nation: stimulating job growth and nesses grow increases revenue streams and Perhaps this is just positioning by the House getting our economy moving again. decreases budget deficits. This is the most ef- majority, but there is no need for this Mr. YOUNG of Alaska. Mr. Speaker, only in fective way to reduce the deficit and pay our brinksmanship. We should not be making Washington can someone charge $14.3 trillion bills while still protecting our economic future. these decisions under duress, but that is ex- in debt, ask for a higher credit limit, and not This bill, however, would do the opposite by actly where the Republican no-compromise propose a single solution about how to control balancing the budget on the backs of seniors, majority has left us. They ask us to alter the their seemingly unrestrained spending. That is the middle income families and the most vul- fundamental relationship between our people just what the current Administration has asked nerable among us. and government—undermining Medicare, edu- Congress to do and it is something which I Our deficit is a serious problem that requires cation, infrastructure and research funding—by joined 317 of my colleagues, Republican and serious solutions. voting on a bill that has never seen a com- Democrat, in saying ‘‘no!’’ Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2560 is not a serious so- mittee vote and was only completed last Fri- As every Alaskan family knows, there is no lution, and I urge my colleagues to oppose it. day. magic wand that will just waive debt away. Mr. PRICE of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, This legislation is not worthy of Congress’ Rather, debt must be managed, luxuries must This ‘‘Cut, Cap and Gut’’ proposal isn’t just a approval, and it deserves rejection from those be given up, and budgets must be made and retread of the policies our colleagues voted for on both sides of the aisle who understand that adhered to. H.R. 2560, the Cut, Cap and Bal- in their extreme budget resolution that would it is a dangerous diversion from the pressing ance Act of 2011 employs what should be a end Medicare as we know it; it’s worse. This tasks of job creation and sound fiscal policy. common-sense approach to controlling and bill holds an increase in the debt limit hostage Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, in 1995, I paying down our bloated debt. By cutting to- to passage of a radical GOP Constitutional was one of only 72 Democrats to vote for the day’s spending and capping and indexing to- Amendment that would require even deeper balanced budget amendment, BBA, consid- morrow’s spending to our growth, we can cuts after ending Medicare as we know it. ered by the House, and I would vote for a begin to pay down the $46,000 that each and It arbitrarily caps federal spending at 18 per- straightforward BBA today. However, the bill every American owes. cent of GDP. To say this is unwise is an un- before us, H.R. 2560, the Cut, Cap and Bal- To ensure that future generations do not derstatement. The last time federal spending ance Act, does not meet this standard. make the same spending mistakes, H.R. 2560 was 18 percent or less of GDP was 1966. The H.R. 2560 would ensure massive cuts to will also encourage Congress to propose a problems of 2011 don’t call for a rigid ideology Social Security, Medicare and Medicaid by

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:30 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A19JY7.050 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5226 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 holding government spending to 18 percent of tecting tax breaks for the wealthiest est priorities. And this motion will en- Gross Domestic Product—which has not hap- folks in our country by providing sub- sure that our veterans are taken care pened since 1966. In addition, the defense sidies for corporations that take jobs of and they receive the benefits they budget is exempted from any cuts under this overseas, away from American work- have earned. plan. The only way to achieve a balanced ers, and by cutting Medicare and Social Let’s be clear. The passage of this budget would be to dismantle programs that Security benefits for our Nation’s sen- motion to recommit will not prevent help seniors and the disabled, while tax iors—balancing it on the backs of the passage of the underlying bill. If breaks for the wealthiest Americans and cor- them. the amendment is adopted, it will be porations that ship jobs overseas are pre- I have some problems with this bill, incorporated into the bill and the bill served. It is simply unacceptable to make sen- Mr. Speaker, but I am a realist, and I will be immediately voted upon. iors and the disabled bear such a large share realize, reluctantly, that it might just So though we may disagree on the of this burden, and this is why AARP and pass. So, regardless of how we may feel bill, today we have the opportunity many other groups oppose H.R. 2560. about the underlying legislation, this with this motion to recommit and my Mr. Speaker, this bill is a Republican gim- motion to recommit is something upon amendment to speak with one voice in mick, not a serious attempt to find common which we ought to all be able to agree. support of our veterans. ground and a reasonable approach to getting It simply says that it shall not be in It is up to all of us. I urge you to vote our deficit and debt under control, and I will order in the House of Representatives ‘‘yes’’ on this motion to recommit. But oppose it. or the Senate to consider any balanced let’s make sure that if this bill passes, Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. I yield back budget amendment to the Constitution the Cut, Cap and Balance and any bal- the balance of my time. that could result in a reduction in vet- anced budget will not result in a reduc- The SPEAKER pro tempore. All time erans’ benefits. tion of veterans benefits. Vote ‘‘yes’’ for debate has expired. b 1950 on the motion to recommit and protect Pursuant to House Resolution 355, Mr. Speaker, we have already seen our Nation’s veterans. the previous question is ordered on the what a shortfall in veterans funding Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. I rise in op- bill. can do. I remember the problems with position to the motion. The question is on the engrossment veterans care. I remember the $1 bil- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- and third reading of the bill. lion shortfall a few years ago when the tleman is recognized for 5 minutes. The bill was ordered to be engrossed Department of Veterans Affairs had to Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. Speaker, and read a third time, and was read the raid its operations and maintenance I have fantastic news. All of the gen- third time. account to help pay for veterans basic tleman from Georgia’s concerns have MOTION TO RECOMMIT medical care. already been addressed in this legisla- Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, Even now, veterans have to wait tion. I have a motion to recommit at the years to have their claims adjudicated Let me simply refer you to section desk. because they’re just are not enough ad- 317 where it says: ‘‘Exempt from direct The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is the judicators. They have to wait too long spending limits, section (b)(3), veterans gentleman opposed to the bill? to get doctors to get their treatment. benefits and services, which is all of Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. I am in its Mr. Speaker, with more of our service- function 700.’’ Let me refer you to sec- current form. members returning home every day, tion 318 that shows when it comes to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The more vets are returning home who sequester, which is basically an en- Clerk will report the motion to recom- have no opportunity or a limited op- forcement mechanism on spending mit. portunity for job training, returning caps, exemption, veterans benefits. The Clerk read as follows: home with PTSD, or returning home Veterans benefits are explicitly pre- Mr. Bishop of Georgia moves that the bill now having to face the possibility of served in this legislation just as they be recommited to the Committee on Rules limited educational benefits because of are with the budget that we had passed with instructions to report the following this bill and its progeny. that this cap and cut conformed to. amendment back to the House forthwith: So make no mistake, Mr. Speaker, At the end of section 301, add the following Mr. Speaker, now is not the time to new subsection: endanger benefits to our Nation’s vet- there are no cuts to veterans in here, (c) PROTECTING OUR VETERANS.—It shall erans. because we agree the men and women not be in order in the House of Representa- When veterans come home without out there fighting on the front lines for tives or the Senate to consider any balanced limbs because they have defended our our freedom have been given promises budget amendment to the Constitution that freedoms, we should not put in place to benefits like health care and others, could result in a reduction in veterans bene- Cut, Cap, and Balance legislation on and those promises all are to be kept. fits. their backs, the backs that are That is why we’ve already taken care The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- strained and damaged by the injuries of the gentleman’s concerns so the re- ant to the rule, the gentleman is recog- they sustained fighting for this coun- commit is unnecessary because we pre- nized for 5 minutes in support of his try. We should not stand idly by and serve the benefits explicitly. motion. watch this Congress endanger the wel- I yield back the balance of my time. Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker fare of our Nation’s heroes. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Without and my colleagues, there are many Today’s Nation’s military remains objection, the previous question is or- times when we come to this floor and deployed overseas as it has during the dered on the motion to recommit. engage in heated debate, and we have last 9 years. The funding requirements There was no objection. heard some heated debate today. This we face in meeting the needs have sig- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The so-called Cut, Cap, and Balance bill nificantly increased as we continue to question is on the motion to recommit. does just that. meet and address the longstanding The question was taken; and the It cuts and it caps programs that will issues from past and current wars. And Speaker pro tempore announced that work for everyone and put America we cannot watch the requirements for the noes appeared to have it. ahead of our competitors. It cuts and these fighting men and women who Mr. BISHOP of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, caps our ability to jump-start new in- come home continue to die. on that I demand the yeas and nays. dustries in our country, like clean en- These needs last long after the last The yeas and nays were ordered. ergy. It cuts and caps our ability to re- American combatants depart Iraq and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- build our economic infrastructure, like Afghanistan. This motion to recommit ant to clause 8 and clause 9 of rule XX, roads and bridges and ports, and to put would simply protect our veterans this 15-minute vote on the motion to people to work. It cuts and caps edu- from any potential unintended con- recommit will be followed by 5-minute cation and job training opportunities sequence resulting from this ill-con- votes on the passage of the bill, if or- to help middle class people get and ceived bill, the so-called Cut, Cap, and dered; and approval of the Journal. keep good jobs. Balance Act. The vote was taken by electronic de- Yes, it cuts and it caps, but it bal- The needs of America’s veterans, past vice, and there were—yeas 188, nays ances the cuts and the caps by pro- and future, should be one of our high- 236, not voting 8, as follows:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:14 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19JY7.062 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5227 [Roll No. 605] Guinta McCarthy (CA) Rooney Bilirakis Hall Pearce Guthrie McCaul Ros-Lehtinen Bishop (UT) Hanna Pence YEAS—188 Hall McClintock Roskam Black Harper Petri Ackerman Green, Gene Pallone Hanna McCotter Ross (FL) Blackburn Harris Pitts Altmire Grijalva Pascrell Harper McHenry Royce Bonner Hartzler Platts Andrews Gutierrez Pastor (AZ) Harris McKeon Runyan Bono Mack Hastings (WA) Poe (TX) Baca Hahn Payne Hartzler McKinley Ryan (WI) Boren Hayworth Pompeo Baldwin Hanabusa Pelosi Hastings (WA) McMorris Scalise Boustany Heck Posey Hayworth Barrow Hastings (FL) Perlmutter Rodgers Schilling Brady (TX) Hensarling Price (GA) Heck Meehan Bass (CA) Heinrich Peters Schmidt Brooks Herger Quayle Hensarling Mica Buchanan Herrera Beutler Becerra Higgins Peterson Schock Reed Herger Miller (FL) Bucshon Huelskamp Berkley Himes Pingree (ME) Schweikert Rehberg Herrera Beutler Miller (MI) Buerkle Huizenga (MI) Berman Hinojosa Polis Scott (SC) Reichert Huelskamp Miller, Gary Burgess Hultgren Bishop (GA) Hirono Price (NC) Scott, Austin Renacci Huizenga (MI) Mulvaney Burton (IN) Hunter Bishop (NY) Hochul Quigley Sensenbrenner Ribble Hultgren Murphy (PA) Calvert Hurt Boren Holden Rahall Sessions Rigell Hunter Myrick Camp Issa Rivera Boswell Holt Rangel Shimkus Brady (PA) Honda Hurt Neugebauer Campbell Jenkins Roby Reyes Simpson Braley (IA) Hoyer Issa Noem Cantor Johnson (IL) Roe (TN) Richardson Smith (NE) Brown (FL) Inslee Jenkins Nugent Capito Johnson (OH) Rogers (AL) Richmond Smith (NJ) Butterfield Israel Johnson (IL) Nunes Carter Johnson, Sam Rogers (KY) Ross (AR) Smith (TX) Capps Jackson (IL) Johnson (OH) Nunnelee Cassidy Jordan Rogers (MI) Rothman (NJ) Johnson, Sam Olson Southerland Chabot Kelly Cardoza Jackson Lee Roybal-Allard Rokita Carnahan (TX) Jordan Palazzo Stearns Chaffetz King (IA) Ruppersberger Rooney Carney Johnson (GA) Kelly Paul Stivers Coble King (NY) Rush Ros-Lehtinen Carson (IN) Johnson, E. B. King (IA) Paulsen Stutzman Coffman (CO) Kingston Ryan (OH) Roskam Chandler Jones King (NY) Pearce Sullivan Cole Kinzinger (IL) Sa´ nchez, Linda Ross (FL) Chu Kaptur Kingston Pence Terry Conaway Kline Royce T. Kinzinger (IL) Cicilline Keating Petri Thompson (PA) Cooper Labrador Runyan Sanchez, Loretta Kline Pitts Clarke (MI) Kildee Thornberry Cravaack Lamborn Ryan (WI) Sarbanes Labrador Platts Clarke (NY) Kind Tiberi Crawford Lance Scalise Schakowsky Lamborn Poe (TX) Clay Kissell Tipton Crenshaw Landry Schilling Schiff Lance Pompeo Culberson Lankford Cleaver Kucinich Turner Schmidt Schrader Landry Posey Davis (KY) Latham Clyburn Langevin Upton Schock Schwartz Lankford Price (GA) Denham LaTourette Cohen Larsen (WA) Walberg Schweikert Scott (VA) Latham Quayle Dent Latta Connolly (VA) Larson (CT) Walden Scott (SC) Scott, David LaTourette Reed Diaz-Balart Lewis (CA) Conyers Lee (CA) Walsh (IL) Scott, Austin Serrano Latta Rehberg Dold LoBiondo Cooper Levin Webster Sensenbrenner Sewell Lewis (CA) Reichert Dreier Long Costa Lewis (GA) West Sessions Sherman LoBiondo Renacci Duffy Lucas Costello Lipinski Shimkus Shuler Long Ribble Westmoreland Duncan (SC) Luetkemeyer Courtney Loebsack Whitfield Shuler Critz Lofgren, Zoe Sires Lucas Rigell Duncan (TN) Lummis Wilson (SC) Shuster Crowley Lowey Slaughter Luetkemeyer Rivera Ellmers Lungren, Daniel Wittman Simpson Cuellar Luja´ n Smith (WA) Lummis Roby Emerson E. Wolf Smith (NE) Cummings Lynch Speier Lungren, Daniel Roe (TN) Farenthold Manzullo Stark E. Rogers (AL) Womack Fincher Marchant Smith (NJ) Davis (CA) Maloney Smith (TX) Davis (IL) Markey Sutton Mack Rogers (KY) Woodall Fitzpatrick Marino Thompson (CA) Manzullo Rogers (MI) Yoder Flake Matheson Southerland DeFazio Matheson Stearns DeGette Thompson (MS) Marchant Rohrabacher Young (FL) Fleischmann McCarthy (CA) Matsui Stivers DeLauro McCarthy (NY) Tierney Marino Rokita Young (IN) Fleming McCaul Stutzman Deutch McCollum Tonko Flores McClintock NOT VOTING—8 Sullivan Dicks McDermott Towns Forbes McCotter Terry Dingell McGovern Tsongas Blumenauer Ellison Shuster Fortenberry McHenry Thompson (PA) Doggett McIntyre Van Hollen Capuano Giffords Young (AK) Foxx McIntyre Thornberry Donnelly (IN) McNerney Vela´ zquez Castor (FL) Hinchey Franks (AZ) McKeon Tiberi Doyle Meeks Visclosky Frelinghuysen McKinley Tipton Edwards Michaud Walz (MN) b 2017 Gallegly McMorris Turner Engel Miller (NC) Wasserman Gardner Rodgers Upton Eshoo Miller, George Schultz Messrs. OLSON and GINGREY of Garrett Meehan Walberg Farr Moore Waters Georgia changed their vote from ‘‘yea’’ Gerlach Mica Walden Fattah Moran Watt to ‘‘nay.’’ Gibbs Miller (FL) Filner Murphy (CT) Waxman Gibson Miller (MI) Walsh (IL) Frank (MA) Nadler Welch Mr. KEATING, Ms. SCHAKOWSKY Gingrey (GA) Miller, Gary Webster Fudge Napolitano Wilson (FL) and Messrs. THOMPSON of California Gohmert Mulvaney West Garamendi Neal Woolsey and GEORGE MILLER of California Goodlatte Murphy (PA) Westmoreland Whitfield Gonzalez Olver Wu changed their vote from ‘‘nay’’ to Gosar Myrick Green, Al Owens Yarmuth Gowdy Neugebauer Wilson (SC) ‘‘yea.’’ Granger Noem Wittman NAYS—236 So the motion to recommit was re- Graves (GA) Nugent Wolf jected. Graves (MO) Nunes Womack Adams Burton (IN) Emerson Griffin (AR) Nunnelee Woodall Aderholt Calvert Farenthold The result of the vote was announced Grimm Olson Yoder Akin Camp Fincher as above recorded. Guinta Palazzo Young (FL) Alexander Campbell Fitzpatrick Guthrie Paulsen Young (IN) Amash Canseco Flake The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Austria Cantor Fleischmann question is on the passage of the bill. NOES—190 Bachmann Capito Fleming The question was taken; and the Bachus Carter Flores Ackerman Carney DeGette Barletta Cassidy Forbes Speaker pro tempore announced that Altmire Carson (IN) DeLauro Bartlett Chabot Fortenberry the ayes appeared to have it. Andrews Chandler DesJarlais Barton (TX) Chaffetz Foxx RECORDED VOTE Baca Chu Deutch Bass (NH) Coble Franks (AZ) Bachmann Cicilline Dicks Benishek Coffman (CO) Frelinghuysen Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. Mr. Speaker, Baldwin Clarke (MI) Dingell Berg Cole Gallegly I demand a recorded vote. Barrow Clarke (NY) Doggett Biggert Conaway Gardner A recorded vote was ordered. Bass (CA) Clay Donnelly (IN) Bilbray Cravaack Garrett Becerra Cleaver Doyle Bilirakis Crawford Gerlach The SPEAKER pro tempore. This Berkley Clyburn Edwards Bishop (UT) Crenshaw Gibbs will be a 5-minute vote. Berman Cohen Eshoo Black Culberson Gibson The vote was taken by electronic de- Bishop (GA) Connolly (VA) Farr Blackburn Davis (KY) Gingrey (GA) vice, and there were—ayes 234, noes 190, Bishop (NY) Conyers Fattah Bonner Denham Gohmert Boswell Costa Filner Bono Mack Dent Goodlatte not voting 8, as follows: Brady (PA) Costello Frank (MA) Boustany DesJarlais Gosar [Roll No. 606] Braley (IA) Courtney Fudge Brady (TX) Diaz-Balart Gowdy Broun (GA) Critz Garamendi Brooks Dold Granger AYES—234 Brown (FL) Crowley Gonzalez Broun (GA) Dreier Graves (GA) Adams Austria Bass (NH) Butterfield Cuellar Green, Al Buchanan Duffy Graves (MO) Aderholt Bachus Benishek Canseco Cummings Green, Gene Bucshon Duncan (SC) Griffin (AR) Akin Barletta Berg Capps Davis (CA) Griffith (VA) Buerkle Duncan (TN) Griffith (VA) Alexander Bartlett Biggert Cardoza Davis (IL) Grijalva Burgess Ellmers Grimm Amash Barton (TX) Bilbray Carnahan DeFazio Gutierrez

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:30 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19JY7.046 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5228 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 Hahn Matsui Ryan (OH) Bono Mack Herger Polis Boren Hanna Nugent Hanabusa McCarthy (NY) Sa´ nchez, Linda Boswell Herrera Beutler Pompeo Brady (PA) Harris Olver Hastings (FL) McCollum T. Boustany Higgins Posey Burgess Hastings (FL) Pallone Heinrich McDermott Sanchez, Loretta Brady (TX) Hinojosa Price (GA) Cardoza Heck Pascrell Higgins McGovern Sarbanes Braley (IA) Holden Price (NC) Carney Himes Pastor (AZ) Himes McNerney Schakowsky Brooks Huelskamp Quayle Chandler Hirono Payne Hinojosa Meeks Schiff Broun (GA) Huizenga (MI) Quigley Clarke (NY) Hochul Peters Hirono Michaud Schrader Brown (FL) Hultgren Rangel Clay Holt Peterson Hochul Miller (NC) Schwartz Buchanan Hunter Rehberg Cleaver Honda Poe (TX) Holden Miller, George Conyers Hoyer Rahall Scott (VA) Bucshon Hurt Reichert Holt Moore Buerkle Inslee Costa Jackson Lee Reed Scott, David Ribble Honda Moran Burton (IN) Israel Courtney (TX) Renacci Serrano Richardson Hoyer Murphy (CT) Butterfield Issa Cravaack Johnson (OH) Reyes Sewell Rigell Inslee Nadler Calvert Jackson (IL) Crowley Kind Richmond Sherman Rivera Israel Napolitano Camp Jenkins Roby Davis (IL) Kinzinger (IL) Rooney Jackson (IL) Neal Sires DeFazio Kucinich Rush Campbell Johnson (GA) Roe (TN) Jackson Lee Olver Slaughter Dent Larson (CT) Ryan (OH) Canseco Johnson (IL) Rogers (AL) (TX) Owens Smith (WA) Cantor Johnson, E. B. Deutch Latham Sa´ nchez, Linda Rogers (KY) Johnson (GA) Pallone Speier Capito Johnson, Sam Dold Lee (CA) T. Rogers (MI) Johnson, E. B. Pascrell Stark Capps Jones Donnelly (IN) Lewis (GA) Sarbanes Rohrabacher Jones Pastor (AZ) Sutton Carnahan Jordan Duffy LoBiondo Schakowsky Rokita Kaptur Paul Thompson (CA) Carson (IN) Kaptur Edwards Loebsack Schiff Ros-Lehtinen Keating Payne Thompson (MS) Carter Keating Filner Lowey Schilling Roskam Kildee Pelosi Tierney Cassidy Kelly Fitzpatrick Lynch Shuler Ross (AR) Kind Perlmutter Tonko Chabot Kildee Forbes Maloney Sires Kissell Peters Chaffetz King (IA) Ross (FL) Foxx Matheson Slaughter Towns Rothman (NJ) Kucinich Peterson Tsongas Chu King (NY) Gardner Matsui Stivers Langevin Roybal-Allard Gerlach McCotter Pingree (ME) Van Hollen Cicilline Kingston Sutton Larsen (WA) Polis Clarke (MI) Royce Gibbs McDermott Terry Vela´ zquez Kissell Larson (CT) Price (NC) Clyburn Kline Ruppersberger Gibson McGovern Thompson (CA) Visclosky Lee (CA) Quigley Coble Labrador Ryan (WI) Gingrey (GA) McKinley Thompson (MS) Walz (MN) Levin Rahall Coffman (CO) Lamborn Sanchez, Loretta Graves (MO) Meeks Tiberi Lewis (GA) Rangel Wasserman Cohen Lance Scalise Green, Gene Miller (FL) Towns Lipinski Reyes Schultz Conaway Landry Schmidt Grijalva Moore Vela´ zquez Loebsack Richardson Waters Connolly (VA) Langevin Schock Grimm Napolitano Visclosky Lofgren, Zoe Richmond Watt Cooper Lankford Schrader Hahn Neal Wu Lowey Rohrabacher Waxman Costello Larsen (WA) Schwartz Luja´ n Ross (AR) Welch Crawford LaTourette Schweikert ANSWERED ‘‘PRESENT’’—1 Lynch Rothman (NJ) Wilson (FL) Crenshaw Latta Scott (SC) Amash Mack Roybal-Allard Woolsey Critz Levin Scott (VA) Maloney Ruppersberger Wu Cuellar Lewis (CA) Scott, Austin NOT VOTING—15 Markey Rush Yarmuth Culberson Lipinski Scott, David Bachmann Cole Gutierrez Cummings Lofgren, Zoe NOT VOTING—8 Sensenbrenner Bachus Dicks Hinchey Davis (CA) Long Serrano Blumenauer Ellison Nunes Blumenauer Ellison Hinchey Davis (KY) Lucas Sessions Capuano Giffords Runyan Capuano Engel Young (AK) DeGette Luetkemeyer Sewell Castor (FL) Gohmert Young (AK) Castor (FL) Giffords DeLauro Luja´ n Sherman Denham Lummis Shimkus ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE DesJarlais Lungren, Daniel Shuster The SPEAKER pro tempore (during The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Diaz-Balart E. Simpson the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Dingell Mack Smith (NE) Doggett Manzullo ing in this vote. ing in this vote. Smith (NJ) Doyle Marchant Smith (TX) Dreier Marino Smith (WA) b 2029 Duncan (SC) Markey b 2023 Southerland Duncan (TN) McCarthy (CA) So the Journal was approved. Speier So the bill was passed. Ellmers McCarthy (NY) Stark The result of the vote was announced Emerson McCaul The result of the vote was announced Stearns as above recorded. Engel McClintock as above recorded. Stutzman Eshoo McCollum Sullivan f A motion to reconsider was laid on Farenthold McHenry Thompson (PA) the table. Farr McIntyre Thornberry REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- Stated against: Fattah McKeon Tierney VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. Fincher McMorris Flake Rodgers Tipton H.R. 2553, AIRPORT AND AIRWAY 606 I in advertently missed the vote. Had I Tonko Fleischmann McNerney EXTENSION ACT OF 2011, PART been present, I would have voted ‘‘no.’’ Fleming Meehan Tsongas Flores Mica Turner IV Upton f Fortenberry Michaud Mr. WEBSTER, from the Committee Frank (MA) Miller (MI) Van Hollen THE JOURNAL Franks (AZ) Miller (NC) Walberg on Rules, submitted a privileged report Frelinghuysen Miller, Gary Walden (Rept. No. 112–155) on the resolution (H. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Fudge Miller, George Walsh (IL) Res. 357) providing for consideration of ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the unfin- Gallegly Moran Walz (MN) Wasserman the bill (H.R. 2553) to amend the Inter- ished business is the question on agree- Garamendi Mulvaney Garrett Murphy (CT) Schultz nal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend the ing to the Speaker’s approval of the Gonzalez Murphy (PA) Waters funding and expenditure authority of Journal, on which the yeas and nays Goodlatte Myrick Watt the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to were ordered. Gosar Nadler Waxman Gowdy Neugebauer Webster amend title 49, United States Code, to The question is on the Speaker’s ap- Granger Noem Welch extend the airport improvement pro- proval of the Journal. Graves (GA) Nunnelee West gram, and for other purposes, which Westmoreland This will be a 5-minute vote. Green, Al Olson was referred to the House Calendar and The vote was taken by electronic de- Griffin (AR) Owens Whitfield Griffith (VA) Palazzo Wilson (FL) ordered to be printed. vice, and there were—yeas 304, nays Guinta Paul Wilson (SC) 112, answered ‘‘present’’ 1, not voting Guthrie Paulsen Wittman f 15, as follows: Hall Pearce Wolf Hanabusa Pelosi Womack REMOVAL OF NAME OF MEMBER [Roll No. 607] Harper Pence Woodall AS COSPONSOR OF H.R. 451 YEAS—304 Hartzler Perlmutter Woolsey Hastings (WA) Petri Yarmuth Mr. BOSWELL. Mr. Speaker, I ask Ackerman Bartlett Biggert Hayworth Pingree (ME) Yoder Adams Barton (TX) Bilbray unanimous consent that my name be Heinrich Pitts Young (FL) removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 451. Aderholt Bass (NH) Bilirakis Hensarling Platts Young (IN) Akin Becerra Bishop (GA) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Alexander Benishek Bishop (UT) NAYS—112 objection to the request of the gen- Austria Berg Black Barletta Berkley Blackburn Altmire Baca Bass (CA) tleman from Iowa? Barrow Berman Bonner Andrews Baldwin Bishop (NY) There was no objection.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:30 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19JY7.047 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5229 WHERE’S YOUR PLAN, MR. Bob served as the Senate majority has had a spending problem, because PRESIDENT? leader in North Dakota for 10 years, they have been living within their (Mr. FLEMING asked and was given and he worked incredibly hard for the means for a long time. They have been permission to address the House for 1 State that he loved, and he worked sitting around the kitchen table fig- minute.) through a system that he believed in uring out how to make do with what Mr. FLEMING. Mr. Speaker, just mo- called the legislative process. He was they have got. And yet in Washington, ments ago this body passed the Cut, respected and admired by those of us it seems like liberal leadership over Cap, and Balance bill. Today we stand who served alongside him in the State here wants to ignore the problem. at a crossroads that will define our Na- legislature. We have passed a plan today in the tion’s financial security for genera- And his tireless legislative work is House with Cut, Cap, and Balance that tions. Republicans, we have a plan that one of the reasons North Dakota is controls spending in Washington and cuts the Federal budget, caps Federal doing so well today. As Bob would say: puts us on a path to a balanced budget. spending, and balances the Federal We are the envy of the Nation. And what’s the President’s plan? We budget with a constitutional amend- It hurts knowing my friend is gone, have still yet to hear his plan. All we ment so we do not have this problem in and I ask that we all keep his wife, hear are speeches and class warfare perpetuity. Kathy, and the Stenehjem family in where the President tries to pit one Democrats, well, there is no plan, no our thoughts and prayers. group of Americans against another, as plan to bring this country back to fi- North Dakota has lost a wonderful if corporate jet owners and million- nancial sanity. Yet my colleagues on public servant. But I know that Bob’s aires and billionaires can solve the the left continue to criticize the House character and beliefs will continue problem. If he confiscated every single Republican plan. In all the time my through his policy and prosperity for dollar they have, it wouldn’t address colleagues on the Democrat side have years to come. the problem. been attacking the House Republican I will miss Bob very much. Now it is time to get real. If the plan, they could have come up with one f President wants to get serious about addressing the spending problems in of their own. Even the President talks AMERICANS LOSE WITH PASSAGE this Nation, it is time for him to con- about his plan; yet he has yet to OF CUT, CAP, AND BALANCE produce one. This shows once again a front what Cut, Cap, and Balance real- (Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas asked ly does, and that is to finally tell complete failure of leadership by Presi- and was given permission to address dent Obama and congressional Demo- Washington it is time to start living the House for 1 minute and to revise within your means, just like families crats. and extend her remarks.) The American people spoke loudly across this country have been doing for Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. Mr. years. and clearly in the 2010 elections: They Speaker, I just heard celebration just a want Federal spending cut. It’s that few minutes ago regarding the passage f simple. Let’s follow through and not of the Cut, Cap, and Balance that real- b 2040 let the American people down. ly should be named the Tap Dance, Es- MEDICARE UNDER ATTACK f tablishing the Losers Club for Ameri- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. REMEMBERING JAMES T. MOLLOY cans, and the Busting of Benefits for Americans bill, because what we are STUTZMAN). Under the Speaker’s an- (Mr. ENGEL asked and was given doing is tap dancing around the respon- nounced policy of January 5, 2011, the permission to address the House for 1 sibility of this Congress to in fact raise gentleman from New York (Mr. TONKO) minute and to revise and extend his re- the debt limit as we have done 60 is recognized for half the remaining marks.) times. time until 10 p.m. as the designee of Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, it is my And, of course, we are establishing the minority leader. sad duty to report the passing of a losers by the very fact that interest Mr. TONKO. Thank you, Mr. Speak- former officer of this House, door- rates will go up, Social Security and er. keeper James T. Molloy. other benefits, Medicare will be gone, It is our pleasure during the next 40- Jim, as he was known to so many, U.S. credit will be downgraded and the or-so minutes to express concerns served as doorkeeper for 20 years, when Chamber of Commerce and hundreds of about a Medicare program that has I first came to Congress from 1974 to businesses will in fact be begging for us served this Nation’s seniors so very 1994. He was known throughout the to lift the debt ceiling. well for 45 years and is at risk of being world for his distinctive introduction But, more importantly, we will cause ended. of the President and heads of State to America’s lack of paying her bills to Tonight, we witnessed on this floor Congress. He is the one who would al- hurt families and businesses. And let the third such vote to end Medicare by ways yell: Ladies and gentlemen, the me introduce you to the losers. Now the Republican majority. We know President of the United States. that this bill has passed, welcome to that our seniors would be forced to Jim, a native of Buffalo, New York, the losers: soldiers and their families, shop in a private market. The cer- was a graduate of Canisius College and their grandparents and mothers and fa- tainty of a guaranteed program that worked as a fireman and schoolteacher thers who are back here in this country has been available to our Nation’s sen- before coming to Washington at the in- while they are on the front lines in iors since 1966 is at risk. The money vitation of Congressman John Rooney Iraq and Afghanistan. that the government would kick in for of New York. He leaves his beloved Today we just voted H.R. 2650 to in coverage would not keep pace with the wife, Roseann, and his daughter, Amy. fact establish a club of losers for these costs for those health care policies, and We will all miss him. We all remem- patriots who have served their country. so our seniors would be forced to dig ber him, and we all loved him. What a shame. What a shame. into their pockets, reach into those f f pockets and perhaps have their costs, their contributions, more than dou- HONORING NORTH DAKOTA SEN- TIME FOR WASHINGTON TO LIVE bled. This is an unnecessary step that ATE MAJORITY LEADER BOB WITHIN ITS MEANS is being taken against our Nation’s STENEHJEM (Mr. SCALISE asked and was given seniors that is irresponsible. (Mr. BERG asked and was given per- permission to address the House for 1 We believe that what we have seen mission to address the House for 1 minute.) since that threshold in time in 1965 minute.) Mr. SCALISE. Mr. Speaker, tonight when we approved such a measure, the Mr. BERG. Mr. Speaker, today I the House finally passed a real plan impact from the private sector health would like to honor a statesman and that addresses this Nation’s spending care industry has witnessed a growth of my good friend, Senator Bob crisis. over 5,000 percent in the cost of pre- Stenehjem, who passed away yesterday I think many American families out miums in that time since 1965. The im- in a tragic car accident. there already know that Washington pact on seniors has been certainly far

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:30 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.175 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5230 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 less than that. We have seen the con- you for bringing this issue alive this This is not the America that I want taining of administrative costs, we evening and for giving us this time to to live in. This is the America of the avoid marketing requirements with the discuss this. 1950s when there was no Medicare and Medicare program, and we have been Many, many thoughts went through when seniors were in wards left to die, able to share benefits with our Nation’s my mind today as this vote and the de- or in no care at all. Every American 65 seniors in a way that protected their bate went along. As it was debated by years of age is guaranteed a com- health care coverage, that enabled our Republican colleagues, I just prehensive health care benefit. It’s them to enjoy a quality of life. couldn’t understand where they were called Medicare. Whatever else we It can easily be documented that coming from. What would motivate stand for, that’s where the Democrats when our Nation’s seniors retired back them to want to destroy Medicare? And stand. We will fight this fight. We will in the sixties, they would see their eco- Medicaid? Why would they do that? not lose this fight. nomic durability challenged. Their The thoughts just reeled through my strength, their economic opportunity mind, and I’m going, I guess maybe b 2050 to grow forward into retirement was they had had a different experience This is about the very heart and soul oftentimes impacted by the cost of than I did. of this Nation. medical needs. There was cherry-pick- I was a young boy in the 1950s, and Mr. TONKO, thank you for these mo- ing going on, there were opportunities there was no Medicare, and there was ments. that were denied our Nation’s seniors, no Medicaid. My father was a rancher. Mr. TONKO. I think it’s important and they were asked to absorb an inor- We grew up in a ranching area up in for us to share with the American pub- dinate amount of pressure in order to the foothills of California, in the Moth- lic what’s happening on this floor in continue forward in soundness, in er Lode Gold Country. He took me one the House of Representatives. So many wellness and certainly to have the cov- day to the county hospital. It was one suggest that the history that drove erage that was required to meet their of the most horrible moments I can re- Medicare to be developed, the dynam- health care needs. member as a child, because the wards, ics that were so impacting on the sen- All of this now is at risk with several there was just a ward, maybe 20 or 30 ior community across this country proposals. We’ve seen a Ryan plan, a very elderly men, and then on the coast-to-coast, could be revisited if budget that Republicans produced. The other side elderly women, who were their proposal to end Medicare—the Ryan Road to Ruin, as we’ve des- dying. Their medical care wasn’t avail- Republican proposal to end Medicare— ignated it, would cause severe hardship able to them. were to take hold. And I know Rep- on our Nation’s seniors. We saw the Re- Sometime later, maybe another resentative COURTNEY, JOE COURTNEY publican Study Committee come up month after that, we were out chasing from Connecticut, understands that. with a vote that again ended Medicare. cattle that had gotten loose—I was just He has shared those concerns over and And today, when we witnessed this at- a young man—and one of our neigh- over again, that we could go back and tempt to play with the United States bors, we came upon the neighbor and revisit history of 45 years ago, 46 years Constitution, to make it very easy to asked where the cattle might be, and ago, when people literally were im- end Medicare while making it even he said they were down that way. He pacted by cherry-picking going on, more difficult to address those deep had this huge growth on his mouth, where they couldn’t afford policies pockets that get favorable treatment and my dad asked about that, and he even if they were offered to them, and by some go continuing on because it said, it’s cancer. He had no insurance. many times they couldn’t get policies would be more difficult to end that op- He had no care. He was probably 70, 75, written to cover them. 80 years old. He died shortly thereafter. portunity. Representative COURTNEY, thank you In 1965, this country did a remark- So what we have here tonight is an for joining us this evening on what is able, beautiful, wonderful thing. We opportunity to discuss the assault on an important bit of information ex- America’s working families, the as- gave to every senior in America med- change for America. They need to sault on her seniors, the Nation’s sen- ical care, doctor and hospital care, the know that the seniors are at risk. iors, by ending Medicare, ending Medi- opportunity to live longer, to have that Mr. COURTNEY. Thank you, Mr. care that puts the private sector insur- cancer treated, to eliminate those TONKO. wards in the county hospital where ance industry in control. They put I want to thank Congressman them in the driver’s seat, they require people simply were warehoused to die. GARAMENDI, who did great service as our seniors to shop with a voucher that And here today, for the third time the insurance commissioner in the won’t nearly cover the cost of those since January of this year, the Repub- State of California. He understands premiums, and, again, require them to licans have put forth a proposal—and these issues intimately. pay double as we go forward. hopefully it will never become law—to We are joined by Representative terminate Medicare. I think this is really a generational gut check for our country in terms of GARAMENDI from California here this Have no doubt about it, Mr. TONKO, whether or not this attempt to butcher evening and Representative JOE COURT- they would terminate Medicare. As you Medicare, one of the most successful NEY from Connecticut. The three of us said, they would turn it over to the pri- will share thoughts about how to bet- vate insurance companies, with a programs in American and world his- ter address the economic pressures on voucher, insufficient to pay for medical tory, is going to succeed or not. John this Nation today without ending care insurance from an insurance com- described very powerfully the public Medicare. It has been a lifesaver for so pany today. The discrimination that wards in the public hospitals and the many of our Nation’s seniors and has exists in insurance for people with pre- third-tier status that seniors had prior provided a sense of security, of predict- existing conditions, and the paramount to 1965. Kaiser Permanente actually did ability in their budgeting as they go preexisting condition in America is a study in terms of just reminding us forward in retirement years. age. If you’re 55, 60, 65, you have a pre- of what this country faced when Presi- Representative JOHN GARAMENDI existing condition. It’s called age. dent Johnson signed that legislation on from California, thank you for joining What will come of those people? Harry Truman’s porch step. At the us this evening. You witnessed it here What is this Nation all about? Who time Medicare passed, only 50 percent tonight, as Mr. COURTNEY and I both are we as Americans? Who are we as of seniors over 65 in America had did, Representative COURTNEY from Americans that on this floor in a cha- health insurance of any sort whatso- Connecticut and I, witnessed yet an- rade, in a falsehood, brought to Amer- ever. Part of it was class. Part of it was other vote that would mean the end for ica today, and twice previously, legis- the underwriting rules. But part of it Medicare, because it’s an attempt to lation that doesn’t deal with the funda- is, just as Mr. GARAMENDI said, age is a play with the Constitution, mess with mental issues of the budget, the tax factor which carries risk. And there is our Constitution in a way that would issues, the revenue side of it, real re- no insurance company that evaluates really focus on hardship for our Na- form in the programs, whether it’s risk within its own book of business tion’s seniors. Medicare or the military. Real reforms. that can really take all comers when Mr. GARAMENDI. Thank you very No, no, no. Just cut, slash, burn, and you’re talking about a population of 65 much, Representative TONKO. Thank take your seniors, toss them aside. and up. Life expectancy was 70 in 1965.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:30 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.184 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5231 So we passed Medicare, and what doughnut hole so that prescription biggest State—California. Also, there happened is we created a guaranteed costs that are impacting seniors—my is this kind of discrimination that benefit. The genius of Medicare is that gosh, with the passage of time, we have takes place. we pooled the risk, and we actually seen advancements in pharmaceutical Let me just put this additionally to made an affordable system financed research that provides more oppor- it. The private health insurance com- through payroll taxes, premiums. The tunity for wellness or for cure. That pany is grossly inefficient. It is ineffi- system has had its ups and downs fi- has stretched opportunities galore for cient. It has enormous additional costs nancially over the past 45 years. The our seniors. But they would raid those that Medicare does not have. By com- fact of the matter is we now have a life savings and pull them away again from parison, Medicare is a very efficient op- expectancy of 78 in this country. It has our senior community and use those in eration. It takes about 2 percent to worked. We have also alleviated the other ways, which we find very offen- raise the money and another, maybe, 2 crushing out-of-pocket costs that sen- sive. or 3 percent to pay the bills and, on the iors faced in 1965, and we have elevated This ending of Medicare with this provider side, maybe another 10 per- the status of people in that demo- third vote tonight, how much more do cent to do the billing also. Maybe the graphic in a way that the private in- we need to challenge the security of total cost is somewhere at about 15 surance market just was totally in- seniors out there? They’re disturbed percent in administrative costs. The capable of doing it. every time they hear of this effort to private insurance companies run some- Last year, we passed the Affordable end Medicare. We want to make it where near 30 percent in administra- Care Act, which modified Medicare and stronger. We’re talking about all sorts tive costs when you consider profit, made some important improvements of efforts to bulk purchase pharma- when you consider the advertising, and changes. We now have annual ceuticals for the Medicare program, sales commissions. And they have checkups covered. We now have cancer which would make it stronger. They thousands of different policies covering screenings. We now have extended pre- forecast $156 billion or $157 billion of this, but not covering that, this de- scription drug benefits. And one of the savings to the Federal Government ductible, that deductible. And when it things that the Republicans claim, in that would provide correspondingly gets to the provider, the ultimate trying to sell this measure with snake some $27 billion in savings for indi- chaos. So the administrative cost in oil, frankly, is that somehow people vidual seniors just by doing that. the private system is about twice what who are 55 and above today will not be So there’s an all-out effort here to it is in Medicare. Medicare is a very ef- affected by the passage of the Ryan strengthen Medicare, not to end it. And ficient, very effective, universal pro- plan. In fact, we know that if you look it’s sad that tonight we witnessed the gram that raises the money in a very at that plan, it cancels all of those new third vote cast here, with the major- fair way. benefits in year one. ity’s support so that it passed in the So seniors who now—hundreds of House, to move forward and include in thousands—have gotten their annual that packaging the ending of Medicare. b 2100 checkups in the last 8 or 9 months Representative GARAMENDI, you have All of us pay for it, and all of us since the new benefit kicked in, cancer a chart up there. should be getting that benefit when we screenings that kicked in, prescription Mr. GARAMENDI. I have this chart. get to be 65—but not so in the private drug assistance that’s now providing We’ve used it before as we’ve discussed sector. Our Republican colleagues want health for seniors in the doughnut Medicare. It brings this whole thing to take all of this money and hand it hole, all of that would be canceled right into focus. This is a tombstone. over to the private insurance market today, and any prospective change that Medicare. 1966–2011. Created by LBJ. and say, ‘‘Okay. You guys take care of is proposed in this system, which Destroyed by the GOP. It may be a lit- it.’’ It’s less efficient. It’s certainly again, starting for individuals 55 and tle harsh, but this is really the reality deadly in denying coverage and bene- under, now will be left in a private in- of what is going on here. It’s the end of fits. Just compared to Medicare, it’s surance market with a totally inad- Medicare as we know it. It’s the end of very inefficient. equate voucher, as Mr. GARAMENDI the guaranteed benefit program, and it said. Again, that’s where the real does turn everyone who is 55 years and Mr. TONKO. Representative butchering of Medicare takes place. younger over to the insurance indus- GARAMENDI, earlier you had talked But there is no question for anyone try. about the impact on the 55-year-old or who’s listening tonight that if you are I spoke to this briefly before—and 54-year-old. If you look at a 54-year-old a senior citizen on Medicare, the false Mr. COURTNEY, thank you for remind- today, that individual is advised to claim that you are somehow insulated ing me that I was the insurance com- save some $182,000 to $190,000 so as to from this measure because of the fact missioner in California for 8 years. I have that available cash to cover the that you’re already in the program, fought tooth and nail with the insur- deficiency that’s going to come with that is something that people have got ance industry over health care and this end to Medicare, where you shop to recognize and understand. That new automobile and homeowner and other with this voucher, and it’s only going benefits that are making this a smart- kinds of insurance. In the health care to cover 32 cents on the dollar. So that er, more effective program are going to sector, the private health insurance 54-year-old is already impacted, but be canceled in year one if this measure, companies are about profit. That’s there is more to the picture than that. God forbid, ever is enacted. their goal. They are profit-making or- When you draw the line in the sand Mr. TONKO. Very well said, Rep- ganizations. And to enhance their prof- and say, ‘‘look, we end Medicare, and resentative COURTNEY. its, they do a variety of things. Deny so those under 55 today will have to What I think upsets all three of us is coverage. You’ve got a policy? Oh, but fend for themselves,’’ they’ll shop out the fact that, with the Affordable Care that was a preexisting condition, and in the private sector market, but when Act, where we found savings by reining therefore we’re not going to cover it. you don’t have the newly entering sen- in some of the profit margins of insur- Or, gee, that kind of treatment is not ior community as they turn 65 enter ance companies that were used—those covered. into the mix, there is a correlation of savings were used to fill the doughnut There was a lot of talk about death age with the drawdown of the health hole that you just talked about— panels. I’ll tell you where the death care system. As you take the younger they’re now taking those savings and panel is—and I saw this as insurance senior population, they provide for sharing them in a way that’s not going commissioner. I saw insurance compa- that ebb and flow within the pooling to benefit seniors, and they’re not nies denying treatment that led to the that Representative COURTNEY talked going to fill that doughnut hole. So death of numerous individuals over about earlier. The beauty of the pro- when seniors come to us and say, Look, those 8 years. The real death panels gram is that you pool seniors from the what is this talk about Medicare? have been the private insurance compa- very youngest of seniors to ‘‘senior’’ they’re saying, You destroyed Medi- nies. In Medicare, I know of no case seniors, and as that need for health care. No. We were working to make it where that has happened. Maybe it did, care grows with age, the newly enter- stronger. We’re working to fill the but I’m unaware of it, and I had the ing help provide that balance. So the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:34 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.185 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5232 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 stability of the program and the dura- solvency reports as an excuse to basi- Mr. TONKO, you raised that point. To bility of that program is at risk, I be- cally eliminate the guaranteed benefit. this day, we’ve not had our Republican lieve, because we’re changing the dy- Again, it is our duty as Members of colleagues come along and say, ‘‘Oh, namics. Congress to make sure that we protect yeah. There’s a good way to save Representative COURTNEY, you have for the next generation the benefit that money. We’ll just negotiate for the talked about the security of that pro- our parents enjoyed and that pushed drugs.’’ It turns out, as to the military gram, of the stability that we can pro- out solvency from age 70 in 1965 to age and the health care services provided vide, and how we in this House, as 78 today. That is a Medicare success, by it, they can negotiate for drugs, but Democrats, have been working to and we cannot go backwards as a Na- Medicare cannot. strengthen the Medicare program: to tion. So it costs us, you said, $150 billion build the trust fund so that there is Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. COURTNEY, over 10 years. Is that the number you this underpinning of support that will thank you for pointing out that very, came up with? enable the program to continue to very important fact that seems to have Mr. TONKO. I believe it’s $157 billion, meet the needs of the upcoming popu- been totally overlooked in today’s de- right. It’s a benefit that ought to be lation of baby boomers. bate, at least by our Republican col- shared on behalf of our Nation’s sen- Mr. COURTNEY. Right, and thank leagues. iors. you. There is another factor here, and To the points made earlier in this Because there was so much, almost, that is that Medicare, like all medical discussion as to the efforts for preven- fear language surrounding this debate services across the United States, tion, for screenings, that do not require in terms of whether Medicare is bank- whether you are in Kaiser or in Blue co-payments or deductibles—the an- rupt, whether Medicare is going broke, Cross, Anthem or Medicare—all of nual checkups—these are all elements whether Medicare is running out of these programs are carried along on that were introduced and imbedded money, it’s important for people to go the inflationary wave in health care, into our reform package to contain back and read the trustees’ report, which actually runs two or three times costs, to bend that cost curve. which was just issued a few weeks ago. the general inflation of our economy. The real concern that so many have It is a report that is issued on an an- So health care is growing very, very raised from the Democratic member- nual basis. It has been since 1966 when rapidly overall. It turns out that the ship in this House is that we’re not pro- inflation rate in Medicare is about one Harry Truman was the first Medicare viding the sorts of savings for our sen- half the inflation rate in the general beneficiary to sign up for the program iors, that we’re not bending that cost health care system. Now, if Medicare is with his wife, Bess; but it has had its curve. When you send them out to shop part of the health care system and ups-and-downs over the years. and don’t even give them adequate cov- takes care of the most expensive part The report that just came out said erage—32 cents—and then the indexing of the population, how is it that Medi- that Medicare is fully solvent, can pay into the future is not keeping pace care is not inflating—the costs are not all of its bills through 2024 and that it with the projected inflation of health going up—as fast as the costs are in the can pay 90 percent of its bills through care costs, we’re putting them at risk. 2045. private health insurance sector? The reason is, as I discussed before, We’re targeting them for defeat. Now, there is no question that, com- They’re saying, Well, you’re going to pared to last year’s report, there was Medicare is very efficient. It is a very, very efficient program: a universal have 13 or 15 plans from which to some deterioration in terms of that choose as you shop in the open mar- projection, but the trustees were care- benefit across the Nation, uniform; clear deductibles, clear co-pays; and in ket.—That isn’t bending the cost ful to point out the fact that that slip- curve. page in terms of some of the years of Medicare part B, cost sharing. All of that is there and it’s understood. The So the economic consequences here lost solvency was due to the economy private insurance has 1,000 different are, first and foremost, the hardship and due to payroll tax collection. It policies—chaos throughout the mar- that seniors will have to embrace, that had nothing to do with overuse or cer- ketplace. they’ll have to endure. Then also, when tainly nothing to do with the Afford- Now, we’ve talked about this a little we look back at 1966 and 1965, the able Care Act. In fact, they said the op- bit. We really need to have Americans available cash—the economic vitality posite, which was that the Affordable understand that the Affordable Health of a senior household—was drained. It Care Act actually extended the sol- Care Act had a whole series of very, went south because medical costs were vency of the Medicare program by a very important legislative activities usurping their retirement funds. factor of 8 years. Thank God we had that will reduce the overall cost of b 2110 passed that legislation, because we health care. really would almost be bumping up An example is electronic medical Think of it. Those dollars not only into a cliff at this point if we hadn’t records, not written records by a doc- help provide stability and security for done it. tor or a nurse—either legible or illegi- our Nation’s seniors, but that’s avail- But again, I think it’s important for ble, stacked in a great big stack of pa- able cash that they can use to perhaps people to remember that, going back in pers—and all of us have seen those. have a meal out at a restaurant in time to 1970, the Medicare solvency re- Electronic medical records. It’s a very, their local community. There are dol- port that came out for the trustees very important way to reduce prob- lars that are made available that get projected 2 years of solvency as to lems, to reduce misunderstandings, a spun into the regional economy that when it was going to hit that tipping back-and-forth with drugs and the like. allow for the comeback. So this is very point. When Ronald Reagan was Presi- Another very important factor is interesting. dent in 1983 and came to the Congress, hospital infection rates. Hospitals have The programs, the cuts that they’re seeking an increase in the debt limit to a very high infection rate, and don’t suggesting, are all in areas that can avoid default, Medicare solvency was get paid a second time for retreating help create jobs and improve economic half of what it is today. So the fact is the original illness when that person viability. that it has had its challenges. comes in. It has a very, very important Mr. COURTNEY. We had a town hall As you point out, there are good impact on reducing the cost of medical meeting in my district, talking about ideas about using bulk purchasing, and services. There were many other things the Medicare program. We had Dr. Re- there are good ideas about revisiting you talked about—the drug benefit. becca Andrews—she’s a primary care the subsidized insurance program in By the way, how is it that during the doc at the University of Connecticut terms of the size of the insurance com- Bush period when the Medicare part D, Health Center—and she was talking pany subsidies. We can deal with that the drug benefit, went into place that about the new annual screening cov- 10 percent shortfall between 2024 and the pharmaceutical industry was so erage where she had one of her patients 2045 without butchering the program. powerful that they denied American who was kind of a big husky guy, kind That really is, in my opinion, the wolf taxpayers the opportunity for the gov- of. They used to kind of razz each in sheep’s clothing surrounding this de- ernment to negotiate for the price of other. But she had 45 minutes with bate in that somehow people are using drugs? him. She did the soup-to-nuts checkup.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:34 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.187 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5233 She ordered a urine test, which she decade. Exxon last year, $10 billion; iors who are going to pay at least $6,000 normally wouldn’t with the old system. Conoco $2.1 billion; Chevron, $6 billion; more to have the health care coverage She found a tiny, microscopic spec of BP, infamous BP, $7.2 billion. Yet they if they, in fact, can get it. blood, or they did at the lab, which receive our tax subsidies. You take this Mr. COURTNEY. If I can just sort of they were a little concerned about. She and you apply it over the last decade, finish, the point is that we were talk- called him back in, did a follow-up. It and it is just $950 billion of profit—$50 ing about two programs right now that turned out he had bladder cancer. billion less than a trillion dollars of did not create the deficit issue that is Because they were able to detect it profit. so quickly because of that annual And yet defending the oil companies facing this country. checkup and the cancer screening tests are our Republican colleagues, saying We had two massive tax cuts for the that are now covered under Medicare, no, no, no. You can’t touch Big Oil. super-rich. We have two wars that it was a day surgery, in and out, a real- You can’t take away their tax sub- haven’t been paid for and a prescrip- ly very nonintrusive event that cost a sidies, but you can surely go after sen- tion drug benefit which was passed dur- fraction of what it would have been if iors and take $6,000 out of the pocket of ing the last administration which was he had not had that checkup to detect every senior with this Medicare pro- never paid for, which we dealt with in that cancer early. And she had at least gram. the Affordable Care Act to offset that. two other patients, because of the new Mr. TONKO. It’s very obvious from The Trustees report says that we’ve Affordable Care Act annual checkup, the polls being taken by many, many got 100 percent solvency through 2024, where they detected cancer and again organizations out there that the Amer- 90 percent solvency through 2045, and were able to intervene at a low cost ican public said it’s about jobs. We 100 percent solvency for the Social Se- compared to what it would have been if need jobs in the economy in order to curity system until 2037. it had been a full-blown case. make things work. It will reduce the Mr. TONKO. Representative COURT- deficit. It will put people to work. It Mr. TONKO. And, Representative NEY, I think what we’re talking about will start growing the economic engine COURTNEY, when you talk about all of here is legitimate reform in a way that of neighborhoods and States and the those costs, they were never put in the bends that cost curve and takes a entire country. budget. They were off-budget. So that sound economic program like Medicare But what we’re seeing is that there’s meant that those two wars, the phar- for our Nation’s seniors and allows for this Republican assault on the middle maceutical deal for Medicare part D, that benefit and pulls the resources class. They’re cutting programs that and the tax breaks for millionaires and from coast to coast to serve our Na- serve the middle class. They’re cutting billionaires all had to be borrowed tion’s seniors well. programs that create jobs and invest in money, and so we borrowed from The concern here is, Representative a new economy. But they’re leaving China, Saudi Arabia, all to make it GARAMENDI, they want to give their alone these groups that are actually happen. friends with deep pockets more oppor- not—they’re earning record profits, This was dishonest budgeting, and it tunity for business. End Medicare to and we’re still giving them hard-earned was favoring deep pockets over, evi- provide more business for the private taxpayer dollars in the form of hand- dently, seniors. And now the solution? sector insurance industry. Privatize outs and subsidies to the oil industry, End Medicare, block grant Medicaid, Social Security, right? to various industries that are just be- privatize Social Security. This is an as- Mr. GARAMENDI. It was the bill friended by those in the House that they introduced. want to play off the middle class and sault on middle class values on our Na- Mr. TONKO. I think you have a chart end Medicare, which is a very dan- tion’s seniors. there that talks about another special gerous precedent that will be set. Representative GARAMENDI, we’ll interest. Representative GARAMENDI, you move to you. Mr. GARAMENDI. Before we go to wanted to make a point. Mr. GARAMENDI. Representative this other issue—and we’ve got another Mr. GARAMENDI. Mr. COURTNEY just TONKO, thank you so very much for 7 or 8 minutes here—another major pointed back to me. I was going to pass bringing us together tonight to talk program that is targeted by our Repub- it to him. about Medicare and the Republican lican friends is Medicaid. Medicaid is a We just talked about Big Oil, the sub- proposal to terminate Medicare and program for impoverished Americans. sidies to Big Oil that are being pro- Seventy percent of Medicaid is for sen- tected by our Republican colleagues, significantly reduce Medicaid programs iors and nursing homes. They want to making sure that Big Oil gets their for seniors in nursing homes. take some $700 billion out of Medicaid. money. That’s not the only thing. This is a pivotal moment in this Na- In California, that’s called MediCal, They are fiercely fighting, fighting tion. It really speaks to our values. It but in each State they have their own fiercely to maintain the Bush-era tax speaks to who we are as Americans, program. But $700 billion goes directly cuts for the superwealthy. We’re talk- who we care for, and what we are con- to seniors that are in nursing homes. ing about millionaires. cerned about. So what does it mean for millionaires What will come of those people that Mr. COURTNEY. I’ll just say, I’m to hang on to that tax cut that oc- are now in nursing homes when this sure your offices are like mine. This is curred in 2003, I believe? For million- program, Medicaid, is reduced as pro- the number one issue that we’re get- posed in the budget that was passed aires, that tax cut is worth $200,000 a ting calls, emails, and mail on: Are you today? year if you have an income of $1 mil- guys going to stand up and live up to But, having said that, let’s turn to lion. Now, there are folks out there your sacred duty to protect these pro- the other side of the coin. that have incomes of a billion. So you You want to make cuts, but do you can kind of expand that, add five ze- grams—Medicare, Social Security, and want to cut Medicare? Do you want to roes. You get close to what it might be Medicaid—that our middle class de- cut Medicaid?—or do you want to cut for a billionaire, and there are billion- pends on? the subsidies that exist in American aires out there. What does it mean for Mr. TONKO. At least nine of every 10 business today? seniors? It means it’s going to cost comments we get either through the This is just one of hundreds of sub- them some $6,000 a year in what will be mail or on the phone are: Save Medi- sidies, tax breaks, given to American their Medicare costs in the future. care. Don’t let them mess with it. businesses that they don’t need. Mr. TONKO. And that’s equaling 33 We’re fighting the good fight here. Big Oil receives my tax money, your seniors. America needs to know there is a risk tax money, and the American tax- Mr. GARAMENDI. Thank you. You of losing Medicare. There are those payers’ money to the tune of—I don’t read the chart better than I do. know—$5 billion, $6 billion, $7 billion a Mr. TONKO. Thirty-three seniors who want to end it. We saw another year. Yet look at their profits. Look at paying $6,000 more per year. So we’re vote here tonight. their profits here. This is just 1 year. making happy one millionaire and With that, I yield back the balance of You add up these profits over the last we’re economically distressing 33 sen- my time.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:34 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.189 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5234 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 b 2120 sees the light on tax reform and closing ators, and then you sit and scratch TAX LOOPHOLES, EXEMPTIONS, loopholes. your head and wonder why they’re AND DEDUCTIONS The reason the House leadership is leaving, it’s pretty obvious. opposed to the President’s posture on We see it on a smaller level in our The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under this in the debt ceiling negotiations is States. When we see more regulation, the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- because they want to have their cake more taxes in our States, like Cali- uary 5, 2011, the gentleman from Ar- and eat it too. The President wants to fornia, all of a sudden businesses pack kansas (Mr. GRIFFIN) is recognized for have his cake and eat it too on this up, and they go to another State that the remaining time until 10 p.m. as the issue. He wants to close all the loop- has better rules, regulations, and designee of the majority leader. holes, yes; and at the same time, he taxes. That happens on a broader scale Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. wants to raise taxes. So he wants to in- right here in America. You raise the Speaker, I have been listening to some crease taxes two ways; whereas, his cost of doing business; you kill jobs in of the speeches here tonight, and I own debt commission and our House America. And you know what, in the thought I would take a little time to leadership want to reduce the top rate, end, does it hurt these businesses? No. address some of the arguments. But close the loopholes so that we have a The people that it hurts are our con- first I would like to just welcome my fairer, flatter, simpler, less complex stituents, our families, our people in friend from Wisconsin, Representative tax system. our districts that are yearning for op- DUFFY, who joins me here on the floor So here’s the contrast: we agree on portunities, yearning for a job. It’s tonight. closing the loopholes, although we those people that this hurts. I’ve been listening, first and fore- can’t figure out what happened last Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. I just most, to the discussion of tax loop- Congress when the Democrats con- want to ask the gentleman, what will holes, tax exemptions, deductions. Spe- trolled the House, Senate, and White it take for folks here to start won- cifically, I heard a lot of talk about tax House and did nothing about it. We did dering why businesses are leaving the deductions for oil companies. Well, I’m something about it. We approved a country? It seems as if they always glad that the gentleman from the other budget that addresses precisely this want to point the finger to someone side raised that tonight because I was issue. So I just wanted to clarify our else or some third party, some external thinking, and before I got here in Janu- position on that. cause. Maybe we should think about ary, for the last 2 years, this House was I see that my friend from Wisconsin the fact that the policies adopted by controlled by Speaker PELOSI and the would like to say a few words. Please the Federal Government have an im- other side of the aisle. The Senate, join right in. pact. Businesses react to policies down the way here, is controlled by the Mr. DUFFY. I appreciate the gen- passed in this Congress, in the Senate, same party, and the White House, tleman from Arkansas yielding. and particularly to regulations drafted, President Obama. Now, if my math is I think you make very powerful argu- promulgated by the administration. correct, that means that Democrats ments as to why our friends on the b 2130 were in control of the House; they were other side of the aisle were unwilling At some point we have to say wait a in control of the Senate; and they were to get rid of these horrible tax loop- minute. Businesses are leaving, taking in control of the White House. holes, because when the two of us got their jobs elsewhere. Maybe, just Now, Mr. Speaker, it puzzles me that to this House in January, they were maybe, they’re doing it because we’re they were in control of all of those here. They were here in a Democrat- running them off. We need to ask that parts of government, yet not once did controlled House, Senate, and with a question. they eliminate these subsidies that Democratic President; and they did Back in my district, in the Second they’re talking about. They had con- nothing to do away with these loop- District of Arkansas, in Little Rock trol of the last Congress, 2 years, and holes. When we got to this House, we and the surrounding area, I like to say, nothing was done. I guess they decided said, No more crony capitalism, no we’ve got big job creators and small job only this year that subsidies for U.S. more corporate welfare. Let’s do away creators, but the common denominator businesses should be eliminated. with all of these loopholes, all of these is they’re job creators. Well, I’m not sure why they didn’t do nooks and crannies where some big I don’t ask that people like business anything about that in the last Con- business will hide their money and not or be in business or whatever. I just gress, but I will say that I am pleased pay their fair share. And we’ll restruc- ask that they acknowledge that busi- that they understand the House budget ture our Tax Code to make us more nesses create jobs. And if we run busi- that we passed because in our House competitive in this global market- nesses off, if we adopt policies that cur- budget that we passed a few months place. tail economic growth and chase busi- ago, that’s exactly what we voted to And when we did that, the Democrats nesses away to other countries, we’re do. We voted for a framework that said, no, they didn’t want to partici- going to lose jobs. That’s not hard to eliminates tax deductions, tax exemp- pate in reforming the Tax Code. But figure out. tions, credits, loopholes, whatever you then they have no problem standing Mr. DUFFY. I would agree with the want to call them. That’s what our here today and making arguments that gentleman. And I think it’s inter- budget does. And in doing so, we’re fol- we’re the ones that want to keep these esting, as a guy who’s come here from lowing some of the proposals put forth loopholes in place. Absolutely false. central and northern Wisconsin, Wis- by the President’s own debt commis- I’ve had a chance to sit in and listen consin’s Seventh Congressional Dis- sion, a debt commission that he has to the debate that’s going on in this trict, I see that this is a House that yet to follow; but they recommended House. I continually hear my friends will continually talk about political some similar proposals. across the aisle talk about jobs that spin and political positioning instead What we do is we lower the top rate are getting shipped overseas. And I’ve of actual policies that are going to and eliminate a bunch of the deduc- got to tell you, that is a great concern work for American families and Amer- tions that, admittedly, upper income for me. They missed the disconnect, ican businesses. folks take. So we eliminate those. But however, between jobs leaving America I think it’s interesting the President at the same time, we lower the top rate and the regulation and tax rates that likes to talk about corporate jet loop- so that we can be more competitive, we have in America. holes. For me, I think it’s important and we can have a pro-growth, pro-jobs You know, this isn’t 1960. It’s not that we’re clear. The tax increases that Tax Code. So what we end up with is a 1980. It’s not 1990. We are in a new glob- the President and my friends across fairer, flatter Tax Code, one that en- al marketplace. In days gone by, Amer- the aisle in the Democrat Party are courages private sector job creation. ica was the only place really to do talking about, these are tax increases You might ask, Mr. Speaker, Well, business. But now our capital, it can go on the small job creators in my dis- then, why do you disagree with the anywhere in the world. It can go to trict, the ones, the same ones that we President on this particular issue? Thailand, India, Vietnam, Canada, are asking to expand and grow and cre- Well, like I said, we’re happy that he’s Mexico. It can go anywhere. And when ate jobs and put our hardworking fami- decided to come our way and that he you start raising taxes on our job cre- lies of Wisconsin back to work. It’s

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:34 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.191 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5235 those people that they’re asking to Medicare. We want to make sure that our budget in the House to save Medi- raise taxes on, and I think that’s abso- we preserve it, that we make sure that care for future generations. lutely wrong. our seniors, that they get everything Now, what other plans are out there? I always hear my friends across the that they bargained for, and that we Right now, none. The Senate doesn’t aisle talk about the nineties and how make sure we have a Medicare plan have a budget. The Senate doesn’t have great things were in the nineties. They that’s in place for future generations. a plan to save Medicare. The Presi- were great. And they talk about the And when I hear my friends across the dent’s budget doubles the debt in 5 tax rates of the nineties. aisle talk about Medicare, I scratch my years, triples it in 10 years, doesn’t I think it’s important to note that head because they’re the only ones who even deal with entitlements. even Bill Clinton has said, listen, this ever cut it. In PPACA, the health care b 2140 isn’t 1990 anymore. He has looked at reform bill, ObamaCare, they take $500 our proposal and basically said, listen, It got zero votes in the U.S. Senate billion out of Medicare. and does nothing to save Medicare. In let’s make our top rates more competi- As I talk to seniors around my dis- fact, it was so silent on Medicare and tive in this global marketplace. If we trict, one of the things that makes entitlements that the President had to make it more competitive, in the end them so angry is that their Social Se- come and give a Mulligan speech after we are going to be more competitive. curity trust fund has been raided for And I just think it’s so important we proposed our budget in the House. decades, and now the President and the He gave a speech saying, Well, what I that we take a hard look at the regula- Democrats have raided the Medicare really meant was, and he laid out some tions and the taxes that come from fund as well. I find that to be abso- ideas, not enough specifics—so few spe- this town because, in the end, if we en- lutely unacceptable. cifics, in fact, that the Congressional gage, if we have policies that allow our Then you add on top of that the IPAB Budget Office said, We can’t analyze people to do what they do best, which board, the Independent Payment Advi- that speech; we can’t score that speech, is innovate and grow and expand and sory Board. This is a board that is not enough specifics. reap the benefits of their hard work, I going to look at Medicare reimburse- So the Senate doesn’t have a plan to think we’re going to see America great ment rates, and what they’re going to save it. The President doesn’t have a again and create jobs. But if we stifle do is lower reimbursements on certain plan to save Medicare. We have a plan that, I think we’re going to have a new procedures. And Medicare reimburse- to save Medicare. America that I think none of us would ments are already so low, you reduce So what has happened? What has hap- recognize. them even further, you are going to pened is the folks on the other side of Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. I think ul- start to see doctors and hospitals stop the aisle made a conscious decision to timately the standard for me is: Am I providing those services to our seniors. attack our plan to save Medicare, and doing things that make the United And so, in the end, this IPAB board is by doing so they engaged in a fiscal States more attractive to job creators going to impact access to care for our fantasy. What does that mean? Well, it or less attractive? current seniors. That is absolutely un- means that they compare our reform We want to be a country where job acceptable. with the way things are now with creators around the world and here We have to keep the promise to our Medicare. They say, You’re ending say, America is where I want to do current seniors but also make sure we Medicare as we know it. Well, the prob- business. America is where I want to reform it for future generations so it’s lem with that is Medicare as we know innovate. America is where I want to saved. it, on the path that it’s currently on, create. America is where I want to pur- I mean, the President has come out goes bankrupt. sue technological advancement and and said we need to reform it. Well, It would be one thing if they were create jobs. America is the only place okay, Mr. President, let’s reform it, comparing their reform plan to save to do business. America is the only but let’s make sure we do it in a way Medicare with our reform plan to save place to create jobs. That’s the Amer- that preserves the benefits for our cur- Medicare, but they’re not because they ica that I want to help create. I don’t rent retirees and those who are about don’t have a plan. So they prefer to want to create an America that pun- to retire, and make sure those who compare our plan with the way things ishes job creators in such a way that might have a different program have are now, even though they know the they flee the country. And that’s ex- enough time to plan their retirement way things are now is going away. In actly, on many fronts, what we’re around the new changes. That’s exactly fact, I’d like to read just a couple of doing. what we do. quick quotes here. I yield to the gentleman. But they demagogue this issue and President Obama has said: ‘‘If you Mr. DUFFY. Thank you. I appreciate our party for trying to fix this great look at the numbers, Medicare in par- the gentleman for yielding. program. I struggle with that. I think ticular will run out of money and we When I talk to my job creators back it’s misrepresenting to the American will not be able to sustain that pro- in Wisconsin, never do they say, We’re people about where we stand. gram no matter how much taxes go up. leaving because of the quality of work- Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. I appre- I mean, it’s not an option for us to just ers we have in this area. Actually, they ciate the gentleman raising the issue of sit by and do nothing.’’ say we have the hardest working, most Medicare. I’d like to take a few min- Now, that’s President Obama ac- productive, smartest workers right utes to talk about some of the things knowledging that Medicare is going here in Wisconsin, right here in Amer- I’ve heard here on the floor tonight. bankrupt, acknowledging that we must ica. We don’t leave because of the work First of all, if you’re just joining us, do something to save it, yet he hasn’t force. We leave because of the regula- I can just tell you that a little earlier proposed a plan to save it. tions that come from this town, the tonight here on the floor there was a And another quick quote, Senator taxes that come from this town. And I poster being used and the poster LIEBERMAN, former Vice Presidential think it’s important, again, that we showed a tombstone. It showed a tomb- candidate nominee for the Democrat continue to look at that, because, in stone, and it said, ‘‘Medicare.’’ And the Party, now an Independent, he said: the end, this doesn’t hurt businesses. It implication was that Medicare was ‘‘The truth is that we cannot save hurts families. going to be killed; Medicare was going Medicare as we know it. We can save We want to make sure we keep our to be eliminated. And nothing could be Medicare only if we change it.’’ families strong in America with plenty further from the truth if we take ac- That is the hard reality, and that is of opportunity. It makes me think to tion to save Medicare. If we allow what we are trying to do is save Medi- the conversation that happened earlier Medicare to continue as it currently is care. And that is precisely what we did about Medicare, and we’ve heard a lot with no changes, it goes bankrupt in in our budget that we adopted this today, with our friends across the aisle anywhere from 5 to 10 years, if we do year. If you’re 55 or over, there’s no demagoguing this Medicare issue, that nothing. change. If you’re under 55, you would the Republican Party wants to take Now, some of us have done something be in the new program, as Medicare away Medicare from our seniors. That’s to save Medicare. What did we do? would be constituted, what we call Pre- absolutely incorrect. We want to save Well, we came up with a plan as part of mium Support. If you’re 55 and over, as

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:34 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00083 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.192 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5236 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 the gentleman said, there are no pay into that program. We’re robbing guess what country owns the largest changes to you. We give folks time to this fund, robbing Peter to pay Paul. share of that foreign debt? That’s transition to a new way of living under Let’s save Medicare. And you don’t right, China. China owns about 30 per- Medicare, a different kind of Medicare, save it by robbing it. Let’s not rob cent of that foreign debt. We are mort- but what we think would be more effec- Medicare. gaging our children’s future. We are tive at reducing cost by putting in You know, I think we got in this sit- giving the Chinese Government an eco- some market forces and saving Medi- uation as Americans because all the nomic nuclear bomb because we can’t care for future generations. time our politicians, they come back to get our fiscal house in order in this I yield to the gentleman. their States and their districts and House. Mr. DUFFY. I appreciate the gen- they make promises to their people. It is time that we come together and tleman yielding, and I agree with most They tell them, Listen, I’m going to fix the problems that face this country. everything that you have said here, give you the Sun and the Moon and the Let’s not kick the can down the road. and very well said. stars. Don’t worry, we can pay for it, Let’s not let this be the future that our The one point I disagree with is the not a big deal. I’m going to keep this children inherit. But to prevent it, we President has no other plan, no doubt. promise to you. have to act. And we are here to act. With the PPACA bill, the health care And that’s how they get elected year Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. When I reform bill, he does deal with Medicare, after year by making promises. Well, look at those charts, I ask myself: How make no mistake. That is the Inde- the time has come to say these prom- big does our debt have to get before the pendent Payment Advisory Board, the ises can’t be kept. And you know what? other side of the aisle joins us in get- IPAB board, that is going to systemati- I think this freshman class of Repub- ting our fiscal house in order? How big? cally reduce reimbursements for sen- licans have come in and said, We’re not It is $14 trillion now—$16 trillion, $20 iors. going to lie to you anymore. We’re trillion, $50 trillion? How big does it I think the gentleman said it very going to tell you the truth. The truth have to get before the other side of the well when the President acknowledged is we can’t continue on this course. aisle admits that we are spending too that these programs can’t sustain We’re going to level with you and say much money? I will tell you, I have been studying themselves on their current course, we have to reform it to save it. We some of the details of our budget and and so he has addressed it, and my can’t continue to borrow $1.5 trillion a how we got into this mess. I would be friends across the aisle voted for it. year and not have substantial eco- remiss if I did not comment on some- And basically, this is a form of reduc- nomic consequences for the next gen- ing reimbursement, which is a form of thing I heard earlier today. Someone eration. We have to fix it. You might said: Well, the Bush tax cuts created reducing access to care for current sen- not want to hear it, but it’s the truth. iors to reduce the outlays of Medicare. our debt. That’s how we got into debt. We’re going to give you the truth. Completely untrue. I took a chart It’s a disingenuous, I think, way of ba- We’re not going to lie to you anymore. that showed our revenue year by year sically coming around the corner and And I think once we all know where as a percentage of the economy. And saying, You know what? We’re going to we are at as a country, we can then after 9/11, certainly the economy ration care for our seniors. And I find come together and go as a country, slowed down and our revenues, our tax that to be absolutely unacceptable. How do we fix the problems that face receipts decreased significantly. But I Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Just real us as a country? But when we have one can tell you that by 2007, our tax re- quickly I wanted to point out, just to party that doesn’t want to acknowl- ceipts were back up to about 18.5 per- clarify, I totally agree that he has a edge the problems that we face and cent of GDP. In 2007, and that was be- plan. Unfortunately, he doesn’t have a they want to mislead the American fore the meltdown of the housing mar- plan to save Medicare. He only has the people about those problems, it’s hard ket in 2008, but that was while we had plan that he passed in his health care to have an honest conversation. the Bush tax cuts in place—18.5 per- law. And as you pointed out, with the Well, I didn’t come here to misrepre- cent. cuts that were in the President’s sent to the American people. I’ve come Now, what is interesting, if you go health care law, President Obama’s here to be honest and to level with the back and look at the mid-1990s, there health care law ended Medicare as we American people and say, This is where were some years that had a higher per- know it, because it took $500 billion we’re at. Let’s find solutions that work centage of GDP for revenue, but there out and introduced this unelected for the American people. are several years that are below that. board, the IPAB that you so eloquently There is a chart here that I know so My point is whatever contribution tax describe. many people have seen, Mr. Speaker; rates have had on revenue, the primary So I just wanted to clarify, he has a but if you look at it, this is a chart driver of how much revenue we get a plan. He doesn’t have a plan to save that shows gross domestic product in particular year is whether we are hav- Medicare. our years out and our debt to GDP, our ing economic growth. That is the pri- Mr. DUFFY. That’s right. And there debt to the size of our economy. In mary driver. That is the primary deter- is but only one plan that saves Medi- World War II, our debt was about 100 mining factor of how much money care, and that is ours. And I should percent of the size of our economy in a comes into the coffers of the United have explained that better. I would year, but we were at war. It was World States Government. agree with you. War II. That went down. But if you The idea that we got in this mess be- But just to reiterate, it’s not just us look out, look to our future. cause we are somehow as Americans and the President saying that Medicare not taxed enough is ludicrous. All you b 2150 is going broke. The CBO, the Congres- have to do is look at the spending pat- sional Budget Office, a nonpartisan This is a sea of red. This is a sea of tern and the trajectory of the debt that group, has said that in 9 years the debt that we are going to leave to the you just put up there. It follows the Medicare trust fund is going bankrupt. next generation. Our economy will col- same path, revenue relatively steady The Medicare trustees have come out lapse well before we get to the crest of over the decade at an average of 18 per- and said the Medicare trust fund will that wave. But that is our future, make cent of GDP. And expenditures—spend- be broke in 10 years. no mistake, unless we change course. ing—off the charts, particularly in the So make no mistake, we have to fix I think it is important to note where last few years. it. We have to address Medicare. Let’s does this debt come from. Who is fi- I just want to be real clear here, both not sit in this House and demagogue nancing this debt, because in World parties are to blame. The Congress is this issue. Let’s not throw stones at War II, American citizens bought war to blame. The House is to blame, the those who want to fix it. Actually en- bonds and paid for this debt. Not today, Senate, the White House. There is plen- gage in the debate or at least take re- because in 1970, 5 percent of the debt ty of blame to go around. There is plen- sponsibility for cutting $500 billion, was held by foreign entities. In 1990, 19 ty of blame to go around. That’s not taking money out of a program that percent of our debt was held by foreign the issue. The issue is how we fix it. people paid into, and using it for a entities. And today, 47 percent of our And we first have to recognize that we whole different set of people who didn’t debt is held by foreign entities. And have a spending problem.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:34 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00084 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.194 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5237 Mr. DUFFY. Well said to the gen- sive debt. And with that massive debt, ADJOURNMENT tleman from Arkansas. you have Greece-like riots in the Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Mr. You know, jobs have been a key com- streets. That is unacceptable. Let’s Speaker, I move that the House do now ponent of the debates here in this face this challenge head on and make adjourn. House because there is a 9.2 percent un- sure that we leave an America that is The motion was agreed to; accord- employment rate, and the effective prosperous, bright, and full of hope for ingly (at 10 p.m.), under its previous rate is far higher—those who have the next generation. order, the House adjourned until to- stopped looking for work or those who Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. I just morrow, Wednesday, July 20, 2011, at 10 are underemployed. People are suf- want to close by mentioning the dis- a.m. for morning-hour debate. fering in our States and districts. We cussion of the debt ceiling. What I f have seen what proposals have come would say to the President tonight is out from the other side of the aisle. that this House has put forth a plan. OATH OF OFFICE MEMBERS, RESI- Let’s take a walk down memory lane. We have a plan in the form of our budg- DENT COMMISSIONER, AND DEL- They told us that ObamaCare was et. But we also have a plan in the form EGATES going to create jobs. Well, all it did was of our Cut, Cap, and Balance where we The oath of office required by the give us a health care reform bill that is cut spending and we cap spending in sixth article of the Constitution of the not going to get the job done, and it is the future and we move toward a bal- United States, and as provided by sec- going to cost us an extra trillion dol- anced budget. We passed that here in tion 2 of the act of May 13, 1884 (23 lars over the next 10 years. They gave the House the tonight. That’s a plan. Stat. 22), to be administered to Mem- us a trillion-dollar stimulus bill, and That’s a plan that we can debate. We bers, Resident Commissioner, and Dele- we weren’t supposed to see unemploy- can discuss. The President can criti- gates of the House of Representatives, ment over 8 percent if that passed. We cize. But what we haven’t seen from the text of which is carried in 5 U.S.C. just found out for every job created or the President is a plan. A plan of his 3331: saved, it cost the taxpayer over $250,000 that we can look at and study and that ‘‘I, AB, do solemnly swear (or af- per job. That is not a job-creating bill. the American people can consider. firm) that I will support and defend And now what has happened is they I would just ask the President to put the Constitution of the United have come into this House and they his ideas out there. Come out of those States against all enemies, foreign want to tell the American people that rooms and put his ideas in public and and domestic; that I will bear true we can create jobs in America if we let us analyze them and discuss them faith and allegiance to the same; raise taxes on the job creators. You ask and let the American people examine that I take this obligation freely, any economist, or you just use com- for themselves. without any mental reservation or mon sense, to raise taxes on job cre- Mr. DUFFY. One point, we don’t purpose of evasion; and that I will ators, to take money away from them, want to do a cabernet dance here. well and faithfully discharge the and to think they are going to create There is no doubt that the proposal duties of the office on which I am jobs when they have less money doesn’t that came out the House and passed, it about to enter. So help me God.’’ make any economic sense. is now going to go to the President. has been subscribed to in person and You raise taxes on your job creators, Most Americans know when you buy a filed in duplicate with the Clerk of the you have less jobs. And if you have less house or a car, you make an offer. House of Representatives by the fol- jobs, then you have less people paying When you make an offer, the seller lowing Member of the 112th Congress, taxes. And if you have less people pay- makes a counteroffer. We’ll wait for pursuant to the provisions of 2 U.S.C. ing taxes, you have less money coming the President’s counterproposal, if he 25: into the Federal coffers. Let’s put is going to lead, the leader of the free JANICE HAHN, California Thirty- America back to work. When America world. Let’s see him put his ideas on Sixth. works, they get off the unemployment paper. Let him show the American peo- f track and start getting paychecks. I ple what his ideas are, just as we have want to see Americans and Wisconsin- shown the American people what our EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, ites getting paychecks. ideas are. I encourage him to do that. ETC. But a lot of the circles around this I thank the gentleman from Arkan- Under clause 2 of rule XIV, executive debt that we face in this country, and sas for hosting tonight’s conversation. communications were taken from the I know in my own district, there are Mr. GRIFFIN of Arkansas. Thank Speaker’s table and referred as follows: people who need help from the govern- you, and I appreciate the gentleman 2533. A letter from the Director, Defense ment. I want to make sure we have a joining me. Procurement and Acquisition Policy, De- safety net in place to help those people. partment of Defense, transmitting the De- I see them all the time, and they need f partment’s final rule — Defense Federal Ac- help from the government. I want to quisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS) make sure that we’re there to provide LEAVE OF ABSENCE (DFARS Case 2011-D004) (RIN: 0750-AH25) re- that assistance that they need. Or for By unanimous consent, leave of ab- ceived June 28, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. those who fall on hard times, I want to 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Armed sence was granted to: Services. make sure that we have a safety net in Mr. ELLISON (at the request of Ms. 2534. A letter from the Director, Defense place to help them. PELOSI) for today and July 20. Procurement and Acquisition Policy, De- But let me tell you what, if we con- partment of Defense, transmitting the De- tinue to borrow and spend this way, f partment’s final rule — Defense Federal Ac- there isn’t going to be money for those quisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS SENATE CONCURRENT who need the most help. Look to case 2010-D023) (RIN: 0750-AG93) received RESOLUTION REFERRED Greece. If you want to see America’s June 28, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. future, if we stay on this current A concurrent resolution of the Sen- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Armed ate of the following title was taken Services. course, look to Greece. Look at the 2535. A letter from the Director, Defense protests. When you make promises to from the Speaker’s table and, under Procurement and Acquisition Policy, De- people that you can’t keep, what hap- the rule, referred as follows: partment of Defense, transmitting the De- pens? They take to the streets and they S. Con. Res. 25. Concurrent resolution wel- partment’s final rule — Defense Federal Ac- riot. Let’s not lie to the American peo- coming the independence of the Republic of quisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS ple. Let’s tell them the truth. Let’s not South Sudan, congratulating the people of Case 2011-D031) received June 28, 2011, pursu- Greece be America’s future. Let’s make South Sudan for freely and peacefully ex- ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee pressing their will through an internation- on Armed Services. sure we have a great and prosperous ally accepted referendum, and calling on the 2536. A letter from the Director, Defense country, the same that our Forefathers Governments and people of Sudan and South Procurement and Acquisition Policy, De- passed to us. Sudan to peacefully resolve outstanding partment of Defense, transmitting the De- But to have that, we have to fight for issues including the final status of Abyei; to partment’s final rule — Defense Federal Ac- it because the status quo is this: mas- the Committee on Foreign Affairs. quisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:34 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00085 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY7.196 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE H5238 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE July 19, 2011 Case 2011-D035) received June 28, 2011, pursu- sion, transmitting the Commission’s final A bill to amend the Dodd-Frank Wall Street ant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee rule — Qualification for Cement Grouting for Reform and Consumer Protection Act to on Armed Services. Prestressing Tendons in Containment Struc- strengthen the review authority of the Fi- 2537. A letter from the Director, Defense tures [Regulatory Guide 1.107, Revision 2] re- nancial Stability Oversight Council of regu- Procurement and Acquisition Policy, De- ceived July 1, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. lations issued by the Bureau of Consumer Fi- partment of Defense, transmitting the De- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and nancial Protection (Rept. 112–89, Pt. 2). partment’s final rule — Defense Federal Ac- Commerce. Mr. BACHUS: Committee on Financial quisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS 2547. A letter from the Office of Congres- Services. Supplemental report on H.R. 1667. Case 2011-D034) (RIN: 0750-AH27) received sional Affairs, Nuclear Regulatory A bill to postpone the date for the transfer of June 28, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Commisson, transmitting the Commission’s functions to the Bureau of Consumer Finan- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Armed final rule — Personnel Monitoring Device — cial Protection if the Bureau does not yet Services. Direct-Reading Pocket Dosimeters [Regu- have a Director in place (Rept. 112–93, Pt. 2). 2538. A letter from the Chief Counsel, De- latory Guide 8.4, Revision 1] received July 1, Mr. BACHUS: Committee on Financial partment of Health and Human Services, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Services. Supplemental report on H.R. 1121. transmitting the Department’s final rule — Committee on Energy and Commerce. A bill to replace the Director of the Bureau Suspension of Community Eligibility [Dock- 2548. A letter from the Assistant Secretary of Consumer Financial Protection with a five et ID: FEMA-2011-0002] [Internal Agency For Export Administration, Department of person Commission (Rept. 112–107, Pt. 2). Docket ID: FEMA-8183] received June 20, Commerce, transmitting the Department’s Mr. SIMPSON: Committee on Appropria- 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the final rule — Addition of the New State of the tions. H.R. 2584. A bill making appropria- Committee on Financial Services. Republic of South Sudan to the Export Ad- tions for the Department of the Interior, en- 2539. A letter from the Chief Counsel, De- ministration Regulations [Docket No.: vironment, and related agencies for the fis- partment of Homeland Security, transmit- 110525299-1322-01] (RIN: 0694-AF27) received cal year ending September 30, 2012, and for ting the Department’s final rule — Final July 11, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. other purposes (Rept. 112–151). Referred to Flood Elevation Determiniations [Docket 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Foreign Af- the Committee of the Whole House on the ID: FEMA-2011-0002] received June 28, 2011, fairs. State of the Union. pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- 2549. A letter from the Deputy Assistant Mr. SMITH of Texas: Committee on the Ju- mittee on Financial Services. Secretary For Export Administration, De- diciary. H.R. 1021. A bill to prevent the ter- 2540. A letter from the Assistant General partment of Commerce, transmitting the De- mination of the temporary office of bank- Counsel for Legislation, Regulation and En- partment’s final rule — Technical Amend- ruptcy judges in certain judicial districts; ergy Efficiency, Department of Energy, ment to the Authorization Validated End- with an amendment (Rept. 112–152). Referred transmitting the Department’s final rule — User Regulations of the Export Administra- to the Committee of the Whole House on the Energy Conservation Program: Certification, tion Regulations [Docket No.: 110413240-1255- State of the Union. Compliance, and Enforcement for Consumer 02] (RIN: 0694-AF23) received July 11, 2011, Mr. SMITH of Texas: Committee on the Ju- Products and Commercial and Industrial pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- diciary. H.R. 1933. A bill to amend the Immi- Equipment [Docket No.: EERE-2010-BT-CE- mittee on Foreign Affairs. gration and Nationality Act to modify the 0014] (RIN: 1904-AC23) received July 1, 2011, 2550. A letter from the Acting Assistant requirements for admission of nonimmigrant pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- Secretary For Export Administration, De- nurses in health professional shortage areas; mittee on Energy and Commerce. partment of Commerce, transmitting the De- 2541. A letter from the Director, Regula- with an amendment (Rept. 112–153). Referred partment’s final rule — Paperwork Reduc- tions Policy and Management Staff, Depart- to the Committee of the Whole House on the tion Act; Updated List of Approved Informa- ment of Health and Human Services, trans- State of the Union. tion Collections and Removal of a Redundant mitting the Department’s final rule — Divi- Mr. SMITH of Texas: Committee on the Ju- sion of Freedom of Information; Change of Reporting Requirement [Docket No.: diciary. H.R. 2480. A bill to amend title 5, Office Name, Address, Telephone Number, 110224166-1212-01] (RIN: 0694-AF08) received United States Code, to authorize appropria- and Fax Number; Technical Amendments July 11, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. tions for the Administrative Conference of [Docket No.: FDA-2011-N-0318] received June 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Foreign Af- the United States for fiscal years 2012, 2013, 20, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to fairs. and 2014, and for other purposes; with an 2551. A letter from the Associate Director the Committee on Energy and Commerce. amendment (Rept. 112–154). Referred to the 2542. A letter from the Program Manager, for PP&I, Department of the Treasury, Committee of the Whole House on the State Department of Health and Human Services, transmitting the Department’s final rule — of the Union. transmitting the Department’s final rule — Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Mr. WEBSTER: Committee on Rules. Group Health Plans and Health Insurance Montenegro) and Bosnian Serb-Controlled House Resolution 357. Resolution providing Issurers; Rules Relating to Internal Claims Areas of the Republic of Bosnia and for consideration of the bill (H.R. 2553) to and Appeals and External Review Processes Herzegovina Sanctions Regulations; Federal amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to [CMS-9993-IFC2] (RIN: 0938-AQ66) received Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and Monte- extend the funding and expenditure author- June 29, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. negro) Kosovo Sanctions Regulations; and ity of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Federal Republic of Yugoslavia (Serbia and amend title 49, United States Code, to extend Commerce. Montenegro) Milosevic Sanctions Regula- the airport improvement program, and for 2543. A letter from the Program Manager, tions received June 20, 2011, pursuant to 5 other purposes (Rept. 112–155). Referred to Department of Health and Human Services, U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on For- the House Calendar. transmitting the Department’s final rule — eign Affairs. f World Trade Center Health Program Re- 2552. A letter from the Clerk of the House quirements for Enrollment, Appeals, Certifi- of Representatives, transmitting a letter re- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS cation of Health Conditions, and Reimburse- garding the election for the 36th Congres- Under clause 2 of rule XII, public ment [Docket No.: CDC-2011-0009] (RIN: 0920- sional District of California; (H. Doc. No. 112- 44); to the Committee on House Administra- bills and resolutions of the following AA44) received June 29, 2011, pursuant to 5 titles were introduced and severally re- U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on En- tion and ordered to be printed. ergy and Commerce. 2553. A letter from the Director, Office of ferred, as follows: 2544. A letter from the Deputy Bureau Regulations, Social Security Administra- By Ms. WILSON of Florida: Chief, Wireline Competition Bureau, Federal tion, transmitting the Administration’s final H.R. 2582. A bill to ensure the availability Communications Commission, transmitting rule — Amendments to Regulations Regard- and affordability of homeowners’ insurance the Commission’s final rule — Lifeline and ing Major Life-Changing Events Affecting coverage for catastrophic events; to the Link Up Reform and Modernization; Federal- Income-Related Monthly Adjustment Committee on Financial Services. State Joint Board on Universal Service; Life- Amounts to Medicare Part B Premiums By Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN: line and Link Up [WC Docket No.: 11-42] [CC [Docket No.: SSA-2009-0078] (RIN: 0960-AH06) H.R. 2583. A bill to authorize appropria- Docket No.: 96-45] [WC Docket No.: 03-109] re- received July 1, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. tions for the Department of State for fiscal ceived July 1, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); jointly to the Committees on year 2012, and for other purposes; to the 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and Energy and Commerce and Ways and Means. Committee on Foreign Affairs. Commerce. f By Mr. OLSON: 2545. A letter from the Deputy Chief, H.R. 2585. A bill to require that fees for Wireline Competition Bureau, Federal Com- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON services provided by the Internal Revenue munications Commission, transmitting the PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS Service be deposited in the Treasury as gen- Commission’s final rule — Rural Health Care Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of eral receipts; to the Committee on Ways and Support Mechanism [WC Docket No.: 02-60] committees were delivered to the Clerk Means. received July 1, 2011, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. By Mr. GARRETT (for himself, Mrs. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Energy and for printing and reference to the proper MALONEY, Mr. HURT, and Mr. MEEKS): Commerce. calendar, as follows: H.R. 2586. A bill to refine the definition of 2546. A letter from the Office of Congres- Mr. BACHUS: Committee on Financial swap execution facility in the provisions reg- sional Affairs, Nuclear Regulatory Commis- Services. Supplemental report on H.R. 1315. ulating swap markets added by title VII of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 04:34 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00086 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\L19JY7.000 H19JYPT1 jbell on DSKDVH8Z91PROD with HOUSE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H5239 the Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and By Ms. WILSON of Florida: Congress has the power to enact this legis- Consumer Protection Act; to the Committee H.R. 2582. lation pursuant to the following: on Financial Services, and in addition to the Congress has the power to enact this legis- Article I, Section 8, Clause 3. Committee on Agriculture, for a period to be lation pursuant to the following: By Mr. CROWLEY: subsequently determined by the Speaker, in Article I, Section 8, Clause 3 of the United H.R. 2590. each case for consideration of such provi- States Constitution. Congress has the power to enact this legis- sions as fall within the jurisdiction of the By Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN: lation pursuant to the following: committee concerned. H.R. 2583. Section 8—Powers of Congress By Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina (for Congress has the power to enact this legis- The Congress shall have Power To lay and himself, Mr. KLINE, Mr. ROE of Ten- lation pursuant to the following: collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, nessee, Mr. WILSON of South Caro- Article I, Section 8. to pay the Debts and provide for the common lina, and Mr. GOWDY): By Mr. SIMPSON: Defence and general Welfare of the United H.R. 2587. A bill to prohibit the National H.R. 2584. States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises Labor Relations Board from ordering any Congress has the power to enact this legis- shall be uniform throughout the United employer to close, relocate, or transfer em- lation pursuant to the following: States; ployment under any circumstance; to the The principal constitutional authority for By Mr. MILLER of Florida: Committee on Education and the Workforce. this legislation is clause 7 of section 9 of ar- H.R. 2591. By Mr. POE of Texas: ticle I of the Constitution of the United Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2588. A bill to direct the Secretary of States (the appropriation power), which lation pursuant to the following: the Interior and the Secretary of Agriculture states: ‘‘No Money shall be drawn from the Article I. Section 8. Clause 3. to sell certain Federal land, to direct that Treasury, but in Consequence of Appropria- By Mr. SCHOCK: the proceeds of such sales be applied to re- tions made by Law . . . .’’ In addition, clause H.R. 2592. duce the Federal budget deficit, and for 1 of section 8 of article I of the Constitution Congress has the power to enact this legis- other purposes; to the Committee on Natural (the spending power) provides: ‘‘The Con- lation pursuant to the following: Resources, and in addition to the Committee gress shall have the Power . . . to pay the The constitutional authority on which this on Agriculture, for a period to be subse- Debts and provide for the common Defence bill rests is the power of Congress as stated quently determined by the Speaker, in each and general Welfare of the United States in Article I, Section 8 of the United States case for consideration of such provisions as . . . .’’ Together, these specific constitu- Constitution. fall within the jurisdiction of the committee tional provisions establish the congressional By Ms. SPEIER: concerned. power of the purse, granting Congress the H.R. 2593. By Mr. BERMAN: authority to appropriate funds, to determine Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 2589. A bill to prohibit certain activi- their purpose, amount, and period of avail- lation pursuant to the following: ties in support of the Arab League boycott of ability, and to set forth terms and conditions This bill is enacted pursuant to the power Israel, and for other purposes; to the Com- governing their use. granted to Congress under Article 1, Section mittee on Foreign Affairs. By Mr. OLSON: 8 of the United States Constitution. By Mr. CROWLEY (for himself, Ms. H.R. 2585. BROWN of Florida, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- f DEFAZIO, Mr. HIGGINS, Mr. JACKSON lation pursuant to the following: of Illinois, Mr. LEWIS of Georgia, Mr. Article 1, Section 8, Clause 18—The Con- ADDITIONAL SPONSORS LIPINSKI, Mr. RAHALL, Mr. REYES, Ms. gress shall have Power To . . . make all Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors SEWELL, Mr. TOWNS, Mr. WU, Mr. Laws which shall be necessary and proper for were added to public bills and resolu- DEUTCH, Mr. THOMPSON of Mis- carrying into Execution the foregoing Pow- tions as follows: sissippi, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. MCGOV- ers, and all other Powers vested by this Con- ERN, and Mr. FILNER): stitution in the Government of the United H.R. 10: Mr. PITTS. H.R. 2590. A bill to ensure that seniors, vet- States, or in any Department or Officer H.R. 58: Mr. LUETKEMEYER and Mr. BACHUS. erans, and people with disabilities who re- thereof. (Necessary and Proper Regulations H.R. 104: Mr. LIPINSKI. ceive Social Security and certain other Fed- to Effectuate Powers) H.R. 139: Mrs. LOWEY. eral benefits, as well as Federal, State, and By Mr. GARRETT: H.R. 178: Mr. MILLER of North Carolina and local government retirees, receive a one- H.R. 2586. Mr. CHANDLER. time $250 payment due to there being no Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 181: Mr. MILLER of North Carolina, cost-of-living adjustment in 2011; to the lation pursuant to the following: Mr. CHANDLER, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, and Committee on Ways and Means, and in addi- Mr. JONES. tion to the Committees on Transportation Article I, Section 8, Clauses 1 (‘‘The Con- H.R. 371: Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado, Mr. and Infrastructure, and Veterans’ Affairs, for gress shall have Power To lay and collect ROSS of Florida, Mr. PENCE, Mr. LUETKE- a period to be subsequently determined by Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, to pay MEYER, and Mrs. ROBY. the Speaker, in each case for consideration the Debts and provide for the common De- H.R. 376: Mr. CRITZ. of such provisions as fall within the jurisdic- fense and general Welfare of the United H.R. 402: Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. tion of the committee concerned. States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises H.R. 452: Mr. SHIMKUS, Mrs. ROBY, Mr. By Mr. MILLER of Florida: shall be uniform throughout the United COLE, Mr. PAULSEN, Mr. BONNER, and Mr. H.R. 2591. A bill to extend Federal recogni- States’’), 3 (‘‘To regulate Commerce with for- MCKEON. tion to the Muscogee Nation of Florida; to eign Nations, and among the several States, H.R. 502: Ms. DEGETTE. the Committee on Natural Resources. and with the Indian Tribes’’), and 18 (‘‘To H.R. 589: Mr. HOLT. By Mr. SCHOCK: make all Laws which shall be necessary and H.R. 640: Mr. MCGOVERN. H.R. 2592. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- proper for carrying into Execution the fore- H.R. 668: Mr. MILLER of Florida, Mr. enue Code of 1986 to increase the limitation going Powers, and all other Powers vested by MCCOTTER, Ms. RICHARDSON, and Mr. SMITH on the amount of charitable contributions of this Constitution in the Government of the of Texas. ordinary income property taken into ac- United States, or in any Department or Offi- H.R. 674: Mr. KELLY, Mr. KINZINGER of Illi- count in determining the charitable con- cer thereof’’). nois, Mr. GINGREY of Georgia, Mr. MCKEON, tribution deduction for any trade or busi- By Mr. SCOTT of South Carolina: Mr. HINCHEY, and Mr. CLEAVER. ness; to the Committee on Ways and Means. H.R. 2587. H.R. 687: Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. SCOTT of Vir- By Ms. SPEIER (for herself and Mr. Congress has the power to enact this legis- ginia, and Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. POLIS): lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 721: Mr. COLE, Mr. COBLE, Mr. BERG, H.R. 2593. A bill to amend title 31, United Article I, section 8 of the Constitution of Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana, and Ms. SUTTON. States Code, to terminate the Presidential $1 the United States H.R. 735: Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT of Georgia. Coin Program, and for other purposes; to the By Mr. POE of Texas: H.R. 750: Mr. GOODLATTE and Mrs. Committee on Financial Services. H.R. 2588. HARTZLER. f Congress has the power to enact this legis- H.R. 769: Ms. KAPTUR. lation pursuant to the following: H.R. 831: Mr. BISHOP of Utah. CONSTITUTIONAL AUTHORITY Article 1, Section 8, Clause 1 which states H.R. 890: Mr. RIVERA and Mr. CONYERS. STATEMENT that Congress shall have Power To lay and H.R. 923: Mr. KING of New York. Pursuant to clause 7 of rule XII of collect Taxes, Duties, Imposts and Excises, H.R. 975: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. the Rules of the House of Representa- to pay the Debts and provide for the common H.R. 1041: Mr. TONKO. tives, the following statements are sub- Defense and general Welfare of the United H.R. 1046: Mr. SCHIFF. States; but all Duties, Imposts and Excises H.R. 1049: Mr. MCCOTTER. mitted regarding the specific powers shall be uniform throughout the United H.R. 1058: Mr. LANDRY. granted to Congress in the Constitu- States. H.R. 1066: Mr. SCHIFF. tion to enact the accompanying bill or By Mr. BERMAN: H.R. 1103: Mr. GONZALEZ and Mr. joint resolution. H.R. 2589. FALEOMAVAEGA.

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H.R. 1116: Ms. HANABUSA. H.R. 2176: Mr. LATTA. H.R. 2580: Mr. RANGEL and Mrs. MALONEY. H.R. 1120: Mr. JACKSON of Illinois. H.R. 2224: Mr. CARSON of Indiana. H.J. Res. 2: Mr. BARROW. H.R. 1127: Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. H.R. 2233: Mr. REYES. H.J. Res. 10: Mr. LIPINSKI and Mr. CHAN- H.R. 1183: Ms. BORDALLO. H.R. 2245: Ms. SLAUGHTER and Mr. JONES. DLER. H.R. 1219: Mr. WELCH. H.R. 2247: Mr. CICILLINE. H.J. Res. 69: Mr. PERLMUTTER and Mr. H.R. 1259: Mr. LUETKEMEYER and Mr. H.R. 2248: Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. HANNA. TIBERI. H.R. 2250: Mrs. NOEM, Mr. LONG, Mr. H. Con. Res. 44: Mr. GRIMM. H.R. 1293: Mr. PAYNE and Mr. GUTIERREZ. WALBERG, Mr. MILLER of Florida, Mr. SCOTT H. Con. Res. 63: Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia. H.R. 1307: Mr. ROYCE. of South Carolina, and Mr. KELLY. H. Con. Res. 64: Mr. RUSH. H.R. 1332: Mr. YOUNG of Alaska, Mr. SMITH H.R. 2268: Mr. CONAWAY and Mr. FORTEN- H. Res. 47: Mr. SABLAN. of New Jersey, Mr. MICA, Mr. ROE of Ten- BERRY. H. Res. 111: Mr. POSEY and Mr. ROSS of Ar- nessee, Mr. WHITFIELD, Mr. SHIMKUS, Mr. H.R. 2307: Ms. WOOLSEY. kansas. YOUNG of Florida, Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsyl- H.R. 2313: Mr. FLORES. H. Res. 141: Mrs. HARTZLER. vania, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. LOBIONDO, Mr. H.R. 2342: Mr. STARK and Mr. PAYNE. H. Res. 213: Mr. GRIMM. ROGERS of Alabama, Mr. BARROW, Mr. PAYNE, H.R. 2357: Mr. LARSEN of Washington. H. Res. 306: Ms. BERKLEY. Mr. SCHOCK, Mr. WOLF, Ms. MCCOLLUM, Mr. H.R. 2366: Mr. ISRAEL, Mr. CAPUANO, Mr. H. Res. 342: Mr. TONKO. LONG, Mr. MORAN, Mr. GUTHRIE, Mr. ROTH- FILNER, Ms. WOOLSEY, Mr. ENGEL, and Mr. H. Res. 353: Ms. SEWELL and Mr. MAN of New Jersey, Ms. BALDWIN, Mr. JOHN- HECK. MCDERMOTT. SON of Georgia, Mr. PETRI, Mr. SHUSTER, Mr. H.R. 2368: Mr. CLAY, Mr. COHEN, and Mr. HEINRICH, and Mr. CASSIDY. FALEOMAVAEGA. f H.R. 1348: Mr. HIMES, Ms. DELAURO, and H.R. 2387: Mr. KING of New York and Mr. Mr. COHEN. CROWLEY. CONGRESSIONAL EARMARKS, LIM- H.R. 1381: Mr. TIERNEY. H.R. 2400: Mr. COHEN. ITED TAX BENEFITS, OR LIM- H.R. 1397: Mr. PALLONE. H.R. 2402: Mr. BROOKS. ITED TARIFF BENEFITS H.R. 2414: Mr. PAUL and Mr. BURTON of In- H.R. 1464: Mr. LATHAM, Mr. DOLD, Mr. CAL- Under clause 9 of rules XXI, lists or VERT, Mr. DOGGETT, and Mr. COFFMAN of Col- diana. orado. H.R. 2426: Mr. BACHUS, Mr. BENISHEK, Mr. statements on congressional earmarks, H.R. 1489: Mr. TIERNEY. BOREN, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, Mr. CAMP- limited tax benefits, or limited tariff H.R. 1497: Ms. PINGREE of Maine. BELL, Mr. CANSECO, Mr. CARTER, Mr. benefits were submitted as follows: H.R. 1509: Mr. SCHOCK and Mr. REICHERT. DESJARLAIS, Mr. DIAZ-BALART, Mr. DUFFY, OFFERED BY MR. MICA Mr. DUNCAN of Tennessee, Mr. FLEMING, Mr. H.R. 1543: Mr. MICHAUD. The provisions that warranted a referral to H.R. 1546: Mr. COURTNEY, Mr. PASTOR of Ar- GOWDY, Mr. GRIMM, Mrs. HARTZLER, Mr. ISSA, the Committee on Transportation and Infra- izona, and Mr. CAPUANO. Mr. JORDAN, Mr. KELLY, Mr. KING of Iowa, structure in H.R. 2553 do not contain any H.R. 1547: Mr. TONKO. Mr. KINGSTON, Mr. LANDRY, Mr. LATTA, Mrs. congressional earmarks, limited tax bene- H.R. 1550: Mr. COHEN. BONO MACK, Mr. MARCHANT, Mr. MCCARTHY fits, or limited tariff benefits as defined in H.R. 1556: Mr. HEINRICH. of California, Mr. MCHENRY, Mr. NEUGE- clause 9 of rule XXI. H.R. 1564: Mr. WELCH. BAUER, Mrs. NOEM, Mr. NUGENT, Mr. H.R. 1588: Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. NUNNELEE, Mr. PRICE of Georgia, Mr. OFFERED BY MR. CAMP H.R. 1653: Mr. ROSKAM. QUAYLE, Mr. REED, Mr. RIGELL, Mr. ROGERS The provisions that warranted a referral to H.R. 1706: Ms. SUTTON. of Michigan, Mr. SCHOCK, Mr. AUSTIN SCOTT the Committee on Ways and Means on H.R. H.R. 1735: Mr. MCDERMOTT. of Georgia, Mr. SENSENBRENNER, Mr. 2553, the ‘‘Airport and Airway Extension Act H.R. 1742: Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. SOUTHERLAND, Mr. STIVERS, Mr. THORN- of 2011, Part IV,’’ do not contain any con- H.R. 1744: Mrs. ELLMERS. BERRY, Mr. WALSH of Illinois, Mr. WOMACK, gressional earmarks, limited tax benefits, or H.R. 1755: Mr. LOBIONDO and Mr. BENISHEK. and Mr. YOUNG of Indiana. limited tariff benefits as defined in clause 9 H.R. 1756: Mr. JONES and Mr. TONKO. H.R. 2429: Mr. GIBBS and Mr. POSEY. of rule XXI of the Rules of the U.S. House of H.R. 1780: Mrs. MALONEY. H.R. 2444: Mr. DICKS. Representatives. H.R. 1792: Mr. BURTON of Indiana. H.R. 2457: Mr. HUNTER. H.R. 1798: Mr. ROSKAM. H.R. 2472: Mr. PAUL. f H.R. 1803: Mr. LANDRY. H.R. 2479: Mr. CARNAHAN. DELETIONS OF SPONSORS FROM H.R. 1834: Mr. BENISHEK. H.R. 2482: Mr. KILDEE and Mr. CLARKE of H.R. 1840: Mr. KINGSTON. Michigan. PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS H.R. 1854: Mr. HINCHEY. H.R. 2485: Mrs. HARTZLER and Mrs. ROBY. Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors H.R. 1855: Ms. BERKLEY. H.R. 2492: Mr. BUCHANAN, Mr. GERLACH, Mr. were deleted from public bills and reso- H.R. 1865: Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. HOLDEN, and Mr. KUCINICH. lutions as follows: H.R. 1941: Mr. CONNOLLY of Virginia and H.R. 2497: Mr. LATTA. Mr. MCDERMOTT. H.R. 2507: Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Mr. WESTMORE- H.R. 451: Mr. BOSWELL. H.R. 1946: Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. LAND, Mr. CANSECO, and Mr. LONG. f H.R. 1976: Mr. GARY G. MILLER of Cali- H.R. 2509: Mr. SHERMAN. fornia. H.R. 2514: Mr. GOHMERT. AMENDMENTS H.R. 1981: Ms. JACKSON LEE of Texas. H.R. 2534: Mr. DUFFY and Mr. BROOKS. H.R. 1996: Mr. MILLER of Florida and Mr. H.R. 2537: Mr. CLAY. Under clause 8 of rule XVIII, pro- HASTINGS of Washington. H.R. 2541: Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. posed amendments were submitted as H.R. 2011: Mr. MANZULLO and Mr. QUAYLE. H.R. 2544: Mr. ELLISON. follows: H.R. 2033: Ms. ESHOO and Mr. COHEN. OREN, Mr. MANZULLO, Mr. H.R. 2545: Mr. B H.R. 2551 H.R. 2068: Mr. SCALISE. CHANDLER, and Mr. DONNELLY of Indiana. H.R. 2087: Mr. HARRIS. H.R. 2554: Ms. MCCOLLUM. OFFERED BY MR. THOMPSON OF PENNSYLVANIA H.R. 2104: Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. STIVERS, H.R. 2560: Mr. CHABOT and Mrs. NOEM. AMENDMENT NO. 1: At the end of the bill and Ms. MCCOLLUM. H.R. 2567: Mr. ELLISON, Mr. STARK, and Mr. (before the short title), insert the following: H.R. 2123: Mr. PASTOR of Arizona. QUIGLEY. SEC. 211. None of the funds made available H.R. 2139: Mr. NUNES and Mr. ALEXANDER. H.R. 2568: Mr. CANSECO. in this Act may be used to purchase, acquire, H.R. 2163: Ms. DEGETTE and Ms. ESHOO. H.R. 2576: Mr. ROSKAM. install, or use any medium screw base com- H.R. 2164: Mr. BURGESS and Mr. SULLIVAN. H.R. 2578: Mr. CARDOZA. pact fluorescent lamp or light bulb.

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Vol. 157 WASHINGTON, TUESDAY, JULY 19, 2011 No. 108 Senate The Senate met at 10 a.m. and was Senator from the State of New Hampshire, CUT, CAP, AND BALANCE called to order by the Honorable to perform the duties of the Chair. Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, JEANNE SHAHEEN, a Senator from the DANIEL K. INOUYE, today Members of the House of Rep- State of New Hampshire. President pro tempore. Mrs. SHAHEEN thereupon assumed resentatives will have a chance to PRAYER the chair as Acting President pro tem- stand up and be counted. They will pore. show with their votes whether they be- The Chaplain, Dr. Barry C. Black, of- lieve in freezing Washington’s current fered the following prayer: f spending habits in place and raising Let us pray. job-killing taxes or whether they be- Eternal Lord God, our inability to RECOGNITION OF THE MAJORITY lieve, as I do, that the reckless spend- solve our problems persistently re- LEADER ing and debt of the past 2 years has minds us of our need of Your mercy The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- brought us to this point of crisis, and and power. Manifest Your power on pore. The majority leader is recog- that something serious must be done to Capitol Hill, doing for our lawmakers nized. rein it in without damaging a fragile what they cannot do for themselves. economy with job-killing taxes. Break down the barriers that seem im- f Frankly, it is that simple. Those who penetrable, enabling them to walk by support cut, cap, and balance that the Your Spirit toward the accomplish- SCHEDULE House takes up today will be voting for ment of goals that will bless and pro- Mr. REID. Madam President, fol- getting our fiscal house in order and tect America. Lord, divert them from lowing any leader remarks, the Senate against an unsustainable status quo. the strategies that lead to dead ends, will be in a period of morning business Those of us who have been calling for guiding them toward unity and con- for up to 2 hours, with the two sides al- serious short- and long-term action to sensus. Shine forth with Your power ternating 30-minute blocks, with the cut spending, rein in our debt, and pre- during this challenging season. Republicans controlling the first block. serve entitlements congratulate those We pray in Your mighty Name. Following morning business, the Sen- who support it. Amen. ate will resume consideration of H.R. We look forward to voting on the f 2055, the military construction bill. The Senate will recess from 12:30 p.m. same legislation here in the Senate PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE until 2:15 p.m. today for our caucus soon. Before we do, it is important to luncheons. We continue to work on remember how far we have come in this The Honorable JEANNE SHAHEEN led debate. A few months ago, the Presi- the Pledge of Allegiance, as follows: amendments to the military construc- tion appropriations bill. We hope to dent’s primary goal was to raise the I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the debt limit without any spending cuts United States of America, and to the Repub- complete that bill within the next day. I suggest the absence of a quorum. or long-term fiscal reforms at all— lic for which it stands, one nation under God, nothing but more debt. Now he is indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- claiming not only to support cuts but a f pore. The clerk will call the roll. The legislative clerk proceeded to proposal he likes to call ‘‘a big deal.’’ APPOINTMENT OF ACTING call the roll. Anyone who has looked at the figures knows it is not. But the larger point PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE Mr. MCCONNELL. Madam President, I ask unanimous consent that the order here is that the American people have The PRESIDING OFFICER. The already won this debate. No one, not clerk will please read a communication for the quorum call be rescinded. The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- even the President, can claim to sup- to the Senate from the President pro port the status quo anymore, even tempore (Mr. INOUYE). pore. Without objection, it is so or- dered. when, in fact, he does. The legislative clerk read the fol- But, of course, winning the debate is lowing letter: f not nearly as important as achieving U.S. SENATE, the reforms that are needed to con- PRESIDENT PRO TEMPORE, RECOGNITION OF THE MINORITY vince the world we are actually serious Washington, DC, July 19, 2011. LEADER To the Senate: about getting our fiscal house in order. Under the provisions of rule I, paragraph 3, The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- That is why Republicans continue to of the Standing Rules of the Senate, I hereby pore. The Republican leader is recog- hold out for significant reforms, and appoint the Honorable JEANNE SHAHEEN, a nized. that is why we will continue to fight

∑ 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 Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S4648 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 19, 2011 for serious, long-term reforms this would force the Nation to default on are making market profits with sub- week. our financial obligations for the first sidies from American taxpayers. It Republicans have tried to persuade time in history, unless Congress adopts would allow benefits to go to corpora- the President of the need for a serious a new—well, let’s put it this way: What tions that are shipping jobs overseas course correction, but weeks of nego- the House is working on today would and to rich people who buy yachts and tiations have shown that his commit- force the Nation to default on our fi- private jets. If I were rich, I wouldn’t ment to big government is simply too nancial obligations for the first time in buy a yacht. It would be nice to have great to lead to the kind of long-term history. They are going to do it with a an airplane though. But this will not reforms we need to put us on a path to radical—radical—new constitutional stop people from buying airplanes. It both balance and economic growth. So amendment. will allow the tax program to treat the we have decided to bring our case to That amendment would impose arbi- rich people similar to everybody else. the American people. The President re- trary, reckless budget caps. It would, It would require a two-thirds majority cently cited a poll that suggests Amer- without a doubt, force massive cuts to in the House—if the House issue pre- icans want to see balance in this de- Medicare, Social Security, and other vails, it would require a two-thirds ma- bate. I would point him to another poll crucial benefits. At the same time, it jority in both Houses of Congress to showing nearly two out of three Ameri- would constitutionally protect waste- raise even a penny of new revenue. cans want a balanced budget. That is ful loopholes and tax breaks for mil- Meanwhile, the so-called cut, cap, what Republicans are fighting for. lionaires and billionaires. and balance does absolutely nothing to Today, Republicans in the House will To meet an arbitrary spending cap protect our economy from the kind of vote on legislation that cuts govern- frozen at 18 percent of gross domestic recession from which we are beginning ment spending now, caps it in the fu- product, it would shrink benefits and to recover. In fact, if the economy ture to the average of the last 40 years, services back to the levels not seen wasn’t already in a recession, this leg- and which will only allow for a raising since 1966. In 1966, Medicare was 1 year islation would quickly produce one. of the debt limit if it is accompanied old, and there were 100 million fewer Bruce Bartlett, an economic adviser by a constitutional amendment to bal- people in this country. In 1966, the to President Reagan, a fine man, and a ance the Federal budget. Cut, cap, and country had 200 million people. We now Treasury official under President Bush, balance is the kind of tough legislation have 300 million people, and they would said the kind of rapid spending cuts Washington needs and that Americans take us back to the levels then. It is called for in this House legislation want, and Republicans will spend the obvious it simply would not work. would ‘‘unquestionably throw the econ- week trying to convince Democrats to For those who think rewinding 45 omy into a recession.’’ join us in supporting it. years is a good thing, consider how This legislation goes beyond the Dra- Every single Republican in the Sen- much America has changed since 1966. conian budget Republicans passed ear- ate supports a balanced budget amend- For example, life expectancy is 9 years lier this year. That budget would have ment. All we need is 20 Democrats to longer today than it was 45 years ago. ended Medicare as we know it, and it join us in supporting this commonsense One reason it is longer is because of would have cut clean energy by 70 per- legislation. At least 23 of our friends on Medicare. Medicare has made people cent, axed education funding, and cost the other side have said or suggested healthier to live longer and lead more hundreds of thousands of private sector they support the idea and told their productive lives. jobs. It passed the House, but it didn’t constituents that they will ‘‘lead’’ on This legislation would roll back the pass here. the issue. We think they should have progress that has been brought about What they are trying to do is even an opportunity to follow through on by these programs but especially Medi- more Draconian than the so-called their statements with an actual vote. care. It would enshrine in this thing Ryan budget, the House-passed budget. I will repeat what I said yesterday to they are trying to do in the House They are trying to do something worse. my Democratic friends. If I were you, I today a set of priorities so backward It would attack all the same programs, would take a long look at the cut, cap, even advisers to President Ronald but its cuts would be deeper and deep- and balance legislation the House is Reagan and George W. Bush have er. It would slash Social Security as taking up today and ask yourself the called it unwise. well, which the House budget didn’t following question: Are you so com- In the first decade alone, it would have in it. mitted to the status quo that you will mean more than $3,000 a year in cuts to This legislation they are debating in vote ‘‘no’’ on a bill to balance the Fed- each senior’s Social Security check. It the House is so restrictive, the Repub- eral budget? would slash our social safety net, deci- licans’ own budget—the budget they I strongly urge my Democratic mating Medicaid and cutting Medicare passed earlier this year—would not friends to join us in supporting the cut, benefits by $2,500 for every senior. This meet the standards they are now ask- cap, and balance plan. The American is per year, every year. ing to be passed. It is so restrictive, people sent us here to make tough In fact, the nonpartisan Congres- not 1 year of either the George W. Bush choices. Agreeing to balance the budg- sional Budget Office says that within or Ronald Reagan administrations et should not be one of them. This 25 years, it will slash government bene- would meet its standards. should be an easy one. I urge my col- fits and services in half. Everyone Of the last 30 years, the only 2 years leagues in the strongest possible terms within the sound of my voice hear what that would make the cut were during to join us. It is time to balance the I am saying: slash benefits in half—vet- the Clinton administration. As the books. erans, Medicare, Medicaid. Seventy Washington Post said: Madam President, I yield the floor. percent of the people on Medicaid are Every single Senate Republican has en- I suggest the absence of a quorum. in convalescent centers. It is obvious dorsed a constitutional amendment that The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- there would not be people in convales- would’ve made Ronald Reagan’s fiscal policy pore. The clerk will call the roll. cent centers. They would be at home unconstitutional. That’s how far to the right The legislative clerk proceeded to having their sons, daughters, wives, the modern GOP has swung. call the roll. and others trying to take care of them Bruce Bartlett—we talked about him Mr. REID. Madam President, I ask in their so-called golden years, which before—said this about the legislation: unanimous consent that the order for would come to a screeching halt. This is quite possibly the stupidest con- the quorum call be rescinded. When I talk about slashing benefits stitutional amendment I think I have ever The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- in half, I am talking about Social Se- seen. pore. Without objection, it is so or- curity, Medicare, Medicaid, veterans’ I repeat the direct quote: dered. benefits, and every other government This is quite possibly the stupidest con- f service, no matter how essential. Yet it stitutional amendment I think I have ever would make it almost impossible to seen. It looks as if it was drafted by a couple CUT, CAP, AND BALANCE ACT end even the most wasteful tax breaks of interns on the back of a napkin. Mr. REID. Madam President, today and loopholes already in place, such as That, in my opinion, is being awfully the House will consider legislation that the subsidies to oil companies, which hard on interns.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4649 Bill Hoagland was on this floor work- The Senator from Arizona is recog- lionaire. It has happened before with ing with us, and he is a fine man, a nized. the alternative minimum tax, which close adviser to Senator Domenici and f was originally to apply to 125 people, I other Republican Senators. I worked think, and now it hits between 20 mil- TAX INCREASES with him on the floor trying to get lion and 30 million households. That is bills passed. He is a fine man—a Repub- Mr. KYL. Madam President, first, let the second reason. lican first, wanting to get things done me reassure my friend and colleague, I might add, by the way, my friend, for our country second. Bill Hoagland the leader of the Senate, that it is our the majority leader, said a moment ago was a Republican budget adviser for a view that the debt ceiling will be ex- there is nothing wrong with taxing quarter century. He described it best tended, and Leader MCCONNELL wanted yachts or airplanes and that he would, when he labeled this legislation a to make that crystal clear in his dis- in fact, rather have an airplane than a ‘‘misleading political cheap shot.’’ cussions with Leader REID, so the two yacht. I remember the experience we A balanced budget is something we of them could work together on a plan had with that. We were going to hit the can all get behind. But this legislation that the Senate could pass and send millionaires. In 1990, we raised the tax isn’t about balancing the budget; it is over to the House, to ensure that our on yachts and other luxury items. All about scoring political points. Based on debt ceiling would be increased and, the people who made boats in Maine, 30 years of evidence and the Repub- thus, assure the markets they need not Massachusetts, and other States lost licans’ own measuring stick, the stunt be concerned about that fact. As I have their jobs. I think it was something falls flat. said many times, Republicans are not over 9,000 jobs that were lost in the After all, who do you think helped going to be the ones who would throw boat building industry. Congress quick- President Clinton balance the budget us into default. ly repealed that. Within 3 years, we during the only 2 years of the last 30 Yesterday, I spoke on the floor about had to repeal that big luxury tax. We that actually lived up to the restrictive the reason Republicans are opposed to weren’t hitting millionaires and bil- rules outlined in this legislation? It raising taxes. The President himself, lionaires; we were hitting the people was Democrats in Congress. last December, said raising taxes in a who actually made the yachts. Right after 9/11, Congress passed an Today, Democrats are trying to rein time of economic downturn would be a accelerated depreciation provision for in spending again and are trying to mistake, the wrong thing to do. We are the general aviation industry. The idea avert a catastrophic default on our Na- still in that economic downturn. In there was to make sure 9/11 didn’t hit tion’s financial obligations. Repub- fact, things are worse now than they that industry too hard and jobs would licans are the ones standing in the way were then. It is similar to a doctor be saved. In the President’s stimulus of a deal to avert default, refusing to treating a patient. When we diagnose what is wrong, we deal with what is bill, that accelerated depreciation pro- move an inch, despite our offers to cut vision for business jets was reauthor- trillions from the deficit. wrong. We don’t try to fix something else. Our problem is spending; it is not ized. That is the thing we are talking It is not just me. Read today’s Wash- about here, when we talk about busi- ington Post and see again what David taxes. That is why we need to focus on spending rather than taxes. At the con- ness jets. Brooks says. David Brooks is a card- The President has said business jets clusion of my remarks, I will ask unan- carrying Republican conservative. should not receive that kind of tax imous consent to put an op-ed from the Read what he says. As the conservative treatment. The people who he said Wall Street Journal into the RECORD. columnist Ross Douthat wrote in the would be benefited by the stimulus It is written by Michael Boskin, who New York Times yesterday, we can al- package with jobs created or saved are makes the point very clearly that our ready be on the way to a deal if ‘‘more the people who will lose their jobs if problem is spending, not taxes, and Republicans had only recognized that that particular tax treatment is taken that we should be focused on reducing sometimes a well-chosen concession away. can be the better part of valor.’’ spending growth, especially in entitle- Maybe we should look at that. I am We are arriving at a point, 2 weeks ments. He is a professor of economics not against looking at that tax treat- from today, when we will default on at Stanford University and senior fel- ment. If we should look at it and decide the debt. I have not heard a Republican low at the Hoover Institution and he it is not appropriate, maybe people will leader—and I have my friend on the chaired the Council of Economic Advis- lose their jobs, but we may want to get floor today from our sister State of Ar- ers for the first President Bush. I will rid of it; we should use whatever reduc- izona. He always has said there will not refer to that in a moment. tion there is in that to create lower be a default on the debt. Senator Yesterday, I said there were three rates for corporations across the board, MCCONNELL, Speaker BOEHNER, and reasons why Republicans were not will- as the President indicated, because Majority Leader CANTOR have all said ing to raise taxes at this time. The then we can be more competitive with that. first was that the problem, as I said, is corporations abroad that have much The proof is in the pudding. We have spending, not taxes. Spending has in- lower corporate tax rates than the 2 weeks to prove they are right. creased under President Obama from 20 United States. Would the Chair announce morning percent of GDP—the historic average— That gets me to the third reason we business. to 25 percent in just 3 years. That has should not raise tax rates: because it f been the reason we have had a deficit will kill jobs, hurt the economy. If we of $l.5 trillion each of those years, and want to put people back to work, we RESERVATION OF LEADER TIME we will see deficits in that order of cannot impose more regulatory or tax The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- magnitude for as far as the eye can see. burdens on the very businesses that pore. Under the previous order, leader- The second reason not to raise taxes create the jobs. Two-thirds of the jobs ship time is reserved. is that when we talk about whom the coming out of a recession are created f taxes actually apply to, it turns out by small businesses. Fifty percent of they don’t just apply to millionaires the income of the small businesses is MORNING BUSINESS and billionaires. I pointed out that reported in these top two income tax The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- there were 319,000 households that re- brackets that would be affected by the pore. The Senate will be in a period of ported over $1 million in income tax. President’s proposal to raise taxes. morning business for 2 hours, with Sen- Again, that is 319,000. But the tax the They would be hit by this and, as a re- ators permitted to speak therein for up President is talking about would apply sult, they would not hire as many peo- to 10 minutes each, with the time to 3.6 million taxpayers—more than 10 ple. equally divided and controlled between times that many. So the point is, fre- There are a couple items from to- the two leaders or their designees, with quently, Democrats like to aim at the day’s paper that I will use to illustrate the majority and the Republicans con- rich—the so-called millionaires and bil- the point. From the Phoenix Business trolling alternating 30-minute blocks, lionaires—and they end up hitting a Journal, it says: ‘‘U.S. small businesses with the Republicans controlling the whole lot of other folks who aren’t in out of gas on job creation.’’ They point first block. that category of millionaire and bil- out:

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S4650 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 19, 2011 Small-business owners continue to be pes- as possible, on the broadest possible base, We proposed three things—just three simistic about the economy. . . . New jobs consistent with financing necessary govern- things—that wouldn’t touch bene- are not to be found on Main Street . . . Eco- ment spending. ficiaries: Medicare, Medicaid, and unin- nomic uncertainty was cited as the biggest The second point he makes is that as sured benefits going to people who obstacle to hiring. . . . tax rates rise, the tax base shrinks, and aren’t supposed to get them, or over- One of America’s more colorful en- ultimately you have a much smaller payments. You can save over $100 bil- trepreneurs, Steve Wynn, in Nevada, group of people paying at those very lion a year by simply not paying people who is one of the majority leader’s con- highest levels. He goes on to point out what the law says they shouldn’t re- stituents, a self-described Democrat, some examples of somebody in the ceive, just stopping the overpayments, says that ‘‘this administration is the upper brackets in the State of Cali- or paying people who aren’t eligible for greatest wet blanket to business and fornia, which is a high-tax State. When one of those three services. You are not progress and job creation in my life- you add in the California taxes, the touching anybody who is currently eli- time.’’ He says in his report to his com- payroll taxes to fund ObamaCare, ulti- gible for Medicare, Medicaid, or unin- pany shareholders on the company’s mately the President’s idea of sured benefits. You are not touching quarterly conference call that ‘‘my uncapping Social Security payroll them. They receive their full benefits. customers and the companies that pro- taxes, the combined marginal rates But let’s simply watch out for taxpayer vide the vitality for the hospitality and would rise to a stunning 58.4 percent. dollars. restaurant industry in the United Then, if you added in the requirements The problem is, it is like renting a States of America, they are frightened to pay for the additional costs of the car. Has anybody here ever washed a of this administration, and it makes excess spending the administration has rental car? When you rent a car and you slow down and not invest your proposed, the taxes could drive the you go home, is washing it the first money.’’ He goes on. combined marginal rate to more than thing you do? If it gets a little dirty, I have talked to Mr. Wynn. He is very 70 percent by 2035 and 80 percent by do you wash it before you turn it back concerned about the regulatory and tax 2050. I mean, there is a point at which in? No. This is someone else’s money, burdens being imposed upon not just people will stop working for that next and people aren’t watching it. It is tax- his industry but across the board. That marginal dollar because most of it goes payer money that is now administered is what is inhibiting economic growth. to Uncle Sam. by the Federal Government through He also takes the example of a teach- One of the taxes proposed by the ad- Medicare, Medicaid, and unemployed er in California earning $60,000, and ministration was evaluated by this ad- insurance, and the reality is that peo- when you add in all those other things, ministration’s Small Business Admin- ple aren’t trying to stop the waste, the marginal rate goes to an astound- istration, the Office of Advocacy of the fraud, and abuse. ing 71 percent. He says: SBA. They said: All that is taken off the table. No, It could ultimately force many small busi- At the margin, virtually everyone would be the administration says, we don’t want nesses to close. working primarily for the government, re- duced to a minority partner in their own to talk about that because we don’t Why would the administration pro- labor. want people who receive those benefits pose a tax increase on, in this case, re- I will quote one of his conclusions to have to sacrifice. Well, the people tailers and manufacturers, primarily, and then conclude. who are receiving the benefits aren’t that could ultimately force small busi- sacrificing. The taxpayers are the ones nesses to close, according to the ad- Higher tax rates are the major reason why European per-capita income, according to who are sacrificing by contributing ministration’s own SBA? It doesn’t the Organization for Economic Cooperation money to the government that is then make sense. and Development, is about 30 percent lower wasting. For all three reasons, we should not than in the United States. There is plenty of reform out there to be raising taxes. The President was The point is that imposing more stop wasteful Washington spending. If right last December, and the reason is taxes on the economy not only inhibits the administration would be willing to because spending is the problem, not job creation, but it reduces produc- do those things, then I think we could taxes; that we end up aiming at the tivity because Americans stop working find enough savings so that we millionaires and billionaires, but we that extra hour or that extra day since wouldn’t have to even be talking about hit a broader swathe of our economy; most of what they earn is going to be tax increases, which for the three rea- and, third, because it would kill job given to Uncle Sam. That is part of the sons I mentioned are so harmful to our creation and inhibit economic growth problem and one of the reasons the Eu- society, to our families, to our busi- to enable us to get out of this reces- ropean standard of living is 30 percent nesses, and to our economy. sion. lower than here in the United States. So I hope we will continue this de- The final point I would make here re- Do we want to get to where Europe is? bate on the so-called cut, cap, and bal- lates to that. It is the Wall Street I think the answer is no. ance legislation that does require cut- Journal op-ed of July 18 by Michael So we have to deal with extending ting spending, constraining it over Boskin. the debt ceiling. We should try to re- time, and ensuring that over the long Madam President, I ask unanimous duce spending so that we don’t have term—over the next 5, 10, 15, 20 years— consent to have printed in the RECORD this future cloud hanging over our head these savings don’t all evaporate be- this op-ed piece at the conclusion of and, frankly, to prevent having to cause we go back to our big spending my remarks. come back to increasing the debt limit ways. At least a balanced budget The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- every few months or years. But the amendment would prevent us from pore. Without objection, it is so or- way to do that is not by raising taxes, doing that. So I fully support the legis- dered. which will not raise the revenues—it lation that will be brought forward. I (See exhibit 1.) will inhibit economic growth—but, presume it will pass the House of Rep- Mr. KYL. The point he makes here— rather, by focusing on the real prob- resentatives this evening, and I am and I will quote a couple of points—is lem, which is spending, which has in- looking forward to the debate here in regarding the President’s demand that creased from 20 to 25 percent of GDP in the Senate so that we can try to adopt we raise taxes, and he says, ‘‘His tim- just 3 years, and getting spending that same legislation. ing couldn’t be worse.’’ Let me quote under control. EXHIBIT 1 from this. I mentioned yesterday, for example, [From the Wall Street Journal, July 18, 2011] Two problems arise when marginal tax that the President had taken a lot of GET READY FOR A 70% MARGINAL TAX RATE rates are raised. First, as college students things off the table. My friend the ma- (By Michael J. Boskin) learn in Econ 101, higher marginal rates jority leader said a moment ago that cause real economic harm. The combined the President has decided he is willing President Obama has been using the debt- marginal rate from all taxes is a vital met- ceiling debate and bipartisan calls for deficit ric, since it heavily influences incentives in to compromise about reducing spend- reduction to demand higher taxes. With un- the economy—workers and employers, savers ing. I don’t think he is. I have been sit- employment stuck at 9.2% and a vigorous and investors base decisions on after-tax re- ting in on those negotiations. I haven’t economic ‘‘recovery’’ appearing more and turns. Thus tax rates need to be kept as low seen that. more elusive, his timing couldn’t be worse.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4651 Two problems arise when marginal tax income taxpayer to an astounding 71%. That to cutting our debt and deficit, no mat- rates are raised. First, as college students teacher working a summer job would keep ter how heated the rhetoric gets here learn in Econ 101, higher marginal rates just 29% of her wages. At the margin, vir- in Washington, DC, we have to keep cause real economic harm. The combined tually everyone would be working primarily our commitments to our veterans and marginal rate from all taxes is a vital met- for the government, reduced to a minority ric, since it heavily influences incentives in partner in their own labor. servicemembers, and we have to move the economy—workers and employers, savers Nobody—rich, middle-income or poor—can this bill forward and we have to pro- and investors base decisions on after-tax re- afford to have the economy so burdened. vide for those who wore or who are turns. Thus tax rates need to be kept as low Higher tax rates are the major reason why wearing the uniform with the peace of as possible, on the broadest possible base, European per-capita income, according to mind that we are keeping our promise consistent with financing necessary govern- the Organization for Economic Cooperation to them. ment spending. and Development, is about 30% lower than in A couple of years ago we took a Second, as tax rates rise, the tax base the United States—a permanent difference proactive step to make sure the non- shrinks and ultimately, as Art Laffer has many times the temporary decline in the re- stop wrangling over appropriations long argued, tax rates can become so prohibi- cent recession and anemic recovery. bills here in Congress didn’t interfere tive that raising them further reduces rev- Some argue the U.S. economy can easily enue—not to mention damaging the econ- bear higher pre-Reagan tax rates. They point with the health care our veterans have omy. That is where U.S. tax rates are headed to the 1930s–1950s, when top marginal rates earned. Thanks to the work of Senator if we do not control spending soon. were between 79% and 94% or the Carter-era AKAKA and many others, the VA spend- The current top federal rate of 35% is 1970s, when the top rate was about 70%. But ing for health care is now appropriated scheduled to rise to 39.6% in 2013 (plus one- those rates applied to a much smaller frac- a year in advance, protecting it from to-two points from the phaseout of itemized tion of taxpayers and kicked in at much an imperfect budget process that is so deductions for singles making above $200,000 higher income levels relative to today. often affected by politics. and couples earning above $250,000). The pay- There were also greater opportunities for But I remember when we passed ad- roll tax is 12.4% for Social Security (capped sheltering income from the income tax. The at $106,000), and 2.9% for Medicare (no in- vanced appropriations, we were very lower marginal tax rates in the 1980s led to clear. Our foresight was not going to be come cap). While the payroll tax is theoreti- the best quarter-century of economic per- cally split between employers and employ- formance in American history. Large in- an excuse to sit on our hands when VA ees, the employers’ share is ultimately shift- creases in tax rates are a recipe for economic funding was up for consideration. We ed to workers in the form of lower wages. stagnation, socioeconomic ossification, and were not going to allow a pre- But there are also state income taxes that the loss of American global competitiveness cautionary measure to get in the way need to be kept in mind. They contribute to and leadership. of passing timely increases in veterans’ the burden. The top state personal rate in There is only one solution to this growth- California, for example, is now about 10.5%. health care, and so this bill is the test. destroying, confiscatory tax-rate future: Can we put politics aside for the good Thus the marginal tax rate paid on wages Control spending growth, especially of enti- combining all these taxes is 44.1%. (This is a of our Nation’s veterans and service- tlements. Meaningful tax reform—not with members? Can we show them that, de- net figure because state income taxes paid higher rates as Mr. Obama proposes, but are deducted from federal income.) with lower rates on a broader base of eco- spite our differences, we will work as So, for a family in high-cost California nomic activity and people—can be an espe- diligently toward getting them the taxed at the top federal rate, the expiration cially effective complement to spending con- benefits and care they have earned as of the Bush tax cuts in 2013, the 0.9% in- trol. But without increased spending dis- they have worked for our Nation? Well, crease in payroll taxes to fund ObamaCare, cipline, even the best tax reforms are I hope we can. and the president’s proposal to eventually doomed to be undone. I say that because the investments in uncap Social Security payroll taxes would lift its combined marginal tax rate to a stun- Mr. KYL. Madam President, I suggest this bill are a lot more than numbers ning 58.4%. the absence of a quorum. on a page. They are life-changing pro- But wait, things get worse. As Milton The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- grams for veterans with post-traumatic Friedman taught decades ago, the true bur- pore. The clerk will call the roll. stress disorder and traumatic brain in- den on taxpayers today is government spend- The legislative clerk proceeded to jury. It is support for suicide hotlines ing; government borrowing requires future that are seeing more callers than ever interest payments out of future taxes. To call the roll. Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, I before. It is providing roofs over the cover the Congressional Budget Office pro- heads of our servicemembers and their jection of Mr. Obama’s $841 billion deficit in ask unanimous consent that the order 2016 requires a 31.7% increase in all income for the quorum call be rescinded. families. It is timely investments in tax rates (and that’s assuming the Social Se- The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- the very biggest priorities of our Na- curity income cap is removed). This raises pore. Without objection, it is so or- tion’s heroes. the top rate to 52.2% and brings the total dered. Today I want to talk about a few of combined marginal tax rate to 68.8%. Gov- the investments that are included in ernment, in short, would take over two- f the bill we are considering today and thirds of any incremental earning. MILCON APPROPRIATIONS how they translate into the lives of our Many Democrats demand no changes to servicemembers, our veterans and, Social Security and Medicare spending. But Mrs. MURRAY. Madam President, critically, their families. these programs are projected to run ever- there is no question that we need to There is an influx of young veterans growing deficits totaling tens of trillions of make smart decisions to tighten our dollars in coming decades, primarily from coming into the VA system right now belts and reduce our Nation’s debt and that we have not seen in a very long rising real benefits per beneficiary. To cover deficit. American families have done it these projected deficits would require con- time. In fact, the VA estimates that tinually higher income and payroll taxes for around their kitchen table, and we owe the number of Iraq and Afghanistan Social Security and Medicare on all tax- it to them to get our fiscal house in veterans in its health care system will payers that would drive the combined mar- order. reach well over 1⁄2 million at some ginal tax rate on labor income to more than But there is also one group of Ameri- point next year. That is an over 100- 70% by 2035 and 80% by 2050. And that’s be- cans we owe an even greater promise percent increase since 2008. This is a fore accounting for the Laffer effect, likely to, a group we can never allow to be- future interest costs, state deficits and the big challenge and one we have no come pawns or fall through the cracks, choice but to step up to meet if we are rising ratio of voters receiving government or be forgotten altogether in these payments to those paying income taxes. going to avoid some of the same mis- It would be a huge mistake to imagine that budgets debates, and that is our men takes we saw with the Vietnam genera- the cumulative, cascading burden of many and women in uniform and the vet- tion. tax rates on the same income will leave the erans who have protected our Nation That is why this bill includes nearly middle class untouched. Take a teacher in for decades. That is why I am here $3 billion to meet the health care needs California earning $60,000. A current federal today on the floor, in the midst of the of veterans who served in Iraq and Af- rate of 25%, a 9.5% California rate, and 15.3% whirlwind of debt and deficit rhetoric, ghanistan, which is a nearly $600 mil- payroll tax yield a combined income tax rate to remind us all of the critical nature of 45%. The income tax increases to cover lion increase over last year. the CBO’s projected federal deficit in 2016 of the bill that is on the floor this But it is more than just the sheer raises that to 52%. Covering future Social week; to remind us all that no matter number of new veterans that will be Security and Medicare deficits brings the what fiscal crisis we face, no matter coming home to the VA in the near fu- combined marginal tax rate on that middle- how divided we may be over approaches ture. It is the extent of their wounds,

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S4652 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 19, 2011 both visible and invisible, that will re- facilities that are more conducive to strong and successful defense of our quire an untold resource from our Na- their needs. veterans who have done so much for us. tion. This bill also includes major invest- I want to salute my colleague from Through the wonders of modern med- ments to fund military construction Washington State. icine, servicemembers who would have projects worldwide, including readiness I am going to speak on two topics for been lost in previous conflicts are com- centers, barracks, hospitals, clinics, the 10 minutes I have allotted. First, ing home to live productive and ful- and schools. It also supports family on Abby Wambach, the pride of Roch- filling lives. But they will need a life- housing construction projects that en- ester and the U.S. Women’s National time of care from the VA. That is why sure military families have a satisfac- Soccer team, and then on the Cut, Cap, part of this bill includes significant in- tory roof over their heads. And that, by and Unbalance Plan that is now being vestments for research in a number of the way, will create thousands of good- debated in the House and will soon be areas, including traumatic brain in- paying jobs. debated in the Senate. jury, spinal cord injury, polytrauma in- As we all know, the strength of our First, I rise to recognize the extraor- juries, and sensory loss. military is rooted in the strength of dinary efforts of the U.S. Women’s Na- It includes funding that will go to the families who support them. Invest- tional Soccer team in this year’s World maintaining world-class prosthetics ments such as these are what allow our Cup, and in particular Pittsford, NY’s such as the one that was worn by SGT servicemembers to go abroad knowing own Abby Wambach. Leroy Petry, whom I saw at the White that their loved ones are being looked Over the last month, the Women’s House last week shake the hand of a after by the Nation they are pro- National Team has taken this country grateful President Obama as he was tecting. on the ride of a lifetime that we won’t awarded the Medal of Honor. After nearly a decade at war, the soon forget. It is also funding that comes at a consequences of sending our service- From their nail-biting efforts to critical time as amputations have members into combat and the sacred qualify for the World Cup to their he- sharply increased among soldiers in Af- obligation we have to care for those in- roic comeback against Brazil in the ghanistan, many of whom are getting jured in service have become clear. But quarter finals, this team showed the out of protective MRAP and Humvees so have the shortcomings and the chal- best of America during this year’s to engage Afghan citizens and at the lenges we have to meet. World Cup. At each stage of this team’s same time putting themselves at far Last week, I chaired a hearing on the success, there was a driving force, a greater risk of severe IED injuries. Ac- gaps to mental health care that still player who learned the game from her cording to a recent Washington Post exist at the VA, and the stories we older brothers on the soccer fields of article, twice as many U.S. soldiers heard were deeply frustrating. I heard New York’s greater Rochester region, a wounded in battle last year required the stories of two separate veterans player named Abby Wambach. Hun- limb amputations than in either of the who attempted suicide but were still dreds of Rochester’s fans gathered at two previous years. left to wait for weeks, and even her brother’s pub to cheer on Abby as This funding also comes as mental months, for appointments at the VA. she headed ball after ball into the back health concerns continue to rise, and We have to fix the VA in a way that of the net. suicides among active-duty troops and meets that obligation so they are more In the past few years, and especially veterans from these wars have risen to flexible and responsive to the needs of the past month or so, Abby has become a level now on par with combat deaths. today’s veterans, and we have to do it a household name. Fans from Roch- In April, the VA’s suicide hotline took in a cost-effective way by making sure ester, the State of New York, and 14,000 suicide calls, more than they had we are getting the most value out of across the country watched in awe of taken in any month in the previous 4 every dollar that a bill such as this one Abby as she led the U.S. squad years. This bill makes sure we are put- provides. Next week in our committee I throughout the World Cup. ting someone on the other end of that will be examining the long-term costs But in Rochester and the surrounding call. This bill funds efforts to give vet- of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan to area, Abby has been a star ever since erans access to mental health profes- our newest generation of veterans, be- she played on Our Lady of Mercy High sionals, and ensures we are not leaving cause I believe we need to address this School’s varsity team as an eighth our veterans to go it alone. problem openly and honestly. grader. Unusually young to be playing But this will do much more than help Like generations of servicemembers on a varsity squad, she helped her team our newest generation of veterans. For and veterans before them, today’s he- achieve a section V title. And as is generations we have faced the problems roes have done everything that has clear to all of us who have watched of homelessness among our Nation’s been asked of them. They have been Abby over the years, her success has veterans without making any real separated from their families through continued ever since. headway. Recently, through the suc- repeat deployments; they have sac- From Our Lady of Mercy to the cess of programs such as HUD-VASH rificed life and limb in combat; and Olympic games in Athens, and the 2011 and the Grant and Per Diem Program, they have done all this selflessly and World Cup, Abby has been an incredible we are seeing real progress toward put- with honor to our country. We cannot player and leader at every turn. Abby ting homeless veterans into safe and allow our commitment to them to Wambach has always represented the secure housing, and the bold goals laid lapse or to get caught up in politics. best New York has to offer and given out by the Obama administration to That is why we need to pass this bill. young women across the country some- end veterans’ homelessness once and We must also come to a budget agree- one to look up to, and the last month for all. This bill includes nearly $1 bil- ment that avoids default and the con- of the World Cup action has only ce- lion in direct assistance to homeless sequences that would have on our vet- mented her legacy as one of the great- veterans, and this bill helps those who erans. est U.S. Women’s Soccer players of all have taken on the monumental but We have to keep our promise, no time. deeply personal task of providing care matter what. She scored over 120 international to an injured veteran in their family, Madam President, I yield the floor. goals, none more dramatic or meaning- those people who have left behind their The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- ful than her goal against Brazil in the own careers and personal lives, and pore. The Senator from New York. quarter finals. No matter the odds or even their own health care and benefits f the score, Americans will never give up to care for those who can’t take care of and always believe, and Abby and her themselves. ABBY WAMBACH AND THE U.S. teammates showed that same drive and It includes major investments to WOMEN’S NATIONAL SOCCER desire during the game against Brazil. meet the unique needs of one of the TEAM Abby and the U.S. soccer team created fastest growing groups of veterans, Mr. SCHUMER. Madam President, a moment that will live long in the women veterans who, through health first I want to thank my colleague sports lore of our Nation. care and construction upgrades that from the great State of Washington for As the buzz continues about her goal, improve privacy, will benefit from VA her remarks and her never-ending there are some people close to Abby

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4653 who probably weren’t surprised. For rates will go up. It could very well send The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- those who watched Abby during her our economy back into a recession. pore. Without objection, it is so or- sophomore year score two goals and Let’s roll up our sleeves, let’s com- dered. make a clutch penalty kick that vault- promise, and let’s meet in the middle f ed Our Lady of Mercy to the section V and do something that will end our def- BALANCED BUDGET AMENDMENT championship match, they know this is icit problem, reduce our debt, and what Abby Wambach does. make sure we are able to pay the debts Mr. JOHANNS. Madam President, I For months, Abby has been a long we have already incurred. rise today to speak to an issue that I way from home. But tomorrow, she But, no, theater is the day. believe has all the potential in the will get the warm Rochester welcome Ideologues do not see the world as it is. world to define the future of this great she comes to know when her Magic I read some of the statements by some country. It is an issue with which all of Jack Club faces the Western New York of the freshman colleagues from the us who are participating in this col- Flash. Republican side in the House. They loquy are very familiar, and that is a Of course, we all know the efforts of just do not get it. Their view is that balanced budget. All of us are former the U.S. women’s team came just short they are so right that all they have to Governors of the States from which we in the end, and we can’t help but be do is put this on the floor and all of come. happy for the Japanese team and the America and every other Senator and In my State, the State of Nebraska, entire country as they finally have Congressman will go along. Ideologues our Nebraska Constitution requires a something to celebrate after the chal- do not see the world as it is, and that balanced budget. It is not unusual. I lenging months they have been is why I have never been too fond of believe 49 out of 50 States have this re- through. So Japan may have won this them, whether they have been on the quirement in their constitution. It is round, and congratulations to them, far right or on the far left. Yet that is not theater; it is the way we do things but they should know the U.S. Wom- who is governing here. at the State level. en’s Soccer Team will see them in Lon- If you read those statements in the In addition to that provision, how- don for the Olympics next summer, and papers this morning, that all they have ever, our State constitution also says again for the World Cup in Canada in to do is put this out there and everyone the total amount of money the State of 2015, with the pride of Rochester, Abby will see the righteousness of their Nebraska can borrow is $100,000. What Wambach, leading the way. cause, I have a word for them: Slashing does that mean? We must balance the Medicare and slashing Social Security f budget on an annual basis, and we can- is not the right thing to do, and I will not go out to the debt market and bur- CUT, CAP, AND BALANCE never see things that way. Saying that den our children and grandchildren by Mr. SCHUMER. Now to perhaps a less millionaires should continue to get tax fulfilling promises that, quite honestly, happy subject, the so-called Cut, Cap, breaks while we are slashing Social Se- we have no idea how we pay for. We and Balance Plan. curity and killing Medicare is some- cannot do that. Let me say we are going to be debat- thing I will never go along with, nor Does that sound familiar? That is ing this in the House and in the Senate will a single colleague on my side of what the Federal Government does over the next week. Theater trumps se- the aisle. every single year, and the Federal Gov- rious solutions as the House Repub- It is not going to pass. It is theater ernment has been doing it for decades. licans plan a vote on their unrealistic and politics at its worst. It is In Nebraska we are forced to prioritize Cut, Cap, and Balance proposal. It ideologues governing—or trying to gov- and live within our means. We have a truly is theater trumping serious solu- ern. They are not able to govern be- very simple, straightforward philos- tions when you put something on the cause they do not see the grays in the ophy. We do not promise something we floor that you know may not pass your world; it is only black or white. cannot pay for, and we do not buy own body in the House, certainly won’t The plan has three strikes against it. something we cannot pay for. pass the Senate, and would be vetoed No. 1, it will not solve the problem, and Is that unusual? Is that radical? by the President, at a time when our it is political theater. No. 2, it will kill Every working family in America un- Medicare as we know it. That is why Nation’s credit is teetering on the derstands that, and they live by that we call it cut, cap, and kill Medicare. edge. Let’s stop playing games and simple concept: the simple concept And, No. 3, it will not do a thing to solve this problem once and for all. that they should not buy what they help the middle class, while giving We on this side of the aisle call the cannot pay for. If they do, it gets them huge tax breaks to millionaires and plan Cut, Cap, and Kill Medicare for in trouble. Sadly, the Federal Govern- corporate America. That is not the one good reason. Under this reckless ment does not think that applies. It plan America wants. That is not the plan, seniors could see their Medicare thinks it is kind of a radical notion to plan America needs. That is not the cuts go up by $2,500 beyond Ryan cuts, apply that to what happens in Wash- plan that will pass. Social Security benefits could be I understand many of us have to bow ington. slashed by $3,000 a year. It is the Ryan to an extreme base in the party. That Let’s look at the results of this kind plan on steroids. happens around here a lot—but not of policy in my State of Nebraska. The The Ryan plan has been seriously re- when we are 2 weeks away from de- unemployment rate in Nebraska today jected in a bipartisan vote in this body. faulting on our debt, not when we are 2 is 4.1 percent. During one of the most The American people dislike it in- weeks away from potentially walking difficult times since the Great Depres- tensely. And yet now we have done off a cliff and incurring injuries from sion, the unemployment rate in Ne- something that is even more extreme. which we will never recuperate. braska never exceeded 5 percent. As I If you thought it wasn’t possible to be I call on my colleagues on the other have said before on this floor—let me more extreme, look at the Cut, Cap, side of the aisle to stop the theater, to state that a different way. That means and Kill Medicare plan that some of stop throwing red meat to the far right about 96 percent of Nebraskans have our colleagues on the other side of the base, and join us in solving the prob- work. aisle are offering. lems of America. Our State believes in the philosophy There are three things wrong with I yield the floor. of less government. I have said many their plan. First, we have a serious The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- times: Government does not create the debt problem. If the credit of the pore. The Senator from Nebraska. jobs, the private sector creates the United States goes into default, we will Mr. JOHANNS. Madam President, I jobs. It is small businesses and busi- pay the price for a decade. It will make ask unanimous consent that I be per- nesses willing to take the risks that our deficit worse, it will raise costs to mitted to enter into a colloquy with will get us out of the tough times we the Federal Government because inter- my Republican colleagues for up to 30 are in now. est rates on Federal bonds will go up minutes. Senator ALEXANDER of Ten- When I was Governor, Nebraska went and stay up for a very long time. It will nessee, Senator HOEVEN of North Da- through some very difficult times. I raise the cost to average homeowners kota, and Senator RISCH of Idaho will was Governor on 9/11. I was Governor because both mortgages and credit card participate with me in this colloquy. when the dot-com bubble burst. I did

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S4654 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 19, 2011 not have the option of walking into my time like we did when I became Gov- actly right. We served together as Gov- State of the State Address and stand- ernor, as when he was Governor, as we ernors. As a matter of fact, the truth ing there and saying: Folks, these are do in the country today, if our interest is, I would call the Senator—because he tough times. We are kind of divided out rates are low or we pay no interest, we was elected Governor before I was—for here. We will not be passing a budget. can use that money to get through advice and ask him about some of the Had I said that, I would have been tough times. A lot of the businesses things he was working on in Nebraska. looking for another State to live in. I and the families today who have less Our States share many things in com- would have been laughed out of the debt are making their way through mon; one the Senator mentioned, a low Governor’s office. these tough times more easily. unemployment rate. The unemploy- There were no easy decisions, but On the other hand, the Federal Gov- ment rate in our State is 3.3 percent. there were necessary and important de- ernment, according to the President’s Again, I attribute that to the ability of cisions to be made. Nebraskan prag- budget, by the year 2020, would be building a probusiness, progrowth, matism would go a long way in Wash- spending more money on interest on projobs environment that stimulates ington, but my State is not unique. My the Federal debt than it would on our private investments, stimulates jobs. State is not unique in terms of this national defense. Interest on the Fed- The Senator mentioned so very accu- balanced budget requirement. In fact, I eral debt would be $931 billion by 2021. rately that jobs are created by the pri- have other Governors with me today. What if that money could be put vate sector, not by government. We I would like to start out by recog- back in our pockets through tax cuts have to create an environment that nizing Senator LAMAR ALEXANDER of or used to help send kids to college or stimulates and encourages and helps the State of Tennessee. When Senator build roads in the State or energy re- create a forum for that private invest- ALEXANDER became Governor, I know search to lower the cost of gasoline? ment. That is how we create jobs and he had a lot of priorities, but he cre- One way, I would say to the Senator get this economy going. ated an environment in which job cre- from Nebraska, that balancing the On one side, we have to have a grow- ators could thrive. He created that en- budget helps create jobs is if we keep ing economy, which we don’t have at vironment with the spending require- our interest payments down, we keep the national level right now, and on ments of his constitution. I would like our taxes down, we can spend our the other side we have to live within him to tell us how he did it, how he money wisely on things that count. our means. We have to control our took his State forward even though he Mr. JOHANNS. Senator ALEXANDER spending, and the Federal Government had to balance his budget. raises such a valid point. In the State has a responsibility to control its Mr. ALEXANDER. I thank Governor of Nebraska we don’t have any road spending just as the States do, just as JOHANNS. It is terrific to be on the Sen- debt either. If we wanted to pave a mile businesses do, just as families do. We ate floor with other former Governors. of highway we had to have the money have to not only balance this budget, When we were doing the health care in the bank or it did not get done. The we have to live within our means on an bill last year, I said everyone who other advantage of that is when the ongoing basis. We have 49 of the 50 voted for it ought to be sentenced to economy started to lift, we did not States with either a constitutional or a serve as Governor for 8 years and actu- have to pay back all that money we statutory requirement that they bal- ally try to implement it. But let me had borrowed. We were ready to take ance their budget every year. Every try to answer the question briefly so off. So I would have to imagine in Ten- single Governor with us today had to we can hear from the other Governors. nessee, like Nebraska, our economic re- balance their budget every single year. I became Governor 30 years ago, in covery was just much easier to achieve. It was recently reported that 46 States the early 1980s. Inflation was 20 per- I had the pleasure of serving as Gov- are already on track to make sure cent. It is hard to imagine, in the early ernor of Nebraska when Senator their budget is balanced by the end of days of the Reagan administration, HOEVEN was Governor of North Dakota. their fiscal year. The Federal Govern- they had driven up interest rates to 12 The State of North Dakota is often rec- ment needs to do the same thing. percent to try to bring inflation down. ognized as one of the best managed Look at our situation right now. The We had terrible times. Of course, we States in the country. It has its fiscal Federal Government takes in $2.2 tril- still had to balance our budget. We had house in order. It runs a surplus with lion in revenues. We take in $2.2 tril- to live within our means. We had to some of the lowest unemployment lion in revenues, but we spend $3.7 tril- have the amount of money coming in rates of any State in the country. Yet lion. That is a $1.5-plus trillion deficit equal to the amount coming out. they suffered through some of the same every year, and that is rolling up to a Let me tell one story of the dif- problems we had after the dot-com col- debt that is now closing in on $14.5 tril- ference that has made in our State and lapse. lion. We have to address this. This is how it could make a difference in the Could the Senator talk to us a little not something we can hand off to fu- Federal Government. The other day, in bit about how the balanced budget pro- ture generations. So our message to the Environmental and Public Works visions in his constitution required the administration is, you are making Committee, the Tennessee chief high- him and the legislators to manage the it worse. We have to start living within way engineer was testifying. He was State? our means. We cannot keep spending there when I was Governor. He is still Mr. HOEVEN. I thank Senator and then borrowing and then raising there. One of the Senators, the chair- JOHANNS. It is an honor to be here with taxes and expect to have an economy man, suggested perhaps some flexible him, and also with the good Senator that grows and a government that lives Federal financing would be a good from Tennessee, LAMAR ALEXANDER. It within its means, and that is exactly thing for Tennessee; in other words, is great to be here with them as well as why we are here today talking about loaning some money to the State of Senator RISCH from Idaho. We have a the need for this balanced budget Tennessee to build roads. common shared experience as Gov- amendment. The State engineer said: Madam ernors. It is wonderful to draw on that. If one thinks about it, the balanced Chairman, with all respect, we don’t I also have to mention that the Pre- budget amendment gets everyone in- want to borrow any Federal money. siding Officer in the Senate today, Sen- volved both now and for the future be- The State of Tennessee has zero road ator SHAHEEN, is a former Governor as cause it has to be passed by both debt. well. So we have that common, shared Houses of Congress with a two-thirds That about brought the hearing to a experience, actually, here today on majority. That has to be done on a bi- halt because several Senators had not both sides of the aisle. It is an honor partisan basis and then it goes out to ever heard of such a thing. and it is a pleasure to be here with you the States and three-fourths of the He said: Yes, that is correct. We have and talk about this matter that is so States have to ratify it for it to be- zero road debt. We use all of our gas very important, particularly as we face come part of the Constitution. That tax money to build roads, none of it to the need to do something on the debt gets everybody involved in doing ex- pay interest. ceiling. This issue of dealing with a actly what we need to do; that is, get- That means, I say to the Senator balanced budget is paramount for our ting on top of this deficit and this debt, from Nebraska, when we have a tough entire country and your lead-in is ex- both now and for future generations.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4655 Again, I wish to thank the good Sen- spending $3.8 trillion. I can tell you, believe the States are sovereign, that ator from Nebraska for holding this there isn’t a day that goes by where we it was the States that created the Fed- colloquy and for inviting me to be part don’t get hit up with somebody saying: eral Government and kept a leash on it of it with my fellow Governors. I appre- It is not enough. Our agency doesn’t and said you can only have the powers ciate it very much. have enough money. Why we can’t we are specifically putting into this Mr. JOHANNS. Let me thank Sen- even—blank. Fill in whatever you Constitution. Now the courts over the ator HOEVEN. I noticed today we are want, whatever agency it is. Everybody years have expanded that dramatically, also joined by another former Gov- tells you they don’t have enough but nonetheless, the vision the Found- ernor. In fact, we were both elected to money. ing Fathers had, the American people the Senate at the same time so we are Yes, that is right. Because a balanced had when they put together the coun- both part of the same class. budget requirement acknowledges a try that created the most successful, Senator RISCH, at one point in his ca- plain, simple fact of life; that is, there the wealthiest, the culture that en- reer, served as Governor of the State of are not enough resources to do every- joyed the best quality of life anyone on Idaho. He had financial restrictions thing we want to do. Indeed, a lot of the face of this planet has ever enjoyed just as we did in terms of a balanced times there isn’t even enough money to before, the Founding Fathers said: budget. I ask the Senator, how was he do what we need to do, but what we Look, we are going to create a govern- able to deal with important priorities have to do is we have to do the best we ment for the individual, to give the in- while balancing the budget and bring- can with what we have. Without a bal- dividual the ability to prosper, to give ing the legislative process along in ac- anced budget amendment, it becomes complishing that? Could the Senator the individual opportunity. the opposite of that—we keep spending. That is what they said. They didn’t talk to us a little bit about that today? People say to me: Well, JIM, you have sit around the table and say: You know Mr. RISCH. I thank Senator JOHANNS been in public service all your adult very much. I am honored to be here what we need is a nanny State. We life. Has anything in Washington, DC, need to create a government that is with the other former Governors. surprised you? I said: Yes, but only one There are a handful of us on each side going to take care of every American thing. The stuff that goes on here from the time they are born until the who have had the honor and privilege doesn’t surprise me at all, except the of serving their States as the chief ex- time they die just as in Europe. cavalier attitude this city has and, in- In Europe, the government pays for ecutive, so it is a real honor to be here, deed, this institution has for the value your birth. In Europe, the government and I bring that experience with me. I of money. It astounds me that in this pays for your funeral and, indeed, it think every one of us brings that expe- institution they don’t stop spending pays for a whole lot of everything in rience with us. I not only bring that money when they hit the end of the between including every dime you experience, but I did almost three dec- budget or they don’t stop spending spend after you retire. That is not what ades in the Idaho State Senate, bal- money when they hit the end of the re- America was founded to do. They did ancing the budget and, indeed, I was in sources. They stop spending money not sit around and say: How can we the leadership, having to do what the when they run out of time. That seems take care of the whole society? They leadership does here, as far as bringing the two ends together, because we have to be the only sideboard on how much said: How can we defend this country? a balanced budget requirement in the money is spent. If we look around—and How can we make sure no enemies State of Idaho, as virtually every other people will criticize us on this—and come into this country? How can we State does. Does that create some say: You foolish Republicans, what are make sure people have the opportunity angst when one is the chief executive you talking about? A balanced budget to succeed? Yes, some will fail. Yes, or when one is in the legislative proc- amendment, that is dumb. You know some will succeed. Yes, we are going to ess trying to balance the budget? Of what I say to them? Look at the have poor people, and, yes, we are course it does. I am sure the Presiding States. Look around at the States. going to have rich people because that Officer wound up with the same thing There are two, maybe three States that is what a free society is all about, but in her great State as she tried to bal- are having very difficult financial situ- everybody is going to have the same ance the budget because no matter how ations, and it is because they either opportunity. Everybody who is born much money one has, it is never don’t have a balanced budget amend- into this country or becomes a natural- enough. As Senator JOHANNS pointed ment or they have done some skuldug- ized citizen in this country is going to out, it is a matter of priority. This is gery to get around the balanced budget have the opportunity to succeed in a not rocket science. requirement they have. But every greater fashion than anyone on the What the States do and, indeed, what other State has its financial house in face of this planet has ever succeeded businesses do and, indeed, what fami- order. Has it been painful? Of course, it before, and they are going to do it lies do around the kitchen table, either has been painful. It is painful to every- without government interference. formally or informally, is anticipate one when they don’t have enough My goodness. How far we have come how much money is going to come in money, including American families, from those days and not in a good way. over the year, sometimes over the but that is simply the way it is. They couldn’t conceive they needed a month, sometimes over the week. They One of the problems we are having is balanced budget amendment because anticipate how much money is going to the basic foundation of the difference the numbers we are talking about they come in and then they say: We have between Republicans and Democrats. never heard of. If a guy sitting around priorities. What is our first priority? Of People who say there is no difference the table said: By the way, do you course, in a home, we have to be able between Republicans and Democrats know the country is going to be over $1 to eat, we have to have the utilities ought to come and spend the day here. trillion in debt someday, they would paid and a roof over our head, so those They would find that philosophically have said: What is $1 trillion? How become very important. To a govern- we are hardwired very differently. many zeros is that? They couldn’t even ment, obviously, if it is a State govern- Similar to two brands of computers conceive of that, so they didn’t put ment, education is the largest expendi- trying to talk to each other, we are that in the Constitution. But this isn’t ture for virtually everyone. For the hardwired differently. difficult to do. It is how much comes in Federal Government, obviously, the Republicans believe this Nation was and how much comes out and they need highest priority is national defense. founded with the idea we would have a to equalize each other. But we make a list. Then what we do is limited central government. It was I will be the first to admit our two we allocate the money we have to a founded by people who, indeed, feared a parties don’t understand each other. As list. When we are done, nobody ever central government. By the way, their I said, we are hardwired differently, stands and says: That went very well. fear, as we now see every day, is very and I have a lot of good friends on the We have enough money. We have every- well founded. We believe in a limited other side of the aisle. We have good thing funded. We are able to do every- government. We believe in individual conversations. They don’t understand thing we want to do. responsibility. We believe in the re- how I can possibly think we could have No, absolutely not. Indeed, around sponsibility of the States. It is hard to a balanced budget, and I guess I don’t here, in this city, this government is find people in this town who actually understand how they think we can

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S4656 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 19, 2011 spend ourselves into prosperity. We phere that creates those jobs. If we are In August, if there is not a solution, it are, indeed, hardwired differently than going to have a balanced budget, we is estimated that spending in the econ- each other. must lead that effort at the State omy could contract immediately from I watched one of the leaders the level. Every Governor who has had an 40 to 50 percent. That means the U.S. other day come out onto the floor. He opportunity to speak this morning in economy would be hit with a loss of was carrying on about how bad the bal- this colloquy has made that point. At about $134 billion or about 10 percent of anced budget amendment was. He said the end of the day, when our legislative GDP for the month of August if we fail it would be an admission of the failure sessions were over, we had to be able to to find a solution. A 10-percent loss to of this institution to be able to do its tell the people of our great States that August’s GDP could bring our credit job. It would be abdicating our ability we passed the budget; that the budget markets to a standstill and could lead to do our job. Look around. We are was, in fact, balanced; and, for some of to the loss of millions of additional $14.3 trillion in debt. Do you think the us, that we did not borrow any money jobs. American people think we are doing whatsoever to get that job done. We One of the ironies of this debate is our job, when we are at $14.3 trillion in could learn something in Washington that the proposal by some on the other debt and now debating adding another from that. side to simply not pass debt limit legis- $2.4 trillion to that? If a person comes This is not a radical idea. All the lation would be tolerable. In fact, it and spends a little bit of time here, rhetoric we have heard about what a would be catastrophic. It would be cat- they will understand this institution radical, crazy idea this is—well, how astrophic in terms of the very objective cannot budget and do so responsibly. can it be so radical if 49 out of 50 they are urging—controlling the def- Given the opportunity, it will spend States have decided this is the right icit. As people drop out of the labor and spend and spend and the only way course and the right direction for their force, they require more benefits. They this can be changed is if we have a bal- State governments? I can’t imagine the are not able legally or in a position to anced budget provision in the Constitu- American people want anything less pay the taxes they were paying while tion just as virtually every State in for their Federal Government. And, as working. In addition to that, it has America has. We are going upside down Senator RISCH has just pointed out, been estimated that for every 1 percent at a rate of $4 billion to $5 billion a why would we not give the American increase in interest rates—and if we de- day. We are borrowing new money, $4 people the opportunity to cast their fault, interest rates will go up on U.S. billion to $5 billion a day. That is vote on how best to manage their gov- Treasuries—we will over 10 years accu- about 12 hours of the entire annual ernment—their government? mulate $1.3 trillion in additional def- budget for the State of Idaho. This With that, I yield the floor, and I icit. So in one fell swoop, the deficit can’t go on. The way to fix it is with a note the absence of a quorum. hawks who are screaming so loudly balanced budget requirement that puts The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. today could put us on an even worse a new rule in place, and we need rules, TESTER). The clerk will call the roll. deficit trajectory. we need sideboards when it comes to The assistant legislative clerk pro- We all know the job of bringing this spending money. ceeded to call the roll. budget into alignment is not going to I wish to thank the Senator for pro- Mr. REED. Mr. President, I ask unan- be easy. It involves many tradeoffs, viding us with this opportunity. Those imous consent that the order for the some of which are likely to be very un- of us who have actually lived in the quorum call be rescinded. popular. It started in 1990, when Repub- real world where we could not print The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without licans joined us in a balanced approach. money, we could not borrow the kind objection, it is so ordered. Along with my colleagues who served of money we are talking about here, f here in the 1990s under President Clin- where we had to make responsible deci- DEBT CRISIS ton, we then took some tough votes sions—it is time this government did with not one Republican vote in sup- that, and the only way it is going to do Mr. REED. Mr. President, I rise today to talk about the regrettable and port of us in 1993 when the process of that, regardless of flowery speeches balancing the budget continued. It given during campaigns—oh, send me avoidable looming debt crisis if we don’t take appropriate and timely takes time. It takes difficult votes. It to Washington; I will take care of this; was done in the 1990s. I will see we balance the budget; I steps beginning today and continuing As we all know, when President won’t overspend—they come here and over the next few days. George W. Bush assumed office, we do it. The only way this can be done is As we continue to work to get our were looking not at massive deficits, to balance the budget. Without a bal- economy out from under a protracted we were looking at a potential surplus anced budget amendment to the Con- and painful recession and on a more ro- of trillions of dollars over a 10-year pe- stitution, we can’t do this. bust path of growth and job creation, The American people have to do this. not having an agreement to pay our riod. But with the programs that Presi- We can vote to ask the American peo- country’s bills has severe con- dent Bush, together with his Repub- ple: Do you think we should have a bal- sequences. Defaulting could mean not lican colleagues, embraced, of signifi- anced budget amendment to the U.S. only a potential stoppage of Social Se- cant tax cuts, an expansion of entitle- Constitution? Let’s find out. Let’s find curity and veterans’ benefits checks, ments, such as Part D Medicare which out. There can’t be anything wrong but even more worrying than what was not paid for, which was put on the with giving the American people the could happen to bondholders and the credit card, and two unfunded wars, we ability to do this. It takes three- middle class is the question of whether are sitting today with this huge deficit. fourths of the States to ratify this. this could push us back into not only a Frankly, this proposal to raise the Let’s give them the opportunity. Let’s severe recession but a worldwide eco- debt limit is very simply paying for have the debate. Let’s pass this and nomic catastrophe. what President Bush and Republican give it to the States and see if they We can look across at European gov- Congresses did several years ago. Yet want to do it. ernments struggling with sovereign we find my colleagues on the other side Thank you very much. I appreciate debt crises. Also, one of the lessons we saying: Oh, we cannot do that. We can- the opportunity. should have learned from the events of not do that without significant reduc- Mr. JOHANNS. Let me wrap up this 2008, and particularly that fall, is that tions in programs that are vital to colloquy this morning by thanking a lack of confidence and a vulnerabil- Americans. each one of my colleagues for their ity in one part of the world’s financial We have already demonstrated—we comments. systems can be magnified dramatically did that in a continuing resolution Governors are practical people. We because of connections and inter- that is covering this year’s funding— have to be. We have no choice. If jobs relationships and could potentially we can and will make difficult cuts. We are going to be created in our States, produce a worldwide crisis. can reduce spending. But we have to do we must lead that effort—not by So this is an issue we have to ad- it in a measured way. The other thing jawboning and indicting the business dress. A failure to act would cripple we have to do is recognize that any so- community but by creating the atmos- our government almost immediately. lution, just as it was in the 1990s, will

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4657 require revenues as well as expendi- TSA posts if the government cannot es- We have done it. We did it in the 1990s. tures. That is the only way the arith- sentially pay its debts? All these issues I would argue without some of the poli- metic will work. have to be considered. cies that were enthusiastically em- I find it sometimes ironic when I go We have to, as I said, talk about rev- braced by many who are here today, around and talk and they say: Oh, if we enues too. It is astounding that people who are talking about sacrifice for the don’t solve this problem, you are put- would literally be suggesting we cut middle class but no sacrifice for the ting all this burden on our grand- back Social Security benefits, that we very wealthy, we would not be in the children. Where was that spirit when cut back retirement benefits, that we same position we are in today. the President cut taxes and began to do all these things at the same time we I believe we are at a very critical mo- eliminate a surplus that would have are providing about $4 billion in annual ment. We have to resolve this issue by benefited our grandchildren? Where tax incentives to the oil industry, when August 2. I hope we can do that. I hope was that spirit when the President de- the price of oil is at record levels, their it will turn on the same kind of sen- cided to engage in two major wars but profits are at record levels. These are a sible, balanced approach that we adopt- not pay for them? Where was that spir- host of tax provisions that do not make ed previously in the 1990s. We have to it when the President decided he was us anymore productive. In fact, one go ahead and think in terms of restor- going to expand entitlements and not might argue they do not even encour- ing our financial house and then get- pay for them? There were very few of age employment here in the United ting our American people back to my colleagues on the other side wor- States. One could make the suggestion, work. If we do that, I think we will ful- rying about grandchildren then. at least the way we set up the system, fill not only the best hopes and wishes Well, we do have to worry about our that it might encourage employment of the American people but their grandchildren. That means we have to overseas, and then we repatriate the strong desires. start taking the tough steps today. We profits here. Well, that might be fine With that, I suggest the absence of a have to start making the sacrifices for the big companies and the execu- quorum. that will get our budget in order. Those tives, but what about Americans who The PRESIDING OFFICER. The sacrifices are not simply in cutting are looking for jobs? What about Amer- clerk will call the roll. programs that are so vital not only to icans who are looking just to get by? The assistant legislative clerk pro- so many Americans but are so vital to We also have to recognize that some ceeded to call the roll. our continuing economic growth. of the proposals we have made—in fact, Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, I ask I am sure everyone here will say they all of them the President has talked unanimous consent that the order for have important highway projects in about with respect to revenues—would the quorum call be rescinded. their States, they have important in- not be effective immediately because The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without frastructure projects in their States. we are still in a period of very fragile objection, it is so ordered. Do we sacrifice those projects? If we economic growth. They would be effec- Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, are we do, then we sacrifice our economic effi- tive in 2013. But they would go to that in morning business at this time? ciency, we sacrifice our productivity, long-term goal of deficit reduction, The PRESIDING OFFICER. We are. and we give the results to our grand- which we can achieve, but it will take Mr. DURBIN. I thank the Chair. children: a decrepit infrastructure, time, just as it took time in the 1990s. Mr. President, we know as Members with the inability to be competitive in But even these proposals to close of the Senate we are facing a deadline a very competitive global economy. loopholes, which are, in my view, very of August 2 for the extension of our We have to move forward. We have to difficult to defend—and to do so not debt ceiling. What is it? move forward to avoid a catastrophe to immediately but several years from The debt ceiling is the authority the economy if the debt ceiling is not now—even these proposals are being re- Congress gives to the President to bor- raised. Also, we have to move forward sisted by Republicans. That does not row money. You say to yourself: Well, to begin to balance our budget in the make sense to me. I also do not think please stop borrowing. We are already way it has been done in the past and, it makes sense to a growing number of deep in debt. But what the President is frankly, in the way it only can be done; Americans across this country. They borrowing money to pay for what we that is, we have to start, beginning want us to be responsible. They want have already spent money on, commit- today, to make the sacrifices and make us to be able to pay our debts. Then ments we have already made. the tough choices that will provide a they want us to get our debts under Let me give you an example. Voting better future for our grandchildren. control. They recognize that requires to continue the war in Afghanistan We have done it in the past. In 1990 not just good will and good wishes, it costs $10 billion a month. We do not and 1993 we took tough steps, as I men- requires real, difficult choices and sac- have that money—not enough. We have tioned before, to begin to balance the rifices. to borrow 40 cents for every $1 we budget. And in 1997, with a Republican We are seeing now an economy that spend. So when Members of Congress Congress and a Democratic President, is racking up huge profits for industry. say: Continue the war in Afghanistan we took additional steps. We can do it, The nonfinancial members of the S&P at $10 billion a month, they are saying and we must do it. 500 index are sitting on about $1.1 tril- we are prepared to borrow $4 billion The idea that we are going to default lion in cash. The Federal Reserve indi- every single month to keep that prom- is difficult to imagine, but, still, there cated similarly that nonfinancial busi- ise. are those out there on the other side nesses have about $1.9 trillion in cash The President comes to us about who are saying they will not vote for defined as liquid assets. once a year and says: I need more au- raising the credit limit in any way, Record profits are being accumulated thority to continue to borrow money shape, or form. I think that is irrespon- by corporations. All of this is good, but to pay for the things you have asked us sible. I think we have to be responsible. it is much better if those cash re- to do. That is what it comes down to. We have stood up before. We have sources and profits are put back into Nobody likes to vote for the debt taken tough votes. We have to do it the American economy in terms of cre- ceiling because it is so widely mis- again. ating jobs. That should be part of our understood. Most people basically say: Failing to do that puts a huge burden effort too, not simply reducing the def- I don’t want to be associated with it. I on the middle class. The wealthiest icit, but reducing it in a way where we have been guilty of that in my political amongst us may be able to negotiate grow jobs here in the United States. career. But the fact is, most of us look through the vagaries of what might That is also at the heart of what the over our shoulders at the final vote and happen after a credit default by the President is talking about in terms of say: We better pass this darn thing be- United States, but for Social Security his efforts. cause if we don’t, we will default on recipients, for military retirees, for We are on the verge of tough votes our debt. those people who are looking for the and tough choices, and I hope we make The full faith and credit of the basic services of government—transit those tough choices and tough votes. United States of America is like our to get to work, the ability to get on a We do have to pay our debts, but then credit score. Guess what. We have the plane—who is going to be manning the we have to get our debt under control. best in the world. Of all governments

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S4658 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 19, 2011 in the world, we have the best: triple A. If we are going to deal with this debt, they need and help them pay for it. We It does not get any better, and it has there is only one rational way to do it. created the plan with private health in- always been there, and that has helped About a year and a half ago, HARRY surance companies right in the cov- us. It has helped us not only to borrow REID appointed me to the Bowles-Simp- erage for this prescription drug benefit money at lower interest costs, but the son debt commission. We met for 10 under Medicare. fact that our economy is looked on as months and came up with a conclu- What many of us thought we should so reliable attracts more businesses to sion—18 members—and 11 voted for it. do is allow the Medicare system itself our country. We said that if we are going to reduce to offer a prescription drug benefit. We So if on August 2 we default on our this debt in a meaningful way over the should model it after the Veterans’ Ad- debt for the first time in our history, next 10 years, we need to put every- ministration, where the VA buys pre- our credit score is going to suffer. The thing on the table—everything. That is scription drugs in bulk at a discount so people who loan us money are going to painful. It means putting on the table that their veterans can get the benefit say: We never dreamed the United what I have fought for as a Member of of those bulk purchases. We can do the States of America would fail to make a the House and Senate, and believe in, same on Medicare and leave it up to in- debt payment. If they are going to fail and I still do, but we have to look at dividuals across America to pick the to make a debt payment, then we are them. plan they want. If you want to go with going to have to raise the interest Is there a way to save money, to the private health insurance when it rates because they are riskier than we economize, to spread the burden of re- comes to prescription drug benefits, thought they were. sponsibility and sacrifice so that it is that is your choice. If you want to go What happens when you raise the in- fair in America? Some say: No, we are with the Medicare benefit, that is your terest rates on the United States of not going to put everything on the choice. That choice could save us $100 America borrowing money? Every per- table. billion a year. That is a lot of money. centage point—every 1 percentage Our talks have broken down recently We can end up with savings there, help- point—adds $130 billion a year to our with the Republican leadership over ing to reduce the deficit, and not com- national debt; and over 10 years, 10 whether, under any circumstances— promise the basic promise of Medicare times that amount: $1.3 trillion every and I underline the word ‘‘any’’—the prescription drugs. The same is true with Social Secu- 10 years for every single percentage wealthiest in America should pay more rity. This is where it gets very tricky, point. in taxes. They say: No, not a penny. So is it important to extend the debt I don’t think that is right. I think if and a lot of people start heading for ceiling? You bet it is; otherwise, our we are going to deal with our debt and the exits. Here is the reality. Social Se- debt goes up, our credit rating goes deficit in a meaningful way, those who curity as currently written, with no changes whatsoever, will make every down. are well off and comfortable in this There is another unfortunate con- great Nation should help us. They need promised payment to every beneficiary sequence. As the debt of America re- to sacrifice if we are asking the same for 25 years, with an annual cost-of-liv- quires a higher interest payment be- of working families and everyone else ing increase. You can’t say that about cause we have defaulted, interest rates across the board. So this notion of no anything else in government. But what happens at the end of 25 years? Unless go up all across America—in Montana, revenue, no tax increase is, in my something intervenes, at that point the in Illinois, in every State. People who mind, shortsighted and won’t lead us to Social Security benefits drop 22 per- are borrowing money to run a farm, where we need to be. cent. That is a big hit for folks living such as our Presiding Officer, to buy a We also have to put entitlements on the table. That is when we start get- on Social Security. car or buy a house will pay more in in- So what can we do today, 25 years in ting nervous on the Democratic side. terest. advance—a small thing—to Social Se- Is that is a good thing? Of course not, We know what the House budget does curity that will build up the solvency to Medicare. Frankly, I voted against particularly in a weak and recovering and life of Social Security for even that, and I would vote against it any- economy, with 9 million people out of more years? work, maybe 14 million if you add time it is brought before us. I think that is an honest challenge. those who are only partially employed. What it does is dramatically change We should view it as an honest chal- With 14 million people out of work and Medicare as we know it. For about 40 lenge not to eliminate Social Security interest rates going up, businesses do million Americans, that is their only but to say to the generation of younger not expand as they should, people do health insurance. They are folks who workers in America that it is going to not buy. They put it off because inter- are over 65, many with medical condi- be there, and you will be lucky that it est rate costs are that much higher. tions, and they are uninsurable or cer- is there because a lot of seniors today That is what this is about. That is tainly they cannot be insured at a pre- can tell you the story of their lives. what the August 2 deadline is about. mium rate they can afford. Medicare is They paid into Social Security, and But it is about something more. It is there for them, and it has been for over they now receive the benefits, but what about the debt of this Nation, which is 50 years. So the notion in the House happened to their other plans for re- a serious issue. We are now in a posi- Republican budget that we would dou- tirement? Well, that little 401(k) or tion where, as I mentioned earlier, we ble the out-of-pocket expenses for IRA or SEP plan took a hit a few years borrow 40 cents for every $1 we spend. Medicare recipients and beneficiaries ago, and they lost about 30 percent of We borrow it from Americans who buy up to $6,000 a year is just something their value. Many Americans with the our Treasuries and securities, and we most people can’t do. You know, if you pension plans—some of their companies borrow it from countries around the are wealthy in your retirement, that is went out of business, and they walked world who buy our debt. one thing. Most people are just living away from those plans. The leading creditor of the United paycheck to paycheck on Social Secu- Social Security is still there, and we States of America is China. The lead- rity, with meager savings. The notion want it to be there in the future. We ing competitor of the United States of of spending $6,000 a year out of pocket can strengthen Social Security and America is China. Put those two things for Medicare is beyond them. I reject give it a longer life. We can find ways together and realize our vulnerability that House Republican budget. to strengthen Medicare and give it a as our debt grows larger and our in- Are there ways to save money in longer life and still be committed to debtedness to countries such as China Medicare? Yes. We created a Medicare the basic mission of these entitlement grows larger. That is not good. prescription drug program and said programs. That has to be part of this Plus, my son, daughter, my grand- that finally we are going to help pay conversation. children, and yours will end up paying for the prescription drugs of seniors be- I have spent the last few months fol- this debt. They will pay in their lives cause if they get their medicine and lowing up on the Bowles-Simpson def- for what we are spending today. Some they take it, they are well, they don’t icit commission, meeting with a num- of those will benefit them, but some go to the hospital, and then their lives ber of my Senate colleagues, three on won’t. What we will consume, they will are better and our costs are lower. So the Democratic side and three Repub- pay for. That is not fair. it is better to give them the medicine licans. We have tried to take the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4659 Bowles-Simpson proposal and put it weeks. We have to get down to busi- our country, one that understands into language that works, make it ness. what is going on in the economy today, work. So we have been at it for a long I yield the floor. and one that addresses the issue of how time. We have had our ups and downs. The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. we got into this horrendous deficit sit- One of our members left, then came WEBB). The junior Senator from Vir- uation in the first place. back. It is a tough assignment. It is ginia is recognized. When we talk about a fair deal, one not easy. Sometimes emotions run Mr. WARNER. Mr. President, I com- has to understand what the American high because there are things of great mend my colleague, the Senator from economy is today, and that is that we value and importance that are being Illinois, for his comments. I affirm his have a middle class that is collapsing; discussed. sentiments. we have poverty increasing; and we Something happened this morning We have two problems in front of us have a growing gap between the very that was perhaps historic. We took our right now—one intermediate problem: wealthiest people in our country and plan, which still is short of completion, raising the debt ceiling. If we have a everybody else. To my mind, at a time and we invited every Member of the downgrade in our debt, there will be a when the rich are doing phenomenally Senate—Democrats and Republicans— tax increase on every American family, well, when corporate profits are ex- to come listen to a description of the every American business, in the cost of tremely high, when the effective tax plan. If I am not mistaken—and Sen- higher interest rates. We have to get rate for the wealthy is the lowest in ator WARNER is here—it was 49 Sen- that raised, which is something I have modern history, and when we have ators who came. There were no fist- been advocating for over a year. many corporations making billions of fights and no swearing. Instead, Demo- We have to take a second step—to dollars in profits and paying nothing in cratic and Republican Senators sat in put into place the long-term deficit re- taxes, it would be immoral and bad that room—49 of them—and listened to duction plan. The Senator from Illinois economic policy to move toward a def- the outline of this proposal from this and I and others have been working on icit-reduction approach which balances group of 6 and came out with a positive this. The Senator from Georgia and I the budget on the backs of working feeling—not all of them. I am not sug- started this over a year ago. We had I families, the elderly, the sick, and the gesting they all signed up. I would not believe virtually half of the Senate poor, and that does not ask the expect that to happen. But it is signifi- who came and said it is not perfect, but wealthiest people or the largest cor- cant at this moment in our history this makes sense as a way to move for- porations to contribute one nickel to that so many felt positive toward what ward. We have to do our jobs. deficit reduction. That would be abso- we were doing. I hope we can take it to I particularly thank the Senator lutely wrong. Mr. President, one of the areas that another level. from Illinois, who has worked so hard concerns me very much is that in the In the meantime, we have an impor- on preserving the safety net in these midst of all of this deficit-reduction tant responsibility. We need to extend discussions. talk, seemingly out of nowhere comes the debt ceiling. We cannot com- Some of my colleagues on the Repub- the idea we must make major cuts in promise the whole faith and credit lican side have recognized that we have Social Security benefits. That is abso- score of the United States. We cannot to sort through a way to reform our lutely wrong for a number of reasons. let interest rates go up and raise our Tax Code in a meaningful way. These No. 1, Social Security has not con- debt. We cannot let interest rates go up are acts of political courage, and I tributed one nickel toward our deficit. and kill the recovery that is taking commend them both. The Social Security trust fund has a place in this economy by killing jobs. With that, I yield the floor and sug- $2.6 trillion surplus. Social Security We need to do our part here and solve gest the absence of a quorum. can pay out every benefit owed to this problem on a bipartisan basis. I The PRESIDING OFFICER. The every eligible American for the next 25 hope we can fold into that, as a critical clerk will call the roll. years. So it is wrong, wrong, wrong to element, a plan to move forward in The bill clerk proceeded to call the make significant cuts in Social Secu- dealing with our debt. roll. rity a part of deficit reduction. It is Senator REID, the Democratic major- Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, I ask wrong because Social Security hasn’t ity leader, and Senator MCCONNELL, unanimous consent that the order for contributed to the deficit; it is wrong the Republican minority leader, are the quorum call be rescinded. because President Obama specifically working together. America should take The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without campaigned against any cuts toward heart that they are trying to find a objection, it is so ordered. Social Security; and it is wrong be- way through a difficult political chal- f cause cutting Social Security would lenge. The clock is running, and we BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS hurt in a very significant way millions have to get it done. of the most vulnerable people in our Mr. SANDERS. Mr. President, the Today, we have a largely empty country. Chamber, as we prepare for a debate on issue that is under discussion in Wash- There is a discussion going on about a Republican alternative, which I will ington on deficit reduction is of enor- moving toward a so-called Chained oppose and speak against, and I will mous consequence. It will impact not CPI, which would be used to determine tell you why. It is not going to pass. only our generation but the decisions Social Security’s annual COLA—a new We know that. But we have said to Re- reached will impact our children and formulation on the COLA. Let me be publicans: We will give you your our grandchildren and the future of our very clear. When I was in the House, I chance to make your case. That is all country. It is terribly important the introduced bipartisan legislation to any of us can ask in the Senate. My American people become engaged in strengthen the Social Security COLA plea to the Republican side of the aisle this debate. I fear if they do not, if we because I believed then, and I believe is, let’s do this in a time-efficient man- leave the discussions totally to folks now, the current COLA is inadequate ner. Let’s not waste time. Let’s try to inside the beltway, the results will be a and unfair to seniors because it does get to a good, healthy debate and a disaster for tens of millions of working not take into account the high cost of vote and move to extend the debt ceil- families, for the elderly, for the sick, health care and prescription drugs. ing on a bipartisan basis. If we don’t for the children, for the environment, In my view, the current COLA formu- and if the rating agencies which down- and for the future of our Nation. lation understates what seniors and graded us last week come back and hit So my plea today is for the American disabled vets should be getting. What us again, it will hurt this economy and people to get heavily involved, to get some are proposing in terms of moving the families and businesses that count on the phone and call their Senators toward a Chained CPI would be to on us to make the right and important and their Members of Congress to de- move us in exactly the wrong direc- decisions on a timely basis. mand not that the budget deal that is tion. It would not adequately reflect I urge my colleagues on the Repub- reached is a big deal or a small deal or the purchasing needs of seniors but, in lican side, wage a spirited debate on a medium-sized deal but that the budg- fact, would underestimate those needs. what you believe in, and we will too, et agreement that is reached is a fair The Social Security Administration’s but let’s not draw this out for days and deal—one that reflects the values of Chief Actuary estimates the effects of

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S4660 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 19, 2011 the so-called Chained CPI would be RECESS on the line to defend our Nation and it that beneficiaries who retire at age 65 The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under would be shortsighted to cut funding and receive average benefits would get the previous order, the Senate will for critical research designed to im- $560 less a year at age 75 than they stand in recess until 2:15 p.m. prove medical outcomes from injuries would under current law. Around here Thereupon, at 12:30 p.m., the Senate suffered on the battlefield. $560 may not seem like a lot of money. Over the last several years, tremen- recessed until 2:15 p.m., and reassem- But if you are 75 years of age and are dous progress has been made by the De- bled when called to order by the Pre- bringing in $14,000 or $16,000 a year, and partment in reducing the number of siding Officer (Mr. WEBB). you are trying to pay for prescription homeless vets. According to the VA, in The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- drugs or health care, $560 is, in fact, a 2005 an estimated 195,000 vets experi- ator from Illinois. lot of money. Worse, if we moved to- enced homelessness on any given night. Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I would ward that Chained CPI, Social Security Today that figure is down to 75,600. suggest the absence of a quorum. benefits, by the time a senior reached Progress is being made and this bill The PRESIDING OFFICER. The 85, he or she would receive $1,000 less a continues those efforts. year, which would be a 6.5-percent cut clerk will call the roll. The bill also includes funding for the in their benefits. The legislative clerk proceeded to VA to transform from a Department So we are in an unusual moment in call the roll. heavily dependent on paper to a mod- that the people who helped cause this Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. I ask ern agency that leverages technology recession—the greedy people on Wall unanimous consent that the order for to shorten the time vets have to wait Street whose recklessness, whose the quorum call be rescinded. for services. The funds contained in greed, whose illegal behavior drove us The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without this bill are necessary for the VA to de- into this recession—are not being objection, it is so ordered. ploy its automated claims processing asked to contribute one nickel toward f system on time. deficit reduction. They were bailed out CONCLUSION OF MORNING These are only a few highlights of the by the American people, and in many BUSINESS VA title of the Military Construction- respects they are now doing better VA appropriations bill. As I have men- than they did before the Wall Street The PRESIDING OFFICER. Morning tioned from the outset, this bill is a re- crash. business is now closed. sult of a bipartisan effort. Again, I urge Many here are saying, my Repub- f my colleagues to file any amendments licans friends especially: No, Wall MILITARY CONSTRUCTION AND they may have so that we can continue Street CEOs making tens of millions a VETERANS AFFAIRS AND RE- to make progress in moving this bill year, who helped cause this recession, LATED AGENCIES APPROPRIA- toward final passage. do not have to contribute one penny TIONS ACT, 2012 I yield the floor and note the absence toward deficit reduction. But if you are of a quorum. an 85-year-old senior citizen who is The PRESIDING OFFICER. Under The PRESIDING OFFICER. The struggling to take care of basic neces- the previous order, the Senate will re- clerk will call the roll. sities, well, my goodness, we are going sume consideration of H.R. 2055, which The legislative clerk proceeded to to have to do deficit reduction on your the clerk will report. call the roll. back. The legislative clerk read as follows: Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. I ask That is not what America is supposed A bill (H.R. 2055) making appropriations unanimous consent that the order for to be about, and that is not what the for military construction, the Department of the quorum call be rescinded. American people want. Poll after poll Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without suggests the American people believe the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and objection, it is so ordered. we should move toward deficit reduc- for other purposes. Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. I ask tion based on the concept of shared Pending: unanimous consent that Senator COL- sacrifice; that we are all in this to- Coburn (for McCain) amendment No. 553, to LINS be added as a cosponsor to amend- gether. eliminate the additional amount of ment No. 556. Even if you are a millionaire and you $10,000,000, not included in the President’s The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without make a whole lot of campaign con- budget request for fiscal year 2012, appro- objection, it is so ordered. tributions, and, yes, if you are a bil- priated for the Department of Defense for Mr. WEBB. Mr. President, I ask lionaire and you have lobbyists run- planning and design for the Energy Con- unanimous consent that the order for ning all over Capitol Hill, you know servation Investment Program. the quorum call be rescinded. Johnson (SD) modified amendment No. 556, The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. what. You are going to have to help us of a perfecting nature. with deficit reduction. And, yes, given FRANKEN). Without objection, it is so the fact that we have major corpora- Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. ordered. tion after major corporation—oil com- President, as we begin our third day of Mr. WEBB. Mr. President, I wish to panies and Wall Street—making bil- debate on the Military Construction- begin by expressing my appreciation lions of dollars in profits and in some VA appropriations bill, I would like to for the remarks of the Senator from cases paying nothing in taxes, guess encourage my colleagues to file any South Dakota about the need to help what. We are going to do away with amendments they may have as soon as our veterans, particularly those who those loopholes so they start contrib- possible, as we would like to begin dis- have been serving in these recent en- uting toward deficit reduction. Given posing of amendments in short order. deavors. I wish to express my personal the fact we have tripled military fund- While we are waiting, I would like to appreciation once again for the service ing since 1997, yes, we are going to have take a few moments to talk about the his own son has given our country dur- to make some cuts in military spend- VA portion of this bill. ing this period, and to the service of ing. The bill totals $58.6 billion in discre- the Senator from Illinois, the ranking Let me conclude by simply saying: tionary spending for the VA in fiscal Republican on this bill, as well as to Yes, we have to reduce our deficit and year 2012. Additionally, the bill con- my own son for having served as an en- deal with our national debt. But the tains $52.5 billion in advance appropria- listed marine and infantryman in issue is not a big deal or a small deal, tions for health care for our vets. One Ramadi, Iraq, through some of the the issue must be a fair deal—one of the very few funding increases above worst fighting of that war. which protects Social Security, Medi- the budget request contained in this I rise today to discuss two amend- care, Medicaid, the needs of working bill is for VA medical research. As ments Senator WARNER and I have filed families, and a deficit-reduction ap- every Senator knows, the unique com- to this particular bill. Each relates to proach which asks the wealthiest peo- bat situations in Afghanistan and Iraq the Navy’s proposal to homeport a nu- ple and the largest corporations to also have left many vets suffering signifi- clear-powered aircraft carrier at Naval participate in deficit reduction. cant injuries, including PTSD and TBI. Station Mayport in Florida by 2019. With that, Mr. President, I yield the We have a moral responsibility to take One amendment would eliminate floor. care of those who have put their lives funding of nearly $15 million for a Navy

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00014 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4661 military construction project—a four- combatants as it does today—568 com- ramifications of only having one nu- lane divided highway on the naval sta- batants. It is only logical that the clear aircraft homeport on the east tion. The Navy describes it as the first Navy’s shore footprint should reflect coast. Let me talk about that. First, in a series of what will be increasingly this reality. The Navy’s plan to build a the Navy says the new homeport is expensive projects required to enable large duplicative facility for aircraft needed to mitigate the risk of a ter- the Navy to create a second homeport carriers in Mayport contradicts this rorist attack, accident, or natural dis- for aircraft carriers on the east coast. logic. aster at the homeporting facility in The second amendment would elimi- In 1970, with 19 aircraft carriers, Norfolk. However, every Navy risk as- nate approximately $15 million for ar- which is this line showing the histor- sessment states there is a low risk of chitectural planning and design serv- ical trend on aircraft carriers, the such events occurring in the Hampton ices for a number of follow-on military Navy homeported carriers at 6 loca- Roads region. Alternate maintenance construction projects at Mayport tied, tions. As the number of aircraft car- facilities for a carrier exist at Norfolk again, to carrier homeporting. riers has declined from 19 to 11 today, Naval Shipyard and the private ship- This is a slippery slope. The Navy the number of their homeports has held yard in Newport News. Last year, I sup- says it will cost more than $1⁄2 billion fairly constant. There are now 5. So ported projects at Mayport to cover in one-time costs to homeport a nu- when we had 19 aircraft carriers in the this possibility as well—to dredge its clear-powered aircraft carrier in Navy, they homeported them at 6 loca- channel and modernize a pier so that a Mayport. Other recurring costs will tions. carrier could make a routine port visit push the expense much higher. In fact, Today, with 11 aircraft carriers and 1, there in the unlikely event that oper- there are estimates these costs could quite frankly, at risk, which I will ations in Norfolk were interrupted so achieve more than $1 billion by the end speak to in a minute, we have 5. The that a carrier could use Mayport in an of this decade. Navy has upgraded its facilities and emergency. The reason for filing these amend- home ports on the west coast and in There has been some talk about the ments is straightforward. We owe it to Japan, as well as our east coast home need for strategic dispersal. I recognize the American taxpayers, as well as to port in Norfolk to accommodate to- that concept. There have been photo- the integrity of our DOD budget proc- day’s all-nuclear carrier fleet. With a graphs of Pearl Harbor with battleship ess. The Department of Defense has fleet less than half the size of what it row, with the ships bunched together, been directed to achieve reductions in was in 1970—almost one-third of the showing how the Japanese aircraft defense spending totaling hundreds of size of what it was in 1970—it is only were able to knock them out in 1941. billions of dollars. No part of that logical that we do not require the same There was justification for the Navy’s budget should be off-limits, especially number of shore facilities to support it. concept of dispersal during the Cold a duplicative, redundant project such Quite frankly, if I had $1 billion to War. But even then many critics from as the Navy’s carrier homeporting plan spend, I think I would buy a couple of GAO were faulting the Navy at a time for Mayport. ships with it and try to get the Navy when I was at the Pentagon for its lack I wish to make it clear at the outset up to its stated goal, which I support, of a focused threat assessment to jus- that this is not a Virginia v. Florida of 313 combatants. These are issues of tify what some people were calling issue, although there are strong polit- fiscal responsibility—where the Navy ‘‘strategic home-porking’’—putting ical implications in both Virginia and puts its money. ships in too many different locations. in Florida for this move. I have been Over the past 5 years, the Navy has Today’s threats are entirely dif- involved in one way or another with had validated unfunded requirements— ferent, and I would make the rather naval service since I was 17 years old, validated unfunded requirements—of ironic note that dispersal in many and I will continue to be involved in more than $50 billion across its oper- ways has occurred through reduction. I one way or another long after I am in- ations, military construction, mod- will say this again: The U.S. Navy volved as a Senator in the Senate. ernization and acquisition programs. I today is one-half the size it was when I I support the Navy’s requirement to believe it is more fiscally responsible was Secretary of the Navy, when we sustain the naval station at Mayport in for the Navy to reduce these unfunded had 568 combatants. A certain amount of dispersal has occurred by the dwin- some fashion, but speaking as a former requirements than it would be for them dling size of the Navy. Secretary of the Navy, I wish to point to build a redundant facility. The second point is a conventional out there are other ways to get there. From fiscal year 2008 through 2012, Pearl Harbor-type attack is very un- I question the fiscal responsibility and the Navy reported unfunded priorities likely. Secretary of Defense Panetta the strategic necessity to homeport an totaling $11.8 billion. These are prior- mentioned this during his Senate con- aircraft carrier in Mayport when less ities totaling $11.8 billion. They cover firmation hearing in June: expensive homeporting alternatives do shipbuilding, aircraft procurement, exist. The next Pearl Harbor that we confront aviation and ship maintenance, mili- could very well be a cyber attack that crip- These amendments are directed to- tary construction, and other pro- ples our power systems, our grid, our secu- ward necessary congressional over- grams—all for future readiness needs. rity systems, our financial systems, and our sight. The GAO has initiated an inde- The Navy’s backlog in critical mod- governmental systems. pendent analysis of alternatives. Its as- ernization repair projects at the four I do not minimize the need to protect sessment will be completed next naval shipyards increased to $3.5 bil- our fleet from any sort of attack. We spring. Before we commit to a plan to lion in fiscal year 2010 as a result of in- have done an extraordinarily good job build expensive, redundant, nuclear- adequate investment. The Navy ac- of that in the Norfolk area with high- supported infrastructure on the east knowledges that the growing risk for tech defensive systems. This is not the coast with long-term spending implica- shipyard operations is a major concern. same type of situation that people have tions, our views on the Navy’s proposal Overall, the Navy’s shorewide mod- talked about in terms of what hap- should be informed by this GAO study. ernization backlog grew to $39.2 billion pened at Pearl Harbor in 1941. Let me explain my hesitations about last year—up nearly $3 billion from the Another point is that less expensive this project. First, the Navy is pro- previous year. Simply stated, the Navy homeporting options do exist. Our posing to expand a facility at the same needs to do a better job of managing its Navy’s own studies identify other less- time the size of its fleet has radically existing facilities. expensive options to sustain the facil- declined. This chart shows the size of So I ask my colleagues: How can we ity at Mayport, and I do believe the U.S. Navy active ship force vessels be sympathetic to the Navy’s request Mayport as a Navy town is very impor- levels from 1970 until today. In 1970, for additional funding to cover such tant to the interests of our country and the U.S. Navy had 743 active ships. shortfalls when it wants to invest up to to that region. It is an important naval Today they have 284 deployable battle $1 billion in an ill-advised, duplicative base. But we have a clear responsibility force ships. It is rather ironic as I carrier homeporting project in to find more cost-effective, more stra- stand here today because when I was Mayport? tegically responsible ways to do that. Secretary of the Navy in the late 1980s, There has been much discussion Again, if I had $1 billion I would put the Navy had exactly twice as many about the strategic justification and it into ships. If I were looking for the

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00015 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S4662 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 19, 2011 right kind of ship to go to Florida, I The threat could be an asymmetric The PRESIDING OFFICER. The would look for amphibious and smaller one like the USS Cole bombing or the clerk will report the amendment by ships so we don’t have to build these sinking of a freighter in the 15-mile- number. highly expensive, nuclear-capable fa- long channel at Norfolk, which would The assistant legislative clerk read cilities that, again, are redundant. bottle up the carriers in port. as follows: I must also note that pressures to re- If we have learned anything, it The Senator from Louisiana [Mr. VITTER] duce the Navy budget are getting should be this—we are not invulnerable proposes an amendment numbered 568. worse. Last week, Marine Corps GEN to attacks or to the whims of Mother The amendment is as follows: James Cartwright, the Vice Chairman Nature, nor are we very good at antici- of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, highlighted (Purpose: To provide that none of the funds pating when and where the next catas- appropriated or otherwise made available this challenge, saying that the Defense trophe will occur. Mayport, unlike Nor- by this Act may be obligated or expended Department is ‘‘looking at all options’’ folk’s carrier berths, is at the mouth of at a rate higher than the level of the Sen- to reduce its budget by $400 billion over the river, adjacent to the ocean, with a ate and House of Representative concur- the next 10 years. General Cartwright protected harbor from the commercial rent budget resolution for fiscal year 2012) then confirmed that the Navy was con- ship channel. On page 117, between lines 12 and 13, insert sidering such options as delaying the The President’s budget request sup- the following: construction of a nuclear-powered air- ports the infrastructure improvements SEC. 410. None of the funds appropriated or craft carrier or possibly cancelling a needed in order to homeport a carrier otherwise made available by this Act shall future aircraft carrier acquisition. in Mayport, FL, in 2019. Why? The exceed the level of the concurrent budget resolution for fiscal year 2012. The effects of these budget pressures Chief of Naval Operations, ADM Gary are manifested in the fleet today. The Roughead, said that ‘‘Moving a carrier Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I will Navy’s readiness for aviation squad- to Mayport is needed regardless of read it. It is very short, and I will ex- rons and its surface ships has contin- cost.’’ The Secretary of the Navy, Ray plain it. This amendment simply says: ued to decline since 2007, owing to inad- Mabus, said ‘‘We have to disperse our None of the funds appropriated or other- equate funding for maintenance, de- carrier fleet, from a naval standpoint; wise made available by this Act shall exceed ferred availabilities, and the fleet’s it’s something we have to do.’’ the level of the concurrent budget resolution for fiscal year 2012. high operational tempo. In their testi- The cost to homeport a CVN at mony on Navy readiness to the Readi- Mayport is much less, almost half, of That is the entire amendment. ness Subcommittee on the House side what the Navy anticipated. The Gov- The point this amendment makes is a just last week, the Navy witnesses ernment Accountability Office esti- pretty simple but a basic and impor- said, ‘‘This is unsustainable over the mates that the total cost of remaining tant one. We do not have a concurrent long term.’’ projects will be from $258 million to budget resolution for fiscal year 2012. So do we want to spend $1 billion on $356 million, instead of $537 million. In- We are in the process of passing an ap- a redundant homeport at the expense deed, this is cheap insurance when you propriations bill, spending money with- of building ships and maintaining our consider the costs of replacing a carrier out a budget, without a game plan, fleet? I would encourage my colleagues at $11.5 billion. without a framework. That is clearly to consider a commonsense approach The military decision to disperse the putting the cart before the horse and and to take a year’s time out before fleet has been studied and restudied. clearly having things backward in a embarking on a duplicative enterprise Admiral after admiral, Secretary after dysfunctional process. that the Navy simply cannot afford. Secretary have all testified keeping a Every Louisiana family, every Lou- The service has far too many higher second Atlantic homeport is essential isiana small business, as families and priorities, unfunded requirements, and to national security. The U.S. Congress businesses do in Minnesota, sits down readiness problems on its plate. has supported this decision for years. and makes a budget, and then they The GAO study will be comprehen- spend money under that budget. That sive, it will be rigorous, and it will give The Senate Armed Services Com- mittee and the Senate Appropriations is the rational, straightforward way to us the information we need to make in- do things. Unfortunately, that is not formed judgments next year regarding Committee both have recommended the full funding of the President’s what we are doing in Congress and in the Navy’s homeporting plan for the Senate. Mayport. There is no cause to rush to budget request for Mayport improve- ments in 2012. The carrier move enjoys This simple, straightforward process judgment now. There is $30 million is not only rational, it is not only that could be saved presently. broad, bipartisan support in this Cham- commonsensical, it is also required by As I said, this is a slippery slope that ber. law. Under Federal law, the Congress is could take us down the road to $1 bil- With that, I yield the floor, and I lion. We don’t need it. We need the suggest the absence of a quorum. mandated to pass a budget, to pass a money in other areas in the Navy budg- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The concurrent budget resolution by April et. clerk will call the roll. 15 of every year. We are months beyond Mr. NELSON of Florida, Mr. Presi- The assistant legislative clerk pro- April 15—several months and count- dent, I rise today to discuss the stra- ceeded to call the roll. ing—and not only do we not have this tegic dispersal of our naval fleet, and Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I ask required budget, this game plan, this how this is vital to our national secu- unanimous consent that the order for framework which we are supposed to be rity. Why is strategic dispersal impor- the quorum call be rescinded. living by, but on the Senate side we tant? Well, we only have to look back The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without have not even made a meaningful ef- a few decades to December 7, 1941, to objection, it is so ordered. fort to get there. see why all of our eggs should not be in AMENDMENT NO. 568 The distinguished chairman of the one basket. Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I rise to Budget Committee has not made an ef- In the Pacific fleet, our Navy has had make pending the Vitter amendment fort in committee to come up with a the forethought to station our most which is at the desk, and I will be Senate budget resolution. There has priceless assets at four different happy to explain what it is about. If it been no effort in committee, and so no homeports—San Diego, Bremerton, is necessary, I ask unanimous consent Senate budget has been sent to the Everett, and Japan. The Navy has been to set aside the pending amendment floor. In fact, the same thing happened slow, however, to accomplish the same and make the Vitter amendment pend- in the previous fiscal year. So we are thing with our Atlantic fleet. When the ing. now not just several months past this last conventionally powered aircraft The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there year’s April 15 deadline, but we are carrier, the John F. Kennedy, was de- objection? over 800 days since the last time we commissioned in 2007, we had a prob- Without objection, it is so ordered. had a budget resolution as required by lem. All five nuclear carriers were now The clerk will report. Federal law—800 days, over 800 days in one homeport Norfolk, VA. So since Mr. VITTER. Mr. President, I ask and counting. 2007 this has heightened the national unanimous consent to waive reading of I am afraid this is exactly the sort of security threat. the admendment. thing the American people shake their

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4663 heads at. This is exactly the sort of million less than the House bill. Be- What I wish to speak about is the thing they scratch their heads about, cause we did that, 71 to 26 was the vote balanced budget amendment we will be shake their heads at, and say: What is on cloture to bring up this bill, includ- dealing with later this week. When I wrong in Washington? ing the support of the Republican lead- first came to Congress, I committed to Every Louisiana family has a budget er, Mr. MCCONNELL, and our vice chair- the people of Indiana to support a bal- they have to live within. Every Lou- man on the Republican side of the Ap- anced budget amendment. I have isiana small business has a budget and propriations Committee, Mr. COCHRAN. watched the process, and since I have that is their framework and they oper- I do think for a bill that has been en- left office and now come back, I have ate within that. Yet Congress, appar- dorsed by the Veterans of Foreign Wars continued to watch the process, and we ently, does not get it, particularly the and other veterans service organiza- simply don’t have that discipline that Senate does not get it under this ma- tions, a bill that gets the Senate mov- enables us to keep our fiscal house in jority leadership and is not even mak- ing again for its regular duties as part balance. ing an attempt to do what is not only of the appropriations process, and for a There are so many temptations as a a good, sound idea but is required by bill that actually cuts funding—Chair- Member of Congress to say yes to ev- Federal law. man JOHNSON and I have reduced fund- erybody. Everybody pleads their cause. Again, I just suggest we put first ing in 24 separate programs in this They come in and make their case. things first: We have a budget and then budget, including denying a brandnew Over the years, our country has accu- we only spend money, only pass appro- courthouse for the Court of Appeals for mulated gradually a substantial priations bills pursuant to and con- Veterans Claims and pressuring the amount of debt that we no longer can sistent with that budget. That is why, Army, for example, when we found a afford. again, my amendment is very simple: proposal to spend $1.4 million on a gen- Washington needs something that None of the funds appropriated or other- eral’s garden in Germany. When all locks us into a commitment to be care- wise made available by this Act shall exceed those 24 reductions were made—when ful with taxpayers’ money and not the level of the concurrent budget resolution we denied the new building, when we spend more than we take in. Every for fiscal year 2012. made the other reductions—we came in family understands this. There is a I urge us all to do the right thing. We with a bill that is below the bill passed point at which we simply have to say will have different ideas about a budg- by the House of Representatives. stop spending at this rate because we et. We will have different priorities. We That is why this legislation has come cannot afford it. Every business under- will have an important and healthy de- up. That is why the Senate voted 71 to stands that. Most of our local govern- bate, but we need to follow the law. We 26 for cloture to bring up the bill. I ments and State governments are now need to follow common sense. We need would just put forward that the fact is, realizing that. to have a budget and then only pass this bill does actually comply with a As we see across the country, very spending and appropriations bills under budget. It complies with the budget of drastic steps need to be taken to get that budget and consistent with it. the House of Representatives, which is the fiscal house back in order. That With that, I suggest the absence of a why it has such strong bipartisan sup- hasn’t happened yet at the Federal quorum. port. level. Thankfully, we have before us The PRESIDING OFFICER. The With that, I yield the floor. this week attempt to debate and ad- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- clerk will call the roll. dress the issue of a constitutionally ator from Indiana is recognized. The assistant editor of the Daily Di- Mr. COATS. Mr. President, I con- mandated balanced budget. I look for- gest proceeded to call the roll. gratulate Senator KIRK for bringing ward to that debate. Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I ask unan- this legislation to the floor and getting Let’s just look back at a little his- imous consent that the order for the it through committee in a way that is tory. When the balanced budget amend- quorum call be rescinded. indicative of where we need to go. We ment came before the Senate in 1997, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without were sent here not to increase spend- our Nation’s debt stood at $5.36 trillion. objection, it is so ordered. ing. We were sent here to try to find a Today, the debt has accelerated to $14.3 Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I share very sensible way of moving forward by re- trillion and, as we know, it is accel- much the sentiments of my colleague ducing expenditures and still providing erating even faster and climbing to- from Louisiana, Mr. VITTER, but I essential services that only the Federal ward much higher numbers. We are would urge us to not support the Government can provide. His sub- borrowing more than 40 cents of every amendment because the Senate has al- committee and committee have done $1 we spend. That is unsustainable. Ul- ready ruled on this question. that with this bill before us. timately, it is having a negative im- When we debated whether to take up I commend him for bringing this in pact on our economy, but it will con- this bill, we voted on a cloture motion under budget. Savings actually have tinue to have an ever-increasing nega- in order to bring up an appropriations occurred. We are changing the culture tive impact in the future if we do not bill. Normally, we would want to pass a of the Senate from one of increasing get our fiscal house in order. budget resolution before bringing up an spending to one of oversight and look- We clearly need a commitment. appropriations bill, and it has been, I ing carefully at how Washington When we put our hand on the Bible and think, over 800 days since the leader- spends taxpayer dollars. Every dollar is raise our right hand and swear to up- ship of this institution has even writ- important. We have a lot of those dol- hold the Constitution of the United ten and presented a budget. But I lars stacked up, in terms of debt, that States, that includes a commitment to would put forward that this bill is have to be addressed. Looking at each be careful with the taxpayers’ dollars rather unique because it conforms to appropriations bill and getting them and particularly understand the impact the House Paul Ryan budget that through regular order is how the Sen- that deficit spending has on our econ- passed the House on April 15. The legis- ate needs to function. We know we can- omy and on unemployment—a commit- lation before us has come before the not get there until we settle this debt ment to be open and fair and upfront Senate because Chairman JOHNSON and limit situation with a sensible, ration- with the taxpayers who are funding all I have agreed to put forward a VA– al plan that is credible with financial this. MILCON bill that is $1.255 billion in markets. Our State of Indiana has to go before discretionary budget authority below I have looked at details of this legis- the taxpayers each year and say this is the President’s request. We are coming lation as a member of the Appropria- a nice proposal, but this is how much it in $620 million below the 2011 enacted tions Committee, and I think the Sen- is going to cost. If we, the taxpayers, level. ator from Illinois and his colleague, want to pay for such a proposal with We all remember that the House of the chairman, Senator JOHNSON, have increased taxes or we want to pay for it Representatives has already adopted come forward with a very good product by reducing spending somewhere else, the MILCON–VA appropriations bill that addresses our military construc- one of those processes will keep us in under Chairman CULBERSON, and the tion needs and our welfare benefits and balance. Congress cannot end this ses- Senate bill actually spends in budget does it in a way that shows we can sion without achieving that balance. authority on the discretionary side $2.5 achieve savings. Our State has to go through that every

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S4664 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 19, 2011 year. That is true of the majority of Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I rise I am enlisting into a critical skill MOS the States in this country. to address an issue of fairness for our under the 6x2 or 8XO enlistment option and That doesn’t happen here in Wash- National Guard soldiers. They serve will receive a NPS Critical Skill Bonus (50/50 ington. We just borrow more and worry with honor and bravery at home and payment.) about it later. The end of that road is abroad. They have earned the respect That means 50 after initial training here. We have hit the wall. Later is no and admiration of an entire Nation and 50 at the end of 3 years. longer a viable option. More debt is no with their incredible sacrifices over the At the end of this document, it has longer a viable option. Without a con- last decade. section IX, ‘‘Certification by Service structive plan in place to address this We must not forget they have also, in Representative,’’ and this is in regard now, we are going to continue to, in addition to our respect and admiration, to the enlisting official, the recruiting my opinion, remain at a stalemate. earned their compensation and their officer. It says: There is a lot going on in the Senate. benefits. To take back a veteran’s com- I certify that I have witnessed the reading There have been hours upon hours of pensation after she or he has fulfilled and signing of the above agreement and the signature appearing is that of the applicant. discussions. Both sides, together, are the requirements for it is unthinkable. trying to figure out a plan that will I have verified the soldier meets the eligi- Yet that is exactly what is happening bility requirement of NGR 600–7, paragraph put us on a path to fiscal responsi- around the country in regard to Na- 2–3, and the applicant’s MOS/unit is cur- bility, which can both pass the House tional Guard bonuses. rently eligible for an enlistment cash bonus. and the Senate. Let me share the story of PFC Chel- I think that is pretty clear. The story The opportunity now is here to in- sea Wells. This story is emblematic of gets even worse. Not only is our own clude in that plan a balanced budget the struggle many men and women in military saying they are not going to amendment. We know it is going to the National Guard are facing today. award the second half of the bonus, but take time to pass this. It requires a I thank Congressman WALDEN for they want her to return the first half two-thirds vote of each House. If passed bringing this situation to the public’s because, apparently, they made some and agreed on, it has to be sent to the attention and to my attention. I add kind of mistake in between the recruit- States, and three-quarters of the my voice to his to call for fairness for ing officer and the higher-ups. I must States have to ratify it. If the Amer- PFC Chelsea Wells and for all other say any individual should have the ican people understood that behind members of the National Guard. right to a reward that he or she was whatever plan we put in place to deal Private First Class Wells is from my contractually owed. And there are no with our fiscal problems we had a bal- home State of Oregon, where she has individuals who deserve their reward anced budget amendment to the Con- served in the Oregon National Guard stitution in place, they would have as- more than our brave men and women for the last 3 years. in uniform who have already made so surance that we are on the right track. In 2007, she enlisted as an intel- I think that signal to the financial many sacrifices, large and small, to en- ligence analyst in response to the sure the security and safety of our Na- markets and the world. It would show needs of the Army. At the time when that the United States is aware of its tion. she signed her enlistment document, Private First Class Wells upheld her problem, has taken action, and is get- she signed an additional document that end of the bargain. She signed this en- ting its fiscal house in order. The dol- stipulated she would receive a $20,000 listment document in good faith. She lar will stay the world’s currency, and bonus for enlisting in a critical Mili- America will remain the safest haven answered the call to serve when she tary Occupancy Specialty or MOS. was needed, and she served with honor in the world to invest. That agreement, which was also We are seeing debt crises all over the for the full term. Now we must uphold signed by the enlisting official at her our promise to her and to other Na- world, and we see our own dollar being processing station, also stated she challenged. The rating agencies are tional Guard veterans who find them- would receive the first half of her selves being punished due to a dispute coming forward and announcing the bonus upon completion of her initial possibility of a drop in our credit rat- that was no fault of their own. They training and the second half after 36 ing. The statistics show that a 1-per- signed these documents in good faith, months of service. centage point increase in interest with the certification of the listing of- As planned, Private First Class Wells ficer that they were indeed eligible. rates—which investors will demand if received that first $10,000 upon comple- we don’t show them a credible plan— What is absolutely clear is that what- tion of her initial training. However, produces, over a 10-year period, $1.3 ever dispute there may be between the when her 36 months of service was com- trillion of extra money that we will listing officers and authorities higher pleted, the second half of the bonus was have to spend to cover our debt. We up the chain, that is not Chelsea Wells’ nowhere to be seen. In fact, it was de- simply cannot continue this process fault. She served in good faith under a nied. and ignore the problem. The time to do very clear document, and we owe her Following an inquiry from Congress- it is now. and all the National Guard soldiers Is it difficult? Yes. We have been try- man WALDEN, the National Guard stat- who are being pursued in the same ing to debate this and work on it ever ed the payments had been denied be- fashion the bonuses that were promised since January. We are not there yet, cause her specialty was not on the crit- to them. and the clock is ticking toward August ical skills list at the date of enlist- We ask a tremendous amount of 2. A balanced budget amendment will ment. However, the very document Pri- those who serve. Now is when we help enforce a debt-reduction plan and vate First Class Wells signed—also should be giving back, not asking for gain the confidence of the American signed by the enlisting official—very more. Asking a soldier to give back people that this will not just be some- specifically listed her Military Occu- money they have received under a doc- thing overturned by the next Congress, pancy Specialty, 35F, as indeed being a ument they signed in good faith and and it will not just be a piece of paper critical skill specialty. fulfilled in good faith is 100 percent un- that doesn’t have a long-term effect. I have that document here: ‘‘Annex E acceptable. I and my colleagues from Backing up a plan with a balanced to Defense Department Form 4, Non- the State of Oregon call on the Na- budget amendment will provide the as- prior Service Enlistment Bonus Adden- tional Guard today to resolve this mat- surance that going forward America dum.’’ ter and to make sure this wrong is will tend to its fiscal needs and stay It says the purpose of this form is ‘‘to made right. strong as a nation financially, as well explain and confirm obligation and to Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I as every other aspect. ensure that agreement to these condi- suggest the absence of a quorum. With that, I yield the floor. tions is a matter of record.’’ The PRESIDING OFFICER. The The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- The entire point of this document is clerk will call the roll. ator from Oregon. to ensure that there is a clear under- The assistant legislative clerk pro- Mr. MERKLEY. Mr. President, I ask standing in regard to eligibility for bo- ceeded to call the roll. for 10 minutes in morning business. nuses. This document says on its list of Mr. WYDEN. Madam President, I ask The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without eligibility—and this section is signed unanimous consent that the order for objection, it is so ordered. by the soldier: the quorum call be rescinded.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4665 The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- of stakeholders as an official Local land and not somebody who is off in pore. Without objection, it is so or- Reuse Authority. the basement of the Pentagon. dered. Everything appeared on track until I have spoken with Secretary Pa- AMENDMENT NO. 570, AS MODIFIED last month. That was when, at the netta about this matter, and he is fully Mr. WYDEN. Madam President, I ask eleventh hour, the Pentagon changed supportive of our efforts. unanimous consent to set aside the the rules. After decades of planning I wish to also thank Senator JOHNSON pending business to call up my amend- and $1 million in preparation, a lawyer and my good friend from Arizona, Sen- ator MCCAIN, who have also been very ment, amendment No. 570, as modified. at the Pentagon decided to reinterpret helpful—and their staff—in working The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- the law and declared that the 2005 with us. The Pentagon has to imple- pore. Is there objection? BRAC report—which became law when ment the law as it is, not, in my view, The clerk will report. Congress didn’t pass a resolution of dis- as it wants. But since the lawyers at The legislative clerk read as follows: approval—didn’t matter. That lawyer decided that the Umatilla Depot would the Pentagon have in recent weeks The Senator from Oregon [Mr. WYDEN], for be closed outside of the BRAC author- thought there was some ambiguity, I himself and Mr. MERKLEY, proposes an wished to clarify it for them with the amendment numbered 570. ity because the last of the chemical amendment that has been modified The amendment is as follows: weapons wouldn’t be destroyed until after the 6-year limit for completion of with the good counsel of the staff of (Purpose: To provide for the closure of Senator MCCAIN. Umatilla Army Chemical Depot, Oregon) BRAC actions. What this lawyer either didn’t know or somehow missed is that Let me also say, the staff of Senator On page 84, between lines 5 and 6, insert this was precisely the intention of the MCCAIN has been very helpful in saying the following: this would be permissive authority in SEC. 127. (a) CLOSURE OF UMATILLA ARMY BRAC Commission when they put the Umatilla Depot on the closure list. terms of the Pentagon and that the CHEMICAL DEPOT, OREGON.—The closure of Senator could join me in a letter mak- the Umatilla Army Chemical Depot, Oregon, The BRAC report discusses the fact and subsequent management and property that the mission of destroying the ing it clear it is important this be disposal, may be carried out in accordance chemical weapons wouldn’t be com- moved expeditiously. I hope we can with procedures and authorities contained in pleted until after the deadline. On page complete this matter at this time. My amendment, which I offer on be- the Defense Base Closure and Realignment 239 of the report, the Commission found half of myself and my colleague, Sen- Act of 1990 (part A of title XXIX of Public that Secretary Rumsfeld’s assertion Law 101–510; 10 U.S.C. 2687 note). ator MERKLEY, would allow the Pen- that the chemical demilitarization (b) RETENTION OF PROPERTY AND FACILI- tagon to follow the BRAC commis- TIES.—The Secretary of the Army may retain mission at Umatilla would be complete sion’s report and close the Umatilla minimum essential ranges, facilities, and by the second quarter of this year was Depot under BRAC. training areas at Umatilla Army Chemical optimistic. The Commission wrote: With that, I yield the floor. Depot, totaling approximately 7,500 acres, as An examination of status information for The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. a training enclave for the reserve compo- the depot’s mission completion and subse- CASEY). The Senator from Arizona. nents of the Armed Forces to permit the con- quent closure revealed that dates may slip duct of individual and annual training. Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, first of beyond the 6-year statutory period for com- all, I wish to thank the Senator from (c) OFFICE OF ECONOMIC ADJUSTMENT AC- pletion of the BRAC actions. TIVITIES.—Notwithstanding any other provi- Oregon. This is an issue that needs to sion of law, the Office of Economic Adjust- Therefore, the Commission took the be resolved, and it has been a pleasure ment Activities of the Department of De- Secretary of Defense’s recommenda- working with him on not only the be- fense may make grants and supplement tion ‘‘Close Umatilla Chemical Depot, half of the people of Oregon but also on other Federal funds, using funds made avail- OR’’ and changed it to ‘‘On completion behalf of the Department of Defense. able by title, in connection with the closure of the chemical demilitarization mis- AMENDMENT NO. 564 and management and disposal provided for in sion in accordance with treaty obliga- Mr. President, I join the Senator this section, and the projects so supported tions, close Umatilla Chemical Depot, shall be considered to be authorized by law. from Oklahoma in supporting the OR.’’ amendment which Senator COBURN had Mr. WYDEN. Madam President, I ask These facts make it clear the Com- intended to propose. The amendment for the immediate consideration of mission did not—as the Pentagon has would have amended Public Law 102–4, amendment No. 570, as modified. claimed recently—make a conditional the Agent Orange Act of 1991, which I The ACTING PRESIDENT pro tem- recommendation that the facility only cosponsored, to provide clarity on the pore. The amendment has been re- be closed if the chemical demilitariza- factual basis required for the Secretary ported. It is now pending. tion mission is completed by Sep- of Veterans Affairs to make future de- Mr. WYDEN. Madam President, when tember of 2011. Rather, the Commission terminations on the presumption of we have a conflict or a problem in my acknowledged that the closure will connection of military service in Viet- home State, we resolve it the Oregon have to happen when the demilitariza- nam with diseases associated with ex- way: by finding consensus and building tion mission is completed even if that posure to the herbicide commonly common ground. is after September of 2011. That deci- known as Agent Orange. That is why, when it became appar- sion by the Commission became law. Agent Orange was unanticipated and ent 20 years ago that the U.S. Army’s It is also important to note that the certainly not something that at the Chemical Depot in Umatilla, OR, would Commission is aware that the demili- time, given the scientific knowledge be closing once all the chemical weap- tarization mission had a deadline of its and information we had, was thought ons were destroyed, the community own. Under the terms of the Chemical would be detrimental to the health of leaders gathered all the stakeholders Weapons Convention Treaty, Umatilla the men and women who were serving and began the process of planning what must complete the mission by April 29, in the Vietnam war. But the fact is, to do with the land once the facility 2012. Agent Orange did have a very serious closed. The Umatilla Depot straddles UMCD will meet this deadline, if not health effect on the men and women two counties, several cities, and his- beat it. The Commission was not giving who were serving and those who came toric tribal lands, so there are a lot of authority for the mission at UMCD to in contact with it. For years, we de- folks in my home State who are inter- be one of a never-ending nature. They layed compensating our veterans, those ested in what happens to the land. were simply giving UMCD the addi- who were exposed to Agent Orange. As progress was made in destroying tional 8 months provided under the In 1991, the act was a long overdue the weapons at Umatilla, the commu- Chemical Weapons Convention. answer to questions on the health ef- nity built common ground and found a The depot should be closed under fects of exposure to Agent Orange, and genuine consensus. The Federal Gov- BRAC so the will of the community, in it directed much deserved compensa- ernment would support it. It gave more the form of the local reuse authority, tion to our veterans for certain dis- than $1 million in assistance. When the and the will of Congress in the BRAC eases, including non-Hodgkin’s facility was listed in the 2005 BRAC law will be taken into account. lymphoma and certain cancers. recommendations for closure, the Pen- I strongly believe the local commu- What has happened, and the reason tagon eventually recognized the group nity should decide what to do with the why I appreciate the Senator from

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But I now expanded the eligibility to the tion process. wish to assure the committee chairman point where it is beyond any scientific My vote in favor of the Agent Orange that when we are talking about this evidence that compensation would be Act of 1991 was a vote to discern facts kind of money, we need to investigate required. from rhetoric and even politics and to it very seriously and reach decisions In 2006, it was found that the evi- put the welfare of our veterans above which are in the best interests of our dence linking ischemic heart disease to all other considerations, including veterans. There are veterans out there exposure to herbicides was inadequate costs. My support of the Coburn who need compensation, and every day, or insufficient. Heart disease, as we all amendment would be no different. It is unfortunately, we are having young know, is the leading cause of death in appropriate to adopt a clearer, stronger men and women return from the bat- America today and has been so for dec- standard for the presumption of serv- tlefield who have disabilities as a re- ades. ice-connected disabilities to ensure sult of serving our Nation in combat. In 2008, they updated their findings greater consistency in this process and, So I hope the chairman of the com- based on two epidemiological studies in doing so, to help ensure that our Na- mittee will look at this issue very seri- which provided ‘‘statistical’’ evidence tion’s resources are available to pro- ously. of a relationship. Still, they cat- vide appropriate compensation and I yield the floor. egorized the link between ischemic benefits for veterans of wars to come. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- Former Secretary of Veterans Af- heart disease and exposure to Agent ator from Oklahoma. fairs, the Honorable Tony Principi, be- Orange as ‘‘limited or suggestive evi- Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, let me fore the Senate Veterans Affairs Com- dence of an association.’’ That already update my colleague. I do plan to call mittee, on September 23, 2010, on this low standard was further qualified with up this amendment, and I do plan to very subject—the subject of presump- the following statement: ask for a vote on it because it is impor- tive disability decisionmaking—said: Epidemiologic evidence suggests an asso- tant. I will call up the amendment in a Make no mistake: these decisions do not ciation— merely affect those who may or may not re- moment. Suggests an association— ceive presumptive service connections and What has happened—the Senator between exposure to herbicides and the out- their families. The American people watch from Arizona has had the disease mela- come, but a firm conclusion is limited be- these decisions closely, both to ensure that noma, cancer melanoma at his age. We cause chance, bias and confounding could not those who have defended our Nation while in kind of know somebody at his age, if be ruled out with confidence. uniform are treated fairly, and to ensure they have large amounts of Sun expo- Despite this doubt, the Secretary of that those who have been given the responsi- sure over prolonged periods of time on bility to administer the program are good Veterans Affairs decided to grant a new stewards of the resources with which they nevuses or birthmarks, can develop presumption for ischemic heart dis- have been entrusted. If the American people melanoma. There is causation related ease, which according to the Depart- lose faith in the integrity of our disability to that. I have also had melanoma, but ment of Veterans Affairs will cost benefits system, veterans and their families I had it as a very young man. What nearly $31.9 billion over the next 10 will be the ones who suffer. The surest way science also knows is that one can de- years. Similarly, with Parkinson’s dis- for that to happen is for the public to be con- velop melanoma without any Sun expo- vinced that presumptive service connection ease, which was also found to be in the decisions are based on anything other than sure to a birthmark or a nevus or a category of ‘‘limited or suggestive evi- sound scientific advice. mole. dence,’’ a decision was made to grant There is no sound scientific advice What has happened within the VA, compensation and benefits based on ex- that indicates that many of these deci- we have taken and gone away from posure to Agent Orange, which accord- sions are valid and directly connected causation and gone to any association ing to the VA will cost $3.5 billion over to exposure to Agent Orange. I urge the that could ever be made. the next 10 years. chairman of the committee to look I am a survivor of colon cancer. What This process is a risky, hit or miss, into this issue. We are talking about we know is, our risk for colon cancer and costly way to administer the vet- $31.9 billion and another $3.5 billion goes way up if we eat a highly refined erans disability program and resources, which may not be necessary to be diet, with very few vegetables, and which are in scarce supply and which spent. have that kind of a diet associated also our veterans need and deserve in return I believe and understand the emotion with high levels of sugar. I did not have for their sacrifice to our Nation. associated with the issue of Agent Or- any of those things, but yet I had colon In its report to the congressionally ange because for so many years our Na- cancer. Because there is an association, mandated Veterans’ Disability Benefits tion neglected—that was not benign we cannot infer causation. Commission in 2007, the Institute of neglect, it was neglect—the plight of So what is happening now? Medicine itself found that the ‘‘asso- veterans who were exposed to Agent The Secretary of Veterans Affairs ciation’’ standard contained in the Orange and the terrible physical prob- has put us on the hook for people who Agent Orange Act was inadequate and lems that ensued as a result of that ex- have no causation but do have associa- potentially misleading. That report posure. But now it is pretty clear that tion. This amendment, which I will call recommended the goal of the presump- the Secretary of Veterans Affairs has up, does not change our ability to do tive disability decisionmaking process gone way over in the opposite direction that in the future when we, in fact, be to ensure compensation for veterans in giving presumptive service connec- would see causation. But the presump- whose diseases are caused by military tion when there is no valid scientific tion that association with the Sun service and a new primary standard evidence to convince me that kind of caused my melanoma is wrong. The as- that sufficient evidence to support a illegibility is there. sumption that my diet caused my determination of presumption would So I thank my colleague from Okla- colon cancer is wrong. It does cause exist when evidence is sufficient to homa. colon cancers, but we cannot show cau- conclude that a causal relationship ex- I urge the Senator, the distinguished sation. ists. chairman of the Veterans’ Affairs Com- Nobody can speak for veterans better The Veterans’ Disability Benefits mittee, to look at this issue, look at than JOHN MCCAIN, having served the Commission endorsed the need for es- whether this $31.9 billion, plus $3.5 bil- amount of time he did in Vietnam as a tablishing a new framework for pre- lion—over $35 billion—over the next 10 prisoner of war. He has the body image sumptions with more transparent proc- years is wisely spent. That does not that shows his sacrifice. Let me tell esses, but it failed to take the full step mean we do not provide disability pay- you what has happened. of embracing causality in decision- ments to those who actually have been We are transferring $1⁄2 million to making. exposed and need it. But there is a lack veterans under this decision by Sec- The amendment my colleague from of scientific evidence that many of the retary Shinseki for people who weigh Oklahoma so bravely intended to offer benefits that are being extended are ab- 350 pounds, smoke three packs of ciga- would have achieved the goal identified solutely warranted. rettes a day, and have hyperchol-

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(a) Section 1116(b) of title 38, Senator was talking with the chair- those who are truly needing to benefit United States Code, is amended— man, we have both had melanoma. The from this than to give the benefit to (1) in paragraph (1), by striking ‘‘positive Senator’s came from something that association’’ and inserting ‘‘causal relation- we know is associated with it and also somebody whose lifestyle absolutely ship’’; and caused their heart disease, and there is a cause—it is called the Sun, ultra- (2) by striking paragraph (3). violet radiation. Mine didn’t come no association with dioxin or Agent Or- (b) The amendments made by subsection ange, the active ingredient that causes (a) shall apply with respect to determina- from that because I didn’t have that disease, which we know several of them tions made by the Secretary of Veterans Af- kind of exposure, and I experienced it actually did have. But now we have fairs under section 1116 of such title after the at a very young age. Under the guid- moved to a whole new level where we date of the enactment of this Act. ance of the Secretary, we both would are saying if someone was exposed, Mr. MCCAIN. Will the Senator yield be compensated as if ultraviolet light both above or in Vietnam, and they for a question? was the cause of both of our mela- have any of these other diseases which Mr. COBURN. Yes, I will. nomas—the Senator from Arizona, ap- he has listed, that there can be an asso- Mr. MCCAIN. Mr. President, I want propriately; me, inappropriately. ciation. to make it clear that in this amend- So the fact is, no one ever wants to ment there is no desire to deprive move back, but this is a mistake the Let me remind you that an associa- someone who was actually exposed to Secretary made. My intent is not to tion doesn’t prove anything about this herbicide called Agent Orange and harm any veteran who has a disease cause. It just says there is a statistic suffered physical consequences as a re- that is truly caused by Agent Orange. out here, and it may be right or may sult; that this amendment basically My intent is to make sure we can have not in fact be right. All of the evidence draws a difference among three words: the ability to take care of our veterans is the other way. The Secretary has One is ‘‘causation,’’ which is generally in the future by spending money wisely chosen to spend $42 billion—counting the criteria used in any of these cases, to compensate those who are truly in- last year and this year—on this pro- the causation, and that would replace jured, truly inhibited and limited by gram for diseases that are not caused the current ‘‘positive association.’’ their exposure to that as a result of by Agent Orange. How is that fair? How As the Senator just described, posi- their service to this country. is it fair to the people who are admin- tive association could be most any en- With that, I yield the floor and sug- istering this? I found out about it be- counter that anybody would have had gest the absence of a quorum. cause VA workers called me and said: who served. I always thought it was in The PRESIDING OFFICER. The This cannot be right. What are you all Vietnam, but now he tells me it is even clerk will call the roll. doing? Why are you giving money to adding someone who served in Korea. The assistant legislative clerk pro- people who have no association with Isn’t it true that we are not trying to ceeded to call the roll. the disease caused by that? Yet you are deprive anyone who was legitimately Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I paying them out of money that should exposed to Agent Orange and shows the ask unanimous consent that the order be reserved for those who have a dis- causation, and that they are entitled for the quorum call be rescinded. ease really caused by Agent Orange. to benefits from the taxpayers of The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Consequently, we are going to spend America? What we are talking about, objection, it is so ordered. $42 billion that we don’t have to pay isn’t it true, is that ‘‘positive associa- Mrs. HUTCHISON. Mr. President, I people. tion’’ is such an amorphous definition first want to say what a good job—ac- Another interesting fact is, I have a that it leads to an enormous waste of tually, a wonderful job—the Military brother who has idiopathic pancrea- taxpayer dollars, while there are vet- Construction Subcommittee appropri- titis. The VA told him that under this erans out there who are in need of ators have done. They have adopted a new guideline he can be eligible for these taxpayer dollars for their legiti- very strict budget line, the same as the Agent Orange compensation. He served mate reasons? House of Representatives, and the in Korea, but because he has a chronic Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, the an- chairman, Senator JOHNSON, and the disease now, they are lining him up to swer is that the Senator is absolutely ranking member, Senator KIRK, have get a payment from the VA because he correct. We have a lot of science that put together a very good, solid pro- has idiopathic pancreatitis. He is going shows causation with this herbicide posal for military construction, and I to get approved. There is absolutely no and disease. We have made the assump- appreciate working with them. I was association or causation with that. Yet tion that any other association should the chairman and ranking member of that is what is happening. fall into that same category, such as that subcommittee, and I loved work- hairy cell leukemia, and we know lots ing on it because I wanted to take care Mr. President, I ask unanimous con- of things about this group to which of our troops and to make sure they sent that amendment No. 564 be called there is only an association, statistical had the construction they needed for up, and the pending amendment be set association, and no correlation, no cau- housing and for training headquarters. aside. sation, such as if someone has Parkin- So I commend the great staff of that The PRESIDING OFFICER. Is there son’s, they are compensated from subcommittee and am very pleased it is objection? Without objection, it is so Agent Orange. Yet there is not one sci- continuing in good hands since I have ordered. entific study that will show there is left that committee to go to the Com- The clerk will report. any causal relationship between those merce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies Subcommittee. The assistant legislative clerk read two diseases. I will answer that I want every vet- I also want to say that there is so as follows: eran to get the compensation due them much going on in the Capitol right The Senator from Oklahoma [Mr. COBURN] when they have a disease related to now. I think America is focused on the proposes an amendment numbered 564. this chemical. If we find in the future debt ceiling issue, the overwhelming Mr. COBURN. Mr. President, I ask more science that would say so, then debt we have in this country. We know unanimous consent that reading of the we will go on the science. it is too much, and so many have been amendment be dispensed with. Now, we have had a Secretary who working in different quarters trying to doesn’t understand the difference be- solve this issue. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tween association and causation, and Senator MCCONNELL, the Republican objection, it is so ordered. we are going to spend $42 billion that leader, came out with a proposal early The amendment is as follows: we don’t have, giving it to people this week to try to assure the markets

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S4668 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 19, 2011 and all of the people watching so care- publicans working together. Not one of try to come across a partisan divide to fully that we were going to address this us would have written a proposal ex- hear their colleagues who have been issue, even if, in the end, we couldn’t actly the same way, but there are 100 working for such a long time on a plan, come to an agreement. So I commend in this body, so we know we cannot dic- a bipartisan plan, three Democrats and Senator MCCONNELL. He has taken a tate exactly what we want. I do believe three Republicans, to really try to ad- lot of criticism for the proposal he this is a responsible approach that dress in a material way our debt and made, but I think he said from the be- should give us a good start and some- our deficit was, to say the least, re- ginning that it was the last effort so thing that, over a 10-year period, will freshing. I wish it weren’t as unique an we wouldn’t have a default by our put us in the position of bringing down experience as it has been, but in the 21⁄2 country. It wasn’t his first choice or our enormous debt, lowering our defi- years I have been here, I can’t remem- his second choice or even his third cits, lowering our interest costs, and ber as thoughtful a conversation as the choice, but leaders have to make tough also beginning to reform entitlements. one we had this morning. decisions to ensure bad things don’t There is going to be so much written I have said for months, month after happen, if they can avoid leading Mem- and talked about—a lot of education. month, week after week on the floor of bers into bad situations. So he was try- This plan will begin to go into legisla- the Senate, that I think I am pretty ing to ensure that we wouldn’t. I think tive language, and there may be refine- clear about what Colorado wants, Senator MCCONNELL’s proposal has ac- ments of it. I am sure there will be whether it is red parts of the State or tually spurred people to get going and amendments. But it is a great start, whether it is blue parts of the State. try to come to agreement. and it has provided great leadership. So They want a plan that materially ad- I believe the group who is being many people have been involved in this dresses the problem we face. They called the Gang of 6 has come up with process—our leaders, the group who know we can’t solve it overnight be- some very concrete proposals. It is the has been meeting for months, others cause the hole is so deep, but they first plan I have seen that I believe who have come together in a bipartisan want us to move past the rhetoric and really begins to cut spending, and it way to do what is right for our country the talking points and actually start cuts spending immediately. It also has and for our children and grandchildren. materially addressing the problem. mechanisms that will ensure that the So I am very pleased we can start They want to know that we are all in spending cuts happen. Caps are put in this debate and get these things out in it together. It took all of us to get to place. a way that the American people will this point of a $1.5 trillion deficit and There is a freeze in spending for 4 have the confidence we are going to ad- almost $15 trillion of debt, and it is years. There is a freeze in all the elect- dress the debt, do the right thing, bring going to take all of us to get us out of ed representatives’ pay. Every Member down the deficits, bring down the inter- it, and the people in Colorado know of Congress and the President would est our country is paying, and, most of that. have a freeze in pay. There is a freeze all, put people back to work by enliv- in budgets. They want the plan to be bipartisan I think it also begins entitlement re- ening our economy. because they don’t have any confidence form, which is very bold, and it is very That is the key. You can’t have 9.1 in either party’s go-it-alone approach important that it be done in a bipar- percent unemployment in this country on this particular set of issues and I tisan way. It would go to the chained and believe that is a recovery. You think on many other issues as well. CPI, which is a better base for deter- can’t do it. You have to put people The only corollary that I have added mining what kinds of increases there back to work. That is the way you in- to all of that is we need to do some- should be for payments that have to be crease revenue, by putting people back thing that satisfies our capital mar- adjusted. So I believe they have taken to work and having the economy re- kets that their paper is worth what we a first major step. Now, I put out a So- vived. That should be all of our goal, have paid for it and that the full faith cial Security reform proposal that also and I think that maybe, just maybe, we and credit of the United States is good. lowered the rate of increase of the are on the right track and can do in a We face something momentous at COLAs. This one does it in a different bipartisan way the entitlement re- this moment in our country. I wanted way. All I wanted to do was to make forms, the tax reforms, and the spend- to quote just three brief quotes from sure we address that issue as part of ing cuts that will put together a pack- the rating agencies recently. Social Security reform, but it also af- age that will put our country on a fis- This is S&P, July 14: fects many other areas, and I think it cally responsible path for the future. Today’s CreditWatch placement signals is something all of us, in a bipartisan Mr. President, I yield the floor. our view that, owing to the dynamics of the way, can accept as a reasonable adjust- The PRESIDING OFFICER. The Sen- political debate on the debt ceiling, there is ment that will preserve the basic bene- ator from South Dakota. at least a one-in-two likelihood, 50 percent chance, that we could lower the long-term fits that go across many areas. f rating on the United States within the next Also in the proposal that was put out MORNING BUSINESS 90 days. We have also placed our short-term today is a safety net for people at 125 Mr. JOHNSON of South Dakota. Mr. rating on the U.S. on CreditWatch negative, percent of poverty. They will be get- reflecting our view that the current situa- ting a benefit that increases more—and President, I ask unanimous consent tion presents such significant uncertainty to I think everyone would agree that is a that the Senate proceed to a period of the U.S.’s creditworthiness. morning business, with Senators per- good thing—and then the CPI adjust- It is important to realize this isn’t mitted to speak for up to 10 minutes ment will be in place for others. just about the debt ceiling, although each. I think it also has a very good pro- that is a very important piece of this. The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without posal in the area of taxes because they Here is S&P continuing: want to lower the overall rates for ev- objection, it is so ordered. The Senator from Colorado. The CreditWatch action reflects our view eryone and make fewer rate groups, so of two separate but related issues. The first the top rate would be 29 percent. They f issue is the continuing failure to raise the even cut the lower rate down to 9 per- BUDGET NEGOTIATIONS U.S. government debt ceiling so as to ensure cent. that the government will be able to continue So these are good proposals, and I Mr. BENNET. Mr. President, I want- to make scheduled payments. The second think tax reform is something that will ed to talk a little bit about our debt pertains to our current view of the likeli- bring in more revenue, and it will bring ceiling and our deficit and debt issues hood that Congress and the administration in more revenue in the right way. It as well. will agree on a credible, medium-term fiscal will bring in revenue by building the I wish to thank the Senator from consolidation plan. economy, by ensuring a more fair tax Texas for her words of encouragement Now, I have taken the view all along system so there will be less fraud and for the product that the so-called Gang that we shouldn’t make raising the fewer numbers of people who don’t pay of 6 read out this morning. It was a re- debt ceiling contingent because it has taxes. markable hour. To see roughly 50 Sen- been a ministerial act for most of our So I think this group has done a good ators, both Republicans and Demo- history; it is about debts that are al- thing—three Democrats and three Re- crats, set aside the talking points and ready incurred, not about debts that

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4669 are coming forward. But I understand tory, if we act in a way that leads to a and 20 Democrats. In this age of very the politics in the moment and time, downgrade of this country’s credit rat- complicated and tight schedules, that and the only point they are trying to ing; if we, the 100 people who are in the is a mass meeting of the Senate. make is that we have to do something Senate at this moment, don’t step up I conclude by saying this may be the material or we are going to be down- to make sure that doesn’t happen, no rise of the policy wonks as opposed to graded. one is ever going to care what pledge partisans of either side, to actually ad- Moody’s also says: The government was made about this or that or where dress the solid details of what is the bond rating would very likely be we drew the line in the sand. The only most difficult financial problem facing changed to negative at the conclusion thing they are going to know about us the country. I commend the work of of the review unless substantial and is we allowed the full faith and credit these three Republicans and these credible agreement is achieved on a of the United States to be compromised three Democrats in creating a space budget that includes long-term deficit for all time. No generation of Ameri- now where at least 43 Senators at- reduction. To retain a stable outlook, cans, no matter how dysfunctional tended the meeting on the most cre- such an agreement should include a their politics was, managed to sacrifice ative and most detailed plan I have yet deficit trajectory that leads to sta- that much of our future. seen come forward to take on this bilization and then decline in the ra- I believe the only path through this problem. tios of Federal Government debt-to- is a bipartisan one, and I believe the We all know under our Constitution GDP and debt-to-revenue beginning only path through this is a comprehen- that the Senate may be the most dif- with the next few years. sive one. I think that is what the peo- ficult place to pass legislation. To see They said we are at a unique inflec- ple of Colorado want and what the even this initiative coming out of the tion point. American people want. Senate gives me tremendous optimism I asked Chairman Bernanke the other So I think today marked an impor- that one of the most difficult problems day at the Banking Committee—I knew tant turning point in the conversation in our country can be handled by some the answer, but I asked him anyway— we are having around here, and I for of the most capable policy wonk Mem- when was the last time our credit rat- my own part believe that if we are con- bers of the Senate. ings were threatened for downgrade. fident in the people who sent us here, With that, as we begin a discussion His answer was, not in the 20th cen- confident enough to do the job they on the Gang of 6 proposal, I want to tury. And I said to him, well, we are have asked us to do, we can make sure take a moment to personally thank now in the 21st century. The answer we don’t erode the full faith and credit these six Senators and what they have was, never. Never in our country’s his- of the United States because undoing done in putting together what appears tory, that I am aware of, has our credit that is going to be the work of genera- to be an initial outline of, not just a rating—which is the envy of the world tions if we don’t protect the work of very good proposal but in several key and one of the most important assets generations that have come before us. areas as a fiscal conservative, an even that we have as a country and as an And I feel confident that we can and better proposal than the bipartisan economy—been threatened with a that we will. commission put forward. downgrade. And now we find ourselves Mr. President, I yield the floor, and I I yield the floor and suggest the ab- in the position of potentially being suggest the absence of a quorum. sence of a quorum. The PRESIDING OFFICER. The downgraded because on the one hand The PRESIDING OFFICER. The clerk will call the roll. we might not raise the debt ceiling— clerk will call the roll. The assistant legislative clerk pro- The assistant legislative clerk pro- which I find unimaginable, but it is ceeded to call the roll. ceeded to call the roll. possible—and on the other hand be- Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I ask unan- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- cause our politics look so dysfunc- imous consent the order for the imous consent that the order for the tional to everybody who is watching quorum call be rescinded. quorum call be rescinded. this debate that there is real concern The PRESIDING OFFICER (Mr. BEN- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without that we can never get to a long-term NET). Without objection, it is so or- objection, it is so ordered. debt and deficit plan where the math dered. f actually pencils. What we know about f a plan where the math actually pencils UNANIMOUS CONSENT is it is going to require a comprehen- COMMENDING THE GANG OF 6 AGREEMENT—H.R. 2055 sive approach that involves discre- Mr. KIRK. Mr. President, I rise brief- Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- tionary spending cuts, both for mili- ly to commend the work of the Gang of imous consent that at noon tomorrow, tary and nonmilitary, that requires en- 6 and what they have done for our July 20, Senator JOHNSON of South Da- titlement reform and tax reform. country in what is a complicated pro- kota be recognized to move to table A number of weeks ago, Senator posal with details forthcoming but Vitter amendment No. 568; that there JOHANNS and I sent out a letter that largely reflecting the actions of the bi- be no amendments or points of order in said just that. We passed it around the partisan deficit commission and what order to the Vitter amendment prior to Senate offices. There are 32 Democrats could be between a $3.5 trillion and $4.5 the vote on the motion to table; and who signed it and 32 Republicans who trillion reduction in the borrowing the motion to reconsider be considered signed it. That is a pretty big number needs of the United States. made and laid upon the table. around here, and that is a pretty bipar- Specifically, so often we do not The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without tisan effort around here. thank our colleagues here, but I want objection, it is so ordered. Then I began to despair because it to thank especially Senator COBURN, f didn’t feel as if we were making Senator CRAPO, and Senator CHAMBLISS progress toward the goal many of us on the Republican side, Senator WAR- SUDAN wanted to get to, and then today we NER, Senator CONRAD, and Senator Mr. DURBIN. Mr. President, last had this conversation with the Gang of DURBIN on the Democratic side, be- night the Senate adopted S. Con. Res. 6, who I think have presented a plan, as cause I think they are creating a vital 25, a concurrent resolution welcoming the Senator from Texas said, that is center on what is the most important the independence of the Republic of not perfect, and everybody is going to issue facing the country. I believe the South Sudan, congratulating the peo- have a disagreement about this piece outlines of the plan, as I understand it ple of South Sudan for freely and or that piece, but does meet the three- tonight, will dramatically reassure the peacefully expressing their will part test by and large that I have come American people, our markets, and es- through an internationally accepted out to the floor and I have said time pecially our allies overseas that a free referendum, and calling on the govern- and time again that we ought to meet people and their elected representa- ments and people of Sudan and South for the people of Colorado, which is tives can kick their spending habit Sudan to peacefully resolve out- whom I represent. over time. standing issues including the final sta- What I also know is this: At this re- At the meeting this morning we had tus of Abyei. I was happy to see us rec- markable time in the country’s his- 43 Senators attending, 23 Republicans ognize this important development.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S4670 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 19, 2011 Years ago when violence was raging force there for 6 months to protect ci- EXTENDING THE TERM OF FBI in Darfur I regularly came to the floor vilians and humanitarian workers. DIRECTOR ROBERT MUELLER to try to keep the world’s attention on These are steps in the right direc- Mrs. FEINSTEIN. Mr. President, I the calamities happening in that far tion, and I urge both sides to respect rise to speak in strong support of S. corner of the world. the agreement and work to negotiate a 1103, the legislation before the Senate Fortunately, after a number of years long-term solution to Abyei that will to extend the term of Robert Mueller, and constant international pressure, a allow its people to live in peace. the Director of the Federal Bureau of More recently there has been a new sizeable international peacekeeping Investigation. force was deployed in Darfur, and over outbreak of violence—one with dis- This is an important piece of legisla- time the worst of the violence largely turbing similarities to the violence in tion because without it, Director subsided. Darfur—in an area called Southern Mueller’s term will end very soon, as Kordofan. Meanwhile a fragile peace treaty— he completes his 10 years in office. Most people have probably never the Comprehensive Peace Agreement That would leave the FBI, the Na- heard of Southern Kordofan—an area or CPA—also started to bring an end to tion’s leading law enforcement agency that borders South Sudan and is one of a devastating civil war between North and the lead intelligence agency for do- the few major oil-producing regions in and South Sudan that killed and dis- mestic counterterrorism, without a Di- placed millions. I give President the north. During the North-South civil war, rector as we approach the 10th anniver- George W. Bush credit for seeing that sary of the September 11 terrorist at- important agreement to fruition. segments of the population supported the south and tensions remain today as tacks. A key CPA provision called for an This would be unacceptable in my a result. Southern Kordofan has a cer- independence referendum for the south- view. Unfortunately, unanimous con- tain degree of autonomy and recently ern half of Sudan. This referendum oc- sent to pass this legislation, S. 1103, is held separate state elections, yet there curred in January and was largely being held up. I urge my colleagues to were allegations of election rigging in peaceful and without incident. approve this bill quickly. The South voted overwhelmingly for favor of North Sudan. Earlier this year, the President con- In early June, the North Sudanese independence, which the North agreed ducted a search for a replacement for government sent troops into the Nuba to respect. And on Saturday, amid Director Mueller. He determined that region in Southern Kordofan to disarm widespread celebration and a host of the best choice for the nation, at this individuals sympathetic to the South— visiting international dignitaries, critical time, was not to replace him, resulting in the displacement of more South Sudan became the world’s new- but rather to seek a legislative exten- than 70,000. Humanitarian aid was est country. sion to Director Mueller’s term. blocked and U.N. staff harassed and de- Last year Senator SHERROD BROWN The Judiciary Committee held a and I visited Sudan. I wanted to see the tained. hearing with Director Mueller on June And there have been allegations of country—and the new one about to 8, 2011, and has considered the text of targeted aerial bombing and house to emerge—with my own eyes. this legislation, S. 1103. Under a pro- house violence on the Nuba mountain The South faces a daunting task— posed unanimous consent agreement people that are of grave concern. building a nation that can be respon- North Sudan stands to lose sizable circulated earlier this month, passage sive to the needs of its 8 million resi- revenue from Southern independence of this legislation would be followed by dents, writing a constitution, and cre- and Southern Kordofan is one of the the President’s formal nomination of ating a functional government. North’s major sources of oil revenue. Mr. Mueller for an additional 2 years, The people of South Sudan, who have Many have speculated about the timing and the nomination will be placed di- seen so much suffering after years of of the attacks—so close to Southern rectly on the Senate’s Executive Cal- civil war, deserve this chance at a independence—but I am not going to endar. peaceful and democratic nation—and I do not know of any Senator who dwell on motives because what matters the international community should does not respect and support Director most is that the aggression stops. help it get started and remain viable Two weeks ago both sides signed an Mueller. Over the past 10 years that he and stable. African Union-mediated agreement to has been in office, Robert Mueller has The people of the North face chal- find a ‘‘peaceful resolution of their dif- provided steady leadership and sta- lenges too, including a fragile economy ferences . . . cease hostilities, permit bility at the FBI. He has worked to and a dwindling of the Nile River due humanitarian access, and allow the re- transform the Bureau into an agency to climate change. turn of displaced persons to their that can better detect and prevent ter- And despite the peaceful independ- homes.’’ rorist attacks against the United ence process for the South, many com- I hope this agreement is respected. States. plicated issues related to borders, oil The last thing the people of North or Under Mueller’s direction, the FBI revenues, and immigration still remain South Sudan need is more human suf- has played an essential role in more to be worked out between both sides. fering and displacement. than 20 significant counterterrorism The Obama administration, including There must be an immediate ces- operations, while infiltrating and ar- its special envoy Ambassador Prince- sation of hostilities and end to harass- resting groups of individuals charged ton Lyman, has been working dili- ment of U.N. staff in Southern with planning attacks against our gently to help resolve these very Kordofan. country. thorny issues. Both sides must follow through with The FBI has also built its cyber in- Unfortunately, we have seen a rash of commitments to demilitarize Abyei. vestigation capability, focused on new violence in a number of border Humanitarian agencies must have counterintelligence, investigated pub- areas between North and South Sudan. safe an unrestricted access to the lic corruption cases, and tracked and With much of the world’s attention areas. disrupted gang activity. turned elsewhere, we must not let new And it is long overdue that the var- Despite the major setback of the Sep- violence undermine the hard fought ious parties in the Darfur conflict tember 11 attacks, the FBI is among gains that have been achieved in reach a long-term political settlement our most respected government insti- Sudan. that will allow people to be safe and to tutions, and it has changed dramati- First, in May the Sudanese armed return to their homes. cally to respond to the challenges of forces invaded the disputed oil-rich Continued progress on all these our time. Abyei region, displacing as many as fronts is also the best path forward for Let me talk about Director Mueller 100,000. improving Sudan’s relations with the for a moment, who is, personally, a Fortunately, both sides met recently United States and the rest of the global symbol of integrity and dedicated pub- in Ethiopia and agreed to withdraw community. lic service. I am very pleased to call their forces from the region. The U.N. President Obama has called on Suda- him my friend, and thank him for his Security Council also voted to send a nese leaders to choose peace, and I willingness to continue to serve for an- 4,200-person Ethiopian peacekeeping strongly echo his sentiments. other 2 years.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00024 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4671 I recognize that there were good rea- paired because of pesticide pollution. FIFRA registration is not an accept- sons that Congress placed a term limit Limited water quality sampling sug- able substitute for water discharge per- on the Director of the FBI. History has gests the number is actually much mits. The localized impact assessment shown that the position, and the FBI, higher. In a nationwide study con- and enforceable discharge limits of wield enormous powers and that the ducted by the U.S. Geological Survey, Clean Water Act permits are far better Bureau should not have a director for more than half of the streams sampled equipped to address water quality life. had concentrations of at least one pes- issues than FIFRA’s nationwide cost- The legislation before us recognizes ticide that exceeded a guideline for the benefit-based assessment. To exempt that concern, and creates a one-time protection of aquatic life. In California pesticides from comprehensive regula- extension that would only apply to Di- alone, more than one in four of the tion would unreasonably compromise rector Mueller. Future FBI Directors State’s waters are officially listed as the quality of our waterways. would still be limited to a 10-year impaired because of pesticide pollu- Clearly, the Nation has a problem term. tion. with pesticide pollution in our waters Extending Director Mueller’s term at Chesapeake Bay is the most bio- that needs to be addressed. The courts the FBI for an additional 2 years will logically diverse estuary in the coun- have said so, and scientific data rein- ensure the evolution of the FBI con- try and serves as a vital economic re- force that conclusion. That doesn’t tinues. It will provide important sta- source to the region. One recent study mean that every backyard application bility to the President’s national secu- found that portions of the bay with of a weed-killer needs a Clean Water rity team during this sensitive and higher concentrations of pesticide pol- Act permit. Providing targeted exemp- challenging time and while it is other- lution exhibited decreased species di- tions of de minimis users of pesticides wise going through important leader- versity and reported a ‘‘surprising makes good sense. Generally speaking, ship changes. number’’ of such sites in the lower bay. backyard applicators and local lawn This summer Leon Panetta has suc- Pesticide pollution in the Chesapeake care companies should be exempt from has been linked to fish kills and abnor- ceeded Robert Gates as Secretary of coverage. Regulating these users would malities. Moreover, extensive samples Defense, and GEN David Petraeus has do little to improve water quality and taken from Chesapeake tributaries dis- been confirmed to be the next Director would be an unnecessary burden on played a range of pesticides and herbi- of the CIA, but because he is them. Emergency applications to con- cides. Atrazine, one of Maryland’s most transitioning out of Afghanistan, Gen- trol mosquito outbreaks associated used herbicides, was detected in every eral Petraeus won’t arrive at Head- with West Nile virus or a new outbreak water sample taken. The active ingre- quarters in Langley until after Labor of gypsy moth, for example, should be dient in atrazine is resistant to natural Day. allowed. Permits could be obtained degradation in water and inhibits pho- We are seeing changes in major mili- after-the-fact in these emergency situ- tary commands, and changes in the tosynthesis in plants. The USGS found that concentrations of atrazine com- ations without penalty. Agricultural Joint Chiefs of Staff are coming soon. applications to land should continue to Also, the Senate Intelligence Com- monly found in agricultural streams and rivers produced reproduction and be exempt. Permits should be easy to mittee, which I have the honor of development abnormalities. obtain and impose minimal moni- chairing, is now considering the nomi- Pesticides, by their very nature, con- toring, recordkeeping, and reporting nation of Matt Olsen to be the Director sist of various toxins. They are regu- requirements. of the National Counterterrorism Cen- lated under the Federal Insecticide, H.R. 872 simply goes too far, pro- ter, NCTC, because Mike Leiter Fungicide, and Rodenticide Act, viding blanket exemptions and ignor- stepped down as the head of NCTC on FIFRA, to determine if they are gen- ing the real water quality problems July 8. erally safe to use. The law is not de- that pesticides are causing in Amer- So in the midst of this change, Direc- signed to deal with the many real- ica’s waters today. I support a more tor Mueller will be an experienced, world instances in which those ‘‘gen- balanced approach. steady hand among the President’s na- eral’’ conditions are not applicable. The Clean Water Act has resulted in tional security advisers. The American Pesticide pollution can cause severe tremendous successes in preserving and people will be well-served having him reproductive and developmental harm restoring U.S. waterways, but many of in place. and even death. Even at levels that our waterways are still impaired and I support the legislation and urge its allow for the product to be registered, require further attention. To categori- adoption. Now is not the time to keep pesticides may cause health problems cally exempt pesticides from Clean it from passing. in fish, amphibians and other aquatic Water Act permitting would be a step f species. Additionally, pesticide pollu- backwards in our nationwide efforts to OBJECTION TO CONSIDERATION OF tion can affect human health through ensure our waterways are healthy and H.R. 872 contaminated drinking water and bio- safe. We can do better. accumulation in those that eat con- f Mr. CARDIN. Mr. President, I have taminated fish. filed a formal objection to the consid- These pollution levels are the result REMEMBERING BETTY FORD eration of H.R. 872, a bill to exempt of massive releases of pesticides that pesticide applications from coverage are having adverse environmental im- Mrs. BOXER. Mr. President, today I under the Clean Water Act. I rise today pacts that go far beyond what is regu- ask my colleagues to honor the mem- to explain the reasoning for my opposi- lated under the general application ory of one of our Nations’ great lead- tion to this bill. rule in FIFRA. We need FIFRA, but we ers, former First Lady Betty Ford. H.R. 872 is based on the notion that also need the Clean Water Act. Mrs. Ford passed away on July 8, 2011, the law governing the licensing of pes- Approval of a pesticide under FIFRA at the age of 93. She leaves behind a ticides provides all the environmental only requires that the active chemical legacy of candor, service, equal rights safeguards that are necessary. In pro- ‘‘will not generally cause unreasonable for all and a strong record of biparti- ponents’ view, obtaining a Clean Water adverse effects on the environment.’’ sanship. Act permit would be duplicative. That Clean Water Act permits, on the Elizabeth Ann Bloomer was born in is incorrect. other hand, are approved based on a Chicago, IL, on April 8, 1918, to William As chairman of the Water and Wild- pesticide’s impact on a specific water- Stephenson Bloomer and Hortense life Subcommittee of the Senate Envi- way. It takes into account the water Neahr. She had two older brothers, Wil- ronment and Public Works Committee, body specific context including specific liam and Robert Bloomer. When she I have serious concerns about how pes- uses, such as swimming and fishing, was young, the family moved to Grand ticide pollution is impacting human and whether significant fish species Rapids, MI, where she spent her child- health, natural resources and the rely on the waters. Additionally, Clean hood. economies that depend on them. Water Act permits place enforceable Dance was a passion of hers from a Today, more than 1,800 waterways in limits on the amount and type of pol- young age. While performing in Grand the United States are known to be im- lutants that can be discharged. Rapids, she met Martha Graham, who

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00025 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S4672 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 19, 2011 became a lifelong friend, and was in- and testing for breast health. Since ties: serving on the German-American Inter- vited to perform with her dance com- then, six more centers have opened in national Exchange just as the wall came pany in New York City. To offset the the Grand Rapids area. down and putting up with a freshman Sen- ator and later on the Commission on Amer- cost of her own lessons, Mrs. Ford In 1991 she was awarded the Presi- ica’s National Interests with the Who’s Who began teaching dance to children. She dential Medal of Freedom. In 1999 Mrs. of America’s foreign and national security took on students with disabilities, even Ford, along with President Ford, re- policy makers. This time, with Bob’s help, I learning sign language so she could ceived the Congressional Gold Medal. think I actually made a difference. And, he better help those who were hearing im- In addition to her public service, Mrs. was a mentor and advisor to so many and paired. Ford was a devoted wife and mother, like so many of his stature and knowledge, In 1947 a friend introduced her to and was actively involved in her fam- he seldom offered advice and counsel without first being asked. Bob Dole and I asked a lot Gerald Ford, a lawyer who had been a ily’s life. She volunteered to help with and I know Bob regrets deeply he cannot be Navy lieutenant during World War II. her children’s Cub Scout activities, in attendance. They became engaged in February 1948 football, baseball, and of course, her I affectionately called Bob Ellsworth the but waited to announce their plans to daughter’s dance recitals. She also Phantom with the light bulbs. He would al- marry until June, when Ford had won served as a Sunday school teacher at ways call, drop in suddenly, like the Phan- the Republican primary for the local the family’s church, and on the PTA. tom and then give me a rapid fire summary of what others of like mind were thinking U.S. congressional seat. The couple was Betty Ford was a highly respected and what he thought. During his dissertation married in October 1948 in Grand Rap- and beloved leader. She will be missed and wonderful visit, light bulbs would go off ids, just 2 weeks before he was elected by all who knew her. She inspired fu- in my head always with the thought, ‘‘Why to his first of 13 congressional terms. ture generations of leaders and helped didn’t I think of that?’’ They spent their honeymoon attending us make huge leaps toward gaining I really think Bob Ellsworth was a genius a campaign rally and a University of equal opportunities for women. She is who somehow let you believe you really came up with his latest insight. Being an Michigan football game. survived by her three sons: Michael over the top Kansas State University enthu- Betty Ford served as the First Lady Gerald Ford, John Gardner Ford, and siast, genius may be the proper description of the United States from 1974–1977, Steven Ford; her daughter Susan Ford; but we mere Kansas State graduates simply during her husband’s Presidency. Mrs. and her grandchildren Sarah, Rebekah, said he was ‘‘pretty damn smart.’’ Ford broke new ground as an activist Hannah, Christian, Johnathan, Tyne, I will miss my friend and mentor as will so First Lady who was an outspoken and Heather. many. We shall not see the likes of Bob Ells- worth again. I thank the Dear Lord for al- champion for the causes that she cared f about passionately. She advocated pro- lowing me to know, learn from and truly REMEMBERING CONGRESSMAN enjoy Bob Ellsworth during this space and grams that supported the arts and pro- time. vided services for the disabled. She was ROBERT F. ELLSWORTH a champion for women’s rights and an Mr. ROBERTS. Mr. President, today STATEMENT FROM SECRETARY OF STATE ardent proponent of the equal rights I commemorate the life of Robert F. HENRY A. KISSINGER amendment. Ellsworth—a dear friend and mentor to As we grow older, life becomes more and She became a prominent leader in myself, loving husband to his wife El- more lonely as the pillars on which we the women’s rights movement and led eanor, and leader to many. In his serv- counted disappear one by one. Bob was one of marches and rallies for the ERA. The those patriots who sustained our country ice throughout his life as a lawyer, offi- and gave meaning to our personal life. Over National Organization for Women ap- cer, Congressman, Presidential aide, the decades of our acquaintance, he always pointed her as the cochair of the ERA and Ambassador, Bob met challenges stood for principles I respect and was com- Countdown Campaign. Even after she as opportunities and transformed ideas mitted to concepts of service that have made left the White House, she continued to into reality. His memorial service was our country great. lobby for women’s equality and re- held at St. Francis Episcopal Church in He will be missed but long remembered. mained an active voice for the feminist Potomac on Saturday, June 11. Along STATEMENT FROM FORMER SECRETARY OF movement. with my own statement, I ask that the DEFENSE DONALD RUMSFELD Mrs. Ford never shied away from an following statements from that day be Bob Ellsworth led a life dedicated to serv- opportunity to speak her mind, even printed in the RECORD. ice. From his time as a Naval officer in when her opinions were opposite her STATEMENT FROM SENATOR PAT ROBERTS World War II and in the Korean War, to his husband’s. She is known as one of the service in the Congress and as U.S. ambas- It is both an honor and a privilege to offer sador to NATO, to his tour in the Pentagon most candid First Ladies in history, just a few brief thoughts as we friends cele- as an Assistant Secretary and later Deputy who took a strong, public stance on brate the unique and special life of our friend Secretary, Bob did not drift from his love of those issues she found to be most im- Bob Ellsworth. country and sense of duty. Never one to give portant: reproductive rights, fair pay, Many people would define happiness in in to pessimism or mistrust, he radiated and gun control. Mrs. Ford was known many different ways. However, a good defini- warmth and solid, common sense. Our paths for speaking plainly about these issues, tion of happiness would be Eleanor in that first crossed in the early 1960s, a time when as well as those that affected her per- she brought so much happiness into Bob’s warmth and common sense were not always sonal life. life and, for that matter, to everyone privi- in ample supply. We came to know each In 1982, after her recovery from an leged to meet and know her. Eleanor, our other in the U.S. Congress, when differences prayers and thoughts are with you. I really over civil rights, riots over political assas- addiction to alcohol and prescription don’t think anyone can capture or fully de- drugs, she founded the Betty Ford Cen- sinations, and rancor over the Vietnam War scribe Bob Ellsworth, but here is my take: peaked across the country. His was always a ter for chemical dependency. Her will- First, he was a friend of the Roberts family steadying hand. A serious legislator, he be- ingness to openly discuss her personal dating back to my Dad and such a loyal lieved that his job in representing his con- struggles raised awareness of alco- friend. Second, throughout his wonderful and stituents consisted of the often unglamorous holism and drug addiction. Similarly, most notable career, Bob was just plain nice; work of working on legislation in committee she became a pioneer in the fight a true gentleman. The late congressman Bill rooms and at late nights behind his office against breast cancer when she an- Emerson of Missouri, who worked as a staff- desk. Bob wasn’t a man short on courage. He er for Congressman Bob Ellsworth, said he helped a small group of upstart Republicans nounced she had been diagnosed with a was the best and most unique boss he ever malignant breast tumor and underwent turn out the incumbent House leadership in had. Bill often said, ‘‘Bob Ellsworth would 1964 and elect Gerald Ford as Minority Lead- a mastectomy. Seeing her recovery come around and ask us if we were happy er. helped to remove the stigma about can- with our jobs. I first thought I was going to It’s been said by Soviet dissident Alek- cer and inspired many more women to be fired but soon realized he really cared sandr Solzhenitsyn that ‘‘hastiness and su- seek treatment. She helped to get the about his staff and wanted them to feel use- perficiality’’ are distinguishing features of Susan G. Komen Foundation off the ful and if they thought they were making a the 20th century, and that nowhere are they ground when the organization was first difference.’’ As a Senator, I try to follow his on more display than in the press and in pol- example with my staff today. But, seriously, itics. But Bob Ellsworth was the antidote to started in 1982. In 1987 the first Betty who does that today? hastiness and superficiality. What he lacked Ford Breast Care Services Center was Third, he was not only my friend but men- in flash, he made up in substance. As the opened in Grand Rapids, MI, to provide tor as well. He made wonderful things hap- senior official in charge of Defense Depart- state-of-the-art diagnostics, education, pen for me and gave me so many opportuni- ment intelligence operations, Bob manned

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4673 the ramparts against white-hot Congres- even by those with different perspectives. In an article that appeared in the sional committee investigations that often Bob was rare for one of his stature and ac- 2007 June edition of the Wyoming Law- seemed to be excoriating the intelligence complishment in being able to take bold po- yer, Judge Downes discusses the impor- community rather than helping to fix it. He sitions on important issues while always re- tant role played by the citizen jury maining civil and ensuring that differences responded to partisanship with collegiality system in our government. He quotes and to bluster with thought. Joyce and I re- were substantive rather than personal. gret that we cannot be with Bob’s family and During his long and varied career, Bob was from a letter sent by Thomas Jefferson his many friends to mourn, to remember, a soldier, a politician, a diplomat, an offi- to Thomas Paine: and to most of all, to celebrate a life lived to cial, a scholar, and, most recently, an inves- I consider trial by jury as the only anchor its fullest. Our thoughts and prayers are tor. This included service in World War II yet devised by man by which the government with Eleanor, Ann and William. May God and the Korean War, in the United States can be held to the principles of the Constitu- bless Bob Ellsworth, his loving family, and Congress, as Ambassador to NATO and later tion. the country he served so ably. Assistant Secretary and Deputy Secretary of In the same article, he describes two Defense. In addition to his leadership at our photos he keeps under the glass top of STATEMENT BY FORMER SENATORS BOB AND Center and its magazine, Bob served for his desk. One photo is of his family on ELIZABETH DOLE many years as Chairman of the Council of the International Institute for Strategic Easter Sunday in 1985. The other photo, Dear Friends of Bob Ellsworth, Studies (London). He was also a member of from the spring of 2003, is of a 6-year- Longstanding commitments in Kansas pre- the Council on Foreign Relations, the Atlan- old boy named Tony, clutching a teddy vent us from being physically present as you tic Council, the American Council on Ger- bear, walking out of a church, wiping celebrate Bob Ellsworth’s life and legacy. many, and many other internationally fo- But we are very much with you in spirit and tears from his eyes. He had just at- cused organizations. in our prayers. We share not only the grief tended the funeral of his father, MAJ Bob was also a great patriot. He worked Kevin G. Nave, USMC, who died on felt by Bob’s family and friends—but also and fought throughout his life to advance their gratitude for all he accomplished in 84 American leadership, American security, and March 26, 2003, in the early stages of remarkable years. Along the way Bob earned American principles. He believed strongly in the Iraq war. many titles of distinction. Yet no resume, America’s exceptionalism—but was con- Judge Downes writes: however impressive, can do justice to the vinced that our country should also be ex- Kevin Nave died so that we might have the character of this man. Exactly fifty years ceptional in its tolerance and humility in opportunity to live under a Constitution have passed since the two Bobs—Ellsworth dealing with others. Bob was also a pro- which guarantees us the opportunity of life, and Dole—first arrived in Washington. We foundly religious man, married to an Epis- liberty and the pursuit of happiness. came from opposite ends of Kansas, and not copal priest. Yet as in the case of his patriot- He ends his article with the fol- just geographically. But from the start we ism, his piety was personal rather than pub- lowing: were kindred spirits. Bob loved his country lic. Thomas Jefferson and the other founding second only to his family. He made politics a Robert Ellsworth was a genuine role noble calling. His example of personal civil- fathers of this Nation expected that we citi- model—a man of uncommon strength, deter- zens would participate in the governance of ity and respect for his colleagues has much mination, wisdom, and warmth whom all to teach today’s public servants as they our nation and, by our efforts, make it a should emulate. He will be greatly missed. more perfect union. If we judges and lawyers strive to be patriots ahead of partisans. Nor We offer our deepest condolences to his wife, do our utmost to uphold the constitutional will either of us ever forget the day in De- Rev. Eleanor Ellsworth, and his family. right to trial by jury, we will achieve the cember, 1975, when Bob served as best man at highest aspiration of our profession. For our wedding. The title might well have been f Tony’s sake, and for all our children, we can coined for him, and not in a ceremonial ca- TRIBUTE TO JUDGE WILLIAM F. do no less. pacity alone. For the odds were great that, DOWNES whatever setting Bob graced by his presence, Judge Downes achieved the highest he was the best man there. Mr. BARRASSO. Mr. President. On aspiration of his profession. He has It is customary to address public officials, July 24, 2011, Chief U.S. District Judge contributed to the governance of our and particularly members of Congress, as William F. Downes will retire after 17 Nation with distinction. ‘‘Honorable.’’ No man we know did more to years on the Federal bench in Wyo- Mr. President, I ask my colleagues to deserve that label than Bob Ellsworth. Much ming. join me in thanking Judge Downes, a as we will miss him, we will be forever Judge Downes has long recognized true American Patriot, for his service thankful that our lives were so entwined that for our democracy to survive, a to Wyoming and to our Nation. with, and enriched by, the life we celebrate strong judicial branch is necessary. As today. f he acknowledged during his Senate Ju- ADDITIONAL STATEMENTS STATEMENT FROM THE CENTER FOR THE diciary nomination hearing in 1994, the NATIONAL INTEREST strength of the judiciary is not deter- The Center for the National Interest and mined by activist judges and changing TRIBUTE TO DR. GENSHITSU SEN the law to achieve a desired outcome. The National Interest lost a leader and a ∑ Mr. AKAKA. Mr. President, I wish to dear friend with the death of Bob Ellsworth Rather, a strong judiciary consists of honor the work of Dr. Genshitsu Sen, on Monday, May 9. judges who uphold the Constitution, renowned Japanese tea master and hu- Center Honorary Chairman and former are thorough in their decisions, have Secretary of State Henry Kissinger, a close manitarian, who has promoted peace not formulated an opinion prior to a and appreciation of the Japanese cul- colleague for many years, described Ells- case being heard, and treat people with worth as ‘‘a great public servant and a val- ture through chado, the Japanese Way ued friend.’’ Bob was a key member of the respect and decency. This was the of Tea. Dr. Sen is the 15th grand tea Center’s board from its inception and had standard that Judge Downes set for master of the Urasenke School of Tea, been Vice Chairman since 2008. He was also himself in 1994. By all accounts he which for nearly 500 years has served to President of The National Interest, Inc. and achieved that standard in his court- perpetuate the ancient rite. On March a long-time member of the magazine Advi- room. 3, 1951, just 6 years after the end of sory Council. Judge Downes, the grandson of Irish Bob was among the small group who ad- World War II, during which he served immigrants, has enjoyed the oppor- in the Japanese Imperial Navy, Dr. Sen vised Richard Nixon on the creation of the tunity to welcome new citizens to our Center in the early 1990s. Nixon relied heav- performed a tea ceremony in Honolulu, ily on Bob’s advice over the years, both in nation by performing Naturalization HI, the first such performance outside and out of government—he knew, as he put ceremonies. Cited as one of the high- of Japan. This auspicious occasion it, that Bob was one of the rare individuals lights of his career, he has always said launched Dr. Sen’s dream of promoting in Washington who would tell him what he a Naturalization ceremony is one of ‘‘peacefulness through a bowl of tea.’’ needed to hear, not what he wanted to hear. the few times people come to the court- In the years that followed, Urasenke As a true gentleman, Bob Ellsworth always house happy and leave even happier. chado centers were established in cities delivered his candid views with grace and He began his public service early in worldwide, including Washington, DC, tact, to Nixon and to others. Though very life when he served in the U.S. Marine New York, London, Paris, Rome, Sa˜ o independent-minded—demonstrated in his Corps from 1968 to 1971. Though he did opposition to the wars in Vietnam and Iraq, Paulo, Dusseldorf, Mexico City, Bei- and his endorsement of Barack Obama after not make military service his career, jing, and Honolulu. a lifelong career as a leading Republican— his career in the law has been pro- Today, in my home State of Hawaii, Bob’s personal charm and openness ensured foundly affected by his military serv- we celebrate the 60th anniversary of that he was widely respected and admired, ice. Dr. Sen’s vision and work to promote

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S4674 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 19, 2011 peace and understanding, with a spe- 2011; to the Committee on Commerce, report of a rule entitled ‘‘Approval and Pro- cial tea ceremony performed on a sa- Science, and Transportation. mulgation of Air Quality Implementation cred American site, the Arizona Memo- EC–2505. A communication from the Dep- Plans; Georgia; Disapproval of Interstate uty Assistant Administrator for Regulatory rial. The Memorial is positioned above Transport Submission for the 2006 24-hour Programs, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, PM2.5 Standards’’ (FRL No. 9438–2) received the sunken battleship USS Arizona, the Department of Commerce, transmitting, pur- in the Office of the President of the Senate final resting place of hundreds of serv- suant to law, the report of a rule entitled on July 14, 2011; to the Committee on Envi- icemembers killed in the attack on ‘‘Fisheries of the Northeastern United ronment and Public Works. Pearl Harbor. The ceremony is a strong States; Recreational Management Measures EC–2513. A communication from the Direc- statement supporting the potential for for the Summer Flounder; Scup, and Black tor of the Regulatory Management Division, peace despite a tragic history. Sea Bass Fisheries; 2011 Scup Specifications; Office of Policy, Environmental Protection Japan is one of America’s strongest Fishing Year 2011’’ (RIN0648–BA92) received Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the in the Office of the President of the Senate and most trusted allies and I thank Dr. report of a rule entitled ‘‘Approval and Pro- on July 14, 2011; to the Committee on Com- mulgation of Air Quality Implementation Sen for his work to promote good rela- merce, Science, and Transportation. Plan; Kentucky; Disapproval of Interstate tions between our two countries. I also EC–2506. A communication from the Dep- Transport Submission for the 2006 24-hour recognize Soshitsu Sen, the 16th and uty Assistant Administrator for Regulatory PM2.5 Standards’’ (FRL No. 9437–9) received current grand tea master of the Programs, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, in the Office of the President of the Senate Urasenke School. Finally, my thanks Department of Commerce, transmitting, pur- on July 14, 2011; to the Committee on Envi- to Mrs. Jean Ariyoshi, former First suant to law, the report of a rule entitled ronment and Public Works. ‘‘Fisheries of the Western Pacific; Mecha- Lady of Hawaii, who was instrumental EC–2514. A communication from the Direc- nism for Specifying Annual Catch Limits tor of the Regulatory Management Division, in arranging today’s historic event at and Accountability Measures’’ (RIN0648– ∑ Office of Policy, Environmental Protection the Arizona Memorial. AY93) received in the Office of the President Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the f of the Senate on July 14, 2011; to the Com- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Approval and Pro- mittee on Commerce, Science, and Transpor- mulgation of Air Quality Implementation MESSAGE FROM THE HOUSE tation. Plans; New Mexico; Section 110(a)(2) Infra- At 11:39 a.m., a message from the EC–2507. A communication from the Dep- structure Requirements for 1997 8-hour Ozone uty Assistant Administrator for Regulatory House of Representatives, delivered by and Fine Particulate Matter National Ambi- Programs, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, ent Air Quality Standards; New Mexico Am- Mr. Novotny, one of its reading clerks, Department of Commerce, transmitting, pur- announced that the House has passed bient Quality Standards; Approval of New suant to law, the report of a rule entitled Mexico’s PSD Program; CFR Codification the following bill, in which it requests ‘‘Western Pacific Pelagic Fisheries; Prohib- Technical Corrections’’ (FRL No. 9438–7) re- the concurrence of the Senate: iting Longline Fishing Within 30 Nautical ceived in the Office of the President of the H.R. 33. An act to amend the Securities Miles of the Northern Mariana Islands’’ Senate on July 14, 2011; to the Committee on Act of 1933 to specify when certain securities (RIN0648–AW67) received in the Office of the Environment and Public Works. issued in connection with church plans are President of the Senate on July 14, 2011; to EC–2515. A communication from the Direc- treated as exempted securities for purposes the Committee on Commerce, Science, and tor of the Regulatory Management Division, of that Act. Transportation. Office of Policy, Environmental Protection EC–2508. A communication from the Direc- Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the f tor of Congressional Affairs, Office of Nu- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Approval and Pro- clear Regulatory Research, Nuclear Regu- MEASURES REFERRED mulgation of Air Quality Implementation latory Commission, transmitting, pursuant Plan; North Carolina; Disapproval of Inter- The following bill was read the first to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Interim state Transport Submission for the 2006 24- and the second times by unanimous Enforcement Policy for Certain Fire Protec- hour PM2.5 Standards’’ (FRL No. 9438–3) re- tion Issues’’ (RIN3150–AG48) received in the consent, and referred as indicated: ceived in the Office of the President of the Office of the President of the Senate on July H.R. 33. An act to amend the Securities Senate on July 14, 2011; to the Committee on 14, 2011; to the Committee on Environment Act of 1933 to specify when certain securities Environment and Public Works. issued in connection with church plans are and Public Works. EC–2509. A communication from the Direc- EC–2516. A communication from the Direc- treated as exempted securities for purposes tor of the Regulatory Management Division, tor of the Regulatory Management Division, of that Act; to the Committee on Banking, Office of Policy, Environmental Protection Office of Policy, Environmental Protection Housing, and Urban Affairs. Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the f report of a rule entitled ‘‘Approval and Pro- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Approval and Pro- mulgation of Air Quality Implementation EXECUTIVE AND OTHER mulgation of Air Quality Implementation Plans; New Mexico; Prevention of Signifi- Plans; Pennsylvania; Control of Nitrogen Ox- COMMUNICATIONS cant Deterioration; Greenhouse Gas Tai- ides Emissions from Portland Cement Kilns’’ The following communications were loring Rule Revisions’’ (FRL No. 9440–7) re- (FRL No. 9439–8) received in the Office of the ceived in the Office of the President of the President of the Senate on July 14, 2011; to laid before the Senate, together with the Committee on Environment and Public accompanying papers, reports, and doc- Senate on July 14, 2011; to the Committee on Environment and Public Works. Works. uments, and were referred as indicated: EC–2510. A communication from the Direc- EC–2517. A communication from the Direc- EC–2502. A communication from the Chief tor of the Regulatory Management Division, tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Counsel, Federal Emergency Management Office of Policy, Environmental Protection Office of Policy, Environmental Protection Agency, Department of Homeland Security, Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of report of a rule entitled ‘‘Approval and Pro- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Approval and Pro- a rule entitled ‘‘Changes in Flood Elevation mulgation of Air Quality Implementation mulgation of Air Quality Implementation Determinations’’ ((44 CFR Part 65) (Docket Plans; Delaware; Regional Haze State Imple- Plans; Vermont; Reasonably Available Con- No. FEMA–2011–0002)) received in the Office mentation Plan’’ (FRL No. 9440–1) received trol Technology (RACT) for the 1997 8-hour of the President of the Senate on July 14, in the Office of the President of the Senate Ozone Standard’’ (FRL No. 9439–5) received 2011; to the Committee on Banking, Housing, on July 14, 2011; to the Committee on Envi- in the Office of the President of the Senate and Urban Affairs. ronment and Public Works. on July 14, 2011; to the Committee on Envi- EC–2503. A communication from the Chair- EC–2511. A communication from the Direc- ronment and Public Works. man and President of the Export-Import tor of the Regulatory Management Division, EC–2518. A communication from the Direc- Bank, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- Office of Policy, Environmental Protection tor of the Regulatory Management Division, port relative to transactions involving U.S. Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Office of Policy, Environmental Protection exports to Australia; to the Committee on report of a rule entitled ‘‘Approval and Pro- Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. mulgation of Air Quality Implementation report of a rule entitled ‘‘Approval and Pro- EC–2504. A communication from the Acting Plans; Alabama; Disapproval of Interstate mulgation of Air Quality Implementation Director, Office of Sustainable Fisheries, De- Transport Submission for the 2006 24-hour Plans; State of Missouri’’ (FRL No. 9440–9) partment of Commerce, transmitting, pursu- PM2.5 Standards’’ (FRL No. 9438–1) received received in the Office of the President of the ant to law, the report of a rule entitled in the Office of the President of the Senate Senate on July 14, 2011; to the Committee on ‘‘Magnuson-Stevens Act Provisions; Fish- on July 14, 2011; to the Committee on Envi- Environment and Public Works. eries Off West Coast States; Pacific Coast ronment and Public Works. EC–2519. A communication from the Direc- Groundfish Fishery; Biennial Specifications EC–2512. A communication from the Direc- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, and Management Measures; Inseason Adjust- tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Office of Policy, Environmental Protection ments’’ (RIN0648–BB21) received in the Office Office of Policy, Environmental Protection Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the of the President of the Senate on July 14, Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Outer Continental

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00028 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4675 Shelf Air Regulations Consistency Update California State Implementation Plan, PETITIONS AND MEMORIALS for Virginia’’ (FRL No. 9434–5) received in South Coast Air Quality Management Dis- the Office of the President of the Senate on trict’’ (FRL No. 9431–9) received in the Office The following petition or memorial July 14, 2011; to the Committee on Environ- of the President of the Senate on July 14, was laid before the Senate and was re- ment and Public Works. 2011; to the Committee on Environment and ferred or ordered to lie on the table as EC–2520. A communication from the Direc- Public Works. indicated: tor of the Regulatory Management Division, EC–2528. A communication from the Ad- POM–59. A resolution adopted by the Com- Office of Policy, Environmental Protection ministrator of the Environmental Protection mission of Wayne County of the State of Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, a re- Michigan relative to recognition of the im- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Revisions to the port entitled ‘‘RCRA Hazardous Waste Iden- portance of the continuing funding and sup- California State Implementation Plan, Sac- tification of Methamphetamine Production port for the F–35 Joint Strike Fighter Pro- ramento Metropolitan Air Quality Manage- Process By-products’’; to the Committee on gram; to the Committee on Armed Services. ment District’’ (FRL No. 9438–6) received in Environment and Public Works. the Office of the President of the Senate on f EC–2529. A communication from the Chief July 14, 2011; to the Committee on Environ- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ment and Public Works. of the Publications and Regulations Branch, EC–2521. A communication from the Direc- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the The following reports of committees tor of the Regulatory Management Division, Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the were submitted: Office of Policy, Environmental Protection report of a rule entitled ‘‘Determining the By Mrs. MURRAY, from the Committee on Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Amount of Taxes Paid for Purposes of the Veterans’ Affairs, with an amendment in the report of a rule entitled ‘‘Notice of Data Foreign Tax Credit’’ (RIN 1545–BK25) re- nature of a substitute: Availability Concerning Transport Rule Al- ceived in the Office of the President of the S. 745. A bill to amend title 38, United lowance Allocations to Existing Units’’ (FRL Senate on July 14, 2011; to the Committee on States Code, to protect certain veterans who No. 9435–6) received in the Office of the Presi- Finance. would otherwise be subject to a reduction in dent of the Senate on July 14, 2011; to the EC–2530. A communication from the Chief educational assistance benefits, and for Committee on Environment and Public of the Publications and Regulations Branch, other purposes. Works. Internal Revenue Service, Department of the f EC–2522. A communication from the Direc- Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the tor of the Regulatory Management Division, report of a rule entitled ‘‘Update for Weight- INTRODUCTION OF BILLS AND Office of Policy, Environmental Protection ed Average Interest Rates, Yield Curves, and JOINT RESOLUTIONS Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Segment Rates’’ (Notice 2011–59) received in report of a rule entitled ‘‘National Emission the Office of the President of the Senate on The following bills and joint resolu- Standards for Hazardous Air Pollutants July 14, 2011; to the Committee on Finance. tions were introduced, read the first From Petroleum Refineries’’ (FRL No. 9439– EC–2531. A communication from the Chief and second times by unanimous con- 2) received in the Office of the President of of the Publications and Regulations Branch, sent, and referred as indicated: the Senate on July 14, 2011; to the Com- Internal Revenue Service, Department of the By Mr. MENENDEZ (for himself and mittee on Environment and Public Works. Treasury, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Mr. GRASSLEY): EC–2523. A communication from the Direc- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Notice and Request S. 1383. A bill to amend part D of title IV tor of the Regulatory Management Division, for Comments Regarding the Community of the Social Security Act to improve the en- Office of Policy, Environmental Protection Health Needs Assessment Requirements for forcement, collection, and administration of Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Tax-exempt Hospitals’’ (Notice 2011–52) re- child support payments, and for other pur- report of a rule entitled ‘‘National Oil and ceived in the Office of the President of the poses; to the Committee on Finance. Hazardous Substances Pollution Contin- Senate on July 14, 2011; to the Committee on By Mr. CHAMBLISS: gency Plan; National Priorities List: Dele- Finance. S. 1384. A bill to amend the Immigration tion of the Hipps Road Landfill Superfund and Nationality Act to provide for the tem- Site’’ (FRL No. 9438–4) received in the Office EC–2532. A communication from the Direc- porary employment of foreign agricultural of the President of the Senate on July 14, tor of Regulations and Policy Management workers, and for other purposes; to the Com- 2011; to the Committee on Environment and Staff, Food and Drug Administration, De- mittee on the Judiciary. Public Works. partment of Health and Human Services, EC–2524. A communication from the Direc- transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of By Mr. VITTER (for himself and Mr. tor of the Regulatory Management Division, a rule entitled ‘‘Medical Devices; Neuro- DEMINT): Office of Policy, Environmental Protection logical Devices; Clarification of Classifica- S. 1385. A bill to terminate the $1 presi- Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the tion for Human Dura Mater; Technical dential coin program; to the Committee on report of a rule entitled ‘‘Approval and Pro- Amendment’’ (Docket No. FDA–1997–N–0040) Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs. mulgation of Implementation Plans; New received in the Office of the President of the By Mr. LEVIN: York; Revised Format of 40 CFR Part 52 for Senate on July 14, 2011; to the Committee on S. 1386. A bill for the relief of Hussein Materials Being Incorporated by Reference’’ Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. Bazzi; to the Committee on the Judiciary. By Mr. ROCKEFELLER (for himself, (FRL No. 9430–3) received in the Office of the EC–2533. A communication from the Direc- Mrs. HUTCHISON, and Mr. BAUCUS): President of the Senate on July 14, 2011; to tor of Regulations and Policy Management the Committee on Environment and Public S. 1387. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- Staff, Food and Drug Administration, De- enue Code of 1986 to extend the funding and Works. partment of Health and Human Services, EC–2525. A communication from the Direc- expenditure authority of the Airport and transmitting, pursuant to law, the report of Airway Trust Fund, to amend title 49, United tor of the Regulatory Management Division, a rule entitled ‘‘Medical Devices; Exception Office of Policy, Environmental Protection States Code, to extend the airport improve- From General Requirements for Informed ment program, and for other purposes; to the Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Consent’’ (Docket No. FDA–2003–N–0212) re- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Approval, Dis- Committee on Finance. ceived in the Office of the President of the By Mr. KERRY (for himself, Mr. approval, and Promulgation of Air Quality Senate on July 14, 2011; to the Committee on MCCAIN, and Mr. LIEBERMAN): Implementation Plans; Utah; Revisions to Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions. New Source Review Rules’’ (FRL No. 9428–9) S. 1388. A bill to support private sector de- EC–2534. A communication from the Sec- received in the Office of the President of the velopment, employment growth, rule of law, retary of Health and Human Services, trans- Senate on July 14, 2011; to the Committee on democratic reform, and accountable govern- mitting, pursuant to law, a report entitled Environment and Public Works. ment in qualified transition countries in the EC–2526. A communication from the Direc- ‘‘Delays in Approvals of Applications Re- Middle East and North Africa through the tor of the Regulatory Management Division, lated to Citizen Petitions and Petitions for authorization of the participation by the Office of Policy, Environmental Protection Stay of Agency Action for Fiscal Year 2010’’; United States in the general capital increase Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the to the Committee on Health, Education, of the European Bank for Reconstruction report of a rule entitled ‘‘National Oil and Labor, and Pensions. and Development, and for other purposes; to Hazardous Substances Pollution Contin- EC–2535. A communication from the Direc- the Committee on Foreign Relations. gency Plan National Priorities List’’ (FRL tor, Planning and Policy Analysis, Office of f No. 9440–4) received in the Office of the Presi- Personnel Management, transmitting, pursu- dent of the Senate on July 14, 2011; to the ant to law, the report of a rule entitled ADDITIONAL COSPONSORS Committee on Environment and Public ‘‘Federal Employees Health Benefits Pro- S. 52 Works. gram: New Premium Rating Method for Most At the request of Mr. INOUYE, the EC–2527. A communication from the Direc- Community Rated Plans’’ (RIN3206–AM39) tor of the Regulatory Management Division, received in the Office of the President of the name of the Senator from Alaska (Mr. Office of Policy, Environmental Protection Senate on July 14, 2011; to the Committee on BEGICH) was added as a cosponsor of S. Agency, transmitting, pursuant to law, the Homeland Security and Governmental Af- 52, a bill to establish uniform adminis- report of a rule entitled ‘‘Revisions to the fairs. trative and enforcement procedures

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S4676 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 19, 2011 and penalties for the enforcement of S. 866 (Mr. REED) was added as a cosponsor of the High Seas Driftnet Fishing Morato- At the request of Mr. TESTER, the S. 1176, a bill to amend the Horse Pro- rium Protection Act and similar stat- names of the Senator from West Vir- tection Act to prohibit the shipping, utes, and for other purposes. ginia (Mr. ROCKEFELLER), the Senator transporting, moving, delivering, re- S. 344 from Montana (Mr. BAUCUS) and the ceiving, possessing, purchasing, selling, At the request of Mr. REID, the name Senator from Vermont (Mr. SANDERS) or donation of horses and other equines of the Senator from Connecticut (Mr. were added as cosponsors of S. 866, a to be slaughtered for human consump- BLUMENTHAL) was added as a cosponsor bill to amend title 10, United States tion, and for other purposes. of S. 344, a bill to amend title 10, Code, to modify the per-fiscal year cal- S. 1297 United States Code, to permit certain culation of days of certain active duty At the request of Mr. BURR, the name retired members of the uniformed serv- or active service used to reduce the of the Senator from Alabama (Mr. SES- ices who have a service-connected dis- minimum age at which a member of a SIONS) was added as a cosponsor of S. ability to receive both disability com- reserve component of the uniformed 1297, a bill to preserve State and insti- pensation from the Department of Vet- services may retire for non-regular tutional authority relating to State erans Affairs for their disability and ei- service. authorization and the definition of ther retired pay by reason of their S. 905 credit hour. years of military service or Combat- At the request of Mr. HARKIN, the S. 1301 Related Special Compensation, and for name of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. At the request of Mr. LEAHY, the other purposes. HELLER) was added as a cosponsor of S. name of the Senator from Mississippi (Mr. COCHRAN) was added as a cospon- S. 387 905, a bill to amend the Internal Rev- enue Code of 1986 to allow a credit sor of S. 1301, a bill to authorize appro- At the request of Mrs. BOXER, the priations for fiscal years 2012 to 2015 for name of the Senator from Connecticut against income tax for the purchase of hearing aids. the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (Mr. BLUMENTHAL) was added as a co- of 2000, to enhance measures to combat sponsor of S. 387, a bill to amend title S. 946 At the request of Mr. BAUCUS, the trafficking in person, and for other 37, United States Code, to provide flexi- purposes. ble spending arrangements for mem- name of the Senator from West Vir- S. 1314 bers of uniformed services, and for ginia (Mr. MANCHIN) was added as a co- At the request of Mr. TESTER, the other purposes. sponsor of S. 946, a bill to establish an Office of Rural Education Policy in the name of the Senator from Montana S. 672 Department of Education. (Mr. BAUCUS) was added as a cosponsor At the request of Mr. ROCKEFELLER, S. 958 of S. 1314, a bill to amend title 38, the name of the Senator from Wash- United States Code, to require the Sec- At the request of Mr. CASEY, the ington (Mrs. MURRAY) was added as a name of the Senator from California retary of Labor to establish minimum cosponsor of S. 672, a bill to amend the funding levels for States for the sup- (Mrs. BOXER) was added as a cosponsor Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend of S. 958, a bill to amend the Public port of disabled veterans’ outreach pro- and modify the railroad track mainte- gram specialists and local veterans’ Health Service Act to reauthorize the nance credit. employment representatives, and for program of payments to children’s hos- other purposes. S. 697 pitals that operate graduate medical At the request of Mr. CASEY, the education programs. S. 1333 names of the Senator from Vermont At the request of Mr. REED, the name S. 1048 (Mr. SANDERS) and the Senator from of the Senator from Washington (Ms. At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the CANTWELL) was added as a cosponsor of Connecticut (Mr. BLUMENTHAL) were names of the Senator from New Hamp- added as cosponsors of S. 697, a bill to S. 1333, a bill to provide for the treat- shire (Mrs. SHAHEEN) and the Senator amend the Internal Revenue Code of ment and temporary financing of from Georgia (Mr. CHAMBLISS) were short-time compensation programs. 1986 to allow a credit against income added as cosponsors of S. 1048, a bill to S. 1349 tax for amounts paid by a spouse of a expand sanctions imposed with respect At the request of Mr. JOHANNS, the member of the Armed Services for a to the Islamic Republic of Iran, North names of the Senator from Nebraska new State license or certification re- Korea, and Syria, and for other pur- (Mr. NELSON) and the Senator from quired by reason of a permanent poses. change in the duty station of such Missouri (Mrs. MCCASKILL) were added S. 1052 member to another State. as cosponsors of S. 1349, a bill to amend At the request of Mr. SCHUMER, the S. 722 the National Flood Insurance Act of name of the Senator from New York 1968 to clarify the effective date of poli- At the request of Mr. WYDEN, the (Mrs. GILLIBRAND) was added as a co- name of the Senator from Maine (Ms. cies covering properties affected by sponsor of S. 1052, a bill to amend the floods in progress. SNOWE) was added as a cosponsor of S. Public Health Service Act to create a S. 1354 722, a bill to strengthen and protect National Childhood Brain Tumor Pre- Medicare hospice programs. At the request of Mrs. HAGAN, the vention Network to provide grants and name of the Senator from California S. 798 coordinate research with respect to the (Mrs. BOXER) was added as a cosponsor At the request of Mr. TESTER, the causes of and risk factors associated of S. 1354, a bill to authorize grants to names of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. with childhood brain tumors, and for promote media literacy and youth em- HELLER) and the Senator from Arkan- other purposes. powerment programs, to authorize re- sas (Mr. BOOZMAN) were added as co- S. 1175 search on the role and impact of depic- sponsors of S. 798, a bill to provide an At the request of Mrs. HAGAN, the tions of girls and women in the media, amnesty period during which veterans names of the Senator from West Vir- to provide for the establishment of a and their family members can register ginia (Mr. ROCKEFELLER) and the Sen- National Task Force on Girls and certain firearms in the National Fire- ator from Minnesota (Ms. KLOBUCHAR) Women in the Media, and for other pur- arms Registration and Transfer were added as cosponsors of S. 1175, a poses. Record, and for other purposes. bill to provide, develop, and support S. 1369 S. 835 21st century readiness initiatives that At the request of Mr. CRAPO, the At the request of Mr. CRAPO, the assist students in acquiring the skills name of the Senator from South Caro- name of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. necessary to think critically and solve lina (Mr. GRAHAM) was added as a co- HELLER) was added as a cosponsor of S. problems, be an effective communi- sponsor of S. 1369, a bill to amend the 835, a bill to reform the Bureau of Alco- cator, collaborate with others, and Federal Water Pollution Control Act to hol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explo- learn to create and innovate. exempt the conduct of silvicultural ac- sives, modernize firearms laws and reg- S. 1176 tivities from national pollutant dis- ulations, protect the community from At the request of Ms. LANDRIEU, the charge elimination system permitting criminals, and for other purposes. name of the Senator from Rhode Island requirements.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE S4677 S. 1372 from Vermont (Mr. SANDERS), the Sen- SA 563. Mrs. HUTCHISON submitted an At the request of Mr. REED, the name ator from Maryland (Ms. MIKULSKI), amendment intended to be proposed by her of the Senator from Colorado (Mr. BEN- the Senator from Washington (Ms. to the bill H.R. 2055, supra; which was or- dered to lie on the table. NET) was added as a cosponsor of S. CANTWELL), the Senator from Montana SA 564. Mr. COBURN submitted an amend- 1372, a bill to amend the Elementary (Mr. BAUCUS), the Senator from New ment intended to be proposed by him to the and Secondary Education Act of 1965 Mexico (Mr. BINGAMAN), the Senator bill H.R. 2055, supra. regarding environmental education, from Missouri (Mrs. MCCASKILL), the SA 565. Mr. HATCH submitted an amend- and for other purposes. Senator from Alabama (Mr. SESSIONS), ment intended to be proposed by him to the S. 1378 the Senator from Oregon (Mr. WYDEN), bill H.R. 2055, supra; which was ordered to lie on the table. At the request of Mr. NELSON of Ne- the Senator from North Carolina (Mr. SA 566. Mr. HATCH submitted an amend- braska, the name of the Senator from BURR), the Senator from Delaware (Mr. COONS), the Senator from Delaware ment intended to be proposed by him to the New Mexico (Mr. BINGAMAN) was added bill H.R. 2055, supra; which was ordered to lie (Mr. CARPER), the Senator from Colo- as a cosponsor of S. 1378, a bill to en- on the table. sure that Social Security and Tier 1 rado (Mr. UDALL), the Senator from SA 567. Mr. VITTER submitted an amend- Railroad Retirement benefits are prop- Texas (Mr. CORNYN), the Senator from ment intended to be proposed by him to the erly taken into account for purposes of West Virginia (Mr. ROCKEFELLER), the bill H.R. 2055, supra; which was ordered to lie determining eligibility for Medicaid Senator from New Mexico (Mr. UDALL), on the table. and for the refundable credit for cov- the Senator from Wyoming (Mr. ENZI), SA 568. Mr. VITTER proposed an amend- ment to the bill H.R. 2055, supra. erage under a qualified health plan. the Senator from Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON), the Senator from Hawaii (Mr. SA 569. Mr. WYDEN (for himself and Mr. S.J. RES. 6 INOUYE), the Senator from South Da- MERKLEY) submitted an amendment in- tended to be proposed by him to the bill H.R. At the request of Mrs. HUTCHISON, the kota (Mr. JOHNSON), the Senator from name of the Senator from Nevada (Mr. 2055, supra; which was ordered to lie on the Nevada (Mr. REID), the Senator from table. HELLER) was added as a cosponsor of New Hampshire (Mrs. SHAHEEN), the S.J. Res. 6, a joint resolution dis- SA 570. Mr. WYDEN (for himself and Mr. Senator from Texas (Mrs. HUTCHISON), MERKLEY) proposed an amendment to the approving the rule submitted by the the Senator from Nebraska (Mr. bill H.R. 2055, supra. Federal Communications Commission JOHANNS), the Senator from Iowa (Mr. f with respect to regulating the Internet GRASSLEY), the Senator from Wis- and broadband industry practices. consin (Mr. KOHL), and the Senator TEXT OF AMENDMENTS S.J. RES. 17 from North Dakota (Mr. HOEVEN) were SA 562. Mrs. HUTCHISON submitted At the request of Mr. MCCONNELL, added as cosponsors of S. Res. 228, a an amendment intended to be proposed the names of the Senator from North resolution expressing the sense of the by her to the bill H.R. 2055, making ap- Carolina (Mr. BURR), the Senator from Senate regarding coming together as a propriations for military construction, Washington (Ms. CANTWELL), and the Nation and ceasing all work or other the Department of Veterans Affairs, Senator from Wisconsin (Mr. KOHL) activity for a moment of remembrance and related agencies for the fiscal year were added as cosponsors of S.J. Res. beginning at 1:00 PM Eastern Daylight ending September 30, 2012, and for 17, a joint resolution approving the re- Time on September 11, 2011, in honor of other purposes; which was ordered to newal of import restrictions contained the 10th anniversary of the terrorist lie on the table; as follows: attacks committed against the United in the Burmese Freedom and Democ- On page 84, between lines 5 and 6, insert racy Act of 2003. States on September 11, 2001. the following: At the request of Mrs. FEINSTEIN, the S. RES. 232 SEC. 127. None of the funds appropriated or names of the Senator from Minnesota At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the otherwise made available by this title may (Mr. FRANKEN), the Senator from New name of the Senator from Alabama be obligated or expended for a permanent York (Mrs. GILLIBRAND), the Senator (Mr. SESSIONS) was added as a cospon- United States Africa Command headquarters from Connecticut (Mr. LIEBERMAN), and sor of S. Res. 232, a resolution recog- outside of the United States until the Sec- the Senator from New Hampshire (Mrs. nizing the continued persecution of retary of Defense provides the congressional defense committees an analysis of all mili- SHAHEEN) were added as cosponsors of Falun Gong practitioners in China on the 12th anniversary of the campaign tary construction costs associated with es- S.J. Res. 17, supra. tablishing a permanent location overseas S.J. RES. 21 by the Chinese Communist Party to versus in the United States. At the request of Mr. MENENDEZ, the suppress the Falun Gong movement, names of the Senator from Connecticut recognizing the Tuidang movement SA 563. Mrs. HUTCHISON submitted whereby Chinese citizens renounce (Mr. LIEBERMAN) and the Senator from an amendment intended to be proposed their ties to the Chinese Communist New Jersey (Mr. LAUTENBERG) were by her to the bill H.R. 2055, making ap- added as cosponsors of S.J. Res. 21, a Party and its affiliates, and calling for propriations for military construction, joint resolution proposing an amend- an immediate end to the campaign to the Department of Veterans Affairs, ment to the Constitution of the United persecute Falun Gong practitioners. and related agencies for the fiscal year States relative to equal rights for men AMENDMENT NO. 556 ending September 30, 2012, and for and women. At the request of Mr. JOHNSON of other purposes; which was ordered to South Dakota, the name of the Senator S. RES. 132 lie on the table; as follows: from Maine (Ms. COLLINS) was added as On page 84, between lines 5 and 6, insert At the request of Mr. NELSON of Ne- a cosponsor of amendment No. 556 pro- braska, the name of the Senator from the following: posed to H.R. 2055, a bill making appro- SEC. 127. None of the funds appropriated or Georgia (Mr. ISAKSON) was added as a priations for military construction, the otherwise made available by this title may cosponsor of S. Res. 132, a resolution Department of Veterans Affairs, and be obligated or expended on a military con- recognizing and honoring the zoos and related agencies for the fiscal year end- struction project at Grafenwohr, Germany, aquariums of the United States. ing September 30, 2012, and for other or Baumholder, Germany, until the Sec- S. RES. 216 retary of the Army submits to Congress, in purposes. writing, a report on installations and prop- At the request of Mrs. BOXER, the f erties in Germany that the Army intends to name of the Senator from Oregon (Mr. AMENDMENTS SUBMITTED AND return to the host nation, including— MERKLEY) was added as a cosponsor of (1) intended timelines for closures along S. Res. 216, a resolution encouraging PROPOSED with the list of military construction women’s political participation in SA 562. Mrs. HUTCHISON submitted an projects required at other installations to fa- Saudi Arabia. amendment intended to be proposed by her cilitate the downsizing and consolidation of to the bill H.R. 2055, making appropriations Army forces in Germany; S. RES. 228 for military construction, the Department of (2) an identification of the brigade combat At the request of Mr. LAUTENBERG, Veterans Affairs, and related agencies for team that will be withdrawn from Germany; the names of the Senator from Rhode the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, and and Island (Mr. REED), the Senator from for other purposes; which was ordered to lie (3) an estimate of costs (including oper- Vermont (Mr. LEAHY), the Senator on the table. ation and maintenance costs and military

VerDate Mar 15 2010 01:32 May 05, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 0624 Sfmt 0634 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\S19JY1.REC S19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE S4678 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — SENATE July 19, 2011 Protection Agency and Rebecca Wodder to be Foreign Relations be authorized to THE DEBT CEILING Assistant Secretary for Fish, Wildlife and meet during the session of the Senate Parks for the Department of the Interior. Mr. REID. Mr. President, for the ben- on July 19, 2011, at 2:30 p.m., to hold a efit of Senators and everyone within The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without Near Eastern and South and Central objection, it is so ordered. the sound of my voice, we are doing our Asian Affairs subcommittee hearing very best, recognizing we have 13 days COMMITTEE ON FOREIGN RELATIONS entitled, ‘‘U.S. Policy in Yemen.’’ Mr. REED. Mr. President, I ask unan- left until the debt ceiling comes to be, The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without to do something about it, that we imous consent that the Committee on objection, it is so ordered. Foreign Relations be authorized to would not default on our debt. It would be cataclysmic to our country and the meet during the session of the Senate f on July 19, 2011, at 10 a.m. world. We have not done a lot on the The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without PRIVILEGES OF THE FLOOR floor, but there are a lot of people objection, it is so ordered. working in a lot of different ways to Mr. REED. Mr. President, I ask unan- AD HOC SUBCOMMITTEE ON DISASTER RECOVERY arrive at a way to stop the country AND INTERGOVERNMENTAL AFFAIRS imous consent that Aaron Hernandez of from defaulting on the debt. Mr. REED. Mr. President, I ask unan- my staff be granted privileges of the Many Democrats, many Republicans imous consent that the Ad Hoc Sub- floor for the remainder of this week. are working toward that end. But we committee on Disaster Recovery and The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without need a path forward, and we think we Intergovernmental Affairs of the Com- objection, it is so ordered. have one, but it is certainly not com- mittee on Homeland Security and Gov- pleted yet. This is a bicameral legisla- f ernmental Affairs be authorized to ture, and we have another meeting at meet during the session of the Senate the White House tomorrow. We are ORDERS FOR WEDNESDAY, JULY on Tuesday, July 19, 2011, at 2:30 p.m. doing our very utmost to do this as 20, 2011 to conduct a hearing entitled, ‘‘2011 well as we can. There is no easy solu- Spring Storms: Picking up the Pieces Mr. REID. Mr. President, I ask unan- tion. and Building Back Stronger.’’ imous consent that when the Senate The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without completes its business today, it recess f objection, it is so ordered. until 9:30 a.m. tomorrow, Wednesday, PROGRAM SUBCOMMITTEE ON CRIME AND TERRORISM July 20; that following the prayer and Mr. REED. Mr. President, I ask unan- pledge, the Journal of proceedings be Mr. REID. Mr. President, there will imous consent that the Committee on approved to date, the time for the two be a rollcall vote at approximately the Judiciary, Subcommittee on Crime leaders be reserved for their use later noon tomorrow in relation to the and Terrorism, be authorized to meet in the day; that following any leader Vitter amendment. We have every be- during the session of the Senate, on remarks, the Senate be in a period of lief we can complete action on the July 19, 2011, at 10:30 a.m., in room SD– morning business for 1 hour with Sen- Military Construction bill tomorrow. 226 of the Dirksen Senate Office Build- ators permitted to speak for up to 10 ing, to conduct a hearing entitled minutes each, with the time equally di- f ‘‘Drug and Veterans Treatment Courts: vided and controlled between the two RECESS UNTIL 9:30 A.M. Seeking Cost-Effective Solutions for leaders or their designees, with the ma- TOMORROW Protecting Public Safety and Reducing jority controlling the first half and the Recidivism.’’ Republicans controlling the final half; Mr. REID. Mr. President, if there is The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without and that following morning business, no further business to come before the objection, it is so ordered. the Senate resume consideration of the Senate, I ask unanimous consent that SUBCOMMITTEE ON NEAR EASTERN AND SOUTH Military Construction appropriations it recess under the previous order. AND CENTRAL ASIAN AFFAIRS bill. There being no objection, the Senate, Mr. REED. Mr. President, I ask unan- The PRESIDING OFFICER. Without at 6:54 p.m., recessed until Wednesday, imous consent that the Committee on objection, it is so ordered. July 20, 2011, at 9:30 a.m.

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HONORING MAXWELL KENNER Today, news reports indicate that France phere that allows member states to take ac- DUSCH and Britain are urging NATO to expand their tions that are likely to prolong a civil war operations in Libya. The British Foreign and increase the risk to Libyan civilians. We Secretary, William Hague, was quoted by cannot allow such a dangerous precedent to HON. SAM GRAVES The New York Times as saying that ‘‘[a]ny be set in Libya. OF MISSOURI viable future for Libya involves the Depar- Reports today indicate that Britain and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ture of Colonel Qaddafi.’’ France have sent a joint team of military ad- It is imperative the UN remind France and visors to assist rebels in Libya, an overt and Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Britain that regime change is not part of the dangerous sign of intentions to act well be- Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I UN mandate. An attempt at regime change yond the authorization granted in United would likely expand a civil war creating a proudly pause to recognize Maxwell Kenner Nations Security Council (UNSCR) 1973. I large number of civilian casualties on both urge you to take immediate steps to ensure Dusch. Maxwell is a very special young man sides. NATO is not authorized to go beyond that U.N. member states fully comply with who has exemplified the finest qualities of citi- the UN mandate and France and Great Brit- UNSCR 1973 and refrain from taking steps in zenship and leadership by taking an active ain should not demand they do so. The UN Libya that can only serve to prolong a pro- part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 362, Secretary General must intervene to stop an tracted conflict at the expense of Libyan ci- and earning the most prestigious award of expansion of the war even though two mem- vilians. Eagle Scout. ber states, for whatever reason, appear in- The United Nations has been noticeably re- tent on pursuing that expansion. served when it was revealed that Qatar was Maxwell has been very active with his troop, Sincerely, participating in many scout activities. Over the providing arms to Libyan rebels in con- DENNIS J. KUCINICH, travention of UNSCR 1970, despite recogni- many years Maxwell has been involved with Member of Congress. tion by the U.N. that the humanitarian situ- scouting, he has not only earned numerous ation in Libya has worsened following in- merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, creased fighting between rebels and pro- ily, peers, and community. Most notably, Max- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Gaddafi forces. well has contributed to his community through April 14, 2011. It is of the utmost importance that the his Eagle Scout project. Hon. BAN KI-MOON, United Nations make its stance on violations Secretary General, United Nations, New York, Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in of U.N. Security Council resolutions well- New York. known. The United Nations must state clear- commending Maxwell Kenner Dusch for his DEAR SECRETARY GENERAL: I write to bring ly that any actions taken by member states accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of your attention to reports that reveal that outside of the scope of UNSCR 1973 will not America and for his efforts put forth in achiev- the State of Qatar has been supplying weap- be tolerated. ing the highest distinction of Eagle Scout. ons to Libyan rebels and ask that you take I look forward to your response. immediate steps to ensure full compliance f Sincerely, with the arms embargo currently in effect in DENNIS J. KUCINICH, LETTERS FROM REP. DENNIS J. Libya. Member of Congress. KUCINICH TO THE UNITED NA- According to The Guardian, Qatar is sup- plying ‘‘anti-tank weapons to Libyan rebels CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, TIONS ON THE WAR IN LIBYA in Benghazi as part of its strategy of work- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, ing to overthrow the Gaddafi regime, offi- May 6, 2011. cials in Doha have confirmed.’’ This is a HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH Hon. BAN KI-MOON, clear violation of United Nations Security OF OHIO Secretary General, United Nations, New York, Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1970, adopted on New York. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES February 26, 2011, which established an inter- Hon. LUIS MORENO-OCAMPO, national arms embargo and requires all Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Prosecutor, International Criminal Court, The member states to take ‘‘necessary measures’’ Hague, The Netherlands. Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I wish to sub- to prevent the ‘‘supply, sale or transfer’’ of I write to express my grave concern over mit letters I have sent to the United Nations arms and related materiel into Libya. You recently made strong statements urg- recent actions by the North Atlantic Treaty Secretary General, Ban Ki-moon, regarding Organization (NATO) in Libya that appear to the U.N.-sanctioned war in Libya. ing full compliance with an international arms embargo in Cote D’Ivoire following rev- constitute a deliberate attack on a foreign CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, elations that attack helicopters were pro- leader, in direct contravention to United Na- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, vided to forces loyal to former president tions Security Council Resolution (UNSCR) April 12, 2011. Laurent Gbagbo, recognizing that supplying 1973, and the effect such actions may have on Hon. BAN KI-MOON, such aid would be ‘‘very dangerous in our prolonging an already protracted and bloody Secretary General, United Nations, New York, own effort to resolve this issue peacefully.’’ conflict in Libya. New York. Failure to take action to ensure compliance I am specifically concerned about reports DEAR SECRETARY GENERAL: On March 19, with UNSCR 1970 in Libya could pose the of a strike conducted by NATO on Saturday, 2011 the United Nation (UN) Security Council same danger, potentially prolonging a civil April 30 on a compound in Tripoli that re- adopted Resolution 1973 which authorized war and likely resulting in further civilian portedly killed Saif al-Arab Gaddafi, the the international community to act to ‘‘to deaths. It also significantly undermines the youngest son of President Muammar protect civilians and civilian populated areas legitimacy of the U.N. and the international Gaddafi, along with three grandchildren. Ac- under threat of attack’’ in Libya. That meas- humanitarian effort it has authorized in cording to the The Washington Post, NATO’s ure allowed member states to act ‘‘nation- Libya. commander of the current operations in ally or through regional organizations or ar- I urge you to take immediate and appro- Libya, General Charles Bouchard, stated rangements . . . in cooperation with the Sec- priate action to ensure that Qatar and all that ‘‘All NATO’s targets are military in na- retary-General.’’ U.N. member states are in fill compliance ture and have been clearly linked to the However, members of the North Atlantic with UNSCR 1970. Gaddafi regime’s systematic attacks on the Treaty Organization (NATO), which has Sincerely, Libyan population and populated areas. We acted under the authority of the UN man- DENNIS J. KUCINICH, do not target individuals.’’ date, have expressed a desire to remove Member of Congress. NATO is acting in Libya pursuant to Muammar Gaddafi from power, a demand UNSCR 1973, which authorized an inter- that was not authorized by the United Na- CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, national military intervention for the sole tions Security Council. The Libyan Transi- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, purpose of protecting Libyan civilians. A tional National Council yesterday rejected a April 19, 2011. NATO strike on a compound that resulted in cease-fire proposal because it lacked a re- Hon. BAN KI-MOON, the death of family members of President quirement for Gaddafi to leave power. The Secretary, United Nations, New York, New Gaddafi clearly exceeds this mandate and United States did not have a full accounting York. must not be tolerated. The lack of account- of the cease-fire proposal, but Secretary DEAR SECRETARY GENERAL: The silence of ability for U.N. member states and inter- Clinton continued to call for regime change. the U.N. appears to be creating an atmos- national arrangements if they act beyond

∑ 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 Mar 15 2010 05:12 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY8.001 E19JYPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with REMARKS E1352 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 19, 2011 the U.N. Security Council mandate makes it by NATO risks the serious degrading of d. All government and rebel forces, includ- clear that U.N. resolutions can be violated international institutions whose very exist- ing paramilitary and mercenary forces must with impunity. Despite the mandate to pro- ence depends upon compliance with and en- withdraw from cities they currently occupy. tect Libyan civilians, it is clear that actions forcement of international law. 2. UNFETTERED HUMANITARIAN ACCESS are being taken in Libya by member states Sincerely, Libyan authorities must immediately that endanger the civilians. DENNIS J. KUCINICH, allow for unfettered humanitarian access As you know, on February 26, the U.N. Se- Member of Congress. and facilitate the safe, timely delivery of hu- curity Council referred Libya to the Inter- manitarian assistance to all people in need. national Criminal Court (ICC) in order to in- CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, Libyan authorities must cooperate and allow vestigate allegations of actions taken by the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, for the protection of, and if needed, evacu- Libyan government against Libyan civilians June 20, 2011. ation of foreign nationals and its African mi- in response to an uprising in the country. Hon. BAN KI-MOON, grant community and workers. This week, the ICC prosecutor Luis Moreno- Secretary General, The United Nations, New Ocampo announced that charges would be York, New York. 3. DIALOGUE brought upon members of the Libyan govern- Hon. LUIS MORENO-OCAMPO, The African Union along with the U.N. is ment for crimes alleged to have been com- Prosecutor, International Criminal Court, The to facilitate an inclusive dialogue in imple- mitted against unarmed civilians that oc- Hague, The Netherlands. menting a blueprint for self-determination curred during the current conflict. I write to express my grave concern re- and peace. It is imperative that NATO also be held ac- garding recent reports that a strike con- 4. FULL COMPLIANCE WITH PERTINENT U.N. countable for any actions that violate ducted by the North Atlantic Treaty Organi- SECURITY COUNCIL RESOLUTIONS UNSCR 1973 and international law. The zation (NATO) in Libya this weekend killed United Nations must take immediate action innocent civilians. In light of this event, I The U.N. must enforce and ensure that all to ensure compliance with UNSCR 1973, or reiterate my request that the United Nations U.N. member states fully comply with the risk a continued escalation of the conflict at (U.N.) take immediate steps to ensure that terms of U.N. Security Council Resolution the cost of many more lives. The U.N. has an member states, acting in Libya under NATO (UNSCR) 1970, which established an inter- obligation to protect civilians under inter- and pursuant to a U.N. mandate to protect national arms embargo on Libya; national law and to ensure that military op- civilians, are held accountable for possible 5. REPARATIONS FOR CIVILIANS KILLED OR erations it has authorized are conducted in violations of international law and pertinent INJURED AND THEIR FAMILIES accordance to such laws. U.N. Security Council resolutions. Payments should be made by all parties to Sincerely, According to The Washington Post, a the conflict to any injured non-combatants DENNIS J. KUCINICH, ‘‘blast flattened a two-story house, killing or families of those non-combatants killed as Member of Congress. two children and seven adults . . . and it a result of the current conflict. cc: General Charles Bouchard, NATO. came a day after the alliance confirmed that last week it accidentally struck a vehicle 6. REFORMING THE CURRENT GOVERNMENT STRUCTURE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, carrying allied rebel fighters.’’ The killing of HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, civilians and rebel fighters by NATO air- Representatives of the Libyan government June 10, 2011. strikes raises serious questions about the use and the Transitional National Council shall Hon. BAN KI-MOON, of military intervention, as codified in U.N. call parties forward to participate in a Con- Secretary General, The United Nations, New Security Council Resolution 1973, to protect stitutional drafting committee, to develop a York, New York. civilians and highlights the urgent need for a mechanism to proceed to determine the Hon. LUIS MORENO-OCAMPO, negotiated ceasefire. As the war in Libya structure, composition and enactment of a Prosecutor, International Criminal Court, The passes the 90-day mark, it has become clear reform government and to select a com- Hague, The Netherlands. that the military intervention has resulted mittee to draft a national constitution. DEAR SECRETARY GENERAL BAN AND PROS- in a further escalation of the conflict, which 7. TIMELINE FOR REFORM is likely to further increase the risk to civil- ECUTOR MORENO-OCAMPO: I write to express a. The Constitutional drafting committee ians. It is vital that NATO work with the my grave concern over a recent report that shall issue a report on its deliberations. U.N., its member states and the inter- states that a senior North Atlantic Treaty b. A referendum shall be held on the newly national community toward a politically ne- Organization (NATO) official believes that drafted Constitution, and, once it is adopted, gotiated end to the conflict Indeed, a polit- Libyan President Muammar Gaddafi is a le- national elections will be held. ical settlement may be the only way to truly gitimate target under United Nations Secu- c. The referendum on the Constitution protect Libyan civilians from harm and rity Council Resolution (UNSCR) 1973. shall be conducted under the auspices of bring an end to a protracted conflict To that Therefore, I ask that the United Nations independent international observers from end, I have enclosed a structured series of take immediate steps to address this and the African Union and the United Nations. steps patterned after the African Union ef- other violations of the U.N. mandate which d. Independent international observers fort which can serve to end the conflict. was to protect civilians in Libya. shall be asked to monitor elections. NATO has taken actions in Libya that It is imperative that the U.N. hold NATO raise serious questions about the military and its top command directly accountable 8. REPATRIATION OF FROZEN ASSETS intervention in the country, including a under international statutes for actions All frozen Libyan assets must be returned. which place the lives of innocent civilians at strike conducted by NATO in April on a com- 9. NATURAL RESOURCES pound in Tripoli that reportedly killed Saif risk. The U.N. has an obligation under inter- national law to ensure that military oper- The oil, water and natural gas resources of Al-Arab Gaddafi, Gaddafi’s youngest son, and the State of Libya must be held in public three of his grandchildren. NATO is acting in ations it has authorized are conducted in ac- cordance with such laws. trust for the long-term social and economic Libya pursuant to UNSCR 1973, which au- security of the people of Libya. thorized an international military interven- Sincerely, 10. PROTECTING AND UPHOLDING THE RIGHTS OF tion for the sole purpose of protecting Liby- DENNIS J. KUCINICH, ALL LIBYAN CITIZENS an civilians. A NATO strike to deliberately Member of Congress. Enclosure: Blueprint for Self-Determina- target a leader of a foreign country clearly All parties and the newly constituted gov- tion and Peace in Libya. exceeds this mandate and must not be toler- ernment of Libya shall abide by inter- ated. The lack of accountability for U.N. THE BLUEPRINT FOR SELF-DETERMINATION national law and human rights law. The member states and international arrange- AND PEACE IN LIBYA newly constituted government must ensure ments if they act beyond the U.N. Security (Proposed by Congressman Dennis J. fair access to all basic services in Libya. Council mandate makes it clear that absent Kucinich) the intervention of your good offices U.N. 1. CEASEFIRE CONGRESS OF THE UNITED STATES, resolutions can be violated with impunity. All parties to the current conflict must im- HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, It is imperative that NATO be held ac- plement an immediate cessation of all hos- July 19, 2011. countable for any actions that violate tilities. Hon. BAN KI-MOON, UNSCR 1973 and international law. The a. Following the implementation of a Secretary General, The United Nations, New United Nations must take immediate action ceasefire, monitors from the African Union York, New York. to ensure compliance with UNSCR 1973, or (A.U.) and the United Nations (U.N.) will be DEAR SECRETARY GENERAL: I write to con- risk a continued escalation of the conflict at deployed to ensure compliance with the tinue to express my concern over the ongo- the cost of many more lives. The U.N. has an ceasefire ing conflict in Libya and clear violations of obligation to protect civilians under inter- b. North Atlantic Treaty Organization a U.N.-sanctioned no-fly zone that only serve national law and to ensure that military op- (NATO) must immediately end all military to prolong the conflict. It is being reported erations it has authorized are conducted in offensives, including the enforcement of a that the no-fly zone established by United accordance to such laws. ‘‘no fly zone,’’ air strikes by jets, helicopters Nations Security Council Resolution The failure of the United Nations and the and Unmanned Aerial Vehicles. (UNSCR) 1973 and enforced by the North At- International Criminal Court to effectively c. All covert operations from NATO mem- lantic Treaty Organization (NATO) is not intervene to stop such egregious violations ber nations shall be discontinued. being enforced in certain circumstances in

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:12 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19JY8.002 E19JYPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with REMARKS July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1353 order to allow for the delivery of military as- HONORING KEVIN JAMES GORDON tion committee that works in support of pro- sistance to Libyan rebels. choice and pro-women’s health candidates in According to The Washington Post, NATO HON. SAM GRAVES New Jersey. Prior to her current positions, Ms. ‘‘appears to allow rebel flights that shuttle OF MISSOURI Jaker served as Chief of Staff to New Jersey personnel, food, medicine—and allegedly IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES State Senator Joseph Vitale. Ms. Jaker also some weapons and communications equip- serves as Public Defender for the Borough of ment—between rebels in the eastern city of Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Benghazi and a stretch of two-lane highway Fanwood, New Jersey. Ms. Jaker is an alum- . . . in the west. On Monday, two reporters Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I na of Douglass College at Rutgers University watched a four-engine jet take off from the proudly pause to recognize Kevin James Gor- and holds a Masters Degree in Public Policy highway and climb quickly into the sky.’’ don. Kevin is a very special young man who from the Eagleton Institute/Bloustein School at As you know, such actions would be in di- has exemplified the finest qualities of citizen- Rutgers University. In 2000, she earned a law rect violation of UNSCR 1973 and will con- ship and leadership by taking an active part in degree from Rutgers University-Newark and tinue to prolong the war which shows no the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 362, and has been a member of the New Jersey State signs of ending soon. Last month, France, a earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Bar Association since 2001. Ms. Jaker has leading proponent of the war in Libya and Scout. been the driving force in New Jersey to pro- member of NATO enforcing the no-fly zone, Kevin has been very active with his troop, tect access to quality health services for all was reported to be arming Libya rebels in participating in many scout activities. Over the contravention to U.N. Security Council Res- women. olution on Libya. The United Nations must many years Kevin has been involved with The New Leaders Council (NLC) is a na- take immediate action to hold member scouting, he has not only earned numerous tional nonpartisan, nonprofit leadership organi- states accountable for allowing violations of merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- zation that seeks out, trains, and recognizes U.N. Security Council resolutions. The U.N. ily, peers, and community. Most notably, Kevin the best and brightest individuals. The organi- cannot stand idly by as its member states has contributed to his community through his zation has motivated individuals across the take actions under its name that clearly Eagle Scout project. country to start their own local chapter of NLC, serve to further their own political interests, Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in the most recent located in New Jersey. Along rather than protect Libyan civilians. commending Kevin James Gordon for his ac- with their mission to prepare the next genera- I would welcome the opportunity to meet complishments with the Boy Scouts of Amer- tion of leaders, NLC honors outstanding indi- to discuss ways we can work together toward ica and for his efforts put forth in achieving the viduals and visionaries that are currently im- your stated priority for the U.N., sustainable development. I look forward to hearing from highest distinction of Eagle Scout. pacting society. Tonight’s 40 Under 40 Awards you. f Reception supports this mission. Mr. Speaker, once again please join me in Sincerely, IN RECOGNITION OF DR. TYEESE DENNIS J. KUCINICH, congratulating Tyeese Gains and Michele Member of Congress. GAINS AND MICHELE JAKER Jaker for their immeasurable contributions to the community and thank the New Jersey f HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR. Chapter of the National Leaders Council for OF NEW JERSEY hosting tonight’s 40 Under 40 reception. ENERGY AND WATER DEVELOP- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f MENT AND RELATED AGENCIES APPROPRIATIONS ACT, 2012 Tuesday, July 19, 2011 HONORING IAN MICHAEL Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to NIEMEYER recognize two of the New Leadership Coun- SPEECH OF cil’s 40 Under 40 Award recipients, Dr. Tyeese HON. SAM GRAVES HON. HENRY A. WAXMAN Gaines and Michele Jaker. Both individuals OF MISSOURI have made impressive contributions to their IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES OF CALIFORNIA community and great accomplishments in their Tuesday, July 19, 2011 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES professional careers and continue to embody the mission of the New Leaders Council. Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I Thursday, July 14, 2011 Dr. Tyeese Gaines is a physician-journalist proudly pause to recognize Ian Michael Nie- meyer. Ian is a very special young man who The House in Committee of the Whole and touts an impressive 10 years of experi- House on the State of the Union had under ence in both print and broadcast experience. has exemplified the finest qualities of citizen- consideration the bill (H.R. 2354) making ap- She is currently a health contributor for NBC’s ship and leadership by taking an active part in propriations for energy and water develop- theGRIO.com and has made appearances as the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 362, and ment and related agencies for the fiscal year a medical expert on various media outlets, in- earning the most prestigious award of Eagle ending September 30, 2012, and for other pur- cluding MSNBC and ABCNews.com. Currently Scout. poses: practicing as Chief Emergency Medicine Resi- Ian has been very active with his troop, par- Mr. WAXMAN. Mr. Chair, earlier today, dur- dent Physician at Yale-New Haven Hospital in ticipating in many scout activities. Over the ing consideration of H.R. 2354, Ms. CAPPS of- Connecticut, she will soon be transitioning to many years Ian has been involved with scout- fered an amendment that would have required become an Attending Physician at Raritan Bay ing, he has not only earned numerous merit peer-reviewed seismic studies to be com- Medical Center. Dr. Gaines’ academic acco- badges, but also the respect of his family, pleted and lessons learned from the Japanese lades have bolstered her professional career peers, and community. Most notably, Ian has nuclear disaster before the Nuclear Regulatory toward success. Her research and academic contributed to his community through his Commission considers an application to renew interests have focused on head injury cases Eagle Scout project. the operating licenses for the Diablo Canyon and improving a patient’s understanding of Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in nuclear power plant in California. I thought this their discharge instruction and medical care. commending Ian Michael Niemeyer for his ac- was a reasonable approach. Unfortunately, Dr. Gaines has also held various national complishments with the Boy Scouts of Amer- that amendment was ruled out of order. leadership positions with the Student National ica and for his efforts put forth in achieving the Though this second Capps amendment is less Medical Association for 9 years and was later highest distinction of Eagle Scout. precise than the original amendment, I support elected Chairwoman of the Board of Directors. f it because I believe it is crucial that the nec- In conjunction with her professional career, Dr. PERSONAL EXPLANATION essary seismic studies be completed and con- Gaines continues to mentor minority pre-med- sidered during the license renewal process. ical and medical students, helping them pre- HON. LOIS CAPPS The Nuclear Regulatory Commission must pare for successful future careers. OF CALIFORNIA have a comprehensive understanding of what Ms. Michele Jaker currently serves as the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES went wrong at the Fukushima Daiichi reactors Executive Director of the Planned Parenthood and access to the latest scientific information Affiliates of New Jersey (PPANJ) and the Tuesday, July 19, 2011 in order to ensure that Diablo Canyon can be Family Planning Association of New Jersey Mrs. CAPPS. Mr. Speaker, I was not able to safely operated after the current licenses ex- (FPANJ). She also admirably serves as Direc- be present for the following rollcall vote on pire in 2024 and 2025. I urge my colleagues tor of the Planned Parenthood Action Com- July 18, 2011. I would have voted as follows: to support this amendment. mittee of New Jersey, a statewide political ac- rollcall No. 601: yes; rollcall No. 602: yes.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:12 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A19JY8.004 E19JYPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with REMARKS E1354 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 19, 2011 HONORING DEKLAN LOUIS eration of Teachers. The longest-standing of dent Milenda G. Meders, or Millie as she is KENNEDY these partnerships is with the Joint Industry known, upon being named ‘‘2011 Senior Board of the Electrical Industry in New York Farmer of the Year’’ by the Madera Chamber HON. SAM GRAVES City (JIB), and it is one of the center’s most of Commerce. This award is a tribute to OF MISSOURI successful partnerships. Since 1978 every Milenda’s professional accomplishments in the registered electrical apprentice in IBEW Local IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES farming industry, as well as her dedicated 3 has been required to complete, in addition to service and leadership in many Central Valley Tuesday, July 19, 2011 their related classroom instruction in electrical agriculture and farming community organiza- Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I theory, an academic course of study in which tions. proudly pause to recognize Deklan Louis Ken- they learn to read and write at the college Milenda was born on August 8, 1935. She nedy. Deklan is a very special young man who level and for which they are awarded a college and her twin brother, Michael, were raised on has exemplified the finest qualities of citizen- degree; or, if they already have a degree, a a Chowchilla dairy farm founded by her par- ship and leadership by taking an active part in 20-credit certificate in ‘‘Labor and the Con- ents, Carl and Gayle Gaumnitz, in the 1920’s. the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 362, and struction Industry.’’ Other programs were Milenda graduated from Chowchilla Union earning the most prestigious award of Eagle added later: the paraeducator program of the High School in 1953, and went on to attend Scout. UFT in 2006, the college degree program of California State University Fresno, where she Deklan has been very active with his troop, UA Local 1 in 2008; and others are in devel- graduated in 1957 with a Bachelor of Science participating in many scout activities. Over the opment. in Animal Science with minors in biology and many years Deklan has been involved with The Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor journalism. After earning her degree, Milenda scouting, he has not only earned numerous Studies has graduated more than 5,000 men worked in the Sales and Ag Departments at and women, many of whom have gone on to merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- KMJ Radio in Fresno, and later was a writer hold positions of honor in the New York City ily, peers, and community. Most notably, and producer of Nelson Crow Publications labor movement and beyond. Please join me Deklan has contributed to his community Western Dairy Journal. In 1965, Milenda mar- in congratulating this exemplary educational through his Eagle Scout project. ried her husband, Lieutenant John Q. Meders, organization on the occasion of its 40th anni- Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in a retired U.S. Navy carrier pilot and 2nd gen- versary. commending Deklan Louis Kennedy for his ac- eration cattle rancher. Together, she and her complishments with the Boy Scouts of Amer- f husband have farmed field row crops, al- ica and for his efforts put forth in achieving the HONORING CONNOR JAMES PACE monds, and raised cattle. highest distinction of Eagle Scout. Over the past 51 years, Milenda’s contribu- tion to the farming community reached beyond f HON. SAM GRAVES her professional accomplishments. Milenda OF MISSOURI IN RECOGNITION OF THE 40TH AN- served on the board of the Chowchilla Fair for IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES NIVERSARY OF THE HARRY VAN 16 years, and was the Chowchilla Fair Live- ARSDALE JR. CENTER FOR Tuesday, July 19, 2011 stock Superintendent for 20 years. She also LABOR STUDIES AT SUNY EM- Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I served as Director of the Madera County PIRE STATE COLLEGE proudly pause to recognize Connor James Cattleman’s Association for 12 years; Director Pace. Connor is a very special young man of the Chowchilla Water District; and has vol- HON. JERROLD NADLER who has exemplified the finest qualities of citi- unteered her time and agricultural expertise as a member of the Ag Advisory Committee at OF NEW YORK zenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 362, Chowchilla High School. Currently, she is the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and earning the most prestigious award of Director and CFO of ‘‘Preserve Our Heritage,’’ Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Eagle Scout. and a member of the University of California, Mr. NADLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Connor has been very active with his troop, Davis Agricultural Issues Advisory Board. Her recognition of the Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Cen- participating in many scout activities. Over the contributions to these organizations and the ter for Labor Studies at SUNY Empire State many years Connor has been involved with Madera County farming community have been College on the occasion of its 40th anniver- scouting, he has not only earned numerous honored with several prestigious awards. In sary. merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- 2006, Milenda was a recipient of the California The New York State legislature created ily, peers, and community. Most notably, Con- Women for Agriculture and California State SUNY Empire State College in 1971 in order nor has contributed to his community through University Fresno Ag One Foundation ‘‘Com- to provide educational opportunities to adults his Eagle Scout project. mon Threads Award’’, an award given to 5 not adequately served by traditional residential Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in women in Central Valley agriculture for volun- commending Connor James Pace for his ac- colleges. At the same time, it also established teering their time, energy and resources to complishments with the Boy Scouts of Amer- the Center for Labor Studies, which was re- benefit the community. In 2007, Milenda and ica and for his efforts put forth in achieving the named in 1986 to honor the distinguished her husband John received the Madera Coun- highest distinction of Eagle Scout. labor leader, the long-time business manager ty ‘‘Cattleman of the Year’’ award. of LBEW Local 3 and president of the New f Mr. Speaker, please join me in commending York City Central Labor Council, who did so PERSONAL EXPLANATION Milenda G. Meders for her hard work and much to support its creation. dedicated community service in the Central The Harry Van Arsdale Jr. Center for Labor Valley farming industry, and congratulating her HON. ADAM KINZINGER upon receiving the Madera Chamber of Com- Studies at SUNY Empire State College con- OF ILLINOIS merce ‘‘Senior Farmer of the Year Award.’’ tinues to fulfill its namesake’s dream of pro- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES viding wage-earning adults with an opportunity f Tuesday, July 19, 2011 to develop their labor leadership skills and to HONORING ETHAN PATRICK Mr. KINZINGER of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on earn a college degree in a learning environ- TURNER ment that celebrates their achievements and rollcall Nos. 601 and 602. Due to previously recognizes their particular needs. To do so, scheduled district events, I was unable to re- HON. SAM GRAVES the Van Arsdale Center provides flexible, turn to Washington, DC. Had I been present, OF MISSOURI worker-friendly educational programs delivered I would have voted in favor. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES by highly qualified faculty to ensure that its f Tuesday, July 19, 2011 trade union students and other working adults TRIBUTE TO MILENDA G. MEDERS may acquire the analytical and communicative Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I skills that are the hallmark of a college de- proudly pause to recognize Ethan Patrick Tur- gree. HON. JEFF DENHAM ner. Ethan is a very special young man who OF CALIFORNIA The center currently serves several impor- has exemplified the finest qualities of citizen- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES tant constituencies in the New York City area, ship and leadership by taking an active part in including IBEW Local 3 and United Associa- Tuesday, July 19, 2011 the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 362, and tion Local 1 apprentices, as well as Mr. DENHAM. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to earning the most prestigious award of Eagle paraeducators affiliated with the United Fed- acknowledge and congratulate Madera resi- Scout.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:12 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K19JY8.004 E19JYPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with REMARKS July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1355 Ethan has been very active with his troop, Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in Albert Einstein was once quoted as saying, participating in many scout activities. Over the commending Corey Alan Storts for his accom- ‘‘Only a life lived for others is a life worth- many years Ethan has been involved with plishments with the Boy Scouts of America while.’’ According to these standards, David scouting, he has not only earned numerous and for his efforts put forth in achieving the Zamora lived one of the fullest lives imag- merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- highest distinction of Eagle Scout. inable for others. ily, peers, and community. Most notably, f David was born in San Bernardino on Janu- Ethan has contributed to his community ary 9, 1955. He attended the California State through his Eagle Scout project. PERSONAL EXPLANATION University at San Bernardino, earning a Bach- Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in elor of Arts in Sociology as well as Social commending Ethan Patrick Turner for his ac- HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY Science. He later graduated with a Master of complishments with the Boy Scouts of Amer- OF NEW YORK Public Administration. He worked in Colton ica and for his efforts put forth in achieving the IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES and the Inland Empire for over forty years, pri- highest distinction of Eagle Scout. marily in education and public service. Tuesday, July 19, 2011 f David led a life of service to the cities and Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, on July 18, people of the Inland Empire. He spent twenty- RECOGNIZING EUNICE LEWIS 2011, I was absent for two rollcall votes. eight years working at the City of Colton, retir- If I had been here, I would have voted: ing as the Director of Community Develop- HON. BILLY LONG ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall vote 601; and ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall ment in 2009. As a lifelong Inland Empire resi- OF MISSOURI vote 602. dent, David was always extremely dedicated IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES f to the well-being of his community. The posi- Tuesday, July 19, 2011 tive impact he left on the City of Colton will be HONORING TYLER ANDREW GRAEF Mr. LONG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to rec- felt for years to come. ognize a great citizen of the State of Missouri. David served three consecutive terms as an I offer the highest commendation to Eunice HON. SAM GRAVES elected member of the Board of Education for Lewis of Granby, Missouri, who has the dis- OF MISSOURI the Colton Joint Unified School District. He tinction of being the oldest living member of IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES was elected Mayor of the City of Colton in No- vember of 2010, and immediately bolstered the Women’s Army Corps (WAC). Born in Lin- Tuesday, July 19, 2011 coln, Arkansas and raised in Morris, Okla- Colton’s budget reserve funds. Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I homa, Ms. Lewis married Mr. George McFar- However, the friends and colleagues that proudly pause to recognize Tyler Andrew land of the United States Marine Corps during served with David say his biggest impact was Graef. Tyler is a very special young man who World War II. At the age of twenty-eight, with personal. He possessed the rare ability to has exemplified the finest qualities of citizen- her husband serving in the Pacific Theatre of bring people together. It was always about the ship and leadership by taking an active part in Operations—where he was captured and held team—the team that he built—and the best in- the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 362, and prisoner by Japanese forces for five years— terest of the community. Many people credit earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Eunice joined the Women’s Army Corps and Mayor David Zamora for bringing a civility to Scout. completed her training at Fort Des Moines, Colton’s fractious politics. Tyler has been very active with his troop, Iowa. Eunice was then stationed at Fort Hood, On a personal note, I always felt a special participating in many scout activities. Over the Texas, where her primary responsibility was kinship with David because my own mother’s many years Tyler has been involved with writing the Last Will and Testaments for the maiden name was Zamora. He was a positive scouting, he has not only earned numerous soldiers. After her husband returned safely and genuinely happy person, and I know he merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- from overseas, they were anxious to begin will be deeply missed in the Inland Empire. ily, peers, and community. Most notably, Tyler their new life together. They found a home in David leaves with cherished memories his has contributed to his community through his Granby, a home which still stands to this day. wife, Sarah, his three daughters, Mia, Sum- Eagle Scout project. Eunice and George McFarland had one son, mer, and Alexa, and his three grandchildren. Mr. Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in Pat McFarland, who was all too young when My thoughts and prayers, along with those of commending Tyler Andrew Graef for his ac- his father passed away. Eunice then married my wife, Barbara, and my children, Council- complishments with the Boy Scouts of Amer- Leon Lewis, who worked for Rocketdyne and man Joe Baca Jr., Jeremy, Natalie, and Jen- ica and for his efforts put forth in achieving the Teledyne in Neosho, Missouri, and the couple nifer are with Davids’s family at this time. Mr. highest distinction of Eagle Scout. enjoyed many years of wedded bliss prior to Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me today his passing twelve years ago. Eunice Lewis f in honoring the memory of a beloved commu- nity member, the Honorable David Zamora. celebrated her ninety-eighth birthday on July PERSONAL EXPLANATION 7, 2011. I salute the life accomplishments of f Eunice Lewis, a proud daughter of the State of DANTE BELLAMY Missouri and the United States. HON. JIM GERLACH OF PENNSYLVANIA f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. ED PERLMUTTER HONORING COREY ALAN STORTS OF COLORADO Tuesday, July 19, 2011 IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. GERLACH. Mr. Speaker, unfortunately, HON. SAM GRAVES Tuesday, July 19, 2011 OF MISSOURI on Monday, July 18, 2011, I missed two re- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES corded votes on the House floor. Had I been present, I would have voted ‘‘aye’’ on rollcall today to recognize and applaud Dante Bel- Tuesday, July 19, 2011 601 and ‘‘aye’’ on rollcall 602. lamy for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Mr. GRAVES of Missouri. Mr. Speaker, I f Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Dante proudly pause to recognize Corey Alan Storts. Bellamy is a 7th grader at Drake Middle Corey is a very special young man who has TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE OF THE School and received this award because his exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship HONORABLE DAVID R. ZAMORA determination and hard work have allowed him and leadership by taking an active part in the to overcome adversities. Boy Scouts of America, Troop 362, and earn- HON. JOE BACA The dedication demonstrated by Dante Bel- ing the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout. OF CALIFORNIA lamy is exemplary of the type of achievement Corey has been very active with his troop, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that can be attained with hard work and perse- participating in many scout activities. Over the verance. It is essential students at all levels many years Corey has been involved with Tuesday, July 19, 2011 strive to make the most of their education and scouting, he has not only earned numerous Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask develop a work ethic which will guide them for merit badges, but also the respect of his fam- Congress to pay tribute to a valued member of the rest of their lives. ily, peers, and community. Most notably, the Colton Community, the Honorable Mayor I extend my deepest congratulations to Corey has contributed to his community David R. Zamora. Mayor Zamora passed Dante Bellamy for winning the Arvada Wheat through his Eagle Scout project. away at the age of fifty-six on July 14, 2011. Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:12 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K19JY8.006 E19JYPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with REMARKS E1356 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 19, 2011 I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedi- CODY GRUBBS thank her for all she has done for the South cation and character in all his future accom- Florida community. plishments. HON. ED PERLMUTTER Happy Birthday, Carmen! OF COLORADO f f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES COURTNEY JONES PERSONAL EXPLANATION Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise HON. ED PERLMUTTER HON. TIMOTHY V. JOHNSON today to recognize and applaud Cody Grubbs OF COLORADO OF ILLINOIS for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Ambassadors for Youth award. Cody Grubbs Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Tuesday, July 19, 2011 is a 8th grader at Oberon Middle School and received this award because his determination Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise Mr. JOHNSON of Illinois. Mr. Speaker, on and hard work have allowed him to overcome today to recognize and applaud Courtney Monday, July 18, 2011, I was unable to attend adversities. Jones for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge votes due to conflicting appointments as a re- The dedication demonstrated by Cody Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Court- sult of the change in the legislative calendar Grubbs is exemplary of the type of achieve- ney Jones is a 12th grader at Warren Tech for this week. Monday evening I held a listen- ment that can be attained with hard work and North and received this award because her ing event with local farmers at the fairgrounds. perseverance. It is essential students at all determination and hard work have allowed her Had there been advance notice of a schedule levels strive to make the most of their edu- to overcome adversities. change, I would have moved my appointment cation and develop a work ethic which will The dedication demonstrated by Courtney with the farmers. However, I could not, in guide them for the rest of their lives. Jones is exemplary of the type of achievement good conscience, cancel on a group that had I extend my deepest congratulations to that can be attained with hard work and perse- been on my schedule for several months. Cody Grubbs for winning the Arvada Wheat verance. It is essential students at all levels Had I been present, my votes would have Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. strive to make the most of their education and been as follows: I have no doubt he will exhibit the same dedi- develop a work ethic which will guide them for For H.R. 33, I would have voted, ‘‘yea’’. I cation and character in all his future accom- the rest of their lives. believe this suspension resolves financial un- plishments. I extend my deepest congratulations to certainty for churches, especially during this f Courtney Jones for winning the Arvada Wheat rough economic period. Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. For Approval of the Journal, I would have RECOGNIZING CARMEN CANO, I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- voted, ‘‘yea’’. EXEMPLARY TEACHER cation and character in all her future accom- plishments. f HON. ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN f OF FLORIDA CASSANDRA GARCIA PERSONAL EXPLANATION IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. ED PERLMUTTER Tuesday, July 19, 2011 HON. BENJAMIN QUAYLE OF COLORADO Mr. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I rise OF ARIZONA IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES today to recognize Mrs. Carmen Cano, for her IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES contribution to the South Florida community Tuesday, July 19, 2011 and on her 90th birthday. Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise Mrs. Cano, a native of Cuba, always had a Mr. QUAYLE. Mr. Speaker, yesterday, July today to recognize and applaud Cassandra passion for education and mentoring those 18, 2011, I missed rollcall votes numbered Garcia for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge whom she taught. 601 and 602. Had I been present, I would Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Cas- In 1952, she graduated with a Doctorate in have voted ‘‘aye’’ on H.R. 33 to amend the sandra Garcia is a 8th grader at Mandalay Education from The University of Havana, and Securities Act of 1933 to specify when certain Middle School and received this award be- just a few years later became the principal of securities issued in connection with church cause her determination and hard work have one of Cuba’s most prominent schools, St. plans are treated as exempted securities for allowed her to overcome adversities. George’s School. purposes of that Act and ‘‘aye’’ on approving The dedication demonstrated by Cassandra Unfortunately, like so many, in 1960 she the journal. Garcia is exemplary of the type of achieve- was forced to flee Castro’s repressive regime f ment that can be attained with hard work and in search of freedom and opportunity. perseverance. It is essential students at all That opportunity was waiting for her here in DARYA REDZKO levels strive to make the most of their edu- South Florida. cation and develop a work ethic which will After arriving in Miami, Mrs. Cano began to HON. ED PERLMUTTER guide them for the rest of their lives. volunteer at Gesu School, where she helped OF COLORADO I extend my deepest congratulations to Cas- to educate not only her students’ hearts but IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES sandra Garcia for winning the Arvada Wheat also their minds. Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Mrs. Cano’s dedication to her students and I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- professionalism led to her being offered a per- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise cation and character in all her future accom- manent position teaching 8th grade math. today to recognize and applaud Darya Redzko plishments. In 1982, when the Gesu School closed its for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service doors, Mrs. Cano’s reputation throughout the Ambassadors for Youth award. Darya Redzko f South Florida community lead her to being of- is a 7th grader at Oberon Middle School and fered a position at another of Miami’s staple received this award because her determination PERSONAL EXPLANATION institutions, St. John the Apostle. and hard work have allowed her to overcome For 12 years she would continue to teach at adversities. HON. GUS M. BILIRAKIS St. John, where her great sense of humor, ex- The dedication demonstrated by Darya OF FLORIDA traordinary teaching style, and her faith would Redzko is exemplary of the type of achieve- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES earn the respect of her administrators, peers, ment that can be attained with hard work and and most importantly her students. perseverance. It is essential students at all Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Mrs. Cano’s friendly spirit and maternal na- levels strive to make the most of their edu- Mr. BILIRAKIS. Mr. Speaker, for rollcall Nos. ture gave her students, many of whom arrived cation and develop a work ethic which will 601 and 602, I was unavoidably detained. in Miami alone, a sense of security and be- guide them for the rest of their lives. Had I been present, I would have voted, longing. I extend my deepest congratulations to ‘‘yea’’ for rollcall 601 and, ‘‘yea’’ for rollcall I am honored to have Mrs. Cano as a con- Darya Redzko for winning the Arvada Wheat 602. stituent of the 18th District of Florida and Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:12 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00006 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K19JY8.011 E19JYPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with REMARKS July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1357 I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- DAMIEN SALIMBENI I extend my deepest congratulations to cation and character in all her future accom- Damien Salimbeni for winning the Arvada plishments. HON. ED PERLMUTTER Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth OF COLORADO award. I have no doubt he will exhibit the f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES same dedication and character in all his future accomplishments. Tuesday, July 19, 2011 PERSONAL EXPLANATION Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise f today to recognize and applaud Damien HON. CONNIE MACK Salimbeni for receiving the Arvada Wheat EDUCATION JOBS SAVED OR CRE- Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. ATED BY AMERICAN RECOVERY OF FLORIDA Damien Salimbeni is a 12th grader at Arvada AND REINVESTMENT ACT OF 2009 High School and received this award because IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES his determination and hard work have allowed Tuesday, July 19, 2011 him to overcome adversities. HON. CORRINE BROWN The dedication demonstrated by Damien OF FLORIDA Mr. MACK. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, July Salimbeni is exemplary of the type of achieve- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 18, 2011, I was unavoidably delayed and un- ment that can be attained with hard work and able to vote on rollcall Nos. 601 and 602. Had perseverance. It is essential students at all Tuesday, July 19, 2011 I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yes’’ on levels strive to make the most of their edu- cation and develop a work ethic which will Ms. BROWN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I sub- No. 601 and ‘‘yes’’ on No. 602. guide them for the rest of their lives. mit the following for the RECORD.

2009–2010 2011 Jobs State/Territory Total ARRA Awards School Year Reported Avg. as of 3/31/11

Alabama ...... $1,211,481,243 6,005 5,845 Alaska ...... 286,386,725 288 445 American Samoa ...... 55,041,672 0 67 Arizona ...... 1,546,116,040 4,526 2,226 Arkansas ...... 737,604,784 1,187 2,846 California ...... 9,090,383,978 55,912 20,544 Colorado ...... 1,161,981,982 6,861 2,652 Connecticut ...... 793,482,267 5,527 5,461 Delaware ...... 370,482,181 514 558 District of Columbia ...... 275,621,995 1,044 398 Florida ...... 4,996,853,160 25,095 48,473 Georgia ...... 2,793,622,033 20,423 4,914 Guam ...... 121,588,935 — 19 Hawaii ...... 359,806,800 1,284 2,835 Idaho ...... 362,672,280 3,590 6,108 Illinois ...... 3,298,099,077 21,397 5,457 Indiana ...... 1,544,050,551 8,500 2,077 Iowa ...... 693,421,051 6,088 2,797 Kansas ...... 683,903,564 5,582 3,691 Kentucky ...... 1,060,239,635 7,325 6,612 Louisiana ...... 1,216,998,305 5,994 6,317 Maine ...... 316,026,200 282 195 Maryland ...... 1,653,482,244 2,506 1,623 Massachusetts ...... 1,850,860,731 5,647 4,919 Michigan ...... 2,889,081,098 11,432 6,704 Minnesota ...... 1,186,202,076 7,820 1,082 Mississippi ...... 810,144,314 2,553 5,100 Missouri ...... 1,413,344,466 11,881 9,048 Montana ...... 252,686,075 2,192 1,579 Nebraska ...... 450,205,253 2,360 3,484 Nevada ...... 640,833,521 4,256 586 New Hampshire ...... 299,442,060 1,345 556 New Jersey ...... 2,022,050,134 16,600 2,648 New Mexico ...... 567,755,140 2,435 1,473 New York ...... 5,968,744,969 29,282 22,631 North Carolina ...... 2,570,193,077 19,371 21,662 North Dakota ...... 182,232,317 1,483 461 Northern Mariana Islands ...... 49,533,796 148 324 Ohio ...... 3,383,219,434 12,512 15,981 Oklahoma ...... 918,236,975 5,061 4,454 Oregon ...... 869,631,848 5,407 4,114 Pennsylvania ...... 3,015,209,631 8,515 7,780 Puerto Rico ...... 1,328,494,866 11,834 10,606 Rhode Island ...... 341,463,536 636 541 South Carolina ...... 1,132,320,821 4,530 4,336 South Dakota ...... 248,797,745 1,049 461 Tennessee ...... 1,998,304,080 7,177 11,088 Texas ...... 6,423,533,663 21,883 31,625 U.S. Virgin Islands ...... 91,768,429 4 910 Utah ...... 696,668,924 3,064 1,070 Vermont ...... 164,868,039 559 309 Virginia ...... 1,912,898,672 9,524 6,607 Washington ...... 1,670,979,758 13,406 1,846 West Virginia ...... 438,219,215 773 1,580 Wisconsin ...... 1,347,822,608 7,981 1,374 Wyoming ...... 152,612,538 30 395

Total ...... $81,917,706,511 422,683 319,494

CHLOE HARRISON Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Chloe develop a work ethic which will guide them for Harrison is a 8th grader at Moore Middle the rest of their lives. School and received this award because her HON. ED PERLMUTTER I extend my deepest congratulations to determination and hard work have allowed her OF COLORADO Chloe Harrison for winning the Arvada Wheat IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES to overcome adversities. The dedication demonstrated by Chloe Har- Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Tuesday, July 19, 2011 rison is exemplary of the type of achievement I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise that can be attained with hard work and perse- cation and character in all her future accom- today to recognize and applaud Chloe Har- verance. It is essential students at all levels plishments. rison for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge strive to make the most of their education and

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:12 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00007 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K19JY8.015 E19JYPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with REMARKS E1358 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 19, 2011 JULY 12TH OPENING OF PARADE CICALI VANNOY Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. SEASON IN NORTHERN IRELAND I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- AND CALL FOR PEACE HON. ED PERLMUTTER cation and character in all her future accom- OF COLORADO plishments. f HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Tuesday, July 19, 2011 PERSONAL EXPLANATION OF NEW JERSEY Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES today to recognize and applaud Cicali Vannoy HON. TIMOTHY H. BISHOP for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service OF NEW YORK Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Ambassadors for Youth award. Cicali Vannoy IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, July 12th is a 7th grader at Drake Middle School and re- Tuesday, July 19, 2011 marked what is commonly known as ‘‘parade ceived this award because her determination Mr. BISHOP of New York. Mr. Speaker, due season’’ in Northern Ireland. and hard work have allowed her to overcome to previously scheduled official commitments adversities. in my district, I was unavoidably detained and It also marks the beginning of what is his- The dedication demonstrated by Cicali not present in the House chamber on Monday, torically a tense and even violent time for the Vannoy is exemplary of the type of achieve- July 18 to vote on rollcalls 601 and 602. region. ment that can be attained with hard work and I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on both rollcalls In preparation for this time, Northern Ire- perseverance. It is essential students at all had I been present. land’s First and Deputy First Ministers, Peter levels strive to make the most of their edu- f Robinson and Martin McGuinness, called for cation and develop a work ethic which will calm during this summer period and urged citi- guide them for the rest of their lives. HONORING CLYDE THOMAS PFISTERER zens not to take steps backwards and further I extend my deepest congratulations to stall progress towards peace. Cicali Vannoy for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service Ambassadors for Youth award. HON. TODD ROKITA The July 12th parades mark the 1690 vic- I have no doubt she will exhibit the same dedi- OF INDIANA tory of Protestant King William of Orange over cation and character in all her future accom- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Catholic King James at the Battle of the plishments. Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Boyne. The annual parades by Protestants often precipitate Catholic protests. f Mr. ROKITA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Clyde Thomas Pfisterer on behalf of Before the ‘‘Good Friday Accords’’ or Belfast TRIBUTE TO THE LATE CONGRESS- the people of Indiana as the former Secretary peace agreement, in 1998, Northern Ireland MAN CHARLES W. WHALEN, JR. of State and now as the U.S. Representative suffered a three decade period of intense for the 4th Congressional District. Clyde fighting and violence known as the ‘‘Troubles’’. HON. CHRIS VAN HOLLEN Pfisterer remains known as a loving husband, Unfortunately, this past week harkened back OF MARYLAND father, and grandfather and in that context, I to that time, with rioting throughout the region, IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES want to extend my heartfelt condolences to his police officers and citizens injured, and out- Tuesday, July 19, 2011 family for their loss. bursts occurring almost every day with attacks Mr. VAN HOLLEN. Mr. Speaker, yesterday To Indiana, Clyde’s leadership was a shin- to churches, vehicles, and homes. I had the sad honor of advising this House of ing example of the type of leadership every- I am confident that no one in Northern Ire- the passing of my constituent and former one should strive to achieve. Marked by com- land truly wants to go back to a time of con- Member of the House, the Honorable Charles mon sense and a commitment to public serv- sistent violence and unrest. W. Whalen, Jr. Unfortunately, the date of Con- ice, his leadership embodied the qualities em- gressman Whalen’s death was printed incor- blazoned in the Hoosier spirit. Clyde’s focus It is at this critical time that we are reminded on service above self; exemplified in his long of the need for constructive political discourse rectly. The correct date is June 27, 2011. I urge my colleagues to read the tribute that service as a firefighter, arson investigator, and and peaceful debate about the issues that are as a trainer and teacher to countless fire- was printed in yesterday’s CONGRESSIONAL of greatest concern to the people of Northern fighters around the world, has left us all a bet- Ireland. RECORD, which included the obituaries from The Washington Post and The New York ter place to live, work, and raise a family. As a man of faith, I believe we were put on The Good Friday Accords need to serve as Times, to learn about this extraordinary Ameri- this earth to love one another and to make the guidelines at all times, especially the most can’s life and the significant impact that he best of the gifts our Lord has provided. We contentious times, as to how peace and com- had on our country. promise should rule the day. are all blessed to live in a country that allows f us to experience freedom and the opportunity Going back on the progress made since the DAISY ESQUIVEL to chart our own path. When I look at the life accords and with the recent elections in North- story of a man who served his community as ern Ireland would be a mistake, and I believe HON. ED PERLMUTTER a firefighter, served countless friends and that those in Northern Ireland and the Irish Di- neighbors in the community, and provided life OF COLORADO aspora around the world would agree. saving instruction to his peers, all I can say is IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Northern Ireland leaders are urging their Amen. Well done. residents to pick up the call for peace and Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Clyde Pfisterer exemplified the American work towards compromise during the parade Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise dream in every way. The amazing narrative of season. today to recognize and applaud Daisy his life will live on, not only through those whose lives he touched throughout our com- Mr. Robinson asked that ‘‘everyone [take] a Esquivel for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge munity, but through his family. I want to thank step back and think of the consequences be- Service Ambassadors for Youth award. Daisy his family for sharing him with a community fore doing something which you will later re- Esquivel is a 12th grader at Jefferson Senior that will not soon forget him. gret.’’ High and received this award because her de- termination and hard work have allowed her to f He continued, ‘‘We must not allow the overcome adversities. PERSONAL EXPLANATION progress that has been made to be thwarted The dedication demonstrated by Daisy by those who want to drag us back to the Esquivel is exemplary of the type of achieve- HON. ANNA G. ESHOO past. We are determined to build a better and ment that can be attained with hard work and OF CALIFORNIA brighter future for all in Northern Ireland. perseverance. It is essential students at all IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I echo the leaders’ call and implore Irish levels strive to make the most of their edu- American citizens and all Irish people in the cation and develop a work ethic which will Tuesday, July 19, 2011 world to show their support for peace during guide them for the rest of their lives. Ms. ESHOO. Mr. Speaker, I was not this parade season, the summer, and through- I extend my deepest congratulations to present during the rollcall vote numbers 601 out the year. Daisy Esquivel for winning the Arvada Wheat and 602, on July 18, 2011.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:12 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00008 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A19JY8.019 E19JYPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with REMARKS July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1359 I would like the record to reflect how I would Ambassadors for Youth award. Cori Morton is women who do this work have a major impact have voted: a 12th grader at Warren Tech North and re- on individuals who seek clearances, the pri- On rollcall vote No. 601 I would have voted ceived this award because her determination vate companies who employ them, and the ‘‘yes.’’ and hard work have allowed her to overcome government agencies which contract for the On rollcall vote No. 602 I would have voted adversities. work. All of this has a major and lasting im- ‘‘yes.’’ The dedication demonstrated by Cori Mor- pact on our national security. f ton is exemplary of the type of achievement Mr. Speaker and colleagues, please join me that can be attained with hard work and perse- in recognizing and appreciating the important PERSONAL EXPLANATION verance. It is essential students at all levels work which has been done in Ohio since 1965 strive to make the most of their education and to help ensure national security through the HON. ADAM SMITH develop a work ethic which will guide them for issuance of security clearances for those OF WASHINGTON the rest of their lives. working with some of the most sensitive infor- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES I extend my deepest congratulations to Cori mation in the nation. We thank these individ- Morton for winning the Arvada Wheat Ridge uals for their service and wish them much suc- Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Service Ambassadors for Youth award. I have cess as this important agency makes its tran- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Speaker, on no doubt she will exhibit the same dedication sition. Monday, July 18, 2011, I was unable to be and character in all her future accomplish- f present for recorded votes. Had I been ments. IN OPPOSITION TO ANTI- present, I would have voted ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall f vote No. 601 (on the motion to suspend the ENVIRONMENTAL LEGISLATION rules and pass H.R. 33, as amended), and IN RECOGNITION OF THE DEFENSE ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall vote No. 602 (on approving INDUSTRIAL SECURITY CLEAR- HON. GARY C. PETERS the journal). ANCE OFFICE OF MICHIGAN f IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES HON. DENNIS J. KUCINICH Tuesday, July 19, 2011 PERSONAL EXPLANATION OF OHIO IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Mr. PETERS. Mr. Speaker, I am dis- appointed at what the House Republican HON. SUSAN A. DAVIS Tuesday, July 19, 2011 OF CALIFORNIA Leadership did this week. Unemployment re- Mr. KUCINICH. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recog- mains above 9%, job growth is sluggish, and IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES nize the men and women who have served we are facing a catastrophic default on our na- Tuesday, July 19, 2011 the Defense Industrial Security Clearance Of- tional debt. Yet this past week the Repub- Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speaker, I re- fice (DISCO) located in Columbus, Ohio, since licans passed three bills that do nothing to gret that I was absent from the House Floor 1965 when the office opened. As a result of create jobs, but instead advance a narrow during rollcall vote 601 and rollcall vote 602 on the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure agenda built on environmental degradation. July 18, 2011. Had I been present, I would Commission decision, DISCO must relocate to First, the Republicans brought the mis- have voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 601 and Ft. Meade, Maryland, in September 2011. guided BULB Act to the floor. The BULB Act ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall vote 602. The majority of the 160 employees and con- was rushed to a vote under the fictional pre- f tractors plan to remain in Ohio and not relo- tense that American families were under the cate to Maryland, seeking either retirement or imminent threat of having light bulbs snatched IN RECOGNITION OF DESTINEE employment elsewhere. On Wednesday July from their homes. The truth is, under Presi- RICHARDSON 20, 2011, at 11:00 a.m., there will be a cere- dent Bush, new energy efficiency standards mony in Columbus to recognize their, and were adopted for light bulbs with bipartisan HON. MICHAEL C. BURGESS their predecessors’, achievements over the support. Incandescent bulbs are not banned, OF TEXAS last 46 years. as the floor speeches this week would have IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES Located in Columbus, Ohio, DISCO proc- you believe, and industry groups like the Na- esses requests for personnel and facility secu- tional Electric Manufacturers Association op- Tuesday, July 19, 2011 rity clearances for industry contractors under posed the BULB Act because it would harm Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to the National Industrial Security Program the investments light bulb manufacturers have recognize a constituent of the 26th District of (NISP). The NISP is a partnership between already made to raise the efficiency of their Texas, Destinee Richardson. Miss Richardson the federal government and private industry to products. This bill was unhelpful and un- is a 9th grader at Little Elm High School, and safeguard classified information. It was estab- wanted and responded only to a problem is the Texas Youth Ambassador for North lished through an Executive Order signed by manufactured in the minds of the political Texas. As a Youth Ambassador, she has President George H.W. Bush in 1993 and af- right. The bill fortunately failed on the House learned important lessons about discipleship, fects all executive branch agencies. The major floor, but it did not fail in wasting our time. forgiveness, trust, and love. signatories to the program are the Department We then moved on to the Energy and Water The Million Youth Peace March International of Energy, the Nuclear Regulatory Commis- appropriations bill. This bill guts clean energy will take place next weekend in Washington, sion, the Department of Defense, and the programs seeking to research and develop D.C. Leaders from across the globe will gather Central Intelligence Agency. There are over new wind and solar technologies while in- to support world peace and encourage others one million cleared personnel and approxi- creasing investments for oil and gas compa- to cease teen-on-teen violence, childhood mately 13,000 cleared facilities under the nies. It cuts things like advanced vehicle tech- obesity, and drug and alcohol abuse. Partici- NISP. nologies and weatherization assistance, which pants will march to encourage youth to ex- DISCO is a Central Adjudication Facility re- support good paying jobs in Michigan and press themselves in non-violent ways. I thank sponsible, on behalf of the Department of De- elsewhere. The bill also includes language Destinee Richardson for her service, and am fense and 23 other departments and agencies, that makes it easier to pollute our drinking proud to represent her in Congress. for determining the facility and personnel water. While many attempts were made to re- f clearance eligibility of contractors and their balance the bill in a more equitable manner, employees for access to classified information, the Republicans insisted on their support for CORI MORTON foreign or domestic. It is responsible for main- oil companies earning record profits and tenance of facility and personnel clearance turned their backs on advanced energy and HON. ED PERLMUTTER records and processing security assurances, science. OF COLORADO clearances and visits involving the United Finally, last week we considered a bill which IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES States and foreign countries. should be called the ‘‘Dirty Water Act.’’ Named To demonstrate the volume of work proc- instead the Clean Water Cooperative Fed- Tuesday, July 19, 2011 essed by each employee at DISCO on a daily eralism Act, this bill is one of the most brazen Mr. PERLMUTTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise basis, the 160 employees and contractors at attacks on the Clean Water Acts in memory. today to recognize and applaud Cori Morton DISCO rendered nearly 250,000 clearance de- The bill strips the authority of the Administra- for receiving the Arvada Wheat Ridge Service cisions in Fiscal Year 2010. The men and tion to block environmentally harmful projects

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:12 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A19JY8.023 E19JYPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with REMARKS E1360 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks July 19, 2011 and enforce water quality standards. The sup- promote enduring stability for the Nuba Moun- OUR UNCONSCIONABLE NATIONAL porters of the bill claim it is the name of tains and all of Sudan and South Sudan. DEBT states’ rights. But dirty water does not stop at Peace cannot wait a moment longer. state boundaries, which is why the Clean HON. MIKE COFFMAN Water Act was created in the first place. We f OF COLORADO recognized decades ago that patchwork stand- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES ards and varying state enforcements don’t HONORING THE S’KLALLAM TRIBE Tuesday, July 19, 2011 keep our drinking water clean. AND THE ANNUAL TRIBAL My home state of Michigan relies on billions CANOE JOURNEY Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, of dollars in tourism that flow into the state be- today our national debt is cause of the recreational fishing, boating, and $14,342,909,569,328.74. beautiful beaches visitors to our state enjoy. HON. JAY INSLEE On January 6th, 2009, the start of the 111th These dollars go away if we let our water Congress, the national debt was quality standards slide. My Republican col- OF WASHINGTON $10,638,425,746,293.80. leagues need to learn that clean water creates IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES This means the national debt has increased jobs, and that a dirty environment kills jobs. by $3,704,484,223,034.94 since then. I opposed all three of the measures consid- Tuesday, July 19, 2011 This debt and its interest payments we are ered this week, and hope that the Republican passing to our children and all future Ameri- Mr. INSLEE. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to Leadership will stop with these senseless at- cans. announce that today the Port Gamble tacks on the environment and instead con- f centrate on creating jobs for the American S’Klallam Tribe will host the annual Tribal IN RECOGNITION OF SEASHORE people. Canoe Journey in the town of Port Gamble on DAY CAMP & SCHOOL’S 85TH AN- f Washington state’s Kitsap Peninsula. The Tribal Canoe Journey has been held annually NIVERSARY PERSONAL EXPLANATION since 1989 to continue the historic intertribal canoe journeys of the Coast Salish people. HON. FRANK PALLONE, JR. HON. MIKE PENCE The first annual journey culminated in Seattle OF NEW JERSEY OF INDIANA and included nine canoes, one of which was IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES from the Port Gamble S’Klallam Tribe. Canoe Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Tuesday, July 19, 2011 families train all year for the multi-day event Mr. PALLONE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I was absent from and often carve their canoes, which is a tradi- congratulate the Seashore Day Camp and the House floor during rollcall votes 601 and tional practice that has been revived for many School as its members and alumni gather to 602. Had I been present, I would have voted tribes as a result of the annual Tribal Canoe celebrate the organization’s 85th Anniversary. ‘‘aye’’ on both rollcall votes. Journey. Two years ago I was honored to Seashore Day Camp has maintained a suc- f watch the majestic parade of canoes as they cessful organization for over eight decades came in on the Suquamish land. The beau- and continues to provide an array of programs THE NEED FOR PEACE IN SUDAN centered on enriching the children’s summer tifully carved canoes are a testament to the AND SOUTH SUDAN experience. Similarly, the award winning Sea- determination and renewal of our local tribes shore school encourages learning at an early HON. SAM FARR to preserve their sacred traditions. age. Seashore Day Camp and School’s hard OF CALIFORNIA The S’Klallam tribe is one of the 29 federally work dedicated to the children of the commu- IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES recognized tribes in Washington state. Along nity is undoubtedly worthy of this body’s rec- ognition. Tuesday, July 19, 2011 with other Northwest Native American tribes, members have struggled to preserve their cul- Mr. John Cittadino, a teacher and swim Mr. FARR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ture in the face of the United States’ westward coach in Asbury Park, New Jersey, founded honor the dawn of the Republic of South Seashore Day Camp in 1926 to provide the expansion. In 1855, the S’Klallam tribe ceded Sudan, the world’s newest nation. While this is children of the local community the ability to certainly a cause for celebration, the road to its traditional lands to the United States in the interact with others during their summer break. peace will not be an easy one for this war-torn Treaty of Point No Point, and its current res- This goal would be accomplished through var- region of Africa. The legacy of fifty years of vi- ervation, which is in my district, was created in ious recreational activities. Seashore opened olence, two million lives lost, and deep-rooted 1938. as the first day camp in New Jersey and one ethnic tensions will not vanish overnight. I would like to highlight the Port Gamble of the first in the United States. Beginning with This is especially true in the Nuba Moun- S’Klallam Tribe’s leadership in issues relating seven children enrolled in its programs, Sea- tains, part of the disputed border region of to economic growth, water resources, and shore Day Camp has grown over the last eight Southern Kordofan. While this volatile area re- decades into one of the largest businesses in land use while retaining many of its tribal prac- mains under the control of Sudan, it is home the area. They currently accommodate more to many communities that support the newly tices. The tribe relies heavily on the traditional than 500 boys and girls each summer and formed South Sudan. Sudanese forces from harvest of clams, oysters, and crabs from Port employ approximately 100 staff members per the north are accused of carrying out exten- Gamble Bay, which is one of the only bays in season. Seashore Day Camp has enrolled sive aerial attacks targeted at pro-South the Puget Sound open to commercial shellfish over 40,000 students throughout their 85 year Sudan groups. These attacks have displaced harvesting. This year saw the opening of history. Sixty percent of the students have re- some 73,000 people, including 2,000 in a re- Teekalet Village on the reservation, which is turned as staff members. Upon his retirement cent bombing campaign. Media reports also an ‘‘ecologically and financially-friendly’’ hous- in 1974, Mr. Cittadino sold Seashore Day suggest targeted civilian killings and ing development for low to middle income trib- Camp to the late Augustus ‘‘Gus’’ Villapiano, a extrajudicial executions of suspected dis- al members. 25-year employee. The Villapiano family relo- sidents. cated Seashore Day Camp to its present day This violence must stop. The citizens of the I am pleased to announce that more than headquarters in Long Branch, New Jersey. Nuba Mountains, and all the citizens of Sudan 1000 participants from many Native American The camp remains under their direction to this and South Sudan, deserve to live in freedom, tribes are expected to journey through Port day. security, and stability. The history of genocide, Gamble on their way to Swinomish to cele- Today, the camp and its administration con- war, and turmoil that has plagued this region brate the 22nd annual Tribal Canoe Journey. tinue to modify the camp curriculum to reflect of Africa does not need to be its future. As I am honored to recognize the journey’s im- the demand for contemporary programs. Daily Sudan marks a momentous separation into portance before Congress today in helping fa- swim instruction and recreational activities re- two independent countries, let us embrace the cilitate a cultural resurgence among Native mains the cornerstone of the Seashore Day possibility and hope that this new beginning Americans in the Northwest and for their dedi- Camp program, though larger-scale interactive can bring. I urge all my colleagues here in events have also been included. Advanced cation to this journey. Congress to use their voice and their vote to sports and cultural and educational trips as

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:12 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K19JY8.022 E19JYPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with REMARKS July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — Extensions of Remarks E1361 well as participation in the newly installed the- INTRODUCTION OF THE well as reauthorizing the long-standing prohibi- ater camp ‘‘On Broadway’’, providing pro- ANTIBOYCOTT ACT tion on cooperation with the secondary boy- grams for children interested in performing cott. This would be an important new tool to arts, are available. The camp continues to en- HON. HOWARD L. BERMAN use in seeking an end to the Arab League courage their students to enhance their imagi- OF CALIFORNIA boycott. nations, develop new skills and undergo new IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES This authority would apply to any other boy- experiences through a wide variety of rec- cott that is imposed against U.S. friends and Tuesday, July 19, 2011 reational programs. The camp administration allies. continues to innovatively maintain the stu- Mr. BERMAN. Mr. Speaker, today I am in- Finally, the bill would update the penalties dents’ interest. Seashore Day Camp’s cur- troducing the Antiboycott Act, the first major under the antiboycott law to reflect the current riculum has acted as a role model for various update and improvement of the 35-year-old civil and criminal penalties that are now tem- summer recreational camps that would later law that prohibits U.S. persons and firms from porarily applied to antiboycott violations under follow. cooperating with demands from the Arab IEEPA. Civil fines are authorized up to League governments to refrain from doing As a result of their impressive actions, Sea- $250,000 per violation. Authority is granted to business with Israel. shore Day Camp was the recipient of the cancel export licenses and to deny a violator’s This legislation rectifies a long-standing Family Business of the Year Award. In 1994, right to export from the U.S. Criminal viola- weakness in the U.S. antiboycott policy: the they also received a proclamation from Long tions, that is ‘‘knowing’’ violations, would be lack of a permanent and legally-sound statu- Branch City officials, renaming February 12th punished by fines up to $1 million and up to tory provision to combat the Arab League’s as ‘‘Seashore Day Camp Day’’ in the City of 20 years in prison. boycott, as well as any other boycott that Long Branch. Ending the Arab League boycott of Israel is might be imposed against other U.S. friends in the interest of the people of all Middle East The popular and adored summer camp pro- and allies in the future. and North African countries, in order to foster gram led to the demand for the creation of a In 1977, in reaction to the Arab League’s trade, investment, economic growth and year-round academic program. For 37 years, expansion of its boycott of Israel, Congress peace. The Antiboycott Act is a contribution to Seashore School has maintained a high made it illegal for U.S. persons and compa- achieving that goal. standard of academic excellence for students nies to cooperate with secondary boycotts. It f enrolled in their Preschool through 8th grade imposed civil and criminal penalties for viola- programs. Limited class sizes of sixteen stu- tions. Those provisions were added to the Ex- PERSONAL EXPLANATION dents ensure more personalized attention by port Administration Act, EAA, of 1977 and the the highly qualified instructors. Students con- enforcement was assigned to what is now HON. MARTIN HEINRICH tinue to perform a grade above their peers, known as the Bureau of Industry and Security, OF NEW MEXICO touting the successful curriculum at Seashore which also administers our dual-use export IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES School. controls. An office in that bureau is dedicated Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Mr. Speaker, once again please join me in full-time to enforcing the antiboycott law and thanking the members Seashore Day Camp regulations. Mr. HEINRICH. Mr. Speaker, I unfortunately and School for their leadership and service for However, in 1994, the EAA expired and, missed fifteen votes on July 12, 2011, which the residents of Monmouth County and con- with the exception of one 12-month period in included rollcall votes 539, 540, 541, 542, 543, gratulate them on maintaining 85 years of ex- 2000–2001, the antiboycott law has been kept 544, 545, 546, 547, 548, 549, 550, 551, 552 cellence at the camp. in effect by a series of Executive Orders and 553. issued under the International Emergency If I had been present, I would have voted f Economic Powers Act, IEEPA, the President’s against rollcall vote 539, Representative SES- emergency authority. The President’s annual SIONS’ (TX–32) amendment to H.R. 2354. PERSONAL EXPLANATION declaration of emergency for export controls If I had been present, I would have voted in and antiboycott describes the national emer- favor of rollcall vote 540, Representative gency as the failure of Congress to act. This MORAN’s (VA–08) amendment to H.R. 2354. HON. JOSEPH CROWLEY has been the situation for 16 of the past 17 If I had been present, I would have voted in years. favor of rollcall vote 541, Representative MAR- OF NEW YORK The use of IEEPA to continue the EAA—for KEY’s (MA–07) amendment to H.R. 2354. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES both antiboycott and export controls—has If I had been present, I would have voted been challenged in a series of lawsuits. Over against rollcall vote 542, Representative LAM- Tuesday, July 19, 2011 the past decade, two of those lawsuits BORN’s (CO–05) amendment to H.R. 2354. Mr. CROWLEY. Mr. Speaker, on July 8, reached the federal appeals courts and were If I had been present, I would have voted in 2011, I was absent for seven rollcall votes. decided in the government’s favor by split de- favor of rollcall vote 543, Representative CON- cisions. There is a risk that some day the gov- NOLLY’s (VA–11) amendment to H.R. 2354. If I had been here, I would have voted: ‘‘no’’ ernment will lose. If I had been present, I would have voted in on rollcall vote 525; ‘‘no’’ on rollcall vote 526; The Arab League continues to try to pres- favor of rollcall vote 544, Representative MIL- ‘‘no’’ on rollcall vote 527; ‘‘no’ on rollcall vote sure U.S. firms into cooperating with their boy- LER’s (NC–13) amendment to H.R. 2354. 528; ‘‘no’’ on rollcall vote 529; ‘‘no’’ on rollcall cott. In FY 2010 alone, U.S. firms reported If I had been present, I would have voted vote 530; ‘‘yes’’ on rollcall vote 531. 950 demands from governments to comply. against rollcall vote 545, Representative The Bureau of Industry and Security coun- BROUN’s (GA–10) amendment to H.R. 2354. f seled 1,020 U.S. firms on what their legal obli- If I had been present, I would have voted gations are to resist. In FY 2010, BIS closed against rollcall vote 546, Representative PERSONAL EXPLANATION 14 cases against violators, up from 3 in the WELCH’s (VT–At Large) amendment to H.R. previous year. However, it is the preventive 2354. counseling, plus the threat of heavy penalties, If I had been present, I would have voted HON. ROBERT E. ANDREWS that are deterring U.S. firms from complying against rollcall vote 547, Representative OF NEW JERSEY with the secondary boycott. POMPEO’s (KS–04) amendment to H.R. 2354. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES The Antiboycott Act would provide a perma- If I had been present, I would have voted nent and strengthened statute. It includes find- against rollcall vote 548, Representative Tuesday, July 19, 2011 ings and a statement of U.S. policy that the TONKO’s (NY–21) amendment to H.R. 2354. President should take vigorous action to end If I had been present, I would have voted Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. both the primary and secondary Arab League against rollcall vote 549, Representative GAR- H.R. 33, I am not recorded because I was ab- boycott aimed at Israel. RETT’s (NJ–05) amendment to H.R. 2354. sent. Had I been present, I would have voted In furtherance of those findings and policy, If I had been present, I would have voted in ‘‘aye.’’ the bill would give the President the authority, favor of rollcall vote 550, Representative WU’s On rollcall No. 602 on approving the journal, for the first time since the original law was en- (OR–01) amendment to H.R. 2354. I am not recorded because I was absent. Had acted in 1977, to restrict or prohibit U.S. firms If I had been present, I would have voted I been present, I would have voted ‘‘nay.’’ from participating in the primary boycott, as against rollcall vote 551, Representative

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MCCLINTOCK’s (CA–04) amendment to H.R. day, we need to take a moment to acknowl- And I like to note that they worked together 2354. edge what is good. as a team, on behalf of America. I think there If I had been present, I would have voted in Today, I’d like to congratulate a group of ex- are some lessons we should take from these favor of rollcall vote 552, Representative ceptionally strong and inspiring women—the inspiring women and I would be very proud to SCHIFF’s (CA–29) amendment to H.R. 2354. United States Women’s Soccer Team. welcome both Abby and Alex to Washington Lastly, I would have voted in favor of rollcall Despite fierce competition, these women and give them a tour of our Capitol. vote 553, Representative GARAMENDI’s (CA– overcame insurmountable odds and made it 10) amendment to H.R. 2354. through five rounds of play, doing us all proud. f And what is most exciting to me is that two PERSONAL EXPLANATION f of the strongest players on that team hail from western New York. Abby Wambach was born CONGRATULATIONS TO THE USA and raised in Rochester, and Alex Morgan HON. DONALD A. MANZULLO WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM currently plays for the Western New York OF ILLINOIS Flash. IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES These two women gave the United States HON. KATHLEEN C. HOCHUL Tuesday, July 19, 2011 OF NEW YORK our goals—proving to be tremendous athletes IN THE HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES that deserve our recognition. Mr. MANZULLO. Mr. Speaker, on Monday, Thanks to Abby, Alex and their teammates July 18, 2011, I unfortunately missed a series Tuesday, July 19, 2011 for making western New Yorkers, and all of votes. If I had been here, I would have Ms. HOCHUL. Mr. Speaker, while we are Americans, proud. Through working as a voted ‘‘yea’’ on rollcall No. 601 and ‘‘yea’’ on preoccupied with the weighty issues of the team, they brought us together as a nation. rollcall No. 602.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 05:12 Jul 20, 2011 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 0626 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A19JY8.032 E19JYPT1 tjames on DSKG8SOYB1PROD with REMARKS Tuesday, July 19, 2011 Daily Digest Senate A unanimous-consent agreement was reached pro- Chamber Action viding for further consideration of the bill at ap- Routine Proceedings, pages S4647–S4679 proximately 10:30 a.m., on Wednesday, July 20, Measures Introduced: Six bills were introduced, as 2011; provided further, that at 12 p.m., on Wednes- follows: S. 1383–1388. Page S4675 day, July 20, 2011, Senator Johnson (SD), be recog- nized to move to table Vitter Amendment No. 568 Measures Reported: (listed above); and that there be no amendments or S. 745, to amend title 38, United States Code, to points of order in order to the Vitter amendment protect certain veterans who would otherwise be sub- prior to the vote on the motion to table. Page S4679 ject to a reduction in educational assistance benefits, with an amendment in the nature of a substitute. Messages from the House: Page S4674 Page S4675 Measures Referred: Page S4674 Measures Considered: Executive Communications: Pages S4674–75 Military Construction and Veterans Affairs, Petitions and Memorials: Page S4675 and Related Agencies Appropriations Act—Agree- Additional Cosponsors: Pages S4675–77 ment: Senate continued consideration of H.R. 2055, making appropriations for military construction, the Additional Statements: Pages S4673–74 Department of Veterans Affairs, and related agencies Amendments Submitted: Pages S4677–78 for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, tak- Notices of Hearings/Meetings: Page S4678 ing action on the following amendments proposed thereto: Pages S4660–68 Authorities for Committees to Meet: Pending: Pages S4678–79 Coburn (for McCain) Amendment No. 553, to Privileges of the Floor: Page S4679 eliminate the additional amount of $10,000,000, not Recess: Senate convened at 10 a.m. and recessed at included in the President’s budget request for fiscal 6:54 p.m., until 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, July 20, year 2012, appropriated for the Department of De- 2011. (For Senate’s program, see the remarks of the fense for planning and design for the Energy Con- Majority Leader in today’s Record on page S4679.) servation Investment Program. Page S4660 Johnson (SD) Modified Amendment No. 556, of a perfecting nature. Page S4660 Committee Meetings Vitter Amendment No. 568, to provide that none of the funds appropriated or otherwise made avail- (Committees not listed did not meet) able by this Act may be obligated or expended at a rate higher than the level of the Senate and House NOMINATIONS of Representatives concurrent budget resolution for Committee on Armed Services: Committee concluded a fiscal year 2012. Pages S4662–65 hearing to examine the nominations of Madelyn R. Wyden/Merkley Amendment No. 570, to provide Creedon, of Indiana, to be an Assistant Secretary for for the closure of Umatilla Army Chemical Depot, Global Strategic Affairs, who was introduced by Sen- Oregon. Page S4665 ators Lugar and Bingaman, and Alan F. Estevez, of Coburn Amendment No. 564, to require evidence the District of Columbia, to be Assistant Secretary of causal relationships for presumptions by the Sec- for Logistics and Materiel Readiness, both of the De- retary of Veterans Affairs of service connection for partment of Defense, after the nominees testified and diseases associated with exposure to certain herbicide answered questions in their own behalf. agents. Pages S4665–68 D801

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CONSUMER FINANCIAL PROTECTION UNITED STATES POLICY IN YEMEN Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Committee on Foreign Relations: Subcommittee on Near Committee concluded a hearing to examine enhanced Eastern and South and Central Asian Affairs con- consumer financial protection after the financial cri- cluded a hearing to examine United States policy in sis, after receiving testimony from Mike Calhoun, Yemen, after receiving testimony from Janet A. Center for Responsible Lending, Durham, North Sanderson, Deputy Assistant Secretary for Near East- Carolina; Marcus Schaefer, Truliant Federal Credit ern Affairs, and Daniel Benjamin, Coordinator for Union, Winston-Salem, North Carolina; Albert C. Counterterrorism, both of the Department of State; Kelly, Jr., American Bankers Association, Tulsa, Christa Capozzola, Deputy Assistant Administrator, Oklahoma; Lynn Drysdale, Jacksonville Area Legal Bureau for Democracy, Conflict and Humanitarian Aid, Jacksonville, Florida; and Andrew Pincus, U.S. Assistance, U.S. Agency for International Develop- Chamber of Commerce, and Adam J. Levitin, ment; Christopher Boucek, Carnegie Endowment for Georgetown University Law Center, both of Wash- International Peace, and Daniel R. Green, The ington, D.C. Washington Institute for Near East Policy, both of Washington, D.C. THE FUTURE OF NATURAL GAS SPRING STORMS OF 2011 Committee on Energy and Natural Resources: Committee Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Af- concluded a hearing to examine the recent report of fairs: Ad Hoc Subcommittee on Disaster Recovery the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) en- and Intergovernmental Affairs concluded a hearing ergy initiative entitled ‘‘The Future of Natural Gas’’, to examine 2011 spring storms, focusing on picking after receiving testimony from Howard Gruenspecht, up the pieces and building back stronger, after re- Acting Administrator, Energy Information Adminis- ceiving testimony from Richard Serino, Deputy Ad- tration, Department of Energy; Ernest J. Moniz, ministrator, Federal Emergency Management Agen- Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge; cy, Department of Homeland Security; Christopher and George Biltz, The Dow Chemical Company, Masingill, Federal Co-Chairman, Delta Regional Au- Midland, Michigan. thority, Clarksdale, Mississippi; David Maxwell, Ar- kansas Department of Emergency Management Di- NOMINATIONS rector and State Homeland Security Advisor, North Committee on Environment and Public Works: Com- Little Rock; Thomas M. Womack, Mississippi Emer- mittee concluded a hearing to examine the nomina- gency Management Agency Executive Director, tions of Kenneth J. Kopocis, of Virginia, to be an Pearl; and Brian O’Brian, Joplin Area Chamber of Assistant Administrator of the Environmental Pro- Commerce, Joplin, Missouri. tection Agency, and Rebecca R. Wodder, of Vir- DRUG AND VETERANS TREATMENT ginia, to be Assistant Secretary of the Interior for COURTS Fish and Wildlife, who was introduced by Senator Committee on the Judiciary: Subcommittee on Crime Cardin, after the nominees testified and answered and Terrorism concluded a hearing to examine Drug questions in their own behalf. and Veterans Treatment Courts, focusing on seeking cost-effective solutions for protecting public safety NOMINATIONS and reducing recidivism, after receiving testimony Committee on Foreign Relations: Committee concluded from Benjamin B. Tucker, Deputy Director for the a hearing to examine the nominations of David S. Office of State, Local and Tribal Affairs, Office of Adams, of the District of Columbia, to be Assistant National Drug Control Policy, Executive Office of Secretary for Legislative Affairs, who was introduced the President; Jeanne E. LaFazia, Rhode Island Dis- by Representative Ackerman, and Joyce A. Barr, of trict Court Chief Judge, Providence; Douglas B. Washington, to be Assistant Secretary for Adminis- Marlowe, National Association of Drug Court Profes- tration, both of the Department of State, after the sionals, Alexandria, Virginia; David B. Muhlhausen, nominees testified and answered questions in their The Heritage Foundation, Washington, D.C.; and own behalf. Martin Sheen, Los Angeles, California.

VerDate Mar 15 2010 00:38 Apr 25, 2012 Jkt 099060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 0627 Sfmt 0627 E:\RECORD11\RECFILES\JULY\D19JY1.REC D19JY1 bjneal on DSK2TWX8P1PROD with CONG-REC-ONLINE July 19, 2011 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — DAILY DIGEST D803 House of Representatives Journal: The House agreed to the Speaker’s approval Chamber Action of the Journal by a yea-and-nay vote of 304 yeas to Public Bills and Resolutions Introduced: 11 pub- 112 nays with 1 voting ‘‘present’’, Roll No. 607. lic bills, H.R. 2582, 2583, 2585–2593 were intro- Page H5228 duced. Pages H5238–39 Oath of Office—Thirty-Sixth Congressional Dis- Additional Cosponsors: Page H5239 trict of California: Representative-elect Janice Hahn Reports Filed: Reports were filed today as follows: presented herself in the well of the House and was H.R. 2584, making appropriations for the Depart- administered the Oath of Office by the Speaker. Ear- ment of the Interior, environment, and related agen- lier, the Clerk of the House transmitted a facsimile cies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2012, copy of a letter from Mr. Jacob Corbin, Elections and for other purposes (H. Rept. 112–151); Division of the Secretary of State’s office, State of H.R. 1021, to prevent the termination of the California, indicating that, according to the unoffi- temporary office of bankruptcy judges in certain ju- cial returns of the Special Election held July 12, dicial districts, with an amendment (H. Rept. 2011, the Honorable Janice Hahn was elected Rep- 112–152); resentative to Congress for the Thirty-Sixth Congres- H.R. 1933, to amend the Immigration and Na- sional District, State of California. Page H5237 tionality Act to modify the requirements for admis- Whole Number of the House: The Speaker an- sion of nonimmigrant nurses in health professional nounced to the House that, in light of the adminis- shortage areas, with an amendment (H. Rept. tration of the oath to the gentlewoman from Cali- 112–153); fornia, Ms. Hahn, the whole number of the House H.R. 2480, to amend title 5, United States Code, to authorize appropriations for the Administrative is adjusted to 433. Page H5183 Conference of the United States for fiscal years 2012, Cut, Cap, and Balance Act of 2011: The House 2013, and 2014, and for other purposes, with an passed H.R. 2560, to cut, cap, and balance the Fed- amendment (H. Rept. 112–154); eral budget, by a recorded vote of 234 ayes to 190 Supplemental Report on H.R. 1315, to amend the noes, Roll No. 606. Pages H5171–H5228 Dodd-Frank Wall Street Reform and Consumer Pro- Rejected the Bishop (GA) motion to recommit the tection Act to strengthen the review authority of the bill to the Committee on Rules with instructions to Financial Stability Oversight Council of regulations report an amendment back to the House forthwith, issued by the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protec- by a yea-and-nay vote of 188 yeas to 236 nays, Roll tion (H. Rept. 112–89, Pt. 2); No. 605. Pages H5226–27 Supplemental Report on H.R. 1667, to postpone H. Res. 355, the rule providing for consideration the date for the transfer of functions to the Bureau of the bill, was agreed to by a recorded vote of 236 of Consumer Financial Protection if the Bureau does ayes to 177 noes, Roll No. 604, after the previous not yet have a Director in place (H. Rept. 112–93, question was ordered by a yea-and-nay vote of 235 Pt. 2); yeas to 175 nays, Roll No. 603. Pages H5181, H5183 Supplemental Report on H.R. 1121, to replace the Director of the Bureau of Consumer Financial Message From the Clerk: Read a message from the Protection with a five person Commission (H. Rept. Clerk wherein she notified the House that she re- 112–107, Pt. 2); and ceived a correspondence regarding the election to fill H. Res. 357, providing for consideration of the the vacancy of the Thirty-Sixth Congressional Dis- bill (H.R. 2553) to amend the Internal Revenue trict for the State of California. The message and ac- Code of 1986 to extend the funding and expenditure companying document were referred to the Com- authority of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, to mittee on House Administration and ordered printed amend title 49, United States Code, to extend the (H. Doc. 112–44). Page H5166 airport improvement program, and for other pur- Senate Message: Message received from the Senate poses (H. Rept. 112–155). Page H5238 today appears on page H5171. Speaker: Read a letter from the Speaker wherein he Senate Referrals: S. Con. Res. 25 was referred to appointed Representative Poe to act as Speaker pro the Committee on Foreign Affairs. Page H5237 tempore for today. Page H5153 Quorum Calls—Votes: Three yea-and-nay votes Recess: The House recessed at 11:45 a.m. and re- and two recorded votes developed during the pro- convened at 12 noon. Pages H5165–66 ceedings of today and appear on pages H5181,

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H.R. 2553, the ‘‘Airport and Airway Extension Act Committee on the Judiciary: to hold hearings to examine of 2011, Part IV’’. The Committee granted, by S. 598, to repeal the Defense of Marriage Act and ensure record vote of 8 to 4, a closed rule providing one respect for State regulation of marriage, focusing on as- hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the sessing the impact of the Defense of Marriage Act on American families, 9:45 a.m., SH–216. chair and ranking minority member of the Com- United States Senate Caucus on International Narcotics Con- mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure. The trol: to hold hearings to examine counternarcotics efforts rule waives all points of order against consideration in Afghanistan, focusing on future counternarcotics efforts of the bill. The rule provides that the bill shall be in the country as United States troop levels are reduced considered as read. The rule waives all points of in the coming years, 2:30 p.m., SD–562. order against provisions in the bill. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit. Testimony was House heard from Chairman Mica; Rep. Petri; and Rep. Committee on Agriculture, Subcommittee on Conserva- Thompson of Pennsylvania. tion, Energy, and Forestry, hearing on Agricultural Pro- gram Audit: Examination of USDA Energy and Forestry Joint Meetings Programs, 10 a.m., 1300 Longworth. No joint committee meetings were held. Committee on Energy and Commerce, Subcommittee on Commerce, Manufacturing, and Trade, markup of legisla- f tion regarding the ‘‘SAFE DATA Act,’’ 10 a.m., 2123 COMMITTEE MEETINGS FOR WEDNESDAY, Rayburn. JULY 20, 2011 Subcommittee on Oversight and Investigations, hearing entitled ‘‘Regulatory Reform Series #5—FDA Medical (Committee meetings are open unless otherwise indicated) Device Regulation: Impact on American Patients, Innova- tion and Jobs,’’ 10:30 a.m., 2322 Rayburn. Committee on Financial Services, Full Committee, markup Senate of the following: H.R. 2527, the ‘‘Baseball Hall of Fame Committee on Armed Services: Subcommittee on Per- Commemorative Coin Act’’; H.R. 1751, the ‘‘CJ’s Home sonnel, to hold hearings to examine providing legal serv- Protection Act of 2011’’; H.R. 2056, to instruct the In- ices by members of the Judge Advocate Generals’ Corps, spector General of the Federal Deposit Insurance Corpora- 2 p.m., SR–232A. tion to study the impact of insured depository institution Committee on Banking, Housing, and Urban Affairs: Sub- on failures, and for other purposes; and H.R. 1539, the committee on Economic Policy, to hold hearings to ex- ‘‘Asset-Backed Market Stabilization Act of 2011,’’ 10 amine access to capital, focusing on fostering job creation a.m., 2128 Rayburn. and innovation through high-growth startups, 10 a.m., Committee on Foreign Affairs, Full Committee, markup of SD–538. the Foreign Relations Authorization Act, Fiscal Year Committee on Commerce, Science, and Transportation: to 2012, 10 a.m., 2172 Rayburn. hold hearings to examine building American transpor- Committee on the Judiciary, Full Committee, begin mark- tation infrastructure through innovative funding, 10 a.m., up of the following: H.R. 704, the ‘‘Security and Fairness SR–253. Enhancement for America Act of 2011’’; H.R. 1550, the Subcommittee on Oceans, Atmosphere, Fisheries, and ‘‘Federal Law Enforcement Recruitment and Retention Coast Guard, to hold hearings to examine looking to the Act of 2011’’; H.R. 2076, the ‘‘Investigative Assistance future, focusing on lessons in prevention, response, and for Violent Crimes Act of 2011’’; H.R. 963, the ‘‘See restoration from the Gulf oil spill, 2:30 p.m., SR–253. Something, Say Something Act of 2011’’; H.R. 1059, To Committee on Environment and Public Works: Sub- protect the safety of judges by extending the authority of committee on Transportation and Infrastructure, to hold the Judicial Conference to redact sensitive information an oversight hearing to examine the Yellowstone River contained in their financial disclosure reports, and for oil spill, 10 a.m., SD–406. other purposes; H.R. 2552, the ‘‘Identity Theft Improve- Committee on Foreign Relations: to hold hearings to exam- ment Act of 2011’’; and H.R. 1981, the ‘‘Protecting ine the nominations of Earl Anthony Wayne, of Mary- Children From Internet Pornographers Act of 2011,’’

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10:15 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. This markup will continue on Dam in Oklahoma; H.R. 1560, to amend the Ysleta del July 21, 10 a.m., 2141 Rayburn. Sur Pueblo and Alabama and Coushatta Indian Tribes of Committee on Natural Resources, Full Committee, markup Texas Restoration Act to allow the Ysleta del Sur Pueblo of the following: H.R. 241, to authorize the conveyance Tribe to determine blood quantum requirement for mem- of certain National Forest System lands in the Los Padres bership in that tribe; H.R. 2011, the ‘‘National Strategic National Forest in California; H.R. 258, the ‘‘Chesapeake and Critical Minerals Policy Act of 2011,’’ 10 a.m., 1324 Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2011’’; H.R. Longworth. 461, the ‘‘South Utah Valley Electric Conveyance Act’’; Committee on Rules, Full Committee, hearing on H.R. H.R. 473, the ‘‘HALE Scouts Act’’ or ‘‘Help to Access 1315, the ‘‘Consumer Financial Protection Safety and Land for the Education of Scouts’’; H.R. 795, the ‘‘Small- Soundness Improvement Act of 2011’’; and H.R. 2551, Scale Hydropower Enhancement Act of 2011’’; H.R. 818, the ‘‘Legislative Branch Appropriations Act, FY 2012.’’ 3 to direct the Secretary of the Interior to allow for prepay- ment of repayment contracts between the United States p.m., H–313 Capitol. and the Uintah Water Conservancy District; H.R. 1158, Committee on Veterans’ Affairs, Subcommittee on Over- the ‘‘Montana Mineral Conveyance Act’’; H.R. 1258, the sight and Investigations, hearing on the following: H.R. ‘‘Box Elder Utah Land Conveyance Act’’; H.R. 1421, to 2383, the ‘‘Modernizing Notice to Claimants Act’’; H.R. amend the Water Resources Development Act of 1986 to 2243, the ‘‘Veterans Employment Promotion Act’’; H.R. clarify the role of the Cherokee Nation of Oklahoma with 2388, the ‘‘Access to Timely Information Act’’; and draft regard to the maintenance of the W.D. Mayo Lock and legislation, 9 a.m., 334 Cannon.

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Next Meeting of the SENATE Next Meeting of the HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES 9:30 a.m., Wednesday, July 20 10 a.m., Wednesday, July 20

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 one hour), Senate 2553—Airport and Airway Extension Act of 2011, Part will continue consideration of H.R. 2055, Military Con- IV (Subject to a Rule). struction and Veterans Affairs, and Related Agencies Ap- propriations Act, with a vote in relation to Vitter Amendment No. 568, at approximately 12 noon.

Extensions of Remarks, as inserted in this issue

HOUSE Denham, Jeff, Calif., E1354 Nadler, Jerrold, N.Y., E1354 Eshoo, Anna G., Calif., E1358 Pallone, Frank, Jr., N.J., E1353, E1358, E1360 Hochul, Kathleen C., N.Y., E1362 Farr, Sam, Calif., E1360 Pence, Mike, Ind., E1360 Andrews, Robert E., N.J., E1361 Gerlach, Jim, Pa., E1355 Perlmutter, Ed, Colo., E1355, E1356, E1356, E1356, Baca, Joe, Calif., E1355 Graves, Sam, Mo., E1351, E1353, E1353, E1354, E1354, E1356, E1357, E1357, E1358, E1358, E1359 Berman, Howard L., Calif., E1361 E1354, E1355, E1355 Peters, Gary C., Mich., E1359 Bilirakis, Gus M., Fla., E1356 Heinrich, Martin, N.M., E1361 Bishop, Timothy H., N.Y., E1358 Inslee, Jay, Wash., E1360 Quayle, Benjamin, Ariz., E1356 Brown, Corrine, Fla., E1357 Johnson, Timothy V., Ill., E1356 Rokita, Todd, Ind., E1358 Burgess, Michael C., Tex., E1359 Kinzinger, Adam, Ill., E1354 Ros-Lehtinen, Ileana, Fla., E1356 Capps, Lois, Calif., E1353 Kucinich, Dennis J., Ohio, E1351, E1359 Smith, Adam, Wash., E1359 Coffman, Mike, Colo., E1360 Long, Billy, Mo., E1355 Van Hollen, Chris, Md., E1358 Crowley, Joseph, N.Y., E1355, E1361 Mack, Connie, Fla., E1357 Waxman, Henry A., Calif., E1353 Davis, Susan A., Calif., E1359 Manzullo, Donald A., Ill., E1362

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