Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the bill before us that increases the federal minimum wage without providing tax relief to America's small businesses.

Mr. Speaker, I am pleased that the House of Representatives has overwhelmingly approved legislation that extends meaningful tax relief to American manufacturers, families, students, and teachers. As the 109th Congress closes, and an era of Republican control ends, it is fitting that one of the last bills considered provides Americans with the opportunity to keep more of their hard- earned money.

H.R. 6111 does much more than lower taxes--it will help America keep its competitive edge. For example, H.R. 6111 includes incentives for companies to engage in research and development work, allows students to deduct their college tuition costs, and encourages the use of solar, wind, landfill gas, and other clean energy technologies. Importantly too, this legislation extends tax benefits for individuals and families to use for their health care needs through the use of health savings accounts.

In my view, one of the highlights of the Tax Relief and Health Care Act is the 2-year extension and enhancement of the research and development tax credit. As one of the leading advocates in the House of Representatives for the R&D tax credit, I am particularly pleased that companies will be able to use a new, Alternative Simplified Credit. The ASC will enable more companies to utilize the credit. As foreign-based R&D spending has grown faster than U.S.-based R&D spending, it is imperative that the U.S. offer American companies tax incentives for high-risk, long-term research projects. Extension and enhancement of the R&D credit is vitally important for companies doing business in my home state of Michigan. Michigan ranks as one of the top 10 states in reported R&D activity with more than 1,300 companies performing research and development in the state.

Another tax item of significance in H.R. 6111 provides teachers with a $250 tax deduction for the purchase of classroom supplies, equipment, and other related school materials. I have long sponsored legislation that provides tax relief to teachers. America's K-12 teachers spend literally thousands of their own dollars on classroom supplies. The average educator spends $1,180 on non-reimbursed

expenses such as books, lesson materials, math flash cards, crayons, and countless other items that help children learn. H.R. 6111 provides teachers with tax relief that will help defray the significant out-of- pocket cost of educational items for their students and classrooms.

Regarding clean energy, this legislation will extend tax credits for renewable electricity production from sources such as wind, biomass, and landfill gas. It will also extend incentives for commercial and residential use of solar power. Greater tax credits and deductions will help lessen the higher costs typically associated with these types of clean energy. These incentives will also help expand consumer acceptance of renewable energy. And, without consumer demand, businesses are reluctant to develop the technologies to harness these energy sources. H.R. 6111 will extend current tax policies that will foster the development and use of clean energy.

I appreciate Chairman Thomas' hard work in bringing this legislation to the floor. His skill and dedication to putting together good tax policy will be missed. It has been an honor serving with him on the House Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to vote in favor of H.R. 6111 and am confident that these incentives will help more Americans keep more of what they earn while further stimulating our already robust national economy.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Virginia for yielding me this time, and I thank the gentlewoman from the Virgin Islands for her comments on this bipartisan bill.

I rise today in support of S. 1346, and I was proud to introduce a companion bill in the House.

Michigan owes its rich maritime history to more than 3,000 miles of Great Lakes shoreline. As the largest freshwater body in the world, the Great Lakes are home to a thriving shipping industry, a passenger transport system, and thousands of recreational boaters. It is not surprising, then, that Michigan's shores carry more lighthouses than any other State. These lighthouses are important reminders of the State's maritime prominence.

Michigan is also home to several underwater preserves and the country's only freshwater marine sanctuary, the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary. Thunder Bay contains hundreds of shipwrecks preserved by the icy waters of Lake Huron. Each one provides a unique window into Michigan's maritime history.

In addition, I am proud that my State contains many major maritime museums and a dozen historic ships, including a replica of a wooden schooner

in Traverse City, which served as the city's first schoolhouse.

The Michigan Lighthouse and Maritime Heritage Act authorizes a study that directs the U.S. Department of the Interior on the protection and promotion of Michigan's maritime resources. Specifically, it requires the Department to determine how best to preserve these sites and recommend ways the public may better experience them. This effort will undoubtedly benefit Michigan's tourism industry and the State's residents, who hold maritime resources in high regard as symbols of their cultural past.

I thank my colleagues who have helped move this legislation forward, including Mr. Pearce, chairman of the Resources Subcommittee on National Parks, and Senator Stabenow, the sponsor of the bill in the Senate.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 959) recognizing and supporting the success of the Adoption and Safe Families Act of 1997 in increasing adoption and the efforts the Act has spurred including National Adoption Day and National Adoption Month, and encouraging adoption throughout the year.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 959, a resolution that recognizes the successes of the landmark Adoption and Safe Families Act and honors National Adoption Day and Month. I was proud to introduce this resolution and the Adoption and Safe Families Act, which we honor today.

The work of Congress over the past decade has led to dramatic improvements for children in the foster care system. In fact, since 1997, the number of children adopted from foster care has increased significantly, from 28,000 in 1998 to 51,000 in 2004.

I have been pleased to work with my colleagues to refocus Federal child welfare programs, to ensure the best interests of children are first. The way to make that happen is to place children in safe, permanent loving homes. That is why National Adoption Day and Month are so important.

This year, National Adoption Day will take place on November 18, 2006, and is designed for communities around the country to highlight adoptions. Last year, over 227 events were held in 45 States, which finalized the adoption of 3,300 children.

I have been honored to participate in these events the past several years. To be part of such a special occasion reinforces the need for further efforts to move children into adoptive homes. I would like to applaud the Department of Health and Human Services for their efforts in this cause. In 2002, HHS launched a series of public service announcements promoting the adoption of children eight and older and activated the Web site www.adoptUSkids.com. This Web site has helped move 6,000 children into adoptive homes.

The consideration of this resolution today is timely. Tomorrow, the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute will be holding its annual Angels in Adoption awards ceremony. This event also seeks to highlight those who have opened their hearts and their homes.

The couple I nominated this year, Pam and Randy Streu of Midland, Michigan, have three biological children, and have opened their hearts and their home to seven adopted children and almost 50 adoptive foster children placements. They deserve special recognition, not just for the number of children they have helped, but for helping those children that needed the most love. When others may have said the challenge was too great, Pam and Randy stepped in, recognizing that each life was worth fighting for and that it was about hope and love.

I first got involved by helping families with their adoption proceedings in private practice as a court-appointed lawyer. Since that time, I felt that the government should do more to encourage adoption and help those in the foster care system. That is why it is so important to recognize families who make extraordinary efforts to welcome children into their family.

I thank my colleagues who have helped me move this resolution forward, including Mr. Herger, chairman of the Ways and Means Human Resources Subcommittee; Mr. McDermott, the ranking member of the subcommittee; and Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite and Mr. Oberstar, co-chairs of the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute. I look forward to further working with my colleagues to promote adoption.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from North Dakota for his comments, a distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ginny Brown-Waite).

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, as a strong supporter and cosponsor of the International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act, I am pleased that the House of Representatives will soon vote on this important bill.

My home State of Michigan continues to be on the receiving end of millions of tons of imports of Canadian trash. According to data from the Congressional Research Service, in 2004 nearly two-thirds of Michigan's total waste imports, about 2.8 million tons, came from the Canadian province of Ontario. In response to this growing problem, H.R. 2491 provides States the authority to enact laws or regulations to limit the transportation and disposal of foreign municipal solid waste. Residents in Michigan have long sought a legally binding and enforceable solution that stops the flow of Canadian trash into the State.

For too many years Michigan has been a dumping ground for waste coming in from Canada. When the city of Toronto closed its landfill in 2002, the city sent its trash to Michigan instead of building a new landfill or transporting it to another Canadian location. Toronto's actions compounded the trash flow problem in Michigan and further incensed the State's residents who consider this issue an environmental concern, a transportation problem, and a public health worry. The State of Michigan and other States should have the authority to protect its citizens. Governments at all levels, Federal, State, and local should have the tools to safeguard residents from potential public health and safety risks. Foreign municipal trash is flooding Michigan's borders with virtually no inspection. Hospital waste and other hazardous waste can, and does, make its way to Michigan. I am a fervent supporter of policies that ensure a free-flow of commerce at the U.S. and Canada border. But, States should have the ability to protect residents from shipments that may pose risks to public health and the environment.

The International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act is the right answer to stopping foreign shipments of municipal waste. While negotiating contracts with landfill operators may sound like a good solution, it does not go far enough. Congressional approval of H.R. 2491 will ensure that States have the authority to prevent foreign waste from crossing our borders. Governors should have control over what enters their state. Such decisions should not be left to private business interests. Importantly too, passage of H.R. 2491 will carry the force of U.S. law.

Instead of clogging Michigan bridges and roads with dump trucks destined for Michigan landfills, it is high time Canada keep its own trash. I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 2491 and allow States to reject foreign shipments of municipal waste.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Pension Protection Act. By approving this bill, the House of Representatives is taking an important step towards safeguarding employee pensions and reforming the current system to ensure all American workers receive their full promised retirement benefits. This bill is a significant improvement over current law.

The bill before us today shores up the single defined benefit system so that companies cannot escape their obligations. Instead of allowing firms to routinely underfund their plans, H.R. 4 requires employers to fund 100 percent of their liabilities. The bill also requires employers to make up contributions faster than the 30 years under current law.

More importantly, the Pension Protection Act lives up to its name by not allowing companies to make promises to their workers they cannot hope to fulfill. If pension plans are critically underfunded, executives will no longer be able to commit new pension benefits to workers under the false premise that they have the money to make good on those faulty assurances.

In Michigan, the auto industry is critical to our State's economy. I want to thank Chairman Thomas and Mr. Leader Boehner for their leadership, ensuring Michigan's manufacturers continue to operate robust pension plans. I am particularly pleased H.R. 4 has the support of United Auto Makers and the United Automobile Workers. I worked hard to ensure the auto sector and its workers are not subject to unfair, unrealistic rules that would unnecessarily penalize this critical sector of the American economy.

H.R. 4 also provides relief to the struggling airline industry. The Pension Protection Act is a huge victory to the pilots, flight attendants, baggage handlers, and other employees in the airline industry that have worked hard for their pensions and expect them to be there upon retirement. This bill allows airline companies that have frozen their plans and taken that responsible step more time to make good on their commitments and preserve their workers' benefits.

Absent legislation, some airlines would be forced to terminate their pension plans. If this were to happen, the PBGC would incur billions of additional pension liability, and employees would receive a fraction of their promised benefits. The Pension Protection Act prevents this and enables airlines to fully meet the obligations to their workers. I urge all of my colleagues to pass this important bill for America's workers.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/4\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut, a distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee (Mrs. Johnson).

(Mrs. JOHNSON of Connecticut asked and was given permission to revise and extend her remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/4\ minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth), a distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee.

(Mr. HAYWORTH asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Hart), a distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. Speaker, what is the time remaining?

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the distinguished gentleman from the Ways and Means Committee, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Ryan).

(Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

I urge Members to vote for this Pension Protection Act because this bill reforms the current system. What we have seen through the years in the steel industry and some of the airline industry, and the auto industry is on the brink, we have seen plans terminated and put over on the PBGC. Everybody loses there, certainly potentially the American taxpayer, but more importantly, the workers in those companies end up not receiving the benefits they remember promised.

This legislation requires plans to be fully funded. That is an important step forward. It also ensures that the plans have a realistic reflection of the value of their plan so that we don't have some rule that doesn't make any sense that values a plan at an unrealistic amount. The plans are fully funded at a mark-to-market amount that actually reflects the value of the market.

This bill represents a compromise between the House and Senate on multiemployer provisions, which strengthens the multiemployer plans as well as the defined benefit plans. This legislation also would allow shutdown benefits if plans are funded above a certain level, which are so important as we have this changing dynamic in our economy that will continue to protect our workers.

This legislation is better than current law, reforms current law, strengthens our plans, and will ensure that plans are not terminated and put on the PBGC.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the members of the U.S. Coast Guard Air Station in Traverse City, MI, whose heroic efforts on the night of July 8, 2006, saved the lives of two young men adrift on Lake Michigan.

When the boys did not return home after a nighttime swim, the Air Station dispatched Coast Guard Helicopter 6551 to aid in the search mission. Six hours after the boys' disappearance, the crew of 6551-- Lieutenant Joe Klatt, Lieutenant Gabe Somma, Aviation Electronic Technician Third Class Bobby Teal, and Chief Aviation Survival Technician Kurt Revels--spotted them clinging to a raft near the Mackinac Bridge on the last leg of their assigned search area. With limited fuel, the crew of 6551 commenced a daring rescue. Lieutenant Klatt flew the helicopter into a stable position; Petty Officer Teal used the rescue hoist to lower Chief Revels into the rough night waters; Chief Revels loaded the young men into the rescue basket; Petty Officer Teal hoisted them into the safety of the helicopter; and Lieutenant Somma navigated the craft to Pellston Airport, where emergency services successfully treated the boys for hypothermia.

On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District, I applaud the Traverse City Coast Guard Air Station for its tireless efforts to protect the lives and ensure the safety of every person under their watch. The heroism of the crew of Helicopter 6551 illustrates why this Coast Guard Air Station is the only unit to have received the prestigious Coast Guard Aviation Training Center Standardization Excellence Award for 3 consecutive years.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of a permanent solution to the ``estate tax'' or what many call the ``death tax.'' Whatever name it goes by, it is a tax on the American dream.

This country was founded on, grew and has become the world's most powerful economic engine based on the entrepreneurial spirit of our citizens; the willingness to have an idea, invest in it and build a business around it.

America's history is replete with once small family operations that are now some of the world's largest and best in their fields: Levi Strauss and his San Francisco dry goods store; Eberhard Anheuser and his son-in-law Adolphus Busch and their first struggling brewery in St. Louis; J. Willard Marriott and his wife Alice started with a root beer stand here in DC; and the Houghton family and their Corning Glass Works, which provided the glass for Edison's first light bulb and now is a leader in fiber-optics, just to name a few.

Studies have shown that the death tax is the leading cause of dissolution for most small businesses. It is estimated that 70 percent of businesses never make it past the first generation because of death tax rates and 87 percent do not make it to the third generation.

Resources that could be better used to expand a business or hire new employees are instead used inefficiently to plan for the impact of the death tax. This tax costs the American economy between 170,000 and 250,000 jobs annually. The Joint Economic Committee noted that the death tax reduces the stock in the economy by $497 billion.

By raising the base level and indexing it for inflation, we will give family operations a chance to grow. Just as Strauss, Houghton, Anheuser-Busch and Marriott grew and now employ over 210,000 people between the four companies.

Our failure to act today will put a cap on the American dream and will keep the small businesses and family farms of today from passing to future generations. A failure to index for inflation would mean smaller and smaller operations would be impacted every year, creating a virtual noose that is slowly drawing closed around our ability to create new jobs.

Mr. Speaker, the American dream is not a small dream, and our Tax Code should not keep our families, our businesses or our farms from growing to their fullest extent.

Death should not be taxed at a rate of 55 percent. Make no mistake about it, if we do not pass this bill today that is exactly the rate families will face in 2011. The permanent solution within this legislation will ensure that small businesses and family farms are not subject to these unfair rates of taxation.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to honor the American entrepreneurial spirit by joining me in voting in favor of this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, throughout the centuries a test of the human spirit has arisen; a test of our foresight; and, a test of our most basic, fundamental belief that we are endowed by our Creator with inalienable rights that no person--through tyranny, terror or any other mechanism--may deprive another.

Today, we face a new evil that is unique in history. It comes not in the form of another nation. It calls radicalism home, while living in every country, spreading quietly like a cancer awaiting the most opportune time to strike.

The question we face is simple: Will we rise to that challenge or will we exit the arena leaving future generations to battle a more emboldened enemy?

We, as Americans, are blessed as a free people and are obliged to defend liberty. It is an inherited responsibility that does not end at our borders; and while the major battlefield is halfway around the globe, it is a challenge that cannot be dismissed by distance--a fact the last two World Wars should have taught us well.

On September 11, 2001, terrorists, in a murderous rage, sought to shake our foundation in hopes we would abandon the cause of freedom. Since that bloody day, our men and women in uniform have not only answered our Nation's call to duty; they have not only served ably and nobly; but they, like thousands of American soldiers before them, have responded without hesitation to freedom's call for help and they have followed her voice into the darkest comers, bringing new life and new light to generations of the oppressed.

Today, because of their actions Afghanistan is rid of the Taliban; Iraq has been released from the iron grasp of Saddam Hussein; Osama bin Laden has been sent scurrying; and, his ``Prince of Al Qaeda,'' Abu Musab al-Zarqawi, has been delivered to his final fate.

After nearly two decades of being left virtually unchecked, we are now fighting back and beating back the terrorists. This is not a war on paper; it is a war with real costs and real lives are being lost--not the least of them the more than 3,000 innocent civilians who were murdered on 9/11.

We owe them and the men and women now serving on the front lines who have given the ultimate sacrifice an un-repayable debt of gratitude. We must live our lives in such a way as to be worthy of their sacrifice and we must pick up their cause and see it through to the end.

Make no mistake about it, the debate we are having today is an important one. The war we wage will dictate the course of human freedom for years to come. We can allow the terrorists to turn Iraq into a safe haven from which they can hatch and launch their plans to destroy our way of life, or we can create a stable Iraq that is an ally to free and democratic nations around the globe.

At every turn the people of Afghanistan and Iraq have made the right choice. Despite threats of violence, Iraqis voted not once but twice in national elections to establish a new government with new leaders. They have now completed the formation of that government and are on the brink of reclaiming their country.

My friends, I choose to continue to support our new friends, the Iraqi people, in their struggle. I choose to support our men and women in uniform. And, I choose to stand steadfast in this global war on terror.

I urge my colleagues to join with me and support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my strong support for legislation the House is considering today, H.R. 5403, the Safe and Timely Interstate Placement of Foster Children Act, introduced by Rep. Tom DeLay (R-TX).

First, I would like to commend Mr. DeLay for his work on behalf of foster children, and in the development of this bill. As the sponsor of the Adoption and Safe Families Act, I have had the privilege of working with Mr. DeLay to improve the lives of children in foster care, and promote the adoption of children into safe and loving families.

As a cosponsor of H.R. 5403, the bill before us today further expedites the safe placement of foster care children. Under current rules, children wait a year or more for states to approve placements across state lines. Children deserve better treatment, and I am glad that H.R. 5403 places a 60 day deadline on the approval of placements across state lines. Importantly, the bill also seeks to keep families together by providing incentive payments for the placement of children with extended family members.

Again, I want to applaud Mr. DeLay for his tireless advocacy on behalf of foster children, and for his work on H.R. 5403. I am confident this legislation will improve the lives foster children everywhere.

Mr. Speaker, I rise tomorrow, Friday, May 12, 2006, to congratulate all the members of the Owosso Masonic Lodge as they celebrate the 150th anniversary since the founding of the lodge.

Since its establishment, the lodge has built a storied tradition of service and charity. This tradition of support to the residents of Michigan continues today through activities including the Special Olympics and support for the local police and fire departments and youth programs. The Owosso Masonic Lodge should be proud of their accomplishments, and I commend their dedication to the community for the last 150 years.

On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Michigan, I applaud the Owosso Masonic Lodge for this outstanding achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in favor of the Tax Increase Prevention and Reconciliation Act.

By approving this Conference Report, the House of Representatives is sending another strong signal to American taxpayers that Republicans want to lock in tax relief and continue the economic recovery. The U.S. economy has grown for 18 consecutive quarters and the unemployment rate is at 4.7 percent--a rate lower than the average of the 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, and 1990s. Workers are taking home more money with paychecks growing at 4.1 percent in the last 12 months, the fastest pace since 1998.

Despite high gas prices, disposable income has increased, business investment continues to advance, retail sales are up and consumer confidence is rising. Interestingly too, the U.S. unemployment rate is lower than that of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, and the United Kingdom. Congress must continue to pursue tax policies that are responsible for this outstanding economic activity. In my view, the tax cuts the Republicans have passed since 2001 are largely responsible for this economic expansion.

This bill could not have come at a better time. Extending the 15 percent rate on capital gains and dividends to 2010 is important to do today. Investors want assurances that their money will not be subject to large tax increases only a few years from now. By extending cap gains and dividend relief Congress is sending a strong signal to the markets that economic growth will continue into the next decade. For taxpayers, market growth means businesses will continue to spend and create jobs.

The Conference Report also shields millions of taxpayers from the onerous AMT, provides small businesses with enhanced expensing limits, and contains international tax provisions that aim to increase the competitiveness of U.S. firms. The Conference Report accomplishes all this while staying within our current budget limits.

The House should pass this measure now and protect millions of Americans from unfair tax increases.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the honorable Elford Albin ``Al'' Cederberg, a distinguished former member of this House, a dedicated public servant, and a beloved family man.

Al Cederberg passed away on April 17, 2006, at the age of 88. His story is one that should be shared with every young child. Growing up on and working on a dairy in his younger years, the Cederberg family delivered milk in Bay City, Michigan throughout the depression and never skipped a house even if they weren't able to pay that week, or was already behind. Compassion for people was a trait learned early and well by Al Cederberg, and one for which he will long be remembered.

Enlisting in our Armed Forces in 1941, Al Cederberg's participation in the Normandy invasion and following battles into France and Germany earned him the rank of Captain, five battle stars and the Bronze Star. He was a hero.

Like so many of the ``Greatest Generation,'' Al Cederberg's commitment to his community and country did not end with the close of World War II. Returning home to Bay City he was urged to run for Mayor and clean-up corruption at City Hall. Victory at the local level turned into a successful run for Congress, where he ably represented mid- Michigan for 26 years. Rising to the level of ranking member on the Appropriations Committee, Al Cederberg was a force for his party, close ally of Republican presidents and a respected foe of Democrat leaders.

His term of service was long; his accomplishments were many; and, his impact was profound.

On behalf of the Fourth Congressional District I represent, which includes a vast portion of Mr. Cederberg's former territory, let me say: May God welcome home His tireless servant, Elford Albin Cederberg.

Madam Speaker, I would like to clarify a statement I made on the floor at one point on March 29, 2006 during debate on a motion to instruct conferees on H.R. 4297. In quoting the statistics on the percentage of taxpayers with capital gain and dividend income that have incomes below $100,000; the correct statistic is that nearly 60 percent of taxpayers receiving capital gain or dividend income have incomes of $100,000 or less. Even though I did correctly state this statistic during the debate, the statistic was initially mischaracterized.

The correct statistic can be derived from a document provided by the nonpartisan Joint Committee on Taxation. This document can be found on their web site. It is document number JCX-50-05 titled ``Present Law and Background Information on Certain Expiring Tax Provisions.'' The data on the income distribution of taxpayers who receive capital gain and dividend income can be found on pages 6 and 7.