Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of legislation that provides permanent relief from the marriage penalty for millions of married Americans.

Congress has debated this issue for years, but this is the first time we have really come close to getting rid of this onerous, unfair tax. Frankly, we should have done away with this tax a long time ago. It has not been for lack of trying by Republicans. In 2000, the Republican Congress sent President Clinton a bill that provided marriage penalty relief. President Clinton vetoed the bill before leaving Washington that day for a round of golf in Martha's Vineyard. Couples were left with another year of paying higher taxes simply because they were married.

In 2001 the Republican Congress sent President Bush a bill that gradually phased-in tax benefits for married couples. The 2001 Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act increased the standard deduction for married couples that filed joint returns and increased the width of the 15 percent bracket for joint filers. These provisions would be phased-in beginning in 2005. Shortly after Congress passed this legislation, President Bush signed it into law. After years of frustration, progress was finally being made on lowering the tax burden on married Americans.

Again in 2003 the Republican Congress signaled support for legislation that accelerated the tax benefits given to married couples. Instead of waiting around until 2005, under the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act, married couples would be able to receive tax benefits in 2003 and 2004. Beginning in 2005, however, the full strength of the marriage tax will again penalize taxpayers. We must not retreat from the progress we have made on eliminating the marriage tax.

Opponents of making permanent marriage penalty relief argue that the country cannot afford lowering taxes for married couples. Certainly, it is without dispute that the country is facing a federal deficit. Federal deficits are a concern and we must work immediately to erase the red ink. In my view, cutting wasteful government spending should be a top priority.

The legislation today leads us to accomplishing three main Republican priorities: permanent elimination of an unfair tax on marriage; continued economic growth through tax cuts; and deficit reduction because of a growing economy and job creation. For these important reasons, I support permanent repeal of the marriage penalty and urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Neil De Koker, a giant in the automotive supply industry and the recipient of the 2004 Executive Leadership Award from the Marketing & Sales Executives of Detroit.

Known as a man who can turn a concept into reality, Neil founded the Original Equipment Suppliers Association, a strategic forum for automotive suppliers. With 353 members and global sales exceeding $300 billion worth of components, modules, systems, materials, and equipment used by the original equipment automotive industry, the OESA has provided information for over 4800 customers since its founding in August of 1998.

A veteran auto industry executive, Neil's extraordinary skills as a manager creating consensus and delivering results, has led him to being recognized around the world as a key spokesman for the automotive supplier industry in North America.

Neil's career, from furthering the growth and welfare of OESA members, to his 39 years in the automotive field, including playing a key part in establishing the Saturn Corporation, has vastly improved the automotive industry, the outlook of this key economic sector and the people who work within it.

I am honored today to recognize Neil De Koker for his outstanding achievements and the undeniably positive impact he has had upon our State and Nation. He is truly an invaluable citizen.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the birth of Alden B. Dow.

In 2004, the city of Midland, Michigan will be holding a year-long celebration to honor the life and accomplishments of Alden B. Dow entitled ``The Quality of Life--The Influence of Alden B. Dow.''

Born in Midland on April 10, 1904, Dow's leadership and architectural ingenuity served as inspiration to his community. Trained at Columbia University's School of Architecture, Dow completed over 520 projects throughout his fifty-year career, each focusing on a theme of individuality. He designed homes throughout the United States, including World War II housing for the Department of Defense in Brazoria, Texas. He also designed the entire town of Lake Jackson, Texas during the same period. In addition to housing, Alden Dow also designed colleges, hospitals, and community buildings. His design of the First United Methodist Church in Midland won the Eighth Annual National Honor Awards of the American Institute of Architecture in 1958, and was the only religious structure to receive such an award. Dow has also received such honors as honorary degrees from various colleges and universities, and was a Fellow for the American Institute of Architects. He served as president of the Michigan Society of Architects in 1949, winning the organization's gold medal in 1960. He was also a recipient of the Frank Lloyd Wright creativity award in 1982, and in 1983, Dow was honored as Michigan's only Architect Laureate.

I am honored today to recognize, along with the city of Midland, Michigan, the accomplishments of Alden B. Dow and his life contributions during this celebration.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this conference report, and I want to thank the gentleman from California (Chairman Thomas) and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boehner) for all their hard work on this important legislation.

This does make important, commonsense changes to help keep workers' pensions intact, and replacing the 30-year Treasury bond rate is one step in addressing the crisis companies with pensions face, especially the airline and steel industries. These companies are facing massive mandatory payments because of the simultaneous collapse of the stock market and record low interest rates.

Many defined pension plans have gone from an overfunded surplus to an underfunded deficit in just 3 years. Since these plans are now less than 90 percent funded, companies will be required to pay hefty surcharges, known as deficit reduction contributions. These payments are no less than a government-mandated surcharge requiring companies to make enormous additional payments in an unreasonable period.

This bill would provide relief to those affected employers without sticking taxpayers with the bill. More importantly, this legislation protects employee pensions and the ability of companies to keep the doors open for business. It is both pro-worker and pro-employer.

Under the bill, companies would continue to make their normal pension payments, but be allowed partial 2-year deferral for contribution payments.

In no way does this plan relieve any company from their pension liabilities. They must continue to make their normal pension contributions. This bipartisan plan is supported by both unions and management. This legislation is essential to maintaining healthy and viable employers and to protecting the pensions of thousands of workers, including the 305,000 new jobs and new pensions that were created last month.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss a very important issue to me, and to the veterans in my district. As you may know, the Capital Asset Realignment for Enhanced Services (CARES) Commission recently issued its report to Secretary Principi. While the goal of the CARES Commission is to improve the health care services provided by the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to our veteran population, I do not believe this report takes into account the legitimate concerns expressed by veterans in my District.

Specifically, the CARES proposal calls for the closure of acute medical care beds at the Aleda E. Lutz Medical Center in Saginaw, Michigan. The loss of these beds would be detrimental to level of care provided in the region.

Veterans in the northern portion of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan currently have only one VA facility that is accessible to them for inpatient care, the Saginaw VA Hospital. For veterans traveling from the rural portions of Michigan, getting to Saginaw can already be a difficult task. If the proposal is put into place, veterans seeking immediate care will face an unnecessary strain of two hours worth of additional travel.

I certainly understand that the VA is undergoing a change and trying to better fit its facilities with veterans' needs. However, it must do so in a manner that does not establish new barriers for veterans seeking care. Every remedy we propose must ensure that veterans know exactly where to go when they need medical care. Simply put, the solution cannot be worse than the problem. The VA hospital system was established to provide veterans, who have made great sacrifices for this country, with direct access to the care they deserve. We must not back down from that promise.

Veterans have come to rely on the services they receive at the Saginaw hospital, and they should not have to give that up. They have given enough already for this country, and I am unwilling to ask them for more.

I want to be clear: improvements can be and need to be made. Alternatives such as contracting with local hospitals is a promising solution. I also believe we need to pass H.R. 2379, the Rural Veterans Access to Care Act, introduced by the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne) and a bill I am a proud to co-sponsor.

This legislation directs the Secretary of VA to ensure at least five percent of the funds for Medical Care are used to improve access to medical services for highly rural or geographically remote veterans. It also allows VA approved veterans to enroll in a program that gives them access to routine health care from a local provider.

In closing, I would like to commend the administration for their dedication to working with this Congress to improve health care for our veterans. The reform of government and the services it provides is a thankless task, but one that is necessary for the well being of this nation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Members of Congress injured in the 1954 shooting in the United States House of Representatives Chamber.

On March 1, 1954, four Puerto Rican nationals entered the House gallery on the southwest corner of the Chamber. As then-Speaker Joseph W. Martin, Jr., concluded tallying the ``aye'' votes on a Mexican immigrant labor program, Puerto Rican nationalists stood up and began waving a Puerto Rican flag and firing at the floor. The terrorists eventually shot approximately 30 rounds before being apprehended.

As we face a new day of terrorist activity, it is important to remember and honor those who suffered as a result of this assault on the United States Congress. Representative Alvin M. Bentley, who was most severely injured in the attack, represented communities in Michigan that I represent now, such as his hometown of Owosso. I would like to take this opportunity to honor him, as well as the other injured representatives: George H. Fallon of Maryland, Ben F. Jensen of Iowa, Kenneth A. Roberts of Alabama, and Clifford Davis of Tennessee.

These five men were proud to serve their country and nearly paid for it with their lives. The simple passing of time should not diminish their memory nor the lesson we learn from that attack. Now more than ever, we must always remember that the price of freedom is eternal vigilance. I am, therefore, honored today to recognize those who have suffered and continue to fight terrorism on behalf of the United States Congress.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the St. Francis High School Varsity Football Team, who recently won the 2003-04 Michigan Division 7 state title. In their heart-stopping championship game played at the Pontiac Silverdome, located in Detroit, Michigan, the St. Francis Gladiators defeated Hudson 28-14.

Led by Head Coach Josh Sellers and assistant coaches Jim Carroll, Pat Cleland, Joe Forlenza, Steve Curtis, Greg Sherwin, Craig Bauer, Scott Doriot, and Mark DeSantis, the 2003-04 Gladiators include seniors Garrett Petterson (Captain, 2), Travis Sivek (Captain, 3), Tyler Schell (5), Sean Currie (6), Kevin Curtis (Captain, 10), Nathan Dunham (20), Brett Milliman (30), Ryan Asam (32), Jacob Preston (Captain, 51), Ken Underwood (61), John Bailey (62), Devin Tremp (65), Caleb Richardson (71), and Mike Freundl (86).

The dedication that these players put forth throughout the entire season is one of which the entire district can be proud. Their victory not only brought the team together in great spirit, but their family, friends and community as well.

Once again, on behalf of the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan, I would like to congratulate the coaches and members of the St. Francis High School Varsity Football Team on their achievement. I wish them the best in their future season.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 1152, the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization Act. This bill appropriately recognizes the value of the United States Fire Administration (USFA) for its national leadership in reducing the threat of fires and educating Americans about fire prevention methods. I want to thank Research Subcommittee Chairman Nick Smith and Science Chairman Boehlert for their leadership on this issue and their support for the inclusion of a bill I introduced, H.R. 545, the Firefighting Research and Coordination Act. I appreciate Senator McCain's leadership on this bill and for his hard work getting it passed last night in the Senate.

The Firefighting Research and Coordination Act helps address current policy questions on how the federal government can most effectively provide firefighters with the training and equipment necessary to protect lives. The bill gives appropriate weight to top fire service needs: the development of voluntary consensus standards for firefighting equipment and technology; establishing nationwide and

State mutual aid systems for dealing with national emergencies; and authorizing the National Fire Academy to train firefighters to respond to acts of terrorism and other national emergencies.

This legislation enjoys wide bipartisan support and the endorsement of many national fire groups including the Congressional Fire Services Institute, National Fire Protection Association, and the International Association of Firefighters and Fire Chiefs, among others. With the tools this bill provides, I am confident the USFA will continue to be recognized as the preeminent authority in fire education and fire prevention. I urge my colleagues to support this critical legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1.

In the last five days, I've heard a lot about what this bill doesn't do. Let me be frank: life is not about what we don't do; it's about what we accomplish.

And, if I had a friend in need who asked me for $100 and all I had was $20, I wouldn't give him nothing. But that's what some here are prepared to do--turn away a friend in need.

For years we have agreed that our seniors needed a prescription drug benefit in Medicare; but unfortunately we have yet to provide them with any relief.

This Medicare bill offers a prescription drug benefit through competing private health insurance plans--marking the first time private sector plans and consumer choice would be the principal vehicle for delivering Medicare benefits. It also includes common sense reforms like preventive care and health savings accounts.

This is the first step in the direction of true reform. It's a step in the right direction and it is time we take it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Saginaw Valley State University in celebration of its 40th Anniversary.

Founded in 1963, Saginaw Valley State University has quickly become one of the fastest-growing universities in Michigan. The university's humble beginnings as a community college in the late 1950s have encouraged the rapid growth and expansion of the university as demonstrated by their recent additions. From holding early classes in the basement of Delta College, to its current situation on a 782-acre campus, Saginaw Valley State University has become an unrivaled success story in mid-Michigan.

I am honored today to recognize Saginaw Valley State University for its many accomplishments, and to thank the many staff, faculty, students, and families who have endeavored to support Saginaw Valley State University.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 6.

We have pushed for and promised a new national energy policy for a decade, and it is time we deliver on that promise; a promise that tells our families they won't be left out in the cold due to skyrocketing home-heating bills, a promise that tells the American worker that an unstable and unaffordable energy supply won't force employers to reduce benefits or eliminate jobs, and a promise that tells our children that they will be able to live and grow in a clean, healthy environment.

It is on that last point, encouraging the development of environmentally friendly energy, that I rise today. Transportation accounts for more than 75 percent of total oil consumption in the United States. Accelerating the use of fuel-efficient technologies and cleaner burning fuels by the auto industry will have a profound impact on safeguarding our health and our environment.

The high costs of new technologies, however, have stalled progress in the past. And, as California's experiment with electric engines quotas proved, top-down, government-driven reforms do not work. We cannot expect results if the expectations and demands of consumers are not met. This energy bill puts consumers in the driver's seat for developing technology, and will create a sustainable effort to improve fuel efficiency and reduce pollution.

By providing tax credits directly to consumers, this bill will help offset the thousands of dollars added to the ticket price of a hybrid or alternative fuel vehicle. Without these incentives, up to $3,400 for the purchase of a hybrid vehicle and up to $8,000 for a fuel cell vehicle, we will not change the status quo.

The energy bill compromise is not only fair and balanced; it is a major step forward for our country. By providing a more stable, affordable supply of energy, it will protect and create hundreds of thousands of jobs, save families money, and reduce pollution.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me the time.

There are a lot of important provisions in this legislation. I would like to address my remarks particularly to the airline pension relief provisions and why airlines face a pension funding crisis.

At the end of 1999, the airline industry's defined benefit pension plans on average were funded at 102 percent. At the end of 2002, that average level of funding fell to 54 percent, and the decline is a result of three factors. For the first time since World War II, the equity markets declined for 3 consecutive years. Market interest rates, which are used to define pension liabilities, are at 40-year lows. This pension funding crisis occurred at a time when the airline industry was in its worst financial situation due to the global recession, September 11, SARS, the Iraq war, and increased security costs.

There are also problems with current funding rules with regard to airlines. There is mandatory contribution provisions which tightened the funding rules in two inflexible ways which mandated the use of the 30-year Treasury rate, which this legislation addresses, and secondly, dramatically shortened the amortization period. That legislation was tightened in many ways in 1994.

During the last 3 years, the mandatory contribution funding requirements have been stress-tested by sustained economic downturns; and so between the enactment in 1987 and the beginning of the 3-year market collapse, the stock market had declined previously only in 1 year and then only by about 3 percent.

So in the face of this recent economic downturn and the simultaneous collapse of asset values, this mandatory contribution has proved to be onerous and inflexible, particularly to a highly cyclical industry like the airline industry.

This legislation affects zero tax dollars. It would temporarily defer contributions required by the mandatory contribution law for just a period of 2 years. Forcing airlines to contribute billions of dollars more over and above their regular pension contributions at this time would be disastrous. This gives us time to develop long-term solutions in this area. This is why unions and management came together to save pension plans for workers. If we do not address this issue, airlines will go bankrupt, as U.S. Airways has, and terminate their plans. Please support this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to First Lieutenant Thomas A. Forsberg for his faithful service of 26 years to the Michigan State Police Department.

Thomas began his career in 1977 with the Michigan State Police Department after graduating from the 90th Recruit School. Throughout his career, First Lieutenant Forsberg served in uniform positions at the Bridgeport, Detroit, Flint, and Bay City posts, the Criminal Investigation Division--BAYANET Unit in Saginaw, and the Fire Marshal Division at the Third District Headquarters in Saginaw. He achieved the ranks of Trooper, Sergeant, Detective Sergeant, Lieutenant, Detective Lieutenant, and First Lieutenant. Today, First Lieutenant Forsberg retires as the commanding officer of the Uniform Services Division at the Bridgeport Post. He is greatly appreciated by his co-workers and community, and he will be dearly missed.

I am honored today to recognize First Lieutenant Thomas A. Forsberg for his auspicious dedication to serving the State of Michigan.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 3289. It has been 6 months since American forces toppled Saddam Hussein's regime, but there are still traces in Iraq of what one author referred to as a ``psychopathic crime family'', a family that terrorized its own people and stood as a daily threat to the region and the world.

I supported President Bush's request because it is vital to our own national security; it is an exit strategy; and it will help establish a safe and secure Iraq and prevent the region from becoming an incubator for would-be terrorists.

This funding is an investment in our lasting security, and comparatively it is a fraction of what we spent in World War I, World War II and the Korean War. It will go where it is needed most: getting our troops the supplies they need and rebuilding the critical infrastructure depleted by 3 decades of a dictatorial regime.

Our troops have succeeded on every front. They have secured the air, the land and the surrounding water. They have served our Nation well, and once again stand as liberating heroes to an entire people.

Yet, with the cost of the wars in Iraq and against terrorism continuing to rise, many are now wondering: should we send additional support? Are we really safer today than yesterday? Is the price tag worth it? The answer on all fronts is ``yes.''

If you have doubts, just think for a moment about the cost of inaction, the cost of turning back now.

Chief weapons inspector Dr. David Kay recently delivered an update to Congress and stated that Iraq had a secret network of biological laboratories, live botulinum toxin, and an advanced program for prohibited long-range missiles. This is just what we have found at the halfway point of his investigation.

The positive difference for the United States is clear. No longer does the Iraqi government harbor, support or sponsor known terrorists. The country that once housed individuals like Palestine Liberation Front leader Abu Abbas, whose organization committed the 1985 hijacking of the cruise ship Achille Lauro, is now charting a new course--a course less threatening to the safety and stability of the world.

While the coalition has accomplished much in the last 6 months, we are still building upon that foundation. We must not falter in our response; we must not rest until our families are safe and secure. This funding is critical to our success in the war against terrorism and preserving our freedom here at home.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Detective Lieutenant Galvann R. Smith for his faithful service of 25 years to the Michigan Department of State Police.

Galvann began his career in 1978 with the Michigan Department of State Police as a Trooper at the Michigan State Police Bridgeport Post. In 1989 he was reassigned to the Michigan State Police Bridgeport Laboratory Latent Print Unit. In 1998 he was promoted to Detective Lieutenant, where he served as the supervisor of the Latent Print Unit. Galvann has been honored with several awards, including the Michigan State Police Award for Professional Excellence, Michigan Sate Police Unit Citation for Professional Excellence, Exchange Club of Saginaw's Officer of the Year 1998 and 2003, and numerous letters of appreciation from police agencies, prosecutors and civilian groups. Galvann Smith will be greatly missed by his co-workers, and greatly appreciated by the citizens of Michigan.

I am honored today to recognize Detective Lieutenant Galvann R. Smith for his auspicious dedication to serving the State of Michigan.