Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, over the past 70 years, Congress has tried repeatedly to fix the Social Security program. The payroll tax has been raised 22 times, and the amount of Social Security benefits taxed has increased from zero to 85 percent.

Unfortunately, these changes did not solve the real challenges threatening the retirement of millions of Americans. Raising payroll taxes simply postpones the bankruptcy and would not be a permanent solution for Social Security.

On Thursday, President Bush further outlined his proposal to provide a lasting solution for Social Security. Today, the Washington Times reported that the Heritage Foundation and the CATO Institute strongly support President Bush's proposal. The gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) is correct. Unfortunately, Democrats have yet to offer any positive suggestions that would fix Social Security.

Procrastination will not solve the problem. We must act now to protect benefits for today's retirees and strengthen benefits for future generations.

In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will never forget September 11.

Mr. Speaker, small businesses represent more than 99 percent of all businesses in America and 85 percent of jobs created in the Second District of South Carolina.

As we celebrate National Small Business Week, I'm proud to congratulate Mr. Bill Head of Hilton Head Island on receiving the ``2005 S.C. Small Business Person of the Year'' award. Bill and his wife Vicky opened an auto center 10 years ago with only $7,000, with tools, and a dream of owning a business. Today, they employ 14 people and their business is worth over $2 million. Bill's vision and hard work made him one of the millions of small business owners who support our country's economy.

The 109th Congress is already helping small business owners like Bill by acting to permanently repeal the death tax, allow small businesses to band together to purchase health insurance, and protect small businesses against junk lawsuits. As a former small business owner, I am dedicated to making sure that small business owners have the tools they need to grow their businesses and create new jobs.

In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11th.

Madam Speaker, last night President Bush nominated his long time friend South Carolina Speaker of the House David Wilkins as America's new Ambassador to Canada. While I have mixed feelings of the loss of Speaker Wilkins from public service in South Carolina, I am thrilled he will now serve all Americans as the representative to our sister nation, which is America's largest trading partner in the world.

David Wilkins and his wife Susan are the perfect team to represent America. Susan is competent and gracious and will establish the Ambassador's residence as a center of warm, Southern hospitality.

All South Carolinians are proud of David Wilkins making history by becoming an ambassador to our appreciated northern neighbor. In 1994, he made history to become the first Republican Speaker of the House of a Southern legislature in the 20th century, followed by many speakers, from Austin to Richmond.

Godspeed, David and Susan.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. Speaker, the American people elected us to represent their best interests, and Republicans in the 109th Congress are fulfilling their duties. In only 4 months, Republicans have made real progress in decreasing the deficit, strengthening America's borders, preventing frivolous lawsuits, improving our highways, and providing our country with a comprehensive energy policy.

Unfortunately, in an effort to obstruct the successful Republican agenda, House Democrats have dedicated their time and energy to play politics and obstruct Republican Members of Congress.

Last week, Republican Members of the Committee on Standards of Official Conduct agreed to impanel a formal investigation into the recent allegations regarding the majority leader. Today, the House considered another proposal to address this issue.

House Democrats prefer to attack our effective majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), instead of allowing Congress to hold an open and honest discussion on this issue. I am disappointed by their actions and hopeful that Democrats will refocus their efforts on providing real solutions for the American people.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. Speaker, for the past six weeks, Democrats have attacked Majority Leader Tom DeLay's character, leadership and intentions.

Although Democrats continue to smear Congressman Tom DeLay, they forget that they are responsible for preventing the Ethics committee from investigating the charges directed at Mr. DeLay. Since the beginning of the 109th Congress, House Democrats have refused to allow the Ethics Committee to meet to address this issue.

Four Ethics Committee Republicans have pledged that as soon as Democrats permit the Ethics Committee to function again, they will vote to form an investigative subcommittee to review various allegations concerning travel and other actions by Congressman DeLay.

Majority Leader DeLay has said all along that he wants to appear before the Ethics Committee to address recent accusations. Unfortunately, Democrats prefer to attack his character for political purposes rather then officially investigate these allegations. Democrats should stop playing politics with the House Ethics Committee, and should give Congressman DeLay the opportunity to defend himself through the Congressional ethics process.

In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11th.

Mr. Speaker, for the past 6 weeks Democrats have attacked the character, leadership and intentions of the majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay).

Although Democrats continue to smear the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), they forget that they are responsible for preventing the ethics committee from investigating the charges directed at the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay).

Since the beginning of the 109th Congress, House Democrats have refused to allow the ethics committee to meet to address this issue. Four ethics committee Republicans have pledged that as soon as the Democrats permit the ethics committee to function again, they will vote to form an investigative subcommittee to review various allegations concerning travel and other actions by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay).

Majority Leader DeLay has said all along that he wants to appear before the ethics committee to address the recent accusations. Unfortunately, Democrats prefer to attack his character for political purposes rather than officially investigate these allegations.

Democrats should stop playing politics with the House ethics committee and should give the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) the opportunity to defend himself through the congressional ethics process.

In conclusion, God bless our troops. We will never forget September the 11.

Mr. Speaker, under the leadership of President George W. Bush and Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, India and the United States continue to make progress toward strengthening our strategic partnership.

Last week, President Bush and Secretary Rice met with Indian External Affairs Minister Natwar Singh. Secretary Rice highlighted, ``It is important that the U.S.-India relationship continues to grow as we recognize the growing importance of India as a global factor.'' Due to shared values as the world's largest democracy working with the world's oldest democracy, our countries are continuing on a path of cooperation that will strengthen economic opportunities and enhance national security.

After years of military conflict between India and Pakistan, the two nations recently approved numerous efforts of bilateral relations. And this week India's Prime Minister Singh met with Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf in his birthplace in New Delhi to discuss the next steps to furthering the peace process. It is mutually beneficial for both countries to cooperate for bilateral trade while helping win the war on terrorism.

In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. Speaker, last week the European Parliament made a historic decision for approval of Bulgaria to join the European Union in 2007.

As co-chair of the Congressional Bulgaria Caucus, I am please to congratulate Ambassador Elena Poptodorova, who represents Sofia in Washington so professionally.

Since the negotiations began in 2000, Bulgarians have proven they are eager to serve as active members of the European Union. They quickly took the right reforms to earn an important role in the international community. By sending over 400 troops to Iraq to rebuild the country and providing troops in Afghanistan that I have visited at Bagram, Bulgaria is also helping to win the war on terrorism.

In addition to NATO membership, Bulgaria's membership in the European Union will prove to be a landmark event in the country's history. I know Bulgaria will continue the Bulgaria miracle of economic success and military security.

In conclusion, God bless our troops and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. Speaker, yesterday's passage of the Death Tax Repeal Permanency Act was a victory for American families, farmers, and small business owners.

Since reducing the death tax in 2001, over 3 million new jobs have been created in our country. Unfortunately, Congress provided the American people with a temporary solution to a serious problem. The death tax is scheduled to go back into effect in 2010.

The leadership on this issue of the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Hulshof) and the majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), has been essential in protecting the American Dream.

The Death Tax Permanency Act will ensure that our tax system does not continue to penalize family-owned businesses such as dealerships, funeral homes, and beverage distributors. As a former probate attorney, I know firsthand we need to end this unfair devil tax which hurts families.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Madam Speaker, as summer approaches, I am concerned about the effect that rising gas prices are having on family budgets and small businesses. In the past 3 weeks, gas prices have skyrocketed by 19 cents because of growing demand, high crude oil prices, and higher refining costs.

Congress can help reduce gas prices by finally implementing a comprehensive national energy policy. For the past 4 years, the House has passed sound energy legislation that will reduce our reliance on foreign sources of

energy, increase conservation and increase the use of clean, modern and reliable sources of energy. But Democrats are playing politics, smearing Tom DeLay, Dick Cheney and Condoleezza Rice, and the United States still does not have a comprehensive national energy policy.

South Carolina families need relief from record high energy costs, and Congress can now act to lead America to greater energy independence. This is a matter of economic and national security and we cannot afford to wait another year.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. Speaker, under the leadership of the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay), the House has provided tax relief, creating 3 million jobs, prescription drug coverage for needy citizens, and welfare reform, promoting independence, along with a strengthened military to protect American families.

Additionally, Majority Leader DeLay and his wife Christine play a valuable role in their home community. As foster parents, they have devoted themselves to improving the lives of abused and neglected children and are now focusing their efforts on creating homes for foster children who need them. Their work is a true sign of compassion that is rarely recognized.

The gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) has been called one of the most effective leaders in the history of the House of Representatives, and it is his effectiveness that motivates his critics. Radical liberals, financed by a billionaire, are leading a desperate smear campaign against a decent man who has delivered remarkable results. His critics are inspired by bitterness, hatred, and partisanship, and their smears will fail as they failed against Dick Cheney, Donald Rumsfeld, Condoleezza Rice, and John Ashcroft.

The gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) will continue his success of effectiveness for the American people.

In conclusion, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Price) for his leadership tonight. It is just a great honor to be here on this very important issue of Social Security and strengthening Social Security, and I appreciate again what the gentleman is doing to bring to the attention, Mr. Speaker, of our colleagues, additionally to the American people, the importance of how we can and why we need to strengthen Social Security.

The gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Price) himself is an indication of the leadership in our Congress, and I am so proud. Even though he is just a freshman, he is making such a difference.

I had the extraordinary opportunity in 2001 to be part of the first Republican majority in the State Senate of South Carolina in 124 years, but the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Price) had in 2002 the opportunity to be the first participant in the Republican majority in the State Senate of Georgia in 125 years. Then, as an indication of his leadership, he was elected leader of the State Senate of Georgia, again the first Republican in 125 years. Then he, of course, ran for Congress last year, and is making such a difference.

The reason that we are here indeed to discuss the issue of why we need to strengthen Social Security I believe is very simple: it is demographics. This is not criticism of a political party; it is not criticism of individuals. What we are doing is recognizing something actually very good, and that is that the American people are living longer.

In 1935, when the Social Security system was implemented, the average longevity, the age of what a person in the United States would live, was 59 years old. Today, it is 77.3. I think that is great. It is a testimonial to our health

care, to the health care delivery system, to the physicians of our country, to the living standards of the American people.

I had the opportunity to bring this to the attention, as the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Price) has indicated, to 20 town hall meetings recently: the Residence Hall Association of the University of South Carolina, to the Latin American Council of Beaufort County, to the Aiken County Chamber of Commerce, to the employees of Palmetto Electric Coop. Everywhere I went, and I spoke at Estill High School, Hampton High School, everywhere I went I was able to bring to the attention of people of all ages that, due to demographics, we need to make changes and address the concerns that we have with people living longer.

Then, of course, we had the circumstance back in 1935, there were 40 workers who paid into the system, and then there was one beneficiary. Back in 1950, that changed, of course, and there were 16 workers to a beneficiary. Currently, there are 3.3 workers to a beneficiary; and soon there will be just 2 workers to a beneficiary. That clearly indicates we need to strengthen and reform the system.

As I look at what we are doing, it is very frustrating to me that many people seem to indicate that, because the crisis is not going to come about until the year 2041, that it really does not impact people and maybe we do not need to address and make the changes that are necessary. But I need to tell my colleagues, I understand perfectly that in fact it affects everyone in this room, it affects our families.

I appreciate the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Price) pointing out my grandchildren, but even before the grandchildren are impacted, it really affects persons such as me, the baby boomers of America.

Beginning in 2008, there will be 78 million people retiring; and what is going to occur is that, beginning in 2008, the number of retirees is going to dramatically impact and affect the Social Security system. In fact, it will go bankrupt in the year 2041.

The year 2041, that seems so far away. I am very hopeful. I would be 93 years old. So I have to tell my colleagues that that is maybe highly unlikely that I could be around. But a dear friend of mine, Austin Cunningham, who introduced me as I made a presentation like this one to the Orangeburg County Rotary Club, is 92 years old. So I really hope that I am there.

But that would be catastrophic for those of us as baby boomers if Social Security goes bankrupt. At the age of 93, we cannot begin second careers. There will not be other jobs. We need to address it.

Then I need to tell my colleagues that I am really proud that our oldest son, Alan, just returned from Iraq. He is 31 years old. That is significant, 31 years old, because 36 years from today, he will be 67. He would be retiring. The moment he begins to retire, July 16, 2041, the Social Security system would go bankrupt. That is outrageous.

I am very proud of Alan. This is a picture of where he returned to Fort Stewart from a year serving in Iraq.

So our veterans of Iraq in the war on terrorism, protecting the American people, they are working to protect our country. We need to look out for young people like Alan, 31 years old, who would be catastrophically affected.

Then, of course, my grandchildren. I am very proud, because this week I was with my 2-year-old at the South Congaree Rodeo Festival, and here he is in his little cowboy hat. Little Addison would be 37, 38 years old when our system will go bankrupt. Our newest born grandchild, born just this January, will be 35 years old when the system goes bankrupt. That would be catastrophic.

My grandchildren, our grandchildren, these young people would be affected with an enormous tax increase that would be totally debilitating to their best years of earning, so debilitating to their ability to truly fulfill what we want as part of the American dream.

So I want to thank my colleagues who are here tonight. I want to thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Price) for his leadership, and I want to thank President Bush for his courage to point out that this is an issue that needs to be addressed now. It needs to be addressed for the baby boomers, it needs to be addressed for the young people who are in their 30s, high school students, college students, infants who were just born. We need to address this, and I know my colleagues tonight will be presenting to the American people how important this is.

That is right.

Mr. Speaker, throughout the Second District of South Carolina, people are eager to discuss how to improve our Social Security System. After conducting over 20 town hall meetings with constituents of all ages about this issue, I am more convinced than ever we need to strengthen Social Security.

At the University of South Carolina and Claflin University, college students who are already paying into the system said they want the option of personal retirement accounts, which they can currently calculate at www.heritage.org. While senior citizens on Hilton Head Island understand that their benefits are secure, they are concerned their children and grandchildren will not receive the money they contribute. And baby boomers of Bluffton wish they had been offered the opportunity to participate in personal retirement accounts years ago.

Their opinions and suggestions reemphasize the urgent need for Congress to strengthen Social Security now, protecting persons over 55 in the system and providing retirement accounts for younger workers.

In conclusion, God protect Ukraine, God bless our troops, and we will never forget September 11.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support House passage of H. Con. Res. 34, honoring the life and contributions of Yogi Bhajan, a leader of Sikhs in the Western Hemisphere who passed away October 6 of last year. Yogi Bhajan was a world leader in peace and helped hundreds of thousands around the world during his ministry.

Born in India in 1929 as Harbhajan Singh Puri, Yogi Bhajan became a master of kundalini yoga by age 16, but he showed his real strength in 1947 when he lead on foot 7,000 people from his village in what is now Pakistan, over the partition and to safety as a refugee in present day India.

After a successful career in the Indian government with Customs and the IRS, Yogi Bhajan developed his commitment for his faith, Sikh Dharma, washing for four straight years each night the floor of their holiest temple, the Golden Temple.

In 1968 when Yogi Bhajan migrated to Canada and then in 1969 to the United States, he recognized the disenchantment and spiritual yearning that was felt by Western youth during the tumult of the 1960's and began to teach them the technology of Kundalini Yoga and meditation. That same year he incorporated the Healthy, Happy, Holy Organization (3HO), whose Superhealth Drug Rehabilitation centers soon garnered top awards and results from the Joint Accreditation Body for Healthcare Organizations.

Through his personal efforts, Sikh Dharma was legally incorporated and officially recognized as a religion in the U.S. in 1971. In 1971, in acknowledgement of his extraordinary impact of spreading the universal message of Sikhism, the president of the SGPC (governing body of Sikh Temples in India), Sant Charan Singh called him the Siri Singh Sahib, Chief Religious and Administrative Authority for the Western Hemisphere, and he was given the responsibility to create a Sikh Ministry in the West by the Akal Takhat, the Sikh seat of religious authority in Amritsar, India. He was honored with the title Bhai Sahib by the Akal Takhat in 1974. When he became a United States Citizen in 1976, Yogi Bhajan changed his name legally to Harbhajan Singh Khalsa Yogiji.

Under his guidance as Director of Spiritual Education, 3HO mushroomed worldwide, to 300 centers in 35 countries. In 1994 3HO became a member of the United Nations as an NGO (Non-Governmental-Organization) in Consultative Status (Roster) with the Economic and Social Council, representing women's issues, promoting human rights and providing education in alternative systems of medicine.

Loyal friend and mentor of Senators, Congressmen, and Governors regardless of political affiliation, he promoted spiritual awareness in all arenas. An ardent advocate of world peace and religious unity, the Siri Singh Sahib met with world leaders of all faiths to encourage dialogue, including Pope Paul VI, Pope John Paul II, the Dalai Lama, and two Archbishops of Canterbury. He became Co-President of the World Fellowship of Religions in 1974.

He became a trusted management consultant for 14 corporations worldwide, representing industries as diverse as health food manufacturing (KIlT-Golden Temple Foods), computer systems (Sun and Son), and security services (Akal Security). He conducted business seminars and authored several books to guide the aspiring entrepreneur as well as the seasoned executive.

He is survived by his wife, children, five grandchildren and all those in his 3HO and Sikh Dharma families.

Mr. Speaker, Monday, March 14, 2005, a great Statesman, friend and father passed away quietly. Known as ``Butch'' to those who loved him, was Lowell Colquit Spires, Jr. of Cayce. Outside of his many accomplishments, one of the great assets he had was his family and friends. He lived his life with honor, dignity and character. Opinionated and forthright in his speech, Butch's love for his community and fellow man spoke louder than anything else. He worked for the betterment of his community and the impact it would accomplish for future generations. Butch set a mark in which his friends and family will always be honored for and grateful. Though his life was too short for those of us whom are left, his strength and love will always be a constant in our lives. The list of accomplishments in no way reveal the impact he has had on many people. He used to say, ``The utmost a man can do is to give without hesitation. The character of our life is defined by how we love and live, not by what we personally obtain.''

Born in Columbia on May 12, 1941, Butch was a son of the late Lowell C. and Margaret Estelle Love Spires, Sr. A lifelong resident, he was a member of Kitti Wake Baptist Church. Married to Gail Julian Spires since August 26, 1960, Butch was employed as president with WestBank Consultants, LLC, and was Special Projects Coordinator for the Town of Lexington. He was tireless in his accomplishments over the years. He served on the Lexington County Council from 1977-1995, as chairman in 1979, 1991 and 1993. He was one of Lexington County's representatives to CMCOG 1977-1983, 1993-present. Butch was vice-chairman of Central Midlands Council of Governments in 1978-79 and 1993-94, and chairman in 1979-80 and 1994-95. He served ten terms on the CMCOG Executive Committee, which included the Transportation Planning Subcommittee. This committee facilitated formation of the Central Midlands Regional Transit Authority from 1999-2002, of which he was chairman from 2002- present. On this committee, Butch spearheaded funding and construction in the Central Midlands Region of 27 years of highway improvements in seven years through SCDOT's Bonding Program.

Butch was instrumental in securing funding to ensure continued development of Riverbanks Zoo, the economic development of the Midlands and Lexington County for over thirty years, and the development of the Columbia Convention Center. He originated CMCOG Wetlands Mitigation Bank, currently under development.

A charter member of Central Carolina Economic Development Alliance, Butch was also past president of the South Carolina Association of Regional Councils, past chairman of Lexington County Recreation of Aging Commission, and past president of the S.C. Association of Counties. He was currently a board member of the River Alliance since 1994, of which he originated the concept of 3-Rivers Greenway, member of West Metro and Greater Columbia Chambers of Commerce, served on the boards of Lexington Medical Center and the Wil Lou Gray Opportunity School.

His honors include: Recipient of Order of Palmetto, first recipient of the CMCOG Regional Leadership Award in 2005, Transportation Association of SC Outstanding Achievement Award in 2003 for his support and advocacy of public transportation, named SC Ambassador for Economic Development by Governor Carroll Campbell in 1994, President's Cup for Distinguished Service in 1986, Woodrow Wilson Award in 1986, and recipient of the District Lay Award for SC Recreation and Parks Society in 1980.

Surviving, besides his wife are, daughter and son-in-law, Mindy Spires-Miller and Chuck Miller of Mt. Pleasant; sons and daughters-in- law, Lowell C. ``Corky'' and Cindy Spires, III of West Columbia, Randall ``Randy'' and Corrine Spires of Greenwood Village, CO; brothers, Nash Lagrand Spires of Birmingham, AL, Zane Erwin Spires of West Columbia; grandchildren, Brittany Spires Farley (Christopher I.), Meagan Noel Spires, Ian Juliano Spires, Katherine Rose Fallon Spires, Garrett Lowell Lacy, and Addy Marie Brooks Lacy.