Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, as we enter a new Congress with the American people's mandate to extend tax relief and reduce the deficit, I wish to remind my colleagues of the following wisdom: ``Our true choice is not between tax reduction on the one hand and the avoidance of large Federal deficits on the other . . . It is a paradoxical truth that tax rates are far too high today and tax revenues are too low and the soundest way to raise the revenues in the long run is to cut rates now.''

Who articulated this simple but powerful case for the economic policies of this President and this Congress? Not George W. Bush. Not even Ronald Reagan. President John F. Kennedy made these remarks just a month and a half following the hottest moment of the Cold War, the Cuban Missile Crisis.

Kennedy and Reagan launched two of the longest economic boons in American history by cutting taxes. They also increased Federal revenues, more than double during the decade of President Kennedy's across-the-board tax cuts, and more than 75 percent over the 10 years following President Reagan's Economic Recovery Tax Act of 1981.

But from 1981 to 1991, Federal spending increased a whopping 95 percent. Thus, the deficit quadrupled because of runaway government spending, not because the American people got to keep more of their hard-earned money.

Once again, we have arrived at the moment of truth. This time, we cannot make excuses for the failure to restrain spending. This time, our philosophy of low taxes and limited government is on the line. This time, let us show the American people that tax relief and fiscal discipline are complementary, not conflicting objectives.

Mr. Speaker, the American people voted for much more than candidates or parties this election year. They embraced our bold vision, and they expect us to deliver results.

They elected us with a mandate to keep our Nation on its path of economic growth and job creation, to continue tax relief for working families, and to pare back an inefficient, bloated bureaucracy that kills dreams.

One of our first priorities must be to reform our wasteful and oppressive Tax Code. Year after year, working Americans pay accountants and tax lawyers to help them understand this confusing labyrinth of laws and regulations. Just think about what this energy and capital could accomplish if directed towards truly creative purposes. Just imagine what a fair and simpler Tax Code could do to help us build a 21st century economy.

So let us engage in a vigorous debate. Let us begin rewarding the trust that the American people have placed in us, beginning today.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, 2 weeks ago today the most important election in a generation came to a close. As always, the American people cut through the heated rhetoric to render their well-considered, common-sense decision and have provided their mandate for our approach to fighting terrorists abroad and creating jobs and economic security at home.

These victories this year stem from an effective message, coupled with exceptional candidates who will quickly become extraordinary Members of Congress. I am deeply honored tonight to introduce two of these individuals.

Cathy Anne McMorris, who will replace the gentleman from Washington (Mr. Nethercutt) as the representative from Washington's Fifth District, understands the challenges associated with operating a small family business. For 14 years, she helped her family run the Peachcrest Fruitbasket Orchard and Produce Stand in Kettle Falls, Washington. Meanwhile, she compiled an outstanding record in the State government.

Beginning as a legislative assistant to State Representative Bob Morton, Cathy McMorris was appointed to succeed Representative Morton in December 1993. She was elected to that seat in 1994 and was reelected by overwhelming margins in 1996, 1998, 2000 and 2002. Her colleagues in the Washington House of Representatives elected her as the Republican Leader in 2002.

She has been named by the National Federation of Independent Business as Outstanding Legislator and by the Washington State Farm bureau as Legislator of the Year, among numerous additional honors.

Newly elected Geoff Davis has spent a lifetime serving his Nation, his community and his family. He worked as a janitor during high school to help pay for his family's bills. Then he enlisted in the United States Army and won an appointment to West Point.

He spent 6 years as an Army Ranger and assault helicopter pilot, serving in the Middle East after being chosen to run the U.S. Army Flight Operations for the Peace Enforcement mission between Israel and Egypt. He rose to the rank of captain before leaving the Army in 1987.

In 1992, Geoff Davis started his own business, Capstone Inc., which specializes in consulting lean manufacturing and high technology systems integration. In 1995, this firm was named as an Outstanding Consulting Resource by The Executive Committee, a 3,500-member organization of CEOs.

Geoff Davis has also served as a mentor and tutor in inner-city Cincinnati schools, as well as a volunteer chaplain for the Kentucky Corrections Cabinet. He and his wife Pat have six children.

On behalf of my colleagues, I wish to welcome these outstanding new Members to what I hope will be a long and fulfilling tenure in this House. They will join us as we continue to keep faith with the American people by making tax relief we passed during the last 2 years permanent so our economy will keep growing for them and by continuing to support our troops as they battle for freedom in Iraq, Afghanistan and around the globe.

For the sake of our children and our grandchildren, let us get to work. We will not and we cannot let them down.

Mr. Speaker, during the last month and a half, the worst of circumstances have summoned the best of humanity. Responding to the unprecedented devastation of four hurricanes, the people of Florida have shown enormous courage, resilience and fortitude. That is why the expedited process on the conference report for disaster relief is so imperative this morning.

The agriculture industry in central Florida has been devastated. The $2.9 billion in emergency assistance for agriculture producers experiencing crop loss caused by natural disasters is desperately needed. Small businesses in our communities are being significantly impacted by physical damage, by inventory loss and by the lack of impetus to spend. The $929 million in SBA disaster relief loans will help to leverage $5.5 billion in low-interest loans to individuals and businesses.

Rural housing, farm worker housing, waterways, watersheds and community facilities have been torn apart by hurricane damage. The $608 million in agricultural and rural assistance are central components to rebuilding these wonderful communities. In my district, Venice Beach lost 15 feet of sand, threatening municipal properties as well as homes, so the $362 million for the Army Corps of Engineers to address these projects is essential. This disaster package will contribute to the promises made by President Bush to the people of Florida.

I thank the President for his immediate and consistent attention to the needs of Florida families and, in particular, Chairman Young for his extraordinary and continued leadership. As well, I cannot begin to express the gratitude I feel for the professionalism, compassion and dedication of the men and women who have given of their time to help Floridians begin the arduous process of rebuilding their lives.

The rebuilding will take time, but together, we will rebuild a strong and more vibrant State.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to enthusiastically encourage my colleagues to vote for the rule this evening for the conference report on H.R. 4520. Once again the U.S. House of Representatives has risen to the occasion and placed job creation and tax fairness over simplistic rhetoric. For far too long the Federal Tax Code has permitted the residents of States with income tax to deduct their State burden while discriminating against Florida and other States who choose to rely upon sales tax. I commend Chairman Thomas and the House majority leadership for their leadership in crafting compromise legislation that has attracted significant bipartisan support.

H.R. 4520, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004, creates tax fairness for Floridians by allowing individuals, not just corporations, individuals who pay State and local taxes to have that deductibility. This will create jobs in Florida through its repeal of tax rules that have led to escalating European retaliation against U.S. exports and through its inclusion of offsetting tax relief for domestic manufacturers, producers, farmers, and small corporations. The sales tax deductibility will provide a direct economic boost to our consumers, especially middle-income families.

In closing, it is not only an issue of fundamental tax fairness; it is also an economic stimulus that will create jobs and improve the lives of 55 million Americans living in State income tax-free States.

On a personal note, Florida has been devastated by four hurricanes, three of which have crossed my district. This bill is going to be so important to those Floridians who will have a chance once again not only to rebuild their lives and their homes but a shot at that economic viability and restoration. I urge its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of legislation that honors a true American hero. Lieutenant General James V. Edmundson served in the United States Army Air Corps and the United States Air Force for nearly 4 decades. During his career of selflessness and service, he flew a total of 181 combat air missions; 107 of these missions occurred during World War II, 32 transpired during the Korean War, and 42 took place in Vietnam.

Surviving Pearl Harbor, General Edmundson fought in the pivotal Pacific theater battles of Midway and Guadalcanal. During his distinguished career, he earned seven Distinguished Flying Crosses, eight air medals, three Legions of Merit, the Silver Star, and the Bronze Star. In his own words, however, the highlight of his career was ``flying as lead pilot in the formation of 500 B-29s over Tokyo Bay as the Japanese signed the surrender.''

General Edmundson retired from the Air Force in 1973, but his contributions to his community and to his Nation never ceased. Settling in southwest Florida in the town of Longboat Key, he served as mayor, vice mayor and town commissioner. Moreover, General Edmundson remained active in several community organizations, most notably the Kiwanis Club, which elected to him to its board of directors.

Sadly, General James V. Edmundson passed away on June 19, 2001, at the age of 86. He embodied the adage: ``It is not how they died that made them heroes, but how they lived.''

Mr. Speaker, in honor of this profile of courage and the values he cherished, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4847, which redesignates the U.S. postal facility located at 560 Bay Isles Road in Longboat Key, Florida, as the Lieutenant General James V. Edmundson Post Office Building.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 5212, which provides the people of Florida with the emergency assistance they need and deserve.

As I have visited emergency operations centers, Red Cross shelters and temporary housing sites throughout Florida's 13th Congressional District, I have been truly amazed by the courage, faith and compassion that I have witnessed.

We have heard about the resilience of these Floridians. I am reminded when I was visiting Hardee and De Soto, just moments before Hurricane Jeanne hit, several neighboring counties had offered to do a barbecue for some 600 folks who had been put out of their homes. When the rains once again came, I was humbled to hear those residents, who had lost everything, say that they were glad Jeanne was crossing once again their threshold since they had lost everything; if it came this way, they had nothing else to lose, and they were glad it was not going to harm anyone else.

The people of Florida have met the unprecedented devastation of four hurricanes with extraordinary selflessness, determination and unity. They have done everything they can to begin rebuilding their lives. Now it is our turn to do everything we can to help them.

Thanks to the leadership of the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young), we acted swiftly and decisively in appropriating an initial $2 billion for hurricane relief last week, and it was a good start, but a small fraction of the assistance necessary to combat the continued threat to property, to health and to livelihoods.

For example, these hurricanes destroyed beaches throughout our State, including Venice Beach in Southwest Florida. Homes now lie unprotected and exposed. This bill provides the critical funding that will enable the Army Corps of Engineers to prevent further damage.

I understand the desire on the part of many of my colleagues to address other disasters as part of this bill. We cannot, however, afford to get bogged down in considering additional measures that do not specifically relate to hurricane relief. Hurricane victims simply cannot afford to wait while we evaluate unrelated assistance proposals, as worthy as they may be.

Mr. Speaker, due to unavoidable circumstances this morning, I was unable to participate in the first series of votes in the House of Representatives. Had I been present, the following affirms my voting intent: On rollcall vote No. 480: ``No.'' On rollcall vote No. 481: ``Aye.'' On rollcall vote No. 482: ``Aye.'' On rollcall vote No. 483: ``Aye.''

Mr. Speaker, during the last month and a half, the worst of circumstances has summoned the best of humanity. As I have visited emergency operation centers, Red Cross shelters, and temporary housing sites throughout Florida's 13th Congressional District, I have truly been amazed by the courage, determination, and compassion I have witnessed.

Just last weekend the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) joined me in visiting some of the worst-hit areas in my district, in DeSoto and Hardee Counties, just hours before Hurricane Jeanne became the third hurricane in 6 weeks to devastate this economically challenged region.

And what was the attitude of those residents as a disaster of already historic proportions threatened to become even worse? Not bitterness or even despair, but unbelievable selflessness as they said that they were glad the hurricane approached, as they had lost everything, it would not be damaging anyone else in its wake.

Storms like Charley, Frances, Ivan, and Jeanne can destroy the property of our State's valiant people. They can even test Florida's enormous reserve of physical and emotional energy, but they will not break our will or steal our heart.

As we consider legislation to assist hurricane victims, may we act in the same spirit and with the same courage and determination.

Mr. Speaker, as we meet this afternoon, our friends and neighbors on the Gulf Coast face yet another threat of a devastating hurricane. As we keep them in our thoughts and prayers, let us reassure them that this body will do everything possible to help recover and rebuild.

Let us also remind the victims of Hurricane Charley and Hurricane Frances that we will not forget their continued suffering. Thanks to the leadership of the gentleman from Florida (Chairman Young), we acted swiftly and decisively in appropriating an initial $2 billion for hurricane relief last week; a good start, but a small fraction of the assistance that the victims so desperately need right now.

The President has submitted a request for an additional $3.1 billion which the gentleman from Florida (Chairman Young) introduced in the form of H.R. 5072. Predictably, the temptation exists to address the other disasters that have recently occurred across our Nation as part of this bill.

I believe we should consider amendments that add relief for hurricanes Charley and Frances caused outside of Florida and also provide assistance for all of Ivan's victims, whether they reside at the point of landfall or far inland.

We cannot, however, afford to get bogged down in considering measures that do not specifically relate to hurricane relief. Hurricane victims facing an emergency cannot afford to wait while we evaluate unrelated disaster assistance proposals, as worthy as they might be.

Mr. Speaker, during the last month, the worst circumstances have summoned the best of humanity. Having endured the unrelenting fury of two major hurricanes, Floridians from all walks of life have linked arms in their determined effort to rescue, recover, and rebuild. Moreover, the generous and compassionate soul of America has once again become manifest through the hearts and hands of the volunteers who have traveled hundreds, sometimes thousands, of miles to assist our local first responders.

Even before the storms hit, Governor Bush had marshaled the resources necessary to provide victims with rapid assistance. During the grueling aftermath, his reassuring presence throughout the State has served as an essential source of comfort and hope.

President Bush and FEMA have likewise delivered a quick and effective response from the Federal level. I particularly wish to commend U.S. Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman for her swift approval of disaster relief for our farmers and growers.

Finally, I wish to thank the gentleman from Florida (Chairman Young) and the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw), our delegation Chair, for their leadership in requesting the President's $2 billion for additional disaster relief funding and look forward to working with our entire State delegation to provide our constituents with the help they so desperately need and deserve.

Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 398, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 305 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Amendment No. 2 Offered by Mr. Chocola

Mr. Speaker, tonight we join Americans from all walks of life and every political persuasion in mourning a President whose courage, vision, optimism and resolve renewed the Nation he loved.

As we look back with the clarity and assuredness that history affords, how easily we forget the staggering challenges that Ronald Reagan inherited January 20, 1981.

Haunted by the ghost of Vietnam, America seemed in retreat as Soviet aggression either enslaved or threatened significant regions of four continents. Meanwhile, the American people struggled as stagnant economic growth, double-digit inflation, and 20 percent interest rates ate away their life savings and crushed their hopes for the future. Most ominously, our leaders spoke of a crisis in the American spirit, of a pervasive malaise that appeared to have infected our hopes, our dreams and our will to persevere.

These problems seemed so severe and so insoluble that pundits and politicos wondered if the burdens of the Presidency had become too large, too complex and too demanding for any one person to handle, but not Ronald Reagan.

They also believed that the United States could only hope to become comfortable in its prison of mutually assured destruction with the Soviet Union and that the era of nuclear tyranny was with us forever, but not Ronald Reagan.

These so-called experts were even convinced that a vibrant economy was impossible without double-digit inflation, but not Ronald Reagan.

Rising from the humblest of beginnings, Ronald Reagan taught us once again how to embrace the extraordinary. His historic Presidency restored our spirit, revitalized our economy and transformed yesterday's garrisons of tyranny into today's arsenals of liberty.

Mr. Speaker, Ronald Reagan brought us together by reminding us of the unique blessings that we enjoy as a Nation, and as we grieve his passing this week, let us celebrate a life that exemplified the strength, the character and the resiliency of the American spirit

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to reaffirm my support for the best-trained, best-skilled, and most courageous men and women on the face of the earth as they risk everything for the cause of freedom in Iraq and Afghanistan.

Tragically, the brutality and depravity of a small handful of soldiers toward Iraqi prisoners threatens to soil the incredible humanity that our military has displayed during the war and its aftermath. At risk to their own safety, nearly all of our troops have striven to protect Iraqi lives to the greatest extent possible.

While we must harshly and unambiguously condemn the sickening abuse perpetrated by a miniscule number of individuals as criminal and un- American, we must not permit the heinous acts of a few to taint the selfless and honorable service of so many.

Their heroic efforts have unquestionably made America safer. They have liberated nearly 50 million people from the oppression and despair that breeds terrorists, and they are fighting valiantly to create the freedom and hope that defeats terrorists.

God bless our troops and God bless the United States of America.