Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the motion for the child tax credit plan. I made a promise to the people when I was campaigning that I would be their voice in Washington and I would listen to them. I told them I would take my marching orders from them. I would be listening and I would be the voice for them here. Whether I am here in Washington or whether I am back in my district, people are telling me to address the child tax credit issue. They say, What is wrong with the folks in Washington? Why are they not addressing that issue? That is what we sent you there for.

Mr. Speaker, that is why I came here today, that is why I am speaking tonight. This House has passed tax cut after tax cut for the wealthiest people in America, but we simply refuse to look at the lowest-income individuals who live in our country. I will talk about some of those in a few minutes. I am here today to stand up for them, to talk for them.

Let me say, originally I voted for the tax credit that was passed. A few Democrats voted for it. I did for a reason. I represent a district that has 58 percent of the people living in households that earn less than $40,000 a year. I am in their homes many times because many of them are my neighbors in the small farming community of Pall Mall where I live. I see them and I talk to them. They do not understand why this Congress would be willing to give the tax cuts that we have given and ignore them.

Members say they really have not paid any tax. Yes, they do. We pay 15.3 percent. The employer pays half of that, the employee pays the other half. So a family earning $40,000 a year pays roughly $3,000 a year in withholding tax, in payroll tax. It is a retirement system, but we are borrowing from that; and when they get ready to retire, the money probably will not be there.

But in my State, it is a 9\3/4\ percent sales tax. They spend every penny they earn buying groceries, clothing, and used tires, in many cases, for their automobiles.

They certainly have a used automobile, not a new one, and it is certainly not a Mercedes or a Rolls Royce. It is probably a pickup truck where they can use it both to go to church on Sunday and to haul farm products from their farm.

So do not tell me that these folks are not paying taxes. Because the studies that we showed in Tennessee, the ones who earn less than $40,000 a year spend all of it virtually on taxable items, which means they are spending almost another $3,000 or better in sales tax. That is $6,000 of the $40,000 that they are paying before we take anything else out.

I do not like it being heard from this Chamber that these folks are paying no taxes, because they certainly are; and they are a major part, the backbone of our country. They are the ones that get minimum wage at their jobs that they are working at. They are the ones who get laid off first, who get an employment check with no insurance benefits. But we are not willing to give them an earned income tax credit.

Let me give Members an example of one, a family that I know. In my district, there are 109,000 people who meet the criteria of earning between $12,000 and $25,000 a year. Thirty-three thousand of those families, some 50,000 children, receive no tax credit at all. These folks own a home. They drive a used automobile. They buy clothing for their children. They go to church on Sunday. They go to work on Monday morning. In many cases an older child takes care of the child care in that family because we are stripping away in many cases the opportunity for them to have child care at home so we can give a tax break to the wealthiest.

A family I know, the father, the mother both have a college education. Both of them were teachers 8 years ago until their young son came along. They decided that the mother should stay home and raise a family as we all feel family values are extremely important. You can say we are God-fearing, flag-waving, freedom-loving Americans. This young family decided that the mother ought to stay home, and she did. They now have three children.

The father, to earn extra money, drives a school bus, earning a few thousand dollars. He takes extra time, an extra supplement because he coaches, which keeps him away from his family. Every time there is a bus trip, he volunteers to drive the bus for the extra $40 or $50 that he gets so he can again take care of his family.

They have an 8-year-old son, will be soon, 6-year-old daughter, will be soon, and soon a 2-year-old son. I know the family exceptionally well. This father works hard to be sure that those children have a home to live in, because he has a mortgage to pay, he has a car payment to pay, he has tires to put on that automobile, insurance to pay for the family and take care of their health care as well as taking care of their food that they may have.

So when we say that these folks, and I heard the other side stand up and say, it is nothing but welfare, it is a handout. I resent those statements being

made on this House floor. It is not a handout to the hard-working families who make the tough choices, who either the mother or the father one will stay home and raise and nurture that child in the values that they have been taught.

So when we say that we are handing welfare to the 58 percent of the people who live in my district by giving them a child tax credit because they are working and earning less than the wealthiest in this country and we are willing to give $88,000 per year for the people who earn a million dollars a year or more, we have a conscience problem. I would ask that our heart be our conscience and that it give wisdom to our head to where we will make the right decisions.

My hopes are that we will pass the child tax credit bill now so that families who need it most can get it. We need to stop the political games and help those hard-working families who deserve the tax credits we can give them, the families who live in my district and in your district. They deserve it.

Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to instruct conferees.

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

Mr. Speaker, this motion instructs conferees to do two simple things, two things that the House-passed bill does not accomplish. One, it asks them to provide a guaranteed prescription drug benefit for all our seniors. Number two, it asks them to preserve Medicare as we know it today.

Specifically, this motion instructs the House not to abandon seniors to the mercy of private insurance and pharmaceutical companies. It makes a promise to our seniors. It tells them that if private insurance companies cannot make enough money off them, they can still get a prescription drug benefit.

Mr. Speaker, without this provision, the odds of seniors in my district getting a prescription drug benefit under this bill are virtually slim to none. How do I know this? For years now, private insurance companies have had an opportunity to try and make money off the seniors in my district by offering them a Medicare+Choice benefit. And how many have decided it is worth their while? Only a few.

I know the people in my district, the people of the Appalachian Mountains, of the Cumberland Plateau and southern middle Tennessee, are not alone, the people who live in Byrdstown or in Tracy City or in Kelso or in Hohenwald in our district. Already, private HMOs have abandoned over 2 million seniors.

The second part of this motion is about nothing less than preserving Medicare, a program millions of seniors have come to expect and to trust. Under the House-passed bill, Medicare as we know it will cease to exist in 7 short years, in 2010. Instead of Medicare, seniors will get a voucher for their health care and told to go shopping and will be forced to beg insurance companies and HMOs to offer prescription drug coverage to them, a request that many insurance companies are already on record as saying that they will not be able to fulfill. HMOs will compete against Medicare for younger, healthier seniors, while jacking up the prices for seniors who have chronic conditions and are in need of more care. These ``left behind'' seniors will have no choice but to remain in traditional Medicare which will be starved of funds, unable to compete with insurance companies and HMOs, and thus will be forced to raise seniors' premiums.

Privatization of Medicare will break up the huge and successful risk pool that Medicare has provided. With only the sickest patients enrolled, Medicare's costs will rise until it costs more than the voucher allotment. Medicare will be forced to price itself out of existence.

Make no mistake. That is exactly the point. During the debate on the bill, here is what was said: ``To those who say the bill would end Medicare as we know it, our answer is: We certainly hope so. Old- fashioned Medicare isn't very good.''

Well, I disagree and I have talked to many seniors in Tennessee who disagree as well. Medicare in the past 38 years has been very good to millions of seniors, but it should be even better. It should include a prescription drug benefit that is guaranteed, that is affordable, and that is accessible to all seniors. Our seniors deserve it, and we in this House Chamber should demand it.

Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Davis) and ask unanimous consent that he be allowed to control the time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and memory of the former Mayor of Kimball, Tennessee, Jere Newman Davis. Mr. Davis, a dedicated husband, caring father, and respected spokesman, passed away recently at the age of 76. Mr. Davis contributed to his community through every aspect of his life. As a veteran, he proudly served in the Korean War. His creativity, patience, and precision allowed him to excel in carpentry, and he blessed Kimball with his skills for many years. It is apparent that Mr. Davis' family and values were a priority in his life. He was a dedicated member of the Kimball Church of Christ and left behind a wife, children, grandchildren, and great grandchildren. He applied the same rich values that shaped his large family to successfully lead Kimball as mayor for many years. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply honored to pay tribute to Mr. Jere Newman Davis today. His dedication and selflessness to his community are examples to all who wish to lead. Tennessee will not forget Mr. Davis' contribution.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 248, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 195, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Stated against:

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 198, had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

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

Mr. Speaker, House Concurrent Resolution 96 authorizes the use of the Capitol grounds for the 22nd Annual National Peace Officers Memorial Service, a most solemn and respectful public event honoring our Nation's brave civil servants.

The event, scheduled for May 15th, will be coordinated with the Office of the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Hill police. I strongly urge this tribute to Federal, State and local police officers who gave their lives in the daily work of protecting our families, our homes, our places of work and us.

The names of 377 brave men and women were added to the wall during 2002. On average, one officer is killed in this country every other day, approximately 23,000 are injured every year, and thousands are assaulted going about their daily routines. During 2002, 15 of the fallen officers were women, which is a record high.

Mr. Speaker, the ceremony to be held on May 15th is the 22nd anniversary of this memorial service. Consistent with all Capitol Hill events, the memorial service will be free and open to the public.

I support the resolution, and urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this tribute to our fallen peace officers.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I am delighted to support, along with the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf), the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran), the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Wynn), and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Van Hollen), House Concurrent Resolution 53 and acknowledge the efforts of the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), who has been such a great champion for his constituents for this event.

House Concurrent Resolution 53 authorizes the use of the Capitol grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. Youngsters ages 9 through 16 construct and operate their own soap box vehicles. On June 22, 2003, youngsters from the greater Washington area will race down Constitution Avenue to test the principles of aerodynamics in hand- designed and -constructed soap box vehicles.

Mr. Speaker, many hundreds of volunteers donate considerable time supporting the event and providing families with a fun-filled day, which is greatly becoming a tradition in the Washington, D.C. area. The event has grown in popularity, and Washington is now known as one of the outstanding race cities in America.

Consistent with all events using the Capitol grounds, this event is open to the public and is free of charge. The organizers will work with the Capitol Hill Police and the Office of the Architect.

Mr. Speaker, I urge passage of House Concurrent Resolution 53.

Mr. Speaker, we are waiting for the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), who will be here very soon who will be speaking so, if I could, we would like to delay for just a moment until he gets here.

Mr. Speaker, the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby Association, and this resolution refers to this association, shall be permitted to sponsor a public event, the Soap Box Derby Race on the Capitol grounds on June 22 of 2003, and on such other dates as the Speaker of the House of Representatives and the Committee on Rules and Administration of the Senate may jointly designate.

I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. Speaker, I have never had that privilege, but I certainly look forward to attending the event this year. As a youngster growing up, living in the rural areas, living in the rural areas, I read about soap box derbies that have been such an inspiration to so many of our young people, and I hope to be able to attend this event.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for his remarks, and certainly I look forward to being at this event.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Costello).

Mr. Speaker, I thank all of my colleagues for the additional time.

The gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer) has been detained and will not be able to speak on the bill that he is sponsoring.

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

Mr. Speaker, the backbone of a strong community is the people. I am proud to say that the volunteer spirit is alive and well in Columbia, Tennessee.

It was back in 1919 when Post 19 of the American Legion was established in Columbia. The following year Legion Auxiliary Unit 19 was chartered. Since their establishment both organizations have provided the city of Columbia, in Maury County, and many of the local citizens with a true sense of pride. Unit 19 was recently honored at the National Convention for their outstanding work in providing care to veterans.

The priorities of both organizations are not just associated with assisting our veterans. They also have a long history of providing services that directly benefit many youths. In the summer they sponsor different athletic events which helps foster teamwork and sportsmanship all while giving them a sense of self worth. They send individuals to attend Boy's State and Girl's State, which teaches leadership skills. They also award scholarships to individuals using funds they raise through bake sales, breakfasts, yard sales and so on.

During the 50th Anniversary of World War II legionnaires and auxiliary members made up a committee, appointed by the County Executive, to help celebrate the anniversary. They helped bring the history of those who served abroad and in the states to those generations who weren't alive during that period in our history. They are now doing the same to highlight the 50th Anniversary of the Korean War.

Recently, when the National Guard was called up for active duty these two organizations made sure they let the troops know they supported them. On the weekend before the Guard departed they hosted a breakfast and a lunch, and on the day of departure the members were at the armory to give them a proper sendoff.

I am proud to be a witness to the actions of Post and Unit 19 in Columbia, Tennessee. They are selfless in their pursuit of making our communities stronger and improving the lives of others.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in objection to the rule.

Mr. Speaker, the Individuals with Disabilities Act, also known as IDEA, has made progressive strides for children with disabilities since it was first introduced in 1975. H.R. 1350, which reauthorizes this landmark legislation, is before the House today. This bill has some very positive attributes and, I think, perhaps some very negative points.

First, this bill provides for a 1-year statute of limitations on complaints for due process hearing. I think this is very helpful for school districts who are serving many of these students. The 1-year statute will prevent complaints from previous school years from reoccurring.

But at the same time, this bill weakens protections for parents and students that are provided by the current law. The bill gives the option for a school district to develop an individual education plan for the child every 3 years. The current law provides for the IEPs to be done every year. Three years is too long, I think, to track a student's progress. This bill needs to maintain the continued IEP for every school year.

Additionally, the bill allows students to be moved indefinitely to an alternative placement for any violation of a school's code of conduct. Current law allows a 45-day alternative placement unless it is for weapons, guns or drugs. Removing the child indefinitely may not be warranted by the facts of the particular situation of the child. The child should be entitled to a manifestation review to see if the disability has caused that conduct, but this bill eliminates the manifestation review that is in the current law. We should not permanently remove a child from school if the conduct was a result of his or her disability.

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to uphold the imposition of the rule so debate can continue on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 127, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. RUSH. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 127, I was unavoidably detained in a meeting with my regional constituents. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize the Giles County High School boy's basketball team, who recently won the Tennessee Class AA championship. This is the first such championship for the boy's basketball team in school history.

I want to commend this team not only for winning the championship, but the fashion in which they accomplished this great feat. They

never reached for individual awards and recognition, as often is the case in today's society. They worked together as a cohesive unit to accomplish something greater than any individual award, and as a result they are all champions. During their championship run they displayed values and character that we as Americans hold so dear. They were determined, worked hard, showed heart, displayed teamwork, and were consummate sportsman.

I would also like to take this time to applaud the local community which rallied around the team. I must say that I am extremely proud to represent a group of people who still hold family values and a sense of community in such high regards.

Mr. Speaker, I hope that you will join me in saluting the fine group of talented young men from Giles County, Tennessee. These young men show maturity beyond their years, and represent what is good with our country's youth.

Mr. Speaker, I wish to recognize and commend the activities of the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 146 in Loretto, Tennessee. This fine organization really believes in helping Veterans, children, and the community in every way they can.

During the Holiday Season, and throughout the year, this active Veteran's Organization visits VA hospitals, nursing homes, law enforcement agencies, and hospitals to distribute gifts and goodwill. The Legion has even adopted an indilgent individual at the Murfreesboro Tennessee VA, where they send him a quarterly check to help defray the costs of personal items, as well as gifts, snacks, and cards throughout the year.

Mr. Speaker, the tireless and unselfish activities of those involved with the American Legion Auxiliary Unit 146 in Loretto Tennessee, is truly commendable. I hope you will join me in saluting this outstanding organization and all that they do.

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 112, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Stated against:

Madam Speaker, on rollcall No. 113, had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''