Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, 2 weeks ago today, the American people registered a historic rejection of American

liberalism and the agenda of this administration and this Congress. The American people said in deafening terms that they are tired of the borrowing and the spending and the bailouts and the takeovers and the tax increases of the recent past. They voted for change.

That's why it's so remarkable, Mr. Speaker, that this Congress is poised to allow one of the largest tax increases in American history to take effect in January of this year. A historic $3.9 trillion tax increase could take effect, impacting every American, if Congress fails to act. The average tax increase will be more than $1,500 per household. American families will see the marriage penalty reinstated, the child tax credit cut in half, and tax rates on investments and savings and inheritance will all increase.

It is absolutely imperative, if Congress accomplishes nothing else in this lame duck, that we take immediate action to make permanent all of the current tax rates. And let's be clear, this is not a debate over tax cuts. If the tax rates are not preserved permanently, it will result in one of the largest tax increases in history.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting legislation that we will introduce today to make those rates permanent.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the rule, not just for what's in it but for what's not in it. This rule will allow a vote on three separate pieces of legislation, none of which will allow the Republicans and Democrats in Congress, who support extending all current tax relief, to have an up-or-down vote before we adjourn for this campaign season.

The truth is, what's happening in Washington, D.C., this week is just unconscionable. Democrats are putting their politics over your prosperity. The economic policies of this administration have failed. Fifteen million Americans are unemployed, millions more have given up even looking for work. But now Speaker Pelosi and the Democrat majority want to impose one of the largest tax increases in our country's history on job creators in less than 100 days, and they won't even allow a vote on the floor to extend all tax relief.

Mr. Speaker, raising taxes on job creators won't create jobs. The Democrats are poised to embrace one of the largest tax increases in history in one of the worst economies in my lifetime, and it must not stand. The American people deserve to know. Washington Democrats are putting saving their jobs ahead of saving yours. Mr. Speaker, higher taxes won't get anybody hired. Congress must not vote to adjourn. We must not leave this Chamber before we permit a fair and open up-or-down vote to prevent higher taxes on any American in January of next year. House Republicans say, No extension of all tax relief for every American? No adjournment.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Van P. and Margaret Smith--of Muncie, Indiana--on the extraordinary occasion of their fiftieth wedding anniversary. Their dedication to one another, their family, their friends, and their community is a shining example of the foundational values which have made this nation great.

Margaret Ann Kennedy, born October 27, 1934, in Chicago, Illinois, moved to Muncie with her family as a young girl. There she attended Muncie Central High School and graduated from Ball State University in 1956 with a degree in Education. She went on to teach at Washington Elementary School in Muncie from 1956 to 1961.

Van P. Smith was born on September 8, 1928, in Oneida, New York. He graduated from Colgate University with a degree in Public Administration and Economics in 1950, and from Georgetown University with a Doctor of Jurisprudence in 1955. He has also received

honorary doctorate degrees from Ball State, Colgate, Indiana State, and Vincennes Universities as well as the Catholic University of America.

Van and Margaret met through mutual friends and were married on November 19, 1950. They made their home in Muncie, Indiana, where they continue to be active members of the community. The Smith's have a large and loving family, including five children and nineteen grandchildren. Margaret has been a loving and tirelessly devoted spouse, mother, and grandmother, while Van has been the leader and captain of their tight knit family.

Both Van and Margaret have given back to their local community for decades now, and I cannot praise them enough for their many generous charitable gifts. Margaret remains active with St. Mary's Parish, Tri Kappa Sorority, and the Harvest Soup Kitchen. For over 50 years, Van served as an owner and executive leader of Ontario Corporation, employing hundreds of Hoosiers. He was also instrumental in purchasing the Sherry Laboratories unit, where he still reports for work daily at the age of 82. He is recognized by community and business leaders as a respected and honored entrepreneur, dedicated to faith, family, and integrity. His accolades and achievements, though too numerous to list in this brief tribute, have had an immeasurable impact on not only my congressional district, but the entire state of Indiana and beyond. Perhaps most moving to me is the influence that Van and Margaret Smith have had on my life and on my family. My history with Van and Margaret goes back many years, and not only are they dear friends, but they have been a source of great guidance to me; words are inadequate to relay the depth of gratitude I feel for them both. The Good Book tells us that ``the fear of the Lord adds length to life,'' and it is clear that the Lord has had His hand on this remarkable couple. Their contribution is indeed impressive on a local, state, national, and international level. However, their defining characteristic is the depth of their humility and the breadth of their generosity. As is evident to all who are fortunate to know them, Van and Margaret have strived to live their lives honoring to God, family, friends, and their community with integrity and character.

Madam Speaker, I again congratulate Van and Margaret Smith on their fifty wonderful years of marriage and humbly thank them for their years of community service and friendship. I honor and applaud them for their dedication and generosity and pray God's best for them and their family.

Mr. Speaker, the American people are hurting in the city and on the farm. Our economy continues to struggle. Unless Congress acts before the end of this year, every American will see a tax increase--every single one.

That's why I rise in disbelief with the news that this Congress is poised to adjourn for the fall's elections without even taking a vote on extending current tax relief. Let me say that again. I know there are proposals on the majority side about trying to extend the tax relief for some and not others, but what we are hearing is they intend to adjourn before Election Day without ever voting to make sure that no American sees a tax increase in January of next year.

Mr. Speaker, higher taxes won't get anybody hired. Raising taxes on job creators won't create jobs. Let's have the debate. There's a growing bipartisan majority in this House that is prepared to extend all tax relief for every American in this, the worst economy in 25 years.

And so I say, no extension of tax relief, no adjournment. Congress must not adjourn until we take an up-or-down vote on extending all tax relief for every American.

Madam Speaker, I rise with a heavy heart to honor the sacrifice and courage of a young Hoosier who lost his life while supporting Operation New Dawn in Iraq.

Staff Sergeant Phillip Jenkins was providing security for a visiting commander when he was mortally wounded by hostile fire. Despite the dangerous nature of military service, Staff Sergeant Jenkins always knew he wanted to join the Army. Like so many before him, Staff Sergeant Jenkins bravely answered the call of duty. We will long remember the passion and dedication he had for his country, and the joy he had for life.

Staff Sergeant Jenkins is a true American hero, but the tragedy of such a loss as this is never easy. I give my most sincere condolences to Staff Sergeant Jenkins' wife, Melissa, and two young daughters, Lindly and Piper; mother, Rose Jenkins; sister Cassie Jenkins; mother- in-law Debby Feurer; father-in-law Mike Hays; two brothers-in-law Matt Hays and Nick Hays; and paternal grandmother Darlene Carlile. The Good Book tells us that ``The Lord is close to the brokenhearted,'' and that is my prayer for the family of Staff Sergeant Phillip Jenkins.

I thank the ranking member for yielding.

The American people are hurting. In the city and on the farm, families are struggling in the midst of the worst recession in 25 years.

Coming home to me especially today, Madam Speaker, because at this very hour more than a thousand Hoosiers are gathered at a job fair in my district. Some 65 companies have come together with a few cherished openings. My duty is here. But to be honest with you, I would rather be there, standing with those courageous Hoosiers who have come out, put on their Sunday best, and are reaching for a better future.

Congress ought to be taking action; but not this, not more of the same. Here we go again. Another jobs bill, another bailout. Washington, DC now after a year and a half of failed economic policies, a stimulus and borrowing and spending and bailouts and takeovers, says we need to do another jobs bill, so let's do another bailout: $26 billion to States, putting off the hard decisions that States ought to be making, and paying for it with more than $9 billion in tax increases.

You know, the American people are fed up with more taxes, more bailouts, more wasteful stimulus; yet here we go again. More spending, more bailouts and more taxes won't mean more jobs. Millions of Americans are asking: Where will it all end?

When will this Congress start to come together to make the hard choices to put our fiscal house in order and to preserve and promote the kind of tax policies that will release the trapped, inherent power of the American economy.

It is my hope and my prayer for those families gathered in Muncie at my job fair today that we will not have to wait until after November. But if we do, then we will. And the American people will remember November.

Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Russell Vought, currently the policy director for the House Republican Conference, who will leave the House after more than twelve years of service. Losing such a committed conservative and long-serving congressional staff member is a bittersweet moment for many House Republican Members, staff, and the conservative cause here on Capitol Hill.

It is written in the Good Book, ``Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth.'' Russell Vought embodies these words.

A native of Trumbull, Connecticut, Russell Thurlow Vought is the youngest of seven children and a die-hard Yankees fan. The son of an electrician and a schoolteacher, he graduated from Wheaton College in Illinois in 1998 with a bachelor's degree in history and political science. He came to Capitol Hill soon thereafter.

Mr. Vought began his career in public policy in the United States Senate. He first worked under retiring Senator Dan Coats of Indiana and soon moved to the staff of Senator Phil Gramm of Texas. During that time, he completed a Doctor of Jurisprudence degree at George Washington University Law School.

Mr. Vought later joined the staff of Representative Jeb Hensarling of Texas, where he was instrumental in helping craft the Family Budget Protection Act, a comprehensive piece of legislation to reform the federal budget process and limit government spending.

I became acquainted with Mr. Vought when I was privileged to serve as the chairman of the Republican Study Committee during the 109th Congress. He was the policy director and later served as the executive director of that conservative caucus.

After being elected Republican Conference Chairman last year, I asked Mr. Vought to join the Conference staff at the start of the 111th Congress. As Policy Director, he has superbly led the Conference policy team, which serves as the main hub of legislative information for Republican Members and their staff. His expertise in areas such as the federal budget, appropriations, entitlements and legislative procedure have been invaluable in promoting conservative solutions to the issues that face our nation.

As Members of Congress, we are constantly reminded of the important role played by reliable, like-minded staff members like Russell Vought. While we are sorry to lose one of the strongest advocates for the principles that guide us, Mr. Vought's infectious passion for the principles of life, liberty and limited government will long outlive his tenure here on Capitol Hill. On behalf of the House Republican Conference, I wish him continued success as he begins a new chapter in his professional life.

Thomas Jefferson said, ``When the people fear their government, there is tyranny; when the government fears the people, there is liberty.'' Make no mistake about it, there is fear in the air.

Now elitists in Washington, DC, would have us believe that the rising voice of the American people is based on fear, but it is becoming evident that the real fear is coming from Democratic elitists here in Washington who realize that the people will not be silenced.

Yesterday we learned of a new effort by Democrats in Washington to attack American citizens who speak their mind and peaceably assemble as ``extremists'' or ``radicals.'' Demeaning Tea Party citizens or other Americans for simply saying no to runaway spending, takeovers, and bailouts is beneath the dignity of a great political party and it smacks of desperation. The voices of the American people--whether the left or the right or the middle--should never be muted or demeaned by the leaders who serve them. And when we see baseless smears of good Americans whose only offense is the exercise of their First Amendment rights of free speech and free assembly, we should see the fear for what it is--the fear of losing an election.

Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Well, it's truly remarkable to come to the floor on what may be the second to last day of a long summer session and only be considering the second out of the 12 appropriations bills that Congress historically has spent the entire summer considering. As the distinguished ranking member of the committee said moments ago, this is only the second. We did the first of 12 yesterday.

And as we come to the floor today to speak about the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, Mr. Chairman, I can't even tell you that this bill is over the budget because not only have we spent the entire summer not appropriating the Federal budget, as Congress is obligated to do, but the Democrat majority didn't even pass a budget. Didn't even try to pass a budget. I mean it really is extraordinary. You can't say this bill exceeds the budget because the majority didn't even pass a budget.

Now, I heard the distinguished chairman of the full committee, who has my respect, the gentleman from Wisconsin, refer to this bill as fiscally responsible. I respect the gentleman. I believe, maybe grading on the curve that he is grading on, maybe it is. But the American people deserve to know the truth about this bill. It is a fact this bill does spend less than--1 percent less than last year's bill. But what they're kind of leaving out of the fine print is last year's bill was a 23 percent increase from the previous year. That didn't even include the $62 billion in related funding that was included in the so- called stimulus bill that's only stimulated more deficits and more debt. I mean it really is incredible.

And this bill, as has been mentioned by other colleagues in this debate, this bill is an earmark factory, with 459 earmarks in this bill, less than one-tenth of 1 percent of which are related to Republican Members of Congress. In fact, the House Republicans made a decision to refrain from submitting earmarks altogether because we believe the American people are tired of borrowing and spending as usual in Washington, D.C. They're tired of an earmarking culture and a favor factory here in Washington, D.C.

The truth is, as I look at this extraordinary piece of legislation and I think of a $1.47 trillion deficit this year, this massive spending bill just seems to be emblematic of the fact that this majority just doesn't get it. They don't understand that the American people are bone weary of deficits and debt and spending as usual. And they long for leadership in Washington, D.C., that's willing to play it straight, make the hard choices.

And this fall they will have the opportunity to elect a majority that will do just that.

Announcement by the Chair

Madam Speaker, I was absent from the House floor during rollcall vote 434. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I was absent from the House floor during rollcall votes 465-466. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall Nos. 465 and 466.

Madam Speaker, I rise to honor an extraordinary servant leader and fellow Hoosier. My relationship with Reverend Arthur Schwenk dates back to my school boy days when I was a student in his German class, and I recognize his extraordinary achievements and work on behalf of German-American relations.

Reverend Schwenk earned his Bachelor of Arts Education and Master of Arts degrees in German and psychology from Ball State University, and went on to teach in the public school system for 34 years. In 2005 he graduated from Concordia Theological Seminary with a Masters degree in theology and was ordained in 2006.

Throughout his career, Reverend Schwenk was an active and engaged community leader, as well as citizen ambassador. Never one to sit on the sidelines, he was instrumental in creating a partnership between my hometown of Columbus, Indiana, and Lane, Germany, and he also helped Indiana counties learn about many facets of German culture. For over thirty five years, Reverend Schwenk organized and led both adult and student tour groups to Germany to learn from and engage in German culture.

Clearly, Reverend Schwenk is passionate about, and dedicated to, helping fellow Hoosiers and Americans better understand and appreciate German-American relations. It is most fitting that he is being awarded the ``Federal Republic of Germany Friendship Award,'' one of the highest awards bestowed upon an individual by the German government. This prestigious award honors Reverend Schwenk's desire to create mutual understanding and appreciation of his native Germany here in America. On behalf of hundreds of students, myself included, I thank Reverend Schwenk for his sacrifice in educating and encouraging continued understanding and respect for German-American relations.

Madam Speaker, 18 months into this administration, one thing is clear: the economic policies of this administration and this liberal Democratic Congress have failed. Nearly 15 million Americans are unemployed. Unemployment hovers near a heart-breaking 10 percent; and after months of runaway spending, bailouts and takeovers, Washington Democrats are now poised to add tax increases to their agenda.

The American people are starting to realize that unless this Congress acts, every single income tax bracket will increase on January 1, 2011, every single one. This weekend Treasury Secretary Geithner actually said ``The country can withstand that. I think it's good policy.''

Really? Fifteen million Americans unemployed and this administration defines good policy as what the country can withstand? The country cannot withstand more spending, more borrowing, more bailouts, or more taxes; and House Republicans will fight this tax increase with everything we have got.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to mourn the loss of a dear friend to the community of Sellersburg, Indiana.

Lynette Elizabeth Hoffman-Miller was a devoted wife, loving mother, and courageous warrior in her battle against leukemia. Though the pain of her passing is deeply felt, we will continue to be inspired by the life she led.

Lynette was born on March 20, 1972 in Albuquerque, New Mexico, to Bill and Elizabeth Hoffman. A graduate of Mayfield High School in Las Cruces, Lynette went on to receive her bachelor's degree from New Mexico State University.

Lynette later moved to Sellersburg, Indiana, where she would become an active leader and vital asset to the Hoosier state. She served as the first Vice President of the Indiana Federation of Republican Women, where she excelled in her mission to support Republican principles and promote community service.

A longtime advocate of healthy living, Lynette spent many hours promoting nutrition, exercise, and complementary medicine on her blog. She was very fond of time spent with her mother and sister attending wellness conventions.

Her strong faith helped her and her family through her difficult battle against leukemia. Lynette served on the board of directors of St. Joe on the Hill Catholic Church in Sellersburg. She also taught Sunday school and relished time spent with her family and friends.

One of Lynette's favorite hobbies was to create unique and thoughtful greeting cards and stamps for her friends and loved ones. She was an avid fan of singer Toby Keith and loved the color green.

We have lost an important figure in the Sellersburg community, but I know that Lynette's legacy will not soon be forgotten. Let us keep her cherished family and friends in our prayers during this difficult time, especially her husband Chuck Miller, daughter Cambrelyn, parents Bill and Elizabeth Hoffman, sister Trinette (Jason) Dixon, paternal grandmother Ann Hoffman, and father and mother-in-law Dr. Robert and Lois Miller.

May they find comfort in the Old Book, which tells us that ``Because of the Lord's great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. They are new every morning.''

Madam Speaker, I submit the following letter.

Dear Chairman Levin and Ranking Member Camp: I write to

express my serious concerns about H.R. 4976, the ``Internet

Gambling Regulation and Tax Enforcement Act of 2010,'' and

the legislation it implements, H.R. 2267, the ``Internet

Gambling Regulation, Consumer Protection, and Enforcement

Act.'' The ``optimum'' revenue effects of these bills can be

achieved only by massive and unprecedented expansion of

gambling and by preempting the powers of the States to

regulate gambling within their borders.

Gambling regulation has traditionally been conducted by the

States and Indian tribes. H.R. 2267, the substantive proposal

that underlies the revenue provisions of H.R. 4976, creates

an Internet gambling licensing system that vests regulatory

authority in the United States Treasury Department. While

H.R. 2267 allows the Treasury to partner with States to carry

out regulatory and enforcement activities, the bill also

provides all Federal licensees with a ``complete defense

against any prosecution or enforcement action under any

Federal or State law.'' This ``safe harbor'' provision

effectively nullifies existing State laws by placing all

Federal license-holders outside the scope of the States' own

gambling enforcement powers.

H.R. 2267 also preempts current Federal laws that are vital

to State gambling and regulatory frameworks. State laws are

reinforced by Federal statutes that either rely on

substantive State provisions or prevent interstate incursions

on State-level public policies. The Federal Wire Act of 1961,

for instance, supplements State gambling controls by barring

interstate wagers. The Unlawful Internet Gambling Enforcement

Act of 2006 is structured, in part, around State gambling

laws. By exempting licensees from laws such as the Wire Act

or UIGEA, H.R. 2267 severely impairs this long-standing,

complimentary relationship between Federal and State

regulatory systems.

Importantly, the revenue-generating power of H.R. 4967

depends almost entirely on the Federal preemption made

possible by H.R. 2267. H.R. 2267 does provide a restrictive

opt-out mechanism through which the States may decline to

participate in the Federal licensing system. However, the

Joint Committee on Taxation's most expansive of four

different estimates--$42 billion--is based on discarding even

these State opt-out rights in favor of complete Federal

preemption. In that estimate, the Joint Committee explicitly

assumed that ``no State or tribal government will be

permitted to limit federally licensed Internet gambling

operators from providing online gambling services in their

jurisdictions.'' In other words, H.R. 4976 will generate $42

billion only if H.R. 2267's opt-out procedure--its principal

State-protective provison--is eviscerated.

The Joint Committee on Taxation estimate that is most

clearly based on the texts of H.R. 2267 and H.R. 4976

indicates that the bills will generate approximately $10

billion in Federal revenue. This much more modest estimate

appears to assume that many States will choose to opt-out in

order to prevent the expansion of gambling on the Internet.

While we realize that H.R. 4976 provides license fee revenue

and grants to the States, these incentives do not assuage my

concerns.

Thank you for considering my view.

Sincerely,

Gregory F. Zoeller,

Indiana Attorney General.