Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in honor of the retirement of Mr. D.O. `Spike' Helmick Commissioner of the California Highway Patrol (CHP). Mr. Helmick has served the state of California in the California Highway Patrol for 35 years. Mr. Helmick has served as commissioner for the last 9 years and was appointed as the State's first director of Homeland Security.

Born in Texas in 1945 and raised in California, Commissioner Helmick graduated from Oroville High School. He is a graduate of the FBI's National Executive Institute and has completed graduate work in public administration through Golden Gate University. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Administration of Justice from Golden Gate University and received Associate of Arts degrees in Police Science and Business Administration from Yuba and Glendale Colleges. Mr. Helmick, who left his job in a clothing store in his Northern California hometown of Oroville to join the California Highway Patrol, graduated from the training academy in 1969. His first assignments were patrol duty in Glendale and other parts of Los Angeles County.

Commissioner Helmick has held every rank from Cadet to Deputy Commissioner. Prior to appointment as Commissioner in 1995, he served as Deputy Commissioner for six years. Before that he served as Chief of the CHP's Coastal Division, which encompasses ten area offices and two inspection facilities from Santa Cruz to Ventura. Prior to being appointed Chief of the Division he served as Assistant Chief of Coastal Division from December 1986 through February 1989. From 1975 through 1986, Commissioner Helmick was assigned to the Office of Special Representative to the Legislature and commanded that office beginning in 1981. He also served in the South Los Angeles and Glendale Areas. On November 1, 1995, `Spike' Helmick was appointed Commissioner of the CHP, commanding 6,730 uniformed and 3,200 nonuniformed personnel, located in 8 field divisions, 99 area commands, 16 commercial vehicle inspection facilities, 6 communications centers, and headquarters staff and executive offices. Mr. Helmick's duties ranged from heading up the state's homeland security programs in the aftermath of September 11, 2001, to assisting in riot control and aiding local departments in the fight against street gangs.

As Commissioner, Mr. Helmick initiated the concept of High Performance Policing within the CHP. Under his guidance, each CHP commander assesses the needs and expectations of the community served by their command. Delivery of service is tailored to satisfy both community and statewide needs.

Commissioner Helmick has continually emphasized the importance that the CHP workforce be representative of the state's diverse population so that the best services will be provided to all Californians. To this end, recruitment, hiring and promotion of women and ethnic minorities have been established as departmental priorities.

Support for Commissioner Helmick is widely based throughout California. His genuine concern for the needs of our state's citizens is evidenced by such diverse Department programs as Spanish language instruction of CHP employees, inclusion of cultural awareness training modules in recurrent training, and direction of Department resources to address specific crime and public safety issues.

There is no doubt that D.O. `Spike' Helmick has been an outstanding public servant for the people of California. His distinguished career record speaks for itself. It has been my honor to work with Commissioner Helmick as both a State Senator and now as a Congressman. He is my friend and a friend to everyone in the California Highway Patrol. For these reasons I move that we recognize and honor D.O. `Spike' Helmick for his outstanding achievements and service to the people of the State of California.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my friend James A. Swanson, Supervising Biologist for the Central Coast region of Department of Fish and Game, who is being honored on the occasion of his retirement after over 30 years.

A native of California, Jim Swanson grew up in Pasadena and received his Bachelors Degree in Wildlife Management from Humboldt State University. He began his outstanding career in the Department of Fish and Game as a Fish and Wildlife seasonal aide in California in 1969.

In 1975, Jim became a Junior Wildlife Manager-Biologist in the Central Coast Region. From 1977-78 he was the Project Manager coordinating the San Francisco Bay Study. He then returned to work as an Assistant Wildlife Manager-Biologist and went on to work as an Associate Wildlife Biologist. In 2001, he assumed the duties of Supervising Biologist for the Central Coast Region.

As Supervising Biologist for the Central Coast Region he served many counties including: Alameda, Contra Costa, Lake, Marin, Mendocino, Monterey, Napa, San Benito, San Francisco, Santa Cruz, San Luis Obispo, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Sonoma, and part of Solano. He helped to acquire over 14,000 acres for the Napa-Sonoma Marshes State Wildlife Area and was instrumental in the restoration of that habitat.

Mr. Swanson and his wife, Kathey, have two daughters, Renee and Jamie as well as three grandchildren. Jim is an avid fisherman and bird watcher.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize James A. Swanson for his contributions to the preservation of the natural resources of our nation. He will be missed and we extend our best wishes to him in his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 100th anniversary of the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department in Humboldt County, California.

The members of the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department, organized on June 20, 1904, are dedicated to the protection and preservation of life and property when threatened by the perils of fire.

In 1932 the Fire Department became a fire protection district to better serve the people of this spectacular part of the Redwood Empire. In 1957 the district expanded its services with the addition of a second fire station in Hydesville. In 1967 a third fire station was formed in Campton Heights. A new main station was opened in Fortuna in 1998.

The Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department currently consists of a force of 68 people at three fire stations covering 26 square miles and protecting a population of more than 20,000 people. Each member completes a minimum of 156 hours of training.

The members of the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department provide fire prevention, education for students in local schools and residents of senior care homes. The volunteers maintain an on-going disaster preparedness program and serve the community with fire prevention inspections of new construction, day care facilities, senior care facilities and schools. In addition, members hold scholarship fundraisers, take part in Christmas programs serving needy families and handicapped children.

The Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department is a vital part of the life of our Eel River Valley community.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize the Fortuna Volunteer Fire Department on the occasion of its 100th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend from North Carolina for yielding.

I too want to express appreciation to everyone in the Sportsmen's Caucus who came out, put aside the partisan battles and entered into some good fun and sportsmanship in advance of the shooting sports and to congratulate everyone who participated.

This year we had a record turnout, 13 Democrats, 13 Republicans. Most important, a whole group of new Members who came out had never participated in the event in the past. Next year, I would only ask that you not spray the Democrats' targets with the bulletproof spray paint so we have at least a chance.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the significant achievements of Howard Martin Chase, the principal of Riviera Elementary School in Kelseyville, California.

Howard Martin Chase earned his Bachelors of Arts and Elementary Teaching Credential from California State University, Chico. Anxious to educate and serve, after graduation Mr. Chase became an elementary teacher in the Fairfield-Suison Unified School District.

Mr. Chase returned to school to pursue a postgraduate degree. He received his Administrative Services Credential in 1984 from California State University, Sacramento. He went on to serve as Principal at Kelseyville Primary School, Gard St. Elementary School and Riviera Elementary School. In 2003, he earned his Masters Degree in Education from Ashwood University.

It is not surprising that Mr. Chase is also very active in his community outside of his duties as principal. He has served as a board member of the Lake County Red Cross, acted as president of the Kelseyville Park Association, is a founding member of the Kelseyville Quality Educational Foundation and has served as chairperson for numerous committees for the Kelseyville School District.

Mr. Chase has also been involved in many fundraising events within Lake County. Through his efforts as an auctioneer, he helped raise over $1.5 million dollars for charities, schools and many nonprofit groups. He established the first Educational-Business Partnership in Lake County. This partnership between Lake County Schools and Konocti Harbor Resort and Spa has resulted in over $600,000 being donated to local schools.

Mr. Chase has already received several awards of recognition. The California State Senate named Mr. Chase the California Educator of the Year in 1996, and he was named Man of the Year for Lake County in March of 2004.

Mr. Chase is devoted to his family. He and his wife Pat have been married for over 20 years. They have one child, Jessica, and two grandchildren, Jenee and Aliyah. After the passing of his mother, Mr. Chase placed a sign in front of the school in her memory that says, ``Welcome To A Place Where Everyone Is Special.''

Mr. Speaker, because of the many contributions Howard Chase has made to his community, it is proper for us to honor him today as he moves on to his new position as superintendent of North County Joint Union School District in Hollister, California, and wish him the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the chairman and his colleagues on that side of the aisle on their debate today and associate myself with the remarks that they have made. I agree that this debate should not be limited to the actions of those responsible for these inhumane acts.

It is also about the tens of thousands of U.S. military personnel who are performing their jobs honorably and bravely in the face of danger every single day. It is important for us to focus on these men and women today, Mr. Speaker, because the system that broke down and the system that is responsible for these inhumanities has just placed an even larger target on each of their foreheads. For the 138,000 brave men and women, and for the countless other Americans in Iraq today, their lives have become even more perilous with every new disclosure of atrocity.

This Congress was kept in the dark for months, but now the lights have been turned on. For every minute we take to find our voice, to take a bold action, to demonstrate to the world that American democracy and humanity are more than words that we teach to schoolchildren, is another minute that our soldiers face more danger and even greater odds than they would have faced otherwise, and they exacerbate their chances of getting back home to see their families again.

If this debate is truly about them, I say to my colleagues; if this debate is truly about them, they deserve more than a few words on this floor today. They deserve accountability, and they deserve action, and they deserve it now.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time and for his bringing this measure before this House for a vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the motion offered by the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore) which would require the budget conferees to include the pay-as-you-go provisions, budgets enforcement provisions, in the final budget bill.

Ten years ago, our colleagues across the aisle made a contract with America. One of the first principles they promised to instill in this Congress was a requirement that all laws that apply to the rest of the country would also apply equally to the Congress.

Well, the truth is, American families are required by law to pay their bills; yet in Congress we do not require the same thing of our own institution, and that is wrong.

One of the previous speakers said that we are trying to tie the hands of Congress so we can automatically bring about tax increases. That is absolutely not true. All this measure says is, if we pass a bill, we should pay for that bill.

The House budget resolution for 2005 was passed on a straight party line vote; but it was the alternative, with the strongest budget enforcement provisions, the Blue Dog budget, that got the bipartisan support.

Budget enforcement received bipartisan support not only in the House, but in the Senate also. They passed an amendment extending pay-as-you- go rules to both revenue and spending measures with the support of a bipartisan majority. Common ground, bipartisan ground can be found on the issue of budget enforcement.

If we are really going to reduce the deficit, bipartisanship is a must. It does not matter if it is an increase in spending or a reduction in revenue. If it is important enough for this House to pass it as law, by golly, we should pay for it. That is what this motion to instruct says. The motion is to instruct the conferees to agree to the Senate pay-as-you-go provision, which requires the Congress to find a way to pay for new spending or new tax cuts.

Members of the Blue Dog Coalition have been calling for the reinstatement of pay-as-you-go on both revenue and spending since the Budget Enforcement Act expired in 2002. And it is not a partisan concept. From the original pay-as-you-go provision, it was brought about by bipartisanship. It was an agreement between the first President Bush and a Democratic Congress. A Democratic President and Congress extended pay-as-you-go in 1993, and a Democratic President and a Republican Congress extended it again in 1997, along with $100 billion worth of tax cuts.

Today we can send a clear message from the Congress that we will hold ourselves to the same standards as we hold American families. Vote ``yes'' on this motion to instruct and reintroduce fiscal responsibility to this House and to the American taxpayers.

Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

The point is if it is important enough to pass, it is important enough to pay for. The record deficit and the record debt, $7 trillion worth of debt, on mark to go up to $10.4 trillion in the next 5 years, that is the difference between revenue and spending. It is not the difference between spending. If we believe this is important enough to tax, we should pay for whatever it is we pass.

Mr. Speaker, it is with a heavy heart that I rise today to pay tribute to Jimmy Arroyave, USMC, who was killed in the line of duty in Iraq on April 15, 2004. On his second deployment in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Staff Sgt. Arroyave died in a motor vehicle accident northeast of Al Ramadi.

Serving with the Combat Service Support Battalion, 1st Marine Expeditionary Force, which is stationed out of Camp Pendleton, this 30- year-old resident of Yolo County, CA answered his country's call and paid the ultimate price.

Born in Cali, Colombia, Staff Sgt. Arroyave moved to Woodland, CA, at an early age and enlisted in the Marine Corps in 1993. He was proud to be a Marine, loved the military life and had planned on making the military his career.

In addition to his deployments to Iraq, Staff Sgt. Arroyave served in Kuwait from October 2002 until June 2003, and in Japan for 12 months in 1999. He was the recipient of the Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon and the Navy and Marine Corps Overseas Ribbon.

Staff Sgt. Arroyave was a devoted son, husband, and father. He is survived by his wife Rachelle, who is 3 months pregnant, daughters Vanessa and Natalia, all of Oceanside,

and daughter Catie of Dixon. He leaves behind his mother, Carmenza Brennan of Woodland, his father Javier Arroyave of New York, and a loving circle of extended family.

Staff Sgt. Arroyave died serving the country he loved, with comrades he loved and with the love of his wife and family in his heart. Our Nation is humbled and grateful for his sacrifice.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Staff Sgt. Jimmy Arroyave, who gave his life in service to our country.

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

Mr. Speaker, S. 1904 is a bill to designate the United States Courthouse located at 400 North Miami Avenue in Miami, Florida as the Wilkie D. Ferguson, Jr. United States Courthouse. The gentleman from Florida (Mr. Meek) introduced the House companion bill, H.R. 2538, for himself, the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Ros-Lehtinen), and the gentlemen from Florida (Mr. Lincoln Diaz-Balart), (Mr. Mario Diaz- Balart), (Mr. Deutsch), and (Mr. Brown).

Judge Wilkie Ferguson, a native Floridian, was born to immigrant parents in 1938 and was raised in a public housing project in Miami. Through hard work, perseverance, and personal drive, he received degrees from Florida A&M University, Drexel University in Philadelphia, and a law degree from Howard University Law School in the District of Columbia.

Judge Ferguson served in the U.S. Army Reserves from 1960 until 1964 as a Lieutenant and as a Reserve Captain from 1964 to 1968. He was nominated to the Federal bench by President Clinton in 1993 and was confirmed by the U.S. Senate in November of 1993.

Despite his humble beginnings, Judge Ferguson achieved the highest levels of judicial service and was a dedicated public servant. He holds the distinction of being the first black jurist appointed to the Miami Dade Circuit Court and the Third District Court of Appeals. His judicial legacy includes a 1980 ruling that African Americans cannot be systematically excluded from a jury. His rulings also significantly affected the lives of many disabled individuals by prohibiting the State from reducing services to the disabled.

Judge Ferguson was a prolific writer and authored many articles on Federal drug laws, expert witnesses, and privacy in the computer age. He received numerous awards and honors, including the Courage and Scholarship in Legal Writing Award from the National Bar Association, the Champions of Higher Education in Florida Award, and the Thurgood Marshall Achievement Award For Exceptional Scholarly Performance.

He was a member of the American Bar Association, the National Bar Association, and the Florida Supreme Court Committee on Jury Instructions.

Judge Ferguson was highly regarded and was liked by not only his peers, but also by many young colleagues. He was experienced, knowledgeable, and dedicated to fairness and compassion. It is most fitting that the courthouse in Miami be named in his honor. I support S. 1904 and urge its passage.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Meek).

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

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), my esteemed colleague and the esteemed whip for the minority side of the aisle.

Mr. Speaker, I associate myself with the remarks made by the author of the bill, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer).

Mr. Speaker, I ask for passage of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I am delighted to support, along with Ms. Norton, Mr. Hoyer, Mr. Wolf, Mr. Moran of Virginia, Mr. Wynn, and Mr. Van Hollen, H. Con. Res. 376, and acknowledge the efforts of Mr. Hoyer, who has been such a great and consistent champion for his constituents for this event.

H. Con. Res. 376 authorizes use of the Capitol Grounds for the Greater Washington Soap Box Derby. Youngsters age 9 through 16 construct and operate their own soap box vehicles. On June 19, 2004 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 quickly 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.

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

I support H. Con. Res. 376 and urge passage of this resolution.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, this bill designates the Federal building located at 228 Walnut Street, Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, as the Ronald Reagan Federal Building. The bill was introduced by Senator Specter for himself and Senator Santorum. The House companion bill, H.R. 3923, was introduced by the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster.)

Former President Reagan was our country's 40th President. He was a magnetic leader whose greatest legacy was perhaps his call to Mr. Gorbachev to ``tear down this wall.''

His talents and his personal touch enabled him to rally support for his programs, often convincing even his greatest critics to see things his way. His charisma along with his sense of humor have earned him a special place in our Nation's history.

I urge passage of this bill.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, H. Con. Res. 388 authorizes use of the Capitol grounds for the 23rd 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 15, will be coordinated with the Office of the Architect of the Capitol and the Capitol Hill Police.

This is a fitting tribute to Federal, State and local police officers who give their lives in the daily work of protecting our families, our homes, our places of work, and us. Three hundred sixty-two names will be added to the memorial wall this year, including the names of 145 brave men and women who were killed in the line of duty, as well as 217 historic cases that were uncovered by the Memorial Research Department.

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 2003, six of the fallen officers were women.

The ceremony to be held on May 15 is the 23rd 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.

This measure is particularly important to me, Mr. Speaker, because my youngest son, Jon, is Deputy Sheriff in Calaveras County in California, and I would like to recognize him for his great service and all of those brave men and women who serve us every day. I urge its passage.

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

Mr. Speaker, due to a family emergency I was not present to vote on rollcall votes 136, 137, and 138, which were held today on H.R. 4181.

Had I been present, I would have voted: ``Yes'' on the Rangel Substitute (rollcall vote 136); ``yes'' on the Motion to Recommit (rollcall vote 137); ``no'' on Final Passage (rollcall vote 138).

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize my good friend Larry Lattman. Mr. Lattman's outstanding contributions and dedication to our country are truly appreciated.

A highly regarded member of the community, Larry Lattman was born in Los Angeles, California. After graduating from high school he enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps where he served with tremendous honor and valiance in the Korean War.

Larry Lattman is a member of the Marine Corps League, AMVETS, Jewish War Veterans, the Veterans of Foreign Wars; he has a seat on the California Veterans Board and is a member of the National Legislative Committee of the American Legion. He served two terms with distinction as Chairperson of the Allied Council of the Veterans Home in Yountville. As Chair of the Allied Council Mr. Lattman appeared before California State Senate and Assembly Committees, speaking on the behalf of veterans more than 100 times.

Mr. Lattman's many trips to the legislature helped the Home receive needed funds for projects such as construction of new water and electric systems, improving the recreation building, cemetery renovations, and the purchase of a new x-ray machine as well as a whole host of other improvements.

In spite of severe physical limitations and major disabilities, he has distinguished himself as a selfless crusader on behalf of other veterans. He has demonstrated with distinction the creed, ``Veterans Helping Veterans.''

Larry Lattman is being recognized this year for his outstanding contributions as a veteran's advocate by the Veterans Home during Yountville's Founders Day Celebration. He is being inducted into the Yountville Veteran Home's hall of fame, their highest honor.

Mr. Speaker, it is appropriate at this time that we recognize Larry Lattman for his contributions and service to the people of our country.

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

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

Last week, the House passed a budget resolution for fiscal year 2005. They did so on a straight party-line vote. But it was the alternative with the strongest budget enforcement provisions, the Blue Dog budget, that got the bipartisan support. Budget enforcement received bipartisan support in the Senate, also. They passed an amendment extending PAYGO rules to both revenue and spending measures with the support of a bipartisan majority.

Common ground, bipartisan ground, can be found on the issue of budget enforcement; and if we are really going to reduce the deficit, bipartisanship is a must.

Spring is a time of March Madness and the basketball tournament. But when it comes to responsible budgeting, I feel like it is baseball season around here.

On March 17, the House Committee on the Budget voted down a PAYGO amendment on a straight party-line vote. Strike one.

On March 24, the House Committee on Rules ruled out of order a PAYGO amendment on a straight party-line vote. Strike two.

And on March 25, the House approved a budget that had no PAYGO rules by a straight party-line vote. Three strikes, and we were out.

When it comes to budget enforcement, the House of Representatives struck out, but, unfortunately, it is our constituents that are the real losers here today. And our constituents understand that deficits impact them directly. They know that a $477 billion deficit means that we are borrowing money from the Social Security Trust Fund to pay our bills. They understand that a $7 trillion national debt means that $50 billion of their hard-earned tax dollars are being sent to other countries every single year in interest payments on that national debt. Our constituents understand that Washington expects them to balance their budgets and to pay their bills. What they do not understand is why Washington does not require the same of ourselves.

Families across America sit down every week to balance their checkbooks. Our government, unfortunately, has not balanced its budget in 3 years. We have maxed out our national credit cards not once but twice; and instead of paying down the debt, we have increased our spending limit on that national credit card.

Today, we can send a clear message that Congress needs to hold itself to the same standards that it holds American families. Congress needs to pay for what it does. It does not matter if it is an increase in spending or a reduction in revenue. If it is important enough to become law, we should be required to pay for it. That is the motion to instruct that is before us today.

The motion instructs the conferees to agree to the strongest possible enforcement rules for all spending increases and tax cut legislation in the House and Senate, and it instructs conferees to adopt the Senate amendment on PAYGO as applied to all legislation that increases the deficit.

Members of the Blue Dog Coalition have been calling for the reinstatement of PAYGO on both revenue and spending since the Budget Enforcement Act expired in 2002. And it is not a partisan concept. As a matter of fact, in its original form, PAYGO was part of a bipartisan budget agreement between the first President Bush and a Democratic Congress. A Democratic President and Congress extended PAYGO in 1993, and a Democratic President and Republican Congress extended it again in 1997.

Members of both parties have long appreciated the PAYGO rules as an enforcement tool that helps Congress achieve and maintain a balanced budget.

Today, I urge Members of both parties to vote yes on this motion to instruct. Such a vote will tell our constituents that this House of Representatives understands that we are not sent here to play games with the budget, but we are sent here to balance the budget. It will say that we are serious about deficit reductions and that we are willing to reach that goal in a bipartisan fashion.

Mr. Speaker, I urge the Members to please vote ``yes'' on this motion to instruct.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 15 seconds to respond briefly to my friend.

Mr. Speaker, this motion to instruct is not about tax cuts, it is about balancing the budget. In 1993, when we had PAYGO rules, we passed tax cuts. In 1997, with PAYGO rules, we passed tax cuts. This is merely saying if a bill is important enough to pass, it ought to be important enough to pay for. The American people deserve it.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt), the distinguished ranking member of the Committee on the Budget.

(Mr. SPRATT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my distinguished Blue Dog colleague, the gentleman from Hawaii (Mr. Case).

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 30 seconds to respond.

Mr. Speaker, first I want to just make sure everybody understands, this does not make it more difficult to raise taxes. This merely makes it honest to raise taxes. My friend from Iowa is correct, taxpayers pay all right. They pay $1 billion a day in interest on the national debt, $50 billion a year in interest to countries like China and Japan and the OPEC nations.

When budgets do not balance, taxpayers do pay. That is why we need

Mr. Speaker, again, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In 1997, we cut taxes by $100 billion as part of the Balanced Budget Agreement. This does not

do anything to hamper tax cuts. It just says we have to be honest. We have to pay for them. Pass the tax cuts, but pay for them.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm), the distinguished policy chair of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 15 seconds to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm) to respond.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cooper), a distinguished Blue Dog colleague and member on the Budget Committee.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Turner), our Blue Dog colleague.

Mr. Speaker, I briefly yield 15 seconds to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Turner), ranking member of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, to respond to some comments that were made regarding national defense.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 15 seconds to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt), the ranking member of the Committee on the Budget.

Mr. Speaker, how much time do I have remaining?

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Price).

(Mr. PRICE of North Carolina asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

We are prepared to close.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of the time.

This has been a very interesting and very telling debate. It has been a debate about paying our bills. Unfortunately, our colleagues across the aisle have tried to make this into some bogeyman about tax cuts, and there is nothing, nothing that could be further from the truth.

This is about balancing our budget and paying for what we spend. My friend from Iowa's constituents in his district and my constituents on the north coast, if they go in to get a farm loan or a car loan or a home mortgage loan, the bank looks at both their spending patterns and their revenue source. That is because they understand that the difference between spending and revenue is the deficit, something we all agree we have to get under control.

The chairman and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman) understood this, too, back in 1997 when they joined 217 other Republicans to vote for a measure that put PAYGO in place; and I might add that PAYGO that they voted for in 1997 was actually stronger than the language that we are voting on today. It was statutory and they voted on a measure with Democrats, bipartisan measure, that passed a $100 billion tax cut as part of that budget agreement.

I would be interested in knowing what has changed today other than the fact that our deficit and our debt is much higher than it was back then.

Mr. Speaker, if this Congress is serious about deficit reduction, this Congress needs to stand together, and we need to vote to support the PAYGO rules that apply to both revenue and spending. Our constituents today deserve it, and future generations deserve it. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this motion to instruct.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.