Jim Bunning

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. They are called Tasers.

Mr. BUNNING. Nonlethal weapons, and totally voluntary.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I have the privilege and honor of rising today to recognize Miss Jessica Collins of Brandenburg, KY. Jessica was selected as Kentucky's winner of the 2003 Future Farmers of America Award. Jessica was recognized at an awards gala hosted by the Louisville Courier-Journal Newspaper as part of their 2003 Salute to Young Achievers. Jessica earned this distinguished honor by sharing her commitment to agricultural development through a written essay reviewed and selected by the Kentucky Association of Future Farmers of America and the Kentucky Department of Education. The thoughts conveyed in her essay are not empty words, but instead, hours of hard work show her commitment to excellence. A graduate of Meade County High School, Jessica's future plans include pursuing a college degree and continuing her passion of ranching. Currently, over 19 Angus cows and numerous farming equipment fall under her ownership and direction. This strong business interest was first sparked in her local 4-H chapter and will aid her as she seeks an economics degree at Western Kentucky University. I am pleased that Jessica takes such an interest in her community and in agriculture. Her expertise and experience will serve Kentucky well. I want to thank the Senate for allowing me to congratulate Jessica Collins. She is one of Kentucky's finest gems.

Ms. BUNNING

Ms. BUNNING. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent to be listed as a cosponsor of the Landrieu amendment.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise to honor and pay tribute to Kelsey Ladt of Paducah, KY, for her inimitable sense of giving and community service. Kelsey, age 8, led an art tour fundraiser for the Community Foundation of Western Kentucky, with proceeds benefitting the Lourdes' Foundation patient care fund and the St. Nicholas Free Family Clinic. Kelsey Curd Ladt, daughter of Vicki and Ric Ladt, is a gifted and precocious young lady with an exceptional sense of selflessness and charity. She singlehandedly led a tour of the artwork inside her parents' home for 35 people. Kelsey paused by each painting to share historical insight and anecdote, a remarkable feat for someone so young. Kelsey researched art at Murray State University under the tutelage of Dr. Joy Navan. With the encouragement from Navan and family friend Bill Ford, Kelsey planned the fundraiser and interviewed directors of various beneficiaries before selecting the Lourdes' Foundation and the St. Nicholas Free Family Clinic. Kelsey, who is herself an accomplished artist and pianist, plans on expanding the art tour to four homes in the coming years, in order to better serve her community. Later this summer she will participate in a forensic anthropology course at Murray State University and a gifted and talented camp at Western Kentucky University. It is my pleasure to honor such an exceptional and altruistic young lady for her extraordinary charitable contributions to her community. I thank the Senate for allowing me to laud her praises. She is one of Kentucky's finest.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to all involved in organizing Operation Blessing. Operation Blessing was an event hosted by seven churches for the families of the 159th Aviation Brigade at Fort Campbell, KY which took place on May 3, 2003. It was a work of charity and compassion for which all those involved are certainly deserving of thanks and respect. David Mudd of God's Outreach, Inc. in Owensboro, KY, led the organization of the event working closely with other community and church leaders, including Mrs. Allison Bird of Fort Campbell; Pastor Troy Oakley of World Destiny Church in Hopkinsville; Pastor Roy Ellis of Christian Assembly Church in Madisonville; Pastor Cleddie Keith of Heritage Assembly of God in Florence; Pastor Louis Embry of Christ Community Church in Hopkinsville; Pastor Tim and Linda Rigdon of New Covenant Church in Providence; Pastor Garswa Matally of Wing Avenue Baptist Church in Owensboro; Pastor Sammy Wilson of Word and Spirit Church in Owensboro; Don Boyd of Bethel Church in McDaniels; Steve Kukul of the Lipton Corporation in Owensboro; and Pastor David Pry of River Outreach Ministries in Evansville, IN. These men and women raised a lot of needed items and services for the families of the 159th Aviation Brigade, ranging from washing machines and furniture to live music and good company and fellowship. There was a raffle to distribute bicycles and helmets for children of the 159th and 17,000 pounds of food was distributed to the military families. Many of the members of the pastors' congregations came from all around the Commonwealth for fellowship with the families of deployed soldiers and to volunteer their time and services. The most important gift Operation Blessing gave was the reassurance that the sacrifices soldiers and their families make do not go unnoticed or unappreciated. Operation Blessing was a shining example of love of country and of compassion for our fellow soldiers. These women and men demonstrated that America treats her soldiers and their families with much deserved respect and due honor. They are to be highly commended for their acts of charity and their example should be noted and followed by all. I thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize Operation Blessing and the sacrifices of the 159th Aviation Brigade and their families. Those who made this charitable event successful and those military families who stand by and support our soldiers in harm's way fighting for our freedom are truly humble and patriotic Americans.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Madam President, I wish to pay tribute to Ruth Evans of Henderson, KY, for her selfless devotion to Kentucky's youth. Ruth received the Excellence in Service award from the Kentucky Cabinet for Families and Children for her relentless service as a foster parent. Representing the Green River Region, Ruth Evans along with her late husband, George, began providing a safe home to children in need 22 years ago and have done so without any prejudice towards the foster child's background, personality or disability. To date she is credited with raising 250 foster children in addition to the eight children of her own. Her love of children and her dedication to ensuring that every child receives the best opportunity to succeed has been the backbone of her service as a foster parent. While receiving the Excellence in Service award is a wonderful honor for Ruth, she says her greatest reward for her efforts are the occasional visits she receives from former foster children who return as adults with children of their own to share their lives with her. Some foster children come to Ruth neglected and abused but all have had the opportunity to learn and grow in a safe environment. Ruth's faith in God has been a guiding force during her years spent as a foster parent. As the father of nine children and the grandfather of many more, including some adopted children, I am inspired by Ruth's example. Her efforts have made all the difference in the lives of so many and she has helped make Kentucky a better place to live. Parents and foster parents alike throughout Kentucky and across America should emulate her example. I thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize Ruth and voice her praises. She is Kentucky at its finest.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Matt Bowles for being selected as the State Winner of the 4-H Award for Excellence. Matt will enroll in the University of Kentucky on scholarship in the fall and is the son of Larry and Diana Bowles of Mount Hermon, KY. Matt's compassion for immigrants who struggle with language barriers led him to develop a community service project that helped his community break down cultural barriers and welcome diversity. With this program Matt solicited the aid of advanced Spanish students at his high school to help the local English as a Second Language tutoring program for Hispanics. This award is based upon the leadership, communication, and organizational work Kentucky 4-H members have done through a 4-H Honors program sponsored by the University of Kentucky Cooperative Extension Service. Matt was selected by judges to be the recipient of this top prize because of the excellence he demonstrated through leadership in a community service project. The efforts of Matt Bowles should be emulated. Matt has set an example that should be recognized by high school students throughout Kentucky and across America. I am convinced that he will use his strong abilities to make a difference in our country. I thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize Matt and voice his praises for his Head, Heart, Hands, and Health.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Brandon Workman for being named the United States Achievement Academy's United States National Award winner in mathematics. Brandon, who is from May's Lick, KY attends Deming High School and is the son of Shelly Mitchell and Robert Workman. Brandon's enthusiasm towards hard work and the dedication that he has applied to his academic performance has earned him this distinguished honor. He certainly deserves this honor. Brandon's strong commitment to his peers and to being a better citizen have assured me of his future success to our Commonwealth and Nation. This award is based upon the recommendations of his school faculty and the high standards set forth by the academy. Brandon, like all other recipients of this award, has proven himself in the classroom and has been recognized by those who teach him and know him the best in the classroom. The efforts of Brandon Workman should be emulated. Brandon has set an example that should be recognized by high school students throughout Kentucky and across America. I am convinced that he will use his strong abilities to make a difference in our country. I thank the Senate for allowing me to recognize Brandon and voice his praises.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise today in the Senate to honor and pay tribute to Kentucky State Police Detective Russell Nichols for being named the Trooper of the Year for Post 16 in Henderson. This is the second time that this honor was bestowed upon Detective Nichols. As a 18-year veteran of the Kentucky State Police, he has proven himself over and over again to be a exemplary law enforcement officer. Detective Nichols was nominated for this prestigious award because of his investigations into crimes ranging from burglaries to homicides. Detective Nichols is also a field training officer who uses his expertise to train and mentor rookie troopers. The citizens of western Kentucky are fortunate to have Detective Nichols protecting their communities. His example of leadership, hard work, and compassion should be an inspiration to all throughout the Commonwealth. Congratulations, Detective Nichols, for receiving this award. Detective Nichols is just one of the many Kentucky State Police officers who put others before themselves by vowing to protect and serve Kentuckians. They have earned our admiration and respect, and for this we will always be grateful.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I have the privilege and honor of rising today to recognize Miss Kacey Reynolds of Calvert City, KY. Kacey was selected as first place district winner of the Veterans of Foreign Wars of the United States and the Ladies Auxiliary's Voice of Democracy National Essay Competition Program. Kacey's essay submission detailing her commitment and responsibility to America caught the eye of the VFW and Ladies Auxiliary. Along with a college scholarship, the national scholarship recipients were rewarded with a trip to Washington, DC. Currently participating in Paducah Christian Homeschool, Kacey was recognized earlier this year as a Focus on the Family 2003 Brio Girl of the Year finalist and is a member of the National Honor Society. Outside of academics, she is an active teen who enjoys acting, rappelling, scrapbooking, and horseback riding. She hopes to study music and business management when she attends college. I am pleased that Kacey takes such pride in her community and Nation. She recognizes the sacrifices made by others in order to secure her freedom. Respect and appreciation, as shown by Kacey, can sometimes get pushed to the side during the daily routines of life. I am pleased this young lady has taken time to reflect on the meaning of freedom and the price of it. Please join me in congratulating Miss Kacey Reynolds and wishing her the best of luck.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise today in recognition of Mr. Mike Mangeot of Covington, KY. Mr. Mangeot is a recipient of the 2003 Covington Award presented by the Friends of Covington organization. Each year the Friends of Covington take the opportunity to honor a business professional who places an equal amount of energy on community development as they place on professional success. Mr. Mangeot was selected for his strong dedication to community affairs and leadership in Covington. This announcement adds to the long list of achievements that Mr. Mangeot has experienced through his career. Cofounder of the highly successful Century Construction, Mr. Mangeot focuses his attention on helping improve the Covington community through revitalization projects. Currently, Mr. Mangeot also assists several community civic groups, such as the Kiwanis, the Jaycees, and the Covington Business Council. I am pleased that Mr. Mangeot's dedication to his hometown is being recognized by individuals who know him and his work best. I thank the Senate in allowing me to honor Mr. Mike Mangeot.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the Danville/Boyle County Chamber of Commerce for earning the 2003 Afterschool Community Champion Award presented by the Afterschool Alliance. The Danville/Boyle County Chamber of Commerce has distinguished itself by creating a high quality afterschool program that implements President Bush's No Child Left Behind Act and the 21st Century Community Learning Centers initiative. The success of the Danville/Boyle County Chamber of Commerce Business Mentoring Program in building the character and competence of Kentucky's middle school students can be attributed to the five main promises it made to its participants. The program promises to provide ongoing relationships with caring adults with a healthy start for a student's future, offers safe facilities and marketable skills through effective education, and gives opportunities to reciprocate through community service. The chamber's plan coincides with the 21st Century program by instilling mentoring programs in middle schools that provide students with the necessary attention they need to achieve academic success. I am proud of the Danville/Boyle County Chamber of Commerce. It is a source of great pride to call attention to their excellence. The chamber's contributions have made all the difference in the lives of its participants. The citizens of Danville/Boyle County are fortunate to be served by such fine individuals. Their example should be followed in communities across Kentucky.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I withdraw my motion to waive the point of order since none has been made against the amendment.

Mr. BUNNING. I will be very brief. This amendment was discussed pretty thoroughly yesterday. This sets a date certain for a vote on the reduction of the tax on the Social Security seniors from 85 to 50 percent; that we report a bill out no later than July 1, 2003; and that the bill should be acted on no later than September 30, 2003, consistent with the preservation of the Medicare trust fund. Under the provisions of section 904 of the Congressional Budget Act of 1974, I move to waive the point of order against the pending amendment and I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I am pleased that the manager's of the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, Chairman Grassley and ranking member Baucus, have agreed to included in their manager's amendment my provision, which is supported by many members in this body, that addresses the issue of the tax burden that is faced by wholesalers of domestic distilled spirits. I want to take this opportunity to express my support for this legislation and also to share my broader concern about how the current Federal Excise Tax, FET, system places an undue burden on distillers that must, at a minimum, not be increased to fund this legislation or for any other reason. I introduced this amendment because I believe that the existing FET system for domestically produced distilled spirits penalizes spirits wholesalers across the nation. These are mostly family businesses that create high wage jobs. Yet spirits wholesalers often find themselves in the position of, in essence, having to float Uncle Sam a loan when they purchase U.S. made spirits from their distillers. Let me briefly explain how this situation comes about in the marketplace. Under Federal law, spirits produced in the United States may not leave the distillery premises until the FET is collected. Thus, the cost of the FET is factored into the price of the goods that is paid when the wholesaler accepts possession from the distiller. The wholesale, in turn, may wind up having to warehouse these products for a considerable time before they are sold to a retailer. The fundamental issue here is the time value of the FET-- valuable working capital for these businesses--while the wholesale warehouses products without realizing any income from their sale. This amendment would create a tax credit available to the wholesalers in order to offset these FET carrying costs. I believe this is fundamentally fair and will help protect and create good jobs in the wine and spirits wholesale tier across the nation. However, in introducing this amendment and supporting its inclusion in the Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2003, I want to make one thing perfectly clear. In supporting this bill, I want the Administration, and officials at the Treasury Department and the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms to understand that by doing so I reject the connection that some have tried to make between this issue and Section 5010 of the tax code, the wine and flavors tax credit. In past years, the suggestion has been made that any revenue loss to the U.S. Treasury caused by the provisions of my amendment be offset by repealing Section 5010. I reject that notion because there is no logical link between the two issues. Section 5010 is a component-based tax provision allowing distillers to claim a credit for wines and other flavoring components that are added to their products. Thus, a distiller will pay the full spirits FET for that portion of a product that is derived from distilled spirits. However, many products sold as spirits contain wine and other non-spirits flavorings, which are subject to tax at lower rates. Under Section 5010, the distiller is entitled to a credit for the difference between the wine and the spirits tax for that portion of the product that is not derived from spirits. Section 5010 is important. It has the added policy virtues of being on the side of common sense, economic competitiveness and fundamental fairness. All of this is why I have fought hard to protect 5010 from several serious threats over the years. I am pleased that, with the inclusion of my amendment in this bill, the Senate has once again shown its support for solving this problem which penalizes spirits wholesalers of domestically produced distilled spirits. I am also pleased that the Senate has seen fit to address this important issue without harming Section 5010 or otherwise increasing the tax burden on distillers.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise today in the Senate to honor and pay tribute to Katie Grogan, a student at Notre Dame Academy in Park Hills, KY. Ms. Grogan was chosen as the Kentucky winner of the U.S. Institute of Peace's 16th Annual National Peace Essay Contest. More than 1,250 students from American high schools throughout the United States and abroad submitted essays for this year's contest. Contestants were required to write an essay on the justification of war. Ms. Grogan has shown a commitment to excellence deserving of such a distinguished honor. Ms. Grogan's essay is a shining example of what you can achieve if you work hard and pursue your goals. Her example should be followed by students across Kentucky. I am proud of this young woman's dedication toward peace and her goals for educational excellence. The citizens from Lakeside, KY, are fortunate to call Katie Grogan one of their own. I also congratulate her teachers, along with her peers, administrators, and family for their support and sacrifices they have made to help her meet this achievement and make her dreams a reality. I wish her the best of luck in the national competition.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Will the Senator yield?

Mr. BUNNING. As the Senator knows, I offered this very same amendment on the budget bill to repeal the Social Security tax from 85 percent to 50 percent, and the very same people who would support that today voted unanimously against it on the budget bill. So the inconsistency that the Senator from North Dakota shows today is something I have a very big problem understanding. If you are for it today, and you want to take these away from seniors, and you also want to take tax away from seniors, you ought to have been consistent and voted to take it away during the budget resolution debate we had on the floor. I know this Senator voted with me on the budget resolution when we tried to repeal it. And I hope we are able to get this amendment accepted.

Mr. BUNNING. Yes, sir.

Mr. BUNNING. Yes.

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I am offering an amendment as a sense of the Senate on the Social Security tax; that the 85-percent tax repeal be set at a certain time during the year 2003 and final consideration of the bill be no later than September 30, 2003. I want to bring the Senate up to date on this specific tax. Prior to 1993, seniors were taxed on 50 percent of their Social Security benefits if their incomes were above a certain level. This money went back into the Social Security System. In 1993, Congress passed a provision requiring that 85 percent of a senior's Social Security benefits be taxed if certain income levels were met. This additional money went back into the Medicare system. This tax was unfair to seniors back in 1993, and it certainly is unfair today. The amendment I am offering as a sense of the Senate allows the Finance Committee to pass legislation by July 31, 2003, which repeals this unfair tax to our seniors and requires the Senate to act on this legislation no later than September 30, 2003. I am offering this amendment to counter an amendment that would destroy the very bill that is before us. An unwise amendment by the Senator from North Dakota would repeal this tax and thus reduce the amount of tax reduction for our country and for our citizens. I want to try to put this in a little perspective for the American people, for my fellow Senators, and you, Mr. President. In the overall aspects of the budget bill, the total amount as far as this bill is concerned is a reduction of $350 billion in tax reductions. Our economy is a $10 trillion-per-year economy. How minuscule is the tax reduction? If you look at the overall bill as a 10-year bill, and the overall economy as a 10-year economy, we are looking at about $120 trillion, and we are talking about $350 billion in that $120 trillion economy as a tax reduction. If the amendment of the Senator from North Dakota is agreed to, we will have no tax reduction, not even a dividend tax reduction, as minuscule as it is, and not any of the advanced tax reductions we passed in the year 2001. If we want to take action to create jobs, and if we want to do it as quickly as we can, my amendment allows us to vote on the reduction in the Social Security tax from 85 percent to 50 percent later on--after we get this job-creating incentive bill into conference, out of the Senate, and back to the floor of the Senate for a final vote. I want you to know that seniors age 65 and older depend on taxable dividends. These are real Americans who need this money because they are on fixed incomes. They have to scramble and scrimp to have enough dollars to live on fixed incomes. This will allow just a portion of that dividend income to be tax free. Seventy-one percent of all taxable dividends go to Americans who are over age 55. With the rising cost of prescription drugs, seniors depend on this income from dividends. If we can make just a little bit of it tax free, that will be a big help for those senior citizens--15 percent of seniors' total income, but 50 percent of dividend income in this country comes to those senior citizens. Under the President's package, 99.8 million seniors would have saved $936 a year. That was the President's proposal. We cut that more than in half. I just think it is a wrongheaded way to approach the reduction of this ominous tax on senior citizens, particularly those who definitely have no other income except Social Security. I hope the Senate will consider this as a sense of the Senate to make sure we get to this bill before the end of this legislative calendar. I yield the floor.

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that reading of the amendment be dispensed with.

Mr. BUNNING

Mr. BUNNING. Mr. President, I rise to honor my friend Don Williams on his last day presiding as Executive Director of the Fort Knox CORE Committee meeting in Kentucky. Since the inception of the CORE Committee in 1992, Don spent 4 years as Chairman and the past 7 years as Executive Director of the committee up until his retirement at the end of this month. Fortunately, Don will continue to serve as a member of the CORE Committee and add his valuable insights and expertise on Army issues pertaining to Fort Knox. Don has advocated on the behalf of Fort Knox on the local, State, and Federal levels for many years. After 28 years of service in Army infantry and armor units and high-level staff assignments, Colonel Williams retired from the Army in 1990 as Chief of Staff at Fort Knox. During his last role in active duty as Chief of Staff, Don became very active in the local communities surrounding Fort Knox. As a private citizen, Don has continued to promote the future vitality and importance of Fort Knox and the economic development of the base's surrounding communities. Don has accomplished many great achievements over his life. He received his BA and later his MA in political science from the University of Massachusetts. He has taught at the U.S. Air Force Academy and he spent 5 years at the Pentagon on the Army staff and later as Secretary to the Joint Chiefs of Staff. After his retirement from the Army, Don served as senior vice president of Bank One, Central Kentucky; vice chairman of the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs; and important roles with the Association of the United States Army and the Louisville Chamber of Commerce. Don has worn just about every important military/civilian relations hat in Kentucky and he has worn them all with the dedication and dignity of a solider and a gentleman. I ask my colleagues to honor Colonel Williams' service to the U.S. Army, the Commonwealth of Kentucky and our great Nation. While Don may be relinquishing his duties as Executive Director of the CORE Committee, I look forward to continuing to work with him on important projects to both Fort Knox and its surrounding communities. Don is a great Kentuckian and a good friend. I thank the Senate for allowing me to laud his praises.