Marsha Blackburn

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito), the sponsor of this legislation.

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Con. Res. 413. Today, we are honoring these millions of women who, although they have never been to a battlefield, they really served valiantly during some of our Nation's darkest hours. I think we have all heard stories from our moms and relatives and from individuals who really rolled up their sleeves and got to work to be of service to our Nation. Of course, there are women from all walks of life, all ages, and they really heeded the call of this Nation in shipyards, dockyards, steel mills, lumber mills, wherever they were needed. They worked in defense industries and support services to power the American productivity that helped win World War II. The sight of women outfitted in overalls and wielding industrial tools was popularized in the 1942 song ``Rosie the Riveter.'' The image and the song created an instantly recognizable nickname for those homefront heroes. Today, that nickname and that image is still recognized and loved. Mr. Speaker, these women demonstrated skill and dedication in difficult and often very dangerous jobs, but their work produced urgently needed military equipment at record-breaking speeds. They were efficient, and they defined many of the standards we hold today. The legacy of these Rosies is still seen across America. Their service on the homefront marked the start of an unprecedented entry of women into the workplace and created a lasting legacy of women leaders for us to look up to. One such Rosie now lives on a 70-acre farm in my district in Tennessee. Lois Turner worked as a mechanic at Bell Aircraft in Niagara Falls, New York, from 1943 to 1945. She had many roles at Bell. She worked in machine gun manufacturing; and with her delicate hands, she was able to do much of the safety wiring in parts of our warplanes that most others could not reach. She spent 15 minutes at a time held upside down to reach those tight spots. Lois' skill and care helped keep our soldiers safe. Mr. Speaker, the Rosies of World War II put heart and soul into their work because their work meant the safety and security of their loved ones on the battle front. As many Members will recall, in 2000 Congress recognized the significance of America's World War II industrial achievements and the legacy of the women who helped make those achievements possible by establishing the Rosie the Riveter World War II Home Front National Historical Park in Richmond, California. It is a unit of the National Park System. As we did then, we pause again today to remember the women who have given so much to their country. Their love of country, their hard work, their prayers for our soldiers were in the steel and plate of every American battleship. They were then, and remain today, deep in the soul of our war effort and a great victory for freedom and peace. We should all thank our colleague, the gentlewoman from West Virginia (Mrs. Capito), for her leadership in honoring these women and for sponsoring this resolution, so that America will never forget these wonderful patriots. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, many of our immigration laws are no longer consistent with our national security and other vital interests. The diversity visa or visa lottery system is one such example. The visa lottery was established by the Immigration Act of 1990 to offer the opportunity of immigration to individuals in countries that had been sending few immigrants to the United States. Usually, immigrant visas are issued to foreign nationals that have an existing connection with a family member lawfully residing in the United States or with a U.S. employer. These types of relationships help ensure that immigrants entering the country have a stake in continuing America's success, and have the advanced skills necessary to contribute to the nation's economy. However, under the visa lottery program, visas are awarded to immigrants at random with no such safety precautions. I have heard from immigrants who have legally come to the country, and they believe the visa lottery program is unfair to immigrants who comply with the United States' immigration laws. Also, the visa lottery program does not prohibit illegal aliens from applying to receive a visa through the program. The program has many flaws. A recent report released by the Center for Immigration Studies shows that it is commonplace for foreign nationals to apply for the lottery program multiple times using different aliases and false personal information. I support Congressman Goodlatte's bill, H.R. 775, The Security and Fairness Enhancement for America Act, which would terminate the visa lottery. This piece of legislation is an important and positive step in immigration reform and it is my hope that the House considers it in the near future.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, here they go again. Candidate Kerry and the Democrats are trying to take a page out of President Reagan's handbook. Unfortunately, for the taxpayers, it is not a page dealing with tax relief. Kerry's consultants are telling Democrats to ask this question: Are you better off now than you were 4 years ago? Four years ago under a different administration, this Nation slept while al Qaeda plotted. We were deceived by a hollow technology bubble. Our seniors had no assistance with prescription drugs. And 4 years ago, Americans paid a marriage tax, a death tax, an estate tax, and across the board Americans paid higher income taxes. President Bush has led us through some of the most challenging times in our Nation's history. Our economy is growing hundreds of thousands of jobs each month. More Americans are working than ever. More Americans own a home than ever. Our Armed Forces have terrorists on the run. In Candidate Kerry's world, we would treat terrorism as a law enforcement issue. Mr. Speaker, I think those advisers need to go back to the drawing board.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank our chairman for his work on H.R. 2432, the Paperwork and Regulatory Improvements Act, and I rise today in support of this overdue legislation. I came to Congress to support small businesses, and this is a step in the right direction. We have all heard the saying--the road to ruin is paved with good intentions. This is an appropriate statement to consider as we discuss the purpose of the original Paperwork Reduction Act. In 1980 this legislation was passed to ensure that government didn't place an undue repetitive and duplicative paperwork burden on the Nation's businesses. In 1995, Congress again took up the issue and amended PRA by establishing additional paperwork reduction goals. Unfortunately, the result has not been less paperwork. Since 1995, the paperwork burden has consistently increased. In a 2002 report to Congress, OMB found that the Department of Labor alone imposed over 181 million hours of paperwork in FY 2001. And OMB estimated that processing the paperwork costs business $30 an hour--the Labor Department's regulations alone, at that rate, are costing American businesses $5.43 billion. And the total per-employee cost of regulation can be as much as 60 percent greater for small businesses. Mr. Chairman, time and again, at town halls and business roundtables across my district, I'm hearing from business owners, small and large, that they are frustrated and, quite frankly, they are tired of the government costing them time and money for purposeless paperwork. H.R. 2432 gives Congress the tools needed to effectively study and gauge the value of particular regulations and make informed, cost- benefit judgments on their worth. I urge my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation today.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague for yielding me this time, who is truly a leader in this House on the issue of tax relief for hard-working Americans. We are talking taxes today and this week. And because the Republicans are the majority here, we are talking tax relief, not tax increases; and the taxpayers need to be thinking about that. If the Democrats were running the show, we would be talking tax and spend and higher taxes. Republicans believe that the taxpayers ought to be keeping more of those hard-earned dollars. And we face a lot of opposition to that here in Washington. Too many times we have got liberals who would rather spend their money for them, and then they want to take the credit for it. It was President Bush and the Republican Congress who enacted historic tax relief that is fueling tremendous job growth in this country. We have created over 1 million jobs since last August; and there were a lot of naysayers that said it will never happen, it will never happen. One million jobs since August. H.R. 4275 is a critical piece of legislation for 24 million lower- income Americans. If we do not pass this, their taxes are going to increase by 50 percent. We do not believe government is why America is strong. We think it is because of the people. It is Americans that make this country great, Americans that are making economic choices for themselves and their families, not having a government program taking away their checkbook. That is the Republican philosophy. We have led on this issue, and we are continuing to work to lower personal income tax brackets. Time and again the American people are choosing to send Republicans to Washington because they want tax relief. I have said it in the past. Democrats only talk about tax relief in election years. Republicans talk about tax relief every year.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his excellent work on this issue for our Nation's small businesses. We know that those small businesses fuel this economic growth in our country, and we appreciate their efforts; and we know that our small business employees are being burdened paying on average 17 percent more for their health benefits than their counterparts at large companies. I recently held a small business health care roundtable in my district and talked with these small business employers about their desire to make better health benefits available to their employees and still stay competitive. This legislation is an opportunity that Congress has to help bring about that affordable health care to millions of employees. AHPs would save the typical small business owner between 15 and 30 percent on health insurance and help make that coverage available. As our chairman said, too often regulations and mandates add to the cost burden. Current law exempts large employers and unions from State mandates so that they are able to offer quality benefits across State lines. The Small Business Health Fairness Act will give that same opportunity to our small businesses in this country. This is a benefit that will help them to be competitive in the world market. It is bipartisan legislation. It passed overwhelmingly last year, and I urge all of my colleagues to support this commonsense legislation for our Nation's small businesses.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, America's health care system is facing a malpractice abuse crisis. This single issue has driven up costs, it has increased the number of uninsured, and it has forced health providers out of our rural areas. Doctors are facing mounting costs. The sky-high noneconomic damage awards, which end up lining the pockets of the powerful trial lawyer lobby, are responsible for many of the elements that are plaguing this system. Most of our medical liability claims, up to 70 percent, do not result in any payments to the patients. The lawyers' fees account for 40 percent or more of these multimillion-dollar payouts. The effect is clear. The lawsuits and the trial lawyers force this situation with enormous insurance rates. They then charge you and me and businesses across the country higher prices. Employers can attest to what the high cost of health care is doing to them. They hurt when they cannot afford to offer coverage to their workers. Our rural communities understand this issue. The family doctor who grew up with them there in the town is disappearing. They are being squeezed out by this vicious cycle. This should be an easy vote. It is common sense, and it is going to help save rural health care and save lives.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to commemorate the long- standing commitment of the Tennessee Apparel Corporation to the people of Waynesboro and Tullahoma, Tennessee. From this company's earliest days in 1901 when it was known as the Sanders Manufacturing Company through its 100-year anniversary and beyond, the Tennessee Apparel Corporation has been at the forefront of supplying our troops with the clothing they need. From dress uniforms to cold-weather gear, Tennessee Apparel has been there for our American fighting men and women. In the last 100 years, they produced nearly 50 million military items. With approximately 480 employees in middle Tennessee, the Tennessee Apparel Corporation provides a tremendous service to our State and our Nation. God's blessing on these fine men and women.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I came to Washington to work on several issues, one of which is the sales tax deduction. Tennesseans know my record on tax fairness. I have been working with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady) to put that sales tax deduction issue on the map. I am glad to see that we have got some folks on the other side of the aisle that are coming in here and ready to help us with this debate. Like my mom always said, better late than never. Unfortunately, true to form, their proposal, the Democrat proposal is a classic political bait and switch. They are talking about supporting a sales tax deduction while they are hiding the fact that their motion to recommit contains a tax increase. Tennesseans are not going to buy that kind of gimmickry. Whenever you make that kind of bargain, the end result is always higher taxes. Today we are talking about the AMT, the alternative minimum tax. One of my Democrat colleagues said he never hears from constituents about the AMT, that they do not know what it is. He might be right. There are millions of middle-income taxpayers that do not know what is coming, that 11 million of them will be hit with an average tax increase of $1,520. So let us come back in a year and tell these people they do not know what the AMT is. They are going to know. They will know that they have been walloped with a $1,500 tax hike if we do not take action right now. They will be angry because people opposed the Republican plan that is supported today. My friends across the aisle claim that their motion to recommit addresses the tax hike. Where were they when President Clinton raised taxes and failed to adjust the AMT for inflation? They had their chance to act then, and they failed. People back home need to ask themselves who do they trust on the tax policy; who has been consistently on the side of the taxpayer. It is an easy call. Democrats only talk about tax relief in election years. Republicans talk about tax relief every year.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, as part of National Teachers Week, it is so fitting that we commend our teachers for the work that they do. And I think it is particularly appropriate that America take time to thank the teachers and the school administrators at our military-impacted schools. The 101 Airborne Division of the U.S. Army is stationed at Ft. Campbell in my district, in Montgomery County, Tennessee. There are 5,400 children who have at least one parent in the military and 1,700 children of civilian military employees attending the local Clarksville-Montgomery County Schools. These schools play a central role in the lives of children whose needs are unique. As they adjust to their parents being deployed around the world defending America, the sacrifice that these children and their families make is enormous. And how fitting that we recognize that and that we recognize the teachers and the administrators who work with them teach and every day. I know these children often have many things on their minds, many important and pressing issues on their minds, and the teachers at our military-impacted schools are important in providing a warm, friendly environment for these students. Mr. Speaker, I thank the teachers and the staff at our military- impacted schools for their commitment to the children to their families and to our service members.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Nevada for the wonderful work that he has done on this resolution and for his support of charter schools. I am pleased to join him in cosponsoring this legislation and serving as an honorary cochairman of the National Charter School Week. The growth of charter schools across our country in recent years has allowed us to see firsthand the difference that these schools can make in children's lives. In 2002, while I was a member of the Tennessee State Senate, we passed legislation allowing for the creation of public charter schools. That was signed into law in Tennessee that year. The legislation allowed for the creation of the first four public charter schools, which opened their doors in our State in 2003. These schools have had a great start, and I am looking forward to seeing the establishment of more charter schools in Tennessee. Unfortunately, some traditional schools fail to serve some students, and charter schools have proven to be a great alternative for many of these students. Fifteen different studies show that students frequently enter charter schools significantly below grade level and then progress at or above the gains being made in surrounding districts and demographically comparable schools or with their State averages. National Charter School Week is a great opportunity for us to talk about the success of charter schools and the success that they are having in meeting the needs of our children and their families and the success that they are having in encouraging children to become lifelong learners.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, this year the Franklin and Williamson County Chamber of Commerce gave three of our friends and neighbors the ``Legend'' award. All three have worked to make our community a better place and they deserve thanks and recognition. Louise Lynch has dedicated countless hours to saving the county's archives and preserving a historical record of Williamson County. Because of her many years of efforts, the Williamson County Archives is recognized not only as one of the best in the state but in the nation. Married to County Commissioner Clyde Lynch for 50 years, Mrs. Lynch is a sixth generation Williamson Countian. She previously earned the ``Lady of the Year'' award from Beta Sigma Phi; the Williamson Historical Society's Distinguished Service Award, and the Jane Langston Service Award for her preservation efforts. Ronald Ligon has never wanted any credit for his work on behalf of Williamson County. While he would rather ``remain in the background,'' we could not fail to recognize him. In 1959 he established Christus Gardens of Gatlinburg and served as vice chairman of the board at Harpeth National Bank. His extensive volunteer community service includes Boy Scouts, Franklin Rotary Club, and Williamson Medical Foundation. Roy Barker was awarded a Purple Heart as a result of his military service in the Battle of the Bulge. Upon returning to Williamson County after World War II, he entered the insurance and real estate business and gained respect as a business and community leader. He served in the Tennessee Constitutional Convention and the Tennessee House of Representatives. These friends and neighbors are the reason Franklin and Williamson County are such wonderful places to live and work. We honor them for their dedication to our community.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, the Nashville Business Journal recently ran an article entitled ``Kerry Plan Would Cut 100,000 Government Contracting Jobs.'' This was reporting on John Kerry's plan to eliminate 100,000 private sector contractor jobs. Apparently, he does not feel that the private sector provides much bang for the taxpayer buck. His solution is bigger government, less competition. According to the Professional Services Council, small businesses would bear the brunt of Kerry's return to big government. Last year, small businesses competed for and won $63 billion in government contracts, equaling more than 25 percent of the Federal Government's contracting budget. Study after study has shown that contracting with our Nation's small business sector reduces the cost to taxpayers, conserving taxpayer dollars. That should trump favors to special interests and big business any day. Mr. Speaker, those of us in touch with folks outside the Beltway know small businesses make this country run.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, we are going on an Easter break and spending time back in our districts, and before I head back to the Seventh District of Tennessee I wanted to take just a couple of moments and talk just a little bit about the headlines that are out there today. ``U.S. job growth soars.'' That is from CNN Money. ``308,000 jobs: Far better than Wall Street's forecast.'' I have got other copies of articles here, Bloomberg, My Way, talking about jobs growth. There are reasons for this, Mr. Speaker, and it is the Bush tax cuts that this body passed last year, the third largest tax cut in history. This check, $1,133, this is what the average family, 91 million American taxpayers, saw last year. Over 25 million small businesses are seeing about $2,800 in tax cuts. That is why the economy is growing. The tax cuts are working, 308,000 new jobs.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor a great Tennesseean and a legend in country music. Merle Kilgore is a businessman who has bridged his early music experience with today's growing country music industry. Merle began his career in Shreveport, Louisiana at the age of 14, carrying Hank Williams, Sr.'s guitar. Since then, Merle has risen as a leader in the country music industry. He co-wrote the ``Ring of Fire'' with June Carter-Cash, as recorded by Johnny Cash. That great hit sold more than sixteen million records. Merle didn't stop there; he continued to write hit after hit developing his catalog to over 300 songs. All together his song collection has sold close to fifty million records. Merle's first Top Ten record was self penned ``Dear Mama,'' and he has accumulated several others since. Merle moved to Nashville in 1962 and began his management career. Merle has been affiliated with Hank Williams, Jr. for more than thirty years. On April 7, 1986, Merle was named the Executive Vice President and head of management of Hank Williams, Jr. Enterprises. In addition to managing Hank's career, Merle has served as Vice President of the Country Music Association and has served on the CMA Board of Directors since 1989. He has been President of both the Nashville Songwriter's Foundation, as well as the Nashville Songwriter's Association International. In 1987 he was named an honorary State Senator for Tennessee, and in 1998, Merle received the Legendary Songwriter's Award from the North American Country Music Association. Merle is an accomplished singer, songwriter, and actor. He is a shining star in the nation's entertainment industry. However, Merle is definitely not just ``resting on his laurels.'' For Singer-Songwriter- Manager Merle Kilgore, the best may be yet to come. Today I rise to recognize Merle and thank him for his dedication and his willingness to share his incredible talents with Tennesseeans and country music fans worldwide.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker's approval of the Journal.

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, I was at home this weekend in the good Seventh District of Tennessee reading the Nashville Tennessean and there on the front page of the business section was a story with the headline, ``Some Seniors Begin to See Benefit From Medicare.'' Mr. Speaker, if you had been listening to the Democrats for the past 6 months, you would be stunned that the seniors were going to see benefits from Medicare. But here it is in black and white. This is what the story says: ``Seniors who do belong to a Medicare HMO have been showered with new benefits thanks to the Medicare Modernization Act Congress passed last year.'' And this is all before the prescription drug card and the eventual prescription drug benefit even take place. Clearly, the Medicare reform President Bush and this Congress passed is helping seniors and that is exactly what it is supposed to do.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, late last October I traveled to Iraq with several other Members of Congress, and what I saw was a country in tatters, a country that had experienced little or no infrastructure investment in decades. But I also saw a people who, despite torture, government-sponsored slaughter and oppression on the scale of Lenin, a people who, despite all this, retained a glimmer of hope. And I thought, is it not amazing? Thirty years of torture, and Saddam and his henchmen could not break the spirit of the Iraqi people. They still had that thirst for freedom and that thirst for opportunity. Today, watch the news that comes from Iraq. Occasionally look past the newscaster, actually take a look at the hustle and bustle behind the newscaster. You will see marketplaces, traffic jams, people on their way to and from work. That is the free market at work. President Bush is the focus of an enormous amount of partisan political criticism. There are those, mostly on the other side of the aisle, who believe that simply getting bin Laden would end terrorism. They think we were wrong to go to Iraq, that Saddam could be contained. In short, those opposed to our work in Iraq believe Saddam's regime had no role in terrorism and that our effort will not bear any positive results for America and the world. What a shortsighted, small view of the world and a basic misunderstanding of terrorism. Terrorism will not be stopped by removing a leader or a command structure. Terrorism is not going to be that easy to tackle. What is going to make a difference could be this: Iraq has an interim Constitution on schedule and they are moving toward freedom. Iraq's electricity levels are exceeding pre-war capacity. They passed that benchmark last fall. The international community has pledged $32 billion to improve schools, health care, roads, water and sanitation. The nation now has a stable currency. A free press is growing. Iraqis have access to more diverse, independent sources of news. Hundreds of democratic meetings are taking place all across Iraq. America has captured 45 of the 55 most-wanted members of Hussein's regime. There are 900,000 telephone subscribers and 225,000 wireless subscribers. All of Iraq's 22 universities and 43 technical institutions and colleges are open. And, this may not sound important, but its value is immeasurable, the Iraqi children no longer have to recite ``long live leader Saddam Hussein'' each morning. Some still believe all of this is irrelevant to the war on terrorism. Do you think terrorists are worried about what we are doing in Iraq and Afghanistan? Absolutely. Do you think terrorists fear this President? Do they fear America? You bet they do. The terrorists fear America. I do not mean that figuratively. Those who would destroy America, they literally fear this President and the resolve of the American people and our military, because we have not been afraid to take swift, decisive action. President Bush said America would not tolerate al Qaeda, that we would not tolerate a Middle East that pumped out hatred and vitriol. Our engagements in Afghanistan and Iraq speak volumes to the terror network. Does our work in Iraq make hostile nations think twice about supporting terrorism? Yes, indeed, it does. Will our effort to bring the Iraqi people into the modern world, into the free marketplace, the community of free nations, make a difference in the long struggle to destroy what breeds terrorism? Absolutely it will.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize Franklin, Tennessee. Franklin and Williamson County, Tennessee, were recognized today and were given a great honor. They received the Preserve America Community distinction. This comes from the White House Advisory Council on Preservation. Franklin deserves this. We were so excited that the Preserve America distinction came to them today. They are one of only 28 towns in America to receive this award. This has come because of a tremendous commitment from the community over the past several decades. We have had thousands of volunteers. It has been a partnership effort between volunteers and also between the local, the State and the Federal elected officials, and the hard work and the dedication to preserve the history and the heritage of Franklin and Williamson County, to educate future generations and to let them see what makes this community unique and special. That was recognized today. Mr. Speaker, we applaud them, we say congratulations to Franklin, Tennessee. We know the best is yet to come.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Chairman, I rise to thank the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nussle) for presenting a budget that cuts spending and continues the tax relief passed by Congress last year, and also to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hensarling) for his work on our RSC budget, which is the most ambitious of our efforts. The RSC budget and the Budget Committee version differ in two areas: First, the deficit is cut in half within 3 years in the RSC budget, 1 year earlier than the committee-reported budget. It is $63 billion lower over the next 5 years as compared to the committee-reported budget; and while the committee budget does include measures to enforce the budget provisions, the RSC substitute includes the budget process reforms that are a critical first step to long-term change in how we spend. The RSC budget includes elements of the Family Budget Protection Act to make it more difficult for future Congresses to bypass spending ceilings and allows appropriations savings to apply to tax relief or deficit reduction. I call on my colleagues to vote in favor of the RSC budget amendment to make a major step toward fiscal responsibility.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, last week I spoke about a Tennessee report showing 15,647 new corporations, LLCs and limited partnership registrations in my State. That was the best ever, the best on record. The tax cuts that President Bush and Congress passed are clearly giving those with the entrepreneurial spirit the room to take that leap and form new businesses. This is what America is all about, living out that American dream. And today I have more good news. This time from the Nashville Tennesseean Business Section that speaks to the growth that this Republican tax relief is helping to generate. Democrats and candidate John Kerry say the Bush tax cuts are not working, that they will repeal the Bush tax cuts and raise your tax bill so that they can fund more government spending. Well, I would like to recommend that they just hold on a minute before the Democrats rally around tax increases. They should read this article. ``Businesses Using Tax Cuts to Get While Gettin's Good.'' This is from the Nashville Tennesseean. ``Businesses Using Tax Cuts to Get While the Gettin's Good.'' This is what we said would happen with tax cuts, businesses would grow. Now the article is about John Aron, a business owner in Nashville. He runs The Pasta Shop, and his story is a testament to the Bush tax relief. Mr. Aron wanted to expand his business, but the cost of new equipment was nearly $81,000. After looking at the President's tax relief package that this Congress passed last year, and it gives businesses a tax break on equipment purchases, Mr. Aron went ahead and made the investment and expensed 57 percent of his equipment costs this year, saving his company $35,000 on his 2003 taxes. Well, guess what he did next? He hired two employees. This is exactly what Republicans said would happen if we lowered the taxes. Now, some across the aisle are saying, well, that is just one story and it cannot be a trend; but let me give you a few more examples. Brad Blevins spent $100,000 for a metal stamping machine for his company. He'll save $30,000 in taxes. Business grows. Rivergate Partners in Nashville spending $350,000 on their 50,000- square-foot building. They will save $60,000. Business is growing. Richards & Richards, able to write off $100,000 worth of storage shelving for their offices. Get the point? Businesses are growing because of the tax relief. Mr. Aron said, ``The Bush tax cuts substantially reduced the risk of entry.'' If I were calling for tax increase, I would be feeling a little bit foolish right now for calling for those tax increases. In 2003, 25 million small business owners saved an average of $2,853 on their tax bill. That is 25 million small business owners. The President and Republicans supported this relief because we know that it will spur investment and encourage Americans to start new businesses and reach that American dream. Mr. Speaker, I would like to correct a few misplaced perceptions that have been allowed to go unchallenged far too long. The Democrats have criticized the President. They have slammed his foreign policy, his economic policy, and they often cite Europe as an example of the sort of countries that we ought out emulate. I beg to differ. The countries of Europe have created large, extensive welfare systems. They have outrageously high taxes. They tax and spend, all to support growing government social programs. And the result? In December 2003, Belgium had an 8.3 unemployment rate. In January 2004, France, a vocal critic of U.S. economic and foreign policy, had a whopping 9.3 percent unemployment rate. Germany, another consistent critic of the U.S., in January of this year had a 9.1 percent unemployment rate. Mr. Speaker, in January of 2004 America had a 5.6 percent unemployment rate. A leftist European model does not work in foreign affairs and it does not work here in economics. Unfortunately and unwisely, Democrats have adopted this kind of approach for their platform. We have weathered a recession and September 11 with the $1 trillion impact it had on our economy, and we remain committed to tax relief. And this month the Employer Outlook Survey reported that 28 percent of the 16,000 employers that they surveyed expected to hire more workers from April to June of this year.

Mrs. BLACKBURN

Mrs. BLACKBURN. Mr. Speaker, yesterday I opened up Roll Call and among the first things to catch my attention was an article about the Democrats' message and their effort to get out the message on Medicare reform. I thought, well, better late than never. Perhaps they would now start talking about the plan this Congress and the President passed to help our seniors with their prescription drug costs for the first time ever. I thought that maybe the Democrats were finally ready to talk to our seniors about the inclusion of preventive care that starts with a free physical when the seniors enter Medicare. I thought that maybe Democrats would join us in talking about how we will, through the Medicare reform bill, begin working toward a 21st-century health care system for our seniors so that their prescription drug usage is better coordinated to prevent overusage and harmful interactions. I should have known better. Democrats continue to resist informing seniors about the new options available. This Medicare reform is law, and it will provide seniors with more options and more choices than ever. I hope my colleagues across the aisle will reconsider their tactics.