Ginny Brown-Waite

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Carla Baricz, a rising star at Springstead High School, for her achievements of winning the prestigious National History Day contest and earning a full four year scholarship to Case Western Reserve University in Ohio. Carla drafted a research paper entitled ``Vincent van Gogh and the Exploration of Emotion Through Art: An Encounter With the Human Struggle.'' This lovely manuscript earned Carla second place in the State History Day Contest. Despite this wonderful accomplishment, Carla strived for perfection. She revised the paper and submitted it for the national contest, where Carla's commitment to education separated her from the rest of the competitors and brought her to the forefront of this prominent competition. I would like to recognize the dedication and drive that Carla Baricz has displayed. As a former educator, I take pride in knowing that students continue to aspire to great dreams and realize that education is the key to success. Carla has used her interests and love for history to create a marvelous opportunity for herself. Carla Baricz is a model student and an inspiration to all. Young people like her fill America with joy and hope as we see the future generation embracing the merits of education and the values of history. Carla is a testament to hard work and dedication. She makes me proud to represent the Fifth District of Florida.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today because I understand that the minority leader is calling the Medicare prescription drug card ``a bad deal for seniors.'' With passage of the Medicare bill last year, hundreds of thousands of seniors can now take advantage of the voluntary prescription drug discount cards and finally have relief with their prescription drug costs. Is giving them choice and control over their prescription drug costs a bad deal for seniors? I think not. A CMS study showed that seniors using the prescription drug discount cards are saving between 46 and 92 percent on commonly used prescription drugs through the use of generic drugs. Is cutting in half their prescription costs a bad idea for seniors? I think not. Furthermore, in my district, 21,000 of the poorest seniors will receive an additional $600 cash subsidy to help them with prescription costs. Is helping our Nation's deprived seniors with the thing that they need most a bad deal for seniors? I think not.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a valuable, non-profit association helping America's small businesses and entrepreneurs. The organization I speak of is SCORE, Counselors to America's Small Businesses. Small businesses are vital to our communities and our economy. They add jobs, add dollars to local economies, and provide a valuable sense of community. However starting and operating a small business is a serious risk, and it is not easy. Many hard-working, skilled, brilliant Americans have all the ambition and specialized knowledge to take that risk--but they lack the business knowledge and experience necessary to be successful. That is why I'd like to thank everyone at SCORE for giving these ambitious, eager, hard-working Americans the last tool they need to make their endeavor a success. I'd like to thank SCORE and all of their members and employees for their philanthropy, advocacy, and dedication to American small businesses. I'm pleased to honor them on the floor of this House.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and praise a hard-working, talented young man who lives in my Fifth Congressional District. Juan Fontanez of Pasco County, Florida won the Congressional Art Contest for my district last year, and I was proud to display his piece in the tunnel leading to the U.S. Capitol. His winning piece entitled ``Proud Mother'' was created entirely in pencil, and caught the eye of everyone who walked by for an entire year. Juan graduated from Land O' Lakes High School last year and will attend Hillsborough Community College this coming fall. In addition to winning the Congressional Art Competition, Juan won top honors for costume designing in the Florida State Thespian Competition last year. After showcasing ``Proud Mother'' for a year, I look forward to honoring him as the first winner of the Congressional Art Competition since I came to Washington at a ceremony this Saturday. Mr. Speaker, it is my privilege to represent Juan Fontanez, and I am proud to praise him on the floor of this House.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Chairman, spending discipline is needed and it is needed now. The time for talk is over. We have to focus on a basic budget problem, and that is spending. America cannot spend its way out of our deficit. Real action is needed, and the Nussle resolution demonstrates Congress's commitment to protecting America's taxpayers. Mr. Chairman, earlier this year, we had a budget here in the committee and on the floor, and that budget helped to combat the deficit, cut back on the deficit. It is amazing that those same people on the other side of the aisle who say that they care so much about the deficit, so many of them did not vote in favor of it. This resolution guarantees that we will win the budget battle. It reinstates spending controls with the force of law and ensures that Congress will stay the course in promoting a fiscally responsible budget. There are some fears that by adopting this resolution Congress will turn its back on those most in need. What a great opportunity for opportunists to engage in frightening discourse trying to frighten our most vulnerable people. Obviously, this is very untrue. First of all, we have always made funding for various groups, whether it be veterans or seniors, a top priority. Number two, we fought for these on very often a bipartisan level in the past and will continue to fight for them. Number three, will we have to make some tough decisions if spending caps are imposed? Absolutely. We will have more domestic spending, and maybe we will spend a little bit less on some of the countries that we give foreign aid to who turn their backs on us when we need them. Our country needs a practical remedy to the deficit crisis. And this bill is the right solution at the right time.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am very pleased to speak on behalf of this legislation, which was introduced to improve the VA home loan program. The Veterans Housing Affordability Act, H.R. 4345, is a good government solution which will assist veterans across the Nation at no cost to the taxpayers. Homeownership is one of the main building blocks of strong communities and also a strong economy. A home is the largest financial investment most American families will ever make, and it allows them to build financial security as the equity in their home increases. Moreover, this tangible asset provides a family with borrowing power to finance important needs such as the education of their children. It is also a nest egg with very reliable and significant returns on investment regardless of race, color, or creed. The VA has been providing home loan guarantees to men and women who serve our country since 1944. Under this program, the veteran purchases a home through a private lender and the VA guarantees to pay the lender a portion of the loss if the veteran defaults on the loan. Because of this benefit, millions of veterans have been able to realize the American dream of owning their own home. Since its inception in 1944, the VA has guaranteed $748 billion in loans for 16.9 million homeowners. In 2002, the VA guaranteed more than $40.1 billion in loans to finance the purchase or refinance 317,250 homes. Obviously, this program is a rip-roaring success. It has been a tremendous asset to veterans and their families at minimum cost to the government. The first decade of the 21st century, however, has seen an expansive growth in home values. For homeowners this has been a tremendous boon. They have seen their tangible asset increase in value. In some regions, home values have more than doubled in the last 5 years. However, those not fortunate to already be a homeowner are facing daunting prices for entry-level homes. In New Jersey, median housing prices hover in the 300 to $400,000 range. The same is true for other regions in Connecticut, California, Washington, Virginia, Maryland, Illinois, and even my home State of Florida. Many soldiers postpone their homeownership until after they are out of the service. For these brave veterans, as median housing prices rise, the VA benefit actually decreases. The rising housing market erodes the purchasing power of the VA home loan. Depending on where the veteran lives, the $240,000 amount is simply insufficient to cover their housing needs. This is simply wrong. At the very least, we owe our veterans the same chance at the American dream after their service as they had the day that they enlisted. H.R. 4345 indexes the maximum VA guarantee amount to 25 percent of the Freddie Mac conforming loan rate. The prevailing VA loan limit would be $333,700, and it would continue to automatically adjust to the market and to the housing needs of veterans. The good news is that the Congressional Budget Office has determined that this bill actually saves the government money. Imagine that, helping veterans and saving money. According to the CBO projection, it will save $39 million in 2005 and $208 million over 5 years and a whopping $288 million in 10 years. We are all very proud of the men and women who serve our Nation past and present, and I hope that the Members will agree that the value of the veterans benefit should not vary depending on where they live or when they purchase a home. I think this legislation is important and very timely, and I urge support of this legislation. I certainly want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey (Chairman Smith) and also the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Brown) for their leadership on issues affecting veterans; and the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Davis), who was an original cosponsor on this legislation, should also be recognized for her strong support in bringing about this legislation. Additionally, Senator Corzine has introduced the bill in the Senate, and we are hoping for some speedy action there. This truly is obviously a bipartisan effort to assist veterans throughout our Nation, and I urge support of this legislation.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. I rise today to recognize a patriotic small business owner in my district that I had the pleasure of meeting last week. Tommy Piliouras of Citrus County owns and operates the Margarita Grill in Homosassa, Florida. I arrived at his restaurant to find a line of eager people happy to wait as long as necessary for a table in his restaurant. All customers receive an American flag, and patriotic music plays throughout the restaurant which is decorated in red, white, and blue. Mr. Pilouras runs the Margarita Grill along with his son, Sammy. The two of them chat and interact with customers at their tables and lead the crowd in singing patriotic songs while everyone waves the American flag. For patrons unwilling to wave the American flag, the restaurant plays ``Hit the Road Jack'' long enough for them to take their business elsewhere. Tommy Piliouras came to America in 1958 from his native country of Greece and is proud to be an American. He appreciates the American way of life that many take for granted. His sense of family, community, and hard work truly exemplify the American spirit. It is refreshing and comforting to see such grateful, proud Americans. I am pleased to have such loyal, appreciative Americans living in the communities of my district, and I am honored to recognize Tommy Piliouras and the Margarita Grill on the floor of this House today.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise the President and my colleagues in Congress for passing tax relief that has more Americans working today and taking home even more of their hard-earned money. The American economy was delivered three very substantial blows with the downturn in the global economy, the corporate scandals, and the attack of 9-11. We are now on the high-speed highway to recovery. America has a broad, deep economy that is rapidly growing. In fact, the tax relief we passed has added jobs for the past 9 months, creating 1.4 million jobs. My State of Florida has seen almost 300,000 new jobs since December of 2001. And let me tell the Members, Mr. Speaker, I can see the results when I am in my district. There are help wanted signs out once again. What a wonderful sight to see. The President's Jobs and Growth tax relief package enacted a year ago helped drive the strong improvement in our economy. It raised the level of economic activity and productivity which will result in higher incomes and living standards for all American workers. I praise the President and this House for engineering that growth.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I think that the gentleman from Kentucky (Chairman Rogers) has struck a pretty darn good balance in this bill. I oppose the amendment. I am originally from New York, and one of the things that I learned is when New York City gets involved, the rest of the State at that time suffers. According to the chart by the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), Florida would lose $18.7 million. We cannot afford to lose that because of all the ports that we have, because of the water supply, certainly because of our agricultural interests. Let me share with you that I represent a district that also has a nuclear power plant. If you do not think that those former New Yorkers who live near that power plant or who want their water supply protected do not deserve the same protection as New Yorkers, I am sorry, that is not what those of us who come from rural areas got elected to represent. I think that the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers) has struck a great balance here. Obviously, this is something that will be conferenced, and I would urge a ``no'' vote against my good friend and current New Yorker from a former New Yorker, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Sweeney).

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the honorable gentleman from California for his hard and patient work in getting the American Jobs Creation Act out of committee and to the floor. It has been a difficult process I know, but with the passage of this bill we will add to the 1.1 million jobs this economy has created in the last 9 months. I want to say that again: We have added 1.1 million new jobs in the last 9 months. And still the Democrats are talking about the worst economy since the great Depression. I call their strategy Snipe and Gripe. Snipe at the heels of the leaders who are making progress and gripe about the economic recovery. Theirs is a deliberate effort to talk down this economic recovery and slow its growth. Our economy took a blow 2\1/2\ years ago, but Americans are fighting back. Thanks to the policies of this President and this Republican Congress, businesses are putting people back to work and our economy is growing at rates not seen in 20 years. I want to take a second to thank Chairman Thomas for cutting the corporate tax rate from 35 percent to 32 percent permanently. With this and other tax changes in the bill, American companies will be more competitive, more able to compete internationally, and, to the dismay of the Democrats, able to add even still more jobs. As importantly, this bill recognizes the inequity taxpayers of states without income taxes face under current law. Finally, residents of Florida will be allowed to deduct their state sales tax from federal taxable income. By including the sales tax deductibility, even temporarily, this bill brings fairness and relief to the residents of Florida. It is only with dogged determination that we have been able to move this legislation and bring a greater measure of fairness to the tax code.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I had surgery yesterday, June 15, and as a result, missed four votes. Had I been present: For Rollcall No. 236--on ordering the previous question on the Rule, I would have voted ``yea''; For Rollcall No. 237--H. Res. 671--a rule providing for consideration of H.R. 4503 and H.R. 4517, I would have voted ``yea''; For Rollcall No. 238--on ordering the previous question on the Rule, I would have voted ``yea''; and for Rollcall No. 239--H. Res. 672--a rule providing for consideration of H.R. 4513 and H.R. 4529, I would have voted ``yea''.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise the Tampa Bay Lightning hockey team, coaches and staff as 2003-2004 champions of the National Hockey League. One week ago today, the ``Ning'' skated to a game seven victory and won the coveted, 112-year-old championship trophy: ``Lord Stanley's Cup.'' I'd also like to recognize the outstanding, devoted fans of the Tampa Bay area. This year's team showed the spirit, work ethic, tenacity and sportsmanship that is illustrative of the Central Florida community they live in. The players, coaches and staff not only provide the fans with a great sense of community by uniting them and providing entertainment, many of them give back to the community by volunteering in schools, hospitals and other community centers. On behalf of the thousands of loyal Lightning fans I represent in the suburbs north of Tampa, I am delighted to recognize the Tampa Bay Lightning for winning the Stanley Cup last week.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my voice to the chorus extolling the life of President Ronald Reagan. On a similar occasion, over a century ago, Lincoln said of Washington, ``How do you add glory to the sun?'' I was at President Reagan's inauguration, and when he said, ``It is time for us to realize that we are too great a Nation to limit ourselves to small dreams,'' my spine stiffened, and so did that of so many people in the crowd. I got goosebumps when he called out that ``peace is the highest aspiration of the American people. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it; we will not surrender for it, now or ever.'' From that day on, I knew America was back. You see, many people speak of the Reagan Revolution. I like to think of it as the Reagan restoration. Reagan restored our optimism, our belief in our ability to create, and the belief that God put man on this Earth to be free and that he made America to prove it. President Ronald Reagan changed the paradigm. He changed America's foreign policy from one of benign containment to active confrontation. And for the first time since communism began extending its sinister reach, we saw its hand pushed back. Our sympathies certainly go to the entire Reagan family.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Corporal LaVerne Dennison, a World War II veteran who fought bravely to protect our freedom and to keep the world safe for democracy. On June 5, 2004, 1 had the pleasure of recognizing Corporal Dennison for his heroism and bravery as a U.S. Soldier who fought with the Army- Airforce in the Second World War from September 11, 1942 until January 3, 1946. During his service in the Pacific theater, Corporal Dennison developed a reputation for deadly accuracy with the M9A1 bazooka. For this he earned the nickname ``Deadhead'' among his comrades. He fought bravely and honorably throughout his service and made a significant contribution to the Allied cause. I had the honor of presenting Corporal Dennison with medals he earned during his service to our Nation. They include the Army Good Conduct Medal, the American Campaign Medal, the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with four Bronze Service Stars, the World War II Victory Medal, and the Philippine Liberation Medal. I am humbled by the courage and service of Corporal Dennison, a true American patriot. I am thankful for the gift of freedom that he fought to protect.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to add my voice to the chorus extolling the life of Ronald Reagan. On a similar occasion over a century ago, Lincoln said of Washington, ``How do you add glory to the sun?'' And I must confess, I feel same futility at trying to add my few words to a life and legacy that shines so bright. Ronald Reagan came to the stage when it appeared that America was grasping at the complexities of modernity. Inflation, recession, and unemployment appeared permanent and the light of freedom appeared to be dim. Europe was enthralled with socialism and communism and the American exception was denounced as arrogant and on the edge of failure. Much like today, we were told what we needed was more government not less; higher taxation, not less; more regulation, not less. Reagan saw all of this and he smiled. I was at his inauguration. When he said ``It is time for us to realize that we're too great a nation to limit ourselves to small dreams,'' my spine stiffened. I got goose bumps when he called out ``that peace is the highest aspiration of the American people. We will negotiate for it, sacrifice for it; we will not surrender for it, now or ever.'' From that day, I knew America was back. You see many people speak of the Reagan Revolution, I like to think of it as the Reagan restoration. Reagan restored our optimism, our belief in our ability to create, and the belief that God put man on this earth to be free and made America to prove it. I was in Washington the day Reagan was shot. I held my breath and was glued to the TV. The humor, strength and courage that were Reagan's came through and, along with the rest of America, I laughed when he said ``honey, I forgot to duck.'' Ronald Reagan changed the paradigm. He changed America's foreign policy from one of benign containment to active confrontation and for the first time since communism began extending its sinister reach, we saw its hand pushed back, and that gave us hope. Reagan confronted the evil he saw in the world and he did it without apology. He battled communism. He armed the resistance in Afghanistan; he sent troops to Grenada; Lebanon; and Pershings to Europe. In a courageous move he walked away from negotiations at Reykjavik. To the cries of the left and chattering classes he held firm to the belief that America never should and never would surrender her right to defend herself. Mikhail Gorbachev has said Reykjavik was the turning point. His strength broke the back of the Soviets. Before the British Parliament, Reagan envisaged that the last pages of communism were being written and in those famous words predicted that totalitarianism would be consigned to the ``ash heap of history.'' He was derided. Yet few could know how prophetic his words would be, or how fast the fall would come. In 1989, Soviet citizens voted for the first time. Pro-democracy demonstrations were held in Tiananmen Square. Lech Walesa was elected president of Poland. Shortly thereafter, the Eastern European Soviet Bloc closed the door on communism for democracy. In November, the Berlin Wall was opened and, as Reagan would have it, an anonymous German struck the first blow at tearing down wall. The following year, in free elections defeated the communist Sandinistas and the Soviet Union was dissolved. The light of freedom extended its reach. Reagan has been so often called the Great Communicator, but I like to think about his time in office and his legacy in a different way. His victory was not of communication, but a triumph of content--the content of his ideas. He reignited the light of freedom. He cut taxes and regulation and in 8 years created 19 million jobs. He reminded us that the path to prosperity was one of individual freedom and personal responsibility. As Reagan has said, these were not his ideas, but they were American ideas. Reagan thought his revolution was ``more like the great rediscovery, a rediscovery of our values and our common sense.'' So, as we honor President Reagan let us remember his humility, his dignity, his kind words and most of all his courage. Let us honor the legacy of President Reagan with a renewed commitment to the exceptionalism that makes us American. Let us renew freedom's promise to those who live in oppressive tyranny. Let us renew our determination, our courage, and our strength. And let us renew our faith and our hope. There are many who stand against freedom and peace. There are many who criticize and compromise, but let us honor Ronald Reagan by standing firm, with resolve, in this time of war. We can do it. Why? As Reagan would say, ``After all, we are Americans.''

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a distinguished constituent of mine, Mr. Lowell Bryant Stanberry of Dade City in Pasco County, Florida. Mr. Stanberry is a loving husband of fifty-one years, father of one, and grandfather of three. After serving his country in the U.S. Army in the Korean conflict, Lowell moved to Dade City in my district in 1964. A former board member of First National Bank of Pasco, Lowell is a 32nd degree Mason and a member of the Shrine. He is an active supporter of the Highway Patrol and Sheriff's auxiliaries. Affectionately known as the ``grandfather of Pasco County's Republican Party,'' Lowell and his beloved wife, Evelyn, are known far and wide for their passion and dedication. In addition, he is a charter member of the East Pasco Republican Club and was the first recipient of their Lincoln Heritage Award in 2004. I am grateful to have a civic leader as dedicated to his convictions and community as Lowell Stanberry. His lifelong commitment to his ideology and neighbors has improved the lives of countless Floridians. I am proud to call him my constituent and honor him on the floor of this House.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Staff Sergeant Joseph Fales, a World War II veteran who gave his life fighting against tyranny so that we might live free. In honor of Memorial Day, I had the pleasure of recognizing Staff Sergeant Fales for his heroism and bravery as a U.S. Soldier who fought in the Second World War until his death in October 1943. Staff Sergeant Fales served in the Army Air Force and heroically performed the perilous job of a waist gunner aboard a B-17 bomber. His plane was shot down over the Adriatic Sea, and an American Hero was lost. Sergeant Fales was only 20 years old. I had the honor of presenting his family with medals Joseph Fales earned during his service to our nation. They included the World War II Victory Medal, the Honorable Service Lapel Button, the European Middle Eastern Campaign Medal with one bronze star, the Good Conduct Medal, the Air Medal and the Purple Heart, the oldest military decoration in the world more than 50 years overdue. I am humbled by the courage and sacrifice of Joseph Fales. I am thankful for the gift of freedom that he fought to protect. We must never forget Joseph Fales and those soldiers who paid the ultimate price on our behalf.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Sheldon Schulman, a Vietnam Veteran who gave his life fighting for our freedom and security. In honor of Memorial Day, I had the pleasure of recognizing the late First Lieutenant Sheldon Schulman for his heroism and bravery as a U.S. Soldier who fought in the Vietnam War until his death on June 19, 1967. Lieutenant Schulman served his country as an officer in the Army. He was killed as the result of a gun shot wound inflicted during a battle on the Mekong Delta. Also lost that day were three of his closest friends who had served with him since their days in Officer Candidate School. Lieutenant Schulman was only twenty four. I had the honor of presenting his family with medals Lieutenant Schulman earned during his service to our nation. They included Silver Star, Bronze Star, the Good Conduct Medal, the National Defense Service Medal, the Vietnam Service Medal, the Republic of Vietnam Campaign Ribbon, the Sharp Shooter Badge and Rifle Bar, and two Marksman Badges, Machine Gun Bar, and Rifle Bar, as well as the Purple Heart, the oldest military decoration in the world. I am humbled by the courage and sacrifice of First Lieutenant Sheldon Schulman. I am thankful for the gift of freedom that he fought to protect. We must never forget Sheldon Schulman and those soldiers who paid the ultimate price on our behalf.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with the Chamber an email I received from a constituent last week. The subject line of the email was ``Gratitude'' and the email reads as follows: ``Dear Ginny. ``Warmest regards to you, your family and staff. ``Out of the 50-plus emails you've received so far from me, here's one you'll genuinely enjoy reading, I suspect. ``Gratitude is the subject of my email to you today. Today, I was approved by Medicare for the $600-per-year low-income credit with relation to the Medicare prescription drug bill. Thank you, the President, and the Republicans for assisting America's poor and disabled in this way. ``Others merely want your attention. We, however, need your attention. We thank you for your hard work and long hours assisting us.'' Mr. Speaker, I want to point out that over 21,000 low-income seniors qualify for this $600 exemption in my district alone. This constituent's correspondence is one example of the seniors who are celebrating nationwide the ability to have this program in effect this week.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to be here this evening to discuss how well we treated the veterans in this budget. Since Republicans took control of Congress in 1995, we have made great strides in improving the benefits for our Nation's veterans. During that period, total spending on veterans has increased from $38 billion to $60 billion. That is a 58 percent increase compared with only a 36 percent increase during the previous 10 years when the Democrats were in control. And since 1995, payments per veteran have actually risen by 79 percent. Let us take a moment to review some of the most important improvements. For example, in veterans medical care, the Republican Congress has expanded eligibility for medical care in 1996 and 1999. As a result, the number of veterans using the VA medical care has increased from 2.5 million in 1995 to almost 4.7 million today. Since 1995, the total spending on veterans medical care has increased from $16.2 billion to $28.3 billion this year alone. That is a 75 percent increase. In veterans educational benefits, since 1995 monthly education benefit levels under the Montgomery-GI bill increased from $405 to $985, a 143 percent increase. This compares with only a 35 percent increase during the time that the Democrats had control. And under the 40 years of Democrat control prior to us taking control, there was no progress made whatsoever on concurrent receipt. We are very fortunate now that military retirees who are injured in combat or while training for combat or who are 50 percent or greater service disabled are eligible for the first time to receive retirement benefits concurrent with their veterans disability compensation. There is no doubt that the Republicans have helped the veterans in this budget.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I certainly want to commend the gentleman from California (Mr. Ose) and the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) for taking this very bold step on regulatory reform. There is no question that we need regulatory reform. It has been estimated that Americans pay more than $800 billion a year to comply with regulatory burdens, and that amounts to about $8,000 per household. I am talking to you, Mr. and Mrs. Taxpayer out there. The IRS alone accounts for about 80 percent of the paperwork burden on the public. In the House budget language, and I serve on the Committee on the Budget, I inserted some language on regulatory reform, and I would like to read just part of it: ``It is the sense of this House that Congress should establish a mechanism for reviewing Federal agencies and their regulations with the express purpose of making recommendations to Congress when agencies prove to be inefficient, duplicative, outdated, irrelevant, or fail to accomplish their intended purpose.'' Clearly, this will be the result of the gentleman from California's (Mr. Ose) very fine bill. Obviously, in accordance with the language in the House budget resolution, some of the provisions I would like to detail are that they strengthen the Congressional Review Act by providing Congress with more information much earlier in the process. It also provides Congress with in-house expertise comparable to the administration's experts at the Office of Information and Regulatory Affairs. Certainly, additional reforms are necessary. We need regulatory reform that goes even further than this very fine bill. And I am sure we will be seeing that later this year or next year. We must remember that the Constitutional responsibility in article 1, section 8 ``to make all laws which are necessary and proper'' rests with us. Congress is elected by the people, for the people and is held accountable to the people. Having a regulatory system that reflects these principles are not only outlined in the Constitution but are reflected in this bill.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor my constituent, Mark Earl of Spring Hill, Florida. Mr. Earl will be recognized this evening at the Hope Awards Benefit for his work on finding missing children. He will receive the Charles B. Wang International Children's Award, given annually by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. In 1994, Mark's concern and vision prompted him to establish a Missing Children's Board in the Walmart store where he worked. Two years later, Walmart expanded on his initiative and installed Missing Children's Boards nation-wide. He was promoted to District Loss Prevention Supervisor, and his efforts have resulted in the recovery of over 100 children. On behalf of these children, their families, and my entire constituency, I would like to formally praise Mark Earl on the floor of this House. His initiative and dedication to his community are to be commended. I am proud to call him my constituent and eager to honor him in person this evening.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 165, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend and honor the Reverend Doctor Robin G. Murray of Spring Hill in my Fifth Congressional District of Florida. After thirty-five years as an Episcopalian minister, Reverend Murray is retiring in Spring Hill. Reverend Murray was one of the first people I met when I moved to Florida. His friendship and civic-mindedness motivated me to become involved in the Hernando County Legislature, and he has been an inspiration ever since. A loving husband, father of three, and grandfather of two, Reverend Murray has an endless, mile-wide humanitarian streak of dedication to his family and community. His devotion improves the lives of everyone he meets. He is district governor of Spring Hill Rotary and a true civic leader who I am proud and fortunate to call my constituent. It is my honor and pleasure to recognize Reverend Robin G. Murray on the floor of this chamber today. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it has been said that the cost of litigation drives up health care costs by 25 to 30 percent. It not only drives up physicians' costs and hospital costs but also pharmaceutical company costs because so many times there are extremely expensive lawsuits that are out there. Whether the lawsuit goes completely to court or whether it is settled out of court, all of this drives up the cost of health care. A lot of times, constituents will say to me, well, that medicine was actually patented 5 years ago. Why are they continuing to increase the price? It is a lot of times because of litigation that is ongoing that drags on for absolutely years. When I was a State senator in Florida, I accomplished some tort reform in the area of nursing homes because we had nursing homes leaving the State. Accomplishing tort reform is a very difficult job. There is a very delicate balance there. You want to make sure that those who are harmed by an egregious act, that there is a method for compensation for them. But the number of frivolous lawsuits has gotten so out of hand. My constituents will come to me and say, isn't there some sort of law against filing frivolous lawsuits? In Florida we actually have a law. Does the gentleman know how many times judges have imposed fines on attorneys for filing frivolous lawsuits? There was one judge. It was an amount of money that he fined the lawyer that he could take it out of his wallet and hand it to the judge that day. Obviously, there is not enough of a financial disincentive there to thwart the number of lawsuits that are filed. Again, this drives up the cost of prescription drugs. But getting back to the prescription drug bill, passage of this bill is one way that we can help so many low-income seniors. My mother-in- law was only on Social Security. The pharmacist came to us, gave me a call and said, you know, she's not refilling her prescriptions often enough. My husband and I took over and assisted with helping her with her prescription drug costs. But there are so many families out there who cannot or will not for some reason help their elderly parents or grandparents. The passage of this bill gives seniors dignity because they do not have to turn to their children. I think that is an important concept that we may have not promoted enough and that certainly the other side is missing. For somebody who only has Social Security, you cannot afford car payments and insurance payments and your rent and food and buy those prescription drugs. Believe me, my mother-in-law is not atypical. There are so many seniors who are in exactly that situation, older teachers who outlived their pension, just a lot of seniors who only have Social Security or very, very small pension amounts. They will fall into this category of a single person with $12,568 or a couple of $16,861. There are so many people who will benefit from this. I say shame on the Democrats in this House for not promoting this bill in their districts, for again engaging in the Mediscare tactics of the past.