Dave Camp

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Pennsylvania (Ms. Hart), a distinguished Member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would say to my friend from New York that we have dealt with the AMT issue. In our legislation, we did not choose to raise taxes, as the gentleman's substitute does, to the tune of $40 billion. So because of that, the AMT is done outside of the reconciliation process. When I hear so many on the other side of the aisle talk about high- income earners, I remind Members that many small businesses in the United States file as individuals. So when they have this $40 billion tax increase, that is really on small businesses and the families that those small businesses support. According to the Treasury Department, 80 percent of the people affected by the $40 billion tax increase in their substitute are small and entrepreneurial businesses. That is the engine of job creation in America, and that is why our economy has recovered, because we have helped those small businesses. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Hulshof), a distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. CAMP of Michigan

Mr. CAMP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, and the $40 billion in taxes in the Democrat substitute certainly will not give many Americans a break. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Reynolds), a distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee. (Mr. REYNOLDS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, the bill before us today extends important tax relief for families and small businesses all across this country. Much of the relief in this bill is already in current law and will expire next month. If we do not pass this bill, Americans will be hit with tax increases. The tax relief in this bill goes directly to the issues of poverty and education that the gentleman from New York mentioned. This bill will allow America's teachers to receive tax deductions on out-of- pocket classroom expenses. Students will be able to use tax incentives to enhance the affordability of higher education. Employers will be eligible for incentives for hiring low-income Americans transitioning from welfare to work, getting on that first rung of the economic ladder, and States and local governments will continue to be able to qualify for tax credit bonds to help repair schools, purchase school equipment and train teachers in economically distressed areas. These are just a handful of the important tax benefits this bill will provide to low- and middle-income Americans and small business owners. This bill is also a big win for our Nation's economy; and without a strong economy, we will not see families achieve the kind of economic independence they need to realize the American Dream. This bill reauthorizes and strengthens the research and development tax credit amendment which passed the committee with a unanimous vote. It is a valuable tool in promoting U.S. businesses to innovate. When I hear about distressed manufacturers in Michigan, one of the main issues they are competing on is to innovate and find the newest technology to remain competitive in a global economy. Michigan's economy, my home State, is closely tied to the ability of Michigan companies to make a sustained commitment to long-term, high-cost research. The manufacturing sector in the United States is the highest user of the research and development tax credit. Michigan, for example, is one of the top 10 States in reported research and development activity with more than 1,300 companies performing research and development in that State. This bill is a positive piece of legislation across the board. It helps small and low-income businesses and working families, as well as helps our manufacturers to rebound, and also our high-tech community to stay competitive in a global economy. I urge my colleagues to support this legislation and vote ``yes'' on the bill.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Turner).

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson), a distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Weller), a distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Herger), a distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee and chairman of the Human Resources Subcommittee.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Beauprez), a distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, the current rate structure of the AMT was created by the Democrats in 1993 with no Republicans supporting the bill. I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hensarling).

Mr. CAMP of Michigan

Mr. CAMP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I just want to point out to the Members that yesterday the House passed the Gulf Opportunities Zone Act 415-4 which dealt with many items to help gulf coast area residents who had been hurt by the hurricane, incentives to help rebuild housing, investment to provide depreciation and expensing for small businesses, bonding authority so that tax-exempt bond authority could help rebuild devastated infrastructure in the hurricane zone. So this House has acted to help hurricane victims. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth), a distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee. (Mr. HAYWORTH asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CAMP of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw), a distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee and chairman of the Trade Subcommittee.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English), a distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Chocola), a distinguished member of the Ways and Means Committee.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the Reverend James William Bessert as he celebrates the 25th anniversary of his ordination as a Roman Catholic priest. As many do, I know him simply as Father Jim. I am proud to call him a friend and join with so many others in offering our congratulations to Father Jim, a servant of God who has truly dedicated himself to walking the path of Christ. In his 25 years as a priest, Father Jim has shared the Good News and his gift of music since his first ordained assignment as associate pastor of St. Maria Goretti Parish in Bay City to his present calling as pastor at St. Brigid of Kildare Parish in Midland, Michigan. I am especially privileged as a graduate of St. Brigid School and native son of the parish to acknowledge Father Jim's positive impact on the church and the school communities. At a time when some parishes and schools face the heart-wrenching challenge of decreased membership and enrollment, St. Brigid is experiencing a rebirth on both accounts. The pews are filled with families and the sanctuary resounds with worshipful song. Since he arrived at St. Brigid in 1999, Father Jim's vision and example have proven a reason for this blessing in downtown Midland. With a shepherd's care, he walks with the flock of St. Brigid in learning and loving the way of Christ. As the members of the community of believers, we offer our prayers and congratulations to Father Jim on his silver anniversary as a priest and wish him many more years of inspired and inspiring leadership. We pray that the sustaining strength of the Spirit continues to guide him. On behalf of Michigan's Fourth Congressional District, may God continue to lead Father Jim to do His will.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Barton), chairman of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, for yielding me this time, and also the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas), both of these gentlemen, for their leadership on the Energy Policy Act. As a conferee to the tax title on H.R. 6, this bill delivers a huge win for Michigan soybean growers by securing an extension of the Federal Biodiesel Tax Incentive through 2010, a program that many farmers in my district depend on. Biodiesel makes sense on every level, our environment, national security, reducing dependence on foreign oil, and it is certainly better for farmers in Michigan. The tax incentive is expected to increase demand for biodiesel, most often made from soybeans. And soybeans are Michigan's fourth largest commodity in terms of farm income, and by far the largest crop grown in mid-Michigan. I am also pleased that the conference report includes legislation I have been working on that provides consumers with a tax credit for the purchase of hybrid advanced technology, lean-burn diesel, and alternative-fuel vehicles. This incentive will help reduce the amount consumers pay at the pump, lessen our dependence on traditional fossil fuels, and achieve cleaner air. This bill reflects a balance between oil and gas production and efficiency and conservation. I urge my colleagues to vote for this important legislation.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Americans Write, an organization that is committed to helping the people of Northern Michigan contact their elected officials. Americans Write builds on the success of other well-known national opinion ballot organizations, by incorporating issues of the day in its monthly newsletters. By focusing on issues that are most important to its recipients, Americans Write provides the opportunity and inspiration for individuals to engage in the democratic process. It is important that all Americans become involved in our government, to ensure that their voices are heard. As Americans become increasingly busy, it becomes more important to have organizations like Americans Write to facilitate easy communication with their elected officials. I commend Americans Write for their efforts in keeping representatives at every level of government apprised of the issues important to the American people.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the distinguished service of an employee of this House. To do so, I'm reminded of an old phrase that doesn't fit anymore in today's society. It goes: behind every good man is a good woman. The saying may be outdated, but the point it tries to make still rings true: nobody gets very far without a lot of support. Nowhere is that more accurate than in the world of politics and public service. I'd like to think that the modern corollary up here on the Hill might sound something like: behind every good politician is their staff. And, Kathryn Lehman has helped make many a good politician. Kathryn may not have been in the headlines, she may not have been lauded with award after award and plaque after plaque, but she has done much to make our Republican caucus a success. In her many roles, Kathryn has always been a go-to person. Working the halls of Congress with an in-depth knowledge of policy, an ability to handle even the toughest personalities and a dedication to public service that is second to none, Kathryn has remained a constant force in moving our agenda forward. Kathryn is leaving us to take that next step in her already distinguished career. While I know that Kathryn's talents will be missed, I wish her the very best in her new endeavor.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and legacy of the honorable Tillie Kidd Fowler. Mrs. Fowler was a distinguished member of this House from 1993 to 2000. She was a personal friend and someone who I admired greatly. Tillie was as good a Representative as this House has seen. She was tenacious in the defense of her constituents; principled to a point; and, willing to listen to any good argument. Raised in an era when professional women were passed over regardless of qualifications for their male counterparts, Tillie used her sharp intellect to climb to the highest levels of government and public service; and our Nation is the better for it. Today, as we grapple with how best to defend our Nation against the threats of the 21st Century, each of us in the public arena will have to double our efforts in order to fill the knowledge void created by Tillie's absence. We all relied on her keen insights and the significance of her efforts to rebuild our Nation's military and maintain the world's most elite armed services cannot be understated. While I could go on and on about Tillie's policy successes as a United States Representative and later as Chairwoman of the Defense Policy Board Advisory Committee, it is her work off this floor that I will miss most. When the day's work was done, Tillie had an amazing ability to cut through the clutter and remind you what matters most; to keep you focused; and, to give you a renewed sense of energy with which to tackle the issues of the day. Just as she was in life, her memory will continue to serve as an inspiration to all of us who knew her. May God receive and keep her, and hold her family close in their days of mourning.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to The Most Reverend Robert J. Carlson on his installation as the fifth bishop of the Diocese of Saginaw. During this penitential and traditionally solemn season of Lent, this is by contrast a day of celebration and reason to give thanks for God's many blessings. We are thankful that the Holy Father, Pope John Paul II, led Bishop Carlson to Saginaw, and we are grateful to Bishop Carlson for saying yes to that call. God has chosen Bishop Carlson to come to Saginaw. By giving us a new bishop, God has revealed a powerful sign that we are not alone in this journey. As we prepare for the Easter celebration, we pray that God will act through Bishop Carlson to change our hearts and help us be more faithful servants. Bishop Carlson has been a strong advocate for the underserved. We are called to serve the poor and defend the weak from the strong. In that respect, I also appreciate Bishop Carlson's strong support for life, from the beginning until its natural end. We hope that Bishop Carlson's example of faith in God will inspire not just Catholics but people of all faiths and even non-religious backgrounds to seek the Truth. As the members of the community of believers in Saginaw, we offer our prayers and congratulations to Bishop Carlson as he starts his ministry in mid-Michigan. For the many Catholics I represent in Michigan's Fourth Congressional District, may God lead and guide you and the Saginaw Diocese to do His will.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take my Special Order at this time.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the distinguished service of Ambassador Michael Kergin, a man who has done much to advance the combined interests of Canada and the United States of America. Mr. Kergin has spent the better part of the last 4 decades in public service. His experience has served him not only well at home but also here. He has served the American people very well. When our Nation was attacked by terrorists on September 11, 2001, I knew we had a friend in Michael Kergin and in Canada. Standing shoulder to shoulder, our two countries moved forward to battle against those who sought to disrupt the free and democratic world. Having served as chairman of the former Select Committee on Homeland Security, Subcommittee on Infrastructure and Border Security, I have always been especially thankful that Ambassador Kergin was a constant source of goodwill and great insight as we secured our shared border while protecting our economies and the hundreds of thousands of jobs dependent on North American trade. Together, we were able to secure a new working agreement, implement new tactics, utilize advanced technology and biometrics, and integrate border teams, all in order to strengthen border security without straining our friendship. The delicacy of such strategic initiatives and the relative ease with which they were accomplished is a testament to the skills Ambassador Kergin has always employed to ensure our historic friendship with our northern border remains sound. As I am sure his services will be missed in Canada, on a personal note, they will also be missed in America.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Shaw for leading this important effort to highlight the problems facing the current Social Security system. Since the creation of the Social Security program, older Americans continue to count on guaranteed benefits to support them in their retirement. Social Security benefits must be there for every American who pays into the system. The President and the Republican Congress are committed to making sure Social Security is there for the worker who retires, is there for the widow who needs that extra source of income, and is there for the disabled who need that helping hand each month. I want to make sure these benefits continue for future generations of Americans. To ensure the continued solvency of the Social Security program Congress and the President must fact the facts that by 2018--less than 15 years from now the program will begin to pay out more in benefits than it currently collects. The outlays will be more than the revenues coming in. How can my Democratic friends ignore this reality? Fifty- five years ago, there were 16 workers for every one Social Security beneficiary. Today, there are three workers for every one beneficiary. The numbers don't improve from here on out. If we postpone the inevitable and do nothing to reform the current system, today's worker will be left with a Social Security program that has nothing to pay out. While some policymakers may hope that a magic wand miraculously rescues the current system from future bankruptcy, the reality is that Congress and the President must work together now, make necessary reforms, and save Social Security. That is what we were elected to do--make decisions and implement policies that help Americans now and in the future. To not do so is frankly irresponsible. My Democratic colleagues argue that we don't need to do anything to reform Social Security. Many suggest that the magic elixir for Social Security is repealing the sensible tax cuts Congress and the President signed into law over the past four years and stashing the money in the Social Security Trust Fund. Tax increases will not rescue Social Security. This approach, which they have used to fund every one of their policy proposals, will restrain the economic growth we have experienced over the past several years. Since the Republican Congress passed the 2001 Jobs and Growth Tax Relief Act, the U.S. economy has rebounded, millions of new jobs have been created, and business investment is the best its been in seven years. Repealing these tax cuts will hurt the U.S. economy and in turn, do nothing to save Social Security. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to put every idea and all the options on the table so we can begin to examine how to preserve and protect Social Security for today's seniors and future beneficiaries.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay special tribute to men of the 2nd Battalion 7th Marines (2/7) that have recently returned from their tour of duty in Iraq. Specifically, I would like to honor Corporal Justin Perez, Lance Corporal Andrew Kingscott, Lance Corporal Justin Sebring, and Lance Corporal Ben Gunderson, of my district, for their outstanding service in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom. These proud Marines exemplify the honor and tradition that the Marine Corps stands for. These men have offered their lives for an idea greater than any one of us as individuals--the right of all God's children to live in freedom. Through their courage, the flame of freedom has been lit; through their bravery its warmth and light continue to shine on America; and through their courage its rays of hope and opportunity now reach a nation of people. Their actions laid the groundwork for a safe and democratic Iraq, which will ultimately make the United States and the world a safer place. Their character is measured not only by their efforts in the field; it is measured by the hope they brought to the oppressed, the freedom they brought to the terrorized, and the bravery and fortitude with which they completed their mission. I am honored today to recognize Corporal Justin Perez, Lance Corporal Andrew Kingscott, Lance Corporal Justin Sebring, and Lance Corporal Ben Gunderson for their exemplary service on behalf of their country, and thank them for their work.