Dave Camp

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay special tribute to Mother Teresa of Calcutta in celebration of her extraordinary life. The world has always been filled with great humanitarians, people who donate millions of dollars, and people who make their voices heard. Yet, Mother Teresa stands out in this group. She dedicated her entire adult life to caring for the terminally ill, the unwanted and unloved. Despite these people's pain and suffering, she gave them a reason to smile. Mother Teresa received her calling in 1946 and humbly spent the next 51 years devoted to helping the people of India. In 1979 she received the Nobel Peace Prize and in 1985 she received the highest U.S. civilian award, the Medal of Freedom. Mother Teresa had love in her heart for all God's children, and for that, I am honored today to pay tribute to her.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I thank the majority whip for his hard work on this bill; and I lend my strong support to H.R. 7, which passed the committee by voice vote. I think all members on the committee agreed that this policy was an appropriate way to increase philanthropy among individuals, corporations, and foundations. I think it contains the right mix of tax incentives to spur individual giving, business and foundation giving, for example, the nonitemizer provision for low- and middle-income taxpayers. In my view, the Tax Code should provide a tax incentive to all taxpayers to give to charity, not just those who itemize; and this bill does that. Another important feature is those who have reached 70\1/2\ can make tax-free contributions from their IRAs. Last, I want to thank the majority whip and the committee for their hard work in making sure that we also do what we can to increase giving from charitable organizations and foundations. I think we have the right mix in this bill to do that. I lend my strong support to this legislation.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to pay special tribute to Major James Ewald for his faithful service to his country and his bold display of courage during the events unfolding on April 8, 2003. Major James Ewald joined the Air Force on January 15, 1989 and served on active duty until July 1, 1998 when he joined the Michigan Air National Guard's 110th Fighter Wing. Since his transfer to the 110th, Major Ewald has deployed with the unit to numerous stateside training exercises and recently returned from a 4-month tour of duty in Kuwait. While serving in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom, he flew over 30 combat sorties. One such flight occurred on April 8, 2003, when Major Ewald's aircraft was struck by an Iraqi surface-to-air missile, rendering his craft only marginally flyable. Major Ewald flew the wounded-bird for 12 minutes before ejecting. He then evaded capture by masking his presence in thick foliage while awaiting his rescue. I commend Major Ewald for his extreme devotion to his country. He responded to his country's call of duty, giving of himself for the causes of liberty, justice, and peace. His dedication and sacrifice for his country serves as a shining example to all Americans. On behalf of the 4th Congressional District of Michigan, I am truly honored to have the opportunity to acknowledge Major Ewald and welcome him home. The United States is deeply indebted to him for all of his efforts and commitment. As family and friends gather with Major Ewald today, please allow me to join in thanking him for his patriotism, selflessness, and heroic efforts in protecting America's freedom.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1, the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003. We're hearing a lot about the year 1965 today. Let me remind my colleagues of some of the other things from that year. Herb Alpert and Tijuana Brass won a Grammy for `Album of the Year' and Tom Jones earned one as `Best New Artist'. Sonny and Cher had a hit song in `l Got You Babe' and `Bonanza' was the top show on television. A postage stamp cost a nickel and a gallon of regular gasoline was 31 cents. And the Dow Jones Industrial Average reached a high of 969 points. We've come a long way since then. Also in 1965 Medicare, which has provided health care security for millions of Americans for almost 40 years, was created. When it was launched, the program was designed to focus on a different set of needs, needs that did not include prescription drug coverage and preventive care. It was designed to fit the needs of 1965. Well my friends this isn't the mid-sixties anymore. Just as a postage stamp is no longer a nickel, the Medicare program which doesn't provide a prescription drug benefit doesn't work in today's world. My friends, times change. In 2003, we must honor our commitment of health care to seniors by ensuring that seniors have access and when needed assistance to prescription drug coverage. Additionally, H.R. 1 allows for other modernizations by adding an entry physical, cholesterol screening and offers disease management. I am pleased that this bill works to address the needs of our rural communities. Long overlooked, H.R. 1 provides a permanent fix to formulas that have discriminated against health care providers in mid- Michigan and other rural areas. This is a policy change that goes to the heart of the problem and its benefits will be multiplied for years to come. This legislation will increase to every small urban and rural hospital, equalizing their base payment rates with that of large urban hospitals. Additionally, H.R. 1 adds a five percent bonus for primary and specialty care physicians working in areas where such care is scarce; creating a new category of hospitals that are the primary hospital in the community to receive payments covering costs plus two percent; allowing rural and small-town hospitals that provide graduate medical education to receive additional direct medical education and indirect teaching hospital funds by moving unused residency slots to these hospitals; and adding a five percent increase for all rural home health agencies for two years. Put simply, it is past time to modernize and improve the Medicare system. H.R. 1 will be able to better serve the needs of seniors. I urge my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 1.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1416, the Homeland Security Technical Corrections Act of 2003. This bipartisan bill makes grammatical and technical changes to the Homeland Security Act of 2002. The Department of Homeland Security, the product of the Homeland Security Act, has existed for a little more than 100 days. The Homeland Security Act brought together a number of Federal agencies with homeland security functions into one collaborative effort, joining resources, information and missions to defend our Nation. Protecting our Nation from attack requires strengthening our border defenses. We must know who and what is passing through our country. The American people deserve this level of security. Utilizing technology advancements, we can monitor individuals and intelligently screen cargo without delaying legitimate trade and travel. Cross-border commerce is critical to the American economy. Trade with Canada and Mexico, our country's top trading partners, is growing at a rapid pace with almost $1.4 billion crossing the northern border every day; and with more than $250 billion in trade per year with Mexico, our Nation cannot lose sight of the vital importance of the uninterrupted flow of trade as new policies for border security are pursued. Security and commerce are not mutually exclusive goals. Since the Department of Homeland Security was officially created, coordination between border security agencies has definitely improved. Twenty-four hours a day, American citizens are patrolling our borders, searching cargo, and checking individual travelers. This is not new since September 11, 2001; however, we are now acutely aware of the threat to our Nation and people and have stepped up our response by uniting our security functions. As the new Department continues integrating and organizing, there are certain areas that the Federal Government needs to address. As chairman of the Subcommittee on Border and Infrastructure of the Select Committee on Homeland Security, I look forward to working with the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox) and the Department of Homeland Security to address security along our Nation's borders, over 300 ports of entry, and to better protect our critical infrastructure. As Congress continues to assist the new Department in meeting obligations in the act, I would like to thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox) for bringing this technical corrections bill to the floor and for his leadership, and reiterate my support for H.R. 1416.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 252) expressing the sense of the House of Representatives supporting the United States in its efforts within the World Trade Organization (WTO) to end the European Union's protectionist and discriminatory trade practices of the past five years regarding agricultural biotechnology, as amended.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 252 introduced by my good friend from Missouri, Majority Whip Roy Blunt. This important resolution expresses support for the administration's World Trade Organization case against the European Union's unwarranted moratorium on agriculture and food biotech products. On May 13, 2003, U.S. Trade Representative Robert Zoellick and Agriculture Secretary Ann Veneman announced that the United States, Argentina, Canada, and Egypt would file a WTO case against the European Union over its illegal 5-year moratorium on approving agricultural biotech products. Other countries expressing support for this case by joining it as third parties include Australia, Chile, Colombia, El Salvador, Honduras, Mexico, New Zealand, Peru, and Uruguay. Since the late 1990s, the European Union has opposed the use of agriculture biotechnology and pursued policies opposing genetically engineered products around the world. The current 5-year moratorium on the approval of new agriculture biotechnology products entering the European market has no scientific basis, effectively prohibits most United States corn exports to Europe, violates European Union law, and clearly breaches World Trade Organization rules. According to recent studies, biotechnology has made substantial contributions to the protection of the environment by reducing the application of pesticides, reducing soil erosion and creating an environment more hospitable to wildlife. Since its implementation in October 1998, the moratorium has blocked more than $300 million annually in United States corn exports to countries in the European Union. This is completely unacceptable. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution and support the administration, sound science, and United States farmers at the WTO. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus). (Mr. SHIMKUS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks and include extraneous material.)

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Smith). (Mr. SMITH of Michigan asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks and include extraneous material.)

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas), chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means.

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

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Osborne).

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the chairman of the Committee on Agriculture, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte). (Mr. GOODLATTE asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt).

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Wolf). (Mr. WOLF asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan, a member of the Committee on Agriculture and a good colleague. (Mr. SMITH of Michigan asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Nebraska (Mr. Bereuter). (Mr. BEREUTER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 201. This bill expresses the sense of the House of Representatives that American businesses should be commended for their support of our troops and their families. I would like to thank my colleague from Michigan, Mr. Rogers, for introducing this timely and appropriate tribute and urge my colleagues to vote in favor of this resolution. Since September 11, 2001, the Armed Forces have undertaken more than 21 months of courageous and successful operations against terrorism worldwide. Over 216,931 members of the Reserve components have been called to leave their families and their jobs to serve our country. From my own State of Michigan, over 1,000 individuals have been called to Active Duty. National Guard and Reserve members comprise 38 percent of our military and support by their employers is crucial. It can be a struggle for Guard and Reserve members to find a balance between serving our country and dedication to their employment. For activated service members to be successful in their missions, they need peace of mind that their families, civilian jobs, and other responsibilities will be stable and financially secure in their absence. We have established a law to protect our troops and this law has significantly reinforced the respect and encouragement our armed forces deserve. The Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Rights Act (USERRA) provides job protection and rights of reinstatement to employees who participate in the National Guard and Reserve. The act seeks to ensure that members of the uniformed services are entitled to return to their civilian employment upon completion of their service. They should be reinstated with the seniority, status, and rate of pay they would have obtained had they remained continuously employed by their civilian employer. The law also protects individuals from discrimination in hiring, promotion, and retention on the basis of present and future membership in the Armed Forces. Many employers have gone above and beyond what is required under USERRA. They have expanded their pay differential and medical coverage policies for Reserve and National Guard members called to Active Duty. Along with the companies who provide a pay differential during service members' annual training and mobilization, continuation of insurance and other company benefits, establishing family support networks to maintain open lines of communication, and facilitating information sharing have been used to mitigate the psychological hardships of war. Employers' willingness to bear the inevitable financial hardships and organizational disruptions that result from war is an important contribution to our Nation's security. In placing America's well being above their own, employers help our National Guard provide mission- ready forces to help preserve our freedoms and protect our national interests. Our Nation's businesses and business owners serve our country in many ways, especially in these days of increased engagement of our military in strategic locations around our Nation and around the world. I would like to commend their patriotism and offer my sincere gratitude to the men and women defending America.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Catherine Ochenski in honor of her becoming the first female District Commander for the Veterans of Foreign Wars 11th district. Kate proudly served her country in the Women's Army Corps from 1944 to 1946 both in the United States and in Europe. Her role during these 2 years was to assist in the aftermath of World War II. Kate has since gone on to wed a Marine veteran, and raise a family of three children. She has also served in a multitude of capacities at V.F.W. Post 1075 for over 15 years, where she currently has received the honor of being the first female District Commander. Kate's accomplishments are numerous, and her devotion to her country is steadfast. I am honored today to recognize Catherine Ochenski for her many accomplishments, and to congratulate her on the celebration of her role as first female District Commander for the V.F.W. Post 1075.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. I thank the gentleman.

Mr. CAMP. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, my question concerns the treatment of variable annuity contracts under the bill. Sellers of variable annuity contracts have expressed concerns about the effect of the dividend and capital gain tax rate reductions on the market for variable annuities. Is the chairman willing to continue to examine this area?

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I, too, rise in support of H.R. 1577, the Kris Eggle Memorial Center Designation Act. This bill honors National Park Service Ranger Kris Eggle, who was murdered on August 9, 2002, by an illegal alien and suspected drug smuggler while on duty in Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument in Arizona. H.R. 1577 designates the visitors' center in Organ Pipe National Monument in Arizona as the Kris Eggle Memorial Visitors' Center. Kris, a native of Cadillac, Michigan, was just 28 years old at the time of his death. He died doing a job he loved, and his commitment to safeguarding America's natural treasures commands our deepest appreciation. I support this legislation that will pay tribute to his life and ideals. The legislation directs the Secretary of the Interior to post signs at the center and on the trail that describe the important role of public law enforcement officers in protecting park visitors. The signs will also refer to the tragic loss of Kris Eggle, the dedication of the trail and visitors' center by Congress, and will include a copy of this act and Kris' picture. I believe this legislation will succeed in reminding people of the sacrifices made by those who work each day to protect America. Let me just talk for a moment about Kristopher William Eggle, the man. As I learned more about him, I became even more impressed with his life and, yes, angry at his loss. He was an individual of amazing accomplishments for his young age, Eagle Scout, National Honor Society student, valedictorian of Cadillac High School. An athlete in high school, he went on to run track at the University of Michigan. But I think more importantly his leadership skills and the quality of person that he was makes this even more tragic as we think about it. I would like to express my deepest and heartfelt sympathy to the friends and family of Kris Eggle for their loss. I would also like to thank the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Tancredo) and the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Hoekstra) for bringing this legislation to the floor and urge my colleagues to support this measure. As the chairman of Subcommittee on Infrastructure and Border Security, I look forward to working with my colleagues to make sure that this never happens again.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Dr. Douglas R. Jackson in celebration of his 25th anniversary with the Community Baptist Church. Dr. Jackson founded the Community Baptist Church in Saginaw, Michigan in 1981, and has been the President of Michigan Association of Christian Schools since 1990. He is a board member of the Independent Fundamental Baptist Association of Michigan and the International Baptist Mission in Tempe, Arizona. He is also chairman of the board at Maranatha Baptist Bible College in Watertown, Wisconsin, and treasurer of the board for Baptist World Mission in Huntsville, Alabama. Dr. Jackson's further accomplishments include his legislative lobbying for Christian education, and national recognition for the Michigan Association of Christian Schools. I am honored today to recognize Dr. Douglas R. Jackson for his many accomplishments, and to wish him the best on the celebration of his 25 years with the Community Baptist Church.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise to commend the chairman for putting together a balanced jobs bill. This legislation helps families, wage earners and employers by improving incentives for job creation, work and savings. The child credit is doubled, strengthening families. For wage earners the marriage penalty relief and tax rate cuts are accelerated, particularly effective in small and medium businesses and family farms. These flow-through family businesses result for more than 40 percent of the net income in this country. The legislation provides job creation incentives for all employers by increasing expensing for small business employers, by increasing the bonus depreciation element for other employers. Michigan has the largest unemployment they have had in 9 years. By lowering the Federal tax burden, we will help expand the economy. Faster economic growth would create jobs and, particularly in the small business area, will allow them to remain the engine of economic growth in this country. Vote for this bill.