Dave Camp

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I want to take a moment and extend the regrets of the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw) that, due to a death in his family, he could not be here personally to manage this bill on the floor today. Mr. Speaker, this is a time-sensitive bill that makes technical amendments to clarify provisions of benefits for noncitizens and to improve the provision of unemployment insurance, child support and supplemental security income benefits. This legislation includes a handful of seemingly minor but in fact important changes that serve several goals. Each of its provisions has drawn bipartisan support, and I see my colleague from Michigan is here as well. None of the provisions is opposed by the administration. The bill's major provision ensures that every elderly or disabled noncitizen already dependent on supplemental security income benefits when we passed welfare reform will remain eligible. At the same time we are maintaining the underlying policy on welfare for newly arriving immigrants achieved in the welfare reform law, that those who arrived after 1996 must work or naturalize before becoming eligible for government benefits. Second, we are making a number of common sense changes that encourage work and personal responsibility in several programs under the jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means. Finally, many people are familiar with the Make-A-Wish Foundation or the many similar organizations that fulfill the dreams of children with life threatening conditions by, for example, sending a child with terminal cancer to Disney World. Yet under current rules a sick child granted such a wish can lose some supplemental security income benefits or even lose SSI benefits altogether. We are fixing this problem so children who have their wishes fulfilled by charitable groups will no longer risk losing this critical support. This legislation is completely paid for and has drawn bipartisan support. I urge its swift adoption. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I include the following letters as part of the Record: Committee on the Judiciary, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, September 22, 1998. Hon. Bill Archer Chairman, Committee on Ways and Means, Lonworth House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Mr. Chairman: On September 18, 1998, the Committee on Ways and Means ordered reported H.R. 4558, the ``Noncitizen Benefit Clarification and Other Technical Amendments Act of 1998''. The bill makes technical amendments to clarify the provisions of benefits for noncitizens, and to improve the provision of unemployment insurance, child support, and supplemental security income benefits. As you know, Section 2 and 5--which relate to aliens--fall within the Rule X jurisdiction of the Committee on the Judiciary. Given the importance of this legislation and your interest in moving the bill to the House Floor in an expeditious manner, I will agree not to request a referral of this bill. By agreeing not to exercise the Judiciary Committees's jurisdiction, the Committee does not waives its jurisdictional interest in this bill or similar legislation. Further, the Committee would preserve its prerogative to seek to be represented in any House-Senate conference committee that may be convened on H.R. 4558. I appreciate your consideration of our interest in this legislation and look forward to working with you on its passage. Further, I would appreciate an acknowledgement of this letter and would request that our exchange of letters be included in the Record of debate on this bill. Sincerely, Henry J. Hyde, Chairman.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4558) to make technical amendments to clarify the provision of benefits for noncitizens, and to improve the provision of unemployment insurance, child support, and supplemental security income benefits, as amended.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This legislation, as my colleague, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin) correctly pointed out, was very much a bipartisan piece of legislation. I would like to particularly note that there was one provision regarding the Make-A-Wish Foundation and other similar organizations that help children who have life-threatening diseases fulfill their childhood dreams or their wishes. Under current law, SSI benefits or supplemental security income benefits could be lost by the child receiving such a benefit. That could be a trip to Disney World, as I said, or some other type of trip. Because those were deemed as a benefit, these children were put at risk. My colleague, the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English) was absolutely instrumental in making this change. This was a problem he had heard about, he knew about. He brought this to the attention of the committee and did a tremendous job in making this change. I just wanted to make sure that the Record reflected his leadership on this particular issue. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English).

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize the 50th Anniversary Celebration of WMPX-WMRX in my hometown of Midland, Michigan. Founded in 1948 by tele-broadcasting entrepreneur, Phil Rich, this radio station was originally donned the call letters WMDN. Serving its public as both an entertaining, as well as, an informative resource, WMDN has undergone transformation from its original talk radio programming to its current format focusing more on musical entertainment. Moreover, as a pilot station, WMDN was solely an AM station while its current subsidiaries, WMPX and WMRX are heard on both AM and FM stations, respectfully, thus implying a broader outreach to listeners. Music has become the focal format of both radio stations, complemented by timely updated briefings of local sports, news, weather and special events. Sounding melodies of such greats as Frank Sinatra and Nat King Cole, citizens of Midland are assured quality entertainment with the depths of American culture these entertainers have instilled throughout the past five decades. WMPX and WMRX are two important communication vehicles that provide both nurturing and entertainment to the public. I know the Midland community can proudly affirm the influence this radio station has maintained over the past fifty years. On Sunday, while citizens listen to the music and updates provided by WMPX and WMRX Midland--they can be proud of how this organization has benefited the community. It is the determination and creativity of people like Phil Rich--fifty years ago--that has allowed it to grow over the years and become the successful station it is today. Thanks to the many efforts of WMPX-WMRX, the Midland community is kept informed. I know these stations will remain an important part of the Midland community for many years to come.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, there have been many references to our former colleague, now ambassador, Pete Peterson. I wish everyone could have heard his very powerful and compelling testimony before the Subcommittee on Trade about reconciliation and engagement in Vietnam. This is not about MFN. I have heard some references to MFN or normal trade relations. That only occurs after a negotiated bilateral trade agreement. This is about allowing private overseas investment loan guarantees. We must talk about our relations with Vietnam and what kind of leverage we have if we do not engage Vietnam. We lose leverage in obtaining more information from the Vietnamese government on those POWs and MIAs that we are still not sure about. The VFW in a statement released on July 28 said that disapproving the waiver would harm the prospects for the cooperation between our governments that is necessary for a successful resolution and accounting for our missing Americans. We also lose leverage in bringing Vietnam closer into the community of nations. We lose leverage in encouraging Vietnam to promote the freedom of immigration, the very point of the Jackson-Vanik amendment when it was passed back in 1974. I urge the defeat of H.J. Res. 120.

Mr. CAMP

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

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I would like to engage the distinguished gentleman from Virginia in a colloquy. Is it the chairman's understanding that under current law, the Secretary of Transportation may not close a Coast Guard boat station or subunit unless the Secretary determines the remaining search and rescue capabilities can continue to maintain the safety of the public in that area?

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, is it the chairman's understanding that a Coast Guard station or subunit cannot be closed unless the Secretary determines the Coast Guard search and rescue standards related to search and rescue times are met?

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, is it the chairman's understanding that under current law if the Coast Guard plans on closing a station, the Coast Guard must provide an opportunity for public comment and for public meetings in the area of the station with regard to the decision to close the station or subunit?

Mr. CAMP. Is it the chairman's understanding that the Coast Guard has no immediate plans to close any boat stations?

Mr. CAMP. I thank the gentleman from Virginia for working so diligently on behalf of our Nation's infrastructure needs and clarifying these questions.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Roemer-Camp amendment. Last year I stood on this floor and urged my colleagues to vote down additional funds for the International Space Station, and at that time the launch of the first module was scheduled for November and the total cost of the project was estimated to be $94 billion. Well, guess what? The module was never launched and now the cost overruns estimate this project at $98 billion. Last year the Congress decided to stick with the Space Station. I now ask my colleagues when is enough enough? Will we vote to end funding when the costs pass $110 billion, $120 billion, $150 billion? How high do we have to go before we say no more? Many of the original uses for the $8 billion Space Station, as were so ably pointed out by my colleague, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Roemer), have now been superseded by other NASA projects and missions and other technological advances. Now the Space Station is simply a floating lemon that will cost 24 times its weight in pure gold. This is a project plagued with delays, cost overruns and unfulfilled promises. The Russian assurances have fallen short and the American taxpayer has been left picking up the tab. The other day I listened to two renowned scientists argue this $98 billion black hole is not necessary and is actually hurting the sciences. In fact, the presidents of 10 different scientific societies have called the Space Station, and I quote, ``A project of little scientific or technical merit that threatens valuable space-related projects and drains the scientific vitality of nations.'' The $80 billion not yet spent on the Space Station could provide an enormous benefit to earth-based research. I am not advocating we stop exploring space. In fact, I support space exploration. But we must recognize the costs of this project far exceed the benefits. Last year NASA captivated the world when it successfully landed the Pathfinder on Mars at a cost of $267 million, a mere fraction of the cost of the Space Station. Let us not forget that while space is infinite, the American taxpayers' deep pockets are not. We must get serious about what the core functions of the Federal Government are. We continue to pay over $350 billion of interest on the debt year after year. And while children have been amazed by the promises of space exploration and the excitement it generates, I am concerned with the debt each of these children will inherit. Congress should invest the $80 billion in those children's future, not in a flying lemon.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word. Mr. Chairman, I would like to engage the chairman of the subcommittee in a colloquy, but first I would like to thank the chairman for all of his hard work on a complicated and important appropriations bill which funds the Department of Veterans, Housing and Urban Development, and independent agencies. I would also like to commend his staff who have so diligently worked with me on an important issue concerning my district. Mr. Chairman, I understand that the report language to H.R. 4194 indicates that the EPA should take no action which will utilize dredging as a remediation tool until a joint EPA-National Academy of Sciences study has been completed and analyzed. This study is needed to help determine in what situations dredging is an appropriate method of remediation. The EPA has recently signed an action memo to begin a dredging project of the Pine River in St. Louis, Michigan, in my district. St. Louis badly needs EPA action, which includes dredging, to save this important river. It is the gentleman's understanding that the language in the report is not intended to prevent dredging in the case of the Pine River project and that he will work to address this issue further in conference? Mr. Chairman, I would yield to the gentleman from California (Mr. Lewis).

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from California for his commitment to our Nation's environmental resources and again for his hard work on this bill. Amendment Offered By Mr. Waxman

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I honor Mr. Leon Baker, from Greenville, Michigan, for his heroic actions. On May 14, 1998 while working for the Greenville Water Department he noticed a home engulfed in fire. After reporting the fire, he ran to the door of the house and heard an elderly woman's cry for help. Without concern for his own life he entered the burning house, located and carried the woman to safety. Due to his selfless actions, the woman's life was saved. Mr. Baker is truly a hero--even though he refuses to acknowledge that he showed a great deal of bravery in his heroic actions. It was without concern for his own well being that Mr. Baker heroically responded to a desperate call for help and rescued a fellow citizen. In response to being called a hero he humbly said ``I don't classify myself as a hero, just as a good American. I would hope someone would do the same for me if I needed help. I'm a Christian and I did it for that reason. God is my motivation. I'm just glad I could save her.'' This demonstrates his unselfishness and commitment to his fellow Americans. It is this type of bravery and courage that helped found America. Leon Baker is an example of what is so great about America. I salute him for his heroic actions, bravery and genuine care for his fellow citizens.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 2676, the Internal Revenue Service Restructuring and Reform Act of 1997. Today we have a Republican-led fundamental, comprehensive reform of the IRS. This will help protect taxpayers by increasing oversight, holding IRS employees accountable and insuring taxpayers are treated with fairness. First, the burden of proof shifts to the IRS in court proceedings-- now, finally, you're innocent until proven guilty. Second, innocent spouses will not be held responsible for taxes due--the income-earning spouse will pay. Third, interest and penalty relief is provided in certain cases, where the IRS fails to give the proper notice to taxpayers. Fourth, we prohibit the IRS from seizing a taxpayer's home without a court order. And finally, we permit the taxpayer to collect up to $100,000 in civil damages resulting from IRS negligence. These are only a few of the changes in the first IRS reform since 1952. And this bill is only the first step--but it's a big one, and it's a necessary one. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2676 represents a critical step in returning government to the people we represent. I urge support for this important legislation.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding this time to me and for his leadership. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this bill and for its provision which would require that Members' unspent office funds go back to the Treasury to be used to reduce the national debt. The fiscal year 1999 legislative branch appropriations bill continues our assault on the national debt and reduces spending by 77 million over 1995 levels. This majority has achieved in 3 years what has eluded the Congress for 3 decades, a balanced budget, and we must not rest. We must remain committed to maintaining a balanced budget and continue working toward reducing the national debt. This bill with a provision in it offered by the Representative from Indiana (Mr. Roemer) and myself will ensure that Members of Congress can demonstrate their personal commitment to a balanced budget. This provision requires Members' unspent office funds be used for debt reduction. This measure has been proposed for the last 8 years. It was first adopted by the new majority with a large bipartisan vote 3 years ago, and for the first time ever has been included in the chairman's draft, and I thank the chairman for his leadership on this issue. Requiring unspent office funds for debt reduction allows us to demonstrate our personal commitment to a truly debt-free Nation by running our offices in a efficient and frugal manner. What better example can we set in returning our unspent office funds to the American people? As taxpayers and Members of Congress, we should do our part to reduce the debt. I thank the gentleman again, and I thank the gentleman from Indiana for his leadership and work on this important provision.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment. Only 2 years ago we enacted major reforms to our sugar policy and they have been tough reforms. Our 1996 farm bill created a free domestic sugar market. We froze the support price at 1995 levels. We required the USDA to impose a penalty on producers who forfeit their crops instead of repaying marketing loans, and sugar is the only commodity with such a penalty. We even raised by 25 percent the amount that sugar growers pay in a special assessment for debt reduction. And we increased imports to allow the Secretary of Agriculture to bring more sugar into the United States if we do not produce enough. These reforms have had a significant impact on our growers. Prices have gone down. Twenty-three thousand industry jobs in Michigan, and nearly 3,000 family farmers in Michigan and farm families all across the country have accepted our reforms, and they are doing the best they can under a new program. Our sugar program works. It is at no cost to the taxpayers and puts money into the Treasury for debt reduction. It is not fair to our growers. Let us keep our 7-year commitment, Mr. Chairman. I urge my colleagues to reject the Miller-Schumer amendment.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise to recognize a distinguished Township in Mid-Michigan as it celebrates its 125th Anniversary. Chartered in 1873, Jonesfield Township was originally known as Green--named after the owner of a local lumber mill. Now a 125 years later, Jonesfield Township has grown and prospered around the quiet community of Merrill. Jonesfield is named after one of its earliest settling families, the Jones' which happened to stumble upon the community after taking the wrong road in the attempt to settle in the area surrounding Grand Rapids. Jonesfield Township and the community of Merrill are known for the closeness of the residents and their friendly community spirit. Its residents classify the area as a quiet farming community. Today, as the community celebrates its 125th Anniversary it recognizes the excellence of the churches, schools, fire department, and farm families that have help development Jonesfield Township into a thriving community. It is the hard work and dedication of many generations that built this community. This weekend the Jonesfield Township will reflect on its past and the residents can be very proud of their history and growth over the past 125 years. On Saturday, as the citizens of Jonesfield Township reflect on their past--they can be proud of how their community started and where it is today. It is a special, caring community that has grown without sacrificing their special heritage.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Shaw-Camp-English amendment. The collection of child support has been central to the work of the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw) on the Committee on Ways and Means, to all of our work on the Committee on Ways and Means. And the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw) and I appreciate the efforts of the Committee on the Judiciary in making the collection of child support payments the number one priority for debtors in reorganizing their debt. We should make absolutely sure that kids receive the support they are entitled to. Our perfecting amendment would merely require credit card companies which obtain payments from debtors who owe past due child support to pay custodial parents if they surface at a later date. Without this additional protection, parents with children living on tight budgets, who cannot afford to bring legal action, may not be able to collect the money they desperately need. I urge the House to pass this important amendment and ensure that children continue to be this Congress's top priority.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I want to second the remarks of my good friend, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton), and rise in support of H.R. 3808, the bill to name the United States Post Office in Plymouth, Michigan, after our former colleague, Carl D. Pursell. The gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Upton) spoke about Carl's leadership, particularly to bring Congress to its fiscal senses, but I want to speak about him on just a personal note. He was a leader within our delegation. He took great personal interest in the committee assignments Members received and their ability to get started in the Congress. It was his intellect and I think his experience with people, serving at different levels of government, teaching, publishing, as a State senator, and then in Congress on the Committee on Appropriations, but it was that leadership quality that he had, that ability to work with people, certainly his sense of humor, that brought us together and made us a more effective delegation here in Washington. So it is with great honor that I rise to support this legislation. I think it is a fitting tribute to our colleague. Without redistricting, I am sure he would be serving here today in the Congress. We miss him very much.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that my colleague, Mr. Barcia, and I rise today to recognize the Silver Anniversary Celebration of the Saginaw County Commission on Aging. The Commission was founded on January 1, 1973, and from that point on has been an invaluable asset to the surrounding community. Saginaw County can be proud of their County Commission on Aging. Since their beginning they have passed many milestones and touched the lives of thousands of Seniors over the years. Providing transportation and meals to Senior Citizens, preparing a monthly newsletter to keep Seniors updated on important developments within their community and sponsoring an annual Crafts and Hobby Show are the type of services the Saginaw County Commission on Aging has offered its Seniors over the past twenty-five years. Twenty-five years ago a group of community leaders had a vision to establish an organization that would serve the Seniors of their community. Today, that organization can be proud of the many lives it has touched over the years. On Friday evening, as citizens gather to reflect on the Saginaw County Commission on Aging's long and productive history, they can be proud of how this organization has benefited the community. It is the special, caring people that comprise this organization that have allowed it to grow over the years and meet new challenges.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall no. 108, my voting card did not register, although I voted no. (By unanimous consent, Mr. Solomon was allowed to speak out of order.) Amendment Process for H.R. 6, The Higher Education Amendments of 1998

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize the Sesquicentennial of Bridgeport Township, Michigan. This community was founded on April 4, 1848 and is currently Michigan's oldest charter township. In April of 1848 Bridgeport Township's population was 15, today there are 9,158 residents. Although the township has grown, Bridgeport Township has worked hard to preserve and protect its rich history. Bridgeport Township's motto is ``A Community Living and Growing Together.'' This is a fitting motto because time and time again the residents have worked together to improve their community. When the old school house was going to be torn down--the citizens of Bridgeport Township worked together to save the historic building. Today, it stands in the township's historic village and is used by classes each year. When they needed a Gazebo constructed in the historic village, they joined as a community to complete this important project. Today, the gazebo is used for musical events and other gatherings. John Oldham said: To live is to meet life eager and unafraid--to refuse none of its challenges, and to evade none of its responsibilities; but to go forth daily with an adventurous heart to encounter its risks, overcome its difficulties, and seize its opportunities with both hands. This is how the community of Bridgeport Township has met each day during the past 150 years. It is through the dedication and hard work of many generations that this community gathers to celebrate 150 years of prosperity and very special memories. On Saturday, as the citizens of Bridgeport Township reflect on their past--they can be very proud of how their community started and where it is today. It is a special, caring community that has grown without sacrificing their special heritage.