Dave Camp

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to recognize an outstanding township in the State of Michigan. Montcalm Township is like many townships throughout the United States, but it possesses a unique character all its own. On May 20, 1995, the township of Montcalm, MI, will commemorate 150 years of history by celebrating its sesquicentennial anniversary. Nestled among serene lakes and the surrounding beautiful landscape of mid-Michigan, the township of Montcalm is rich in historical heritage and tradition. Montcalm Township was established on March 19, 1845, and was the pioneer township of what is now Montcalm County. It grew to become an essential township in the region, due primarily to its vast contributions to the rural and logging communities of Michigan. As the industrial revolution swept the country, the citizens of Montcalm Township succeeded in holding on to much of the area's historical tradition. It maintains its rural connections to this day, while still managing to prosper within the State economy. The citizens of Montcalm Township are to be commended for providing an impeccable example of a growing community. While exceeding in economic excellence, Montcalm Township also provides its residents with the tight knit community feeling of a small town. Mr. Speaker, Montcalm Township has a colorful history and bright future. Its commitment to the community and its citizens embody the ideals that make this Nation great. I know you will join me in congratulating the citizens of Montcalm Township on their 150th anniversary and wishing them well during their sesquicentennial celebration. We hope Montcalm Township will continue to provide the same example of strong community spirit for the next 150 years.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the accomplishment of 18 young men and women from Alma College, in the Fourth Congressional District of Michigan. Every year, the United Nations in New York City sponsors a ``Model United Nations Championships'' which is a simulation of committee work the U.N. performs. In this competition, students compete in areas such as building and keeping peace, leadership skills, and other issues such as the role of women in national government. This year, 165 teams, consisting of 1,945 students from 40 States and 18 countries, participated in this 4-day competition. In the end, it was the team from Alma that won it all. These students worked up to 40 hours a week in preparation for this competition. Their hard work and sacrifice, as well as the efforts of their advisor, Dr. Sandy Hume, resulted in a world championship for Alma College Their campus, their community, their State and their country have reason to be proud.We can be proud because they set a goal, worked tirelessly to achieve that goal and joined together as a team to accomplish that goal. As far as I'm concerned, they were winners before they ever got to New York. Congratulations to Dr. Hume and the students of the 1995 Model United Nations World Champions. And here's to sweet repeat in 1996.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, for the first time in history, the House of Representatives will debate and vote on a constitutional amendment to limit the amount of time a Representative or Senator can serve. It is about time. I support the McCollum amendment that provides a 12-year limit for both Houses, ensuring consistency and equality between this House and the Senate. It promotes a level playing field for all States. Our Founding Fathers never envisioned a Congress made up of Members who would serve for a lifetime. They would be astonished to know that the leadership in the previous Congress had an average of 27 years in this House. Over the past 10 years, 90 percent of incumbents have been reelected. They saw a Congress where individuals would leave their careers for a time, serve, and then return to live under the laws they passed. I support term limits not only because the people of my district and my State do, but because we have the opportunity to again make our Congress a citizen's legislature. Throughout these first 100 days, we have worked some long hours to keep our promises. This is one of them. Many Members have spoke of their support of term limits, well when it is time to vote. I urge my fellow members to vote ``yes'' on the McCollum amendment.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, we have the opportunity to fix a badly broken welfare system. A system that has literally become a prison from which there is little chance of escape. Unfortunately, I can sum up the Deal substitute by saying ``The more things change, the more they stay the same.'' The Deal substitute does not require work. It talks about work, their press releases talk about work. But while long on rhetoric, it is short on requirements. It is our understanding from legislative counsel that the Deal substitute has no individual work requirement until the year 2005. In contrast, our proposal allows States to require work for benefits from day one as opposed to just looking for work. Under the Deal substitute, looking for work is the same as having a job . . . and for States who do not meet the work requirement, there is no penalty. Under our bill, the States can lose up to 5 percent of the block grant if they do not meet the work requirement. If this legislation passes, a total of over 15 percent of the welfare recipients would be exempted from the ``work-first and ``workfare'' time limits. This substitute also attempts to fudge the numbers by counting everyone who leaves the welfare rolls with earnings as meeting the work requirement. Under our proposal, only an increase in the number of people working can count toward meeting the work requirement. The number of people required to work under the Deal substitute is actually lowered by 500,000 people per month. I urge my colleagues to vote against the Deal substitute. In order to free families from the welfare trap, a real and meaningful work requirement is necessary. The Deal substitute fails that crucial test.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding this time to me. Mr. Chairman, we stand here today at the threshold of righting a wrong. We have the opportunity to reverse an injustice that has plagued this country for decades. We can, and will, fix a broker welfare system that has literally trapped generations of Americans in a cycle of dependency from which there is little chance of escape. We must not let this opportunity pass. The Committee on Ways and Means took testimony from 170 witnesses. No one defended the status quo. So we know the current system is broken, but what's wrong with it? First, it discourages work. Second, it fosters out-of-wedlock births. Third, it is anti-family. And fourth, by the Federal Government deciding on a one size fits all welfare system for everyone from Los Angeles to Boston, it is anticommunity. In our welfare reform package, we not only encourage work. We demand it from able-bodied people. Those who can work will work. subsidized employment we give people the dignity of work. Our package fights illegitimacy by not giving cash benefits to children having children. And let me preempt those who try to paint us as cruel or mean: Noncash benefits such as Medicare, Food Stamps and child care will continue, to ensure the child is cared for. But giving 15-year-olds cash payments so they can move out of their parents' home and into Government apartments or trailers, is the cruelest thing you could do to that young parent and their baby. By encouraging independence and concentrating on keeping families together, we provide recipients dignity, opportunity, and hope. Three characteristics missing from the current system. The other side of the aisle hold tight to their belief that Federal bureaucrats based here in Washington are somehow more compassionate, and more capable of caring for the needy. To hear them tell it, our communities, local governments, and Governors will starve the children and give the money to the rich. Drop the heated and false rhetoric and let go of the status quo. Let us bring Government closer to home. The welfare needs in the Fourth District of Michigan are different from those in Detroit. Just as the needs in New York are different from those in Dallas. Let us give these communities the freedom and flexibility to create innovative new programs based on their specific needs. By cutting out the Federal middle-man, we can save 10 to 15 percent of administrative costs right off the bat. We're not cutting welfare benefits; and in some cases we are increasing them. What we are cutting is bureaucracy and that is driving the defenders of big Government and redtape crazy. By giving hope and opportunity, we again make welfare a safety net and a helping hand, not a life sentence to poverty.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, Earl Thomas Huckle lived his life by a code of ``community first.'' While best known as the former editor and publisher of the Cadillac Evening News, the impact of his service to the entire area will be felt for generations. Earl found and promoted the local chapter of the Kiwanis Club; he served for many years on the chamber of commerce; was a member of the Mercy Hospital Advisory Board and later, chairman; he served as chairman of the Retail Merchant's Association; was on the board of directors of Cadillac's first Community Chest; and was a noted historian with a northern Michigan flavor. In addition, Earl saw the hope and promise in the children of his community. He worked tirelessly on their behalf. Whether encouraging safe skiing techniques, sponsoring competitions or spending time with his 3 children or 6 grandchildren, Earl Thomas Huckle knew that children are the key to the future. His work with the Cadillac Evening News is legendary. He worked hard with his father to make that newspaper not only the leading source of news in the community, but one of the most productive and responsible newspapers in the State. As its publisher, he revolutionized the printing operation by introducing computer typesetting and offset printing; as its editor, he provided consistent and thoughtful commentary on local and world events. The citizens of the greater Cadillac area will surely miss the presence of Earl Thomas Huckle. His joy in his family and his contributions to that community will live forever.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Chairman, I thank the distinguished gentleman for yielding time to me, and I rise in support of H.R. 831. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of H.R. 831. This measure is a critical first step in eliminating a severe injustice to the self- employed in this country. By allowing small business people, farmers, and entrepreneurs to deduct 25 percent of health care costs for them and their families, we are taking a first step to encourage people to provide health care for themselves and their families. It is time that this Government realize that self-reliance is something to be encouraged, not discouraged. This legislation will help provide a good environment for self- employed people, particularly in my district where many farm families are self-employed and desperately need this provision so they can afford adequate health care. I also contend that we must view this as a beginning. I hope my colleagues will not only support this measure to permanently extend this deduction but also join me in pursuing legislation that will allow a 100-percent deduction for these vital members of our community.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Rotary Club of Clare, MI. On February 11, 1995, members and friends will gather to celebrate the Clare Rotary's 50th golden anniversary. The Clare Rotary Club has enjoyed a long and distinguished history during which they helped and improved many lives. They may proudly look back on their history and take pride in the many events they have sponsored and the assistance they have provided. The Rotary Club plays a vital role in the development of our families and communities. By selflessly giving of themselves, members have demonstrated the rewards we reap when we help others in need. The time and effort the members have devoted to improving the community illustrates the sensitivity and caring that makes the Rotary Club of Clare the wonderful organization it is. Their work and accomplishments provide a sterling example of what deeds can be performed with dedication and contribution. Everyone involved with their efforts lives by the motto, ``He Who Profits Most * * * Serves Best'' and more recently, ``Service Before Self.'' These are words that, when taken to heart, can help raise people, families, and communities to new levels of achievement. The Rotary Club members have not only embraced these words but acted to help others and inspired us all to help our fellow citizens. Mr. Speaker, I know you will join my colleagues and I in commending the work of the Rotary members and their 50 years of giving. It is this sense of philanthropy, the cornerstone of our Nation, which has made this Nation and community such an exceptional place to live. I wish them continued success and look forward to another 50 years of service.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I stand here disgusted. Since being elected to Congress I have supported term limits. When this body votes on term limit legislation in the weeks ahead, I will be a vocal proponent of any legislation that limits terms. My record is clear, consistent, and unwavering. Today, at the threshold of finally passing term limit legislation, a certain organization called U.S. Term Limits, perhaps because they now face obscurity if this body passes term limits, has chosen to run negative and term limit supporters. This organization, which has been subject to allegations of fraudulent petition gathering, is not aiming their guns at opponents of term limits, but instead waging a war against their supporters. Mr. Speaker, it pains me to realize that this organization, which has been parading as supporting term limits, is nothing but a guardian of the status quo and committed to business as usual. They have stated publicly they will oppose 12-year term limit legislation that comes to the House floor for final passage. I guess their jobs are more important than their goal.

Mr. CAMP. I yield to the gentlewoman from Ohio.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today with my colleague, Mr. Payne of Virginia, to introduce H.R. 783, the Tax Fairness for Agriculture Act of 1995, which clarifies the proper application of present tax law to membership payments to tax-exempt agricultural and horticultural organizations. Agricultural and horticultural organizations are dedicated to the improvement of agriculture and agricultural conditions, products, and efficiency and have been exempt from the Federal income tax since its inception. These organizations are typically composed of first, farmer/ rancher members and second, nonfarmer/rancher or associate members. Generally speaking, both classes of members pay the same amounts and enjoy most of the same rights and privileges of membership. Both classes of members pay the same amounts and enjoy most of the same rights and privileges of membership. Both classes of members are also typically entitled to purchase various goods and services, including insurance. The existence of associate members and the availability of various benefits to all members have been common practice among agricultural and horticultural associations for many decades. Last year, the Internal Revenue Service [IRS] issued technical advice memorandum [TAM] 9416002 in connection with an audit of a State Farm Bureau. The TAM reversed longstanding IRS practice by asserting that the associate members of such organizations were not bona fide and their membership payments were taxable access payments to purchase insurance. Relying principally on the fact that associate members of the Farm Bureau had limited voting and office-holding rights, the IRS concluded that Farm Bureau's facts were indistinguishable from two 1991 court decisions involving unions in which associate members received absolutely no benefits other than access to an insurance program. Mr. Speaker, the TAM conflicts with the longstanding recognized practice of agricultural and horticultural organizations and contradicts past IRS guidance and practice. At least two prior IRS rulings, technical advice memorandums 8302010 and 8302009, under materially the same facts now at issue, hold that associate membership payments of agricultural organizations are not taxable. These TAMs correctly conclude that membership payments were not taxable because, despite certain differences, the associate members received largely the same rights and benefits as ``regular'' members, whose membership payments are clearly not taxable. The availability of insurance to all members, associates included, was judged insufficient to taint the membership payments generally. Mr. Speaker, although the TAM literally applies only to one State Farm Bureau, it is now being applied to other agricultural organizations around the country. If the TAM is allowed to stand and is extended to other entities, most county and State agricultural organizations could face potentially huge deficiencies for what has until now been unchallenged and appropriate conduct. These deficiencies and the costs of contesting them could jeopardize the continued economic viability of many agricultural organizations and, thus, the important exempt purposes they serve. The legislation we introduce today, would effectively restore the historical position taken by the IRS, that the membership payments of associate members of agricultural and horticultural organizations are not taxable. The legislation has two components. First, agricultural organizations that reasonably relied on the prior authorities and practice I discussed before would be shielded from unwarranted and potentially devastating audits. For this purpose, it is recognized that the treatment of associate member payments as tax exempt has been the longstanding recognized practice of agricultural and horticultural organizations and reliance on that practice was reasonable. Also, the legislation would establish a prospective safe harbor for annual payments by members of agricultural organizations of $100 or less. Thus, regardless of whether an organization charged some of its members more than $100 or less were not bona fide members and, therefore, that their membership payments were taxable. This will preclude wasteful and costly disputes in cases involving relatively nominal membership payments.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise to discuss how unfunded mandates are particularly devastating to rural communities throughout the country. In Michigan, for example, the estimated costs for fiscal year 1994 as a result of 12 major unfunded mandates was nearly $400 million. For example, municipal water systems in my district are required by the EPA to follow the same drinking water tests as Hawaii to monitor for a herbicide used on pineapples, which are grown only in Hawaii. Municipal water systems in Michigan are not only required to report these chemicals not found in the water supply, but they have to pay for it as well. This is wrong. This example is just one of hundreds of costly, unnecessary, unfunded Federal mandates that leave Washington and fall into our backyards at home. If there is one theme, one goal of the 104th Congress, it must be to become more accountable. No longer should we be able to pass legislation, pat ourselves on the backs, and pretend it did not cost the taxpayers a dime. The reality is that we leave it to our States and our communities to shoulder the burden and those days must end.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure I rise today to recognize an outstanding organization in the State of Michigan. The Gladwin Lions Club in Gladwin, MI, and its many members have demonstrated their commitment and dedication to helping others for the past 25 years. By sponsoring philanthropic events throughout the year, they have illustrated their desire to improve Gladwin, MI, and positively impact their community and its residents. It is the spirit of giving that makes the Gladwin Lions Club such a special organization. The Lions Club calls on its members to pool their resources in order to facilitate programs that benefit local citizens. It is this selfless donation of time and energy that makes Gladwin a kind and caring city and sets an outstanding example for other communities to follow. The Gladwin Lions Club and its members have worked tirelessly to improve their city and the surrounding areas and enrich the lives of residents. They established collection centers at local optical stores to allow those purchasing new glasses to donate their old frames to those less fortunate. All have benefited from their service, from the families who need assistance, to residents who enjoy the improved quality of life in the area. The United States was founded on the good nature of its citizens and excelled under their willingness to assist neighbors and friends. It is this sense of community that motivates the Gladwin Lions Club to accomplish all they can and to promote this caring nature in others. Mr. Speaker, I know you will join my colleagues and I in honoring the Gladwin Lions Club, the rewarding philanthropic events they sponsor and the sense of community their actions foster. I wish them continued success and look forward to another 25 years of giving.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the tremendous accomplishments of the 1994 NCAA Division III National Football Champion Albion College Britons. Albion joins the University of Nebraska and Penn State University as the only college football teams in the country who completed their entire seasons with an undefeated record. As an alumnus of Albion, I am proud of the team's achievement, but I take an even greater pride in knowing it was accomplished by athletes who dedicate themselves to knowledge and learning first, and athletics second. Albion's quest for the national championship can be traced to a tragic event which occurred before the season started. Two members of the football team, Steve Gilbert and Kristov Knoblock, were tragically killed in an automobile accident. For the team the loss was crushing and for the Albion football family it was devastating. However, in their grief, the team found inspiration, never losing the thought of Steve and Kris. They gathered as a family and dedicated themselves to one goal--winning a national championship. Through a hard-fought season and a grueling playoff, the Brits achieved their goal and won their first national championship. Division III athletes play their sports for one reason, the love of the game. They do not receive athletic scholarships, often travel long distances by bus, and know a professional athletic career does not await them when they are finished. The crowds are small, mostly made up of friends and family, and the injuries sustained are those suffered by athletes at larger universities. But the game is just as exciting as those witnessed by crowds of over 80,000. III National Football Champions. But, by attending classes, volunteering in the community and graduating from school, the team was and will remain champions in the hearts and minds of the fans and alumni of Albion College. Congratulations to Coach Pete Schmidt, the players, and administrative staff for a tremendous season and a job well done.

Mr. CAMP

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I applaud the efforts offered today and believe this audit will go a long way to cut waste and save taxpayer money, streamline the process. But let us go a step further. Let us require the audit to include unused office allowance funds. I am concerned. We still do not know what exactly happens to that money. Many of us agree funds left over from our office budgets should not be reprogrammed, but instead returned to the Federal Treasury for deficit reduction. Let us use this opportunity to find the means to that end. This audit will ensure that House operations are efficient and effective, and this investigation will ensure this audit is complete.

Mr. CAMP. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, as we begin work today, we have a clear understanding of our purpose for the next 100 days. We have the unique opportunity in this body to set partisan politics aside. The people have told us they want things done differently in the Congress. They have given a new set of leaders a chance to make things happen, but they have also issued a firm warning to deliver and they are watching closely. The rules package before us is an important first step in fulfilling our commitment to make this body accountable to those who sent us here. For example, applying the laws everyone else has to live under to Congress; an audit of the House books and reducing the number of committees and staff. Our goals have been set, our agenda is clear, and now it is up to us to meet those goals and complete our agenda. These first 100 days are going to be hectic but with unity and bipartisanship, they can be historic as well.