Mac Collins

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I could not hear the Chair's ruling. The House is not in order, and I could not hear the Chair's ruling. Mr. Speaker, I am not so sure the Chair understood my request. I ask for unanimous consent to offer an amendment to change the effective date to the year 2000 to double the standard deduction for married couples under this bill.

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. COLLINS. Under the advice of the parliamentarian, I was told to offer this amendment after disposing of the substitute. I do not quite understand your previous question. Had I been told to offer it prior to that order, I would have offered it at the end of the previous substitute prior to the vote.

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to suspend the rules whereby I may offer this amendment.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, after a strong earthquake shook Northridge, CA, the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) made funds available to the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power to improve the power system's resistance to earthquakes. A $2 million contract for open air disconnect switches went to a foreign firm. That is not right. FEMA is subject to Buy American provisions, but there is a loophole once a grant is made. That loophole needs to be closed. I have introduced legislation today which will apply the requirements of the Buy American Act to non-emergency Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) assistance payments. As you know, the Buy American Act was designed to provide a preference to American businesses in federal procurement. Each year FEMA awards a number of grants for non-emergency projects. Currently, the Agency adheres to the requirements of the Buy American Act. However, once the Agency awards taxpayer funds to a state or local entity in the form of a grant, that entity is not required to comply with Buy American when spending those funds. I believe this needs to be changed. Mr. Speaker, the Buy American requirements should be applied whether the federal government is directly spending the money, or whether it is passing the funds down to a state or municipality to be spent. The Buy American Act is necessary to protect American firms from the dumping of cheap foreign-made products. Many of the nations we trade with have significantly lower labor costs than the U.S. Without the safeguard provided by the Buy American Act, foreign companies are able to underbid American companies on U.S. government contracts. It is important to understand the Buy American Act's criteria for determining whether a product is foreign or domestic. The nation where the corporation is headquartered is irrelevant, Buy American is focused upon the origin of the materials used in the construction project. In order to be considered an American product, the product in question has to fulfill these two criteria: (1) the product must be manufactured in the United States, and (2) the cost of the components manufactured in the United States must constitute over 50% of the cost of all the components used in the item. My proposed legislation would stipulate that taxpayer funds distributed by FEMA as financial assistance could only be used for projects in which the manufactured products are American made, according to the criteria established by the Buy American Act. Mr. Speaker, it does not make sense that FEMA should have to comply with the Buy American Act when making an expenditure, while these same funds are somehow exempt once passed down from FEMA to another government agency. If FEMA gives a grant for a project, those taxpayer funds should still be managed according to the terms of the Buy American Act. Mr. Speaker, I introduce this legislation in order to ensure there is consistency in the law, with regard to FEMA and the provisions of the Buy American Act. I hope the members of this House will join me in support of this pro-American measure.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, as Congress prepares to recess for the Session, I wanted to commend for the reading of the Members words delivered to a small Mississippi congregation on the Fourth of July of this year by Rev. Ray N. Daniel, Jr. I bring these remarks to your attention now because I believe that as we return to the people who sent us here, we may have time to reflect on the inspiration of the basic beliefs upon which this Nation was founded. I trust that the views are shared by many across this country. As we close this year, and look to a new Session, may the inspiration of these words cause us to stop and think about why we are here, what we stand for, and how we will put the words of this sermon into action for the good of ourselves, our constituents, and the Nation as a whole. Faith in America--A Fourth of July Sermon (By Reverend Ray N. Daniel, Jr.) Scripture Reading: Paul's Letter to the Romans 1:16-2:3 KJV For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek. For therein is the righteousness of God revealed from faith to faith: as it is written, The just shall live by faith. For the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness; Because that which may be known of God is manifest in them; for God hath showed it unto them. For the invisible things of him from the creation of the world are clearly seen, being understood by the things that are made, even his eternal power and Godhead; so that they are without excuse: Because that, when they knew God, they glorified him not as God, neither were thankful; but became vain in their imaginations, and their foolish heart was darkened. Professing themselves to be wise, they became fools, And changed the glory of the incorruptible God into an image made like to corruptible man, and to birds, and fourfooted beasts, and creeping things. Wherefore God also gave them up to uncleanness through the lusts of their own hearts, to dishonor their own bodies between themselves: Who changed the truth of God into a lie, and worshipped and served the creature more than the Creator, who is blessed for ever. Amen. For this cause God gave them up unto vile affections: for even their women did change the natural use into that which is against nature: And likewise also the men, leaving the natural use of the woman, burned in their lust one toward another; men with men working that which is unseemly, and receiving in themselves that recompense of their error which was meet. And even as they did not like to retain God in their knowledge, God gave them over to a reprobate mind, to do those things which are not convenient; Being filled with all unrighteousness, fornication, wickedness, covetousness, maliciousness; full of envy, murder, debate, deceit, malignity; whisperers, Backbiters, haters of God, despiteful, proud, boasters, inventors of evil things, disobedient to parents, Without understanding, covenant breakers, without natural affection, implacable, unmerciful: Who knowing the judgment of God, that they which commit such things are worthy of death, not only do the same, but have pleasure in them that do them. Therefore thou art inexcusable, O man, whosoever thou art that judgest: for wherein thou judgest another, thou condemnest thyself; for thou that judgest doest the same things. But we are sure that the judgment of God is according to truth against them which commit such things. And thinkest thou this, O man, that judgest them which do such things, and doest the same, that thou shalt escape the judgment of God? Prayer: Lord God, we pray your word be upon our hearts and your blessings upon our nation. Amen. How many of you are flying your flag today? Well those of you away from home and visiting have a good excuse. I bought a flag so that I could fly it. Fly it proudly. My remarks today are unashamedly patriotic and Christian, what I have to share with you is not purely Methodist, Presbyterian, or Baptist, it's a Christian view of our country today. While Bill Moyers was President Lyndon Johnson's press secretary, one day at lunch, Bill said grace (a prayer of thanks or blessing for food). President Johnson said ``Speak up, Bill, I can't hear a thing.'' To which Bill replied quietly, ``I wasn't addressing you, Mr. President.'' Prayer, a cornerstone of our Faith is under attack. For there are those who would have us cease talking to God. They would if they could banish God from any public forum. Woodrow Wilson said, ``A nation which does not remember what it was yesterday, does not know what it is today, nor what it is trying to do. We are trying to do a futile thing if we do not know where we came from or what we have been about.'' We will take a few moments to look at where we have come from, what the faith of our founding fathers was, take stock of where we are today, and where we need to go. Where we need to go is to almighty God.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, when USA TODAY selected 29 of America's top teachers for its All-USA Teacher Team, I was proud to learn that 3 of them came from the Third District of Georgia. USA TODAY says the team parallels the All-USA Academic Team which has been selecting outstanding students since 1987. I want to introduce these teachers to Congress. They represent the best in their profession, not only for their dedication, but for their creativity in designing programs to help children. Each has started an important program that teaches children both in the classroom and outside. It goes without saying that each of these teachers developed their program on their own. These programs were developed in Columbus and Newnan, not in some bureaucrat's office in Washington, D.C. Tina Cross, of Carver H.S., in Columbus, is a 25-year teaching veteran. She teaches advanced placement biology and physics. Her students are participating in a space shuttle science project with North Carolina in sending peanuts into space to examine the effect of zero gravity on the nutrients. She said the peanut industry is also working with the students on the shoe-box-sized experiment. Cross's students have other, more down-to-earth projects as well. They have raised money to build a Habitat for Humanity house in Tanzania, and in Columbus itself. She teaches at George Washington Carver High School, which has over 1,700 students. It has science, math, technology, and vocational magnet programs. The school is named for the famous African American scientist George Washington Carver, whose work with peanuts helped revive Southern agriculture and improve nutrition. The peanut project is appropriate, don't you think? Sylvia Dee Shore, a 30-year teaching veteran at Clubview Elementary in Columbus, teaches third graders. She started the Riverkids Network, which involves over 1,000 children from 18 schools in grades 3 through 8. She started the interdisciplinary river awareness project in 1994. The students sample the Chattahoochee River's waters, do chemical testing, and study insects and other animals found in the river system. They publish a bi-monthly newsletter, and an annual Riverkids Cookbook. Clubview Elementary has 500 children from grades kindergarten through sixth grade. The school has very strong community roots with second and third generations attending school there. Dr. Carmella Williams Scott, a 23-year teaching veteran teaches at the Fairmount Alternative School, in Newnan. She concentrates on children who have been sent to the school from juvenile justice departments or who have been expelled from other schools. She teaches middle and high school students English literature and law. She introduced Cease Fire, which operates a juvenile video courtroom. Students assume the roles in the court of the judges and lawyers. They even film the proceedings and hold open hearings so other students can see what happens. When students have altercations in the school, they are hauled into court to be judged by their peers, says Dr. Scott. This helps them learn to handle conflict without violence, and to resolve differences without fighting. ``They coined the phrase, `Don't hold a grudge--take it to the judge,' '' Dr. Scott says. Her innovative program enhances her students to become a part of the judicial system. ``They are tired of being this side of the court, and want to be on the other side of the court,'' she said. ``This teaches them to think on their feet, research the law, and gives them practical skills.'' Fairmount Alternative school has 150 students and 12 teachers, and specializes in working with students on a more individualized basis than most schools. Most students attend the school for 9-week stints. The innovative program has landed Dr. Scott many awards, as well as an appearance on Japanese television. These teachers have given a lot to the children they have worked with over the years. They have given to their communities. I want to thank them publicly for their effort, and to thank USA TODAY for providing them with this public recognition.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Jerry Michael Elkins for the contributions he has made to the small town of Locust Grove, Georgia, in Henry County. A lifelong resident of Locust Grove, he has served the city in an elected capacity since 1976, first elected to the city council in that year. He served in that position for seven years before he was elected mayor in 1983, he accepted a position as city manager in 1995 and served as both city manager and mayor up until this year. His performance led the town of Helen, from the northern part of the state, to offer him a job as their city manager. Mayor Elkins resigned as Locust Grove's city manager in August, and will step down as mayor on December 31, 1999, when his term expires. When he leaves for Helen, he leaves behind strong friendship, and many achievements. He served in the Georgia Army National Guard for five years, was a member of the board of directors for the Atlanta Regional Commission. He was past president of the Henry County Municipal Association, a member and president of the Locust Grove Lions club, and a master mason. He was a member of the board of directors for the United Way in Henry County, and a past chief of the Henry County Fire Department Station No. 2. In short, he was an extremely active member of the Locust Grove community. His leadership has won him awards, both from Locust Grove, and from the Georgia Municipal Association. One of the greatest honors was bestowed upon him in 1996, when Locust Grove's city council named the city pavilion in his honor. Too often our news dwells on trouble and troublemakers but not on positive people. Mayor Elkins' hard work on behalf of his fellow citizens in Locust Grove provides an example of true participatory democracy. Let us highlight those who contribute to our lives--people like Mayor Jerry Elkins.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, Fort Benning, in Columbus, GA, is an important Army base associated with many distinguished individuals over time. It has received immunerable citations for its outstanding achievements. It is the home of the U.S. Army Infantry School and the U.S. Army School of the Americas. Some call it the biggest military school in the world, because it trains over 60,000 soldiers each year. Every infantry officer, enlisted man, and non-commissioned officer in the U.S. Army trains there at least once in his career. With a military population of 21,000, Ft. Benning is the home of the 75th Ranger Regiment, 3rd Brigade--3rd Infantry Division, the 29th Infantry Regiment, as well as an Infantry Training Brigade and a Basic Combat Training Brigade. The base is associated with many famous soldiers. Gen. Dwight D. Eisenhower, Gen. George C. Marshall, Gen. Omar Bradley, Gen. George Patton and Gen. Colin Powell served there. However, one individual whose name has become part of the post's heritage actually had a short career as a soldier. His name, Frank G. Lumpkin, Jr., is interwoven with Ft. Benning's history. Mr. Lumpkin's name was there at the Fort's founding, and will be there into the future, for it graces the road that runs through the main post. Frank G. Lumpkin Jr. was only 10 years old when he accompanied his father to Washington in 1916. His father persuaded Congress to place a military base on the Chattahoochee. Two years later, Fort Benning was founded in connection with the Lumpkins, and that relationship remains until the present day. Twenty-four years after that trip, Mr. Lumpkin himself served at Ft. Benning. It was World War II, and he was a captain in Gen. Patton's 2nd Armored division. Cpt. Lumpkin served from 1940 to 1946, but although his service in the army ended, his service to Ft. Benning did not. In 1993, at the age of 90, Mr. Lumpkin heard the fort needed money to restore seven WW II-era buildings. Otherwise, they were slated for destruction. Mr. Lumpkin wrote a personal check for $100,000 to save the buildings. He told the commanding general at the time, Maj. Gen. John Hendrix, that the check was bad--he didn't have the money to make it good. Yet, he did make it good over time, by helping to raise money and resources to restore the structures. Mr. Lumpkin and his family have consistently dedicated themselves to the preservation and betterment of Ft. Benning. They are a true inspiration to the rest of us. By their faithful efforts, they have made a significant contribution to this county and to its history. I would like to enter into the record this commendation of an old soldier who may have stacked arms in 1946, but has never, in the following half century, stopped fighting to preserve Ft. Benning and its heritage. I salute you, Mr. Lumpkin, and I thank you for your contributions.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, there he goes again. President Clinton has imposed more total taxes on the American taxpayer than any President in history. In 1993, with the help of the Democratic majority in the House, he gave the American taxpayer the largest tax increase, in total dollars, in this country's history. Today, he has been able to impose yet another huge tax hike, $792 billion, over the next 10 years. But my colleagues ask how can this be. Well, as of this morning, the Congress had cut taxes on working people. But by the afternoon, with the stroke of a pen, President Clinton raised them again. I regret that the President has today raised taxes on American workers by increasing marginal income tax rates, taxing those who choose to purchase health care insurance for themselves and families, and by taxing those who choose to buy long-term care insurance. He has also reinstated the confusing alternative minimum tax on individuals. I further regret that the President has decided to increase taxes on American families by reimposing the marriage penalty on married couples, taxing educational savings accounts, which we wanted to set up for children and grandchildren, and by punishing, through taxes, those families who wanted to provide in-home care for senior relatives. I also regret that the President has decided to endanger jobs through hiking taxes on American employers, by increasing the capital gains tax, by complicating retirement programs rules, and, finally, by reinstating the death tax which forces the sale of many family farms and businesses. But, Mr. Speaker, the President believes he knows best what to do with the people's money. So he has decided to raise those taxes again. He may talk about Social Security, but what he means is bureaucrats' job security. We Republicans have done the hard work in protecting Social Security and Medicare. Our tax bill not only set aside all Social Security and Medicare tax income, but our budget put aside $870 billion in additional revenues for Medicare. The truth is the President wants to spend the positive cash flow. His own budget would have busted the caps by $30 billion and turned this year's positive cash flow into more debt. That is why we wanted to return the money to the safety of the taxpayers' pocket. As it stands, it is a $792 billion temptation to spenders, spenders on both sides of the aisle. I regret that we shall see in the next few weeks and months to come spending schemes come out one by one at orchestrated ``program of the day'' press conferences. That is no way to treat the hard-earned money of America's families.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I ask, Is today the day the President is going to raise taxes on married couples, increase the income tax rates, tax educational savings, tax families who want to keep family members in their home who are now of senior age, those who want to purchase health insurance, those who want to purchase long-term care insurance? Is today the day he is going to reinstate the death tax, the alternative minimum tax? That is right, Mr. Speaker. The Congress has lowered the tax burden on American families, American workers and American business by $792 billion. If the President vetoes that tax bill, he raises those taxes back to the level they were before the Congress lowered taxes on American workers, American families, and American businesses.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, opportunity knocks only once, while temptation will beat the door down. In 1995, the President and I were at Warm Springs, Georgia, the Georgia home of F.D.R., friend of the little man. As the President and I were departing company that day, I looked at him and I told him, ``Mr. President, I want to leave you with one particular thought. That is, we must look after the little man. Because the big man can take care of himself. But every now and then, you have to give the big man just a little something so he will help the little man.'' He was nodding his head in agreement. I said, ``Mr. President, that is our tax bill.'' That was the 1995 tax bill. He vetoed that tax bill. He missed his opportunity, because that veto ended that tax bill. This tax bill today that we are dealing with targets American workers, American families, and American business, American business that provides the jobs for American workers and American families. I ask my colleagues to resist the temptation of a Clinton-Gore veto looking for another day. Do not miss the opportunity to give tax relief to the American worker and the American family and the American business.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Alabama for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, is the school needed? Yes, in answer to the gentleman from California (Mr. Campbell). In answer to his comments about those who did not enroll in the certain human rights classes, I showed him evidence today, he evidently forgot it, that they have and they are. We have heard the Cold War is over. We have heard that about Europe. But we are spending billions of dollars there today. We have heard about the atrocities in where these people were taught. We from Georgia have been glued to the TV this afternoon about an atrocity we had there today where we have 13 people dead. I wonder where that guy learned to kill. Atrocities happen, especially in a time and era when one is changing from dictatorship to democracy. That is what has happened in Latin America. We have built democracies there, and now we must maintain them. Mr. Chairman, the U.S. Army School of the Americas is our Nation's foremost training facility for Spanish-speaking militaries and police forces and for U.S. military officers to be stationed in South America, Central America, or the Caribbean. The school provides training and professional military and police operations, drug interdiction and eradication, peacekeeping, and other areas critical for the post-Cold War challenges in this hemisphere. Every course at the school has been developed to serve the interests of democracy, and every student who attends the school does receive training in human rights. In fact, the school is widely recognized as having developed the foremost human rights training program available to any military training institution in the world, including those others of U.S. training centers. Those who suggest that the United States Army School of the Americas has somewhat been responsible for crimes committed by Latin American soldiers, and the School of the Americas is responsible, are just wrong. They have no way to substantiate it. An honest assessment of Latin American history over the last 50 years demonstrates clearly that the U.S. Army School of the Americas serves the American interest. Just recently this week, the Secretary of the Army, Louis Caldera, made the case for the school in a Washington Times op-ed piece, and I would like to read the comments from the secretary, and I quote: ``The preponderance of the engagement with Latin American militaries takes place at the U.S. Army School of the Americas located at Fort Benning, Georgia. The courses taught at the School of the Americas are a reflection of our national security policy, but they are also a reflection of our national values. While the majority of the courses involved are of professional military instruction, new courses have been added on civilian-military relations, humanitarian mine removal efforts, peace operations and sustaining democracy. All courses include instruction in human rights and make clear that the proper role of the military in society is subordination to civilian control.'' He further states: ``Instruction covers the ethical, legal and operational consequences of failing to respect essential standards of individual rights and international law regarding the legitimate use of force. ``Despite such changes, the School of the Americas is once again under attack from critics who claim that it trains Latin American militaries to violate human rights and circumvent the democratic process. ``Instead of focusing on the negative, we should examine the role of the vast majority of graduates who have served their nations proudly and professionally. For example, the key members of the delegation that put together the recent historic peace accord between Ecuador and Peru were School of the Americas graduates from Peru, Ecuador, and the guarantor nations of Chile and United States. He further states that: ``The School of the Americas receives more oversight than any other U.S. military school. It has undergone several, several,'' as mentioned by my colleague from Georgia, 12 ``separate investigations at the request of the Congress and the Department of Defense. Each of the investigations has found the School of the Americas to be in compliance with U.S. law and policy.'' Mr. Chairman, while most of the turmoil of the 1980s has subsided in this region, new threats have emerged and must be addressed. With all the progress that has been made in the region over the last 50 years, it would be irresponsible to turn our backs while drug traffickers and terrorists chip away at freedom and democracy in Central and South America. It is irresponsible, irresponsible, to the democracies of Latin American countries and to the policy of this Nation to close the School of the Americas.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the Chairman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, several months ago, Congress passed the most important legislation we will pass in the 106th Congress: the budget resolution. It is a blueprint of our agenda. The policies we will implement to strengthen national defense, return local control and excellence to education, and protect Social Security. The Financial Freedom Act contains the revenue provisions of that blueprint. The chairman of the Federal Reserve, Alan Greenspan, has been mentioned several times during this debate. Earlier this year, he did appear before the Committee on Ways and Means. He suggested that the best thing that we can do is let the surpluses grow. That is exactly what we are doing. The budget resolution sets aside 100 percent of the payroll taxes and all of the surplus accruing in the Social Security Trust Fund to ensure long-term solvency, and the lockbox legislation ensures that growth. The second thing Chairman Greenspan recommended in order to maintain strong economic growth in this country was to further reduce the capital gains tax rate. He also said we should reduce marginal income tax rates. Doing so reverses actions taken by the President and the previous majority in Congress in 1993 when they increased the number of income tax brackets from 3 to 5. The Financial Freedom Act accepts Chairman Greenspan's advice by reducing marginal rates so that we will increase savings and investment and create more jobs. The Chairman offered a third piece of advice, which is also in the budget resolution: no new Federal spending. That is not to say that we should not reprioritize or even create a new program, if needed. But no overall increases in spending. The budget resolution follows that advice. Chairman Greenspan's advice is good common sense that will continue economic growth and preserve the low interest rates that we enjoy today which have benefited every family and every working person across this country. Mr. Speaker, as a part of the overall blueprint, this tax bill is good common sense tax policy, and I strongly urge its passage.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the nations of Ecuador and Peru for ending their half-century-long border dispute. I also rise to offer congratulations to the United States Army School of the Americas (USARSA) for its important role in resolving this conflict. Col. Glenn Weidner, the current commandant of the school and a graduate of and former instructor at the USARSA, guided the operation that supervised the cease fire, separated the combatants, demobilized over 140,000 troops, established the demilitarized zone, and negotiated the continuation of the mission, incorporating observers of the two parties. That trajectory laid the basis for the three-year diplomatic effort to settle the underlying border issue. Assistant Secretary of State Alex Watson presented Colonel Weidner special recognition for his ``contributions to diplomacy''. Colonel Weidner credits the success of his mission in large part to the skills he learned at USARSA in 1986- 1987 and the enhanced credibility he enjoyed because of his link to the school. Of the six officers key to the success of the Peru/Ecuador mission, three were former USARSA students/instructors. The ``school tie'' provided a higher degree of common understanding and increased confidence upon which to proceed. There were also USARSA grads among the observers and the officers of the two parties with whom they dealt on a daily basis to verify the peace. Finally, Ambassador Luigi Einaudi, the U.S. diplomat recognized and decorated by Presidents Fujimori and Mahuad as playing a key role in the final settlement, is a strong supporter of the school, and has agreed to serve on the new Board of Visitors. I find it ironic that this very week, even as we congratulate Peru and Ecuador on their newfound peace, a small but vocal group of extremists continues to mislead the American people and members of this body about the role the USARSA plays in the post-Cold War era. Graduates of the U.S. Army School of the Americas are working daily to enhance peace and security in Latin America and to solidify the democratic transformation that has occurred there. I congratulate the USARSA for its important role in bringing peace to the Ecuador/Peru border and urge my colleagues to recognize the school for what it really is--a meaningful tool for establishing peace and democracy in our own back yard.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this bill. Mr. Chairman, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that since 1995, over 375,000 American Textile and apparel workers have lost their jobs. Many of these workers have been from the State of Georgia--a number of them from the Third District, which I represent. June headlines in Third District newspapers read, ``Thomaston Mills Drops Bombshell: Textile Firm will Close Local Plant, Leaving 145 Jobless'' and ``Closing Will Affect All Taxpayers.'' In addition to closing its Third District facilities, Thomaston Mills simultaneously shut down factories and offices in a neighboring Georgia district and in Los Angeles and New York, costing another 555 Americans their jobs. Try to tell one of these 700 American citizens that it's a good idea to give more trade preferences to foreign textile producers without providing anything to American Producers in return. Thomaston Mills CEO Neil Hightower summarized the challenges textile mills are facing saying, We have been losing a lot of money on yarn and denim. The Asian crisis has seriously devalued currencies there, and they are being very aggressive in going after U.S. markets. There is still a lot of denim used, but all the growth is going to foreign suppliers. The workers, families, and communities of the Third District of Georgia are not ready to accept another trade deal that benefits foreign manufacturers and provides nothing for American workers. As textile manufacturers and many of my colleagues have argued for years, an African trade initiative that does not require beneficiaries to use U.S. yarn and cloth would seriously threaten domestic textiles producers by allowing massive transshipments of products through Africa from Asia. 807(a)-type ``yarn-forward'' and ``fabric-forward'' provisions would ensure first that U.S. textile workers and manufacturers would receive some benefit in exchange for trade advantages given to foreign producers. Additionally, such provisions ensure that African nations reap the benefits of increased trade, instead of trade predators such as China. Last year, the Africa trade bill faced considerable opposition in House floor votes on the rule, on the motion to recommit, and on final passage, because transshipping provisions in the bill were inadequate to prevent massive Chinese transshipments through sub-Saharan Africa. 189 Members of the House (48 Republicans and 141 Democrats) opposed the rule last year. 192 Members (66 Republicans and 126 Democrats) supported the motion to recommit (which included 807(a)-type provisions). And, 185 Members (84 Republicans and 101 Democrats) opposed final passage of the bill. In spite of this broad opposition and in spite of the fact that this year's bill does not improve on the weak transshipping provisions from last year's effort, the Rules Committee chose not to allow floor consideration of an amendment that would have added yarn-forward and fabric-forward requirements to the bill. Expanding trading is very important to the American worker, but most workers understand that while the United States has aggressively lowered or eliminated many of its barriers to foreign products, most countries are still closed to U.S. products. Time and again, these workers have seen trade agreements result in lost jobs. I strongly support enhanced trade and economic development in sub-Saharan Africa, but not at the cost of American jobs. In representing the people of the Third District of Georgia, I must urge Members to oppose this legislation.

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Bishop) for yielding. Mr. Speaker, the Bureau of Labor Statistics reports that, since 1995, over 375,000 American textile and apparel workers have lost their jobs. Many of these workers have been from the State of Georgia, a number of them from the Third District of Georgia. In June of 1999, headlines in the Third District newspapers read, and I quote: ``Thomaston Mills Drops Bombshell: Textile Firm will Close Local Plant, Leaving 145 Jobless.'' That may not seem like many jobs, but that is the second largest employer in this particular community, which was big to them. And another headline: ``Closing will Affect All Taxpayers,'' meaning a loss to the property digest in this county which is a great loss. In addition to closing this plant, Thomaston Mills simultaneously shut down factories in other neighboring counties and also offices in Los Angeles and New York costing another 555 jobs. Workers, their families, and the communities of the Third District of Georgia are not ready to accept another trade deal that exports jobs rather than goods, so I urge my colleagues, vote for the motion to recommit.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Richard Skinner and his contributions to Clayton College and State University, to the Clayton County community, and to the State of Georgia. For over 5 years, Dr. Skinner skillfully guided Clayton College to the forefront of higher education in the information age. Dr. Skinner developed and implemented a ground-breaking program providing every student and professor at Clayton College with a personal notebook computer. This launched the school into a new era, setting a higher standard for education not only in Georgia, but in the Nation as a whole. Dr. Skinner also led the steering committee responsible for implementing the Georgia Learning Library Online, the most advanced statewide World Wide Web-based library in the country. Acknowledged by the Atlanta Journal-Constitution as ``a national ambassador for technological training,'' Dr. Skinner's work has included the development of a fast track for students seeking jobs in the information technology field. The program responded to shortages in high-tech workers by teaming higher education and the information technology industry. Students graduate from the program with an excellent education and the potential to obtain highly paid, high-skill jobs with nearly unlimited opportunities for future advancement. Dr. Skinner continues to be a strong advocate for improving our higher education system and preparing our work force for the next century. His actions have moved Clayton College strides forward. The Clayton, GA community may be losing a valuable leader, but it will be to the benefit of the entire State of Georgia. Dr. Skinner will serve as president and chief executive officer of Georgia GLOBE (Global Learning On-Line for Business and Education). Georgia GLOBE will use technologies such as the Internet and the Web to provide Georgians, especially nontraditional adult students, with greater access to continued education. I look forward to continuing to work with Dr. Skinner as he creates new goals to bring Georgians and Americans into the information age. It has been, and will continue to be, an honor working with a man of such vision and dedication.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to former Congressman Richard Ray, representative of Georgia's Third District from 1983 to 1992. Congressman Ray died on May 29 of this year and was laid to rest in Perry, Georgia, the town he loved and served for over four decades. He is survived by his wife, two sons, a daughter, and three grandchildren. My colleagues who had the privilege of serving with Congressman Richard Ray may offer many stories of his accomplishments and his tenacious spirit, but I have a unique perspective of the legacy of Richard Ray. That is his service in Congress, because I had the difficult task of following directly in his footsteps as representative of the Third District. I learned quickly that Richard Ray had truly been a public servant. His constituents knew him personally, and felt free to call upon him for assistance. He was personally involved with every town and city in the district, and visited each one regularly. As far as the people of the Third District were concerned, Richard Ray had set a high standard for a congressional service, and I count it a privilege to continue that tradition. Richard Belmont Ray was born in Fort Valley, Georgia, and grew up working the family farm with his father and brothers and sisters. His only lengthy venture outside the state of Georgia as a young man was during his service in the Navy toward the end of World War II. That service gave him his first glimpse of the world outside his home State, although I am sure it never occurred to young sailor on board the U.S.S. Rowan that the next time he visited Japan he would be an influential member of the Committee on Armed Services of the House of Representatives. After completing his service, Richard Ray returned home to Georgia and married Barbara Giles of Byron, Georgia, the woman who worked with him to build a business, a home, and a family over the next five decades. Richard began public service when he was building a small business in Perry, Georgia. His early service as a city councilman and as mayor ingrained in him the importance of working directly with the people he represented. Senator Sam Nunn recognized the value of Richard Ray and his focus on constituents and local issues, and appointed him Chief of Staff in 1972. When Congressman Jack Brinkley announced his retirement in 1982, Richard ran and was elected Congressman to the Third District of Georgia. He brought to this position years of political experience, a humble attitude, and a determination to make a difference in the lives of his constituents. The new Congressman had three primary goals: To establish effective services, stop deficit spending by the Federal government, and ensure that the U.S. military regained its status as the greatest fighting force in the world. He committed himself to these goals with a focus and energy that was uniquely Richard Ray's. Working 7 days a week, usually more than 12 hours a day, Richard accomplished more in his 10 years of service than many Congressmen do in several decades. Mr. Speaker, I cannot begin to list all of Richard's accomplishments in Congress, but I want to submit for the Record a few that have special meaning for the people of the Third District of Georgia. Richard Ray was a man who valued integrity, hard work, family, and his Lord, above all else. Mr. Speaker, Congressman Richard Ray will be greatly missed. Mr. Speaker, Richard Ray's strong desire to stay directly in touch with the people of the Third District led him to develop a series of Advisory Committees and regular meetings that would allow a time for questions and exchange of information. In the early 1980's, Richard was breaking new ground by establishing a regular series of meetings to be held in the Third District to commemorate Black History Month. Although controversial at first, the Third District Black History Month breakfast and meetings grew and expanded over the years, eventually taking on a life of their own and raising thousands of dollars for the Pettigrew Scholarship Fund at Ft. Valley State College and the House of Mercy, a homeless shelter in Columbus, GA. This tradition continues to this day, and I am proud to take part in this annual event begun by Congressman Ray. His service on the House Armed Services Committee was one of the high points of Richard's career. He was committed both to a strong defense and to a good quality of life for the soldiers, sailors, and airmen who serve our country. Richard's approach to committee work was to immerse himself in the details of an issue, studying it intently, talking with representatives of all sides, and then analyzing all factors before making a decision. He was never quick to make a judgement on a defense issue or to use his position to seek headlines. So, when he did get involved in an issue, his colleagues knew that Richard had thought it through and that his position had merit. Many of the issues he took on for the committee were not glamorous, but they were critical and the committee chairmen always knew that Richard could be relied on to work hard behind the scenes to solve a problem. And, they knew that if Richard got involved in an issue, he would win in the end. Richard Ray never let go of a problem until he had solved it. Perhaps one of the most striking examples of his tenacity occurred when Richard learned that U.S. airbases in Europe did not have adequate air defense systems. The reasons for this deficiency were many and since it was a joint Army/Air Force program, the path for resolution of the problem was not clear. But, for Richard Ray, the problem had to be solved and he turned his energy to identifying and then enacting a solution. Quickly Army and Air Force representatives learned not to show up at a hearing unless they could answer questions on air base defense. When Richard became convinced that the solutions to the problem were coming too slow, he took decisive action to focus attention on this critical deficiency--he simply passed an amendment stopping production of the Air Force's prize fighter unless sufficient resources were put to air base defense. Thanks to his efforts, a program of adequate defenses was established for U.S. airbases. We saw the legacy of Richard Ray's work when our forces went to the Persian Gulf and used air defense systems effectively. The quiet yet constant persistence of this man ensured that our nation's forces could protect themselves from air attack with air defense missiles. Richard Ray was asked to chair the first Defense Environmental Restoration Panel in 1987. He served as chairman of the panel until he left office in 1992. Under his leadership, U.S. and foreign bases began cleaning up decades of environmental contamination and began implementing new environmentally-conscious practices and procedures. Richard helped to chart the U.S. through a difficult time as the implementation of new environmental regulations and laws threatened to completely shut down the U.S. military. With his commitment both to a strong military and to a clean environment, Richard was able to help the military chart a path through the evolving environmental laws that allowed for compliance, yet did not prohibit readiness and training. Richard had many other legislative accomplishments during his ten years in Congress but few were as meaningful to him as establishing the Jimmy Carter National Historic Site in Plains, Georgia. Working with the National Park Service, former President and Mrs. Carter, and the citizens of Plains, Richard Ray enacted legislation establishing both a permanent tribute to President Carter and a historic site presenting a comprehensive look at the rural south during the first half of the twentieth century. Mr. Speaker, I also ask to have reprinted in the Record this selection chosen by Barbara Ray as a tribute to her husband. It is truly a fitting remembrance of his life--for he was a man who valued integrity, hard work, family and his Lord above all else. My Creed I do not choose to be a common man. It is my right to be uncommon--if I can. I seek opportunity--not security. I do not wish to be a kept citizen, humbled and dulled by having the state look after me. I want to take the calculated risk; to dream and to build, to fail and to succeed. I refuse to barter incentive for a dole. I prefer the challenges of life to the guaranteed existence; the thrill of fulfillment to the stale calm of Utopia. I will not trade freedom for beneficence nor my dignity for a handout. I will never cower before any monster nor bend to any threat. It is my heritage to stand erect, proud and unafraid; to think and act for myself, enjoy the benefit of my creations and to face the world boldly and say: This I have done. All this is what it means to be an American.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation which corrects an inequity in the Internal Revenue Code which affects the sale of certain assets. Under current law, landowners that are occasional sellers of timber are often classified by the Internal Revenue Service as ``dealers.'' As a result, the seller is forced to choose between a ``lump sum'' payment method or a pay-as-cut contract which often results in an under- realization of the fair value of the contract. While electing the pay- as-cut contract option provides access to capital gains treatment, the seller must comply with special rules in Section 631(b) of the Internal Revenue code. The provisions of Sec. 631(b) require these sellers to ``retain an economic interest'' in their timber until it is harvested. Under the retained economic interest requirement, the seller bears all the risk and is only paid for timber that is harvested, regardless of whether the terms of the contract are violated. Additionally, since the buyer pays for only the timber that is removed or ``scaled'' there is an incentive to waste poor quality timber, to under scale the timber, or to remove the timber without scaling. The legislation I have introduced will provide greater consistency by removing the exclusive ``retained economic interest'' requirement in IRC Section 631(b). This change has been supported or suggested by a number of groups for tax simplification purposes, including the Internal Revenue Service. I urge my colleagues to join in this tax simplification effort and strongly urge its passage.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor a Georgia legend whose eighty year life encompassed all that it means to live the American dream. Vance C. Smith, Sr., born December 31, 1918, in Harris County, Georgia, to the late Shurley Sivell and Sallie Irvin Smith, will long be remembered for his devotion to family, community, and country. On June 20, 1940, Mr. Smith married Reba Gray Simmons. In September 1943, he enlisted in the U.S. Navy and served with distinction until December 1945. During eighteen months on a Land Carrier Infantry boat in the Pacific, Mr. Smith was one of a handful to survive a Japanese suicide boat attack. After World War II, Mr. Smith worked in the grocery business for four years, but then focused on his favorite business--the construction business. In 1951, Mr. Smith borrowed money to purchase a bulldozer, and the Vance Smith Construction Company was born. Over forty years later, the next generation of Smiths is still leading the family business. Beyond the energy that went into maintaining a thriving business, Mr. Smith devoted much of his time to the community and helping others. He was a member and deacon of Pine Mountain First Baptist Church, a member of the Pine Mountain Chamber of Commerce, and a member of the Harris County Lion's Club. At one time he had not missed a Lion's Club meeting for a 25 year stretch. Mr. Smith was also a member of Chipley Lodge #40 F&AM, a past master, and a member of the Scottish Rite of Freemasonry. Mr. Smith's community service also extended to political service. He served as a Harris County Commissioner from 1963 until 1966, at one time serving as chairman. In 1962, Mr. Smith was elected to the Pine Mountain Town Council, and served there for 33 years until his 1995 retirement. Survived by his wife; daughter and son-in-law; son and daughter-in- law; five grandchildren; three sisters; and one brother, Vance Smith, Sr. fulfilled the life we all strive to live. Mr. Smith was successful in business, but his most meaningful contributions were those to his family and community. Mr. Smith's passing is a great loss to all, but his accomplishments and contributions will continue to be a blessing to those fortunate enough to have been touched by his life.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise on the occasion of the retirement of Ms. Brenda Bryant from the General Electric Corporation. Ms. Bryant has served in a variety of capacities with the company over the past twenty years, including her current position as Executive Assistant to the Senior Vice President, GE Capital, Incorporated, Business Center Operations in Atlanta, Georgia. Throughout her career with the Company, Ms. Bryant has been recognized several times for superior service and outstanding achievement. She first joined the General Electric team in Nashville, Tennessee where she worked for the Major Appliance Business Group Division and was the recipient of the ``Manager's Award'' for superior achievement. She rejoined the company after a move to the Washington, D.C. area where she worked in the General Electric Washington Patent Operation Office, and then later transferred to the Government Services Office where she received the ``Lighting Award'' for consistently high performance. Since her move to the Atlanta GE Capital, Inc., offices, she has been the recipient on two occasions of the ``GE Capital Bright Lights Award'' for her outstanding work among fellow employees. So, after twenty years, Ms. Bryant ends her career with the General Electric Corporation on a high note. Mr. Speaker, Ms. Bryant's professional achievements reach beyond her service to the General Electric Corporation. She has also worked as a real estate agent, a paralegal, and office manager for a firm specializing in combating organized crime. Throughout her professional career she has also made time to serve her community through volunteer work. She is a charter member of the Committee to establish the Macon, Georgia Cherry Blossom Festival; she has organized many charitable events and fundraising drives; she have volunteered at hospitals, local schools, homeless and women's shelters and the list goes on. While her professional and volunteer activities are many, her accomplishments do not end there. Perhaps her most rewarding, and certainly most challenging successes have been in the trades she has practiced at home. As wife and mother of two children, her jobs have included girl scout leader, cub scout den mother, carpool manager, expert chef, homework and school project director, and creative family budget accountant. As general home manager, Ms. Bryant deserves special praise because the rewards of Mr. Bryant's fast-paced career over the years has required quite a few moves. In fact, over the course of thirty years, Mr. Bryant's position with the Bureau of Alcohol Tobacco and Firearms has required the Bryant family to relocate to at least a dozen different cities, eighteen different dwellings and as many different schools. It has taken a special skill and complete commitment to make each of those a true home, and Ms. Bryant has met that challenge successfully each time. We salute Ms. Brenda Bryant. Today she retires from a career that is filled with honors and achievements. But her outstanding career with the General Electric Corporation is but one part of this woman of many accomplishments. To her I say congratulations on a job, or actually many jobs, well done. And as she begins a new phase in life, we know that she already has her eye on the many challenging and rewarding jobs ahead.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Judge Martha Glaze and her distinguished career. Judge Glaze's twenty-two year career on the bench comes to an end in June, but her contributions to juvenile justice in Clayton County will long be remembered. At a time when juvenile justice is at the forefront of national discussion, Clayton County and Georgia can be proud of Judge Glaze's accomplishments in adopting innovative new approaches to serve children and their families. Judge Glaze's leadership has been instrumental in bringing together professionals throughout Clayton County who work with children. This unity eliminated much of the conflict that often plagues juvenile justice programs across America. On a personal level, Judge Glaze has always been a friend and responsive to the concerns of Third District residents. I thank her for her leadership and her devotion to our children. Her presence on the Clayton County Juvenile Court will be missed, but her impact will live on in the families of Clayton County.