Mac Collins

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Camp], a member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 2 minutes. Mr. Speaker, I was sent to Congress in 1993 by the people of the Third District of Georgia with a very specific list of legislative goals. The budget agreement negotiated between the Congress and the President includes many of those goals. With the passage of the Tax Relief Act, we will successfully have achieved many reforms on behalf of all Americans. Mr. Speaker, today's vote is the result of months and months of diligent work in an effort to assemble a budget that the American people deserve. It is the product of a grassroots campaign where input, ideas, and priorities have been gathered not only from Georgia, but from people all across the country. This measure will put in law their priorities, which include balancing the Federal budget, providing tax relief to working families, and creating incentives for people to invest. It returns physical responsibility to Government by balancing the Federal budget just as families must balance their budget. Most important, this bill will leave $94 billion in the private sector, where working people will be able to keep more of their hard-earned dollars and small business owners will have the chance to invest and create jobs. Today success is not a victory that can be solely claimed by the Congress or the President. It is instead a victory for the people of this country who sent their representatives to Congress to cut taxes, reduce the size of the bureaucracy, and return fiscal responsibility to the Federal Government. The $500 per child tax credit, capital gains tax relief, reduction of the estate tax, tax incentives that reduce the cost of education, preservation of the Medicare commitments we made to our seniors and relief from the alternative minimum tax all are reform ideas that clearly reflect the priorities of the citizens all across this country. Mr. Speaker, I am humbled by the opportunity and proud to support this Tax Relief Act and believe it is a victory for the hard-working people of this country.

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Connecticut [Mrs. Johnson], another member of the Committee on Ways and Means and a strong advocate for working families.

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona [Mr. Hayworth], another member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes and 30 seconds to the distinguished gentleman from Florida [Mr. Shaw], chairman of the Subcommittee on Human Resources of the Committee on Ways and Means, a gentleman who has had a lot to do with legislation dealing with families.

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Portman], a member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania [Mr. English], another distinguished member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio [Mr. Boehner], the chairman of the Republican Conference.

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from California [Mr. Herger], another member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for those comments and his support and appreciate the work that he and the minority side have done on this bill.

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Chairman, I rise for the purpose of support of this appropriation bill, and also to enter into a colloquy with the chairman. Mr. Chairman, the committee's recommendation reduces transit operating assistance from $400 million in fiscal year 1997 to $200 million in fiscal year 1998. As a result, transit districts will need to look for ways to reduce their operating and overhead costs. Currently virtually all city and regional transit properties have excess material on hand. Maintaining the surplus is an operating cost which reduces needed resources without providing significant benefits. Finding material and other properties available for purchase is time- consuming and costly, lacking any centralized means of identifying the materials. I believe that electronic redistribution center to distribute spare parts from transit authorities across the country may be one such opportunity to reduce overhead costs of many of the Nation's transit operators. With a computerized system through which to identify and dispose of surplus parts and materials, transit properties would benefit by not having to maintain large surpluses, and they would also benefit by having a simple, timely, and lower cost means through which to purchase surplus materials. This proposal seems suited either for the Department's intelligent transportation systems program or the Federal Transit Administration's national research program. I note that the committee has provided a total of $94 million for continued research in intelligent transportation systems in which the Federal Transit Administration is involved. As for the FTA's research program, the committee's recommendation provides $22.5 million. I believe the Department should fully evaluate the potential of such a system as well as provide a cost-benefit assessment, timetable, and cost estimate of a limited pilot program of electronic redistribution center. Earlier discussions with the Federal Transit Administration suggest the Department's enthusiasm for such a system.

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

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize a small town, community-minded radio station. Every morning in my hometown of Jackson, GA, something happens that is as anticipated as the sunrise. In fact, this daily ritual is shared by most of the residents of Jackson, one which reflects the tightness of its community bonds. Friendship like this can be found in all the facets of Jackson life, but especially when citizens tune into local radio station 92.1 FM, WJGA each day. When the hands of local Georgians turn their radio dials to this station, the two men they hear in the morning don't echo the usual shock-jock type material that has come to characterize talk radio. Instead, audience members are treated to the down-home kindness of hosts Don Earnhart and Walter Carmichael. From these two, listeners are not only treated to the local news of Butts and Jasper counties, but also to the intangibles not measured by watt meters or ratings scales, things like friendship and allegiance. Earnhart recently explained, ``Our listeners get to know us.'' They do soon in much the same manner as two people sitting on a park bench talking about the day. Topics might concern the menu at a local cafe or the politics of a balanced budget. With a format that is comprised of completely live programming, these two wizards of the airwaves provide the one quality representative of friendship, personal attention. As Bill Osinski of the Atlanta Journal and Constitution recently said of this idea, ``A radio station that respects its listeners--how refreshing.'' His enthusiasm for work has not faded after all these years, and with his wife Susanne working as the station's business manager, the two not only make great radio, but a great team as well. Now, as the world continues to move at such a brisk pace, it is also refreshing to note that there are some folks content to do things the old-fashioned way. They don't need flashy logos or slogans. They don't need absurd or appalling subject matter. They simply need people like Don Earnhart and Walter Carmichael, people who care enough to care for others. How refreshing indeed.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. I yield to the gentleman from New Mexico.

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman.

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. I rise to enter into a colloquy with the chairman. Mr. Chairman, there is a proposed move by the USDA of an experiment station in Griffin, GA to another location. This station has been in place since 1949. Over the last few years, in fact the last 7 years, we have spent some $2.5 million in improvements, in new plant facilities there. The proposed site is nowhere near comparable to the existing site. I am concerned, too, about the number of employees who would be affected by this move because these employees have been paid through another system, a university system, and would be ineligible for funds for moving to a new location. I have inquired with USDA and have not received any response from my inquiry. My inquiry to the gentleman is for him to seek out why this move is being made, if it is logical, if it is sound fiscal policy and, if not, let us move in some way to restrict this move.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to submit into the Record an address delivered to students of Newnan High School in Newnan, Georgia by Al Henry, who is a teacher at the school. This address was delivered May 19, 1997, by Mr. Henry on the occasion of the Academic Teams Reception for Newnan High School. Having served in the United States Navy for 22 years, upon graduating from the U.S. Naval Academy in 1956, and having served in the education field for 16 years, Mr. Henry has come to understand the qualities that young men and women need to develop in order to become the leaders of tomorrow and to impact the lives of others. Among other points, he encourages individuals to make personal decisions of integrity by doing what is right in a world that often teaches our youngsters early on to do what is expedient. He teaches our youngsters that all professions have high ethical standards, and it is the duty of each individual to learn to follow them faithfully. Finally, his address urges individuals not to speak ill of others or to undermine the community with rumors and unverified stories. Rather, he urges them to respect one another by living and working with selfless humility. Address by Al Henry To Academic Teams Reception Newnan High School--May 19, 1997 guidelines for life Every student here tonight is a future leader of his generation--a person who can make a difference in the lives of others. Tonight I want to give you 10 pointers to guide you throughout your life. What qualifies me to give you pointers? I'm certainly not as smart as many of you, but I have lived longer, and have experienced much in my life, made mistakes and learned from those mistakes. So, perhaps, I am a little wiser. 1. Be a person of integrity Always do what is right rather than worrying about your rights. Integrity heeds the quiet voice within, rather than the clamor without. 2. Lead by example Set higher requirements for yourself than for those who work for you. The most precious and intangible quality of leadership is trust--the confidence that the one who leads will act in the best interest of those who follow--the assurance that they will serve the group without sacrificing the rights of the individual. The leader must also trust those in his charge to do their job. 3. Uphold high standards Be responsible, accept your responsibility and know that you are accountable to others as well as to yourself for doing your job to the best of your abilities in accordance with the high standards of your profession--all professions have high ethical standards. Learn what those ethical standards are and follow them faithfully. 4. Strive for excellence without arrogance While striving to uphold high standards, and thus seeking excellence, remember that excellence with a dose of humility conveys our respect for those around us; others will always recognize true excellence in action. Study art and the humanities. The maths and sciences alone are insufficient to a complete education. It is easy to be an arrogant scientist without the humanities. The humanities and the arts give us wisdom, not data. They inherently enlighten us without overloading us with information. The cognitive study of math and science must be combined with the effective study of arts and the humanities for the sake of humanity and humanness. Remember that the aim of education is the knowledge not of facts but of values. 5. Do your best This is a minimum requirement in all endeavors. If it is worth doing, do it right and do it well. 6. Treat everyone with dignity and respect The greatest asset of any organization is its people. Treat each other well, look after each other, take care of each other, and together you can achieve great things. Remember that respect begets respect and that teamwork and living in community with others is the healthiest form of competition because it requires cooperation. Our prisoners of war in Vietnam learned to put unity over self; they cared about each other and took care of each other and not one of them died because of loneliness in isolation as had been the case in the Korean War. 7. Tolerate honest mistakes from people who are doing their best Not one of us will achieve true perfection, if we live to be a hundred; we all make mistakes. It is important to accept honest mistakes from those who are applying their talents and energies to the best of their ability. Have compassion and help people to overcome honest mistakes. 8. Seek the truth Rumors and unverified stories undermine the bonds of community. Always seek the truth from those who are in a position to know. Also, seek the truth by resolving to be a life-long learner. We can never know all there is to know; however, we can learn something new every day. 9. Speak well of others Gossip undermines our trust in each other. Gossip or speaking ill of others also demonstrates a genuine lack of respect for others in our community. 10. Keep a sense of humor And be able to laugh at yourself. Being able to laugh at yourself increases the likelihood that, when you do achieve excellence, it will be without arrogance. The late Senator Sam Ervin said, ``Humor endows us with the capacity to clarify the obscure, to simplify the complex, to deflate the pompous, to chastise the arrogant, to point to a moral, and to adorn a tale--it also makes our heavy burdens light.`` These guidelines for life are not mine alone. They belong to all the midshipmen at the U.S. Naval Academy. But, they are free for your adoption. Be a person of integrity; trust others of high standards; strive for excellence without arrogance; have compassion; treat everyone with dignity and respect; seek the truth; speak well of others; do your best; and always keep a sense of humor. Your parents, peers, teachers, and your friends expect these high standards of you. I know that you will give them no less.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts and the gentleman from Florida for both their recognition of how important it is at times for us to remind ourselves and to remind our State and local officials and also our law enforcement officials of the importance of our children and to remind them, too, that we are all concerned and very interested in their protection. As the father of four and the grandfather of six and, by the way, Mr. Speaker, I put my request in to my four children hopefully to get a baker's dozen of those grandchildren, I recognize the importance of love and protecting our children, our most valuable asset. Therefore, I rise today to offer a resolution referencing the importance of our Nation's children. Amidst all the talk of balanced budgets, taxes and entitlements and their importance, too, to our children, we often overlook the need to protect what truly is the most priceless resource in this country, and that is our children. But like any other valuable, our children's safety is often threatened. Losing a child is a nightmare which has become a reality for far too many Americans. In fact, a recent study conducted by the Princeton Survey Research Associates indicated that the number one fear of 54 percent of the parents who responded is that their child might be kidnapped. And while most missing children are returned to their homes safely, many are exposed to the evils of exploitation. The gentleman from Florida [Mr. McCollum] referred to several statistics released recently by the Justice Department. A couple of those statistics are that more than 300,000 children are abducted by family members each year and that nearly two-thirds of our State prisoners serving time for rape and sexual assault victimized children and that sex offenders are nine times more likely to repeat their crimes than any other criminal. Mr. Speaker, our law enforcement agencies are constantly faced with the difficult task of stopping crimes against children, and Congress has done a commendable job in recent months with the passage of two acts, one the Megan's law which gives citizens the power to educate themselves with sex offender registration information and, two, the Sexual Offender Tracking Identification Act, which aids law enforcement officials in tracking down threats to our children. Both these measures are a good start but there is much work to be done yet. Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to offer House Resolution 154, which expresses the sense of Congress that the Nation's children are its most valuable resource and that their protection should be our Nation's highest priority. House Resolution 154, as reported earlier, also urges local and State governments to take appropriate action to ensure the safety and protection of children within their jurisdictions and to severely punish offenders of such crimes. I would like to recognize the diligent efforts of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, the subcommittee chairman, the gentleman from Florida [Mr. McCollum], the ranking member, the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Hyde] and the other members in the leader's office for their help with this measure. I urge my colleagues to join me in passage of this resolution.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, a lot of comments have been made here today by different Members in reference to the President and his willingness to reach out and the Members of this side of the aisle and their willingness to reach back and also to reach out with ideas. I want to relate a conversation, a personal conversation that I had with President Bill Clinton in April of 1995, standing in the little White House in Warm Springs, GA, the Georgia home of F.D.R., F.D.R., who was considered the working man and the little man's friend. As we were departing that day, I looked at the President, and I said, ``You know, sir, we have to look after the little man because the big man can take care of himself. But every now and then you have to give just a little something to the big man so he'll help the little guy.'' And the President was nodding in agreement. And I said, ``Mr. President, that's our tax bill, the tax bill of the 104th Congress.'' Little known to each of us that day, we would not be back with that tax bill but one time, just one opportunity to pass and accept it. But we are back again in the 105th Congress. We are back with a lot of the good ideas that he says, ``Yes, there are a lot of good things in this tax bill that we will eventually agree on.'' But there is the old saying, ``Opportunity only knocks once, temptation will beat the door down.'' We missed that opportunity in the 104th Congress, but we are back with those good ideas, not only our good ideas but some ideas of the President's, in the area of education, AMT relief that the President has proposed, capital gains relief that the President has proposed. This debate is good, it is real good. It is pointing out some differences yet that we still have in this bill. But we have an opportunity here today to move this bill forward, pass it, move it into conference, work on those additional ideas and differences that we have. Let us not miss this opportunity. Let us work on the good points and the good parts that we have put in, that the President has put in, and let us work on those differences to improve this bill over the next 2 to 3 weeks, and let us give tax relief to the little man, the working people of this country, and let us also give some assistance to those who can help those working people by providing them jobs. A lot has been said about the AMT. Business people understand that. They understand oftentimes under the AMT provisions you can actually lose money and still have a tax liability, and it drives behavior of business that also deletes a lot of jobs. A lot has been mentioned about the type of equipment that is purchased that comes under the AMT. Most of those jobs are assembly line jobs, union jobs. This is a good bill and by the time we get through with it in 2 to 3 weeks, I know it is going to be a lot better. Let us take advantage of opportunity and let us move this piece of legislation forward.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Florida for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 1316 will amend the Federal Employee Group Life Insurance Act and ensure that there is a level playing field between State laws that govern private insurance and Federal statute that provides guidelines for life insurance policies held by Federal employees. This legislation will clarify that a domestic relations order, issued by a court, is considered a designation of beneficiary in the event that no designation of beneficiary has been filed. Currently, if a Federal employee dies without properly naming a beneficiary for their life insurance policy, the law provides a strict prioritized list of individuals that are eligible to receive the benefits of that policy. Unlike most State laws, the Federal Code does not provide for consideration of an existing court decree that may link that policy to a beneficiary as a part of a settlement agreement. There are real instances where this inequity in Federal law is causing confusion for Federal employees who are beneficiaries. This legislation will correct this inconsistency and ensure that a court decree is given appropriate consideration. The Department of Health and Human Services, the Child Support Division and the Office of Personnel Management have reviewed the legislation and do not oppose this change. I have appeared before the Corrections Advisory Group chaired by the gentleman from Michigan [Mr. Camp] and have their support, and during the 104th Congress this is actually part of the Omnibus Civil Service Reform Act as reported by the committee, and additionally the legislation was favorably reported by the Subcommittee on Civil Service, Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. My thanks to the gentleman from Florida [Mr. Mica], the gentleman from Indiana [Mr. Burton], and the gentleman from Maryland [Mr. Cummings] and the committee group, committee members, for their support and work on this bill at the subcommittee and committee levels. I appreciate the opportunity to bring this bill, H.R. 1316, before the House for consideration and urge my colleagues to support this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce important legislation that will return common sense to the Internal Revenue Code by changing the depreciation period for computer equipment. Currently, for tax purposes computer equipment must be depreciated over a 5-year period. Ironically, rapid technological advancements now being made in the computer industry guarantee that the average useful life of this equipment is 14 to 24 months. Businesses in highly competitive markets must continually replace computer equipment if they are to remain competitive. Although a small business will often purchase a new system after 2 years, it must keep the outdated equipment on the books for 5 years. This legislation will update the Tax Code to ensure that it acknowledges ongoing, rapid advancements being made in the computer industry. This measure will change the depreciation period from 5 years to 2 years, ensuring that businesses are not penalized for making investments that keep them competitive. This change will serve to promote economic growth and job creation within these competitive industries. I strongly encourage my colleagues to join Representative Ben Cardin, me, and other original cosponsors in support of this important legislation.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to introduce legislation that will clarify in the Internal Revenue Code what has historically been and should continue to be the tax treatment of expenses attributable to certain FAA-mandated aviation industry maintenance checks. The IRS has attempted to change the historical tax treatment of certain aviation maintenance expenses by denying the industry's ability to deduct those that arise from ordinary and necessary maintenance and repair of aircraft. Instead, the IRS is requiring that these maintenance costs be treated as nondeductible capital improvements. Previously I joined with several of my colleagues and asked Secretary Robert Rubin to reverse the agency's position. Although I was assured the issue would be studied and I would receive a response, to date I have received no reply. I strongly support a clarification of the tax treatment of these maintenance expenses so the aviation industry may continue to deduct these expenses. Doing so is important in order to prevent increasing the costs of aviation safety. I strongly encourage my colleagues to join this effort by cosponsoring this legislation.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to recognize Fort Benning, GA, the ``home of the infantry'' and the Army's premier installation, for being named a 1997 community of excellence. On May 2, Fort Benning was awarded the Commander in Chief's Award for the third time in the last 4 years. This award is given annually to recognize the best Army installation in the world. Additionally, on May 1 Fort Benning was awarded the Chief of Staff Army Award for the fifth consecutive year. This award recognizes the best Army installation in the Continental United States. Fort Benning is also the sole nominee of the 1997 Presidential Award for Quality as the Best Agency in the Federal Government. These awards are indicative of both the ability and professionalism of the tens of thousands of soldiers that pass through Fort Benning's gate each and every year, and of the successful partnership that has been developed over the years between Fort Benning and the Columbus, GA, and Phenix City, AL, districts. No military facility can be fully effective without developing a positive relationship with the local community. Fort Benning has accomplished this, and has developed a military-civilian team that is unmatched in efficiency and effectiveness. In spite of the fact that the military population of Fort Benning is in a continuous state of transition, the installation has been able to maintain its high standards of quality. This is, in large part, thanks to nearly 7,000 civilians who work behind the scenes to advance Fort Benning's mission. These are individuals, like Sarah McLaney, Fort Benning's Army Community of Excellence coordinator, who has seen the facility receive the Commander in Chief Award under three different commanding generals. Dedicated workers like Sarah have been instrumental not only in achieving Fort Benning's military mission, but also in development of strong ties that bind Fort Benning with the Columbus and Phenix City communities. General Ernst and his able staff have further reinforced Fort Benning's longstanding commitment to military quality, focusing on the watchwords ``First in training, first in readiness, and first in quality of life.'' Fort Benning soldiers constitute a cornerstone of our Nation's Armed Forces. Since 1918 Fort Benning has operated the world's foremost military institutional training center. As the home of the infantry, Fort Benning's mission is to produce the world's finest combat-ready infantrymen, to provide the Nation with a power projection platform capable of rapid deployment, and to continue the Army's premier installation and home for soldiers, families, civilian employees, and military retirees. This mission is achieved with distinction on a daily basis. While the infantry remains the central focus of activity at Fort Benning, a number of other types of units have been added over the years, enhancing the ability of the installation to accomplish its mission. In addition to being home of the infantry, Fort Benning now houses the Airborne School, the Army Ranger School, the 29th Infantry Regiment, a training unit for the Bradley fighting vehicle, the 36th Engineer Group, and the U.S. Army School of the Americas. Each of these units work tirelessly to defend our national interests around the world and to serve our communities at home. To the military and civilian personnel of Fort Benning, I offer my sincere thanks and congratulations for a job well done.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay homage to a former distinguished member of the U.S. Congress. I speak of Herman Eugene Talmadge, U.S. Senator from the State of Georgia, former chairman of the Senate Agriculture Committee and vice chairman of the Senate Finance Committee. On Wednesday, April 23, 1997, I had the honor of delivering the keynote address at the dedication of the Herman Talmadge Highway in Hampton, GA. I wish to enter those remarks into the Congressional Record in honor of Senator Herman Talmadge. U.S. Representative Mac Collins, on the Dedication of Herman Talmadge Highway, Hampton, GA, April 23, 1997 It is not only a privilege but a pleasure to be here today with so many of Georgia's past and present leaders to honor a special man. I want to extend a special thank you to Agriculture Commissioner Tommy Irving for acting as our Master of Ceremonies today and also to my good friend Rogers Wade who was responsible for organizing this wonderful event. As many of you know, Rogers was the Chief-of-Staff to our honoree for many years. Rogers took the lessons he learned from him to become one of Georgia's premier governmental specialists. I also want to recognize my friend Wayne Shackleford. His leadership as Commissioner of Transportation has given Georgia one of the best highway systems in the nation. And last, but certainly not least, I know all of you will join with me in thanking the Honorable Zell Miller, Governor of the Great State of Georgia, for the outstanding job he has done over the past six years. Governor, the legacy you will leave includes a state that is recognized as a leader in helping people move from welfare rolls to payrolls; a state that provides a better education for our children; and a state that is responsible and accountable to its citizens. For this, we owe you our gratitude. I know that you, as well as everyone here today, has admired the man we are here to honor. His distinguished career has included serving his nation as a Naval officer during World War II, as Governor, and a United States Senator. The Honorable Herman Talmadge, a son of Georgia. While Herman Talmadge rose to great heights in our nation's government, he never forgot where he came from or whom he represented. Herman Talmadge has always been the champion of rural America. During his long career as a public servant, he stood for every American who has farmed an acre of land or run the family-owned business found in small towns across rural America. He worked for all Americans who worked with their hands and their backs to earn an honest living and provide a home for their families. Herman Talmadge knows these people. But more importantly, he genuinely cares for them. He was born and raised in rural McRae, Georgia, where the majority of people made their living by farming, or operating or working for small businesses located around the town square. He lived what many people only talk about today--family values, love of God and Country, community service, and the pride and rewards of work. His love of politics and the desire to help the people came naturally. His father, Gene Talmadge, was elected Governor of Georgia four times. Following his graduation from the University of Georgia School of Law, a young Herman Talmadge was tapped to run his father's campaign for the United States Senate. Gene Talmadge lost to the incumbent Senator but went on to win his third term as Governor two years later. And his son was right there with him. Herman Talmadge gained valuable hands-on experience and state-wide contacts that would serve him well in the years to come. Following the campaign, he joined the United States Naval Reserve and was commissioned an ensign. During World War II, his bravery and courage were demonstrated time and again as he requested transfer from state-side duty to the Pacific theater. There, he took part in the invasion of Guadalcanal, the battle of Okinawa and other encounters with the Japanese Fleet. On V-J Day, Lieutenant Commander Herman Talmadge entered Tokyo Bay with the U.S. Navy forces. After the war, he returned home and managed his father's last campaign. In 1946, the Honorable Gene Talmadge was elected to his fourth term as Governor of Georgia. But prior to taking office, the Governor-elect passed away. The vacancy left by the death of Gene Talmadge resulted in what can only be called an ``interesting'' political situation in Georgia. Herman Talmadge was elected by the Georgia House of Representatives to fill the term won by his father. But the incumbent Governor and just-elected Lieutenant Governor also claimed the chief Executive's office. Eventually, the State Supreme Court ruled in favor of the Lieutenant Governor. In 1948, Herman Talmadge left the shadow of his famous father and launched his own political career by running for the office his father had won four times. He campaigned on issues that were the hallmarks of his career in the Governor's office and the United States Senate. When he won, he carried through on his promises to help the rural areas of Georgia. As the nation's then youngest Governor, Herman Talmadge launched a campaign to modernize his state. He built roads and bridges to link the vast stretches of rural Georgia. He built hospitals in rural areas where there were none before. These facilities brought health care to an entire class of people who had little or no access to medical care. The new Governor deeply believed in education. He built new schools for our children and dedicated a portion of the sales tax to increasing teacher salaries. But no matter what projects Gov. Herman Talmadge built or what programs he implemented, he did so only if the State of Georgia could afford them and pay for them. He was a deficit hawk long before that term became popular. In 1956, he won a seat in the United States Senate where he continued his work--only now it was for all Americans. As Chairman of the Senate Agriculture, Forestry and Nutrition Committee, Senator Talmadge was responsible for the passage of many laws that revitalized rural America and greatly improved the quality of life for all our citizens. As his former Senate colleague, Robert Byrd of West Virginia, so eloquently stated in 1980, the legislation crafted by Herman Talmadge is the ``blueprint for the entire structure of our agricultural, rural development and nutrition policies.'' Senator Talmadge believed that no child or adult should go hungry in a country that produces enough food to feed the world. But he saw poverty and hunger in many areas of our nation. He saw men and women, parents and families fighting to make a living in rural areas that were losing population and business to the cities. He also saw that same hunger and poverty in the faces of those who had migrated to the cities to try and better their lives and the lives of their families. To combat this tragedy, Senator Talmadge authored legislation to ensure no American would go hungry. He wrote the law establishing the school lunch program. He helped to develop the food stamp program for needy individuals and families. At their inception, Senator Talmadge ensured these programs would help those who needed the help. He also believed that these programs should help those who helped themselves. Herman Talmadge was raised with a strong work ethic and he supported provisions to the law that able-bodied people should work for these benefits. Senator Talmadge did not want federal assistance to become a way of life for any American. Senator Talmadge created an Agriculture Subcommittee to focus on the problems and opportunities of rural America. Through his leadership, Congress passed legislation that provided low interest loans to local governments for sewers, water treatment plants and health facilities. He also worked to pass legislation providing industrial development loans to local governments which they used as ``seed'' money to attract industrial projects to rural areas. I would like everyone here to note the fact that these programs were not federal ``give-aways.'' The money provided to local governments and rural communities was paid back to the federal treasury--with interest. As I have pointed out, Senator Talmadge has always been a guardian of the people's money. As a member of the powerful Senate Finance Committee, he supported legislation to eliminate fraud and abuse in the Federal Medicare and Medicaid programs. Senator Talmadge saw early on the potential costs of these programs to American taxpayers and worked to bring accountability to them. I think it is appropriate we note that Senator Talmadge firmly believed that the federal government, like its state counterparts, should balance its budget every year. He supported a 1973 Constitutional amendment to prohibit the federal government from spending more than it took in--except in a Congressionally declared national emergency. In 1976, Senator Talmadge introduced a resolution calling for a balanced budget. He said that continued unrestricted spending would bring the nation to bankruptcy. If Congress had heeded the wisdom of Senator Talmadge and acted upon his budget proposals, America's government and economy would be more financially secure. We who serve in Congress today, are working to enact the legislation proposed by Herman Talmadge over twenty years ago. We are working to balance the federal budget. We are working to save Medicare and Medicaid from the fraud and abuse that drains its precious financial resources. We are working to see that our children and grandchildren can grow up in an America that allows them to achieve their dreams. Senator Herman Talmadge was a giant among giants in the United States Senate. He counseled Presidents and world leaders. He crafted and helped to pass legislation that has enhanced and enriched the lives of all Americans. And let none of us forget, Herman Talmadge and his colleagues also made our country strong in the face of communist aggression. Their courage in facing that threat allowed the United States to finally win the cold war and make our world a safer place to live. For three decades, Herman Talmadge served Georgia and America. But he not only served, he led. That is the mark of a great public servant. And while Herman Talmadge achieved great power and success, he tempered it with grace, wisdom, compassion and a love for the people who elected him to high office. We all owe Senator Talmadge our appreciation and our gratitude for dedicating his life to public service. He touched the lives of every Georgian and millions of Americans. He is truly a special man and he is very special to me. Thank you and God Bless you Senator.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce legislation that will provide a much needed clarification of the Federal Employee Group Life Insurance Act. This legislation will level the playing field between laws that govern private life insurance and the Federal statute that provides guidelines for the life insurance policies held by Federal employees. My legislation will amend the Federal Employee Group Life Insurance Act to ensure that a domestic relations order, issued by a court, is considered a designation of beneficiary in the event that no designation of beneficiary has been filed. Currently, if a Federal employee dies without properly naming a beneficiary for his/her life insurance policy, the law provides a very strict, prioritized list of individuals that are eligible to receive the benefits of that policy. Unlike most State laws, the Federal code does not give any consideration to an existing court decree that may link that policy to a beneficiary as a part of a settlement agreement. There are real instances where this inequity in Federal law is causing significant confusion among FEGLIA beneficiaries. It is time for us to clarify the law with this legislation that will correct this inconsistency and ensure that a court decree is given appropriate consideration. During the 104th Congress, my legislation was included in the Omnibus Civil Service Reform Act, H.R. 3841, as reported by the Committee on Government Reform and Oversight. The Department of Health and Human Services, Child Support Division, and the Office of Personnel Management have reviewed the legislation and do not oppose this change. In addition, I have appeared before the Corrections Advisory Group chaired by Representative Dave Camp and they have recommended the legislation for inclusion on the Corrections Calendar. I appreciate this opportunity to introduce this legislation and look forward to its enactment.