Mac Collins

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, today, I pay tribute to a great American, our 40th ' President, Ronald Reagan. Under Ronald Reagan's presidency and leadership, America stood tall again in the world as a ``shining city on the hill.'' Americans were proud once again to be Americans. Ronald Reagan assumed the presidency when America was facing an Iranian hostage crisis, a rising inflation rate, increasing unemployment, and an energy crisis that saw Americans waiting in lines to purchase gasoline. Upon assuming the presidency, Ronald Reagan proposed a bold economic and defense program. His economic policy created the longest peacetime job expansion in history. Under his leadership, our defenses were rebuilt to handle any adversary. It was his leadership that saw America triumph as the communist evil empire that scarred Europe fell. President Reagan fought for his convictions and followed up his campaign promises with successful action. Under his leadership, government bureaucracy and regulations were reduced. Taxes were lowered and a strong national defense was rebuilt to fight against the spread of communism. These moves won him a landslide re-election victory. I agree with the words of this great President when he said, ``government is not the solution. Government is the problem.'' I also agree with President Reagan's words at the 1992 Republican National Convention in Houston, TX, when he said: A lot of liberal democrats are saying it's time for a change; and they're right; the only trouble is they're pointing to the wrong end of Pennsylvania Avenue. What we should change is a Democratic Congress that wastes precious time on partisan matters of absolutely no relevance to the needs of the average American. It's time to clean house. Clean out the privileges and perks. Clean out the arrogance and the big egos. Clean out the scandals, the corner-cutting and the foot-dragging. Ronald Reagan was a president who, in a time of politicians, proved himself a statesman. He was a leader who, when others demanded compromise, preached conviction; a gentleman who, in time of average men, stood taller than anyone else. He ranks as one of the finest men ever to hold the office. He was successful as a radio broadcaster, actor, union leader, Governor and President. But, above all else, he was a successful American whose legacy lives on in these halls and across this land. May God bless this great man, his family and this land that he so dearly loved.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for rollcall vote No. 229, expressing the profound regret and sorrow of the House of Representatives on the death of Ronald Wilson Reagan, former President of the United States of America (H. Res. 663); and rollcall vote No. 230, a vote on the Journal. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' for rollcall vote Nos. 229 and 230.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for rollcall vote 227, on Motion to Instruct Conferees on Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (H.R. 3550); rollcall vote 228, condemning the crackdown on democracy protesters in Tiananmen Square, Beijing, in the People's Republic of China on the 15th anniversary of that tragic massacre (H. Res. 655). Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' for rollcall votes 227 and 228.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise to state my strong support of H.R. 4109, the Simple Tax for Seniors Act of 2004, which would require the Internal Revenue Service to offer a simplified tax form for America's senior citizens. I commend my Georgia colleague, Congressman Max Burns, for introducing this legislation. This common sense legislation would create a new form entitled ``1040-S'' that would enable seniors to file their tax returns in less time and in a simpler format. The new form, which would be similar to the 1040EZ, would be available to seniors for their use when they file their 2005 income tax returns. Under current law, many seniors cannot use Forms 1040A or 1040EZ, because the IRS limits their use to individuals with less than $50,000 in taxable income. The bill instructs the IRS to make the form available in spite of the receipt of Social Security benefits, interest or dividends, capital gains or losses, or distributions from a qualified retirement plan, annuity, or other deferred payment arrangement. The IRS is also instructed not to establish an income threshold on the form so that seniors with incomes in excess of $50,000 will be permitted to use the simplified form. I urge all my colleagues to lend a helping hand to America's senior citizens and vote in favor of the Simple Tax for Seniors Act of 2004.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for rollcall vote 210, Congratulating and saluting Focus: HOPE; rollcall vote 211, Recognizing and honoring the firefighters, police, public servants, civilians, and private businesses responding to the Richmond fire on March 26; rollcall vote 212, Honoring the Tuskegee Airmen. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' for rollcall votes 210, 211 and 212.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, throughout the history of the United States, men and women have paid the ultimate price for freedom. Memorial Day is a day dedicated to the remembrance of those who gave their life in the name of freedom. The U.S. House of Representatives has assembled in the Capitol to pay special tribute to those who have lost their life in the war against terrorism. Henceforth, the battle has been in Iraq and Afghanistan. I salute those from Georgia who have died on the battlefields in Iraq and Afghanistan: U.S. Army Specialist Jamaal R. Addison of Roswell. U.S. Army Private First Class Diego Fernando Rincon of Conyers. U.S. Army Private First Class Michael Russell Creighton Weldon of Conyers. U.S. Army Captain Edward J. Korn of Savannah. U.S. Army Specialist David T. Nutt of Blackshear. U.S. Army Specialist John K. Klinesmith of Stockbridge. U.S. Army Sgt. Michael T. Crockett of Soperton. U.S. Army Sgt. Nathaniel Hart Jr. of Valdosta. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Bobby C. Franklin of Mineral Bluff. U.S. Army Private Benjamin L. Freeman of Valdosta. U.S. Army Command Sgt. Major Jerry L. Wilson of Thomson. U.S. Army Specialist Marshall Edgerton of Rocky Face. U.S. Army Specialist Christopher J. Holland of Brunswick. U.S. Army Specialist Nathaniel H. Johnson of Augusta. U.S. Army Staff Sgt. Ricky L. Crockett of Broxton. U.S. Army Sgt. William J. Normandy of Augusta. U.S. Army Master Sgt. Thomas R. Thigpen, Sr. of Augusta. U.S. Army Specialist William R. Strange of Adrian. U.S. Air Force Airman 1st Class Antoine J. Holt of Kennesaw. U.S. Army Private First Class Marquis A. Whitaker of Columbus. U.S. Army Specialist Justin W. Johnson of Rome.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Chairman, I rise to state my strong opposition to the Davis Amendment to H.R. 4200, which would allow abortions to be performed at our overseas military hospitals. Throughout my years in Congress, I have consistently opposed efforts to allow abortions to take place in taxpayer funded military hospitals, and a majority in Congress has consistently opposed these efforts as well. The Davis amendment would repeal the current ban on abortions in our military hospitals, which was signed into law in 1996, and would seek to turn our military medical facilities into abortion clinics. If the Davis amendment is adopted, not only could taxpayer funded facilities be used to support abortion on demand, but resources could be used to search for, hire, and transport new personnel simply so that abortions could be performed. These facilities which are dedicated to the save the lives of the men and women in our Armed Forces should not be used to take the lives of innocent, unborn children. I urge all of my colleagues in the House to vote to support life and to oppose the Davis amendment.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for rollcall vote 177, Recognizing National Transportation Week; rollcall vote 178, Authorizing Capitol Grounds for the Dedication of WWII Memorial; rollcall vote 179, Condemning the Sudan for civilian attacks in the Darfur region. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' for rollcall votes 177, 178 and 179.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to share with my colleagues a proclamation that was read at a grave dedication ceremony at the Mount Pleasant Primitive Baptist Church in Jones County, Georgia. This proclamation honors a patriot of the American Revolutionary War, Private Reuben McLeroy, an ancestor of one of my constituents, Mr. Travis Ellis of Hampton, Georgia. I would like to thank Mr. Ellis and the members of the Georgia Society of Sons of the American Revolution for honoring the life of Private McLeroy and keeping the memory alive of the patriots of the Revolutionary War who achieved our independence and fought for the freedoms we enjoy today as American citizens. Reuben McLeroy, a Proclamation Whereas, The Lyman Hall, Ocmulgee, and Piedmont Chapters of the Georgia Society Sons of the American Revolution conducted on April 24, 2004 a dedication of the grave marker commemorating the service of Revolutionary war patriot, Private Reuben McLeroy, and Whereas, Reuben McLeroy married Christiana Johnson in April 1776 and lived in Wake County, North Carolina at the commencement of the Revolution. Reuben would enlist in the North Carolina Militia and serve gallantly for the duration of the war. Reuben's unit would participate in the Battle of Eutaw Springs and perform beyond expectations. It was at Eutaw Springs that the outnumbered colonists would defeat the enemy and end the British stronghold in the south. Whereas, By the end of the Revolutionary War, Reuben McLeroy and family would migrate to Wilkes County, Georgia. When the county was later subdivided into several counties it was in Clarke County that Reuben was ordained as a Baptist preacher in September 1804 at the Mars Hill Baptist Church. Reuben would then move his family to Jones County, Georgia in 1810 and serve the Walnut Creek Baptist Church until his death on February 12, 1820. Whereas, I recognize and extend my appreciation to the Sons of the American Revolution, Lyman Hall, Ocmulgee, and Piedmont Chapters, for their efforts to provide historical and educational knowledge and to perpetuate the memory of the men who, by their services and sacrifices during the War of the American Revolution, achieved the independence of the American people; now Therefore: As the Representative for the Eighth District of Georgia in the U.S. House of Representatives, I do hereby recognize the selfless sacrifice made by Patriot Reuben McLeroy as well as all others who with their courage and valor fulfilled a nations quest for Liberty. I hereby confirm the dedication of a grave marker for Private Reuben McLeroy and call this observance to the attention of our citizens.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, in relation to that, we hear a lot about the whole exemption for interest on deductibles. I think the gentleman's numbers are very interesting and I think they would work the same way in the home deduction, would they not?

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman from Georgia yielding, and I want to thank him, too, for bringing this event here tonight, this opportunity to speak on the fair tax, as well as introducing the fair tax bill into the House of Representatives. I am also pleased that our two colleagues in the other body have also introduced the same legislation over there. I have the opportunity to speak quite often to large groups and people who are very interested in the tax system, particularly the change in the tax system. But I am asked a lot of questions and I just thought maybe we might go through some of those questions here tonight, if the gentleman does not mind. The gentleman mentioned the rebate. This is for the necessities in life. Just exactly how would the rebate work? How is it structured and how would it work? Who receives the rebate? What do they have to have in order to receive the rebate?

Mr. COLLINS. Well, if I understood the gentleman right, it is based on a Social Security number and being a resident of the United States?

Mr. COLLINS. Well, does the gentleman think that 23 percent as a fair tax is a comparable tax, equivalent to bringing in the revenues that we currently receive from the income tax, or does the gentleman think it would bring in more revenue and would it generate a stronger economy?

Mr. COLLINS. So you actually would have more take-home pay, pay a less percentage in tax under the fair tax than you would under the current income tax system, even without a mortgage deduction?

Mr. COLLINS. What about the one section of the Tax Code that seems to be the most abused section that you hear about and is reported to us in the Committee on Ways and Means, which is the earned income tax credit; How would this affect that?

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, one last question, and I receive this question quite often too, and it deals with trade. We hear a lot about outsourcing and insourcing and, fortunately, we have more insourcing jobs today than we have outsourcing, and I think it has a lot to do with the American workforce and the work ethics, the reason companies from abroad are locating here and working our people, but they are headquartered in their country of origin, which means that is where they will pay their tax. I think it has a lot to do with our tax codes and the treatment. But how does the gentleman think this will affect us to be competitive in the world market in trade?

Mr. COLLINS. I believe prior to the income tax, our revenues did come from tariffs and excise taxes which dealt with trade. I fully agree with my colleague. I think it would be an excellent opportunity for our workforce in America to become more competitive with workforces in other parts of the world and would make us more competitive in the world market because we then would have a way to take all of the tax costs out of production of goods and service, whether we use them domestically or whether we export them; and it would be added back to any product that we imported, making it more fair and giving us not an advantage, but a more level playing field to be able to trade and compete in the world market. I appreciate the gentleman's time and efforts.

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, a recent study by the National Association of Manufacturers said a long-term solution to being competitive in the world market is to change the income tax system, to replace the income tax system. This is a question that Lou Dobbs asked me about 2 weeks ago when I was on the ``Lou Dobbs Tonight Show'' talking about the fair tax: Do you really think this can happen and how?

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I concur that the American people will drive this issue. That is the reason it is important that the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) holds hearings in the Committee on Ways and Means. Let us vet it and let the people understand it, and I think the people will respond to Members of Congress, and we will have action taken on this issue. I was offered the cushy job of being the IRS commissioner about 2 years ago, but I turned it down. I chose not to join them; I want to end them. In order to do that, we have to abolish the income tax, and that will end the IRS as we know it today. I appreciate the gentleman's effort, and I am 110 percent behind you.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I was not present for rollcall vote 131, Rhode Island Veterans Post Office Redesignation; rollcall vote 132, Honoring the life and legacy of Melvin Jones and recognizing the Lions Club International; and rollcall vote 133, Supporting the goals and ideals of Financial Literacy Month. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' for rollcall votes 131, 132 and 133.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Chairman, today, this House passed important legislation that will help ensure elected representation in the House of Representatives in the event that there is a tragic and catastrophic loss of life amongst the membership of this body. It is important that, should such a tragedy occur, that the people's House remain a body of elected officials, and H.R. 2844 would protect this character of the House of Representatives. H.R. 2844 would ensure that, in the event of a national tragedy and an extraordinary loss of life in this House, our government would continue to operate in a timely and effective manner that upholds the rights and ideals afforded to every American in our Constitution. Had I not had a previous commitment in my home State of Georgia, I would have voted ``no'' on rollcall Vote No. 129, a vote on amendment No. 2 offered by Mr. Larson of Connecticut to H.R. 2844; and I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall Vote No. 130, a vote on passage for H.R. 2844, the Continuity in Representation Act of 2004.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute the Reverend Woodrow Hudson, who gave this morning's opening prayer. Reverend Hudson is the Director of Chaplaincy Services for the Georgia Department of Corrections. He leads 118 field chaplains and approximately 4,000 certified prison volunteers in 39 of our State prisons, six transitional centers, six probation detention centers, and three private prisons in the State of Georgia. In the Reverend's Chaplaincy Services section are the Prison Volunteers and the Reentry Aftercare Partnership. These volunteers offer and provide spiritual guidance to over 50,000 inmates in all of Georgia's correctional institutions. The Reentry Aftercare Partnership works with churches to provide guidance to inmates returning to their communities. Before Reverend Hudson became Director of Chaplaincy Services in Georgia, he was a pastor for 32 years in churches in Mississippi and Georgia. He was active in many community organizations in each community where he served as pastor. Reverend Hudson resides in Carollton, Georgia, with his wife, Betty, and we welcome his wife in the gallery. They have been married for 45 years and have three children. And, Mr. Speaker, one of his daughters serves this Nation as an officer in the Secret Service. Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I ask my colleagues to please join me in welcoming Reverend Woodrow Hudson, Jr., for his outstanding service to Georgia and for his outstanding opening prayer this morning.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, this week Georgians will line the roads to witness the top ranked stage road bicycle race in North America. The Dodge Tour de Georgia promotes tourism, stimulates local industry, and is proud to benefit the Georgia Cancer Coalition. The race serves as a rolling festival to entertain and educate spectators across the Peach State about cycling, fitness, and most importantly about the possibility for a cure for and the prevention of cancer. This second annual event, April 20 to 25, 2004, takes pro cyclists and multitudes of visitors on a scenic 641-mile journey through the Great State of Georgia. Athletes from over 15 countries will compete for $100,000 in cash and prizes. With a mix of road races, an individual time trial, and challenging terrain, the 2004 Dodge Tour de Georgia will be an exciting event for both racers and spectators. A great deal of attention will be on cycling this year, since many elite athletes vie to represent their countries in the Olympic Games in road, time trial or track disciplines of cycling in August. And, five- time Tour de France Champion Lance Armstrong seeks his record sixth consecutive win on the Champs-Elysees in July. Part of the reason for a significant increase in media and spectator interest in the Dodge Tour de Georgia this year is because Armstrong will compete in the event with his United States Postal Service Pro Cycling team. It will be the only stage race Armstrong is expected to enter in North America this year, and the only event in the U.S. for him prior to his record attempt in France. Officials with the Dodge Tour de Georgia project a $20 to $30 million boost to the Georgia economy. The value provided to its charitable beneficiary, the Georgia Cancer Coalition, is expected to surpass $2.5 million, doubling the number from 2003. The 2004 Dodge Tour de Georgia, the country's premier, professional cycling stage race, will visit 11 host cities in 6 days, from Tuesday, April 20 to Sunday, April 25. As a world-class sporting event, the Dodge Tour de Georgia is defined in part by the 128 elite, professional cyclists who will compete in seven stage races, traversing 649 miles across Georgia in 6 days. As a vehicle to promote tourism and stimulate economic growth, the race is defined by the thousands of visitors and volunteers who plan to visit from across Georgia, the U.S. and abroad. From just the impact of media, officials, teams, and support personnel, not including spectators, local communities will see an immediate impact from 3,000 room nights and over 7,000 meals. I would like to commend the sponsors, organizers, and staff of the Dodge Tour de Georgia, for bringing a world-class event of this magnitude to the people of the United States. I would also like to commend the Union Cycliste Internationale, for sanctioning this event. I would like to recognize the host communities, Alpharetta, Athens, Carrlloton, Columbus, Dalton, Dahlonega, Dawsonville, Hiawassee/Young Harris, Macon, Rome, and Thomaston; as well as their local organizing committees for their contribution to this worthy cause. Cancer is a brutal killer that strikes without regard to age, race, sex, or station in life. I am grateful that there are organizations like the Georgia Cancer Coalition, which are dedicated to its eradication and there is support from organizations like Dodge; GE Energy; The Georgia Department of Industry, Trade, and Tourism; Georgia Power; Southern LINC; and the many others who have bonded together to organize and promote Georgia's Race to Cure Cancer. This event brings the finest cyclists in the world to compete and raise money to fight a terrible killer so that all of the world may benefit. I am proud that this event will be held in my home state of Georgia and I commend all the athletes, organizers, volunteers and fans that make the Dodge Tour de Georgia a truly special event.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize an important member of my staff here in Washington, D.C.: Miss Laurie Lynn Barton. Laurie has received the distinction of being selected by the Georgia State Society as Georgia's 2004 Cherry Blossom Princess. I am proud to congratulate her on this prestigious honor. Laurie is the daughter of Ed and Jan Barton of Statesboro, Georgia. She graduated in 2002 from the University of Georgia, and later that same year, she became a member of my staff in Washington, D.C. Her tenure with my office is marked by tirelessly serving my constituents with a hard work ethic and commitment to excellence. I often receive thank you letters from my constituents emphasizing Laurie's outstanding service, and for that I am grateful. The annual Cherry Blossom Festival in Washington, D.C. is a rite of Spring in our Nation's Capital. It is marked by the blooming of the picturesque Cherry Blossom trees that adorn the Tidal Basin of the Jefferson Memorial and surrounding areas on the Mall. The Festival is a wonderful family event that brings people of all ages, from around the world, to Washington, D.C. I am proud that Miss Laurie Lynn Barton will be representing the great State of Georgia in this international event.

Mr. COLLINS

Mr. COLLINS. Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize a very special organization in Pike County, Georgia. The United Men of Pike for Progress was founded in Zebulon, Georgia by six men who had a vision for Pike County--a vision of a better community. Today, this non-profit organization is bringing that vision to reality through its dedication to promoting education, leadership, and strong values. The United Men of Pike for Progress has made its mark in Pike County. They have provided over 600 food baskets and other funds for seniors and needy families throughout the community. Each year they sponsor programs in honor of Dr. Martin Luther King Day that bring the entire community together. For students, they have provided more than eighteen collegiate scholarships to high school seniors, they continually support Junior High School students by donating funds for field trips, and they have raised critical funds for numerous sports oriented High School Clubs. The United Men of Pike for Progress plays an important role in advancing the quality of life for so many Georgians through its programs, services and outreach and will have a great impact upon the community for many years to come. I honor them for all that they do.