Lincoln Davis

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, there has been a lot of talk and discussion in media and throughout the country about morals and the role they played in the elections. I personally welcome these discussions, but I am saddened by the fact that there has been little talk about the moral values of the government's ``borrow and spend'' economic policies. This week, we will have a vote to raise the debt ceiling for the third time in the last 3 years. Why? Because Congress has been content to manage the American taxpayers' money in a way that immorally disregards the well-being of our Nation's economic future. I believe it is immoral for this country to keep racking up debt as far as the eye can see only to pass it on to our children and our grandchildren. I think it is immoral to continue to borrow and spend and ask our soldiers to make the ultimate sacrifice while we refuse to make even marginal sacrifices in our fiscal policies. Mr. Speaker, last week, on Thursday, November 11, the 278th Regimental Combat Unit left for Iraq. Many of these brave men and women of this National Guard unit come from my district in Tennessee. I was able to visit the 278th in Fort Shelby, Mississippi, the day they went off to defend our country. I wish them luck and offer my prayers for their safe return home. Now I wish our soldiers' government would take the steps necessary to curb this deficit spending, to reinstate true budget enforcement measures like pay-go, and to pay down this national debt instead of continuing to raise the ceiling, so that when our troops return home, they are not left footing the bill for a war they so bravely fought. As we continue to discuss morality in America, I hope we will not continue to ignore the immoralities within our current fiscal policies.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4516, the Department of Energy High-End Computing Revitalization Act of 2004. I had the pleasure of working on this legislation with my esteemed colleague across the aisle, the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), who does an excellent job on the Committee on Science, and I look forward to having more opportunities to work with her on other important policy goals that we are able to impact at the Committee on Science. The bill authorizes research and development activities at the Department of Energy to provide for the design, the development and the deployment of powerful computing systems, including both hardware and software. It will lead to the development of the computational tools needed for solving the most demanding science and engineering problems. The activities authorized will constitute part of the ongoing interagency information technology research and development program established by the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991. H.R. 4516 will build on the demonstrated expertise of the Department of Energy in advancing the technology needed for designing and building the most powerful scientific computing systems in the world. Equally important, the bill provides for the development and deployment of leadership-class computing systems, such as the system recently announced for installation at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, which will provide access on a competitive basis for the research community in the United States. The effect of the bill will be to put into the hands of researchers the tools they need to attack the most challenging problems in science and engineering, as well as to accelerate the development of the computing tools needed to underpin industrial competitiveness and our national defense. Finally, H.R. 4516 will help to implement the Federal plan for high- end computing that was released earlier this year by the Office of Science and Technology Policy. Mr. Speaker, I commend this legislative measure to my colleagues and recommend its passage by the House, as amended by the other body. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, as I look at this particular road bill, the reauthorization, I think of comments made back home, where it is called road kill. In essence, what is happening with this legislation and the reauthorization, quite frankly our folks back home will call it road kill; and let me explain why. We have individuals this morning that got up in my district and districts throughout this country and they have traveled to work at the factory or at their workplace, and in many cases in my district, on unsafe roads. So this legislation will provide, if enacted, as it should have been, will provide a safe way for working moms and dads to go to work and return to their families later that afternoon, and in many cases working at low-wage jobs. We have also heard that maybe we can pass this legislation in a lame duck session. Well, that obviously is not going to happen. But I submit to you that is what we have been doing the past year and a half: we have been having a lame duck session. And quite frankly with the lame duck session we have been having concerning transportation needs, we have provided an avenue for many of our folks back home to be sitting ducks, sitting ducks that unless we pass this legislation and fully fund it, as many of us on this side of the Chamber have asked for, it may bring about a situation where the American public and the jobs that we have will bring about an economy that will create a dead duck scenario. It is my hope that we realize, as we engage in the next 8 months, and I am sure that is what is going to happen, that for the American public and the safety of the American public and the American workers, that we pass an adequately funded reauthorization bill that will help build roads to many of our rural areas; that will help the inner cities with mass transit; and will bring about safe traveling as well as providing an economic boost. Many years ago, Mr. Speaker, when our interstate systems were built, it helped bring about what we called ``just-in-time manufacturing.'' Small rural areas could in fact become the suppliers for the assembly lines of American manufacturers. As a result of that, we were able to move from small rural areas the products being built there, or that portion of it, to the larger manufacturing companies and create jobs in rural areas. We, in fact, by languishing and not fulfilling our responsibilities are bringing about a situation and circumstance for many of our workers and many of our families and our economy that will not be able to compete should, say, China decide to do as we did in the 1950s and the 1960s.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. I yield to the gentleman from New York.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I would say to the gentleman from New York that my intention is to vote for a reauthorization bill adequately funded. Unfortunately, we do not have that option. Mr. Speaker, my hope is that we do what is right and that we put first the safety of the American public and pass the reauthorization bill at the level it should be.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, without a doubt, the provisions of the District of Columbia's gun laws that have the most adverse effect upon the largest number of law-abiding District residents, are the ban on using firearms to defend yourself at home, the handgun ban, and other measures that prevent or discourage the purchase of rifles and shotguns. Much has already been said about those provisions of the District's gun laws, so I would like to address a provision that hasn't received the same amount of attention. I refer to the section of the District's laws that define various types of firearms, particularly the definition of ``machine gun.'' As is fairly common knowledge, machine guns were invented in the late 1800s, and they are fundamentally the same today as they were then. They fire repeatedly as long as you hold the trigger down. They are the only firearms that operate in that way. And they all operate in that way. Federal law defines a machine gun appropriately, as a gun that shoots--and I quote--``automatically more than one shot, without manual reloading, by a single function of the trigger.'' I know of no one who disagrees with that definition. The problem is, the District also defines some semi-automatic firearms as machine guns. Semi-automatic firearms were also invented in the late 1800s, but that is about where the similarity between them and machine gun ends. Like a lever-action, bolt-action, or pump-action firearm, or a revolver, a semi-automatic firearm fires only once when you pull the trigger. I realize that not everyone is clear on that point. ``Gun control'' supporters have gone to considerable lengths to suggest that a semi- automatic fires like a machine gun. For example, in the context of the ``assault weapon'' issue, ``gun control'' supporters often claim that semi-automatics ``spray fire.'' That does not change the facts, however. Thus, federal law correctly defines a semi-automatic firearm as one that, among other things--and I quote--``requires a separate pull of the trigger to fire each cartridge.'' And so that no one misunderstands, let me be clear that conforming the District's definition to the Federal definition, does not change the law with respect to the ownership or possession of machine guns. Such guns are regulated under the National Firearms Act of 1934 and will remain regulated under that law. Conforming the District's definition will mean only that District residents will not be prohibited from owning semi-automatic firearms that are legal to possess under federal law.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, Fred Hatmaker of LaFollette and Knoxville, TN, recently passed away at the early age of 63. Fred was a good friend not only to me, but many within the community. He can best be characterized as one who loved to be in the middle of things. Fred was always there for a laugh, a serious discussion, a game of cards, and was more than willing to take a good humored poke at someone whenever an appropriate occasion arose. Fred was an educator, banker, and businessman. He was as devoted to his professions as he was to his friends and family. He was restless in every venture he undertook. I think this came from his need to find his place in the world. This I can say for sure, he brought an unending amount of energy with him and will forever be remembered for his storytelling. You can rest assured that he probably never believed what he said himself. Fred will be missed very much by all who knew him.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, the 278th Armored Cavalry Regiment having been activated and mobilized as the 278th Regimental Combat Team has some of Tennessee's finest soldiers. They are currently training in Camp Shelby, Mississippi, before moving to the National Training Center in Ft. Irwin, California, for additional training. Before departing for their duty location in Northern Iraq they will return to Tennessee where they will appropriately have a sendoff on Veterans Day. Headquartered in Knoxville, the 278th is the only enhanced Armored Cavalry Regiment in the National Guard and one of only two in the United States Army. The 278th is the largest unit in the Tennessee Army National Guard, with units stretching from one end of Tennessee to the other. A large portion of the 278th's soldiers live in the 4th Congressional District. While visiting the 278th at Camp Shelby I talked with soldiers from across the 4th District. Every soldier I talked with expressed a devotion to family and country. Our troops have the energy and patriotism needed to encourage democracy abroad by promoting strong American values and ideals. The families should know that their loved ones are receiving world class training and equipment. In a State that claims Sgt. Alvin York as its native son no one should be surprised that Tennessee is appropriately named the Volunteer State. This largest callup of Tennessee National Guardsmen only further demonstrates our commitment to country. I would like to ask everyone to pray for our brothers and sisters who will shortly be put in harm's way. May God look after our troops and their families.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to welcome back the 1175th Transportation Company of the Tennessee National Guard. The soldiers, who deployed to Fort Knox, Kentucky in February 2003, had been in Kuwait and Iraq since April 2003. When they returned home in mid-May 2004 they were surrounded by loved ones who hadn't seen them in over a year. The transportation company was involved in various aspects of transportation, convoy operations and supply missions. Within the first 96 hours of arriving in Kuwait they pulled their first mission--not an easy feat. Often, they drove Humvees mounted with .50 caliber machine guns, escorting vital equipment throughout Iraq. The unit logged some 2.3 million miles in the 13 months they were overseas. I am very proud of the safety and performance record of the 1175th. They served with distinction by implementing the largest track vehicle movement since World War II not once, but twice in the matter of a few months, while training in the U.S. They also had the best safety record and operational readiness status of the other 15 plus transportation companies working in Iraq/Kuwait. Iraq is hot, dry, and dusty. Sometimes temperatures reached upwards of 135 to 140 degrees. Knowing the numerous dangers and environment it surprised me to read and hear statements from soldiers such as Sergeant Tommy Adcock say, ``Our Country has taken care of us, now it's payback time.'' It is sad that the 1175th lost two of its own. Staff Sergeant Nathan Jerome Bailey and Staff Sergeant David Leroy Lyod lost their lives defending a country they cared so deeply about. We need to remember that our countrymen are making the ultimate sacrifice in defense of this country. These men and women have served honorably and with distinction. What makes our country so great are all of the brave Americans that step up and defend this great nation. For that I say thank you and God Bless.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, as Congress debates issues of vital importance to our Nation's education and defense, I would like to take a few minutes to say thank you to a well respected individual in the 4th District of Tennessee. After spending over thirty plus years on the bench, as a General Sessions Part I Judge, Judge Jimmy Matthews decided to retire due to deteriorating health. Judge Matthews, a life-long resident of Maury County, Tennessee, will be sorely missed for his wisdom, courage, and determination to effectively serve the law and all it protects. Matthews was Maury County's first lay judge and will be its last (a lay judge does not hold a law degree). State law now requires all new judges to hold law degrees. To hold the position of judge without a law degree, while not unheard of is admirable and further demonstrates Matthews understanding and knowledge of the law. It has been estimated that Judge Matthews along with his counterpart have overseen as many as 20,000 cases a year. His court has the responsibility of clearing these cases in a timely and efficient manner. Not an easy task, but Judge Matthew seemed to do it time and again. Maury County and the American judicial system will never fail to notice the work of Judge Matthews. May God Bless Judge Matthews on his new journey.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. I rise to offer a personal explanation. On Thursday, July 15, I was unavoidably absent for Rollcall No. 384, to table the appeal of the Ruling of the Chair. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no''.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Chairman, I would like to extend my remarks on the record. The gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Gordon) certainly is correct. This does not control smoking. I rise in opposition to this amendment. I thank the Chairman and rise in strong opposition to this amendment that has the potential to devastate the rural tobacco farmers in Tennessee's Fourth Congressional District, which I have the privilege to represent. Our great country got its first start, and in fact, market edge in the global economy thanks to tobacco growers. Tobacco was America's first true international cash crop, and helped establish America as the best agriculture country in the world at a time when the early settlers were struggling for survival. Unfortunately, in the last five years, we have seen quota cut by more than 50 percent, which has drastically decreased tobacco income and devastated our small farmers and growing communities. It is absolutely wrong that our tobacco farmers are being unfairly handicapped by the last remaining depression-era quota system and the availability of cheap farm labor in countries like Brazil and Turkey. Given this reality, it made perfect sense to vote on a Tobacco Buyout Provision in a bill that dealt directly with international business and markets. I am also confused by the arguments that this will not help small farmers. The facts show otherwise. The average buyout payment, averaged over all 436,719 eligible individuals, is less than $4,400 per year. The average quota owner now only owns about 2,000 pounds of quota. The average acreage among all U.S. tobacco farms is only 7.5 acres. In my State of Tennessee the average tobacco farm is 4.4 acres. I wish it was more. I wish my small, rural farmers had more acreage, and more quota, and could still survive growing what was once the most valuable crop in the country, but because of the current system they can't. Finally, the tobacco buyout is about creating new economic opportunities for communities that have been devastated by the quota system. 39,500 farming jobs have been lost due to changes in the tobacco sector. This buyout provision would bring $2.7 billion per year in additional economic activity to the six major tobacco states, and would create more than 26,000 new jobs. With the $65 million in total buyout payments for my constituents, we would see a net change in economic activity in my district roughly equal to $85 million. This is why I supported the tobacco buyout, and this is why I must strongly oppose this amendment.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to encourage my colleagues to vote in favor of H.R. 4218, the High-Performance Computing Revitalization Act of 2004, which the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) and I have introduced. I also want to thank the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) for her work in developing this legislation. H.R. 4218 amends the High-Performance Computing Act of 1991, which established a major Federal research and development program in computing and networking that now involves seven agencies and is funded at about $2 billion per year. This bill seeks to reverse a gradual weakening of the planning mechanisms for the research and development program established by the 1991 act. High-performance computing and communications technology is key to the Nation's economic competitiveness and security, and it is important to prioritize and effectively coordinate activities among the performing agencies. This bill requires formal biennial reviews of the interagency program by the President's Information Technology Advisory Committee in order to provide outside advice for sharpening program priorities and improving program implementation. H.R. 4218 also attempts to focus more effort by the interagency program on high-end computing. The key requirement is for the Office of Science and Technology Policy to develop and maintain a roadmap for developing and deploying high-end systems necessary to ensure that the U.S. research community has sustained access to the most capable computing systems. In addition, NSF is explicitly required to provide for access by researchers to such computing systems. These requirements are designed to ensure the research community has access to the most powerful computing systems in the world. Mr. Speaker, the interagency research program launched in 1991, as I have said, has largely been a great success. It has helped provide the computing and networking infrastructure required to support leading- edge research and to drive technology information forward for the benefit of all of us and society at large. H.R. 4218 will serve to strengthen the research program and deserves swift, favorable passage. Again, I ask my colleagues for their support of this bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to applaud the efforts of the chairman, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Boehlert); the subcommittee chairman, the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert); certainly the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Gordon), the ranking member on the Committee on Science, for their work and effort in being sure this legislation came to the committee and then was presented today. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) and I are pleased to bring H.R. 4516, the Department of Energy High-End Computing Revitalization Act of 2004, for consideration in the House today. H.R. 4516 authorizes the Department of Energy to advance high-end computing, and the House Committee on Science has held several hearings that have emphasized its importance to achieve progress in many fields of science and engineering. The gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) and I also introduced H.R. 4218 that we just considered to strengthen existing interagency planning and budgeting mechanisms for high-end computing. In response to the needs for greater resource and focus, we have introduced this bill, H.R. 4516. This legislation focuses on activities at the Department of Energy, which has been a major player in the development of supercomputing since its earliest days. Tennessee's Oak Ridge National Lab will lead a partnership supported by DOE to build the world's most powerful supercomputer by 2007. I am thrilled that the Center for Computational Science at Oak Ridge will soon be the new home of the word's largest and fastest computer. H.R. 4516 authorizes research and development activities needed to develop future supercomputing systems and, equally important, provides for the sustained development and deployment of the most capable computing system for use by U.S. researchers for academia, industry, and Federal labs. These computing systems will truly be national resources that will address important problems related to national security, economic competitiveness, health care, and environmental protection. H.R. 4516 responds to an identified national need for Federal support of supercomputing. I commend this bill to my colleagues and ask for their support. Mr. Speaker, I commend the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert) and the Committee on Science for their work on developing and bringing this bill to the floor for the consideration of the members of the subcommittees of the House of Representatives. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I am currently a cosponsor of H.R. 3800 and H.R. 4107. I ask unanimous consent to be removed as a cosponsor of these bills.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, the death of President Reagan, given his publicly known battle with Alzheimer's, did not come as a surprise to many. Still, those of us in the United States and around the world are greatly saddened by his departure and by our loss. He was an indelible figure, known not only in American history, but known throughout world history. The man that helped bring about the end of the Cold War will always be praised for his eternal optimism, love of country, principle stance on issues, the eloquence in which he communicated with the Nation, and his abundant faith. It is my firm belief that President Reagan saw the best in everyone. As with most Americans, Reagan understood America's greatness lies within its people. It is the character of the American people that has guided us through all the obstacles we have had to overcome. And we recently celebrated the American spirit during the 60th anniversary of D-Day. President Reagan was perceived as a man guided by principles. No matter what side of the aisle we were on, we always knew where he stood. His legacy will be the challenge that he opened to bring about peace between two superpowers. His work can be best summed up by the English author Richard Adams: ``The thinker dies, but his thoughts are beyond the reach of destruction. Men are mortal, but ideas are immortal.'' The man of abundant faith in country, family, and God, Reagan embodied the American spirit. Even in knowing his time on Earth was nearing, he wrote: ``When the Lord calls me home, whenever that may be, I will leave with the greatest love for this country of ours and eternal optimism for its future.'' Our thoughts and prayers are with Mrs. Reagan and their children at this difficult time. May God bless them, and may God bless the United States of America.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, world renowned anthropologist Margaret Mead once said, ``Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has.'' These well articulated words embodies the core meaning of what Memorial Day symbolizes. If it was not for those individuals who banded together, many of us would not have the freedoms we enjoy today. Citizens of Tennessee, the Volunteer State, have a long, storied history of military service to our country. Many of its young have sacrificed themselves in the name of liberty, freedom, and patriotism. On courthouses and city halls across Tennessee, stone or bronze monuments list the names of the men and women who gave their life for this country. It is fitting that tribute be perpetually acknowledged to their ultimate sacrifice. We must never lose touch with our traditions and history. Memorial Day is more than a three-day holiday weekend. It's about reconnecting with our past and being thankful for the freedom we all have today. We all must share in the loss of those brave patriots who have come and gone.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I am going to read a poem written in honor of the wives of soldiers, specifically for Betty Calabrese whose husband, Master Sergeant Robert Calabrese, just returned from a tour in Iraq. The poem was written by Lt. Commander Don Flanagan, U.S. Navy, Retired. One Soldier's Wife If she could take the time today to sit and stare She would find her emotions ranging from hope to despair So long ago her life was filled with daily chores With joys and sorrows in and out like revolving doors. In the early years of serving his country she was so proud And anyone can tell you she certainly said so out loud As a member of the National Guard he was called up each year When he went to Vietnam and Kosovo she was filled with fear. Fast forward to that terrible day in September 2001 She knew the dangers to him would increase one by one. The talk of terrorists became much more intense Until President Bush said that we would help the people of Iraq in their defense. Too soon the day came for him to go And as a soldier's wife she knew the dangers would grow. The military promise of a limited tour did not come true. Time passed with no firm planning to do. In mortal combat he has comrades to stand by his side But who really there for his worried and burdened bride? Although family and friends say that they understand They do not know unless a spouse had to fight for this land. What does the war mean to you and me? Only a distraction or an interruption of a program on TV. Yet to her it is crying, despair, not knowing of a dead soldier and who it might be. In spite of all she rallied her church members to pray for all to return safely. Is there anything we can say or do but Just realize how simple the challenges we go through. Let us now allow her an extra fault or two And most of all pray God to help her in all she must face and do.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 154, on agreeing to H. Res. 622--Supporting the goals and ideals of Peace Officers Memorial Day, I was present on the House floor but failed to vote. Had I voted, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I compliment my colleague from Tennessee for the remarks he has just made. Having served in the Tennessee State legislature in both the House and the Senate, one of the issues that was debated and discussed so often in both of those chambers, in both the House and Senate in Tennessee, is how can we bring tax fairness from the Federal level to those of us who live in States that only fund education through a sales-tax-based revenue stream. Our Speaker of the Senate was so fond of saying, ``Uncle Sam taxes taxes.'' In fact, that is exactly what this Congress and what this Federal tax structure does to States who choose not to have an income tax. We tax taxes. That is certainly not what we intend, but that is the fact. We allow States who impose an income tax, either local or on the State level, on individuals who live in those States a deduction for the tax that they pay in State taxes to be deducted from the Federal income tax, but we do not allow those of us who live in States such as Tennessee who choose to manage their governments better, perhaps, than most by not imposing a tax on income. In this Nation, we tax assets, a person's home. We tax purchases of food and clothing in the State that I live in and nonprescription drugs. Other States tax income. We have chosen not to do that. As a result of the tax bill that passed in 1986, you are imposing a tax on tax for those of us who choose to manage our States better, perhaps, than other States. I ask my colleagues to vote against the previous question.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Yes, in its present form, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I include for the Record a State by State chart of the total highway/transit investment increases and new jobs that would be created under this new motion to recommit.