David Davis

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. I have another speaker, Mr. Speaker. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to my good friend, Mr. Bilbray, from California.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Cocke County Naval Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC) program for their achievements this past year. In 2007, the Cocke County NJROTC program was ranked number one in the State of Tennessee and number six in the United States in competitions including academics, athletics, and military drill. In addition to achieving such great accolades in competitions, the Cocke County NJROTC planned, coordinated, and completed 2,153 community service hours in the Cocke County, Hamblen County and Knox County areas during the 2006 to 2007 school year. The Cocke County NJROTC is a citizen leadership program designed to develop informed and responsible young men and women who embody honor, self-reliance, self-discipline, and respect to authority in a democratic society. This achievement is a true honor to all the young men and women involved in the Cocke County NJROTC program. The rankings, each respectively, show the dedication and commitment to service and our Nation. It is exciting for me to see the young men and women of Cocke County NJROTC establishing such high standards at a young age and it bestows great promise for the State of Tennessee and our Nation alike. Madam Speaker, I ask that the House join me this evening honoring the Cocke County NJROTC program for their commitment to excellence, dedication, and promise as future leaders of America.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Franks, thank you for your leadership on this very important issue. To many of us across this great land of America, life is an emotional issue. To many of us, it is a Biblical issue. The Bible actually tells us that we are knit together in our mother's womb. Let's go back and just think about a day that we lost a lot of Americans. Let's go back to September 11th, 2001. If you are listening across this great land, just think back how you felt on September 11th when you learned that 3,000 Americans had been killed. Do you remember where you were? Do you remember how you felt? It was 3,000 Americans killed that day. I know exactly where I was and I know how I felt. Now, where were you on September 12th, September the 13th, September the 14th, September the 15th? Those days, almost 4,000 Americans were killed, and every day subsequent. We are losing Americans to the tune of almost 4,000 Americans a day. Ronald Reagan once said ``abortion is only advocated by persons who have themselves been born.'' His pro-life position was not limited to the beginning of life issues, but extended all the way to natural death. It is clear that Reagan would have stood against pro-assisted suicide and euthanasia laws. In 1988, he declared ``The right to life belongs equally to babies in the womb, babies born handicapped and the elderly and the infirm.'' In the years since our Supreme Court ruled on Roe v. Wade and declared abortion a constitutional right, the assault Mother Theresa rightly called the ``war against the child'' has claimed nearly 50 million Americans, 1.2 million every year, and, yes, almost 4,000 babies every day. Pro-life policies such as parental consent and waiting periods enjoy tremendous public support, 82 percent and 74 percent respectively. Washington, this Congress, should deny hundreds of millions of dollars to Planned Parenthood and abortion centers that promote and perform abortions here and abroad. The unborn child has the right to life, and that right should not be taken away. Roe v. Wade was poorly conceived and morally wrong. This decision should be overturned. Life begins at conception. An unborn baby should share the birthright of all Americans, the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness. I yield back to the gentleman.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Thank you, Kevin. Thank you for your leadership. Thank you for your friendship. You know, we have been here almost a year now, and as I look at my fellow freshmen, I feel blessed to represent the American people with some of the best people that I know, good people that are willing to come here and work hard and try to get things done for the American people. I grew up in the mountains of east Tennessee. My dad has got a sixth grade education. I was able to start a business. I was able to succeed. I was able to serve in the Tennessee legislature. It just goes to show that in America, you can do whatever you want to do. Henry Ford once said, ``If you think you can or if you think you can't, you are right.'' That is common sense. If you go out there and you make things happen and you are willing to work hard, good things will happen for you. Henry Ford knew it. Teachers know it all across America, moms and dads and all across America. We live in a blessed Nation. As a matter of fact, it even talks about that in the Bible. In Psalms 33:12, it says ``Blessed is the nation whose god is the Lord.'' We are a blessed people, and I feel very blessed to represent the people of northeast Tennessee back in my beloved mountains where common sense reigns, American values reign. You know, we are in America today and we are in an America where we spend too much money. Ronald Reagan understood this. When Ronald Reagan was President, he once said, ``We don't have a trillion-dollar debt because we don't tax enough. We have a trillion-dollar debt because we spend too much.'' And I can tell you, Ronald Reagan would not have been pleased with this Congress this year because we have certainly, under the majority rule, they tried their best at every turn to find a way, a new way, to tax the American people. There are moms and dads sitting around the kitchen table all over this great country trying to put a budget together. They are trying to put a budget together to decide how they are going to take care of their kids, how they are going to buy gas for their automobile, how they are going to pay their heating oil bill, how they are going to pay for college for the next generation, how they are going to save for retirement, how they are going to provide for their health care costs that keep increasing day in and day out. The American people are looking for leadership. And when this new majority took over last year, they promised open, accountable, transparent government that was going to get results for the American people. Well, the results that this Congress has brought about, actually, over the last week or two have started to come back to some common sense. It took them about 50 weeks to get there, the longest in history; but finally they are starting to come back and going to pass some bills that cut their spending by about $20 billion. Thank goodness we had a President that said, I am going to veto if you spend too much. Thank goodness we had a minority party who stood up and said you are not going to spend too much money. Moms and dads across America can spend their money better than a Congress. Moms and dads know the answer of how to raise their kids better than a bureaucrat in Washington that has never met those kids. This majority has failed the American people right up to the last week or so. The majority failed to pass 11 out of 12 appropriation bills. Funding for this Congress and for this government actually ended back in October, and here we are on the eve of Christmas and we are still waiting to put the final touches on a budget that should have been done back in October. You couldn't do that back home in east Tennessee. You can't do that in any city in America. You have got to use common sense and you have got to pay your bills on time. Michelle talked a moment ago about the majority has failed to protect the taxpayer with the AMT fix. You see, no leadership, no results. And that is basically where we are at. If the AMT is not fixed this week, it will leave 23 million taxpayers owing more money and not bringing their refunds home the way they expect. It will be a tax increase on the middle class. No leadership, no results. Then, you look at the energy bill that has been talked about all year. Finally passed one this week. It is amazing, you get to the 11th hour of the 11th month and you finally start to pass some of these bills. But an energy bill that basically had everything in it except energy. We had an energy bill that had regulations, we had an energy bill that had taxes, and we had an energy bill that had no energy. No leadership, no results. And we are certainly seeing that today. Then we had a majority party that has tried their best to do everything they can to make sure that the troops didn't receive the funding that they deserve. I went over to Iraq and spent time with the men and women in uniform, and there are young men and women over there that the American people would be very proud of. They want to be there; they volunteered to be there. They want to come home, but they want to come home in success, not in failure. We have a majority party that actually had a leadership back in the spring that said: we failed. I can tell you, I can tell my colleagues, we have not failed. America has not failed. Ronald Reagan also used to say when he said tear down that wall, he said they lose, we win. I would hate to be in a situation in this war where we have to look back and say, we lost, they won. And we won't do that if we protect our men and women in uniform. And we can do that. As a matter of fact, there is a bill on the Senate floor tonight to make sure that funding is available for our men and women in uniform across the globe, not just part of the globe, but across the globe. See, if you have no leadership, you have no results. And then the majority party has talked about health care, probably one of the most pressing issues facing the American family today. We talk about a need to fix health care, but we have not seen it in this Congress. The American people demand the ability to be able to go out and afford and feel reasonably comfortable that their children, themselves, and their moms and dads are going to receive the health care that they need. And there are solutions to those problems, but you have to have leadership to get results. No leadership, no results. Then the cost of energy. When this majority party took over, it was interesting. if you look back, they said: the Republicans have left us in a lurch. Our cost of energy is skyrocketing. If you will give us the opportunity to lead, we are going to lower the cost of energy. When the Republicans gave up the majority in January, oil was $56 a barrel. Now it is $90 a barrel or thereabouts. $56 to about $90 a barrel. That is going in the wrong direction. Again, no leadership, no results. The American people want us to come together, work as a team, and work on these issues, health care, energy, funding our troops so we can win, taking care of immigration, building the fence, making sure we have a secure Nation, making sure that we have an education system where our children can feel reasonably sure that they can go out and get the education they need. That is the type of leadership we need. That is the type of leadership that was promised for the most honest and ethical and open Congress ever. I am still waiting. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to be with you.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. If you look at the 9,000 earmarks that are in there, special projects, the one that leaps out to me and leaps out to the people of northeast Tennessee is over a million-dollar hippie museum in New York. That is not the way the people of east Tennessee want to spend their hard-earned money. There are better ways to spend money in Tennessee and across this great land. As I said earlier, moms and dads are really trying to figure out how they are going to take care of their kids. They don't need Members of Congress or bureaucrats in Washington trying to spend their money on hippie museums in New York. They need to know they can fill up their tank with gas and be able to afford it. Or be able to take the kids out for a meal and be able to afford it. Or be able to afford a month's worth of energy to keep their kids warm. Or be able to buy health care and be able to afford it. Or know that they have a Congress that is going to take care of illegal immigration because they are worried that a country that is not secure is not long to be a country. Those are the things that the American people are concerned about. They are not concerned about trying to have special pork barrel projects to help a Member of Congress get reelected. They are concerned about making sure that their family is taken care of. That is what we ought to be concerned about. That is what I think the freshmen Republicans came here to do. I started off tonight by saying I am blessed to be able to stand on the House floor of the United States Congress. Come from humble beginnings back in the mountains of east Tennessee and be able to come here and represent just some commonsense American values, and that's what the American people want.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and life of Patsy Marie Fitzgerald Sanders, a resident of the First Congressional District of Tennessee, who passed away December 12, 2007. Patsy Sanders was a foundation to her family and our thoughts and prayers are with her husband of 52 years, Joe, and their daughters Jolene, Arlene, Darlene, and son Jacky. As a lifetime member of Hales Chapel Christian Church, Patsy showed the love for her family and community that would shine to all who met her. She was also a member of the Washington County Commission. As a Commissioner, she had a reputation of fairness and concern for the advancement of her county. Madam Speaker, I ask that the House join me this evening in offering our sympathies to the family and friends of Patsy Marie Fitzgerald Sanders. She was a dedicated mother and an irreplaceable servant of her community. Her service is greatly appreciated, and she will be deeply missed throughout Northeast Tennessee.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Rita Engle Wells a resident of the First District, who died November 28 of this year. Mrs. Wells was a pillar of her community and cornerstone of her family. Our thoughts and prayers are with her husband Randy and two daughters Ashley and Rachelle. She was active in the youth ministry as a member of Solomon Lutheran Church. She loved life and shared that with the children at East View Elementary School, where she was a second-grade teacher. Her kindness for others showed on a daily basis. Mrs. Wells was well respected by her students, colleagues, and parents as an admired educator. She had been described as a `light of love' to those around her. Madam Speaker, I ask you and my fellow members to join me in honoring the life of Rita Engle Wells, a loving wife and mother, a true servant in her community, and a compassionate educator, whose commitment and unwavering determination will be greatly missed throughout East Tennessee.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of James `Jim' Myron, a resident of the First Congressional District of Tennessee, who died November 19, 2007. James Myron was a lifelong resident of Johnson City. He was co-owner of Black Tie Formalwear and Janes's Lunch Box, two staples in downtown Johnson City. Mr. Myron was a member of the Johnson City Chamber of Commerce, the Downtown Neighborhood Association, and active throughout the community. He was dedicated to his family. He is survived by his wife, Jane Moon Myron, who our thoughts and prayers are with during this time. Mr. Myron enjoyed the surroundings of the First District. He was known for his love of the beautiful mountains, area lakes, and the local sports scene. Madam Speaker, I ask you and my fellow members to join me in honoring the memory of James `Jim' Myron, a successful businessman, a true servant of the community, and a dedicated family man. He will be missed.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of our American heroes, the men and women who have served this great Nation, our veterans. On June 15, the House passed the Military Construction and Veterans Affairs appropriations and did not appoint conferees. The Senate passed the same in September, on September 6, over 60 days ago; and they immediately appointed conferees. This tactic of holding veterans funding hostage creates a dangerous precedent. The House is now faced with unrelated policies being forced into this bill. Veterans funding is not a means of playing politics. Using our veterans and funding our next year's election is unconscionable. Fund the veterans, and let's move on to the next piece of legislation. Our focus should be on keeping our promises to our veterans and those who have served so bravely. Madam Speaker, separate these bills.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Ralph Harr of Bristol, Tennessee who passed away November 2, 2007. Mr. Harr was born April 4, 1926 to the late William and Addie Cowan Harr, and he was a lifelong resident of Sullivan County. Ralph graduated from Blountville High School and attended King College. He served our great Nation in the U.S. Army. Ralph was an established businessman. He co-owned and operated Bristol Auto Auction for over 48 years. Mr. Harr was a dedicated public servant. He served from 1952 until 2001 as the Clerk and Master of Sullivan County Chancery Court. Ralph served as County Commissioner for 30 years and was a member of the influential Budget Committee and the Sullivan Partnership Network. It was evident to anyone who knew him, he cared for Sullivan County in a fashion that is difficult to find. As a devoted family man, he will be missed by his wife of 43 years, Marjorie Willis Han, son Jon Paul, daughter Jackie, grandchildren, nieces, nephews and so many friends. Madam Speaker, I ask that the House join me this evening in honoring Ralph Harr for his service to this great Nation, commitment to making life better for those around him, and love for his family and friends. We have lost a tireless leader in the First District, he will be greatly missed.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1473, to amend the Child Care and Development Block Grant Act of 1990 to require child care providers to provide to parents information regarding whether such providers carry current liability insurance. Working parents depend on child care so they can earn an income needed to support their families, as well as ensure that their children are well cared for in a safe environment while they are working. As such, child care is an integral part of the daily routine of millions of American families with young children. Research clearly shows us that the quality of child care has a lasting impact on a child's well- being and ability to learn. Children in poor quality child care have been found to be delayed in language and reading skills and display more aggression toward other children and adults. School-age children's academic performance is enhanced by attending formal child care programs of at least adequate quality, according to several studies. The bill before us today does not reauthorize the Child Care and Development Block Grant. Rather, it amends current law to do several things. Most importantly, it requires each provider to openly post whether or not they have current liability insurance covering the operation of the child care business, and it requires each provider to supply parents with a written notice stating whether or not the provider carries liability insurance, including the amount of such coverage. This legislation does not supersede any State regulations regarding facility licensure or insurance requirements. We as the Federal Government are simply asking providers to inform parents whether or not they hold liability insurance. While we have not utilized the normal process of committee consideration through hearings and markup of this legislation, we do support the purpose of this legislation in providing notification of insurance to parents. I hope to see the Child Care and Development Block Grant come before this committee for reauthorization during the 110th session of Congress. As we move forward reauthorizing this program, we must consider policy that makes way for learning environments to exist where children can obtain the cognitive skills or other skills needed for them to succeed socially and academically. Federalizing child care is not the purpose of this bill, but rather properly and consistently informing parents of whether or not the child care center has liability insurance. In the future, we must ensure that Federal policy continues to provide States maximum flexibility in developing child care programs and policies as well as parental choice so the parents are able to decide the best-suited care for their children. I thank Representative Barrow for introducing this bill, and ask my colleagues to support the bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.J. Res. 58, expressing support for the designation of the month of October as ``Country Music Month'' and to honor country music for its long history of supporting America's Armed Forces and its tremendous impact on national patriotism. Country music is a blend of popular musical forms originally found in the southern region of the United States. I am proud to represent the birthplace of country music, Bristol, Tennessee. Country music has roots in traditional folk music, Celtic music, blues, gospel music, and old-time music and evolved rapidly in the 1920s. Its sound and style has changed dramatically over the years. In the early years, country music was more of the honky-tonk sound from the likes of Ernest Tubbs and Hank Williams. In the 1930s and 1940s, another form of country music emerged, western country. These songs romanticized the life of the lonely, but heroic cowboy on the western frontier. Some of those famous for this western style were Gene Autry, America's singing cowboy, and Roy Rogers, who later teamed with wife Dale Evans to become the famous duo of the genre. Country music morphed once again in the early 1950s with a sound that became known as rockabilly, a combination of rock and roll and hillbilly music. This sound was made popular by many performers who developed staying power in the country music industry. They include the Everly Brothers, Jerry Lee Lewis, and, of course, the king himself, Elvis Presley. By the 1960s, country music found its home in Nashville, Tennessee. The Nashville sound was born. This was most definitely the sound of country, but the sixties saw more steel guitars and drums in the Nashville sound. This era of country music was the beginning of the age of contemporary country music which ushered in today's most popular artists, Kenny Rogers, Dolly Parton, Garth Brooks, and Reba McEntire. Today, country music is at its highest peak of popularity. As of 2007, country is the most popular radio format in America, reaching 77.3 million adults, almost 40 percent of the adult population, every week. Country music is a story of family, faith, freedom, pride and patriotism. It embodies the American spirit and has played an integral part in encouraging Americans to support our Armed Forces. These songs invoke feelings of determination, liberty and responsibility, all of which this great country was founded upon. In 1964, October was declared Country Music Month in honor of its rich history and tremendous impact on national patriotism. Country music is America's music, and for this reason I urge my colleagues to support H.J. Res. 58. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I yield back my time.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and life of Dean Perry, a resident of the First Congressional District of Tennessee, who passed away October 23, 2007. Dean Perry was born in Elizabethton on December 5, 1925, to the late Ike and Martha Peters Perry. Mr. Perry served in the United States Army as a sergeant in the 5th Army in Italy during World War II and was recalled to active duty during the Korean War. He was a member of Grace Baptist Church in Elizabethton. His life of service was not only in the military. Mr. Perry was a member of the Dshiell Masonic Lodge #238 F & AM, Shriners, American Legion Post #49, Civitans and the Capt. Lynn H. Folsom VFW Post #2166. Mr. Perry also served on the Carter County election Commission, First Tennessee-Virginia Development District, Board of Directors for the Carter County Rescue Squad, Elizabethton City Council, Mayor of Elizabethton and Chairman of the Carter County Commission. He is survived by his lovely wife of 55 years, Ella Ruth Nave Perry. Madam Speaker, I ask that the House join me in offering our sympathies to the family and friends of Dean Perry. He was a dedicated family man, a servant of this Nation, and a true patriot. His service is greatly treasured, and he will be deeply missed.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory and life of Judge Shirley Underwood, a resident of the First Congressional District of Tennessee, who passed away October 7, 2007. Judge Underwood received her law degree from the University of Tennessee in 1948. She first practiced law in Bristol with her father. She was appointed juvenile court judge by Governor Buford Ellington in 1961 and in 1962, was elected to an 8-year term. She was re-elected four times by overwhelming margins. Upon retirement in 2002, Judge Underwood had the longest tenure of any current juvenile court judge in Tennessee and one of the longest in the Nation. Judge Underwood was the first woman to be elected by UT alumni of the First Congressional District to serve as their representative on the UT board of governors. She was honored as a Distinguished Alumnus of the College of Law in 1984 and received its Alumni Leadership Award in 1989. In 1956, she married Dr. Charles T.R. Underwood. Judge Underwood was an active member of Central Baptist Church. Madam Speaker, I ask that the House join me this evening in offering our sympathies to the family and friends of Judge Shirley Underwood. She was dedicated to her family and her service to the residents of east Tennessee. Her service is greatly appreciated, and she will be deeply missed.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute William E. ``Sonny'' Mottern who was a true patriot and friend of the First District of Tennessee. He passed away recently at the age of 87. He was born June 24, 1920 and married his high school sweetheart, Eulah ``Sweetie'' Shepherd on October 17, 1941. From December 1943 thru December 1945, ``Sonny'' served on active duty with the 15th Infantry- 3rd Division in France where he received a battle field promotion to S/ Sgt. He was captured December 19, 1944, near the Rhine River in France and was held in four German prisoner camps, being moved by box car and forced marches. He was liberated on April 29, 1945 by General George Patton. ``Sonny'' was discharged December 7, 1945 and awarded the Bronze Star, One Bronze Star Cluster, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, American European-African Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Combat Infantry's Badge, Honorable Service Medal and the POW Medal. He was called again to serve his country as Chairman of the Carter County Draft Board during the Vietnam Conflict. On April 19, 1996 he was named by the Governor of Tennessee as a Colonel, Aid-DeCamp for Valor and Dedication in the Performance of his duties in service to the ExPOWs and all Veterans of the state of Tennessee. He also served on the Military and Veterans Advisory Board for Tennessee. On April 19, 1997 he was appointed by the Governor of Tennessee as Tennessee Ambassador of Goodwill. He was a National Service Organization Representative for the Department of Veteran Affairs and was currently serving as Treasurer of the Military Ex- Prisoners of War Foundation. Mr. Mottern's community involvement and leadership included: Elder in the Brick Christian Church; member of the Chamber of Commerce; past Master of the Masonic Lodge, and Life Member of the VFW, DAV, Purple Heart, the American Legion and the American Ex-Prisoners of War. He was a previous owner of the Dixie Battery Company in Elizabethton and was a member of the Board of Directors of the Watauga Volunteer Fire Department. Madam Speaker, I ask you and my fellow members to join me in honoring Sonny Mottern, a true servant of his country, whose commitment and unwavering determination continue to make a lasting impact all throughout East Tennessee. He will be missed greatly throughout our region as we have lost a true American hero.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. I thank my friend from California. Thank you for your leadership tonight. Thank you for pointing out some of our spending and taxing waste. I would like to thank my colleagues that have spoken before me tonight. I have been absolutely pleased with the group of freshmen Republicans that I came in with, a group of men and women that are very honorable, willing to work hard and do the right things. Thank you so much for serving with me in Washington. I look back at one of my favorite Presidents, a President that was enjoyed by Republicans, conservative Democrats, independents, and that President was Ronald Reagan. Ronald Reagan once said, ``We don't have a trillion dollar debt because we haven't taxed enough. We have a trillion dollar debt because we spend too much.'' It goes right back to what we have been saying, spending then taxing. There are many people sitting around their kitchen tables around America tonight trying to decide just how they are going to put their budget together, how they are going to make their car payment, how they are going to send Junior to school, Sissy to school, how they are going to pay for their health insurance. Those families are having to make hard decisions. The Government, this Congress could learn from those Americans sitting around kitchen tables. I did come from the mountains of east Tennessee. Those people back in the mountains of east Tennessee have a lot of common sense. They have enough common sense to know that you can't spend more than you take in, and you can't tax people to death and expect success. That is exactly what this Congress is doing. According to the Congressional Research Service, the President's program of comprehensive tax reforms, President Bush's tax reforms and the congressional Republicans when they were in charge, those tax reliefs were well-timed to respond to a weak economy. My colleagues have spoken about it. We had terrorist attacks. We have had natural disasters. That tax relief enacted in 2001 granted immediate tax rebates, reduced marginal tax rates, and lowered the marriage tax penalty. It actually allowed Americans to keep more of their money in their pocket so moms and dads can take care of their families. My wife and I have two children. We fundamentally believe that we can take care of our children better than some bureaucrat in Washington, D.C. I think it's just common sense. I think there are many people across America, it doesn't matter what party you're part of, it doesn't matter if you're Republican, Democrat or independent, I have just got to feel that you believe you can spend your money better than Washington can as well. Then, to go on, the tax relief of 2003 accelerated the much- anticipated and successful tax cuts of 2001. Those tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 actually strengthened our economy. The Republican tax relief has seen nearly 4 straight years of economic growth, while adding 7.5 million new jobs into our economy. That is the success that Michele Bachmann spoke about. Things are going very well, and I am glad to see that. The Congressional Budget Office confirmed that the tax cuts of 2003 helped boost Federal revenues by 68 percent. Again, it's not partisan. It works every time. When Democrat John F. Kennedy cut taxes, the tax increase into the Federal Government increased. The economy got stronger. It happened when Reagan did it, and it happened when Bush did it. It is not partisan, it is just fact. We must make the successful tax cuts of 2001 and 2003 permanent. If they are not made permanent, which I am convinced that this new hold- on-to-your-wallet Congress is not interested in doing, here's what will happen: 84 million women will see their taxes increase by $1,970. If you're female and you're listening to me, this Congress is going to raise your taxes by $1,970. Forty-eight million married couples will see their taxes increase by $2,726. Forty-two million families with children would see their tax bill go up $2,084. Twenty-six million small business owners would see a devastating $3,637 tax increase, the very small businesses that are creating the jobs in the economy. Five million low-income individuals and couples will no longer be exempt from individual income taxes. We must make the 2001 and 2003 tax cuts permanent. Unfortunately, I am convinced that we will not see those tax cuts made permanent under the spending I see going on on the floor of this House. When we see those tax cuts start to be repealed, we are going to start to see the economic growth actually come to an end. Washington Democrats have passed a fiscal blueprint that raises taxes by almost $400 billion on millions of Americans in one fell swoop. As part of their ill-gotten budget, taxpayers in Tennessee will not be allowed to deduct their sales tax from their Federal income tax. Taxes on small businesses, as I said earlier, will go up. The child tax credit will decrease from $1,000 to $500. The marriage penalty is coming back. Residents of the First Congressional District in Tennessee's average tax expense is going up over $2,000. The definition of a small business will decrease from $400,000 to $200,000. Dividends will no longer be taxed at the personal gains rate, thereby increasing the double taxation on dividends by as much as 62 percent. People all across America voted for change, but they are not getting the change that they wanted in the last election. Over the last quarter there were a couple of bills we have talked about and passed on this floor without my vote, and one of them was the energy bill. The energy bill that we passed had plenty of taxes, very little energy. The Democrat majority in the energy bill actually decided to tax American oil producers at the level of 16 billion extra dollars. American oil producers. If we take the ability for American oil producers to produce oil, it makes us more dependent on foreign oil, on countries that hate us and hate our freedoms. I think that is the wrong direction for America. I don't think that is the change that the American people voted for. Then we had the SCHIP bill. It sounds good, giving poor children health care. We all certainly want to do that. I am for continuing the program at its current level. But at the level that passed on this floor, the Heritage Institute said it will take 22 million new smokers to pay for the bill. Now, is there anyone in America that wants to see 22 million new children have to take up the habit of smoking to pay for a health care bill? In addition to that, they decided that wouldn't be enough to pay for it so they actually added a tax on your health insurance premiums. So if you buy your own health insurance, your taxes will go up. We have a choice between a bigger economy or bigger government. The majority party has made a choice. They are for bigger government. Congress has an approval rating down now to 11 percent, and I can certainly understand why we have such a low rating. We need to hold the line on spending, reduce earmarks, pass a line-item veto and crack down on worthless pork-barrel projects and be good stewards of the taxpayer. Remember, Ronald Reagan once said: ``We don't have a trillion dollar debt because we haven't taxed enough. We have a trillion dollar debt because we spend too much.'' I think we need to start running Congress like the American family has to run their household budget.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, I'd like to thank my friend from Texas for yielding and thank you for giving me the opportunity to visit Iraq. Being from Tennessee, the Volunteer State, I volunteered to visit the men and women in uniform in Iraq. I wasn't disappointed. Our troops are well trained, well motivated, and successful. After the fall of Saddam, the Iraqi people had a choice to make. They have lived for decades under totalitarian rule. Over the past 4 years, they've been divided and, quite frankly, confused about who their friends and allies really are. Is it the radical extremists such as al Qaeda or is it us? During my visit to Iraq, I visited Ramadi, which until a few months ago was a killing field. For the past 4 years, the people of Ramadi were caught in a decision-making battle of which group, us or the extremists, offered them the best chance for a normal and free future. The insurgent extremist chose to win the local people over with the use of force, force against their American troops and against any local who did not support their radical agenda. Our troops, on the other hand, have reached out in friendship and support. The local people, seeing the difference, have chosen to have their lives returned to normal and live in freedom. Therefore, Ramadi has gone from a city of death and destruction to one of rebuilding and hope. I was able to see it firsthand during my visit in July. As I walked throughout the busy city market, it was very uplifting to see the local people interacting with our American troops in a very positive way. Now that the surge is under way, our troops are actually living in the city as trusted friends and allies. We're working with the local mayor and his directors to rebuild and totally rejuvenate the city. The city of Ramadi is located in al Anbar, a city that Chris just mentioned moments ago as being a lost hope at the end of the year. Of course, these relationships take time to develop, but the time and effort are worth it. Helping the Iraqi people secure their freedom helps us to defeat global extremists and, therefore, secure our own freedoms for generations to come. We have to be successful as well. Ronald Reagan once said, ``We win, they lose.'' If we choose not to succeed, that statement will be just the opposite: we lose, they win. You may ask, who are they and why does it matter to me anyway? They are not the Iraqi people. I had the opportunity to meet with some of them during my visit. The Iraqi people are really no different than any of us. They want to live in a secure and safe country, have a job to go to in the mornings, be able to clothe and feed their families, walk across the street without fear of being shot or blown up, find reasonable health care, and to worship freely. These are the same things that any American mother and father would want for their children. So who are our enemy in Iraq and other parts of the world? They're radical extremists who are willing to kill innocent men, women and even children to spread their ideology of hate. We, the American people, have been lulled into believing that this is the President's war on the Iraqi people. Nothing could be further from the truth. The Iraqi people and the Iraqi Government see us as liberators from an oppressive regime, but they are just now learning how to live as a free people. Our common enemy do not want them to live free and productive lives. That would go against their ideology of hate, an ideology that they want to spread around the world, perhaps to a neighborhood near you. We cannot let that happen. We either win and they lose, or they win and we lose. That is too big a price to pay. This Congress owes it to everyone involved to succeed, from the Iraqi people to our brave men and women in uniform who are serving on the frontlines of battle, to the American people. We cannot afford to lose. The price is too high and the cost is too much. Freedom isn't free. It has to be earned. It has to be cherished. We're in a fight for the generations that will come after us. This battle isn't about a small hot desert land somewhere in the Middle East that most Americans will never visit or even easily find on a globe. This battle is about our future and that of our children and grandchildren. We want the same things for our children that Iraqi mothers and fathers do for their children. We want to live in a secure and safe country, to have a job to go to in the mornings, be able to clothe and feed our families, walk across the street without having the fear of being blown up or shot, find reasonable health care and to worship freely. But our enemy, the radical extremists, want to deny us and our future generations those freedoms. They have proved it time and time again: for instance, the Iranian hostage crisis in 1979 where 52 Americans were held for 444 days, or the bombing of the Marine Corps barracks in Beirut where 241 marines lost their lives in 1983, or the first bombing of the World Trade Center in 1993, or the attack on the USS Cole claiming the lives of 17 sailors, or the deadly attack on September 11, where almost 3,000 Americans died. We can either choose to fight and win the battle now or choose to lose the battle now and leave it for our children to fight. A sentiment relayed to me by a general in Iraq was very simple, and it drove this point home. Our men and women in uniform are not fighting only for the 8-year-old Iraqi child and their security but also for the 8-year-old American child and for their current and future security and freedom. We do not want them to grow up to have to fight this battle that we chose not to finish. As I mentioned, our enemy has proven they're dedicated and willing to shed American blood on American soil. Do we really want to tie our hands to the point that we encourage failure over success in Iraq in this global war on terror? Do we really want to live in an America where our future generations have to fear going to the park, going to the mall, going to school or to work? I don't think so and I sure hope not. The choice is ours today. The American people, when provided with the facts, will choose freedom and security every time. I say, we win, they lose. The cost to the American family is just too great to allow any other outcome. May God bless America and keep her strong and secure for generations to come.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to dedication of the congregation of Walnut Hill Presbyterian Church on the occasion of the celebration of their 75th Anniversary. In the First District of Tennessee, there is a long tradition of worship that has brought a great sense of heritage and values to our community. In 1932 a dedicated group of believers sacrificed to start a church in the area between Blountville and Bristol, TN. During this time they have been a shining light on a hill for all in the Walnut Hill community. Madam Speaker, I ask that the House join me in honoring the congregation of Walnut Hill Presbyterian Church for their tireless efforts through the past 75 years in sharing the gospel and encouraging people to pursue better lives.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Speaker, being from Tennessee, the Volunteer State, I volunteered to visit the men and women in uniform in Iraq this past weekend. I wasn't disappointed. Our troops are well trained, well motivated, and successful. During my visit to Iraq, I visited Ramadi, which until just a few months ago was a killing field overrun by al Qaeda. For the past 4 years, the people of Ramadi were caught in a decision-making battle of which group, us or the extremists, offered them the best chance for a normal and free existence. The insurgent extremists chose to win the local people over with the use of force, force against our American troops and against any local who did not support their radical agenda. Our troops, on the other hand, have reached out with friendship and support. The local people, seeing the difference, have chosen to have their lives return to normal and live in freedom. Ramadi has gone from a city of death and destruction to one of rebuilding and hope. I was able to see it firsthand. The cost to the American family is just too great to allow any other outcome than success in the global war on terror. We must win this war to protect our American way of life, now and into the future.

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Mr. Chairman, due to a meeting with the President at the White House this afternoon, I was not present to cast my votes on rollcall votes 734 through 742. Had I been present, I would have voted yea on the Stearns amendment--rollcall 734, ``aye'' on the Flake amendment--rollcall 735, ``aye'' on the Flake amendment--rollcall 736, ``aye'' on the Pence amendment--rollcall 737, ``aye'' on the Upton amendment--rollcall 738, ``aye'' on the Jordan amendment--rollcall 739, ``aye'' on the Price of Georgia amendment--rollcall 740, ``aye'' on the Musgrave amendment--rollcall 741, and ``aye'' on the Campbell amendment--rollcall 742. Personal Explanation

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee

Mr. DAVID DAVIS of Tennessee. Madam Speaker, due to my return from a trip on official business yesterday, July 23, 2007, I was not present to cast my votes on rollcall votes 687, 688, 689, and 690. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on rollcall 687, yea on rollcall 688, ``yea'' on rollcall 689, and ``no'' on rollcall 690.