Phil English

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 598) calling on the President to take all necessary measures to respond to the surge of steel imports resulting from the financial crises in Asia, Russia, and other regions, and for other purposes.

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Weller), a member of the Committee on Ways and Means. (Mr. WELLER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, how much time is remaining?

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), the chairman of the Committee on International Relations. (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Madam Speaker, I yield myself 3 minutes. Madam Speaker, this resolution puts our trading partners on notice that the U.S. Congress will not tolerate predatory trade practices. This resolution also pressures the administration to use its legal authority, including remedies that in my view could include offsetting duties and quantitative restraints, to the benefit of a strategic sector of the American economy. I call on the administration to act expeditiously to eliminate the damage that is being caused by illegal dumping of foreign steel products. Russia, Brazil, Korea, China, and Japan should not be allowed to export their economic mismanagement to the United States. Dumping is an unfair, intolerable and illegal trade practice that is hurting American steel companies and putting American jobs at risk. Due to their economic crises, foreign steel companies in these countries and elsewhere cannot sell their products for domestic consumption. In order to liquidate their inventory, foreign steel producers are dumping their products in the U.S. by selling at prices below production costs. Steel imports through May 1998 increased by a staggering figure, over 70 percent from last year, and now constitute one-third of the domestic steel market. Over the last decade, Mr. Speaker, the American steel industry has been revitalized and become one of the most competitive industries in the world. This substantial accomplishment is now in jeopardy due to illegally traded steel imports, and the companies involved support this resolution. Let us be clear, a vote for this resolution is a vote for a strong domestic steel industry. A vote against this resolution, contrary to what we have heard on the other side, is a vote against the vital interest of every American steelworker whose job is at risk because of illegal imports. Mr. Speaker, I challenge every Member of this body who aspires to represent working families to set aside partisan poses and vote for fair trade and for this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Weller), a member of the Committee on Ways and Means, and a good friend of steel. (Mr. WELLER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Aderholt), a distinguished member of the Congressional Steel Caucus and a strong friend of steel. (Mr. ADERHOLT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. ENGLISH

Mr. ENGLISH. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Souder), a strong friend of steel.

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, normally I would be happy to associate myself with the remarks of the gentleman from Youngstown, and, in fact, most of what he said I agree with. But he put his finger on something that I think was critical when he said that our so-called watered-down resolution is watered down only in the sense that the other side's resolution is watered down. The Regula resolution does not specifically address dumping, nor does ours. However, ours does put this body on record focusing on this issue. This is, contrary to what we have heard, the only vote we will get on this issue this session. So I want to make it clear here, a vote for this resolution is a vote for a strong domestic steel industry. The American Iron and Steel Institute supports this resolution. A vote against this resolution is a vote against the vital interests of every American steelworker whose job is at risk for illegal imports. Let us not make a distinction without a difference, as the other side has. Let us support jobs. Let us vote for this resolution as the one way of registering our will in favor of domestic steel.

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania

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

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor Randall Coleman who recently received the Henry Evans Volunteer of the Year Award. This award is presented annually by the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce in order to honor a person who not only volunteers his time to support the chamber, but also volunteers in other community organizations. Randall Coleman has shown a lifelong commitment to volunteer service. Mr. Coleman lives in the Shenango Valley with his wife Ann and son Grant. He has had a distinctive and promising career with Penn Power where he currently serves as the Mercer County Area Manager. But is Mr. Coleman's active role in the community that makes him a invaluable asset. He currently serves as a president of the Kiwanis Club of Sharon, as a member of the Pennsylvania Electric Association, the Pennsylvania Economy League, Private Industry Council, and the National Association of Industrial Office Properties, the American Heart Association as well as serving as a member in the fundraising cabinet of the United Way of Mercer County in its construction division. Mr. Coleman served as the coordinator of volunteers for the Special Olympics of Mercer County. However, Randall Coleman feels that his most rewarding experience was teaching handicapped children to swim as an American Red Cross Lifeguard. It was a rewarding experience because for these children achieving this goal is more difficult because of their special needs. I am proud to recognize Mr. Coleman's achievements today. He is certainly an asset to our community in western Pennsylvania.

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor Robert C. Jazwinski who was awarded the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce 1998 Person of the Year Award. This award is presented annually by the Shenango Valley Chamber of Commerce in order to honor a person who exemplifies leadership, commitment, and devotion to the Shenango Valley area. Robert Jazwinski's efforts in supporting and promoting the Shenango Valley have been exemplary. The Shenango Valley is grateful that Mr. Jazwinski has decided to make it his home along with his wife Sally and three daughters Alison, Sarah and Jenny. He is the president and chief executive officer of Jazwinski Financial Services. Robert has established himself as a Certified Public Accountant, Certified Financial Planner and Specialist and has been recognized by the Personal Financial Planning Division of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants with high distinction. Mr. Jazwinski has been committed to the Shenango Valley because he cares about bringing its citizens together. He has served on the board of directions of the chamber of commerce and as a commissioner for the city of Hermitage. Currently, he is an F.H. Buhl Trustee, executive vice president of the Shenango Valley Foundation, and a member of the board of directors for the executive committee and treasurer of the Penn Northwest Development Corporation. It is an honor to recognize Mr. Jazwinski and his achievements. He is a man who has made an important difference in the Shenango Valley.

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to honor Chief Phillip Martin who has made the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians an American success story. The changes Chief Martin has implemented show that he is a true friend of the Choctaw Nation and all Native Americans. His vision of self-sufficiency and commitment to entrepreneurship has helped his people succeed. Chief Martin has reversed the injustices faced by his people by establishing an independent and productive reservation-based economy. This is a testament to the understanding and foresight of tribal governments. It is my sincere hope that others will follow the course Chief Martin has set in establishing private enterprise for the Choctaws. His determination and vision has been rewarded by his many accomplishments. I am certain these positive investments will continue to help his fellow citizens for many years to come.

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my views on the ruling of the Chair on the question of whether this is in fact a ``Privileged Resolution'' under the rules of this House. I support the ruling of the Chair. I do not believe that this is in fact a privileged resolution under the rules of the House. I do believe that this issue should be brought up under regular order. I fully support the underlying resolution, H. Con. Res. 328, of which I am an original cosponsor. I urge the House of Representatives to call up and pass this important legislation under its regular order of business. I call on the President and the Administration to act expeditiously to eliminate the damage being caused by illegal dumping of foreign steel products in America. Russia, Brazil, Korea, China, and Japan should not be allowed to export their economic mismanagement to the United States. Dumping is an unfair, intolerable and illegal trade practice that is hurting American steel companies and puts American jobs at risk. Due to economic crises, Korean, Japanese, Russian, and other foreign steel companies cannot sell their products domestically. In order to liquidate their inventory, foreign steel producers are ``dumping'' their products in the U.S. by selling at prices below production cost in their home and U.S. markets. Steel imports in May 1998 increased a staggering 28.5 percent from last year. Over the last decade, U.S. steel has revitalized to become one of the most competitive industries in the world. This enormous accomplishment is now in jeopardy due to illegal traded steel imports. H. Con. Res. 328 is valuable legislation that calls on the Administration to act and respond to the surge of unfairly traded steel imports resulting from the financial crises in Asia, Russia and other parts of the world. It is an important step in addressing the growing steel import crisis and should be brought up and passed by the House. An economic crisis in Russia and Asia does not give these countries the right to violate trade laws. Congress and the Administration need to act now to enforce trade laws and stop an economic crisis in the U.S. steel industry. We need a level playing field for everyone who participates in the global marketplace. I support the underlying resolution, but Mr. Speaker I am compelled on procedural grounds to oppose the motion of the Gentleman from Indiana. By invoking this procedure, the Gentleman has unnecessarily politicized what should be a consensus issue in this House.

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a bill that would require the Secretary of the Treasury to prepare a report on the current Federal program costs, and Federal revenues, attributable to the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico and on other matters relating to the taxation of residents of the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Regardless of when or how Congress determines the ultimate political status of Puerto Rico, there are urgent issues of Federal fiscal policy relating to the present commonwealth system in Puerto Rico that will not wait. Congress must address issues of fiscal equity and responsibility for the 3.8 million U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico, without being held hostage to the on-going political status debate. At current levels of Federal spending in Puerto Rico, now approximately $10 billion annually, U.S. taxpayer dollars will be used to subsidize the current commonwealth system in Puerto Rico at a cost in excess of $100 billion over the next ten years. Yet, there are no plans or even proposals that Congress can consider with respect to introduction of Federal income tax and other Federal taxes from which Puerto Rico was temporarily exempted earlier in this century. Congress never intended to make Puerto Rico a permanent haven from Federal taxation. If the commonwealth system of local government under Federal powers is to continue, even the current spending levels require Congress to consider imposition of some part or all of those Federal taxes that currently are not collected in Puerto Rico. In simple fairness to the taxpayers of the nation as a whole, continued subsidization of the current commonwealth relationship will require Congress to consider issues of fiscal equity and responsibility for Puerto Rico. Ultimately, subsidization must end one way or the other, and phasing in Federal taxes should lead to a lower overall tax rate for the U.S. citizens of Puerto Rico as full integration into the national economic and fiscal system are achieved and currently very high local taxes are reduced. For now, the purpose of this measure is simply to ensure that Congress will be prepared to address these issues in an informed manner. We need to begin planning now rather than waiting until the urgent need for a plan arises. This provision will require the Secretary of Treasury to provide Congress with a recommended course of action in the event that introduction of Federal taxes not currently collected by the IRS is determined by Congress to be in the best interests of Puerto Rico and the nation as a whole.

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is with great sadness and a deep sense of pride, that I rise today to honor Major Thomas Carr, a native of Erie, Pennsylvania. Major Carr lost his life on September 12, 1998, during an Air Force attack training mission when his F-16D jet went down over the Avon Bombing Range in Florida. Major Thomas Carr, 37, a United States Air Force Reservist, set a positive example for all of us. As his Meritorious Service Medal Citation states, ``He sacrificed his life in the defense of his nation, and in the name of freedom.'' Major Carr, a widely respected officer, set high standards and inspired those who had the privilege of knowing him. Major Carr developed his love of flying as a child at his first Erie Air Show. As an Air Force aviator, he understood and accepted the risks associated with flying planes. Living life to the fullest, he moved effortlessly from riding a dirt bike and waterskiing to flying F-16D jets for the Air Force. Major Carr had over 12 years of Air Force service--eight years of active duty and four years of reserve duty. In his military career, he had been stationed in Korea, the Persian Gulf, Italy, Iraq, and Bosnia, flying several missions around the world. In fact, earlier this year, he had flown missions over Iraq during Operation Northern Watch. Major Thomas Carr received numerous awards for his performance as a pilot from the Air Force. Major Carr was awarded the Air Force Meritorious Service Medal, which was presented to his family posthumously. He was best described as ``the epitome of a fighter pilot.'' Mr. Speaker, I have enclosed the citation that accompanied this award and ask that it be inserted in the Record. Major Carr was a 1979 Erie Tech Memorial High School graduate. He graduated from Clemson University with a degree in electrical engineering in 1984. He was a graduate of the Air Force's elite Fighter Weapons School. He was also a pilot for American Airlines based out of Miami, Florida. Major Carr is survived by his wife, Karen; sister Kathy Rozantz; and his parents, Tom and June Carr of Erie, Pennsylvania. Our thoughts and prayers go out to Major Carr's family and friends. Citation to Accompany the Award of the Meritorious Service Medal (Posthumous) to Thomas M. Carr Major Thomas M. Carr distinguished himself in the performance of outstanding service to the United States while assigned to the 93rd Fighter Squadron, Homestead Air Reserve Station, Florida, from 21 August 1995 to 12 September 1998. During this period, the outstanding professional skill, leadership and ceaseless efforts of Major Carr facilitated two major overseas deployments, three live weapons deployments, one Operational Readiness Inspection and an expeditious conversion from the F-16A to the F-16C aircraft. As the Squadron Weapons Officer, Major Carr continually pushed his unit's readiness higher through comprehensive academic and aerial instruction. Hand-picked for the United States Air Force Weapons School, he was praised by his commander for his outstanding leadership as senior ranking officer and role model for his class. His extensive efforts in preparation for the unit's combat deployments in support of Operation Northern Watch ensured the success of this highly visible major contingency reflected a distinctively genuine concern for his fellow warriors and he established the standard for all of those who selflessly dedicate their lives in the service of the United States Air Force. Major Carr was the epitome of the citizen airman. His career reflected a distinctively genuine concern for his fellow warriors and he established the standard for all of those who selflessly dedicate their lives in the service of the United States Air Force. Major Carr upheld the finest qualities and the highest traditions of a combat aviator. He sacrificed his life in the defense of his nation, and in the name of freedom.

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, the American tax system is a Frankenstein's monster that terrorizes individual taxpayers while casting a cold shadow over the productive sectors of the U.S. economy. It is too complicated. It is riddled with obvious inequities. It punishes savings and investment. It reduces economic growth and burdens domestic industry struggling to remain competitive. Next week I will introduce the Simplified USA Tax Act, because I want to reform the American tax system in a way that makes sense to average citizens and that, therefore, will pass the test of time. Not only do we need a Tax Code that is fair and sensible, we need one that is stable. As bad as the current Tax Code is, and I am one of its severest critics, the last thing that we need is to enact some reform that is so radical and experimental that we may have to redo it all over again a few years later. The Tax Code must give Americans a fair opportunity to save part of their earnings. After all, it is thrift that has helped provide Americans with the security and independence that is the foundation of freedom. It is savings that buys the tools to make Americans more productive. And it is productivity that raises our living standards to the highest in the world. In my tax reform proposal, ``USA'' stands for unlimited savings allowance. Everyone is allowed an unlimited Roth IRA in which they can put the portion of each year's income they save after paying taxes and living expenses. After 5 years, all money in the account can be withdrawn for any purpose and all withdrawals are tax free. Nothing could be simpler and nothing could give people a better opportunity to save, especially young people. Under the new Tax Code, tax rates must be low, especially for wage earners who now must pay both an income tax and a FICA payroll tax on the same amount of wages. The USA tax starts out with low tax rates, 15 percent at the bottom, 25 percent in the middle, 30 percent at the top. Then the rates are reduced even further by allowing wage earners their full tax credit for the Social Security and Medicare payroll tax that is withheld from their paychecks under current law. I do not propose to repeal the payroll tax because to do so would imperil Social Security, but I do allow a credit for it. And when the credit is taken into account, the rates of tax on workers' wages are very low indeed, in the 7 percent to 17 percent range for nearly all Americans. The USA tax provides tax relief for all Americans, especially who own their home, give to their church, educate their children and set aside some savings for a better tomorrow. Under my proposal, everyone gets a deduction for the mortgage interest on their home and for charitable contributions they make. In addition, and this is brand new and long overdue in our society. USA allows a deduction for tuition paid for college and postsecondary vocational education. Generous personal and family exemptions are also allowed under my proposal. The USA tax is simplicity itself. The tax return will be short, only a page or two for most of us. But, more to the point, the tax return will be understandable. For the first time in a long time, America's tax system will make sense to the citizens who file the tax returns and pay the taxes. For the first time since inception of the Federal income tax, Americans will have a full and fair opportunity to save whatever portion of their income they wish and for whatever purpose they wish. For the first time in history, working people will be allowed a credit for the payroll taxes they pay. And for the first time ever, families will have a generous tax-free allowance for the education of their children. My proposal also contains a new and better way of taxing corporations and other businesses that will allow them to compete and win in global markets in a way that exports American-made products, not American jobs. Experts who have studied this believe that, if enacted in America, this innovative approach to business taxation will soon become the worldwide standard to which other countries will aspire. For too long, the Tax Code has been a needless drag on the economy. That is not very smart and it is certainly not fair to those Americans whose living standards are lower because of it. For years its complex inanities have been the object of ridicule. It has also been the ultimate source of bureaucratic excesses and abuse by the IRS that is inconsistent with our free society. Mr. Speaker, it is high time that we restore people's faith in the integrity and competence of their tax system and, in the process, take a major step toward restoring people's confidence in the good character of their government.

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride I rise today to honor a young woman from Butler, Pennsylvania, who has shown remarkable integrity and determination. She is Miss Susan Davidson, America's 1998 Junior Miss. The 1998 Butler High School graduate is the first Miss Pennsylvania Junior Miss from Butler, Pennsylvania to win the national title. Susan Davidson is a straight A student as well as an accomplished pianist who practices four hours a day. In fact, she demonstrated her tremendous musical talents by placing in the top four in the creative and performing arts category with her moving performance of ``Toccata'' by Khachaturian. She also won a scholastic achievement award and took first place in the presence and composure category. Susan's dedication to her goals has become her trademark. She works hard to achieve her dreams. At Butler High School, Susan was a member of National Honor Society. She also played the French Horn in Butler High School's marching band and participated in the 1996 Governors School for the Arts, the 1997 All-State Chorus, as well as Regional Band and Regional Orchestra. Last year, she was the Butler County 1997 Fair Queen. Miss Davidson best described her achievements when she said, ``(Being a Junior Miss) doesn't make you something that you aren't. The title rewards you for who you are, for what you have inside.'' Well Susan, I could not agree with you more. Congratulations on your accomplishments. You are an inspiration to us all.

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I am deeply grateful for the chance to participate in this tribute. Joe McDade has been a great friend to all of us. He has been an institution within this institution, and that is for a variety of reasons. Joe McDade is a great gentleman, as has been noted here. For that reason, he has, almost unique in this institution, a set of warm relationships that cut across party lines. He brings to the House an institutional memory that I think we all value. He is a master mechanic of the process. He is also someone who has been willing to lend his wise counsel to junior Members like me. Joe, I can remember a lot of projects you and I have worked on together where your advice has been critical to my getting it done; first and foremost, my getting on Ways and Means as a freshman. I will always be grateful to you for your essential role in that. You have been a huge champion of all of Pennsylvania. I will tell you, as long as I am in this body, I will aspire to be like Joe McDade. We already have, though, one small thing in common, and that is we both had big shoes to fill as freshmen, because we succeeded popular Members who were elected Governor. There is a gentleman, Joe's predecessor, and who still is his constituent, who sent me a statement that I would like to read because it encapsulates my sentiments about Joe McDade. He wrote: ``Joe McDade is not only the best Congressman this District has ever had but we think he is the best Congressman any District ever had!'' ``He thinks deeply, he works hard and he gets things done in the right way.'' Signed Bill Scranton. I could not have said it any better myself.

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, in my district in Western Pennsylvania people are concerned with real pocketbook issues, like having the money to send their kids to college. The Taxpayer Protection Act, which we passed last week, provides much needed tax relief for working families and middle class taxpayers by building on our previous accomplishments. Last year, this Republican Congress provided tax exempt status to qualified state prepaid tuition account programs. These programs will allow families to buy college credits at today's prices and bank them for the future, avoiding tuition inflation and making college costs more manageable for many families on tight budgets. The Republican tax bill goes one step further than last year's bill by leveling the playing field and awarding the same preferential tax treatment to private prepaid programs. Mr. Speaker, the Taxpayer Relief Act helps students achieve their dream of a college education and, through it, the American dream. This is good legislation that lifts some of the tax burden on the middle class and gives them the opportunity to save for their children's college education.

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, in recent days, a lot of people have heard about the Republican tax plan that passed the House as part of a 90-10 plan, which sets aside 90 percent of the existing surplus to save Social Security and also sets aside 10 percent of the surplus to provide needed tax relief and tax reform. People in the discussions on this tax plan have focused on some of the more prominent aspects of it. It provides marriage penalty relief that would benefit 40 percent of the couples in America; it provides full deductibility for health insurance; it provides a deduction for small savers, up to $200, that can be written off for individuals, or $400 for couples, in interest income; it expands access to prepaid tuition plans so that private colleges can set up prepaid tuition plans and allow people with a tax break to prepurchase tuition and bank it for the future, making college much more affordable; the plan allows small businesses an expensing provision, a greater ability to deduct equipment that they purchase; and also provides tax relief for farmers and ranchers. In my view, as a member of the Committee on Ways and Means, these provisions will go a long way to relieving the tax burden on the middle class and small business owners of this country. However, we have not focused on another aspect of this legislation which will help thousands of people living in the most distressed communities in our Nation and give them hope. With the 1996 welfare reform law, Republicans began encouraging and empowering individuals, yet we are told by leaders in some of our communities that we need to go further in revitalizing lower-income communities. These communities have been telling us that to truly succeed, it is vital that the government support market-based private economic growth in these areas that are economically depressed. And for that reason the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means included in his mark a provision relating to the American Community Renewal Project. The Taxpayer Relief Act would allow the designation of up to 20 renewal communities so that we can offer targeted, aggressive tax cuts and regulatory relief for those communities that need them the most. What we are trying to do is to green line depressed communities for investment, empower the poor, and, at the same time, not create new layers of bureaucracy. Under this provision, the Secretary of Housing and Urban Development will be able to designate renewal communities, 20 percent of which must be in rural areas. These designations would be effective for 7 years. Areas that have been nominated would have to meet certain criteria to achieve these breaks. One is it would have to have an unemployment rate of at least 1\1/2\ times that of the national rate; it would have to have a poverty rate of at least 20 percent; and, in urban areas, at least 70 percent of the households in the area would have to have incomes below 80 percent of the median income households in the metropolitan statistical area. In other words, these tax breaks are not tax cuts for the rich, but they are targeted for those who most need economic growth. Areas would also have to meet certain population criteria. This may sound complicated, but it is done to ensure that the areas nominated are truly economically depressed urban areas where Federal dollars can truly make a difference. When I look around my district, Mr. Speaker, I look at communities like we have in Farrell, Pennsylvania, which is clearly economically depressed, which is financially distressed as far as the municipal financial condition, it has a high poverty rate, but, at the same time, it has a good work ethic and a marvelous sense of community and neighborhood. With the assistance of these targeted breaks, a community like Farrell could definitely benefit, attract jobs, attract investment and empower people and allow them to form capital. Once designated, these renewal areas are eligible for a variety of incentives, including a 100 percent exclusion from capital gains for certain qualified renewal community assets held more than 5 years; an additional, additional on top of what is already in the bill, $35,000 of expensing for small businesses; a work opportunity tax credit to offset the cost of hiring individuals, and a variety of other incentives. It also includes family development accounts for the working poor. We need to pass this for a new urban policy.

Mr. ENGLISH

Mr. ENGLISH. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Taxpayer Protection Act, which provides needed tax relief for working families and middle class taxpayers or, as my fellow member from Pennsylvania described it, the narrow base of the Republican Party. H.R. 4579 contains a key provision that will enable students and their parents to save for college in tax exempt accounts. Recently a Republican Congress provided tax exempt status to state prepaid tuition programs. This legislation awards the same preferential tax treatment to private prepaid programs as well. These programs will allow families to buy college credits at today's prices and bank them for the future, avoiding tuition inflation and making a college education affordable for many students. Both the contributions and earnings on distributions from qualified State and private tuition programs will now be tax free. By extending the same tax exempt status to private colleges and universities, we level the playing field and provide students additional choices and opportunities to save for a college education without harming the Social Security trust fund. Mr. Speaker, I urge bipartisan support for this tax relief package to help more Americans achieve the American dream.

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4558. This is good legislation that does a number of things that I think Congress needs to do before we leave. Among others, it permanently reauthorizes the self-employed assistance program. This program enables individuals who would otherwise be unemployed to create their own jobs by creating microenterprises. The efforts of the Ridge administration in my home State of Pennsylvania demonstrate that this is an effective tool in helping people become reemployed. This legislation also corrects a problem that has given bureaucrats a bad name. The Social Security Administration has a policy of cutting the SSI benefits of children with life-threatening illnesses who receive cash from tax exempt groups that grant their wish, say, to visit Walt Disney World, go on a shopping spree or meet a celebrity. Under current policy, Mr. Speaker, accepting cash for expenses means that the family has to report it as an increase in income. This could result in the reduction of SSI benefits and, in a number of rare cases, elimination of Social Security benefits. This is an absurd situation. Since 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation, as an example, has worked to grant one special wish to every child referred to them with a life- threatening illness. They give these children their fondest dream as a way of relieving the daily pain, stress and worries that their illness forces them to face daily. The Make-A-Wish Foundation volunteers make sure that every detail of the wish experienced, every phone call, every travel expense is taken care of. Mr. Speaker, it simply is not fair to take needed benefits from sick children just because they have a dream and a charity is willing to make it come true. The Shaw-English provision of H.R. 4558 would exempt up to $2000 in cash awards given to these children and their families for incidentals when their wish is granted. This important legislation ensures that organizations like the Make- A-Wish Foundation can continue to grant the wishes of sick children. It is wrong for bureaucrats to turn a child's wish into a parent's nightmare. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4558. I include for the Record a statement from the chairman of the board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation: Statement From the Chairman of the Board of the Make-A-Wish Foundation' of America Regarding H.R. 4558 (By Tony Leal, Jr.) Since its founding in 1980, the Make-A-Wish Foundation has striven to accomplish one simple task: to grant one special wish to every child who is referred to us with a life- threatening illness. Our goal is to fulfill our children's fondest dream in a way that relieves them and their families of the daily pain, stress, and worries that come when children are forced to fight a very grown-up battle. Whether the wish is to visit a theme park, meet a celebrity, go on a shopping spree or to be a cowboy at a dude ranch, our volunteers make sure every detail of the wish experience--every expense, every phone call, every travel arrangement--is taken care of. We don't want families to have a worry in the world as our wish children live their fondest dreams. The dedicated staff and more than 13,000 volunteers of the Make-A-Wish Foundation have accomplished this task for more than 50,000 children since 1980. From time to time, we grant wishes to children whose families receive Supplemental Security Insurance benefits. Because many wishes, such as one involving travel, include providing the family with enough spending money to sustain them through the experience, we have found that an unintended consequence of the SSI eligibility rules has forced families to choose between having their sick children's wishes granted or retaining their SSI benefits. To accept any spending money as part of the wish experience forces them to report increased income, resulting in a reduction--or in rare cases the elimination-- of SSI benefits. The effect of Section 7 of House Resolution 4558 on our wish families would be to relieve them from having to make the impossible choice between SSI benefits and a wish for their children. After all, these families have enough tough decisions to make. The Make-A-Wish Foundation appreciates the dedication and attention that Make-A-Wish volunteers in our communities, as well as members of Congress, have devoted to this issue.

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania

Mr. ENGLISH of Pennsylvania. Mr. Chairman, while I have the highest respect for the colleagues who are involved and who have expressed these concerns, I would point out to these gentlemen that this insurance issue is not new. The Yasuda/INA venture, which is controlled by a Pennsylvania-based employer, was announced on July 7, 1993, well in advance of the 1994 and 1996 U.S.-Japan trade agreements. Furthermore, by the very terms of those agreements, this venture, which is 90 percent owned by a Pennsylvania company, is permitted to compete in Japan. Indeed, there have been ongoing discussions between Committee on Ways and Means and Committee on Commerce staff with all three interested U.S. companies on this issue for some time now, and the distinguished chairman of the Subcommittee on Trade of the Committee on Ways and Means has asked the GAO to review progress in opening up Japanese markets, including a review of the specific matter. While I recognize that reasonable people can differ, one fact that is not disputed by any of the parties is that one U.S. company controls 80 percent of the Japanese third sector market, another U.S. company controls roughly 10 percent, and the Pennsylvania company controls about 3 percent of the market. For these reasons, I feel strongly that we need to have an objective review. I think the USTR has done that so far, and I strongly support their effort. Mr. Chairman, I know the committee recognizes the value of the work done by the Office of the United States Trade Representative, and that a reduction in that office's appropriation below your recommendation could have a profoundly negative affect on our ability to open foreign markets to U.S. products and services. Additionally budget reductions could damage pending international negotiations to further open foreign markets for our agricultural products--just as our farm communities are already suffering--as well as planned negotiations to allow U.S. financial companies to fairly compete overseas. For these reasons, I must object to the gentleman's statements and object to any direction to the Administration with regard to their current review of the Japanese Insurance Agreement. My understanding is the gentlemen, and other Members, have requested the Administration to again review a prior interagency decision on this issue. Any Congressional direction would interfere with the very process the gentleman has requested, as well as disturb an ongoing substantive, legal process and I would ask the Chairman not to agree to any such legislative history. I would like to commend the gentleman from Kentucky for the fair and evenhanded way he has approached this dispute between various U.S. companies and his willingness to see that all parties in this matter are treated fairly without bringing any undue pressure on the USTR to force them to advantage one American company at the expense of another. I look forward to working with the gentlemen on this issue in the future and I look forward to supporting the Committee's budget for the USTR.