Jim Gibbons

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, this week we will be returning back to our home districts for the Memorial Day District Work Period. Today I wanted to take this opportunity to thank those men and women for whom we celebrate Memorial Day every year. Most other national holidays would have no meaning if it were not for the sacrifices we honor on Memorial Day. This day of recognition represents why so many sons and daughters of our land and other lands have dreamed of being Americans. No other nation has sacrificed so much to secure not only its freedom but that of other nations. We honor those who made the ultimate sacrifice for freedom, not only out of respect and gratitude but because heroes will always be needed and treasured. Younger generations need to know the price our heroes have paid, and the souls of those who have paid that price need to know it was not made in vein. Mr. Speaker, I proudly salute our heroes.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, a child's success in school and, indeed, in life is dependent upon his or her ability to read. Unfortunately, reading scores in most States have remained flat or even dropped over the last 8 years, and the reading achievement gap between white students and minority students has widened even further. These disappointing results are yet more evidence that simply spending more money on education does not necessarily improve student achievement. President Bush's Reading First Initiative gives States both the funds and the tools they need to eliminate the reading deficit. It focuses on effective proven methods of reading instruction based on proven scientific research. Research continues to show that reading failure has devastating effects on self-esteem, social development, and opportunities for advanced education and meaningful employment. By funding effective reading instruction programs, President Bush's plan, H.R. 1, ensures that more children will receive the help they need before they fall further behind.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I wish today to address briefly the issue of urban encroachment on our military training. Mr. Speaker, for too long we have paid lip service to the fact that our American military will always be the best trained military in the world. Unfortunately, as a Nation, we are on the verge of breaking that promise and breaking faith with those who have volunteered to serve our Nation. The Armed Forces' readiness is being eroded by urban expansion, environmental regulation, and commercial competition for our airspace, for ranges and for communication frequencies, encroachment issues that are threatening the ability of our servicemen and women to effectively prepare for the challenges which may face our Nation. The iron law of our military is that training saves lives. When training goes down for whatever reason, accidents and casualties go up. Make no mistake, Mr. Speaker. Encroachment is like a cancer, eating away at our training capabilities. We must always be vigilant to this encroachment and act quickly to revitalize our training so as to keep our faith with those sworn to protect us.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, in the short time since the 107th Republican-led Congress was sworn in, we have taken historic action on the most important issues for the American people. Today, we can probably say that we have honored our commitment to pass a budget resolution that lowers taxes, improves education, and strengthens retirement security. Our budget symbolizes the very core of our beliefs: Increased freedom for Americans, freedom from the stifling national debt, from a crippling tax burden, and from troubling retirement worries. We have proposed an across-the-board tax relief package that benefits all taxpayers and eliminates the taxes on marriage and death. We have passed legislation to give Americans more options to successfully save for their retirement. We can continue to empower American families by allowing parents and educators to make education decisions which will work best for their own children. Madam Speaker, the American people want the freedom to make decisions that work best for them. Republicans have been working overtime to give the American people the ability to do just that.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, we need to address the energy crisis in our Nation; however, before this country can embrace increases in nuclear energy production, we need to solve the problem of what to do with the high level nuclear waste. Because burying it in Yucca Mountain, an area already rocked by earthquakes on a regular basis, is not the answer. Studies have shown that a repository site at Yucca Mountain is at least 10 times more prone to earthquakes and lava flows than government scientists previously estimated. Nevada ranks third in the Nation for earthquake activity, experiencing over 650 earthquakes in the last 20 years; that means with over 30 earthquakes a year alone in this area. Clearly, Yucca Mountain is one of the worst places to store the deadliest material ever created by man. Mr. Speaker, we need to find a solution to the energy crisis, but we need to base it on true science and not misinformation and conjecture. The DOE plans to buy nuclear waste in Yucca Mountain is not only misguided but immeasurably dangerous for all Americans.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, industries around this Nation continually are burdened by unfair and unnecessary regulations. However, last year the mining industry faced an additional and unnecessary burden, an unlawful regulation. Previously, Congress called for the National Academy of Sciences to study and assess the effectiveness of the existing 3809 regulations that affect the mining industry. That study, authorized by Congress, concluded that the existing laws were effective in protecting the environment. Yet the Clinton administration last year promulgated new 3809 regulations in spite of the National Academy's findings and in direct violation of Federal law. In fiscal year 2000, the Interior appropriations bill clearly prohibited the promulgation of any new 3809 rules except those ``which are not inconsistent with the National Academy of Science studies.'' Thankfully, President Bush realized the error of President Clinton's ways, and now we have only to roll back the unnecessary and unlawful 3809 regulations proposed by the previous administration, which do not protect the environment or the American people.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, the United States was built upon and by small family-owned businesses, and America is today known for its unique, entrepreneurial spirit. Even today, in the era of corporate mergers, small businesses remain the cornerstone, yes, the foundation of our economy. They employ 53 percent of our work force and account for 99.7 percent of the Nation's employers. Yet burdensome regulations, a complex Tax Code, and an inaccessible health care system have been stifling the ability of small businesses to remain viable and successful. As a Congress, we need to ensure that the entrepreneurial spirit that built this country does not diminish due to an unfair tax and regulatory system. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support small business owners in their pursuit of the American dream. I yield back all of the unfair taxes and regulations that have served as obstacles for the small businesses which make our Nation great and prosperous.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, the new administration has certainly had its hands full reviewing hundreds of hastily conceived and poorly drafted regulations issued in the waning hours of the Clinton administration. For example, the Clinton roadless initiative proposes to protect the environment by slamming the door and locking up 58 million acres of public land from public access. Certainly we need to protect our public lands and our sensitive lands, but this rule does not only prohibit the construction of new roads in these areas, it also closes thousands of existing roads used by Americans to enjoy firsthand the beauty of our public lands. Closing off public lands should be made only on a case- by-case basis and not by hurried and executive edicts. Protecting our pristine environment does not justify banning Americans from accessing and enjoying these lands. We must revise any roadless initiative which would force Americans to experience the beauty of our lands by looking into a photograph instead of experiencing and appreciating nature's magnificence in a firsthand measure.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the proceedings had during the recess be printed in the Congressional Record and that all Members and former Members who spoke during the recess have the privilege of revising and extending their remarks

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, about 10 days ago, millions of American families made their annual trip to the post office to mail their Federal income tax returns. The IRS estimates that 65.8 million Form 1040 filers spend an average of 13 hours and 1 minute getting that return together; nearly two full working days. That time could be much better spent with their families, and would not American families that spend millions of dollars on professional tax preparers, tax accountants and computer software be better off spending that money elsewhere? Perhaps on their family, their retirement, or investing in their children's education. Unfortunately, working Americans have become slaves to the IRS. It is time to give these American families their freedom. Madam Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to support meaningful tax relief as part of this year's and next year's national budget, and I yield back the valuable time and money spent this year by hard-working Americans not on their families but on preparing and filing tax forms.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this resolution. I want to thank my colleague and good friend the chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary (Mr. Sensenbrenner) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions) for bringing this critical legislation before this body. Mr. Speaker, America needs this tax limitation amendment. Why? Because this year thousands, or millions even, of hardworking Americans are going to be suffering intaxication. What is intaxication? Let me say that if the word were actually in the dictionary, intaxication would be defined as the euphoric experience when one gets a refund and then realizes that that refund is actually their own money. This Congress has a duty to make it harder to raise taxes, while ensuring a more responsible Federal budget. In 1994, Mr. Speaker, I fought for Nevada's own tax limitation amendment. As a private citizen I helped gather 85,000 signatures from residents across Nevada to place a similar measure on the ballot before the voters. This legislation, may I say, passed the Nevada vote test in two successive elections, averaging about 75 percent of each vote count. This legislation requires an amendment to the Nevada constitution saying that two-thirds would be required to raise any new State taxes or fees. The Federal Government needs to be put on the same fat-free diet that my home State of Nevada has been on since 1996. We need to make it more difficult to raise taxes on hardworking American men and women. We need to shift congressional focus to the bloated Federal spending programs in this Federal bureaucracy. Passage of this legislation would ensure that Congress focuses its efforts to balance the budget, cut wasteful spending and not raise taxes as an easier and unneeded Federal revenue excuse. States that currently limit taxes have experienced faster growing economies, a more rapid increase in employment, lower taxes and reduced growth in government spending. No additional financial burden should be placed on the American working family without overwhelming demonstration of need and support from their elected officials. Let us stop intaxication plaguing Americans. I urge my colleagues to support this tax limitation amendment.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I would like to welcome all my colleagues back to Washington, D.C. It is obvious that spring is here and that summer is just around the corner; and soon no doubt air conditioners will be going full force and the energy crisis that has gripped the West will only get worse. Nevadans are well aware of the energy crisis which has overcome one of our neighbors, California. First there were rolling blackouts, now massive rate hikes, up to 46 percent for some 10 million homes and businesses. As Californians work to solve its energy problems, this Congress must address the energy crisis looming over our entire Nation. For too long the U.S. has operated without a responsible energy policy, and now Americans are beginning to pay the price. We need a responsible and reliable energy policy. Let us face it, Mr. Speaker, in the 21st century we expect the lights to go on and the air conditioning to work without fail. We must address the rolling blackouts, rate hikes, and consumer aggravation; and we must establish a real energy policy that meets the needs of modern America.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank the current administration for its willingness, its simple willingness, to consider the economic consequences of previous executive regulations. The Clinton administration promulgated new and somewhat draconian mining regulations in spite of the unforeseen economic hardships, especially in Nevada, that they would create, and in spite of the recommendations of the National Academy of Sciences study which stated that new Federal mining regulations were not necessary. Yet the previous administration went ahead, thinking it knew better than anyone else. Well, finally, Nevadans and, may I say, all Americans can have faith that their Federal Government will not rush headlong into issuing new rules without listening to the public and to the experts. It is nice to see the American people will once again have a say in their democracy, the way our Founding Fathers had envisioned it; the proper function of our Federal Government.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. 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. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to clause 1, rule I, I demand a vote on agreeing to the Speaker pro tempore's approval of the Journal.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, the Bush administration has begun to right the wrongs of the past 8 years. This week, the Department of Interior announced that it would suspend mining regulations forced on the public in the waning minutes of the Clinton administration. Known as the 3809 regulations, the Clinton changes would have resulted in the loss of more than 3,000 jobs in Nevada alone and an economic shortfall in that State of up to $350 million. In addition, the regulations would have forced the United States to become just as dependent on foreign-mined metals as we are on foreign-produced oil, the recipe for yet another national crisis. And it would have been the American consumers who would have suffered. Luckily, a new day has dawned and a new administration has arrived. The public can again have faith in their government and know that their views will be heard. I yield back the last-minute, reckless decisions of the prior administration and welcome the fair, responsible and sensible disposition of the new Bush administration.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, the Republican budget puts America's families first by responsibly using the surplus to pay down the national debt, provide needed tax relief and bolster funding for priorities like education, Social Security, Medicare, prescription drug benefits and national defense. Republicans refuse to squander the surplus and will work diligently to pass a balanced budget. The Republican budget puts American families first by responsibly using the surplus for education priorities, strengthening Social Security, modernizing Medicare, providing prescription drug benefits and bolstering national defense, as I said earlier. In addition, we need to show support for the next part of the tax relief package Congress and the White House are working on, including eliminating the taxes on marriage and death, and doubling the child tax credit. Mr. Speaker, eliminating the taxes on marriage and death are a top priority for this Congress and the White House. When I have a town hall meeting, one of the top issues on the minds of my constituents is relief from these onerous and immoral taxes. No married couple ought to be taxed an extra $1,400 per year just for getting married, and no family farm or small business should be allowed to go under because of the death tax. These taxes are on the chopping block.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, the facts are in, and the numbers do not lie. The budget proposed by this Republican-led Congress will meet not only all of the needs, but the priorities as well of the American people. This budget continues our commitment to improving education by investing $80 billion next year, that is a 14 percent increase, in the education budget; and it supports our national defense with a $14 billion budget increase, and a $5.7 billion increase specifically for improving service members' pay, housing, and veterans health care. In addition, this budget also includes $153 billion for Medicare reform, and $2.8 billion for the National Institutes of Health. We pay down a historic $2 trillion of the public debt, and ensure that the $2.6 trillion Social Security trust fund remains safe from the Washington spendthrifts. Madam Speaker, we achieve all these goals while still giving the American families meaningful and fair tax relief, meaning $1,600 for the average family of four will be back in their pockets for them to spend. Madam Speaker, the numbers simply do not lie. And there is one more, millions, and that is how many Americans want us to pass this reasonable budget and tax relief now.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, Will Rogers once said ``baseball is a skilled game. It's America's game, it, and high taxes.'' Well, it seems that Will Rogers was right. Currently, Americans are taxed at the highest levels since World War II. During a time of projected record surpluses, there is absolutely no reason, no justification for these high taxes. American families deserve a tax break, and according to recent polls, nearly two out of three Americans want, need and deserve a tax break, but the critics of the tax plan want to keep taking more and more money from hard-working Americans just to pay for their growing, yet inefficient, bureaucracy. Mr. Speaker, spring is just around the spring, marking the beginning of the baseball season and, unfortunately, the tax season as well. Let us hit a home run for Americans. Let us pass meaning tax relief and help them pay the mortgage, buy a computer, or simply go to school. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the criticisms of the tax relief which only serve to strike out for America's families trying to realize the American dream.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, this House, indeed, this Congress has a lot to celebrate and a lot to be proud of. After decades of wasteful spending and rising Federal deficits, our fiscal house is in order. Since 1997, we have paid down $363 billion of the Federal debt, and we are on course to paying off the complete $2 trillion of the Federal public debt over the next 10 years. This Republican Congress has set aside nearly $3 trillion for the protection of Social Security, Medicare and further debt relief. Mr. Speaker, the nonpartisan CBO estimates that we will have a $5.6 trillion surplus over the next 10 years. Our fiscal house is not only in order, it is in the best possible shape in generations, and now we are going to give Americans what they need, want and deserve, real tax relief. No one doubts that if the surplus money stays in Washington, it will be spent on bigger, more wasteful Federal bureaucracy. We need to put America's families first. The surplus belongs to them, not the wasteful spenders in Washington. The right thing to do is return the surplus to the people who earned it, the American taxpayers.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, America and indeed this Congress has a lot to celebrate. After years of wasteful spending and rising deficits, our fiscal house is in order. Congress has a balanced fiscal budget. Since 1997 we have paid down approximately $363 billion of our public debt. We are on the course to paying off the complete $2 trillion public debt over the next 10 years. The Republican Congress has walled off nearly $3 trillion for the protection of Social Security, Medicare and further debt relief. The nonpartisan CBO estimates that we will have a $5.6 trillion surplus this year. Our fiscal house is not only in order, it is in the best possible shape it has been in generations. Now is the time to give Americans some much-needed tax relief. If the surplus money stays in Washington, it will only be spent on bigger and more wasteful government bureaucracy. We need to put America's families first. They want and deserve real tax relief now.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, President Bush this week released his budget, a budget which is fashioned in the same way that you and I and millions of Americans figure out their home monthly budget. First, it funds our priorities, including education, health care, Social Security, Medicare and Defense. Secondly, it pays down the Nation's debt, providing the greatest amount of debt reduction in U.S. history. Third, the budget includes a $1 trillion contingency fund to ensure that the United States can meet any unforeseen or emergency funding burden. Finally, the money left over is returned to the hard-working people of America through responsible tax relief that will not only encourage savings, but also spur continued economic growth. This budget is responsible. It is visionary, and it is right for our future. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the criticism of those who refuse to act in responsibly and simply want a frivolous way to spend America's tax dollars on more wasteful big government bureaucracy.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, 10 years ago today 600,000 American servicemen and women fought to preserve the tenets of democracy and freedom in the Middle East. Tomorrow marks the 10th anniversary of the cease fire ending Desert Storm, a military campaign that showed America's continued commitment against totalitarian aggression. As an Air Force pilot during Desert Storm, I proudly served under the leadership of President George Bush, General Colin Powell and General Norman Schwarzkopf. Their vision created a new model of global power that has sent our potential adversaries scrambling for alternative solutions rather than military aggression. Yet the true heroes of Desert Storm were the men and women who fought with great courage and honor. 10 years ago, the strength of our Nation and Armed Forces successfully liberated Kuwait from Saddam Hussein's rule of terror. Today, let us remember the commitment and ideals that led our Nation to victory.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, in 1963 Congress designated February as American Heart Month; and today is Valentine's Day, a day not only about flowers and candy, but also about love and family. It is fitting that we recognize and congratulate the efforts of the American Heart Association and other organizations to reduce the enormous burdens, physical, emotional and economic, that heart disease places on American families. The fact is that an American dies from cardiovascular disease every 33 seconds killing 1 million Americans annually, about 41 percent of all deaths in the United States. Every American, young or old, male or female, is at risk. Madam Speaker, today I encourage every American to learn the signs of cardiac arrest and the causes of cardiac disease. Together we can reduce the burden of cardiac disease and its imposition on our families so that everyone can celebrate not only this day as Valentine's Day but many more in the future.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, today we have some good news for our Nation's senior citizens. Today we have the chance to make a promise to our seniors that Social Security and Medicare will be there for them when they need it. After all, it is only fair. Americans pay into the Social Security and Medicare systems all of their lives; they deserve to know that their benefits will be there for them when they retire. The Social Security and Medicare Lockbox Act will lock away $2.9 trillion in Social Security and Medicare trust funds guaranteeing that these precious funds are not spent on wasteful, big government programs. This lockbox legislation is good news and reiterates our commitment to ensuring retirement security for America's seniors, today and in the future. I encourage all of my colleagues, on both sides of the aisle, to support this important legislation and make a real commitment to our seniors by protecting the future of Social Security and Medicare.