Jim Gibbons

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, last Friday the President decided that wag the dog was not good enough. Congress passed a bipartisan agriculture appropriation bill that included billions of dollars in emergency assistance to hard-hit farmers, and the President vetoed it. He played wag the farmer, in a suspicious attempt to divert attention from the national debate over whether or not felonies by the chief magistrate of the United States would rise to the level of an impeachable offense. Now the President is poised to go to yet another fund-raiser, this one in New York, while the important business of government is left unattended and a government shutdown is upon us. Mr. President, we in Congress urge that you do not shut the government down. Do not wag the farmer and do not go to New York to raise money from the very people you bash whenever Republicans propose tax cuts. The President should clear his fund-raising calendar and stay in Washington and work with Congress to finish the job we were elected to do. Mr. Speaker, I suggest the President not shut the government down.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to H. Res. 575, I announce the following suspensions to be considered today: H.R. 2349, Gus Hawkins Post Office; H Res. blank, concerning the steel import crisis, H.R. 4738, extending certain provisions and providing tax relief for farmers and small businesses.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I think it would be very helpful to all of the constituents in my district to sort of cut through the shrill rhetoric on the other side of the aisle today and kind of get behind what is driving all of this political force. See, it appears to me that the Democratic leadership and the President have placed petty politics above the interest of American children, America's veterans, America's seniors, and recently America's farmers. The farm bill that was just vetoed recently had more money in it than the President's request, but it did not spend it on the programs that the Federal Government and the President wanted, so he vetoed it. It was not that it was anything in the best interest of America to do, but he vetoed it for politics. Let us just take a look at what is behind this injustice to the American people. The principal motivation for the President and the Democratic leadership's intended shutdown of government is sort of to take the spotlight off the scandals that the President has gotten himself into. It is also evident that the President has been AWOL, absent without leave, from his duties during most of the year. Let us consider this. The first 282 days of 1998, Mr. Clinton spent 45 percent, or approximately 127 days, working for his employer, the American taxpayer. So what has he done with the majority of his time as President this year? Let us take a look at that. Fund raising. I think the new motto of the White House ought to be ``Show me the money, Mr. President.'' Mr. Clinton has spent 56 days away from his job raising money, gaining millions and millions of dollars from wealthy elitists, big business tycoons, liberal special interests, and media moguls. Note that most of these fund-raisers, of course, were outside of the Washington, D.C. area. All totaled, Mr. Clinton has attended 97 today. Tomorrow in Florida will be number 98. Special interest fund-raisers gathering up those millions and millions of dollars, rather than working with Congress on problems facing all Americans. The ``Show me the money, Mr. President'' ought to be here working with the working Congress. Let us take the vacations that he has had. Please do not get me wrong. There is nothing wrong with a much-needed break from a hectic work schedule. But there is something wrong when the vacations start interfering with the job of being President of the United States. Not many hardworking men and women around this country have the luxury of working only 127 days and getting 32 days vacation, paid at that by the taxpayers of the United States. Let us see, that would include 13 days at Martha's Vineyard, 9 days in Camp David, 5 days in the Virgin Islands, 4 days at a Utah ski resort, and, oh, yes, 1 day in Aspen, Colorado. Obviously, the only thing that got in the way of all of these vacations was his fund- raising schedule. All this is bad enough, but it does not end there. Let us take the travel abroad, overseas junkets. During this time frame, the President spent 45 days abroad visiting 13 different countries, including Ghana, Chile, Uganda, Senegal, Germany, Rwanda, England, Ireland, Russia, Northern Ireland, and, oh, yes, a $50 million trip to China just to pay homage and tribute to the barbarians of Tiananmen Square. But, my colleagues, that is not all. Outside the fund-raisers, vacations and expensive junkets abroad, the President has spent an additional 22 days on the road at photo-ops in telegenic settings outside of the Washington area. Most of these photo-ops were strategically placed with an eye to upcoming elections like New York, Illinois, Wisconsin, Texas, and even the scenic area of Lake Tahoe. Mr. Speaker, it is very obvious that the duties of the President are being pushed aside at a time when there are critical issues facing America's children, veterans, seniors, and, yes, even farmers today. Even as we speak here today, Congress is in session working, doing its job to help save Social Security, promote and improve our children's education, and to provide for America's veterans. Yet, the President is once again preparing to go to another fund- raiser tomorrow in Florida. That is right. The President is once again planning to be AWOL while we here in Congress are hard at work solving our Nation's problems. Clearly, it is time for America's part-time President to clear his travel calendar, clear his fund-raising calendar, clear his vacation calendar, and stay home so that we can get the Nation's work done.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, goals for a generation is the future of America and it is the responsibility not just of the Republican Party but this Congress as a whole, for it alone will build the bridge to the 21st century. So far adhering to these goals has brought us, the American people, a balanced budget, tax cuts, a Patient Protection Act, education reform that brightens the future of every child in America and legislation that will help save Social Security. Under this agenda, we are continuing to improve our public and private schools by sending money directly back to classrooms for more teachers, more computers, safer buildings and teacher testing. We will also expand the notion that every American should have the financial security that comes from secure jobs. This job security, coupled with a simpler tax code and a fairer IRS, will keep our economy strong and boost savings and America's investments. Our government should reflect rather than undermine the values that have made America great, faith, family, personal freedom and responsibility. By protecting and strengthening a Republican government and citizen accountability, the Republican Party will continue to deliver on its promises that made these goals a reality for all America.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, allow me to restate what President Eisenhower said a long time ago, and I quote: ``In all those things which deal with people, be human. In all those things which deal with people's money, or their economy, or their form of government, be conservative and do not be afraid to use the word.'' And so today, Republicans come forward with programs in which there are such words as ``balanced budgets,'' and ``cutting expenditures,'' and all the kind of things that mean this economy must be conservative, it must be solvent. But they also come forward and say we are concerned with every American's health, with a decent house for him, and we are concerned that he will have a chance for health and his children for education. We are going to see that he has power available to him. We are going to see that everything takes place that will enrich his life and let him as an individual, hard-working American citizen have full opportunity to do for his children and his family what any decent American should want to do. These remarks were made by President Eisenhower in 1954, and they are still ringing true today for the American people and the Republican party. Let the other side stop their demagoguing and begin supporting a conservative government that reflects rather than undermines the values that have made America great: Faith, family, personal freedom and responsibility.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Madam Speaker, the State of Nevada and the Senior Citizens Center in Carson City lost a dear and loyal friend yesterday. Before his death yesterday, Bruce Cottam served over 4,000 volunteer hours, doing everything from building maintenance to modification projects. As a 6-year member of the Advisory Counsel for the Senior Center, Bruce served on the Finance Committee and was Chairman of the Building Committee. Most recently, he played an instrumental role in developing the plans and construction model for an expansion project of the Senior Center which will be constructed this spring. His dedication to seniors of this community can serve as an example to each of us here in Congress. Bruce worked diligently, knowing that his volunteer hours would help save the Senior Center from facing enormous cost with a limited budget. He did all this hard work day in and day out, without ever recounting his own efforts. Each and every day Bruce would show up with a smile and friendly greeting, searching for the next project to be done. Although Bruce lost his life yesterday, his legacy in the State of Nevada will live on, as will his commitment to the seniors and staff of the Carson City Senior Center.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I insert for the Record a proclamation designating September 18, 1998 as POW/MIA Recognition Day in the State of Nevada. The full accounting of all of our servicemen and women abroad must remain of paramount importance to the Nation. Whereas, today there are 2,118 Americans still missing and unaccounted for from Southeast Asia, including 3 from the State of Nevada, and their families, friends and fellow veterans still endure uncertainty concerning their fate; and Whereas, we as Americans believe that freedom is precious because it has been won and preserved for all at a very great cost; and Whereas, few Americans can more fully appreciate the value of liberty and self-government than those Americans who were interned in enemy prison camps as POWs and those who remain missing in action; and Whereas, the courage, commitment and devotion to duty demonstrated by those servicemen and women who risked their lives for our sake has moved the hearts of all Nevadans; and Whereas, their dignity, faith and valor reminds us of the allegiance we owe to our nation and its defenders as well as the compassion we owe to those families of the MIAs who daily demonstrate heroic courage and fortitude in the face of uncertainty: now, therefore, I, Bob Miller, Governor of the State of Nevada, do hereby proclaim September 19, 1997, as POW/MIA Recognition Day.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I am very and deeply disappointed by reports that the President intends to veto several spending bills over so-called environmental riders. Further reports indicate that this is part of the President's politically motivated effort to force a government shutdown. This country cannot afford another government shutdown, particularly in these trying economic times. A decision to simply veto spending bills without good-faith efforts to negotiate policy differences will jeopardize billions of dollars of increases for wildlife, recreation, parks, forests, endangered species, public health, and other important priorities. Mr. Speaker, the President's rhetoric is unhelpful in resolving honest policy differences and unnecessarily erodes the public trust in the legislative process. Hard working men and women cannot afford another government shutdown, but it appears the President has played partisan politics above people, above the environment, and above the best interest of this Nation. The President has an open invitation to negotiate, in good faith, areas of legitimate policy disagreement. For the sake of the American people, let us hope he accepts this invitation.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank the distinguished gentleman for yielding me this time, and I rise today in strong support of the conference report to accompany H.R. 3694, the intelligence authorization bill for fiscal year 1999. Mr. Speaker, I have the high honor and distinct pleasure of being able to serve on both the House Permanent Select Committee on Intelligence and the House Committee on National Security. This allows me the opportunity to look across the operational military and defense issues, as well as the intelligence functions that not only support but, in fact, participate in the various defense operations. I can tell my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, that this is a very prudent report. It is a conference report that not only sustains currently required capabilities, this is a report that provides our military forces with the informational resources necessary to build warfighter confidence and perhaps even keep them out of harm's way. It also seeks to provide them with the indications and warning intelligence that allow them the advantage in a conflict. Let there be no mistake, Mr. Speaker, this is not a more secure world since the end of the Cold War. While it is true that we do not face the imminent threat of nuclear annihilation from behind the Iron Curtain, the events of the past few months regarding ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons development and testing by nations seeking to have arsenals that include weapons of mass destruction, strongly suggest that we may well face that imminent threat once again on a broader scale, and sooner than many think or may even want to believe. Add to that threats posed by international terrorism, transnational threats such as narcotics trafficking, organized international crime, the rampant proliferation of weapons of mass destruction, and use of chemical and biological weapons by rogue nations. Activities we have witnessed recently tell us that these threats are more pressing and considerably more dangerous than they have ever been. The problems associated with collecting and understanding information about today's risks are in many ways more difficult because formal government boundaries are not limiting the threats to our peace and security. This conference report begins to provide our intelligence community and military forces the infrastructure necessary to give the U.S. that information dominance to increase our security. That is the bottom line, the security of the United States. The Constitution of the United States places a responsibility on each of us to act in the best interest of the U.S. and our fellow citizens. We have done that here in this conference report.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4570. Today we have an historic opportunity to enact bipartisan legislation that will not only protect but expand and improve America's cherished national parks and many of its public lands. Since I have been in Congress, I have had the great fortune and opportunity to work with distinguished men like the chairman of the subcommittee, the gentleman from Utah (Mr. Jim Hansen) and the chairman of the full committee, the gentleman from Alaska (Mr. Don Young). Their dedication to the environment of America and sound scientific policies that govern our public lands is a tribute to this bill and to the American people who use and enjoy America's national treasures. This bill will address a wide variety of important national parks, wild and scenic rivers, heritage areas, national forests, and many other public lands issues and concerns. This bill brings benefits to our public lands, including such items as reauthorization of the National Historic Preservation Fund, the Abraham Lincoln Birthplace National Historic Site, George Washington Birthplace National Monument, and the Little Rock Central High School National Historic Site, among others. This bill reflects the bipartisan goals and directions of this Congress by confirming that the proper management and creation of America's parks and public lands remain a top priority for years to come. Some in this body will demagogue. Some will come to the well and dispel the importance of this bill. They will say that this destroys our environment, and that it bodes ill will to our national parks and public lands. But I assure the Members, it does not. I would hope each of my colleagues would read this bill, and I would encourage each of them to ask questions on how it will affect our districts, Members' districts, and our constituents. I, for one, will support this bill, because I know the benefits it brings to my constituents and the benefits it brings to America. I encourage all Members to support the passage of H.R. 4570.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague, the gentleman from California, for yielding to me. I find it a true honor as a freshman to be here standing and addressing my good friend, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Solomon), because you do not have to be here 20 years, as I have been only 1 year, to find him to be a true friend and a man that we all look up to. I say, as we look out today among our colleagues here, we are approaching the end of an era at the end of the 105th, the era of Solomon in this Congress. The gentleman from New York will be truly missed as a gentleman who fought for veterans, fought for the flag, fought for this country. I think of General MacArthur when he said, and I will paraphrase, ``Duty, honor, country.'' Those three hallowed words mean and reflect all that you can be, all that you should be, all that you will be. I think those of us who admire Jerry Solomon believe those three words are indeed the reflection of Jerry. Jerry, as you go home to your family and a loving constituency, I want to wish you the very best and to your wife and family as well. I salute you for your hard work, your dedication, and your friendship in this body.

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, what can I say, at the end of this Congress America is going to truly miss one of it's great Conservative leaders. The powerful Chairman of the House Rules Committee, Jerry Solomon will be retiring to pursue new opportunities. This former Marine, serving the United States House of Representatives since 1978, has been known for defending the American flag, fighting the war against drugs, protecting our nations veterans, the interests of our nations military, and running a committee that is fair to this body and fair to the American people. Not only has Congressman Solomon been known for his policy, he is also know for his great sense of humor, his devotion to his family, and his pride in his work. Congressman Solomon, it has truly been an honor serving this great nation together, and you will be greatly missed. I wish you, your wife Freda, and your entire family all the best. As a veteran, and man who loves this country, as I know you do, today sir I salute you for your hard work, honesty, integrity, and devotion to this country.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, over the weekend I had the great pleasure of spending time with some of my constituents to let them know about our future agenda in the Republican Party. We discussed future surpluses in our Federal budget, we discussed the recently passed tax cuts targeting working, middle-class income American families. We discussed the benefits of the recently passed Patient Protection Act that makes health care more accessible, accountable and affordable. But then I got back to Washington and read in yesterday's Roll Call newspaper that Democrats do not even have an agenda. As a matter of fact, the argument cited a Democratic source who said that their party, quote, ``needs something to campaign on, and if the President doesn't use his veto pen, we (the Democrats) are in trouble.'' Actually maybe I am reading this wrong. Perhaps the Democrats do have an agenda, an agenda to shut down the government. While this Republican-led Congress has delivered on its promises to balance the budget, provide meaningful tax cuts and to save Social Security, my liberal colleagues have no better agenda than to shut the government down.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, after 40 years of Democratic leadership, which brought higher taxes, increased spending, and enormous budget deficits, my liberal colleagues are labeling us as a do-nothing Congress. So, Mr. Speaker, as the 105th Congress draws to a close, I am proud to submit a progress report on how this Republican-led Congress has benefitted America. By electing Republicans, Americans have benefitted from their first tax cut in 16 years. And now, for a second consecutive year, we will again provide significant tax relief. By electing Republicans to control Congress, Americans benefitted not only from the first balanced budget in over a generation, but a budget surplus on top of that. And with this surplus Republicans are helping save Social Security. By electing Republicans, Americans have benefitted from a truly needed and meaningful Patient Protection Act, legislation that will ensure Americans have accountable, accessible and affordable health care for themselves and their families. Is it any wonder that Americans continue to elect and reelect Republicans to lead this body into the next century? Republicans remain committed to a future that benefits the American people, a future that is pro-family, pro-business and pro-America; a commitment that this and future generations have a rendezvous with a brighter destiny.

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's approval of the Journal.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, on October 12 we will observe Columbus Day. For those of you who have forgotten, Columbus Day is the day that we celebrate the discovery of America. So let us talk about what the term ``discovery'' means to my liberal Democratic colleagues. For decades liberal Democrats believed that you would literally fall off the edge of the world if you lowered taxes. After Republicans passed the Balanced Budget and Taxpayer Relief Acts, wow, the Democrats, the liberals discovered that tax cuts for hard-working men and women provide a healthy economy, giving low unemployment and investment incentives. Liberals discovered that by allowing Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money, they should and could send their kids off to school, take that needed vacation or invest in their retirement. Republicans in the House have passed a plan that will not only help save Social Security but will also provide billions of dollars in tax cuts to America's hard-working men and women. Mr. and Mrs. America, Columbus discovered a new world. Democrats discovered new taxes. I applaud my Republican colleagues for discovering a brave new America, full tax relief and hope for the future.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, Will Rogers once said that you have to be an optimist to be a Democrat and you have got to be a humorist to stay one. Yesterday the President must have thought that he was using humor when he said that the creation of the surplus is due to the fiscal restraint and leadership of his administration. I believe the only thing that the President left out of his speech was a line from the Wizard of Oz, Toto, ``I do not think we are in Kansas anymore,'' because this make-believe yellow brick road theory that his administration is responsible for the surplus is nothing but simple pure comedy. I think of myself as a person who recognizes and appreciates humor. I certainly did not mind laughing at the President's stand-up comedy routine yesterday. But we have thrown back the curtain and we have seen that the voice behind the curtain is a very same voice whose only budget proposal projected a $241 billion deficit for this year. Mr. Speaker, it is time to get back to reality. It is the Republican Congress and Republican leadership that deserves the credit for this surplus. It was their commitment in 1995 to get this country on the right track back toward fiscal responsibility and fiscal stability.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, it was last year that Republicans passed tax cuts as part of the bipartisan balanced budget agreement. The President signed that legislation last summer. This year the Congress and especially the leadership of the Republicans passed another tax cut. But this year the Democrats are attacking these tax cuts, calling them an election year gimmick. This is a very strange attitude, but one that speaks volumes about what liberal Democrats think about tax cuts. Liberal Democrats do not think that Americans are overtaxed. They see no problem with a government that requires average Americans to work until mid-May, Tax Freedom Day, before having the right to keep the fruits of their labor. In fact, they act as if politicians are actually doing you a favor by letting you keep what already belongs to you. The money that people earn belongs to them, not to the politicians here in Washington. It is time that the liberals and the Democratic leadership understand that and show some respect for the hard-working people of America.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, the Democrats and President Clinton have repeatedly stated that every penny of the surplus should be saved for Social Security, every penny. What the Democrats are not saying is that President Clinton is already spending the surplus. That is right. He has already spent $2.9 billion on our mission in Bosnia, and this fall the Clinton administration is proposing to spend billions more from the surplus. Bosnia or America? Well, as important as Bosnia may be, the Democrats and the President cannot have it both ways. While the President and his Democratic leadership want to spend the surplus on the people of Bosnia, Republicans want it to be used for taxpayers of America. Mr. Speaker, I urge the Democratic leadership to come clean, to tell the American people why they do not want hard-working Americans to keep more of their hard-earned money, how they want higher taxes and how they want to spend the resources of hard-working men and women on more and more, bigger and wasteful, unnecessary bureaucracy and government. I do not doubt for a minute that Americans will see through the illusions of the Democratic rhetoric and demagoguery. Before the November 3 elections, Democrats and the President may want to remember this: Do not promise to build a bridge when there is no river to cross.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, George Bernard Shaw once stated that, ``A government which robs from Peter to pay Paul can always depend upon the support of Paul.'' The Democratic leadership and the liberal Democrats are absolutely supporting Paul. They are demagoguing the issue of tax cuts and are claiming that Social Security will be jeopardized by any such cuts. These same Democrats, who spent billions and billions of dollars on failed and wasteful social programs, have had 40 years to fix Social Security. Now they are claiming that any such tax cut will threaten its future. Well, the same Democrats who helped pass the bipartisan balanced budget last summer which included tax cuts now say that tax cuts are off the table. They oppose tax cuts when we are in a budget deficit. Of course, they do not want to cut spending. They oppose tax cuts when there is a budget surplus because it will somehow threaten Social Security. Any excuse to oppose tax cuts will do. Mr. Speaker, it is time to stop robbing Peter and let him keep his hard-earned money. Who knows, maybe we will even create a job for Paul. It is time to pass a tax cut.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, this great country is struggling to find its way through the darkness of cynicism, distrust, and divisiveness, because this body and this administration tend to demagogue, to speak against others when we do not agree with them or their ideas or their philosophies. We must realize that the foundation of this very government was based upon a rule of law and not a rule of man, a moral direction for a new country, and most importantly, a Constitution. This foundation is what makes America so great, so strong. All men are created equal, and no man is above the law. Our Founding Fathers made the tough decisions on governance, on principle, on what was right and wrong, not on opinion polls and conjecture. When we address the circumstances beset upon this President, we must remember that we are all bound by the Constitution, by the stable and forthright direction of our Founding Fathers. The duty before us is an onerous one that requires each of us to summon the courage and the means to defend the rule of law, and to stand up and recapture the constitutional intent of James Madison.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, this Congress has an historic and exciting opportunity to do something it should have done a long time ago, abolish the marriage tax penalty. Many young couples are surprised to learn that government actually penalizes people for getting married; yes, an average of $1,400 per year for middle class income earners. People have long known that government does not do a lot of smart things. In fact, it does a lot of dumb things. Even liberals have to admit that government has thousands of stupid regulations, programs that actually make things worse instead of better, and inefficiencies that seem to be immune from reform. But the marriage tax penalty is just plain wrong. It stands as an ugly symbol of everything that is wrong about government that has gotten too big, too arrogant, and too out of touch with what it is like for an average person who struggles every day to get ahead, to make ends meet, to build a better life for themselves and their families. Why does the government make it so much harder for people who want to get married? I urge Members on both sides of the aisle to do what is right to correct this wrong.

Mr. GIBBONS

Mr. GIBBONS. Mr. Speaker, most Democrats think they are thinking, but in reality, they are merely reorganizing and rearranging their own prejudices. For example, when it comes to working Americans, Republicans and Democrats have major differences in their visions. Democrats believe it is fair for the government to take up to one-half of a family's income to pay for big government. Republicans do not. Democrats believe it is fair that average Americans have to work until mid-May just to pay their taxes. Republicans do not. Democrats believe they are doing us a favor by giving us tax breaks. Republicans believe that a tax break is not giving us anything, it is merely allowing us to keep what is already ours. Democrats believe America is undertaxed. Republicans believe America is overtaxed. The fact is, Democrats talk as if it is their money. Republicans believe that the money belongs to those people who earned it, not the politicians, not the Federal Government or Washington bureaucrats. Mr. Speaker, it is time that thinking Democrats stop favoring bureaucracy and start giving workers a tax break.