Scott Garrett

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I have come to the floor tonight to address the issue of an emergency supplemental in which we are spending upwards of $15 million more in essence on what I call foreign aid. I am here tonight on this particular amendment to strike approximately $5 million of that foreign aid. As I stated before and as people look to this program and what we do here tonight, one must wonder what makes this situation an emergency. Well, the committee itself raised that same question when they said, ``The committee is disappointed in the Department of State's failure to provide adequate and timely justification for the emergency nature of these funds.'' What are these funds going to? These funds are going to the country of Iran. An ally of ours? Not by any stretch of the imagination. In fact, Iran has been called by this administration part of the Axis of Evil. Iran is a country that wishes to wipe Israel off the face of the map. In fact, the President of Iran has even said that they wish to wipe the United States off the face of the map. So one wonders who at the State Department was looking at this situation in the past and did not know that there was a need for funds in this particular area, either in the past budget which we have already gone through or in the budget process that we are going through as we speak now. Apparently no one knew at the State Department that Iran is a problem country that we have to deal with and needed additional funding for, and so they come to us at the last minute with a supplemental emergency appropriation. With all of the problems that we have today in this country, now is not the time to be adding more to our Nation's debt for foreign aid. Other portions of this bill certainly have merit to them. Portions, for example, for aid to our soldiers. Our men and women who find themselves in harm's way as we speak here tonight need the additional dollars and cents to get the job down there. We have heard also the issues with regard to the folks down in the gulf coast, and there is additional funding for that program as well, to assist those people in New Orleans and elsewhere as far as their needed relief. But do we need to spend additional emergency funds tonight for foreign aid in essence for diplomatic and consulate programs for Iran, not by any stretch of the imagination an ally of this country? Mr. Chairman, I would suggest we should not. This is not a program that we will be putting on the burdens of today's taxpayers. No, we will be putting this burden on our children and our children's children. Why is that? It is because we are already in deficit spending in this Nation, and the emergency supplemental we are debating tonight will simply add to that debt and add to that burden. I encourage my colleagues to support this amendment, to strike this additional foreign aid which is not an emergency by any stretch of the imagination.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I come once again to the floor to raise the issue that I have raised earlier this evening, and that is in this time of spiraling deficits and excess spending by the Federal Government, is now the time to be spending money on an emergency supplemental where the nature of the emergency comes into question? In this case, as I classified in my terminology before, I called it foreign aid, I don't know whether anyone can really say that this is not. The funding here is $5 million for academic, professional and cultural exchange focused on Iran. As I pointed out before, and it was agreed, Iran is no ally of the United States Government. As we agree, Iran is a part of the Axis of Evil. They are supporting Hamas. They do wish to eliminate and see Israel wiped off the map of the world. They do wish to see the United States wiped off the map of the world. They are continuing with their nuclear program. In this, we are all in agreement. Iran is a threat. This is not something new. This is not something that just came about in the last few days, weeks, months or what have you. We have known that Iran is a threat to the world community for some time, at least this House did. We have had many debates and discussions on this in the past on this floor as to the threat that Iran poses to this Nation, to its area community and the world in general. The question then becomes, is this new news to the State Department? Apparently it is, because were it not new news to the State Department, they would have gone through regular order and they would have sought this $5 million or the $10 or $15 million for the other appropriations that we previously spoke about. They would have gone through regular order, and they would have asked for and put this through the budget process in the current budget cycle year, or they would have included it in the budget proposal that we are currently considering as we go forward for the next fiscal year. They did not. Instead, they come to us now at the last minute and ask for an emergency supplemental appropriation. I would ask that the State Department pay more attention to these matters. If they were not aware that Iran was such a threat and that these programs are needed, and I am not about to debate right here that they are not needed, but if they were needed, they should have gone through regular order, they should have come through the process earlier. In addition, all other areas of spending in this House, when it goes through regular order, has to compete against other necessary expenditures. Some foreign threats that we have, Afghanistan, and Iraq and elsewhere, have to be weighed against other competing interests. Likewise, they must be weighed against domestic interests as well. As in this bill, there is money here for Katrina. They have to assist those people down there. They have an interest as well. Other domestic programs also have to be weighed against other competing domestic interests. I would simply suggest to this body that while Iran is a threat, it is not a new threat. It is a threat that we have known has been out there for some period of time. The appropriate manner would have been for this to have gone, as with the other legislation amendments that I discussed previously, through regular order, so that we would have had a complete and full debate on it. Again, I agree with what the committee said on those other matters, that the committee, as I quote from their report, ``is disappointed in the Department of State's failure to provided adequate and timely justification of the emergency nature of these funds.'' I concur with the committee. The State Department has not provided that justification. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment to delete this additional $5 million. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I come here today to announce what we begin as hopefully a regular occurrence here on the House floor. Members of the Congressional Constitution Caucus will use these opportunities to highlight for our colleagues and for the Nation the need, justification, and plan to ensure that our government is operating consistently with our Founding Fathers' intent, and that is limited, leaving most authority over domestic issues to the States, local governments, and the people themselves. As the founder of this caucus, a caucus dedicated to the adherence of the 10th amendment, I strongly believe that this body must begin to be more squarely focused on these important constitutional principles that we have already heard tonight. Before I begin, let me express my sincere gratitude to my friend from Utah, who has volunteered to lead this effort here on the floor, this important education effort, but has also been a consistent and long- time champion of the notion of a limited and effective and efficient Federal Government. He routinely fights to ensure that his home State and the other States as well are entrusted with the authority and oversight promised to them as each was admitted to this Union. I look forward to working with the other members of the caucus, as well, who share the sentiment that our Federal Government has taken far too much authority over programs that State governments have traditionally been much more effective in administering. And I invite my other colleagues to join with us. This is really as old as our Nation itself. Our founders were very clear when establishing our system of government. They intended to set up a republic of sovereign States capable of self-governing, with a small, central government with clearly defined and limited powers. Only the powers specifically limited and set out in the Constitution are to be administered by the Federal Government. All others are to be left to the States, local governments, or to the people themselves. Dividing sovereignty between the Federal Government and those of the States and localities prevents an unhealthy concentration of power at any one level of government, and this is something that James Madison in The Federalist No. 51 wrote is a ``double security'' for the people. Unfortunately, throughout the last few generations in particular, the intent of the 10th amendment, that of a limited and efficient central government, has basically melted away. There are those who support a bigger, more centralized government. They believe that a government-run bureaucracy can make the best decisions for the American people. They believe the good is in higher taxes. Well, sir, I strongly disagree. As a Member of the House Budget Committee, I am very much aware of where this leads our government, an overbloated Federal Government, consumed by deficits of over $400 billion that delivers sub-par public service. Congress on almost a daily basis allows our government to grow, to push us further into debt and to take away from the limits imposed on the historic day when the Constitution was first ratified. What every Member of Congress needs to ask themselves each time they slide their card into one of these spots and votes, they must ask, does the bill I am voting on violate the U.S. Constitution? Does it take away the rights promised to our constituents and put them in the hands of the bureaucracy here in D.C. instead? Mr. Speaker, I remind this body, the Constitution does not only protect the rights of the people, it also protects the rights of the States. This is our responsibility, to remember them when we write, debate and vote on legislation here in this Chamber. What I am urging here is not only a political philosophy that most would argue has drifted from the mainstream, but a most important one that has affected our budget, and a gloomy budget forecast it has been for the future. This is what the caucus is about, these weekly information sessions. It is really well past time that we turn a critical eye on to the Federal Government. This will be how we will lower our deficit, grow our economy and ensure that America remains that ``beacon on the Hill.'' Now, aside from being informational, this caucus also seeks to make specific legislative gains in the name of governmental efficiency and constitutional adherence. We will support legislation that seeks to return power and authority back to where it belongs, to the States, to the local governments and to the people. So, to close, I look forward to working with my friend from Utah and other members of this caucus and other Members of this body, from both sides of the aisle, as we work each week in the days and weeks ahead. We owe nothing less to our constituents and to generations, both past and future, to defend this great experiment of American republicanism and democracy.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 87th anniversary of the March 1st Movement for the liberation of the Korean peninsula from Japanese oppression. This was the day that Korea regained its independence and since then it has continued to become a major economic and cultural force on the world stage. There is a flourishing and growing relationship between the United States and Korea. Korea is a major economic partner and our 7th largest trading partner. Whether in education, science, business, or the arts, Korea has played and continues to play a vital role in shaping communities throughout New Jersey and the entire United States. Several years ago, I had the distinct pleasure of traveling to Korea. While there I was able to meet with Korean government leaders, high- level U.S. military officials, and top Korean business executives. In addition, I shared a meal and conversed with troops from New Jersey's 5th Congressional District. I was honored to take part in this informative diplomatic trip. The opportunity contributed to my understanding of what issues affect the economic, political, and military policies of Korea, and in turn, their impact on United States interests. During the visit, I met with opposition party leader Chairman Choe, Korean cabinet members and members of the Korean Chamber of Commerce. We discussed enhancing the visibility of the important United States- Korea relationship and addressed the tensions in the region surrounding the North Korean nuclear issue. In addition, I was taken by the U.S. Army, led by General Leon Porte, Chief in Command of the United States Forces in Korea, to the Joint Security Area on the Korean Demilitarized Zone (DMZ). Now more than ever there is a need to increase mutual understanding between the United States and Korea. The 2 countries have become increasingly important regional and global partners, as Korea has become a stronger advocate for democracy and a free-market economy. It is critical that the working relationship between the 2 countries flourish for years to come.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1096, a piece of legislation that benefits an important historic landmark from my home State of New Jersey, the Thomas Edison National Historic Site. I also want to thank my colleagues from the other side of the aisle for their support and their hard work on this as well, Congressman Donald Payne and Congressman Bill Pascrell for all their work in joining with me in sponsoring this important legislation. Tom Edison's contributions, most notably the incandescent light bulb, the motion picture camera, and the phonograph, have had a profound effect on the way people live their lives around the world. In fact, Life Magazine once honored him as the most important individual for the last 1,000 years. The Thomas Edison National Historic Site in West Orange, New Jersey is a national treasure, encompassing Edison's home of 45 years, his laboratories and offices, and a vast collection of artifacts and historic documents. Since 1997, the Edison Preservation Foundation has successfully partnered with the National Park Service to provide resources for the restoration of the site's historic buildings, artifacts and such, and plans to establish an endowment to support it for future operation including education programs for children. This partnership is really a great example of the public/private partnership working together and can serve as a role model for other programs in the future considering scarce financial Federal resources. Unfortunately, both the historic structures where Edison lived and worked and irreplaceable treasures they now hold are at serious risk due to extensive water and damage and age-related decay. Although the site historically has been a major education destination for students from around the region, the need for renovations has led to a temporary closure of the site to visitors. While private support through the efforts of the Edison Preservation Foundation is crucial to efforts to restore the site, a long-term commitment from the Federal Government is also necessary for future success. So to ensure this long-term commitment, we have H.R. 1096, which commemorates Edison's lifetime accomplishments; redesignates, consistent with the National Park Service guidelines, the Edison Historic Site as the National Historic Park; and authorizes appropriations for the support of the site. This legislation will enable the Edison site to more effectively compete for scarce Federal funds and it would also strengthen the Edison Preservation Foundation's ability to raise private dollars. Finally, Thomas Edison's legacy is an important component of the history of the State of New Jersey and the United States. So it is important that this Congress affirm its support for the Edison site by advancing this legislation.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I proudly pledge my support for S. Con. Res 79, which expresses Congress's disapproval of any foreign aid distributed to the Palestinian Authority if a group holding the majority of seats supports the destruction of one of America's closest allies, Israel. The recent election by the Palestinian people that put Hamas in control of their governing body should be troubling to all. This organization, with a foundation of hate and a track record of evil, has as its platform, one goal--the annihilation of the Jewish State of Israel. It is quite troublesome that a people, desperate to prove to the world that they are deserving of recognition, peaceful, would with overwhelming support put in power a group solely motivated by the ruin of the peaceful and freedom-loving Nation of Israel. Hamas is responsible for the tragic deaths of thousands of innocent Israelis and Americans, including women and children. They have refused to take part in any peace talks, including the Oslo Accords. They have refused to participate in previous, formal governmental operations that have worked with Israel. And they actively recruit children to accomplish their malevolent and homicidal agenda. For generations, we have been working towards a plan that will finally bring peace to the most unstable region in the world--the Middle East. In recent years, peace looked as close as it ever has, held together by fragile promises of Arab leaders to end their over half-century assault on the nonviolent and democratic State of Israel. The control of the Palestinian Authority by Hamas could very well tip the scales away from a peaceful resolution. Congress, who holds the purse strings of the peoples' money, should never provide any aid to any organization set on such destructive results. As a Member of Congress representing a district whose sightline used to include the Twin Towers, I know all too well the devastating effects of vengefulness and abhorrence. I am proud of Congress's actions today and commend those who have worked to bring this resolution to the floor. I was similarly proud to stand with my colleagues in December when with strong bipartisan support, we passed H. Res. 575, warning against the very inclusion of Hamas and other terrorist groups in the Palestinian elections. I am also a proud original cosponsor of H.R. 4668, a House bill denying aid to a Hamas-controlled Palestinian Authority. As our only ally in a region filled with unrest and American hatred, I vow to continue to stand firm with the State of Israel. The rise to power by the terrorist establishment Hamas only spells trouble for Israel and the United States, as well as for all our collaborative efforts to reverse the trend of a region that has been a breeding ground for terrorists sought on eliminating freedom and liberty from this world.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, last spring, China passed the anti-secession law to give Chinese leaders the right to use force against Taiwan if they suspect separatist activities in Taiwan. The deployment of more than 700 missiles along the southeast coast indicates that China still stubbornly clings to a military solution to the Taiwan issue. Mr. Speaker, military intimidation over Taiwan is no solution to the cross-strait relations. China must learn to respect the aspirations of Taiwan's 23 million people who want to be masters of their own land. China must not block Taiwan's attempts to gain international recognition or to return to international organizations. Taiwan is a free and democratic nation and deserves to be treated with respect by the international community. Recently, President Chen proposed to prudently think over abolishing all ad hoc institutions under the Office of the President that were not established by law. One of those programs, the National Unification Commission (NUC), has long had its effectiveness in question and he doesn't want to see unification become the only option for the cross- straits relations. President Chen is a man of peace who has reaffirmed his commitment to maintain the status quo in the Taiwan Strait on many occasions. His goal of reducing tension between Taiwan and China remains unchanged. It is my hope that China will reciprocate Chen's olive branch by renouncing the use of force against Taiwan and resuming dialogue on equal footing and without pre-conditions.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the country of Poland and its citizens for their successful Presidential and Parliamentary elections. On October 23rd, a Conservative Law and Justice candidate Lech Kaczynski defeated Civic Platform candidate Donald Tusk in the Presidential Election runoff. A month earlier, in the Parliamentary elections, the Law and Justice Party won a plurality by capturing 27 percent of the vote while the Civic Platform party garnered the 2nd highest amount at 24 percent. In addition to the remarkable political reform that has swept Poland over the last 15 years, there has been considerable economic progress as well. The Polish GDP continues to grow and because of its skilled workforce and a competitive free market economy, it has received significant foreign investment. Poland has been a strong ally to the United States in our war on terror and has provided considerable aid to the military and diplomatic efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq. Mr. Speaker, I am confident that when President-Elect Kaczynski is sworn in on December 23rd, U.S.-Polish relations will continue to grow and prosper under his leadership.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker; I rise in strong support of today's commonsense resolution condemning the participation of terrorist organizations in the Palestinian elections. It is disappointing that Congress even needs to make this statement, yet time and time again, history has proven it is necessary. The Middle East peace process requires that the Palestinian Authority recognize the right of Israel to exist and that it reject the terrorism and violence that have plagued the region since the 1940s. It stands to reason that this requirement can only be met if the very organizations which threaten peace in the Middle East, such as Hamas and Islamic Jihad, are removed from the official political process. As it is, these organizations currently operate with little interference or admonition from the Palestinian Authority. Were they to become a part of the governing authority, the integrity of the Palestinian government would be compromised. Clearly, the Authority cannot condemn the anti-Israel and anti-American bias of the same groups of which it is comprised. Mr. Speaker, I encourage my colleagues to reaffirm their support for our strong ally, Israel, and to support this resolution.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4473, the Commodity Trading Commission Reauthorization Act. And I support the underlying bill, and I salute the chairman's efforts to reauthorize the CFTC. But I do have a little concern with the specific section of the bill dealing with natural gas price transparency. Title II of the bill contains new regulatory burdens on the trading of natural gas, such as future contracts, over-the-counter transactions and cash market purchases. While these provisions will place unwarranted and open-ended regulatory burdens on legitimate business activities, they will in no way reduce volatility or lower the price of natural gas. See, the Commission currently has full authority now to examine and oversee the futures market and to request complete trading information from any participant in the futures market if it suspects price manipulation is occurring. But the bill now, with that provision, would shift the regulatory intervention away from fraud manipulation to an undefined standard that is not based upon law but is based upon legitimate movements in natural gas prices. I would just urge the conferees, when this bill goes to conference, not to add any new missions to the responsibility and take away from the core responsibilities of the CFTC.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H. Res. 487, supporting the goals and ideals for Korean American Day. On January 13th, we will celebrate the 103rd Anniversary of Korean American Day. It was on that day, 103 years ago, that a boat carrying 102 Korean immigrants arrived in Hawaii. According to the 2000 census, there are now more than 1 million Korean Americans. Over that time, Korean Americans have made an untold number of contributions to American society. Whether in education, science, business, or the arts, Korean Americans have played and continue to play a vital role in shaping communities throughout New Jersey and the entire country. For instance, there are over 4,000 Korean Americans currently serving in our Armed Forces and a large number of them are deployed overseas keeping our nation safe from terrorism. Furthermore, Korean Americans own more than 135,500 businesses across the U.S., employing nearly 334,000 individuals and generating gross receipts and sales of $46 billion. Many of to day's Korean Americans came to this nation in the 1950s fleeing the war and poverty that followed the invasion of South Korea by North Korea. Today, that region continues to face threats to its overall security. I promise to continue to work with my colleagues and Korean officials to find a long term solution to the nuclear crisis on the Korean peninsula. Ensuring safety in the region and seeking a diplomatic resolution to the conflict are two of my top priorities. Korean American Day is an excellent opportunity for Americans to remember the many contributions that Korean Americans have made to our society and I urge all of my colleagues to support H. Res. 487, supporting the goals and ideals of Korean American Day.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H. Con. Res. 218, recognizing the centennial of sustained immigration from the Philippines to the United States and acknowledging the contributions of our Filipino-American community to our country over the last century. The United States and the Philippines have a relationship full of tradition and history and both countries have a shared commitment to global peace, security, and prosperity. Currently, there are over 2 million Filipino-Americans, the second largest Asian-American community in the U.S. These Filipino-Americans have made significant contributions in many areas including education, religion, business, labor, and the arts. Dating back to World War II, when the United States and the Philippines fought side by side against Japan in the Pacific, Filipino- Americans have served with dignity and bravery in the United States Armed Forces. Today, many Filipino-American soldiers are fighting overseas in Afghanistan and Iraq. The Philippines is working closely with the United States to win the global war on terror. Ongoing Philippines initiatives to improve and expand international counterterrorism cooperation encourage even better levels of communication between our two countries. I will continue to work with leaders in the Filipino-American community to ensure that relations between the United States and the Philippines continue to grow and prosper in the 21st Century. I urge all of my colleagues to support H. Con. Res. 218.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding achievements of Don DeGarmo, a senior at Newton High School. Mr. DeGarmo has received the General Spaatz Award. That is the Civil Air Patrol's highest cadet honor. In only 4 years, he has demonstrated excellence in leadership, character, fitness, and aerospace education. On average only two cadets in 1,000 ever receive this reward; and in over 40 years, only about 1,500 cadets have ever received it. I am confident that Mr. DeGarmo will continue to fulfill the Civil Air Patrol's mission, which is to serve America by performing Homeland Security and humanitarian missions for our communities, States, and Nation. Upon graduation, Mr. DeGarmo plans to enter the U.S. Air Force and continue his commitment to protecting our values and our freedoms. We owe a great deal of debt to young men such as he who will protect and preserve the United States of America. At his young age, he is already becoming a role model for future generations, and I come here today to commend him for his exceptional career.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for the time. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 438 today to once again demonstrate my strong resolute support for the State of Israel and all of our support for Israel, and its beleaguered people as well. When we think about it, it is really unfortunate that Congress has to get together and even make such a statement, but I believe that the circumstances and world politics necessitate that we do so. In addition to being one of the United States' closest allies, Israel is also the only truly fully functioning democracy in the Middle East. Yet, ever since 1948, when the world officially established the State of Israel and recognized its right to exist in the Middle East, the United Nations has shown an extraordinary bias against it. It is my hope that it would be clear to all the freedom-loving peoples in the world and all the peaceful nations throughout the world that such a sentiment is unwarranted. Israel has done no more than to promote religious and economic freedom and democratic principles to each of its citizens, and it has done so while enduring literally decades upon decades of violent attacks from many of its neighbors. The U.N.'s bias has only served, however, to embolden Israel's enemies and to promote an anti-Israel attitude. That body's record of lagging in promotion of Israeli ambassadors to leadership positions while turning basically a blind eye when condemnation of actions against Israel were warranted is just one of the reasons why the U.S. Congress cannot sit idly by and do nothing. As a cosponsor of H. Res. 438, I strongly encourage all of my colleagues to join in support of this resolution and also the next resolution, H. Res. 535, which honors the life and work of slain Israeli Prime Minister Yitzhak Rabin. Together, these resolutions demonstrate the contrast of peace and democracy versus the hatred and bias that has surrounded Israel and the United Nations' treatment of it over the years. I am hopeful that our united stand today will persuade the U.N., which has a history of inefficiency and corruption, to change its approach and its dealings with these issues. I thank the gentlewoman for this opportunity.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, Federal spending is just too high and basically it is in danger of spiraling out of complete control. But American families are really better off if they are able to keep more of their money to decide to spend it as they see their needs fit. But only when excesses and unnecessary spending are identified and eliminated will that happen. And that is really the responsibility of both sides of the aisle. The bill before us began with $34 billion in savings. We have another $15 billion roughly in savings on top of it. This will not fix our mandatory spending problems right away, but it is a first step in the right direction. Unfortunately, opponents on the other side of the aisle have been spreading lies about it when they say there are cuts in the Medicaid funding program. In fact, the reform program includes a 7 percent increase in spending for Medicaid. Programs like Medicaid simply cannot sustain themselves without any reform. No one can argue that Medicaid is a completely 100 percent efficient program. Reforms are necessary to protect the program and protect the services that are provided to the people who receive them. Right now, around 53 million Americans receive the benefits of this program. It is a State-Federal partnership. And unless reform is done now, we will see that program become disabled and cripple the States and eventually lead to bankruptcy. One area we see this is in prescription drugs. Time and time again, the Federal Government overpays for prescription drug benefits. And unless reform is made in this program, we will see that program crash as well. The other side has lied with regard to student loans as well. There are no cuts in the student loan program under this budget reform plan. That is another lie of the other side of the aisle. As the number of college students increases, the student loan program will grow as well. Under this bill, student financial aid will continue to increase as the number of kids in colleges increase. Financial aid actually goes up through increases in loan limits and reductions in origination fees.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the Middle Class Fairness Act and the AMT, the alternative minimum tax. This tax was put in place years ago to basically cover a small group of wealthy taxpayers who were avoiding paying their taxes. Unfortunately, now it extends far beyond its initial intent in recent years. Now the AMT is actually punishing families and homeowners and the very credits that are in the current tax law, those credits that encourage savings, education, marriage, homeownership; they are all under attack by the AMT. I am from the State of New Jersey. Our State has the highest percentage of people who are paying the AMT. Yet our State is the State with some of the highest taxes in the country. The solution to this problem? Well, it is relatively simple, two things: All we have to do is index the AMT, and, secondly, allow for the deductibility of taxes for those people who have to pay it. Reform is long overdue. The middle class deserves this reform in order to not any longer fall under the AMT.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Well, I thank my friend from Texas for those words. And I thank you also for your leadership and the opportunity to join you this evening as you continue the battle for reform. As we take up this critical matter of budget reform this week, I would ask my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to view this as a process not in terms of dollars and cents of savings and cuts, but more in the terms of what really is the proper role of the Federal Government. The Republican Party, I think, is the party that gives more credit to the American people than the other side of the aisle ever will. It is the philosophy of keeping government close to the citizens and Federal Government in its proper place that put the Republican Party in the majority several years ago and has kept it there now for the last 10 years. Yet, I feel at times that political control can cause us to lose hold of what our Founding Fathers initially thought that our role should be. But in forming any policy, as we discuss these issues, I think casting votes on the floor, the Constitution should be our guide, not simply the whims of the day. And so in any discussions on this, let me just bring us back to what one of our Founding Fathers of the Constitution told us back in Federalist 45 when he said, James Madison said: ``The powers delegated . . . to the Federal Government are few and Defined . . . The powers reserved to the several States will extend to all the objects which, in the ordinary course of affairs; concern the lives, liberties and properties of the people, and the internal order, improvement and prosperity of the State.'' If Mr. Madison was to join us here today, I would imagine that he would see very little difference between King George and London and today's bureaucrats here in Washington, D.C. when it comes to big government and meddling in local issues. Unfortunately, just as the Founders of the Constitution have long since passed, so have many of their principles which this system of government was set upon. And were they to return today to the halls of D.C. and Congress, they would see the government has grown out of all bounds. They would see a Federal judiciary that has traded judicial self- restraint for judicial activism, and they would find a wildly inefficient Federal bureaucracy. The framers saw the excesses of London and Versailles, the gross central powers, at the disposal of so few and at the expense of so many. The government conceived by Madison and others was designed specifically to resist such a fate. Now, Alexis de Tocqueville famously observed the greatest genius of libertarians, egalitarian of early America, was that it bore absolutely no resemblance whatsoever to his native France. Indeed, men like Madison and de Tocqueville might wander the Halls today and find striking similarities between the opulent and power-laden prerevolutionary Versailles. But short of storming the Bastille, I came to Congress in the 108th Congress convinced that something could be done, and we are working towards that endeavor today. We are working towards that endeavor in other fields as well, such as Congressional States and Community Rights Caucus to turn Congress back to the Constitution and the 10th amendment. Many of my colleagues and others inside the Beltway forget that State taxpayers and Federal taxpayers are not simply separate groups of people. Americans from all over the country send their money to Washington, only for Washington to lose some of it, waste some of it and spend some of it in ways that may not be best for all of us. Take my State of New Jersey: for every dollar in taxes my State of New Jersey sends down to Washington, we only get 54 cents back. That does not make much sense to me, nor to the citizens of my State. New Jerseyans would be better if they kept most of that money back home for their own self-control and projects. Mr. Speaker, to conclude, this week provides the House with an opportunity to help restore the vision of our Founders, the vision of Ronald Reagan. Yes, we must look out for the least among us. Yes, we must protect the key interests that cannot be dealt with at any other level, but just as the 10th amendment states clearly, and I quote, ``The powers not delegated to the United States by the Constitution, nor prohibited by and to the States, are reserved to the States respectively or to the people,'' all of us as elected representatives of the people. Mr. Speaker, I ask that Members of this House keep those words in mind as we go through this week, as we consider this legislation, and truly need it here in Washington D.C. and remember to return the power back to the people. Again, I commend the Member from Texas for his leadership in this endeavor.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I wish to bring attention and pay tribute to Sussex County, New Jersey, for their efforts to recognize the heroic feats of our region. In the historic downtown square of Newton, New Jersey, a 34-inch-diameter cast bell is engraved with the words ``Sussex County Veterans Memorial 2005.'' This memorial is long overdue, but truly represents the liberty, freedom and democracy our brave men and women in the armed forces have fought for. What better time to present this memorial than on the occasion when our Nation pays our respects to our defenders of liberty on Veterans Day. Defending our country by serving in the armed forces is one of the most commendable achievements and deserves our utmost gratitude and respect. America's armed forces have time and again fought to protect our homeland and bring freedom and prosperity to the entire world. We must never forget the sacrifices of these men and women and every effort must be made to ensure that our veterans and all they fought for are never forgotten. The Sussex County Veterans Memorial will remind all Americans of the monumental accomplishments our soldiers have made throughout history. They will be honored, admired and remembered forever. It is with extreme reverence that I offer my sincerest gratitude to the veterans of Sussex County, New Jersey.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I commend the Upper Greenwood Lake Volunteer Ambulance Corps in New Jersey's fifth Congressional district on 50 years of excellent service to our community. Located in West Milford in northern New Jersey, this brave group of selfless residents has been saving lives since being founded on June 2, 1955. A great community effort, the Upper Greenwood Lake Volunteer Ambulance Corps was started with the assistance of a weekend resident and a loan from a local business owner. Residents helped maintain the first ambulance, a 1947 Cadillac, and cleared the land for the headquarters with assistance from local business. Today, volunteers spend countless hours training in life-saving and learning how to use advanced equipment. Volunteers also raise money to defer the costs of ambulance care for needy residents, For their great dedication to the cause of saving lives, I praise the Upper Greenwood Lake Volunteer Ambulance Corps and wish them another 50 years and beyond of outstanding response to medical emergencies.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, today I honor Lance Corporal Brian Parrello, a heroic young man from my district who died while bravely serving his country in Iraq. I am proud that this week we will name the United States Post Office in his hometown of West Milford, New Jersey after Brian, the very post office where his father has spent many years working for the Postal Service. On January 1 of this year, Lance Cpl. Brian P. Parrella, 19, of West Milford, N.J. was killed in Al Anbar Province, Iraq as a result of hostile fire. Lance Cpl. Parrello was assigned to Small Craft Company, Headquarters Battalion, 2nd Marine Division, II Marine Expeditionary Force, Camp Lejeune, N.C. Parrella was attached to a Marine Swift Boat unit that patrolled the Tigris and Euphrates rivers. A resident of West Milford, New Jersey, Parrello attended West Milford High School where he was a member of both the football and hockey teams. Following high school, he was so deeply affected by the attack on the World Trade Center and Pentagon that he proudly enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps. His teachers, coaches and peers have called him a real leader and a role model, someone who always gave 150 percent, and a person who led by example with a big heart. This loss causes us to reflect on the bravery demonstrated by our men and women in uniform as they carry out their obligations in the face of danger. When their Nation called them to duty to preserve freedom and the security of our neighbors, they answered without hesitation. Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere privilege to recognize the life of a proud soldier and heroic representative of the State of New Jersey. Lance Cpl. Brian P. Parrella was an honorable defender of liberty and he deserves our gratitude and respect. I am pleased that we could recognize Brian's sacrifice in this manner and I hope that years from now the citizens of West Milford can remember the courage and sacrifice of this brave young man. We will continue to keep Brian's family and the families of all our men and women serving around the world in our thoughts and prayers.

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey

Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to condemn the venomous words spewed by Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad towards one of America's closest allies and a true companion in the War on Terrorism, Israel. Yesterday's statement by President Ahmadinejad confirms his country's station among the most radical and dangerous in the world. It is the sort of hate espoused by Mr. Ahmadinejad, cheered unwittingly by a crowd of impressionable children, that breeds new terrorists among Islamic youth. Israel has been a unwavering companion of the United States. America must stand behind them as they face such invective, and we must remain as steadfastly committed to Israel's defense and independence. As the process moves forward to promote peace between Israel and their Arab neighbors, this declaration by the Iranian leader potentially takes us two steps backwards. I call on any citizen of Iran who is peaceful and freedom loving, to reject the sentiments of their close-minded and hateful leader. I urge the State of Israel to trust that when the rhetorical smoke of their enemies clears, the United States will, as always, be standing strong as a proud ally.