Sam Johnson

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, congratulations are in order for International Truck and Engine of Garland, TX. Our forces in Iraq will soon be using 270 of International Truck and Engine's tanker trucks. It is an honor and a privilege to represent the numerous employees at International Truck and Engine who helped build these trucks that will soon be helping our troops. In Iraq, these trucks will be outfitted to transport water across the country, providing a valuable resource for not only our troops on the ground, but for the Iraqi people. With the addition of these 270 trucks to our forces, Iraq's infrastructure will be stronger and more efficient. In addition to the tanker trucks, ITE unveiled its new monster pickup, the CXT, last month at its factory in Garland. The CXT is the world's largest production pickup, weighing a whopping 14,500 pounds and being able to tow 20 tons. The CXT definitely brings new meaning to the phrase ``everything is bigger in Texas.'' Many would say that International Truck and Engine is raising the bar among vehicle manufacturers. That's because they are. ITE provides a great service to the people of this country and to the people of Iraq. Congratulations again, and thank you, to International Truck and Engine and the people of Garland, TX.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, congratulations are in order for Texas Instruments. For the Ninth Year in a Row--Working Mother magazine has named Texas Instruments a best place to work. It's an honor to represent the numerous employees at Texas Instruments who helped make this achievement possible. Some would consider Texas Instruments a trailblazer in the workplace when it comes to family issues. That's because they are. In the early 1990's, a small team of employees concerned about work and family issues created the Texas Instruments Work/Life Strategy; an endeavor that has helped shape the company's culture through changing times with outstanding results. TI champions talented and ambitious women throughout the organization. TI has a number of very active Women's Initiatives that offer a range of speakers and programs to help women achieve their full potential in their careers at TI. Since 1989 representation of women in management job grades has increased over 450 percent. New mothers receive eight weeks of paid maternity leave at TI, and they have a built-in support network when they return to the job. TI employees can find help and advice with work and personal issues through the LifeWorks resource and referral service. And a Corporate Concierge service can help with everything from party planning, to locating hard-to-find gifts. TI employees receive discounts at child care centers and have access to back-up care and care for sick children. TI offers a flexible work environment allowing employees the opportunity to effectively manage their work/life challenges. Is it any wonder that Texas Instruments is recognized globally as a great place to work--by employees and third parties alike? Congratulations, and I salute all the people at TI who helped make this accomplishment a reality.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, thanks to the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) we have worked for 3 years on this legislation, and I want to thank and congratulate Chairman Thomas for making it a reality. This bill strikes the right tone in repeal and replacement of the FSC-ETI benefit. And while I have disagreed with the premise of changing how we tax Americans just to comply with the whims of some Frenchmen or Europeans, this bill will make American companies more competitive in the global market. Our businesses will be able to export more from the United States and will be more competitive in foreign lands. I am glad this bill will reinstate the sales tax deduction for Texans that the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady) was ensured to get in here. Residents of other States have been able to deduct their State's income taxes, but now residents of Texas and six other States can deduct sales tax, an important fairness issue for all constituents. I want to also thank Chairman Thomas and his staff for working with me on a number of other provisions to get these items perfected. Now that this bill is behind us, I look forward to working on fundamental tax reform next year, and I encourage my colleagues to vote for this bill.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the marriage protection amendment. It is sad even having this debate. Amending the Constitution, we all agree, should only be considered in the rarest of circumstances. However, we are being forced to. What makes America strong is the American family. What makes American families strong is marriage. This bill reinforces what marriage has meant since our country's founding. Simply stated, marriage consists of one man and one woman. The primary responsibility of marriage in the family is parenting. Children need a father. They need a mother for healthy and proper development. Men and women were created to complement each other, and that is most obvious in successful parenting. Congress cannot allow unelected judges to redefine marriage and the American family, and that is why we are here today. We have got to put the decision about marriage back into the hands of the American people. The people of Texas have spoken loud and clear. Texas passed a law which recognizes marriage between a man and a woman, regardless of what the other States might do. Citizens of the Lone Star State do not want people from other States telling them how to live, and they definitely do not want some judge telling them what marriage is. Back home, we have a popular slogan, ``Don't mess with Texas.'' Well, I have got one for this debate, ``Don't mess with marriage.''

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the DC Personal Protection Act. This commonsense legislation will restore the constitutional right of DC citizens to lawfully protect themselves and their families from criminals. The simple fact is that Washington, DC is one of the most dangerous cities in America. Year after year, Washington, DC, is in the running for the disgraceful title of ``the murder capital of the United States.'' FBI statistics released last year reveal that Washington, DC, has the highest per capita homicide rate of any big city in America. Ironically Washington, DC, has the toughest gun control laws of any city in the Nation. In 1976 the City Council banned handguns and required rifles and shotguns to be registered and stored disassembled. What's really sad is that prior to the DC gun ban, the city's homicide rate was on the decline. However in the 15 years between 1976 and 1991, the District's homicide rate skyrocketed 200 percent while the national homicide rate rose just 12 percent. And as of 2002, DC's homicide rate was almost double the rate from when the gun ban took effect--nearly five times higher than the national average. When will we learn that gun control does not make the public safer? Criminals ignore gun bans while good citizens abide by them. That's a recipe for disaster, just as we've seen in our Nation's capital. For the sake of our constitutional right to bear arms and for the safety of law abiding DC citizens and their families, support this bill.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Working Families Tax Relief Act. When President Bush signs it into law, we will have accomplished another round of tax cuts--this one worth $146 billion--with more than $130 billion directed to families. Hard working American families will be able to spend or save this money based on their priorities rather than the U.S. Government spending it. This new law will keep thousands of families from falling into the Alternative Minimum Tax system. The AMT exemption will remain at $58,000 for married couples for 1 more year. This modest AMT relief is scored at a whopping $23 billion to extend for just 1 more year. This huge revenue effect, for just a 1-year ``hold harmless,'' is a good indication of the looming problem of the AMT. In 2008, the AMT is going to begin collecting more than the underlying income tax system. This means that in 2008 it will be cheaper for Congress to repeal the entire Tax Code than it will be to repeal the AMT. We will either achieve fundamental tax reform during the 109th Congress or it will be done to us when AMT imposes its version of the ``flat tax reform'' at 28 percent on millions of American families. I look forward to this debate on fundamental tax reform. I am also pleased that we are able to take care of one additional piece of legislative ``housekeeping'' by extending some very important expiring provisions. In particular, I am glad that we are providing a seamless extension of the research and experiment tax credit and the tax rules regarding Archer Medical Saving Accounts. It is important for American competitiveness, and particularly for my high-tech home State of Texas, that the research and experiment credit is extended. Foreign governments give generous outright subsidies to businesses for locating these high-valued-added jobs in their countries. We need to provide this modest tax break to businesses for them to remain competitive in global markets and to encourage them to keep these jobs here in America. I urge my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this week we will vote on keeping ``one Nation under God'' in the Pledge of Allegiance. The Pledge is under attack, and activists are using wayward judges to chip away at this time-honored tradition. Our national motto is ``In God We Trust.'' In Texas the people have already spoken. Starting last year, all school districts require students to recite the Pledge to the United States and Texas flags daily. The bill we have on the floor today is essential to ensuring that the will of the people of Texas is not circumvented by some unelected judge in another State. For the sake of our country's morale and heritage, we must keep ``under God'' in the Pledge. I will just close with God bless America.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on Saturday, September 25th a dinner gala will take place in Arlington, TX honoring the WallBuilders organization. I rise today to recognize WallBuilders and its valuable contributions to our great country. WallBuilders is a national pro-family organization which distributes historical, legal, and statistical information that encourages people become active in their local schools and communities. WallBuilders has been a renowned resource for educating Americans of their rich faith based heritage since 1989 when David and Cheryl Barton founded the organization. Since then, WallBuilders has produced numerous works and award-winning videos applying the lessons of our national history to contemporary issues. WallBuilders derives its name from the Old Testament book of Nehemiah, when the nation of Israel rallied together to help rebuild the walls of Jerusalem. Sadly, the moral foundations of America have been severely shaken. As the English Statesmen Edmund Burke said, ``All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing.'' Thankfully WallBuilders, under the steady leadership of David Barton, is doing something. The dedication and devotion to the constitutional, moral, and religious foundation on which America was built remains essential for a return to original intent. I believe that a public understanding of our founding principles is vital to the continuity of our Republic. The reach of WallBuilders extends far beyond the Texas borders. For example, David Barton's message of faith and hope impacted Congressman Scott Garrett of New Jersey and his wife. At a recent event discussing his personal life, Garrett mentioned how David Barton touched his heart and changed his life. Now that's not something you hear about every day on Capitol Hill. We Americans share a noble past. The blood of our ancestors has given us freedom and independence. I join WallBuilders and all those attending the dinner gala in celebrating God's gift of liberty. May our resolve for defending it only be strengthened. God bless America. God bless WallBuilders. I salute you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, this debate is about freedom. Participants in the Federal Employee Health Benefit Program are armed with the ability to leave any given plan at the end of the year if they aren't satisfied with the care, customer service or cost of their coverage. And that choice is what creates the incentive for health plans to offer good plans. Ms. Norton's amendment would bind employees who choose high- deductible plans to a three-year commitment, for fear of something called ``adverse selection.'' And you know what, that's a valid concern. But it is a concern that has already been addressed by the Office of Personnel and Management--the folks who run our F.E.H.B.P. The O.P.M. has vowed to keep premiums for standard plans and high- deductible plans very close to each other--maybe the difference of a dollar or two. So employees will not be choosing HSA's because of their lower premium. And as long as that's the case, there is no need to lock them into a three-year contract. That completely undermines the foundation of the program: Choice!! Last week we debated whether Federal employees deserve the option of HSA's and the House vote said that they do--let's give them that option without any strings attached--I urge a no vote.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I rise today to oppose the amendment by the Representative from Vermont. The gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Boehner) and I are working on legislation to reform the pension system, and this ill-timed amendment will undermine our efforts. I ask my colleagues to refrain from using the appropriations process to undermine our comprehensive reform efforts in the committee of jurisdiction. The various sponsors of this amendment have had a problem with the conversion of the IBM pension plan 5 years ago. Despite the fact that IBM gave its employees everything they were asking for, the sponsors of this amendment now want to continue pushing this issue past its logical conclusion. They now want to enshrine in law a flawed court case. The court case essentially found that the time value of money is age discriminatory. An example might explain this crazy logic. Let us say a 25-year-old and a 52-year-old were hired on the same day to do the same job at the same pay. Their company would make an equal contribution to each employee's pension account. The Cooper case found that the equal pension contribution is age discriminatory. Why? Because the 52 year old has less time to accumulate interest before retiring. Yes, the logic of the case is that interest or the time value of money is age discriminatory. It is flawed logic, and it has been found to be flawed in every other court that has reviewed this issue. Thousands of cash balance pension plans cover millions of Americans. To the extent that the flawed logic of this amendment is given any support in Congress, it will undermine pension plans. Given the growing reluctance of businesses to sponsor traditional defined benefit pension plans, this amendment is just one more reason for companies to walk away from this type of pension and our constituents who need them. We need to oppose this flawed amendment.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I could not agree with the chairman more. This amendment provides us with an interesting twist on the norm. Usually, when we talk about Federal employees' health benefits, we hear arguments that other people deserve the benefits that Federal employees enjoy. Is it that you do not want the employees to enjoy the benefits that we are trying to get for the general public? In today's debate, the landscape is different. I am astounded that the gentleman from Virginia is keeping something that the public enjoys out of the Federal system. He is telling us that HSAs are good enough for the American public, but not good enough for Federal employees. I do not buy that. Let us take a look at the facts. HSAs put consumers back in the driver's seat. And Federal employees deserve that choice as well. A high-deductible plan means lower premiums, and lower premiums mean more cash to put away in an account to save for medical expenses as they arise. And contrary to critics' claims that HSAs are untested, HSAs have seen astonishing success since their enactment in the Medicare bill. Tens of thousands of people have opened accounts. A host of insurers are offering plans, including Aetna, Cigna, and Assurant. HSAs have reduced the number of uninsured Americans, are working for people and their families from all backgrounds and ages. And, quite frankly, they belong in the Federal employee health benefit plan. I think that we need to make all America equal; and, therefore, we should reject this amendment.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, last month, Carly Patterson captured the gold medal and the hearts of the world when she won the all-around competition in gymnastics. Her come-from-behind victory will always have a place in the all-time best moments in the Athens Olympics. It is a tremendous honor to recognize America's sweetheart for her hard work. Carly also won a silver medal in the team competition and an individual silver in the balance beam. Just this past weekend, Allen, Texas, gave her a hero's welcome-back parade. Thousands lined the street to congratulate her on a job well done. Carly Patterson is a shining example for America to countless young people about all that you can accomplish when you put your mind to it. Carly made Allen and America proud with her good sportsmanship and her heart of a champion. Great job, Carly Patterson. We are proud of you. God bless you. We all salute you.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution by Mr. English that would direct the President to report to Congress on the progress he is making at the WTO to ensure other nations do not dictate the American tax system. We have had a long debate over the repeal of the FSC-ETI tax rules because the WTO determined that tax system to be an ``illegal export subsidy.'' I disagree with this characterization and have worked hard to find an acceptable alternative tax system. In the trade act of 2002 we directed the President to begin these discussions and I want to see some results soon or at least, as this resolution calls for, to hear a report on the status of those efforts. The ``ways and means'' of taxing Americans is primarily within the jurisdiction of this body of Congress and should not be forced on us by a few foreign bureaucrats based in Brussels.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill. Having spent nearly seven years in Vietnam as a prisoner of war, I have more than a passing interest in our relations with this country. The simple fact is that we're dealing with a communist government whose human rights record is abhorrent at best. As you know, during the Vietnam war the indigenous Montagnard people were strong allies of America. Now, in the central highlands of Vietnam, the Montagnards are facing arrest, beatings, torture and even murder at the hands of Vietnamese so called security forces. Churches have been destroyed and over the past 2 years human rights watch has documented numerous incidents where authorities conduct mass ceremonies forcing Montagnards to renounce Christianity, sometimes while drinking sacrificed animal's blood. Today in Vietnam the Montagnard's ancestral homelands are currently sealed off from international observers as secret police enforce a campaign to crush the spread of Christianity. Amnesty International has documented hundreds of political prisoners and even killings of Montagnard refugees who have tried fleeing to Cambodia. In fact, the Vietnamese/Cambodian border is patrolled by soldiers, where Cambodian authorities hunt down and ``sell'' refugees to Vietnamese police for bounties. This sounds like something we would read about in history books, not in the year 2004. This Congress cannot idly stand by. Civilized nations do not deal with barbarians. We must ensure that our aid isn't going to the communist thugs in Hanoi. Support this bill.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, today a House committee is going to take up a bill intended to protect traditional marriage from activist Federal judges. Ultimately, I believe, a constitutional amendment is going to be necessary to ensure the American people are in charge of defining marriage. This bill marks an important step in the right direction. We have received hundreds of calls from the people of the Third District of Texas. They are hopping mad at States like Massachusetts whose recognition of same-sex marriages could threaten the time-honored institution of marriage in the Lone Star State. Let the record show that I am a strong supporter of the traditional family, and that is one headed by a man and a woman. To protect the values of our great Nation, I hope we see floor action on this issue next week.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall vote No. 338 I voted ``nay.'' It was my intention to vote ``yea.'' Therefore, I ask unanimous consent that this be noted in the Congressional Record.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote, and pending that, I make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LaHood).

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment. The Chairman. The Clerk will designate the amendment.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. My amendment is pretty simple. It expresses the sense of Congress that the apprehension, detention, and legal interrogation of terrorists is imperative to winning the war on terrorism and stopping the barbarians. The terrorist thugs that we are fighting today are well-organized, well-financed forces who have publicly declared war on the United States of America and the Free World. They have a global network of hide-outs and cells, set up solely to wage war on the United States and kill innocent American citizens. They have carried out attack after attack on Americans. They attacked the USS Cole. They attacked our barracks. They attacked our embassies, and we will always remember the highly coordinated attacks of September 11 on our own land. This Congress has authorized the President to use all necessary and appropriate means to defeat terrorism. On numerous occasions since September 11 and throughout the global war on terror, the interrogation of detainees has yielded valuable intelligence. This intelligence has saved the lives of American military personnel and American citizens at home and abroad. The interrogation of detainees has also provided highly valuable insights into the structure of terrorist organizations and their target selection process and the identities of key operational and logistical personnel who were previously unknown. The reported abuses against detainees at the Abu Ghraib prison in Iraq has led some to question our interrogation policy. Make no mistake. What happened at Abu Ghraib was not part of U.S. policy, not keeping with the finest traditions of the United States military. The careers of those people are over. They are being punished. However, the deplorable actions of some should not jeopardize the use of interrogation by our armed services, and we should not let it tarnish the sterling representation of our military. The loss of interrogation-derived information would have a disastrous effect on our Nation's intelligence, collection and counterterrorism efforts. It would constitute a damaging reversal in the global war on terror at this critical time. Support this amendment for the safety of our troops for Americans all over the globe, and for the war on terror. It is imperative that lawful interrogation of detainees continue, and this Congress ought to support it. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I have a parliamentary inquiry.

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, even though our soldiers have been indicted and the President has released all his records, I would like to know if we can compare the votes of those who voted for against those who voted against. Point of Order

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, even though the President has released all his records, I would like to ask, would we be able to compare the votes of those who voted for and those who vote against now? Point of Order

Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas. Mr. Speaker, can we take a look and compare the votes of those who voted for the amendment the first time against those who voted for the amendment the second time?