Walter Jones

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. I yield to the gentleman from Alabama.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I come back to the floor after several weeks of not being on the floor to talk about our men and women in uniform that are on food stamps. This photograph is of a Marine that is getting ready to deploy for the Balkans. In his arms he has his daughter, Bridgett, and on his feet is a little 2-year-old girl named Megan. Mr. Speaker, we have done a great deal to help our men and women in uniform in the 6 years I have been here in office as we have tried to increase their pay, to improve their quality of life, and we have made some great strides. But, Mr. Speaker, the problem is, we still have men and women in uniform that are on food stamps. Mr. Speaker, I feel, as do most Members of this House, that anybody that is willing to die for this country when called upon to protect our freedoms, they should not be under any circumstances on food stamps. I felt somewhat compelled after July 4th, being home, and, like most Members here, I went to several parades, and at a couple of these parades the Marine Band was there and the Honor Guard, and I saw those Marines in their dress blues, and it just reminded me, not just of Marines, but any man or woman in uniform, whether it be the Army, the Navy, the Marine Corps, the Air Force or the Coast Guard, that we would have those in uniform that are on food stamps. Here we are this week, again we will be debating another foreign operations bill, yet we find millions of dollars to send overseas. I know there is a need to have foreign aid, I am not saying that we should not be, but I think we do have an obligation to protect those in uniform first, those that are on food stamps. Quite frankly, I am quoting Daniel Webster who said, ``God grants liberty to those who love it and are willing and prepared to defend it.'' Mr. Speaker, we are fortunate to have the men and women in uniform that we have in the Armed Services of America, but, yet, again, I came to the floor because we have a bill that I introduced a year ago, H.R. 1055, that would help our men and women in uniform. I have over 100 signatures, Mr. Speaker, and that is both Republican and Democrat, and I continue to encourage my leadership, as I hope that Democrats who have signed this bill are encouraging their leadership, to say that we will not leave this year in October without helping those on food stamps, to do the very best to make sure that we have no one in uniform on food stamps. That might be somewhat idealistic, but I think it is worthy of our efforts to do that, to make sure that they are not on food stamps. I want to share with you, because I have military bases, Camp Lejeune in Jacksonville, Cherry Point Marine Air Station in Havelock, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base in Goldsboro, and also a Coast Guard base in Elizabeth City. Recently the Jacksonville paper, which is the home of Camp Lejeune, they did a feature on men and women in uniform that are at the bottom of the ladder, so-to-speak, as it speaks to their income, and this article said that there are 145 Marine families in Camp Lejeune, which again is in Jacksonville, that receive a total of $25,000 a month in food stamps. I ask this, Mr. Speaker, that if we have 145 that are identified that go to the social services for food stamps, how many do we have in that area that are not going because of pride or because of some other reason? So, again, I am encouraging our leadership this year, Mr. Speaker, before we leave in October, to please, let us work together in a bipartisan way to make sure that when we leave, that no one is dependent on food stamps in the military. Mr. Speaker, I would like to close with a poem that I think is very appropriate for all of us in the Congress, as well as anyone in this country that maybe has not served in the military, to remember that the freedoms that we enjoy are guaranteed by those in uniform. The poem was written by Father Dennis O'Brien, United States Marine Corps. ``Who has given us freedom of the press? It is the soldier, not the poet. Who has given us freedom of speech? It is the soldier, not the campus organizer. Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate? It is the soldier, Who salutes the flag, Who serves beneath the flag, Whose coffin is draped by the flag, Who allows the protester to burn the flag.'' Mr. Speaker, I close with that, because, again, I want to remind the Members of the United States House of Representatives that we do have over 6,000 men and women in uniform which are on food stamps, and I would hope we would do everything possible to make sure when we leave again in October that we have very few in the military on food stamps.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month I was in New Orleans as the city was preparing to celebrate the 56th anniversary of D-Day and the opening of the national D-Day museum. The event brought together thousands of World War II veterans and attracted even more to pay tribute to the soldiers, sailors, airmen and marines who risked and far too often gave their lives to protect the freedoms that you and I enjoy every day. These brave Americans make up what is called ``the greatest generation.'' Many of them are our parents and grandparents, husbands and wives, who endured through often unthinkable circumstances to build the United States of America into what it is today. Mr. Speaker, Daniel Webster once said, ``God grants liberty to those who love it and are always willing and prepared to defend it.'' Unfortunately, the cost of our liberty has not come easy. Throughout our Nation's history, brave men and women have sacrificed their lives in order to defend and protect the principles this Nation was founded upon. Together, they have ensured the strength of this Nation. Mr. Speaker, I am proud and honored to represent a district with a strong military presence, both active and retired. The Third District of North Carolina is home to Marine Corps Base Camp Lejuene, Air Station Cherry Point and New River, Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, and the Elizabeth City Coast Guard Station. In addition, Eastern North Carolina is home to 77,000 retired veterans and nearly 13,000 retired military. While each individual can provide a unique perspective and account of their service, I would like to take time today to pay tribute to a gentleman whose service during World War II is worthy of recognition. Technical Sergeant James Cameron, Jr., was a navigator-bombardier during the Second World War. His remarkable military record both in combat and in peace represents that of many citizens who answered their call to duty and accepted the highest responsibility to preserve peace and freedom both here and abroad. Although regrettably 25 years after his death, Tech Sergeant Cameron was finally rewarded for his service. Earlier this year at Camp Lejuene Marine Corps in Jacksonville, North Carolina, Tech Sergeant Cameron's wife was part of a ceremony to honor her late husband's valiant service to this country. On behalf of her husband, Ms. Cameron received eight air medals. He is also eligible for two Distinguished Flying Crosses which are forthcoming. Technical Sergeant Cameron has also been awarded the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal with one Bronze Star, the World War II Victory Medal, the American Campaign Medal, and the Air Medal with two gold stars and one silver star. Mr. Speaker, James Cameron enlisted in the Marine Corps in November of 1942 at the age of 22. After attending the Navy Air Training Center in Jacksonville, Florida and the navigation-bombardier school at Quantico, he joined the 423rd bombing squadron at Cherry Point. He has served his country at war in the Southwest Pacific region from February 1944 to March 1945. His B-25 crew flew more than 50 combat missions, bombing targets in New Britain and New Ireland. In 1944, his crew was on a crack bomber mission that was raiding Japanese positions when they were caught in the midst of heavy crossfire and were shot down. To survive, the crew was forced to spend 10 hours on a life raft, averting enemy fire, before finally being rescued. Before this mission, Tech Sergeant Cameron and four combat air crewmen helped rescue a downed flyer in the sea off Green Island. Mr. Cameron helped secure a five-man raft and carried it down a 75-foot cliff in order to rescue the pilot. For his brave assistance, he received the Navy and Marine Corps medal for heroism. On October 2, 1945, Technical Sergeant Cameron was honorably discharged from the Marines. His dedication to his country can only be matched by his dedication to his family. James Cameron married his wife Elizabeth on September 27, 1941. Together they have three sons, James, Bruce and Doug. After leaving the service, Mr. Cameron served as a mounted policeman in New York City where he helped to train horses and taught other officers to ride horses. He retired from the police force at the rank of sergeant. Mr. Speaker, Technical Sergeant Cameron died on September 15, 1975 after a long battle with cancer. But today we celebrate and honor his life and his dedication to preserve peace and freedom for all Americans. In closing, I want to share a quote from one of the Founding Fathers of this country, Gouveneur Morris, who once said, ``I anticipate the day when to command respect in the most remotest regions it will be sufficient to say, `I am an American.' '' Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Tech Sergeant Cameron and all United States veterans for their heroic courage in the name of freedom. Yes, Mr. Speaker, we are free but it is because of the sacrifice made by many men and women to defend the freedom of this country.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to extending PNTR for China. I want to start by quoting Bill Safire who wrote in his column on May 18 in The New York Times: I confess to writing speeches for Richard Nixon assuring conservatives that trade with China would lead to the evolution of democratic principles in Beijing. I further quote Mr. Safire: But we've been trading for 30 years now, financing its military-industrial base, enabling it to buy M-11 missiles from the Russians and advanced computer technology from us. Mr. Speaker, the United States has tried for more than three decades to build a relationship with China and to foster democratic values in the communist nation. In 1995, we extended most favored nation status to China if China would agree to stop its abusive human rights practices and stop exporting nuclear technology. The very next year, the CIA reported that China was the greatest supplier of weapons-of- mass-destruction-related goods and technology to foreign countries. Despite repeated promises that trade would make China more free, it has failed to end its long and established history of human rights abuses like forced abortion and sterilization. Years of maintaining the lax policy of constructive engagement with China have proven dangerous. As the Rumsfield Commission found in 1998, China's proliferation of ballistic missiles and other weapons of mass destruction threatens the security of the United States. When China steals technology and sells it to our enemies, steals our nuclear secrets and tries to influence our election process, how can we grant PNTR for China? Extending normal trade relations status to China impacts more than the economy, Mr. Speaker. It takes away our economic leverage with a Communist country, and it stands to affect the security of each and every American citizen. I close by repeating William Safire: We've been trading for 30 years now, financing its military-industrial base, enabling it to buy M-11 missiles from the Russians and advanced computer technology from us. Mr. Speaker, until China can prove to the people of America that it can be trusted, we should not pass PNTR for China.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Comprehensive Budget Process Reform Act and I thank Congressman Nussle for bringing this important budgetary reform to the floor. I also came to the floor this afternoon in support of an Amendment that my colleagues, Representatives Dreier, Luther, Regula, and Hall will be debating shortly that would provide for a two-year federal budget process. Mr. Chairman, like many of my friends on both sides of the aisle, I served in the state legislature before my election to the House in 1994. The North Carolina General Assembly, like many other states, operates under a two-year, biennial budget process. That is what brings me to the floor today. Like many of my colleagues, I am frustrated with the annual budget system. We spend months of every year debating the same issues. That leaves very little time for Members to explore many of the issues that directly affect the citizens of this nation. A biennial budget would allow Members to devote the first session of any Congress to the budget resolution and appropriations decisions. The second session would be dedicated to program oversight in order to help eliminate wasteful government spending. This process would provide Congress time to better address issues of important national interest, like the state of our military readiness, how to protect our nation's seniors and improve the current health care system, and how to best provide an effective safety net for our nation's farmers. A biennial budget would also allow Congress to better manage unforeseen emergency budget situations that face our nation like the forest fires New Mexico is currently battling, or the hurricanes that have devastated North Carolina's coastline for the last few years. When hurricanes have hit North Carolina, the General Assembly has been able to successfully help the State meet its unmet needs without creating undue hardship on the State or on our communities. Mr. Chairman, Congress has a constitutional responsibility to oversee government spending and to improve the way government works. When we dedicate such a significant amount of time each year to appropriate funds for government programs, we lose out on needed opportunities to evaluate the performance of those programs and make necessary changes. A biennial budget would allow a full year of oversight to determine what is working and what is not so that the appropriations process can move more smoothly and the government can run more efficiently and effectively. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support the Comprehensive Budget Process reform. I also hope my colleagues will join me in voting for the biennial budget amendment to ensure American taxpayer dollars are being spent wisely.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this Taylor amendment, and I must say I have enjoyed this debate. I have great respect for the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer) and great respect for the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Taylor) because what we are all trying to do is to do what is right for our retirees. I have 12,000 retirees in my district, the Third District of North Carolina, and I have to say that the first thing on their mind is health care; secondly is will they have adequate health care when they get to be 65. They also say to me that we here all seem to be able to send $13 billion to Kosovo, and they want to know why we cannot help them with their health care. So I am delighted that we are having this debate today because it is extremely important, and this Taylor amendment will help our retirees understand that we are willing to do what is necessary. I commend the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Buyer), and I think that his plan is good, but I think this plan is much better because what we are saying to those retirees is we are going to make an investment. It is my understanding that 5 years of the Taylor plan would cost $250 million. That is my understanding. If I am wrong a few million dollars, still look at what we are spending in Kosovo. We can find the money to help these retirees, and I think, quite frankly, Mr. Chairman, that those of us who have the privilege to serve I hope will look seriously at supporting the Taylor amendment tonight. We are saying to our retirees that we are willing to roll up our sleeves, we are willing to do what is necessary to give them the health care that they deserve and that they need when they hit 65.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, the anniversary of the Columbine shooting has been the focus of media attention the last few years. It has been difficult during this time not to be reminded of the two young men who devastated a small Colorado town and the entire Nation with violence. The picture of these young killers has been ingrained in many of our minds when we think about today's youth. This is an image that the media continues to foster, and one that I personally find unfortunate. While I recognize that we do live in a violent society, I also note that there are bright young men and women in every Congressional District across this country who are working to become active and productive members of society. Tonight, I am proud to tell my colleagues about one such individual from my district, the Third District of North Carolina. I recently attended the Annual Recognition Banquet of the East Carolina Council of the Boy Scouts of America. I had the honor of presenting a very special award to a young man whose bravery and courage in the face of danger should serve as an inspiration to us all. When I presented Bert his award, I could see the justified pride in his parents, Vern and Jessica Snyder's, eyes, as well as in the eyes of his scout leaders and his fellow boy scouts. Bert Snyder is a student at Rose High School in Greenville, North Carolina. On May 10 of last year Bert and his friend, Rice Godwin, were driving home from school when they encountered a multi-car accident at an intersection near the high school. The two young men stopped their car at a local convenience store and ran to the scene of the accident. It was evident, as they approached the accident, that one of the drivers involved had suffered a severe injury to her arm and her knee. The passenger in the car had sustained a head injury and appeared to be in a state of unconsciousness. By the time Bert arrived on the scene, as many as 30 people had already gathered, but, Mr. Speaker, nobody was making an effort to assist the victims. Bert stepped in and ordered a fellow student to call 911. He then assisted the female victim by providing comfort and assurance to help prevent her from going into shock. When he noticed that she was losing a significant amount of blood from the injury to her arm, he removed his own shirt and applied pressure to the site. Bert continued his efforts to stop the bleeding even after firemen arrived at the scene. Only when rescue personnel with the EMS unit arrived did Bert break from his efforts. Mr. Speaker, Bert Snyder placed himself in a potentially unknown and threatening situation to help someone in need. When onlookers did not take action, he stepped in and offered reassurance and emergency assistance. Mr. Speaker, I do not know, as an adult, if I would have been prepared enough or secure enough in my abilities to assist in a similar emergency situation with the same confidence and assertiveness as Bert. As a result of his courage and bravery, Bert was honored with the National Heroism Award at the award ceremony. The award was presented to Bert on the recommendation of the National Court of Honor because he demonstrated heroism and skill in saving or attempting to save a life at risk to self. Mr. Speaker, it was an honor for me to present Bert with this important recognition. It was also a joy to attend the awards banquet and to be reminded of the number of young men and women who are working with organizations like the Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts to gain the values and leadership skills that will help lead this country into our future. Too often these bright young people do not receive the media attention they deserve. Mr. Speaker, I want to take this opportunity to thank Bert Snyder for his courage and his commitment to his fellow man. Bert exemplifies the young men and women in our society who have the character and leadership skills to lead this country and tomorrow's future. I want Bert to know how proud I am to have the opportunity to represent him and his family in the House of Representatives and to share his important story with this Nation. Bert Snyder is a member of today's youth who can make us all proud. I applaud his efforts and the efforts of every young person today who is working to make a difference within their communities. Bert Snyder, America's future is bright because of young people like you throughout this Nation. We thank you for your courage.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, as my colleagues know, for several weeks, I have been coming down to the floor talking about our men and women in uniform that are on food stamps. Quite frankly, it has been a couple of weeks. I brought tonight, as I have each and every night, the Marine who is getting ready to deploy for Bosnia. On his feet is his little girl named Magan. In his arms, he has a baby named Bridgette. It so happens, on April 14, as my colleagues know, the Congress had closed for Easter. I was asked, along with the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. McIntyre), to attend a memorial service at New River Marine Air Station, as four Marines were among 19 Marines that were killed in the V-22 helicopter accident in Arizona a few weeks ago. Sitting in the sanctuary during the memorial, I started thinking, I was looking around at Marines in attendance and just how many times those of us in this Nation take for granted the men and women in uniform that are willing to be called upon at any time to go defend this country and to give their life for this Nation. So I am back on the floor tonight because I have introduced H.R. 1055, which is a bill that would give each and every member in the military that qualifies for food stamps, it would give them a $500 tax credit. Quite frankly, it is not enough. At least it shows that we care, and it is a start. I am pleased to tell my colleagues tonight, Madam Speaker, that we have 95 Members, both Democrats and Republicans, that are on this bill almost equally divided. Many on the Democratic side as well as the Republican side are in the leadership, and I am pleased they would join me in this effort to say to those who qualify for food stamps in uniform that we do care about them, we are trying to do something about it. I have figures that are really kind of interesting, that the Defense Department says we have 6,500 men and women in uniform on food stamps, and the GAO says we have 13,000. Well, my point is, Madam Speaker, that one is one too many. I think about the fact that we have already spent probably $9 billion or $10 billion in Bosnia, we have spent probably $11 billion in Yugoslavia, and yet we cannot find the money to take our men and women in uniform off food stamps. That is unacceptable. I speak about this quite frequently in my district. I see a lot of people in civic clubs and sometimes at churches, like any Member here that serves the United States House of Representatives. People come up to me afterwards and say, ``I cannot believe that. I did not know that.'' So I am hoping, by coming to the floor once a week, that I can encourage the leadership both, again, Republican and Democrat, to move this bill. There are other ideas that Members have, and they are good ideas. But I tell my colleagues that we have researched this thing for months going back a year ago, and what we found out, that if one really wants to make sure that those who qualify for food stamps are the ones that receive the assistance and no one drops through the cracks, then it has to be this bill that we have introduced that would give a $500 tax credit. If there should be some movement on this bill, I hope, quite frankly, that, in a bipartisan way, we would raise that figure from $500 to $1,000. So, Madam Speaker, I am going to close now. But, again, I want to remind the Members of the House that not only this Marine, this Marine represents everybody that is in uniform. We are sending our troops around this Nation just like a police force. I think between 1991 and 1999, they have been on 149 operations or deployments. I think about 60 percent of those in uniform are married. So, again, I hope that we, in a bipartisan way, before we leave in October, will pass legislation that those that are on food stamps will know that we care about them. Because I know truthfully, Madam Speaker, that the American people are just outraged that anyone in uniform is on food stamps.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today I support H.R. 4067, the ``Business Checking Modernization Act'' and urge my House colleagues who will be conferees negotiating with the Senate on this important legislation, to work for the inclusion of two specific provisions in any Conference Report. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 4067 repeals certain banking laws to allow banks to pay interest on commercial checking accounts. The House of Representatives passed very similar legislation on October 9, 1998 by a unanimous vote. However, that legislation also included a key provision--allowing the Federal Reserve to pay interest on ``sterile reserves''. This feature should be added to H.R. 4067 because the bill as currently drafted would establish additional reservable accounts without providing for the payment of interest on sterile reserves required by the Federal Reserve for those accounts. In effect, the bill imposes new costs on banks without providing a way to offset those new expenses. In addition, the bill currently before the House includes a phase-in period of three years before the law is changed to allow banks to pay interest on commercial checking accounts. While the bill passed in 1998 included a longer transition period than the current version before the House, a transition period of no less than three years is critical because the bill will be significantly changing the way banks have conducted their relationships with their customers. Under current law, banks have structured relationships with their business customers taking into account the prohibition against the payment of interest on commercial checking accounts. Banks frequently provide a variety of other services, and a sufficient transition period is needed to allow banks the opportunity to enter into new relationships with their commercial customers. H.R. 4067 provides a three-year transition period, which I strongly urge my colleagues who negotiate the Conference Report to retain. Any shorter period would place an undue hardship on current banking customer relationships. I understand that House Banking Committee Chairman Leach is supportive of these provisions, and I urge my colleagues to include these important provisions in any Conference Report, and reject any effort to shorten the transition period of three years in the bill.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, I want to say that I agree with both the Democratic side and the Republican side, this is an issue of great importance to the American people. It is not a Democrat or Republican issue, it is a people's issue. We are the people's House. We are elected by the people to come up here and make the decisions for them that hopefully will be the best decisions. I want to say, because I have great respect for the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), as I do the gentleman from Texas (Chairman Archer), they are two men I really do have great respect for, but I think about the fact that prior to 1995, and I was not here, let me say that, but I do not remember reading in the paper where there was any debate on the floor of the House to even give tax relief, because I believe when we passed the tax relief bill in 1997 we were the first Congress in 16 years to give the American people tax relief. I realize today we are talking about simplifying the Tax Code. I want to compliment my friend, the gentleman from Oklahoma, because truthfully, yes, maybe we have been talking about this for 5 years, but the thing that is important, we are talking about it. Now we need to do something about it. If this effort by the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Largent) will help us move further down the field, so to speak, so that we will reach the goalpost and we will change this tax system, that is what all this is about. I do hope, I will say, quite frankly, in my town meetings, because in Eastern North Carolina, the biggest concern from the people that I have the privilege to represent, when I am in these town meetings what they say to me, is, Walter, go back is to Washington, get your colleagues on both sides of the political aisles to do something about this Tax Code, because it is out of control. My own CPA, who is very qualified, tells me every year that I do my taxes, Walter, you all have to do something about this Tax Code. It is overburdening and it needs to be simplified. Mr. Speaker, I hope today, truthfully, as we cast our votes this afternoon, that even though this is not perfect, this is the start that we need I think to force the Congress in the future to do something about this tax system and to make it simpler. Quite frankly, I have written to Governor George Bush and I will encourage Al Gore to please do something to help the American people and simplify this tax system, and to debate the issue this fall.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, today, I am introducing legislation that will provide much needed pay reform for our mid-career non-commissioned officers and petty officers. It is my hope this legislation will accomplish three important steps for the Nation's Armed Forces. First, it will provide mid-career enlisted service members an increase in their basic pay that will nearly match the increases given to mid-grade commissioned officers beginning July 1, 2000. Second, it will work to address the problem of retention of qualified and experienced mid-career enlisted noncommissioned and petty officers that the Armed Forces wants to retain. Third, in retaining qualified and experienced mid-career enlisted service members, it will help maintain the high-level of personnel readiness enjoyed by the Nation's defense posture. Last year, this Congress in the Fiscal 2000 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA) approved a 4.8 percent pay raise for uniformed services personnel, one of the largest increases in recent history. It also authorized pay reform for certain mid-grade commissioned officers and mid-career enlisted service members effective July 1, 2000. While the pay raise itself is a critical step for our military personnel, the pay adjustment unfortunately will miss its mark in offering equitable reform for mid-grade enlisted noncommissioned officers (NCOs) and petty officers (POs) of the Armed Forces in grades E-5, E-6, and E-7. Whereas, most mid-grade commissioned officers were to receive a well- deserved pay hike on July 1, 2000, mid-career enlisted NCOs and POs are targeted for minimal increases. The July 1, 2000 pay reform will provide for adjustments in 15 of 33 mid-grade officer pay cells, each of which rated increases greater than 4 percent. On the other hand, of the 33 mid-grade enlisted NCO/PO pay cells, only one (1) will receive a raise of 3.5 percent, two (2) are being offered a 3.1 percent increase, one (1) a 2.5 percent hike, and three (3) at 2.1 percent to 2.3 percent. It doesn't require a mathematician to figure out that the enlisted NCOs and POs will be largely left out of the equation. Most of the military services are experiencing problems either in recruiting and retention, or both. One of the major issues confronting enlisted NCOs and POs is whether they have enough financial resources to care for their family--particularly when they are deployed. Recent surveys indicate that service members are not happy with the pay they're receiving. Recognizing this problem, the Fleet Reserve Association (FRA), a 75-year-old organization of career Sailors, Marines, and Coast Guardsmen, prepared a study that demonstrates the value of basic pay for enlisted NCOs and POs has diminished since the advent of the all-volunteer force (AVF). That study, which was distributed to a number of House and Senate members on both the Armed Services Committees and Defense Subcommittees and to selected defense and military officials, proves the value of basic pay for enlisted NCOs and POs has diminished since the advent of the all-volunteer force. If Congress doesn't want to face the same problem of the late 1970s having too few enlisted petty officers to get its ships to sea, or experiencing another shortage of enlisted NCOs for the Army's combat forces, Congress must address the retention of qualified and experienced mid-career enlisted service members. This pay reform proposal for E-5's, E-6's and E-7's contained in this legislation will take steps to do just that. Each E-5 with 8 to 26 years of service would receive a $31 per month increase in basic pay on July 1, 2000. E-6s, in the same years would each realize a monthly increase of $49, and E-7s a $56 raise each month. While I believe all of our military should be paid more, this is an important step in the right direction. This bill has the full support of the Nation's eight national enlisted military organizations; the Air Force Sergeants Association, the Enlisted Association of the National Guard of the United States, the Fleet Reserve Association, the Naval Enlisted Reserve Association, the Non Commissioned Officers Association, The Retired Enlisted Association, the U.S. Coast Guard Chief Petty Officers Association, and the U.S. Coast Guard Enlisted Association. These mid-career non-commissioned officers and petty officers are the backbone of our military. I hope that my colleagues will work with me to recognize that fact and to ensure they are provided pay table reform that is both fair and equitable.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Texas, and also I rise in strong support of this tax limitation amendment. Mr. Speaker, I am like most of my colleagues, both Republican and Democrat; when I go back to my district, I do a lot of speaking at civic clubs, I hold town meetings, and probably the most important thing that I can say is that, like all of my colleagues on both sides of the fence, I listen to the people I have the privilege to serve. I can tell you that in the Third District of North Carolina, and I believe throughout this country, the majority of the people that pay taxes believe that they are overburdened with a tax system and with taxes coming from Washington, D.C.; and many of these people throughout this country and throughout my district feel that too many times those in Washington, D.C. on both sides of the aisle really are not listening to them. I think that when we are today debating this issue, I am like the gentleman from the other side, I wish there were more people on the floor, and maybe during the day there will be others on both sides of this issue coming to the floor, but I think today what we are saying to the American people is that we are listening to you. As the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sessions) said, yes, maybe it will take 2 or 3 more years, but the point is, yes, you are right to talk about Social Security and these other issues, we do need to be debating these issues and need to try to find solutions to problems. But I will tell you that one of the problems is that the American people are overburdened with taxation. I have to say, being a former Democrat who became a Republican, that I believe sincerely that it has been my party that has started these debates on the floor. It has been my party that has introduced legislation, and sometimes in a bipartisan way that we have passed legislation, to bring tax relief to the American people. I think today this is a unique opportunity to talk about this tax limitation act because, Mr. Speaker, when we talk about amending the Constitution and creating a two-thirds majority to pass tax increases on the American people, we are basically giving it back to the American people through their legislative process to say yes, we want an amendment that will protect us and protect our families. Mr. Speaker, the four largest Federal tax increases in the last 20 years would have failed had this amendment been in place. I think that is worthy to be repeated. The four largest Federal tax increases in the last 20 years would have failed had this amendment been in place. Mr. Speaker, most recently, in 1993, President Clinton and a Democratic Congress passed the largest tax increase in America's history. Now, I do not know if that would have passed or not, I doubt if it would have, if this had been in place. Mr. Speaker, we always are saying, both sides of the aisle, that this is the people's House, that we are the people's representatives. Well, I think we need to listen to the people, and the people in this country are crying out for relief. They do feel and I feel also that they are overburdened. I think the citizens of this country have a right to know when the House is debating a tax increase and that we need to debate it on the floor of the House, and I think a two-thirds majority of both sides voting to bring relief for passing a tax increase on the American people is extremely important. In my opinion, Mr. Speaker, Congress should never seek to raise taxes on the American people without a two-thirds majority. That, again, is my philosophy. Some will agree, some will disagree. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I want to read a quote from former President Ronald Reagan from his 1985, I believe, State of the Union address. I am going to repeat it after I read it one time. Mr. Reagan said, ``Every dollar the Federal Government does not take from us,'' meaning the American people, ``every decision it does not make for us,'' meaning the American people, ``will make our economy stronger, our lives more abundant, our future more free.'' Mr. Speaker, I sincerely believe that those words by Mr. Reagan fully explain why and how so many people throughout this country feel that too many times the United States Congress is not listening to them, no matter what the issue might be, whether it is taxes or another issue. But when it comes to taxes, Mr. Speaker, I can honestly say it is the Republican Party that has brought these debates on the floor to bring relief to the American people. Mr. Speaker, I want to quote Mr. Reagan again. I am going to quote Mr. Reagan when he said, ``Every dollar the Federal Government does not take from us,'' us, the American people, ``every decision it does not make for us,'' the American people, ``will make our economy stronger, our lives more abundant, our future more free.'' Mr. Speaker, if we are truly the people's House and the people's representatives, then we need to pass this amendment.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I have been coming to the floor once a week for the last 2\1/2\ months to talk about our men and women in uniform that are on food stamps and how I think it is unacceptable that this Congress, and this government quite frankly, would ask anyone that would be willing to die for this Nation to be on food stamps; but tonight, Mr. Speaker, I am here on the floor because there was a tragedy on Saturday night. I think we all know that a V-22 Osprey on a training mission in Arizona went down and 19 Marines were killed. It so happens that two of those Marines were from eastern North Carolina. Major Brooks Gruber was a pilot on the mission and also there was a Staff Sergeant William B. Nelson, who was stationed at New River Air Station in Onslow County, North Carolina. I just started thinking, as I heard about the terrible tragedy, that many of us, not just talking about Members of Congress but those of us around this Nation, we do take our military for granted. I do not think we intend to do that, but it is just maybe because out of sight out of mind. But when we hear about a training accident where men and women are killed, in this case it was 19 men, that it does remind us that our freedoms are guaranteed by those who are willing to serve. I just wanted to come to the floor tonight, and I am sure all Members of Congress would join me in extending our deepest sympathy to the families of Major Gruber and also Staff Sergeant Nelson, as well as the other 17 men that were killed on this training flight in Arizona. I think that it is a reminder to all Americans that the members of the United States military make the ultimate sacrifice on a daily basis, whether it is here in this country or outside of the borders of the United States of America. It is a tragedy, because we think that our men and women in training are always going to be safe and protected, but it does not always happen that way. Certainly there is an investigation going on now. We will find out soon what happened to the V-22 that made it fail in the air and kill these wonderful, brave American military Marines, it happens to be in this case. I am going to cut my remarks short tonight because, again, I sense the sadness from talking to the Marines in the liaison office today as I am saddened myself; and again I am sure each and every Member on the floor tonight is saddened. I do hope, as I close, after extending my deepest sympathy to the families of these 19 Marines, that those of us in the House will remember that we do have those on food stamps and that we will do something before this session of Congress ends to make sure that we do show those 7,000 men and women in uniform on food stamps that we care about them and we are going to do something to help them so they will not be so dependent on food stamps. Mr. Speaker, I do again extend to the families of these 19 my deepest sympathies on behalf of my colleagues who serve on the floor of the United States, the House of Representatives, and in a very trivial way say thank you for giving that son to this country and may God be with you and God bless you through this time of sadness.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, several weeks ago the House debated, and passed, a bill to increase the minimum wage. Unfortunately, I was unable to get to the floor to participate in the debate. But I want to revisit the issue today, so that I can share with you a constituent letter I received from a small business owner in Kinston, North Carolina. Madam Speaker, Ken Moore is an example of an entrepreneur who, without interference from the government, started a business with a single restaurant in 1991, and now has 39 locations throughout Eastern North Carolina. And along the way, he has shared his success by extending opportunities to his employees. When Mr. Moore learned that the House would be debating a minimum wage increase, he sent me a letter to share how the mandate would affect his small business and communities throughout Eastern North Carolina. I wanted to share part of his letter with the Congress. Madam Speaker, Mr. Moore wrote, and I quote: Congressman Jones: I started Andy's in March of 1991 in Goldsboro, North Carolina. As of today, we have grown to 39 locations throughout Eastern North Carolina and have another six locations under construction. The reason for our success has always been because we give our hourly associates the opportunity to own an Andy's restaurant. We have never looked for outside investors, preferring to train our people and give them the opportunity to operate and eventually own their business. We call this ``starting at the minimum and earning the maximum.'' We now have many success stories throughout our company achieved through this philosophy. The unfunded mandate of minimum wage put in place by Washington will hurt our business, associates, and neighbors in Eastern North Carolina. We conducted a survey of nearly 700 employees and found only two earning minimum wage that were the primary wage earners for their family. These happen to be single moms who already receive some government assistance. Two out of the 700 makes a mockery out of the political line that families can't exist on minimum wage. The much- touted family of four making minimum wage and trying to subsist doesn't exist, at least not within Andy's. We don't believe that America is about handouts, but is based on hard work and persistence. These are the values we strive to teach our associates. An increase in the minimum wage will mean an increase in prices, something which I don't want to do. Minimum wage increases invariably cause us to lay some people off and delay hiring new folks. This is sad, but simply the truth. I would like all politicians in favor of increasing the minimum wage to simply tell the truth. Increasing the minimum wage is a tax increase, period. Madam Speaker, I will include the entire text of the letter in the Record. Madam Speaker, Ken Moore is just one of thousands of small business owners across this country, who recognize the effects an increase in the minimum wage will have on their businesses, and their communities. I appreciate the opportunity to share Mr. Moore's story. Because I believe that his concerns are shared by many small business owners across the country. The Little Mint, Inc., Kinston, NC, March 7, 2000. Re Minimum wage increase. To: Walter B. Jones, Jr. From: Kenneth K. Moore I started Andy's in March of 1991 in Goldsboro, NC. As of today we have grown to 39 locations throughout Eastern NC and have another 6 locations under construction. The reason for our success has always been because we give our hourly associates the opportunity to own an Andy's restaurant. We have never looked for outside investors, preferring to train our people and give them the opportunity to operate and eventually own their business. We call this ``starting at the minimum and earning the maximum.'' We now have many success stories throughout our company achieved through this philosophy. Eastern NC is a rural area that has been through much during the past year. We have been rocked by hurricanes and floods during their aftermath. Our home is not a wealthy area. However, our people are the salt of the earth and work very hard to pay taxes and raise good children. Eastern NC economy is predominately agriculturally based and with tobacco taking a beating in the press and in Washington many farmers have turned to pork production. Our state government has now placed a moratorium on that. At Andy's, we understand our neighbor's plight and have only raised prices in our stores twice in 9 years. Both times have been due to minimum wage increases. As you can tell, we are trying to do our part. The unfunded mandate of minimum wage put in place by Washington will hurt our businesses, associates, and neighbors in Eastern NC. We conducted a survey of nearly our 700 employees and found only 2 earning minimum wage that were the primary wage earners for their family. These happen to be single moms who already receive some government assistance. Two out of the 700 makes a mockery out of the political line that families can't exist on minimum wage. The much-touted family of four making minimum wage and trying to subsist doesn't exist, at least not within Andy's. Andy's has had very little employee turnover because we give people the opportunity to grow. Even the teenagers who comprise the vast amount of our minimum wage earners don't leave us. We have a yearly banquet at which we strive to inspire and motivate them to grow into solid citizens. We give scholarships and awards. We also continued to pay our minimum wage earners after the restaurants were flooded in the wake of Hurricane Floyd. All we asked them to do was to volunteer to help out in their local shelters. We teach our young people that there is already an increase in the minimum wage. It is called doing a good job! We don't believe that America is about handouts but is based on hard work and persistence. These are the values we strive to teach our associates. An increase in the minimum wage will mean an increase in prices, something which I don't want to do. Minimum wage increases invariably cause us to lay some people off and delay hiring new folks. This is sad, but simply the truth. I would like all politicians in favor of increasing the minimum wage to simply tell the truth. Increasing the minimum wage is a tax increase, period. The increase is simply another way for the government to make 15.6 cents on every dollar. If you truly want to help teenagers make more money, then waive the playoff taxes on the increase. If the truth be told the increase makes for great reelection material, doesn't it? I remember a young lady who worked for me when I first started my business some years ago. She is now an elementary school teacher and a wonderful person. I saw her not long ago and we reminisced about a Chrismas Party we had in my original location in 1993. I didn't have the money for Christmas gifts for my small crew, so I gave each one a card with a personal note. As I was reminding her of this she stopped me and reached for her purse, opening her wallet and produced the note from that night (6 years later). I wonder if she would have saved a pay stub with a minimum wage increase? Folks, there is more to running a business than a lot of you may think. With an increase in wages, hiring will cease, and perhaps we will not be able to touch the life of some young person as I did years ago. I live and work in Eastern NC and I am proud to do business here. Please let me do it my way. Our friends, neighbors, and associates live in towns with names such as Beulaville, Kenansville, Mt. Olive, Kinston and Grifton, not Camelot. Thanks, Kenneth K. Moore, President/Founder.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Madam Speaker, again, I am on the floor to talk about our men and women in the military on food stamps. I want to start my comments by reading from the ABC show ``20/20,'' June 25, 1999. This was an interview. The title was ``Frontlines Food Lines,'' and I want to read just a few comments. First, I will start with the reporter, Tom Jarriel; and he says, ``Military families redeemed a huge $21 million worth of WIC coupons in Defense commissaries last year. Even with that government help, the Millers cannot afford the insurance copayment to have their son's cavities filled.'' I further want to quote an interview with David Lewis. David Lewis is a retired warrant officer and his quote is, ``I think the biggest problem is that they just don't have enough.'' Going back to Tom Jarriel again, the reporter for ABC's ``20/20,'' and he says, ``Retired warrant officer David Lewis, a hardened combat veteran of 26 years in the Marine Corps, teaches financial planning to thousands of Marines a year at Camp Pendleton.'' David Lewis further states, ``At first it really bothered me that they did not have enough pride in themselves and I said,'' quoting David Lewis, ``Well, wait a minute. It doesn't have anything to do with pride. It probably took more courage for that kid to get food. It probably took a lot of courage for that kid to say, I cannot take care of my family; I need help.'' Tom Jarriel further states, ``Lewis calculated that by total hours junior enlisted troops do not even earn minimum wage.'' Madam Speaker, I want to read that again. ``Lewis calculated that by total work hours, junior enlisted troops do not even earn minimum wage.'' Madam Speaker, that is why I am on the floor today, and I have been once a week ever since we got back in February. I introduced H.R. 1055, which would help our men and women in uniform on food stamps. I am pleased to say today that there is strong bipartisan support. We have approximately 90 people who have signed this bill. I am encouraging our leadership, as well as the Democratic leadership, to please, let us not leave here in September or October and not speak to those who are serving our Nation, those who are willing to die for this country, that are on food stamps. To me that is unacceptable. That to me is what I think America stands for, is to help those in uniform who are willing to give their lives for this country. What I have before me today is a Marine. This Marine is getting ready to deploy to Bosnia. We seem to be able to find $9 million to $10 million for Bosnia. We have already spent $10 billion to $11 billion in Yugoslavia. Yet, this cost to pass H.R. 1055 to get a $500 tax credit for those on food stamps would only cost this government $59 million over 10 years, roughly $5 million a year. I will be the first to say this will not get them off food stamps, but what I will say is that it will say to those in the military who are on food stamps that we in the Congress are concerned about the fact that they are on food stamps and they are willing to die for this country. I look at the other bills that we pass in the Senate and the House, and we can find billions of dollars in tax credits for Tysons Food to study chicken manure and how this might help with energy problems. I say, let us take care of those first who are willing to take care of America. They are our men and women in uniform who are on food stamps. I look at this little girl, Megan is her name. She is standing on the feet of her daddy. Do you know what, that serious look that she has, she is looking at a camera. In his arms he has his daughter Brittany. I am thinking about Megan. She does not know this at her age, but her daddy might not come back. He might not come back. He is willing to give his life for this country. This Marine represents all of our military in both Air Force, Navy, Army, and Coast Guard that are willing to serve this Nation. Madam Speaker, I hope that our leadership, working together with the Democratic leadership, will see that we do something to help men and women in uniform on food stamps. I want want to close my comments by sharing with you and the other Members here on the floor today a simple poem but I think a very powerful poem that was written by a Marine, Father Dennis O'Bryan, United States Marine Corps. His poem goes like this: It is the soldier, not the reporter, Who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, Who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, Who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier who salutes the flag, It is the soldier who serves beneath the flag. Madam Speaker, it is the soldier whose coffin is draped by the flag who allows the protester to burn the flag. Madam Speaker, I close by saying to the leadership in the House, please, let us pass this legislation to help those men and women in uniform on food stamps.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I want to start my comments off tonight by reading a poem that I think reminds us of just how important the men and women in uniform are to this Nation. And the poem is written by a Father Denis Edward O'Brien, the United States Marine Corps, and it says: It is the soldier, not the reporter, who has given us freedom of the press. It is the soldier, not the poet, who has given us freedom of speech. It is the soldier, not the campus organizer, who has given us the freedom to demonstrate. It is the soldier, who salutes the flag. It is the soldier who serves beneath the flag. It is the soldier whose coffin is draped by the flag. It is the soldier who allows the protester to burn the flag. Mr. Speaker, the reason I read that poem is to remind the Members of Congress as well as the American people that we have many men and women in uniform who are willing to die for this country and to die for our freedoms. The reason I come to the floor once a week is to remind my colleagues in the Congress, both Republican and Democrat, that we have between 5,000 and 11,000 men and women in uniform on food stamps. The reason I use that figure between 5,000 and 11,000, it depends on which agency we are talking about, but the way I look at this, if we have one, just one family in the military on food stamps, that is one too many. We have 60 percent of our men and women in uniform who are married who serve this Nation. Our men and women are being deployed more than ever before. In fact, between 1982 and 1990, Army and Marine Corps operations, the number was 17 deployments. Between 1990 and today, our Army and Marine Corps have been deployed 149 times. We know that we have men and women in Bosnia. We have men and women in Kosovo. We have men and women in uniform all over this world. My point in coming to the floor once a week is that I introduced, several months back, H.R. 1055 that has been signed by over 90 Members of Congress, both Democrat and Republican, that says that the men and women in uniform, if this bill should pass, would receive a $500 tax credit, if they qualify for food stamps. I am first to say that this would not get each and every one off, whether it be 5,000 or 11,000 on food stamps, but what it would say to those men and women in uniform, we care about you. And, yes, we need to do more. At this point, this is the best that we can do. Mr. Speaker, I am first to say that, yes, it would be nice if we could raise the salaries of those in the military so no one would ever be on food stamps, but that is not possible. Who is to say that 2 or 3 years from now we might not have any extra money to give any increases to those in our military? I bring this picture, this happens to be a Marine, it could be a member of the Air Force or the Army or the Navy, I bring this Marine to the floor of the House, because this Marine represents all married men and women in uniform. You can see standing on his feet it happens to be his daughter Megan. In his arms, he is holding his daughter Bridgett. And I look at this photograph, and I see this little girl's look. Of course, she is looking at the camera. But I am thinking, this little girl does not know this, but possibly her daddy might not come back from deployment. Hopefully, he will. But each and every time our men and women in uniform go overseas, no matter where it might be, there is always that possibility that they might not come back. So I want to say to my colleagues, both Democrat and Republican, I want to thank those first who have signed the bill. Again, we are somewhere around 90 Members who have signed the bill. I want to say to my colleagues on both sides of the aisle that I think it is unacceptable. I think it is deplorable that any man or woman in uniform who is willing to die for this country should be in the need of WIC, the WIC program or food stamps. I will be sending out a dear colleague letter this coming week, and I hope that my colleagues on both sides of the aisle will sign with me on this bill, H.R. 1055. It is only a modest step forward, but it is a step forward for those in uniform on food stamps.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I want to start my comments by reading from an ABC 20/20 transcript that aired on June 25, 1999. The headlines of the feature were ``Front Lines, Food Lines.'' Highlights of the show: Low-paid military families cannot make ends meet. I am going to read a couple of the statements from the show. Tom Jarriel, ABC News: ``In Kosovo, American troops again face danger from snipers and patrols through villages littered with landmines. It is a familiar example of American military troops deployed for peacekeeping while risking their lives serving on the front lines.'' I further quote Tom Jarriel in this script. He says, ``On this day, 115 families searching for clothing for their infants and food for their tables. Among them, Corporal Victor Miller and his wife, Deborah.'' Corporal Victor Miller said, ``We got lucky, we got a 10-pound ham.'' Mr. Speaker, we have too many of our men and women in the military that are willing to die for this country on food stamps. It is absolutely unacceptable that this Congress will not do something about it. Let me further quote Tom Jarriel: ``Our men and women in service who carry the flag into battle, standing in line for a hand-out. It's a depressing reality. The reason--many in the military's lower enlisted ranks tell us they can barely support their families on government pay alone.'' Mr. Speaker, I introduced several months ago House Resolution 1055. This would help our men and women in the military who are on food stamps with a small, modest $500 tax credit. I believe sincerely that when we have men and women in the military that are willing to die for this country, and they are being deployed as frequently and as often as men and women are being deployed, that we in Congress, both Democrat and Republican, should not allow men and women in uniform to be on food stamps. We have roughly 60 percent of the men and women in the military who are married. Mr. Speaker, again, I want to say that I think that the Republican and House leadership should come together and pass legislation, whether it be this bill that I have introduced, H.R. 1055, which has 73 Members of the House, both Democrat and Republican, on that bill, but we need to speak during this session of Congress to those men and women in the military who are on food stamps, because I know when I speak to civic clubs in my district, when I speak to church groups in my district and I tell them that men and women in uniform are on food stamps, they cannot believe it. They say that it is deplorable and unacceptable. Mr. Speaker, this Marine that I have in this photograph before me is getting ready to deploy to Bosnia. The little daughter on his feet, her name is Megan. If you can see, she is looking very intently with a worried look on her face. She is only 3 years old. In his arms he has a 6-month-old baby named Brittany. The little girl, I know she does not know that her father is going to be gone for 6 months to Bosnia, but when I look in her face I am seeing a child that might not ever see that father again. I say to the Members of Congress today, it is absolutely unacceptable that we have men and women in uniform on food stamps. I hope that Members on both sides of the aisle will talk to their leadership and say, let us look at the possibility of moving H.R. 1055, and if not that, then let us use that as a vehicle to speak to those on food stamps.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. I am delighted to yield to my friend, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton), who is on the Committee on Armed Services.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. I thank the gentleman. I want to say that the gentleman is one of the leaders in this Congress, and I appreciate the support that the gentleman gives our men and women in uniform.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the H.R. 5, the Senior Citizens Freedom to Work Act. I would like to applaud the efforts of Representative Sam Johnson who sponsored this bill and my fellow republican colleagues. Your hard work on behalf of our nation's seniors to repeal the Social Security earnings limit should be commended. Within North Carolina alone, 24,386 seniors were effected by the earnings limit in 1999, 2.1 percent of all seniors. In my opinion, this tax is unfair and un-American. Penalizing productive and hardworking citizens who choose to continue working during their golden years undermines the very fabric of this nation. As the baby boom generation retires the number of effected seniors will only continue to rise. Please join me in supporting this legislation to ensure that working seniors do not receive a smaller Social Security check just because they earn a paycheck.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, recently the Center for Strategic and International Studies issued a report last month on the American Military Culture in the 21st Century. In its research, the Center surveyed 12,500 military personnel and found that within the armed services, morale is declining. The report summarizes, and I quote, ``Every member of the CSIS team who visited our men and women in uniform was impressed by their skill, dedication, and patriotism. When CSIS asked military personnel about their life in their services and their units, however, they often found disappointment and frustration. In spite of the high level of pride and commitment, our dedicated people in uniform did not typically have high morale and revealed far less satisfaction from their service than one would expect. Overall, the armed forces are overcommitted, underpaid, and undersourced in the units that form their cutting edge. Expectations for a satisfying military career are not being met.'' Mr. Speaker, that is the reason I am on the floor again. I bring my family to the floor because we have 60 percent of men and women in uniform who are married. In addition, we have approximately 10,000 men and women in uniform on food stamps. Mr. Speaker, I think this is deplorable. The reason I say that is because no one that is willing to give their life for this country should be dependent on food stamps. My colleagues can see that this Marine, who is getting ready to deploy to Bosnia, has his daughter Magan standing on his feet. She is looking at the camera. In his arms, he has a 4-month-old baby named Britney. Mr. Speaker, this Marine represents everyone in uniform that is willing to give for this country. Again, I say it is unacceptable and deplorable that men and women in uniform are dependent on food stamps. I introduced, this past year, H.R. 1055. It is signed by about 90 Members of Congress, both Democrat and Republican, that would give a $500 tax credit to men and women in uniform who are dependent on food stamps. My purpose in saying that is that I do not know that that is the answer or not, but it is a vehicle to find an answer to help those on food stamps in the military. I look at this photograph, and I look in the eyes of the little girl. She is looking, and in her eyes you can tell she does not know if her daddy will be coming back or not. Hopefully, we pray that all men and women in uniform will be coming back when they are deployed. But there is no guarantee. So, again, I say to the Republican leadership, I say to the Democratic leadership, please, before this session ends in September, October this year, let us pass legislation to help the men and women in uniform that are on food stamps, because, again, this country is the safe Nation that it is because we have dedicated men and women in uniform that are willing to die for America. Let us not, as a Congress, let us not as a government, allow anyone serving this Nation to be on food stamps.

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, North Carolina has produced many notable individuals and accomplishments. From Andrew Jackson to Michael Jordan and from the first American born child to first in flight. North Carolina has a lot to brag about. There is one North Carolinian in particular who I wish to remember today, Mr. Benjamin Franklin Waters. Mr. Benjamin Waters was from the small town of Dover, which is located in historic Craven County, North Carolina. In 1907 Mr. Waters received a patent for a revolutionary new invention, which he called ``the endless chain.'' The principle behind his invention is used today as the tracks of our amphibious military tanks and in machinery such as farm equipment. Mr. Waters invented the ``endless chain'' as a useful improvement for boats. The original patent specifications give Mr. Waters credit for ``propelling mechanism . . . comprise(d of an) endless chain of propeller blades which travel about and below the boat and which are so constructed that water will be prevented from getting behind the blades and thereby retarding the progress of the boat.'' As is often the case, it was only by accident that Mr. Waters realized the potential use for his invention on land. He and his brother, Frank Waters, who had helped him build his invention, were out testing their model one Sunday afternoon using a clock spring as a power source. They placed the boat into the water and sent it to the other side, only to have the boat quickly run up the bank and onto land. This amazing discovery led Mr. Waters to begin work on obtaining a new patent for use of his invention on land. Unfortunately, plans for the new patent were not completed before Mr. Waters was tragically killed at the age of 35. He was deaf and did not hear the oncoming train that would take his life as he attempted to cross the railroad tracks. His family claims that Mr. Waters' workshop was broken into and all of his drawings and sketches stolen soon after his death. Thus he never received credit for invention's capability and utility on land. In 1924 the right to his patent on water also expired. However, today, the ``endless chain'' lives on in daily use by our military, our farmers, and our industires. I wish to officially recognize Mr. Benjamin Franklin Waters and thank him for his ingenuity in providing us the principles of the ``endless chain.''

Mr. JONES of North Carolina

Mr. JONES of North Carolina. Mr. Speaker, I want to read part of a transcript from the June 25 edition of ``20/20'' which featured a story on our military families who cannot make ends meet. I quote from the transcript. ``We begin with a shameful story about the men and women we count on to protect us, members of the United States armed services. They are prepared to die for us, but did you know that some of them must stand in food lines to help feed their families?'' Again, I quote from the transcript: ``It is a shocking sight to see proud American soldiers accepting charity and Federal aid just to get by.'' The show also featured a 26-year-old computer operations specialist who has served 6 years in the Navy, Mr. Speaker, but makes only $18,000 a year to care for his wife and three children. He said, and I quote, ``I've talked to managers at fast food restaurants who make more money than I do. And I'm prepared to die for my country if necessary. And sometimes that seems really unfair.'' A reported 600,000 enlisted troops, almost half the entire military base, make a base salary of $18,000 or less. On May 21 of last year, ``CBS This Morning'' did a profile during its ``Eye on America'' on the state of our military families. The reporter interviewed a church volunteer and former military wife by the name of Pat Kallenbarger who works to help our military families in need. She said, and I quote, ``It's not unusual for me to find a family sleeping on the floor for lack of beds and eating on the floor because they don't have a table and chairs, and they don't have the money to either buy them or rent them.'' I further quote: ``I find babies in cardboard cartons. They'd be in a dresser drawer, except the family doesn't own a dresser.'' Mr. Speaker, this is shameful. These are our military families. In fact, I introduced a bill, H.R. 1055, a year ago, that would help give these men and women on food stamps a $500 tax credit. I am urging our leadership, both Republican and Democrat, this year to please make sure before we end this session in October that we have spoken to this issue of our men and women on food stamps. Mr. Speaker, I have before me a Marine. This Marine is holding in his arms his baby daughter named Bridgett, and the young lady standing on his feet is his 3-year-old daughter named Megan. Mr. Speaker, this Marine is getting ready to deploy for Bosnia. The sad part of all of this, this Marine represents all of our men and women in uniform and represents those 600,000 that are making under $18,000. We must remember that these men and women that are willing to die for this country, 60 percent of them have families. I think about this little girl, Megan, because you can see in her eyes a concern, and maybe that concern even at that young age is the fact that her daddy might leave and never come back. I do not know. But I do know this, Mr. Speaker, as a Member of this Congress, that those of us on both sides of the political aisle, we have an obligation, and in fact I think it is deplorable and unacceptable that we have not begun to help those men and women in uniform on food stamps. So I urge my colleagues, we have about 80 Members of this House, both Republican and Democrat, on this bill, and I encourage my colleagues to please join me in this effort to make sure that this year, before we leave, that we do something tangible to help those men and women on food stamps.