Joe Knollenberg

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 15th anniversary of the Republic of Armenia's declaration of independence from the Soviet Union. On September 21, 1991, one of the world's oldest and most historically significant civilizations was able to re-establish their place among the autonomous nations of the world by declaring its independence following the collapse of the Soviet Union. The founding of the Republic of Armenia was an historic event that exemplifies the strength and perseverance of a people in pursuit of freedom and self- determination through democracy. Armenia's road to independence was not easy. Enduring centuries of foreign domination, the genocide against its people in the early 20th century, and suffering through seven decades of totalitarian dictatorship did not discourage the Armenian people. In the face of oppression, the Armenian people never wavered in their pursuit to secure freedom and a democratic nation of their own. Since its independence, Armenia has emerged as a viable, vibrant society and has played an important role in stabilizing the South Caucasus region. Armenia continues to be a trusted partner of the United States in a strategically important area of the world, a regional leader in political and economic reform, and a nation committed to the principles of democracy and the rule of law. Mr. Speaker, today, on the 15th anniversary of Armenia's independence, I rise to celebrate the determination of a people who refused to relent in their quest for freedom.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to express my strong support for H.R. 2491, the International Solid Waste Importation and Management Act of 2005. For many years, Canada has shipped significant amounts of solid waste into the United States each year, with a large percentage of it going to the State of Michigan. In 2004, Canadian trash imports represented 18 percent of all the trash disposed of in Michigan. The State of Michigan receives approximately 350 truck loads of trash every day--or over 12,000 truck loads a year--from Ontario. Despite heightened border security that has been imposed following the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks, which include stricter inspections of all truck shipments passing through international borders, the importation of substantial amounts of solid waste into the United States each year from Canada poses a serious security threat to the State of Michigan and other border States which accept imported trash. Moreover, it poses environmental and health risks to these States. States must have the ability to address these matters as they deem fit. H.R. 2491 is necessary in order to provide States with the power to address these issues, as the U.S. Supreme Court and other Federal courts have consistently ruled that, pursuant to the Interstate Commerce Clause of the U.S. Constitution, States cannot restrict out- of-State trash from their landfills. Previous agreements regarding the import of trash from Canada have had no legal standing and were not enforceable. This legislation will finally allow the U.S. and the State of Michigan to set for themselves legal, enforceable boundaries for the importation of municipal solid waste. I urge all of my colleagues to support the passage of H.R. 2491.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, earlier this month the White House Office of Management and Budget handed down good news in its mid-year budget update--the Republican fiscal policy is working. This year's budget deficit is now forecasted at $296 billion, which is 30 percent lower than the February projections. We have made great progress in eliminating the budget deficit through fiscal responsibility and through increased tax revenues brought on by lower taxes. Since the President's tax cuts were fully implemented in 2003, we have seen consistent and substantial growth in tax revenue. This reaffirms our knowledge that when we ease the tax burden on the American people, we become more productive. As we face future budget challenges it is important to keep that fact in mind. We must do what is best for Americans. As we all can see by the new forecasts . . . cutting spending and reducing taxes produces real results.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, the United States and our ally Israel stand at an important and historic juncture. Iran's continued efforts to establish a nuclear weapons program and their continued efforts to assist Hezbollah, an internationally recognized terrorist organization, is in defiance of their obligations to a free and stable world. Today I stand united with my friends in Israel, who face a constant threat by Iranian-sponsored Hezbollah terrorists. The House has acted by passing H.R. 282, the Iran Freedom Support Act. If this bill is passed, a strong set of economic sanctions will begin to hold Iran responsible for their actions in the Middle East. It is critical that the Senate act on this companion legislation that is pending before them. Congress must confront Iran's continued belligerence by halting that country's nuclear aspirations and work to prevent their further sponsorship of terrorists.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I support the legislation before the House of Representatives today, H.R. 5682, the United States and India Nuclear Cooperation Promotion Act of 2006. A civil nuclear cooperation agreement will make citizens of America and India more safe and secure, while providing increased stability around the world. Since coming to Congress, I have felt that it is appropriate for the United States and India to have a close relationship. Last year, when President Bush and Indian Prime Minister Singh announced that the two countries would seek cooperation on its civil nuclear programs, I was immediately encouraged and supportive of their efforts. The improved relations stemming from this agreement will lead to untold benefits for the American and Indian people and enhance our mutual interests. The U.S.-India relationship is strong and growing stronger because of our shared principles and goals. We remain the two largest democracies in the world, committed to political freedom protected by a representative government, and we share a commitment to free-market principles. These principles--bolstered by one of the world's largest consumer markets and a growing skilled labor force--have helped India in its development into a global economic power. However, that growing economy depends on energy. Nuclear energy, unlike other energy sources, is truly a ``green'' energy source. It does not emit any carbon dioxide emissions or greenhouse gases. It also requires less geographic area to produce energy than other energy sources. Nuclear power is under-utilized and we should promote, not hamper, its growth. Since the establishment of the Indian nuclear program in 1974, there has been no international oversight of India's nuclear program. A civilian nuclear cooperation agreement will provide India with much of the energy it needs while also bringing their civilian nuclear program under international review. With this agreement, the majority of India's civilian program will be under supervision of the International Atomic Energy Agency. We always must be mindful of nuclear proliferation and nuclear materials falling into the wrong hands. The Indian government remains committed to peace and stability in the region and the world and they realize the danger of allowing the proliferation of nuclear technology and material. Sadly, this danger is all too real to the people of India because-- like the U.S.--India has not been immune to terror attacks. The train bombing earlier this month and the attack on their parliament 5 years ago remains a constant reminder of terror and has forced them to reevaluate their civilian nuclear program and their status in the international community. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 5682 will strengthen the U.S.-India relationship, promote a clean energy source, and make global nuclear materials more secure. For all these reasons, I strongly support the bill and encourage my colleagues to do so as well.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, today the House is considering H.R. 5068, legislation that will reauthorize the Export-Import Bank for the next 5 years. I support this legislation. Since it was created over 60 years ago, the Export-Import Bank has provided crucial support for American exporting businesses--especially small businesses. Because small businesses provide the majority of jobs here in the U.S., the work of the Bank translates into real jobs for American workers. I am particularly pleased this bill includes a provision that prohibits assistance from the Export-Import Bank for a proposed new railroad that would connect Turkey, Georgia, and Azerbaijan, but would intentionally circumvent Armenia. This provision is extremely similar to H.R. 3361, the South Caucasus Integration and Open Railroads Act, legislation I introduced to ensure U.S. taxpayer funds are not used to promote a proposal or program that directly undermines the United States goal of fostering integration and cooperation among the countries in the South Caucasus. Open and integrated transportation routes among Armenia, Azerbaijan, Georgia, and Turkey are necessary to promote cooperation, support economic growth, and help resolve regional conflicts. Unfortunately, this policy is being undermined in an effort to push Armenia further into isolation. The design for the new rail line defies logistical and geographical logic, and intends to prevent future economic development from reaching Armenia. The proposed rail link would cost between $400 million and $800 million and would take years to construct, even though a perfectly workable rail link that goes through the city of Gyumri, Armenia already exists and would be fully operational with a few minor repairs. Mr. Speaker, I commend my colleagues on the House Financial Services Committee that included this provision into this bill and I urge support for passage of H.R. 5068.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 921, a resolution expressing support for the security of the State of Israel. Over the last few days, it has been hard to turn on the television without seeing disturbing images of the current conflict in the Middle East. Many of us share serious concerns about future of the Middle East. It seems unfair that this area--which has suffered so much conflict already--now is confronted with yet another period of escalating violence. The long simmering tension in this region has finally come to a boiling point. The capturing of Israeli soldiers and the attacks on innocent civilians by the terrorist organization Hezbollah is absolutely unacceptable. The President was correct when he stated that Israel has a right to defend itself against the aggressions by Hezbollah. The U.S. must stand side by side with our friends in the Middle East--especially Israel--as they fight terrorism in and around their borders. Israel must have our support and prayers as they continue to fight against those who murder innocent civilians just to advance their political agenda. The loss of innocent life in this region over the last few days is heartbreaking. The people of Israel and Lebanon deserve to live in freedom and peace, safe from violence and terror. Madam Speaker, the source of this current conflict does not lie within Israel or Lebanon. To put it plainly, the violence in the region is rooted in Iran. The support of Hezbollah by Iran in countries like Lebanon only serves to encourage violence, unfairly damage the region's fragile democracies, and undermine the rights of citizens in that region to fair and uncorrupted government. Iran has created and supported terrorism and continues to funnel money and weapons to Hezbollah and Hamas. In fact, missiles that have targeted Israeli forces over the last few days have been traced to manufacturers in Iran. It is clear that a nuclear Iran puts the Middle East and all countries around the world in grave peril. Iran has repeatedly defied the international community and has progressed in its development of nuclear capabilities. If Iran continues with its rogue nuclear programs, it will not be long before these weapons fall into the hands of terrorist organizations such as Hezbollah and Hamas. If we want to address the future security and stability of the Middle East, the U.S. must work to curb extremism and violent political activism nurtured by the Iranian government. The U.S. and the international community must come together behind a united front and stand with unwavering strength against the Iran's state-sponsored terrorist organizations and activities. Here at home, it is now more important than ever that we realize that our own safety and security depends on the destruction of terrorism in the Middle East. This isn't just a Middle East problem--the attacks in London, Madrid, Bali, and now India show us that this is world terror. And, as we saw first hand on 9/11, America is not immune to terrorists who seek to destroy freedom and democracy. Although the conflict in the Middle East can seem distant and unrelated to our daily lives, it is vitally important that we remember our past, present and future is intrinsically linked with this region. As the situation continues to unfold over the next days and weeks, let our thoughts and prayers be for a true and lasting peace in the Middle East. Madam Speaker, I urge support for H. Res. 921 to show solidarity with Israel in their quest for security and peace, and to show our commitment to defeating terrorism around the globe.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I want to extend my appreciation to Edward Deeb and the Michigan Food and Beverage Association for facilitating the yearly Metro Detroit Youth Day event. Due to the leadership of Mr. Deeb and the Michigan Food and Beverage Association, families from throughout southeast Michigan have been able to participate in a free day of fun for children for the past 24 years. Metro Detroit Youth Day, established in 1981, has been an annual event through which families throughout the metro Detroit area have been able to come together and share a day filled with exciting activities and games. Nearly 30,000 young people are expected to take part in the 24th annual Metro Detroit Youth Day, being held on July 12, 2006, on Belle Isle. During the long months of summer, parents often find the need to find physically and mentally stimulating activities for their children while they enjoy their summer vacations. In Metro Detroit Youth Day, students are able to enjoy a day filled with wholesome activities that help fill a need for physical education and emphasizes leadership and fair play. Additionally, children are encouraged to stay in school, say no to drugs, and learn how to treat one another with respect and dignity. The generosity of the entire community is evident in Metro Detroit Youth Day, with thousands of metro Detroiters contributing to this event each year. More than 190 community organizations have come together to sponsor Metro Detroit Youth Day with the help of donations from dozens of corporate sponsors that make this day possible. Additionally, more than 900 adult volunteers from throughout the community offer their services in many capacities throughout the event. The enthusiasm and dedication of Edward Deeb and the Michigan Food and Beverage Association have combined with organizations from all over Michigan to continually give back to countless families throughout the southeast Michigan community. I am pleased to offer my appreciation to all involved in Metro Detroit Youth Day for making it an annual success.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing a very important piece of legislation that will provide additional relief for families as they plan for the financial cost of their children's education. Over the past ten years, tuition at public and private four-year institutions of higher learning has increased by 38 percent. Furthermore, over the past twenty-two years the cost of a four-year degree at a public college has increased by more than 202 percent. The expense is staggering, but the financial burden of college should not prevent individuals from seeking and receiving an advanced education. That is why I am introducing the Student Financial Readiness Act of 2006, which will increase the amount of the annual tax-free contribution a family or individual may contribute to a student's elementary, secondary, or college expenses. Coverdell Education Savings Accounts allow families to make a yearly tax-free contribution of $2,000 per child to assist with educational costs. The money can be spent on both K-12 education, and college. By allowing families to make tax-free contributions to education savings accounts, we promote ownership of education and help ease the financial burden of education expenses. However, the current $2,000 annual limit currently in place on Coverdell accounts needs to be adjusted to keep pace with increasing tuition rates. My bill, the Student Financial Readiness Act of 2006, would permit a contribution level of $5,000 annually and index the contribution amount by the cost-of-living adjustment. We must give families the option of providing the very best education possible for their children. Our nation's future depends on the next generation. They must be given every opportunity to receive the highest education and the ability to be competitive in our changing job market. Mr. Speaker, thank you for the time to speak on behalf of my bill, the Student Financial Readiness Act of 2006. I respectfully request the support of my colleagues for this important piece of legislation to help ensure the future success of our nation's children and the financial stability of American families.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I want to recognize the extraordinary and diverse career and accomplishments of Dr. Charles M. Chambers. I extend my congratulations on his recent appointment as chancellor of Lawrence Technological University, and I recognize his dedication to education throughout Michigan and the world. Dr. Chambers has already left an indelible mark on Lawrence Tech through his thirteen years as President, a trend that will certainly continue under his direction as chancellor of the University. Under his leadership, Lawrence Tech has set a number of records and has achieved national recognition as an institution dedicated to innovative and effective methods of education, often setting the standard to which other universities strive. Among the many accomplishments Lawrence Tech has made under Dr. Chambers' Presidency is its status as Michigan's first wireless laptop campus, contributing to Lawrence Tech's recognition as one of the top fifty unwired campuses in the country. Throughout his service to Lawrence Tech, Dr. Chambers has demonstrated his dedication to the enhancement and expansion of education through the dramatic transformation of Lawrence Tech's campus, the enormous increase in student scholarships and community outreach, and the expansion of academic programs offered at Lawrence Tech, including its first doctoral programs. Additionally, Dr. Chambers has overseen the creation of learning centers and higher education partnerships worldwide. Dr. Charles M. Chambers has served Lawrence Technological University and the State of Michigan with honor and pride throughout the duration of his career with the University. I congratulate him on his recent appointment, which is a direct result of his continued dedication to education and to the success of Lawrence Technological University.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing legislation that would improve the long-term health of Americans and reduce the skyrocketing health care costs in our nation. One of the best ways we can accomplish these goals is to encourage companies to implement programs that prevent disease and encourage healthy lifestyles. Mr. Speaker, that is why I am introducing the Preventive Medicine for a Healthier America Act of 2006. This legislation would increase the number of individuals who pursue preventive medicine careers, encourage businesses to offer wellness programs for their employees, and provide public awareness on the importance of preventive medicine. Preventive medicine physicians are an important resource in the quest to educate patients and communities of health risks, detect symptoms in the early stages of disease, and encourage preventive action. Unfortunately, the number of preventive medicine residency programs and individuals pursuing preventive medicine degrees has significantly decreased in recent years. As a result, the Preventive Medicine for a Healthier America Act would offer up to $20,000 in loan forgiveness for individuals who become board certified in preventive medicine. Medical school is an expensive undertaking and too many medical students are forced to pursue professions that will provide instant financial benefits. They often must do this simply to payoff student loans. By providing up to $20,000 in loan forgiveness for pursuing preventive medicine, this legislation would help ensure a talented pool of preventive medicine physicians. Businesses are another important component in the fight to prevent disease among Americans. As businesses realize the financial benefits and productivity improvements involved with the health of their employees, more and more are becoming interested in preventive medicine. Wellness and preventive health programs can be expensive initially. However results over the long-term have saved companies hundreds of thousands of dollars and several have even seen cost savings in the millions. The Preventive Medicine for a Healthier America Act would provide tax incentives for companies that implement a wellness program for their employees. Qualified businesses that implement wellness programs would be able to claim a tax credit for every employee that participates. A certain percentage of their employees would have to participate for a company to be eligible for the credit, and there are specific requirements to ensure employees benefit. In turn, employees would stay healthier and businesses can see a significant reduction in their health care costs. Public awareness regarding the importance of preventive medicine is also a key to the prevention of disease. My bill also would require the Department of Health and Human Services to carry out a national education campaign to encourage the use of preventive health screenings. Providing education would encourage individuals to take responsibility for their health and offer information on how to prevent illness for themselves and for their loved ones. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to introduce the Preventive Medicine for a Healthier America Act which would reduce the risk of disease, encourage a healthier America, and help curb the rising cost of health care for our businesses. It is important we realize as a Nation that taking care of ourselves today will pay the dividends of tomorrow.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the resolution before us. I want to convey a very simple message. We must stay the course. At this crucial point in our history, it is unacceptable to enact a policy of passivity, resignation or defeatism in the face of terror. Some say that we should surrender and pull out. They may think that this will win them votes and that it is good politics, but it is terrible policy, devastating policy. It is essential that we continue to fight in Iraq so that the fight does not come into our backyards. Make no mistake, we do not choose Iraq as a front line on the war on terror. Al Qaeda has done that. But we must have that fight over there so we don't have it back here. Like many of my colleagues, I have visited Iraq and seen firsthand the revitalization of country. The men and women our Armed Forces are fighting terrorists who are trying to claim Iraq for their own. Without their valor and dedication, the progress made in Iraq would not be possible. It takes time, will, patience and perseverance to transition a country once ruled by a tyrannical despot. Terrorists who seek to eliminate anyone who provides hope for the future have infested Iraq, but they will not succeed. The Iraqi people are committed to freeing their country from these fanatical invaders, and we are too. The Iraqi people's future is in their hands, and right now they want U.S. help. Just this week, Iraqi army and police forces backed by U.S. troops launched Operation Forward together. This operation was created by Iraqi Prime Minister al-Maliki and his parliament, and it is their first major security action since a new government of national unity was sworn in on May 20. Mr. Speaker, the resolve of the United States should never be questioned. The world must know that the United States finishes what it starts. We will win the fight against global terrorism, including in Iraq.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the amendment.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. I would be happy to accept your amendment.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the amendment.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the amendment.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. With all due respect to the gentleman, and I do respect this gentleman, I believe this is an unnecessary amendment. The Congress cannot and should not abdicate its responsibility to review individual programs and make individual recommendations based on that review. The desire to hold spending in check should be based on congressional oversight of specific programs. We should not take a ``meat axe'' approach nor should we yield our power to the executive branch, and so, therefore, I urge a ``no'' vote on this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back my time.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I am willing to accept the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I rise to oppose the amendment.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I know the gentleman has an honest appeal here in terms of doing what is best for his district, but here is the problem, and we are running into this problem consistently. We ran into it yesterday. More and more people are looking for a source of money, a piggy bank, if you will, and the IRS seems to be one of those targets. What I would say is that with this money that he is choosing to take, he would subsidize the relocation of rail for private rail companies. This gentleman's amendment proposes to fund these subsidies by taking critical funding from the Treasury. As I mentioned, we have been hit again and again, and it seems as though they are going after the salaries and expenses side of the budget. Pretty soon, you weaken that organization to a point that they cannot do their job. We need to obviously be able to collect and deposit revenues into the Treasury. That is one of their major roles. This amendment cuts the Treasury's departmental offices by $10 million. That is salaries, that is people, that is personnel that they need. This would significantly damage U.S. global economic and national security interests and cripple the Treasury's ability to fight the financial war on terror, and some of that money may have come out of that. We do not need to go there. We do not need to malign the money that is being used to fight the war on terror. This amendment also cuts the IRS' business systems modernization program by $20 million, ``BSM'' as it is commonly called. While it appears to some that this account is $45 million above the President's request, it is actually just a restructuring of the IRS accounts. In fact, BSM is currently funded at the request level, which is already $30 million below last year's level. Cutting this $20 million will force IRS to lay off many of the 317 personnel who are currently working on the BSM project, delaying all work on the modernization of the IRS legacy systems. So it may seem harmless to take $20 million here and $10 million there, but pretty soon, you rob Peter to put something in Paul's lap. Unfortunately, this leaves us at odds with how we balance the entire bill in the end. We have to have money for this organization, the IRS, and the many areas in which they work. The most recent one added was the involvement in terrorism. So I would strongly object to the gentleman's amendment on that basis, I understand this is a program that he is very fond of and certainly favorable to, and there are a number of people from Illinois that I believe are on the same side. However, I must object, and I must oppose the amendment. I just wanted to add one other point. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that in the engrossment of the bill, H.R. 5576, the Clerk be authorized to make technical corrections and conforming changes to the bill.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the further consideration of H.R. 5576, and that I may include tabular material on the same.