Joe Knollenberg

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Tom Davis) a member of the authorizing committee.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I will close with a very quick comment. This conference report is a good bipartisan bill that reflects all the priorities that the ranking member and I worked together to make sure that were in the bill. It fully funds every penny of the city's budget. It ensures that all Federal obligations are met. I would just say that, having been the chairman of this committee, it has been a great experience particularly in terms of the city. The response I have gotten from the folks that run this city, the leadership, the residents, they have all been very kind to me in helping me develop this legislation and helping us bring about what I believe is a good bill.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. They are indeed. One of the problems with that, and to just give one example, Canada has a free trade agreement, obviously with us; but they also have one with Chile. I think the gentleman mentioned that a moment ago. Just to give one example, because Canada does have a free trade agreement with Chile, we do not, a farm tractor costs something like $15,000 more if purchased from the U.S. than its Canadian counterpart. If we had, obviously, an agreement with Chile, we would be selling tractors to Chile. But you know who they are going to buy them from? The Chileans are not going to buy them from us. The same thing could be expressed about potatoes. They buy potatoes from, guess who, Canada, because they have an agreement. Burger King is big in Chile, and that is another reason we should look at it. I might just say this, that I think it is a sorry state for the U.S., which is the most open society in the world, that we begin to close our doors to allowing our products to get into other countries. I think we have a great opportunity tomorrow, if we do not fumble it and pass this bill. I would just say that we can break down the barriers to U.S. goods and services and that Chilean situation would not occur and we would have a market for our products overseas. What I like to always say is the jobs stay here, the products go overseas, and the workers earn the money here and keep their job. We have to do more of that if we are going to be the leader and maintain our leadership in the world. So I particularly enjoy having an opportunity to spend a moment or two this evening on this. I would simply yield back to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I just have a few moments here that I wanted to take, and I appreciate the gentleman from Texas yielding, and I appreciate the gentleman from Georgia here with the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady), obviously, and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman). Your work on agriculture is one part of it. I want to talk a little bit about leadership, because I think one of the things lacking here is if the U.S. does not garner some agreements around the world, we are abdicating our role as a leader. We are a national leader, and tomorrow's vote on Trade Promotion Authority is critical to the future of this country. It is important for Members and Americans to understand just what is at stake here. So I appreciate the opportunity to come here with you gentlemen and discuss why it is so important that we talk about this and reinforce TPA. Free trade is about a lot of things. It is about expanding the economy, new jobs, strengthening relations with our allies and lifting the developing world out of poverty. On this, one of the things that the U.S. does best is it leads. But in this arena, it seems to me that they are failing. They are dropping the role that they play in such a huge way and have played over the last several decades. It is only proven through action, whether you go back to World War II, whether you are talking about the rebuilding of Europe, fighting communism or protecting the environment, growing the economy or fighting terrorism, which we are doing now, that is the real essence of America, and I think we have to express ourselves. We do it best tomorrow by passing TPA; and we, frankly, risk our opportunity, we are abdicating our position of leadership, if we do not in fact promote international trade in a way that gives the President the authority that is so vital to America's well-being. Let me just give you some numbers in my own home State of Michigan. Last year 372,000 jobs were dependent upon manufactured exports. Last year we sold some $52 billion of goods to more than 200 foreign markets, which is the fourth most in the country. We need to begin to aggressively break down the barriers to American exports so that we can create these new jobs. I would just add a thing or two. This is the thing that bothers me the most. With more than 130 preferential trade agreements in effect in the world today, the U.S. is only a party to three; the NAFTA agreement, and, of course, the agreements with Israel and Jordan. In contrast, and this is the bothersome part, the European Union has 27 agreements in effect, 20 negotiated in the 1990s, and right now is currently negotiating 15 more.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, when we vote in 2 days on Trade Promotion Authority, nothing less than American leadership in the world is at stake. As we lead the world in an effort to eradicate terrorism, we risk abdicating our position of leadership in an area that is just as vital to America's well-being and that is international trade. The United States has been falling rapidly behind the rest of the world in international trade. I said rapidly behind. There are more than 130 trade agreements in effect in the world today, but the United States is party to just three. For the world's most open society, the U.S., which should be leading the charge to open up other countries to our products, this is a sorry state of affairs. We have a chance on Thursday to reclaim the mantle of leadership by passing TPA. When we do, the exports will go abroad; and the high paying jobs will stay here. I urge all my colleagues to support TPA.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, leadership is only proven through action, and throughout its history the United States has proven itself to be a leader. But as we lead the world in an effort to eradicate terrorism, we risk abdicating our position of leadership in an area that is just as vital to America's well-being and that is international trade. With more than 130 trade agreements in effect in the world today, it is shocking that in the U.S. we are a party to only three. National security and economic security are not mutually exclusive. Exports strengthen our country by creating jobs and strengthening the economy. The jobs stay here and the exports go overseas. One in 10 Americans work in jobs that depend on exports. One in 10. And those jobs pay between 13 and 18 percent more than the national average. America must lead in international trade in order to effectively lead the world. Fortunately, 1 week from today, December 6, Congress has a chance to pick up the mantle of leadership by passing trade promotion authority. I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting TPA, trade promotion authority.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend Chairman Oxley and Subcommittee Chairman Richard Baker for their hard work on this legislation. As a former insurance agent and counselor, I understand the challenges the insurance industry faces after the tragic events of September 11. I believe this bill moves us in the right direction to reach a solution before the end of the year when most of the current policies expire. Let's be clear--we are not bailing out the insurance industry. But we must be equally clear that, without action, companies and individuals will face skyrocketing premiums or have to buy policies that do not cover terrorist events. No action risks further harm to our economy. This bill provides a federal risk-sharing loan program to ensure the liquidity to the industry. The federal government will pay 90 percent of insurance claims once triggered by a terrorist event costing over $100 million. However, it also provides flexibility to help smaller companies who take a significant loss but do not reach that trigger amount. These loans will be repaid over time by the industry, providing assistance but not a bailout. The loan program sunsets after 1 year so that Congress can revisit any unforeseen consequences of this bill and make further changes. I think this bill is a good starting point, and we must get started. I urge my colleagues to pass this legislation and settle our differences with the Senate in Conference quickly so we can get something to the President before the end of the year.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a remarkable young lady from my State, Miss Renee Stevens. I am pleased to report she is in Orlando, FL, preparing to compete for the national title of ``Miss American Coed for 2002.'' American Coed State Pageants have been held nationwide annually for the past 18 years to recognize and reward outstanding young women for their past and present accomplishments. Last Memorial Day, Miss Stevens was given the crown and title of ``Miss Michigan American Coed 2001.'' She was judged on poise, appearance, and presentation during interviews and an evening gown competition. Miss Stevens, a 2000 graduate from Troy High School, will now compete in the National Miss American Coed Pageant. Nationwide, State winners and State pageant finalists will be competing in the 18th annual national scholarship competition to be crowned ``Miss American Coed for 2002.'' Mr. Speaker, there is no doubt Miss Stevens will make Michigan proud by representing her home State. I congratulate Renee and wish her continued success in all her future endeavors.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Robert A. Trott, a former constituent of Michigan's 11th Congressional District. Mr. Trott, enjoying his 74th year on this earth, passed away on October 22, 2001. Mr. Trott spent most of his life in Michigan before he retired in 1992 and moved to Ohio. He grew up in Rochester and attended the Detroit College of Law. After his graduation, he eventually worked his way up to become senior vice president of mortgage servicing for Advance Mortgage Corporation in Detroit. In 1976, he founded the Trott & Trott law firm with the assistance of his first wife, Rose, who predeceased him in 1986. It has grown over the years to become one of the largest firms in the Nation conducting residential default procedures. It employs over 250 people representing clients nationwide and is now run by Mr. Trott's son, David Trott. Robert Trott was committed to his law firm and he was committed to serving his profession; he was a member of the State Bar of Michigan, a member of the Bankruptcy Rules Committee for the Eastern District of Michigan, and he was chairman of the Servicing Committee of the Mortgage Bankers Association of America. But most of all, Mr. Trott was committed to his family. As a husband, father, and grandfather, he had a kind heart and gave unselfishly to his family. He used to tell his family that he was always in their corner rooting for them. Mr. Trott taught his finally about many things, but most importantly, he taught and gave them love. Mr. Speaker, Robert Trott achieved many great goals which has improved Michigan's community, but his biggest contribution was his commitment to his family. I send my prayers to everyone who knew Bob, especially his wife Jo Ann, his son and daughter-in-law David and Kathlenn, and his three grandchildren, Duke, Courtney, and Taylor Rose, during this difficult time.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (H.R. 2944) making appropriations for the government of the District of Columbia and other activities chargeable in whole or in part against the revenues of said District for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2002, and for other purposes, with a Senate amendment thereto, disagree to the Senate amendment, and agree to the conference asked by the Senate.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. I am glad to yield to the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I am willing, of course, to accept what was mentioned. I want to also briefly say that the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah), while thanking me, should also get thanked from me because he has done, I think, a great amount of work to bring this about. We use this word bipartisanship a little loosely; but frankly, we are on the same page in almost every respect; and when we have an occasional disagreement, it is not a disagreement. It is worked out. Mr. Speaker, I wanted to applaud and salute the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah) and thank him for working as a team to bring this about. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I have no disagreement with the suggestion the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah) is making. I think the whole idea of the gentleman's motion is to, in fact, do what it is we have already done in the bill. The administration, the OMB, have weighed in. They are, in fact, supportive of this move; and so I have no disagreement at all. I would also like to comment briefly on the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan), who does bring up I think something that we should all look at very, very close, that is, St. Coletta's. He makes remarks that I think coincide with mine because I too have met with the folks from St. Coletta's, and so we join in addressing that issue and promoting it in the fashion that we think it should be, and I believe that from what I can sense here we should have a good conference. We are close on a number of issues, but we are close enough I think on the money issue to redeem and bring this to resolution; and so with that, unless the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah), the ranking member, wants to express an opinion.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding me this time, and I thank the chairman, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh) and the ranking member, the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan) for the great work that they have done to produce this conference report and, in effect, to produce this bill. I would also like to thank Frank Cushing, who works under a great deal of stress, but does it very, very well, and all the staff that has done so remarkably well to produce this bill that we have, this conference report that we have in front of us today. None of it would be possible without their dedication, their expertise, and the long hours. I salute their work. I just want to highlight a few of the provisions in the bill. The bill provides an extra $128 million to help the Veterans Benefits Administration to expedite claims processing. The veterans of America do not deserve to suffer the lengthy waits they do now to receive the benefits that they deserve. The extra funding is an important step forward in cutting these wait times. I would also like to thank the chairman, the ranking member, and the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Oxley) for working with me to improve a pilot housing program in my district. This has amplification potential with districts around the country. The program is providing a viable and cost-effective housing alternative for the aging population, and I am pleased that it will continue. I want to note also there is a $363 million increase in funding for the National Science Foundation. The NIH and CDC get much of the publicity when we talk about medical and scientific advances. But few of those advances would be possible without the basic research that is conducted by NSF. I am pleased that these and other funding priorities in the bill will be signed into law when this conference report lands on the President's desk. Chairman Walsh is to be saluted for crafting this piece of legislation under some very difficult circumstances. He and the gentleman from West Virginia (Mr. Mollohan) have worked tirelessly with our colleagues in the other body to forge a fiscally responsible bill in a bipartisan spirit. So, Mr. Speaker, this conference report is the fruit of the effort, and I urge adoption of the rule and the conference.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, leadership is only proven through action. And time after time in its history, the United States has proven itself a leader. But as we lead the world in an effort to eradicate terrorism, we risk advocating our position of leadership in an area that is just as vital to America's well-being: international trade. Or spelled another way: jobs. National security and economic security are not mutually exclusively. With more than 130 preferential trade agreements in the world today, shockingly, shockingly, the United States is a party to only three. This disparity has real consequences for us at home. American workers, manufacturers, and producers are losing markets for their products and income for their families. For their sake, we must take action to turn this around. Fortunately, Congress does have a chance to pick up the mantle of leadership once again by passing trade promotion authority. I urge all my colleagues to join me in supporting America's leadership role in the world by supporting TPA.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, simply making an airport baggage and passenger screener a Federal employee will not make airports safer. Tougher standards and strict Federal oversight will make airports safer; and that is exactly what this act does, the one we have up today. The American public needs to regain its confidence in flying. How will they do that if we do not have the ability to discipline or remove screeners who are not performing? How will they regain confidence if we cannot equip personnel with superior technology? And how will they regain that confidence if qualified retired Federal workers, such as Federal marshals, are unable to be hired because they will have to sacrifice their retirement benefits and their health care benefits? The answer is they will not. The Secure Transportation for America Act gives the administration the flexibility that they need to have the best possible employees screening passengers and baggage. The American people deserve no less.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. I thank the chairman for yielding me this time. I will be somewhat brief, but I do want to rise, Mr. Speaker, in strong support of the Treasury, Postal Appropriations conference report. I want to commend Chairman Istook for his work, and also the ranking member, the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Hoyer), for their teamwork on this whole issue and on this whole bill. In particular, let me salute the chairman for his work in securing some $28 million-plus for a northern border hiring initiative for Customs officers. This is a significant increase over what the House or the Senate passed in their versions of the bill. The new Customs officers will help alleviate the long delays that have occurred at the U.S.-Canada border in the wake of the September 11 terrorist attacks. This is no small matter for my congressional district, nor for the State of Michigan, or for that matter, for the Middle West. More than $1 billion worth of goods and services cross the northern border every day. This constitutes the largest bilateral flow of goods, services and capital between any two countries anywhere in the world, and four of the seven busiest ports of entry between the U.S. and Canada are between the Michigan-Canada border. Immediately after the attacks, the wait time for cars and trucks to cross the border reached a staggering 14 hours. The ripple effects of this were severe. Manufacturers in Michigan, for example, and across the country, cut costs ``with just-in-time deliveries,'' but when those deliveries cannot be made ``just in time,'' it causes economic hardship for manufacturers throughout my home State and the Midwest. We actually saw plants close down temporarily in September because of supply disruptions. And if the wait time continues to be longer than usual, we risk extended economic difficulty. Funding this northern border hiring initiative is a step in the right direction towards preventing further disruptions. There is more to do, particularly with technology and infrastructure needs, and I look forward to working with Chairman Istook to ensure that the country is secure and that our economy remains strong. Once again I thank the chairman for yielding me this time, and I thank him for his help and urge all my colleagues to support this conference report.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, we have to pass trade promotion authority now. If we do not, we will let down America's world-class workers, farmers and businesses. The global marketplace is increasingly competitive. Without TPA, America will lag behind. Our foreign competitors have negotiated some 130 preferential agreements while we, absent TPA, have negotiated exactly three. We need to get back in the game. International trade is an essential and growing source of economic expansion. Exports accounted for over 25 percent of all U.S. economic growth over the last decade and support an estimated 12 million jobs. If we do not pass TPA, we risk losing our competitive edge to other nations who will continue to negotiate deals while we sit on the sidelines. With trade promotion authority, we can level the playing field. Mr. Speaker, U.S. companies, workers, and farmers are second to none. We need TPA to make sure the rules are fair. The companies, the workers and the farmers will do the rest.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to offer an important piece of legislation that will help Americans respond to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on our nation. Many citizens are wondering what they can do to help win the war on terrorism. The bill I am introducing would temporarily waive the penalties against those who for whatever reason have neglected to sign up with the Selective Service System if they register within 60 days after this becomes law. We all know that American males must register for the military draft when they turn 18. As a member of the House VA-HUD Appropriations Subcommittee, which funds the Selective Service System, I have learned that roughly 13 percent of our young men do not perform this basic duty. After seeing the registration rate decline for most of the 1990's, it is now remaining steady for the last two years due to an emphasis on programs and initiatives around the country to increase awareness. Registering for the military draft has never been easier or more convenient. During the 60-day amnesty period outlined in the bill, young men can register via Internet or telephone. Furthermore, a nationwide high school registration blitz and new state laws have all served to assist the Selective Service in their responsibility. Let me be clear, this legislation neither calls for, or presupposes the reinstatement of the draft. It is simply a matter of preparedness at a time when our Nation must be prepared in every aspect. Under Federal law, there are serious consequences for failing to register for the draft. Penalties for not registering if convicted are up to 5 years in prison and up to $250,000 in fines, or a combination of both. Although the Department of Justice can prosecute for failure to register, the normal sanctions for not registering are denial of Federal and some State student aid, government job training, State and Federal employment and U.S. citizenship for immigrants seeking naturalization. Under this legislation, these penalties are waived if a young man fulfills his duty within 60 days of enactment of this law. I would point out that penalties for failing to register with the Selective Service are not limited to federal law. Six states (Oklahoma, Delaware, Utah, Arkansas, Hawaii, and Georgia) currently deny state drivers licenses if one is not registered and other states are contemplating similar laws. The terrorist attacks on America September 11th and the loss of innocent lives in this tragedy has demonstrated the real and credible danger to the freedom of our country and its citizens. In peacetime and in time of war, the Selective Service System has been a strong backbone for our military and our country. This legislation further strengthens our preparedness while allowing young American men the chance to get right with the law. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to working with my colleagues to help Americans fulfill their patriotic duty during this difficult time.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, today I pay tribute to Mr. Robert G. David, a notable citizen of Northville and a constituent in Michigan's Eleventh Congressional district. Mr. David has served his community with distinction and honor and has recently been bestowed with two special awards. In 1997, while still an undergraduate at Michigan State University, Mr. David initiated the Campus Walking Tour program that would eventually foster the creation of the present Student Alumni Foundation. Since this graduation in 1978, Mr. David founded his own business, the David Group, and he is an executive producer to the nationally syndicated Glenn Haege radio show. In addition, Mr. David has co-chaired Celebrate Northville, which organizes the Fourth of July Parade and fireworks for the city, served as president of the Broad School Alumni Association Board of Directors, and been an elected precinct delegate. Mr. David has been honored by his Alma Mater with two prestigious awards. In 1999, the president of Michigan State presented Mr. David with the Alumni Service Award. This award is presented to alumni who have demonstrated continuing outstanding volunteer service to MSU and public service on a local, state, national, and international level. A year later, Mr. David was honored by the Eli Broad College of Business at Michigan State University with the Outstanding Alumnus Award for distinguished service to business, education, and the public. Mr. David continues to serve the community and through his dedication and hard work to the people of Michigan, he is a prime example of the kind of people that we need in our community. I congratulate David on his fine achievements and awards and wish nothing but the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I will continue to reserve the point of order, but I would be glad to yield to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Hastings)

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

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I yield back any time remaining.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. In closing, I would like to thank all Members of Congress who took such an active interest in the District of Columbia appropriations bill this year. The subcommittee received an unprecedented number of requests from Members, which I think shows, as much as anything, how committed they are in this body to our Nation's Capital, and how far this city has come in the last 6 years. Mr. Chairman, the bill before us is a good, bipartisan bill that reflects the priorities I set when I first became chairman, that being economic development, public safety, and education. As was mentioned, this fully funds every penny of the city's budget, and it ensures that all Federal obligations are met. I want to reemphasize, as has been attested to here, that we have eliminated more than half of the general provisions that were included in last year's bill and by our manager's amendment that was included in our rule, we have shown our commitment to addressing any remaining concerns with the bill. I intend certainly to do that with the various participants, including the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Fattah), obviously, and the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton). My first year as chairman of the Subcommittee on the District of Columbia of the Committee on Appropriations has been a very positive experience for me. I began to meet the leadership of the city, I began to meet the people in the city, and I got an understanding from them as to what was on their minds. Their input has been invaluable to me in crafting this bill. I might also say that the residents have been very kind to me. I look forward now to wrapping up this year's bill as quickly as possible, and I hope our colleagues in the other body will expeditiously consider their version of this legislation so we can get it to the President's desk and the District of Columbia can go about its business.