Joe Knollenberg

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the proceedings had during the recess be printed in the Congressional Record and that all Members and former Members who spoke during the recess have the privilege of revising and extending their remarks.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, the Clinton administration has created a national security emergency by cutting the defense budget while spreading our troops all around the world. Between 1960 and 1991, the Army conducted 10 operational events. In the past 8 years, the Army has conducted an astonishing 26 operational events. Strangely enough, this increased activity has occurred during a period in which our military has been shrunk by 40 percent. This misguided policy is playing itself out in Yugoslavia. Already the President has had to call up thousands of reserves and divert planes from the strategically important Iraqi No-Fly Zone to carry out strikes on Milosovic's regime. Mr. Speaker, it is time for Congress to replenish our national defense which has been substantially weakened by the Clinton administration. The Republican majority stands ready to provide the resources to address the problems related to troop morale and readiness. I implore my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join in this effort.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Tax Freedom Day and to reiterate my call for lower taxes. According to the nonpartisan Tax Foundation, the average American will have to work 131 days or until May 11; that is, today, just to pay his or her taxes. This graph says it all. I believe it is outrageous. Clearly the time has come for Congress and the President to cut taxes so the American people can keep more of their hard-earned money. Taxes are at an historic high, higher than World War II. With a strong economy and the Federal Government running a surplus, there will never be a better time than today to cut taxes. This year's budget calls for 800 billion in reduction in Federal taxes over the next 10 years. This much-needed tax cut will strengthen working families and keep our economy moving forward. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to work together this year to ensure that the American people receive the tax relief they deserve and not this.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of this emergency supplemental bill for our troops in Yugoslavia under the leadership of the chairman, the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Bill Young). I think it is a great bill. President Clinton has created a national security emergency by cutting the defense budget while spreading our troops around the world. In the last 8 years, our military has been reduced by some 40 percent. Look at Yugoslavia. Already the President has had to call up 25,000 reserves and divert planes from the Iraqi ``no fly'' zone to Yugoslavia. While I have, and many others do as well, strong reservations about the decisions that have led us to this point, I feel that the United States is now confronted by a series of bad options in Yugoslavia. I believe it is important, however, that NATO continue its operation. The credibility of NATO and the United States depends on it. The $12.9 billion in this bill will ensure that our troops receive the resources they need to carry out their mission and begin to rebuild our national defenses, which have been substantially weakened by Mr. Clinton's neglect. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to do the right thing and support our troops by voting ``yes'' on this important bill.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gekas) for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this amendment, in opposition to my good friend the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers). This bill, the Bankruptcy Reform Act of 1999, includes a provision that addresses an injustice that exists within Title 11 of the United States Code regarding single asset bankruptcies. That is a big long statement. This provision mirrors legislation that I introduced in H.R. 624, and I want to thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Chairman Gekas) for his instructive help on that matter. This was done in the previous Congress and I thank him for including this in H.R. 833. Let me say what, in addition to what we have heard, is wrong with this amendment. The injustice within Title 11 stems from a last-minute decision that was made in the 103rd Congress, which placed an arbitrary $4 million ceiling on the single asset provisions of the bankruptcy reform bill. The effect has been to render investors helpless in foreclosure on single assets valued at over $4 million. H.R. 833 provides relief to victims by eliminating this arbitrary ceiling. Under this law, Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code serves as a legal shield for the debtor. Upon the investors filing to foreclose, the debtor preemptively files for Chapter 11 protection, which postpones indefinitely foreclosure, while in Chapter 11 the debtor will continue to collect the rents on the commercial asset. Now listen to this. However, the commercial property will typically be left to deteriorate and the property taxes go unpaid. When the investor finally recovers the property through the delayed foreclosure, they owe an enormous amount in back taxes; they receive a commercial property left in deterioration which has a lower rent value and resale value, and meanwhile the rent for all the months or years they were trying to retain the property went to an uncollectable debtor. H.R. 833 does not leave the debtor without protection, however. First, the investor brings a foreclosure against a debtor only as a last result. This usually comes after all other efforts to reconcile delinquent mortgage payments have failed. Second, the debtor has up to 90 days to reorganize under a Chapter 11. It should be noted, however, that single asset reorganizations are typically a false hope, since the owner of a single asset does not normally have other properties from which he can recapitalize his business. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to defeat the amendment offered by the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Conyers), which could prohibit the single asset real estate definition from being applied in such case, which could result in the loss of five or more jobs. This amendment, if adopted, would effectively nullify the single asset protection currently in the code and allow Chapter 11 debtors to continue gaming the system by hiring new employees just before the filing. Make no mistake about it, this amendment, if approved, would allow unscrupulous debtors to drag out single asset cases for years to avoid meeting their financial obligations. Mr. Chairman, H.R. 833 restores personal responsibility to our bankruptcy laws; closes the loopholes, in addition, that allow individuals to game the system. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to oppose the Conyers amendment and vote ``yes'' on final passage.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon in remembrance of a dark period in American history, or actually in history, period. That point is the Armenian genocide. When most people hear the word ``genocide'' they immediately think of Hitler. They think of the persecution of the Jews during World War II. Most individuals are unaware that the first genocide of the 21st century occurred during World War I and was perpetrated by the Ottoman Empire against the Armenian people. Concerned that the Armenians would move to establish their own government, the Ottoman Empire embarked on a reign of terror that resulted in the massacre of over 1.5 million Armenians. This atrocious crime began on April 15, 1915, when the Ottoman Empire arrested, exiled, and eventually killed hundreds of Armenian religious, political, and intellectual leaders. Once they had eliminated the Armenian people's leadership, they turned their attention to the Armenians serving in the Ottoman army. These soldiers were disarmed and placed in labor camps, where they were either starved or executed. The Armenian people, lacking political leadership and deprived of young, able-bodied men who could fight against the Ottoman onslaught, were then deported from every region of Turkish Armenia. The images of human suffering from the Armenian genocide are graphic, and are as haunting as the pictures of the Holocaust. Why, then, it must be asked, are so many people unaware of the Armenian genocide? I believe the answer is found in the international community's response to this disturbing event. At the end of World War I, those responsible for ordering and implementing the Armenian genocide were never brought to justice, and the world casually forgot about the pain and suffering of the Armenian people. This proved to be a grave mistake. Just a few years later in a speech on the eve of World War II, Hitler justified his brutal tactics with the infamous statement, ``Who today remembers the extermination of the Armenians?'' Six years later, 6 million Jews had been exterminated by the Nazis. Never had, as the phrase goes, ``Those who forget the past will be destined to repeat it,'' been more applicable. If the international community had spoken out against this merciless slaughtering of the Armenian people instead of ignoring it, the horrors of the Holocaust might never have taken place. As we commemorate the 84th anniversary of the Armenian genocide, I believe it is time to give this event its rightful place in history. So let us pay homage to those who fell victim to their Ottoman oppressors, and tell the story of the forgotten genocide, for the sake of the Armenian heritage. It is a story that must be heard.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Shays) for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, as a member of the Committee on the Budget, I rise today in strong support of the Republican budget resolution, H. Con. Res. 68. This budget prepares our country for the challenges of the 21st Century, and I commend the gentleman from Ohio (Chairman Kasich) and the Members of this committee for putting this altogether. Over the next 10 years, the Federal Government is projected to run a budget surplus, as we have heard before, of $2.6 trillion. Our budget properly utilizes this windfall to strengthen the retirement security of the American people. For the first time ever, 100 percent of the Social Security surplus, and maybe I should say that again, for the first time ever, 100 percent of the Social Security surplus will be locked away to strengthen Social Security and Medicare. Over the next decade, this will secure $1.8 trillion, $100 billion more than the President's budget, to keep these two programs strong for current and future retirees. This is historic. For years, Congress and the President have raided the Social Security trust fund to pay for wasteful government spending. With 77 million baby boomers nearing retirement, it is time to end this dishonest practice. Our budget also provides the American people with tax relief that they need. Over the next decade, it cuts Federal taxes by $800 billion. This tax cut, the largest since Ronald Reagan's first term as president, will strengthen working families and keep our economy moving forward. Finally, this year's budget provides the resources to improve our schools and keep our military strong. If the United States wants the United States to be the world's strongest Nation, we must do a better job of educating our children, and we must ensure that our military forces are the best-trained and the best-equipped in the world. This year's budget takes a giant step forward in accomplishing both of these goals. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support it.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong opposition to the Obey amendment to eliminate the funding offsets in this bill. We should not appropriate this money by putting the burden directly on the backs of our Social Security recipients. The FY99 omnibus bill passed last October included $525 million for two Russian programs, $325 for highly enriched uranium and $200 million for plutonium disposition. The highly enriched uranium agreement was to be signed this week with the arrival of the Russian Prime Minister. However, with his visit being canceled, the use of this $325 million remains in doubt. Furthermore, the plutonium disposition initiative was funded at the $200 million level, but with no request from the Administration, nor any information on how the funding will be used. Today, we have immediate needs in Central America to be funded through this bill. There is no evidence either from the Administration or the Members from the other side of the aisle, that the $200 million will be spent in fiscal year 1999. Although negotiations have begun, it appears doubtful, at best, that such funds would be spent during this fiscal year. And, although it is unlikely that any of the funds would be used in fiscal year 1999, we leave in tact $50 million which will remain available. That is $50 million in addition to the $25 million appropriated in the regular budget process--for a total of $75 million. Once the negotiations are completed, the Administration plans to expend the $200 million over the next 2 to 3 years. I am certain we can work with the Administration once they have a plan in place to provide the necessary funds to make sure this program is adequately funded. The record is clear. The House and Senate have consistently supported U.S. programs to protect Russian nuclear weapons materials that could fall into the hands of terrorists or rogue nations. We have supported efforts to make sure Russian scientists will not be lured away by terrorists or rogue nations. And we have supported efforts to upgrade the Soviet-designed reactors to prevent another Chernobyl type accident. Mr. Chairman, people are suffering in Central America. Let's do the right thing and vote to provide funding for those in immediate need. But let's offset this bill, so we don't have to put the burden on those who rely on Social Security.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. I am grateful to the chairman. I thank him very much.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. I thank the chairman for yielding, Mr. Chairman. Mr. Chairman, I rise for the purpose of entering into a colloquy with the chairman of the committee. As the chairman knows, the Senate, in its consideration of this legislation, has included a provision which provides for the disposal of 17,383 dry tons of zirconium other from the National Defense Stockpile. The Department of Defense inadvertently failed to include this in its legislative proposal to Congress last year. The Senate provision corrects this oversight. It also ensures that disposal of the material will not result in undue disruption of the usual markets of producers, processors, and consumers of the material. It is my understanding that this is really a technical provision which is not controversial, and is supported by both the Defense Department and the Committee on Armed Services. I therefore rise to seek the chairman's support for receding to the Senate on this matter when this bill goes to the conference.

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

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Alfred Berkowitz, who was an active supporter of the Wayne State University College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professionals. Sadly, Mr. Berkowitz died on February 25 in a car accident in Northern Michigan. Mr. Berkowitz began his relationship with the pharmaceutical profession in Detroit over 60 years ago when he attended the Detroit Institute of Technology, which merged with Wayne State University in 1957. Once completing his education, he joined the United States Army where he spent seven years on active duty and 27 years as an active reservist. Mr. Berkowitz retired from service in 1975 with the rank of Warrant Officer IV. Although his professional career was in business, after maintaining his license for 50 years, he was honored by the Michigan Board of Pharmacy, in 1987. Mr. Berkowitz was generous in his philanthropic support of the College of Pharmacy and Allied Health Professionals with a specific focus on benefiting students. He was an invaluable resource to the college by supporting scholarships and by taking a personal interest in students faced with financial hardships. He received Wayne State's Honorary Doctorate of Humane Letters in 1996 as a result of his outstanding support and was recognized at the Cornerstone Club level of the Anthony Wayne Society. Through his service and dedication to Wayne State University and the community, Mr. Berkowtiz made a big difference in many lives and his legacy that he gave the college will help students for years to come.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise in very strong support of H.R. 4. Recent showdowns with Iraq and North Korea are a stark reminder that the fall of the Soviet Union has not led to an absence of threats to our national security. Indeed we still live, and as people have said, in a very dangerous world. We must continue to make this Nation's defense our number one priority. While the United States has conducted research on missile defense for years and possesses the technology to protect the American people from a ballistic missile attack, most Americans are outraged to discover that political foot-dragging has prevented such a defense system from being put in place. Clearly, it is time for Congress and the President to make a commitment to deploy a national missile defense. Additional excuses and further delay will only weaken our national security and endanger American lives. With rogue nations like Iran, Iraq and North Korea working feverishly to develop weapons of mass destruction and the missile technology to deliver them inside the United States, there is simply no justification for leaving the American people vulnerable any longer. Cast votes in favor of a strong, secure America. Vote for H.R. 4.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in expressing my strong support for this resolution honoring the accomplishments of the great Joe DiMaggio. Like millions of other young boys of the era, Joe DiMaggio was my hero. I never met him, I never saw him play, and only on occasion did I hear him on the radio. The Yankees won so many world championships that was always possible, it seemed, in the fall of the year. The Yankee Clipper's grace and skill on the field were inspirational, and they fostered a deeper understanding and love of the game of baseball in everyone, and particularly to those who did get a chance to see him in action. During his storied career, which was interrupted by his honorable service to our country in World War II, Joe DiMaggio led the Yankees to nine world championships and compiled a lifetime batting average of .325. These accomplishments aside, he will always be best remembered for the 1941 season in which he established one of the sport's most enduring records by hitting safely in 56 consecutive games. After that record was broken, he immediately continued another streak of 16 games. Mr. Speaker, Joe DiMaggio was an American icon. His stature, presence and commitment to excellence transcended the baseball diamond and left an indelible impact on the culture of our great Nation. His accomplishments, along with his style and grace, both on and off the field will never be forgotten.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, the American people are overtaxed, and it is time for Congress and the President to let them keep more of their hard-earned money. This year, Federal taxes will represent 22 percent of the Gross Domestic Product. This means that the Federal tax burden is at an all- time high. With the Federal Government projected to run a budget surplus of $2.6 trillion over the next 10 years, there is no excuse for taxing the American people at a higher rate than was necessary to win World War II. On the opening day of the 106th Congress, I introduced a bill that cuts Federal income taxes by 10 percent across the board. This proposal is the simplest and the fairest way to provide the American people with the tax relief that they deserve. Instead of picking winners and losers among overtaxed Americans, this proposal increases the take-home pay of everyone who pays Federal income taxes. We should not require taxpayers to engage in a government-preferred activity or force them to jump through multiple hoops in order to keep more of their own money. A broad-based tax cut avoids adding further complexity to the Tax Code and gives all American workers the relief that they need. In recent years, efforts to provide the American people with significant tax relief has been derailed by the contention that cutting taxes would hurt Social Security. This has always been a shaky argument, but it does not even have a leg to stand on today. Here is some arithmetic or numbers to keep in mind. A 10 percent across-the-board tax cut would cost the Federal Government $743 billion over a 10-year period. This means that more than $1.8 trillion of the $2.6 trillion budget surplus that the Federal Government will run over the same time span would be available to strengthen Social Security. When looking at these numbers, it becomes clear that cutting taxes and securing the future of Social Security are not mutually exclusive goals. We can do both and still have some money left over to invest in education and strengthen our national defense. Excessive taxation is making it harder for middle-income families to get ahead. When adding State and local income taxes, or just taxes period to the Federal tax bite, the average American family ends up paying more in taxes than it is paying or spending on housing, food and shelter. A 10 percent across-the-board income tax cut would save this average family approximately $1,000 per year. This is money that could be saved for a down payment on a home or used to pay for college tuition or put aside for retirement. A broad tax cut like the across-the-board tax cut that I am promoting today is best for the American economy as a whole. It will increase economic activity across the widest number of individuals, thus creating jobs, greater financial security, and giving every American a bigger piece of the pie. However Americans choose to spend their own money, I am confident that it would be put to better use by the family who earned it than by the Washington bureaucrat who yearns for it. As the debate over how to use the budget surplus heats up, the protectors of big government will scream bloody murder about any plan to return some of the windfall to the American people. To them I ask simply, if we cannot cut taxes when the economy is strong, the Federal Government is in the black, and taxes are at an all-time high, when can we? Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support a 10 percent across-the- board tax cut.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, we have heard about the surplus. Over the next 15 years, the Federal Government is projected to run a surplus of $4.4 trillion. As the debate over how to use this money heats up, the protectors of big government will scream bloody murder about any plan to provide the American people with any tax relief. To them I ask: If we cannot cut taxes when the economy is strong, the Federal Government is in the black, and taxes are at an all-time high, when can we do it? Mr. Speaker, the American people are sending too much money to Washington, and it is time for Congress to send some of it back home. I have introduced a fair and simple plan that cuts taxes across the board, 10 percent across the board. It gets into every household of all those who pay taxes. This proposal ends the practice of picking winners and losers among overtaxed Americans and benefits, again, everyone who pays Federal income taxes. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise to day to introduce the Plumbing Standards Improvement Act of 1999. This bill would begin to restore common sense to our government by repealing the ridiculous federal mandates on toilet size and showerhead flow, 1.6 gallons per flush and 2.5 gallons per minute, respectively. In 1992, Congress considered and eventually passed the Energy Policy Act (EPA). At that time, a unique coalition of environmental activist and plumbing manufacturers joined forces to expand the size of our already bloated government and push for a national policy on, of all things, plumbing products. With the help of the U.S. Department of Energy, this coalition claimed it was essential to ban certain types of toilets and showerheads. Instead of allowing individuals to make their own choices, this group claimed the federal government should choose the types of plumbing fixtures Americans can use in their private and public bathrooms. Since passage of the 1992 EPA, the voices in opposition to this policy have become loud and clear. I first became aware of the problems our national plumbing laws have created when I began to receive complaints from a variety of frustrated individuals. These discontented consumers, plumbers, remodelers, landlords, home builders, and others were upset their new, expensive toilets were repeatedly clogging and consistently required multiple flushes. Obviously, these new products were not saving water and therefore proved counterproductive to the original intent of the legislation. To date, I have received thousands of calls, letters, and faxes from individuals all across the country, and the political spectrum, who support restoring common sense to our government and reducing the enormous burden placed on them by inefficient and needless government mandates. The message is clear, and often written on toilet paper: ``Get the government out my bathroom!'' While support for ending these mandates has steadily grown, the importance of this issue has grown even further, Currently, the Department of Energy is considering a ban on top-loading washing machines as well as certain types of water heaters, fluorescent lamps, central air conditioners, and other common products used by American every day. In addition to providing relief for those suffering under plumbing fixture laws, we must pass this bill to ensure the voice reason is heard before additional mandates are enacted. The American marketplace works well, but only if consumers are allowed to buy the products they desire. If some consumers want tiny toilets or trickling showerheads, the economy will provide these products without the burden of federal decrees. In addition, if state and local governments wish to establish their own plumbing policies, they are free to do so. Unfortunately, our failed policy on plumbing fixtures has strangled the market, created innumerable headaches, and put us at risk of suffering under further one-size-fits-all mandates. Now is the time to heed the call of suffering Americans, pass the Plumbing Standards Improvement Act of 1999 and restore wisdom to our federal government.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, on January 6, I introduced a bill to cut Federal income taxes by 10 percent across the board. Taxes are at an all time high. When State and local taxes are added to the Federal tax bite, the average American family ends up paying more in taxes than it spends on housing, food and clothing combined. I believe that is outrageous. With the Federal Government expected to run a surplus of $4.4 trillion over the next 15 years, there is no excuse for taxing the American people at a higher level than what was needed to win World War II. Mr. Speaker, it is time to cut taxes for every American. A 10 percent across the board tax cut is the fairest and simplest way to provide the American people with the tax relief that they deserve. Instead of picking winners and losers, this proposal benefits every American who earns a paycheck. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this common sense tax relief plan.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to introduce a bill to address an injustice that exists within Title 11 of the United States Code regarding single asset bankruptcies. The injustice within Title 11 stems from an 11th hour decision made during the 103rd Congress, which placed an arbitrary $4 million ceiling on the single asset provisions of the bankruptcy reform bill. The effect has been to render investors helpless in foreclosures on single assets valued over $4 million. To rectify this problem, my bill eliminates the $4 million ceiling, thereby allowing creditors the ability to recover their losses. Under the current law, Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code becomes a legal shield for the debtor. Upon the investor's filing to foreclose, the debtor preemptively files for Chapter 11 protection which postpones foreclosure indefinitely. While in Chapter 11, the debtor continues to collect the rents on the commercial asset. However, the commercial property is typically left to deteriorate and the property taxes go unpaid. When the investor finally recovers the property through the delayed foreclosure, they owe an enormous amount in back taxes, they receive a commercial property left in deterioration which has a lower rent value and resale value, and meanwhile, the rent for all the months or years they were trying to retain the property went to an uncollectible debtor. My bill does not leave the debtor without protection. First, the investor brings a foreclosure against a debtor only as a last resort. This usually comes after all other efforts to reconcile delinquent mortgage payments have failed. Second, the debtor has up to ninety days to reorganize under Chapter 11. It should be noted, however, that single asset reorganizations are typically a false hope since the owner of a single asset does not have other properties from which he can recapitalize his business. Finally, Mr. Speaker, my bill helps all American families by making their investments more secure and more valuable. The hardworking American families who depend on their life insurance policies and who have paid for years into their pensions will save millions in reduced costs. My bill protects the ``little guy'' from being plagued with years of litigation while a few unscrupulous commercial property owners continue to colllect the rent to line their own pockets.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, as we begin the new year and the 106th Congress, there are many things that the American people can be optimistic about. Our economy is growing at a brisk pace. Unemployment is low. Inflation is almost non-existent. And interest rates are down. While more Americans are working and earning more money because of our strong economy, excessive taxation is making it harder for families to get ahead. When looking at the burden taxes impose on the lives of the American people, I am reminded of an observation offered by Mark Twain. This great American author asked, ``What's the difference between a taxidermist and a tax collector?'' He answered, ``the taxidermist takes only your skin.'' The average family in America is currently paying more money in taxes than it spends on housing, food, and clothing combined. In fact, when State and local taxes are added to Federal taxes, the average family sees 40 percent of its income confiscated by the Government. This is outrageous. Working Americans should be allowed to take care of their basic needs before being asked to finance the Government. With the budget balanced and the Federal Government projected to run a surplus of $1.6 trillion over the next 10 years, the 106th Congress has a historic opportunity to cut taxes so working Americans can keep more of their hard-earned money. Today, I have introduced five bills which ease the burden of Federal taxation. These bills will strengthen families and promote economic growth by cutting income taxes and removing the penalties imposed on saving and investing. The first bill in my tax relief package is entitled the Taxpayer Relief Act. This bill cuts marginal income tax rates by 10 percent across the board. This broad-based tax cut benefits every working American and rewards hard work and success. The next bill in my package is the Taxpayer Fairness Act. This bill allows taxpayers to deduct the amount of payroll taxes they pay each year from their Federal income taxes. It's simply wrong to tax people on income they never receive. This bill ends this ridiculous policy and will benefit millions of middle income taxpayers, many who pay more in payroll taxes than they pay in income taxes. The third bill in my package is the Job Creation Act. This bill will stimulate investment in new businesses and good paying jobs by eliminating the capital gains tax. The fourth bill in my package is the Senior Citizen Tax Relief Act. This bill contains three provisions. It repeals the 1993 tax increase on Social Security benefits. It eliminates the earnings limitation for Social Security benefits, thereby encouraging more seniors to continue working and contributing to our Nation's economy. And it eliminates the taxes on estates and gifts. While death and taxes may be the only two certainties of life, any individual shouldn't have to encounter both at the same time. The last bill in my package is the Marriage Penalty Relief Act. Under current law, approximately 21 million married couples pay about $1,400 more a year in taxes than they would if they were single. My bill provides some relief from this stiff penalty by increasing the standard deduction provided to married couples so that it equals twice the amount of the deduction provided to single taxpayers. Mr. Speaker, the American people are paying too much in taxes and they want their Members of Congress to do something about it. The five bills I have just discussed provide significant tax relief to the American people. These tax cuts benefit every working American. They strengthen working families. They promote economic growth. And they restore fairness and simplicity to the tax code. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in this fight for lower taxes and yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I know a number of Members have had some great difficulty in coming to the conclusion, the struggle to come to a decision. One of those I thought did an outstanding job this evening, the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Jay Dickey), who probably exemplifies greater difficulty than all of the rest of us. So I salute the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Dickey) for those comments. In my opinion there is no doubt, however, that the President's conduct rises to the level of impeachable offenses. To protect his political livelihood, this President has subverted the rule of law, lied to the American people, and manipulated his staff and members of his cabinet to perpetuate his lies. These crimes are felonies that deserve the most severe penalty provided by the Constitution. Moreover, recent events have brought into the question the President's ability to lead. I have come to the conclusion that President Clinton does not possess the character or the judgment to occupy the highest office in the land. This president has violated his oath of office, betrayed the trust of the American people, and demeaned the institution of the presidency. I implore my colleagues to vote for the impeachment of William Jefferson Clinton.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this bill, and I appreciate working with the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble). It seems like it has been months, but with the great effort put on by both sides, we have done, I think, a marvelous job, and I am glad this feature is included in the bill. This provision I introduced ensures that a computer owner may authorize the activation of their computer by a third party for the limited purpose of servicing computer hardware components. The specific problem is when the computer is activated, the software is copied into the ram, the random access memory. This copy is protected under section 117 of the copyright act, as interpreted by the 4th and 9th Circuit Courts of Appeals. This technical correction is extremely important to independent service organizations, or ISOs as they are known, who, without this legislation, are prohibited from turning on a customer's computer. A weight of litigation has plagued the computer repair market. The detrimental effect is that ISOs are prevented from reading the diagnostics software and, subsequently, cannot service the computer's hardware. The financial reality is that the multibillion dollar nationwide ISO industry is at risk. This bill provides language that authorizes third parties to make such a copy for the limited use of servicing computer hardware components. This provision does nothing to threaten the integrity of the Copyright Act and maintains all other protections under the act. The intent of the Copyright Act is to protect and encourage a free marketplace of ideas. However, in this instance, it hurts the free market by preventing ISOs from servicing computers. Furthermore, it limits the consumer's choice of who can service their computer and how competitive a fee can be charged. I want to thank the gentleman from North Carolina (Mr. Coble) for working with me on this issue, and I urge support of the bill.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a distinguished public servant in my home State of Michigan, State Senator Robert Geake. Born on October 26, 1936, in Detroit, MI, Bob grew up in the neighboring suburb of Ferndale. He attended the University of Michigan, earning a B.S. in special education, an M.A. in guidance and counseling, and a Ph.D in education and psychology. After completing his education, Bob pursued a career in psychology and became an accomplished psychologist. In 1972, Bob was elected to the Michigan House of Representatives where he served with distinction until being elected to the State Senate in 1977. Senator Geake established himself as the Michigan Legislature's expert on mental health issues. He also took an interest in anti-crime measures and spearheaded Michigan's anti-stalking laws. Under his leadership, Michigan has the nation's toughest and most enforceable laws against stalking. Senator Geake has also led the fight to enact tough penalties against drunk driving and sponsored legislation to eliminate Michigan's inheritance tax. A leader on child development and family issues, Senator Geake has been instrumental in passing legislation to crack down on dead beat parents who are delinquent in their child support payments. Senate Geake is known in Lansing as a statesman and one of the most effective lawmakers in the State Legislature. A recent analysis by the Detroit News indicated that Senator Geake ranked first among the 148 Michigan lawmakers in the numbers of bills passed. Senator Geake is retiring from the State Senate at the conclusion of his term this year. His leadership will be missed. Senator Geake has been a strong advocate for Michigan families. His efforts to cut taxes, strengthen families, and make our communities safe from violent crime have made Michigan a better place to live. I wish Senator Geake and his wife, Carol, the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank Lynn Allen for his dedication to public service. Born and raised in Pontiac, Michigan, Lynn served in WWII as a combat pilot. After completing his service, Lynn entered college at the University of Detroit and graduated from Northern Illinois University's College of Optometry, earning B.S. and doctors degrees. After 18 years of practice as an optometrist, Lynn was elected in 1968 as the Oakland County Clerk and Register of Deeds, a position he holds today. Lynn has served the people of Oakland County honorably and with distinction. An innovative leader, Lynn helped design and implement the first on-line computer court system in the world and established an on-line system for campaign finance reporting. Lynn has served as the president of the Michigan Clerks' Association and has been selected as the County Clerk of the Year in the State of Michigan. Currently, Lynn serves as chairman of the Court Committee for the Michigan Clerks and chairman of the Court and Charter Committee for the International Association of Clerks, Recorders, Election Officials and Treasurers. In addition to his official duties, Lynn has made many other contributions to his community. He has been active in the Jaycees and has been named the Pontiac Jaycees Man of the Year. He has also been an active member in the West Pontiac Kiwanis Club, the American Legion, the Oakland County Sportsman's Club, and the First Presbyterian Church. Lynn is retiring as the Oakland County Clerk and Register of Deeds on October 16. His leadership will be missed. He has made Oakland County and the State of Michigan a better place to live. I wish Lynn and his wife, Mary Ann, the best of luck in their future endeavors.

Mr. KNOLLENBERG

Mr. KNOLLENBERG. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of this bill and I thank the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Gekas) for including this provision in this bill. This injustice stems from a last-minute decision back in the 103rd Congress which placed an arbitrary $4 million ceiling on the single asset provisions of the bankruptcy reform bill. The effect has been to render investors helpless in foreclosures on single assets valued at over $4 million. While in Chapter 11, and I want to talk just briefly, H.R. 3150 provides relief to victims by eliminating this arbitrary ceiling. Under this law, Chapter 11 of the Bankruptcy Code serves as a legal shield for the debtor. Upon the investor's filing to foreclose, the debtor preemptively files for Chapter 11 protection which postpones foreclosure indefinitely. While in Chapter 11, the debtor will continue to collect the rents on the commercial asset. However, the commercial property will typically be left to deteriorate and the property taxes go unpaid. When the investor finally recovers the property through the delayed foreclosure, they owe an enormous amount in back taxes, they receive a commercial property left in deterioration which has a lower rent value and resale value, and meanwhile the rent for all the months or years they were trying to retain the property went to an uncollectible debtor. H.R. 3150 does not leave the debtor without protection. First, the investor brings a foreclosure against a debtor only as a last resort. It should be noted, however, that single asset reorganizations are typically a false hope since the owner of a single asset does not have other properties from which he can recapitalize his business. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3150 is a good bill. I urge my colleagues to support it.