Nick Lampson

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I would like to bring to this body's attention an editorial that was in the Houston Chronicle just a week or so ago by Dr. John Stobo, who is the president of the University of Texas Medical Branch in Galveston, Texas. Dr. Stobo talks of a 43-year-old emergency room patient with shortness of breath who had already had a doctor's visit where x-rays had been ordered. She could not get the x-rays because she could not afford them, did not have the health insurance, and her employer, a small business owner, did not provide it. She could not afford a second doctor's visit and is now diagnosed, when she made it to the emergency room, with lung cancer. Since she saw the doctor, the cancer spread aggressively; but if she had had that x- ray 9 months earlier, her prognosis might have been more positive. It is an absolute moral scandal that Dr. Stobo's patient, along with 43 million hard-working Americans, people with jobs, have no health insurance. A study by respected analysts Jack Handley and John Holahan estimates that basic health insurance for all uninsured Americans would cost $69 billion a year if typical of the sort now held by middle- and low- income Americans. We will consider legislation next week that will change this. Let us get all Americans affordable health insurance.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, once again, the House appears to be in an all-tax-cuts-all-the-time mode all over again. By listening to the talk coming from this body, one would want to believe that we really want tax fairness for all Americans. Last week we had the opportunity to amend a part of the Tax Code which unfairly penalizes residents of States with no local or State income tax, and we did not. Unfortunately, we did not get it right last week, but luckily we have another chance to fix the problem today. I hope that my colleagues will support allowing sales-tax deductibility for residents of States with no sales or State or local income taxes so that the hard-working residents, like people in my State of Texas and many others, get the same benefits given to almost all other Americans. Should we not be looking for ways to create equity and fairness for all of our citizens and not always seemingly helping just a few? Let us pass this sales-tax deductibility amendment and take a true step toward equity.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask how the Republicans will provide health care to millions of uninsured and unemployed Americans through the majority's Hire Our Workers program. American families are facing over 2 million jobs lost since January 2001, outsourcing of jobs overseas by companies that do not seem to care about hard-working Americans, and a political party that has dropped the ball on education, seniors, and health care. It is ironic, then, that the acronym of the Republican plan is H-O-W. Tell me, Mr. Speaker, how do they plan to provide affordable health care to 8.5 million uninsured children? How do they plan to explain the Robert Woods Johnson Foundation report that one in four Texans have no health insurance? It is high time we ditch these short-term fixes and instead focus on long-term, economically responsible solutions for hard-working Americans.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I also want to say it does not matter what you call it. If it is inequity, it is inequity. If it is not fair, it is not fair. That is what I want to talk about this morning in this debate. We have lost the issue of a simple matter of equity and fairness. I spent 19 years as a property tax collector in the State of Texas. My whole goal in assessing value to property was to make sure that no property owner, no taxpayer paid an unfair burden in comparison to the others. Our Tax Code unfairly penalizes those who live in States where there is no local or State income tax, which includes my State of Texas. Just as I cannot accept discrimination on how our government treats individuals, I do not want to accept discrimination in how our government taxes our citizens across the board. My colleague from Washington State knows this all too well, and that is why his proposed amendment is so important and timely, because it restores sales tax deductibility for residents of States with no local or State income taxes. As current law stands, residents in States with local or State income taxes can deduct those amounts from their Federal taxes. So I ask you, where is the fairness for our hardworking, tax-paying citizens? Texas is one of nine States with no income tax; and as a result of the 1986 Federal tax reform law, regardless of who wrote it and who voted for it, that does not matter. That happened then, today is today. Sales taxes are not deductible. As a result, we are not treating all taxpayers in this country equally. Consider this: if Texans could deduct what they pay in State and local sales taxes, they could keep more than $700 million. That is a lot of money. That is money that the hardworking citizens of southeast Texas and the gulf coast region in my district could use to care for their senior citizens, pay their daily bills, use for unexpected emergencies, or even help offset our rising cost of school property taxes at home. My colleague from Washington's proposed amendment offers a smart and simple fix and lets us remedy one part of our tax code so we can focus on reforming the rest of it. This money belongs to the residents of Texas, and by golly, if all other Americans get to deduct part of their taxes, then Texans should get to keep it as well. Let us vote against this previous question. And this amendment would be limited to just one year, so it is not a permanent measure--I cannot think of anything more reasonable for us to consider. After all, that's what equity is all about, and since it seems lately that all we are considering are tax bills, well then we might as well consider this one too.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize courage, loyalty, nobility, and honor; values enshrined in the everyday lives of firefighters. These brave men and women wake up every morning and routinely put their lives in harm's way. I often marvel at the integrity one must possess to run voluntarily into a burning building knowing they may not exit alive. Every year, 1.9 million fires are reported throughout the country--that's three fires a minute, 24 hours a day, seven days a week. At a moment's notice, our firefighters give their lives for us; one such man was Kevin Kulow. Only 32, Kevin Kulow was the quintessential firefighter; a hardworking family man from Houston, a devoted husband, father to two beautiful little boys, and a man known for his charisma, Kevin was a modern day hero. One of Kevin's life ambitions was to be a firefighter. He served for several years as a volunteer fireman in Sealy, Texas but in September 2003, he completed fire academy and joined the ranks of the Houston Fire Department. Kevin tragically perished fighting a fire earlier this month. Today, I offer a salute to a man who epitomized the values that our country was built on, offer my prayers for his family, and extend my gratitude to Kevin Kulow for defining integrity.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to salute Staff Sergeant Eugene Simon of Beaumont, Texas. It has come to my attention through a number of e-mails and other contacts from families in my district about the concerns that many of them are having about our fighting men and women in Iraq. But Staff Sergeant Eugene Simon of Beaumont wrote to me recently, and I want to bring to our colleagues' attention his e-mail that he sent me from his station there in Iraq. Staff Sergeant Simon and his fellow troops are having a hard time protecting themselves from hostile action, especially in the Humvees they are traveling around in in Iraq. He said that he and the other brave, committed and dedicated troops, and this is his quote, ``cut some metals to put a little something on each door'' of their Humvees. And that is because they do not have the proper armor on their transportation. I inspected an armored Humvee today on Capitol Hill, and it disgusts me that our troops have to weld scrap metal on to their Humvees. Troops need properly armored vehicles. They need to withstand small arms attacks and roadside bombs. Can we really afford to sell our troops short when it comes to providing them what they need to protect their lives? That is why I have sent a letter to the Department of Defense calling for immediate action at whatever the cost might be to provide the equipment and the materials to protect our brave young fighting men and women, and I ask every Member of Congress to join me in demanding more protection for our troops. It is an absolute outrage to me that rock stars on the streets of Los Angeles have safer limousines and safer transportation than our brave men and women do in Iraq. This situation cannot continue. Let us keep supporting our brave troops for all their valiant efforts overseas. We want them to know that, and we do indeed. But let us also let them know that their country stands behind them with our actions, not just our talk.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I rise in support of H.R. 3550, the bill that provides $275 billion over the next 6 years for highways and public transit throughout the country. Originally, the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure introduced a bill that ensured that at a $375 billion level we would be able to sustain both our Nation's infrastructure and encourage sustained commercial growth over the next decade. Well, this debate is about difficult choices. It is easy to stand in front of this House and demand more tax cuts, but it is a greater challenge to own up to our responsibilities as elected officials and to ensure that our Nation has the capability to expand our avenues of commerce. Our Nation's highway system is an irreplaceable cog in the movement of goods and services and our Nation's role in international trades. I represent a district with six seaports, and my constituents recognize the need for a seamless intermodal system that incorporates ports, rail, and highways. And I would be lying today if I said that I was not disappointed that the Republican leadership has limited the size and scope of commercial growth in this bill; yet I feel this legislation and its passage today is vital to our Nation because it represents an investment and a commitment to our infrastructure. One of the critical elements of this legislation is the creation of jobs. Every $1 billion invested in our Federal highway and transit system creates 47,500 jobs. And given the net job loss over the last 3 years in this country, this bill will provide needed relief to workers. This legislation is also environmentally responsible and will help communities achieve greater environmental benchmarks. This legislation ensures the protection of the CMAQ program, which is crucial to addressing concerns arising from highway congestion and insufficient air quality. With the Houston, Galveston and Beaumont, Port Arthur areas that I represent classified as nonattainment areas, it is important to the region that I represent to ensure the viability of the CMAQ program. So let us do the right thing for working Americans. Let us pass this bill for the good of our economy and to create more jobs. And I want to take a few seconds to thank Chairman Young and Ranking Member Oberstar, Chairman Petri, and Ranking Member Lipinski for their hard work and leadership on this bill. These Members and the committee staff have worked tirelessly on the legislation, and their efforts should not go unnoticed.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I too rise to oppose this Republican budget. My concerns are the tax cuts and the costs that our citizens will face because of them. This budget ignores the needs of many of the folks that work in the petrochemical industry, particularly of Southeast, but of any manufacturing activity on any waterway in our country. Cutting taxes and government spending foolishly ignores maintenance of some of our highways of commerce for many industries, and even our military. This budget provides half the amount needed to keep our navigable waterways open. Recently, one of the channels in my district shoaled up and caused ships to begin to hit bottom and, therefore, having to lighten their loads. The ship traffic increased going to the plants. It began to cost not only the Coast Guard more to protect them, but also the plants themselves were losing significant profits. One company was paying $75,000 a day. That, too, could be considered a tax of us not doing our business in the right way. This budget lowers the Corps of Engineers' budget from 72 percent of its needs to 50 percent of its needs. And the Corps is now notifying these companies using those ship channels that they are going to be facing even additional operating costs if Congress does not provide the money to keep our water highways open. And that is the same thing that we will be facing as a military as we, through strategic ports including the one I just spoke of with the shoaling, does not have the ability to send the equipment to Iraq for our young men and women who are fighting diligently there on our behalf. These are some of the reasons why this needs to be reconsidered. What logic can there be behind cutting our ability to grow our economy by cutting our own infrastructure? Let us get our fiscal house in order so that working families and our Nation's security do not become the casualty of this budget debate.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, when the idea of Black History Month, formerly Black History Week, was conceived by historian, Carter G. Woodson, he envisioned a celebration of black history achievement as well as an educational medium. Mr. Woodson organized the first celebration in 1926 to be held the second week in February in honor of Frederick Douglas's and Abraham Lincoln's birthdays. Because of its popularity among the black and white press, schools and women's clubs, the week long commemoration was expanded into a month-long salute to African Americans. Black History Month now provides an annual forum for African Americans to share their culture with the world. For the past 5 years, I have hosted an Unsung Hero Program during Black History Month as a means of acknowledging the many accomplishments of my constituents who often go unnoticed for their service to the community. The following residents of Texas's 9th Congressional District have proven they embrace Mr. Woodson's vision of a brighter tomorrow by their efforts to serve humanity. I am proud and honored to present my 2004 Unsung Heroes for inclusion in the U.S. Congressional Record: Mrs. Carla Allen, Mr. Rudolph P. Antoine, Ms. Shirley Bailey-Jones, Detective Alton James Baise, Mr. Reginald C. Boykin, Sr., Ms. Whitney Breaux, Bishop B. R. Brown, Mr. Keith Chachere, Mrs. Linda G. Clark, Mr. Freddie L. Coleman, Pastor Michael Cooper, Mrs. Tanya Mechelle Corbin, Ms. Josie Curtis, Mr. Shawn Dorian Dages, Ms. Kimberly Dartest, Mr. Timothy W. Duriso, Mr. Murphy J. Fisher, Mr. Matthew J. Francis, Sr., Mr. Freddie Franks, Ms. Loma George, Mr. Melvin G. Getwood, Sr., God's Kitchen Angels, Bishop Curtis J. Guillory, Mr. Eddie Guillory, Mr. Shelton Guillory, Sr., Ms. Delores Jean Gunner, Mrs. Mary Hayes, Mr. Benjamin J. Jones, Sr., Mr. Willie ``K'' Knighton, Mr. Jerry Levias, Mr. Michael W. Lewis, Reverend Mark McKinley, Ms. Dorothy J. Milburn, Ms. Ann Monette, Mr. Everett Moton, Mr. Gregory B. Mouton, Mr. Christopher C. Mouton, Mr. Eric Narcisse, Ms. Tina Nguyen, Mr. John E. Payton, Mr. Edgar Sonny Perkins, Jr., Mr. Gene Perkins, Mr. Alex Warren Sanders, Jr., Mr. James Saveat, Ms. MaDeline Kaye Savoy, Reverend Charles H. Segura, Ms. Ora Segura, Ms. Janai Sells, Mr. Brandon Smith, Reverend Adam Smith, Constable Joe Stevenson, Mr. Joseph Threats, Mr. Howard Trahan III, Ms. Thuytram Tram, Mr. Jack Turner, Mrs. Kate Walker, Ms. Wanda G. Wallace, Reverend Alfred White, Mr. Eugene Wilson, Jr. Members of the communities in the 9th District nominated these individuals for the Unsung Heroes award that gives special recognition to those unsung heroes, willing workers, and individuals who are so much a part of Texas's and our Nation's rich history. The award winners were chosen because they embody a giving and sharing spirit, and made a contribution to our Nation. I am proud to represent them here in Congress.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Chairman, I offer an amendment.

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Chairman, today the House is continuing to consider H.R. 339, the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act. I oppose the core of this bill because I believe that the constitutional right to seek redress in our courts as guaranteed by the seventh amendment is inviolate and the right to civil justice is a fundamental element of any stable and just society. Time and time again, we see measures on the House floor designed to immunize special interests from the only means that citizens have to hold certain companies and corporations accountable. And today's bill is no exception. So that is why I offer an amendment to the bill to protect children 8 years of age and younger. This very narrow amendment targets only those fast-food chain restaurants who aggressively market their products to the youngest segments of our society. As the chair of the Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus and, more importantly, as a concerned grandparent, I have always fought to protect our children's interests. And as such, I want to make sure that children learn how to make informed nutritional choices. Part of that process requires us to hold those who treat children as an advertising demographic accountable, especially when children's health is at stake. Mr. Chairman, today the younger age group faces a litany of health issues that generations before them did not face. Heart disease, high blood pressure, hypertension, joint problems, asthma, diabetes and cancer are on the increase with these children. And a steady diet of fast food is the absolute last thing that they need. Unfortunately, fast-food restaurants are bombarding our children with advertisements that encourage overconsumption of unhealthy eating choices. The average child views 20,000 television commercials each year. That is about 55 commercials a day. And more disturbingly, the commercials for candies, snacks, sugared cereals and other foods with poor nutritional content far, far outnumber commercials for more healthy food choices. Every working parent knows how aggressive these marketing campaigns can be, especially when they tie in incentives such as playgrounds and contests and clubs and games and free toys and movies and television and sports league-related merchandise. Well, how can we expect our children freely to say no to fast food when it is, no pun intended, pushed down their throats in this manner day in and day out? Well, one child in my district who is 8 and who suffers from juvenile diabetes faces a far greater battle to maintain his fragile health than do most children. He already faces a lifetime of increased health and nutritional expenses. And I do not want him and other children like him to fall prey to the marketing practices of the fast-food industry. Working families have enough to contend with through fighting to keep their jobs and providing a good education for their children, so they should not have to take any even more steps to protect their children from industry and advertizing practices that are running rampant pants. Should this unfortunate set of circumstances become reality our children, must be able to seek redress in our courts and in our justice system. Mr. Chairman, studies indicate that at age 8 and under, children are more susceptible to such advertising, and even less likely to understand the purpose of this advertising. So that is why so much of this advertising is done during the cartoon hour, and it is no coincidence that major fast food chains routinely run their advertisements during this time. The tragic results of this marketing of fast food is a nation of overweight children who remain vulnerable to a host of medical conditions that they should not have to worry about during their formative years. It is for these reasons that this amendment to H.R. 339 is necessary. If we totally foreclose any opportunity, any opportunity to hold this industry accountable, especially for our youngest children, we will only see an increase in childhood obesity and other related problems. It is time we demand responsibility on the part of the fast food industry, it is our responsibility as lawmakers to protect those who cannot protect themselves. My amendment offers that safety net for our children. And for these and many other reasons, we should support it today. I ask my colleagues to join me in supporting this amendment.

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Chairman, the words that the gentleman of Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner) just spoke indicate that we would give the opportunity for someone to become wealthy in the event that the child became fat. Well, we are only asking that if a person becomes injured from eating the foods that are not healthy for them, and I also know that studies reviewed in a task force report indicate that the product preferences can indeed affect children's product purchase requests and we are bombarded with television ads. I know that those children are not so much with their parents when they are making the decision to go to McDonalds or whatever else, these fast food chains, but they are sitting in front of their television sets and the parents are there with them. Much like what happened, and I believe the gentleman would probably agree that he does not like what we saw during the Superbowl when part of Janet Jackson's costume came off. Just like the child who was sitting in front of that TV did not have a choice of what he or she saw then, what choice do they have when they are watching cartoons and repeatedly time after time after time after time the same commercial that puts sugar in front of them over and over again continues to happen. Does it have an effect on their requests when they go to a grocery store or to a fast food restaurant? You better believe it does, and that is what this amendment is attempting to do. It gives them the opportunity to protect themselves from those injuries only.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, when the idea of Black History Month (formerly Black History Week) was conceived by historian, Carter G. Woodson, he envisioned a celebration of black history achievement as well as an educational medium. Mr. Woodson organized the first celebration in 1926 to be held the second week in February in honor of Frederick Douglas and Abraham Lincoln's birthday. Because of its popularity among the black and white press, schools and women's clubs, the week long commemoration was expanded into a month long salute to African Americans. Black History month has provided a forum for African Americans to share their culture with the world and it is a very educational and entertaining month. For the past 5 years, I have hosted an Unsung Hero Program during Black History Month as a means of acknowledging the many accomplishments of my constituents who often go unnoticed for their service to the community. We are living in challenging times and the African American community is being severely impacted by many of the subtle changes in our society. Despite the fact that the 2004 theme for Black History Month is BROWN VS. THE BOARD OF EDUCATION, for the first time in many years, our schools are becoming more segregated, African American students are experiencing a higher drop out rate than their peers, it's becoming more difficult to obtain student loans to attend college and affirmative action is being challenged on all fronts. In addition, that dreadful disease AIDS, has reached the pandemic stage in the African American community. However, in the past, my sisters and brothers of color have faced more formidable threats to their well-being and I am confident that each challenge will be met with a fierce determination to resolve the issues at hand. The following residents of the 9th Congressional District have proven they are willing to embrace Mr. Woodson's vision of a brighter tomorrow by their efforts to serve humanity. I am proud and honored to present to you my 2004 Unsung Heroes for inclusion in the U.S. Congressional Record: Ms. Thomasine Allen, Mr. Abdul Amin, Mr. Lewis Briscoe, Mrs. Rose Etienne, Ms. Loretta Fontenot, Mrs. Janis Matthews, Miss Charlotte Menifee, Mrs. Dianne Henderson Moore, Mrs. Barbara Myles, Mr. Kenneth Negbenebor, Mr. David Mitchell, Ms. Cheryl Randle, Mrs. Janice Stanton, Ms. Helen Truscott, Mr. Ennis Williams, Mrs. Maggie Williams and Mr. Spergon Wynn, Jr. These individuals were nominated by their friends and neighbors. However, because of redistricting by the Texas Legislature, after this term, the residents of Galveston County will no longer be my constituents. While this is my last Unsung Hero Program in their community, I assure you that Galveston County will always hold a special place in my heart. I am grateful to have represented their community and for their encouragement throughout the years.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Texas' Independence Day, March 2, 1836, the day that Texas declared its independence from Mexico. On that fateful day, the Texas Declaration of Independence from Mexico was signed by State delegates and began Texans' journey to joining the United States in 1845. As all Texans know, this was not a calm time or serene event. Indeed, as the delegates prepared the very document itself, the Alamo, the famous mission in San Antonio, and our ancestors were literally under siege by the Mexican army. And as all Americans know, the battle of the Alamo was one of the greatest in American history where 189 brave Texans gave their lives, pushing back around 1,600 opposing soldiers in what became the strategic turning point in the ultimate and successful push for Texas independence. Mr. Speaker, as we pause again to commemorate Texas on its most important anniversary, I also rise to recognize the countless important contributions that Texans have given to our great Nation since those tumultuous times. Thousands of brave Texas men and women, including many from the Ninth District, bravely serve in our armed forces, and Texas continually produces great civic and business leaders, strongly promotes the arts, and proudly serves as an international hub of commerce and culture. So I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the great State of Texas on this momentous occasion, to honor all the heroes who gave their lives so that Texas eventually won its hard-fought independence, and to salute Texans who defend our Nation and promote peace and America's interests worldwide.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to wish a fond farewell to a member of my staff, Khristyn Brimmeier, who is leaving Capitol Hill this week. Khristyn is returning to her hometown of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania to pursue other professional opportunities. All of us who serve in Congress know how important our staff members are. Khristyn has served as a Congressional Aide for over seven years, including four years with my office. She has served as both my Press Secretary as well as my Communications Director. As a public spokesperson before the media and countless community organizations, I could have had no better assistant to help positively present my agenda on behalf of the constituents of the Ninth Congressional District of Texas. Khristyn has not only championed the press and communications functions in my office, but has played a vital role as staff director of the Missing and Exploited Children's Caucus. Khristyn's hard work and dedication have helped to push the issue of missing children to the forefront in the conscience of this Congress. Her assistance and her council have been crucial in passing legislation that deals with the exploitation of children. I know that I speak for the dozens of families she has worked with on this issue in thanking her for her service. I am grateful to have had the opportunity to know and work with Khristyn. I am confident that her abilities, her passion, and her work ethic will serve her well in the years to come. Though she is small in stature, her presence and her contributions have surely been noticed by all who have had the pleasure to work with her. Khristyn, thank you for your hard work over the last four years. You will truly be missed.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, one quick, simple question. Who earns the benefits that the teacher's spouse, who ultimately goes off and takes advantage of that loophole, who earns the benefits he or she is trying to get?

Mr. LAMPSON. The spouse earns them. Those are earned dollars; right or not?

Mr. LAMPSON. They are earned dollars?

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, so what we are going to say is we will dilute what was earned by that family. Yes or no?

Mr. LAMPSON. Explain.

Mr. LAMPSON. But all paid in by the husband and spouse?

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, this is a complex issue and one that touches an awful lot of us in different kinds of ways. While I certainly support the efforts that this committee has made in developing this bill, and I know how important the bill is, I am still going to vote against it and will oppose it and ask my colleagues to do so. There are some 50,000 teachers across the State of Texas who will indeed be adversely affected by this legislation. The bill includes provisions which I consider to be catastrophic for Texas teachers. Provisions in the legislation would, in effect, reduce the amount of combined benefits that Texas teachers could depend upon after retirement. There are many Texas teachers who have worked and paid into Social Security in other jobs. My wife and my daughter are two who have done just that. They have moved, and they have paid into the teacher retirement system now. Susan has paid into the Social Security system for many years in other jobs that she held before she decided to teach. Because of her involvement in the teacher retirement system and because she has paid into her pension fund, she will be adversely affected by the government pension offset. Those are benefits that I earned because of my payment into Social Security. Teachers do not make a great deal of money in the State of Texas, and in most other places as well; and it is hard to entice them to stay in the classroom. This legislation is going to have broad implications for those teachers and will most likely force many of them to leave this profession early, most likely, from our public schools. What impetus does an experienced teacher have to stay in the classroom and continue teaching, if the government is in effect going to significantly reduce his or her retirement payment potential after this year? This bill fails to address a larger issue for public servants in this country. The government pension offset unfairly penalizes teachers and many other government workers, the employees who mostly pay into a public pension plan. How can we sit by idly while our public service employees are being penalized for serving their communities? Where is our loyalty to the first responders that so many of my colleagues have praised on this floor? When push comes to shove, are we willing to allow the firefighters and police officers in our hometowns to suffer? The government pension offset is a deterrent to public service across this Nation; and if we are to attract the best and the brightest into public service, such as our teachers, such as my wife, Susan, and my daughter Stephanie, fire fighters and police officers, we must repeal this unfair provision. This is money that hardworking American citizens have earned and are indeed entitled to. I truly wish, and I intended to make the point the gentleman from California (Mr. Matsui) made a minute ago, I wish we would work as hard in repealing the loophole that has allowed corporations to avoid the payment of $40 billion in taxes each year by moving their corporations offshore. I urge my colleagues to consider a ``no'' vote on this bill, as I am going to vote against H.R. 743. Our public servants deserve our support.

Mr. LAMPSON

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I have no more speakers at this time. I would just thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Burgess) for the work he has done on H. Res. 507. I urge my colleagues to join us in passage.

Mr. LAMPSON. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I come to this floor today just as I did a year ago, unfortunately, with a feeling of sadness. I am an original cosponsor of this resolution that is before us today, House Resolution 507, because I believe that it is important that we never forget the sacrifices made by the brave and dedicated men and women of STS-107: Rick Husband, William McCool, Michael Anderson, Kalpana Chawla, David Brown, Laurel Clark, Ilan Ramon. Each one of them gave the last full measure of devotion to the cause of space exploration. There have been numerous ceremonies over the past few days to remember the crew of Columbia, including yesterday's memorial service at Arlington Cemetery. I think it is important for this body as well, the United States House of Representatives, also to pause in our deliberations to express again our profound gratitude for their service and our deepest sympathies to their families and loved ones on the anniversary of their deaths. Back home, the space shuttle and the International Space Station take on a very personal dimension. All the astronauts in the NASA program, including the seven aboard the Columbia, are a part of our community. They are our friends, our neighbors. Their kids go to schools with our kids. They shop at the same grocery stores and pray at the same churches and synagogues. The employees and contractors of Johnson Space Center are connected to the astronauts not just at work but in their everyday life. The community at JSC is an extended family. Amidst all the lofty talk, ceremonies, and resolutions, let us not forget that a community and seven families lost friends, brothers, fathers, sons, wives, sisters, mothers, and daughters. Back in Clear Lake, right off the campus of JSC, there is a place called Frenchie's. It is a place where astronauts and employees go after work to relax a bit, have a meal or something, share their experiences and bond in a very special way. I stopped by there the Saturday evening after the Columbia tragedy, and that day there was a feeling of crushing sadness and loss but also a hope that the vision and dream that those seven heroes died for will not be lost but instead will be reborn, that their loss will remind the American people of the great challenge we face and the prospect of a better world that the space program gives us. The crew of STS-107 would not want us to dwell only on their deaths. Instead, I believe they would want us to reflect on the cause for which they gave their lives: the exploration of space. And I have no doubt that they would want us to rededicate ourselves to the task of ensuring that this Nation continues that exploration. It is unfortunate that it took the Columbia tragedy to remind many of our citizens that space flight is not routine, it is hard. It is dangerous. The crew of Columbia knew that and yet they did not cease from exploring. Neither should we. We have serious work to do over the next coming months in determining the best path for our America's space program. There are likely to be strong opinions and differing views on how best to proceed. And that is all to the good. America's space program is too important to the future of this country for us not to give it serious attention. I welcome the discussion and debate as long as it leads to some clear decisions and commitments by both the Congress and the White House. However, that is not a task for today. Today we pause to remember the crew of STS-107, to offer our condolences to all who loved them. I speak today not just as a Member of Congress, but as part of a community that firmly believes in what Rick Husband and William McCool and Michael Anderson and David Brown and Kalpana Chawla and Laurel Blair and Ilan Ramon gave their lives for. On behalf of the Ninth District of Texas and the people of the Johnson Space Center and that community, I urge this country and this body to go forward, and I urge my colleagues to join us in support of H. Res. 507. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.