Ron Lewis

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would just like to point out the child tax credit under current law is refundable to the extent of 10 percent of the taxpayer's earned income in excess of $10,500; salary and wages of $15,000, $450 refundable tax credit; $20,565, plus the earned income tax credit. It is $3,823 for a salary of $15,000; $2,770 for a salary of $20,000. So it is not like we are not helping. We are. And the fact is that these individuals are not paying income taxes, and we are offsetting those other taxes the gentleman just spoke of through the earned income tax credit. So we are, under current law, helping these individuals right now. Mr. Speaker, I might just say, I spoke to a young man and his wife not too long ago when we were debating the child tax credit for those that pay no income taxes. And they work at a factory. They are factory workers. They both work many hours of overtime. They have one child. And they were asking me why they had to pay the taxes that they pay, very high taxes, and they are taxed more because of the overtime that they work. And they were excited about the child tax credit for their own child. But when we were debating the issue of the child tax credit for individuals that pay no income tax, they asked me why that would be the case, that they were paying a lot of taxes, working very hard, overtime pay to provide for their family, and they seemed to think that was just a little, the playing field just was not level for them when they were doing everything they could. And they were not making a lot of money at that. I think $30,000 basically was their income. But we are trying our best to do all we can. And I think the numbers here show that we are helping the working poor, those that are paying no income taxes. We are helping them through the earned income tax credit and through child tax credit, 10 percent of the taxpayers that earn incomes in excess of $10,500. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, we are talking about tax credits here. Tax credits. One has to pay income taxes to get tax credits. A credit is on a tax that has been paid to get a refund. My wife, not too long ago, said we needed a new automobile. And I said, great. I think the automobile dealer in town is having some tremendous rebates, so let's find the most expensive car we can buy so we can get a greater rebate. She did not think that was a very good idea because it was still going to be pretty expensive. So we are going to have to look at the less expensive cars. But I think we ought to get the rebate that the people who are paying for those expensive cars get. I mean, it is only fair. Or maybe I should not buy the car; maybe I should go down there and demand the rebate. Mr. Speaker, that is what we are talking about here. What we are talking about is taking money out of the pockets of people that are paying taxes, income taxes, and putting it in the pockets of people that are not paying income taxes. And on top of that, we are already providing earned income tax credits, plus for those that are making $10,500, we are paying child tax credits under current law. So I do not know what we are talking about here, but I think that there is some problem when we are talking about tax credits, when there are those who want to take money out of someone's pocket, like the couple that I was talking about a little while ago that works overtime, works as hard as they can, and I am not saying that the working poor are not working hard, but they are not paying taxes. They do not have to pay taxes. They are not making enough to pay taxes. And to account for the taxes that they are paying, to make up the difference, we are paying earned income tax credits. Plus for those over $10,500, we are paying child tax credits. But, Mr. Speaker, I do not think we ought to be talking about tax credits here. We ought to be talking about helping those who are not paying income taxes. We are taking money out of one taxpayer's pocket and putting it in the pocket of someone who is not paying taxes. Now, I think there can be an argument there that that is being compassionate. And being compassionate means that we are helping people that at some point cannot help themselves, and I think we are doing that. And I think the bill that we are talking about, H.R. 1308, provides a lot of help for families. A lot of help. And what this motion to instruct would do would reverse that. Again, I ask my colleagues to vote ``no'' on the motion to instruct. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I think fairness really is the issue here. When I look at the child tax credit that is refundable to the extent of the taxpayer's earned income in excess of $10,500, plus the earned income tax credit, the earned income tax credit, here are some numbers that I think are interesting. There are 18 million families receiving earned income tax credits at a cost of $30 billion. $30 billion, 18 million families. I think those numbers need to be looked at. But here are the actual numbers. The head of a household with two children at $10,000 in wages would receive $4,010 in earned income tax credit; $15,000, a refundable child tax credit of $450; earned income tax credit of $3,823; $20,000, $565 child tax credit, an earned income tax credit of $2,770. We are helping those that need this help. And going back to the military, the House-passed bill does not deny the child credit to military families. Military families, including those who are deployed abroad, are already receiving a refundable child credit and will continue to receive a refundable child credit. Under the House-passed bill, the Democrat motion to commit would only increase the credit for some military families by allowing them to take into account tax-free income when they compute their refundable credit. Mr. Speaker, The House-passed bill provides more tax relief to military families because it includes $806 million of military tax benefits. These provisions have passed the House on numerous occasions and are awaiting action in the Senate.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I also was seated in front of the minority member. I can validate everything that has been said here on the majority side. It was a situation that seemed to be getting out of control. It was getting out of control. Again, if I would have been the chairman, I would have done exactly what Chairman Thomas did.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, due to a death in the family, I was absent from the House on Wednesday, June 4 and Thursday, June 5. Had I been present, I would have voted the following way: rollcall vote 236--yea, rollcall vote 237--yea, rollcall vote 238--yea, rollcall vote 239--yea, rollcall vote 240--nay, rollcall vote 241--nay, rollcall vote 24--yea, rollcall vote 243, H. Res. 256--yea, rollcall vote 244--yea, rollcall vote 245--yea, rollcall vote 246--yea, rollcall vote 247--yea, rollcall vote 248--yea. In particular, I would like to specifically express my strong support for H.R. 760, the Partial Birth Abortion Ban Act of 2003. This has been a bill that I have supported for many years and I am glad that it has again seen passage in the House. For nearly a decade Congress has attempted to see this legislation become law, and I am pleased that my colleagues have yet again affirmed the message that partial birth abortion is wrong by passing this bill. There has been overwhelming support for a ban on partial birth abortions. The partial birth abortion ban has been passed in various forms by the House eight times, including multiple veto overrides. Having been first considered during the 104th Congress, we have seen numerous state legislatures take action and vote to end partial birth abortions in their states. I am pleased that we have acted strongly and unmistakably by voting once again to preserve life and ban the heinous practice of partial birth abortions. The administration has stated their support of this bill and is willing to take positive action and sign this ban into law. I understand that the issue of abortion is difficult for many. Well- intentioned people on both sides of this debate will continue to disagree. How long, though, can our society continue to justify its denial of the right to life to the defenseless unborn? The value of life has been consistently cheapened. Partial birth abortion is a graphic example of the worst of abortion. Congress has taken a stand to uphold the value of life, especially in these instances in which life is so blatantly being destroyed. I am pleased that many have acted in support of this legislation. My colleagues have continued to support of human life and have voted in favor of a ban on partial birth abortions. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea'' on this important bill.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Don Williams for his dedicated service to the Fort Knox CORE Committee. While Don will continue to serve on the committee, today is his last meeting as Executive Director, a position he has held with the CORE Committee for the past 7 years. Under Don's leadership, the CORE Committee has become a strong advocate for Fort Knox with local, State and Federal Government leaders. Don has been an excellent partner with our Congressional delegation, helping us to better understand Fort Knox's needs and enhancing communication between the delegation and Fort Knox leaders. Fort Knox is an asset to the Army and to the Second District of Kentucky. Don Williams understands Fort Knox's mission, and he has been an asset to Fort Knox and the Hardin County community's efforts to promote and protect the base. This is not Don's first retirement. In 1990, he retired from the Army after 28 years of service, including assignments as Secretary to the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon and as Chief of Staff at Fort Knox. While Don is stepping down as Executive Director, he will continue to be involved in the CORE Committee, as well as the Kentucky Commission on Military Affairs, Fort Knox's chapter of the AUSA, the Patton Museum and the Executive Committee of the Armor and Cavalry Affairs. All of these organizations benefit from Don's knowledge and experience with the Army and his commitment to Fort Knox's role in the Army and in the local community. I have enjoyed working with Don over the past 7 years. He has helped me better represent the Fort Knox community in Congress. Thank you, Don, for your service to the CORE Committee and your dedication to Fort Knox and the Army.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Western Kentucky University's William Biven Forensic Society as its members celebrate their national and international championships. The students and coaches have had an extremely successful year, winning the International Forensic Association Championship, the 2003 American Forensic Association National Championship, the Delta Sigma Rho--Tau Kappa Alpha National Championship and, most recently, the National Forensic Association Individual Events Championship. Western's forensics' program has a legacy of championships, and this year's team has again debated its way to the top. This evening at Western, the students will present some of their award-winning performances. I hope they enjoy this opportunity to relax and share their talents with the university and the Bowling Green community. They have certainly earned the chance to celebrate and showcase their work. Congratulations to the students and coach Judy Woodring of the Western Kentucky University forensics team. Their dedicated work and achievements has brought them and their university recognition and pride.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Chairman, as my colleagues are aware, Division D, the Ways and Means tax portion of H.R. 6, includes provisions which will benefit the coal industry, such as repeal of the 4.3 cent surtax on each gallon of fuel used by barges and railroads. As coal is a major user of these transportation systems, repeal will substantially reduce the cost of getting coal from the mines to the power plants. Further, the Committee on Energy and Commerce reported legislation, which, among other things, authorizes $200 million per year for 9 years for clean coal technology. This is the program to provide cleaner and more efficient electricity from coal-fired power plants. Mr. Chairman, industry advocates believe this part of the program is not, by itself, sufficient to enable some new technologies to realize their potential. This year's Senate energy bill has a credit for investment in advanced clean coal technologies. I would like to inquire of the gentleman whether he might consider including some incentives in the conference report on H.R. 6.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. I thank the chairman for his consideration.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of both the important resolutions we are considering today. These resolutions are two ways that we in Congress can express our appreciation for our troops in Iraq, share our condolences with the families of those who have been lost and increase support around the country for our men and women in uniform who are serving their country with bravery and much success. H. Res. 153 calls for observance of a day of prayer and fasting in our country. People in our country and our leaders have a long history of turning in God in times of need, especially war situations. We need to again take time, regardless of our religious traditions, to ask for guidance and strength for our military leaders and the future of our Nation. We have been threatened by terrorism, and we are acting now to prevent future threats. We pray for the knowledge to make the right decisions and the ability to help advance peace and safety around the world. I also strongly support the Concurrent Resolution regarding the treatment of our prisoners of war. We know how poorly Saddam Hussein has treated his own citizens over the years, so there is reason to be concerned for the safety of our POW's. I join the Congress in sending a clear message to the Iraqis who are holding our prisoners: treat them with respect and dignity, in the same manner we are treating your prisoners. Any one who violates the law and mistreats our POWs will be prosecuted to the fullest extent. As we witness our U.S. and coalition troops serving with bravery and resolve in their mission to disarm Iraq, I have great confidence in their ability to get the job done. They are focused on the mission at hand. They have the advantage of precision weapons, and we have seen their ability to select and hit targets. Their commanders have planned and executed an aggressive strategy in the air and on the ground. Here at home, we need a showing of support for our troops and their families. Many in Kentucky have loved ones serving our Nation in Iraq, especially with the deployments from Fort Knox and Fort Campbell. As our men and women in uniform fight in order to improve security in the world, their anxious and proud family members keep faith and await their safe return. This military effort to provide for future security has not come without loss of life. We pray for those who have been lost, for their families and for our troops' safety. We will be successful in disarming Saddam Hussein of his weapons of mass destruction, no matter how long it takes. We will eliminate the threat he poses to our country and to our allies. The Iraqi people are more than ready for liberation from Saddam. A liberated Iraq with a leader who no longer threatens peace and security is a goal all nations can agree on. The United States is providing the military means to that goal, and our country and the Congress have the highest support and appreciation for our troops.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to register my strong support for the Social Security Protection Act of 2003 (H.R. 743). While I recognize there are differences between Republicans and Democrats on how to address the long-term solvency problems facing Social Security, I am pleased to see that we can work together to address other important issues facing the program. H.R. 743 is a common-sense bill that provides the Social Security Administration with the necessary resources and tools to fight fraud and abuse. Along with other provisions in the bill, this will save taxpayers $656 million over ten years. In addition, the legislation improves the landmark Ticket to Work law to help people with disabilities find work. H.R. 743 also adds Kentucky to the list of states that offer divided retirement systems. In January, the former governments of the City of Louisville and Jefferson County merged. Since the merger was approved by the people of Jefferson County in November 2000, local and state officials have been working together to ensure that the transition was without problems. All indications are that it has been a success. One important issue, however, that needs to be addressed is how to provide Social Security and Medicare coverage to hazardous duty employees working for the county and the city. Since January 6, 2003, all officers are considered a single group for Social Security coverage purposes. Prior to the merger some police officers and firefighters contributed to Medicare, but not Social Security. Some contributed to both; others neither. As we can see, ensuring fair and equal coverage presents a serious challenge to the new government. After working with all interested parties, it was agreed that a divided retirement system is the solution. Currently 21 states use this system. Under a divided retirement system, each employee will decide whether or not to pay into Social Security. All new employees hired after the system is in place would automatically be enrolled in Social Security. The Kentucky Division of Social Security has started the education process with representatives from the Social Security Administration and the groups that represents the hazardous duty employees. Last year, the Kentucky General Assembly adopted a bill that allows this system to go forward as soon as Congress approves this legislation and President Bush signs it into law. In closing, I would like to thank Chairman Shaw and Ranking Member Matsui for including this important provision in H.R. 743 and urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Western Kentucky University Hilltoppers on their first NCAA Division I- AA football championship. Today in Bowling Green, they are putting up seven new signs for drivers to see when they come into the city, signs recognizing the Toppers as national champions. Here in Washington, I introduced a resolution congratulating the Hilltoppers on their win, and my Kentucky colleague Jim Bunning has introduced the same resolution in the Senate. The 15th ranked Hilltoppers defeated top-ranked McNeese State 34-14 to take the championship on December 20. Western brought their best game to the playoffs and the championship, defeating the three highest ranked teams on their way to winning the title. Just as they had all season, the Hilltoppers relied on their tough defense and strong running game. Jon Frazier rushed for 159 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season total to 1,537 yards and moving him into second place in Western's running records. The defense combined for three interceptions and a sack, holding McNeese State well below its season scoring average. In his 14th year at Western Kentucky, coach Jack Harbaugh saw the team's hard work pay off. He has built a successful program over the years that the university, the Bowling Green community and the state can be proud of. After starting the season with a 2-3 record, and a loss to McNeese State, the Hilltoppers relied on their teamwork and dedication to win 10 straight games, finishing the season with the national championship. I join Western Kentucky University and all of Bowling Green in congratulating the Hilltopper football team for its success. Go Big Red!

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, with Western Kentucky University's recent success on the basketball court and the Hilltoppers' first NCAA championship on the football field in 2002, Kentucky is now home to yet another top-ranked college sports program. I am proud to have Western Kentucky University in my district. We were not in session on December 20 when Western Kentucky won its first Division I-AA football championship, but I wanted to take this opportunity in this session of Congress to acknowledge the team's achievements. The 15th ranked Hilltoppers defeated top-ranked McNeese State 34-14 in the championship game. Western brought their best game to the playoffs and the championship, defeating the three highest ranked teams on their way to taking the title. Just as they had all season, the Toppers again relied on their tough defense and strong running game. Jon Frazier rushed for 159 yards and two touchdowns, bringing his season total to 1,537 yards and moving him into second place in Western's running records. The defense combined for three interceptions and a sack, holding McNeese State below its season scoring average. In his 14th year at Western Kentucky, Coach Jack Harbaugh saw his and the team's hard work finally pay off. Coach Harbaugh has been committed to the Western football program and has built a successful program that the University, the Bowling Green community and the State should be proud of. After starting the season with a 2-3 record, including a loss to McNeese State, the Hilltoppers relied on their teamwork and dedication to win 10 straight games, finishing the season with the national championship. Mr. Speaker, I join Western Kentucky University and all of Bowling Green in congratulating the Hilltopper football team on its national championship season.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the resolution. As I have listened to this thorough debate and thought about the resolution we are about to vote on, it seems to me the Persian Gulf War has never really ended. In 1991 Saddam Hussein agreed to a conditional surrender. He has not met the conditions of his surrender. Iraq is still fighting, and we need to respond. I have heard some of my colleagues say that use of force against Iraq would be a preemptive strike. I disagree. In 1991 Saddam Hussein said Iraq would comply with all United Nations resolutions. Iraq has not done so. Iraq agreed to eliminate nuclear, chemical and biological weapons programs. Today Iraq still has weapons of mass destruction and the will to use them. Hussein agreed to allow unfettered weapons inspection in this country. However, Iraq has done everything possible to obstruct those inspections. Iraq pledged to keep planes out of the no-fly zone. In the past few years, his pilots have fired on U.S. and British troops 1,600 times. They have shot at us 460 times this year alone. Iraq continues to be a threat to the area. In 1993 Iraqi troops moved toward the Kuwaiti border. Iraqi planes continued to fly in the no-fly zone. When Iraq banned U.N. inspections in 1998, President Clinton responded by launching missiles into the country. Was that a preemptive strike? Along with the British, we dropped more than 600 bombs on Iraqi military targets. We have continued strikes against Iraq air defense installations and in response to Iraq shots at our planes in the no-fly zone. Iraq must be held to the conditions it agreed to. This Congress authorized action to bring Iraq into compliance in 1998. We must do so again. Until Iraq complies with the terms of its conditional surrender, there has been no surrender. The Persian Gulf War is ongoing. Further, U.S. action against Iraq is not a preemptive strike, but is our responsibility to bring Saddam Hussein's continued plotting of his international obligations to an end. President Bush wants the commitment that Congress stands with him in dealing with Iraq. I urge that Congress stand with President Bush and support the resolution to finally end the Gulf War once and for all.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, it is time to provide prescription drugs for our senior citizens. It is time to stop fussing and discussing and get down to business. We just passed recently in this House a Medicare Modernization and Prescription Drug Act of 2002. This Act provides immediate relief from high drug costs with prescription drug discount cards and immediately implements a program to assist low income beneficiaries with their costs. It supplies significant front-end coverage of drug costs from government coverage. 80 percent paid on the first $1,000. It saves seniors more on their drug costs than any other bill in Congress. It lowers pharmaceutical manufacturing drug prices by $18 billion with best price provisions, offers catastrophic protection, 100 percent coverage after $3,700 in drug costs, and it covers all costs except nominal co-pays for low income seniors up to 175 percent of poverty. Mr. Speaker, it is time that the two bodies come together and provide our senior citizens with prescription drug coverage. Now is the time. Today is the day and we should do it before this year is out.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I rise today to register my strong support for the Social Security Protection Act of 2002. Last month, the House passed a bill that would result in higher Social Security for women. It passed 418 to 0. I expect to see the same strong bipartisan support for the legislation we are considering today. H.R. 4070 is a common-sense bill that provides the Social Security Administration with the necessary resources to fight fraud and abuse within the system. Along with other provisions, this will help save over $165 million over 5 years. The bill also improves the landmark Ticket to Work bill to help people with disabilities find work. In addition, H.R. 4070 adds Kentucky to the list of States that offer divided retirement systems. In just over 6 months from now, the governments of the City of Louisville and Jefferson County will merge. Since the merger was approved by the people of Jefferson County in November, 2000, local elected officials have been working to go to ensure a smooth transition. One important issue that still needs to be addressed is how to provide Social Security and Medicare coverage to hazardous duty employees working for the county and city. On January 6, 2003, all officers will be considered as a single group for Social Security coverage purposes. Currently, some police officers and firefighters contribute to Medicare but not Social Security, some contribute to both, others neither. Ensuring fair and equitable coverage presents a serious challenge to the new government. After working with all interested parties, it was agreed a divided retirement system is the solution. Currently, 21 States use this system. Under a divided retirement system, each employee will decide whether to pay into Social Security. All new employees hired after the system is in place would automatically be enrolled in Social Security. The Kentucky Division of Social Security has already started the education process with representatives from SSA and the Louisville Fraternal Order of Police. And the Kentucky General Assembly has adopted a bill that allows this system to go forward as soon as Congress approves this legislation and President Bush signs it into law. This provision is important to the police officers and firefighters in my district. I appreciate the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Shaw) and the gentleman from California (Mr. Matsui) agreeing to include it in H.R. 4070. In closing, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of our continued effort to reform welfare. Since 1996, more people across the country and in my state of Kentucky have become independent and free from their dependency on welfare. While in my district and through our work in the Ways and Means committee, I've heard their success stories and also learned that we can do more to build upon the 1996 reforms. That is exactly what we are doing today. Our bill focuses on work and education options, provides more flexibility for states and offers more assistance to strengthen families. One of the things we do in this bill is allow participants in their state welfare programs to choose between job readiness activities and job search activities. They have flexibility to receive the services they need the most, whether that is job search help, basic education, training for a new skill to help them find a job or recovering from substance abuse. For up to five months, taking part in any of these services fulfills their work requirement. Beyond that time, welfare recipients still are able to receive a combination of education-focused and work-focused services so they can become employed and can be successful on their own. Requiring work helps welfare recipients achieve independence and gives them the ability to care for their families. Last month I attended the graduation ceremony for the Reach Higher welfare to work program in Bowling Green, Kentucky. The state and local flexibility in the 1996 law allowed Reach Higher to develop services to meet community needs, and the program has turned people's lives around. Participants in Reach Higher must work 32 hours per week. They also spend one day each week in life-skills and job training. Reach Higher asks a lot of the participants, and they respond to the challenge because they want a better life and find out that they are able to succeed. In 1998, a participant found herself trying to raise two small children in public housing with no money and no job. Then she was assigned to Reach Higher and completed the program. She now holds a full time job with the Bowling Green Housing Authority and was approved for a home loan this year. Here is what she had to say: ``I began to accomplish things that I thought I would never accomplish alone. I began to want more out of life for myself as well as my children. I worked hard and had additional training classes that I knew would further my skills.'' We have been on the right track with welfare. And this bill continues to build on that success. I encourage all of my colleagues to vote for this legislation that gives more families who need help the chance to succeed.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunicators. April 14-20 is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, and in the Second District of Kentucky as well as throughout the Nation, dedicated public safety dispatchers provide a vital service to our communities. Public safety telecommunicators answer calls every day for emergency rescue services. These are the people who ensure that police forces, firefighters, and ambulances are dispatched in emergency and law enforcement situations. In light of the horrific terrorist attacks on our Nation last year, we especially should honor the invaluable contribution made by public safety communications personnel. Their selfless ongoing service was certainly highlighted on September 11, and continues today as these men and women still deal with the repercussions. Mr. Speaker, I commend the emergency response dispatchers in Kentucky's Second District for the critical role they play in my community every day.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation to reauthorize the Appalachian Regional Commission. Since 1965, the ARC has fostered cooperation among the Federal Government, Governors of Appalachian States and local community leaders for economic development initiatives. I am especially pleased the bill today adds Hart and Edmonson counties in my district to the Commission. Based on economic data, both of these counties fall into the ARC's distressed classification, the Commission's lowest economic status rank. I believe I can speak for these counties when I say they appreciate this opportunity for assistance in improving their economic situations. This bill also changes the Commission's fund distribution, requiring half of its program funds to be directed to ARC's distressed counties. Distressed counties are the ones most in need of the extra development assistance ARC provides, and it only makes sense that we target a substantial portion of the project funds available to the areas most in need. Membership in the ARC does not guarantee funds for local areas, but membership does give local development leaders an opportunity to apply for grants and make the case for their proposals to boost economic and social development. I want to thank Chairman LaTourette for his support in adding these counties deserving of assistance to the Commission and for his support of economic development in Kentucky. While I would have preferred that we were voting on the chairman's original legislation which included neighboring Metcalfe County in the Commission, I am pleased with this outcome. We passed that legislation in August. Unfortunately, the other body did not agree to our version of the legislation, and we had to make this compromise. I hope the committee will consider adding Metcalfe County to the Commission in the future, as this area is also economically deserving of aid. I appreciate the work of Chairman LaTourette and Chairman Young in this process, and I urge the House's support for this bill.

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky

Mr. LEWIS of Kentucky. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, February 12, 2002, I was in my congressional distric attending an official event. Had I been present in the House Chamber, I would have voted `yea' on H.R. 2998, to authorize the establishment of Radio Free Afghanistan, and H.R. 3699, to revise certain grants for continuum of care assistance for homeless individual and families.