Richard Neal

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, September 12, 1995, my office was advised that Mr. Michael Wallace, a participant in the Gordon Bennett balloon race, had been forced to land his balloon in Belarus, part of the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. I later learned that a second balloon, flying under the flag of the Virgin Islands, had been shot down and its occupants had been killed. After numerous contacts with officials of the American Embassy in Mensk, I was advised that Mr. Wallace had been reunited with his chase crew and that he had been accompanied by diplomatic officials to the Poland-Belarus border where he was released to begin his return to the United States. I met personally with Mr. Wallace yesterday morning and he has been able to provide me with information which confirms my earlier appraisal that these incidents should never have occurred. Mr. Wallace has provided my office with the formal approval which had been given by Belarus for contestants of this balloon race to fly over their country. Furthermore, Mr. Wallace is convinced that Alan Fraenckel and John Stuart-Jervis, the operators of the Virgin Islands balloon, would most certainly have landed their craft had they been given an opportunity to do so. Mr. Speaker, these events which took place in Belarus last week cannot go unchallenged. I am calling today for a complete investigation by the State Department of these unwarranted acts of aggression by the Belarusan military. I hope that this investigation will force the country of Belarus to hold the parties who participated in these senseless acts responsible for their actions.

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Markey] for the good work that he has done on behalf of the consumers of America. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Markey-Shays amendment for the simple reason that I do not want to return to the days when the cable companies of this country were increasing their prices at three times the rate of inflation while dramatically reducing their services. Since the passage of the 1992 Cable Act, the American consumer has finally seen relief in the form of significantly reduced cable rates. In my district alone, millions of dollars have been saved by cable subscribers. But the bill we are debating here this morning would severely threaten the consumer protection that was established by the 1992 act. In its current form, H.R. 1555 would abolish FCC regulation of cable systems thereby allowing cable companies to once again raise rates arbitrarily. It would open a window of opportunity for cable owners to cash in one last time at the expense of the American consumer. We cannot allow this to happen. The Markey-Shays amendment would continue FCC regulation of cable systems until effective competition is established. It is a proconsumer amendment that would protect millions of Americans from an unnecessary rate hike and I strongly urge its passage.

Mr. NEAL

Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, on August 12, 1995, the St. Joseph's Society of Palmer, MA, will celebrate its 100-year anniversary. Located in the village of Thorndike, the St. Joseph's Society has served generations of Polish-Americans as a social, spiritual, and athletic organization. Upon the occasion of its 100-year anniversary, I proudly take this opportunity to enter the complete history of the St. Joseph's Society into the Congressional Record. May St. Joe's continue to flourish in the years to come. History The Nineteenth Century found people leaving their respective homelands for many and varied reasons to start life over in the New World. The first Poles to arrive in the Town of Palmer came in 1888. In 1891 the Rev. Chalupka of Chicopee was instrumental in getting the Polish settlers of Thorndike and the other three villages of the town of Palmer to unite and form a society. It took nearly four years, and in April of 1895 the St. Joseph's Society was founded; its first purpose was to establish a fund to help the members in case of illness and to help form a Polish-speaking parish for the increasing number of Poles in the area. The first governing committee consisted of: President-- Joseph A. Mijal, Vice-President--Grzegorz Wisnowski, Treasurer--Thomas Kruszyna, Secretary--Stanley Ziemba. The next three years were trying for the society and their meeting places were the homes of the various members. At times, it looked as if the society would break up. Then, in 1898, the St. Joseph Society was given new blood by the joining of new members. In that year the society started to flourish under the committee of: President--Stanley Ziemba, Vice-President--Paul Pietryka, Treasurer--Symon Jorczak, Secretary--Michael Pelcarski, Marshall--Frank Salamon. During 1898 the society chose Stanley Ziemba, Symon Jorczak, John Bielski, Michael Pelczarski, Frank Salamon, Marian Wlodyka, Albert Kolbusz, and Walter Krolik to explore the possibility of a Polish-speaking church. In the meantime, individuals traveled to Chicopee when their needs necessitated ministry in their native tongue. Occasionally, visiting priests of Polish descent ministered to their spiritual needs. The firsts site chosen for the proposed Polish-speaking church was on Main Street in Thorndike, directly across from Four Corners Cemetery. In 1902, Bishop Thomas Daniel Beavar D.D. appointed Rev. Wenceslaus Lenz as the pastor of the first, Polish-speaking, St. Peter and Paul Parish. The site was later changed to a more central location for the town of Palmer--``Four Corners''. In 1902 the St. Joseph's Society was incorporated as an Insurance Aid Society in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The membership grew quickly and all the villages were well among the membership of the society. Under the Insurance Aid Society all the members received weekly benefits of three dollars for thirteen weeks when sick. In 1908 a lot was purchased by the society on High Street, Thorndike, and the following year a building was bought and moved by members of this lot. This was the first home of the society. In 1912 the society replaced the first home on High Street with a new and larger building, one which had more room for larger Polish gatherings. It was now that the Polish of this area could have a place for dances, weddings, and plays, as well as a central location for its members. In 1940 the society purchased the Ducy Home on Commercial Street, Thorndike. After months of remodeling and improvements made to the home and grounds, the society opened the new home on May 10, 1940. This new society quarters maintained a library of Polish books and daily newspapers, a sports room of pool tables, ping pong, plus a bar and lounge for members, guests, and their families. In 1952 an addition was added to the society home consisting of two floors. The top floor was to be used as a ballroom for banquets, dances, and society meetings. The lower section was to be used for serving food and refreshments for all affairs held in the new addition. Three air-conditioning units were installed for the new addition, also for the bar and lounge patrons comfort. In 1967 the society voted to remodel the interior of the bar and lounge. After several months of improvements the society now had a horseshoe bar for at least eighteen patrons, and a beautiful lounge with a 16 x 16 highly polished dance floor. The buildings old windows were removed in front and replaced by two large picture windows with drapery, colonial style. The St. Joseph's Society has been well represented in the sports field. The St. Joseph's Club Ball Teams won the Quaboag Baseball Championships in 1937, 1939, and 1940; softball champions in 1944. The club Bowling Team has also won its share of trophies. In 1948 the Self Locking Carton Co., now known as Diamond National Corp., Thorndike, deeded land to the society on Upper Pine Street for the purpose of building a baseball park and a park for children. Through the efforts of the Self Locking Carton Co. and society members hard work, a wonderful and beautiful park/playground was realized. A shelter for picnics and dancing was built on the grounds. Today, just about everyone uses the St. Joseph's Ball Park; Palmer High School, jay-vees, local elementary leagues, the Sandlot team, pee-wees, and the St. Joseph's A.A. Baseball team. The Palmer Lion's Club has a big field day every Labor Day at the park. In 1966, under the guidance of William Buck Hurley, the St. Joseph's Club Baseball Team finished second in standings in the Tri-County League of Springfield. Many fine college boys from the surrounding towns played hard for the St. Joseph's Ball Team. Pete Beynor, pitcher from Palmer for the St. Joseph's Ball Team, won the most valuable player award for the 1966 Tri-County League. A great honor for Pete Beynor and the St. Joseph's Ball Team. On October 22, 1972, the society's chaplain, Rev. A.A. Skoniecki, retired and was replaced by Rev. Robert J. Ceckowski. In October of 1975 Society members participated in a ``Week of Remembrance'' in commemoration of Poles annihilated during World War II. Activities of the week included: a parade, memorial mass, and the dedication of a wooden shrine which stood outside of St. Peter and Paul Parish. On May 2, 1976, the society actively participated in the Town of Palmer's Bicentennial Parade. On October 16, 1978, Poles throughout the world were elated and honored when Karol Cardinal Wojtyla, Archbishop of Krakow, Poland, was elected as the Vicar of Christ to become Pope John Paul II. To commemorate the seventy-fifth anniversary of the dedication of St. Peter and Paul Parish, the society purchased a hand carved, wooden statue of the Resurrected Christ. This statue is carried by society members during the Easter Resurrection Mass at St. Peter and Paul Parish. The society continues its athletic association by supporting its A.A. Baseball team as part of the Tri-County League. To commemorate the one hundredth anniversary, the society has financed the erection of a lighting system for night baseball and football at St. Joseph's Field on Pine Street. This coming season, Pathfinder Regional Vocational Technical High School will use St. Joseph's as its home field. Several years ago, the last member of the first immigration to this area from Poland died. Today, the society consists of Polish-Americans from the first, second, third, and even the fourth generation. The constitution, which was written entirely in the Polish language, has been re-written into English. Still, many of the original Polish traditions are observed by the society such as, taking part in the Corpus Christi Procession and the blessing of food for the Easter Sunday breakfast after Resurrection Mass. For the past twenty-five years the society has been under the capable leadership of Fred S. Tyburski. Longtime treasurer Alphonse Lasota has been the guardian of the society's treasury. The society still maintains a sick benefit and a death benefit. Throughout all the years of its existence the society has made charitable contributions to a number of worthy causes. St. Joseph's Society, 1885-1995, 100 YEARS! ``STO LAT.''

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, as you have just heard, over the past 30 years little has changed with the Republican Party's view of the Medicare Program. Republicans spent 13 years from 1952 until 1965 attempting to block the creation of the Medicare Program. They said Medicare was nothing more than socialized medicine and an unneeded program. In 1965, more than 93 percent of House Republicans voted to replace Medicare with a voluntary program, a program with none of the guarantees or protections of our current Medicare system. With this tumultuous history in mind, we should not be surprised that in the name of saving Medicare, Republicans today support slashing Medicare by $270 billion in order to pay for tax cuts for wealthy Americans. While Republicans' views on Medicare may not have changed over the past 30 years, the health care status of America's seniors during this time has improved significantly. In 1959, only 46 percent of our seniors had health coverage. With Medicare, that number has increased to 99.1 percent. With Medicare, the life expectancy of seniors has risen significantly and the percentage of seniors living in poverty has been cut in half. When I travel throughout the Second District in Massachusetts, whether I am in a diner, a library, a seniors center, or a grocery store, there is one consistent message that I hear loud, clear, and often, and that message is: Please, Congressman Neal, do not let them take my Medicare benefits away. Let us be honest this morning with our seniors in the Medicare debate. House Republicans passed a bill that would take $87 billion over 10 years out of the Medicare A trust fund, weakening the trust fund in order to give a tax cut to the wealthiest 13 percent of Americans. The truth is, they have not even asked for it. Higher deductibles, increased premiums, additional copays? House Republicans would require seniors to pay $850 more in out-of-pocket health costs by the year 2002. How much is enough?

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, it is once again the time of year we discuss the renewal of MFN for China. In the past, we have attempted to link human rights to the renewal of MFN. Last Congress, we made the decision to renew MFN and to pursue other courses of action to improve human rights in China. At this point in time, it would be counterproductive to revoke MFN status for China. Economic liberalization is a key element for improving human rights. The opening of the markets in China will provide higher wages and a better way of life for Chinese citizens. Usually, improved economic conditions help improve human rights. American businesses conducting business in China should set an example. We need to be leaders on the issue of human rights. Our businesses need to be a model of excellence on human rights. Human rights is an extremely important issue. Basically, it is the dignity of an individual. I commend Congressmen Bereuter and Hamilton for introducing H.R. 2058. This legislation reminds China that we have not forgotten about their current human rights situation. This measure demands the immediate release of Harry Wu. In addition, the legislation recognizes various areas in which China has made human rights violations. This legislation requires the President to take action to improve the situation. The President will be required to report his progress within 30 days of enactment. I urge you to support this legislation. This legislation states that human rights is still a priority.

Mr. NEAL

Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, today Congressmen English, Houghton, and I are introducing legislation that will provide fair tax treatment for hard apple cider. The purpose of this legislation is to clarify the tax treatment of draft cider. Under current law, draft apple cider is taxed at a much higher rate than beer despite the fact the two beverages have a similar alcohol level. Hard apple cider is taxed as wine and is subject to a tax of $1.07 per wine gallon. Whereas, beer is subject to a tax of 22.6 cents per gallon. Hard apple cider has an alcohol level below 7 percent and this is much lower than the alcohol level of beer. Also, beer and hard apple cider are packaged and marketed in a similar fashion. Hard apple cider is becoming a popular alternative to beer. This legislation will tax apple cider at the same rate as beer. The Joint Committee on Taxation has estimated this legislation would cost $5 million over 5 years. This small tax change would allow hard apple cider producers to compete fairly with beer. The current tax prohibits many apple growers from producing cider. Apple growers and producers in our districts would prosper because hard apple cider is made from culled apples, the least marketable apples. Senator Leahy is introducing companion legislation. I urge you to cosponsor this legislation which will provide equity to the draft cider industry.

Mr. NEAL

Mr. NEAL. Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the requisite number of words. Mr. Chairman, I oppose the amendment. The proposal by the gentleman from Arkansas is unwise, and it is unwarranted. I rise in opposition to the Hutchinson amendment and offer my support for the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Since the Trust was chartered by this Congress in 1949, the Federal money allocated to the Trust has been effectively used as seed money and has nearly quadrupled through private donations. These funds help to finance a series of programs aimed at teaching communities revitalization and economic growth through preservation. These programs have proven to be tremendously successful, creating thousands of new jobs and businesses, and financing restoration and renovation projects in distressed communities throughout the country. An excellent example of this work that the Trust has done would be found in the city of Northampton, Massachusetts, where the First Church of Northampton have duly received assistance. It has helped not only to support efforts to support the church, but also to [[Page H 6986]] repair the stonework, to repair the roof, and to make the 117-year-old building fully accessible to the public. In addition to being a place of worship, the church also houses several community groups and serves meals to the homeless and the needy. Now, thanks to the assistance offered by the Trust, the First Church can continue its contributions to the community in a sturdier and more accessible building. The National Trust for Preservation is an example of a Federal program that works, and eliminating or curtailing its funding would be a terrible mistake. This program should not be eliminated; it should be imitated. Our country needs more cost effective programs like the National Trust for Historic Preservation. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to oppose this proposal. Anthony Lewis of the New York Times has said that we are rapidly becoming a nation without a memory. The Trust does not allow that to happen. Just as importantly, let me say this, if I can: I served as mayor of a good sized city, the 95th largest city in America, Springfield, MA. I fought with the preservationists time and again. You know what? They took me to court time and again, but at the end of the day their achievements far outweighed their shortcomings. It is working. The Main Street program has restored thousands of homes across this country. It has renewed neighborhoods that were lifeless. It has brought Main Street, America back to viability. Just as importantly, a great Republican initiative at the time, the historic tax credit, allowed people to use the Tax Code to rebuild Main Streets across this country. New England today has a complex that has changed in large measure due to the work of the National Trust for Historic Preservation. It would be shortsighted tonight to go beyond what the committee has recommended. Let the Trust alone. It has succeeded. There are times when I have disagreed with it, but overwhelmingly, its work has been effective and successful. Mr. Chairman, I hope that we will oppose the gentleman's amendment.

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in this Chamber to pay tribute to a former member of this institution, who has represented the Second Congressional District of Massachusetts, who passed away this past Wednesday. A distinguished Italian-American from western Massachusetts, Foster Furcolo served as a Member of the 81st and 82d Congresses from 1949 to 1952, where he was known as a moderate Democrat. Five years after serving in this House, Foster Furcolo became Massachusetts' 60th Governor. A product of Yale University undergrad and law school, educational achievement was on the forefront of Furcolo's political agenda. His proudest achievement in Massachusetts was the establishment of the community college system. He also expanded the University of Massachusetts and sponsored growth in loan and scholarship programs. He strengthened programs for the elderly, and outlawed housing discrimination. Hailing from Longmeadow, MA, Foster Furcolo was a mentor to those of us from the western part of the State who were interested in public service and government. His contributions to Massachusetts will not be forgotten.

Mr. NEAL

Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, today we are voting on granting MFN to Cambodia. Cambodia did not have MFN in the past because they were under Communist rule. Over the past few years the country has had democratic elections, and the new government has made steps toward a market economy. I am concerned about granting MFN to Cambodia. This legislation provides Cambodia with permanent and unconditional MFN status. In my opinion, Cambodia needs to make [[Page H 6708]] progress in two extremely important areas: Human rights and labor rights. Democracy and human rights are continually under attack in Cambodia. The Royal Cambodian Government is persecuting journalistic critics, expelling government opposition members of Parliament, and creating an atmosphere of fear to stifle those who would speak up for democracy. The granting of MFN does not mean Congress is not concerned about human rights violations. Congress will continue to monitor Cambodia's progress in this area. Cambodia has still not passed a labor law that meets international labor standards. At this time, freedom of association for workers is not guaranteed. The right to strike does not exist. In addition, there are no minimum labor standards. Recently, an opposition member of the Cambodia National Assembly, Sam Rainsy, was expelled from the assembly without a vote by the governing parties lead by the co-Prime Ministers. Also, there is a rumor other human rights supporters might be expelled. In recent months, the situation in Cambodia has not improved. I have raised these issues with USTR and the State Department and I will continue to follow them closely. We have to continue to monitor Cambodia and strongly encourage improvements.

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, in response to the gentleman from Pennsylvania, I would say you can't, you won't, and you didn't do it. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to this budget resolution. As we approach the vote on the budget resolution, I feel there is a lemming-like atmosphere in this Chamber. Many are ready and willing to take the plunge without questioning the consequences. I think we can all agree reducing the deficit is our No. 1 priority. However, we differ on the approach to reach this goal. The budget resolution before us today is a new version of survival of the fittest and many of my constituents will not survive without being bruised and battered. To achieve deficit reduction, this resolution is slashing several valuable [[Page H 6568]] programs such as the earned income tax credit. By the time we finish with budget reconciliation, the earned income tax could be dramatically changed. The amount of the earned income tax may be kept at the same level and fully phased in and this could result in over 18,000 of my constituents paying a tax increase. This resolution will limit the earned income tax credit, but includes a large tax cut which will most likely include a capital gains tax cut indexed for inflation which will help the wealthy. This resolution calls for large cuts in Medicare and Medicaid. These cuts are too deep. We cannot refuse to help the elderly and poor when they are sick. This resolution contains a sizable decrease in spending on education. Education is integrally linked to our future. Many of my constituents worry about the rising costs of a college education. It is time to reduce the deficit, but we have to proceed in an efficient and cautious manner. There are many points both sides of the aisle can agree upon. We should use these as our starting point and go back to the drawing board. The resolution before us today paints a bleak future for many. We can and should do better.

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, today, I introduced legislation to correct an inequity in on our current tax system. Under current law, an individual over the age of 55 is allowed a one-time exclusion of capital gain on the sale of a principal residence. This one-time exclusion invokes a marriage penalty. This legislation would eliminate the marriage penalty for the one-time exclusion of gain on the sale of a principal residence. For example, two individuals over the age of 55 who decide to marry and sell their homes would only receive an exclusion of $125,000. Whereas, if they did not marry and sold their homes they each would be able to receive an exclusion for $125,000. This legislation addresses this problem. The legislation eliminates the marriage penalty by disregarding elections made before the date of marriage or elections made on homes sold after the date of marriage, but purchased before the marriage. Fairness is an important element of tax policy. The current policy on the one-time exclusion assists individuals who are approaching retirement and it is a valuable exclusion. Our Tax Code should be fair and not discriminate against basic values such as marriage. The decision to marry should not be based on financial reasons. I urge you to correct this inequity and support this legislation.

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, recently the United States and Japan resumed automobile trade talks and these talks have collapsed. The talks were aimed at opening the Japanese market to autos and auto parts. The United States presented new proposals in the two priority areas-- improved foreign access to Japan's auto markets and increase sales of auto parts in both the United States and Japan. Japan's auto market remains closed. It has been stated Japan sells as many cars in a week in the United States as United States automakers sell a whole year in Japan. Japan continues to maintain a closed economy which discriminates against United States auto exports and effects international economics. Japanese officials have expressed dismay over what they termed new demands at a late stage of talks. Currently, there is a $36.7 billion United States-Japan gap in trade in autos and auto parts. This gap has to be decreased. Japan's market share of auto imports is only 4 percent. In addition, Japan's market share of auto imports is only 2.4 percent. Nearly 2 years of negotiations have failed to produce an agreement in the United States-Japan auto trade talks. The administration announced tough trade sanctions against Japan. These sanctions will probably entail higher tariffs on Japanese imports worth billions of dollars a year. I urge USTR and the administration to remain tough on Japan. The United States-Japan gap in trade is not reflective of the competitiveness of United States autos and auto parts. The United States is manufacturing auto and auto parts that are capable of competing in the Japanese market. The quality of United States products would gradually bring about a reduction of the deficit, if Japan would only begin to open their market. We need to send Japan a clear message that we will not back down on the opening of their markets to auto and auto parts. If they refuse to negotiate, we should promptly enact tough sanctions.

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, today I am joining my colleagues, Mr. Blute, Mr. Patrick Kennedy and Mr. Reed, in introducing a bill that would revise the boundaries and extend the life of the Blackstone River Valley National Heritage Corridor in Massachusetts and Rhode Island. This region, which is the birthplace of the American Industrial Revolution, was established by Congress as a national heritage area in 1986 and has proven to be a successful Federal investment. This legislation will build upon the outstanding record of historic preservation and tourism development that the Blackstone Valley has enjoyed during the past 10 years. Expanding the boundaries of the corridor to include Worcester, MA, New England's second largest city, and four other communities will enhance the opportunities for the Corridor Commission to solicit funds from private Government. This partnership between the public and private sector will serve as a model for our country, by preserving a region without draining the public's pocketbook. I am proud to join with my colleagues from the region in this bipartisan effort to preserve the Blackstone River Valley. Working together we can help to ensure that this area, which is so rich in history, will be around for future generations to experience and enjoy.

Mr. NEAL

Mr. NEAL. Mr. Chairman, the Tax Fairness and Deficit Reduction Act is neither, and it is certainly not the right approach for tax cuts. This legislation reduces by $188 billion the Federal Treasury over 5 years. Indeed, Treasury has estimated that the provisions are going to cost $700 billion over 10 years. The Republicans say this unnecessary legislation will be financed by spending cuts. Discretionary spending cuts total $100 billion, but these cuts are neither specified nor are they guaranteed. It is still unclear which programs will be cut or eliminated. The legislation is not responsible. Our attention should be focused on deficit reduction, and this is not the time to be making tax cuts to the wealthy. Those earning over $200,000 are not considered the middle class in my congressional district. I am not opposed to tax cuts for the middle class, but they should be targeted and geared toward investments. Several of the tax provisions in the Contract With America are indeed budget gimmicks. These provisions are glitter and sparkle, and there is no real long-term investment. Let me say, there are some provisions even I could have supported, including the spousal individual retirement account, and expanding the IRA, and would have raised the ceiling on earnings for Social Security recipients, and happen to believe there ought to be some sort of capital gains relief, but I cannot support the larger package that is going to have such a dramatic impact on our deficit. We should work for a package on both sides of the aisle that could be universally supported. Why could we not today vote on small provisions which are fully paid for? Why is this vote before us today all or nothing? These tax provisions are not equitable. The wealthy few will receive more of the benefits, and the Treasury Department tells us that only 8 percent of the population realizes capital gains earnings in any given year. Most of the benefits in this proposal go to people who already make up to 6 percent of the wealthiest taxpayers in America. If we are going to enact tax cuts, we ought to pay for them. It is still unclear which programs will be eliminated, and surely deeper cuts will have to be made in order to pay for these provisions and their cost increases. We ought to focus on the middle class today. If we look beyond the bluster, we see the flaws in this proposal. Education is the most important investment we can make. In Massachusetts, 137,000 students are going to pay more for their student loans when we get done at the end of this day. This ought not to happen. The Democratic alternative is sounder. The School Act is a simple, realistic approach. Our legislation provides tax cuts which will help the real middle class and help to pay for higher education. Four proposals make up the School Safety Act. They are deductions for education costs, student loan deductibility, guaranteed education planned savings bonds, and expanded individual retirement accounts. All of these proposals are geared towards education. None of these tax cuts will be enacted unless we stay on a target toward a balanced budget, but today these Republican cuts are going to end up creating more spending cuts. The public will be cheated in the end. Mr. Chairman, this legislation is ill-considered and ill-timed.

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Chairman, let me say at the outset, this is a Member on the Democratic side who favored a targeted capital gains package, who has been the author with the gentleman from California [Mr. Thomas] of the Individual Retirement Account, its tax advantage restoration, and who favors the idea of allowing seniors to earn and keep more despite Social Security obligations. Most of the Members on this side would have voted for those provisions tonight if it was not an all-or-nothing package. But let me get to the point at hand. The favorite refrain heard on this side of the aisle these days is this: I did not write the contract. The second most well-heard refrain on this side of the aisle these days is, ``The Senate will correct it.'' Let me say tonight, there are 133,000 students in Massachusetts, and I represent an area with some of the finest colleges in America who are going to begin to pay a lot more at the end of this contractual day for their student loans when this House gets done. We had an opportunity in this House to find middle ground on most of these issues where most of the Members on both sides rest. Don't heed my warning tonight. Heed the warning of George Bush who called it voodoo economics. And heed the warning of David Stockman who said it was the triumph of politics. Let me close on this note. There is one thing that Newt Gingrich, Richie Neal, Dick Armey, and Phil Gramm all have in common. We all had student loans guaranteed by the Federal Government, and it has paid a huge dividend for the American people. Do not deny the next generation that same opportunity.

Mr. NEAL

Mr. NEAL. Mr. Speaker, I support this legislation. it is important that we act quickly to restore the deduction for health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. This legislation reinstates the deduction to 25 percent and would increase the deduction to 30 percent for 1995 and thereafter. We are fast approaching the tax filing deadline for 1994 and we need to enact this legislation promptly. Taxpayers have been uncertain about this provision since it expired on December 31, 1993. I am pleased that Congress is taking action to increase this deduction to 30 percent and making this deduction permanent. This will provide taxpayers with certainty. However, I am concerned by increasing the deduction to 30 percent and making it permanent Congress will not have a chance to address this issue and increase the deduction. On the first day of this session, I introduced legislation to make permanent the 25-percent percent. This legislation phases in the 100-percent deduction over a period of 4 years. Several bills have been introduced on this issue and it has broad support. During the committee markup, Mr. Cardin and I offered an amendment to restore the deduction for 1994 and to increase the deduction to 80 percent for 1995 and 1996. This amendment failed by a vote along party lines. The deduction of health care costs is an extremely important issue for the self-employed. One quarter of self-employed Americans--3.1 million farmers and craftsmen, professionals, and small business proprietors--have no health insurance. The self-employed are 1\1/2\ times more likely to lack essential health care coverage. We have to do more than increase the deduction to 30 percent. Major health care reform proposals included a provision to allow self- employed workers a 100-percent deduction. The Tax Code should encourage the self-employed to purchase health insurance. This deduction allows businesses to spend more on health care. There are approximately 41 million medically uninsured individuals in the United States. An individual's employment should not determine the tax treatment of their health insurance. Since I joined the Ways and Means Committee, I have tried to make permanent the deduction of health care costs for the self-employed. It was the first tax issue I undertook as a member of the committee. Small businesses and the self-employed are the engine of economic growth for our economy. The ranks of the self-employed include the likes of farmers, craftsmen, shopkeepers, day laborers, ranchers as well as accountants, lawyers, and doctors who practice either in partnerships or as sole practitioners. As you can see, this provision affects a wide variety of individuals. Businesses can deduct the full cost of any health insurance provided to employees. Similar treatment has never been available to the self- employed. Businesses on the average, contribute and fully deduct 80 percent of the total cost of employee health insurance premiums. We should at least consider increasing the deduction for the self-employed to at least 80 percent. I urge you to support this legislation today and to consider readdressing this issue during this session of Congress. We can do better than 30 percent. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the conference report. The previous question was ordered. The conference report was agreed to. A motion to reconsider was laid on the table.

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Raymond M. Sullivan, a good friend and exemplary public servant who recently passed away. Raymond Sullivan served as the former fire chief for the city of Springfield and fought fires for the city for 39 years. Born in Springfield, the son of Irish immigrant parents, Raymond Sullivan lived within a mile and a half of his birthplace his entire life. Ray Sullivan was educated in Springfield's schools, and together with his wife, the former Mary Lou McCarthy, he raised three sons: Garrett, Brian, and Gerald, and one daughter, Mary Lou. He was a grandfather to seven children. After serving his country in the U.S. Navy during World War II, Raymond Sullivan joined the Springfield Fire Department in 1951, achieving the rank of lieutenant 7 years later. He served as acting deputy chief from 1982 to 1984 and as the fire chief to the city between the years of 1984 and 1990. Raymong Sullivan was referred to by his friends who knew him both as a ``fireman's fireman,'' and as a devoted family man. Mr. Speaker, in a time when community service and family values are what we are striving for across America, we should stop to remember people like Raymond Sullivan who are modern day examples of both of these virtues. Raymond Sullivan will be missed.

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to recognize the tenth anniversary of the My One Wish Foundation, an organization based in Milford, MA. My One Wish, founded in 1984 by Anthony and Virginia Brenna, is a nonprofit group which grants wishes to terminally and chronically ill children. Over the past 10 years, this charitable organization has granted 42 wishes was granted to an 18-year-old girl from Medway who wished for ceramic supplies and a kiln oven. The presentation was made at the foundation's tenth anniversary celebration, which was attended by more than 175 friends, relatives, and well wishers, including sixteen former wish kids. The My One Wish Foundation operates with a staff of 25 volunteers and wishes are made possible through donations made by individuals and local organizations that sponsor events to benefit the program. Mr. Speaker, please join me in congratulating the My One Wish Foundation for its 10 years of service and dedication to terminally and chronically ill children in central Massachusetts. The caring shown by the Brennas and the volunteers at My One Wish has brought much joy to these youngsters and their families.

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Chairman, I think one of the most significant options in this debate has been how a well-organized minority can, indeed, move the majority. I remind the listeners today and the viewing audience that there was no child support initiative offered by the Republican majority in this House until we convinced them that there should have been a strong child support component. I offered a similar amendment to this during the Ways and Means markup, and it was turned down on a party-line vote. The gentleman from Massachusetts [Mr. Torkildsen], to his credit, had contacted my office and asked me to offer this amendment. It has the support of Bill Clinton and Bill Weld. I think that this goes to the heart of personal responsibility, paying for the children that you have. During the Ways and Means Committee markup I offered an amendment to the child support enforcement title to include the use administrative liens to collect past-due child support. This amendment failed on a party line veto. Now this amendment has bipartisan support. Congressman Salmon and Congresswoman Waldhotz are cosponsors of this amendment. This amendment is something both President Clinton and Governor Weld agree upon. This is the type of amendment which should have bipartisan support. Under current law, a child support payment becomes a judgment by operation of law as it becomes due and unpaid and entitled to full faith and credit. This provision takes existing law one step further and allows States in interstate cases to move and to levy and seize assets without registering the underlying order in the sister States, unless the lien is contested on grounds of mistake of fact. Because the lien arises by operation of law, unlike current practice, which is ``case-by-case.'' It gives similar treatment in interstate cases to liens as has been already accorded to interstate income withholding order since 1984. An estimated one third of delinquent obligors own property eligible for a lien. With approximately 3.5 million delinquent support cases nationwide, that equals a million or more liens, easy to issue and transmit by computer, impossible to write by and send by hand.

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. I thank the gentleman for yielding this time to me. Mr. Chairman, this evening the Democratic Party stand united in support of the Deal bill and in unyielding opposition to the callousness offered by the Republican Party. There is not even a work requirement in the Republican bill that is offered. They are tough on kids and they are weak on work. Mr. Deal deserves extraordinary credit for bringing Democrats together from every region of this country. Tonight we are going to offer a credible alternative that stands up under scrutiny. I offered Governor Weld's amendments at the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Republican Party turned them down. We have a chance tonight, I think, to stand in support of a welfare reform bill that we all acknowledge needs change. Stand in support of the Deal alternative. It is credible and stands up under the magnifying glass of critical analysis.

Mr. NEAL

Mr. NEAL. Mr. Chairman, I want to thank the gentleman from Louisiana [Mr. McCrery]. I think that the gentleman from Louisiana [Mr. McCrery] is an example of how this bill could have been accomplished in a bipartisan manner. From day 1, he indicated a willingness to work with the minority party to get a good, sound bill done, and his mind was always open in this debate. I thank the gentleman for his kind words.

Mr. NEAL

Mr. NEAL. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Chairman, I have served as chairman, co-chairman of a task force here in the House, on the Democratic side, in support of reforming the current welfare system. I think we can all agree today that the current system ill serves the taxpayer and ill serves the beneficiary. My experience in coming to this House is different than most of the Members because I served as mayor of a major city. We have all concluded, as Eleanor Holmes Norton has said, that the current welfare system is decadent. Senator Moynihan warned us 30 years ago that the system had to be changed. President Clinton 2 years ago suggested that we should end welfare as we know it, and he ought to get some credit for that suggestion. Mr. Chairman, 1 out of 3 children in America is currently born out of wedlock. One of my constituents, Barbara Defoe Whitehead, has done remarkable research in drafting those conclusions. In 1976, at the Democratic State convention in Massachusetts, I spoke in support of a workfare requirement. However, I want to say today in the well of this House, that it is that sage and principled conservative on the Republican side, the gentleman from Illinois, Henry Hyde, who said ``there is no such thing as illegitimate children. There may well be some illegitimate parents.'' We should acknowledge today on the Democratic side that we are the ones that pushed for a strong child support component. The Republican alternative did not even speak to the issue of child support, and they called their bill the Personal Responsibility Act. What indicates more personal responsibility than supporting the children we bring into this world? amendments that stated emphatically that those amendments had the support of Bill Weld and Bill Clinton. Not one of those amendments was passed at the Committee on Ways and Means level. Mr. Chairman, I am astounded today that there is no work requirement in the Republican bill, but there is a work requirement in the Democratic bill. We suggest that you have to be enrolled in a program of self-sufficiency from day one. Work is the ultimate personal responsibility. If we want to reverse the decadent system of welfare, we have an opportunity to offer a hand up and not a handout. That is what the Democratic proposals suggest. Mr. Chairman, I want to say today that the Democratic legislation offered by the gentleman from Georgia [Mr. Deal], is a piece of legislation that all of us in this House ought to be able to rally around. Just as importantly, it seems to me at the end of the day that if we really want to honor personal responsibility, that we do that through a strong and sound work requirement. That is what our bill has done.

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, as we approach the month of April, the Presidential library founded by Franklin Delano Roosevelt will inaugurate a series of exhibits, events, films, and a play to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of America's 32d President. I would like to submit for the Congressional Record an article by a constituent of mine, Edmund Walsh. FDR's Legacy Continues at Hyde Park Library (By Edmund A. Walsh) Starting April 1, 1995, the presidential library founded by Franklin Delano Roosevelt will inaugurate a series of exhibits, events, films, and a play to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the death of America's 32nd president. The commemorational activities will start with an exhibit entitled ``1945--The Year That Changed Your World.'' This program will cover FDR's inauguration for an unprecedented fourth term, with Harry S. Truman, former senator from Missouri, sworn in as his vice president. The exhibit will profile the Yalta Conference, where Roosevelt, Churchill and Stalin met to lay plans for the post-WWII world. The April program continues with displays showing the transition from ``The New Deal to the Fair Deal'' when a stunned Truman becomes president and moves to continue FDR's steps towards peace. The ``1945'' presentation continues with the funeral of FDR and a description of ``The Unfinished Legacy of the New Deal,'' and ``The Birth of the United Nations.'' (Roosevelt passed away on April 12, 1945 in Warm Springs, Georgia; just two weeks before he was to host the San Francisco meeting that saw the birth of the United Nations). ``VE Day,'' Victory in Europe will be honored. The exhibit will also cover ``The Atomic Bomb'' and ``The End of World War II.'' The April program concludes with a presentation of the president's legacy of leadership. A film and discussion series follows the ``1945'' exhibit with programs covering the Yalta conference in May and the atomic bomb in June. President Truman is the subject of the July segment. A public debate on the legacy of FDR will be presented by teams from Marist College and United States Military Academy at West Point in late April. This will interest those interested in the FDR years, as well those closely following the continuing discussions in Congress concerning entitlement programs. Chief among those programs is the Social Security Act, a major betterment of the early Roosevelt administration. The Memorial Day weekend will feature a bivouac and salute to FDR by the Duffel Bag group of Carmel, New York. This group, founded ten years ago, is composed of 300 men, women, and some children, who reenact WWII battles, march in parades, and stage exhibitions of their equipment and vehicles. Duffel Bag was conceived and promoted by Brian Benedict, a Carmel dealer in military surplus goods. Recently, Benedict said, the group reenacted the Battle of the Bulge in Indian Gap, Pennsylvania. They performed at half-time of the Army- Navy game in 1993 and are scheduled to appear again in this year's game. At Hyde Park, Benedict went on, the Duffel Bag associates will create an attempt by enemy commandoes to kidnap President Roosevelt. The ``army's'' assignment will be to deny the attempt. Benedict promised a skirmish between the forces, complete with simulated gunfire. Kids of all ages, he said, are welcome to inspect their equipment which will include jeeps, trucks, and possibly half-tracks and light armor. August will see the presentation of the nationally-known ``Sunrise at Campobello'' by the Rhinebeck Theatre Group. This drama tells the story of the summer of 1921 when FDR contracted polio. Theatre goers may remember the original Broadway presentation with Ralph Bellamy in the title role. Since the wartime president always considered himself first and foremost a farmer, the FDR Library in conjunction with the Dutchess County Cooperative Extension, will present its first Agricultural Heritage Day in September. Farm groups, a farmer's market and various environmental groups will participate. Other activities are planned for Warm Springs, the New York Museum of Television and Radio, and at Roosevelt University in Chicago. For more information on the plans at Hyde Park or other locations, call 800-FDR-Visit or 800-337-8474.

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Speaker, today, Mr. Torkildsen and I introduced legislation to increase the effectiveness of child support enforcement by requiring the imposition and execution of liens against the property of person past due on child support obligations. Under the current system, many who owe child support enjoy real estate, boats, luxury cars, and other assets while they do not support their children. Current law allows the imposition of liens by processing orders through the judicial system. This is a difficult process for an out of State parent. This legislation would improve the current system by ordering States to give full faith and credit to any lien imposed by another State in the pursuit of child support collection. My home State of Massachusetts has been very successful in improving child support and should serve as a role model for the rest of the country. Massachusetts has increased its child support collection rate from 51 to 67 percent over a 3-year period. Massachusetts has improved its child support collection by issuing administrative liens in every case where an obligor owes more than $500 in past child support. This type of provision on the Federal level would raise the rate of compliance in interstate cases. Currently, the potential for child support collection is approximately $48 billion per year. However, only $14 billion is actually collected. This leaves a $34 billion gap. Requiring administrative liens for all cases would help reduce this gap. Child support enforcement is an essential aspect of welfare reform. I urge you to support this legislation.

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts

Mr. NEAL of Massachusetts. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. I rise in support of the Gibbons-McDermott substitute to H.R. 831. This substitute provides an appropriate alternative to H.R. 831. H.R. 831 extends the deduction for the health insurance costs of self-employed individuals. However, this provision is paid for with a controversial provision. This legislation would repeal Code section 1071, a provision giving the Federal Communication Commission [FCC] authority to grant tax certificates deferring capital gain taxes on the sale or exchange of broadcast facilities. The FCC has offered tax certificates to those who voluntarily sell facilities to minority individuals or minority-controlled entities. We can successfully argue that there are some problems with Code section 1071. It has been estimated that a recent proposed sale of cable systems could result in deferred gain of $1.1 billion to $1.6 billion. Code section 1071 does need improvement, but it does not need to be eliminated. I do not believe the original intention of this proposal was to give billion dollar tax breaks to the wealthy. The gentleman from Florida [Mr. Gibbons] and the gentleman from Washington [Mr. McDermott] have developed an alternative which provides a much better solution. The Gibbons-McDermott substitute gives the section 1071 tax certificate program a smaller scope by limiting the amount of gain on the tax certificate to $50 million. This proposal would transfer administration of the program to the IRS. The proposal adds several important safeguards to the certificate program. These changes are appropriate. We should try to fix section 1071 before we enact an outright repeal. The Gibbons-McDermott substitute preserves the purpose of the program and will eliminate the abuses. We can all agree the 25-percent deduction for health insurance is important. This proposal also creates a 25-percent deduction for the purchase of health insurance by employees who do not receive employer- sponsored health insurance. I urge you to support the Gibbons-McDermott substitute. This substitute is a responsible vote. The self-employed will receive the deduction they deserve and the FCC certificate program will not be repealed without the proper consideration.