Jim Ramstad

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson), a distinguished member of the Committee on Ways and Means and an important cosponsor of the bill. (Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, in one of the most obvious cases of judicial overreach in recent memory, the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals in San Francisco is poised to inflict a devastating tax increase on America's clergy. Unless Congress acts quickly, the 81-year-old housing tax exclusion for members of the clergy will be struck down by judicial overreach on the part of America's most reversed and most activist circuit court. The focus of this court's attack is a long-standing clergy housing allowance. Dating back to 1921 and recodified in 1954 in section 107 of the Tax Code, this allowance prevents clergy from being taxed on the portion of their church income that is used to provide their housing. This allowance is similar to other housing provisions in the Tax Code offered to workers who locate in a particular area for the convenience of their employers, and military personnel who receive a tax exclusion for their housing. Clergy members of every faith and denomination rely on the housing allowance. Without it, America's clergy face a devastating tax increase of $2.3 billion over the next 5 years. At a time when our places of worship are financially strapped and struggling to serve people in need, we cannot allow this important tax provision to fall. The case, now in the Ninth Circuit, Mr. Speaker, arose because of a dispute over a 1971 IRS ruling that limited the clergy allowance to the fair rental value of the parsonage. A taxpayer in turn challenged this limit and won in tax court and the IRS appealed. But rather than simply considering the issue presented in the case, which was whether the Internal Revenue Service had authority to limit the allowance, the Ninth Circuit hijacked the case and turned it into a challenge of the very constitutionality of the housing allowance. Neither party in the case even raised the constitutionality issue or requested the court to consider that issue, so the Ninth Circuit, in turn, asked for a ``friend of the court'' brief from a law professor who happened to believe that it was unconstitutional. Mr. Speaker, this is judicial activism at its worst. The legislation on the floor today will stop the attack on the housing allowance by resolving the underlying issue in the tax court case. H.R. 4156, the bill before us today, clarifies that the housing allowance is limited to the fair rental value of the home, which has been common practice for decades, for 81 years. H.R. 4156, as introduced, included a section of congressional findings and statement of purpose, I might add. But the amendment before us, Mr. Speaker, deletes that section in order to accommodate the tradition that the Committee on Ways and Means normally has; that is, not to include such language in tax legislation. However, the fact that it has been deleted does not, let me repeat that, does not, reflect the lack of support within the House or among the bill's sponsors. The gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Pomeroy) has been tremendous in working with us on this legislation in a bipartisan way, bringing his considerable expertise to this important legislation, and I thank the gentleman for that. Certainly there is strong support among the bill's sponsors on both sides of the aisle for that language. We believe Congress clearly has the constitutional authority to enact section 107 of the Tax Code and the amendments contained in H.R. 4156 that are before us today. In addition, we believe the Internal Revenue Service should provide guidance on the issue of fair rental valuation to avoid unnecessary disputes with taxpayers. I intend to work with my colleagues to make sure the guidance is issued. Finally, the amendment clarifies that the new fair rental value limitation to section 107 applies prospectively to the year 2002 and beyond. Both H.R. 4156 and this amendment explicitly provide that for tax years before the effective date, the fair rental value limitation does not apply. This language is intended to end the current litigation and fully resolve the matter. Mr. Speaker, again, I appreciate the strong bipartisan support this legislation has received from our colleagues, with 37 cosponsors. My fellow Committee on Ways and Means member and friend, the distinguished gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Pomeroy), the chief sponsor on the other side of the aisle, has been tremendous on working on this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to vote for this bipartisan legislation to protect America's clergy from an unwarranted judicial attack and to preserve the important housing allowance. Mr. Speaker, I also want to thank the gentleman from California (Chairman Thomas) and the majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), for helping expedite this legislation. I thank Jim Clark, chief counsel on our Committee on Ways and Means, for his work, as well as counsel on the Committee on Ways and Means, Lisa Rydland and Bob Winters, for their exemplary work. I thank Siobhan Abell, who helped arrange this bill to be expedited from the office of the majority leader, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), who as well deserves our gratitude. Finally, I thank my own tax counsel, Karen Hope, who has worked night and day since this issue arose, and has really done a yeo-person's work on this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4156) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to clarify that the parsonage allowance exclusion is limited to the fair rental value of the property, as amended.

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time remains?

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I first want to thank again my distinguished colleague and friend the gentleman from North Dakota (Mr. Pomeroy) for his excellent work on this legislation and strong bipartisan support. I want to thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sam Johnson) and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis) for their supportive statements here today and their cosponsorship, as well as the 35 other cosponsors. I certainly want to again thank the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey), the majority leader, for helping us expedite this legislation to get it to the floor in such rapid fashion. I also want to thank the staff of the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) of our Committee on Ways and Means, as well as the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Armey's) staff for working with my chief tax counsel, Karin Hope, on this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, this legislative effort on behalf of our Nation's clergy is a great example of Congress working in a bipartisan, common sense way for a noble purpose. That purpose is to preserve the clergy housing allowance, to stop a $2.3 billion tax increase on our Nation's clergy. Hundreds of thousands of clergy from every faith and every denomination urge my colleagues support for this bipartisan legislation. This legislation, Mr. Speaker, is important to virtually every religious congregation in America, to every church, every temple, every synagogue, and every mosque, and I urge a strong bipartisan vote for this important legislation to preserve the clergy housing allowance. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous materials on H.R. 4156.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Madam Speaker, I rise to salute the University of Minnesota Golden Gophers men's hockey team on winning their fourth national championship Saturday night in St. Paul. Minnesota has a long and proud hockey tradition. This weekend, as one of our newspapers put it, we experienced a ``Return to Glory.'' On Saturday night, right in our State's capital city, the University of Minnesota, my proud alma mater, added an illustrious new chapter to our State's proud hockey heritage. Madam Speaker, in one of the most thrilling NCAA championship games ever played, the University of Minnesota defeated the University of Maine 4-to-3 in an overtime edge-of-your-seat nail-biter, a game that meant the 2002 NCAA men's ice hockey championship for the University of Minnesota. And, believe me, this was no ordinary hockey game. Both teams were fueled by powerful motivating forces that produced one of the most entertaining, hard-fought and memorable games ever played. Last season, the Gophers lost to Maine in an overtime game in the NCAA Tournament, and that memory united this year's Gophers team and provided the motivation to fight to the very end of the season's championship game. Maine had plenty of motivation also. The Black Bears had lost their longtime coach of 17 years, Shawn Walsh, to cancer just before the season started, and the Black Bears put forth a tremendous effort in memory of Coach Walsh. Madam Speaker, this champion season has been a long time coming, and it sure feels great to every Minnesota hockey fan. All of Minnesota is extremely proud of this talented, never-say-die team, which rallied to tie the championship game with just 52 seconds left in regulation on a goal by Matt Koalska, a St. Paul native playing in his hometown. The Gophers and Black Bears then battled through an intense 17 minutes of overtime before realizing the dream of all Minnesota hockey fans when Grant Potulny scored that winning goal. By tying the game in the final seconds of regulation and then winning in overtime, the University of Minnesota hockey team joins the list of legendary teams. Madam Speaker, there have been so many stars this season for the champion Gophers. I hesitate to mention any at risk of leaving out others, but they were a true team in the real meaning of that word. They came together in pursuit of a common goal, winning a national championship. Each player, each trainer, each coach, each manager, played a pivotal role during the season, picking each other up at the crucial time. Goalie Adam Hauser made 42 saves in the championship game. Hauser had 83 victories in his career, breaking the WCHA record. Adam also set league and school records for games played, shutouts and saves. All-American senior Johnny Pohl of Red Wing, Minnesota, ended his college career by leading the entire Nation in scoring. Madam Speaker, each and every one of these Gophers hockey players gave the record crowd of 19,324 great fans plenty to cheer about Saturday night, and in fact all season long. Jordan Leopold, a graduate of Armstrong High School in my district, was a big part of this season's greatness. Leopold won the Hobey Baker Award, which is college hockey's version of the Heisman Trophy, for his outstanding play. He is the fourth Gopher to win college hockey's highest honor. Madam Speaker, I also want to commend Coach Don Lucia for an outstanding job of coaching. The history of Golden Gophers hockey is reflected by its legendary coaches, and Coach Lucia joins this respected group: John Mariucci, Glen Sonmor, Doug Woog, Herb Brooks, a guy who knows a thing or two about miracles on ice. Madam Speaker, these hockey Gophers join the University of Minnesota's title winning teams of 1974, 1976 and 1979, and will forever be etched in the annals of the greatest Minnesota hockey teams. This year's team played with amazing consistency. They never lost consecutive games, and finished with a record of 32 wins, 8 losses and 4 ties. The team's six seniors improved their record each and every year and provided solid senior leadership. Madam Speaker, the 2001-2002 Gophers hockey team will be remembered forever by Minnesotans and hockey fans throughout the world. All Minnesotans and Gophers hockey fans everywhere are very proud of this team, and we congratulate our national champions.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Chairman, today we are casting historic votes on the most important campaign finance reforms since the Watergate reforms of 25 years ago. Today, we will finally have the opportunity to eradicate the biggest cancer on the federal campaign finance system--soft money. Shays-Meehan will go a long way in reducing the disproportionate and undue influence of unregulated and unlimited soft money. We should pass this common-sense reform legislation to restore people's trust in the system and give the American people a bigger voice in their government. Mr. Chairman, let's get real honest for a minute! The truth is that both political parties are addicted to soft money, and campaign finance reform gives both parties heartburn. But the political parties will survive and continue to flourish with these reforms, and public faith in the political process will be enhanced. Let's do the right thing! Let's rid the system of unregulated, unlimited soft money. Let's pass Shays-Meehan. The American people deserve nothing less!

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, the people of Minnesota are in mourning because we have had a death in the family. Minnesota State Representative Darlene Luther, wife of our good friend and colleague Bill Luther, passed away last week after a courageous battle with cancer. Today in St. Paul, Minnesota, Darlene's family and hundreds of her friends and constituents attended her funeral mass at the Cathedral of St. Paul. From Governor and Mrs. Ventura, to members of Minnesota's congressional delegation, the Minnesota legislature, and supreme court; from Darlene's constituents in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, to Darlene and Bill's legions of friends across Minnesota, we said farewell to a loving and committed wife, a caring and loyal friend, and a compassionate and dedicated public servant. Just as we mourned a great loss, we also celebrated a life of love and a life of service, a life of passionate advocacy and genuine empathy for people, especially people in need. Mr. Speaker, Darlene Luther was truly a loving daughter and sister to the Dunphy family; a loving wife and mother to Bill, Alicia and Alex; and friend to us all. She will be sorely missed by all of us who knew and loved her, by all of us whose lives she touched. Most of all, Darlene loved her husband, Bill, and their children, Alicia and Alex, as deeply and as dearly as any wife and mother ever could. She was so proud of them, as she told me countless times. I will never forget how proud she was of Bill when he was sworn in as a new Member of Congress. Darlene ran over to me and proclaimed, ``Not bad for a kid from Fergus Falls, huh, Jim?'' I know Darlene also made Bill very proud, and their love for each other will continue to inspire us all. I will never forget Darlene's pride when Alicia was accepted by Boston College. ``I am so proud of Alicia,'' she told me, ``and she did it despite a letter of recommendation from a Republican Member of Congress.'' Darlene was so proud of the wonderful young woman Alicia has become and so grateful for the loving daughter she has always been. Mr. Speaker, I will never forget how proud Darlene was at Alex's very first Special Olympics, as we were there to cheer him on. And I will never forget Darlene's pride and her tears of joy when Alex moved into his new apartment. Alex Luther showed all of us what the dignity of independent living is all about. Mr. Speaker, the loss of Representative Darlene Luther is a great loss for Minnesota. We have lost our leader for people who need life- saving organ donations. We have lost a tireless advocate for early childhood education and kids with special needs. We have lost a true champion for health care and people with disabilities. We have lost a legislator with a big heart who made a big difference in the lives of so many Minnesotans. Darlene Luther represented the best in public service because she always put people first. As her friends and constituents know, Darlene never took herself too seriously, but she took her job very seriously. And Darlene loved her job, just as she loved her colleagues and the staff of the Minnesota legislature, just as she loved Bill's colleagues and staff, just as she loved her constituents in Brooklyn Park. As we celebrate Darlene's life of love and service, let us honor her legacy by keeping her passions alive. And may the tender strength of her love and her kind and gentle spirit live forever in the hearts of each of us.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, the people of Eden Prairie, Minnesota, and our entire state are in mourning today because we've had a death in the family. Minnesotans are saddened over the passing of Mayor Jean Harris--a truly gifted and extremely dedicated public servant whose visionary leadership, courage, integrity and compassion has a huge impact on Minnesota and the nation. Dr. Jean Harris represented the best in public service and she will be sorely missed by all of us. Not allowed to enter the public library as a child because of the color of her skin, Dr. Jean Harris was a true pioneer, an African- American who broke new ground from her childhood right through to the courageous way she dealt with her terminal illness. Raised in a second- floor apartment in a segregated neighborhood in Richmond, VA, Dr. Harris was a ground-breaking worker in the civil rights movement by the power of her example and accomplishments as physician, adviser to presidents, corporate executive and beloved mayor. I will miss Jean Harris because she was a true friend and adviser I could always count on for wise counsel and sound judgment. Mr. Speaker, the only black student in her class at Virginia Commonwealth University's Medical College of Virginia, Jean Harris advised five U.S. Presidents as a member of health commissions and served as Virginia's Secretary of Human Resources, overseeing a $2.3 billion budget and 22,000 employees. Dr. Harris also served with great distinction as a consultant on health issues to the U.S. Agency for International Development, the National Institutes of Health, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, and Congress. Jean was a valued member of my Health Care Advisory Committee and highly respected faculty member of her medical school, Howard University, Johns Hopkins University and the Drew Post- Graduate School of Medicine in California. Later, she was Director of Medical Affairs for the University of Minnesota Hospital and Clinic. Mr. Speaker, Jean Harris' voice was never still. She spoke out against injustice at every opportunity and made a real difference on so many fronts. After moving to Minnesota to become Vice President of Control Data Corp., she became involved in our state's politics and earned a sterling reputation for her leadership and integrity. Dr. Harris served on the Eden Prairie City Council from 1987 to 1994 and was mayor from 1995 until her death. She was vice president of the Minnesota Mayors' Association and a member of the Women's Economic Roundtable and the Women's Health Leadership Trust. In 1990, Mayor Harris was a candidate for Lt. Governor in Minnesota. Subsequently, Mayor Harris served on the Commission on Reform and Efficiency in State Government, the Judicial Selection Committee and the Minnesota Health Care Commission. Mr. Speaker, Mayor Jean Harris never met a challenge she did not face head on, including the cancer that ultimately claimed her life. ``You cannot offer me a challenge I won't take,'' Jean Harris said on the day she learned she had cancer. Jean was a totally open and honest person, and that candor led to frank discussions. But she had consensus-building skills that brought people together, producing strong bonds between people, bonds which will never be forgotten. Her inclusiveness knew no bounds. Mr. Speaker, we owe so much to Major Jean Harris' visionary, dynamic, caring leadership. She touched so many lives during her remarkable career, and she always put people first. Mayor Harris loved her City of Eden Prairie and its wonderful people who showed their great admiration at the pools each time she ran for election over her 14 years in office. Jean Harris' pioneering voice for justice and fairness may be quieted now, but her actions will echo for time immemorial, in Eden Prairie, throughout Minnesota and across America. Jean Harris' legacy will continue to inspire all of us who knew and loved her. Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and prayers are with Jean's wonderful family; husband Leslie Ellis, and daughters Cynthia, Soraja and Pamela. May God bless Jean Harris and her family.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. On behalf of Minnesota jobs, Minnesota businesses, Minnesota farmers, and Minnesota's future, I rise in strong support of Trade Promotion Authority. Mr. Speaker, the vote before us today is absolutely critical to America's economic recovery and security. It is no exaggeration to call it one of the most important votes we will cast this decade. Our President needs Trade Promotion Authority so he can open markets for American products, create jobs and get the best deal possible for our businesses and workers. Every President since President Ford had this important tool in his trade arsenal until it expired in 1994. Now more than ever, TPA is vital to our economic security. The U.S. economy is increasingly international in scope, and it is clear that expanding trade is absolutely imperative to spur economic growth. Over 25 percent of the growth in our national economy over the last decade is tied directly to international trade. Last year alone, my home state of Minnesota exported over $17.5 billion in goods and services. This is an increase of over $6 billion in the last decade. Over 270,000 jobs in Minnesota manufacturing exist because of trade, and trade-related jobs pay 13 to 18 percent more than other jobs. The U.S. is rapidly falling behind in our efforts to sell our products abroad. We are a party to just 3 of the nearly 130 free trade agreements currently in force around the world. And while Europe, our main competitor, continues to negotiate free trade agreements with the rest of the world, the U.S. remains outside the process. Our interests are being ignored. Mr. Speaker, TPA will help our President negotiate trade agreements that open up international markets for U.S. goods and services. Let's give the President the tool he needs to create jobs, help workers and rescue our ailing economy.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) for yielding the time. Aviation security should be a law enforcement function, not a lowest- bid function. That is the bottom line. When we cut to the chase, that is really what this debate is all about. Baggage and passenger screening is a matter of national security, and national security should not be left to the lowest bidder. How much more evidence than September 11 do we need that this critical police work should be done by a highly trained Federal airport security force? Mr. Chairman, since September 11 I have talked with countless Minneapolis-St. Paul airport police, Northwest Airlines pilots, flight attendants, machinists, baggage handlers, gate agents, as well as many other constituents who are frequent flyers; and to a person they have all told me that baggage and passenger screeners should be law enforcement agents, not private security guards. They want screening done by law enforcement agents, not private security guards. Mr. Chairman, the people I represent want us to move quickly to protect air passengers and restore a sense of confidence. If we pass the Oberstar-Ganske bill, we could have it on the President's desk tonight and make flying safer tomorrow. The Oberstar-Ganske bill will ensure the safety of air travel with armed sky marshals, secure cockpits, and screening of all baggage and passengers by highly trained, professional, law enforcement agents. Nothing less than law enforcement professionals will provide the long-term security of our aviation system that the American people want and deserve. Mr. Chairman, I do not want the safety of the people of Minnesota put out for bids. We should not compromise the safety of any of our citizens. Let us do the right thing. Let us pass the substitute without further delay.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, ground zero is still burning while the House is fiddling. Six weeks have passed since terrorists attacked America by hijacking four airplanes. Six weeks have passed since that deadly day, September 11, 2001, in which terrorists attacked the United States of America. Six weeks have passed since nearly 6,000 Americans and other people perished in the deadliest day in the history of American soil. Mr. Speaker, it is high time House leaders let the Members vote on the bipartisan aviation security bill, H.R. 2951, which I have cosponsored with the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Ganske) and the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Andrews). It is high time Congress acts to protect the American people from future terrorist hijackings. We need to pass this bipartisan bill, because it provides the flexibility to hire a combination of Federal, State, and local law enforcement personnel to provide security for our Nation's airports. Airport security, Mr. Speaker, should be a law enforcement function, not a minimum wage function. Let me repeat that, Mr. Speaker, because that is the bottom line that divides us here in the House. That is what this debate is all about, and that is why the bill has yet to come to the floor. Airport security should be a law enforcement function and not a minimum wage function. The American people will not return to flying until they know the skies are safe. Despite the changes made since September 11, security lapses continue. I recently met with several Minneapolis-St. Paul airport police officers, airport screeners, and supervisors as well as Northwest Airlines pilots and flight attendants. To a person, they all told me airport security is still inadequate. I talked to a supervisor of screeners, security checkpoint screeners at Dulles Airport, spent about a half-hour with this woman, this supervisor, and she said, ``Congressman, airport security here is a joke. It's not uniform, 80 percent of our personnel at Dulles are not citizens, 40 percent of them don't speak English and don't understand what is expected in terms of our security.'' Mr. Speaker, that was alarming to me and it is certainly not reassuring to the American people. Low-paid and undertrained baggage screeners and spot checks of passenger luggage are not the solution. They are the problem. When the president of a major flight attendants union says that flight attendants do not feel safe yet, how can we expect the traveling public to feel safe? How can we expect the traveling public to return to the airlines? We all know that the President has said he will sign our bipartisan aviation security bill if we can get it passed in this body. It passed the other body 100-to-nothing, unanimously. It is high time to stop the delay and pass this bill now. Aviation security delayed is aviation security denied.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I want to thank President Chen Shui-bian and Ambassador C.J. Chen of the Republic of China for their strong support of the United States in the aftermath of the hellacious acts of September 11. Taiwan was among the first to declare its unequivocal support for and cooperation with the United States, and Taiwan has offered us any assistance it can provide in combating terrorism. Taiwan firmly believes the United States is on the right course in going after extremists and terrorists worldwide. Terrorism knows no national boundaries and seeks to destroy our democracy and way of life. Standing shoulder to shoulder with America, Taiwan mourns with America and unites with us in our mission to eradicate terrorism worldwide. Taiwan will be celebrating its National Day today, October 10. In recent years, we have witnessed The Republic of China's campaign to return to the United Nations. I believe we should give Taiwan our support. The Republic of China is a true democracy, which guarantees fundamental rights to all of its citizens. Taiwan is also one of the most important economic entities in the world. On Taiwan's National Day, I hope Taiwan and the Chinese mainland will one day be reunited under principles of freedom and democracy, thus leading to lasting stability and prosperity in the Asia-Pacific region. Mr. Speaker, in closing I would like to once again recognize Representative C.J. Chen. Representative Chen is a distinguished diplomat who is always courteous and very sharp on issues. As so many of our colleagues know, his briefings on the Hill are always to the point--crisp, witty and intelligent. He has done a stellar job in representing the Republic of China on Capitol Hill, and I applaud him and Taiwan for their unwavering support.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Boehlert- Kind-Gilchrest conservation amendment to H.R. 2646, the farm bill of 2001. Based on the Working Lands Stewardship Act, this important amendment would go a long way to protect and preserve the environment through existing, voluntary, incentive-based conservation programs. Mr. Chairman, our farm policy should reward farmers and ranchers when they meet our Nation's environmental challenges. As we all know, two of three farmers currently seeking USDA conservation assistance are denied due to lack of funding. Unless we increase conservation funding, one- third of our rivers and lakes will remain polluted, millions of acres of open space will be lost and scores of species will become extinct. This critical conservation amendment will improve water quality, protect against flooding and provide a safe haven for wildlife. That's why it's so important to not only rural America, but suburban and urban America as well. After all, preserving and protecting the environment is an obligation all Americans share. The committee's bill is totally inadequate as a conservation measure because it fails to tie government farm payments to conservation practices, and the funding for conservation programs is clearly insufficient. The amendment before us is absolutely essential to increase access to the Conservation Reserve Program (CRP), the Wetlands Reserve Program (WRP), the Grasslands Reserve Program (GRP), and the Wildlife Habitat Incentives Program (WHIP). Let's pass the Boehlert-Kind amendment. Let's do the right thing for America's future and increase conservation of our precious natural resources. Make no mistake about it. This vote is one of the most important environmental protection votes of the decade. I urge a ``yes'' vote for this critical conservation amendment.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a true American hero. America owes Tom Burnett, Jr., a deep debt of gratitude for his bravery on September 11. Indeed, the Members of this very body may owe their very lives to Tom Burnett, Jr. Mr. Speaker, Tom Burnett, who grew up in Bloomington, Minnesota in the Third Congressional District, which I am privileged to represent, was aboard United Flight 93 on that darkest of days for our Nation. Tom was among the small group of passengers who confronted the hijackers that fateful morning. Department of Defense officials believe Flight 93 was headed for a target here in Washington, most likely the White House or the Capitol. Tom was able to reach his wife, Deena, on his cell phone from the plane. She told him that other hijacked planes had crashed into the World Trade Center towers and the Pentagon. Tom then told her, and I am quoting, ``We've got to do something. I know we're all going to die. There's three of us who are going to do something about it.'' Mr. Speaker, that is exactly what Tom Burnett did. His courage and sacrifice foiled the hijackers' plans of mass destruction. Without regard to his own safety, Tom helped save countless lives. In recent days, after listening to the tape from the black box, law enforcement officials have described a desperate struggle aboard the plane. As FBI Director Mueller said after being briefed on the contents of the tape, and I am quoting, ``We believe those passengers were absolute heroes, and their actions during this flight were heroic.'' Mr. Speaker, Tom Burnett, Jr. has shown this kind of selfless leadership many times before. As a quarterback at Thomas Jefferson High School in Bloomington, Minnesota, Tom's inspired play led his team to the conference championship game in 1980, the only game they lost that season. The team that beat them won the State title, in fact. He was also a leader in his remarkable business career, as chief operating officer for a medical device manufacturer in California. No one who knew Tom Burnett is surprised at his heroism. His football coach in high school, Bruno Waldner, said, ``Tom, if anybody, would have the type of character to do that. He didn't get rattled. He took everybody up another level. He was on an average football team that went on to play over their heads. And they almost won a championship.'' Another business associate said: ``Tom was a man of action. If he knew that he could have any potential beneficial effect and he knew what the odds were, he would have taken action.'' Another business associate said: ``This was very much in character for Tom Burnett. It's just the type of man he was.'' Mr. Speaker, such moving testimonials to this great and courageous man have literally come in floods of words and tears in recent days back in Minnesota. At a memorial service last Tuesday night at St. Edward's Catholic Church in Bloomington, I was among the 1,200 mourners who attended and heard many such moving tributes. The streets and parking lot of that church were lined with many other people who could not get into the packed church. Many waved American flags of all sizes. It was very sad. And it was very uplifting. Mr. Speaker, many people claim America has suffered from a lack of heroes in recent years. Not anymore. Not with Tom Burnett, Jr. to look up to. Like so many heroes of September 11 who gave their lives to help others, from Tom and his fellow passengers on Flight 93, to the police, rescue personnel and firefighters in New York who rushed into those doomed towers and so many others, America has real heroes to remember and to cherish. We must never forget their ultimate sacrifice. Mr. Speaker, our thoughts and prayers are with Tom's wonderful family, his loving wife, Deena, their daughters Madison, Halley and Anna-Clair, his parents Thomas Sr. and Beverly of Bloomington, and his sisters Martha O'Brien and Mary Margaret Burnett. May God bless Tom Burnett and his family. And may God bless America and all the heroes and heroines like Tom Burnett who gave their lives to save others on September 11.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York (Mr. Reynolds) for yielding me this time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the rule and the underlying legislation. Mr. Speaker, today was another sad day in Minnesota. Today, Minnesota-based Northwest Airlines, the largest employer in my congressional district, was forced to eliminate 4,500 jobs. That means layoffs for more than 20 percent of Northwest's 23,000 employees in Minnesota. System-wide, these job cuts affect 10,600 Northwest workers. Before last week's terrorist attacks, Northwest employed 53,000 people. Because the Federal Government had no choice but to shut down the skies last week as an act of national defense, all the carriers I believe deserve compensation. We simply cannot let the airlines fail. In the strongest terms possible, I support the legislation before us, providing a $15 billion plan to bolster this struggling airline industry. It is clearly the right thing to do, and we need to do it now. Mr. Speaker, America needs this airline assistance package which includes $5 billion in direct aid and $10 billion in loan guarantees so the imperiled airlines can continue flying and avoid bankruptcy. Every 1,000 layoffs by Northwest Airlines in Minnesota will result in a $30 million payroll cut. So failure by Congress to pass this critical relief package for the airlines would be absolutely devastating to our economy as well as our airline employees and their families and hundreds of thousands of airline passengers nationally. Mr. Speaker, without this immediate financial support from the Federal Government, the future of aviation in America would be severely threatened. Let us pass this important legislation today without further delay. I deeply appreciate the leadership on this package by the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), my friend and colleague, as well as the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young); and I urge all Members to support this very critical rule and legislation. The employees of Northwest Airlines and the people of Minnesota are both grateful for your bipartisan support.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding time to me. Mr. Speaker, my fellow Minnesotans join me in expressing our total outrage and deep sadness at the hellacious acts of war committed against the United States of America. My friends from home and I are also praying today for a miracle, as Gordon Aamoth, Jr., from our community of Wayzata, Minnesota, who worked in the World Trade Center, is still unaccounted for. Our thoughts and prayers are with all the victims and their loved ones, and our heartfelt gratitude goes out to the many American heroes who are still out there with the rescue and recovery operations. Let us be clear: This Congress stands united and unanimous in our resolve to use every resource available to track down those dastardly terrorists and destroy them. We also stand united in supporting our President and Commander in Chief in taking quick and decisive action against these cowardly, despicable terrorists. Mr. Speaker, the people of America will prevail because we are Americans. As the President said last night, a great people have been moved to defend a great Nation. Mark my words, the United States will recover, and we will hold these heinous terrorists accountable for their brutal and barbaric acts of war. Mr. Speaker, today the healing begins. Through our tears, we pray for strength. Through our anger, we pray for resolve. Through our hurt, we pray for healing. Most of all, Mr. Speaker, we pray for our fellow Americans who were killed or injured yesterday, as well as their families and friends who grieve so deeply. Mere words are inadequate to express our sympathy and sorrow. May God bless America.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Madam Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to a former Minnesotan who devoted his life to ministering to others and who made a huge difference in the lives of the people in this very House for over 2 decades. For 21 years, the House of Representatives was very well served by our dedicated and beloved chaplain, the Reverend Dr. James Ford. Seven days a week, year after year, Jim Ford was here for us and our families in times of deepest need. Jim was always here to encourage, console, humor, and inspire us. That is why all of us were terribly shocked and saddened to hear of his death on August 27. Our thoughts and prayers are with his family: his wife, Marcy; son, Peter; daughters, Julie, Marie, Molly and Sarah; sister, Janet; 9 grandchildren; and countless friends all over the world. So many memories come flooding back at a time like this. Jim Ford leaves a legacy of love and service for his family, friends, and Nation which will be remembered always. His eloquent well-chosen words and ever-present wit helped keep our focus on what was truly important: working together to serve people. Also Jim Ford taught us to take our job seriously, but not ourselves. Which Norwegian or Swede among us will ever forget Jim's endless litany of Ole and Sven stories. Madam Speaker, we all remember the countless tributes that were directed at Jim Ford as he marked his well-deserved retirement 2 years ago. Jim's many distinguished years of service to the United States Military Academy, 19 to be exact, and his earlier years at Ivanhoe Lutheran Church at Ivanhoe, Minnesota, are well known and well documented. What is not so well known are Jim Ford's very early years in Minnesota and his legendary escapades as a young ski jumper at Theodore Wirth Park in Minneapolis. Let the record reflect that our former beloved Chaplain, Dr. Jim Ford, still holds the record jump at the famous Theodore Wirth Ski jump, backward. That is right, when he was a young student at Edison High School in northeast Minneapolis, Jim Ford defied the laws of gravity and common sense and survived a backward jump on this notoriously steep ski slope and lived to tell about it. We now know backward ski jumping was just the beginning of Jim Ford's high-risk hobbies. From his beloved Harley to his ultralight aircraft, Jim lived life with a special zeal. Whether it was his frequent racquetball games in the House gym or a cross-country ride on his Harley, Jim Ford went for all the gusto. Madam Speaker, they still talk proudly about their prominent alumnus, Jim Ford, at Edison High School in northeast Minneapolis and Gustavus Adolphus College in St. Peter, Minnesota, where Jim starred in the classroom and also on the athletic field. ``You can take Jim Ford from Minnesota, but you cannot take Minnesota from Jim Ford,'' was how his Gustavus classmate, the Reverend Bill Albertson, put it. Some of us remember my good friend and former minister, Bill Albertson, served as our guest chaplain here several years ago. Jim and Bill had a great time reminiscing that day. I will never forget our time together. On behalf of all Minnesotans, Madam Speaker, we salute the memory of the Reverend Dr. Jim Ford and his many accomplishments. He was always there for us in good times, in hard times, in times of joy, in times of sorrow. We thank the Lord for his prayers, his counsel, great wit, compassion, and service. We also thank God for the way Reverend Ford cared so deeply about our families, our friends, our constituents, our House of Representatives, and our beloved country. Madam Speaker, we will always be grateful for Reverend Jim Ford's work and for the way he brought Democrats, Republicans, and Independents together for the good of our great Nation. Jim Ford, I know you are in heaven right now, probably telling Ole and Sven jokes. May God bless you always, just as your work here in the House of Representatives blessed all of us. May your great legacy of service continue to inspire all of us who are lucky enough to be your friends. Chaplain Jim Ford might be gone, but his spirit will live forever.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, shortly before the August District Work Period, this body passed H. Con. Res. 190, a resolution I offered commemorating September as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. The theme of Recovery Month this year is ``We Recover Together: Family, Friends and Community.'' Nothing epitomizes this theme better than the work of Al-Anon, which serves the family and friends of alcoholics. Tomorrow in the Russell Senate Caucus Room, Al-Anon will sponsor a ``Families in Recovery'' luncheon celebrating Recovery Month. I urge my colleagues to attend this important event. This is also the occasion of Al-Anon's 50th Anniversary. Congress should acknowledge the many contributions of Al-Anon Family Groups to recovery in our nation. Al-Anon Family Groups has been a source of help and hope for families and friends of alcoholics for 50 years in communities throughout the United States and worldwide. Alateen is a part of Al-Anon for the younger family members. Both Al- Anon and Alateen freely cooperate with professional and government organizations in addressing family recovery. These are over 26,000 Al- Anon and Alateen groups around the world in 115 countries, and literature translated into 30 languages. America owes a debt of gratitude to Al-Anon and Alateen. Mr. Speaker, Congress should salute the Al-Anon Family Groups for its continued service to the family and friends of alcoholics in our nation. As a grateful recovering alcoholic of twenty years, I urge my colleagues to take this opportunity to affirm the remarkable efforts to the Al-Anon Family Groups.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, the people of Minnesota and Minnesota Vikings football fans around the world are mourning today because we have had a tragic death in the family. Minnesotans are devastated over the loss of Korey Stringer, the gifted all-pro Minnesota Vikings football player, loving husband and father, popular hero to Minnesota kids and respected role model in our great State. As Vikings head coach Dennis Green put it, ``We have lost a brother, a teammate and a friend. Everybody loved, respected and admired Korey Stringer. He was our gift from heaven.'' Mr. Speaker, Minnesota lost more than just the anchor of the Vikings offensive line when Korey Stringer died at 1:50 this morning because of heatstroke. We lost much more than a Pro Bowl football player. We lost one of the finest people in the National Football League and our Twin Cities community. As my friend Minnesota Vikings all-pro wide receiver Cris Carter said yesterday, ``There was not a more well-liked player on our football team, but it's far greater than about football.'' Korey was in his seventh season as a Viking after he was drafted in the first round in 1995 as a 20-year-old from Ohio State. Even though Korey was a native of Warren, Ohio, he chose to make the Twin Cities area his permanent home. He was a huge man physically, 6 feet 4, 335 pounds, and his heart was even bigger. Known as a gentle giant, Korey Stringer gave so much to our Twin Cities community. He established Korey's Crew community service programs at local schools and at the St. Paul public library, and he was always available to help kids when help was needed. He loved to visit kids in local hospitals and schools, and he was one of the most involved Vikings in our community. Brad Madson, Director of Community Relations for the Vikings said yesterday, ``Korey was one of a handful of players who wanted to get involved in the community. When he wasn't performing community service as part of his own Korey's Crew program, he was there supporting his teammates' community efforts.'' A fifth-grade teacher at Bancroft Elementary in South Minneapolis, where Korey Stringer visited the kids weekly to talk about the importance of reading and staying in school, paid tribute to Korey yesterday by saying, ``Korey stringer was not commanding or brash. He was genuine and honest, and kids were drawn to him like a magnet. ``When Stringer visited schools, he signed autographs, shook hands and posed for photographs. But then he sat down and listened to the students' stories. He made them smile and laugh. And he came with his oft-repeated message: Read, stay in school, be responsible, be respectful.'' Another teacher said yesterday, ``A lot of times celebrities come and they spend 5 to 10 minutes, give a speech and then leave. Not Korey Stringer. He arrived early, greeted each youth, took photos with them, asked them about their favorite books and talked to them about them. He stayed until the last kid left. Not only did the Vikings lose a good football player, but the community lost a good man.'' USA Today had a wonderful story in today's edition about Korey's love and concern for others. Just last week, Korey visited with Steven Arnold, who had been an assistant coach when Stringer played at Harding High School in Warren, Ohio. Coach Arnold told Stringer they were having equipment problems with a local youth football team, not enough money to buy equipment. Stringer went right out to his truck and signed over his Pro Bowl to the youth football team. That was Korey Stringer. Mr. Speaker, Minnesota Vikings owner Red McCombs summed it up well when he said, ``We have lost a truly remarkable man who was an outstanding husband, father and football player.'' My good friend of many years, former Viking Joe Senser, who is now the radio voice of the Minnesota Vikings, said, ``You will not find a better family man who loved his family more.'' Korey's loving wife Kelci, 3 year-old son Kodie and his extended family are in the thoughts and prayers of all of us. Korey, you might be gone, but you will never be forgotten by the people of Minnesota.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman for yielding time to me and for bringing this resolution to the floor so expediently and for her strong support of this resolution. I thank the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Turner) for his support of this resolution as well as his kind words. Mr. Speaker, 20 years ago tomorrow, July 31, 1981, I woke up from my last alcoholic blackout in a jail cell in Sioux Falls, South Dakota under arrest for disorderly conduct, resisting arrest and failure to vacate the premises. Today, on the eve of my twentieth anniversary as a grateful recovering alcoholic, I am alive and sober only because I had access to chemical dependency treatment. My treatment experience at St. Mary's Hospital in Minneapolis, Minnesota started me on the road to recovery and gave me the tools to live a sober, healthy life these past 20 years. But, Mr. Speaker, 26 million other Americans are not so fortunate. That is right. There are 26 million Americans, 26 million alcoholics and addicts in our country, and fewer than 5 percent of them are able to access treatment for their disease of addiction. This disease, Mr. Speaker, is afflicting people of all ages. Among young people, teenagers, ages 12 to 17, an estimated 1.1 million young people are dependent on illicit drugs. Another 1 million teenagers are addicted to alcohol in this country. Last year alone, 3\1/2\ million drug addicts were denied access to treatment, according to the Office of National Drug Control Policy. That does not account for the staggering number of alcoholics who are unable to access treatment in the United States. Alcoholism and other drug addictions are an epidemic in America that are not being adequately treated, an epidemic, Mr. Speaker, that killed 150,000 American people last year alone, and cost the American people $246 billion. That is according to the Family Research Council, which we all respect for the accuracy of their studies. Mr. Speaker, back in 1956, the American Medical Association first declared that addiction is a disease. AMA declared alcoholism and drug addiction are a fatal disease if not treated. That means we alcoholics and addicts will ultimately die, either directly or indirectly, as a result of our dependency if our disease is not treated and recovery maintained. The good news is that treatment works. According to all of the studies, treatment for alcoholism and other chemical addiction has the same recovery rate as for the disease of diabetes, the disease of hypertension, and the disease of adult asthma. In fact, treatment for addiction has a higher success rate than treatment for kidney disease and many forms of cancer. All of us in Congress have heard former drug czar Barry McCaffrey tell us, ``Chemical dependency treatment is more effective than cancer treatment, and it is a lot cheaper.'' It is well-documented, as the two previous speakers have mentioned, every dollar we spend for treatment saves $7 in health care costs, criminal justice costs, lost productivity from job absenteeism, injuries and below par work performance. All of the empirical data also shows that health care costs alone are 100 percent higher for untreated addicts and alcoholics than for people like me who have been fortunate enough to go through treatment for chemical dependency. Chemical dependency treatment works and it is cost effective. Treatment not only saved my life, but it has saved millions of lives in the United States over the last several decades, restoring people to sanity and enabling them to lead healthy, productive lives. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution commemorating National Alcohol and Drug Addicting Recovery Month. For years a number of organizations and people dedicated to addiction treatment and recovery have recognized September as National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month. I particularly want to recognize the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment of the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, which sponsors this celebration of National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month each year. There are many other important organizations, like the Alliance Project, the Johnson Institute, Hazelden Foundation and Recovery Works in my home State of Minnesota which do so much to encourage citizen action to help expand and improve the availability of effective addiction treatment. This September, special attention will focus on the relationships impacted by addiction and recovery. The theme, as was mentioned, will be ``We recover together: Family, friends and community.'' As any recovering person will tell you addiction is extremely destructive to family members. That is why they call it the family disease, and the support of our family and friends is invaluable as we travel the road to recovery. Addiction is also destructive to communities. Eighty-two percent of the people locked up in American jails and prisons today are there because of drugs and/or alcohol. Increasing access to treatment for use, Mr. Speaker, is extremely critical. Despite the benefits of treatment, a significant gap exists between the number of adolescents who need chemical dependency treatment and those who actually receive such treatment. According to a study done in Minnesota, a State that has led the Nation in treatment and prevention of addiction, only one-fourth, one out of four young people hooked on drugs and/or alcohol who need treatment actually receive it. Celebrating Recovery Month also gives us an opportunity to recognize the tremendous strides taken by those who have undergone treatment, as well as the great accomplishments by professionals in the treatment field who dedicate their lives to helping others. By celebrating recovery, we celebrate the lives of millions of people and their families and friends in recovery today. We also, Mr. Speaker, give hope to those still suffering from the ravages of chemical addiction. I urge all of my colleagues to support this important resolution, H. Con. Res. 190.

Mr. RAMSTAD

Mr. RAMSTAD. Mr. Speaker, Della Mae is a wonderful, loving, 79-year- old woman totally debilitated by Alzheimer's disease. Joey was a promising young man in his early 20s who died a horrible death; a cruel, tragic death from diabetes. Mr. Speaker, Della Mae is my mother. Joey was my first cousin. On behalf of my beloved mother and my first cousin, I plead with the President and the Congress to accept the NIH report on the medical value of embryonic stem cell research and to not block Federal funding for this promising, life-saving research; on behalf of not only my mother and my first cousin, but 100 million other Americans suffering from Parkinson's Disease, Alzheimer's disease, diabetes, juvenile diabetes, multiple sclerosis, as well as spinal cord injuries resulting in paralysis. Mr. Speaker, I have watched several close friends devastated by Parkinson's Disease and spinal cord injuries, conditions that could also be aided by embryonic stem cell research. Who amongst us, who amongst us has not been profoundly moved by the sight of former President Ronald Reagan, that giant of a man, now reduced to a mere shadow of his former self by Alzheimer's disease. Mr. Speaker, the scientific evidence is overwhelming that stem cells collected from surplus embryos have great potential to regenerate specific types of human tissues and offer hope for millions of Americans devastated by these and other cruel, fatal diseases. According to research doctors I have talked to at the Mayo Clinic as well as NIH, a vaccine to prevent the onset of Alzheimer's is less than 5 years away, thanks in large part to stem cell research. Yes, Mr. Speaker, using surplus embryos from in-vitro fertilization that would otherwise be discarded has the potential to save lives and prevent terrible human suffering. Members and the President need to listen to respected colleagues like Senators Orrin Hatch and Connie Mack, as well as Secretary Tommy Thompson, when they tell us this is not an abortion issue. The President and Members need to be clear, Mr. Speaker, that abortion politics should not enter into this decision and certainly should not influence this critical decision. Embryonic stem cell research, in fact, will prolong life, will improve life, and give hope of life for millions of American people suffering the ravages of Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, diabetes, and multiple sclerosis, not to mention spinal cord paralysis. So, Mr. Speaker, on behalf of millions of Americans with debilitating, incurable disorders, I respectfully urge the President and the Congress to approve crucial Federal funding for this life- saving medical research. In approving such funding, Mr. Speaker, we can also adopt the same model of accountability and oversight that is used in fetal tissue transplantation research which allows the best possible science to progress. Mr. Speaker, it is too late for my dear mother and my decreased cousin, but it is not too late for 100 million other American people counting on the President and the Congress to give them hope. Let us give them hope. Let us give them life. Let us support funding for life- saving and life-extending embryonic stem cell research. It is clearly, clearly the right thing to do.