Charlie Rangel

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Ms. Watson), the distinguished former Ambassador.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from South Carolina (Mr. Spratt), the ranking member of the Committee on the Budget. (Mr. SPRATT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Tanner), a member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott), a member of the Committee on Ways and Means. (Mr. McDERMOTT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Doggett), a member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. RANGEL. Then Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin), a distinguished member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from California, nobody wants to dispute anything we say?

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I move that the managers on the part of the House in the conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the House amendment to the Senate amendment to H.R. 1308 be instructed as follows: One, the House conferees shall be instructed to include in the conference report the provision of the Senate amendment that is not included in the House amendment that provides immediate payment to taxpayers receiving an additional credit by reason of the bill in the same manner as other taxpayers were entitled to immediate payment under the Jobs and Growth Tax Reconciliation Act of 2003. Two, the House conferees be instructed to include in the conference report the provision of the Senate amendment, that is not included in the House amendment, that provides families of the military personnel serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other combat zones a child credit based on the earnings of the individuals serving in the combat zone. Three, the House conferees be instructed to include in the conference report all of the other provisions of the Senate amendment and shall report back a conference report that includes additional tax benefits not offset by other provisions. Four, to the maximum extent possible within the scope of the conference, the House conferees shall be instructed to include in the conference report other tax benefits for military personnel and the families of the astronauts who died in the Columbia disaster. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cardin), a distinguished member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank).

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I remove my reservation of objection.

Mr. RANGEL. I yield to the gentleman from California.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, reserving the right to object, it is my understanding that the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means has the opportunity to be recognized for 1 hour debate, and I want to know whether that was included in his request, which I understand from the Parliamentarian the gentleman is entitled to, to discuss this issue.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, we should thank the heavens that we have got such an honest person like the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay). They do not make people like that anymore. The gentleman from Georgia who spoke so eloquently about the welfare bill that we are talking about today, and those who made these nasty, disparaging remarks and left the floor, this is honesty. This is the United States of America. I wondered why, why would these good people, albeit Republicans, why would they drop a provision that only costs $3.5 billion that would help 12 million kids and 6.5 million working families? It is because in their minds if one is not an investor, one is on welfare. Do we get where they are finally coming from? Have Members listened to the debate? They said refundable tax credits. That is not a tax credit. You can work every day, you can pay Social Security taxes, you can pay Medicare, you can raise your family, you can join the Army, you can fight in Iraq. But guess what, look into the Republican book and see how you are listed. As a hardworking American, as a mother and father concerned about their children, someone struggling every day to make ends meet, to pay the rent, to pay the mortgage, to pay the tuition? No. Look under welfare. Then, of course, if we really want to find out who they think deserves tax relief, look at the hardworking people who get their dividends every day while they are at the clubhouse. Look at those that clip the coupons. These are the people, as they would say, who pay taxes; and they are the ones who get relief. But when they said that they will never, never, never give welfare to these families, the President of the United States said, enough is enough. We got a bipartisan agreement. True, it is $10 billion. Swallow it, go home. But they said, no, no. No welfare. Let us give them an offer that they have to refuse. For $3.5 billion, they are asking this hardworking family to pay back, for this, $82 billion. I do not know how this would work, whether the family gets $100 a year. But I do know one thing, that this deficit that they keep building on day after day, month after month, and the gentleman from Texas (Mr. DeLay) said they will be coming back, but each time they borrow money to give tax cuts to the coupon-clippers and those who get the dividends, they are asking the kids and the grandkids that we are trying to help today to pay for it. But $82 billion for $3.5 billion? That is so shameful.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, Albert J. Davis was the chief economist on the Democratic staff of the United States House Committee on Ways and Means. He died Friday, May 30, 2003, of injuries caused by a car hitting him on May 19 in Arlington, Virginia, outside of the Metro stop on his way home from work. He was only 56 years old. Mr. Speaker, it would be impossible for me to list all of the people who have come up to me since the accident to tell me how much Al meant to them. He had such a personal one-on-one relationship with so many Members of this body, so many staff, so many journalists, that all the meetings I had last week became times of reflection on Al's life. Whether I was meeting with other senior Democratic Members or columnists from a weekly news magazine or the experts on tax legislation, we forgot what we were meeting for so that we could pay honor to Al. I could not help thinking that it was indeed a blessing that Al could have touched so many people so deeply through his hard work, his intelligence, and his good humor. Al worked nearly 20 years for this great institution of democracy, first on the House Committee on the Budget staff, at least the last 5 years at Ways and Means. He was one of those staff members who, though he never had to answer directly to the voters, devoted every minute to bettering the lives of ordinary working people. Though he appeared soft spoken and cerebral, Al Davis was passionate about defending the interests of the working men and women of this country. Using charts and spread sheets and solid numbers, Al was a powerful fighter for economic justice. He loved his job. He loved providing information to Members. His analysis was so honest that Members from both sides of the aisle would ask him for information even though they would disagree with him. While Al was seldom quoted or mentioned in newspapers or on television, he had a profound effect in shaping legislation, publicizing poor policy, and changing minds. Al is survived by his companion of 20 years, Mary Bielefeld. Mary's an incredibly kind and strong woman in her own right. Her strength has given those of us who worked with Al strength. Like Al, Mary works in public service as an attorney at the United States Department of Justice. They never got rich serving the people of this Nation, but they had a full and rich life in each other's company. Al worked long hours when he worked here, often to midnight or 1:00 a.m. in the morning on days. He loved the outdoors. He loved getting to know the wilderness, and he shared these experiences with Mary and his close friends. Most of all, Al valued honest government. He was mainly frustrated when people would cook books or fudge the numbers simply for political gain. Al believed that government in a democracy should be honest. He devoted his life to making sure that it was. He debunked myths whether they were Democratic or Republican. In a political environment too used to skirting around politically inconvenient facts, Al promoted honest opinion, honest budgets, and honest analysis. Al's death is a loss for the entire Nation.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, on May 20, the people of Taiwan celebrated the third anniversary of the ascent of Chen Shui-bian to the Presidency of Taiwan. In recognition of this anniversary, I would like to congratulate both the people of Taiwan and President Chen upon the achievement of this third anniversary and make a few observations with regard to this auspicious occasion, as well as the long-standing friendship that exists between the United States and Taiwan. With regard to President Chen, I can only say that in his three years as leader of Taiwan have been exemplary. President Chen has, continues and shall hopefully continue to receive widespread praise around the world for his determined commitment and unswerving dedication to continued democratization, economic reform and basic recognition of human rights. In his conduct and comments toward the People's Republic of China, President Chen has promised that Taiwan would not seek independence as long as the People's Republic would refrain from using force against Taiwan. Moreover, he has initiated solid measures that are aimed at reducing tensions in the Taiwan Straits so that the freedom of navigation in the Straits can be maintained. President Chen has further demonstrated his leadership in bringing his diplomatic skills to the fore in gaining Taiwan entrance to the World Trade Organization. In this regard, I can only hope and wish for President Chen's continued diplomatic success in making Taiwan more present in the global community of nations. Two such measures of continued success would rest in gaining Taiwan access and entry to both the World Health Organization and the International Civil Aviation Organization. Mr. Speaker, as President Chen celebrates the third anniversary of his Presidency, I would only say that America congratulates and salutes him upon the many successes and achievements of his administration to date. And, that we wish him continued and further success in the future.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield? Will the gentleman yield on the tax question?

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I would hope that the distinguished majority leader would extend the courtesy to his Members and not leave the floor. It is so important when Members have something to say to correct their position that they stay on the floor, not for Democrats but for Republicans as well. This is a very edifying thing that he said in the well of the House. He is trying to rebut the allegations that we have made that in the last tax bill that the working people in the lower incomes were deliberately left out of the bill. Now, my colleague can go back to last year, the year before last, 10 years from now, but the accusation was made and still stands. The accusation is that the Republican leadership cared more about accelerating tax relief for the wealthiest people than they did for working people. So let us not come here and mislead and make these statements and walk off the floor. There is a tendency for all of us to be out of order when we see the arrogance, the indifference, and the lack of respect that certain Members, especially those in the leadership, have for those that have to work here each and every day.

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to oppose the motion for the previous question so that we might have the opportunity to amend a rule and to bring to the House legislation that would bring some equity to the recently passed tax bill. I do not think many Members of the House knew that those that were making the decision would deliberately exclude the benefit of the child tax credit for people making less than $26,000. I refuse to believe that people can be so callous that they would deliberately try to make adjustments to a tax bill that was geared to, as the leadership would say, those who pay the taxes, and exclude the privilege and the opportunity for people to get credit that are in low income merely because they do not pay ``the taxes.'' We have 6.5 million working families that do pay taxes, albeit those taxes may be perceived by the majority not to be important. But they do pay taxes, and they have lost the benefits of receiving tax credits for their children. But Mr. Speaker, even worse than that, yesterday we passed the resolution paying honor to those brave men and women that were placed in harm's way as a result of the so-called ``victory'' in Iraq. As I said yesterday, parades are important, saluting the flag is important, having a bumper sticker is important; but how we treat these veterans is even far more important. I know that Republicans do not know, and Democrats are learning, that as a result of so-called tax benefits given to these people that were in combat, that over 200,000 that served in Iraq will be denied the tax credit for their children. Why? Because the language of the tax law is that they have to have taxable income. Out of the benevolence of our hearts we have said that if they served in combat, they do not have to pay taxes. I hope Members will consider to speedily bring up my bill so that we can remedy this error that has been made. Nobody thought that by removing tax liability we would be actually taking away the benefit of the child tax credits.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate Ms. Amelia Vega of the Dominican Republic on being crowned Miss Universe in ceremonies held in Panama City, Panama on June 3, 2003. She was selected for this honor in a competition that featured more than 70 of the most beautiful young women in the world. It was also a good night for the women of the Caribbean, who earned the pageant's other honors. Miss Dominican Republic, in addition to winning the big prize, was voted as the best dressed contestant while Miss Puerto Rico, Carla Tricoli, was awarded the title of Miss Photogenic and Miss Antigua and Barbuda, Kai Davis, was honored as Miss Congeniality. Miss Vega, who is the first Dominican to win the beauty pageant, won the crowd and the judges over with a humble confidence that extended beyond her 18 years of age. She intends to spend the next year pursuing her dreams of an entertainment career and leading fundraising efforts on behalf of AIDS research and awareness. The Miss Universe title opens doors for both its winner and her country of origin. As the native country of the current Miss Universe, Panama was able to host this year's pageant, helping to generate what government officials say could be as much as $60,000,000 in revenues. Perhaps as important, it is also a source of national pride and inspiration for all those associated with the Dominican community, abroad and in the United States. As a representative of a district that contains the largest concentration of Dominicans outside of Quisqueya, I join the people of Washington Heights as they bask in the joy of seeing one of their own succeed on such a competitive world stage. Miss Vega understands that alongside the numerous ``once in a lifetime opportunities,'' her fame will allow her to affect the image that the world has of the Dominican people and its culture. Although potentially daunting, it is a responsibility that she is excited to accept. As she told the crowd last night, ``I didn't come here just for the crown, but also to make my country proud.'' Undoubtedly, she is on her way.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I join in the praise of the chairman, the gentleman from California (Mr. Hunter) and my dear friend, the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Skelton) in bringing this to the floor. I am one of the politicians that do not find anything wrong with politics. And if it is politically right to laud the efforts of our men and women overseas that are coming home, then no matter how it is described, I want to be among those that would do it. These young men and women are dedicated, and we have to make certain that we give them a little more than praise and a parade. Because I recall in 1952, when I came home from Korea, those medals did not get me a job; it was people reaching out, trying to help me to put my life together. And so I think this is what we have to do. My friend, the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham), says how difficult it is to send our young people into harm's way and that we may have to consider doing this more in the future. Well, I hope not, because if we take a good look at those that will be coming home, we will be taking a harder look at those that we sent. Most of my colleagues know that I really truly believe that what is in the best interest of the United States of America is that we consider draft legislation, where everyone would be exposed to defending this great Republic, rather than seeing who will be coming home, and worse still who will not be coming home, those that come from our inner cities, our rural areas, and those that we are now trying to further recruit. While patriotism is up in this House of Representatives, recruitment is not up. We are now giving mandatory extensions to those people who have volunteered, and we are bringing out the Reservists. Sure, they are dedicated, but we are asking them to serve two and three times a year, or a 2-year period, and of course, our National Guard are being called. So as we find expanded need for military, we ought to expand the pool from which they come. So what I am saying is that I want to join in the spirit of this resolution. I will be there at the parades, I am there at the armories. But for God's sake, let us have something of substance in the legislation. I know that most of the Members are not aware that that the tax bill that we passed on this floor excluded benefits for members of the military for extended child credits for those people that have incomes of $26,000 or less. Let me share with my colleagues the Catch 22 that our members of the Armed Forces are in. One, if they were under $26,000, and we know most of them are, they were cut out of the bill. They were dropped out of the bill, and the leadership said they may not come back. For those people who served in combat and had a larger amount of their income to be tax exclusive, they would get over $26,000 and once again lose the tax credit. Let us pay tribute, but let us have some substance and benefits for our beloved veterans.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and pay, tribute to Cesar Chavez, a human rights advocate and a man of justice and peace who worked tirelessly to end the oppressive conditions of so many American farm workers. Founder of the United Farm Workers of America, Mr. Chavez sacrificed his life to those who suffered hardship without any voice of support. Although the ten-year anniversary of his death passed on April 23, 2003, the legacy of this great man and the inspiration of his mission carries on. Cesar Chavez was born in 1927 as the son of a poor farm worker and general store owner. The loss of his family's land during the Depression forced him to quit school and work in the fields, where he gained a first-hand understanding for the dingy, overcrowded quarters that these workers must endure--often without electricity, bathrooms, or running water. Although he never owned a house or earned more then $6,000 a year, he moved to California in the early 1960s with his family and began his lifelong mission to advocate an end to such conditions. Mr. Chavez once said, ``We can choose to use our lives for others to bring about a better and more just world for our children . . . and in giving of yourself you will discover a whole new life full of meaning and love.'' This great man was a selflessly giving leader who should inspire and motivate us all. Through the United Farm Workers of America his life was used for the benefit of future generations, proving that there can be strength and power in unity, no matter how hopeless the situation. Cesar Chavez must not be forgotten, and neither can his work. In focusing on our treatment of farm workers, and teaching us how to care for fellow Americans, he also showed that there is much work still to be done. We must remember that there are still too many below-poverty wages, unsafe working conditions, and individuals who suffer from sub- standard living standards without proper benefits. We must use this ten-year anniversary to respond to the continued injustice that exists for farm workers that Mr. Chavez would not tolerate. By continuing the work of this fine man, the mission he had for human rights will carry on and the spirit of his great life will most directly be remembered.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Ms. Denise De La Nueces, who last month graduated summa cum laude from Columbia University's undergraduate program. A first generation daughter of Dominican immigrants, this remarkable young woman overcame numerous challenges, including poverty and a stuttering habit, to become the first Latina salutatorian in the College's 250-year history. Born and raised in Washington Heights, Ms. De La Nueces attended the neighborhood parochial school of St. Rose of Lima before earning valedictorian honors at Cathedral High School. She entered Columbia in 1999 as one of the first recipients of The New York Times College Scholarship, a program founded to assist promising service-oriented students who have faced financial and other obstacles. Although highly focused on excelling academically in biology, Ms. De La Nueces carefully balanced her studies with an equally strong commitment to her campus and neighborhood community. She was an active member of cultural organizations, working with students and alumni to develop and maintain the school's Latino mentoring program. She found time to step outside Columbia's walls to volunteer with Project HEALTH, a community-based program that works with physicians, educators, families and local leaders to design and implement curricula that empowers children to take control of their health. She also found time to tutor at the Double Discovery Center (DDC), a Columbia-based educational nonprofit that works with students from low- income and historically disadvantaged backgrounds. A DDC alumnus herself, Ms. De La Nueces will spend the summer working there before getting her pediatrics career off to a good start at Harvard Medical School this fall. Ms. De La Nueces' achievements are exceptional, but she is by no means a statistical fluke. Although far too many children of low-income and historically disadvantaged backgrounds are failing to reach their potential in our educational system, each May brings forth a new generation of graduates that under the radar of the media have broken barriers and shattered stereotypes to earn degrees. The challenge for these and other graduates is not only to blaze new paths with their individual success, but also to reach back to their alma maters and provide support within these difficult educational institutions. In her remarks on graduation day, Ms. De Las Nueces thanked her diverse group of mentors for providing this support. She also thanked them for helping her find a sense of community in the midst of so many differences. ``In them, I have found the desire to improve the world community by looking beyond themselves,'' the Columbia Daily Spectator reported. ``Let us strive to reach beyond ourselves, beyond the small spheres of our individual confines.'' Ms. De La Nueces' experience is an example of how inclusion and diversity can provide opportunities not only for minority students to excel, but also for all members of the student body to be enriched. An example of how leaders and mentors can be found and developed in all communities, if we are willing to invest in their search.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 195, a resolution to congratulate Sammy Sosa of the Chicago Cubs for hitting 500 major league home runs. There is no doubt that Mr. Sosa's exploits on the baseball diamond will one day earn him a place in Major League Baseball's Hall of Fame in Cooperstown, NY. There is no doubt that his drive and talent make him a role model to scores of American children who one day hope to stare down a fastball in the batter's box of any ballpark. However, it is his spirit, energy and commitment off the field that has earned him a place in the hearts of citizens all over the world, including those in his native Dominican Republic. Just a couple of weeks after he and Mark McGwire shattered baseball's single season homerun record in 1998, he traveled to the DR to help rebuild the country after it was devastated by Hurricane Gorges. He continues to offer his time and money to provide children with the opportunities that poverty denied him, allowing them to dream that they too can rise above their economic circumstances and reach their potential. Those in my district, which includes the proud Dominican community of Washington Heights, know that Sammy Sosa isn't the first Dominican to achieve success in the Big Leagues. He follows in the footsteps of trailblazers like Felipe Alou, Joaquin Andujar, George Bell, Rico Carty, Tony Fernandez, Pedro Guerrero, Juan Marichal, and Jose Rijo. He, as well as contemporaries like Pedro Martinez, Manny Ramirez and Alex Rodriguez, remind others of how necessary it is to use fame and fortune to help others.

Mr. RANGEL

Mr. RANGEL. I thank the Chair.

Mr. RANGEL. Could the Speaker tell me when the majority expects to bring additional Suspension Calendar requests to the floor?