William Roth

Mr. ROTH

Mr. ROTH. I yield 5 minutes to the distinguished Senator from Vermont.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I am pleased with the progress we have made in two very important areas on issues that will affect the lives of Americans everywhere. This legislation--the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act of 1999--will go a long way toward improving the quality of life for millions of Americans with disabilities. At the same time, important provisions within this legislation--provisions that extend important tax and trade relief provisions--will bring meaningful relief and increased opportunities to individuals and families. The Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act will help Americans with disabilities live richer, more productive lives. Its core purpose is to assist disabled individuals in returning to work. It removes the real risk many people with disabilities face of losing their health insurance, and it provides new ways of helping them find and keep meaningful employment. Is there any question how important this is? Millions of Americans with disabilities are waiting for the vote. They are waiting to be freed from a disability system that stifles initiative and thwarts productivity rather than rewarding them--a system that tells individuals with disabilities that if they leave their homes and try to find productive employment they will lose their access to health insurance. The current system isn't right, Mr. President. It isn't productive. And it certainly is not ennobling. Under current law, if a person with a disability wants to return to work--even taking a job with modest earnings--he or she will jeopardize access to insurance coverage through the Medicaid and Medicare programs. And as many individuals with disabilities have difficulties securing private sector insurance coverage, losing access to Medicaid or Medicare is not an option. In fact, it's a tragic consequence for many people with medical conditions that demand ongoing treatment. As a result, the only recourse these individuals have is to forego the opportunity to work--to build and grow professionally and personally-- and to stay at home. No one, Mr. President, should be forced to choose between health care and employment. Robbing an individual of the opportunity to work becomes a double tragedy in the life of someone who is living with a disability. It's been said that work is the process by which dreams become realities. It is the process by which idle visions become dynamic achievements. Work spells the difference in the life of a man or woman. It stretches minds, utilizes skills and lifts us from mediocrity. No one should have to choose between health care and work, and passage of the Work Incentives Improvement Act will make that choice unnecessary. By acting on this legislation today, the Senate will offer new promise to millions of Americans with disabilities. This legislation will help promote their independence and personal growth. It will help restore confidence and meaning in their lives--and greater security in the lives of their families. But this legislation is not about big government. We do not tell the states what they must do. There are no mandates. And we do not tell individuals with disabilities what they must do. We create options. We create choices. And choice is the essence of independence, isn't it? The unemployment rate among working-age adults with severe disabilities is nearly 75 percent. What a tragic consequence of errant public policy that discourages those who can and want to work from attaining their desires. It's my firm belief that this number will come down--it will come down dramatically as we pass this law allowing them to return to the workplace. My belief is based in part on the fact that over 300 groups of disability advocates, health care providers, and insurers endorse this change and are anxiously waiting for us to act. These groups and individuals are not the only Americans watching what we do here today. Along with them, are countless other who are looking to this legislation to extend important tax and trade relief provisions that are included in the work incentives bill. These provisions are ``must do'' business. Like appropriations, extenders are provisions that we have an obligation to address before we conclude this session. They are necessary fixes to our Tax Code, and will go a long way toward helping families and creating greater economic opportunity in our communities. Among the important provisions contained in these extenders is one that excludes nonrefundable tax credits from the alternative minimum tax (``AMT''). This change alone will insure that middle-income families receive the benefits of the $500 per child tax credit, the HOPE Scholarship credit, the Lifetime Learning credit, the adoption credit, and the dependent care tax credit. In this legislation, such relief is extended through December 31, 2002. Another important provision in this legislation extends and expands the tax credit for production of energy from wind and closed loop biomass. This important alternative energy provision expired on June 30, 1999. In this legislation, the tax credit is expanded to cover poultry litter-based biomass, and it is extended through December 31, 2001. For my home State of Delaware and many other poultry producing regions, this provision provides an important option for the disposition of poultry litter in a way that will be beneficial and productive. Other important expiring tax provisions included in this legislation are a 5-year extension and enhancement of the research and development tax credit and the tax-free treatment of employer-provided educational assistance. I can't overstate how important the R&D credit is to the high-tech community and many other important leading American economic sectors. The extension offered in this legislation will give businesses the certainty they need and will result in more and higher paid jobs for American workers. And as far as employer-provided educational assistance, I've made it clear that my goal is to make this provision permanent and expand it to graduate education. I know this is an important goal for Senator Moynihan as well. Over one million workers will benefit from this extension, and under this legislation, the provision is extended through the end of 2001 for undergraduate education. But, Mr. President, important extenders do not stop here. This legislation will also extend incentives designed to help Americans move from welfare to work through the end of 2001. These incentives include the work opportunity tax credit and the welfare to work tax credit. Other extenders include the active finance exception to Subpart F--a provision that puts our banks, insurance, and securities firms on equal footing with their foreign competitors in overseas markets--and five other important tax provisions that are scheduled to expire. These provisions, which are extended through the end of 2001, include the ``brownfields'' expansing treatment of environmental cleanup costs. In addition, the school repair and renovation costs of some school districts are met by an extension of the qualified zone academy bond program. But the provisions included in this legislation are not limited to tax relief. We also include some important trade issues. For example, we extend the Generalized System of Preferences, as well as Trade Adjustment Assistance programs. Both of these trade provisions are extended through the end of 2001. Beyond these, there are several revenue raising provisions that we've included. Most of these, I am pleased to report, close loopholes in the Tax Code raising some $3 billion in return. When all is said and done with this legislation, Mr. President, I am pleased that the tax relief in this bill amounts to a net tax of $15.8 billion over 5 years and $18.4 billion over 10. There's no question that what have before us is a dynamic piece of legislation. From providing hope and opportunity to Americans with disabilities to extending and expanding important tax provisions for individuals and families, this is a comprehensive package. It has been carefully constructed, debated, and addressed in conference. It include that efforts of many of our colleagues and countless hours of staff work. I want to thank several Senators who have worked closely with me over the past year to bring the work incentives bill to the floor--Senators Moynihan, Jeffords, Kennedy, and Bunning. Passage of the Work Incentives Improvement Act has been one of my top health care priorities during this Congress. It would have been impossible without close, productive, bipartisan cooperation. Likewise, the effort we've made to address the important tax and trade extenders. Without the work and cooperation of my distinguished friend and the Finance Committee's Ranking Democratic Member, Senator Moynihan, we wouldn't be here today with a conference agreement. In closing, let me also mention that there are two provisions in this bill outside the Finance Committee's jurisdiction, one dealing with the organ donor and the other dealing with a NOAA procurement matter. I ask my colleagues to join us in seeing that all of these important provisions are passed into law.

Mr. ROTH

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I yield 8 minutes to the Senator from Pennsylvania.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I yield 4 minutes to the Senator from Alabama.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I would also like to quickly thank several staff members who have been working long and hard to make this bill possible. Let me thank several members of Senator Moynihan's staff--as always, they are skilled professionals who have been our partners working on this bill every step of the way. In particular, let me thank Jon Resnick, Edwin Park, and David Podoff. And I would like to thank a former member of the Moynihan staff, Kristen Testa, who was there at the very beginning of this bill's legislative life and without whom there would not have been a Work Incentives Improvement Act. I would also like to thank Pat Morrissey, Leah Menzies, and Lu Zeph of Senator Jeffords' office, and Connie Garner on Senator Kennedy's staff. They have been tireless in their efforts on behalf of this legislation. Jennifer Baxendell and Alec Vachon from my staff worked tirelessly on this legislation and deserve special commendation. Since this bill's inception, our staffs have worked together closely and well. I would like to thank you all for your dedication and hard work throughout all the many ups and downs this bill has faced. Mr. President, I would also like to thank the dedicated professionals who worked so diligently to complete this year's tax legislation. First of all, I would like to thank my Finance team--Frank Polk, Joan Woodward, Mark Prater, Brig Pari, Tom Roesser, Bill Sweetnam, Jeff Kupfer, Ed McClellan, Ginny Flynn, Tara Bradshaw, Connie Foster and Myrtle Agent. I would also like to thank John Duncan and Bill Nixon from my personal staff for their commitment to seeing this process through to its successful completion. I would also like to thank the members of Senator Moynihan's Finance staff who have helped make this a bipartisan effort--David Podoff, Russ Sullivan, Stan Fendley, Anita Horn, and Mitchell Kent. It is also important to recognize the professionals of the Joint Committee on Taxation. In particular, I would like to thank Lindy Paull, Bernie Schmitt, Rick Grafmeyer, Carolyn Smith, Cecily Rock, Mary Schmitt, Greg Bailey, Tom Barthold, Ben Hartley, David Hering, Harold Hirsch, Laurie Matthews, Sam Olchyk, Oren Penn, Todd Simmens, Paul Schmidt, Mel Schwarz, and Barry Wold. I would also like to thank Jim Fransen and Mark Mathiesen of the Senate's Legislative Counsel office who have the thankless job of turning tax policy into statute. Finally, I would like to thank the Treasury's Office of Tax Policy. In particular, Linda Robertson, Jon Talisman and Joe Mikrut deserve special recognition for their help in this important legislation. On this occasion I would also like to thank the staff who worked so hard on the Medicare, Medicaid, and SCHIP reform provisions included in the Omnibus Appropriations Act. They have worked incredibly long hours, with real dedication, to develop the strong, consensus product before the Senate today. In particular, let me thank Kathy Means, Teresa Houser, Mike O'Grady, Jennifer Baxendell, and Alec Phillips on the Majority staff. I would also like to thank Senator Moynihan's staff for their cooperation and input. Let me thank Chuck Konigsberg, Liz Fowler, Edwin Park, Jon Resnick, Faye Drummond, Kyle Kinner, Dustin May, Julianne Fisher, Jewel Harper, and Doug Steiger. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. ROTH

Mr. ROTH. Reserving the right to object, we do have a number of people who want to speak. We only have an hour.

Mr. ROTH

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, there are a few brief observations that would serve us well as we engage in this debate over minimum wage. Through the years, members on both sides of this issue have been able to come together successfully, to effect minimum wage increases. I believe we will be able to come together again, to advance a proposal that is good for individuals, as well as for economic growth and job creation. And I believe that in this effort it would be good to have such a common sense proposal follow the model of our actions in 1996. As my colleagues know, three years ago we successfully enacted the Small Business Tax Act, which provided reasonable tax relief for businesses most affected by the costs incurred with the minimum wage increase. The current minimum wage of $5.15--which took effect on September 1, 1997-- was established in that act. Minimum wage agreements prior to 1997 followed a similar pattern of consensus building. This year, as we again consider raising the minimum wage, there are a number of tax issues involved. The minimum wage amendment proposed by Senator Domenici includes a package of tax measures that were previously approved by the Senate Finance Committee. The Finance Committee has jurisdiction over these matters, and as these proposal had been previously vetted within our committee, I agreed to allow them to come straight to the floor. On the other hand, I am concerned with the revenue offsets included in the minimum wage amendment proposed by Senator Kennedy. Many of these provisions are controversial proposals which have been rejected by this Congress. And we need to be very careful as we proceed considering them. What is important is that we progress on this important issue--that if we are unable to agree on a compromise in this session as we are so close to adjournment, we will be able to successfully conclude this matter soon after our return next year.

Mr. ROTH

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Subcommittee on Fisheries, Wildlife, and Drinking Water be authorized to conduct a hearing Wednesday, November 3, 10 a.m., hearing room (SD- 406), to examine solutions to the policy concerns with respect to habitat conservation plans.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Health, Education, Labor and Pensions be authorized to meet in executive session during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, November 3, 1999, at 9:30 a.m.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Energy and Natural Resources be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, November 3, for purposes of conducting a full committee business meeting which is scheduled to begin at 9:30 a.m.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, November 3, 1999, at 10:30 a.m. to hold a business meeting.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Armed Services be authorized to meet at 9:30 a.m. on Wednesday, November 3, 1999, in open session, to receive testimony on the lessons learned from the military operations conducted as part of Operation Allied Force, and associated relief operations, with respect to Kosovo.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Foreign Relations be authorized to meet during the session of the Senate on Wednesday, November 3, 1999, at 2:30 p.m. to hold a hearing.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Governmental Affairs be authorized to meet on Wednesday, November 3, 1999, at 10 a.m. for a business meeting to consider pending committee business.

Mr. ROTH

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, the Delaware bankruptcy court has come to fully understand the old adage that ``the reward for a job well done is more work''. Long recognized as one of the nation's quickest, most innovative and fairest, The Delaware corporate bankruptcy court's caseload has grown to the point that at least one additional judge is necessary. I want to commend a number of my congressional colleagues for joining with me to address this situation. Yesterday, Senator Grassley and Representative Gekas held a joint hearing on the need for additional bankruptcy judges. Representative Mike Castle was among those who testified at this hearing, and I understand he eloquently elaborated on Delaware's status as the busiest bankruptcy venue per judge in the nation. Simply put, more capable judges are needed to tend to corporate bankruptcy cases in Delaware and a select number of other states. Realizing this, Senator Paul Coverdell has introduced S. 1830, to provide for the appointment of additional temporary bankruptcy judges. I, along with Senator Biden and a number of other Senators, have cosponsored this vital proposal. I commend my fellow sponsors of this legislation as well as the chairmen of the subcommittees of jurisdiction for holding yesterday's hearing. I look forward to working with them on this important matter in the future.

Mr. ROTH

Mr. ROTH. We will be ready in a minute for another amendment.

Mr. ROTH. In the meantime, I ask unanimous consent to lay aside this amendment. As I said, Senator Grassley, the cosponsor of this legislation, desires the opportunity to speak.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I share that opinion. There is no question but it is appropriate for Congress to help set these objectives. I say to my distinguished colleague from North Dakota, I agree very much about the need to develop a level playing field. One of my concerns is the fact our markets are the most open markets in the world. That obviously includes agriculture. The purpose of these negotiations should be to lower them in such a way that everyone is on an even playing field. I am very sympathetic to what the Senator is proposing.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I suggest the absence of a quorum.

Mr. ROTH. I think that would be a very serious setback. Let me comment on fast track. As the Senator said, our committee, of course, has acted on that. I regret the President does not have this authority. I have to say I do not think negotiations can be effective until the President obtains it. Does the Senator agree with that?

Mr. ROTH. I am going to ask unanimous consent to set aside this amendment. Senator Grassley desires the opportunity to comment. I think we will stack votes as we did yesterday. It would be in order for another amendment to be raised.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I appreciate the remarks of the distinguished Senator from California. She seeks to address a most critical problem, one that is unbelievable, as she pointed out, with 11 million a year dying from this disease. We have been working. We expect to come together on an amendment that will be acceptable to both sides.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I want to take a few seconds to thank my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for a very strong bipartisan support for the bill. I also want to extend my thanks to the majority and minority leaders who worked so hard to find the compromise that enabled the legislation to move forward. Let me underscore and emphasize that we would not be where we are if it had not been for my good friend, Senator Moynihan. His patience, his historical perspective on trade, and the key role he has played through the years were instrumental in getting this legislation through. I want to say I think it gives a clear statement to our neighbors in the Caribbean, Central America, and Africa that we are willing to invest in a long-term economic relationship--a relationship of partners and a common endeavor of expanding trade, enhancing economic growth, and improving living standards. I also think, most importantly, it will send a very clear signal to our partners around the world that isolationism is dead, that liberal trade policies are still supported overwhelmingly. It signals, I believe, that the United States is prepared to engage constructively in the wider world around us and to provide the kind of leadership necessary to reach our common goals. I yield the floor.

Mr. ROTH. On the first matter dealing with the anticorruption, we are in agreement. I congratulate and thank the Senator for his leadership in this matter. Because of his interest, as well as others, we are including a specific anticorruption provision in the managers' amendment. I thank the distinguished Senator for his cooperation.

Mr. ROTH

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the order for the quorum call be rescinded.