William Roth

Mr. ROTH

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I rise in opposition to this amendment. The poultry provision in the Taxpayer Refund Act of 1999 meets three important criteria: First, it facilitates the development and use of alternative fuel to generate clean electricity--energy that is not only abundant, but environmentally friendly. Certainly, in this summer of rolling brownouts, we cannot overstate how important this is. Second, the poultry provision in this bill addresses the need to safely and effectively dispose of chicken waste. Poultry production in the United States has tripled since 1975. Along with this growth, comes the waste, and the need to dispose of it. And third, the poultry provision in the bill demonstrates Congress' willingness to help our poultry farmers, while encouraging technological advances. Providing incentives for facilities that turn chicken waste into clean energy is consistent with our objectives. For these reasons, I urge my colleagues to vote against this amendment, and to support the production of clean electricity-- production that will help America meet its energy needs, while helping our farmers and protecting our environment.

Mr. ROTH. I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to. Motion To Recommit

Mr. ROTH. I call for the yeas and nays.

Mr. ROTH. Yes, I agree.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, section 202 of S. 1429 makes certain that the marriage penalty relief in the bill also applies to married couples receiving earned-income tax credits. Thus, the provision violates the Budget Act because it increases outlays. In order to protect the provision against a point of order, I move to waive any point of order against section 202 in this legislation, a subsequent conference report, or in an amendment between the Houses if such point of order is made on the grounds that the enhancement of the earned-income tax credit for married couples is an increase in outlays. I call for a voice vote.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, although the Kerry amendment is well- intended, it is not germane to this reconciliation bill. The Finance Committee is paying close attention to the concerns of health care providers and beneficiaries. Over ten Medicare hearings have been held this year, three focusing specifically on BBA 1997 policies. The Finance Committee is also developing a Medicare package that will address the many concerns in the Balanced Budget Act. The tax package in no way interferes with this process. Finally, I might add that even the President's Medicare proposal sets aside a maximum of only $7.5 billion over 10 years to address BBA fixes, $12.5 billion less than this amendment. The amendment is not germane to this reconciliation legislation, and I raise a point of order under section 305 (b)(2) of the Budget Act.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I recognize Senator Gregg for the next amendment. Amendment No. 1375, As Modified (Purpose: To provide a minimum dependent care credit for stay-at-home parents, and for other purposes)

Mr. ROTH. I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

Mr. ROTH. I recognize Senator Snowe for the next amendment. Amendment No. 1468

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I call for a voice vote.

Mr. ROTH. I appreciate the comments of the Senator from Pennsylvania. My staff has been reviewing this proposal and we will continue working with him toward a favorable outcome.

Mr. ROTH. I suggest a voice vote.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, we yield back the remainder of the time. Vote on Amendment No. 1462

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I rise in opposition to this motion. In a very real way, this is the final vote on the legislation before us. Let me point out that both Democrats and Republicans have broadly agreed that there should be a tax cut. That tax cut should be now. The American people are entitled to relief. What we are really doing here is restoring the excess taxes already paid. For that reason, I shall make a motion to table. Let me reemphasize again, the Democrats have had a proposal of $300 billion in a tax cut. There has been a $500 billion tax cut. We have followed the budget recommendations of $792 billion. To deny the working people of America the tax break they deserve today makes no sense at all. For that reason, I move to table the motion to recommit, and I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. ROTH. I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I suggest we are ready for a voice vote.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that Brig Pari and Ed McClellan of the Finance Committee staff be granted floor privileges for the duration of the consideration of this bill.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that the Coverdell- Torricelli previously agreed to amendment be modified as follows, and I send it to the desk.

Mr. ROTH. I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I want to give my thanks to the many staff members on both sides of the aisle, including my good friend and colleague, Pat Moynihan, and all the many people who made this possible. This afternoon, I think we took a giant step toward getting the American people a tax break. I would like to thank the following staff on this bill; Frank Polk, Joan Woodward, Mark Prater, Brig Pari, Jeff Kupfer, Bill Sweetnam, Tom Roesser, Ed McClellan, John Duncan, Connie Foster, and Jane Butterfield. I also thank: Frank Polk, Chief of Staff and Chief Counsel; Joan Woodward, Deputy Staff Director; Mark Prater, Chief Tax Counsel; Alexander Vachen, Chief Social Security Analyst; Brig Pari, Tax Counsel; Tom Roesser, Tax Counsel; Bill Sweetnam, Tax Counsel; Jeff Kupfer, Tax Counsel; Ed McClellan, Tax Counsel; Kathy Means, Chief Health Analyst; DeDe Spitznagel, Health Analyst; Monica Tencate, Health Analyst; Darcel Savage; Jane Butterfield; and Mark Blair. Further, I wish to thank: Carolyn D. Abraham, Secretary; Robert (Greg) Bailey, Legislation Counsel; Carl E. Bates, Refund Counsel; B. Jean Best, Secretary; John H. Bloyer, Chief Clerk; Michael E. Boren, Administrative Assistant; Mary Ann Borrelli, Economist; Norman J. Brand, Senor Refund Counsel; Tanya Butler, Secretary; William J. Dahl, Senior Computer Specialist; Debbie A. Davis, Secretary; Kathleen Dorn, Executive Assistant; Timothy Dowd, Economist; Patrick A. Driessen, Senior Economist; Christopher P. Giosa, Economist; Robert C. Gotwald, Refund Counsel; Richard A. Grafmeyer, Deputy Chief of Staff; H. Benjamin Hartley, Senior Legislation Counsel; Robert P. Harvey, Economist; David P. Hering, Accountant; Harold E. Hirsch, Senior Legislation Counsel; Thomas Holtmann, Economist; Melani M. Houser, Statistical Analyst; Allison M. Ivory, Economist; Deidre James, Legislation Counsel; M.L. Sharon Jedlicka, Secretary; Ronald A. Jeremias, Senior Economist; John L. Kirkland, Jr., Staff Assistant; Leon W. Klud, Special Assistant; Gary Koenig, Economist; Thomas F. Koerner, Associate Deputy Chief of Staff; Debra L. McMullen, Senior Staff Assistant; Neval E. McMullen, Staff Assistant; David R. Macall, Intern/Tax Policy; Laurie A. Matthews, Senior Legislation Counsel; Pamela H. Moomau, Senior Economist; Tracy S. Nadel, Director of Tax Resources; John F. Navratil, Economist; Joseph W. Nega, Legislation Counsel; Diana L. Nelson, Computer Specialist; Hal G. Norman, Computer Specialist; Melissa A. O'Brien, Tax Resource Specialist; Samuel Olchyk, Legislation Counsel; Christopher J. Overend, Economist; Lindy L. Paull, Chief of Staff; Oren S. Penn, Legislation Counsel; Cecily W. Rock, Senior Legislation Counsel; Lucia J. Rogers, Secretary; Paul Schmidt, Legislation Counsel; Bernard A. Schmitt, Deputy Chief of Staff; Mary M. Schmitt, Deputy Chief of Staff; Melbert E. Schwarz, Accountant; Todd Simmens, Legislation Counsel; Christine J. Simmons, Secretary; Carolyn E. Smith, Associate Deputy Chief of Staff; Thomas A. St. Clair, Jr., Staff Assistant; William T. Sutton, Senior Economist; Peter M. Taylor, Senior Economist; Melvin C. Thomas, Jr., Senior Legislation Counsel; Michael A. Udell, Economist; Carolyn (Morey) Ward, Legislation Counsel; Barry L. Wold, Legislation Counsel; and Joanne Yanusz, Secretary.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, we are now ready for final passage. I ask for the yeas and nays.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I ask unanimous consent that notwithstanding the passage of the reconciliation bill, the managers of the bill have the authority, in conjunction with the Secretary of the Senate, to make further changes to the bill. I further ask consent that the changes just described must be cleared by both managers and the authority extend until 5 p.m. on Friday.

Mr. ROTH. Mr. President, I yield myself 4 minutes.

Mr. ROTH. I am yielding this from my time.

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