Thomas Reynolds

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself so much time as I may consume. (Mr. REYNOLDS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. REYNOLDS. Today is Tax Day, Madam Speaker, and all across the country, millions of Americans will wait patiently, or not so patiently, in line at the local post office, making sure that their taxes are postmarked by the midnight deadline. Having recently struggled through the process of filling out my own tax forms, I share the frustrations of millions of American taxpayers, not just with the amount of taxes that we have to pay, but with the dizzying maze of forms, worksheets and calculations required by the IRS as well. But instead of working together in a bipartisan way to simplify the process and enhance taxpayers rights, the majority has chosen to bring forward a partisan, political bill that has already drawn a veto threat from the administration, and is almost certainly ``dead on arrival'' in the other body. To be sure, this legislation does contain a number of positive, pro- taxpayer provisions, most of which have already passed the House last year in an overwhelmingly bipartisan basis as part of H.R. 1677. Unfortunately for this House, and for taxpayers across the country, the majority has now abandoned that commonsense bipartisan approach that we brought to last year's bill. Instead the majority has included a pair of highly controversial proposals that kill any hope of bipartisan cooperation, one imposing a new substantiation requirements on withdrawals from health savings accounts, and another cutting off the ability of carefully selected private businesses to assist the IRS in collecting delinquent tax debt. Over the course of today's debate, we'll hear much more about the concerns that many Members have about the HSA provision, a provision that was not subject to a single hearing in the Ways and Means Committee, and was inserted into the bill just prior to mark-up without any real understanding of the potential consequences. So let me take a moment to focus on the other provision of concern, the proposal to repeal the IRS's authority to work with private collection agencies to ensure that acknowledged tax debt is actually paid. For some Members of this body on both sides of the debate, this particular issue is simple and is simply about policy. For them, it's an abstract question about whether these private collection agencies, so called PCAs, should be able to play a limited supplementary role in ensuring that undisputed tax debts are, in fact, paid. As we debate this particular issue yet again this afternoon, we'll hear again persuasive evidence making clear just how successful the PCA program has already been in narrowing the tax gap, and while carefully protecting taxpayers rights. And we will also hear how much additional promise this program holds for the future if it's allowed to continue. But for me and the area I represent, Western New York, the issue is much more than an abstract policy debate. It's also about jobs. As the Member of Congress who represents rural Wyoming County in Western New York, I'm actually more familiar than most Members with the work that PCAs do. After all, the largest single private employer in Wyoming County, Pioneer Credit Recovery, is one of the only two companies nationwide that the IRS has selected to help get this important program underway. Madam Speaker, Pioneer Credit is a highly respected local business that has created more than 1,400 high-paying jobs for families living in either my district or neighboring districts around Buffalo and Rochester. And as my fellow Members of Western New York's Congressional Delegation know, these jobs have been created in a region that has faced serious economic challenges. This IRS contract has allowed Pioneer Credit to turn an empty warehouse in Perry, New York into a thriving job center for newly hired employees. In short, it's been a great economic success story in part of Western New York that has desperately needed it. As someone who fought to give the IRS the authority to partner with these private companies in the first place, I am deeply troubled that the new majority is once again threatening to deauthorize this important program just as it's getting underway. If this program is allowed to continue, Pioneer Credit will have the opportunity to compete for future IRS contracts that could create many additional jobs in the area of Western New York that I represent. Killing this program, on the other hand, would cost my constituents real jobs at a time when Congress should be working to expand employment opportunities, particularly in hard-hit areas that are struggling economically. I would also like to note, Madam Speaker, that under the Democrats convoluted PAYGO rules, proposals that reduce anticipated Federal revenues must be offset by other provisions that raise revenue. As a result, today's proposal to eliminate the PCA program, a program that is currently expected to bring in more than a half billion dollars to the Federal Treasury, over the next decade, also requires them to raise Federal revenue or taxes by the same amount somewhere else. That's right. The majority is raising taxes by a half a billion dollars today in order to eliminate the very program that's helping us to collect undisputed tax debts, more effectively. Only in Washington, Madam Speaker, only in Washington. This bill is wrong on policy, it's wrong on job creation and it's on the way to mark April 15 for America's hard-working taxpayers. I urge a ``no'' vote. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my distinguished colleague on the Ways and Mean Committee from Wisconsin (Mr. Ryan), an expert on HSAs and other matters for consideration today.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I've been listening to some of my colleagues, and I'm sure we'll have more on the Democratic side of the aisle that have been such proponents of doing away with the collection. I just want to remind some of them of a couple of things that we should look at. First, this is money that the IRS will not go after. It is part of the goal that Congress said we will pursue to get this money, and it was going to show a $1 billion over 10-year revenue. Now, we have seen the start-up of PCAs, one in Iowa and one in New York, after a very clear scrutiny by the IRS and by strong oversight of the Congress. And there are start-up costs of the $50 million, as we're beginning to see the program come under way, to pursue money that the IRS either hasn't collected, can't collect, will not collect as the PCAs are pursuing it. And I have listened to a lot of people describe what they think they understand of a PCA, but they have never really been in tune with it. It kind of reminds me of somebody debating ATM legislation and never actually used an ATM. Madam Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished senior member of the Ways and Means Committee from California (Mr. Herger).

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I would like to yield 2 minutes to my colleague, the distinguished ranking member of the Health Committee of Ways and Means from Michigan (Mr. Camp).

Mr. REYNOLDS. I yield the gentleman an additional minute.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, may I inquire as to how much time is remaining on both sides.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Well, I just want to make sure at least the taxpayers from the countryside I come from realize that H.R. 5719, which we're considering, the Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act of 2008, really sounds good. It sounds real good on Tax Day, as I open my remarks by saying that taxpayers are in line now or will be until midnight tonight to have a postmarked April 15 date. But we know that this legislation will face a steep consideration of some saying ``dead on arrival'' in the other body. We've seen the administration have its advisers threaten veto. And yet, while there were so many things that we agreed upon in the Ways and Means Committee, Republicans and Democrats, we have a bill that brings controversy, that brings another one-House bill. It gets tough, as we move towards November of an election year, to explain that we didn't get much done, but boy did we have a lot of action on one-House bills. I want to just share for the record here on this body what I did in the Ways and Means hearing. Because I think there's two important documents that my colleagues, as this debate goes today, and some of the consideration of what will be difficult on seeing PCAs, as the legislation may come to pass from this body, we will see difficult sledding in the other body, as well as the administration, are two reports. The Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration wrote one on March 26, only weeks ago, that had inadequate security controls over routers and switches that jeopardize sensitive taxpayer information. It was done by the Inspector General. And I want to just report, because we had it confirmed by representatives of the administration under our examination that this, in fact, has occurred and it's in the report which was submitted to the Ways and Means Committee. And it says, ``Impact to the Taxpayer: Because the IRS sends sensitive taxpayer and administrative information across its networks, routers on the networks must have sufficient security controls to deter and detect unauthorized use. Access controls for IRS routers were not adequate, and reviews to monitor security configuration changes were not conducted to identify inappropriate use. A disgruntled employee, contractor or a hacker could reconfigure routers and switches to disrupt computer operations and steal taxpayer information in a number of ways, including diverting information to unauthorized systems.'' Madam Speaker, that same very day, on March 26, the same Treasury Inspector General for Tax Administration issued a second report called, ``The Private Collection Agencies Adequately Protected Taxpayer Data.'' And this information also was confirmed under examination as we made inquiries to the administration that confirmed that the reports exist, and they were well aware of these findings as well. And on page 2 of the Inspector General's report it said, ``We reviewed the computer security controls over taxpayer data provided to the two current PCAs,'' or private collection agencies for those maybe not following the debate, ``and determined that the controls were adequate. In particular, files were securely transmitted from the IRS to the contractors and adequately secured on the contractor systems. In addition work stations used by contractor collection personnel were adequately controlled to prevent unauthorized copying of taxpayer information to removable media or transfer via e-mail. The contractors also maintained adequate audit trails and performed periodic reviews, including reviews to identify unauthorized access to taxpayer data.'' Now, the response from the IRS, contained also on page two of the Treasury Inspector General said, ``The key IRS management officials reviewed the report prior to issuance and agreed to the results of the review.'' We know that in the operation of PCAs, we are going to see the collection pursuit of $500 million over that over the next 10 years. And we know that if this legislation prevails, there is going to be a tax increase of $500 million to pay for this under the majority's PAYGO rules. And so as we continue the debate, make it clearly understood that the pursuit of these PCAs was on proceeds that were not collected, could not be collected, needed to be collected in order to put into the Treasury this money owed by taxpayers to the government. And that as we look at this legislation, what has brought the controversy to uncontroversial legislation, legislation that both parties could agree to, was the adding of HSA changes and dealing with the PCAs. My colleagues need to consider the type of consequences we're seeing in what will be a misguided change on PCA legislation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I have listened very carefully to my friend and colleague from New York as he sees his views. I thought maybe I might for the record just outline that I have a copy of a letter that numerous groups sent in opposition to this legislation, primarily due to HSAs, to both Chairman Rangel and Ranking Member McCrery. And it leads off with the NFIB and goes down to the National Taxpayers Union, and it has the U.S. Chamber and it has the Retail Industry Leaders Association, the National Retail Federation, the National Restaurant Association, the National Association of Manufacturers, and so many others. And I will make it available in case some of my colleagues haven't seen it. This isn't something Republicans on this side of the aisle just kind of dreamed up that there are problems that make this legislation controversial with HSA legislation or with the PCAs. It's well documented by the experts that are using the program. I also think, rather than some of my colleagues interpreting what the administration may have for support or rejection of the legislation, maybe I should read into the Record exactly what the Statement of Administration Policy is on H.R. 5719 so that we all know what the administration's concerns are. And for the record: ``The administration strongly opposes H.R. 5719, the so-called `Taxpayer Assistance and Simplification Act of 2008.' The bill includes provisions that would impose new administrative burdens on the trustees of health savings accounts. These new burdens on HSA administrators are unnecessary for efficient tax administration, inconsistent with the flexibility purposely afforded HSAs at their inception, and could undermine efforts by employers, individuals, and insurers to reduce health care costs and improve health outcomes by empowering consumers to take greater control of health care decision making. If H.R. 5719 were presented to the President with these provisions, his senior advisers would recommend he veto the bill. ``Also, the administration strongly opposes provisions of the bill that would repeal the current statutory authorization for the Internal Revenue Service private debt collection program. As of February 2008, over 98,000 cases have been referred to contractors, representing over $910 million in delinquent accounts. Terminating this program would result in a loss of $578 million in revenue over the next 10 years, according to Congress' Joint Committee on Taxation. These are tax dollars that are legally owed to the government and are otherwise very unlikely to be collected by the IRS due to workload demands. As noted in previous Statements of Administration Policy, the administration strongly opposes elimination of this program, which is not consistent with the administration's commitment to a balanced approach toward improving taxpayer compliance and collecting outstanding tax liabilities. If H.R. 5719 were presented to the President with these provisions, his senior advisers would recommend that he veto the bill.'' That is a Statement of Administration Policy on the record relative to this.

Mr. REYNOLDS. I now would yield to my colleague from New York for a question.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Well, I will ask you to look that up, and at a later time I will yield and you can point it out in my record.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Reclaiming my time, Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman. I just think it's important we look at this. First, I heard the debate coming from the majority, from the gentleman, that outlined his interpretation of why the administration was opposed to the bill. I listened carefully. I made a decision to read into the Record exactly what the administration's policy position was on this so that it was no longer an interpretation from a Member of Congress but exactly in written word what the administration said relative to this bill. And I think while we're looking at other aspects of this legislation, we do know the following: That the administration is going to veto this legislation, that we also know it has difficult sledding in the other body. And it has in the past because there's a track record, that it appears just with PCA alone, let alone some of the concerns that have been put forth in the letter that I read from earlier on HSAs, that we now have another one-House bill being trumped up and laid out on Tax Day. And I will say the majority is superb in showmanship. We seem to be able to move legislation to the floor on significant days. Today is tax legislation on Tax Day, April 15. But I also know that the public is not going to be confused by the fact that while we trump up an extravaganza of legislation on special days, today tax legislation on April 15, that the voters are going to take a real hard look at what really got done, what has gotten through, what was made better for America. And, again, we have another one-House bill that just, sadly, had too much partisanship in it and fell away. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I think I heard my colleague when he said that Democrats are in the majority in this body, Democrats are in the majority in the other body, but it's the Republicans' fault that this legislation isn't going to happen. Now, I have explained a lot of tough, challenging things to my constituents, but I don't think they're going to buy that. It's just another one-House bill that is going to the other body and going to see death. It isn't going to see the light of day. Now, moving to my colleague from New York who asked me the question. I didn't think I could provide the answer to his question quite as soon as I could, and saving him looking it up, because I assume as he went off the floor, he might be looking up this. I want to go back again to the statement of administration policy. The bill includes provisions that would impose new administrative burdens on the trustees of health savings accounts. That is what the administration said in their veto threat. Now on the bill as reported out of committee by the majority, page 22, line 7, 8 and 9 to my colleagues, says the trustee of the health savings account shall make a report regarding such account to the Secretary and account beneficiary setting forth. So I want everyone to know, including my colleague who asked the question, it is clear in your bill that you set forth that the HSA trustees would have new administrative burdens. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, may I inquire on the amount of time left, please.

Mr. REYNOLDS. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I am prepared to close if the gentleman is. I would proceed and then have you close if you are ready.

Mr. REYNOLDS. I thank the gentleman from Georgia who has done a magnificent job of managing his time, and I've enjoyed working with him. Madam Speaker, today represents yet another missed opportunity on the floor of this House. We could have approached the issues of taxpayer rights and tax simplification in a bipartisan way just as we did last year. But with the election season now in full swing, the majority seems more interested in staging political theater than in actually getting something done for hardworking, middle-class taxpayers. This House and this country deserve more, especially on April 15, Tax Day. I urge a ``no'' vote. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, with great appreciation I rise today to honor a dedicated and highly respected firefighter, Ed Lavery, who for more than 50 years steadfastly served and protected the people of Williamsville, New York. Even as a young boy growing up in Williamsville, Ed was drawn to fire engines. Often Ed would jump on his bike as soon as he heard the sound of fire engines to watch the firefighters battle the blaze. Due to his determination and perseverance Ed was forced to part with his bike after he joined the Fire Department when he crashed into a wall after his bikes brakes failed. With his straight talk and hard work ethic, Ed quickly became captain of the Williamsville Fire Department. He served five years as assistant chief, and in 1974, was elected chief. He also served as president in 1985. Along with serving the Fire Department, Ed worked for the Amherst Engineering Department where he was the general foreman until he retired in 1999. Ed was also a part-time dispatcher at the Amherst Central Fire Alarm Office, which handles emergency calls for all companies protecting Amherst, Clarence and Newstead. Known for his candor and dry wit, Ed continues to be involved with the department. He often will join the firefighters in responding to Fires and check to make sure the pumpers are operating correctly. None of his family and friends foresee him quitting any time soon. Thus, Madam Speaker, in recognition of his tremendous service for more than 50 years to the people of Williamsville, NY, for his leadership, his dedication and the lasting legacy he leaves, I ask this honorable body to join me in honoring Ed Lavery.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia. Madam Speaker, as one of the chief sponsors of the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act, I rise today in strong support of Senate 1858 and urge its passage. I would like to extend my thanks to Chairman Dingell and Ranking Member Barton for working together to get this bill to the floor today. This bill is a tribute to children and their parents who have had to face the pain of experiencing a disease that wasn't caught by newborn screening. Each year, over 4 million children are routinely tested at birth for genetic disorders. But what so many parents don't realize is that the actual number of conditions that their child is screened for depends on the State they live in. A child's life in one State should never mean more or less than a child's life in another. Every child born with a disease, whether it is common or rare, should receive early diagnosis and treatment. That is why we need the Newborn Screening Laws Saves Lives Act signed into law and adequately funded. Through this legislation, we cannot only educate parents about lifesaving tests available for their newborn child, but greatly expand the screening programs at the State level. Left untreated, many disorders are life-threatening or can cause serious mental and physical disabilities. Early detection through screening can lessen effects or even completely prevent progression of many disorders by providing for immediate medical intervention. My State of New York has long been a national leader in newborn screening, starting in 1960 when Dr. Robert Guthrie developed the first newborn screening tests in Buffalo, New York. New York now tests each child for 44 different conditions. In 2004, the American College of Medical Genetics completed a report commissioned by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services which recommended at a minimum every baby born in the United States be screened for a core set of 29 treatable disorders. Currently, only 19 States and the District of Columbia require infants to be screened for all 29 of the recommended disorders. It is my sincere hope through grants and research funding provided for in the Newborn Screening Saves Lives Act, every State will be able to coordinate their newborn screening tests in order to bring consistency across the country. Finally, I would like to acknowledge the strong bipartisan efforts of my colleagues Lucille Roybal-Allard, Mike Simpson, and Henry Waxman. They have long fought for life saving changes to newborn screening it, and it has been a pleasure working with them to achieve its consideration today. I would like to thank Jill and Jim Kelly and Jacque Waggoner from Western New York for their tireless advocacy on behalf of enhanced newborn screening and for the tremendous efforts to raise public awareness about this vital issue. Madam Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote on the bill.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, May 14 marks the 60th anniversary of Israel's independence. On behalf of the House Republican Israel Caucus, I rise today to honor the Jewish state for its significant achievements over the past six decades. Israel has shared an important strategic relationship with our Nation. And today, our countries are working more closely than ever before to defeat the common threat of terrorism. Research and development collaborations between our countries have produced security technologies that are now used to protect the lives of Americans, Israelis, and of people all over the world. In fact, Israeli equipment has saved the lives of hundreds of U.S. soldiers stationed in Iraq and Afghanistan. And because of Israel's desert location, farmers and agricultural experts there have been forced to adapt their irrigation methods. This research now benefits dry weather areas around the world, all because Israel discovered a way to make the desert bloom. Over the years, I have had the great fortune to travel to Israel four times, and each trip has been marked by emotional and spiritual moments. Anyone who has traveled to Israel feels a connection to the people and places there. This is because America shares a special bond with Israel. This bond will only become stronger in the next 60 years, and I am very humbled to begin this celebration.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and delight that I rise today to recognize and celebrate Niagara County on its 200th anniversary. From the locks of the Erie Canal to the roar of Niagara Falls, and from its rich history to its wonderful and generous people, Niagara County has much to celebrate on its bicentennial. The first settlers of this area were amazed and continually challenged by the geographic surprises that awaited them. The most well-known surprise is the 12,000-year-old Niagara Falls, which the early settlers looked upon as an unexplained phenomenon of nature. While the breathtaking, yet hazardous, Niagara Falls rushes 6 million cubic feet of water over its edges every minute during its daytime peak, the falls did stand still on March 29, 1848. An ice blockade on Lake Erie stopped the flow of water into the falls, allowing for an opportunity for people to explore the cliffs of Niagara Falls. The falls remains the largest attraction in Niagara County, attracting millions of tourists every year. Niagara County was one of the pioneers in aviation with its ``Grand Balloon Ascension'' in July 1858. This display of aeronautical ingenuity brought crowds from all over Niagara County, and also many of the surrounding counties. While the balloon remained in the air for just over 30 seconds, this display was seen as a huge accomplishment to the crowds that witnessed the event. The manufacturing and research center Bell Aerospace in the town of Wheatfield was instrumental in creating jobs in Niagara County. This plant is well-known around the world for its helicopters, rocket belts, and lunar modules. The rocket powered Bell X-1 supersonic aircraft that broke the sound barrier was piloted in 1947, by the renowned Chuck Yeager. This historic craft is now displayed in the Smithsonian National Air and Space Museum. Not only was Niagara County a leader in aviation, it was instrumental in the development and expansion of the telegraph machine and the telephone in western New York. Niagara County was the location of the second telegraph line in the United States. The line was constructed in 1845 and stretched all the way from Lockport to Buffalo. The telegraph line provided a service experienced by few up to this time in history. The first major message sent on this telegraph line was the results of the 1845 elections. The first telephone arrived in Niagara County in 1878, just 2 years after Alexander Graham Bell patented this invention. This telephone connected Cataract Bank with the home of the bank officer. People came from all over the county to view this life- altering invention. This bicentennial should be a celebration of the residents of Niagara County past and present. The traditions of hard work and dedication have been instilled in this community. You can tell when you meet the people of Niagara County that they are all willing to lend a hand and help a neighbor. Thus, Madam Speaker, in recognition of its rich history, innovation, and its wonderful residents, I ask that this honorable body join me in celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Niagara county.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 2008 recipients of the outstanding award for the Springville Area Chamber of Commerce in New York State. Grace Gentner, the Johnson Family of Dealerships, and Meals on Wheels. Their dedication and commitment to the community should be applauded. The awards are presented to individuals, businesses, and non- profits that exemplify outstanding service and involvement in the Springville area. As one of western New York's outstanding citizens, Grace Gentner is a role model for Americans. Grace's kind spirit and dedication to helping others has made her community a better place. Grace has spent countless hours volunteering at several organizations in the Springville area as well as serving as a leader in the community. Due to her commitment to community service Grace was honored with this year's Citizen of the Year award by the Springville Chamber of Commerce. Among the many service organizations Grace spends most of her time contributing to the Historical Society, Bertrand Chaffee Hospital, Springville Food Pantry, Meals on Wheels and she served as an Extraordinary Minister at St. Aloysius Catholic Church. In addition, Grace has been an elected leader by serving many years as Town Clerk and tax collector for the Town of Concord as well as president of the Senior Citizens. As someone who has blessed me with her friendship I am fortunate to have been a beneficiary of Grace's wisdom, counsel and guidance. I am pleased that her hard work helping people has been recognized by the Springville Area Chamber of Commerce. Springville's Johnson Family of Dealerships takes great pride in its tradition of contributing to the community. The family dealership was founded by Bob and Bernice Johnson in 1951, and continues to be run and operated by Mike and Tom Johnson along with General Managers Darin and Derek Johnson. The Johnson Family of Dealerships has been a cornerstone of the Springville business community. This family owned and operated business and its employees have contributed countless hours of community service from helping with the Dairy Festival, to the Annual Golf Tournament which benefits Chaffee Hospital. A true neighborhood business, they host annual Christmas and Halloween parties, events that all members of the community look forward to. It is because of their long standing tradition of service to the community that they have been awarded Business of the Year by the Springville Chamber of Commerce. Meals on Wheels is a non-profit organization whose volunteers are the unsung heroes of the Village of Springville and the Town of Concord. This organization specializes in bringing warm meals to the citizens of Springville and the Town of Concord who are unable to leave their homes. The Meals on Wheels volunteers also provide much needed companionship and deserve the recognition of Not-for-Profit Organization of the Year awarded by the Springville Chamber of Commerce. Thus, Madam Speaker in recognition of their service to the Springville Area, I ask that this honorable body join me in honoring Grace Gentner, the Johnson Family Dealership, and Meals on Wheels.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I rise today in celebration and recognition of the 200th anniversary of Clarence, NY. The roots of this historic town date back to 1799, when Asa Ransom became the first to settle there. Ransom opened a tavern, sawmill and gristmill in the area that is today known as the Clarence Hollow. Also among the first to settle in Clarence was Asa Harris, who opened a tavern on the other side of the town in 1807. It was 1 year later on March 11, 1808, that Clarence was incorporated. This made Clarence the oldest town in Erie County. After its incorporation, Clarence continued to attract farmers and businesses; churches also began to spring up throughout the 52 square mile town. This growing town played a large role in Western New York during the War of 1812. When people fled the City of Buffalo in 1813 due to the fires set by the British, many took refuge in Clarence. Among those who sought shelter were the Salisbury Brothers, who published the Buffalo Gazette from the Asa Harris Tavern. The late 1800s saw a number of cultural advances in the then small town of Clarence. The first carrousel built in the United States was constructed in Clarence in 1897 by Carl Newman and Carl Landow. This hand operated carrousel was utilized by the people of Clarence for over 30 years. Also, the importance of education has a strong history in the town. In 1897, the Parker Union Academy received a large addition, including two towers, one for an observatory and one for a bell. The dedication to the improvement of the school system has been a tradition carried on to the current students in Clarence. A most recent achievement in this area was the Blue Ribbon National School of Excellence award that Clarence High School earned in the 2001-2002 school year. After World War II, Clarence experienced a great period of growth. The population rose from 2,948 residents to about 13,267 by 1960. The population was not the only thing growing in Clarence in the first half of the twentieth century; the discovery of natural resources opened the doors for many businesses and industries. After gypsum was detected in 1925, the National Gypsum Company was formed and mined for gypsum until 1982. Other resources that were discovered in Clarence during this period were sand and gravel, which provided supplies for many important industries in western New York. The expansion of industry and culture was also fueled by the implantable pacemaker, patented by Wilson Greatbatch in 1962. Following the invention of this lifesaving device, Greatbatch founded the Wilson Greatbatch LTD. in 1970. The location of this research facility in Clarence opened the doors for a number of employment opportunities and technological advances. Finally, the history of Clarence can not be discussed without noting that the town's greatest resource is the hard-working members of the community. In Clarence, you find generous, down-to-earth, friendly people who are willing to help their neighbors. More than anything else to celebrate on this 200th anniversary is the good-hearted and gracious people of Clarence. Thus, Madam Speaker, in recognition of its rich history, agricultural tradition, innovation, and its wonderful residents, I ask that this Honorable Body join me in celebrating the 200th anniversary of the Town of Clarence.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the Clarence Center Volunteer Fire Company of Clarence, New York. For a century the members of the Clarence Hose Company have been volunteering to protect their neighbors. The Clarence Center Volunteer Fire Company became the first fire company in the town of Clarence in 1908. The company began as a stock company and was able to purchase a hand drawn hose cart and chemical fire extinguishers. Land for a fire hall was donated to the fire company by a local businessman, and fundraising for the construction began in July 1908 with the first firemen's picnic in Clarence. With the help of a local farmer, Wesley Williams, the company raised enough money to construct Williams Hall. The year 1922 marked a milestone for the Clarence Center Volunteer Fire Company. In February of this year the company was able to purchase its first fire truck. The acquisition of this truck was important to the protection that the fire company offered the people in Clarence. Additionally, the first annual Labor Day picnic was held in 1922. This is a time-honored event in the town of Clarence; not only is it a way for the fire company to raise funds for improvements to the equipment used to serve the people of Clarence, but it is an event that families throughout the town look forward to every year. Since its beginnings the Clarence Volunteer Fire Company has become an indispensable part of the town. The company remains committed to providing fire, rescue, and EMS services to the citizens that reside within the district boundaries. They've continued to meet the needs of the rapidly growing population of Clarence Center. As we reach the 100th anniversary of this fire company the volunteers continue to dedicate themselves to serve and assist the members of their community. Thus Madam Speaker, in recognition of its 100th anniversary of tremendous service in the town of Clarence, I ask this Honorable Body join me in honoring the Clarence Center Volunteer Fire Company.