Thomas Reynolds

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. 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 5 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Bonilla), a member of the Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. REYNOLDS. 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 3 minutes to the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Nussle), the Chairman of the Committee on the Budget.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Kentucky (Mr. Rogers), the Chair of the Subcommittee on Transportation.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time is yielded for the purpose of debate only. Madam Speaker, House Resolution 178 is an open rule that provides for consideration of H.R. 2299, the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations for the Fiscal Year ending September 30, 2002. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. The rule also provides for 1 hour of general debate to be equally divided between the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Appropriations. The rule provides that the bill shall be considered for amendment by paragraph. In addition, the rule waives clause 2 of rule XXI (prohibiting unauthorized or legislative provisions in an appropriations bill) against provisions in the bill, except as otherwise specified in the rule. Further, the rule authorizes the Chair to accord priority in recognition to Members who have preprinted their amendments in the Congressional Record. Finally, the rule provides one motion to recommit, with or without instructions. Madam Speaker, the Committee on Appropriations has worked diligently to produce legislation that meets the Nation's transportation priorities. As more and more Americans hit the airways and the highways each year, this Congress can take pride in the fact that the underlying legislation represents an increase in safety measures and resources in every area of our transportation system. With all of the travel we do back and forth to our home districts, I am sure my colleagues can relate to the frustration of airline delays. That frustration is tenfold for countless Americans who rely on air travel for work and for pleasure each and every day. This bill includes several provisions to address the problem of airline delays such as fully funding the ``Free Flight'' program and raising funding for the ``Safe Flight 21'' programs. These programs develop technologies to aid in the improvement of airway capacity both responsibly and prudently. Moreover, the bill meets the funding obligation limitation in the transportation legislation known as TEA 21, the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century, by providing $31.7 billion in highway program obligation limitations, a 4 percent increase over the current fiscal year's level. Continuing our commitment toward investments in the Nation's infrastructure, this bill provides nearly $59.1 billion in total budgetary resources, a responsible 2 percent increase over the current fiscal year. This bill, much like last year's, continues to improve and enhance motor carrier safety by providing $206 million for motor carrier safety grants, an increase of $29 million that is consistent with truck safety reforms enacted as part of the Motor Carrier Safety Improvement Act of 1999. This body recently passed the Coast Guard authorization for fiscal year 2002. The Coast Guard's duties include promoting the safety of life and property at sea, enforcing all applicable Federal laws on the high seas, maintaining navigation aids, protecting the marine environment, and securing the safety and security of vessels, ports, and waterways. The legislation before us today appropriates in the amount of $5 billion, including $600 million for the Coast Guard's capital needs and $300 million available to initiate the ``Deepwater'' program, which will fight the scourge of illicit drugs, provide support for offshore search and rescue, and work to protect Americans and American shores. In addition, the bill provides $521 million for Amtrak's capital needs. This funding will cover capital expenses and preventive maintenance. This bill sustains the Federal commitment to continue in partnership with Amtrak and to help it reach its goal of self- sufficiency. These, along with other modest increases within the bill, will allow the Department of Transportation to have greater flexibility and oversight control for both large and small projects alike. Ensuring proper funding levels ensures the ability of the Department of Transportation to do its job, making travel safer and easier for us all. Safety should remain the Federal Government's highest responsibility in the transportation area. Clearly, whether by land, by sea, or by air, this bill addresses those needs and concerns, while maintaining the fiscal discipline that has been the hallmark of this Congress. Madam Speaker, I would like to commend the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Young), the chairman of the Committee on Appropriations, and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Obey), the ranking member, for their hard work on this measure. I would also like to commend the Chair of the Subcommittee on Transportation and its ranking member. I urge my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying legislation. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the remainder of my time. Mr. Speaker, to close, we have a rule before us. The gentleman has brought a point of order. I disagree with the point of order. While very, very sensitive to local government unfunded mandates, we have a threshold. It is $56 million. This is a normal course of business, as both my colleagues, the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Barr) and the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Tiahrt), have pointed out in their opposition to this point of order. Most important, I have also cited in my opening that on page 111 of the report, which we are going to consider as the rule is hopefully passed and the legislation is before the House, where $30 million under section 9 in the formula for funding will go to the District of Columbia's Metro system. That money is eligible for signs and other important aspects of how this legislation has been created within the appropriations bill. The gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Moran) has raised the possibility that H.R. 2299 may contain an unfunded mandate. I urge that we proceed forward so that we may continue consideration of this important legislation. Mr. Speaker, an aye vote is a vote for continuation of the consideration of the resolution. I urge an aye vote as we move forward from the point of order on to the rule and then to the legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from Georgia (Mr. Barr), the original sponsor of this legislation.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to take this opportunity to put to rest fears that this provision would violate the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act. While a review by the Congressional Budget Office determined the requirement to rename the station to be an intergovernmental mandate under the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, renaming the station falls well below the 2001 threshold of $56 million. In fact, this project is estimated to cost approximately $500,000. I submit CBO's findings for the Record. U.S. Congress, Congressional Budget Office, Washington, DC, June 25, 2001. Hon. James P. Moran, House of Representatives, Washington, DC. Dear Congressman: As you requested, the Congressional Budget Office has reviewed an amendment to H.R. 2299, the Department of Transportation and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2002, that was adopted by the Appropriations Committee on June 20, 2001. The amendment would require the Washington Metropolitan Area Transit Authority (WMATA) to redesignate the National Airport Station as the Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport Station, and to change all signs, maps, directories, and other documentation to reflect the new name. Our review was confined to determining whether that requirement constitutes an intergovernmental mandate as defined by the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act (UMRA) and, if so, whether the costs of that mandate would exceed the threshold established in that act. UMRA defines an intergovernmental mandate as an enforceable duty imposed upon state, local, or tribal governments, unless that duty is imposed as a condition of federal assistance. Because the requirement to rename the station is not a condition of federal assistance, it would be considered an intergovernmental mandate under UMRA. No funding is provided in the bill to cover the costs of complying with the mandate. However, based on information from WMATA, CBO estimates that those costs would be less than $500,000, well below the threshold established in UMRA ($56 million in 2001). If you wish further information, we will be pleased to provide it. The CBO contact is Susan Tompkins. Sincerely, Barry B. Anderson (For Dan L. Crippen, Director). My colleague may claim as he did last night in the Committee on Rules that this provision is impractical. However, in the past, Metro has made name changes to other existing stations, changes that have been just as long and in some cases longer. A station in Virginia that is George Mason University, you would see GMU University. And so we could say RR National Airport. We could look at other provisions where Metro has worked on it. In addition, Mr. Speaker, it is important to note, as I who have always watched closely unfunded mandates to make sure that we are not saddling local government with an unfair burden. I have cited for the record the threshold of $56 million. But I also must bring out something else very important to my colleagues, that is, when we look at the report which we will consider in the rule and then following as the debate goes on the floor for the transportation appropriations committee, we will find on page 111 that under section 9, Formula Money, that the signs are eligible for funding for the $30 million that Metro will receive from the Federal Government as this year's allocation of appropriation just under section 9. That is $30 million, of which a half a million dollars is eligible for signage. Mr. Speaker, the gentleman from Virginia helped craft the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, and in playing such a key role in that creation, he should know that these thresholds were instilled to prevent time- consuming and unwarranted attacks on House legislation. While I appreciate my colleague's efforts to uphold the integrity of the Unfunded Mandates Reform Act, this is clearly a dilatory tactic meant to delay consideration of the underlying legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to the point of order.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute not only to an outstanding public servant, but a dear friend, Mr. Joseph B. Lynch. Next week, friends and co-workers will gather in Albany, NY, to salute Joe's leadership as Commissioner of the New York State Division of Housing and Community Renewal, and to extend their fondest wishes as Joe begins his retirement after a long and distinguished career. Joe first joined DHCR in April of 1995 when he was tapped by Governor George E. Pataki to serve as Deputy Commissioner for Community Development. Successive promotions led to Joe's appointed as Commissioner on February 10, 1999. A registered architect, graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, and veteran of the United States Navy, Joe was former Area Manager of the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) Buffalo Office and Acting Regional Administrator, where he provided an extensive range of housing and community development programs and administered HUD's operating programs in 48 counties in upstate New York. Under Joe's leadership, a series of public-private partnerships and innovative initiatives helped revatlize communities across New York state. Joe's previous service and expertise includes serving as President and CEO of the Audubon New Community in Amherst, N.Y., Senior Staff Officer for the New York State Urban Development Corporation in the Western New York area, and Director of Design and Construction for the State University Construction Fund. Joe has been honored countless times for his professional achievements, and is active in a wide-range of community and professional organizations. Mr. Speaker. Throughout Joe Lynch's career, he has made a difference not only in our Western New York community and across our state, but in our nation as well. And as he begins his retirement from public service, I ask that this Congress join me in saluting Joe Lynch's career the difference that he has made.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the distinguished 45-year law enforcement career of an outstanding public servant and a dear friend, Andrew P. Meloni. Since taking office as Sheriff of Monroe County, New York, on January 1, 1980, Andy Meloni made his department one of the preeminent law enforcement agencies in the entire United States. Sheriff Meloni's 20- year tenure has been marked by innovative leadership, consummate professionalism and an unquestioned commitment to public service. A member of the Executive Board of the New York State Sheriffs' Association, the National Sheriffs' Association and as a Commissioner on the Commission for Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies, Sheriff Meloni was nominated by President Clinton and Former President Bush as a ``Point of Light.'' Through Sheriff Meloni's leadership, the Monroe County Sheriff's Office--the largest Sheriff's office in New York state--has received national recognition for its creative programs. A husband and father of five children, Sheriff Meloni has further given of this time, talents and energy by working with and raising funds for numerous children's programs and services, and is an active Compeer volunteer. A veteran of the United States Army, Andrew Maloni has had a proud and distinguished career in law enforcement and public safety-- beginning work in the Sheriff's department in 1954, and subsequently serving as Undersheriff, Monroe County Public Safety Administrator and Director of Public Safety for the University of Rochester. Mr. Speaker, Andrew P. Meloni retired as Monroe County Sheriff on May 31, 2001; and I ask that this Congress join me in saluting his leadership, commitment and professionalism in protecting the lives, safety and well being of his community.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Well, I thank the gentleman, and he made the trip a highly successful one for this newest member of this bipartisan delegation that was in Lithuania and then in Bulgaria. I somewhat shared with my staff that I felt it was like taking a three-credit hour, 1-week class to learn a little on NATO, a little on Europe and its politics, the European Union interaction and European history to understand all that.

Mr. REYNOLDS. From that new knowledge, and as I understand the presentation now, I have gained an appreciation of some of the general direction of NATO and our role in that important body, as well as the subject of NATO expansion and Lithuania, which was our host. I might add that our colleague, the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Shimkus), of Lithuanian descent, was immediately a recognized hero not only for his basketball skills but by his presence and his caring for his homeland. He also had the unique opportunity of sharing some of that with his family, which I know was very, very important to him. When we look at the picture of not only that meeting in Lithuania but the opportunity to go to Bulgaria, it was a new enlightening experience for me to see a country that many had considered the 16th part of the Soviet Union but who have now shown not only stability for themselves but been a tremendous partner in the region of stabilization. Particularly as we arrived there, we saw the meeting with the President, the Prime Minister, the chairman of the parliament, as well as a number of ministers, and recognized the relationships they had built with their neighbors, both Greece and Turkey, and the interaction and confidence both those countries had with Bulgaria. It was interesting looking at the democracy underway; that they have chosen to look at the Western Hemisphere as a model of where they want to pursue trade and opportunities of partnering, and also with Europe and the opportunity of trying to be successful in the admission to the European Union and to NATO. This showed me a country that is very important to the United States and, more importantly, to the world's interest with regard to the stability of the region. I think as a candidate for both NATO and the European Union membership we have an important role in Congress in the debate over that NATO enlargement. The first measures urging enlargement during the last round came from the House in 1994, and it is time again for the Chamber to enter the debate. Certainly Bulgaria, in the visit and the extensive conversations and meetings we had with its government, shows that they are doing everything in their power to prepare themselves to be ready to be a candidate for both the European Union but, more importantly for our mission, to NATO. And I look forward to their progress in the coming year as that is measured.

Mr. REYNOLDS. I thank the chairman, and I just want to say that I support the Shimkus resolution as a cosponsor. As he advances that debate in the House, I look forward to participating with him and assisting him in the endeavor of that resolution. I also want to say this is an important time, while our President is overseas in that part of the world that NATO's whole universe is about, the aspect of defense of our allies. So this is a tremendous time to launch the further debate on NATO enlargement and reminding not only ourselves but the world of the criteria that NATO has established and that these countries are working diligently to meet that strong criteria so that they can be partnering in a NATO alliance in the future. I believe enlargement is a subject that, while we only discussed it today, should hopefully bring a result in Prague in 2002.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to an outstanding public servant, an American patriot, and my good friend, Dr. Roger Triftshauser. On Friday, June 8, Roger will be honored for his twenty years of service as a member of the Genesee County Legislature. First elected in 1982, Roger was elected for ten consecutive terms, rising to the position of Chairman of the Legislature. Earlier this year, he resigned his position to become Special Assistant for Intercounty Affairs for Governor George E. Pataki. That Roger would resign from the Legislature to answer the Governor's call is no surprise to those who know him. Because Roger Triftshauser has always answered the call to provide his leadership and service to his community. A native of Warsaw, New York, Roger accepted a commission in the United States Naval Reserve while a student at the University at Buffalo. He received his degree of Doctor of Dental Surgery in 1961, and served on active duty as a Naval Dental Officer from 1961 to 1967. Roger has served the Naval Reserve Dental Corps for more than 30 years, earning promotion to Rear Admiral. Roger's tenure in the Genesee County Legislature was marked by outstanding strategic leadership, a bedrock commitment to values and principles, and an unquestioned devotion to making his community a better place to live, work and raise a family. Mr. Speaker, it is my sincere pleasure to offer my congratulations and thanks to my friend, Dr. Roger Triftshauser for his two decades of service to the Genesee County Legislature, and I ask that this Congress join me in saluting his service and achievements.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, in sports today, words like courage and character, leadership and perseverance are used so frequently they have become almost cliche. Sometimes, though, a story emerges that rekindles our faith in the indomitable will of the human spirit, which proves a sports figure can embody all those traits and more, and which inspires not only a team but an entire community. Such is the case in a story of Mike Fennell, coach of the McQuaid Jesuit High School baseball team in Rochester, New York. One week ago, Mike coached the Knights to their first section v baseball championship in 20 years. It was the 250th victory of his coaching career, the team's fourth championship game in 5 years, and Coach Fennell's first sectional title. Indeed, these accomplishments are worthy of note, but they are even more remarkable considering just days before the championship game in Rochester's Frontier Field, Mike Fennell was in a hospital bed recovering from yet another surgery in his valiant crusade against non-smoker's lung cancer. Since his diagnosis in November, Mike has faced this disease bravely, stubbornly, and even with a good dose of humor. His struggle has been so valiant and inspiring that following Mike's hair loss, resulting from ongoing chemotherapy, the McQuaid Knights wanted to do something special to show their support, love, and respect for their ailing coach, and that is when the team, led by pitcher Mike Lewis and catcher Paul Knittle, decided to shave their own heads. A baseball standout at Fairport High School and Le Moyne College, Mike spent several years in the New York Yankee farm clubs, but the leadership and inspiration Mike has shown these past few months transcend any sport or championship. During the trophy presentation, still weak from his chemo treatments, Mike shunned his walker that his wife, Erin, and nurse, Patty Messina, wanted him to use to make the trek from the dugout to home plate. He would make that walk the same way he has faced his disease, through faith, determination, and sheer will. Mike Fennell has shown each of us how to face adversity, both bravely and proudly. He has shown us the strength to endure, even when doctors and his own body want him to stop. Most importantly, he has shown us there is nothing quite so tenacious and unbreakable as a human spirit. Madam Speaker, I ask this Congress to join me in saluting a hero and a champion, Coach Mike Fennell.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, we are in the countdown to real meaningful tax reform for America. It has been said by myself and other speakers today, Americans are spending a greater percentage of their income towards taxes now than any time since World War II, essentially comprising the largest share of the gross domestic product. In the land of equality, where is the fairness in that? This tax package provides relief to every single taxpayer, removing millions of Americans from the tax roll altogether. This tax plan is predicated on the idea that a sensible tax policy will generate high rates of long-term growth. Reductions of marginal tax rates will encourage greater work effort and provide more inducement for taxpayers to save, invest and build in business enterprises. America, this is your money, and you know how to spend it best. I am asking my colleagues to give you the refund you have asked for. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to give America what they need and what they have earned: responsible, common-sense tax relief. I urge my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying legislation. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution. The previous question was ordered.

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

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I listened to my distinguished colleague talk about his view of having been part of what the left has been on a growing government, a bigger government, more spending. While I have not been in this body a lengthy time, I have been elected now over a quarter of a century, and I have learned at the town and the county and the State level as well as right here on the Federal level, if you leave a pile of money on the table, it is going to get spent. The simple fact is that even after we pay down America's debt, strengthen and secure Social Security and Medicare, improve education and bolster America's defense, we still have enough left over to relieve overtaxed and overburdened American families. We are going to do this in the light of day today. We are going to do it with a bipartisan vote, I am willing to predict, as this rule is passed and we move forward with the debate on the tax bill. But there is also no question that in 1993, the majorities of the two houses and the then President of the United States imposed the largest tax increase in the history of America. It is also true right now that we are paying more taxes now than any time since World War II. The bottom line is that this agreement, a consensus worked out by Republicans and Democrats in this House and in the other body, has brought a result of compromise, what this bill is that is going to be coming up before us today. I urge passage of the rule and onward with the tax cut. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, the rule provides that the conference report shall be considered as read and further provides for 1 hour of debate equally divided and controlled by the chairman and the ranking member of the Committee on Ways and Means. Additionally, the rule waives all points of order against the conference report and against its consideration. Further, the rule provides that the yeas and nays shall be considered as ordered on the question of adoption of the conference report and on any subsequent conference report or motion to dispose of an amendment between the Houses on H.R. 1836. Mr. Speaker, we are in the home stretch. We are in the final stages of bringing about real tangible tax relief to all Americans. With surpluses at an all-time high, and the fiscal responsibility to match, it is time for a refund. In testimony earlier this year before the House Committee on Ways and Means, Treasury Secretary Paul O'Neill presented the following argument: ``Through hard work and ingenuity, Americans have created a booming economy that has spread prosperity around the world. Individuals have created new technologies that have made our industries more productive and have improved the standard of living for millions of Americans. We have no business continuing to collect more in Federal taxes than the cost of the services the government provides. It's not the government's money, it's the people's money, and we should return it to them as quickly as possible.'' Current high rates punish low-income Americans by creating a disincentive to get ahead. We punish thrift and hard work and the innate desire in all Americans to strive to do better, to realize the American Dream. For example, under the current Tax Code a single mom making $25,000 a year pays a higher marginal tax rate than someone making $250,000 a year. Taxes now claim a greater share of the median two-income family's income than food, clothing, housing, and transportation combined. And Americans are spending a greater percentage of income towards taxes than at any time since World War II, essentially comprising the largest share of the gross domestic product. In the land of equality, where is the fairness in that? This tax package provides relief to every single taxpayer, removing millions of Americans from the tax roll all together. This plan is predicated on the idea that a sensible tax policy will generate high rates of long-term growth. Reductions in marginal tax rates, will encourage greater work ethic and provide more inducement for taxpayers to save, invest, and build business enterprises. Families need the flexibility to dedicate their resources towards their most pressing concerns. While some may need more to help pay off their debts, others may need extra money to pay tuition for their child or to invest in their retirement. The point is, government should not be making these decisions for them. Mr. Speaker, I have had the opportunity to speak to my colleagues and the American people on this measure twice before. While its details have most certainly changed, it includes every aspect of President Bush's tax cut proposal. Most important, its essence remains the same: needed tax relief for working Americans. When I first stood before the House back in March, I spoke of a constituent of mine, Paul Meloon of Batavia. A husband, father, and teacher, Paul warned that, ``The people can't afford our high taxes. We can't afford so much year after year on Federal programs. No one asks if the taxpayer can afford a tax hike. It's not a matter of affording a tax cut, we demand it.'' To Paul and his family, and millions more like him, I say simply this: we have heard your demand, and we are acting on it. Historic tax relief is on its way. America, this is your money, and you know how to spend it best. I am asking my colleagues to help give you this refund you have asked for. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas), and the ranking member, my colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), for their hard work to make desperately needed tax relief a reality. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to give America what they need and what they have earned: responsible, common-sense tax relief. I urge my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, for purposes of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Frost), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. (Mr. REYNOLDS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 153 and ask for its immediate consideration.