Thomas Reynolds

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, a ``Dear Colleague'' letter will be sent to all Members informing them that the Committee on Rules will meet the week of June 5, 2001, to grant a rule for the consideration of H.R. 1699, the Coast Guard Authorization Act of 2001. The Committee on Rules may grant a rule which would require that attachments be printed in the Congressional Record prior to their consideration on the floor. The Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure filed its report on the bill on May 24. Members should draft their amendments to the bill as reported by the Committee on Transportation and Infrastructure. Members should use the Office of Legislative Counsel to ensure that their amendments are properly drafted and should check with the Office of the Parliamentarian to be certain that their amendments comply with the rules of the House.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Washington (Ms. Dunn).

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Weller). (Mr. WELLER asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Watkins).

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mica).

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Blunt).

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

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Foley).

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Hayworth).

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, tax relief and tax fairness is not a Republican solution. It is a combined House solution. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Traficant). (Mr. TRAFICANT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance and to pay tribute to Harold Berke of Williamsville, New York. While Harold Berke is no longer with us, we are blessed that his memory and his achievements live on to this day. Born Harold Berkowitz, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps prior to the start of World War II. Harold achieved the rank of Master Sergeant, and during his service to our nation, invented a device that allowed a single man to lift the tail sections of airplanes for repair and inspection. Following his graduation from the University at Buffalo, which he attended under the GI Bill, Harold Berke went to work for Bell Aerospace, where, beginning in 1954, he led a group that provided a solution to an engine problem on the X2 rocket. Harold Berke's leadership and expertise were integral to other projects, such as the Agena Engine, Rascal Missile, Minute Man Missile, and the engine that ensured America's astronauts were returned safely from the moon. Harold Berke's contributions were not limited to engineering and aerospace. A loving husband and father, Harold Berke married the late Leah Rose in 1949. They were the proud parents of two sons, Ronald and Daniel. Together with his sons, Harold Berke built award-winning show cars, including a series of Corvettes, and a 1968 Camaro that won 30 awards in 10 shows. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in remembrance of Harold Berke's contributions to American rocketry and aerospace, and that we salute him in memoriam for his ability and leadership.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, as our entire nation pauses to honor its fallen heroes, our Memorial Day Observance has long held a special significance in my Congressional district. That's because, in 1865, the village of Waterloo, New York, became the first community in America to set aside a day of remembrance for those who made the ultimate sacrifice in service to their country, and has since been officially recognized as the birthplace of our modern Memorial Day holiday. Even with this proud history, this year's Memorial Day will have an even greater significance in our area of the country. That's because on Thursday, May 31, 2001, we will pay special tribute to the most decorated combat veteran in American history, Lt. Col. Matt Urban. When President Jimmy Carter presented Lt. Col. Urban with the Congressional Medal of Honor, 35 years after his heroic feats in World War II, the President described him as ``The Greatest Soldier in American history.'' Born in August of 1919 in Buffalo, New York, Matt Urban received 29 awards and decorations, including seven purple hearts, and the Silver and Bronze Stars. Matt Urban's bravery and valor earned him virtually every combat medal, as well as the nickname ``the Gray Ghost,'' from the German army. While there are many stories of Matt Urban's feats, his heroism upon the D-Day Invasion is typical of the battlefield leadership he exhibited during his time with the 60th Infantry Regiment, 9th Infantry Division. Then-Lieutenant Urban, despite a broken leg suffered during his landing on Omaha Beach, led an attack on German positions from the top of a tank, which not only saved his men trapped on the beach, but also drove the enemy off their positions and off the beach. Lt. Col. Matt Urban, an American hero, passed away on March 20, 1995, as a result of complications from a collapsed lung brought on by one of his seven war wounds. He was laid to rest in Arlington National Cemetery, a hero's honor, well-deserved. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, May 31, 2001, the man once dubbed ``The Hero We Nearly Forgot'' will be remembered by his hometown of Buffalo, New York, when the Lt. Col. Matt Urban Monument Fund presents a day of activities to honor and remember his bravery, valor and service; and I ask that this Congress, while pausing in memory of all those who have fallen in defense of freedom and liberty, join me in a special salute to our nation's most decorated combat veteran, Lt. Col. Matt Urban.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on H.R. 1836.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I listened with interest to my colleague. For the last 8 years, and probably a few years of the Bush I administration, we have not had an energy policy. I am looking forward to the President releasing that policy tomorrow and seeing if the Congress might be in a partnership of putting together an effective energy policy for the country. Mr. Speaker, let us get back to tax relief. In my congressional district, a family of four with a single wage earner earning the area's median income would currently pay a little more than $1,400. Their average income is $34,500 for a family of four. Under the President's plan, the $1,400 they currently pay under Federal income taxes, they would pay no Federal income tax money at all. This is tax relief across the board. If you pay in taxes, you get tax relief; and that tax relief can be significant at all levels, including the lowest level of income seeing the largest percentage of tax savings in this country. It is tax fairness, tax relief. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. This is a fair rule. It offers an amendment as well by the ranking member of the Committee on Ways and Means. I look forward to having it come to a vote. 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, 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 the resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only. (Mr. REYNOLDS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks, and include extraneous material.)

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on Rules. (Mr. DREIER 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 142 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 142 is a modified closed rule, providing for the consideration of H.R. 1836, a bill to provide for reconciliation instructions for legislation already approved by this body. The rule provides for 1 hour of general 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 consideration of the bill. The rule also provides for consideration of the amendment in the nature of a substitute, printed in the Committee on Rules report accompanying the resolution, if offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) or his designee, which shall be considered as read and shall be separately debatable for 1 hour equally divided and controlled between a proponent and an opponent. Furthermore, the rule waives all points of order against the amendment in the nature of a substitute and provides for one motion to recommit, with or without instructions. The rule provides that upon receipt of a message from the Senate transmitting H.R. 1836 with Senate amendments thereto, it shall be in order to consider in the House a motion offered by the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means or his designee and that the House disagree to the Senate amendments and request or agree to a conference with the Senate thereon. Mr. Speaker, I speak in strong support of this rule, and its underlying bill, H.R. 1836, the Economic Growth and Tax Relief Reconciliation Act of 2001. This bill provides immediate relief to taxpayers by reducing the present-law structure of five income tax rates to four by 2006. This is a fair rule that allows for a minority substitute. Economist and author James Dale Davidson had the following to say about taxes in America: ``The politicians do not just want your money. They want your soul. They want you to be worn down by taxes until you are dependent and helpless. When you subsidize poverty and failure, you get more of both.'' Mr. Speaker, I would hate to think that is what Americans think of us. Today we have the opportunity, and frankly the obligation, to give money back to its rightful owners. Let us not waste another minute. I realize that this tax cut plan has its share of critics. They say things like, ``It is not fair. We cannot afford it. It favors the rich.'' Or, ``The Federal Government will collapse.'' Spare me. Mr. Speaker, let us consider those arguments for just a moment. To those who say the President's tax cut plan is not fair, I ask, Is not fair to whom? Anyone who pays taxes will get a tax break, period. And the lowest income families receive the largest percentage reduction. What is not fair about that? There are others who say the President's tax cut plan favors the wealthy. In my congressional district, a family of four with a single wage earner earning the area's median family income will currently pay a little more than $1,400 in Federal income taxes. Under President Bush's plan, that family would pay no Federal income tax, not a penny. Mr. Speaker, still others say the Nation cannot afford a tax cut. With each projection, the budget surplus continues to grow. The President has offered a budget which funds education at record levels, protects and strengthens Social Security, pays off the largest amount of debt in world history, and allows vital government programs to grow at or above the rate of inflation. And still there is a surplus. If the Federal Government has more money than it needs to fund programs, it is for one reason and one reason only. People are sending too much of their hard-earned dollars to Washington. It is the people's money, not the government's, and they deserve a refund. The typical American family actually pays more in taxes than it spends on food, clothing, shelter and transportation combined. That is an outrageous burden, and one that we have a fundamental responsibility to change. This is a first step towards establishing parity and fairness in America's Tax Code. For years it has been well documented that taxpayers in my State send far more of their money to Washington than they get back in Federal programs and services. Under this tax plan, my home State of New York will receive the second most of any State in tax relief, $88.6 billion over 10 years. The fact that those hard-working families will receive on average more than $18,000 in relief is welcomed news, and an issue of fundamental fairness. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) and the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel), the ranking member, for their devotion and hard work on this measure. Mr. Speaker, the clock is ticking. I urge my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying legislation. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor both an extraordinary man and a dear friend. On Saturday, May 12, 2001, Dan Gernatt, Sr., will be honored with the prestigious DeWitt Clinton Masonic Award from the Grand Lodge of the State of New York. Named in honor of former New York Governor DeWitt Clinton, this award recognizes those who have given ``distinguished or outstanding community service,'' and ``whose actions exemplify a shared concern for the well-being of mankind.'' A dairy farmer who built the largest sand and gravel business in New York State, which today employs more than 200 people in seven plants, Dan Gernatt, Sr., has always worked to improve the quality of life in his community. He was not content simply to build a successful business, and believed strongly in giving back to those less fortunate. As the Dunkirk Observer noted, ``Gernatt is a philanthropist by definition: one who practices good will to fellow men; one who is active in the effort to promote human welfare; a humanitarian.'' Mr. Speaker, in ``Song of Myself,'' Walt Whitman wrote ``I do not give lectures on a little charity. When I give, I give myself.'' Throughout his life, Dan Gernatt, Sr. has given of himself time and time again, and I ask that this Congress join me in saluting those philanthropic works upon his receipt of the DeWitt Clinton Masonic Award.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. 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, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 127 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to the gentlewoman from New York (Ms. Slaughter), 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, and include extraneous material.)

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, last night the Committee on Rules met and granted a modified closed rule for H.R. 10, the Comprehensive Retirement Security and Pension Reform Act of 2001. The rule provides for 90 minutes of general debate with 60 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and the ranking member of the Committee on Ways and Means, and 30 minutes equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking member of the Committee on Education and the Workforce. Additionally, the rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill and against consideration of the amendment printed in the report. The rule provides that in lieu of the amendments recommended by the Committee on Ways and Means and the Committee on Education and the Workforce, the amendment in the nature of a substitute printed in the Congressional Record and numbered 1 shall be considered as adopted. The rule also provides for consideration of the amendment in the nature of a substitute, printed in the Committee on Rules report, if offered by the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) or his designee, which shall be considered as read and shall be separately debatable for 1 hour, equally divided and controlled between a proponent and an opponent. Finally, the rule provides for one motion to recommit with or without instructions. Mr. Speaker, this is a fair rule for reform of our Nation's pension and retirement security laws. This is clearly a balanced, bipartisan measure and this rule provides for a minority substitute and comprehensive debate. Mr. Speaker, in the Second Century, B.C., Cato the Elder, a Roman statesman, orator and writer, noted that ``cessation of work is not accompanied by cessation of expenses.'' In the next 15 years, some 76 million baby boomers will retire. But less than 40 percent of these retirees have invested enough to enjoy a comfortable, secure retirement. While people are living longer and healthier lives, our retirement systems simply have not kept pace. According to the Department of Labor, nearly half of all private sector workers will have no pension coverage, and only one-fifth of small businesses with 25 or fewer employees offer a pension plan. Individual Retirement Accounts provide a critically needed source of retirement savings for millions of workers currently lacking pension coverage, including the self-employed, part-time workers, and many small business employees. These are not the very wealthy, but instead, hard-working, middle-income Americans who would invest and save more money if only it was not for one significant barrier in their way, government regulations. The $2,000 IRA contribution limit has not been changed since 1981, and a lot has happened in 20 years. The absence of growth in retirement coverage since 1980 is simply unacceptable. Since 1990, pension coverage has declined from 40 to 33 percent among workers making less than $20,000; and despite record surpluses in the Federal Government, the personal savings rate has dropped every year since 1992 and is at its lowest point in 66 years. Currently, these high costs and complicated requirements prevent many employers from offering retirement options to their employees. It is time that we simplify the regulatory barriers and update our retirement systems. Let us make it easier for employers to help their employees and easier for employees to help themselves. The underlying bipartisan bill is critical to the financial and retirement security of countless Americans. H.R. 10 will strengthen Individual Retirement Accounts, 401(k) plans and small business retirement plans, finally bringing retirement savings to the 21st century. The Comprehensive Retirement Security and Pension Reform Act increases the old IRA contribution limit from $2,000 to $5,000 over the next 3 years for both traditional and Roth IRAs. One of the most important measures of H.R. 10 is that it includes a fairness provision to allow workers over 50 years of age to catch up in contributions for 401(k) plans by increasing the contribution level immediately. This bipartisan measure will remove excessive, burdensome and unnecessary Federal regulations, providing relief to American businesses and workers by encouraging small businesses to offer pension plans. By removing these restrictions, Americans will be allowed the freedom to invest in their future as never before. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 10 is a fair, balanced, and bipartisan plan that will help millions of Americans. I would like to commend the chairman of the Committee on Ways and Means, the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas), and the ranking member, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Rangel) for their hard work on this measure. In addition, I would like to commend the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Portman), and the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Cardin), the sponsors of underlying legislation for their dedication to pension and retirement reform. Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind this body that nearly an identical measure had overwhelming bipartisan support in the 106th Congress. I urge my colleagues to once again support this fair rule. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.