Thomas Reynolds

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of the time. Mr. Speaker, the year 1969 saw examples of the best and worst of what the Federal Government can do. On one hand, the Department of Defense reachers invented the Internet, which has opened up a world of knowledge to anyone with access to a computer. On the other hand, in 1969, Congress controlled by the other side of the aisle, created the original version of the AMT. But while the Internet has continually evolved, the AMT structure has not. It has now become a stealth tax, sneaking up on unsuspecting middle class taxpayers. Mr. Speaker, many of us here today on both sides of the aisle would likely support AMT relief that goes far beyond what is included in this bill. But the legislation before us today is a crucial first step. I urge my colleagues to come together on a strong bipartisan basis to protect the middle class against stealth tax increases from the AMT.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Madam Speaker, I recently hosted roundtables with manufacturers in my district. Whether it is currency manipulation or unfair subsidies, it is clear that our local employers have long had enough of the way China cheats on trade. As John Hoskins of Curtis Screw in Buffalo told me, they have ``never been afraid to compete globally.'' But this century-old manufacturer can only compete globally if they can compete fairly, and they note that some of their Chinese competitors have much of the cost subsidized by the government. ``To put this in perspective,'' he said, ``the only way . . . U.S. manufacturers can compete . . . is if the United States Government begins to pay for our building, our labor, and employee benefits and . . . other costs of doing business.'' That is exactly what the Chinese are doing today. The United States Trade Rights Enforcement Act will help combat illegal subsidies, provide additional funding for enforcement of trade laws, and make certain that our products and services have fair access to Chinese markets, all critical aspects of our fight to ensure fair trade. I commend the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. English) and the gentleman from California (Chairman Thomas) for their hard work on this issue, and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this legislation. As a long-time champion of fair trade and a lead cosponsor of this legislation, I rise in strong support of the U.S. Trade Rights Enforcement Act. When China was permitted to join the World Trade Organization in 2001, there was an implicit promise made to American businesses, workers, and consumers--that we would get a fair deal in our trade relations with the Chinese. Yet, in so many areas--intellectual property rights, currency valuation, subsidies, trade barriers, you name it--we see China failing to uphold its end of the bargain by ignoring international trade norms. The bill includes a variety of measures that will help bring an end to unfair trade practices abroad, and level the playing field for American companies and workers. The countervailing duties provision is especially important for local manufacturers. It's an important instrument for U.S. businesses trying to successfully combat illegal subsidies; and it is a big reason why the National Association of Manufacturers (NAM) has expressed its strong support for this measure. I recently hosted roundtables with manufacturers in my district; and whether it's currency manipulation or unfair subsidies, it's clear that our local employers have long had enough of the way China cheats on trade. As John Hoskins of Curtis Screw in Buffalo told me, they've ``never been afraid to compete globally.'' But this century-old manufacturer can only compete globally if they can compete fairly, and they note their Chinese competitors have much of their costs subsidized by the government. ``To put this in perspective,'' he said, ``the only way * * * U.S. manufacturers can compete * * * is if the US government begins to pay for our building * * * our labor, our employee benefits and * * * other costs of doing business.'' ``That's exactly what the Chinese are doing today.'' I have always maintained that our products and our workers can compete anywhere, with anyone in the world, as long as that competition is fair. This bill will help combat illegal subsidies, provide additional funding for enforcement of trade laws, and make certain that our products and services have fair access to Chinese markets--all critical aspects of our fight to ensure fair trade. I commend Congressman English and Chairman Thomas for their hard work on this issue; and I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this bill.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 361, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to pay tribute to the late Warren ``Clip'' Smith, a veteran broadcast personality and civic leader who touched the lives of thousands through his career and work in the Western New York community. The life-long Lockport resident is fondly remembered by thousands following his unexpected passing on August 21, 2004. From the 1960s on, the ``Clipper,'' as he was commonly referred, was a respected name in the radio and television industry, earning a reputation for his strong opinions, as well as his quick wit and one- liner quips. His career began as Operations Manager and Director of News and Sports for WUSJ Radio, now known as WLVL in Lockport. He went on to serve as anchor, reporter and sports play-by-play announcer with WKBW-TV Channel 7 in Buffalo, New York, from 1971 to 1989, later working as a reporter and talk show host with WGR Radio in Buffalo from 1991 to 1995. Clip was also a widely recognized commentator and reporter with WBEN Radio in Buffalo. Finally, from 1990 until the time of his death, Clip served as anchor, reporter and in public relations for the Empire Sports Network in Buffalo. The multi-talented Clipper also was a musician. He was a member of the Lockport Federation of Musicians and a professional member of the American Federation of Musicians; Clip was a concert soloist on the trombone, euphonium, tuba and string bass. But above all else, Clip will be remembered for the active civic role he played, always ready to take up the citizens' cause on a variety of issues. Clip served on a local board of education from 2003-2004, was active with Lockport Rotary Club, Literacy Volunteers, Buffalo City Mission, New York State Recycling Congress, and the Niagara County Republican Committee. He also was a member of several local unions. Western New Yorkers will always remember Clip as a respected community leader and a dear friend. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in honoring the late Warren ``Clip'' Smith, and recognize his years of service to the community and broadcast industry.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to pay tribute to 11-year-old Katie Brownell, of Genesee County, New York, for pitching a perfect Little League game on May 14th. This is a terrific accomplishment and Katie has much to be proud of, as do her family and her community. Katie, the only female player in the league, displayed tremendous ability as she pitched the perfect game, striking out every single batter she faced, allowing not even a single baserunner. This is not the first time Katie has dominated a baseball game however. In her first appearance on the mound this season, Katie allowed only one hit, striking out 14 batters through five innings. Katie also has a batting average of .714 through the first three games of the season. Furthermore, Katie has shown tremendous sportsmanship, taking this accomplishment humbly and in stride. Katie has never gloated and has never bragged. She simply loves the game and enjoys playing it-- characteristics equally as impressive as her abilities. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in honoring Katie Brownell, and recognize her tremendous athletic abilities and sportsmanship after pitching a perfect game for her Little League team.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the Springville-Griffith Institute and Springville-Griffith Institute Central School District on the occasion of its 175th Anniversary. As a proud graduate of Springville-Griffith Institute, I know firsthand the dedication that the teachers, administrators and staff bring to providing a top-notch education for their students. Springville Academy was organized in 1825. After Dewitt Clinton penned the school's incorporation in 1827, it opened its doors in 1830, making it the first high school in Erie County. The original school building was a modest one, with most of the funds used to build the school coming from community donations. From the time of its inception, Springville Academy became an educational cornerstone of both Springville and Western New York, drawing students from all across the region. By 1849, there were 110 boys and 100 girls attending the school. In 1867, the school became known as the Griffith Institute in recognition of a scholarship gift from Archibald Griffith. As the years passed, the school and its student population grew, as did its reputation for providing a quality education. Today, the district boasts an enrollment of over 2,300 students. Over the past 175 years, the Springville-Griffith Institute has touched the lives of thousands of students, their families, our community and our nation. Notable graduates of the school include: author and statesmen Clark E. Carr, who suggested that his close friend, President Abraham Lincoln, be invited to speak at Gettysburg; Ralph B. Waite, who brought the world ``painless dentistry'' through the introduction of Novocain; and Glen S. ``Pop'' Warner, the man who introduced protective padding, numbered plays and jerseys, and who pioneered the forward pass, spiral, forever changing the game of football. Schools are cornerstones of our communities, and nowhere is that more true than in Springville, New York. Throughout its history, the Griffith Institute's staff--past and present--have helped shape and positively influence thousands of local students, and continue to do so today. We in Western New York appreciate all that the Springville- Griffith Institute has done to educate generations of children, and we hope for many more successful years to come. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in celebrating the 175h Anniversary of the Springville Academy, Griffith Institute, and Springville-Griffith Institute Central School District.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, the issue before us today is certainly not a new on new one. During the past three Congresses, the House has voted repeatedly in a bipartisan fashion to eliminate the death tax. And today, once again, we have the opportunity to bury the death tax once and for all. The death tax punishes savings, thrift, and hard work among American families. Small businesses and farmers, in particular, are unfairly penalized for their blood, sweat and tears--paying taxes on already- taxed assets. Instead of investing money on productive measures such as creating new jobs or purchasing new equipment, businesses and farms are forced to divert their earnings to tax accountants and lawyers just to prepare their estates. All too often, those families are literally forced to sell the family farm or business just to payoff their death taxes. Equally disturbing is the fact that the death tax actually raises relatively little revenue for the federal government. In fact, some studies have found that it may actually cost the government and taxpayers more in administrative and compliance costs than it raises in revenue. Mr. Speaker, my rural and suburban district in western New York is home to countless small businesses and family farms. They're owned by hard-working families who pay their taxes, create jobs and contribute not only to the quality of life in their communities, but to this nation's rich heritage. Is it so much to ask that they be able to pass on the fruits of their labor--their small business or their family farm--to their children? Must Uncle Sam continue to play the Grim Reaper? The fact is that they paid their taxes in life--on every acre sown, on every product sold, and on every dollar earned. They shouldn't be taxed in death, too. Mr. Speaker, it's time to bury the death tax once and for all. I commend Congressman Hulshof for introducing this crucial legislation and Chairman Thomas for his continued leadership on this issue.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize the Tonawanda News, based in North Tonawanda, New York, on the occasion of its 125th Anniversary. Over the past 125 years, the Tonawanda News has become the written record for the Tonawandas, a trusted source of information and a cornerstone of the community that it serves. The Tonawanda Daily News was founded on April 1, 1880, by Dr. George S. Hobbie, when the newspaper's first edition rolled off the presses with just four pages of newsprint. It was the Tonawandas' first and only daily newspaper dedicated to reporting news in the cities of Tonawanda and North Tonawanda. Even in its humble beginnings, Dr. Hobbie knew the importance of building the newspaper's reputation and credibility among readers, and saw that it promptly appeared at noon each day. The Tonawanda News went on to be run by the first female publisher in New York state, Mrs. Ruby Hewitt, who played an important role in the growth and prosperity of the paper. Over the last 125 years, the paper's circulation and reputation have grown tremendously; and all the while, the Tonawanda News and its staff have strived continually to provide the residents of the Twin Cities with accurate and timely news and information. Today, the Tonawanda News is known as one of the most reliable and accurate newspapers in Western New York. The journalistic standards that Dr. Hobbie, Mrs. Hewitt, and others instilled in the paper's staff over the years have not been forgotten; the paper remains committed to the values upon which it was founded, and the rich tradition that it has built. I would like to offer my congratulations to the publishers, editors, and staff of the Tonawanda News, past and present, for all their hard work. I hope and expect that our ``Hometown Newspaper'' will be around for another 125 years. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in celebrating the 125th Anniversary of the Tonawanda News.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, when former U.S. Representative Tillie Fowler passed away last week, we lost an inspiration, a mentor, a patriot, and a friend. From the time she first came to Congress, Tillie Fowler was committed above all else to serving the American people. Her warm manner, unmistakable intelligence, clear understanding of defense policy, and obvious love for her country helped her quickly rise to a position of influence within the party. Despite her great responsibilities, Congresswoman Fowler remained deeply rooted in her community, and committed to those individuals she was elected to represent. Tillie Fowler demonstrated to us all what a noble calling public service can be; and she still serves as an inspiration to many of us today, myself included. With the passing of Tillie Fowler, we truly lost one of the brightest stars the Sunshine State ever had to offer. Her legacy and influence will not be forgotten, for we are forever indebted to her for all that she was able to accomplish.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker. It is with great pleasure that I rise to pay tribute to Mr. Edward Fauth, Jr., of Corfu, New York, for his fifty years of active service as a volunteer firefighter. For the past fifty years, Edward Fauth, Jr., has served the Corfu community as a member of the Corfu Rescue Hook & Ladder Company. During that time with the company, he has played a vital role in community safety, holding a number of different positions including Chief, Assistant Chief, Second Assistant Chief, Trustee and Vice President. Anytime a citizen volunteers his or her time for the betterment of the community, it is commendable. For one man to have given fifty years as a volunteer firefighter is nothing short of remarkable. His commitment to his fellow citizens and dedication to his community truly exemplify the ideals of public service. Through his dedication, Edward has made a considerable and lasting contribution to our community, and for that he deserves our deepest gratitude. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in honoring Mr. Edward Fauth, Jr., of Corfu, New York, and thank him for his fifty years of active service as a volunteer firefighter.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I ask to address the House for 5 minutes.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I am glad that the Democratic leader mentioned the bipartisan support led by the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Ney) and the gentleman from (Mr. Hoyer). The committee on which I sit, the Committee on House Administration, did bipartisan work on the Help America Vote Act of 2002, and it took a step in the right direction. For the record, the chairman has also scheduled hearings to evaluate where we are and where we are going in the future so we can work in a bipartisan fashion on the Help America Vote Act and its future considerations. Mr. Speaker, in 1974, Captain Hiroo Onada formally surrendered to the U.S. military forces. What made his surrender particularly unique is Captain Onada, who had already been declared legally dead for 15 years, was a member of the Imperial Army, still fighting a war whose outcome had been decided 29 years earlier. Thirty years later, another contest whose results have been firmly decided is being waged not on some remote island, but in the halls of the United States Congress. It is a sad day. Mr. Speaker, President Bush won more votes than any candidate in America's history. His opponent conceded that victory long ago. The Ohio results have been certified, and one of that State's newspapers, the Dayton Daily News, reported last month that those advancing the wild-eyed conspiracy theories surrounding Ohio's electorate votes are ``speaking nonsense.'' Mr. Speaker, it is amazing to me that my colleagues on the other side of the aisle cannot accept the words of their very own candidate who said, ``We cannot win this election.'' The American people have spoken. I urge my colleagues on the other side of the aisle to open their ears and hear their voices; to join us in facing the challenges of the future rather than trying to change the past. President Bush has been duly elected by the people of this great country, and it is time for those who refuse to accept the American people's decision, if you will pardon the expression, to move on. Mr. Speaker, I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Regula). (Mr. REGULA asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to pay tribute to Dr. Tammie Lee Demler of Wheatfield, NY, for recently being honored as both a New York State Senate ``Woman of Distinction'' and the ``2004 Pharmacist of the Year.'' Since receiving a Doctor of Pharmacy degree from the University at Buffalo School of Pharmacy, Dr. Demler has received a number of accolades. She became the President of the Pharmacists' Association of Western New York (PAWNY), and this year was named ``2004 Pharmacist of the Year'' by the association. Dr. Demler currently serves as the Director of the University's Psychiatric Pharmacy Post Doctoral Residency Program where she mentors graduate students. She has made numerous contributions to both the association and the pharmacology profession. Dr. Demler received another prestigious award from the New York State Senate this past June, being named a ``Woman of Distinction.'' The award was created to honor women throughout New York that have played an important role in ``adding strength, understanding, and inspiration to the diversity and quality of life'' in the state; I can think of no one more deserving of this award that Dr. Demler. Dr. Demler spends much of her free time working for the betterment of the community, such as helping organize the ``Taste of Buffalo,'' a very important annual event. Dr. Demler has made a considerable and lasting contribution to both her profession and our community, and for that she deserves our deepest gratitude. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in congratulating Dr. Tammie Lee Demler for being named as both a ``Woman of Distinction'' and the ``2004 Pharmacist of the Year.''

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize Congressman Amo Houghton of Corning, New York, as he retires from the U.S House of Representatives after 18 years of exemplary public service. Throughout his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Amo Houghton was one of those individuals who showed us what a noble calling public service can be. Amo has been a bright, compassionate and valued leader, and he retires as one of the most respected members of Congress, on either side of the aisle. And despite his great responsibilities, Amo always remained deeply rooted in his community, and in our Western New York values. Throughout his entire career, he remained a fiscal conservative committed to responsible government spending. As the sixth ranking Republican on the House Ways and Means Committee, Amo has played an important role in ensuring that our Nation's tax policy was shaped with the best interests of New Yorkers in mind. His service on the International Relations Committee and as vice-chairman of the Subcommittee on Africa allowed him to use his deep understanding of international affairs to manage important foreign relations matters. Amo also earned a reputation for terrific constituent service; it is easy to see why, for he truly cares about the well-being of each and every one of his constituents. I salute Amo Houghton for all that he has done for Western New York and New York state in his time here in Congress. Our community owes him a tremendous debt of gratitude. I will certainly miss his friendship, his intelligence, and his warm personality; but I wish him all the best in all his future endeavors. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in thanking Congressman Amo Houghton of Corning, New York, for his years of service to Western New York, New York state, and our Nation, as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise to recognize Congressman Jack Quinn of Hamburg, New York, as he retires from the U.S. House of Representatives after 12 years of exemplary public service. Throughout his time in the U.S. House of Representatives, Jack represented both his constituents and the institution with grace and integrity. He loved his country, his community and his family, never straying from the strong values he was raised on. Throughout his entire career, Jack always acted with the best interests of New Yorkers in mind. As the chairman of the House Republican Working Group on Labor, Jack was the ``go-to guy'' in our conference on a wide variety of labor-related issues. His positions on both the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee and the Veterans' Affairs Committee allowed Jack to do important work on behalf of our Nation's veteran community and passenger rail systems, employees and customers, issues that were of great importance to him. While he distinguished himself as a Member of Congress and earned the respect of colleagues on both sides of the aisle, Jack was also notable for his esteemed academic career, his knowledge on a wide variety of issues, and his deep commitment to serving his constituents. I salute Jack for all that he has done for western New York and New York State in his time in Congress. He has been a close personal friend of mine, and I am proud to have worked closely with him here in the House and back at home in western New York. Mr. Speaker, I ask that this Congress join me in thanking Congressman Jack Quinn of Hamburg, New York, for his years of service to western New York, New York State, and our Nation, as a member of the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. REYNOLDS

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 856 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.)

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 856 is a closed rule that provides for consideration of S. 2986, a bill to increase the public debt limit. The rule provides one hour of debate, equally divided and controlled by the chairman and ranking minority member of the Committee on Ways and Means. The rule waives all points of order against consideration of the bill. Finally, the rule provides 1 motion to commit. Mr. Speaker, the debt limit increase bill that will come before this body is a necessary step in order to avoid a shutdown of our government. The Federal Government has never before defaulted on our obligations, but without our immediate action today we will simply be unable to pay our bills. Mr. Speaker, the underlying bill increases the statutory debt limit in order to protect the full faith and credit of the United States. It is necessary and not an unusual step to ensure that the Federal Government is able to pay its bills. It is important to note that the level of debt subject to limit is a function of past decisions made by decades of administrations and Congresses. It is equally important to note that increasing the debt limit does not increase the deficit. As Robert Rubin, President Clinton's Treasury Secretary noted, ``Passage of the debt ceiling is totally unrelated to deficit reduction.'' And in testimony before the House Committee on Banking and Financial Services, he further noted that ``The debt limit is about meeting obligations already incurred, while future deficits can only be reduced so actions taken in the budget process itself.'' While the publicly-held debt has increased more rapidly in recent years, it is a result of the ongoing war against terrorism, an effort that began after the horrific attacks on our Nation on September 11, 2001. Without passage of the underlying bill today, vital programs such as Social Security, medicare, unemployment insurance benefits, veterans' care, and military retirement are all put in jeopardy. We risk not providing food, clothing, ammunition, and other necessary resources to our brave men and women engaged in the war on terror. Highway funding, disaster assistance, the Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program, all will be at risk. In addition, if we do not act today, taxpayers will be further burdened with higher interest rates, and we risk the disruption of financial markets at a time when our national economy continues to grow at a strong pace. Mr. Speaker, this rule and this underlying legislation is necessary to keep the government operating, ensure the continued delivery of vital services for our citizens, and provide the equipment, supplies, and munitions our troops need to continue our fight in the war on terror. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this rule and the underlying bill. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I think it is important to just clarify the record that while public debt is held by foreign interests, foreigners invest in the United States because we have a sound economy and we provide a safe place for them due to our low risk of default. The market for U.S. Treasury securities is the largest, most liquid and transparent financial market in the world. It is also important for our colleagues to know that our debt limit increase is not an unusual function if we just look at the 21st century, but I think we kind of have to look at the last half of the 20th century. The level of outstanding debt is subject to a limit and a function that is past decisions made by previous administrations and Congresses over decades, as I mentioned in my opening remarks, as well as current and past levels of economic activity and should not be subject to political gamesmanship. As we look at the debt limit increase measures, there have been 83 since 1940, Mr. Speaker, seven during the 1940s, six during the 1950s, 13 during the 1960s, 18 during the 1970s, 24 during the 1980s, 13 during the 1990s and two far this decade. So it is not an unusual function or an unprecedented function or a Republican function or a Democratic function. It is a function of keeping the government running. 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. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I think it is important, after listening to my colleague and fellow member of the Committee on Rules, that we point out that tax relief did not cause the deficit. We would have triple-digit budget deficits today if taxes remained at the historically high levels of 2000. The tax policies that were put in place helped our economy out of a recession that began in the Clinton administration and was in the early Bush years. Without our tax policies, the economy would not have recovered as quick and as well as it has. More Americans would have lost their jobs. A less robust recovery from recession would have had the adverse effects on revenues and the budget deficit, and healthy revenue growth continues even with tax relief. The recent decline in the deficit is largely a result of revenue increasing faster than anticipated because of strong economic growth. After 3 years of declining revenue in the wake of September 11, revenue is now growing more robustly than expected. Just since July, we have seen the deficit projections for this year drop by $32 billion. While I cannot predict what the next election will be, I do know the President ran on those tax cuts, as did the majority in this Congress, and both the President will serve another term and in the 109th Congress the Republican majority will continue in being the majority in this body

Mr. REYNOLDS. I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts.

Mr. REYNOLDS. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, in the time of the last 2 years of this Congress we have had a great debate. A guy from the left that believes that there should not be tax cuts, or to have some kind of message for middle America to feel that they might get a piece of it. I am a guy that believes if you pay taxes, you ought to get a tax cut. We took that referendum, I guess, to the public, and they have ratified an opportunity for this majority to remain. Now, I also understand majority/minority politics, and I guess if I look through the years of 1940, 1950, 1960s, 1970s, 1980s, 1990s and 2000 when we would find that Republicans controlled the place or Democrats controlled the place, I am sure that there were a few that made the debt reduction or the aspect of all of that debate at the same time they looked at the debt limit. But also in my opening remarks we heard from Secretary Rubin who said that the aspect of raising the debt limit was not the aspect of addressing the deficit. It was the budget itself. And I will quote him. As Robert Rubin, then Treasury Secretary under the President said in November of 1995 in that quote, Passage of the debt ceiling is totally unrelated to deficit reduction. The deficit can only be reduced in the budget process. He reiterated this truth 1 month later in testimony before the House Committee on Banking and Financial Services when he said, The debt limit is about meeting obligations already incurred, while future deficits can only be reduced through actions taken in the budget process itself.

Mr. REYNOLDS. I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts.