E. Shaw

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I would like to remind the House, even though we have been talking about the Texas situation over most of the time that has been allocated to this bill, exactly what this bill does and exactly why it is and does receive such high bipartisan support. This holds representative payees accountable for mismanaging benefits and increases representative payee oversight. We support that and you support that. It denies Social Security benefits to fugitive felons. That is right. I support that. You support that. It deters fraud by creating new civil penalties for Social Security fraud. All of us agree to that. It helps individuals with disabilities gain access to representation. These are the people that need it most. We agree with that. You agree with that. It helps disabled beneficiaries return to work. This is something that I think that this Congress has done with a ticket to work, and I think have done it in the best tradition of this House, in a very bipartisan way. Now we come to a little bump in the road. It does involve Texas. I think the gentleman was quite right to put the sign up, ``Don't Mess with Texas,'' because that is a Texas problem. But Texas has discovered a loophole which folds into their pension plan which is unfair to the rest of the country. The General Accounting Office has told us that this is going to amount to about a half a billion dollars in savings once this goes into place, just simply by treating Texas like the rest of the country. This is not anti-Texas, and it is not intended to punish anybody. As a matter of fact, those that are already receiving those double benefits and the disability benefits as well as their earned pension plans will continue to do so. They plan for their retirement. So we do not take that away; but we do put fairness into the law, and we say that people who do not pay into Social Security should not get a better deal than those who did pay into Social Security. With that, Mr. Speaker, I ask for a ``yes'' vote.

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

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I would remind the other speaker that what we did was picked up the language that the Democrat-controlled Senate passed by unanimous consent in the last Congress and put it in this bill and now have brought it to the floor. Mr. Speaker, I yield 30 seconds to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Brady).

Mr. SHAW. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, Social Security, as everyone in this Chamber knows, touches the lives of virtually every American and serves as a vital safety net for those who retire, become disabled or die. Nearly $500 billion in Social Security and supplemental security income benefits were paid last year to about 50 million retired and disabled workers their families and SSI recipients. These costs represent close to one- fourth of all Federal outlays last year. More importantly, as baby boomers approach retirement age, Social Security's and SSI's combined benefit outlays are expected to double by the time children born this year finish high school. Programs as important, as comprehensive as these require our constant vigilance. We must act today to address inadequate protections for beneficiaries and the programs in order to avoid potentially tragic consequences in the future. This is why I urge all Members to support the Social Security Protection Act of 2003. This is a bipartisan bill introduced earlier this month by myself and the gentleman from California (Mr. Matsui) along with other Members of Congress. The Protection Act will give the Social Security Administration the additional tools needed to fight activities that drain resources from Social Security and undermine the financial security of beneficiaries. First, this bill protects the one in eight Social Security and SSI beneficiaries who cannot, for physical or mental reasons, handle their own funds. For these persons, the Social Security Administration appoints an individual or organization called a representative payee to manage their benefits. While most representative payees are conscientious and they are honest, some violate the trust placed in them. The Social Security Inspector General reported that in the late 1990's over 2,400 representative payees missed about $12 million in benefits. This bill raises the standard for persons and organizations serving as representative payees and imposes stricter regulation and monetary penalties on those who mismanage benefits. Second, this bill picks up where legislation enacted in 1996 let off in ending benefit payments to those who committed crimes. That legislation denied SSI benefits to fugitive felons. However, these criminals are still allowed to receive Social Security benefits. The Congressional Budget Office estimates that they will pay $526 million out of the Social Security trust fund to these law-breakers over the next 10 years. This is not right, and this legislation denies them these benefits. The Protection Act also provides tools to further safeguard Social Security programs. Our goals are to help shield Social Security employees from harm while conducting their duties, expanding the Inspector General's ability to stop perpetrators of fraud through new civil monetary penalties, and prevent people from misrepresenting themselves as they provide Social Security-related services. On top of this, the bill helps individuals with disabilities by, one, making it easier for them to obtain legal representation while applying for benefits by improving the attorney fee withholding process; two, enhancing provisions of the Ticket to Work Program; and, three, encouraging more employers to hire individuals with disabilities by expanding eligibility for the Work Opportunity Tax Credit. Finally, the bill contains several provisions aimed at correcting inequities in the law regarding benefit coverage and receipt, as well as making technical corrections to the law. It is our and the agency's duty to protect Social Security programs and the beneficiaries. This bill is the accumulation of bipartisan efforts towards that, and as well as the cooperation and support of the Social Security Administration and the Social Security Inspector General. That is why the 107th Congress's version of the bill, the Social Security Protection Act of 2002, passed this House by an overwhelming bipartisan support of 425 to 0 and passed the Senate as amended under unanimous consent. I urge the Members today to finish the good work begun in the 107th Congress and vote in favor of the Social Security Protection Act. We must enact these changes quickly to protect the most vulnerable beneficiaries and to stop Social Security from hemorrhaging precious dollars through fraud and benefit misuse. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute. Mr. Speaker, I remind Members who are going to vote on this issue who are zeroing in on this one small part of this bill, where we have a two-worker family both paying into Social Security, one dies, the survivor either gets their earned benefit or the survivor benefit, whichever is greater. But in Texas where you have one spouse who has paid nothing into Social Security but paid all into their pension plan, they would receive, if they worked 1 day under the Social Security system, they would receive their full pension and survivor benefits. All we are trying to do is to say if someone works 5 years under Social Security, they can get both. But if they work 1 day, they cannot get both. This is trying to level the playing field for the millions of teachers, firefighters and others across this country who have paid into Social Security, to level the playing field so the people who never paid into Social Security are not getting a better deal. It is as simple as that. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume to say to the gentlewoman from Texas that this levels the playing field and treats the people, or the teachers in Texas as other teachers throughout the entire country. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Missouri (Mr. Hulshof), another valued member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. SHAW. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 743) to amend the Social Security Act and the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide additional safeguards for Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries with representative payees, to enhance the program protections, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 743.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. I yield to the gentleman from Maryland.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. Mr. Chairman, I think one of the things, and when you listen to some of the debate on the floor by a couple of speakers that I had a chance to watch from my office, you see some bitterness and some hatred trying to be painted onto this system of welfare reform. We had worked on welfare reform prior to 1996 for several years. We worked hard and long and we did it with compassion. We were faced with a system that was broken, badly broken. And unfortunately, in this broken system, we were breaking people. They were losing their spirit, their inner souls, their drive, what makes people try to do better and to become role models for their kids, actually paying people not to work, paying people to have kids and not to get married. And guess what? That failed, broken system encouraged that type of behavior. And the welfare rolls grew and they grew and they grew in time of prosperity as well as time of recession. But then in 1996 after two failed attempts and two vetoes by the Clinton administration, on August 22, 1996, the welfare reform bill was signed into law and there were Democrats and Republicans at the signing ceremony. There were Democrats and Republicans that ended up voting for this welfare reform. And this was after a debate that was punctuated by predictions of kids sleeping on grates. And what have we accomplished with this? We have cut our welfare rolls by over 50 percent. Even today, we do not see any great rise in welfare reform even as the jobless rates began to rise as of a couple of years ago. This is a wonderful success. And I say, it was done with great compassion. We were concerned about what happens to the kids. We have provided child care. We were worried about how the medical expenses were going to be paid. We have provided continuation of Medicaid. We are worried about how the training for jobs was going to go forward. We have provided job training. The States have done a wonderful job in not only training people so that they can have jobs, but in also teaching them how to take interviews, how you dress, how you shake hands. Why is all this necessary? It is necessary because the people that were on welfare, that had to come off of welfare were victims of welfare, and they did not know any difference; but they were good people, and we believed in the human spirit, and we were not disappointed. Now who were these people that got out and who are the real champions of welfare reform? Oh, I hear everybody taking credit for it, but the real heroes were mostly single moms who, after they realized that there was something outside of a life of welfare and dependence, could make something out of themselves, could take control of their lives and could become role models for their kids. I think that day in 1996 when we passed in this House welfare reform after hearing a speech by the President in which he said right before the vote that he would sign the bill, I think that is one of the proudest moments in the history of this House of Representatives. Now I think it is time to go a little further. There are those, because of the reduction in the welfare rolls, who would like to decrease the funding. We are getting down now to some hard-core unemployed people. I think 58 percent of the people receiving benefits now are not working, and we need to give that extra little push, but I think we need to continue to do it with compassion. We need the flexibility that this bill has for child care. We have got to be sure these kids are not in the street. We have got a responsibility, and that responsibility has grown out of a failed welfare program that existed for decades in this country prior to 1996.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Chairman, to answer the gentleman, there are increases in the work requirements. We have gotten to a plateau where the original intent of the welfare reform is not being fully implemented, and I think this is a good corrective measure.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, today I am introducing the Social Security Protection Act of 2003 to provide the Social Security Administration with the additional tools they need to fight activities that drain resources from Social Security and undermine the financial security of beneficiaries. Many Social Security and Supplemental Security Income beneficiaries have individuals or organizations called ``representative payees'' appointed by the Social Security Administration to help manage their financial affairs when they are not capable. At present nearly 8 million beneficiaries entrust their financial arrangements to `rep payees'. Representative payees safeguard income and make sure expenditures are made for the beneficiary's good. While most are conscientious and honest, some are not. Despite current precautions, abuse continues. For example, the Social Security Administration Office of Inspector General investigated one case in which an organization serving as representative payee to several hundred beneficiaries inappropriately charged those beneficiaries over $100,000 in fees, which were paid for almost entirely using their benefits. In addition, this representative payee continued to receive and accept beneficiaries' checks without notifying the SSA when beneficiaries left the organization's care or were missing. The Inspector General reported that between January 1997 and December 1999, Social Security identified over 2,400 representative payees who misused approximately $12 million in benefits entrusted to their management. This bill raises the standards for persons and organizations serving as representative payees and imposes stricter regulation and monetary penalties on those who mismanage benefits entrusted to their care. This bill also picks up where previous legislation ended in stopping benefit payments to those who have committed crimes. In 1996, Congress passed provisions denying Supplemental Security Income benefits to persons fleeing to avoid prosecution or confinement. However, these fugitive felons can still receive Social Security benefits, and the Congressional Budget Office estimates we will pay over $500 million to them over the next 10 years directly out of the Social Security trust funds. This is not right, and this legislation denies the money to those fleeing justice. My legislation also provides tools to further safeguard Social Security programs, help shield Social Security employees from harm while conducting their duties, expand the Inspector General's ability to stop perpetrators of fraud through new civil monetary penalties, and prevent persons from misrepresenting themselves as they provide Social Security-related services. My legislation not only prevents fraud and protects the Social Security programs, it also helps those who are legitimately seeking to receive benefits by improving the attorney fee withholding process. This bill caps the current attorney fee assessment and extends fee withholding to Supplemental Security Income claims, enabling more individuals with disabilities to receive needed help navigating a complex application process for benefits. And finally, this legislation continues the great work of the Ticket to Work and Work Incentives Improvement Act, helping individuals with disabilities to return to work and independence when they are able. Protecting Social Security programs is a key responsibility of the agency and of Congress. Taxpayers must be confident that their hard- earned payroll dollars are being spent accurately and wisely, and in the best interest of beneficiaries. That is why the 107th Congress's version of this bill, the Social Security Program Protection Act of 2002 (H.R. 4070), passed the House with overwhelming bipartisan support, 425-0. This bill is the culmination of bipartisan effort, as well as the cooperation and support of the Social Security Administration and the Office of Inspector General. The legislation also benefited from prior feedback by advocacy groups and law enforcement agencies. Last, but certainly not least, this bill results in a small amount of savings for both the Social Security trust funds and general revenues. I urge all Members to cosponsor this important legislation and look forward to bringing this bill to the floor as quickly as possible.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Mrs. Jane Koszoru, the 2003 Broward County Teacher of the Year. Mrs. Koszoru was recognized by Broward County for her outstanding professionalism and her consistent drive to teach and encourage Broward's children to achieve high standards. Jane began her career 30 years ago as a teacher at Driftwood Middle School in Hollywood, Florida. Soon after, she taught at Coral Springs High School, where she stayed for 24 years. She is currently teaching at the College Academy at Broward Community College. The College Academy is an educational program that is provided, free of charge, to certain junior and senior high school students who attend classes with college students. At graduation, many of these students can enter a university with junior status. Mrs. Koszuro grew up in Broward County and graduated from Nova High School in Davie, Florida. For Jane, teaching is a family tradition. Both her mother and grandmother taught in one-room classrooms in Nebraska. To her certain delight, her daughter is currently majoring in Education at the University of Florida. Not only has Jane had a positive influence on her daughter, but she has inspired hundreds of her students. They nicknamed her, ``Mrs. Work,'' with good reason, considering she has a reputation for pushing her students to the best of their ability. Jane believes that children are smarter than they are given credit for and that all they need is someone to help them along. She creates high standards in her classroom and is constantly motivating her students to challenge themselves. Most certainly they are inspired by her own dedication to her career. Mr. Speaker, today, we recognize Jane Koszoru for her accomplishments and her dedication to the students of Broward County, Florida. We also send our congratulations to her on being named the 2003 Broward County Teacher of the Year.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tribute to the men and women of the Space Shuttle Columbia. As our Nation grieves their loss, may we take solace in their dedication to science, their commitment to space exploration, and their love of our country. This tragedy has shed light once again on the great risk our astronauts take willingly in the exploration of space. Our Nation swells with pride in their breathtaking achievements. I salute Columbia's seven honorable astronauts, Commander Rick Husband, Pilot William McCool, Payload Commander Michael Anderson, Mission Specialist 1 David Brown, Mission Specialist 2 Kalpana Chawla, Mission Specialist 4 Laurel Clark, and Payload Specialist 1 llan Ramon of the state of Israel. Each served their country with honor and distinction. Their death has left a hole in our hearts and a deep void in the world of science. They will be sorely missed. As the Nation grieves, this tragedy was also a personal loss for the 1,200 plus employees of Pratt & Whitney, a key partner in the exploration of space, located in Jupiter, Florida. Each astronaut, NASA official and employee, manufacturer, consultant and engineer are all part of an extended space industry family. Together they produce a product that is truly the envy of the world. The people at Pratt & Whitney are charged with the responsibility of engineering, manufacturing, assembling, and testing the 75,000 horsepower main engine liquid-oxygen and liquid hydrogen turbo pumps that propel the shuttle through the deepest and darkest regions of space. We, in Palm Beach County, are proud of the role that Pratt & Whitney has had in making the program successful and safe and look forward to its continuing to engineer new space and propulsion state-of-the-art technologies as we leap into the future. Mr. Speaker, I Join my colleagues in offering my deepest condolences to the families of the Space Shuttle Columbia's crew, the NASA family located in Florida, Texas, and California, and the men and women of Pratt & Whitney.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of my friend, Mr. Alberto Cardenas of Miami, for his 10 years of diligent service to the Republican Party of Florida and the people of our great state as party chairman and vice chairman. Al has served with distinction over the last four years in his role as state chairman. During his tenure, Chairman Cardenas shepherded the Republican Party of Florida to a historic level. Following the 1998 election of Governor Jeb Bush, Al was elected unanimously by his peers, men and women, black and white; to lead our party. As Governor Bush began his agenda of reforming state government, Chairman Cardenas undertook the vision of changing the perception of Florida Republicans. Chairman Cardenas quickly made diversity a major focus of his first year. Establishing both Hispanic and African- American outreach programs, Al ushered the Party into uncharted territory. His message of inclusion spread throughout Florida as Republican ranks began to soar. Al's message of inclusion was carried out with the formation of the Florida Black Republican Council, the Florida National Hispanic Assembly, and the chartering of the Broward Log Cabin Club. For his efforts, Republican National Chairman, Governor Jim Gilmore selected Al to serve on the RNC Executive Committee. A post which gave Al the opportunity to promote Republican diversity throughout the nation. Recently, Governor Bush appointed Al to the Board of Trustees of Florida A&M in Tallahassee. Along with an aggressive vision of inclusion, Al campaigned tirelessly throughout Florida urging elected officials, both state and local, to join the Republican Party. Since 1999, numerous elected officials have switched party affiliation to Republican. Mr. Speaker, later this month Al leaves his post and returns to Miami. Another chapter in a storied personal journey that began at the young age of 13 with his leaving Communist Cuba in 1961, at the height of the U.S.-Cuba conflict, and ends leading the largest state Republican Party in the nation. State Republican history will look back favorably on his service which saw a number of firsts: the first Republican governor to be re-elected; the first elected Republican Attorney General; the first elected Republican Agriculture Commissioner; and the first elected Republican Chief Financial Officer, and increased seats in the Florida House of Representatives and Florida Senate, as well as, the largest number of Florida members of Congress ever. Mr. Speaker, I join my fellow Republicans in thanking our friend, Chairman Al Cardenas for his friendship, service and support. I wish, Al, Diana and the entire Cardenas family best of health in the coming year.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate a constituent of mine, Mr. Gary Carter of Palm Beach Gardens, Florida, for his election to baseball's most coveted fraternity, the Hall of Fame. Over a successful 19-year professional career, Gary Carter exemplified what it takes to be a big league ball player. Playing the difficult position of catcher, Gary compiled an impressive array of statistics and accolades. In 1975, his first full year with the Montreal Expos, Gary exploded onto the big league scene. Seventeen years later, Gary returned to Montreal, after stints in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles, finishing his career where it all started. What a ride it had been. Following the 1992 season, Gary retired with numbers that foretold an eventual trip to Cooperstown. Games played: 2,296; Hits: 2,092; Home Runs: 324; Runs Batted In: 1,225 and a batting average of: 262. Each year, Gary's teammates and fan could always count on his durability and consistency. Season after season, Gary's presence in a big league lineup made opposing pitchers fear his bat and power. In 1986, Gary lead the New Yorks Mets to a seven game World Series win over the Boston Red Sox. Although that series is remembered for a series saving error at first base, many fans remember Gary's clutch hitting when he was needed most. In the end, Gary had his World Series championship and ring. Mr. Speaker, the baseball writers across the country paid tribute to Gary's career by bestowing on him the highest honor in professional sports. To be a member of the Hall of Fame means more than just another accomplishment; it means having the ability and dedication to rise above the hundreds of other noteworthy players and become one of baseball's greatest players of all-time. In the 100 year history of American baseball, players have come and gone. However, baseball fans, young and old were thrilled to watch Gary Carter play the game he loved throughout his 19-year playing career. His teammates bestowed upon him the nickname ``The Kid.'' A fitting tribute to a man always eager to play an adult sport with a childlike enthusiasm. Mr. Speaker, Gary Carter becomes the newest member of baseball's Hall of Fame on July 27, 2003. Congratulations to, ``The Kid.''

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, whether we live in prosperous or uncertain times, American families need economic security--the kind of economic security that Social Security provides. For 68 years, Social Security has protected workers and their families from falling into poverty if a breadwinner retires, suffers disability, or dies. Social Security has endured, unlike many other government programs, because its architects designed it to be owned by workers and to treat all workers fairly. Social Security has evolved over the decades, strengthening its protections and finances along the way. However, our nation's demographics and economics are fundamentally changing, and Social Security's ability to continue meeting its promises is threatened. The Social Security Guarantee Plus Plan I am introducing today will enable Social Security to continue fulfilling its vital role in the lives of all Americans. First, the Guarantee Plus Plan keeps intact the Social Security safety net. Promised benefits, including cost of living increases, are guaranteed for people receiving benefits today, tomorrow and for all future generations. Second, the plan treats all workers fairly. Workers have paid into the system, it's their money, and we must protect and enhance their investment. It's not fair to workers to raise their payroll taxes or lower their benefits. Nor is it fair for the government to tell workers to work longer. That's why my plan does not raise taxes, does not lower benefits, and does not change the retirement age. Third, Social Security payroll taxes belong to the workers who paid them. My plan gives workers a real ownership stake in Social Security by allowing them to choose to receive a tax cut to invest directly in prudent, individually-selected, market investments. For the first time, a nation of savers, not the government, will own and control the assets backing Social Security. Should an individual die before becoming eligible, the balance of their money will be passed along to their heirs. Fourth, under my plan, Social Security can be counted on for the next 75 years, and beyond. Real assets guarantee current and future benefits, establishing a sound and sustainable financial footing. No longer will there be a need to periodically increase taxes or lower benefits to keep the program working. Beyond keeping these promises to all Americans, we must also do more to improve Social Security for the women of our nation. Because of their longer life expectancies and lower earnings, women are more likely to suffer poverty in old age. Social Security is a vital safety net for these women. In addition, because benefits are based on earnings, women are disadvantaged when they choose to stay home to raise their children. The Guarantee Plus Plan protects our daughters, our mothers, our aunts and our grandmothers, not only by securing the future of Social Security and guaranteeing full benefits, but also by enhancing benefits for widows, divorced spouses, and working mothers. These benefits become available immediately in my bill. Here's how the Social Security Guarantee Plus Plan works. The plan guarantees full, promised, current law benefits for all workers, whether you are 6 or 65. Just as companies must back your pension plan with real assets, the Guarantee Plus Plan saves Social Security by setting aside real assets, not IOUs, to pre-fund benefits. These assets are saved in each worker's own account, thereby providing workers the opportunity to create real wealth for themselves and their families. Workers who choose to participate will receive a refundable credit of up to 4 percent of their earnings to establish their own Social Security Guarantee Account. Workers, not the government, would select where to invest their Guarantee Account funds. The assets in these accounts would grow tax-free. No withdrawals would be permitted until a worker starts receiving benefits to ensure that the money is preserved for retirement. At retirement or when the worker becomes disabled, a portion of the Guarantee Account is paid directly to the worker and the rest is used to help pay full, guaranteed Social Security benefits. But that's not all. In addition to the much needed improvements in benefits for women I mentioned, my plan eliminates the retirement earnings penalty for all workers age 62 and older and reduces the so-called Government Pension Offset affecting spouse and survivor benefits to certain government workers. Other plans may cost less, because they cut benefits or raise taxes. If our goal is to pay full promised benefits, boost women's benefits, and return Social Security to financial independence, the Guarantee Plus Plan is the lowest-cost proposal to date. The Guarantee Plus Plan does all this and pays for itself over the seventy five-year actuarial period, and that's confirmed by the Social Security Administration's Office of the Actuary. Even under the most conservative estimates, the Guarantee Plus Plan allows the new Social Security system to generate surplus cash in the Latter part of the century, actually adding black ink to the government's bottom tine. My plan uses general revenues to fund the accounts. Even assuming borrowing for a transitional period, my plan pays back every borrowed dollar plus interest within the seventy five-year evaluation period. Not only would we pay off the mortgage on Social Security, we would leave workers with substantial account balances and the federal government with excess cash. The Guarantee Plus Plan also meets or exceeds all of the President's principles for reform--pays promised benefits to retirees, near- retirees, and all workers; no tax increases; no government investing; fully preserves disability and survivor benefits; offers individually controlled, voluntary personal retirement accounts that will augment Social Security. In addition, my plan is consistent with the first option to establish personal accounts recommended by the President's Commission to Strengthen Social Security. My plan also accomplishes the objectives agreed to by the House during the 107th Congress to guarantee current law promised benefits, with cost-of-living adjustments to current and future retirees, without increasing taxes. This past November, we witnessed yet another election cycle featuring Social Security as a key issue. Once again, Americans showed their willingness to explore new ideas to strengthen this vital program, since the old ways must be improved upon for future generations. Once again candidates who took a stand on ways to save Social Security not only held their own, they won. Yet, once again, not one penny has been invested in saving our nation's most successful retirement program. The result--while politicians debate, the price tag for saving Social Security only goes up and up. From the time of Social Security's enactment until today, the history of the program's evolution has demonstrated that while everybody has his or her own ideas on how to strengthen the program, progress toward that goal is only achieved through bipartisan cooperation. It's tong past time for us to lay all our best thoughts on the table and work together to build on our success to make a stronger Social Security system that is an asset to all and not a liability to our children and grandchildren.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of my dear friend and colleague, Dan Miller, whom I have had the privilege of working with from the great state of Florida. A member of the freshman class of 1992, Dan represents the Thirteenth Congressional District of Florida along the Gulf Coast areas of Sarasota and Bradenton. Dan never held public office before his election to Congress, but once here, fought for legislation critical to the future of our state. A man of his word, Dan took office with a pledge to term limit himself and has kept that promise, much to our personal dismay. Looking back on his career, Dan has served his district and his country honorably in his roles on the Appropriations, Government Reform and Census committees. Dan has stood as a staunch fiscal conservative who is committed to reducing wasteful government spending. These beliefs have manifested themselves most notably through his efforts to curtail the government sugar program. Dan also did great things in his role as an appropriator. He was one of the original cheerleaders of doubling the National Institutes of Health budget, sensing its growing importance to the U.S. and the world health communities. Beyond all of these accomplishments, Dan and his wife, Glenda are my neighbors here in Washington and dear friends. I will miss Dan's presence in this House as my wife, Emilie, and I will miss their presence in our home. Although the Millers leave Washington, I look forward to many years of continued friendship. Mr. Speaker, all Floridians and all Americans have been better served for having Dan Miller in Congress. This body exists so that the people of our country have a voice in their government. The votes Floridians cast to send him to Washington brought this House reasoned judgement, energetic lawmaking and strong conviction. Today we honor his service to his country and wish him well. God Bless Dan and Glenda Miller.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of my dear colleague, Carrie Meek, whom I have had the privilege of working with from the great state of Florida. A freshman from the class of 1992, Carrie represents Florida's 17th district, encompassing large portions of my hometown, Miami. In her very first term, we were all impressed by her ability to win a seat on the Appropriations Committee, the only freshman Democrat to do so. She has also served admirably on the Treasury Postal Service and VA/HUD Committees, consistently advocating on behalf of African Americans, fighting for job creation and business development through Federal programs. Always fighting for the underdog, Carrie has served with an iron fist in a velvet glove. Although we sit on opposite sides of the aisle, I have always respected her work and welcome the arrival of her son, Kendrick, to the Congress. My office and the entire Florida Delegation look forward to working with him. We are certain he will carry on Carrie's fine family tradition of lawmaking. Mr. Speaker, the residents of Florida's 17th Congressional District have been better served for Carrie's service in Congress. This body exists so that the people of our country have a voice in their government. The votes Floridians cast to send her to Washington brought this House reasoned judgment, energetic lawmaking and strong conviction, Today we honor her service to her country and wish her well.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this legislation, which represents the next crucial step in improving America's transportation security. This bill coordinates various federal law enforcement efforts with local port authorities, develops uniform standards, and helps pay for technology upgrades and other security infrastructure at our ports. I am very pleased that this bill authorizes $6 billion for the Coast Guard, an agency that is severely overworked and underfunded. This legislation is of particular importance to the State of Florida and its 14 publicly owned deepwater seaports, including Port Everglades, Port of Palm Beach and Port of Miami in South Florida. The challenge of protecting against potential threats to security in Florida is unique due to the state's extensive coastline, vigorous international trade, and passenger cruise activities. Our geography dictates that we must be prepared as a front- line homeland defense point against terrorism, as well as illegal immigration and drug trafficking. Florida seaports represent some of the busiest bulk cargo and container ports in the nation, and improved security at our seaports is critical for protection of the state's citizens and millions of visitors, as well as the state's continued economic vitality. The treat of terrorism and other crimes to Florida seaports is well documented. A 1999 state-commissioned study found that the Florida port are highly vulnerable and recommended comprehensive security plans at each Florida seaport. In 2002, the State of Florida enacted legislation mandating that such action be undertaken. As the Chairman of the Florida Congressional Delegation, I am pleased that this bill does not penalize the Florida ports that have been pro- active in taking the necessary steps to improve security. A shining example of such a port is Port Everglades in my district. Even before September 11, Port Everglades has laid out a comprehensive security improvement plan. Since that day, the port has expedited its efforts, turning a 48 month plan to improve security into an impressive, 18 month, $37 million plan that is now near completion. I commend the Broward County Board of County Commissioners for their foresight. The fine work they've done should serve as a model for ports around the nation. As one of the first Members of Congress to introduce comprehensive seaport security legislation, along with my friend and colleague Senator Bob Graham, I am gratified that we are finally completing our work on this most important issue. It is overdue.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time. I rise in strong support of this most balanced resolution. Like most of my colleagues who support the President in this important matter, I am not voting for this resolution because I have any wish to speed to war; I am voting for this resolution because I hold out hope for peace, a peace that can still come, but only if the United Nations will apply decisive pressure to Iraq to open itself to unconditional, unfettered weapons inspection. Unfortunately, the last decade has shown that without the use of force as a threat, Saddam Hussein will continue to stonewall and ignore every resolution issued by the United Nations, all the while amassing weapons of terror. The resolution before us today does not send us to war, but it does provide a powerful incentive for Hussein to finally comply with the dictates of the United Nations. With the threat of force, the United Nations and President Bush will be able to negotiate from a position of strength. Nobody, no legislator, Republican or Democrat, takes this responsibility of sending our children off to war lightly, but nor can we stand by as Saddam Hussein and his regime continue to work to amass stockpiles of the world's most deadly weapons. My deepest fears lay in the thought that he could soon supply terrorists with nuclear weapons. We simply cannot ignore our responsibility to protect our country, democracy, and our lone democratic ally in the Middle East, the State of Israel. Mr. Speaker, again, I hold out my hope for peace; but to rely upon a dictatorial madman with little respect for the life of even his own people, let alone American life, to bring about a peaceful resolution to this crisis would be foolhardy. It is for that reason I strongly believe that we must strengthen the President's hand. With a hopeful heart, but realistic concern over this threat, I will cast my vote in support of this resolution as a last chance for peace.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time. One item that has been lost in this debate, which is truly important, I think one of the proudest moments in this House of Representatives was in 1996, when we passed a welfare reform bill. As a result of that, almost 3 million kids are now out of poverty. Millions and millions of people who otherwise would be on the welfare roll are on the payroll, and the welfare rolls in this country have been reduced by 60 percent, and that is why at the same time we are reducing poverty among kids. What greater accomplishment have we had? That bill runs out the end of this month. There will be no welfare and welfare reform can be forgotten. The $4.8 billion in child care will no longer be there. Four months ago on the floor of this House, we passed the extension. The Senate has not. Part of this bill is to extend welfare reform so that the checks will continue to go out. The child care will continue to be there, the job training will still be there, and all of the good things that we passed in 1996 will remain with us. But it is going to be absolutely vital that we pass this continuing resolution because this would extend it for 3 months into next year. That is tremendously important because if we do not, there will be no checks going out. The prediction that was made in 1996 when we passed welfare reform would come true and the poverty levels would skyrocket, the job training and all of the good that we did would be undone. The Senate has not acted on this most important piece of legislation, and it is one that I think all Members in one degree or another can support. Mr. Speaker, I would like to compliment the House for passing welfare reform, and also urge that all Members tonight vote for this continuing resolution so that all the good that we did in 1996 is not lost.

Mr. SHAW

Mr. SHAW. One hundred fifty people.

Mr. SHAW. Mr. Speaker, reclaiming my time, I would like to conclude by saying that the Governor and State officials in Florida are doing everything possible. Our County Commission in Broward County is doing everything possible to be sure they get a full count in Broward County. Interestingly enough, all but one of our County Commissioners is a Democrat, the Voter Registrar is a Democrat, Broward County will deliver a big Democrat vote for the Democrat nominee for Governor, and the Republican Governor, Jeb Bush, is doing everything in his power to see to it that all the people, Democrats and Republicans in Broward County, get a fair count this time, that they do not go through the fiasco that we went through last Tuesday. So I would like to just conclude with that, that I wish our Registrar all the best on November 5. It is going to be closely watched, but I think with all the assistance we are getting that the Registrar will have a great day and a great evening, and we will end up all being very proud of what is going to happen in Broward County. Republicans and Democrats want to be sure every vote gets counted.

Mr. SHAW. The gentleman is correct. In Dade County, it is appointed by the Dade County Commission, so it is different. It is the way the charter is set up.