Nick Smith

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. I yield to the gentleman from Ohio.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, what is disconcerting is that I think that side of the aisle, I think the Democrats after experiencing success 2 years ago in demagoguing what the Republicans were doing in trying to slow down the growth of the budget, when they realized some success at the polls suggesting that Republicans were taking health care away from the elderly for tax cuts for the rich and taking food out of the mouths of children for tax cuts for the rich, that demagoguery resulted in some Americans believing it. I think most Americans are now realizing that government is growing much faster than it should and the United States Congress, along with the President, is taking more and more money out of those taxpayers' pockets. Let me show the chart of what is happening in spending of the Federal Government in the 10 years from 1994 to 2003. In the first five bars of this chart representing the last 5 years of spending, it is going to be a $7.8 trillion expenditure over those 5 years. The last five bars of the chart representing what is in this budget is $9.1 trillion, going from $7.8 trillion to $9.1 trillion. And just imagine for a moment this budget that we are having grows faster than inflation, yet what we are seeing is the other side of the aisle saying it is not growing fast enough. So imagine what would happen in the future if we projected this line out for the next 10, 20, 30 years, and imagine how much money is coming out of the pockets of the American taxpayer if we continue to expand Federal Government almost twice as fast as inflation. That is what we do here. 1994, we have a budget of $1.4 trillion; 2003, we have a budget of $1.9 trillion. If we followed the President's recommendation, the President's recommendation was that we have $102 billion of tax increases, that we have $27 billion of fee increases for a total of $129 billion of fee and tax increases. So where would that have left us is with a much steeper rate of expenditures. And in the year 2003, in the year 2003 if the Democrats had their way with the President's budget, we would be spending $67 billion more that year than we are in this particular budget. Look, this budget goes up pretty steep; and if we project the next few years, one can see that it is going to go all the way to the ceiling. Does anybody here or in America think that this government, that this Congress, that this President cannot make government more efficient and save some of the money we are spending? I just want to mention briefly Social Security. Social Security in this budget, we do not spend any of the surpluses. That could be as high as 60 or $70 billion this year, could go up to 110, 115 billion next year. We do not spend that surplus. We are saving it for Social Security. This budget says from now on any money we borrow from the Social Security Trust Fund it is going to be in negotiable Treasury bills, not the blank IOUs that has been happening for the last 20 years.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Chairman, they are not dumb in Columbus, Ohio, or Jackson, Michigan.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Listen up, Democrats. Listen up, America.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I am a farmer from Michigan and seems to me we need to get the budget hay out of the mow and down on that barn floor where we can chew on it a little bit. This graph represents what has been happening to spending in this country. There has been a lot of complaints from liberals that would like to spend more, have government bigger and solve more problems in Washington. Of course that would mean increase taxes or increase borrowing. This chart shows that, in 1994, we were spending about $1.4 trillion. By 2003, the last year of this new 5-year budget, we are going to be spending $1.9 trillion, over a 30 percent increase in spending. Spending even on this budget increases almost twice as fast as inflation. In the final year of this budget, in the fifth year, 2003, we are spending about $1.9 trillion. If we followed the President's and the Democrats' recommendations, we would be spending $67 billion more in that 1 year alone. The question before us is do we want bigger government or more efficient government? Do we want more taxes or fewer taxes? Do we want to continue borrowing or pay down debt? What has brought about economic vitality is the fact that government is borrowing less money. Now, through these years shown on this chart, we are also going to experience the largest surplus in our history. In some of these years tax revenues are increasing four times the inflation rate. So if we want to help American families, if we want to stimulate the economy, if we want to make it easier for working families to spend more time with our children, we need to continue tax cuts. Let us also look at starting to pay down the debt of this government. As we look back over past years, I think it is fair to say that some of us have been determined to reduce the size of this government, reduce taxes and try to make this huge bureaucracy more efficient. One way to make this government more efficient is to tighten the purse strings. If there is any operation in the United States that has opportunity to be more efficient and at the same time provide more and better services to the American people, it is the Federal government. I hope that we all appreciate the fact that there are better and more efficient ways to spend taxpayers moneys. There are better ways to serve the citizens of the United States. Even this budget that has been critized for not spending enough, increases spending twice the rate of inflation. In the early 1990s, we had budgets that increased over 9 percent a year. This budget increase spending 2 to 3 to 4 percent a year. In conclusion, let us reduce the growth in spending, reduce taxes, and reduce the public debt and start saving Social Security. We can do that by supporting this rule and supporting this budget.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay special tribute to one of my constituents who was recently honored by the Tecumseh Area Chamber of Commerce in Tecumseh, Michigan. James Lincoln is a local newspaper owner who for 40 years has published the Tecumseh Herald, one of our leading area papers. In addition to that, Mr. Lincoln has forged an impressive record of public service and civic involvement. For his longstanding contributions to the Tecumseh area, his peers have rightly honored him as the winner of the annual Musgrove Evans Award, named after Tecumseh's founding father. It is gratifying that the Tecumseh Chamber of Commerce has dedicated time and commitment to recognizing those people who make such valuable contributions to our community. And even more inspiring are the many good works performed by area leaders such as James Lincoln. As the Chamber knows, a healthy economic climate is not the sole characteristic that makes a community worthwhile. While we can do much to create a climate that brings jobs, builds roads, lowers taxes, and eliminates deficits, the most important deficit we as a nation and a community must continually confront is a deficit of values and character. For this reason, Mr. Speaker, I enjoy taking the opportunity to tell my colleagues about those people who demonstrate the true meaning of community service in my district in Michigan. So many people talk about the need to get involved and pitch in when they see a problem, but James Lincoln is one person who takes action. Mr. Lincoln is not only a fine publisher, but he has used his paper to reach out and make a difference in the community. He has turned his paper into a community watchdog, a civic leader, and a valuable, respected voice for Tecumseh area residents. He has contributed greatly to organizations such as the Rotary Club, the Tecumseh Chamber and his local church. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constituents, I extend my congratulations and appreciation to James C. Lincoln.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay special tribute to one of my constituents who has recently been honored with the ATHENA award by the Lenawee County Chamber of Commerce. Janet McDowell is an assistant to the superintendent of the Lenawee Intermediate School District. She has been presented with the ATHENA award for her outstanding contributions to the Lenawee County community. It is gratifying that the Lenawee Chamber of Commerce has devoted itself to the task of recognizing those people who make such valuable contributions to our community. And it is even more inspiring to know of the many good works of area residents such as Janet McDowell. As the Lenawee Chamber realizes, a healthy economic climate is not the sole characteristic that makes a community worthwhile. While we can do much to create a climate that brings jobs, builds roads, lowers taxes, and eliminates deficits, the most important deficit we as a nation and a community must face is a deficit of values and character. For this reason, Mr. Speaker, I wanted to tell my colleagues about those people who demonstratee the true meaning of community service in my district in Michigan. So many people talk about the need to get involved and pitch in when they see a problem, but Janet McDowell is one person who takes action. Janet has distinguished herself as a volunteer for a number of local organizations, including the United Way and the American Red Cross. She is an active member of the Lenawee Chamber and a vigorous participant in her chosen community. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of my constitutents, I extend my congratulations and appreciation to Janet McDowell. May she continue to be a source of encouragement to men and women whose professional accomplishments and public service endeavors are worthy of recognition.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I rise to join the citizens of Hillsdale and Branch Counties to pay special tribute to our representative in the Michigan legislature. So many people talk about the kind of leader they want to represent them in government and Mike Nye fits that definition by every measure. This week, my friends in Hillsdale County will honor Mike Nye for his sixteen years of dedicated leadership in Lansing. They know, as I do, that few people have accomplished more in that time for the people of Michigan. Mike Nye's retirement from the state legislature is a great loss. As a member of the House, he fought for commonsense legal reform and worked to provide better health care to poor children and was the innovator of reforms that have resulted in a better education system for Michigan. Mike Nye's improvements in court reform, school reform, tort reform, and juvenile justice reform will be a continuing legacy of his knowledge, ability and leadership in the Michigan legislature. In an era of overheated rhetoric and blatant partisanship, Mike Nye stands out as a conciliator--a legislator who brought people together. Mike Nye was often the man people turned to when they needed a leader to finalize and pass legislation. Mr. Speaker, my colleagues and I here in Washington can learn a lot from the service of Mike Nye. His contributions to public policy are equaled by his and his wife, Marcie's, dedication to their community. Marcie's leadership in working in the prison system with her Kids Need Moms program is a great example of their commitment to help people. I know Mike's future contributions will be just as worthwhile to all of us, regardless of what path he may take. God bless you, Mike, and good luck.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, law enforcement officers work daily in communities across the Nation, assisting individuals in the pursuit of life, liberty, and happiness; Law enforcement officers are, most often, the first contact individuals have with their representatives of government, and they perform the duties and responsibilities of that important liaison role with wisdom and compassion; Law enforcement officers are expected to perform duties above and beyond those of the average person, including duties such as rescuing individuals from a multitude of life-threatening incidents and assisting families during times of great personal sorrow; Law enforcement officers engage in a variety of tasks, from visiting with home-bound elderly citizens, mediating domestic disputes, and providing counsel to youngsters on our streets, to retrieving lost pets and bringing a spirit of friendship and compassion to an environment often lacking in these essential qualities; Law enforcement officers daily encounter individuals within our society who reject all moral values and ethical codes of conduct in pursuit of criminal activities; Law enforcement officers risk their health, lives, and future happiness with their families in order to safeguard communities from criminal predation; In the course of their duties, law enforcement officers may find themselves not only in harm's way, but also victims of violent crime; and The contributions made by Dep. Stanley B. Hoisington, Tpr. Cal Jones, Tpr. Douglas Pellot, Marshall Richard Teske, Tpr. Roger Adams, Ptlm. Bobby Williams, Ptlm. Steven Reuther, Tpr. Byron Erikson, law enforcement officers killed in the line of duty, should be honored, their dedication and sacrifice recognized, and their unselfish service to the Nation remembered.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect for the outstanding record of excellence she has compiled in academics, leadership and community service, that I am proud to salute Kelly George, winner of the 1998 LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This award is made to young adults who have demonstrated that they are truly committed to playing important roles in our Nation's future. As a winner of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship, Kelly is being honored for demonstrating that same generosity of spirit, intelligence, responsible citizenship, and capacity for human service that distinguished the late LeGrand Smith of Somerset, Michigan. Kelly George is an exceptional student at Grand Ledge High School and possesses an impressive high school record. She has been involved with the National Honor Society. Kelly is involved with Drama and varsity tennis and track. Outside of school Kelly, has been involved with her church as a student leader and various other community activities. In special tribute, therefore, I am proud to join with her many admirers in extending my highest praise and congratulations to Kelly George for her selection as a winner of a LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This honor is also a testament to the parents, teachers, and others whose personal interest, strong support and active participation contributed to her success. To this remarkable young woman, I extend my most heartfelt good wishes for all her future endeavors.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect for the outstanding record of excellence she has compiled in academics, leadership and community service, that I am proud to salute Kristin Warner, winner of the 1998 LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This award is made to young adults who have demonstrated that they are truly committed to playing important roles in our Nation's future. As a winner of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship, Kristin is being honored for demonstrating that same generosity of spirit, intelligence, responsible citizenship, and capacity for human service that distinguished the late LeGrand Smith of Somerset, Michigan. Kristin is an exceptional student at Jonesville High School and possesses an impressive high school record. Kristin is the team captain for the school Quiz Bowl and a member of the schools S.A.D.D. program. Kristin is also involved with varsity track, cheerleading and cross country. Outside the school, Kristin is involved with various community activities. In special tribute, therefore, I am proud to join with her many admirers in extending my highest praise and congratulations to Kristin Warner for her selection as a winner of a LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This honor is also a testament to the parents, teachers, and others whose personal interest, strong support and active participation contributed to her success. To his remarkable young woman, I extend my most heartfelt good wishes for all her future endeavors.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, I want to talk briefly about Social Security. I see a lot of young people in our gallery today, and not only for their future, and what might happen in their retirement years but all workers today, including all retirees today, need to be concerned about Social Security. Let me just give a brief history of how we started our Social Security program. In 1935, somewhat after the depression, there were a lot of seniors, if you will, going over the hill to the poorhouse. A decision was made by the Congress and by the President to develop a program where existing workers paid in their taxes to pay for the benefits of existing retirees, again, sort of a Ponzi game where existing workers paid in taxes. Immediately it was sent out to existing retirees. It worked very well when it first started because up until, up through the late 1930s, there were almost 40 people working, paying in their taxes for every one retiree. By 1950, that got down to 17 workers paying in their taxes for every one retiree, 1950, 17. Today, guess how many workers are working paying in their FICA tax for every retiree? Three workers today are working now, paying in their taxes for every retiree. Of course, with fewer and fewer workers in relation to the number of retirees, the only way to keep enough money coming in was to increase the tax on those workers. Here is a statistic that should give us some trouble, and that is, since 1971, we have increased Social Security taxes 36 times. More often than once a year, we have increased that tax on today's workers in order to have enough money coming into Social Security to immediately send out to pay the benefits that were promised. The chart that I show here on my left I have titled Social Security's Bleak Future. The little blue segment at the top left shows how much extra surplus money is coming into Social Security over and above what is immediately paid out. So there is a little surplus. That surplus goes into what has been called the Social Security Trust Fund. Not a very good name because it is not very trustworthy because what has been happening is, Congress and the President have been spending all of the extra money from Social Security on other programs. So we pretend it is revenue. You will hear a lot of bragging that we are going to have a surplus this year for the first time in 30 years. Actually, if we consider the over $70 billion that we are borrowing from the Social Security Trust Fund this year, then we do not really have a surplus. I am introducing legislation that does a couple of things. It says, from now on, we are not going to pretend that we have a balanced budget by including the amount of money that is coming into the Social Security trust fund, and it directs the Office of Management and Budget, under the President, and it directs the CBO, Congressional Budget Office, under Congress, to no longer use in their calculations for balance the money that is coming in from the Social Security trust fund that is borrowed by the Federal Government to spend on other programs. I think this is important, simply to increase awareness of how we are going to solve the Social Security problem. We can see the dilemma. When we get to the year 2015, 2018, this chart, in today's dollars, by 2010 it will cost $100 billion. The general fund is going to have to come up with $100 billion, way up in this area of the chart, to satisfy benefit needs. But if we use the dollars that will exist because of inflation in 2018, then it is going to take $600 billion out of the general fund, or additional borrowing, to pay back the Social Security trust fund what is owed to it. So I say it is very important that we move ahead now to solve the Social Security trust fund. The bill that I am introducing does a second thing that I think is reasonable. It says, from now on, instead of using IOUs that are not negotiable, not marketable, from now on anything that the government borrows from the Social Security trust fund has to be a marketable Treasury bill. In other words, the trustees can take it around the corner and cash it in whenever they need it. Let us be honest, let us be fair, let us move ahead with a solution to Social Security.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect for the outstanding record of excellence she has compiled in academics, leadership and community service, that I am proud to salute Heather Rogers, winner of the 1998 LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This award is made to young adults who have demonstrated that they are truly committed to playing important roles in our Nation's future. As a winner of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship, Heather is being honored for demonstrating that same generosity of spirit, intelligence, responsible citizenship, and capacity for human service that distinguished the late LeGrand Smith of Somerset, Michigan. Heather is an exceptional student at Deerfield High School and possesses an impressive high school record. Heather is President of the National Honor Society and Treasurer of the school yearbook. Heather also is involved with Varsity basketball, volleyball and cheerleading. Outside of school, Heather is involved with various community activities. In special tribute, therefore, I am proud to join with her many admirers in extending my highest praise and congratulations to Heather Rogers for her selection as a winner of a LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This honor is also a testament to the parents, teachers, and others whose personal interest, strong support and active participation contributed to her success. To this remarkable young woman, I extend my most heartfelt good wishes for all her future endeavors.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect for the outstanding record of excellence she has compiled in academics, leadership and community service, that I am proud to salute Rachelle Teller, winner of the 1998 LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This award is made to young adults who have demonstrated that they are truly committed to playing important roles in our Nation's future. As a winner of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship, Rachelle is being honored for demonstrating that same generosity of spirit, intelligence, responsible citizenship, and capacity for human service that distinguished the late LeGrand Smith of Somerset, Michigan. Rachelle is an exceptional student at Napoleon High School and possesses an impressive high school record. Rachelle is a Class Representative in the Student Government and a member of the schools S.A.D.D. program. Rachelle is also the Editor-in-Chief of the school newspaper. Outside of school, Rachelle is involved with the International Order of Rainbow for Girls and various other community activities. In special tribute, therefore, I am proud to join with her many admirers in extending my highest praise and congratulations to Rachelle Teller for her selection as a winner of a LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This honor is also a testament to the parents, teachers, and others whose personal interest, strong support and active participation contributed to her success. To this remarkable young woman, I extend my most heartfelt good wishes for all her future endeavors.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect for the outstanding record of excellence she has compiled in academics, leadership and community service, that I am proud to salute Kimberly Seckinger, winner of the 1998 LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This award is made to young adults who have demonstrated that they are truly committed to playing important roles in out Nation's future. As a winner of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship, Kimberly is being honored for demonstrating that same generosity of spirit, intelligence, responsible citizenship, and capacity for human service that distinguished the late LeGrand Smith of Somerset, Michigan. Kimberly is an exceptional student at Hillsdale High School and possesses an impressive high school record. Kimberly is a board member of the National Honor Society and Senior Class Secretary. Kimberly is also a member of the Varsity Golf Team. Outside of school Kimberly is involved with the PAC Camp as a Counselor and various other community activities. In special tribute, therefore, I am proud to join with her many admirers in extending my highest praise and congratulations to Kimberly Seckinger for her selection as a winner of a LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This honor is also a testament to the parents, teachers, and others whose personal interest, strong support and active participation contributed to her success. To this remarkable young woman, I extend my most heartfelt good wishes for all her future endeavors.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect for the outstanding record of excellence she has compiled in academics, leadership and community service, that I am proud to salute Katie Rocchio, winner of the 1998 LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This award is made to young adults who have demonstrated that they are truly committed to playing important roles in our Nation's future. As a winner of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship, Katie is being honored for demonstrating that same generosity of spirit, intelligence, responsible citizenship, and capacity for human service that distinguished the late LeGrand Smith of Somerset, Michigan. Katie Rocchio is an exceptional student at Coldwater High School and possesses an impressive high school record. President of the Student Council, Katie is also a member of the National Honor Society, and is the photo editor for her school newspaper. Outside of school, Katie is involved with the Community theater and various other community activities. In special tribute, therefore, I am proud to join with her many admirers in extending my highest praise and congratulations to Katie Rocchio for her selection as a winner of a LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This honor is also a testament to the parents, teachers, and others whose personal interest, strong support and active participation contributed to her success. To this remarkable young woman, I extend my most heartfelt good wishes for all her future endeavors.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect for the outstanding record of excellence she has compiled in academics, leadership and community service, that I am proud to salute Maureen Peters, winner of the 1998 LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This award is made to young adults who have demonstrated that they are truly committed to playing important roles in our Nation's future. As a winner of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship, Maureen is being honored for demonstrating that same generosity of spirit, intelligence, responsible citizenship, and capacity for human service that distinguished the late LeGrand Smith of Somerset, Michigan. Maureen is an exceptional student at Jackson High School and possesses an impressive high school record. Maureen is actively involved in the Student Government and National Honor Society. Maureen is also involved with Varsity soccer, tennis and volleyball. Outside of school, Maureen is involved with her Church Youth Group. In special tribute, therefore, I am proud to join with her many admirers in extending my highest praise and congratulations to Maureen Peters for her selection as a winner of a LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This honor is also a testament to the parents, teachers, and others whose personal interest, strong support and active participation contributed to her success. To this remarkable young woman, I extend my most heartfelt good wishes for all her future endeavors.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect for the outstanding record of excellence she has compiled in academics, leadership and community service, that I am proud to salute Annette Leazenby, winner of the 1998 LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This award is made to young adults who have demonstrated that they are truly committed to playing important roles in our Nation's future. As a winner of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship, Annette is being honored for demonstrating that same generosity of spirit, intelligence, responsible citizenship, and capacity for human service that distinguished the late LeGrand Smith of Somerset, Michigan. Annette Leazenby is an exceptional student at Waldron High School and possesses an impressive high school record. She has been involved with the National Honor Society. Annette is also involved with the high school band and the drama club. She is a member of the varsity basketball, volleyball, softball and track teams. Outside of school, Annette has been involved in volunteer work at her local church, and is taking college classes. In special tribute, therefore, I am proud to join with her many admirers in extending my highest praise and congratulations to Annette Leazenby for her selection as a winner of a LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This honor is also a testament to the parents, teachers, and others whose personal interest, strong support and active participation contributed to her success. To this remarkable young woman, I extend my most heartfelt good wishes for all her future endeavors.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect for the outstanding record of excellence he has compiled in academics, leadership and community service, that I am proud to salute Lindsay McHolme, winner of the 1998 LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This award is made to young adults who have demonstrated that they are truly committed to playing important roles in our Nation's future. As a winner of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship, Lindsay is being honored for demonstrating that same generosity of spirit, intelligence, responsible citizenship, and capacity for human service that distinguished the late LeGrand Smith of Somerset, Michigan. Lindsay McHolme is an exceptional student at Quincy High School and possesses an impressive high school record. She has been involved with the National Honor Society. Lindsay is also involved with the high school newspaper, student council, and the varsity club. She is a member of the varsity softball, basketball, and volleyball teams. Outside of school, Lindsay has been involved with basketball coaching and tutoring. In special tribute, therefore, I am proud to join with her many admirers in extending my highest praise and congratulations to Lindsay McHolme for her selection as a winner of a LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This honor is also a testament to the parents, teachers, and others whose personal interest, strong support and active participation contributed to her success. To this remarkable young woman, I extend my most heartfelt good wishes for all her future endeavors.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect for the outstanding record of excellence she has compiled in academics, leadership and community service, that I am proud to salute Holly Sprunger, winner of the 1998 LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This award is made to young adults who have demonstrated that they are truly committed to playing important roles in our Nation's future. As a winner of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship, Holly is being honored for demonstrating that same generosity of spirit, intelligence, responsible citizenship, and capacity for human service that distinguished the late LeGrand Smith of Somerset, Michigan. Holly is an exceptional student at Lenawee Christian High School and possesses an impressive high school record. Holly is the President of the National Honor Society and is Co-Valedictorian of her senior class. Holly is also involved with varsity basketball, volleyball and softball. Outside of school, Holly is involved with various community activities. In special tribute, Therefore, I am proud to join with her many admirers in extending my highest praise and congratulations to Holly Sprunger for her selection as a winner of a LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This honor is also a testament to the parents, teachers, and others whose personal interest, strong support and active participation contributed to her success. To this remarkable young woman, I extend my most heartfelt good wishes for all her future endeavors.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect for the outstanding record of excellence she has complied in academics, leadership and community service, that I am proud to salute Meredith Pelty, winner of the 1998 LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This award is made to young adults who have demonstrated that they are truly committed to playing important roles in our Nation's future. As a winner of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship, Meredith is being honored for demonstrating that same generosity of spirit, intelligence, responsible citizenship, and capacity for human service that distinguished the late LeGrand Smith of Somerset, Michigan. Meredith is an exceptional student at Onsted High School and possesses an impressive high school record. Meredith is the Captain of the National Honor Society and was chosen by her peers this year as the Homecoming Queen. Meredith is also involved with varsity cheerleading and track. Outside of school, Meredith is a Confirmation teacher within her church and is involved with her church youth group. In special tribute, Therefore, I am proud to join with her many admirers in extending my highest praise and congratulations to Meredith Pelty for her selection as a winner of a LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This honor is also a testament to the parents, teachers, and others whose personal interest, strong support and active participation contributed to her success. To this remarkable young women, I extend my most heartfelt good wishes for all her future endeavors.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect for the outstanding record of excellence she has compiled in academics, leadership and community service, that I am proud to salute Julia Peters, winner of the 1998 LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This award is made to young adults who have demonstrated that they are truly committed to playing important roles in our Nation's future. As a winner of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship, Julia is being honored for demonstrating that same generosity of spirit, intelligence, responsible citizenship, and capacity for human service that distinguished the late LeGrand Smith of Somerset, Michigan. Julia Peters is an exceptional student at Tecumseh High School and possesses an impressive high school record. President of the National Honor Society, Julia is also the secretary for her school's S.A.D.D. program. She was student of the month 19 times throughout high school. Outside of school, Julia was involved with the Student County Congress and various other community activities. In special tribute, Therefore, I am proud to join with her many admirers in extending my highest praise and congratulations to Julia Peters for her selection as a winner of a LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This honor is also a testament to the parents, teachers, and others whose personal interest, strong support and active participation contributed to her success. To this remarkable young woman, I extend my most heartfelt good wishes for all her future endeavors.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect for the outstanding record of excellence he has compiled in academics, leadership and community service, that I am proud to salute Anne Kellogg, winner of the 1998 LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This award made to young adults who have demonstrated that they are truly committed to playing important roles in our Nation's future. As a winner of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship, Anne is being honored for demonstrating that same generosity of spirit, intelligence, responsible citizenship, and capacity for human service that distinguished the late LeGrand Smith of Somerset, Michigan. Anne Kellogg is an exceptional student at Marshall High School and possesses an impressive high school record. She has been involved with the National Honor Society. Anne is also involved with the Student Government, serving as the Class President for four years and the Student Council President her senior year. She is also a member of the varsity soccer and volleyball teams. Outside of school, Anne has been a representative for the United Way, a D.A.R.E. role model and has volunteered at the Tendercare Nursing Home in Marshall. In special tribute, therefore, I am proud to join with her many admirers in extending my highest praise and congratulations to Anne Kellogg for her selection as a winner of a LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This honor is also a testament to the parents, teachers, and others whose personal interest, strong support and active participation contributed to her success. To this remarkable young woman, I extend my most heartfelt good wishes for all her future endeavors.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect for the outstanding record of excellence she has compiled in academics, leadership and community service, that I am proud to salute Christina Ziegler, winner of the 1998 LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This award is made to young adults who have demonstrated that they are truly committed to playing important roles in our Nation's future. As a winner of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship, Christina is being honored for demonstrating that same generosity of spirit, intelligence, responsible citizenship, and capacity for human service that distinguished the late LeGrand Smith of Somerset, Michigan. Christina Ziegler is an exceptional student at Litchfield High School and possesses an impressive high school record. She has been involved with the National Honor Society. Christina is also involved with the high school Spanish club, and the varsity cross country, volleyball and track teams. Outside of school, Christina, has been involved with her church youth group and various other community activities. In special tribute, Therefore, I am proud to join with her many admirers in extending my highest praise and congratulations to Christina Ziegler for her selection as a winner of a LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This honor is also a testament to the parents, teachers, and others whose personal interest, strong support and active participation contributed to her success. To this remarkable young woman, I extend my most heartfelt good wishes for all her future endeavors.

Mr. SMITH of Michigan

Mr. SMITH of Michigan. Mr. Speaker, it is with great respect for the outstanding record of excellence he has compiled in academics, leadership and community service, that I am proud to salute Jeremy Bayer, winner of the 1998 LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This award is made to young adults who have demonstrated that they are truly committed to playing important roles in our Nation's future. As a winner of the LeGrand Smith Scholarship, Jeremy is being honored for demonstrating that same generosity of spirit, intelligence, responsible citizenship, and capacity for human service that distinguished the late LeGrand Smith of Somerset, Michigan. Jeremy Bayer is an exceptional student at Northwest High School and possesses an impressive high school record. He has been involved with the National Honor Society. Jeremy is also involved with the Science team and the Chi Alpha/Religious Club. He is a member of the varsity soccer, swimming and track teams. Outside of school Jeremy, has been involved with the Boy Scout Explorers and served as a soccer referee and soccer camp counselor. In special tribute, Therefore, I am proud to join with his many admirers in extending my highest praise and congratulations to Jeremy Bayer for his selection as a winner of a LeGrand Smith Scholarship. This honor is also a testament to the parents, teachers, and others whose personal interest, strong support and active participation contributed to his success. To this remarkable young man, I extend my most heartfelt good wishes for all his future endeavors.