Jerry Weller

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, March 4, 2004 I was unavoidably detained and was absent from the House floor while votes took place. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' on the consideration of H.R. 3752, the Commercial Space Launch Amendments Act of 2004, as well as ``aye'' on the consideration of H. Res. 412, and H. Res. 56. I ask that these comments be submitted for the Congressional Record.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, let me first begin by thanking the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Davis) of the Committee on Government Reform, every member of the Committee on Government Reform, and particularly the gentlewoman from Michigan (Mrs. Miller) and the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) for joining me here on the floor and their assistance in their effort to honor these three members of the American military. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the heroic actions of three service members from the 11th Congressional District of Illinois, three service members who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their life to the defense of our Nation and our freedoms. Army Staff Sgt. Lincoln Hollinsaid of Malden, Illinois; Marine Captain Ryan Beaupre of St. Anne, Illinois; and Army Private Shawn Pahnke of Manhattan, Illinois, each served proudly and bravely in the United States military. Today, Mr. Speaker, the House will honor the memory of these three soldiers with the passage of H.R. 3536, H.R. 3537, and H.R. 3538, bills that will rename the post offices in each of these soldiers' hometowns in their honor. I note and express appreciation to my colleagues in the Illinois delegation, all of whom have co-sponsored this legislation, each and every one of them of the 19 in the Illinois delegation. Mr. Speaker, I have unfortunately lost three soldiers from my district in the war against terror. In each of these cases the soldiers who gave their lives came from small communities, towns where each of those soldiers are well known, towns that gave one of their own in the defense of freedom, towns that have been there to help give the Hollinsaid, Beaupre and Pahnke families the support they needed and still need in dealing with their loss. Today this body will bestow a small yet important honor in remembrance of the sacrifices of these three men, soldiers and their families by renaming the only Federal installations in these three small towns, the community gathering place, the local United States Post Office. H.R. 3536 will rename the Malden, Illinois Post Office after Army Staff Sergeant Lincoln Hollinsaid. Staff Sergeant Hollinsaid was an engineer with the U.S. Army Third Infantry Battalion. He was lost April 7, 2003 while operating a crane to help clear a path along U.S. Army forces to penetrate the grounds of the Baghdad Airport and capture this key facility. Lincoln loved fishing, four-wheeling in his truck, and was also a self-taught guitar player. Linc, as his father Dan and mother Nancy called him, was proud to serve in the United States Armed Forces and his service has been a great source of pride for the small community of Malden, a town of 380 residents in Bureau County, Illinois. Lincoln Hollinsaid was more than a source of pride, though. Linc and his family have been a source of strength for other military families dealing with the loss of a loved one. So much so that our own president, President Bush, made mention of Linc in his address at Arlington National Cemetery this past Memorial Day. The Memorial Day services at Arlington was somber, as tradition would have you expect, but the crowd chuckled as President Bush recalled a letter that Army Staff Sergeant Lincoln Hollinsaid wrote from the Mid East, telling his family that he enjoyed getting mail from them but I wish my truck and boat knew how to write. President Bush said, quoting Hollinsaid, ``I sure do miss them.'' We miss Lincoln Hollinsaid. I ask for Members' prayers for the Hollinsaid family and Members' unanimous support of H.R. 3536 to rename the Malden, Illinois Post Office after Army Staff Sergeant Lincoln Hollinsaid.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, we have some great challenges before our country in today's world; and one of them, of course, is moving our economy forward. I am pleased to report to the House that the Economic Jobs and Growth Plan that was signed into law by President Bush in May of last year is working. We have seen some real benefits as a result of that Jobs and Economic Growth Plan, plans that cut taxes for every American, eliminated the marriage tax penalty, doubled the child tax credit, and also provided incentives for investment. As a result of the President's plan that was passed into law by this Congress, we have seen a generation of well over 300,000 new jobs just in the last few months. I would also report that as a result of the bonus depreciation, the extra 50 percent that businesses can use for deducting the cost of buying a company car or an office computer or telecommunications equipment, a machine tool that, as a result of that bonus depreciation, we have now seen the highest level ever of investment by the private sector, by business, and capital assets, cars and trucks, machine tools, computers. When we encourage a business to buy a new company car, to buy a machine tool, to buy telecommunications equipment, to buy other types of equipment, that creates jobs. The President's plan is working.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise again today to pay tribute to another fallen brave hero from my home State of Illinois, a brave hero from the war on terror and Operation Iraqi Freedom, Army Private Shawn Pahnke. Under the legislation I am offering today, H.R. 3537, the Manhattan, Illinois, United States Post Office will be renamed after Army Private Shawn Pahnke. I also wish to thank my colleagues in the Illinois delegation for joining me as original cosponsors of this legislation. Private Pahnke was a main battle tank crewman with the United States Army 1st Armored Division's First Brigade. He was lost June 16, 2003, while patrolling Baghdad in a Humvee on a security detail. Shawn enjoyed playing baseball and was relatively new to the Armed Forces and had only recently been stationed in Iraq when he was taken from us. Shawn was the father to a newborn baby son, Dean, whom he never met. On the day of Dean's arrival, Private Pahnke spent most of the day on the phone with his wife, Elisha, talking her through labor and getting to hear the birth of his son and his son's first minutes in the world over the telephone. I have known Private Pahnke's father, Tom, for many years through his work as town administrator with the village of Manhattan, as well as his mother, Linda. Mr. Speaker, this is a good family, a patriotic family that is very proud of Shawn's service in the United States military. Private Pahnke was much like the other two soldiers we will be honoring today, as he comes from a small town. Shawn's loss was a loss felt by family, by friends, and by the entire community in Manhattan; and while we in this Chamber today can never replace the memory of a lost father, husband or son, by passing H.R. 3537 we can ensure that the memory of this American hero endures in his hometown; and perhaps one day, when he is old enough to understand, baby Dean Pahnke will realize his father was truly loved, not only by his family but by the community and the Nation he served. Our hearts and prayers go out to the entire Pahnke family. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to give H.R. 3537, renaming the Manhattan, Illinois, post office after Army Private Shawn Pahnke, their unanimous support.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, it has been an honor to have been the sponsor of H.R. 3538, as well as the two previous pieces of legislation honoring three fallen war heroes from my State of Illinois. This legislation, H.R. 3538, the Marine Capt. Ryan Beaupre Saint Anne Post Office Designation Act, is just like the two previous bills considered by the House. Under H.R. 3538, the Saint Anne, Illinois, post office will be named after Marine Captain Ryan Beaupre, another Operation Iraqi Freedom hero from the 11th Congressional District of Illinois; and, again, Mr. Speaker, I wish to express my gratitude for my colleagues in the Illinois delegation for joining me as original cosponsors of this legislation. Captain Beaupre was a helicopter pilot with the 1st Marine Expeditionary Force. He was lost on March 20, 2003, while piloting a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter in Kuwait, 9 miles from the border with Iraq. Ryan enjoyed competing in cross-country and track. He was also a volunteer in the community, volunteering at Home-Sweet-Home mission, a homeless shelter and transitional housing program. He attended Bishop McNamara High School and Illinois Wesleyan University in my congressional district. I have had the opportunity to meet with Ryan's parents, Mark and Nicky Beaupre; and I can tell my colleagues that the Beaupre family is a very proud family, a very close family, and a very patriotic family. Ryan Beaupre loved to fly. He enjoyed being a pilot, and he enjoyed being a Marine. Mr. Speaker, the words we speak in this Chamber can never be enough to truly understand what Ryan Beaupre meant to those who knew him. So, Mr. Speaker, I offer these remarks from Ann Harding, assistant director of Career Services at Illinois Wesleyan University, from the school's memorial page to Ryan Beaupre: ``When I got the news about Ryan's death, I immediately went through my many photo albums of IWU students. Suddenly Ryan's face was everywhere. What a great smile! Ryan worked for me in the Career Center. We stayed in touch after he started his job at State Farm. While he worked for me, he talked about his interest in learning how to fly. We even discussed the Officers Training Program. When he accepted the job at State Farm, I figured he put the idea out of his mind. Then a year later he called and said he had given his 2 weeks' notice and was joining the Marines. `They're going to teach me how to fly,' he said. ``I was happy for him because he always kept his eye on his dream. To think he could have been as safe as I am in Bloomington, Illinois, had he not pursued the real dream. I admire Ryan and any one of you that goes after what you want. I know that until there was no time left, Ryan was doing everything right and to the very best of his ability. He was a smart and innocent man. ``To see so many alumni come back to the service on campus is a testament to a how close you all become in a short 4-year period. I will go to the services on Thursday in Saint Anne and be very proud to have known Ryan Beaupre.'' Mr. Speaker, Ryan Beaupre died living a dream, a dream of flying, a dream of serving as a United States Marine, a dream of helping bring freedom and a better life to those in the Middle East. The prayers of a grateful Nation and a grateful Congress go out to all the families that have lost a loved one in defense of America's freedom. I ask that the House honor the memory of Illinois' lost son, Marine Captain Ryan Beaupre, by passing H.R. 3538, renaming the Saint Anne, Illinois, post office after our fallen hero of the war against terror. I especially want to thank my two distinguished colleagues, the distinguished gentlewoman from Michigan and the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia, for joining me on the floor today to help with this legislation and also thanks to my colleagues as well as ask unanimous support for this legislation.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I asked for this time today because I felt as we finish up the month of February, Black History Month, it would be appropriate for this body to take a step back into history and remember the pioneering African American Members of this body as well as two men from my State, Illinois, who fought against the practice of slavery. Mr. Speaker, the Members may not know this, but of the first 19 African American Members of the House, each and every one of them was a Republican. And of the 19 black House pioneers, most were freed slaves. My time only allows me this evening just to mention a few of them because I think they each have very impressive stories and records of serving this country and working towards the goal of civil rights for all. The first African American to serve in the House was Joseph H. Rainey from South Carolina. Mr. Rainey's parents, Edward and Gracey, were slaves when their son was born in 1832 in Georgetown, South Carolina. Rainey's father was a successful barber in the area and through hard work was able to earn and pay for the family's freedom from slavery. After the Civil War broke out in 1861, the Confederacy conscripted Joseph Rainey to work on the military fortifications of Charleston's harbor. Rainey dreamed of escaping from the military drudgery to a life working without the stigma of color. The dream became reality when he and his wife boarded a ship bound for the West Indies. Rainey took on the family trade and worked as a barber in Bermuda, and his wife worked as a dressmaker. He studied the manners and conversation of his educated customers, and hearing that opportunities for African Americans were better than they used to be in postwar South Carolina, the Raineys returned home. Rainey was elected to the United States House of Representatives in 1868, took office in 1869, was a leader in the fight for civil rights. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to announce on this floor tonight that our own House Republican conference, led by the gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. Pryce), has initiated a program called the Joseph Rainey Scholars to honor the memory of Congressman Joseph Rainey. The Rainey Scholars program aims to get African American students involved in government and to learn about the history of African Americans in the Congress. Currently, there are 10 college students participating in this program, which includes the option of being a congressional intern. In 1871, Robert Brown Elliott was elected to the U.S. House as a black Republican from South Carolina. He had previously served as the State House Speaker, again was an outspoken advocate for civil rights and often noted the role of African Americans in our own Revolutionary War, the War of 1812, and on the side of the Union in the Civil War. John Roy Lynch was elected to this body in 1873 as a Republican from Mississippi. Lynch was a Republican Party activist who served as a delegate to five Republican conventions. In fact, Mr. Lynch presided over the 1884 Republican convention in Chicago, serving as the first African American ever to preside over a national party convention. Charles Nash, elected in 1875, a Republican, was the first black to represent Louisiana in Congress. John Mercer Langston was elected to the House in 1890 and later served as Consul General to Haiti. The first black Member of the United States Senate was also a Republican, Hiram Rhodes revels from Mississippi. Senator Rhodes took over the seat once held by the President of the Confederacy, Jefferson Davis. Mr. Speaker, we salute these African American pioneers in Congress, and we remember the path they have made for African Americans to make a difference in our government and in our country. Additionally, Mr. Speaker, I would be remiss if I did not mention two other major figures in the Republican Party, both from my home State of Illinois. Though while not African American, both played a big role in the fight for freedom, opportunity, and equality. First, of course, was our 16th President, Abraham Lincoln. We all know under Lincoln's leadership the Republican vision of equality was advanced with the Emancipation Proclamation of 1863, followed by Lincoln's insistence that the abolition of slavery be part of the 1864 Republican platform. But, Mr. Speaker, I also wanted to draw to the Members' attention Owen Lovejoy from Princeton, Illinois, a community I represent in the 11th Congressional District. Owen Lovejoy came to Princeton, Illinois, in 1838 to assume the ministry of the Hampshire Colony Congressional Church. He was known as a fiery abolitionist who preached his views from the pulpit, causing much dissention in a community already divided over the slavery issue. A strong supporter of Abraham Lincoln, Lovejoy, a Republican, was elected to the State legislature and then in 1856 began five terms in the U.S. House of Representatives. Lovejoy became known for his efforts on behalf of the abolition of slavery and was among the leaders in the House in advancing civil rights. His home was one of the most important stations in the underground railroad in Illinois. Runaway slaves were harbored by the Lovejoy family until arrangements could be made for them to travel to the next station on the way to Canada and freedom. Today the Lovejoy home stands as a reminder of Lovejoy's efforts. Mr. Speaker, as Black History Month comes to a close, let us remember our heroes, those pioneers who stood for freedom and led the way to today's equality.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the County of Will as it is recognized as the 2004 recipient of the Joliet Region Chamber of Commerce's annual ``Salute to Industry Award''. The County will be the 28th recipient of this award and lies within my 11th Congressional District in Illinois. Will County was first established in 1836 by an act of the Illinois legislature, which subdivided it from Cook County. The area was a favorite hunting ground for the Indians as it had an abundant supply of water and timber. Travel was facilitated by the old Sauk Trail and by the Des Plaines, DuPage, and Kankakee Rivers. Today, the County is the fastest growing county in Illinois and the fourth-fastest growing county in the nation. According to the U.S. Census the population of Will County as of April 2001, was a little over 502,000. It is estimated that Will County's population will reach over 800,000 by the year 2020 and over 1 million in 2030. Will County is the only county in the State of Illinois that has the County Executive System. Mr. Joe Mikan is the current County Executive. The County Board is comprised of 27 members, of which three represent each of the nine districts. County Executive Mikan and Will County elected officials are always striving for new advances to make it easier for constituents and businesses to operate in the County. They have streamlined business procedures, opened a Workforce Services division, and developed the Will County Archives Center. The County is also pursuing co-sponsorship of the future South Suburban Airport. Mr. Speaker, I urge this body to identify and recognize other counties in their own districts whose actions have so greatly benefitted and strengthened America's families and communities.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Captain Kevin Shaughnessy, who is retiring from the Illinois State Police after 25 years of service. Captain Shaughnessy entered the Illinois State Police Academy in June of 1978 and was assigned to the Division of Criminal Investigations, Financial Fraud, and Forgery Unit. In 1988, he was promoted to Master Sergeant and became the Squad Supervisor of the Financial Fraud and Forger Unit. From 1986 to 1993, Captain Shaughnessy achieved many successes in his career. He was responsible for coordination and supervision of a multi-agency Fugitive Investigation Strike Team consisting of personnel from the Cook County Sheriff's Police and United States Marshall's Service. The Captain was also responsible for the implementation and administration of a 600,000 grant to investigate welfare fraud in Illinois. Under his supervision, the ISP Firearms/ Fugitive Task Force successfully executed ten major round-ups of firearm fugitives. In 1995, Kevin was promoted to Lieutenant and assigned to the District Chicago as Commander of the South Suburban Major Crimes Task Force. In 1999, Kevin was promoted to Captain and named Commander of District 5 Joliet. Captain Shaughnessy has received many decorations during his career including the Illinois State Police Director's Award of Honor and the Director's Award of Merit. In 2002, the Captain received the M.A.D.D. Officer of the year for Will County. During his career, Captain Shaughnessy has instructed over 3,000 Law Enforcement Officers on a variety of topics. Captain Shaughnessy and his wife, Colleen are the proud parents of three children, Ryan, Kelly and Mary Beth. Friends of the Captain say he is an avid golfer and can often be found on his favorite golf course. Mr. Speaker, I urge this body to identify and recognize other persons in their own districts whose actions have so greatly benefitted and strengthened America's families and communities.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Monical's Pizza Corporation (Monical's) for being the State winner and national finalist for Recognition of Outstanding Commitment to the Community and being awarded the Restaurant Neighbor Awards. This is the 5th annual year for the award. One day a week, for 17 weeks, youths participating in the D.A.R.E. (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program receive an education on drug abuse resistance. Monical's saw this as an opportunity to help reach out to youths before drug addiction starts. Since 1990, the restaurant has handed out more than 200,000 free pizza certificates to children who complete the D.A.R.E. program--a contribution totaling more than $1 million. Monical's commitment to D.A.R.E. began with a simple collaboration with the Lincoln, Illinois, police department to donate pizzas to students who graduated from D.A.R.E. Today, Monical's extends this opportunity to every community D.A.R.E. program located near one of their 50-plus restaurants. This translates into a value of more than $1 million. Students also receive a coupon for a Monical's Family Pleaser so they can bring the entire family for a celebration of their graduation. Mr. Speaker, I urge this body to identify and recognize other companies in their own districts whose actions have so greatly benefitted and strengthened America's families and communities.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Monical's Pizza Corporation (Monical's) for receiving the People and Performance Award (PAPA) during the Multi-Unit Foodservice Operators 2003 National Conference. Nation's Restaurant News and Coca-Cola North America established the national PAPA awards to honor multi-unit chains for excellence in employee recognition, retention and recruitment. Monical's President Harry Bond received the PAPA award for retention. For the past 14 months, Monical's achieved 0 percent turnover for restaurant general managers, team leaders, regional trainers, and support center coordinators. Very few companies can boast of the same accomplishment. Monical's attributes their low turnover rate to several company incentives such as: evaluation of restaurant management at least once a year; all restaurant management and support staff team members receive the same health insurance and profit sharing benefits as the president of the company; the company's policy of a flexible scheduling strategy; and a 50 percent discount on Monical's meals for employees. Monical's also values their employees who also have families. The majority of management personnel work between 42-45 hours per week and are eligible for two weekend days off per calendar month so their managers are able to enjoy an active and productive family life as well as a life at work. Monical's also encourages their employees to bring their children to work for the day. This allows the children to see where their parents work and have a day of fun working in a restaurant or office. Mr. Speaker, I urge this body to identify and recognize other companies in their own districts whose actions have so greatly benefitted and strengthened America's families and communities.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, this is historic legislation tonight. Again, we make another positive step forward in modernizing Medicare, a process we have been working on every year the nine years that I have served in the House of Representatives. I am proud that a majority of House Republicans voted in favor of Medicare when it was created. I am proud a majority of this House, who is the majority, continues to work to modernize and improve Medicare for our seniors. This legislation that came out of bipartisan work, it is endorsed by the AARP, a trusted organization that represents millions of American seniors. And in the case of Illinois, my home State, 1.7 million seniors benefit in the State of Illinois. They benefit because they will have for the first time ever prescription drug coverage that is voluntary, it is affordable, and it is universal, available for every senior citizen. It will be immediately available. In fact, within 6 months of this legislation becoming law, seniors will have a prescription drug card immediately this coming year allowing them to see up to a 25 percent savings; and 2 years later, 2006, every senior again will have the opportunity to see up to a 75 percent savings on prescription drugs. They choose to enroll in a prescription drug plan available through this modernization of Medicare. In fact, at a cost of about $1 a day, they can see a 75 percent savings, up to a 75 percent savings. And if they are low income, they will pay little or no premium. This is a good plan. That is why it has bipartisan support. I want to salute Senator Breaux and Senator Baucus for working with Republicans to come up with a bipartisan plan. I would also note that hospitals and community health centers do benefit because when you modernize Medicare, you also fix the reimbursements. In communities that I represent, almost all of our hospitals, I think every one of them, is a not-for-profit. They struggle, both the hospitals and community health centers. Some call them special interests, but they get big improvements back for Illinois, $400 million in additional reimbursements as a result of this legislation.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the heroic actions of three service members from the 11th Congressional District of Illinois who gave the ultimate sacrifice of their life to the defense of our Nation. Army Staff Sgt. Lincoln Hollinsaid of Malden, Marine Capt. Ryan Beaupre of St. Anne and Army Pvt. Shawn Pahnke of Manhattan each served proudly and bravely. Today, I am introducing legislation to honor their sacrifice by naming each of their hometown post offices in their name and I urge my colleagues to support these bills. The Malden, Illinois post office would be named after Army Staff Sgt. Lincoln Hollinsaid, age 27. Staff Sgt. Hollinsaid was an engineer with the U.S. Army Third Infantry Division. He was killed April 7, 2003 while operating a crane to help clear a path allowing U.S. Army forces to penetrate the grounds of the Bagdad Airport and capture this key facility. Lincoln loved fishing, four-wheeling in his truck and was also a self taught guitar player. The St. Anne, Illinois post office would be named after Marine Capt. Ryan Beaupre, age 30. Capt. Beaupre was a helicopter pilot with the U.S. First Marine Expeditionary Force. He was killed March 20, 2003 while piloting a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter in Kuwait, nine miles from the border with Iraq. Ryan enjoyed competing in cross-country and track. He was also a volunteer at ``Home-Sweet-Home'' mission, a homeless shelter and transitional housing program. The Manhattan, Illinois post office would be named after Army Pvt. Shawn Pahnke, age 25. Pvt. Pahnke was a main battle tank crewman with the U.S. Army First Armored Division's First Brigade. He was killed June 16, 2003 while patrolling Baghdad in a Humvee. Shawn enjoyed playing baseball. He was also a husband and a father of a new born son. Naming the Malden, St. Anne and Manhattan post offices after these brave soldiers is a fitting tribute to remember each of their lives, their service and the sacrifices of their families and their communities. When we lose a soldier, it is a terrible loss for their families and for our Nation. Hardships are also felt by every family of those who are abroad who not only miss their loved ones, but may be having a difficult time making ends meet. The members of the armed forces are giving greatly to defend and protect our Nation, and we owe them an enormous debt of gratitude. America's soldiers serve our country with honor. I hope that you will join me in honoring these soldiers who gave so much to our country. On a personal note, my heart and prayers go out to all those who have sacrificed for this ongoing war on terror, and I urge my colleagues to support these fitting bills.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, we have had some good news since July. We have seen 286,000 new jobs created as a result of the Jobs and Economic Growth Act that was signed into law in May. That is good news; and really, this legislation we have before us today is another step in our effort to continue growing this economy and creating jobs, because one of the most important factors that affects the investment and the creation of jobs is certainty; and when a tax provision expires and there is doubt, uncertainty about whether that tax provision is going to be extended, those who invest, business and others, hold back and that affects our economy. Passage of this legislation, with bipartisan support, is very important as we work to continue growing our economy. There are several very important economic growth provisions in this legislation that will be extended for another year, a 12-month extension, legislation that provides a tax incentive to clean up brownfields, abandoned industrial sites that require some environmental cleanup. Of course, we are extending the incentive to help business recover the cost of that environmental cleanup and create new jobs, recycling those industrial sites. We recognize that there are many small- and medium-size manufacturers and other companies that have lost money this year. They need capital to invest in the creation of jobs to participate in the economic growth that we are currently beginning to enjoy; and by allowing them to go back over the last 5 years, find a profitable year, take this year's loss and essentially apply for a tax refund, that will give them capital to create new jobs. Third, we all want those who are currently unemployed to have an opportunity to get a job. We also want those who are on welfare to have an opportunity to get a job; and the work opportunity tax credit is a tremendous program that has worked so well to give those who have been on welfare the opportunity for a job, a chance, in many cases the first chance that they have ever had for a good-paying job. Let us extend these. This legislation deserves unanimous, bipartisan support. I urge an ``aye'' vote.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the rule and strong support of final passage of this legislation which is so important to the economy of our country. I also wish to commend the gentleman from Louisiana (Chairman Tauzin) of my committee for his leadership. Mr. Speaker, for 3 years this work, this legislation has been in the making, which, of course, is too long. But I would like to point out that a key component of this legislation as we work towards energy independence is conservation. And we think about who consumes energy in America, 20 percent of the energy we consume in our Nation is consumed in our homes by residential consumption of energy. I would note in this legislation, there is an important provision which provides an energy efficient homes tax credit rewarding homeowners and homebuilders for investing in better insulation and better windows and better doors and sealing their home, and encouraging homebuilders when they build a new house to use more energy efficient technologies in heating and cooling. This is important legislation. This tax credit provides individuals and businesses up to $2,000 tax credit, which means the first 20 percent of the first $10,000 they invest they can recover by reducing their tax burden to the Federal Government. The bottom line is we need to provide incentives for our homeowners and those who build homes, provide for more energy-efficient house. When I talk with those who build homes, they tell me that often a consumer will come in, if they are going to spend a little extra money, they want to invest that money in a nicer bathroom or nicer kitchen, something they can see, and that energy efficiency and energy conservation is a second thought. What is monumental about this legislation that is before us today is we provide a real incentive for homebuilders and homeowners to invest in making their homes more energy efficient by providing for up to a $2,000 tax credit in energy-efficient homes. Bottom line, this is good legislation, deserves bipartisan support. I urge an aye on the rule and an aye on final passage.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Chairman, on rollcall No. 518 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. WELLER

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

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the majority in the Congress, I take the well this evening to, of course, celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, to celebrate the independence day for our Central American allies. It is my privilege to be before the House of Representatives today to discuss these important events. Hispanic Heritage Month is September 15 through October 15. It is a month-long national celebration in recognition of the countless contributions and sacrifices that our Nation's largest minority community has bestowed upon our country over the last 4 centuries. This week we not only recognize Central American independence from Spain, but we also celebrate the common bond of democracy our countries share that allows us all to be here today. Es gran mes de celebracion porque elogiamos la independencia de cinco paises centro: El Salvador; Costa Rica; Honduras; Guatemala; y Nicaragua. Nuestros amigos y companeros. As with every July 4th, when we celebrate our Nation's independence from Great Britain, it is fitting to note that while the five Central American nations declared their independence from the Spanish crown on September 15, 1821, the quest for independence actually began 11 years earlier on that exact date when the then Viceroyalty of New Spain, today Mexico, declared her independence from la Madre Patria, the Mother-Fatherland, as Latinos sometimes affectionately refer to Spain. When independence finally came to Spain's largest American colony in 1821, its vast territory stretched all the way south to the present Costa Rican-Panamanian border and continued northward to the present day California-Oregon border and included the American Southwest. In addition, the future of the Philippines, Guam, as well as the other Spanish island possessions in the Pacific, which were administered directly from Mexico City before the end of Spanish sovereignty on the American mainland, would also be directly affected by the independence movement that began on this date, September 15 in 1810. In the years that followed Mexico's independence, which was officially celebrated on the 16th of September, and not on Cinco de Mayo, like some believe, five of the six Central American provinces would also come together in 1823 to form the United Provinces of Central America. Subsequently, Mexico's northern provinces of Alta California, Nuevo Mexico, and Tejas y Coahuila would later come under the Stars and Stripes as a result of the Mexican-American War. Out of these three immense territories, the present-day borders of 10 American States would later be carved out. Hence, there are 10 stars out of the 50 on our national flag, one out of five on our national flag that has a direct tie to this specific date, September 15, the independence day of the former provinces of New Spain. Somos todos hermanos y hermanas. It is clear that our Nations share many common bonds and values. It is also evident that we stand together, committed to freedom and democracy, proud that all five nations have freely elected governments committed to democracy and the rule of law. There is no better system than democracy, and we in the Republican Congress stand ready to work with the freely elected leaders of our Central American allies to strengthen democracy throughout the Western Hemisphere. All five nations in Central America are well led by able leaders who again are freely elected. The Republic of El Salvador is President Flores and is represented well here in Washington by His Excellency Ambassador Leon. Republic Costa Rica is well led by a freely elected President, His Excellency President Pacheco and is well served and well represented here in Washington by His Excellency Ambassador Daremblum. The Republic of Honduras is ably led by a freely elected President, His Excellency President Maduro and is well represented here in Washington by Ambassador Canahuat. The Republic of Guatemala is ably served and well led by a freely elected and democratically elected President, His Excellency President Partillo and well represented here in Washington, Guatemala is, by Ambassador Arenalas. And last, and of course equally important, is the Republic Nicaragua, a country that is well led by a freely elected and democratically elected President, His Excellency President Balanos and is well represented here in Washington by Ambassador Marias. Again, El Salvador, Costa Rica, Honduras, Guatemala, Nicaragua, all led by freely elected, democratically elected presidents and well represented here in Washington by their diplomatic corps; but they share our values. They share our values and support for democracy. Last, recognizing that we have a great opportunity, an opportunity to integrate the economies of the five nations of Central America and the United States with the Central American Free Trade Agreement. It is a great opportunity for all of our nations. Central America represents the United States' largest export market. There are 34 million people who live in Central America, with a combined gross domestic product of almost 57 billion U.S. dollars. The United States exports to Central America total over $9 billion, which includes such product items as machinery, high-tech goods, motor vehicles, chemicals, energy, food, agricultural products, textiles, apparel, paper, and fertilizer. In fact, it is important to note that the five Central American nations today represent more trade for the United States' trading partners than the trade we currently have with the nations of India, Russia, and Australia combined. Clearly, our allies are a key part of our economy and important trading partners. U.S. services exports to Central America today total over $2 billion and include such top services such as aviation, telecom, tourism, banking and financial services. Such exports to the region have grown by 42 percent since 1996. Think about that. Service exports to Central America have grown by 42 percent in 7 years. Every dollar today that we as Americans spend on a good produced in Central America has yielded $1.36 in demand for American goods from and purchases by our Central American allies and friends. The Central American Free Trade Agreement offers tremendous opportunity for American workers and businesses, but it also stands to offer a model for a regional trade agreement and will be a key building block for the Free Trade Agreement of the Americas. We must align ourselves with our Latin American friends to compete in today's global economy. Es claro que tenemos gran oportunidad para todos los paises en Centro America y los Estados Unidos para integrar mas nuestras economias con el Acuerdo de Libre Cambio Americano Centro. Esta semana sus negociadores y nuestros negociadores tienen un reunion en Managua, Nicaragua, para clarificar este acuerdo y para terminarlo para la ratificacion temprano en dos mil cuatro por el Congreso de los Estados Unidos. Our nations have much to gain by reducing barriers between our economies. We agree that free trade will create jobs and new opportunities for the citizens of all our nations. We agree that CAFTA, the Central American Free Trade Agreement, must be mutually beneficial and fair to all six nations, ours as well as theirs. We in the Western Hemisphere can and must work together to compete in the global economy. Again, my colleagues and I extend our congratulations to our Central American neighbors on their independence day and recognize our Hispanic and Latino citizens during this month-long celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month. We stand with you in solidarity for freedom; we stand with you in solidarity for democracy; we stand with you in solidarity for trade.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to the language weakening the United States' Cuban embargo policy by allowing travel to Cuba and urge my colleagues also to oppose allowing travel to Cuba. The regime of Fidel Castro continues to prove to have no respect for dissidents, for human rights, and cannot be trusted. This past March, Castro carried out a sweeping crackdown on dissident leaders, rounding up 75 and providing harsh prison sentences after charades of trials. Further, Castro resumed executions with the execution of three men by official firing squad. For those dissidents merely attempting to exercise basic freedoms, punishments include forced exile, interrogations, house arrest and searches, intimidation and aggression, telephone bugging, eviction and loss of employment. The fact remains: Cuba under the dictatorship of Fidel Castro is a terrorist state, ruled by fear, and grossly violating the human rights of dissidents. The Cuban regime remains on the Department of State list of seven terrorist-sponsoring nations. United States policy should never bend against the tide of oppression in Cuba or any country--we must maintain a firm line. Our victory in the Cold War was due to holding firmly to our core democratic values and principles and being strong, not bending to communist ideology, torture, and oppression. The House of Representatives should not vote to reward a terrorist state with unrestricted travel--providing resources needed to sustain the Castro regime. I urge my colleagues to vote no on this amendment to weaken the embargo against Cuba by allowing travel to Cuba.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of the fiscal year 2004 VA-HUD Appropriations bill. First, let me thank and congratulate Chairman Young, Chairman Walsh, and Members of the Appropriations Committee for all of the hard work they have done in crafting this excellent bill. I am especially thankful for the increase of $2.75 million to the Grants for Construction of State Extended Care Facilities, funding this vital program at a total of over $102 million. These grants are of great importance to America's veterans, providing many veterans with services they would otherwise be unable to receive. There is one such facility in my district I want to talk about, the Illinois Home for Veterans in LaSalle. Located in my district, this Home provides intermediate and skilled nursing services for veterans, with a total capacity of 120 beds including 18 special needs beds for veterans suffering Alzheimer's Disease or related dementias. As successful as the Home has been, it is in need of new funding to expand its bed capacity. With the ranks of those requiring VA care growing on a yearly basis, States already face huge financial burdens in helping to care for our veterans. The waiting list for admittance to the LaSalle home is as long as 2 to 3 years, with over 250 veterans waiting, many of which will go untreated or under treated due to lack of beds. Recently, the State of Illinois enacted legislation authorizing an increase in the number of beds in this facility by 80. I have asked the State of Illinois to apply for the 65 percent Federal funding under this grant and to secure its 35 percent share of the matching funds for the LaSalle home to proceed with the construction. In the past, the State has had problems with Federal funding from the State Home Construction Grant program. Specifically, the State made repairs and improvements to the Home in LaSalle and had not been awarded funding by the Federal Government for these projects through the grant program, or reimbursements from the program had been slow and piecemeal. In consideration of this, I ask for inclusion into the VA-HUD Appropriations Conference Report, priority language which would read, ``The Committee further encourages the Department to work with the State of Illinois as that State applies for a grant to expand the LaSalle facility.'' With so many veterans in need of care, the Illinois Valley can no longer wait to obtain more beds in the veterans home. Again, let me thank the Appropriations Committee for their hard work, and attention to this important matter. U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Ways and Means, July 18, 2003. Hon. Rod Blagojevich, Governor, State of Illinois, Statehouse, Springfield, IL. Dear Governor Blagojevich, I am pleased to be writing you in regards to the legislation that you recently signed into law that will expand the Illinois Home for Veterans in LaSalle. Congratulations on this accomplishment! As a result of this landmark legislation, I urge you to apply for federal funds from the State Home Construction Grant program, which could reimburse the State for up to 65% of the cost of the expansions. As you may know, in the past, the State of Illinois had expressed concerns about the State Home Construction Grant program. Specifically, the State had made repairs and/or improvements to the home in LaSalle and had not been awarded funding by the federal government for these projects through the grant program. Last July, after working with the Ryan Administration and the VA, the State was paid $7.3 million as a reimbursement for renovations/ improvements made to State veterans' homes. The State is no longer due any reimbursement funds from this program. Included in legislation enacted in the 106th Congress were changes for the requirements needed for submitting an application. After submitting the application, the VA will assign it a priority (if it approves the application), and the State will then have 180 days to meet all necessary requirements, including proof of the 35 percent matching funds. With the new law that you have just signed that guarantees the State has the matching funds for the project, the expansion will likely be placed high on the priority list for FY2004 funding. The application deadline for submitting projects for FY2004 is August 15, 2003. Due to the budget problems that the State is now having, I strongly urge you to apply for federal funds through the State Home Construction Grant program. As you may know, I offered amendments to the VA, Housing and Urban Development, and Independent Agencies appropriations bills in fiscal years 1999, 2000, and 2001 to increase the funding for veterans' state grants, which are used by the Manteno and LaSalle facilities for construction or addition of new beds or facilities. In FT2002 and FY2003, Congress fully funded the State Home Construction Grant Program, and President Bush has indicated that he will fully fund it in upcoming fiscal years. Our success with fully funding this program increases the chance that the state could be reimbursed for the LaSalle expansion project. I am optimistic that funding for the LaSalle expansion would be awarded soon since this would most likely be designated by the VA as a Priority One project. If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to contact Jack Dusik on my staff. Thank you for your support of the expansion. Sincerely, Jerry Weller, Member of Congress.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, let me first indicate my strong support for this trade agreement with our friend and ally, the nation of Chile, a longtime democracy, a longtime ally; and clearly, I am one who believes that if you believe in freedom and democracy, you believe in free trade. This historic agreement that we have between our Nation and Chile to reduce trade barriers and open up opportunities for Illinois agriculture and Illinois business and Illinois workers to sell products is a big step forward. I want to focus on a very key portion of this trade agreement with the nation of Chile and our country, and that is, this trade agreement recognizes that today, in our economy, our global economy, that we are in a digital age, and that we exist in a digital global economy. Our Nation's largest exports are in entertainment and technology, important industries for the State of Illinois. We are concerned about the rights of those who create music, entertainment, software, and technology products, and we are concerned about manufacturers' patents. This agreement is an historic agreement because it includes, clearly, one of the highest levels of intellectual property rights protections that we have ever had in any trade agreement with any other nation. It is just one more reason why we should all support, in a bipartisan way, this trade agreement with the nation of Chile. We have a high level of intellectual property rights protections. We protect trademarks in this legislation, state-of-the-art protections in this digital age. We also protect copyrights, protecting copyrights in the digital economy, protections from piracy. We often think about it. Here in the Americas, particularly in Latin America, we have seen cases where there is an incredible amount of piracy and an incredible amount of counterfeiting of intellectual goods, music and entertainment and films and software; and that is a tremendous loss to the artists, to the creators, to those who came up with that idea and that product. But if we are concerned about those workers, we ought to ensure that they get the benefits of the fruits of their labors. If we do not provide for additional protections for intellectual property rights, those involved in piracy, some are even associated with terrorist organizations, will continue to have that niche where they take away the rights of our workers. This is historic legislation that is before us today, protecting intellectual property rights as well as the patent rights for our American businesses, as well as our American workers. I would note that Illinois, of course, is a major manufacturer of pharmaceutical products and also is a major manufacturer of agricultural chemicals. Again, this legislation provides strong protections for the copyrights and patents that protect our industries in Illinois. Last, of course, it is one thing to say we are going to agree to protect them; the other key part is what are we going to do to enforce these intellectual property rights? Clearly, this agreement that we have with the nation of Chile provides tough penalties which they agree to implement on those who commit piracy and counterfeiting. This legislation deserves bipartisan support.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I look around this room today and I see friends on both sides of the aisle. On my committee I have friends that are Democrats and friends that are Republicans, and I think no one wishes we were going through this exercise today. But as one of those who was in the room, and I think those who were in the room are the best witnesses to be speaking today, not those who were not at the room and heard what might have occurred, but those who actually witnessed it. I often think, what would I have done if I was the chairman? I think all of us, Republicans and Democrats, a lot of us would like to be a chairman someday, what would we do if we were in the same situation? And going back to that room this morning, going to the official transcript of this morning's markup of H.R. 1776, again let me refer to the record, the official record, line 337, beginning with the sole remaining minority party Member in the committee room at that time: ``Its eloquence overwhelms me, Mr. Chairman, just like your intellect does.'' Clearly the question would be, what would you do if you were the chairman and you had a member there that was using invective, innuendo, name-calling, physically threatening another colleague? Would you have worked to restore order? I am one of those who stands and believes that if I was the chairman today, I would have summoned the Sergeant at Arms to ask for order as well.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor of H.R. 1472.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 372, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I always enjoy my good friend from Illinois, the former member of the Clinton administration, but I would point out again that it was a Republican Congress that passed the $500 per child tax credit. He is right. President Clinton did sign it in the Balanced Budget Agreement that was passed by a Republican Congress, but I would note that it was the centerpiece of the Contract With America, the child tax credit; and many of my friends on the other side of the aisle again called the child tax credit a tax cut for the rich because they would rather spend the money here in Washington. We have heard a lot of rhetoric tonight, and it has all been political. That is what this exercise is all about, rhetoric and name calling. But so much of it is not true. It is often asked, who benefitted from the Bush tax relief package? Who benefitted from the jobs and economic growth package? Well, in my State of Illinois, the average tax-paying family will see lower taxes, or what we like to call higher take-home pay of about $1,000. And if they are married couples, they see an elimination of the marriage tax penalty. Three million Illinois children are already benefitting from the doubling of the child tax credit to $1,000. It will be a big help to millions of Illinois families. Again, if you pay income Federal income taxes, you benefit, and millions of low-income taxpayers are no longer on the tax rolls thanks to this package. One other example of someone who benefits from the package that was just signed into law by President Bush is Jose and Magdalena Castillo of Joliet, Illinois, a couple of construction workers. They work hard in Joliet. They have two children, Eduardo and little Carolina, and they suffered from the marriage tax penalty. Under the provision that eliminated the marriage tax penalty for couples like Jose and Magdalina, they see about $1,400 in benefit. Think about that. That is a couple of semesters worth of tuition at Joliet Junior College. It is several months worth of day care at a local day care center. It is several months worth of car payments. It is probably 2 months worth of house payments for Jose and Magdalina. They benefit. They also benefit from the legislation we passed out of this House because they benefit from the child tax credit. Under the legislation the House passed, we extend the child tax credit for Jose and Magdalina Castillo through the end of the decade. The Democrats, of course, want to take that away at the end of 2004, once the election is over with. Well, we want to honor our commitment and keep our commitment, and many of us believe that we should make the elimination of the marriage tax penalty and the doubling of the child tax credit permanent forever. That is a separate debate, but the House- passed bill, which my Democratic friends oppose, extend it at least to the end of the decade so families can make plans. If the Democrats had their way, Magdalina and Jose Castillo, for each of their two children, would lose that $1,000 tax credit. In that case, it would cost that family $800 in higher taxes for Jose and Magdalina Castillo, if my Democratic friends had their way. That is why it is so important to oppose what the Democrats are proposing today and that is to take away the tax credit from Jose and Magdalina Castillo. That is why I strongly support what the House passed with bipartisan support, legislation to extend it through the end of the decade so families like Jose and Magdalina Castillo can make plans. The second thing is that we eliminate the marriage tax penalty. I thought the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) laid it out very well, because he pointed out that, under the House-passed bill, which my Democratic friends stand in opposition to, we eliminate the marriage tax penalty under the child tax credit. Right now, if you are a single person with a child, a single mom making up to $75,000, you can get the thousand dollar tax credit. However, if you are a married couple, you can only make up to $115,000. Who gets hurt? Mr. Speaker, I, of course, urge my colleagues to vote in bipartisan opposition to the Democrats wanting to take away the child tax credit and also their efforts to oppose our efforts to eliminate the marriage tax penalty and the child tax credit.

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I think the gentleman from California (Chairman Thomas) laid this out very accurately. Tonight is all about politics. I remember when I was elected in the class of 1994 I campaigned on creating the child tax credit which was a centerpiece of what was called the Contract with America at the time. And I remember many of those that are now somehow laying claim to the child tax credit were the same ones in 1995 who criticized the child tax credit somehow as a tax break for the rich. So it is the same well-worn-out, tired, partisan rhetoric that we hear from the other side. One of the things I hear from my colleagues is they always like to somehow make everyone a victim. They always say that someone's going to get hurt. Let us think about who gets hurt if the Democrats prevail: poor people who have their child tax credit raised from $600 to $1,000, who right now qualify for the earned income tax credit. If Democrats have their way, it is only there for 1 year. Then they take it away at the end of 2004; and if the Democrats have their way, married couples, for example, who suffer from a marriage tax penalty in the child tax credit will suffer as well. As the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas) pointed out, we eliminated the marriage tax penalty in the child tax credit in the legislation we passed out of the House. The version they support, we do it in not 10 years, but we eliminate the marriage tax penalty. We want to eliminate it for the decade so it is in effect right now and stays there rather than waiting a decade for, as the Democrats would want to do, to eliminate the marriage tax penalty. Again, by eliminating the marriage tax penalty, we say if a person makes $75,000, they qualify, as they would today, for the $1,000 tax credit; and if they make twice what a single person makes, which is $150,000, and that is a good income, but as the chairman pointed out, that is what a schoolteacher in New York City and a fireman in New York City who are married, a combined income, make, and they are denied the child tax credit under what the Democrats would like to do. We want to eliminate the marriage tax penalty right now. We also, under our legislation, make the child tax credit available for the entire decade. I mentioned that earlier, and one other group that I think it is important for us to note is that if the Democrats have their way, our military men and women who would benefit from the House-passed tax relief targeted to our military families, many of whom have loved ones engaged somewhere in the Middle East, in Afghanistan, Iraq or elsewhere, the Senate, as my colleagues know, has not yet passed that legislation. We feel it should have been done not yesterday but months ago that we should have passed that legislation. That was coupled with the bill that passed the House of Representatives. Again, if the Democrats had their way, our military men and women who would benefit from the package of targeted tax relief to help our military men and women in Iraq and Afghanistan would be hurt, to use a Democrat's term. So those are some of the victims out there. The victims, of course, are low-income families who have the child tax credit increased from $600 to $1,000 but immediately so, but it would only be there for 1 year. So it would be taken away from them. Second, under the Democrat plan, we would not eliminate the marriage tax penalty for those who could benefit from the child tax credit. We want to do it immediately. They want to do it essentially 10 years from now. In particular, we are also trying to help our military men and women, those in Iraq and Afghanistan and elsewhere, who are risking their lives today by ensuring that they get the tax relief, the help that we promised them months ago, unfortunately which other body has not yet passed. We think that needs to be done as well. One thing we want to make clear. In this House, we Republicans want to ensure that all children who should qualify benefit from the child tax credit. As my colleagues recall, the Bush tax credit, the same children who they claim to be trying to help right now were already provided $1,000 tax credit. It was phased in. We agree that it needs to be increased. We want to increase it for the entire decade. We want to eliminate the marriage tax penalty for the child tax credit, and we also want to help our Armed Forces currently in Iraq and Afghanistan with tax relief they should have received months ago; but unfortunately, for whatever reason, it has not yet been passed by Members of the Senate. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.