Jerry Weller

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. I want to thank the gentlewoman from New Mexico for yielding and also commend her for her leadership, particularly in technology and research, which is so important to the future of the economy of our country. Our country has a great challenge before us. Obviously, we are working to win this war against terrorism as a result of the terrorist attack, this horrible attack on our country on September 11; but also a key part of our effort in the war on terrorism is to address the economic impact of the terrorist act on September 11. President Bush inherited a weakening economy. Economists point out it was in the spring and summer of 2000 that the economy began to turn. When he was sworn in as President in January of this year, the economy was already starting to weaken. Unfortunately, there was a psychological impact of September 11, a terrible day when our Nation was attacked by terrorists on our own soil. Of course, as a result of that, many things happened. One of those is there was a psychological impact on our economy. Business decision- makers and consumers who had previously made decisions to move forward on investments and purchases stepped back from those investments and decisions to spend money. Of course, now we have seen the result. Thousands if not tens of thousands of residents of the State of Illinois where I live as well as New Mexico and all across our country have lost their jobs as a result of the downturn in our economy. In fact, today there are hundreds of steelworkers in the south suburbs that I represent that are here in town expressing their concern and calling on the Congress and the President to work together to find a way to get this economy moving again. I want to point out that the House has been doing its job. Seven weeks ago, the House of Representatives passed legislation to revitalize this economy, the Economic Security and Recovery Act, legislation designed to encourage investment by business decision- makers, to create capital for investment as well as to reward investment and the creation of jobs and also to put more money in the pocketbooks of consumers to spend. I would note that some of the key provisions of the legislation that we passed and sent to the Senate obtained strong bipartisan support here in the House. I have been very, very disappointed in the other body and particularly in the leadership of the other body and their failure to move forward on economic security and economic stimulus. I particularly want to point to one of the provisions in the legislation that the gentlewoman from New Mexico and I have been working together on, as have many other Members of this House. Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. WELLER. I thank the gentlewoman for yielding. On energy, of course, the gentlewoman has been one of the leaders, particularly in research and development of new sources of energy and new sources of conservation, as well as helping our country be more independent of foreign sources of energy. I remember one of the questions that I was asked shortly after the tragedy of the terrorist attack on America. Every day I was in my district I would visit a school and I would talk with students. One of the high school students at Wilmington High School, a high school junior, asked me a very good question. He says, ``You know, Congressman, Americans have very short attention spans. Will we keep our attention and will we eventually lose interest in what occurred to our Nation on September 11?'' I said, ``You know, young man, you have a very good question, and that is, will America appreciate what complacency has cost us?'' Clearly what we were reminded on September 11 was the consequences, number one, of thinking it will never occur here, but also the consequences of being dependent on others in unstable areas of the world for sources of energy. To me, I think there is something wrong when the policy of this country over the past decade has been to allow our Nation to be dependent on a majority of the oil that we use to power or our economy comes from outside the borders of the United States. Clearly, we in the Congress, I believe, have an obligation to improve the security of our country by reducing our dependence on imported energy, particularly oil. I was proud to say that, earlier this year, and all the way back in July, now, think about that, in July we passed the Energy Security Act, legislation designed to make our country more energy independent, to emphasize conservation, to emphasize renewable sources of energy, and also to promote domestic sources of energy. Well, think about it. How many months have passed since July? July, August, September, October, November, December. Six months have passed since we passed legislation which would provide for an opportunity to make our Nation more energy independent. Unfortunately, while the House has acted, we are still waiting for Congress to be able to send to the President legislation that brings about energy security. I would note, not only do we provide for an opportunity to reduce our dependence on imported oil from the Mideast, but also we provide for an opportunity for investment in new technology, which will promote energy conservation. One of the provisions in the legislation that we passed provides incentives for homeowners to make their homes more energy efficient, where they can receive up to a $2,000 tax credit, up to 20 percent of the first $10,000 they would spend if they better insulate their home or put in better, more energy efficient windows and more energy efficient heating or cooling for the house. And also for a home builder. A home builder who builds a new building, whether a condo or a stand-alone house, would also be able to receive that tax credit. I was talking to a home builder in the area that I represent in the South Suburbs, a gentleman who has built thousands of homes in the Mokena-Frankfort-New Lennox, the Lincoln Way area we call it, just east of Joliet. He said in the last 2 years he has built about 1,000 homes, but only about a dozen of his customers, those who purchased new houses, brand new houses from this home builder, said they wanted an energy efficient house. People were more willing to invest a little extra money in the kitchen or bathroom, something they can see, than into making their house more energy efficient. But he also said when there is an incentive to help recover the cost of making that investment, those consumers are much more inclined to invest in energy efficient improvements to their existing house or to purchase a home which has more energy efficient technology in place. That is one of the most basic centerpieces of the legislation we passed. While the House has done its job on energy, while the House has done its job on trade opportunities, while the House has done its job on revitalizing this economy, we are still waiting for the other body. My hope is we can work together soon, within the next few days, and put together a bipartisan agreement. We all know it is in the best interests of our Nation to get this economy moving again, because far too many Americans have lost their jobs. 700,000 Americans are now unemployed, and we have yet to put on the President's desk legislation to help revitalize this economy. Something is wrong. President Bush has asked us to send him a stimulus package, what we call an economic security package, to help create new jobs, protect jobs, give those that are currently out of work an opportunity to go back to work. I think it is wrong that this Congress has not completed its work, but I am proud to say the House has been doing its job. In July we passed energy security. Six, 7 weeks ago, in early November, we passed economic security. This past week we provided for greater trade opportunity. We need to work together, and I hope the other body and the House can find a way to get this job done in the next few days.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor Dr. Hugh C. Avalos of Morris, Illinois as he prepares to retire at the end of this year. For more than 40 years, Dr. Avalos has served his community in a great many ways. First and foremost, Dr. Avalos has always demonstrated the greatest concern for and commitment to his patients. A physician of great skill, Dr. Avalos received a solid education at the University of Mexico, the Little Company of Mary Hospital in Chicago and Cook County Hospital in Chicago. Dr. Avalos has displayed his professional dedication throughout his career by pursuing additional educational opportunities on four continents and winning Board certification in English, Spanish and German. Although not a native of Morris, Illinois, Dr. Avalos has spent the past 42 years working to better his adopted community. Active membership in service organizations such as the Moose, Shriners and especially Rotary International, which he served as president of the local club, has been a large part of his volunteer efforts along with important leadership positions at the local bank and hospital. A very special interest of Dr. Avalos, though, has been serving the youth of the City of Morris. For more than 30 years, Dr. Avalos used his considerable professional skills to protect the health and condition of the youth of Morris as the team physician for the Morris Community High School football, basketball and baseball teams. From a personal perspective as a resident of Morris, I am proud to have been able to consider Dr. Avalos a good friend now for well over a decade. I am well aware of the great esteem in which he is held by his patients and our community as a whole. It gives me great pleasure to both congratulate Dr. Avalos on a tremendous professional career and also to wish him much happiness during his retirement years. Mr. Speaker, using the life and career of Dr. Hugh Avalos as an example, I urge the Members of this body to identify, recognize and honor other individuals in their own districts whose actions have greatly benefitted our communities and nation.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this bipartisan effort to help Illinois farmers, workers, and small businesses expand their business opportunities. Mr. Speaker, trade promotion authority or TPA gives the President the authority to negotiate and bring back trade agreements to Congress with assurances of an up or down vote. Now more than ever, our President needs the clout to negotiate trade agreements to protect both the economic and national security of our nation. America's workers and businesses now export over $1.8 million of goods and services per minute, which fuels economic growth, job creation, and technological innovation. 12 million Americans owe their jobs to foreign exports and more than 25 percent of our $8 trillion economy is tied to foreign trade. The high tech industry is the largest manufacturing sector in the U.S. by employment, sales, and exports. The high tech sector is also the largest merchandise exporter in the U.S. In 2000, high tech exports accounted for 29 percent of U.S. merchandise exports. TPA allows the access to new markets overseas that the high tech industry needs to expand and grow. Since 1994, the U.S. has failed to implement a single free trade agreement with any nation. 130 free trade agreements exist worldwide, with the U.S. participating in only two. Open trade will create new markets for our workers, including workers in the high tech industry. TPA will not only spur economic growth, but it will create new jobs and new income. Mr. Speaker, TPA is especially important to our friends in the agriculture community. My home state of Illinois ranks 5th in nationwide exports of agricultural products by exporting $2.7 billion in 1999 alone. Income from Illinois exports equates to $110 per acre for corn and soybeans. Even with its huge output of agricultural products, demand for the top five agricultural products from Illinois is growing. NAFTA and GAAT trade agreements help prove that TPA will increase this demand further. America's farmers export about one-third of their total crop production. Future sales and growth are directly tied to whether the U.S. can negotiate trade agreements with foreign countries. If we don't supply other countries' needs, someone else will! The time is now to give the President TPA, which has lapsed since 1994. TPA is good for small businesses, the high tech sector, agriculture, and for the economy in general. I urge my colleagues to vote for H.R. 3005 and give the President the trade negotiating authority that is needed to help jumpstart our economy.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 150th anniversary of the establishment of the Immaculate Conception Church in Morris, Illinois. In the fall of 1852, John McNellis, a local grain dealer, deeded two and a half acres of land to people who were interested in forming a Roman Catholic Church. Mr. McNellis also provided land for a parsonage and two schools, and he built a three story brick school because he felt that education was very important and believed that every child deserved to have an education. The church became the Immaculate Conception Church in Morris, Illinois. On December 8, the church will start a year long celebration in commemoration of the establishment of the parish. The past 150 years have been full of progress and history. A fire almost destroyed the church in 1903, and in 1988, lightning struck the bell tower, causing an estimated $90,000 worth of damage, but the church prevailed. Throughout adversity the church keeps growing due to the hard work of the parishioners and the community of Morris. Many additions have kept the grounds looking fresh. A new parish center was dedicated in 1988. A group of parishioners transformed the lawn between the church and the parish hall into a beautiful prayer garden in 1991. Another major project was the restoration of the rectory in the Father Poff Center, which houses the meeting rooms and offices. Mr. Speaker, I would like to commend the parishioners for all of their hard work and dedication to the church and to the city of Morris.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker on rollcall No. 767 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Madam Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time and for his help in bringing this important initiative to the House floor, as well as the efforts of the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Davis). I wish to also recognize that it has also been approved in the Senate. December 7 of this year will be the 60th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor. For those of us in our generation, of course we now have September 11, 2001, as a day that we will always remember of how it changed our lives and how it changed our country. For our grandparents and parents, their generations had Pearl Harbor, a day which we wish to commemorate and remember those who fought and who lost their lives on that fateful day December 7, 1941, a day which cost the lives of 2,403 military and civilian citizens of the United States. Let me quickly review what occurred on that day. Earlier, on November 26, the Japanese attack fleet of 33 warships and auxiliary craft, including six aircraft carriers, sailed from northern Japan for the Hawaiian Islands. By early morning on December 7, 1941, the ships had reached their launch position 230 miles north of Oahu. The night before, some 10 miles outside the entrance to Pear Harbor, five Midget submarines, carrying two crewmen and two torpedoes each, were launched from larger mother submarines. 130 vessels of the U.S. Pacific fleets were in Pearl Harbor on December 7. The first wave of Japanese aircraft arrived over their target areas shortly before 7:55 a.m. The commander of the Japanese fleet sent the coded messages ``To To To'' and ``Tora, Tora, Tora,'' telling the fleet the attack had begun and that complete surprise had been achieved. At approximately 8:10 a.m., the USS Arizona exploded, having been hit by a 1,760 pound armor-piercing bomb that slammed through her deck, igniting her forward ammunition magazine. And as my friend from Illinois noted, she sank fairly quickly and now remains as an everlasting memorial in Pearl Harbor. Later, in the attack, the USS Oklahoma, hit by several torpedoes, rolled over, trapping 400 men inside. The USS California and the USS West Virginia sank at their moorings, while the USS Utah, converted to a training ship, capsized with over 50 of her crew. The USS Maryland, the USS Pennsylvania, and the USS Tennessee all suffered significant damage. The USS Nevada attempted to run out to sea, but took several hits and had to be beached to avoid sinking and blocking the harbor entrance. After a lull at about 8:40 a.m., the second wave of attacking planes focused on continuing the destruction inside the harbor, destroying the USS Shaw, the USS Sotoyomo, a dry dock, and heavily damaging the Nevada, forcing her aground. They also attacked Hickam and Kaneohe air fields, causing heavy loss of life and reducing American ability to retaliate. Luckily, American carriers were not in port at the time of attack. The shipyards, fuel storage areas, and submarine base suffered no more than slight damage. Unfortunately, 2,403 military personnel and civilians were lost in the attack. And, today, we must not forget. As we approach this 60th anniversary of Pearl Harbor, it is important that we remember. As a sponsor of this Sense of Congress Resolution that commemorates National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day, I want to thank my colleagues and urge bipartisan support. In the 103rd Congress, December 7 was designated National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day. Unfortunately, it never seems to get the attention that it deserves. Passing this resolution, recognizing this important day, helps better promote our memories of the impact of Pearl Harbor on those who lost their lives. It will remind citizens that national Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day should be marked with appropriate ceremonies and activities and that flags should be flown at half staff. Today, there are over 12,000 members of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association; but I would like to acknowledge the efforts of Mr. Richard Foltynewicz of Ottawa, Illinois, a leader of the Pearl Harbor Survivors Association, who first brought this issue to my attention years ago. Today, my colleagues, let us honor those who survived as well as those who lost their lives in defense of our freedoms on December 7, 1941, by passing this Sense of Congress Resolution commemorating National Pearl Harbor Remembrance Day and recognizing that it occurred 60 years ago, and, today, we recognize the 60th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, today, I am pleased to introduce the Restore Access to Foreign Trade Act of 2001, the (RAFT Act), on behalf of myself and my colleagues; Mr. Rangel, Mr. Crane, Mr. Foley, Mr. Shimkus and Mrs. Biggert. The RAFT Act reverses tax law that has nearly destroyed our great maritime system by excluding shipping income from Subpart F, a section of the Internal Revenue Code affecting the taxation of income of U.S. controlled foreign corporations (CFC). Prior to 1976, income earned by CFCs from U.S. owned foreign shipping operations was not treated as Subpart F income, and was subject to taxation only when repatriated, or brought back into the United States. The Tax Reform Act of 1975 eliminated this deferral, except for foreign shipping income reinvested in certain qualified shipping investments. The 1986 Tax Act repealed the reinvestment exception, subjecting foreign shipping income earned by CFCs to current taxation under Subpart F. While the issue may sound complicated, the consequences are simple: the U.S.-owned liner container trade has seen its market share drop from nearly 22 percent in 1994 to just three percent in 1999. Thousands of jobs across America have been lost. This decline is dangerous from both an economic and national security standpoint--loss of an economically important industry and our country's inability to rely on the availability of a U.S. fleet in times of national security crises. Mr. Speaker, at this critical time, national security concerns are uppermost in our minds. The immediate availability of U.S.-owned vessels in times of national security crises is a key component of the U.S. government's defense programs. The anti-competitive impact of Subpart F will continue to erode the U.S. owned fleet and will ultimately result in an international marketplace that has no American participation. Our trading partners have actively pursued tax policies designed to encourage and increase their shipping industry. The U.S. Government needs to work towards the same goal. We must not allow the tax code to penalize U.S. companies in the current economic environment. I ask my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Channahon Fire Protection District (FPD) for its years of excellent service and commitment to the community. The Channahon Fire Protection District was organized over 50 years ago. It protects over 38 square miles which includes Interstate 55, 11 miles of the I & M Canal, over 11 miles of the Des Plaines River as well as more than 8,000 residents. Last year, the Channahon FPD responded to over 700 calls which is quite remarkable when you consider that 90 percent of the 45 members on the department are volunteers. Channahon FPD was also successful in winning two Fire Act Grants during the first year they were offered. Channahon FPD believes in a commitment to excellence as shown by their continuing education programs for Department members. Tragically, the Channahon Fire Protection District recently experienced the loss of Firefighter Kenneth J. Frayne in the line of duty. Ken was a four-year member of the department and died while performing dive rescue training. Ken was twenty-eight years old and left behind his wife of three years, Deborah Frayne. I know the entire Department will miss Ken and his dedication to the service. I will keep Ken and Deborah in my thoughts and prayers. Since the attack on September 11, 2001, the whole country is more aware of the importance of our firefighters and their critical role in our national defense and security. Channahon FPD members and volunteers are excellent examples of our nation's citizens at their finest. It has been my privilege to serve Channahon FPD as part of my 11th Congressional District. I look forward to serving and working with them in the years to come. Mr. Speaker, I urge this body to identify and recognize other institutions in their own districts whose actions have so greatly benefited and strengthened America's communities.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in full support of efforts to increase the safety of the flying public and airline workers. America has been the world's aviation leader from first flight in Kitty Hawk to the development of the Space Shuttle. Today, we have the opportunity to make historic advances in airline safety. I strongly support H.R. 3150 to increase security at airports in operation today and I strongly support the development of the proposed Chicago South Suburban Third Airport--an airport which has the opportunity to be the safest in the world. We have all been stunned and saddened by the recent terrorist attacks. The goal of the terrorists was to make our nation fear, to force us to shrink from new challenges, and to scare our economy into a recession. I cannot emphasize enough how important both symbolically and practically building a new South Suburban Airport is to respond to these heinous acts. This airport can be built as the safest and most secure airport the world has ever seen. Building a new airport will signify our strong commitment to continuing safe air travel, to building a strong economy, and to boldly step forward to solve new challenges and again lead the world in our national aviation system. Airline demand is already returning to high levels, and it is our job to make sure that we are prepared for that challenge. We must take every step possible not only to prevent further terrorist attacks, but to also ensure the peace-of-mind of the traveling public. It is three weeks away until Thanksgiving and the busy travel holiday season. We must act to thwart terrorist evil deeds and to make sure that our loved ones, family and friends can travel without fear. The immediate answer to this is H.R. 3150, and the long term answer is the development of new secure airports such as the proposed South Suburban Airport in Chicago. H.R. 3150 federalizes airline security screening and requires federal supervision of the screening process, background checks, testing and strict oversight. Further, the legislation requires the deployment of Federal Air Marshals and the immediate strengthening of cockpit doors. These requirements will ensure that through screening of passengers and baggage will take place by people who are trained and qualified to take proper screenings. Federal Air Marshals will provide an additional deterrent to anyone attempting to hijack an airliners. As the public continues to resume air travel, the capacity crisis that has plagued our air system will again be upon us. It is then our duty to build the safest new airports to handle the capacity crisis. There is no question that Chicago's aviation capacity is at its limits; this fact is not in dispute. There is no doubt that the capacity crisis is hurting regional and nationwide transportation networks, as well as the economy. Now is the time for bold and decisive action to finish the 15 years of research and work that have brought us to this point by completing all environmental impact statements and beginning construction on the third airport. Land is available and can be obtained if the State of Illinois is allowed to continue land acquisition. Construction could begin soon after land acquisition, creating an inaugural airport site that would be operational in four to five years. This is the key to alleviating the coming capacity crisis as it is the fastest viable alternative proposed to date. It also happens to be the least expensive--an inaugural airport can be built for $560 million. Some have asked, ``why this site, why Will County?'' Will County continues to be a fast-growing, dynamic county that is underserved in air transportation capacity, 2.3 million people live within 45 minutes of the proposed site, but must travel much greater distances to O'Hare or Midway, creating creating increasing traffic congestion. Will County and the region will continue to experience significant population growth. The proposed total acreage of the Peotone site will encompass enough land for the airport to continue to grow with demand and still keep green, open space around it. There is no doubt that Chicago will continue to move south; the question is do we plan for the growth that is coming by taking the necessary steps today to ensure land is available for this airport while we still can. In addition to the air travel benefits for Illinois and Indiana residents, the region will also experience tremendous economic growth and job creation from the development of this airport. And, from a national perspective, the delays at O'Hare that have a domino effect across the nation, will be eliminated, keeping commerce and people moving efficiently and safely. Mr. Chairman, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3150 and to support the development of the proposed South Suburban Chicago Airport to solve not only the capacity crisis, but also the safety crisis.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. My colleagues, I stand with President Bush. President Bush has called on this House of Representatives to pass the legislation that has already been approved by the House Committee on Ways and Means. President Bush has called on this House of Representatives to pass the Economic Security and Recovery Act, and I join with President Bush in support of that legislation and oppose the partisan Democrat substitute. We hear a lot of partisan political rhetoric in opposition to the plan that was approved by the Committee on Ways and Means, but here is what we do not hear. The basic component of the Democratic so-called stimulus plan is a $90 billion tax increase. I will say that again. A $90 billion tax increase. Now, many of us have consulted economists, and I know of not one respected economist that has called on Congress in this time of great economic concern to say that we can help the economy by increasing taxes. But that is what the Democrats do. They say it is paid for. They pay for it with a $90 billion tax increase. What economists have told us, both Democrats and Republicans, is that we need to encourage investment and we need to put more money in the pockets of consumers so they can spend it. The legislation already approved by the Committee on Ways and Means, legislation we are going to vote on today, accomplishes that goal. We give a $300 stimulus payment to low-income taxpayers, $300 for singles, $600 for a couple, $500 for head-of-household, helping low- income families. We lower taxes to the middle class, going from 28 to 25 percent, putting extra spending money in middle-income, low-income, and moderate-income taxpaying families. That will help them with money to spend to meet their needs. But we also reward investment. The 30 percent expensing provisions and appreciation reform will cause greater investment in cars and trucks and computers. The bottom line is, when somebody buys a computer, buys that pickup truck, or somebody buys that bulldozer, there is a worker out there that makes it. I know if somebody buys a Taurus made in the tenth ward, Chicago, and Hegwich, there is an auto worker that helped make that Ford Taurus. Bottom line is, if we want to get America moving again, get this economy moving again, we need to put money in people's pockets and we need to reward investment. We accomplish that with our expensing provisions. Let us join with President Bush. Let us oppose the Democrat tax increase, let us join with President Bush, and pass the Economic Security and Recovery Act.

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the rule, and I also rise in support of President Bush's request to pass the Economic Security and Recovery Act legislation before us today. In the Committee on Ways and Means, we called in some respected economists, both from the left and right spectrums, and asked their advice. Pretty much the common message we received from the economists was to get the economy moving again was, of course, to reward investment and get some extra spending money out there for consumers. The legislation before us today accomplishes that goal. Let us look at what is in the bill. This legislation helps low- and moderate-income workers, 34 million low- and moderate-income workers; $300 stimulus payment for singles, $600 for a married couple filing jointly, $500 for head of household. We help the middle class by lowering the 28 percent rate bracket to 25 percent, effective immediately. The bottom line is we put extra spending money into the economy. If we act quickly, those stimulus payments could be in pocketbooks before Christmas. This legislation also rewards investment. Let me give an example, one sector of our economy, the technology sector. We have seen because of a reduction of almost 50 percent in investment in the technology sector, a loss of almost 400,000 jobs in computers and telecommunications and other key parts of this technology sector of our economy. The technology sector tells us, as we talk with them and listen, that along with trade promotion authority this economic stimulus package are the two most important votes that we will be casting to benefit them. The question is, who benefits when we reward investment in computers and telecommunications? Of course, the workers do, the workers who make computers and telecommunications equipment. The same as who benefits when we encourage purchases of pickup trucks or bulldozers? The workers. We reward investment in this legislation by providing for depreciation reform; 30 percent expensing, helping businesses, both big and small, recover the cost of purchasing computers and pickup trucks and manufacturing equipment, causing the hiring of more workers. We help small business recover the cost of purchasing additional capital assets and equipment by raising it from $24,000 to $35,000. We also free up capital with a 5-year carryback in net operating losses. This legislation deserves bipartisan support. Let us join President Bush. Let us pass this legislation and move quickly.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, these are important times for our Nation as we respond to the attack on September 11, as we work to provide leadership to address the challenges that we face, as we work to provide the solutions to the military challenge, the international and national security issues, and also the economic security issues. I particularly wanted to commend President Bush for the strong, commanding leadership that he has shown in response to the attack. I also want to commend the leadership of this Congress, particularly the Speaker of the House, for his calm, strong leadership that he has shown as we address the terrorist attack on September 11. We have had several challenges. We have given full authority to the President for the military action that is now under way. We have funded that military action with $40 billion, as well as the emergency and recovery effort. We have worked to address the financial challenges of our aviation sector, we have passed legislation out of this House, and we are working out the differences with the Senate on providing special powers for our intelligence and law enforcement agencies to go after terrorists. There is another challenge that we have before us, though. That is a challenge that we were already feeling prior to September 11. That was our economic challenge. President Bush inherited a weakening economy. The last 12 or 14 months we have seen changes in the direction of the economy. Unfortunately, the terrorist attack was also a psychological blow on our economy, causing many consumers and business decisionmakers to step back. The question is, what type of action should we take? Clearly, we need to act quickly. We need to provide strong leadership. We need to give confidence back to consumers, as well as business decisionmakers to spend and invest in the future of our economy. I believe, as we look at what type of approach we need to take, that we need to be thinking short-term, what can we do to cause investment over the short-term to protect current jobs and get this economy growing again; essentially, a cash register effect; incentives that will cause business decision-makers as well as consumers to spend and invest. Let me give an example of one sector of the economy that has had a big impact on our overall economy over the past decade which currently has been suffering. That is the technology sector. Over the past decade, the technology sector has generated one-third of all our growth in jobs; in fact, the majority of assets today that have been purchased come out of the technology sector. I would note in 1994, or in the year 2000, private investment in information processing equipment software grew at an average rate of 28 percent. Investment in computers and peripheral computers grew at an astounding 113 percent average annual rate during that same period of time. However, that trend has reversed, and that sector that grew one-third of our jobs is now in a slump. We have seen a loss of almost 400,000 jobs in technology and telecommunications since January of this year, and actually an 8.4 percent drop in investment from the fourth quarter of 2000 to the second quarter of 2001. We do need to act quickly. We need to provide incentives to invest in the creation of jobs, as well as revitalize important sectors of our economy. Clearly, the technology sector needs help. This past week, the Committee on Ways and Means moved out of the committee and the legislation will now be before us in this House this week, what some call an economic stimulus package, but legislation that is called the Economic Security and Recovery Act, legislation designed to put more money in consumers' pockets, as well as provide incentives to invest. There are three provisions in this legislation that will have a big impact in helping revitalize the technology sector, which we need to revitalize if we are going to get this economy growing again. The three provisions include the 30 percent expensing, providing greater incentives to invest by business for the next 3 years, a temporary provision; increasing the opportunity for small business to invest from the current level of $24,000 to $35,000; and also, the net operating losses carryback, allowing businesses losing money now to credit that loss against previous income paid in previous years to get a refund to free up capital that they can invest. These provisions will make a big difference in revitalizing the technology sector. As we look at depreciation reform, the opportunity for a business to expense 30 percent of the purchase cost of that asset will reward investment. Currently, a computer is depreciated over 5 years. By expensing that first 30 percent, that would be a big incentive to allow a business to recover the cost of investing in technology, computers, software, peripheral equipment, medical technology, high technology telephone station equipment, wireless equipment, as well as DSL and networking equipment they can expense now with 30 percent, with the legislation we passed out of the Committee on Ways and Means that will be before the House this week. That will reward investment in the creation of jobs. I would also note, it will reward investment in providing greater security. The vast majority of offices and factories are all owned by the private sector. We need to help the private sector make their facilities more secure. With this expensing provision of 30 percent expensing, they can recover the cost of electronic access equipment, biometrics, television surveillance, as well as computers and software to protect their data and information systems; also, electronic alarm systems and other components. The bottom line is, this legislation, the Economic Security and Recovery Act, the legislation before the committee or the House this week, will reward investment, will create jobs. It will boost the technology sector, and will also help private companies make their offices and their factories much more secure. I urge bipartisan support for this legislation. We need to get the economy moving again.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Madam Speaker, I commend the chairman for his expedited handling of this legislation, and particularly the gentleman from California (Mr. Cox) for his leadership on this legislation year after year. This week we have the opportunity to cast two, maybe three votes which are so important in this new economy in support of technology. We will have an opportunity later this week to vote in favor of the Economic Security and Recovery Act, legislation necessary to help revitalize the technology sector. Hopefully in the next week or two we will have an opportunity to vote for the trade promotion authority the President has asked for, and today we will vote to keep the Internet tax free. Madam Speaker, one of the lessons that we have learned over the last decade, in talking to those involved in the new economy and those involved in the creativity of the technology sector, is the question: Why has the technology sector created one-third of all new jobs in the last decade? Why are more than half of American households on-line today? The answer is simple, government stayed out of the way. We had a regulation free, tax free, trade barrier free new economy to provide a tremendous amount of opportunity, creating a new technology sector. This legislation is so important to keep that kind of environment in place. Let us keep the Internet tax free, and vote to extend the Internet tax moratorium for two more years. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1552, The Internet Tax Nondiscrimination Act. It is vital that we extend the moratorium as it is set to expire in five short days. Absent our action today to renew the moratorium, the floodgates will be open--and our nation's 30,000 taxing jurisdictions could once again try to lay claim to a piece of the Internet by imposing special taxes on the Internet. While I support extending the moratorium for 2 more years I think that a more permanent solution is needed. We need to assure Americans that government will not place special burdens on the new economy. While the tax moratorium imposed by the 1998 law was only three years in duration, its fundamental structure is ideally suited to be extended far beyond this year. Instead of barring all Internet taxes, it only bans those taxes that single out the Internet for special treatment. Whatever disagreements there might be on other aspects of the Internet tax debate--such as the broader issue of sales taxes--there is clear agreement that the Internet must never be subject to special multiple or discriminatory taxes. In the past 10 years, the Internet has changed the way the world does business. 17 million households shopped online in 2000. Small businesses who use the Internet have grown 46% faster than those that do not. The Internet should be tax free and barrier free, nor should electronic commerce be subject to new, multiple targeted taxes. Much consideration must be taken whenever you are considering changing the tax rules not just for the nation's economy but for the global economy. We need to foster continued growth of the Internet and electronic commerce without imposing a burdensome and confusing tax regulations. With time running out, it is critical that we extend the Internet tax moratorium while continuing the effort to make the moratorium permanent.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, earlier in the 20th century, America was once referred to as a slumbering giant, and was later shocked and angered into a victorious response to the atrocities of the imperial Government of Japan, as well as Nazi Germany. Yesterday, our democracy suffered the 21st century's equivalent of Pearl Harbor, and our shocked and angry Nation stands in strong support of President Bush's efforts and commitment to identify and hold accountable those who initiated, planned, and coordinated this terrorist assault on the American people in New York City and our Nation's Capital. The question today is, Mr. Speaker, have we had enough. The people I represent have made it clear that they support and want appropriate and immediate action. We must identify and destroy the terrorist network wherever it exists. We must move quickly and we must strengthen our intelligent military capabilities. I am committed to working with my colleagues in a nonpartisan partnership with the President to accomplish these goals. America is a great Nation with enduring institutions of freedom that will withstand the onslaughts of the forces of evil. We must stand together. We must be strong. Our freedoms matter. We must protect our freedoms and guarantee the security of our people. God bless America.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Chairman, I am in support of this important legislation. I want to thank Chairman Thomas of the Ways and Means Committee, along with Chairman Tauzin, Chairman Hansen, and Chairman Boehlert for their efforts in getting this legislation to the floor today. I would like to speak in support of two specific provision included in H.R. 4. I am pleased that this legislation includes the provisions of a bill I introduced on June 13, 2001, the Save America's Valuable Resources Act (H.R. 2147). These provisions create a $2,000 tax credit for individuals and businesses to encourage homeowners, builders and contractors to make energy efficiency improvements to homes. In order to qualify for the credit, homes must be made 30% more energy efficient according to the International Energy Conservation Code, a private sector energy code used in the United States. Except for the first $1,000 in expenditures which are exempt from certification requirements, energy efficiency improvements must be certified by a utility company, a local building regulatory authority, a manufactured home production inspection primary inspection agency or other specified entity to ensure that real and significant efficiency improvements are made. In 1998, homes accounted for nearly 20% of all of the energy consumed in the United States. Today, it costs the average American $1500 to heat and cool their homes every year, which amounts to a cost of $150 billion nationwide annually. By simply making changes in energy efficiency to their homes, consumers can save real money. Consumers can save 10% or more on energy bills by simply reducing the number of air leaks in their home. Double pane windows with low emissivity coating can reduce heating bills by 34% in cold climates like Chicago. If all households upgraded their insulation to meet the International Energy Conservation Code level, the nation would experience a permanent reduction of annual electric consumption totaling 7% of the total consumed. I would also like to offer my support for the extension of the tax credit for wind energy. Currently, the wind energy tax credit expires on January 1, 2002, H.R. 4 extends the availability of this credit through January 1, 2007. I have been a long time supporter of the wind energy tax credit and other similar incentives to utilize new and efficient energy sources. Mr. Chairman, thank you again for allowing me to offer my support for this important legislation. I encourage my colleagues to join me in support of this bill.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong opposition to the Cox/Waxman amendment to the Energy bill on the floor today. The fact is Mr. Chairman, eliminating the oxygenate requirement for California will increase pollution. Reformulated gasoline with oxygenates reduces the emission of toxins, well above the level required by the Clean Air Act. If nonoxygenated fuel was allowed to be used in California, studies indicate that carbon monoxide emissions would increase by up to 593 tons per day. One of the biggest concerns to not only Illinois, but the whole Nation, has been volatile gasoline prices. Eliminating the oxygenate requirement will increase consumer prices at the gas pump. Removing the oxygenate requirement exacerbates an already tight fuel supply by removing volume in gasoline, which increases the chance that gasoline price spikes may occur again. In fact, a report issued by the California Energy Commission estimated that using ethanol will cost two to three cents less per gallon than nonoxygenated fuels. The report detailed that the replacement of nonoxygenate fuel with MTBE would be the most expensive option for the state of California to choose. Some are worried about whether the demand for ethanol can be met. Mr. Chairman, I can assure you and others that our farmers are working to produce the corn needed to supply California with the ethanol it needs. Approximately 600 million gallons of ethanol per year are needed to meet the needs of California. Currently, the ethanol industry has the capacity to produce two billion gallons per year. Supply will be able to meet demand. Lastly Mr. Chairman, I would like to discuss the impact of the ethanol industry on my home state of Illinois. Illinois is the nation's leading producer of ethanol, and the second largest producer of corn in the Nation. Corn grown in Illinois is used to produce 40 percent of the ethanol consumed in the U.S. Illinois ethanol production alone has increased the national price for corn by 25 cents per bushel. Ethanol production will stimulate the Illinois economy by creating jobs, and ensure the success of our farmers by providing a stable source for which their crops can be used. Mr. Chairman, the answer is simple. To ensure a cleaner environment, cheaper gasoline prices, and the success of the agriculture economy, vote against the Cox/Waxman amendment.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 1140, The Railroad Retirement and Survivors' Improvement Act of 2001. The Railroad Retirement and Survivors' Improvement Act of 2001 is historic legislation that will improve the lives of railroad workers and their spouses. I am proud to be a cosponsor with 367 of my colleagues of this important bill. H.R. 1140 guarantees a better standard of retirement for the nearly 3,500 retirees in the 11th Congressional District of Illinois which I represent and for all future retirees and their families. Under H.R. 1140, the quality of life for widows and widowers is significantly improved. Under current law, spouses are limited to one- half of the deceased employee's Tier 2 benefits. However, under this legislation, the bill increases Tier 2 benefits for widows and widowers to 100 percent of the deceased employee's benefits on the date of death. Thus, widowers and widows will continue to receive the same benefits as their spouse received prior to death. Widows should not have to face a loss of income in addition to the death of a spouse. This bill ensures that is no longer a reality--widows will receive full benefits under this legislation. Additionally, H.R. 1140 reduces the years of covered service to be vested in the railroad retirement system from the present 10 years to 5 years. Ten years is too long to wait to be vested in the railroad retirement system, and this legislation corrects this problem. Further, the retirement age is reduced from 62 to 60. By reducing this age, workers are given the opportunity to retire earlier without a corresponding loss of benefits. H.R. 1140 also fixes the cap on the ``maximum benefit.'' Present law limits the total amount of monthly railroad retirement benefits payable to an employee and an employee's spouse at the time the employee's annuity payout begins. The Railroad Retirement and Survivors' Improvement Act of 2000 removes this cap so that there is not a maximum benefit limit. Further, the legislation ensures the solvency of the Railroad Retirement Investment Trust. Through private investing, the trust fund will grow faster while decreasing taxes assessed on railroads. Seven private individuals will oversee the Railroad Retirement Investment Trust, thus ensuring any possible implication of a government role in investing is eliminated. Labor and rail management will each select three trustees to reflect their interests, and these six trustees will select the seventh trustee. Approximately one-quarter of all employees in the rail industry work for commuter and passenger rail, a growing industry. It is my sincere hope that the Trust include a representative from all three categories of rail service: commuter, passenger and freight from among those appointees designated for rail management. Mr. Speaker, this is good, important legislation that will help 670,000 retirees and dependents and 245,000 active rail employees. I ask for all my colleagues to cast their vote in favor of H.R. 1140.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of the rule and the bill. For the past four years, my colleague, Mr. Tancredo, and I have offered and amendment to the VA/HUD Appropriations bill to restore or increase the funding of the State Extended Care Facilities Construction line item. I am extremely happy to report that the Committee has fully funded the program at $100 million for Fiscal Year 2002. This program is used to renovate and build state nursing homes for veterans. State facilities have proven that they can provide above quality care at a more cost efficient price than the federal government. In Fiscal Year 1998, the VA spent on average $255.25 per resident per day to care for long term nursing care residents, while state veterans homes on average spent $40.00 per resident. This continued in 1999. Mr. Speaker, the State Extended Care Facilities Construction program addresses the issue of long-term care for our nation's veterans. 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. In Illinois, the waiting list for admittance to the LaSalle and Manteno state extended care facilities are as long as two to three years, and many ill veterans go untreated or are under-treated due to the lack of beds. Additionally, this funding will help pay the millions of dollars in back payments to state care facilities. In Illinois alone, last year over $6 million was owed to the state for construction projects to comply with the Americans with Disabilities Act and other facility updates. This funding helps with the payback of unfunded grant payments, and helps improve the supply of long term care for our veterans in the future. There are two other programs that were not funded under this bill and it is my hope that we can work with Chairman Walsh and appointed conferees to have these provisions included in the final bill. I am requesting $800,000 through a HUD Special Purpose Grant or Community Development Block Grant to Cornerstone Services to relocate and expand its developmental training center. Cornerstone Services provides progressive, comprehensive services to persons with disabilities promoting choice, dignity, and the opportunity to live and work in the community. For 32 years, Cornerstone has been a leader in providing state-of-the-art services to meet the individual needs of persons with developmental disabilities, mental illnesses, physical disabilities, sensory impairments and dual diagnoses. The Will County-based, not-for- profit delivers developmental, vocational, and behavioral health services in five large agency-owned or leased locations and residential services in numerous agency or consumer-owned leased residences. I am also requesting $600,000 to Joliet Junior College to assist funding efforts for the Bridging Community, Economic and Workforce Development through Local Partnerships Project. This project embodies many of the key components of Joliet Junior College's mission and philosophy, community development, economic development, and workforce development. The college's division responsible for this initiative is the Institute of Economic Technology. The institute operates a Small Business Development Center, Entrepreneurship Services Center, Dislocated Worker Assistance Center, Business Assistance and Training Center, and a Manufacturing Extension Center. The institute is a national model for business assistance services and economic development. Both of these programs are desperately needed in my District and I hope that they will be included in the final VA/HUD appropriations bill. Again, I would like to thank Chairman Walsh and the members of the House Appropriations Committee for committing to this funding, and for honoring our nation's veterans.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give my strong support to H.J. Res. 36, the Flag Protection Amendment. Our flag is the symbol of the free world. It is the symbol that men and women have given their lives to protect and preserve. Thanks to these sacrifices, we are at peace today and are able to return the favor to the brave soldiers and sailors who stood guard to our flag and freedom from Lexington & Concord to the shores of Kuwait. Mr. Speaker, the United States flag stands for freedom, equality, and patriotism. These qualities are embodied in the true, tried waves of the flag as she flies proudly above this building, the United States Capitol. To protect the flag is not only the right thing to do, it is the necessary action to pursue. Mr. Speaker, I commend Mr. Cunningham and Mr. Sensenbrenner on their hard work on this amendment and I urge my colleagues to support this meaningful and necessary piece of legislation.

Mr. WELLER

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 1 minute. Mr. Speaker, as we listen to the impassioned debate on both sides of this issue, people we all respect have differing views. One group of people has been often overlooked in this debate, and that is the American worker. Trade with China means a lot to American workers. I think it is important to point out that 350,000 American families depend entirely on trade with China. In fact, exports to China are rising and will rise faster in a more open and free market with the Chinese. Last year, U.S. exports to China increased a record 24 percent to $16.3 billion, and China is now our 11th largest export market. Trade with China is important to farmers and our rural communities. In fact, the U.S. farm exports to China could grow by $2 billion annually, nearly tripling our current rate of exports to China. The point is, you are not pro-agriculture unless you are pro-free trade with China. I would also note that trade with China will also boost the technology sector, one of our weaker sectors today. We have seen the last 8 years a five-fold increase in exports to China from the technology community. The facts are, you are not pro-technology unless you are pro-free trade with China. America is the world's largest exporter, and China is now our largest consumer. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Kirk), a strong proponent of engagement with China.

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself the remaining time. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong opposition to H.J. Resolution 50, which would cut off Normal Trade Relations with China. I respect my colleagues on both sides of the aisle who oppose free trade with China, but I believe that this resolution is terribly shortsighted. When recognizing the reforms of the Chinese government and the hard-fought gains of America's consumers, workers and exporters, and given how close China is to accepting comprehensive trade disciplines of the World Trade Organization's membership, I would note that China is agreeing to live by the same rules that all leading trading nations live by. This past year, this last July, this House voted in a bipartisan vote, 237 to 197, to extend Normal Trade Relations to China upon their admission to the World Trade Organization, and we expect China to fully and officially assume responsibilities of WTO membership by the end of this year. Defeat of H.J. Res. 50 is necessary to support Special Trade Representative Zoellick's decision to take the extra time to ensure that China's concessions to the United States are as clear and expansive as possible. Despite its history and historic policies which many of us have disapproved of, as well as disagreed with, China has made it clear that they are fully prepared and finally prepared to join the world of trading nations by accepting the fair trade rules of the World Trade Organization. This is progress, and we must support this type of progress. While we see that the Chinese people still face overwhelming problems with the behavior of their government and their leaders, it is imperative to understand that China is changing. The last 10 years represent the most stable and industrious decade China has known in the last 150 years. WTO membership and Normal Trade Relations with the United States offers the best tool we have to support the changes we have witnessed over the last few years in China. With these changes, we have seen now that more than 40 percent of China's current industrial output comes from private firms, 40 percent of China's output now comes from free enterprise, and urban incomes in China have more than doubled. Engagement with China is working, the exchange of ideas and our values with China is working, and we must continue our engagement and free trade with China. The bottom line for American workers is it offers a tremendous amount of opportunity, opportunity for our farmers, opportunity for those who work in manufacturing, opportunity for our hard-hit technology sector. But I would note that America is not only the world's largest exporter but China is again the world's largest consumer. Over the next 5 years, China will have more than 230 million middle-income consumers with retail sales exceeding $900 billion, making China the world's largest market for consumer goods and services. We are making a choice today, Mr. Speaker: Do we want our farmers, do we want our manufacturing workers, do we want our creative friends in the technology sector to have an opportunity to participate in the globe's largest market of 1.3 billion people? I believe we do. I believe a bipartisan majority supports continued engagement, as well as free trade with China. Revoking normal trade relations at this time would undermine the success of the free enterprise and social reforms taking place today in China. Let us not turn our backs on the gains our negotiators have gained with China, gains that benefit America's farmers, America's businesses, America's workers, and America's consumers. Instead, let us give capitalism a true chance in China. I urge a vote no on House Joint Resolution 50.

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I am happy to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Cunningham) not only a distinguished gentleman but one of America's greatest war heroes.

Mr. WELLER. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), a strong proponent of the opportunity for Illinois workers who believe in free trade.