C. Young

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Chairman, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I would like to say to the gentleman that we think this is a good amendment. We accept the amendment.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I ask unanimous consent that the remainder of the bill through page 78, line 17, be considered as read, printed in the Record, and open to amendment at any point.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Chairman, reserving the right to object, the gentleman has requested 5 minutes?

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. For what purpose?

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I withdraw my reservation of objection.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me this time, and I want to join with the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar) in paying tribute to the chairman of the committee. He certainly has shown his effectiveness in getting this bill through the process. I suppose it is difficult in an election year for Members to vote against projects that might show up in their districts sometime between now and the election. In fact, I would say to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Shuster), that I probably would like to have some of the money in my own district. But, I am hoping, for a number of reasons, that we are not going to pass the bill this year. I would like to say this. I know that the authorizing committee sometimes wonders where I stand. I believe that the funds that go into a trust fund for a specific purpose should be protected and should be used by that trust fund only for those purposes. By the same token, I am strongly of the opinion that the trust fund or the authorizing legislation should not be able to mandate other spending. We have a difficult enough time in keeping our spending numbers down as low as we can without mandating more spending. This bill mandates certain amounts of spending. Every time we create a new entitlement, every time we create a new mandated spending program, we are taking every Member of this Congress a little more out of the process of what the Constitution guarantees as our responsibility and our jurisdiction. That process is to make appropriations decisions for the United States Government. This bill guarantees an appropriation of $10.5 billion for the FAA for fiscal year 2001. The bill earmarks $6.2 billion of that amount for capital programs, which are desirable, especially in election years. That leaves only $4.3 billion for the FAA's operating budget. The FAA requested $6.6 billion for that appropriation. So what we are talking about here is funding for the people that, frankly, run the safety operations of the FAA. This is an expensive bill. Over the past 3 years, we have appropriated $28 billion for the FAA. Under this bill, we could be forced to provide $40 billion. That is $12 billion more. I know that, in the budget process, all of this spending is going to go down as Federal expenditures. They will be scored. And those revenues will, therefore, not be available to reduce the Federal debt, to provide tax relief, or to address other budget initiatives. In fact, this bill is a tax bill. This bill increases certain airport taxes. I am not sure that this Congress wants to be on record as increasing taxes. Next year, a new President and a new Congress would have this much less money to put into new initiatives to provide for the safety of those who use airports and who fly in our airways. Funding for airport construction grants under this bill will rise from $1.9 billion to $3.2 billion. And if that is not enough, as I said, the bill provides additional airport taxes, which would increase spending by another $700 million a year. So airport spending is going to approximately double overnight. I am not sure how wise it is to double a budget overnight. Now, the electronics and software companies also like this bill. And I have no problem with them. I am not opposed to them. Those who pour concrete and build buildings and runways are going to like this bill. But I am concerned about the people who actually run the system, who provide the safety, who control the airplanes, who inspect the airplanes. I am concerned that their budget has been reduced dramatically because of this legislation. Mr. Speaker, I have no illusions over what is going to happen here. Because when this bill was before the House before it went to conference, there was no doubt that the House strongly supported it. But I thought it was important to make the case today that this is just one more step toward more mandated spending, one more entitlement type program that takes Congress out of the mix and requires money to be spent in ways that Congress may or may not approve.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of House Joint Resolution 86, legislation I am an original cosponsor of to recognize the 50th anniversary of the Korean War. It was on June 25, 1950 that Communist North Korean forces crossed the 38th Parallel and invaded South Korea. Two days later, on June 27, 1950, President Harry S. Truman called on American military forces to intervene and protect South Korea's democratically elected government and the freedom of the South Korea's democratically elected government and the freedom of the South Korean people. Over the next three years, 5,720,000 Americans would respond to the call to service. After three years of battle, the fighting came to an end on July 27, 1953. The American casualties were high. More than 54,000 paid the ultimate price in the defense of freedom, another 92,000 suffered casualties, and 8,176 soldiers never returned home and are listed as missing in action. Mr. Speaker, the Korean War is often referred to as the forgotten war. Tell that to the families of the more than 158,000 Americans who died, were wounded, or remain missing in action in Korea. Tell that to the People of South Korea who were able to repel the onslaught of Communism and remain free. Our nation and the entire world owe a debt of gratitude to the millions of Americans, Allied and South Korean troops that defended a free nation. It is fitting that today our nation pays tribute to veterans of the forgotten war and promises that they will never be forgotten. This resolution expresses the appreciation and gratitude of this Congress and the American people for those who served in uniform during the Korean War. It honors the memory of those who died, were wounded, or never returned home. And it calls upon the President and communities throughout our nation to observe the anniversary of this conflict with all the appropriate and just-deserved ceremonies and activities. Mr. Speaker, this victory over the forces of evil served as a stepping stone to the ultimate demise of communism almost 40 years later, when President Reagan uttered those now famous words, ``Mr. Gorbechev, tear down this wall.'' Our nation has taken great pride in honoring its commitment to provide the best in medical care, compensation, and services to those who have fought to preserve freedom throughout the world. At a time when American servicemen have taken up humanitarian causes half-way around the globe, it is essential that Congress continues to send a strong signal that our nation will make good on its promises to all veterans. It is my hope that in this 50th anniversary year of the Korean War, every American school child will learn of the sacrifices and victories of so many courageous Americans. We owe our Korean veterans nothing less.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 5, the Senior Citizens' Freedom to Work Act. As the Representative of Florida's 10th Congressional District, which is home to one of our nation's largest population of seniors, I have consistently supported legislation to eliminate the unfair earnings limit placed on seniors. In fact, one of the first bills I introduced as a member of this body was an act to repeal the Social Security earnings limit. This outdated law discourages older Americans from working during their golden years, and penalizes the most experienced workers in our nation at a time when many small businesses are searching for qualified employees. The earnings limit unfairly taxes older Americans and at the same time hampers an economy already limited by a lack of workers. I firmly believe our nation will only benefit from the skills and experience of older employees, and this House should welcome their contributions to society and the economy. Mr. Speaker, the earnings limit is an insult to the dignity of all seniors who wish to continue to work and receive their Social Security benefit. So many retirees want the freedom to work and support themselves. Many want to supplement their incomes in order to increase their standard of living. Others need to work in order to offset the high cost of prescription drugs. Regardless of the reason, seniors who wish to continue to work should be able to do so without being penalized, and I am proud that today the House is taking action to eliminate this unfair roadblock that stands between older Americans and their desire to continue working. Mr. Speaker, it is time to repeal this antiquated law and restore freedom to older Americans everywhere.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I would like to join the gentleman in that commendation of the appropriators and their staff, with our clerk Jim Dyer and your clerk Scott Lilly, with the front office staff, John Mikel and Chuck Parkinson and all of the members of the Committee on Appropriations staff. When we finished at 2:00 or 3:00 in the morning, they worked until 5:00 or 6:00 in the morning and they have worked almost every weekend for the last 2 months. They have done a really dynamic job, and I appreciate the gentleman raising that issue. There are many more staff on the Committee on Appropriations that I would like to now recognize for the excellent work that they do. Committee on Appropriations full committee staff James W. Dyer, Clerk and Staff Director. John R. Mikel, Staff Asst. Charles R. Parkinson, Staff Asst. Dale Oak, Staff Asst. Elizabeth Morra, Communications Dir. John Scofield, Deputy Communications Dir. Diann Kane, Adm. Asst. Tracey LaTurner, Adm. Aide. Sandra Farrow, Adm. Aide. Brian Mabry, Adm. Aide. Theodore Powell, Office Asst. Lawrence Boarman, Editor. Catherine Edwards, Adm. Aide. computer support Kenneth M. Marx, Staff Asst. Timothy J. Buck, Staff Asst. Carrie Campbell, Staff Asst. John J. Sivulich, Staff Asst. agriculture subcommittee Henry R. Moore, Staff Asst. John Ziolkowski, Staff Asst. Martin P. Delgado, Staff Asst. Joanne L. Orndorff, Adm. Aide. commerce, justice, state, judiciary subcommittee James W. Kulikowski, Staff Asst. Jennifer Miller, Staff Asst. John M. Ringler, Staff Asst. Cordia A. Strom, Staff Asst. district of columbia subcommittee Americo S. Miconi, Staff Asst. legislative branch subcommittee Edward E. Lombard, Staff Asst. energy and water development subcommittee James D. Ogsbury, Staff Asst. Jeanne L. Wilson, Staff Asst. Donald M. McKinnon, Staff Asst. Melanie Marshall, Adm. Aide. foreign operations subcommittee Charles O. Flickner, Staff Asst. John Shank, Staff Asst. Christopher Walker, Staff Asst. Lori Maes, Adm. Aide. interior subcommittee Deborah A. Weatherly, Staff Asst. Loretta C. Beaumont, Staff Asst. Joel Kaplan, Staff Asst. Christopher Topik, Staff Asst. Angelina Perry, Adm. Aide. labor, hhs, education subcommittee S. Anthony McCann, Staff Asst. Robert L. Knisely, Staff Asst. Carol A. Murphy, Staff Asst. Susan Firth, Staff Asst. Francine Salvador, Adm. Aide. military construction subcommittee Elizabeth C. Dawson, Staff Asst. Brian L. Potts, Staff Asst. Mary Arnold, Adm. Aide. defense subcommittee Kevin M. Roper, Staff Asst. Elizabeth Phillips, Staff Asst. David F. Kilian, Staff Asst. Douglas M. Gregory, Staff Asst. Tina W. Jonas, Staff Asst. Patricia E. Ryan, Staff Asst. Gregory J. Walters, Staff Asst. Paul Juola, Staff Asst. Alicia Jones, Staff Asst. Steven Nixon, Staff Asst. David L. Norquist, Staff Asst. Jennifer Mummert, Adm. Aide. Sherry Young, Adm. Aide. transportation subcommittee John T. Blazey, Staff Asst. Richard E. Efford, Staff Asst. Stephanie Gupta, Staff Asst. Linda J. Muir, Adm. Aide. treasury, postal service subcommittee Michelle B. Mrdeza, Staff Asst. Jeffrey Ashford, Staff Asst. Robert A. Schmidt, Staff Asst. Tammy S. Hughes, Adm. Aide. va-hud subcommitte Frank M. Cushing, Staff Asst. Timothy L. Peterson, Staff Asst. Valerie Baldwin, Staff Asst. Dena Baron, Staff Asst. minority staff R. Scott Lilly, Minority Staff Director. Gregory R. Dahlberg, Minority Staff Asst. Delacroix Davis, Minority Staff Asst. Patricia Schlueter, Minority Staff Asst. David Reich, Minority Staff Asst. William Stone, Minority Staff Asst. Mark Murray, Minority Staff Asst. Cheryl L. Smith, Minority Staff Asst. Mark J. Mioduski, Minority Staff Asst. Sally Chadbourne, Minority Staff Asst. Thomas Forhan, Minority Staff Asst. Edith Hardin, Minority Staff Asst. Robert Bonner, Minority Adm. Aide. Rebecca Greenberg, Minority Adm. Aide. surveys and investigations staff R.W. Vandergrift, Chief and Director. Robert J. Reitwiesner, Deputy Director. Robert Pearre, Assistant Director. Sharon A. Cekala, Investigator. Michael O. Glynn, Investigator. Dennis K. Lutz, Investigator. Noble Holmes, Investigator. Doug Nosik, Investigator. L. Michael Welsh, Investigator/Asst. Director. Herman C. Young, Investigator/Asst. Director. Ann M. Stull, Admin. Officer. Victoria Decatur-Brodeur, Secretary. Janes E. Graham, Secretary. Regina L. Martinez, Secretary. Johannah O'Keeffe, Secretary. Tracey E. Russell, Secretary. Joyce C. Stover, Secretary.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Happy Thanksgiving.

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

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Purely technical. However, it does give additional time to the Senate and provides additional time for the President to use his full 10 days, if he so desires, to review this legislation.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, will the gentleman yield?

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to consider and pass House Joint Resolution 84, making further continuing appropriations for fiscal year 2000.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I thank my friend for yielding. Earlier this afternoon, we passed a continuing resolution taking us to December 2, 1999. Our colleagues in the Senate have asked that we extend that by one day, mainly because they need a clean vehicle over there, and that is exactly what this is, it extends continuing spending authority from December 2 to December 3, and it gives our colleagues in the Senate a clean vehicle that they need to conduct their business.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman will yield further, my response to his question is rather simple. I have been advised that if we do not provide an extra vehicle for the Senate, it may be necessary for the House to either stay in session or reconvene tomorrow or the next day in order to complete legislative business. I am also advised that if they have a clean vehicle, it is very likely that we would not have to be back here sitting as the House.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, if the gentleman will yield further, I would like to say to my friend and my colleague with whom we have worked so well together throughout this year that in my opinion, we have done things right here; and I cannot answer for any other venue.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. Bartlett).

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Goodling), chairman of the Committee on Education and the Workforce.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Porter), the chairman of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education of the Committee on Appropriations.

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the distinguished gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Bliley), the chairman of our Committee on Commerce. (Mr. BLILEY asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from California (Mr. Thomas).

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Gilman), chairman of the Committee on Foreign Affairs. (Mr. GILMAN asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. YOUNG of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Walsh), the very distinguished chairman of our Subcommittee on VA, HUD and Independent Agencies.