macleginn/stanford_congress_record_longer_speeches huggingface dataset:
Date: 1982-09-14
Speaker: DE LUGO (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. today. I introduce a bill which will reduce the 30percent withholding tax in the Virgin Islands to 10 percent for U.S. citizens and residents of the United States and for corporations organized in the United States. and allowing the Virgin Islands Legislature to reduce the tax further as it sees fit. This legislation was introduced earlier as H.R. 5113 and then as H.R. 5985. The present bill reflects the changes in the previous bills which the administration suggested. This legislation. therefore. has full administration support. The bill addresses the need in the U.S. Virgin Islands for direct measures to attract new investment. With the numerous trade agreements the United States has entered into. the Virgin Islands is finding it increasingly H 6930 CO difficult to compete for offshore business. Several businesses have declined with Virgin Islands governments efforts to get them to locate in the territory. citing the 30percent withholding tax as their sole impediment. Furthermore. the 30percent withholding tax has not produced resounding tax benefits for the Virgin Islands treasury. The burden of paying the 30percent tax on interest has stifled business expansion due to reluctance by mainland banks to lose 30 -percent of their interest on loans to Virgin Islands taxes. On the other hand. dividends have not been declared by many businesses who chose to avoid the tax by accumulating earned surplus instead of declaring dividends. To quote the Virgin Islands Commissioner of Commerce: With the exception of the Virgin Islands competitors. no one wins under the existing withholding tax. The losers include Virgin Islands workers and entrepreneurs and the strangely enough Virgin Islands treasury itself. This bill is important for the people of the Virgin Islands. It provides investment incentive that should lead to a better circulation of capital. more available mortgage money. and potential for funding a much needed housing development. but most importantly. it will provide jobs for our people. For these reasons. I ask for your support of this bill.
Date: 1982-09-15
Speaker: ROBERT C. BYRD (democrat)
Chamber: S

Mr. President. I ask the distinguished majority leader if he will also indicate what items he would like to proceed with on the Executive Calendar.
Date: 1982-09-15
Speaker: ROBERT C. BYRD (democrat)
Chamber: S

Mr. President. all of those items have been cleared on this side of the aisle. So there is no objection to proceeding with the items that the distinguished majority leader has enumerated on the Executive Calendar and on the General Calendar.
Date: 1982-09-15
Speaker: ROBERT C. BYRD (democrat)
Chamber: S

If the amendment is tabled would not the cloture motion which is scheduled for tomorrow on the amendment. thereby be vitiated?
Date: 1982-09-15
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

I thank the gentleman .for yielding to me and I have come to join with my other colleagues. both from the House and the Committee on Agriculture. who had the privilege to know and work with Keith Sebelius. I did not have the privilege to have him here since I have become chairman of the Agriculture Committee. But I did see him afterward and he rejoiced with me and regretted that he was not here as I assumed the chairmanship. But part of assuming the chairmanship is the fact that for whatever ill or good that my service will be. it has been as a part of those who have touched my life along the way. Certainly Keith Sebelius did that. through his diligence in the committee. through his interest for his country. but most of all exemplary to all of us was his dedication to his oath of office and his dedication to rural America and the farm sector which he so ably represented and for whom he worked so hard all the years that he was here. I guess some of us remember fondly that even while working hard. as this job is. and even while working long hours. which we do. he never lost his sense of perspective and/or humor. In the late hours of the night many times when we needed a little reawakening of our endeavor. always there was Keith to come in either with an amendment. or breaking into debate to bring us that lighthearted interruption that brought us back to reality and to the work that we would be doing. So I know that it is repetitious to say we will miss him. But I think probably it is more important to remember that the contribution he made for his State. for his constituency. for America. and for the people of the world will be there and he cared. He cared deeply. I know many times we discussed hunger and the countries that needed assistance. We traveled together.- I traveled with him. I traveled to Kansas with him. We visited his constituency. If any man can be categorized as. "He never had met someone that was not a friend." that was Keith. that he either patted someone on the back or had a joke or had a kind word. If he did not do it. they did it to him. expecting that generosity and bigheart. edness that he had. So I join my colleagues with sadness but yet with pride and with the hope that generations henceforth will remember. and even what we say here tonight will be recorded forever in the history of our country. that we had a man named Keith Sebelius who served and who served well and who left many friends who admired and respected him. I thank my colleague for yielding.
Date: 1982-09-15
Speaker: PHILLIP BURTON (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. today I must. with great personal sadness. speak about a former colleague. a friend. a leader. and a good man. Keith 0. Sebellus. Keith spent 12 years in the House of Representatives and for 10 years was a member of the Interior Committee and finally was the ranking member of the Subcommittee on National Parks and Insular Affairs where I had the opportunity and the pleasure to work with him on national parks legislation. He was dedicated to achieving the best national park system in the world and spent endless hours seeking to craft such truly outstanding law as that which established the Redwoods National Park expansion. the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness. the Lake Tahoe Preservation Act. the Pine Barrens Area. and numerous national trails. wild and scenic rivers as well as many other national park units. He was born and raised in the State of Kansas and perhaps because of growing up in the open spaces of the heartland of America. always seemed to have a vision of the greatness of the Nations land. its mountains. its rivers. its coasts. and all of the values that were inherent in our land. He wanted to be sure that future generations of Americans would be able to see some of these things. to know what the land had been like. free from development and destruction. I can think of no greater tribute to Keith Sebellus than to honor his vision and dedication to preserving some of this land as a part of the national park system so that we all might gain something of value. Mr. Speaker. I am sorry that Keith is gone and offer my deepest condolences to his lovely wife. Bette. to his children and his many friends who. as I will. shall miss his calm reason and his great wisdom.e
Date: 1982-09-15
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

I thank my distinguished colleague for yielding. Mr. Speaker. I join my colleagues in paying tribute to a great American whom we in the House had the honor and privilege of serving with. ADAM BENJAMIN was a dedicated Member of Congress In the few short years that he was here. It may even seem inappropriate that I might mention the fact that. to many who criticize. to many who make light of the efforts of the Members of Congress. I think ADAM BENJAMIN would probably exem. plify the fact that the dedicated Members. the 99.9 percent of the Members of the House who serve and serve well. work with such diligence and such ardor that. for some of them. as I think it was for ADAM BENJAMIN. eventually it caused his deaththe long hours and the work and the frustration many times that we have as we serve. He was not only dedicated to his constituency. I am very happy to recall the many times that he. in his very important position as chairman of the Subcommittee on Appropriations. was helpful to many of his colleagues. not only in passing legislation. not only in assisting with their problems. but with counsel and advice in areas of interest to the individual Member. He was one who would never say "no" to time request. to request for counsel or request for advice. Having served his country in the armed service. as well. he again offered his service to his country in the legislative field. I know that the people of Indiana and the people in his constituency will miss him because of his dedication and his effort in their behalf. I would like to mention a personal note concerning a young man in his constituency who was killed in Vietnam. a young man who. by accident happens to share the same name of de la Garza. ADAM BENJAMIN visited me about that and became so interested in the fact that here was this young man. in the prime of his life. who had served and who had lost his life in Vietnam. His interest in looking into the events that led to the young mans untimely death eventually resulted in the posthumous awarding of the Congressional Medal of Honor to Emilio de la Garza of East Chicago. Ind.. and it was. I am convinced. through the efforts of ADAM BENJAMIN. feeling that this young man had performed above and beyond the call of duty. and this was. of course. verified by the respective chains of command that that type of award has to go through. He was very proud and happy that he had done this. But he was that kind of a man who would work with a Member on one of his problems. but yet the lowlJest of his constituents were as important to him in his efforts as he legislated and as he counseled and as he served their needs as far as the Government is concerned. So I join with my colleagues. in that we will miss ADAM BENJAMIN. but this House and this country will be the better for his having served here. Of course. we extend to his family and to his friends and to his constituency our heartfelt condolences. But we are satisfied that his service will make this a better country and make this a better House of Representatives.
Date: 1982-09-15
Speaker: SAM B. HALL (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. it would be difficult to imagine a more sad and tragic event than the untimely passing of our dear friend ADAM BENJAMIN. He was one of the most devoted. hardworking people you would ever hope to meet. and it is the great. est possible honor for me to be able to say that he. was my friend. More important. he was a friend of every working man and woman in this country. Our colleague. JOE GAYDos. summed it up best in his eulogizing statement when he said of ADAM BENJAMIN: "Unfailing is the only word for him." ADAM was a fighter. He could roll up his sleeves and take charge as well as any person imaginable. He loved this country. and he believed fervently that people ought to have jobs. good jobs. and productive jobs. When Americas steel industry fell on difficult times. ADAM BENJAMIN jumped into the fray. He was instrumental in setting up the Steel Caucus. and the American steel industry will forever be in his debt. Several weeks ago the terrible plight of our domestic steel industry hit my congressional district like a bombshell when Lone Star Steel was forced to lay off some 4.000 of the hardest working people to be found anywhere on the globe. I knew then that as long as friends and colleagues like ADAM BENJAMIN existed we would fight this thing together. that we would push for any and all measures to rescue Americas steel from unfair. outrageous foreign competition. His loss hurts our cause. but what he started is sufficient incentive to press on. To his family I can only say that ADAM made this a better Congress. He had a positive influence on all of us. and we ask to share in your grief.9
Date: 1982-09-16
Speaker: ROBERT C. BYRD (democrat)
Chamber: S

Mr. President. I thank the majority leader. Mr. President. I yield to Mr. Paoxgmis such time as he may require.
Date: 1982-09-16
Speaker: ROBERT C. BYRD (democrat)
Chamber: S

Mr. President. reserving the right to object. I will not object. My senior colleague. Mr. RANDOLPH. has expressed a strong interest in this action. and therefore I have no objection.
Date: 1982-09-16
Speaker: ROBERT C. BYRD (democrat)
Chamber: S

Mr. President. before the distinguished majority leader moves to recess. I wish to asrociate myself with the remarks of the distinguished majority leader and the distinguished Senator from Delaware. I. too. welcome on behalf of the Members on my side of the aisle the visitation from these distinguished people. .
Date: 1982-09-16
Speaker: ROBERT C. BYRD (democrat)
Chamber: S

Mr. President. could the majority leader state at this time when he thinks the Senate will return for such a session?
Date: 1982-09-16
Speaker: ROBERT C. BYRD (democrat)
Chamber: S

Mr. President. in view of the likelihood that there will be a postelection session. may I ask the distinguished majority leaderand he and I have discussed this alreadyfor the record and for the edification of our colleagues would it not be his disposition that Senators might prepare to leave to do their work in their home States during the election. that they could plan on leaving as of around October 1 or October 2 since the Senate will be having to come back in any event? .
Date: 1982-09-16
Speaker: ROBERT C. BYRD (democrat)
Chamber: S

I would hope as for my part that the Senate will proceed with its own schedule and. of course. I do not presume to tell the majority leader what to do. but if the other body wishes to stay in until October 8. that is fine with me. But inas. much as the Senate will have to come back after the election. I would hope that the distinguished majority leader would strongly consider adhering to the schedule which both of us have told our colleagues we expect to follow. that being that the Senate will go out on October 1 or October 2. I recognize the fact that the majority leader is not in a position to say at this moment. He has many considerations that have to be studied. and he will have to converse with his colleagues on his side of the aisle. but for the record I wish to state that wish.
Date: 1982-09-16
Speaker: DE LA GARZA (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I am happy to join my distinguished colleague. the majority . leader. Mr. WRIGHT. in behalf of my constitutenta I am sure. and personally. to extend to the -people of Mexico. to its government and our colleagues in Mexicos House and Senate our best wishes and congratulations on the anniversary of their Independence. Our neighbors to the south are having very difficult times. I extend to them my personal pledge of cooperation. and I know my colleagues in the House will share my wish for Mexico and its people of a return to normal times soon. I know that the Mexican spirit which prompted that initial endeavor still exists and will allow the people of Mexico to persevere in their efforts to retain the hopes and aspirations of those great men and women that have since the beginning in 1810 made it the great country that it has become through many difficult and trying years.
Date: 1982-09-16
Speaker: WILLIAM J. COYNE (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Chairman. I rise in strong support of House Joint Resolution 562. the urgent supplemental appropriations for jobs. In this body. we often hear the word "urgent" used to describe a particular appropriations bill. For the 200.000 unemployed Americans who stand to gain useful. productive. temporary employment as a result of this measure. the word "urgent" is not an overstate. ment of the need. For some. especially those who face a cutoff in unemployment benefits as a result of administrative policy. the situation is near desperate. If we fail to approve this bill today. many Americans will continue to be victims of a stalled economy. While there may be economic jubilation on Wall Street. there is little hope on the Main Streets throughout western Pennsylvania for an upturn in the economy. The disastrous economic policies of this administration have forced thousands of workers. especially those in backbone industries such as steel. onto the unemployment rolls. In July 1981. the unemployment rate for wage and salary workers in primary metal industries was 7.8 percent. In July 1982. after 1V years of Reaganomics. that figure rose to a frightening 20.3 percent unemployed. I would like. at this point. to share with my colleagues the unemployment rates for primary metals and other industries:
Date: 1982-09-16
Speaker: PHILLIP BURTON (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Chairman. the Reagan economic program has ravaged this Nation. Unemployment now stands at a rate higher than any time since the Great Depression. More than 10 million Americans are out of work. The President and his supporters in Congress have brought this Nation to the edge of disasternow we have an opportunity to repair some of the damage of Reaganomics. This legislation will put people back to work. It will be directed at those jobs which will begin the monumental task of rebuilding this Nations Infrastructurebridges. roads. sewers. and ports. This is not makework. but a vitally important task which has been stalled by this administrations massive cutbacks in funds for transportation. wastewater treatment. and other important Federal programs. I urge passage of this bill. The people of this Nation need jobs. not the failing economic experiments of the Reagan administration.
Date: 1982-09-16
Speaker: WON PAT (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I am today asking Congress to come to the aid of Guams veterans. There is an estimated 10.000 veterans on Guam plus their dependents. These brave men and women served this Nation in time of war and in time of peace. They do not ask their Nation for the impossible. Nor do they seek more than what is given to other American veterans. Yet. the sad truth is this: Guams veterans are denied many basic services. including lifesaving health care. The closest veterans hospital to Guam is 3.500 miles away in Hawaii. Guams own medical facilities are working overtime to care for our people. But we lack the sophisticated medical techniques. the costly new medical devices. and the highly trained doctors found in veterans hospitals in the States. Today. I am introducing a resolution to cure this terrible situation. My resolution calls on the Secretary of Defense and the Veterans Administration to designate the naval hospital on Guam a Jointuse facility to permit Guams veterans to receive fulltime medical care at that hospital. This is not presently the case. The naval hospital on Guam has reserved only five beds in that vast facility for local veterans and their dependents. Five beds to serve a veterans population of thousands. This would not be tolerated in California or New York. It will not be tolerated any longer in Guam. My constitutents have paid their dues. Many of our veterans have wounds from combat. They deserve more from their Government than five beds in a naval hospital. It is time that Washington rally behind Guams veterans and give them justice. The naval hospital is not overworked. In fact. it is closing down wards because of limited military needs. Why waste this valuable resource any longer when Guams veterans need these services now. A seriously ill veteran on Guam faces two choices today: He can either take his chances in getting into the naval hospital or he can be evacuated to Hawaii. Many Guam veterans have gone to Hawaii only to be away from their families for months. This is no way to treat our veterans. The cure is provided by my resolution. I ask that it be adopted quickly by my colleagues. Guams veterans are counting on you.e
Date: 1982-09-17
Speaker: ROBERT C. BYRD (democrat)
Chamber: S

Mr. President. there is no objection to the request to proceed to the immediate consideration of the resolution as far as this side is concerned.
Date: 1982-09-20
Speaker: ROBERT C. BYRD (democrat)
Chamber: S

Mr. President. I move to lay that motion on the table. The motion to lay on the table was agreed to.
Date: 1982-09-20
Speaker: ROBERT C. BYRD (democrat)
Chamber: S

The Weicker amendment would be considered to be germane to the bill. it being an amendment in the first degree.
Date: 1982-09-20
Speaker: DE LUGO (democrat)
Chamber: H

Mr. Speaker. I thank the chairman of the committee for yielding and wish to thank him for his assistance on this legislation and the members of the committee for their support. Mr. Speaker. I ask the support of my colleagues for the passage of H.R. 7093. This bill reduces the 30percent withholding tax in the Virgin Islands to 10 percent for U.S. citizens and residents of the United States and for corporations organized in the United States. and allows the Virgin Islands Legislature to reduce the tax further as it sees fit. The bill is extremely important to the economic growth of the Virgin Islands. a matter of particular urgency given the difficulties faced by the territory as a result of Federal budgetary constraints. The bill. which has full administration support. passed the House Ways and Means Committee last week. I thank the chairman. Mr. ROSTENKOWSKI. for his support in getting the bill through his committee and to the floor for consideration today. I also thank my cosponsors of the bill. Mr. HOLLAND. Mr. HEFTEL. and Mr. SCHULZE. Their consistent support of this legislation and sympathy for the problems it addresses is deeply appreciated by myself and the people of the Virgin Islands. I particularly want to thank Mr. SCHULZE for his support of the bill here on the floor today. The bill addresses the need in the U.S. Virgin Islands for direct measures to attract new investment. With the numerous trade agreements the United States has entered into. the Virgin Islands is finding it increasingly difficult to compete for offshore businesses. Several businesses have declined the Virgin Islands Governments efforts to get them to locate in the territory. citing the 30 percent withholding tax as their sole impediment. Furthermore. the 30 percent withholding tax has not produced resounding tax benefits for the Virgin Islands Treasury. The burden of paying the 30 percent tax on interest has stifled business expansion due to reluctance by mainland banks to lose 30 percent of their interest on loans to Virgin Islands taxes. On the other hand. dividends have not been declared by many businesses who chose to avoid the tax by accumulating earned surplus instead of declaring dividends. The bill is important for the people of the Virgin Islands. It provides investment incentive that should lead to a better circulation of capital. more available mortgage money. and potential for funding a muchneeded housing development. but most important. ly. it will provide jobs for our people. It Promises more in revenues to the Virgin Tslands Treasury through this expansion than ever resulted from withholding of the 30 percent tax. For these reasons. I ask you to vote for the passage of H.R. 7093.