House Proceeding on Jun 14th, 2006 :: 1:10:43 to 1:30:43
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1:06:57 to 1:10:43( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Marion Berry

1:10:29 to 1:10:43( Edit History Discussion )

Marion Berry: have two minutes remaining. the gentleman has to control the entire five minutes and cannot yield blocks of time. mr. olver: i cannot yield any further time? i cannot yield any time? the

1:10:43 to 1:10:55( Edit History Discussion )

Rosa L. DeLauro: chairman: that's correct. you cannot yield blocks of time. you can yield to anyone, but not for certain time periods. mr. olver: ah, i see. the chairman: the gentleman is recognized for two

1:10:43 to 1:15:20( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Rosa L. DeLauro

1:10:55 to 1:11:04( Edit History Discussion )

Rosa L. DeLauro: minutes. mr. olver: mr. chairman, thank you for the clarification, and i apologize for being a little bit offbase there. i yield to the gentlewoman from connecticut the remainder of the time.

1:11:04 to 1:11:24( Edit History Discussion )

Rosa L. DeLauro: the chairman: the gentleman had two minutes remaining and the gentlewoman from connecticut has three minutes remaining, so the gentlewoman is recognized for five minutes. ms. delauro: i

1:11:24 to 1:11:42( Edit History Discussion )

Rosa L. DeLauro: thank the gentleman. i think that we ought to lay something out very clearly here. first of all, the notion that these are folks who are going to compete equally with other corporations

1:11:42 to 1:11:56( Edit History Discussion )

Rosa L. DeLauro: that do not have the same tax advantage has been decried by the g.a.o., the government accountability office. let me repeat their commentary. it found that contractors who go overseas for

1:11:56 to 1:12:11( Edit History Discussion )

Rosa L. DeLauro: the ostensible purpose of reducing their tax obligation to the united states , and i quote, they can offer a price that wins a contract based more on tax considerations than on factors

1:12:11 to 1:12:25( Edit History Discussion )

Rosa L. DeLauro: such as the quality and the cost of producing goods and services. they have a tax advantage because they do not pay what they're supposed to pay in taxes in the united states. and, in fact,

1:12:25 to 1:12:37( Edit History Discussion )

Rosa L. DeLauro: let me just be very clear again that this amendment simply continues what current law is. it extends the provision that was accepted in the kmbs last year -- in the conference last year. these

1:12:37 to 1:12:51( Edit History Discussion )

Rosa L. DeLauro: companies have not suffered anything with regard to their bottom line. as a matter of fact, they're making profits hand over fist and they are taking advantage of the tax loophole. yes, they make

1:12:51 to 1:13:05( Edit History Discussion )

Rosa L. DeLauro: that decision, but the decision is ours as to whether or not we allow them to come back and to compete for federal contracts. you know, i don't have a preference for what they choose. under

1:13:05 to 1:13:25( Edit History Discussion )

Rosa L. DeLauro: the law, they can do what they want, but they should not be allowed to pretend to be an american company when it is time to get contracts, but then claim to be an offshore company when the tax bill comes.

1:13:25 to 1:13:39( Edit History Discussion )

Rosa L. DeLauro: i also want to point out that this does not jeopardize and it does not affect existing contracts, just as it did not this year. this is about the future. and i also want to make a point that

1:13:39 to 1:13:54( Edit History Discussion )

the 2004 tax bill did not apply to companies who already have moved offshore. there are more than 25 such companies that currently operate with a tax advantage that their u.s. counterparts do

1:13:54 to 1:14:09( Edit History Discussion )

Rosa L. DeLauro: not enjoy. so do not bring up the 2004 tax bill, because it is not applicable. this is very clearly stated -- can you tell me how much time is remaining on my time? thank you. the chairman:

1:14:09 to 1:14:18( Edit History Discussion )

Rosa L. DeLauro: the gentlewoman has two minutes remaining. ms. delauro: is there any other time on the other side? the chairman: all time has expired on the other side. ms. delauro. all time has expired. what

1:14:18 to 1:14:34( Edit History Discussion )

Rosa L. DeLauro: we want -- ms. delauro: all time has expired. what we want to do here is have companies be good corporate citizens. we're asking them like any other american to pay your fair share of taxes.

1:14:34 to 1:14:49( Edit History Discussion )

Rosa L. DeLauro: that's what this is all about. if we did more to discourage companies from setting up just post offices overseas to reduce their tax burden, we would have more funding available in this bill for

1:14:49 to 1:15:07( Edit History Discussion )

Rosa L. DeLauro: other purposes. the notion that countries are going to retaliate -- i mean it's almost laughable. barbados is going to retaliate against the united states? the cayman islands? antigua? bermuda?

1:15:07 to 1:15:20( Edit History Discussion )

Rosa L. DeLauro: i mean that is truly -- it really is laughable that that would be a part of this debate. again why do we want to encourage companies to go offshore, to set up a post office box, and not pay their

1:15:20 to 1:15:34( Edit History Discussion )

fair share and their obligation in taxes to the united states? i would just say to my colleagues, we have an opportunity here, again, people voted on this last year. i hope those who voted yes

1:15:34 to 1:15:46( Edit History Discussion )

Tom Davis: will continue to do so. and some will have a change of heart understanding what the nature of this is all about. let's have people if they want to go offshore, that's our system. they

1:15:34 to 1:17:55( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Tom Davis

1:15:46 to 1:15:58( Edit History Discussion )

Tom Davis: can do that at the moment. we can take a look at closing tax loopholes and another opportunity. what they can't do is to come back and feed at the federal trough and not pay their fair share of taxes

1:15:58 to 1:16:10( Edit History Discussion )

Tom Davis: like everyone else in this country is obligated to do. let's keep the loophole closed. let's not reopen it at a time of record deficits when we can least afford to do it. this is a matter of

1:16:10 to 1:16:15( Edit History Discussion )

Tom Davis: patriotism and not profit. he want to do something for our friends and our troops overseas? close this loophole. be a patriot. and support this amendment. i yield back the balance of my time.

1:16:15 to 1:16:25( Edit History Discussion )

Tom Davis: the chairman: the gentlelady's time has expired. for what purpose does the gentleman from michigan rise? mr. knollenberg: i want to strike the last word. the chairman: the gentleman is recognized

1:16:25 to 1:16:37( Edit History Discussion )

Tom Davis: for five minutes. mr. knollenberg: i yield to my friend, chairman davis. mr. davis: i think if you're a patriot in this issue you are opposed. patriotism can be defined in a number of ways.

1:16:37 to 1:16:49( Edit History Discussion )

Tom Davis: first of all the g.a.o. that was -- the chairman: the gentleman will suspend. the chairman of the subcommittee has to remain on his feet. mr. davis: the g.a.o. that was referred to as a g.a.o.

1:16:49 to 1:17:02( Edit History Discussion )

Tom Davis: record in february of 2004 before congress passed the jobs act that deals with the tax inequities in this particular area. the companies that are at issue pay full taxes on work and contract

1:17:02 to 1:17:16( Edit History Discussion )

Tom Davis: work that is performed in the united states. basically they are offshore incorporation looks how they look at foreign dollars coming through those. but the jobs act addressed that. and the

1:17:16 to 1:17:32( Edit History Discussion )

Tom Davis: g.a.o. report was prior to that jobs act. finally let me just add that retaliation bermuda is a protectorate of the united kingdom. this is a very slippery slope once we get into which

1:17:32 to 1:17:41( Edit History Discussion )

Tom Davis: countries can do what that pose absolutely no risk to the united states at all. i think this is a bad amendment and i urge my colleagues to oppose it. the chairman: all time has expired. the question

1:17:41 to 1:17:55( Edit History Discussion )

Tom Davis: occurs on the amendment of the the gentlewoman from connecticut. so many as are in favor say aye. those opposed, no. in the opinion of the chair, the noes have it. the noes have it. the motion is

1:17:55 to 1:18:06( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: not agreed to. ms. delauro: i ask for a recorded vote. the chairman: pursuant to clause 6 of rule 18, further proceedings on the amendment offered by the gentleman from connecticut will be postponed.

1:17:55 to 1:21:43( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Jeff Flake

1:18:06 to 1:18:20( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: for what purpose does the gentleman from arizona rise? mr. flake: i have an amendment at the desk. the chairman: the clerk will designate the amendment. will report the amendment, sorry. the

1:18:20 to 1:18:38( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: clerk: an amendment offered by mr. flake of arizona. icks page 252, insert the following after line 5. none of the funds made available in this act may be used to amend 515.566 of the title

1:18:38 to 1:18:51( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: 31, code of federal regulations relating to religious activities in cuba as an effect on june 14, 2006. the chairman: pursuant to the order of the house of june 13, 2006, the gentleman from

1:18:51 to 1:19:01( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: arizona is recognized for five minutes and a member opposed will control five minutes. the gentleman from arizona. mr. flake: i thank the chairman. regardless of where any of us stand on the

1:19:01 to 1:19:12( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: debate over the broader issue of travel to cuba, i hope you'll agree there should be an exemption to the restriction when is it comes to travelers who wish to travel for religious purpose.

1:19:12 to 1:19:23( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: in fact, there is a current exemption for religious travelers. the flake-mcgovern-emerson-lee amendment would do nothing to weaken or lift restrictions of any kind of travel, religious or

1:19:23 to 1:19:35( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: otherwise. my amendment would simply prevent any changes from being made to the exemption as it now exists. you might wonder if religious travel is current permitted by law, why are we proposing

1:19:35 to 1:19:48( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: this amendment? let me explain. in 1999 when congress established by law categories of permissible travel, including travel for religious exchanges, but over the past couple years the offers of foreign

1:19:48 to 1:19:59( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: assets control on instruction from the state department has published guidelines to accompany these regulations and they have in fact imposed new restrictions on religious travel to cuba. they

1:19:59 to 1:20:11( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: have resulted in the denial of travel licenses to many individuals and churches, synagogues, other religions who until recently had long-standing licenses. this type of regulation runs counter

1:20:11 to 1:20:22( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: to the spirit of the 1999 law and current administration policy. for example, a woman from indiana went with her church group to distribute bibles and participate in religious meetings and

1:20:22 to 1:20:36( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: events. soon after her arrival home she was served with a notice of a several thousand dollar fine because she had been to a beach while she was in cuba. i spoke to this woman. she had been to a

1:20:36 to 1:20:49( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: beach. once. to a baptism. this is how ridiculous these restrictions, these new restrictions have become. as a broader example, groups from the baptist, methodist, lutheran, episcopal, united church

1:20:49 to 1:20:59( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: of christ, and many other faiths have been denied license to travel to cuba, although they have traveled there legally for years. i'm afraid we are getting dangerously close to curbing the free exercise

1:20:59 to 1:21:08( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: of religion in this context and having the government impose a test are you truly religious enough? is this a real religion you are representing? that's not the business this government

1:21:08 to 1:21:21( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: ought to be in. mr. chairman, i reserve the balance of my time. the chairman: the gentleman reserves the balance of his time. for what purpose does the gentleman from florida rise? mr. diaz-balart:

1:21:21 to 1:21:43( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: to claim time in opposition. the chairman: the gentleman is recognized for five minutes. mr. diaz-balart: thank you, mr. chairman. this is one of various amendments that will be brought forth

1:21:43 to 1:22:01( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: i believe today with regard to the issue of our policy toward the regime in cuba. this amendment was brought up by mr. flake a year ago. and it was one of the amendments -- one of the amendments

1:21:43 to 1:26:57( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Lincoln Diaz-Balart

1:22:01 to 1:22:15( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: brought up last year. the -- since it was brought to the floor last year, the pro-democracy movement in cuba, i think it's of relevance to point out, had an opportunity despite the extraordinary

1:22:15 to 1:22:28( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: difficulties of speaking out with regard to issues of public policy either in cuba or anywhere else, the pro-democracy movement had an opportunity to speak with regard to the amendments that

1:22:28 to 1:22:39( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: were introduced last year in this congress. i think it's of relevance and i would like to make note of their position. we have a letter from the leaders of the assembly to promote civil society,

1:22:39 to 1:22:50( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: unbelievably a year ago they were able to hold a convention for the first time in totalitarian cuba, many of their delegates were not allowed to arrive at the convention, they were detained,

1:22:50 to 1:23:04( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: they were harassed, stopped before they left their house. others were arrested. the assembly elected leaders, something which is extraordinary in the totalitarian state, and those leaders signed

1:23:04 to 1:23:21( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: a letter which i'd like to introduce in the record, mr. chairman, with regard -- the chairman: that request will need to be made when the house is in full. mr. diaz-balart: with regard to the

1:23:21 to 1:23:32( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: amendments that were brought forth last year. i would just like to say that as those leaders, one of the three by the way has since been arrested. mr. macano who signed this letter subsequently

1:23:32 to 1:23:48( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: was thrown in the gulag where he is today despite not having been charged. but he's there today. in the gulag. and they said, as they expressed their opposition to the amendments that were

1:23:48 to 1:24:07( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: filed last year, including this amendment by mr. flake, that the adoption of any unilateral measure to completely or partially lift the existing sanctions of the united states could be interpreted

1:24:07 to 1:24:18( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: by the cuban regime in havana which has given continuous examples of its absolute immoveability and of its repressive and anti-democratic vocation as a policy of accommodation. now, this is the position

1:24:18 to 1:24:32( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: of the brave pro-democracy movement in cuba which i think it's of relevance to listen to. as i say one of them was thrown in the gulag after making known this position. with regard to amendments

1:24:32 to 1:24:47( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: that were filed last year, including mr. flake's. another point i'd like to bring out which i think is of relevance. the flake amendment, he admits that it's legal. to travel for religious

1:24:47 to 1:25:02( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: purposes to cuba. i want to reiterate that. it is legal. one of the existing categories for travel to cuba is religious travel. the administration does fight fraud and abuse, for people who

1:25:02 to 1:25:17( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: go and say use even the most sacred of subterfuges, including the religious travel mant el-- mantle, the administration does fight against abuse and regulations are in place to make sure that

1:25:17 to 1:25:34( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: people who are going for religious travel go for religious purposes. that must be reiterated. the fact that it is legal to travel for religious purposes. the flake amendment says no funds could be

1:25:34 to 1:25:50( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: spent to change the current authorization, regulation that authorizes religious travel. so if a future administration wished to change the regulation, make it stricter, make it easier to travel the regulations

1:25:50 to 1:26:07( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: couldn't be changed under mr. flake's amendment. i simply as i oppose this amendment reiterate that it's legal. one of the 13 categories of legal travel to communist cuba is for religious

1:26:07 to 1:26:21( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: purposes. the flake amendment is confusing concontinue gent prospective -- contingent prospective and thus difficult really to analyze with regard to its possible effects in the future. but for me

1:26:21 to 1:26:29( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: the most important factor in this debate is that the people who are suffering the repression today and who risk their lives when they make a statement like. mr. macano did a year ago in opposition

1:26:29 to 1:26:39( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: to this amendment, they are clear in their opposition. i reiterate their position and oppose the flake amendment. the chairman: the gentleman's time has expired. the gentleman from arizona.

1:26:39 to 1:26:47( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: mr. flake: before yielding one minute to the gentleman from massachusetts let me simply state i have been to cuba. as have a number of us. we have met with those who have been in prisoned

1:26:47 to 1:26:57( Edit History Discussion )

Lincoln Diaz-Balart: for their activities and others. there is no one group that represents the pro-democracy movement in cuba. many people have encouraged us to do exactly what we are doing. i yield one minute

1:26:57 to 1:27:08( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: to the gentleman from massachusetts. the chairman: the gentleman from massachusetts is recognized for one minute. mr. mcgovern: i support this amendment. as an american i deeply resent any

1:27:08 to 1:27:20( Edit History Discussion )

Jeff Flake: restriction imposed by my government or any other government on the freedom of churches and religious organizations to exercise their religion, meet in fellowship with their counterparts in

1:27:20 to 1:27:30( Edit History Discussion )

James P. McGovern: other countries, worship together, delab brown-waite on projects of common interest, and celebrate their faith together. -- collaborate on projects of common interest and celebrate their faith together.

1:27:20 to 1:28:41( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: James P. McGovern

1:27:30 to 1:27:40( Edit History Discussion )

James P. McGovern: it is denied u.s. churches and religious organizations that have been meeting with their cuban counterparts for years, often decades. renewal of their licenses to travel to cuba. they have

1:27:40 to 1:27:54( Edit History Discussion )

James P. McGovern: opposed arbitrary restrictions and definitions on what it means to be a church, a national religious organization, or a religious denomination. for five months a bipartisan group of members have

1:27:54 to 1:28:04( Edit History Discussion )

James P. McGovern: asked the decisionmakers of the state and treasury departments to meet with us and u.s. catholic, protestant, and jewishes religious leaders to discuss this. but so far they have refused.

1:28:04 to 1:28:14( Edit History Discussion )

James P. McGovern: now they are preparing even more restriction that is will discriminate among the many organizations on the island and pick and choose who it is ok to break bread with in faith and fellowship. they

1:28:14 to 1:28:29( Edit History Discussion )

James P. McGovern: will take it mon themselves the right to say what constitutes a church. the chairman: the gentleman's time has expired. mr. mcgovern: the united states of america must not and does not take such action

1:28:29 to 1:28:41( Edit History Discussion )

James P. McGovern: against the community of faith. the chairman: the gentleman's time has expired. the gentleman from arizona has 1 1/2 minutes remaining. mr. flake: i yield one minute to the gentlelady from

1:28:41 to 1:28:52( Edit History Discussion )

Jo Ann Emerson: missouri. the chairman: the gentlewoman, mrs. emerson, is recognized. mrs. emerson: i rise in support of this commonsense amendment to protect the ability of religious groups to continue their ministries

1:28:41 to 1:30:16( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Jo Ann Emerson

1:28:52 to 1:29:04( Edit History Discussion )

Jo Ann Emerson: in cuba. i'm aware that opponents of this amendment will claim it's misguided and could result in tying the hands of expanded religious travel to cuba, but experience tells a different story.

1:29:04 to 1:29:16( Edit History Discussion )

Jo Ann Emerson: nothing in our experience of working with the administration on cuba policy leads to a conclusion that a liberalization of our cuba travel policy is likely. in fact, experience tells a different

1:29:16 to 1:29:26( Edit History Discussion )

Jo Ann Emerson: story. a story of increased regulation, increased hurdles, and increased difficulties in all forms of travel and trade with one of our closest neighbors. it's a tribute to the work being accomplished

1:29:26 to 1:29:41( Edit History Discussion )

Jo Ann Emerson: by religious groups that the religious travel licenses received so much support. however we the supporters of the right to conduct nonpolitical religious work must remain vigilant in protecting

1:29:41 to 1:29:53( Edit History Discussion )

Jo Ann Emerson: the ability of those workers to travel to where they are called. this amendment will accomplish that goal. some may call up prospective, some may call it misguided, experience would call it necessary.

1:29:53 to 1:30:03( Edit History Discussion )

Jo Ann Emerson: i yield back. the chairman: the gentlelady's time has expired. the gentleman from arizona. for what purpose does the gentleman from massachusetts rise? mr. olver: i move to strike the last

1:30:03 to 1:30:16( Edit History Discussion )

Jo Ann Emerson: word. the chairman: the gentleman is recognized for five minutes. mr. olver: thank you, mr. chairman. i yield my time to the gentlelady from california, ms. lee. the chairman: the gentlewoman is recognized.

1:30:16 to 1:30:27( Edit History Discussion )

Barbara Lee: ms. lee: thank you, mr. chairman. i want to thank the gentleman for yielding and for your leadership and for helping us sort through this very difficult but important issue. i am a proud co-sponsor

1:30:16 to 1:32:05( Edit History Discussion )
Speech By: Barbara Lee

1:30:27 to 1:30:47( Edit History Discussion )

Barbara Lee: of this amendment. i want to thank mr. flake, mrs. emerson, mr. mcgovern for putting this forward because this is quite sensible. the majority of the american people understand this policy. it