[Congressional Record Volume 141, Number 172 (Thursday, November 2, 1995)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E2096-E2097]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  SENSE  OF  CONGRESS  REGARDING SOCIAL SECURITY EARNINGS TEST REFORM

                                 ______


                               speech of

                             HON. JIM KOLBE

                               of arizona

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, October 26, 1995

  Mr. KOLBE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of increasing the 
earnings limit for senior citizens and will work with the Congress to 
see that legislation to do this comes to the floor of the House before 
the end of the year. If any Member of Congress were to propose a 33-
percent surtax on seniors incomes earning more than $11,280 a year 
today, the American people would not stand for it. However, this is the 
current situation. The earnings test is bad policy and bad economics 
for the country.
  It is ludicrous that seniors in the work force are subject to this 
impractical and outdated procedure. Our seniors deserve more. It is 
time for Congress to vote for changes to this archaic practice of 
reducing Social Security benefits for seniors that continue to work 
after the age of 65. We are robbing seniors of their right to support 
themselves and live with dignity. In many instances seniors stay in the 
work force out of necessity, not choice, and should be allowed to earn 
more without losing a portion of their earned Social Security benefits. 
The earnings test harms those individuals who do not have supplemental 
pension income for their retirement and need to work. Therefore, we are 
penalizing seniors who are trying to be self sufficient rather than 
rewarding beneficiaries who continue to work.
  The Social Security earnings limit sends a message to the elderly 
community that we do not respect their ability to contribute in the 
work force after retirement. It is time to give seniors back their 
dignity. This Congress has already taken the first step with the 
passage of the Medicare Preservation Act which strengthens and protects 
the Medicare system and allows seniors access to the same type of 
health care services as offered to all Americans. And by years end, 
with passage of the increased earning limit, seniors will be able to 
hold up their heads as they continue to work without fear of losing 
their earned Social Security benefits.

[[Page E 2097]]


                   SUPPORTING DEMOCRACY IN HONG KONG

                                 ______


                        HON. JOHN EDWARD PORTER

                              of illinois

                    in the house of representatives

                       Wednesday, November 1, 1995

  Mr. PORTER. Mr. Speaker, a recent Washington Post article outlined 
Hong Kong Gov. Chris Patten's steadfast determination and commitment to 
democracy in Hong Kong. In the wake of the 1989 Tiananmen Massacre, in 
October, 1992, newly arrived Governor Patten unveiled proposals to 
expand the voting franchise in Hong Kong and broaden the scope of 
democracy. Governor Patten's proposals reflected a growing desire on 
the part of the colonial government and the people of Hong Kong to 
erect safeguards against the totalitarian mainland--Communist China. I 
commended Governor Patten then, as I do today. Governor Patten's 
reforms are consistent with general U.S. goals of promoting human 
rights and political freedom.
  Mr. Speaker, last month Hong Kong voters demonstrated their devotion 
to democracy by repudiating most legislative candidates allied with 
Beijing and handing an overwhelming victory to advocates of democracy, 
led by Martin Lee, who avows to take a tougher stance in dealing with 
the mainland. This vote reinforced Hong Kong voters' commitment to 
Governor Patten's proposals. Britain's Minister for Hong Kong Jeremy 
Hanley commented that ``more voters than ever before have played their 
part in an atmosphere of calm moderation to elect the most broadly-
based, fairly elected Legislative Council in Hong Kong's history. As a 
result, the people of Hong Kong will have a fully represented 
legislature, equipped to help shape the next chapter in Hong Kong's 
history.''
  But how will this next chapter read when China has vowed to dismantle 
the Hong Kong legislature and continues to try to destroy any hope of a 
free democratic future? Despite international pressure, China continues 
to violate the human rights of its own citizens. As the date for the 
return of Hong Kong fast approaches, there are signs that Beijing's 
policy of intimidation and fear may be working. According to recent 
polls, public support for Governor Patten is at an all time low. Former 
British Ambassador to Beijing, Percy Cradock, said that Patten ``is 
being rapidly marginalized as the Chinese and British Governments work 
together to reduce the damage his reforms have done.'' On the contrary, 
Governor Patten has done tremendous good in the last 3 years, and he 
deserves steadfast support from the United States and the rest of the 
world community, including Britain. Any damage resulting from Hong 
Kong's making democratic reforms has been caused by Beijing's refusal 
to accept them and London's fear of supporting them.
  Hong Kong is the world's best example of the prosperity that results 
from a strong and vibrant free enterprise system existing under the 
rule of law. As 1997 approaches the United States must stand with those 
in Hong Kong, like Governor Patten and Martin Lee, who are rightly 
unwilling to capitulate to Beijing's effort to strip the citizens of 
Hong Kong of their democratic rights and freedom.

                          ____________________