[Congressional Record Volume 146, Number 140 (Monday, October 30, 2000)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E2027]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  TRIBUTE TO THE HONORABLE BILL ARCHER

                                 ______
                                 

                               speech of

                    HON. F. JAMES SENSENBRENNER, JR.

                              of wisconsin

                    in the house of representatives

                        Friday, October 27, 2000

  Mr. SENSENBRENNER. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to my 
friend and colleague, the distinguished Chairman of the Committee on 
Ways and Means, Bill Archer. Few legislators have the opportunity in 
their careers to effect such far-reaching reforms as the gentleman from 
Texas has during his time in this body, particularly his years as 
Chairman of the Ways and Means Committee.
  As we all know, the Committee on Ways and Means carries a very heavy 
legislative load, dealing each and every year with 100 percent of our 
nation's revenues. Bill Archer has taken this responsibility very 
seriously since becoming Chairman in 1994, and his accomplishments 
reflect this.
  First and foremost, Bill Archer left his mark on legislative history 
with his work on the Balanced Budget Act of 1977. Among it's many 
provisions, the Balanced Budget Act gave Americans the first tax cut in 
16 years. It also helped taxpayers by shifting the burden of proof on 
tax issues from the taxpayer to the Internal Revenue Service. Taxpayers 
received new rights and protections in their dealings with the Internal 
Revenue Service, and the Internal Revenue Service in turn became 
subject to the oversight of an independent agency.
  However, reforming the Internal Revenue Service is not Bill Archer's 
only legacy. He also fought hard and successfully for welfare reform 
which has resulted in millions of former welfare beneficiaries leaving 
the welfare roles and moving back into the workforce. In addition, he 
has worked toward meaningful Social Security reform, and we know that 
the groundwork he laid will help us realize that goal effectively.
  Bill Archer's legislative accomplishments speak volumes about his 
integrity, dedication, and commitment. These are the characteristics 
that have led his constituents to send him back to Washington 15 times. 
These same characteristics are the ones we, his colleagues, will miss 
most when Bill Archer retires. I join all Bill Archer's friends and 
colleagues in thanking him for his many years of service and wishing 
him the best of health and happiness in the years to come.

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