Rod Grams

Recently, I came to the floor to address Federal dairy policy, specifically focusing on an erroneous but often repeated claim that dairy compacts are necessary today to guarantee a supply of fresh, locally produced milk to consumers…

87 years ago today, the Federal Government began collecting income tax. I rise not to celebrate the anniversary, but to condemn the occasion. What began as a simple flat tax on the revenue of a few has turned into a Pandora's box that…

I want to take time this morning to talk about one of the most important issues I think is facing American society today; that is, the future of the retirement system in this country--not only for those who are on Social Security today or…

for over six decades people have come to rely, expect, and depend on investments made into the Social Security system. However, the very financial structure created with the program in 1935 is about to face some very significant strains…

Every year at this time it seems we are here on the Senate floor debating another attack on the Forest Service's Timber Management Program. Every year those who wish to eliminate logging in our national forests come up with another angle…

as a strong critic of the Administration's policy in the Balkans, I am uncomfortable expressing my reservations now that we are in a state of war. The U.S. forces conducting air strikes against Serbia have my full support as they go into…

I rise today in order to call attention to one of the most onerous barriers currently facing American agriculture. It is a regional price-fixing cartel, which benefits only those producers within its own boundaries, at the direct expense…

I rise to introduce The Department of Energy Abolishment Act of 1999. I am pleased to include as original cosponsors Senator Spencer Abraham and Senator Jon Kyl and want to thank them for their support both this year and in past…

Today across our country, Americans are commemorating Earth Day, a day vitally important to all who serve in this Chamber as well. As my colleagues know, Earth Day was first observed on April 22, 1970. Its purpose was, and it remains, to…

I take this opportunity to again express my strong support for the education proposals currently before the Senate, which would direct more dollars and decision-making authority to states, teachers, and parents. Today the Senate considers…

I am proud to join Senator Roth as an original co-sponsor of legislation to amend Section 45 of the tax code for the production of electricity from environmentally-friendly methods, including poultry litter, the Poultry Electric Power Act…

I just want to take a little time to talk today, because today is, of course, the infamous April 15 tax day. I know a lot of Americans are out there still working at the kitchen table at this time, working the pencils, trying to wade…

I rise today to thank the bill managers for accommodating me--and more importantly the elderly and disabled residents of the St. Paul Public Housing Agency--by accepting an amendment I was prepared to offer which is intended to right a…

I believe this is nothing to celebrate. To borrow a phrase from Ronald Reagan, you will excuse the taxpayers if they don't celebrate the daily mugging that we call the Tax Code. As we note the sad occasion, I rise to call upon Congress to…

This bill calls for exemption of additional charitable gambling activities from the Federal unrelated business income tax (UBIT). As you know, Mr. President, the fundamental difference between charitable gambling and regular gambling is…

I wish that I could say that Congress and the President of the United States are doing everything possible to protect the American people and preserve the values that we hold dear. But that is not the case. At this time, the United States…

Despite the handicaps placed upon the House managers, I feel they did an excellent job in presenting their case in support of the articles of impeachment and laying out the facts. I listened to them carefully, as I listened to the White…

Mr. President, I join my colleagues today in offering our perspective on the State of the Union--on both last night's speech by the President, and also the direction I believe we are headed as a nation. Let me begin with the speech. What…

I rise in support of the ``Powder Cocaine Sentencing Act of 1999'' sponsored by Senator Spence Abraham of Michigan. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this important legislation that will toughen federal policy toward powder cocaine…

I also rise this morning to discuss my opposition to the omnibus appropriations legislation that was before us this morning. While I realize many of my colleagues would have preferred not to return for this vote, there are a number of us…

about two weeks ago, a list of medical device companies was printed in the Congressional Record which indicated they were non-responsive to The Food and Drug Administration's request for Year 200 compliance status. As Chairman of the…

I rise in support of the WIPO Copyright Treaties Implementation Act Conference Report adopted by the Senate on October 8, and commend the Senator from Utah for his efforts in crafting legislation that will greatly aid American copyright…

I want to take the remaining part of my time this morning to talk about a subject I have worked on for the 6 years I have been in Congress, and that is trying to raise the awareness of the issue of taxes in this country, that we are now…

I rise tonight to express my grave disappointment of President Clinton's decision to veto the 1998 Agriculture Appropriations conference report, which includes emergency relief for farmers around the country, like those farmers in the Red…

What a year it has been. Last year, we passed significant tax relief--including a $500 per-child tax credit that will soon take effect. In addition, for the first time since 1969, we passed and abided by a balanced budget. It has not been…