E PL UR UM IB N U U S Congressional Record th of America PROCEEDINGS AND DEBATES OF THE 111 CONGRESS, FIRST SESSION

Vol. 155 WASHINGTON, WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2009 No. 148 House of Representatives The House met at 10 a.m. and was lic for which it stands, one nation under God, XMRV has been linked to the debili- called to order by the Speaker. indivisible, with liberty and justice for all. tating neuroimmune disease that af- f f fects more than 1 million people in the United States. Scientists from the PRAYER WELCOMING PASTOR GUILLERMO MALDONADO, KING JESUS Whittemore Peterson Institute, located Pastor Guillermo Maldonado, King INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY, at the University of Nevada, Reno, and Jesus International Ministry, Miami, MIAMI, FLORIDA their collaborators from the National Florida, offered the following prayer: Cancer Institute and Cleveland Clinic Let’s bow our heads and pray. The SPEAKER. Without objection, have discovered a retroviral link to Heavenly Father, thank You for this the gentleman from Florida, Congress- chronic fatigue syndrome. This is a opportunity for the religious freedom man MARIO DIAZ-BALART, is recognized major breakthrough in understanding that we enjoy in this country. We are for 1 minute. the origins of this debilitating disease. grateful to our Founding Fathers who There was no objection. I rise in order to congratulate Harvey fought and died for us to have this free- Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- and Annette Whittemore. Ms. Annette dom. ida. Madam Speaker, Pastor Guillermo and her husband, Harvey, have a Today, I lift up a prayer for each Maldonado is the founder of Rey Jesus daughter that was diagnosed with International Ministry in Miami, Flor- Member of Congress, and I ask You to chronic disease syndrome. They have ida. It is recognized as the largest His- give them the wisdom they need to worked tirelessly and relentlessly to panic church in the entire country. govern and pass laws in favor of Your fund and ensure that they can find a people. He, along with his wife, Ana Maldonado, who is joining us today in cure to this disease. Lord, You are who places and re- I rise also to tell people that the the gallery, are spiritual leaders for so moves kings from their throne, and money to purchase the equipment used many in our community. His dedica- You ask us to pray for all those in posi- to discover this medical breakthrough tion and commitment to serving God tions of authority so that we may live was funded by an earmark by the and to serving his fellow man is, frank- peacefully in this Nation. . This is a good Lord, let Your will be done in this ly, unparalleled. expenditure of taxpayers’ dollars and House as it is in heaven, for it brings It’s a great honor, a huge honor to will ultimately save millions of our fel- peace and justice to this country. Let have Pastor Maldonado as our guest low Americans’ lives. Your Holy Spirit guide each one of chaplain in the House today, for he is I congratulate the Whittemores and these men and women and rest upon truly an inspiring figure. I am so glad the institute. I look forward to work- their hearts and mind. that this House is able to benefit from In Jesus’ name, amen. the spiritual guidance that so many of ing with them, not only to identify and isolate this enzyme that causes this f us in south Florida have been able to do over the years. disease, but to actually cure it. THE JOURNAL f f The SPEAKER. The Chair has exam- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER YOU AMERICANS ARE RUNNING ined the Journal of the last day’s pro- OUT OF OTHER PEOPLE’S MONEY ceedings and announces to the House The SPEAKER. The Chair will enter- her approval thereof. tain up to 15 further 1-minute speeches (Mr. KIRK asked and was given per- Pursuant to clause 1, rule I, the Jour- on each side of the aisle. mission to address the House for 1 minute and to revise and extend his re- nal stands approved. f marks.) f WHITTEMORE PETERSON INSTI- Mr. KIRK. Mr. Speaker, in medicine, PLEDGE OF ALLEGIANCE TUTE SCIENTISTS DISCOVER the rule is do no harm. But look at The SPEAKER. Will the gentleman SIGNIFICANT LINK BETWEEN these Medicare cuts just approved by from Illinois (Mr. KIRK) come forward XMRV AND ME/CFS Speaker PELOSI. The Congressional and lead the House in the Pledge of Al- (Ms. BERKLEY asked and was given Budget Office reports that the bill cuts legiance. permission to address the House for 1 Medicare, nursing, wheelchairs, home Mr. KIRK led the Pledge of Alle- minute and to revise and extend her re- health, even hospice. Hospice? Yep. giance as follows: marks.) Medicare hospice is cut. I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the Ms. BERKLEY. Madam Speaker, a Another principle is this: the right United States of America, and to the Repub- recently identified retrovirus called hand of government should know what

b This symbol represents the time of day during the House proceedings, e.g., b 1407 is 2:07 p.m. Matter set in this typeface indicates words inserted or appended, rather than spoken, by a Member of the House on the floor.

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VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:20 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00001 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.000 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11302 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 the left hand is doing. Just a few TADA is a local student activist deter frivolous lawsuits, and they also months ago we enacted a stimulus bill group run by a caring and passionate want to be able to buy health insur- to put money in the economy, but the young woman, Emily Martinez-Lanza, ance across State lines. bill we are going to consider has a $400 and her event will be next week, Octo- Republicans are willing to work with billion tax increase that takes money ber 22, in Miami. Through education, our colleagues to find bipartisan solu- out of the economy. awareness, and prevention, students tions to the hurdles standing in the In the teeth of the great recession, are working to help break the cycle of way of health care reform. this is what we are going to do. But domestic abuse. f you know what? That’s okay, because I commend TADA for its efforts in we can still borrow billions from for- promoting domestic violence education b 1015 eign lenders; right? Or, as one British in our schools. I also commend the HEALTH CARE REFORMS CLOSER MP correctly said when he summed it Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade County (Mr. ALTMIRE asked and was given all up, you Americans are running out for its outstanding contributions to permission to address the House for 1 of other people’s money. ending domestic violence in our south minute.) f Florida community. Mr. ALTMIRE. Mr. Speaker, with HEALTH INSURANCE REFORM As Domestic Violence Awareness Month reminds us, everyone deserves a each House of Congress finally pre- (Ms. JACKSON-LEE of asked safe home, one free from violence and paring to bring a health care bill to the and was given permission to address free from abuse. floor, we are now closer to reform than the House for 1 minute and to revise we have been in decades. And while we and extend her remarks.) f still have a few hurdles to jump before Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. SUPPORT IRAN SANCTIONS the finish line, there are major issues Speaker, do no harm. What we are real- ENABLING ACT on which there is widespread agree- ly doing in health care reform is to en- (Mrs. KIRKPATRICK of Arizona ment. So what can the American peo- sure that we have an efficient, effec- asked and was given permission to ad- ple be sure will be in any health care tive, and secure Medicare, not cuts. dress the House for 1 minute.) reform bill that is passed? But really what we want to talk about Mrs. KIRKPATRICK of Arizona. Mr. That it will be against the law for in- is insuring all Americans. Speaker, I rise in support of House Res- surance companies to drop your cov- Our job is not yet done. We thank the olution 1327, the Iran Sanctions Ena- erage once you get sick and that they Senate Finance Committee for moving bling Act of 2009. will no longer be able to exclude you forward, but our job is not done. It’s This commonsense bill would em- based on a preexisting condition; rou- not done because a 17-pound, 4-month- power State and local governments and tine checkups and preventive care will old baby that had the Rocky Mountain educational institutions to divest from be covered without copayment; and Health Plan was denied insurance be- those foreign companies supporting your insurance plan will be portable, cause of obesity. What more are Ameri- Iran’s energy sector if they so choose. even when you change jobs. cans going to face? In short, Americans will be able to Listen to this debate. The legislation I support the efforts of our diplomats both to engage Iran and to work with keep the coverage they have and be that we have here in the House means safeguarded against losing it when that health insurance reform will come Iran’s key trading partners to impose meaningful, multilateral sanctions. they change jobs or get sick. These re- and an insurance company can no forms are long overdue, but they are longer decide to deny you coverage or However, if Iran still refuses to take now one step closer to reality. jack up your rate because of a pre- meaningful steps towards transparency existing condition. It means it will be in halting its nuclear ambitions and if f China and Russia refuse to go along against the law for insurance compa- RESOLVE nies to drop your coverage when you with multilateral sanctions, then I be- (Mr. POE of Texas asked and was get sick or water it down. It means in- lieve it is critical that the President be given permission to address the House surance companies will no longer be prepared to act, including imposing for 1 minute.) able to place some arbitrary cap on the crippling sanctions. Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the coverage. It means there will be a year- This bill will provide the President Nation is at war in Afghanistan. The ly limit on how much you can be with the authority he needs. commander of the multinational forces charged on out-of-pocket expenses. It f says he needs several thousand more means relief. It means that your PREMIUMS WILL RISE UNDER U.S. troops. But the United States has bouncing baby boy will not be denied HEALTH CARE REFORM not sent him more troops. Our country insurance because he happens to be (Mr. SMITH of Nebraska asked and is indecisive. Why do we delay? chubby. Let’s get the job done, access to was given permission to address the Our enemy is not hesitant about health insurance for all Americans. House for 1 minute and to revise and their determination to continue to extend his remarks.) murder in the name of religion. Our in- f Mr. SMITH of Nebraska. Mr. Speak- action causes our national credibility DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AWARENESS er, in the next few weeks, the House of and resolve to be in doubt. It encour- MONTH/TEENS AGAINST DOMES- Representatives will be taking up ages our foes and puzzles our allies. TIC ABUSE health care reform legislation. If our troops needed more food, we (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN asked and was A report released Monday by would immediately send food. If our given permission to address the House PricewaterhouseCoopers showed the troops wanted more equipment, arms for 1 minute and to revise and extend Senate Finance Committee’s version of and vehicles, we would immediately her remarks.) the health care bill will impose stiff send munitions. But if our troops want Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I costs to the American people. Accord- more troops, we stall, delay and pon- rise today to recognize October as Do- ing to the report, a family paying der. Why? mestic Violence Awareness Month. $12,300 currently for their health insur- It is said we need time to reevaluate Domestic violence is one of the most ance policy would find themselves pay- the situation. Well, after years of fight- chronically underreported crimes in ing nearly $26,000, on average, by 2019 ing, are we not sure about our mission, America, with 85 percent of the victims under this bill. Premiums for a single our goal, our strategy? We are giving being women. In an effort to raise person would go up by $600 a year. the impression to the world and to our awareness about this often-concealed Mr. Speaker, Americans want reform military that we don’t have the moral problem, Teens Against Domestic which expands access to affordable will to finish this war. Abuse, TADA, will be joining with the health care and gives families the free- We can delay no longer. Our troops Women’s Fund of Miami-Dade County dom to choose the policy which fits are already in the field. Their safety to host an event, ‘‘Women Ending Do- their needs. Americans want meaning- and success is of paramount impor- mestic Violence.’’ ful medical liability reform to help tance. Let there be no question of our

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:20 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00002 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.001 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11303 resolve to eliminate the terrorists who family would continue have to access mate goal of a world without breast threaten the innocents of the world. to affordable health care coverage, en- cancer. We are very proud of them and And that’s just the way it is. sure that if you have a preexisting con- all of their efforts in the First Congres- f dition you will not be denied access to sional District. coverage, and, finally, ensure that any RECOGNIZING EISENHOWER HIGH f medical liability reform will be real SCHOOL’S 50TH ANNIVERSARY EDUCATION KEY TO REBUILDING and meaningful. ECONOMY (Mr. BACA asked and was given per- I challenge my colleagues to put mission to address the House for 1 principle above politics and represent (Mr. CARNAHAN asked and was minute.) the will of the American people when it given permission to address the House Mr. Speaker, I stand here today to comes to health care reform. for 1 minute and to revise and extend his remarks.) recognize Eisenhower High School in f my hometown of Rialto on the occa- Mr. CARNAHAN. Mr. Speaker, as we sion of its 50th anniversary. This Sat- GIVING PEACE OF MIND AND continue working to strengthen our urday, October the 17th, the Rialto HEALTH SECURITY economy and put Americans back to community will celebrate this impor- (Ms. SCHAKOWSKY asked and was work, it is important to note that our tant milestone. given permission to address the House economy has stabilized a great deal Eisenhower first opened its doors in for 1 minute.) since the economic collapse a year ago. the fall of 1959, and since then has Ms. SCHAKOWSKY. Mr. Speaker, I But there is still much more work to achieved great success in academics, want to share with my colleagues a let- be done. athletics and community involvement. ter I recently received from a con- Because of the American Recovery Eisenhower athletic teams have con- stituent in Niles, Illinois. He writes: and Reinvestment Act, an estimated sistently won titles in a wide range of ‘‘As one of your constituents, I urge 8,500 teaching jobs have been saved in sports, including football, basketball, you to move forward and pass com- my home State of Missouri alone. wrestling and swimming. In fact, this prehensive health reform, including a Without the Recovery Act, thousands past winter the Eisenhower boys’ bas- public option. I have been self-em- of teachers would have lost their jobs. ketball team won the California Inter- ployed for 18 years. My continued abil- Hundreds of thousands of students scholastic Federation’s State title, ity to afford medical insurance and would be losing out on individual at- marking the first time ever a school health care has been my biggest con- tention vital to their education. It was from San Bernardino County held the cern. Without a public option, those of the right thing to do to provide States State title. us who do not have an employer-pro- with the resources to keep America’s Eisenhower’s impressive list of alum- vided medical insurance are at the teachers teaching and continue invest- ni include NFL Hall of Famer Ronnie mercy the insurance industry. As an ing in our children’s education. This stimulus is putting us on the Lott, baseball star Jeff Conine, golfer example, six years ago when I turned road to recovery by putting money Brandi Burton, and Olympic speed 55, my medical insurance premium in- back in the pockets of middle-class skating gold medalist Derek Parra. In creased 33 percent in 7 months. Each Americans and making critical invest- addition, my two sons, Joe Baca, Jr., year I wonder if I will have to give up ments in our future, like education and former State Assemblyman and now my business, because I will no longer preparing for today’s clean energy jobs. Mayor Pro-Tem for the City of Rialto, be able to afford medical insurance on We must continue our aggressive and Jeremy Baca, who has done an out- my own.’’ push to put Americans back to work standing job in work in the Inland Em- We need to pass comprehensive re- and make investments in ourselves for pire area, have also graduated from Ei- form this year to give my constituent this new era of global competition. Re- senhower High School. and other self-employed individuals building our economy must continue to For their outstanding academics, Ei- peace of mind and health security. be our top priority. senhower High has been recognized f both as a National Blue Ribbon School f TESTIMONIAL ON SUSAN G. and a California Distinguished School. WHERE ARE THE JOBS? KOMEN RACE FOUNDATION AND I thank all the students, teachers and (Mr. GINGREY of Georgia asked and parents who have contributed so much BREAST CANCER AWARENESS MONTH was given permission to address the to Eisenhower High and the Inland Em- House for 1 minute and to revise and pire community these past 50 years. (Mr. BROWN of South Carolina asked extend his remarks.) f and was given permission to address Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speak- the House for 1 minute.) SCRAP H.R. 3200 er, I come to the floor today to ask a Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. simple question: Where are the jobs? (Mr. FLEMING asked and was given Speaker, today I stand as a proud co- When Congress was asked to rubber permission to address the House for 1 sponsor of a resolution honoring Nancy stamp the President’s trillion dollar minute.) Goodman Brinker, founder of the stimulus proposal last February, we Mr. FLEMING. Mr. Speaker, as a Susan G. Komen for the Cure Founda- were told that legislation was the only physician and a father and a Member of tion. This October marks the 25th anni- way to keep the national unemploy- Congress, I join the majority of Ameri- versary of National Breast Cancer ment rate from rising above 8 percent cans that do not want the government Awareness Month and the 27th anniver- and that it would create jobs. Unfortu- takeover of our health care system. sary of Komen for the Cure. nately, as we all know, this so-called They are demanding Congress scrap In the Palmetto State, breast cancer stimulus bill has failed to do either of H.R. 3200 and come together in a bipar- occurs in over 5,000 women a year and these things. tisan fashion to craft a commonsense kills over 1,000, but according to the Nearly 3 million people in the private plan to reduce costs, expand access and American Cancer Society, these num- sector have lost jobs in America since increase the quality of care in a way bers have been falling since the 1990s. the stimulus bill was signed into law. that America can afford. However, there is always more to be And the national unemployment rate? We need to create a health care plan done, and we can all get involved in 9.8 percent and climbing, the highest that will ensure that the government promoting breast cancer awareness. level in 26 years. Moreover, 15.1 million does not interfere with the doctor-pa- This Sunday is the 16th Annual people who are unemployed are looking tient relationship, ensure that the gov- Komen Lowcountry Race for the Cure for work, again the largest number in ernment does not deny care on the in Charleston and I congratulate our history, and it includes my son, who is basis of disease or years of life left, en- local affiliate staff, Lindsay Wiltshire, celebrating his 38th birthday today sure that government does not break Michelle Temple, Lucy Spears, Taffy standing in the unemployment line. the bank at a time when America sim- Tamblyn and Patricia Simon for their Happy birthday, Billy. ply cannot afford it, ensure that if you hard work organizing this event. Their In my home State of Georgia, my lose or change your job, you and your efforts bring us all closer to the ulti- State has lost 116,000 jobs since the

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:20 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00003 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.032 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11304 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 stimulus was signed. I ask again, Mr. minute and to revise and extend his re- headed to the back rooms to write up Speaker, where are the jobs? marks.) health care reform, let’s home and let’s f Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, this past pray that the unprecedented consensus Sunday, America’s Health Insurance that will shape this bill will be based BRINGING DOWN HEALTH Plans, the trade group representing the upon the consensus of the American INSURANCE COSTS largest health insurance companies in people for more freedom and lower (Mr. YARMUTH asked and was given this country, released a report. The in- health care costs, and not the con- permission to address the House for 1 surance companies contend that health sensus in Washington for more govern- minute.) insurance reform will raise premiums ment and higher taxes. Mr. YARMUTH. Mr. Speaker, a lot of on families by as much as $4,000 in the f us have gotten a good chuckle over the next 10 years. last few days over the Pricewater- I am here to tell you this morning, b 1030 houseCoopers study of the impact of Mr. Speaker, that this is simply not the Senate Finance Committee health HAPPY HALLOWEEN TO THE true. Just last week, the Tax Founda- INSURANCE INDUSTRY reform bill on health insurance pre- tion, a nonpartisan tax research group, miums. I mean, after all, after only a released a report that said middle-class (Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland asked few days, they had to come out and American families will see a savings of and was given permission to address say, well, we really didn’t analyze the about $1,900 from the House’s health re- the House for 1 minute and to revise whole bill, and in fact if some of the form bill. and extend her remarks.) cost reform measures were put into Insurance companies are worried Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland. Mr. place, we would save money. that health insurance reform is going Speaker, I rise today just weeks before But they missed the important point. to cut into their profits. This report is Halloween to unmask the health insur- The most important point is that the a last-ditch effort to stop this Congress ance industry. At long last they’ve re- Senate Finance Committee bill doesn’t from providing real relief to the mil- vealed themselves to the American include the public option that provides lions of Americans who already are people as profit-mongers and protec- real competition for America’s health struggling with the high cost of health tors of CEO salaries. insurance companies. The House bill, insurance. For months, the industry engaged in H.R. 3200, does include that public op- Even the company hired to produce a game of pretense. They danced with tion competitive force. the report has issued a statement say- the President, the Congress and the As I was home over the weekend, I ing that they produced a skewed report American people, pretending that they talked to many people who just opened that analyzes only part of the bill be- care about reform. Now we see the in- their renewal forms from their insur- cause that is what the insurance indus- dustry and their lobbyists for what ance companies and saw increases pro- try paid them to do. That company has they are: a little shop of horrors. jected of 20, 25 and 30 percent. That is since distanced itself from this report. They’re so opposed to reform that why the public option is so important. they’re making up their own data, ma- We can bring down health insurance This report completely ignores crit- ical policies that hold down the cost of nipulating the results, and writing a costs and we can provide competitive so-called independent report to threat- pressure on the health insurance com- health insurance, such as the grand- father policy that allows you to keep en the American people with increased panies if we adopt the public option in premiums. the House bill. the plan you have, affordability cred- its, and the health insurance exchange. Mr. Speaker, this industry is not in- f terested in health care or reform. For f MEDIA GIVING PRESIDENT A FREE them it’s profits, profits, and more PASS PROVIDING MORE FREEDOM AND profits at the expense of millions of BETTER HEALTH CARE FOR Americans. Enough. (Mr. SMITH of Texas asked and was AMERICANS We have one message for the insur- given permission to address the House ance industry, its lobbyists and mil- for 1 minute and to revise and extend (Mr. PENCE asked and was given per- lionaire CEOs: with or without you, we his remarks.) mission to address the House for 1 Mr. SMITH of Texas. Mr. Speaker, minute and to revise and extend his re- will achieve quality, affordable, and ac- unemployment under President Obama marks.) cessible health care for all Americans, is at a 26 year high. The last time un- Mr. PENCE. Mr. Speaker, I respect with choice. What they’ve done is employment was this high was when the President of the United States of proved the need for a robust public President Reagan took office. America. I pray for this President health insurance option for real com- Despite the similar unemployment often in my private devotions. But petition, affordability and account- figures during the Obama and Reagan after months of extraordinary public ability for the industry. Administrations, the media have treat- opposition to a government takeover of Let me close by thanking the health ed President Obama far more favorably health care, opposition that spontane- insurance industry for delivering this than they treated President Reagan, ously drew more than 1 million people gift that proves that they can’t be according to an analysis by the Busi- to the West Front of this Capitol just trusted. It’s time for the industry to ness and Media Institute. BMI found one month ago, President Obama spoke turn in their costumes. Happy Hal- that 91 percent of the stories men- words this weekend that were, frankly, loween. We’re on to you. tioning the Reagan Administration and hard to take. f He said in his radio address, ‘‘What is unemployment were negative, while HONORING THE ARMY NATIONAL only 7 percent of the Obama adminis- remarkable is not that we have had a spirited debate about health insurance GUARD 81ST BRIGADE COMBAT tration stories were negative. That is TEAM AND AIR NATIONAL absolutely astounding. Furthermore, reform, but the unprecedented con- sensus that has come together behind GUARD OF THE STATE OF WASH- the networks connected the Reagan INGTON White House to negative job numbers it.’’ almost twice as often as they have the Unprecedented consensus that has (Mr. REICHERT asked and was given Obama administration. come together behind a government permission to address the House for 1 Why is the media giving President takeover of health care? Well, maybe minute.) Obama a free pass? The media should here in Washington, D.C., but not Mr. REICHERT. Mr. Speaker, I am report the facts, not play favorites. across America. proud to join my colleagues this morn- f There is an unprecedented consensus. ing in honoring the members of the The American people are fed up with Army National Guard 81st Brigade PASS COMPREHENSIVE HEALTH runaway Federal spending and govern- Combat Team and Air National Guard INSURANCE REFORM ment takeovers. And now that the of the State of Washington on the com- (Mr. TONKO asked and was given committee work is done and both pletion of their recent deployment to permission to address the House for 1 chambers of the House and Senate are Iraq.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:32 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00004 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.006 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11305 These soldiers and their families makes good points, but the bottom line Another gentleman talked about have shown us the sense of duty, the is one I have been making since this health care and said we should pray. sense of honor, and the sacrifice that issue came up so many years ago. The I’m Jewish, and at our Yom Kippur we all aspire to and admire. Many of broadband marketplace has been, is, holiday it’s said that we should pray them know the pain of losing someone, and will remain one of the most com- for national leaders that have a gov- a soldier, a fellow warrior, giving ev- petitive areas in our economy. ernment that is compassionate and erything to defend the freedoms that Today, if you don’t like your cable just. I believe that compassion and jus- we cherish in this country each and Internet, you switch to your phone tice dictates that we have a health care every day. And all of them know the company service. If you need mobility plan and take care of everybody. I perils of deployment, time away from you can’t get from your wire-line think it’s the basis of the Judeo-Chris- their families, their children, their phone company, you purchase a wire- tian philosophy. community, and possibly the ultimate less broadband plan. If you don’t like sacrifice, their life. one wireless provider’s broadband plan, f you ask the guy sitting next to you This government comes here and per- MESSAGE FROM THE SENATE forms its work each and every day. We surfing the Web in the park who he can debate the issues each day because uses for their wireless broadband, and A message from the Senate by Ms. of the dedication of these soldiers and you switch to that company. Curtis, one of its clerks, announced their families. And today, though it’s Why do we have options? Because that the Senate has passed bills of the not enough, we say thank you. broadband companies have invested following titles in which the concur- billions of dollars to build the best net- rence of the House is requested: f works they can to attract as many cus- S. 846. An act to award a congressional CONGRATULATING ST. JOHN THE tomers as they can. Why would they gold medal to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, in rec- BAPTIST GREEK ORTHODOX block applications or content when ognition of his contributions to the fight CHURCH ON ITS 50TH ANNIVER- they know the customer they’re inter- against global poverty. SARY fering with could just switch to an- S. 1510. An act to transfer statutory enti- tlements to pay and hours of work author- (Ms. TITUS asked and was given per- other provider? They won’t, as long as that customer isn’t harming the net- ized by the District of Columbia Code for mission to address the House for 1 current members of the United States Secret minute and to revise and extend her re- work. Service Uniformed Division from the Dis- marks.) Mr. Speaker, the contrast is here. We trict of Columbia Code to the United States Ms. TITUS. Mr. Speaker, I rise today should look at why the government Code. needs to do such as addressing health to congratulate St. John the Baptist The message also announced that the care, and prices are spiraling out of Greek Orthodox Church as they cele- Senate agrees to the amendment of the control. Tens of millions of Americans brate their 50th anniversary as a con- House to the amendment of the Senate have no choice on health care and hav- gregation during the month of October. to the text of the bill (H.R. 1016) ‘‘An ing insurance, whereas, in the As the first Greek Orthodox Church Act to amend title 38, United States broadband market, there is plenty of in southern Nevada, St. John has wel- Code, to provide advance appropria- competition and companies are com- comed new Americans of Greek descent tions authority for certain accounts of peting. There could not be a more to Las Vegas and helped them feel at the Department of Veterans Affairs, stark contrast for where government home in the community. St. John has and for other purposes.’’. must act, and where competition in the educated thousands of children in the marketplace is benefiting consumers, The message also announced that rituals and faith of the Greek Orthodox driving investment, and creating jobs. pursuant to section 276n of title 22, Church, ensuring the strength and vi- Further regulation is not the answer to United States Code, as amended, the tality of the doctrine. Over the past 50 keeping the Internet open; fostering Chair, on behalf of the President pro years, the church has expanded from a competition and investment in tempore, appoints the following Sen- small group of patrons to a large com- broadband infrastructure is. ator as Chairman of the United States- munity meeting in a beautiful church China Interparliamentary Group con- in the Third District. f ference during the One hundred Elev- Today, the church has a vibrant PRESIDENTS REAGAN AND OBAMA enth Congress: membership and is host to a commu- (Mr. COHEN asked and was given per- The Senator from Washington (Mrs. nity center and educational facility. mission to address the House for 1 MURRAY). The church is active in social justice minute.) The message also announced that projects that benefit children, seniors, Mr. COHEN. Mr. Speaker, I’ve lis- pursuant to Executive Order 12131, re- the sick, and the poor. The church tened to 1 minutes here, and some of newed by Executive Order 13446, the hosts regular events celebrating Greek my Republican colleagues have made Chair reappoints and appoints the fol- heritage such as folk dancing and comments I listened to. And one who I lowing Members to the President’s Ex- Easter egg hunts. And there’s an an- respect tremendously talked about port Council: nual Greek food festival in Las Vegas President Reagan and President Reappointment: which is famous throughout the valley Obama, and certainly they have a lot The Senator from Texas (Mr. for its wonderful music, camaraderie, in common. They’re both dynamic CORNYN). and the best food outside of Athens. speakers and great communicators. Appointment: I again congratulate St. John the Both of them have had high unemploy- The Senator from Idaho (Mr. CRAPO) Baptist Church and the Greek Ortho- ment rates during their first year in of- vice the Senator from Wyoming (Mr. dox community for their 50 years of fice. ENZI). success, and I wish them 50 more. But the commonality is that those f f high unemployment rates were caused by their predecessors. And the press ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER NET NEUTRALITY properly pointed out that Jimmy PRO TEMPORE (Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas asked and Carter’s failed policies in the late 1970s was given permission to address the and George Bush’s failed policy at the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- House for 1 minute and to revise and beginning of this century were the ant to clause 8 of rule XX, the Chair extend his remarks.) cause of the economic malaise that will postpone further proceedings Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas. Mr. each of these great communicators, today on motions to suspend the rules Speaker, I rise to point out a timely Presidents Reagan and Obama, found on which a recorded vote or the yeas editorial on net neutrality that ran re- themselves with. and nays are ordered, or on which the cently in The Washington Post, and I’ll Each will find that the economies vote incurs objection under clause 6 of submit it for the RECORD, ‘‘The FCC’s will improve. Reagan did, and Obama rule XX. Heavy Hand,’’ that ran on Monday, will, and this Congress is helping to Record votes on postponed questions September 28, 2009. This editorial improve this economy. will be taken later.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:32 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00005 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.007 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11306 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 RECOGNIZING THE VITAL ROLE United States and commends family readi- men in my district several times a year FAMILY READINESS VOLUN- ness volunteers for their dedicated contribu- to discuss the issues that military fam- TEERS PLAY IN SUPPORTING tions to the quality of life of members of the ilies care most about, from everyday SERVICE MEMBERS AND THEIR Armed Forces and their families. issues like day care to uniquely mili- FAMILIES The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tary issues such as coping with the de- ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- ployment. California (Mrs. DAVIS) and the gen- er, I move to suspend the rules and And, in fact, when I first came to tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. SHU- agree to the resolution (H. Res. 408) Congress, it was a ombudsman in STER) each will control 20 minutes. San Diego who helped me understand recognizing the vital role family readi- The Chair recognizes the gentle- the complex issues faced by our all-vol- ness volunteers play in supporting woman from California. unteer force. And just last week, I had servicemembers and their families. GENERAL LEAVE The Clerk read the title of the resolu- the pleasure of meeting with over 100 Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- Army Family Readiness Volunteers tion. er, I ask unanimous consent that all The text of the resolution is as fol- who traveled to Washington to learn Members have 5 legislative days within lows: how to improve their abilities to advo- which to revise and extend their re- cate on behalf of the families they help H. RES. 408 marks on the resolution under consid- at home. I was inspired by the willing- Whereas since 2001, nearly 2,000,000 active eration. duty and reserve sailors, soldiers, airmen, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ness of these women and men who trav- Marines, and personnel have de- objection to the request of the gentle- eled from across the United States for ployed in support of Operation Enduring woman from California? training that will ultimately help them Freedom and Operation Iraqi Freedom; support their soldiers. Whereas the more than 1,800,000 family There was no objection. Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- When you meet with volunteers, you members of regular component members of quickly realize that a key component the Armed Forces and an additional 1,100,000 er, I yield myself such time as I might family members of reserve component mem- consume. to our overall military readiness is the bers make significant sacrifices on behalf of Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. readiness of our military families. In the United States in support of their loved Res. 408. I introduced this resolution to my view, and the view of our top mili- ones deployed overseas; honor the work of the Army’s Family tary leaders, America’s deployed men Whereas the readiness of the United States Readiness Volunteers, Air Force Key and women could not do their jobs Armed Forces is predicated on the ability of Spouse Volunteers, Navy Ombudsmen, abroad if they were constantly worried each member of the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps Key Volunteers and about their families back home. Sim- Marines, and Coast Guard to focus on their ply put, Family Readiness volunteers mission during deployments; Coast Guard Ombudsmen. Each day, Whereas the military necessity of long and thousands of these men and women vol- and ombudsmen help reduce uncer- often unpredictable deployments, frequent unteer their time to help improve the tainty and ease anxiety around deploy- relocations, and infrequent family contact quality of life for military families by ments by keeping families involved so for members of the Armed Forces can be ex- serving as a channel between deployed our servicemembers can stay focused tremely challenging for members and their units and their loved ones at home. on their mission. families; Most of these important volunteers are Today, it would be really impossible Whereas, in response to these sacrifices military spouses, frequently with a for our military to mitigate some of and challenges, family readiness volunteers loved one deployed overseas. the stresses of war if there was not the from each branch of the Armed Forces have I also introduced this measure to stepped forward to provide critical support valuable and active family contact during deployments to service members and bring their efforts to the attention of maintained by these individuals. With their families; all Americans. As chairwoman of the every year of war, these volunteers Whereas the family readiness volunteer Military Personnel Subcommittee, I have taken on an increasing amount of programs in each service help commanding know that today’s all-volunteer force responsibility, so much so that the officers have a better understanding of the is, in many ways, less integrated into services have even begun to com- welfare of the families within his or her com- the society that they are sworn to pro- pensate a small number of individuals mand during a deployment and allow fami- tect. My hope is that this resolution for their efforts. lies to be informed about the status of their will help shed light on a group of dedi- loved ones’ unit overseas; While volunteers help provide peace Whereas family readiness volunteers con- cated volunteers that the average of mind for our deployed personnel, sist of Army Family Readiness Volunteers, American may know little about but they also provide information about Navy Ombudsmen, Coast Guard Ombudsmen, who are a crucial component of mili- the status of a unit’s deployment over- Air Force Key Spouse Volunteers, and Ma- tary readiness. I firmly believe that seas. rine Corps Key Volunteers; the outstanding performance of our I recall the role that the Navy om- Whereas the thousands of family readiness servicemembers is directly connected budsmen played when the USS New Or- volunteers are generally spouses of members to their efforts, and with today’s high leans and the USS Hartford collided in of the Armed Forces who provide assistance operational tempo, their services are as the Strait of Hormuz earlier this year. to military families while also enduring the challenges of military life; important as ever. For the families of the sailors and ma- Whereas these volunteers are motivated by Family Readiness volunteers and om- rines aboard both ships, the news was the desire to improve the lives of other mili- budsmen help our military families startling. Families were all wondering tary families and to assist future genera- solve a variety of problems and meet the same things: Was their loved one tions; the challenges servicemembers and injured? Was the ship still able to sail? Whereas family readiness volunteers also their families face before, during, and How would the incident impact the connect the community with military fami- after deployments. As Admiral Mullen length of their deployment? lies and local military installations, often wrote when he was Chief of Naval Oper- The ombudsman for the USS New Or- leveraging donations and resources for mili- ations, ‘‘A strong command Ombuds- tary families; leans, a ship stationed in my district, Whereas family readiness volunteers pro- man Program, both ashore and afloat, recounted to my office how within 10 vide their services on a voluntary basis, with will help ensure that families have the minutes of the news breaking, he had little public recognition and financial assist- information necessary to meet the over 20 calls from concerned family ance, and often contribute their own re- challenges of a military lifestyle.’’ members. It was at that point that he sources to help other military families; and Across each service, these volunteers e-mailed his families a simple message, Whereas the outstanding performance of also assist newly enlisted servicemem- with the subject line reading: ‘‘USS our service members is a testament to the bers and spouses and their families New Orleans Collision, Everyone is great success of family readiness volunteers: with a wide range of issues, from un- Now, therefore, be it safe.’’ His message at a time of need let Resolved, That the House of Representa- derstanding their health and retire- the families know not to worry. ment benefits to serving as a conduit of tives recognizes and honors the family readi- b 1045 ness volunteers of each branch of the Armed information to the command. Forces who selflessly devote their time, tal- Mr. Speaker, I am fortunate enough This ombudsman told my office, ent, energy, and resources in service to the to be able to meet with Navy ombuds- ‘‘The emails and phone calls that I

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Federal active duty for a second overseas from a familiar voice . . . someone that The support challenge is made more mobilization on September 19, 2008, and de- they know and have spoken to . . . this complex because virtually all the fami- ployed to Iraq on January 15, 2009; Whereas during the deployment of the 56th does not necessarily make the news lies of National Guard troops and Re- Brigade Combat Team (Stryker) in Iraq, the better but certainly more palatable.’’ servists reside in civilian communities brigade was primarily engaged in se- Many of the families of the sailors spread across this Nation. Yet the fam- curity, force protection, provincial recon- and marines aboard the USS New Orle- ily readiness groups have taken on that struction, and base operations missions; and ans responded to the ship’s ombudsman challenge to provide help and support, Whereas the 56th Brigade Combat Team about the valuable service he provided. particularly during extended periods of (Stryker) returned to the United States and One family member wrote, ‘‘Thank you mobilization and deployment. demobilized in September 2009, upon comple- so much for the updates. Having you as Our military forces could not have tion of one year of service in support of mili- tary operations in Iraq: Now, therefore, be it a connection to information to our sustained the stress related to repeated Resolved, That the House of Representa- loved ones has been critical and really deployments and combat without the tives— important. My parents and I are in- assistance, dedication, and outstanding (1) expresses its gratitude to the members credibly grateful as we have been very work over the years of these family of the Army National Guard and Air Na- worried about my sister.’’ readiness groups. Today’s resolution is tional Guard of the State of Pennsylvania Another family member wrote and a fitting way to celebrate and thank and their families for their service and sac- said, ‘‘Thank you. You have been help- such dedicated volunteers. rifice on behalf of the United States; ful through this difficult time. I appre- Again, I want to thank Representa- (2) commends the members of the 56th Bri- gade Combat Team (Stryker) of the Pennsyl- tive DAVIS for putting this resolution ciate the phone call and the reassur- vania Army National Guard on the comple- ance that everything was okay.’’ forward, and I urge my colleagues to tion of their most-recent deployment to Iraq; Thanks to the work of this ombuds- support House Resolution 408. and man, families at home had the right in- I have no further speakers, and I (3) recognizes the achievements of the formation at the right time. This is the yield back the balance of my time. members of the 56th Brigade Combat Team invaluable role family readiness volun- Mrs. DAVIS of California. Mr. Speak- (Stryker), and all other formerly and pres- teers play and will continue to play as er, at this time, I have no further re- ently deployed Pennsylvania Army National long as our military is at war. quests for time, and I yield back the Guard and Air National Guard units and Before I yield back, Mr. Speaker, I balance of my time. members, for their exemplary service. would like to strongly encourage all of The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- my colleagues who have not yet had question is on the motion offered by ant to the rule, the gentleman from the opportunity to meet with these the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Washington (Mr. SMITH) and the gen- men and women to reach out to the DAVIS) that the House suspend the tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. SHU- family readiness volunteers and om- rules and agree to the resolution, H. STER) each will control 20 minutes. budsmen in their districts or States. I Res. 408. The Chair recognizes the gentleman hope that they will do that. I also hope The question was taken; and (two- from Washington. my colleagues will help me recognize thirds being in the affirmative) the GENERAL LEAVE the important role readiness volun- rules were suspended and the resolu- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. teers and ombudsmen play in helping tion was agreed to. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that military families and honor their enor- A motion to reconsider was laid on all Members have legislative 5 legisla- mous contribution to our Nation’s de- the table. tive days within which to revise and fense by supporting this measure. f extend their remarks on the resolution I reserve the balance of my time. HONORING THE 56TH BRIGADE under consideration. Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I yield COMBAT TEAM OF THE PENN- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there myself such time as I may consume. SYLVANIA ARMY NATIONAL objection to the request of the gen- Mr. Speaker, I want to rise today in GUARD tleman from Washington? support of resolution 408 and thank the There was no objection. author, Representative DAVIS of Cali- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Mr. SMITH of Washington. I yield as fornia, for putting this resolution for- Speaker, I move to suspend the rules much time as he may consume to the ward. and agree to the resolution (H. Res. gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. This resolution commends a large 754) honoring the citizen-soldiers of the HOLDEN). group of selfless and dedicated people, National Guard of the State of Penn- Mr. HOLDEN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the vast majority of whom are volun- sylvania, including the 56th Brigade the gentleman from Washington for teers, in organizations that provide Combat Team (Stryker) of the Penn- yielding me the time. support to the families and children of sylvania Army National Guard on its I rise in strong support of House Res- deployed members of the Armed Forces return to the United States from de- olution 754, Mr. Speaker, to honor and as well as to the servicemembers them- ployment in Iraq. say ‘‘thank you’’ to the members of the selves. The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Pennsylvania National Guard from the Because these organizations go by tion. 56th Stryker Brigade on their return various names and work quietly and ef- The text of the resolution is as fol- home from Iraq and ‘‘a job well done.’’ fectively behind the scenes, it’s impor- lows: And I want to commend and thank the tant today that we acknowledge them H. RES. 754 gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. explicitly. They are the Army Readi- Whereas the members of the Army Na- SHUSTER) and all the members of the ness Volunteers, the Navy Ombudsmen, tional Guard and Air National Guard of the Pennsylvania delegation for being co- the Coast Guard Ombudsmen, the Air State of Pennsylvania reside throughout the sponsors of this resolution. State and come from various communities, Mr. Speaker, during the deployment Force Key Spouse Volunteers, and the backgrounds, and professions; Marine Corps Key Volunteers. Whereas units and members of the Penn- of the 56th Stryker Brigade, I had the Our military families face extraor- sylvania National Guard have been deployed, opportunity to travel to Mississippi dinary demands, stresses and chal- and are continuously being deployed, in sup- and Louisiana with Congressman SHU- lenges related to the service of their port of United States military operations at STER, Congressman GERLACH and Con- loved ones. To ease these burdens, fam- home and overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, and gressman DENT, and then we had the ily readiness groups unselfishly step in dozens of other countries; opportunity, along with Congress- to connect military families with the Whereas one such unit, the 56th Brigade woman DAHLKEMPER, to travel over to community and with local military in- Combat Team (Stryker) of the Pennsylvania Iraq to see our citizen-soldiers in ac- Army National Guard, is composed of ap- stallations. proximately 4,000 citizen-soldiers from tion. And I can tell you that we, as Among the approximately 2.9 million throughout the State of Pennsylvania; members of the Pennsylvania delega- family members of those serving in the Whereas the 56th Brigade Combat Team tion and the entire Commonwealth of Active and Reserve components, the (Stryker), following a mobilization and de- Pennsylvania, are very proud of our

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Never had I felt such intense pride in performance of General Wright’s sol- During my visit to Iraq, I saw a sig- our country as I did when meeting diers under the command of Colonel nificant improvement in the security these extraordinary soldiers and wit- Ferraro, they expressed how proud conditions on the ground. And the fact nessing the sacrifices they have made they were as commanders in theater that we were able to safely drive so that we may live in freedom and for the job that was well done. through the bustling streets of Bagh- prosperity. The Pennsylvania National Guard is dad was an encouraging and welcome Our Pennsylvania National Guard the only National Guard who hosts a development. I know, without a doubt, has answered the call to defend these Stryker Brigade. And, Mr. Speaker, it is the sacrifice, perseverance and United States of America and ensure that did not happen by a lottery held bravery of these young men and women the security of our people and our way at the Pentagon. It happened because that enabled such progress. of life. Today, we honor these Guards- of the strong professionalism, the I am pleased that just 1 year later, men and thank them for their service. training and the work that this brigade the 56th Stryker Brigade is returning In doing so, we also renew our pledge has done previously in their deploy- home. As of late September, most of to provide our men and women in uni- ment. They are the second-most de- the brigade has returned home. I am form with the highest quality of care ployed National Guard unit of any in honored to be standing here today to and benefits they have earned. In doing the country. And the reason is because pay tribute to these heroes. Our mili- so, we show our intense gratitude and of the job that they do when they are tary families demonstrate tremendous enormous respect for our soldiers who asked and they are called upon to serve bravery as they watch their loved ones so rightly deserve it. our country and to serve the Common- go overseas to fight in harm’s way for Mr. Speaker, I offer my unwavering wealth of Pennsylvania. the freedoms we experience every day support of House Resolution 754. I thank Congressman HOLDEN for bring- During their deployment, they served in this great Nation. We say ‘‘thank ing this resolution forward. Our Penn- with distinction. The awards that were you’’ to the entire Pennsylvania Na- sylvania National Guard and our 56th granted to the 56th Stryker Brigade in- tional Guard for protecting the fami- Stryker Brigade Combat Team cer- clude four Bronze Star Medal for Valor, lies and communities of our great Com- tainly deserve this recognition. May 10 Army Commendation Medal for monwealth and standing at the ready Valor, 33 Purple Hearts, and unfortu- God bless our troops. to defend our homeland. Mr. SHUSTER. At this time, I would nately they had two tragic deaths dur- I urge Members to support House like to yield such time as he might ing their deployment, Staff Sergeant Resolution 754. consume to my colleague from Penn- Mark Baum and Specialist Chad Mr. SHUSTER. I continue to reserve sylvania (Mr. THOMPSON). Edmundson. And certainly our prayers the balance of my time. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. and thoughts go out to the families of Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Mr. Speaker, I thank my good friend, those two who made the supreme sac- Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gen- my colleague from Pennsylvania. rifice during their deployment. tlewoman from Pennsylvania (Mrs. Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise today in sup- Again, as a member of the Pennsyl- DAHLKEMPER). port of House Resolution 754, a resolu- vania delegation speaking in concert Mrs. DAHLKEMPER. Mr. Speaker, I tion commending the members of the with the other members of the delega- want to thank the gentleman for recog- 56th Stryker Brigade Combat Team of tion and on behalf of this entire body, nizing me. the Pennsylvania Army National I want to congratulate and commend I want to rise today in proud and en- Guard on the completion of their most the 56th Stryker Brigade on their per- thusiastic support to House Resolution recent deployment to Iraq. And I thank formance. 754, honoring the citizen-soldiers of the all of my Pennsylvania colleagues for Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, at this Pennsylvania National Guard, includ- their support of this resolution. time, I would like to yield such time as ing the 56th Stryker Brigade Combat The Stryker is a combat vehicle he might consume to my colleague Team, known as the Stryker Brigade of similar to a tank but operates on from Pennsylvania (Mr. DENT). the Pennsylvania Army National wheels rather than on tracks. And the Mr. DENT. Mr. Speaker, I, too, rise Guard, on its return to the United vehicle is essential to protecting our today as an original cosponsor and States from deployment in Iraq. soldiers’ lives and is vital to the strong supporter of House Resolution On January 15, 2009, the 56th Stryker Army’s Interim Brigade Combat 754, and I would like to thank Con- Brigade was deployed to Taji, Iraq. Teams. The 56th Stryker is a special gressman TIM HOLDEN of Schuykill Just last month, this extraordinary unit not just to my home State, but County for introducing this resolution. combat team, 4,000 strong, returned to my home. My son, Logan, served with The United States National Guard is their families in Pennsylvania after an the 56th Stryker Brigade before chang- the oldest component of our Armed incredibly successful deployment. They ing to Active Duty, and a number of Forces, dating back to pre-Revolu- were welcomed home with proud, open my former Eagle Scouts from my scout tionary War times. Over the past 8 arms throughout our State. troop serve currently with the 56th Bri- years, we have witnessed thousands of In June, I was grateful and honored gade and serve proudly in Iraq. Guard members answer the call as they to have had the opportunity to visit The 56th Stryker Brigade was de- are asked to fight in Iraq and Afghani- Iraq and to meet personally with mem- ployed in February of this year to Iraq stan. bers of the 56th Stryker Brigade from and returned home this past summer. Approximately 4,000 members of the the Third District of Pennsylvania. And while in Iraq, they captured some Pennsylvania Guard were deployed to These brave Pennsylvanians embodied 80 hidden supply dumps, which caused Iraq last fall, the largest deployment of the fire of patriotism and the humility severe shortages and disrupted enemy the Pennsylvania National Guard since of sacrifice. I was in awe of their ac- operations. Their service in Iraq and the Korean war. Prior to the 56th complishments and the high standard Afghanistan has not gone unnoticed Stryker Brigade Combat Team’s de- of excellence by which they executed and has saved many lives. ployment to Iraq, I, along with some of their mission. Upon arriving home last month, my colleagues, TIM HOLDEN, BILL SHU- Just yesterday, I was on a plane ride these heroes were finally embraced by STER and JIM GERLACH, visited the back to Washington sitting next to a their families, their friends and their Pennsylvania Stryker Brigade in Mis- general whose son’s division from Fort loved ones. From Venango County to sissippi and Louisiana at Camp Shelby Hood took the place of our 56th Lycoming County, many constituents and Fort Polk as they prepared for Stryker Brigade from Pennsylvania, from my district bravely and honor- their mobilization overseas. and he mentioned to me how honored ably served on this brigade. We say

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It is my pleasure to express our for contracts with the Army; the underlying resolution. gratitude and commend our soldiers on Whereas the Signal their most recent deployment and rec- Corps made its first purchase of an airplane, b 1100 the Wright Military Flyer, in 1909 at a cost ognize their achievements. I hope to be Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. of $30,000; participating on November 8 in a major Whereas the Wright Military Flyer carried Speaker, I continue to reserve. parade in Tyrone, Pennsylvania, wel- a passenger over a distance of 125 miles; Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, it is an coming home our soldiers. Whereas today’s military aircraft can trav- honor for me to rise today in support of I would also like to thank my staff el around the world without landing; House Resolution 754, which honors the for their work on this resolution, in Whereas the importance of military avia- citizen-soldiers of the Pennsylvania particular my Army fellow, Lieutenant tion and air superiority in battle was first National Guard, including the 56th Colonel Eric Estep, for his great work demonstrated in ; Whereas, during World War II, United Stryker Brigade Combat Team of the and late hours in putting this together. Pennsylvania Army National Guard, on States was decisive in revers- I urge all Members of the House to ing the Japanese advance and winning the its return to the United States from a support this important resolution. war in the Pacific; deployment in Iraq. I am proud to have Ms. SCHWARTZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- Whereas United States Army Air Corps authored this resolution with my col- port of H. Res. 754, which honors the Penn- played a crucial role in executing strategic league, Mr. HOLDEN from Pennsylvania. sylvania National Guard’s 56th Stryker Brigade bombing campaigns in both the European It is an honor, as I said, to speak in Combat Team on its return to the United and Pacific theaters; favor of this resolution and to have the States from its deployment to Iraq. Whereas the National Security Act of 1947 support and cosponsorship of the entire The 56th Stryker Brigade is comprised of established the United States Army Air Pennsylvania delegation. more than 4,000 citizen soldiers from across Corps as a separate military branch, the United States Air Force; The men and women being honored the Commonwealth. Whereas the Vietnam War brought about today are not only brave soldiers; they The 56th served North of Baghdad and con- new, more modern fighter jets and bombers, are also our neighbors, friends, and rel- ducted more than 800 operations with the Iraqi including the F–105 Thunderchief and the F– atives. Their mission in Iraq was vital Security Forces. 4 Phantom; to our national security, and they These soldiers served their country with Whereas military aviators continue to pro- served with honor and distinction. great distinction, and it is my great honor to vide invaluable offensive, defensive, In November of last year, I was represent them in Congress. logistical, and intelligence support to the Armed Forces; joined by my colleagues, Mr. HOLDEN, I would also ask the House of Representa- Whereas military aviators have been on Mr. GERLACH and Mr. DENT, to visit the tives to extend its deepest condolences to the families of two members of the 56th who gave the front lines of combat and humanitarian members of the 56th Stryker Brigade missions in Iraq and Afghanistan; when they were training at Camp Shel- the ultimate sacrifice while serving in Iraq. Whereas the increase in technology over by in Mississippi and at Fort Polk in Staff Sergeant Mark C. Baum, 32, of the last century has made military aircraft Louisiana in preparation for their de- Quakertown, was killed when hit by small an essential component in the safety and se- ployment. arms fire on Feb. 21 and curity of the United States homeland; and In June of this year, Mr. HOLDEN and Specialist Chad A. Edmondson, 20, of Wil- Whereas the National Air and Space Mu- I, along with Mr. DENT and Mrs. liamsburg, was killed by an improvised bomb seum of the Smithsonian Institution will commemorate the centennial of military DAHLKEMPER, visited Iraq to meet with explosion on May 27. aviation with programs and exhibits our deployed troops from Pennsylvania Passing this resolution today honors the memory of these brave soldiers of the 56th throughout 2009: Now, therefore, be it to thank them for their service. We Resolved, That the House of Representa- also met with troops at Camp Liberty Stryker Brigade and marks the significant con- tives recognizes 100 years of military avia- outside of Baghdad, and in Taji. While tribution that this unit has made to defend our tion and expresses its continued support for there, we also were able to meet with Nation. military aviators of the United States General Odierno, the commander of the Mr. SHUSTER. With that, I yield Armed Forces. Multinational Force in Iraq. And Gen- back the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. eral Odierno spoke in glowing terms of ant to the rule, the gentleman from Speaker, I yield back the balance of the Pennsylvania Guard and told us Washington (Mr. SMITH) and the gen- my time. tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. SHU- that our soldiers are doing an out- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The STER) each will control 20 minutes. standing job bringing security to Iraq. question is on the motion offered by I also had the opportunity to meet The Chair recognizes the gentleman the gentleman from Washington (Mr. with many of my constituents, and from Washington. SMITH) that the House suspend the there were dozens and dozens. And they GENERAL LEAVE rules and agree to the resolution, H. truly are citizen-soldiers. I just want Res. 754. Mr. SMITH of Washington. I ask to highlight three of them. Lieutenant The question was taken; and (two- unanimous consent that all Members Colonel Sam Hayes, who is a native of thirds being in the affirmative) the have 5 legislative days in which to re- Tyrone, Pennsylvania. His father also rules were suspended and the resolu- vise and extend their remarks on the happened to be the former Pennsyl- tion was agreed to. resolution under consideration. vania Agriculture Secretary. Sergeant A motion to reconsider was laid on The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Buchannan, a resident of Altoona, the table. objection to the request of the gen- Pennsylvania, and is employed by tleman from Washington? f McAleers Plumbing and Heating. He is There was no objection. my plumber and spent time in my base- RECOGNIZING 100 YEARS OF Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. ment trying to fix leaky plumbing. So MILITARY AVIATION Speaker, I yield myself such time as I it is good to have Sergeant Buchannan Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. might consume. home. And, finally, Sergeant Gibbons, Speaker, I move to suspend the rules I rise to support House Resolution 445 another neighbor, a friend. His son and agree to the resolution (H. Res. and thank my colleague from Texas plays on the Hollysburgh High School 445) recognizing 100 years of military (Mr. OLSON) for introducing this meas- soccer team with my son. In fact, I will aviation and expressing continued sup- ure. be on the sidelines tonight talking to port for military aviators of the United This resolution recognizes 100 years Sergeant Gibbons. States Armed Forces, as amended. of military aviation and expresses con- I also wanted to thank and to re- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- tinued support for military aviators of member Chad Edmundson, one of my tion. the United States Armed Forces. constituents who gave the ultimate The text of the resolution is as fol- As a member of the House Armed sacrifice. Our thoughts and our prayers lows: Services Committee, I am privileged to

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:20 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00009 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.014 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11310 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 be joined here today by a number of my nize those 100 years of military avia- struck back hard. And less than 2 colleagues in the House to recognize tion and express continued support for months later, U.S. military aviation the service, sacrifice, professionalism, military aviators of the United States changed world history at the Battle of and commitment of all those who serve Armed Forces. Midway. and have served our Nation as aviators Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of In 1947, Congress and President Tru- in the United States Armed Forces. my time. man wisely recognized the important Our Nation’s military aviation began Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, at this role our country’s airmen play on the on August 2, 1909 when the United time, I would like to yield to my col- battlefield and established the United States Army accepted its first aircraft league from Texas, who served as a States Air Force, a new, separate built by the Wright brothers. Military naval aviator, the gentleman from branch of military service. aviation quickly expanded to the other Texas (Mr. OLSON), for as much time as From the hills of Korea, where our services. Less than 2 years later, in he may consume. newest branch rose to the occasion and 1911, the Navy ordered its first aircraft. Mr. OLSON. I thank my colleague won 10 out of every 11 air engagements, Marine Corps aviation had its incep- from Pennsylvania. to the jungles of Vietnam, where the tion in 1912 when the first Marine Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to rise ingenuity and versatility of our mili- Corps officer reported for duty at the today in support of House Resolution tary aviators were tested like never be- Naval Aviation Camp in Annapolis, 445, a resolution I introduced earlier fore, the stories of the valor and the Maryland, and qualified as a pilot less this year honoring 100 years of military courage displayed by our country’s air- than 3 months later. Coast Guard avia- aviation. men throughout our history are too nu- tion began in 1916, when its first officer Before I begin my remarks, I would merous to tell. received orders for flight training. like to thank Armed Services Chair- On September 11, 2001, as F–16s were World War I focused more attention man SKELTON, Ranking Member flowing low over Washington, D.C. and on aviation. Despite a combat record of MCKEON, as well as Subcommittee our country entered a new, unconven- only 9 months, February–November Chair Abercrombie and Ranking Mem- tional war against an unknown enemy, 1918, the Air Service made a respect- ber Bartlett. America’s brave airmen were on duty able showing during World War I. The Mr. Speaker, as a former naval avi- ready to defend. Whether pinpointing 740 American aircraft assigned to ator, I have firsthand knowledge of the enemy fighters along the ridges of east- squadrons at the front on November 11, vital and essential role the airmen of ern Afghanistan from the cockpit of a 1918, Armistice Day, represented little the United States military play in pro- P–3 Orion, manning a C–17 to deliver more than 10 percent of the total air- tecting our homeland and strength- needed supplies to our troops on the craft strength of Allied nations, but ening our global alliances. ground, or operating strategic air the Air Service had conducted 150 sepa- Given the air superiority the United strikes with a Predator drone from rate bombing attacks. States enjoys today, it is easy to forget thousands of miles away, today in Iraq World War II began an enormous ex- that 100 years ago there was much and Afghanistan our military aviators pansion of military aviation. The U.S. skepticism about the usefulness of air- remain on guard. Army Air Forces strength in World craft for our Armed Forces. Shortly General Curtis Lemay once said, If War II would swell from 26,500 men and after the Signal Corps purchased its we maintain our faith in God, love of 2,200 aircraft in 1939 to over 2.2 million first aircraft for military purposes, freedom, and superior global air power, men and 63,000 aircraft by 1945. Simi- ‘‘Scientific American,’’ a respected the future looks good. And, today, as larly, U.S. naval aviation began the publication wrote, ‘‘Outside of scouting we look back on 100 years of military war with one small and seven large air- duties, we are inclined to think that aviation in the United States of Amer- craft carriers, about 5,200 aircraft and the field of the aeroplane will be rather ica, we honor the heroes of military about 27,000 men. During that war, this limited. Because of its small carrying aviation and thank them for the shin- force grew to over 100 carriers of var- capacity and the necessity for its oper- ing path they created for our country. ious types, over 40,000 aircraft, 160 air- ation at great altitude, if it is to es- Indeed, the future looks good. ships, and 60,000 pilots. cape hostile fire, the amount of dam- I urge my colleagues to support After World War II, President Tru- age it will do by dropping explosives House Resolution 445. man signed the National Security Act upon cities, forts, hostile camps, or Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. of 1947, which created today’s Depart- bodies of troops in the field, to say Speaker, I reserve the balance of my ment of the Air Force. Since World nothing of at sea, will be so time. War II, military aviation forces have limited as to have no material effects Mr. SHUSTER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in played major roles in such conflicts as on the issues of a campaign.’’ support of House Resolution 445, which the Korean and Vietnam Wars, as well One hundred years later, American was introduced by my friend from as all major humanitarian and combat courage, ingenuity, and innovation Texas (Mr. OLSON). As I added earlier, operations. America’s first seven astro- have proven them very wrong. We have he served as a naval aviator. We appre- nauts were all military aviators, pav- come a very long way since Assistant ciate his service. ing the way for future decades of Amer- Secretary of the Navy, Theodore Roo- This resolution recognizes 100 years ican leadership in space. sevelt, recommended that the Sec- of military aviation and expresses con- Today’s military aviators have been retary investigate Professor Samuel tinued support for our military avi- engaged in Operation Noble Eagle since Langley’s so-called ‘‘flying machine’’ ators in the United States Armed September 2001, Enduring Freedom and report on its potentiality for use in Forces. since October 2001, and Iraqi Freedom combat. As a member of the House Armed since March 2003, and are performing The earliest planes were open-cock- Services Committee, I am proud to with valor, distinction, and steadfast pit, single-seat mounts, and the only speak in strong support of this resolu- commitment to accomplish this mis- weapon was a sidearm and perhaps a tion that honors the service, sacrifices, sion. few bricks that could be dropped on the professionalism, and commitment of As a Representative of the Ninth Dis- enemy. During World War I, America’s all those who have served as aviators. trict of the State of Washington, I first military aviators wrote their in- For the last 100 years, the fact of the would also like to take a moment to struction manual as they lived it and matter is that whether in times of especially note McChord Air Force created traditions that are still hon- peace or war, whether in Iraq or Af- Base. Their service is part of the Air ored and followed today. ghanistan or somewhere else in the Mobility Command, primarily flying C– In the aftermath of Pearl Harbor, world, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week 17s and serving our country across the America’s airmen delivered the first military aviators are always engaged, world. moral victory of World War II. Flying putting their lives at risk to protect Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to honor B–25s from the deck of the Aircraft our country. So I am honored to speak 100 years of air service in the military. Carrier Hornet 400 miles from the shore in favor of this resolution, and I urge I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- of Japan, Colonel Jimmy Doolittle and my colleagues to vote in favor of H. port of House Resolution 445 to recog- the Knights of the Air struck back and Res. 445.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00010 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.017 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11311 Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of service in support of military operations gencies in the State of Washington dur- of my time. in Iraq: Now, therefore, be it ing that time period on which the Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. Resolved, That the House of Representa- Guard and Reserves have helped us out. Speaker, I yield back the balance of tives— As well, we have had them deployed (1) expresses its gratitude to the members my time. of the Army National Guard and Air Na- across the country in places like Lou- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tional Guard of the State of Washington and isiana. When Hurricane Katrina hit, question is on the motion offered by their families for their service and sacrifice they were called upon to do that. Their the gentleman from Washington (Mr. on behalf of the United States; service continues for all of us in the SMITH) that the House suspend the (2) commends the members of the 81st Bri- State and across the country. rules and agree to the resolution, H. gade Combat Team (Heavy) from the Wash- Most recently, the 81st Brigade Com- Res. 445, as amended. ington Army National Guard, the Army Re- bat Team, led by Colonel Ronald The question was taken; and (two- serve, and the other State National Guards Kapral and Command Sergeant Major thirds being in the affirmative) the specified in the preamble on the completion of their most-recent deployment in Iraq; and Robert Sweeney, just completed their rules were suspended and the resolu- (3) recognizes the achievements of the second 12-month deployment to Iraq. tion, as amended, was agreed to. members of the 81st Brigade Combat Team, The brigade primarily engaged in con- A motion to reconsider was laid on and all other formerly and presently de- voy security, force protection, provin- the table. ployed Washington Army and Air National cial reconstruction, and base oper- f Guard units and members, for their exem- ations missions around Iraq during plary service. HONORING THE 81ST BRIGADE their yearlong deployment. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- They made our State proud during COMBAT TEAM OF THE WASH- ant to the rule, the gentleman from this service, as they have during all of INGTON ARMY NATIONAL GUARD Washington (Mr. SMITH) and the gen- their previous deployments. Again, this Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. tleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. SHU- is done at no small sacrifice both by Speaker, I move to suspend the rules STER) each will control 20 minutes. the individual members of our Army and agree to the resolution (H. Res. The Chair recognizes the gentleman National Guard and also by their fami- 627) honoring the citizen-soldiers of the from Washington. lies, who have to deal with the disrup- National Guard of the State of Wash- GENERAL LEAVE tion. ington, including the 81st Brigade Com- Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. One of the most important things we bat Team (Heavy) of the Washington Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that can do in our State and across the Army National Guard, as amended. all Members have 5 legislative days country is to always support the fami- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- within which to revise and extend their lies when the men and women are de- tion. remarks on the resolution under con- ployed, and to let them know that they The text of the resolution is as fol- sideration. are not alone in their service. lows: The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Their deployment was highly suc- H. RES. 627 objection to the request of the gen- cessful, honored by all who watched Whereas the members of the Army Na- tleman from Washington? them serve. Tragically, one member of tional Guard and Air National Guard of the There was no objection. the team died during the course of his State of Washington reside throughout the service. Specialist Samuel Stone, of State and come from various communities, b 1115 Port Orchard, was killed on May 30, backgrounds, and professions; Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. 2009. We all honor his loss and his serv- Whereas units and members of the Wash- Speaker, I yield myself as much time ington National Guard have been deployed, ice, and I ask that we keep him and his and are continuously being deployed, in sup- as I may consume. family in our thoughts and prayers. port of United States military operations at I rise today to pay tribute to the men The National Guard serves our State home and overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, and and women of the Washington National and our country in ways that most of dozens of other countries; Guard, including the members of the us are unaware of, but it is absolutely Whereas one such unit, the 81st Brigade 81st Brigade Combat Team, who re- critical to the security of our country. Combat Team (Heavy) of the Washington cently returned from an overseas de- With our all-volunteer force, it simply Army National Guard, is composed of ap- ployment in Iraq. could not function without men and proximately 2,478 citizen-soldiers from I want to thank the entire Wash- throughout the State of Washington, 843 sol- women who are willing to take on this diers from the California Army National ington State delegation, who have all dual responsibility to continue in their Guard, 80 soldiers from the Texas Army Na- cosponsored this resolution in honoring civilian lives and who are also making tional Guard, 38 soldiers from the Indiana this unit for their service to our State themselves available for service when- Army National Guard, 23 soldiers from the and to our country. ever they are called, and they do not Arkansas Army National Guard, 20 soldiers Throughout the Nation, hundreds of know when that is going to be. from the United States Army Reserve, 13 sol- thousands of men and women in the As I said, it can be from the Governor diers from the Montana Army National Guard and Reserves serve our country. in the State or across our country, or Guard, 2 soldiers from the Kentucky Army Over the last 8 years, we have asked as has happened most recently, over- National Guard, 2 soldiers from the Mary- more of them than anybody could have land Army National Guard, and 1 soldier seas deployments can come up when from each of the Alabama Army National possibly imagined, and every single they are asked by our Federal Govern- Guard, New Mexico Army National Guard, time, they have answered that call at ment to serve our Nation. Yet they are Virgin Island Army National Guard, Wis- great personal sacrifice. These are men always ready, and they always respond, consin Army National Guard, Army and women who have lives, they have and they have served our Nation in a National Guard, New York Army National other jobs, they have families, and it is way that should make us all proud. Guard, Army National Guard, Min- highly unpredictable when they are We literally could not have the na- nesota Army National Guard, Massachusetts going to be called up and asked to tional security we have in this country Army National Guard, Illinois Army Na- serve, and yet they always respond. tional Guard, and Michigan Army National without their willingness to serve, and Guard; It is critical to the safety and secu- I thank the 81st Brigade Combat Team Whereas the 81st Brigade Combat Team rity of our country that they do this. for their service on this most recent was placed on Federal active duty for a sec- They do it with great courage and dedi- deployment, and I thank all those in ond overseas mobilization on August 18, 2008, cation, and they honor our country by the Washington National Guard who and deployed to Iraq in October 2008; their service. have served and who, today, stand Whereas, during the deployment of the 81st In my home State, various elements ready to continue to serve. We honor Brigade Combat Team in Iraq, the brigade of the Washington National Guard have their service. We thank them. was primarily engaged in convoy security, been deployed over that time period force protection, provincial reconstruction, Again, I want to thank my colleagues and base operations missions; and overseas in Iraq and Afghanistan, but in the Washington State delegation for Whereas the 81st Brigade Combat Team re- also we must remember that the Guard unanimously signing onto this resolu- turned to the United States and demobilized and Reserves serve us here at home as tion honoring their service. in August 2009, upon completion of one year well. We have had numerous emer- I reserve the balance of my time.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00011 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.019 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11312 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 Mr. SHUSTER. I yield myself as been an outstanding leader of the lation I co-sponsored honoring the citizen sol- much time as I may consume. Guard, again during both war and diers of the National Guard of the State of Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support peacetime; Colonel Sabatini, whom I Washington, including the 81st Brigade Com- and as a cosponsor of House Resolution met with this last week on a home- bat Team of the Washington Army National 627, which does recognize the service coming visit with the troops; and Dan- Guard. and sacrifices of members of the 81st iel Kern, who served in Afghanistan The National Guard plays a vital role in the Brigade Combat Team, Washington while many of the other Guardsmen defense of our communities and country. Army National Guard, during the were in Iraq. When we need them, they are always there, unit’s recent tour of duty in Iraq. Particularly, I want to thank the whether it be responding to a natural disaster I want to commend Representative families. As Congressman SMITH men- at home or deploying to a combat zone over- SMITH for putting forth this legisla- tioned, the families serve as well. seas. The men and women of the Washington tion. The 81st Brigade came home in While their loved ones are overseas and National Guard are our friends and neighbors, August, having successfully completed are in harm’s way, it is the families and their dedication and patriotism make us all its second overseas rotation. While in back home—the moms and dads, the very proud every time they put on the uniform. Iraq, its men and women performed ad- brothers and sisters, and the children— More than 11,000 Washington State citizen mirably in a range of missions that in- who keep the home fires burning, and soldiers have answered the call to duty since cluded convoy security, force protec- we must not forget them. 9/11, including the 81st Brigade Combat Team tion, provincial reconstruction, and In knowing the fact that our unit is that recently returned home from a mission in base operations support. back home, we must keep in our hearts Iraq. Tragically, Specialist Samuel Stone, of The 3,500 remarkable men and women all those who are still deployed and Port Orchard, Washington, was killed during who comprised the brigade combat who have been deployed. the deployment. team came not only from the Wash- I also want to mention the employ- Outside my office in the Longworth House ington State Army National Guard but ers. Employer support of the Guard and Office Building I have placed pictures of all the from around the country, which is so Reserves is an incredibly important or- soldiers from the State of Washington who typical of our Guard units today. That ganization. They make sure that, when have died in Iraq and Afghanistan. Every day, so many citizen soldiers came from so our men and women are deployed over- visitors coming to or passing by the 7th Con- many different locations and different seas, they have a chance to come home gressional District Office stop and look at the walks of life and operated so success- and resume their employment. Also, faces of the fallen. In so doing, we honor fully is a tribute not only to the patri- there are the educators who are help- those who have died in service to their country otism and to the commitment of those ing people. There are our community and consider the consequences of sending men and women but also to their pro- colleges and universities and our voca- soldiers off to war. fessionalism, adaptability and leader- tional and technical education schools, We are proud of the men and women of the ship. which are helping retrain our soldiers Washington National Guard who willingly I urge all of my colleagues to support when they come home. place themselves in harm’s way to protect our this resolution that expresses the Most importantly, I think it’s essen- lives, property and country. They deserve pub- House’s gratitude to the 81st Brigade tial that we acknowledge that Iraq is a lic recognition and our heartfelt thanks. I think Combat Team for their service to our better place because of the service of of H. Res. 627 as a medal awarded to every Nation. It commends them upon the these men and women. Afghanistan is a citizen soldier for service above and beyond completion of their most recent de- better place. Our country is a better the call of duty. Thank you on behalf of a ployment, and it recognizes their place, and we are grateful, and we can- grateful State and Nation. achievements. not express in words our profound re- Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Speak- With that, I yield back the balance of spect and gratitude. er, I rise today in support of H. Res. 627, a my time. I thank the gentleman for intro- resolution honoring Washington’s National Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. ducing the resolution. Guard, and specifically the members of the Speaker, I yield as much time as he Mr. SMITH of Washington. Mr. 81st Brigade Combat Team. The brave men may consume to the gentleman from Speaker, I yield myself as much time and women of the Army National Guard who Washington (Mr. BAIRD). as I may consume just to offer closing make up the members of the 81st Brigade re- Mr. BAIRD. Mr. Speaker, I rise in remarks. cently returned to Washington after a one-year strong support of this resolution and, I want to thank Congressman BAIRD deployment to Iraq where they served with most importantly, in strong support of for his very well-expressed remarks and honor, valor and distinction. the men and women of the 81st Brigade Congressman SHUSTER for his support The 81st Heavy Brigade Combat Team is and of our entire National Guard, not as well. I urge us to support this reso- headquartered in Seattle, and is comprised of only in Washington State but across lution honoring the 81st Brigade Com- units from all over our state filling its ranks. the Nation. bat Team for their service in Iraq. I Deploying to Iraq in August of 2008, this Bri- These brave men and women have think we also need to remember, as we gade spent the next year in support of the served our country multiple times, as go forward in a number of policy areas, mission of Operation Iraqi Freedom and our my colleagues have said, not just in the support that we need to show for efforts to protect America and promote free- times of war but in times of peace. We the Guard and Reserves and for their dom and security in the Middle East. During have had catastrophic flooding in my families, whether we’re talking about their time in Iraq, the members of the Brigade district a number of times, and the Na- dealing with their retirement issues, were most frequently tasked with convoy se- tional Guard has always been there to with the GI Bill, as Congressman BAIRD curity, force protection, provincial reconstruc- respond to that call. It has been my mentioned, with the ability to retrain tion and base operations. great privilege to join our National and to give more service to the men Many members of the 81st Brigade live in Guard during their training in Yakima, and women who serve in the Guard and Central Washington, with units headquartered during deployment ceremonies here Reserves—anything we can do to sup- in Pasco, Yakima and Moses Lake within my Stateside, at Camp McCoy, then again port them and make it easier and more district. These soldiers are also members of in Iraq, in Afghanistan, and back possible for them to continue to serve our local communities. They are husbands home. and, as Brian mentioned, to make sure and wives, small business owners, lawyers, I will tell you, as we all know, they that their employers continue to em- and farmers. Not only do they fight to protect make us proud every single day. They ploy them and to work with them. our freedoms overseas, but they also work are truly the finest that America has We need to do this in this House as every day for a brighter future back home. to offer, and it is their example of cour- we work not just on these resolutions The deployment of combat troops does not age, professionalism, integrity, and but on the legislation that offers the just affect those serving in Iraq, however. I compassion more than anything else, support that is so critical to the men must also recognize the support and sacrifice in addition to their combat and civil- and women who serve in the Guard and of the families of these brave soldiers. The pa- ian skills, which help them success- Reserves and to their families. tient and steadfast support of all the wives, fully complete their mission at home. With that, I urge passage. husbands, mothers, fathers and children I want to particularly congratulate Mr. MCDERMOTT. Mr. Speaker, I rise to should be applauded; I send my thanks to General Timothy Lowenberg, who has voice my strong support for H. Res. 627, legis- each and every one of them today.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00012 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.021 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11313 Our community and the entire nation are The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Nauru, Australia, Cambodia, Vietnam, proud of these brave men and women, and tion. Japan, Pacific Islands Forum members, and we are glad to see them home safely. Soldier- The text of the resolution is as fol- the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS) citizens who voluntarily make such a tremen- lows: sent messages of support and offers of aid to the people of ; H. RES. 816 dous sacrifice are what have kept our nation Whereas organizations including the Li Ka safe, free and strong for over 200 years. The Whereas, on September 29, 2009, at 1748 Shing Foundation, the Hanwha Group, Save work performed in support of Operation Iraqi UTC, a powerful earthquake struck below the Children, the American Red Cross, Habi- Freedom is important—requiring personal the ocean about 140 miles southwest of Pago tat for Humanity, Latter-day Saint Char- commitment and sacrifice. Your service to our Pago, American Samoa, and 125 miles south ities, Catholic Charities, the American Jew- country will not be forgotten. of Samoa, centered only 11 miles below the ish Joint Distribution Committee (JDC), Na- seabed; tional Voluntary Organizations Active in Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. Mr. Speaker, Whereas the earthquake registered 8.3 on I rise today to recognize the return home of Disaster, StarKist, Bumble Bee, the National the Richter scale and is recognized as the Football League (NFL), and many others are the 81st Brigade. world’s largest earthquake of 2009; In August 2008, it was a cloudy day in East- providing assistance; Whereas a second earthquake with a mag- Whereas the Samoan community in areas ern Washington when our community said nitude of 5.6 occurred at 1808 UTC in the vi- such as California, Utah, Washington, and goodbye to the men and women serving in the cinity of the first one; Hawaii have been instrumental in helping 81st Brigade. These citizen soldiers volun- Whereas the first undersea earthquake cre- their ‘‘aiga’’ abroad; teered to serve a year in Iraq. The day they ated a massive tsunami that crashed into Whereas President Barack H. Obama tele- American Samoa, Samoa, and neighboring departed, we all had tears in our eyes. How- phoned the Governor of American Samoa and Tonga, sweeping cars and people out to sea American Samoa’s Delegate to the United ever, I also saw in every mother, father, wife, as survivors fled to high ground; States House of Representatives to person- husband, and friend how proud they were of Whereas the tsunami, with towering waves ally extend his and the First Lady’s condo- their soldier. I am grateful for the uncommon that reached up to 20 feet in height and pene- lences to the families and loved ones of those commitment as a ‘‘citizen soldier’’ leaving not trated one mile inland, caused death and de- who lost their lives in the earthquake and struction on a nearly unprecedented scale; only family and friends, but putting your job tsunami in American Samoa and the region, Whereas the death toll, as of October 7, and perhaps educational goals on hold. and to assure the Governor and the Delegate 2009, is estimated at 32 in American Samoa I also want to applaud the families of the that he would speed the deployment of re- and 135 in the Independent State of Samoa; 81st Brigade. More often than not, as soon as sources and provide the tools necessary for a a servicemember deploys, the spouse is faced Whereas many individuals and families af- fected in this region are now lacking basic full, swift, and aggressive response; with an unforeseen obstacle like their brand survival necessities and there remains the Whereas Secretary of State Hillary new car needing to go back to the shop or the risk of numerous additional deaths due to Rodham Clinton also telephoned American refrigerator deciding not to work. The families shortages of clean water, adequate shelter, Samoa’s Delegate in his capacity as Chair- of the 81st Brigade have much catching up to food, sanitation, and basic healthcare; man of the House Foreign Affairs’ Sub- do. They will have a Thanksgiving to cele- Whereas the human cost of this disaster committee on Asia, the Pacific and the Glob- al Environment to convey her sympathy and brate, Christmas presents to open, birthday transcends mere statistics and has resulted in deeply personal tragedies for numerous offer her full support which subsequently in- candles to blow out, Easter eggs to hunt and cluded the authorization to airlift emer- many, many kisses and hugs to share. families and communities in the region and throughout the world; gency supplies to Samoa; The operations we face in Iraq and Afghani- Whereas children in the United States Ter- Whereas Speaker of the House Nancy stan have now lasted longer than World War ritory of American Samoa running for home Pelosi issued a press statement on behalf of II. In the last five years our nation has tasked unknowingly ran in the direction of the tsu- the entire Congress promising to quickly ad- every branch of the military and every compo- nami; dress the needs of American Samoa and the nent; active duty, National Guard and Re- Whereas the villages of Fagamalo, Poloa, Americans who live there; and serve. Each has responded admirably and Amanave, Fai’lolo, Nua, Se’etaga, Afao, Whereas Senate Majority Leader Harry Asili, Amaluia, Leone, Fagasa, Fagatogo, Reid, House Majority Leader Steny H. consistently. Our Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Hoyer, Chairman John F. Kerry of the Sen- and Marines are a vital part of that critical re- Pago Pago, Aua, Afono, Vatia, Masefau, Faga’itua, Pagai, Utusia, Alofau, Auto, Alao, ate Committee on Foreign Relations, Chair- sponse in keeping America safe. We could not and Tula in American Samoa were dev- man Howard L. Berman of the House Com- protect our nation if it were not for what each astated by the disaster; mittee on Foreign Affairs, Chairman Nick J. of them bring to the fight. Whereas in response to this disaster and Rahall, II, of the House Committee on Nat- Mr. Speaker, the 81st Brigade recently re- call for assistance, the people of the United ural Resources, as well as many other Mem- turned on a sunny day back to Washington States have responded with a generous and bers of Congress also offered expressions of State. I am proud to welcome them home and heartfelt outpouring of aid; support in the aftermath of the devastating congratulate them on a job well done. Whereas a team of more than 300 respond- tsunami: Now, therefore, be it Mr. SMITH of Washington. I yield ers from the Federal Emergency Manage- Resolved, That the House of Representa- back the balance of my time. ment Agency (FEMA), the American Red tives— The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Cross, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the (1) mourns the loss of life caused by the question is on the motion offered by Department of Health and Human Services earthquakes and tsunamis that occurred on (HHS) and other Federal agencies is on the September 29, 2009, in American Samoa, the gentleman from Washington (Mr. ground in American Samoa coordinating re- Samoa, and Tonga; SMITH) that the House suspend the lief and recovery operations; (2) offers its deepest sympathy and condo- rules and agree to the resolution, H. Whereas the (USN), lences to the families of the many earth- Res. 627, as amended. the United States Coast Guard (USCG), the quake and tsunami victims, and to Head of The question was taken; and (two- Hawaii Air National Guard, and the U.S. State His Highness Tui Atua Tupua thirds being in the affirmative) the Army Reserve American Samoa, under the Tamasese and Prime Minister Tuilaepa rules were suspended and the resolu- leadership of Admiral Timothy J. Keating, Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi of Samoa, as tion, as amended, was agreed to. Commander, U.S. Pacific Command well as to His Majesty King George Tupou V A motion to reconsider was laid on (PACOM), and Command Sergeant Major and Prime Minister Feleti Vaka’uta Sevele the table. (CSM) Iuniasolua T. Savusa, Senior Enlisted of Tonga; Leader, PACOM, with the support of Major (3) pledges its full support to the people of f General Robert G.F. Lee, the Adjutant Gen- American Samoa and the villages of MOURNING THE LOSS OF LIFE ON eral, State of Hawaii, provided critical trans- Fagamalo, Poloa, Amanave, Fai’lolo, Nua, AMERICAN SAMOA AND SAMOA port of the life-saving and life-sustaining Se’etaga, Afao, Asili, Amaluia, Leone, supplies and equipment to meet the imme- Fagasa, Fagatogo, Pago Pago, Aua, Afono, AFTER THE EARTHQUAKES AND diate needs of the survivors, including more Vatia, Masefau, Faga’itua, Pagai, Utusia, TSUNAMIS ON SEPTEMBER 29, than 26,000 meals, 14,000 liters of water, 1,800 Alofau, Auto, Alao, and Tula as they begin 2009 blankets, 800 tents, more than 800 cots, and 9 the long and difficult process of rebuilding Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, pallets of medical supplies and medical their homes and lives; I move to suspend the rules and agree equipment in support of American Samoa’s (4) recognizes the humanitarian response to the resolution (H. Res. 816) mourn- mass care operations; that is currently underway and commends Whereas foreign governments, including the efforts of all persons and relief organiza- ing the loss of life caused by the earth- Kazakhstan, the People’s Republic of China, tions who continue to alleviate the suffering quakes and tsunamis that occurred on the Republic of Korea, Palau, Thailand, by providing financial and material support; September 29, 2009, in American Samoa Samoa, Fiji, Grenada, Hungary, Uzbekistan, (5) urges continued attention by donors and Samoa, as amended. Republic of China (), Indonesia, and relief agencies to the needs of vulnerable

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00013 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.023 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11314 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 populations in the stricken areas, particu- tools necessary for a full, swift and ag- moan organizations like the Office of larly the children and elderly who have been gressive response by FEMA. Samoan Affairs and many others that devastatingly affected by this disaster; Secretary of State Hillary Clinton are providing assistance. (6) expresses gratitude and appreciation to also offered her full support and au- The United States Navy, the Coast the foreign governments from around the world that are lending their support to the thorized the airlift of emergency sup- Guard, the Hawaii International Guard United States Territory of American Samoa; plies to the independent state of and the U.S. Army Reserves in Amer- (7) commends the over 100,000 Samoans re- Samoa. ican Samoa provided critical transport siding in the United States from American Speaker of the House NANCY PELOSI of the life-saving and life-sustaining Samoa and Samoa for coming to the aid of issued a special statement on behalf of supplies and equipment to meet the their ‘‘aiga’’ in the affected islands; and the entire Congress, promising to immediate needs of the survivors. (8) pays tribute to the people of American quickly address the needs of American On behalf of the people of America Samoa and Samoa for their strength of spirit Samoa and the Americans who live Samoa, I express my gratitude for all and their deep and abiding faith in God of those who have stood by us when we which brings hope to all of us. there. Senate Majority Leader HARRY REID, have needed you most. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- House Majority Leader STENY HOYER, I also join with Governor Togiola ant to the rule, the gentleman from Chairman JOHN F. KERRY of the Senate Tulafono and First Lady Maryanne American Samoa (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) Committee on Foreign Relations, of American Samoa and the gentleman from Washington Chairman HOWARD L. BERMAN of the conveying my deepest condolences to (Mr. HASTINGS) each will control 20 House Committee on Foreign Affairs, the families of the many earthquake minutes. and tsunami victims, and to the Head The Chair recognizes the gentleman Chairman NICK RAHALL of the House from American Samoa. Committee on Natural Resources, as of State, his Highness Tui Atua Tupua well as many other Members of Con- Tamasese and Prime Minister Tuilaepa GENERAL LEAVE Lupesoliai Sailele Malielegaoi of Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, gress also offered expressions of sup- Samoa, as well as to His Majesty King I ask unanimous consent that all Mem- port in these trying times. George Tupou V and Prime Minister bers may have 5 legislative days to re- I especially want to thank my col- Feleti Vaka’uta Sevele of Tonga. vise and extend their remarks and to league and dear friend, Congresswoman As we begin the long and difficult include extraneous material on the res- LAURA RICHARDSON, for her working process of rebuilding, we thank God for olution under consideration. side by side with my office in support The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there of our Samoan communities living in the prayers you have offered on our be- objection to the request of the gen- her district and in Samoa, as well as in half and express appreciation to all tleman from American Samoa? American Samoa. Congresswoman persons and relief organizations who There was no objection. RICHARDSON has stood by us every step continue to alleviate our suffering. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I yield my- of the way and has earned her rightful In memory of those who are no self such time as I may consume. place in our hearts for leaving no stone longer with us, I urge my colleagues to Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support unturned in relief efforts. support passage of House Resolution of this resolution mourning the loss of I also want to thank our Samoan 816, mourning the loss of life caused by life caused by the earthquakes and communities and congregations— the earthquakes and tsunamis that oc- tsunamis that occurred on September churches from Hawaii, Washington, curred on September 29, 2009, in Amer- 29, 2009, in American Samoa, in the Utah, and California—which collected ican Samoa, Independent State of independent state of Samoa and in critical supplies that will now be air- Samoa and the Kingdom of Tonga. Tonga. lifted or transported by surface trans- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of On September 29, 2009, a powerful portation to Samoa and, hopefully, my time. earthquake, which registered 8.3 on the also to American Samoa. Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Richter scale and is recognized as the I want to also thank the Reverend Speaker, I yield myself such time as I world’s largest earthquake of 2009, Liki Tiatia, the Reverend John Mailo, may consume. struck below the ocean about 140 miles the Reverend Misipauena Tagaloa, and Mr. Speaker, as my friend from southwest of Pago Pago and 125 miles High Chief Loa Pele Faletogo, who American Samoa said, a terrible trag- south of Apia, in the state of Samoa, have been instrumental in gathering edy occurred on September 29, 2009, in creating a massive tsunami, or tidal emergency supplies for our families the South Pacific. American Samoa wave, that crashed into American abroad. and Samoa were struck by separate Samoa, the Independent State of With so many people in need of basic tsunami waves which devastated nu- Samoa, and the Kingdom of Tonga, supplies, words cannot express how merous communities on each of the is- sweeping cars and people out to sea as grateful I am to all of my fellow Amer- lands. We offer our deepest sympathies survivors fled to high ground. The tsu- icans and to our friends from around and condolences to the many victims nami, or tidal wave, with towering the world who have responded to this in the region. waves that reached up to 20 feet in disaster and to our call for assistance The outreach of support and humani- height and penetrated 1 mile inland, with a generous and heartfelt out- tarian efforts to assist each of the is- caused death and destruction on a pouring of aid. More than 300 respond- lands in their recovery efforts has to be nearly unprecedented scale. ers from the Federal Emergency Man- commended. Federal agencies, military The human cost of this disaster tran- agement Agency, the American Red services, foreign governments, relief scends mere statistics and has resulted Cross, the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the organizations, and private citizens in deeply personal tragedies for numer- Department of Health and Human have all reached out to assist these is- ous families and communities in the Services, and other Federal agencies land nations. region and throughout the world. are on the ground in American Samoa, These islands face months, if not In the U.S. territory of American coordinating relief and recovery oper- years, of recovery actions. They will Samoa, children running for home un- ations. depend on Congress and the continued knowingly ran in the direction of the efforts of the Federal Government, re- tsunami. The villages of Fagamalo, b 1130 lief organizations, and private citizens Poloa, Amanave, Failolo, Afao, Asili, Organizations including the Li Ka to recover. Amaluia, Leone, Fagasa, Fagatogo, Shing Foundation, the Hanwha Group, I urge all of us to be steadfast in our Pago Pago, Aua, Afono, Vatia, Lauli’i, Save the Children, Habitat for Human- support for the communities on Amer- Faga’itua, Masefau, Alao, Tula, and ity, Latter-Day Saint charities, Catho- ican Samoa and Samoa and assist them Aoa in American Samoa were dev- lic Charities, the American Jewish to recover from this terrible event. astated by the disaster. Villages were Joint Distribution Committee, tuna Finally, I would like to commend and also wiped out in the independent state canneries like StarKist, Bumble Bee, extend my best wishes to our friend of Samoa. even the Polynesian professional foot- and colleague, Eni Faleomavaega, who In response to this tragedy, President ball players with the National Football has worked tirelessly on behalf of his Barack Obama speedily deployed the League and the coalition of various Sa- constituents to meet the needs of his

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Mr. Speaker, been working over the last week vis- Just to give my colleagues a sense of I thank my good friend and gentleman iting all of the territories, all of the what took place, as I said earlier in my from Washington for his support and areas to assess and to understand how remarks, it was an earthquake right on endorsement as well as the chairman of we can help best. the fringe of the Tonga Trench. The our Committee on Natural Resources, You might ask how I got involved. Tonga Trench is one of the two deepest NICK RAHALL, for his support. Why would an 8.3 magnitude earth- trenches in the world, second only to At this time I would like to yield 2 quake 120 miles away, that caused a the Marianas Trench. And when the minutes to my distinguished friend and tsunami, that caused death throughout earthquake struck at almost 7 in the colleague, the gentlelady from the many of our communities, why would I morning, it caused tremors in the Sa- State of Hawaii (Ms. HIRONO). be engaged? Well, in the United States moan Islands for about 3 minutes, but Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise we have over 80,000 Samoans who live the shock wave was traveling at about today in support of H. Res. 816 which here, over 52,000 who live in California, 500 miles an hour. So there was no way expresses the condolences of the Con- and almost 30,000 of those actually live that anybody could possibly prepare gress to the Samoans following the in my district. So this is beyond an for this disaster to occur because in a natural disasters in the South Pacific. issue of just a concern of a community manner of minutes—I’ve seen tidal I cannot stress how much these terri- that had a disaster. It’s actually family waves before, and what happens is that fying events were so deeply felt and friends and people that I’ve worked the water is totally sucked out from throughout the State of Hawaii be- with for a long time who are looking the shoreline from the reefs so pretty cause of our close familial, historical, for help and assistance. much you can prepare yourself to an- cultural, and geographical ties to these So when we stand today, I want to ticipate the coming of the tidal wave. islands. stand in full support with Congressman What made this disaster so different I would like to extend a heartfelt ENI FALEOMAVAEGA to really look at is the fact that the tremors occurred ‘‘mahalo’’—my thanks—to Hawaii’s the tragedy that has happened but also for about 3 or 5 minutes, then 5 min- Army Air and Army Guard Medical how we can move forward. The Con- utes later, the tidal wave was up there Communication and gressman has been successful in work- 20 feet in height coming to the many specialists who assisted in the recovery ing with the Secretary to be able to people who were so surprised and efforts. It is worth noting that this was send aid this very week that’s going to shocked that early morning at 7 the first time the Hawaii National go to western Samoa which the chair- o’clock when the tidal wave came in. Guard had deployed such a sizable tax man has been a chairman over for So we’re looking at two disasters: an force outside our State in support of a many years on the committee. But we earthquake that caused a lot of prob- Pacific partner. I would also like to thank the 15 Red need to continue to work so when dis- lems and then the tsunami. So the two Cross volunteers from Hawaii who fo- asters like this occur, we can get help disasters occurred at the same time. I wanted to share that with my col- cused on outreaching to the families and assistance quickly, and time league that this is what made a very who lost loved ones in the disasters and should not be with delay I also want to thank Secretary Clin- unusual disaster was because there was served meals that included local favor- ton publicly for her assistance. We ap- no way that anybody could properly ites like spam and saimin. I would also preciate the initial efforts that had prepare for what was coming when this like to thank the many Hawaii busi- been done in American Samoa, but earthquake occurred. nesses who made monetary or in-kind much more needs to be done, and we At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would donations. like to yield 2 minutes to my colleague The outpouring of support for relief will work in concert to ensure that from the Virgin Islands, DONNA efforts from Hawaii’s Samoan commu- that continual work supplies things CHRISTENSEN. nity has been tremendous. I know that that many people care desperately for Mrs. CHRISTENSEN. I thank you for much of their strength in the wake of actually get to the people. yielding, and I want to rise also in these disasters is derived from their As I conclude my comments, I want strong support of H.R. 816, mourning personal faith for which I have long to say that as Members, as we stand to- the loss of life caused by the earth- had great admiration. gether to deal with this tragedy, people I want to close by letting my dear should know that there are over 60 or- quake and tsunami that occurred on September 29, 2009, in American Samoa friend and colleague, Congressman ENI ganizations in my district who have and Samoa, and to extend my thoughts FALEOMAVAEGA, know that I stand now donated over 200,000 pounds of var- ready along with other Members of ious supplies: water, food, clothing, and prayers and that of the people of Congress to continue to support his ef- things that people desperately need. the Virgin Islands to the victims of forts to help the people of American But what they really need is they need that 8.0 magnitude earthquake and tsu- Samoa and Samoa in any way that we to also know from us as leaders that nami that devastated our brothers and can. they’re not there alone, that we are sisters in the U.S. territory of Amer- Mahalo. watching what’s happening, we are ican Samoa and the Nation of Western Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. I re- watching the response of FEMA and Samoa and to offer our condolences to serve the balance of my time. the other aspects of our government, those that lost loved ones as a result of Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I thank the and we are committed to them not that tragedy. gentlelady for her kind remarks from only today but we’re committed as Like my colleague from California, the State of Hawaii. they’re going to have to rebuild which I’ve been to American Samoa several At this time, I would like to yield 4 will take for many months to come. times with the Congressman. We were minutes to my good friend from Cali- I commend you, Congressman, for all there in early August and visited his fornia, Congresswoman LAURA RICH- your efforts. You passionately lead the own village of Leone—which we heard ARDSON. people in your community. We’re fortu- so much about in the wake of the Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, I nate to have you here. And I will work earthquake and the tsunami because thank the gentleman for yielding, and with you and other members of our they were so hard hit—and I remember I rise in strong support of H.R. 816, to caucus to ensure not only this support, how the people came out and welcomed mourn the loss of the lives and all of but all of the support that you need us. They fed us. We had a joyous time the tragedy that we had with the that you have us right there standing with them. That evening they earthquake and the subsequent tsu- side by side. showered us with so many gifts, and we nami that devastated American Samoa Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. I re- just hope that we can return those gifts and the independent State of Samoa. serve the balance of my time. to them in their time of greatest need. May I first of all take a moment to Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, As I speak to you, there is a young really commend Congressman ENI I yield myself 1 minute to again ex- girl—and I wish I had her name with

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Three hundred live in my area of Los Angeles County. U.S. Virgin Island, a community of is- emergency responders have reportedly Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. lands that is also vulnerable to tropical been dispatched by FEMA. The Red Speaker, I am very pleased to yield 1 disasters, I am very aware of the toll it Cross, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, minute to my namesake and friend can take on the people, infrastructure, and the Department of Health and from Florida (Mr. HASTINGS). and our time and resources. I know Human Services are coordinating relief Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. I thank how hard it has been on our colleague, and recovery operations. my colleague for yielding. I did not ask Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA to be home. I called The U.S. military, under the direc- my distinguished good friend, because I him one morning, forgetting that it tion of the U.S. Pacific Command in didn’t know how many speakers he was 5 o’clock in the morning in Amer- Hawaii, is providing emergency assist- had, and I didn’t want to interdict the ican Samoa, but he was already up and ance, including food, water, tents, program as it is set forth. Mr. Speaker, I rise in very strong preparing to go and visit just another blankets, and medical supplies. In this support of the resolution offered in a area that had been devastated. regard, military personnel are helping bipartisan fashion and demonstrating The people of my district, the U.S. their friends and colleagues, as the very strongly how we do respond to Virgin Islands, have asked me to ex- young people of American Samoa are those who are in need. press their solidarity with the people of well known for their patriotic spirit of In the case of ENI FALEOMAVAEGA, American Samoa at this time of their service in the United States military, American Samoa has had for a consid- distress, and to extend our support to including in both Iraq and Afghanistan. erable period of time a distinguished our colleague, Congressman ENI We appreciate and honor that service. Member of this body who has helped so FALEOMAVAEGA, as they make and we I urge my colleagues to give their many of us when we have had difficul- make with them the necessary ar- strong support to this resolution. ties such as in Hurricane Andrew. rangements to mobilize and deploy ur- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, Those that live in these areas, or my gently needed emergency assistance again, I thank my good friend, the sen- friend that just spoke from Hawaii, all and to assure them that all of the ior ranking member of our House For- of us understand these dynamics. American people, but especially those eign Affairs Committee, for her kind ENI, our heart goes out to you. As on the other off-shore territories, are comments, mentioning also about the one who has visited American Samoa ready to assist them. military participation of the sons and with you on three different occasions In visiting American Samoa you can- daughters of American Samoa. and had the good fortune of bringing not help but be struck by the strong According to the recent reports of my son there, I just want you to know community spirit that exists there and USA Today newspaper, American how heavy my heart was when I saw the strong faith, and I know that will Samoans have the highest percentage those places, and my heart goes out to bear them up through this difficult per annum in the whole United States you and all. time, but they still need our support, in terms of those who sacrificed their Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, and we’re here for them. lives in the war in Iraq and Afghani- I yield 1 minute to my good friend from Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. stan, with about 136 percent above all the Northern Mariana Islands, Con- Speaker, I am pleased to yield 4 min- States and territories. I do want to gressman SABLAN. utes to the gentlelady from Florida, thank the gentlelady for reminding us Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, 2 weeks the ranking member of the Foreign Re- of that. ago I came to the floor to offer my con- lations Committee, Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, if I could ask how much dolences to the people of American Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. I thank the more time do we have? Samoa and to their far-flung families gentleman for the time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- who were still reeling from the initial Mr. Speaker, I was honored to join tleman from American Samoa has 5 shock from the tsunami and from the my good friend, Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA, in minutes remaining, and the gentleman many losses suffered. Today, we meet serving as an original cosponsor of this from Washington has 16 minutes re- in a more formal manner to broaden critical resolution. This resolution of- maining. the expression of these condolences to fers the condolences in a heartfelt way Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I yield 1 include this House and all the people of the Congress to those who endured minute to the gentlelady from Cali- we represent from across our Nation. suffering and loss in American Samoa fornia, my dear friend, Ms. CHU. I said before that the people of the and Samoa and neighboring Tonga dur- Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in Pacific, though separated by thousands ing the tragic events of September 29 support of House Resolution 816. Last of miles, feel that we are part of one and the aftermath. We join with the month’s magnitude 8.0 earthquake in family. We understand the vulnerabil- people of American Samoa, Samoa and Samoa, Tonga, and American Samoa ity and isolation of life on an island in the entire Samoan community here in was devastating, setting off tsunamis the midst of a sea, a vast sea. That the United States in mourning those that washed over islands killing 168 shared understanding makes us one. who have died in this terrible disaster. people. Today, I rise that all Americans, The quake generated three separate though separated by experience and b 1145 tsunami waves, the largest measuring culture, by language and distance, are The previous tragic events of 2004 5.1 feet, completely destroying villages, part of one family. It is inexplicable made us all keenly aware of the devas- leaving families whose entire lives had how this may be so, but this evidence tation which can be wrought by a tsu- washed away with nothing. On the makes clear that it is so. When many nami after an earthquake takes place small islands, ocean waters washed of us are in need, as American Samoa in ocean waters. away houses, cars, and main access is and will continue to be, then we find Waves from this tsunami in Amer- roads, making it all the more difficult we are not alone. Then we remember ican Samoa were reportedly 20 feet for rescue parties and aid to reach we are all Americans. high and rushed 1 mile inland, causing hard-hit areas. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, unprecedented death and destruction. In the aftermath of the disaster, how much time do I have remaining? The latest death toll reported is 32 local aid agencies, foreign nations, the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- dead in American Samoa and 135 dead U.S. Coast Guard, and FEMA instituted tleman from American Samoa has 3 in Samoa. Children mistakenly run- a quick and much-needed response. minutes remaining. ning in the direction of the tsunami With the lack of proper sanitation, Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, were among the victims. water and shelter continuing to be a at this time I yield 11⁄2 minutes to my

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00016 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.027 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11317 good friend from Texas (Mr. AL lences and deepest sympathies to the people tional Guard, which is a testament to their GREEN). of American Samoa and Independent Samoa training and professionalism. I know FEMA, Mr. AL GREEN of Texas. Mr. Speak- for the loss of life that was caused by the the Hawaii Red Cross and other relief organi- er, I believe that there is but one race, earthquakes and tsunamis that hit these is- zations are on the ground, as well, aiding and that is the human race. I believe lands on September 29, 2009. communities to cope with the devastation. that one God created all humanity to Struck by towering waves that reached up There are many people in Hawaii with live in harmony. I am honored to be to 20 feet in height, the people of American friends or family back in American Samoa and here today to express my sympathies Samoa, Independent Samoa and Tonga are Samoa. They are our brothers and sisters of and my oneness with the people of today confronting staggering losses of life and the Pacific and we will do all we can to help American Samoa, Indonesia, as well as property as they watched helplessly as the in- and support them. the . rushing sea swallowed up coastal towns and I urge my colleagues to support this resolu- I also want to make it very clear villages. tion and the people of American Samoa and that my district is a polyglot melting As of last week it is estimated that 32 Amer- Samoa. pot. It is, in fact, a culture of cultures. ican Samoans and 135 residents of Inde- Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today Because it is such, I have a special kin- pendent Samoa lost their lives. And today, to offer my support and sympathy to the peo- ship and relationship with the persons many families in the affected areas still lack ple of the U.S. Territory of American Samoa who have been devastated by these nat- basic necessities resulting in the risk of addi- and Western Samoa in the aftermath of the ural disasters. tional deaths because of scarce clean water, devastating tsunami that hit the region last I believe that we cannot do enough to shelter, food and basic health care. week. The wave claimed over 200 lives and help them recover. But I also under- I was pleased to have had the opportunity left thousands more homeless. I ask that this stand in my heart that when you can- to visit American Samoa earlier this year with body support our colleague, Congressman not do enough, you have a duty to do my good friend and colleague, Congressman Faleomavaega and his community as they re- all that you can. I want us to do more ENI FALEOMAVAEGA, the author of the resolu- cover from this disaster. All necessary aid to because these are our fellow human tion we are debating today. Among the places this region in the South Pacific should be beings. They are part of the one race, we visited while we were there was the Village brought to bear for our fellow Americans. the human race. of Leone; one of the areas on American We on Guam have experienced our share Mr. HASTINGS of Washington. Mr. Samoa that was severely impacted. I want to of disasters. I recognize the efforts of my con- Speaker, I have no more requests for express my profound condolences to the peo- stituents, many of whom have banded to- time, and I yield back the balance of ple of Leone for their suffering as well as to gether to raise money and donate clothes, my time. thank them once again for the warm welcome blankets, and food to the relief effort for Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, and hospitality they offered us. Samoa. The people of American Samoa and I again want to thank my good friend I want to also commend Congressman Western Samoa have shown great courage in from Washington for his assistance and FALEOMAVAEGA for his efforts in marshalling the face of this tragedy. Following the disaster partnering with me in putting this res- the response of the federal government in re- they have pulled together and expressed their olution before our colleagues. sponding to the disaster in his home island. determination to recover what was lost. They I also have a proverbial expression, ENI and his staff labored around the clock to deserve our backing and support in their time going along with what my good friend coordinate the efforts of FEMA, the Red of need. My thoughts and prayers will remain from Texas has said, that, yes, there Cross, Army Corps and the other federal with the families and those impacted by this truly is only one race, and that’s the agencies tasked by President Obama to disaster. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I yield back human race. That’s what makes this speedily deploy all the resources and tools the balance of my time. country so great. necessary for a full, swift and aggressive re- I also believe that this country is but The SPEAKER pro tempore. The sponse. question is on the motion offered by a microcosm of the whole world in Mr. Speaker, American Samoans in the Pa- the gentleman from American Samoa itself, and the fact that it seeks no race cific and in the mainland United States are an or creed or boundaries to the extent (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) that the House integral part of our country’s history and of our suspend the rules and agree to the reso- that we are all fellow human beings, American social fabric. They are our brothers and whenever there is a need, it’s our lution, H. Res. 816, as amended. who fight valiantly in our wars and contribute The question was taken. moral responsibility to do all that we immensely to the prosperity of our country. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the can to give assistance. Today, I send my thoughts and prayers to the opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being There is also a saying among the Chi- victims and their family members in this mo- in the affirmative, the ayes have it. nese people that says there are many ment of grief and tragic loss. We stand in soli- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, acquaintances but very view friends. darity with our brothers and pray for their on that I demand the yeas and nays. I will say, Mr. Speaker, to express speedy recovery. The yeas and nays were ordered. my deepest appreciation and gratitude Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- to my colleagues who truly are my today to support H. Res. 816 in mourning the ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the friends, when I am in need, just from loss of life caused by the earthquakes and Chair’s prior announcement, further the fact that many of our colleagues tsunamis that occurred on September 29, proceedings on this motion will be have had occasions of having to appear 2009, in American Samoa and Samoa. postponed. before the floor and expressing and I want to express my sincere condolences f asking for assistance when disasters to those that have lost family, friends and occur in their States and their terri- other important people in their lives. Despite EXPRESSING CONDOLENCES AND tories, this is what the Congress is all this loss, the people of American Samoa and SUPPORT TO INDONESIA IN THE about. This is what democracy is all Samoa remain strong and resilient. They are AFTERMATH OF THE EARTH- about in this great country. continuing on, picking up the pieces of what QUAKE THAT STRUCK SUMATRA Again, Mr. Speaker, I cannot say can be salvaged, cleaning their homes and cit- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, enough words to express my deepest ies and helping each other through the strug- I move to suspend the rules and agree appreciation and gratitude for the of- gles of trying to regain the life they once had. to the resolution (H. Res. 810) express- fered help from the administration, As thousands of people continue to struggle ing condolences to the citizens of Indo- from our colleagues on the other side with this tragedy, I join my colleagues in our nesia and support for the Government of the aisle, from everybody in the Con- commitment to the relief efforts and offer sup- of Indonesia in the aftermath of the gress, knowing of the difficulties that port for the families of the many victims. devastating earthquake that struck we are going through. I am going to I would like to commend Representative ENI the island of Sumatra. say, our people are in good spirits. The FALEOMAVAEGA for his tireless efforts to help The Clerk read the title of the resolu- prayer services, all that has been of- relive the suffering and devastation in Amer- tion. fered has been tremendous. I just want ican Samoa. I will do everything I can to assist The text of the resolution is as fol- to say again, thank you to my col- my friend and colleague in speeding any addi- lows: leagues. tional federal assistance needed to the area. H. RES. 810 Mr. RAHALL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support I am also proud of the rapid response by Whereas, on September 30, 2009, a 7.6 mag- of H. Res. 816 and to express my condo- Major General Bob Lee and the Hawaii Na- nitude earthquake originated northwest of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00017 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.029 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11318 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 the city of Padang in West Sumatra, Indo- GENERAL LEAVE presses our solidarity with the good nesia; Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, people of Indonesia during these dif- Whereas over 700 lives have been lost, I ask unanimous consent that all Mem- ficult times. many are missing and injured, and thousands bers have 5 legislative days to revise Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of have been displaced as a result of collapsed homes and buildings; and extend their remarks and include my time. Whereas the area of the earthquake is extraneous material on the resolution Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I along the same fault line that caused the under consideration. yield myself such time as I may con- 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that killed more The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there sume. than 230,000 people and caused many pan- objection to the request of the gen- Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this icked residents to flee to higher ground in tleman from American Samoa? resolution, introduced by my good fear of another tsunami; There was no objection. friend and colleague, DAN BURTON of Whereas strong aftershocks continue to Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, Indiana, expressing the condolences of rock the region and create hazardous condi- the Congress and the American people tions for both residents and rescue workers; I rise in strong support of this resolu- Whereas the Indonesian Government sent tion, and I yield myself such time as I regarding the loss of life and property relief teams Thursday from the capital, Ja- may consume. suffered by the people of Indonesia. The karta, including army units to look for sur- I would like to thank my good friend devastating earthquake which struck vivors and deliver food and medicine; Congressman DAN BURTON of Indiana, the island of Sumatra on September 30 Whereas international aid agencies said distinguished member of the Com- has reportedly led to the deaths of at they were sending rapid assessment teams to mittee on Foreign Affairs and co-Chair least 700 people and the displacement the area and preparing to rush in supplies; of the Indonesia Caucus, for his leader- of thousands more from their homes. Whereas the Indonesian Government stat- ship in introducing this resolution. The concern and the generosity of ed that the earthquake destroyed more than 83,700 houses, approximately 200 public build- This resolution extends our profound the American people is well-known to ings, a total of 285 schools, and also caused sympathy and condolences to the peo- the people of Indonesia, as dem- extensive damage to an additional 100,000 ple of Indonesia for the terrible losses onstrated following the devastating buildings including hotels, mosques and they suffered as a result of the massive tsunami which struck their country in shops, and approximately 20 miles of roads; earthquake that struck the island of late December of 2004. The sight of U.S. Whereas a damaged building in the main Sumatra on September 30, 2009. Land- military personnel engaged in tsunami public hospital had to be evacuated, and pa- slides triggered by the quake wiped out rescue and relief operations made all tients are being treated outside and without three villages in the province of West Americans proud. The involvement of electricity; Whereas humanitarian aid agencies in the Sumatra. Nearly 700 lives were lost. our two former U.S. Presidents in the United States and around the world are mo- Thousands have been injured and dis- Bush-Clinton Tsunami Relief Fund fur- bilizing to provide much needed assistance placed, and a staggering number of ther demonstrated that when a crisis to the relief and recovery efforts; houses, schools, and public buildings occurs, we are indeed our brothers’ and Whereas the United States offered assist- were destroyed or seriously damaged. sisters’ keeper. ance and immediately released $300,000 to I want to extend my deepest sym- The United States came to Indo- help provide for the most immediate and pathy and support to the Indonesian nesia’s assistance once again after this pressing needs and an additional $3,000,000 President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, most recent earthquake. We provided has been set aside once greater need is deter- mined; who has been working tirelessly to de- $300,000 in immediate response and set Whereas the United States Government de- liver assistance to victims in response aside an additional $3 million for fur- ployed a Disaster Assistance Response Team to this catastrophic event. ther relief efforts. The U.S. Navy was to provide assistance and is sending a field As a representative of American once again deployed, with three ships hospital, three United States Navy ships Samoa, a place that has also recently being dispatched with helicopters to with helicopters and lift capability, and 45 experienced calamity caused by a nat- provide emergency relief and supplies. metric tons of emergency relief commod- ural disaster, I know firsthand how dif- We send the relief workers and the ities; and ficult it is to see the people who elect- people of Indonesia our prayers and our Whereas President Susilo Bambang best wishes for a rapid and full recov- Yudhoyono and the Indonesian Government ed you facing such profound losses. I responded quickly to the disaster: Now, also know how much it means to have ery as they continue their courageous therefore, be it support from friends and allies during efforts to assist the injured and to lo- Resolved, That the House of Representa- these times of crisis. cate the missing. tives— Indeed, Indonesia has many friends I urge my colleagues to support this (1) mourns the loss of life and expresses its around the world, as seen by the out- important resolution. deepest condolences to the families of those pouring of international support for Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of killed and injured in the earthquake; the earthquake relief efforts, which my time. (2) recognizes the deep ties between the currently stands at about $16 million in Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, United States and Indonesia and expresses financial commitments from more I yield 2 minutes to the distinguished continued solidarity with the people of Indo- than 20 countries. For our part, the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. nesia during this time of crisis; United States has released $300,000 for HIRONO). (3) applauds the courageous response of In- Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise donesian and international rescue workers; earthquake relief and has set aside an (4) supports President Obama’s offer of additional $3 million for recovery oper- today in support of H. Res. 810. I would United States assistance to Indonesia in re- ations. like to thank Congressman DAN BUR- sponse to this catastrophic event; In addition, the Secretary of Defense TON for his work on this resolution. (5) urges the people of the United States to has authorized $7 million for relief op- In February 2008, I visited Indonesia generously support those humanitarian aid erations in Indonesia, which includes as a member of the House Democracy agencies working to assist the people of In- setting up a field hospital, sending Partnership. While our focus was meet- donesia in this time of need; and three U.S. Navy ships with helicopters ing with members of the Indonesian (6) expresses gratitude to the people of the House of Representatives, we made it a United States who have generously sup- and lift capability, and 45 metric tons ported those humanitarian aid agencies of emergency relief commodities. point to also visit Banda Aceh on the island of Sumatra. working to assist the people of Indonesia in b 1200 this time of need. As you may recall, in December 2004, These are all signs of enduring Banda Aceh was the closest major city The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. friendship between our two countries. to the epicenter of an Indian Ocean HOLDEN). Pursuant to the rule, the gen- Time and time again, Indonesia has earthquake and suffered further dam- tleman from American Samoa (Mr. shown the world that democracy can age by a tsunami that struck shortly FALEOMAVAEGA) and the gentlewoman not only survive, but thrive in a vi- afterwards. That earthquake measured from Florida (Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN) each brant, multiethnic, moderate Islamic 9.3 on the Richter scale. will control 20 minutes. country. This resolution reflects our The awesome power of the tsunami The Chair recognizes the gentleman commitment to maintain a strong was brought home to us as leaders of from American Samoa. U.S.-Indonesia relationship and ex- Banda Aceh showed us how the whole

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00018 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.007 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11319 area had literally been leveled and The quakes have devastated the region, de- COMMEMORATING THE CANON- ships from port were swept inland by stroying over 83,700 houses, 200 public build- IZATION OF DE the water’s force. Of course, the human ings, 285 schools, and have also caused ex- VEUSTER TO SAINTHOOD tragedy was incalculable. Children be- tensive damage to an additional 100,000 Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, came orphans instantly. Mothers, fa- buildings including hotels, mosques, shops, I move to suspend the rules and agree thers and families were devastated. and hospitals, and approximately twenty miles to the resolution (H. Res. 786) com- The recovery efforts in which the of roads. Lying near the intersection of shifting memorating the canonization of Father United States played a major role were tectonic plates, Indonesia is prone to earth- Damien de Veuster, SS.CC. to saint- extraordinary. What I was most im- quakes and volcanic eruptions. Such devasta- hood, as amended. pressed with, however, was the remark- tion is yet another tragedy to strike the region, able resiliency and spirit of the people which is still recovering from the 2004 earth- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- of Banda Aceh. It is that same resil- quake born from this very same fault line that tion. iency that I am sure will rise again out resulted in the Indian Ocean tsunami and the The text of the resolution is as fol- of the tragedies of the earthquakes and loss of over 230,000 lives. lows: aftershocks of September 2009. As a result, I am very pleased to join my H. RES. 786 My thoughts are with those who were colleagues today in passing House Resolution Whereas Father Damien de Veuster, SS.CC. lost, their loved ones, and the tens of 810 expressing our condolences to the Indo- was born Joseph de Veuster in , Bel- thousands of survivors who are strug- nesian people for the devastating earthquake gium, on January 3, 1840, and in 1859, at age gling in the aftermath. I stand with and loss of life in their Sumatra region. 19, he entered the Congregation of the Sacred President Obama in his offer of assist- I would also like to commend the courage Hearts of Jesus and Mary in Louvain and se- ance that will help alleviate the suf- and perseverance of the Indonesian govern- lected Damien as his religious name; fering and provide relief in this region. ment and people as they work tirelessly with Whereas in 1863, Father Damien received Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, permission to replace his ill brother, and humanitarian organizations in distributing aid sailed to the Hawaiian Islands to perform we continue to reserve. and mobilizing relief efforts. All the while, missionary work; Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, strong aftershocks continue to rock the region Whereas Father Damien arrived in Hono- I yield myself such time as I may con- and create hazardous conditions for both resi- lulu, Hawaii on March 19, 1864, was ordained sume. dents and rescue workers. to the priesthood at the Cathedral of Our Mr. Speaker, I will say that Indo- There is still much to be done, yet the Indo- Lady of Peace on May 21, 1864, and began his nesia has come a long way in estab- nesian government and countless other hu- pastoral ministry on the island of Hawaii; lishing its democracy, being the largest manitarian and private groups continue to pro- Whereas the Hawaiian Government de- democratic country. It happens to be a vide emergency assistance to those in need. ported individuals infected with leprosy, now Muslim country with a population of also known as Hansen’s disease, to a penin- The U.S. also shows our support as we re- sula on the island of , to prevent fur- some 225 million people. affirm our commitment by releasing millions in ther spread of the disease, and Bishop Louis I want to also commend President aid and contributing to the widespread inter- Maigret, SS.CC. sought the help of Father SBY for all that he is trying to do in national response. We continue to regard In- Damien and other priests to provide spiritual helping the good people of West Papua. donesia as an important ally, recognizing its assistance for the sufferers of Hansen’s dis- There have been some difficulties along recent democratic transition and trans- ease; the way, but I suspect that every effort formation into the world’s third largest democ- Whereas several priests volunteered to is being made to address the needs of racy. In addition, hosting the world’s largest work on Molokai for a few months, but Fa- the people of West Papua. Certainly I ther Damien requested to remain perma- Muslim majority, the people of Indonesia dem- nently with the individuals suffering from congratulate them on the recent na- onstrate that Islam and democracy are not Hansen’s disease, and was among the first to tional elections that were done in such mutually exclusive and can successfully work leave for the island of Molokai on May 10, a way that it was again demonstrated in tandem. Thus, we look forward to fostering 1873; that democracy can happen in a Mus- future cooperation between the United States Whereas for 16 years, Father Damien lim country like Indonesia. and Indonesia in the areas of trade, national served as a voice of hope and a source of con- So I want us to realize that only 5 security, and cultural awareness and apprecia- solation and encouragement for the individ- years ago we had a tsunami that also tion. uals afflicted with Hansen’s disease; Whereas working together, Father Damien impacted Indonesia, that some 220,000 The Indonesian people have seen tremen- people died as a result of that terrible and the people isolated on the Kalaupapa pe- dous change in the last decade, and they ninsula accomplished remarkable achieve- disaster, and for which I am very grate- once again continue to persevere through ments, including building houses and hos- ful that our country responded in such tragedy. It is my hope that our nations will only pitals, taking care of the patients’ spiritual a way that I think the people of Indo- continue to grow in our commitment to one and physical needs, building 6 chapels, con- nesia deeply appreciated our assist- another and to freedom, justice, and democ- structing a home for boys and a home for ance. racy. girls, and burying the hundreds who died So we are at this again. Another dis- I would like to thank Congressman BERMAN during his years on the island of Molokai; Whereas Father Damien died on April 15, aster struck Indonesia, and I thank the and Ranking Member ILEANA ROS-LEHTINEN for administration for all the efforts that 1889, after contracting Hansen’s disease, and helping to move this important resolution to his remains were transferred to Belgium in are being made to give assistance to the floor. 1936, where he was interred in the crypt of the good people of Indonesia. And, again I extend my heartfelt condo- the church of the Congregation of the Sacred Mr. BURTON of Indiana. Mr. Speaker, I lences to the Indonesian people and the family Hearts at Louvain; have the honor and privilege of co-chairing the and friends of those who are suffering greatly Whereas in 1938, the process for beatifi- Congressional Indonesia Caucus with my as a result of this disaster. cation for Father Damien was introduced at good friend, Congressman WEXLER. Accord- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, Malines, Belgium; ingly, I want to take this moment to express we yield back the balance of our time. Whereas in April 1965, the Legislature of my heartfelt condolences to the citizens of In- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, the State of Hawaii selected Father Damien as the first of its two selections for the Na- donesia, the President, and the Indonesian I yield back the balance of my time. tional Statuary Hall Collection in the U.S. government in the aftermath of the devastating The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Capitol; earthquakes that struck the West Sumatra re- question is on the motion offered by Whereas, on April 15, 1969, a statue of Fa- gion this past month. the gentleman from American Samoa ther Damien and a statue of King Kameha- On September 30, 2009, a 7.6 magnitude (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) that the House meha I, gifts from the State of Hawaii, were earthquake that originated northwest of the suspend the rules and agree to the reso- unveiled at the Capitol Rotunda; city of Padang (population: 900,000) led to the lution, H. Res. 810. Whereas, on July 7, 1977, Pope Paul VI de- loss of 800 lives. Countless more remain The question was taken; and (two- clared Father Damien ‘‘venerable’’, the first thirds being in the affirmative) the of 3 steps that lead to sainthood; missing and are presumed dead while thou- Whereas, on June 4, 1995, Pope John Paul II sands have been displaced from their homes rules were suspended and the resolu- declared Father Damien ‘‘Blessed Damien’’, that were either destroyed or remain unsafe tion was agreed to. and his feast is on May 10, the day Father as ongoing tremors continue to bring uncer- A motion to reconsider was laid on Damien first entered the island of Molokai; tainty to the area. the table. and

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00019 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.035 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11320 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 Whereas Father Damien will be canonized until he died on April 15, 1889, after We all fervently wish that this past a saint on October 11, 2009, by Pope Benedict contracting the disease himself. Sunday’s canonization of yet another XVI: Now, therefore, be it In 1977, recognizing his life of good American saint will bring blessings to Resolved, That the House of Representa- works and the sacrifice he made in tives honors and praises Father Damien for our country at a time of economic un- his legacy, work, service, and his insistence helping others, Pope Paul VI began the certainty at home and perils abroad. on recognizing the human rights and dignity process that would ultimately lead to I urge my colleagues to strongly sup- of every individual, particularly those who sainthood for Father Damien. port this resolution. lived alongside him at the Hansen’s disease Mr. Speaker, just last Sunday, Fa- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of settlement on the island of Molokai. ther Damien was finally canonized as a my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- saint by Pope Benedict XVI. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I urge all my colleagues to honor the ant to the rule, the gentleman from I yield myself 2 minutes. American Samoa (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) life and accomplishments of Father Damien and his legacy of self-sacrifice Mr. Speaker, years ago it was my and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. privilege to have been invited by the ROS-LEHTINEN) each will control 20 by supporting this resolution. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of famous native Hawaiian navigator minutes. Nainoa Thompson to be a member of The Chair recognizes the gentleman my time. Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I the crew of the famous Hawaiian from American Samoa. yield myself such time as I may con- voyaging canoe Hokule‘a. We sailed GENERAL LEAVE sume. from Tahiti, and it took us about 27 Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this days until finally we sighted the fa- I ask unanimous consent that all Mem- resolution commemorating the canon- mous mountains of Mauna Kea. bers may have 5 legislative days to re- ization of Father Damien on Sunday, Part of our traveling along the Ha- vise and extend their remarks and in- October 11, by Pope Benedict XVI. I waiian chain of islands was that we clude extraneous material on the reso- thank Ms. HIRONO and the Hawaiian also visited the famous peninsula lution under consideration. delegation for introducing this resolu- called Kalaupapa on the island of The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there tion honoring a true American hero. Molokai where we visited and stayed objection to the request of the gen- When Father Damien first arrived in there, resting before we went on to the tleman from American Samoa? Hawaii as a missionary in 1864, he was island of Oahu. It was there, Mr. There was no objection. only 24 years old. After the Hawaiian Speaker, that I saw the legacy of Fa- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, Government ordered the quarantine of ther Damien’s work in dealing with the I rise in strong support of this resolu- those affected with leprosy to a settle- native Hawaiian people, or anybody tion and yield myself such time as I ment on the island of Molokai, Father who contracted leprosy who was sent may consume. Damien volunteered to go minister to to that island to remain there for the Mr. Speaker, this resolution com- their care. rest of their lives. memorates the canonization of Father The Catholic bishop introduced Fa- Damien de Veuster for his selfless The unfortunate stories that I have ther Damien to his new 816 parish- heard in the treatment of these people works ministering to those suffering ioners in the year 1873 as ‘‘one who will from Hansen’s disease, also known as is that they were just dropped off, not be a father to you, and one who loves even on the wharf. They were just sim- leprosy, on the Hawaiian island of you so much that he does not hesitate Molokai. I would also like to thank my ply taken there, and they had to swim to become one of you, to live and die to the islands in order to get there. good friend Ms. HIRONO from the State with you.’’ What a terrible way of treating those of Hawaii for sponsoring and authoring While Father Damien’s first action this resolution and for working to en- people that were screened or realized was to build a church, he did not limit that they had Hansen’s disease. sure that Father Damien’s legacy is his role to that of a priest. He dressed But I just wanted to describe the never forgotten. ulcers, built homes and beds, built cof- memory of seeing the school and the Many of us here and our colleagues fins and dug graves. Father Damien’s grave sites and the little community who walk the Halls of the Congress arrival was a turning point for the dis- that was built, for which Father have oftentimes passed by the distinc- ease-afflicted community, which, given Damien was very responsible in helping tive statue of Father Damien in the new hope, built homes instead of those who were in need and the people Capitol, yet few of us understood that shacks, constructed new schools and who contracted Hansen’s disease on the this was a man who essentially gave organized working farms. his life in order to help others. Father Damien contracted the dis- island of Molokai on this particular pe- In 1863, at the age of 23, Father ease as a result of this ministry and ninsula, the beautiful, beautiful penin- Damien left his home in Belgium, sail- died at the age of 49 on April 15, 1889, a sula of Kalaupapa, very, very histor- ing to Hawaii to perform missionary date still commemorated in Hawaii. ical; and I know this is true also to our work. At that time, the Hawaiian Gov- No less an authority than Mahatma native Hawaiian community. ernment deported those who had con- Gandhi wrote the following concerning Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to my tracted Hansen’s disease to a place Father Damien: ‘‘The political and good friend, the distinguished author of called Kalaupapa on the island of journalistic world can boast of very few this legislation, the gentlewoman from Molokai to prevent the spread of the heroes who compare with Father Hawaii (Ms. HIRONO). disease. Though he was aware of the Damien of Molokai. It is worthwhile to Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I would risks of contracting leprosy, Father look for those sources of such her- like to thank my friends, the gen- Damien decided to move to Molokai oism.’’ tleman from American Samoa and the permanently in order to be with those Given his work with those who suf- gentlelady from Florida, for their kind who suffered there. fered from a disease which carried a so- remarks in support of this resolution. Isolated from society on the cial stigma, Father Damien has also I rise today in support of my resolu- Kalaupapa peninsula on the island of become the unofficial patron of those tion commemorating the canonization Molokai, Father Damien and those to afflicted with HIV/AIDS. The world’s of Father Damien, a member of the whom he ministered had many remark- only Roman Catholic memorial chapel congregation of the Sacred Hearts of able achievements: building schools dedicated to those who have died of Jesus and Mary, to sainthood this past and hospitals, constructing churches HIV/AIDS, located in Montreal, Can- Sunday, October 11, 2009. and homes, and attending to the spir- ada, is consecrated to him. We can all celebrate the life of St. itual and physical needs of those suf- We in the Congress have long been Damien, a man who put his faith and fering from Hansen’s disease, or lep- aware of the deep affection felt by the principles into action in the service of rosy. people of the Aloha State for their a group of people who suffered not only For 16 years, Father Damien served adopted son. A statue of Father the physical effects of leprosy, now as a voice of hope and a source of con- Damien was one of the two sent from known as Hansen’s disease, but also solation and encouragement for indi- the then-new State of Hawaii to be from the terrible stigma associated viduals afflicted with Hansen’s disease, placed in the Nation’s Capitol in 1965. with the disease.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00020 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.009 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11321 b 1215 I have visited Father Damien’s grave around the world without regard to time and Father Damien is recognized for his at Kalawao on the Kalaupapa penin- place. Father Damien’s hope and devotion 16 years of selfless service to the people sula, and as you can see by this photo continue to strengthen all of us today, and his who were forcibly isolated on the pe- that was taken when I visited sainthood affirms this for eternity. ninsula of Kalaupapa, on the island of Kalaupapa, it seems almost unreal. It I urge my colleagues to support this resolu- Molokai, Hawaii, because they were di- is a beautiful place where tremendous tion and Father Damien’s work and legacy, a agnosed with Hansen’s disease. Living suffering took place, but also a place timeless example of compassion and dedica- among the people of Kalaupapa from imbued with great spiritual feeling. tion. 1873 to 1889, he eventually contracted Father Damien’s grave site is marked Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance the disease, ultimately died from its ef- on this photo in the far left. of my time. fects, and was buried on Molokai. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The policy of exiling persons with the time of the gentlewoman has expired. question is on the motion offered by disease that was then known as leprosy Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I yield the the gentleman from American Samoa began under the Kingdom of Hawaii gentlewoman an additional 1 minute. (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) that the House and continued under the governments Ms. HIRONO. I hope that you will suspend the rules and agree to the reso- of the Republic of Hawaii, the Terri- have the opportunity to visit lution, H. Res. 786, as amended. tory of Hawaii and the State of Hawaii. Kalaupapa at some point in your lives. The question was taken. Children, mothers and fathers were I know that you will be deeply moved, The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the forcibly separated and sent to as I was, by the example of this man, opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Kalaupapa, which for most of its his- this saint, as well as by the courage in the affirmative, the ayes have it. tory could only be accessed by water or and perseverance of the people he dedi- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, via a steep mule trail. Children born to cated his life to serving. on that I demand the yeas and nays. parents at Kalaupapa were taken away Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, The yeas and nays were ordered. from their mothers and sent to orphan- we have no further requests for time, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ages or to other family members out- and I yield back the balance of our ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the side Kalaupapa. Hawaii’s isolation laws time. Chair’s prior announcement, further for people with Hansen’s disease were Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I would like proceedings on this motion will be not repealed until 1969, even though to ask just a couple more minutes to postponed. say I want to share with my colleagues medications to control the disease have f been available since the late 1940s. another beautiful story, a legacy of Fa- I believe that all people, regardless of ther Damien. This is a story about a CELEBRATING 90 YEARS OF their religious beliefs, can recognize native Hawaiian leader by the name of UNITED STATES-POLISH DIPLO- truly extraordinary persons who give Jonathan Napela. And when this Ha- MATIC RELATIONS of themselves without reserve for the waiian leader found out that his wife Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, betterment of their fellow human had contracted Hansen’s disease, he I move to suspend the rules and agree beings. Father Damien was surely such went with her to Kalaupapa, lived with to the resolution (H. Res. 266) cele- a person. No sickness was as feared as her throughout the rest of his life, and brating 90 years of United States-Pol- leprosy in the late 1800s, but he volun- he also contracted Hansen’s disease be- ish diplomatic relations, during which teered to serve at Kalaupapa and re- cause of the love that he had for his Poland has proven to be an exception- quested to stay there in order to serve wife, and they lived there, working ally strong partner to the United those who were most shunned. He rec- with Father Damien and other leaders States in advancing freedom around ognized the human rights and inherent there in this little community of the world, as amended. dignity of all people, especially those Kalaupapa. The Clerk read the title of the resolu- he lived alongside at Kalaupapa. And I just wanted to note that for tion. Father Damien worked with the peo- the RECORD. This famous native Hawai- The text of the resolution is as fol- ple of Kalaupapa to improve their liv- ian leader by the name of Jonathan lows: ing conditions. A skilled carpenter, he Napela also was a beautiful story of H. RES. 266 led in the building of houses and hos- how much he was able to help the com- Whereas the United States established dip- pitals, six chapels, a home for boys and munity there in Kalaupapa and the is- lomatic relations with the newly inde- a home for girls. At the same time, he land of Molokai. pendent Second Polish Republic in April ministered to the spiritual and phys- Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise 1919; ical needs of his parishioners and today to support H. Res. 786 in commemo- Whereas the year 2009 marks the 20th anni- helped to bury the hundreds who died rating the canonization of Father Damien de versary of the fall of communism in Poland, during his years there. Veuster to sainthood. as well as the restoration of democracy and It is noteworthy that shortly after The canonization of Father Damien com- market economy in that country; Hawaii became a State, Father Damien pletes his ascension to sainthood and gives Whereas the year 2009 marks the 10th anni- was the first selection of the State leg- universal veneration to a life of extraordinary versary of Poland’s accession to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO); islature to be memorialized in a statue commitment, charity, and faith. It has been Whereas the year 2009 marks the 5th anni- as part of the more than 120 years since his death on the versary of Poland’s accession to the Euro- in Washington, DC. Despite the fact Kalaupapa Peninsula on the island of Molokai, pean Union (EU); that he was not born in Hawaii and but Father Damien’s life continues to illu- Whereas the year 2009 marks the 50th anni- lived so long ago, Hawaii’s people rec- minate for all humankind the pathway of serv- versary of the Fulbright Educational Ex- ognize that his life embodied the true ice to the needy. change Program in Poland; spirit of aloha, which means, love, Father Damien’s mission in life and the jour- Whereas Poland has overcome a legacy of compassion, mercy, grace, and ney he took to fulfill it were inspired by a sim- foreign occupation and period of communist rule to emerge as a free and democratic na- malama, which means to care for. ple yet profound compassion, to recognize the tion; Last week in Louvain, Belgium, prior human rights and dignity of every individual, Whereas Poland is a valued partner in the to the canonization, some 400 Hawaii particularly those who were cast aside to fight against global terrorism and has con- residents, including 11 former Hansen’s Kalaupapa. He challenged the orthodoxies of tributed troops to the stabilization and re- disease patients from Kalaupapa, at- his own church and the government to provide construction efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq; tended a mass with the King and Queen the needed resources to care for Hansen’s and of Belgium near St. Damien’s birth- disease patients who had been banished to Whereas Poland has cooperated closely place. Addressing those who came all Kalaupapa—attracting worldwide attention to with the United States on issues such as de- the way from Hawaii, Cardinal mocratization, nuclear nonproliferation, his demonstration of humanity. human rights, regional cooperation in Cen- Danneels, a native of Belgium said, He lived, worked, and died in geographic tral and Eastern Europe, and reform of the ‘‘We gave life to Father Damien. You isolation with the people he cared for, but his United Nations: Now, therefore, be it gave him back as a saint. We thank timeless teachings and inspiration have Resolved, That the House of Representa- you.’’ reached a vast congregation that reaches tives—

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00021 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.039 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11322 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 (1) celebrates the 90th anniversary of ticularly fitting given the key role In this instance, the decision to can- United States-Polish diplomatic relations; played by President Woodrow Wilson in cel the project was (2) congratulates the Polish people on their demanding that an independent Poland communicated to Polish officials only great accomplishments as a free democracy; be included in the Treaty of Versailles. the night before it was announced. The and (3) expresses appreciation for Poland’s Since that time, there has continued decision was also announced on the steadfast partnership with the United to be a close friendship between our 70th anniversary of the invasion of the States. two peoples and countries. The esti- Soviet Union of Poland in 1939. What The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- mated 10 million of our fellow Polish an insult. In light of the timing of the ant to the rule, the gentleman from Americans who comprise 3 percent of decision, and given that Russian troops the U.S. population have made consid- American Samoa (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) invaded Georgia last year, should we and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. erable contributions to the cultural, have been surprised when our Polish al- economic, social, and political fabric of ROS-LEHTINEN) each will control 20 lies reacted with alarm at the sudden- minutes. our great Nation. I welcome the ness of the announcement? I think not. The gentleman from American planned visit by Vice President BIDEN In short, Mr. Speaker, our relation- Samoa is recognized. to Poland later this month, as it pro- ship with Poland requires skillful han- vides an excellent opportunity to af- dling and needs to take into account GENERAL LEAVE firm our strong bilateral relationship. what Poland has experienced over the Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I strongly support this resolution and past 100 years in order to avoid sending I ask unanimous consent that all Mem- urge my colleagues to do the same. unintended and potentially damaging bers may have 5 legislative days to re- I reserve the balance of my time. messages to such a close ally. vise and extend their remarks and in- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. Speaker, I support the resolution clude extraneous material on the reso- yield myself such time as I may con- before us today. lution under consideration. sume. I rise today in strong support of I reserve the balance of our time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there House Resolution 266, which celebrates Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, objection to the request of the gen- 90 years of U.S.-Polish diplomatic rela- at this time I would like to yield 3 min- tleman from American Samoa? tions and the fact that Poland has utes to the distinguished gentleman, There was no objection. proven to be a strong partner for the the author of this piece of legislation, Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. I yield my- United States in advancing freedom the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. LIPIN- self such time as I may consume. around the world. SKI). Mr. Speaker, I am in strong support Poland has come a long way since of House Resolution 266, which cele- throwing off the yoke of Communism b 1230 brates 90 years of diplomatic relations 20 years ago. In fact, it was only 2 Mr. LIPINSKI. Mr. Speaker, I rise between the United States and Poland. months ago that Poles celebrated the today in strong support of H. Res. 266, I wish to thank my good friend, the 20th anniversary of the first free and celebrating 90 years of diplomatic rela- distinguished gentleman from the democratic parliamentary elections in tions between the United States and State of Illinois (Mr. LIPINSKI) for his their country, held in 1989, which fol- Poland and recognizing Poland’s crit- authorship and introduction of this bill lowed decades of Communist rule and ical role in advancing freedom and de- that enables the House to join the Sen- Soviet domination of Poland. The elec- mocracy across the globe. We must ate in marking this significant anni- tion, in fact, helped provide the inspi- never forget Lech Walesa’s leadership versary and reaffirming our friendship ration for the peoples of other Central inside Poland and the Polish pope, with an important ally. and Eastern European nations to sub- Pope John Paul II’s leadership from It is remarkable to think that it has sequently free themselves from the the outside which helped lead to the been only 20 years since Poland began shackles of the Communist regimes in collapse of the Soviet Union and the to emerge from a period marked by their countries. collapse of the wall separating the East war, Communist rule and occupation. Today, Poland is a free and demo- and West and the freedom that that On June 4, 1989, the good people of Po- cratic country and a full and valued brought to so many hundreds of mil- land voted in semi-democratic par- member of a number of international lions of people around the world. liamentary elections. They resulted in organizations, including the European As a Polish American, as the co- a landslide victory for opposition can- Union and NATO. Through NATO, Po- Chair of the Congressional Caucus on didates fielded by the Solidarity trade land is a full ally of the United States Poland, and as someone who represents union over the ruling Communists. The and, in that role, has significantly con- part of the most Polish city outside of new government moved swiftly to re- tributed to the United States-led ef- Poland, I’m especially proud to sponsor establish democratic practices and a forts to fight global terrorism. this resolution. I would like to thank free market economy. This resolution, Mr. Speaker, cele- the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. This election marked a turning point brates the 90th anniversary of the U.S.- SMITH) for working with me on this in the region, as other Soviet satellite Polish diplomatic relations. It con- resolution and on other important states in Central and Eastern Europe gratulates the Polish people on their issues. regained their freedom by the end of great accomplishments as a great de- In addition to marking the 90th anni- 1989. Poland undertook internal re- mocracy, and it expresses appreciation versary of U.S.-Poland diplomatic rela- forms that enabled its rapid integra- for Poland’s partnership with the tions, this year also marks the 20th an- tion into the Euro-Atlantic commu- United States. niversary of the fall of communism in nity. Indeed, 2009 marks the fifth anni- Given the specific intent of the reso- Poland, the 10th anniversary of Po- versary of Poland’s membership with lution before us today dealing with the land’s accession to NATO, and the 5th the European Union and the 10th anni- importance of our relationship with anniversary of Poland’s membership in versary of its accession to NATO. Po- our ally, Poland, I would like to com- the European Union. land has since been playing an active ment on the recent decision by Presi- Ninety years ago, there were already role in the international community, dent Obama to cancel the long-range 150,000 Polish immigrants in and helping to secure peace and stability missile defense project with Poland. around Chicago. The Polish American through its contributions to civilian We could debate the recent decision to Association recently noted that fol- and military operations in Afghanistan cancel the long-range missile defense lowing World War II, ‘‘Polish Ameri- and Iraq. project in Poland, a decision with cans made up a large part of the count- In addition, Poland has been a strong which many of us, obviously, disagree. less families moving into Chicago sub- ally of the United States. This year we In light of the history of Eastern Eu- urbs, especially southwest suburbs are marking 90 years of diplomatic re- rope over the past century, and of Po- such as Oak Lawn and Hickory Hills lations, with the United States being land, in particular, we should exercise and western suburbs such as Berwyn the first country to recognize the care in the ways that we arrive at deci- and Lyons.’’ These are all areas I rep- newly independent Second Polish Re- sions that have great consequence to resent, and such communities are one public in January 1919. This was par- our allies in that region. reason our countries are so close.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00022 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.010 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11323 Poland’s struggle against com- Waiver Program to 35 other allies, in- I visited Poland with a group of other Mem- munism and its emergence as a free cluding other European nations like bers, so I have a firsthand sense of the hospi- and democratic nation are a great Belgium, the Czech Republic, Den- tality of Poland, and also of Poland’s commit- chapter in the history of the 20th cen- mark, Estonia, Lithuania, and Latvia, ment to freedom and national security. tury. In recent years, Poland has and I strongly believe we should have I am very disappointed in President strongly supported the United States extended this same courtesy to our al- Obama’s decision not to follow through with diplomatically and militarily, helping lies in Poland long ago. Poland re- the placing of ground-based missile defense to combat global terrorism and con- pealed its own visa requirement back systems in Poland. In the United States House tributing troops in Iraq and Afghani- in 1991 and allows Americans to travel of Representatives and in the Senate, there stan. throughout Poland without the use of a are still many supporters of such a system. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to visa. I appreciate the serious debates and com- join me in supporting this resolution The nation of Poland has proven time mitments Poland has made to be an ally of and in conveying America’s thanks to and again, Mr. Speaker, its steadfast the United States on missile defense, and I the Polish people. Poland has been one dedication to the cause of human free- will continue to urge full cooperation between of our Nation’s best friends and strong- dom as well as its friendship with the the United States and Poland on this matter. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, est allies. We must honor this relation- United States, and it is appropriate at this time, I have no further speakers ship and make sure that we work to that they understand that America is and yield back the balance of my time. continue it and work to strengthen grateful. And I just reiterate my grati- tude to Mr. LIPINSKI and Ms. ROS- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The that relationship with great respect. question is on the motion offered by Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, LEHTINEN. the gentleman from American Samoa I’m very pleased to yield 4 minutes to Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) that the House the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time. suspend the rules and agree to the reso- FRANKS), a member of the Armed Serv- lution, H. Res. 266, as amended. ices and Judiciary Committees and the Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, 1 The question was taken; and (two- co-Chair of the House Missile Defense at this time, I yield 1 ⁄2 minutes to my good friend, the gentleman from New thirds being in the affirmative) the Caucus. rules were suspended and the resolu- Mr. FRANKS of Arizona. I thank the York (Mr. TONKO). Mr. TONKO. Mr. Speaker, I rise in tion, as amended, was agreed to. gentlelady, as always. wholehearted support of this resolu- A motion to reconsider was laid on Mr. Speaker, it is a privilege for me the table. to stand here today in strong, whole- tion. I thank Representative LIPINSKI f hearted support of our cherished ally, for his outstanding work that he has the nation of Poland, and in strong done to bring this resolution to the RECOGNIZING THE 140TH ANNIVER- floor. support of House Resolution 266. And I SARY OF THE BIRTH OF MA- In 1919, the United States established want to thank Mr. LIPINSKI, a cher- HATMA GANDHI diplomatic relations with the newly ished friend of mine, for his willingness formed Polish Republic. After 90 years Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, to put forth this resolution. of diplomatic relations, our relations I move to suspend the rules and agree After the recently announced deci- have never been stronger. to the resolution (H. Res. 603) recog- sion by the Obama administration Over the last 90 years, the Polish peo- nizing the 140th anniversary of the abandoning our promised missile de- ple have overcome profound challenges, birth of Mahatma Gandhi. fense interceptors in Poland, our allies’ and Poland has emerged as a beacon for The Clerk read the title of the resolu- newspaper headlines stated the situa- democracy and economic revitaliza- tion. The text of the resolution is as fol- tion in rather stark terms, Mr. Speak- tion. In the 1980s, Polish workers rose lows: er. One Polish newspaper had the head- against the Soviet elite, and despite line, ‘‘Betrayed! The USA has sold us significant oppression, forced demo- H. RES. 603 to the Russians and stabbed us in the cratic elections in 1989 and was a sig- Whereas October 2, 2009, marks the 140th back.’’ nificant factor in the fall of the Iron anniversary of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi; Whereas Mahatma Gandhi was a great po- Now, Mr. Speaker, it’s a travesty be- Curtain. Despite the decades of Soviet yond words that the United States of litical leader, devout and spiritual Hindu, control, over the last 20 years, the Pol- and leader of India’s nationalist movement; America, the bastion of freedom ish economy has expanded dramati- throughout the entire world, would Whereas all his life Gandhi courageously cally and now is one of the economic supported, and in fact gave his life for, the give reason to a loyal ally like Poland engines of Europe. cause of Hindu Muslim amity; to write headlines like that. Poland Over the years, Poland has cooper- Whereas Gandhi helped to make India the has strongly supported the United ated closely with the United States on largest democracy in the world; States diplomatically and militarily issues such as democratization, nuclear Whereas his philosophy of nonviolent civil and has joined with us courageously in proliferation, human rights, regional disobedience has influenced people around combating global terrorism and has the world for the betterment of mankind; cooperation in Eastern Europe, and re- Whereas Gandhi developed the term contributed troops to the coalitions led form of the United Nations. by the United States of America both Satyagraha, meaning vindication of truth, Today we can recognize these great not by inflicting suffering on others but in Afghanistan and in Iraq. contributions and reaffirm our com- through nonviolent and patient self-suf- For these reasons and so many oth- mitment to our relationship with this fering; ers, Mr. Speaker, I’m honored to stand great ally by voting in support of this Whereas his autobiography ‘‘My Experi- here today with my colleagues to resolution. I urge my colleagues, Mr. ments with Truth’’ reveals the inner voice of warmly congratulate the Polish people Speaker, to vote in support of House one of history’s most spiritual leaders; on their remarkable accomplishments Resolution 266. Whereas Gandhi counseled humankind to ‘‘Hate the sin, and love the sinner’’, urged as a free nation and to express our Mr. ADERHOLT. Mr. Speaker, I would like gratitude for Poland’s steadfast part- people everywhere to ‘‘be the change you to also join in support of H. Res. 266, cele- want to see in the world’’, and reminded the nership with the United States and to brating 90 years of diplomatic relations be- world that ‘‘Freedom is not worth having if affirm our clear and unwavering sup- tween the United States and the Polish Re- it does not connote the freedom to err’’; and port for the free democratic nation of public. Whereas as a result of his timeless legacy, Poland. In those years, Poland has suffered inva- Gandhi’s name has come to symbolize free- Mr. Speaker, I would go one step fur- sion, and then the cruel domination of com- dom and justice around the world: Now, ther by stating that one of the best munism. therefore, be it ways we could demonstrate our deep The religious faith and the courage of Po- Resolved, That the House of Representa- love and appreciation for the nation tives— land’s people carried them out of those dark (1) recognizes the 140th anniversary of the and people of Poland would be to prove years, and Poland today is a beacon of de- birth of Mahatma Gandhi; that we mean this by extending the mocracy to the rest of the world. (2) acknowledges and commends Mahatma Visa Waiver Program to our Polish al- With an impressive history, Poland is also Gandhi’s unique and lasting role in the es- lies. We’ve already extended the Visa poised to be a leader of Europe’s future. tablishment of the state of India and its

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00023 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.042 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11324 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 democratic institutions, which will be re- Though his life was cut tragically biographer noted, fundamentally, Gan- vered for generations to come; and short by an assassin’s bullet, his legacy dhi was a man of vision and action, (3) congratulates the visionary leadership is seen in the over 1.5 billion people who asked many of the most profound of Mahatma Gandhi, which enhanced the who inhabit the free and independent questions that face humankind as it rapidly deepening friendship between the United States and India, the world’s oldest countries of the Indian subcontinent struggles to live in a community. It and largest democracy, respectively. and by our own embrace of the prin- was this confrontation out of a real hu- manity which marks his true stature The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ciples of nonviolent political action, and which makes his struggles and ant to the rule, the gentleman from unity, and religious tolerance within the United States. glimpses of enduring significance to us American Samoa (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) I urge all my colleagues to honor the all. As a man of his time who asked the and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. 140th anniversary of the birth of the deepest questions, even though he may ROS-LEHTINEN) each will control 20 great Mahatma Gandhi by supporting not have had all of the answers, he be- minutes. this resolution. came a man for all times and all The gentleman from American With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the places. Samoa is recognized. balance of my time. Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge support GENERAL LEAVE Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I for this resolution, and with that, I re- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, yield myself such time as I may con- serve the balance of my time. I ask unanimous consent that all Mem- sume. b 1245 bers may have 5 legislative days to re- I rise in support of House Resolution Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, vise and extend their remarks and in- 603, a measure recognizing the 140th I yield myself such time as I may con- clude extraneous material on the reso- anniversary of the birth of Mahatma sume. lution under consideration. Gandhi. At the outset, let me express The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there I want to commend and thank the my deep appreciation to our distin- gentlelady from Florida, our ranking objection to the request of the gen- guished chairman, Mr. HOWARD BER- tleman from American Samoa? member of our House Foreign Affairs MAN, my good friend from California, Committee, for authoring this resolu- There was no objection. for his strong support of this bipartisan Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, tion and giving remembrance to our resolution and to the co-Chairs of the Nation about the legacy and life of this I rise in strong support of the resolu- India Caucus for their cosponsorship. tion and yield myself such time as I great human being. Mr. Speaker, I introduced this resolu- You know, the unusual thing about may consume. tion to honor the extraordinary life my reading about this great person, This resolution recognizes the 140th and the legacy of Mahatma Gandhi. Mahatma Gandhi, was that he was a anniversary of the birth of Mahatma The broad outlines in the life story of firm believer not only in the Guida, but Gandhi, one of the 20th century’s this remarkable human being are, of also in the Bible. He believed in a lot of greatest political leaders, a devout and course, generally well known: his the principles that were taught by spiritual Hindu, and the father of In- struggles as a young lawyer in South Jesus Christ in the Bible itself. And as dia’s nationalist movement. Africa for the civil liberties and the po- I recall a statement of the Good Book While much has been said about the litical rights of Indian immigrants; his saying, Love your enemies, do good to great works of Gandhi’s life, it is im- return to India and his leadership in them who hate you, I think gives the portant that we never forget that with- the long and complex struggle for home great substance of what Gandhi had out Gandhi, the fates of what is now rule and then independence; and his said, hate the sin, but not the sinner. the world’s largest democracy, India, campaign against violent com- And I think in the same way he tried and the oldest democracy, the United munalism and terror, a struggle that to say to the British Empire, he loves States, would likely be far different. ultimately cost him his life. the British people, but he did not like Mahatma Gandhi served as an inspi- In the course of this journey, Gandhi what the British Government was ration for a movement that ended the believed and developed the distinctive doing to his people. rule of the British Raj and created a philosophy of nonviolence. This philos- I think it was at the time when he free and independent Indian state. I ophy has influenced so many great fig- had just completed his legal studies might also add, Mr. Speaker, it ended ures of world history from Nehru to the from Oxford University that he was the rule of the British Empire. But of Reverend Martin Luther King, Jr., to given an assignment to go to South Af- equal significance, especially to us in Aung San Suu Kyi. rica to help one of the Indian commu- this Chamber today, Mahatma Gandhi Today, Cuban dissidents and political nity people there with some of the inspired the American civil rights prisoners such as Dr. Oscar Elias Biscet problems. movement that hailed one of America’s turn to Gandhi’s tenets of peaceful And it was on that train ride that he most remarkable social and political civil disobedience to challenge the purchased a first-class ticket on this transformations. Cuban tyranny and demand the free- train, and the porter there stopped him By advocating nonviolence, a radical dom of the Cuban people. saying, You’re not supposed to sit on new form of resistance, Mahatma Gan- In a world too often worked marked that first-class trip; you are supposed dhi transformed the methods used by violence and vast inequity, Gandhi to be out in the baggage area where all around the world to protest oppression. said, ‘‘be the change you want to see in the nonwhite people are supposed to be Mahatma Gandhi developed the term the world.’’ sitting. And he protested and said, I ‘‘Satyagraha,’’ meaning vindication of ‘‘Be the change you want to see in bought a first-class ticket, I deserve it, truth not by inflicting suffering on the world.’’ This reminds us all of the and there should be no reason why I others but through nonviolent and pa- need for personal integrity in the shouldn’t sit in the first-class cabin on tient self-suffering. He counseled hu- struggle for peaceful change and the the train. And for that, he was not only mankind to ‘‘hate the sin and love the fullest respect for human dignity. beaten, but he was left to himself and sinner’’ and urged people everywhere to Mr. Speaker, as we have all come to the train went on. ‘‘be the change you want to see in the understand, the life and the teachings It was in that given experience that world.’’ The late Reverend Martin Lu- of this deeply philosophical and spir- Mahatma Gandhi said, Something is ther King, Jr., became the agent, an in- itual man have touched millions of wrong here; and from there he started strument, of that change here in the people around the world. Indeed, in believing that the British colonial rule United States. world affairs, the person who arguably of his people just did not seem to fit In India, at a time when sectarian affected change more than anyone else, right as far as the way that the Indian tensions threatened to disrupt the more effectively than anybody else, people were being treated by the Brit- independence movement, Mahatma was Mahatma Gandhi. ish. Gandhi encouraged dialogue between Mr. Speaker, ultimately, what was it For that, Mr. Speaker, history has Muslim and Hindu community leaders, about this complex and enigmatic man well spoken. I don’t have the exact working to cool passions and put an that made him one of the most iconic quote that was given by Albert Ein- end to religious-based violence. figures of the 20th century? As a recent stein that said no mortal in the last 100

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The ant to the rule, the gentleman from cause Mr. Winston Churchill believed question is on the motion offered by American Samoa (Mr. Faleomavega) that the British Empire should rule for the gentleman from American Samoa and the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. another 1,000 years perhaps. (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) that the House ROS-LEHTINEN) each will control 20 But I must say that, yes, there is ab- suspend the rules and agree to the reso- minutes. solutely no question that the life and lution, H. Res. 603. The Chair recognizes the gentleman the legacy of this great man, Mahatma The question was taken; and (two- from American Samoa. Gandhi, literally transformed even the thirds being in the affirmative) the GENERAL LEAVE civil rights movement here in our own rules were suspended and the resolu- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, country. And for good, I say, yes, abso- tion was agreed to. I ask unanimous consent that all Mem- A motion to reconsider was laid on lutely, influenced people like Rosa bers may have 5 legislative days to re- the table. Parks, and especially the great and the vise and extend their remarks and in- late Martin Luther King, Jr. for what f clude extraneous material on the reso- he has done to transform American So- EXPRESSING SYMPATHY FOR THE lution under consideration. ciety, making it better than what it CITIZENS OF THE PHILIPPINES The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there was. DEALING WITH TROPICAL STORM objection to the request of the gen- I would like to quote to my col- KETSANA AND TYPHOON PARMA tleman from American Samoa? leagues what Albert Einstein said: ‘‘I There was no objection. believe Gandhi’s views were the most Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, enlightened of all the political men in to the resolution (H. Res. 800) express- I rise in strong support of this resolu- our time.’’ tion and yield myself such time as I Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance ing sympathy for the citizens of the Philippines dealing with Tropical may consume. of my time. Mr. Speaker, this resolution extends Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. To close on our Storm Ketsana and Typhoon Parma, as amended. our profound sympathies and condo- side, Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield lences to the good people of the Phil- 4 minutes to the gentleman from Cali- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- tion. ippines for the terrible losses they suf- fornia (Mr. ROYCE), the ranking mem- The text of the resolution is as fol- fered as a result of Tropical Storm ber on the Subcommittee on Ter- lows: Ketsana and Typhoon Parma. I would rorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade. like to thank my good friend and col- Mr. ROYCE. Mr. Speaker, let me H. RES. 800 league, Representative JACKIE SPEIER thank the gentlelady from Florida. Whereas, on September 26, 2009, Tropical As cochairman of the Congressional Storm Ketsana made landfall on the Phil- from California, for her leadership in Caucus on India and Indian Americans, ippines with the heaviest rainfall in 40 years introducing this important legislation. I rise in support of House Resolution equivalent to a typical month of rain during On September 26, Typhoon Ketsana monsoon season; 603, recognizing the 140th anniversary brought the heaviest rainfall in 40 Whereas 80 percent of the capital, Manila, years, leaving 80 percent of Manila of the birth of Mahatma Gandhi. was submerged under water as a result; Today, we give special remembrance under water. The storm killed more Whereas at least 3,000,000 persons have than 330 people, left nearly 40 missing, to one of the most revered people of the been affected by Tropical Storm Ketsana; last century. Preaching nonviolence, Whereas more than 135,470 families or forced more than 135,000 families into Gandhi dedicated his life’s work to 686,000 persons have been forced into evacu- evacuation centers, and destroyed or helping others. As a leader in the In- ation centers; badly damaged nearly 40,000 houses. dian National Congress, Gandhi led Whereas the casualties, as of October 9, Eight days later, Typhoon Parma hit campaigns to ease poverty. He led the 2009, include at least 237 dead, 308 injured, the Philippines, causing further de- and 37 missing; struction in areas that were still satu- campaigns to expand women’s rights. Whereas more than 4,640 houses were dam- And of course he is remembered for his rated by the previous storm and result- aged or destroyed; ing in the loss of an additional 28 lives. efforts to build religious amity. Above Whereas Tropical Storm Ketsana has all else, however, Gandhi worked tire- caused at least $4,800,000,000 in damages; I certainly would like to express my lessly to free his nation and helped di- Whereas following the devastation caused deepest condolences and sympathies to rect India into a new era of democracy. by Tropical Storm Ketsana, Typhoon Parma the families who lost their loved ones His methods to do this included lead- hit land October 2, 2009, bringing with it in the storms and to those who were in- ership by example. It included his orga- more torrential rain causing further flood- jured and displaced from their homes. nizational ability. It also included ing, landslides, crop damaged, and killing at It is my sincere hope that the good peaceful civil disobedience as a tool least 193 more people; people of the Philippines will find Whereas the United States and the Phil- strength and solace knowing that the and his power to persuade by force of ippines have a unique and enduring relation- argument. These were the ways in ship that is based on shared history and com- world stands by them in these very try- which he motivated those not only in mitment to democratic principles, as well as ing times. his own nation, but around the world on strong economic ties; The United States and the Phil- to this cause. Whereas the historical and cultural links ippines continue to maintain close ties Having traveled to India during the between the Philippines and the United based upon historical relations, com- second round of voting during India’s States remain important; and mon interests, and shared values. The recent election, the largest democratic Whereas the Filipino American community Filipino American community is the display the world has ever seen, I is the second largest Asian-American group second largest Asian American group in the United States with a population of ap- would have to say that Gandhi himself proximately 3,100,000: Now, therefore, be it in the United States, and they make an would indeed have been proud of how Resolved, That the House of Representa- invaluable contribution to our own far his nation has come. Under his tives— country here in America. guidance, India has become a plural- (1) mourns the terrible loss of life caused This resolution reflects our steadfast istic democracy of many religions and by Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon commitment to this relationship, as ethnic groups, I think probably as plu- Parma that occurred on September 26, 2009, well as our strong desire for a speedy ralistic as the United States. We are and October 1, 2009; recovery of our friends in the Phil- (2) expresses its deepest condolences to the ippines who are suffering from the here today to help keep the spirit of families of the many victims; Gandhi alive and to remember his re- (3) urges President Obama to continue to aftermaths of these two major natural markable achievements. support the Philippines with emergency re- disasters. Before I close, I would also like to ex- lief supplies, logistical, transportation as- Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of tend my best wishes to the millions of sistance, and financial support; and my time.

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Our two peoples have stood California (Mr. ROYCE), the ranking Parma struck Luzon, the heart of the together in war and in peace, with Fili- member on the Subcommittee on Ter- Philippine agricultural region which pino comrades-in-arms enduring, with rorism, Nonproliferation, and Trade. supplies half of the nation’s supply of our own veterans, the siege of Cor- Mr. ROYCE. I thank the gentlelady rice. Typhoon Parma decimated roads, regidor and the Bataan Death March. for yielding. bridges, entire villages, and vast tracts The Filipino people then fought brave- Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of of rice patties waiting to be harvested ly for over 3 years, waiting for General House Resolution 800, expressing con- later this month. MacArthur to fulfill his pledge to re- dolences to the people and Government Nearly 200 have perished from this turn. More recently, Manila has served of the Philippines in the aftermath of second typhoon, with many still miss- as a stalwart ally in the war on ter- the devastating storms that struck the ing and countless more families griev- rorism being waged in southeast Asia. Philippines. ing their loved ones. It is clear that the So your loss is our loss. When the Several weeks ago, Tropical Storm people of the Philippines will be pro- people in the Philippines mourn, we Ketsana and Typhoon Parma inundated foundly affected by these twin trage- also mourn. As friends and allies, we the Philippines with heavy rains, forc- dies long after the water has receded will continue to stand by you. ing the evacuation of more than half a and the streets swept clean of mud and I urge my colleagues to strongly sup- million people and killing more than debris. House Resolution 800 recognizes port this resolution. 600. Typhoon Parma was particularly the hardship caused by Typhoons I reserve the balance of my time. savage, making landfall twice—which Ketsana and Parma and salutes the re- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, of course complicated rescue efforts— silience and strength of our friends, the I do thank the gentlewoman and the and destroying much of the crop in one Filipino people. author of this resolution, Ms. SPEIER, of the Philippines’ main rice-producing My resolution also urges our govern- for her most eloquent statement. I regions. ment to continue providing emergency thank her also for her offered help con- While the loss of life from these relief, logistical support, and financial cerning what happened in my own dis- storms is tragic, that tragedy is com- assistance, and to work with Philippine trict in American Samoa. pounded by the survivors’ loss of liveli- officials and nongovernment organiza- At this time, I yield 1 minute to the hood. U.S. troops have been quick to tions to improve disaster preparedness gentlewoman from California (Ms. respond in the aid efforts, helping in programs to mitigate the heartbreak, CHU). rescue and clean-up missions. havoc and loss of life that could be Ms. CHU. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in So, again, we express our sincerest caused by future storms. support of House Resolution 800. condolences to the people of the Phil- Mr. Speaker, the historical and cul- Tropical Storm Ketsana ravaged the ippines; and we let them know that tural links between the Philippines and Philippines, dumping more than a their friend, the United States, stands the United States run deeper than any month’s worth of rain in just 12 hours. with them in solidarity as they begin flood waters. I am honored to represent It was one of the worst storms in 40 the process of recovering from this the largest Filipino American commu- years, causing landslides and sub- tragedy. nity of any district in the continental merging entire towns. Then, not even a Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, United States. Nationally, Americans week later, Typhoon Parma hit the al- I yield 4 minutes to the author and the of Filipino descent are the second larg- ready waterlogged nation, leaving as est population of Asian Americans in sponsor of this important legislation, much as 36 inches of rain in some areas our country, numbering some 3.1 mil- the gentlewoman from California (Ms. and causing landslides that imprisoned lion Americans. SPEIER). I urge my colleagues to support H. many residents. With 700 deaths and al- Ms. SPEIER. Mr. Speaker, I would Res. 800 to show our friends, the good most 4 million people who have lost like to thank Chairman BERMAN, people of the Philippines, that as they their homes, it is imperative to make Ranking Member ROS-LEHTINEN, the stood with us in World War II, the sure that the many homeless are pro- subcommittee chairman Mr. American people stand with them dur- vided with shelter. FALEOMAVAEGA, and Ranking Member I commend all of the relief organiza- ing this time of great need. MANZULLO for shepherding this resolu- Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I tions and nations who sent aid to those tion through the Foreign Affairs Com- yield myself such time as I may con- affected by the disaster. My heart goes mittee so swiftly. sume. out to the Filipino community both I also want to single out Chairman I rise in support of this resolution ex- abroad and here, many of whom live in FALEOMAVAEGA for his exceptional pressing profound sympathy to our my district and who are so worried leadership representing American good friends and allies, the people of about their friends and relatives. Samoa. I am blessed with many Sa- the Philippines, for the loss of life and Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, I moan friends and constituents in my property that they have suffered in the have no further requests for time. district, and I am a proud cosponsor of recent storms which devastated their I yield back the balance of my time. the chairman’s resolution recognizing country. Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, the relief efforts in American Samoa I also wish to express condolences to at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the and Samoa. those among the over-3 million mem- gentleman from the Northern Mariana Likewise, I want to commend Con- bers of our Filipino American commu- Islands (Mr. SABLAN). gressman BURTON for introducing a nity who lost loved ones or who had Mr. SABLAN. Mr. Speaker, I rise similar resolution recognizing the dev- family and friends injured in the floods today in support of House Resolution astation in Indonesia, of which I am and the landslides. 800, expressing sympathy for the citi- also a cosponsor. zens of the Philippines, dealing with Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of b 1300 Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon House Resolution 800, which I intro- Over 600 people are now reported Parma. duced shortly after two successive ty- dead, and over 4,000 homes have been These natural disasters have laid phoons hit the Republic of the Phil- destroyed. An estimated 400,000 persons waste to much of the northern Phil- ippines. Tragically, the situation has in Manila and in its vicinity had to flee ippines. Thousands of Filipinos have worsened since then, and the death toll their homes after 80 percent of the cap- not only suffered the losses of their is now estimated at more than 600. In ital was submerged by water. The dam- loved ones but of all of their worldly addition, millions more are displaced age is estimated to be almost $5 billion. possessions. Images of Filipinos car- and estimates of damage run well into I was pleased to note that the Agency rying their dead and dying out of the the billions of dollars. for International Development, AID, wreckage and attempting to start life On September 26, Typhoon Ketsana has allocated $1.8 million in emergency anew have dominated our news cov- battered Manila and nearby provinces, relief funds. erage in recent days.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:32 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00026 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.047 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11327 In the Northern Mariana Islands, the Maraming salamat po. Thank you. experienced losses in their families and to the disaster is a personal tragedy to the Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, many thousands more who are displaced and one-half of the population who are I rise today in support of H. Res. 800, which still struggling with this tragedy. I join my col- from the Philippines and who are di- expresses sympathy for the citizens of the leagues in our commitment to the relief efforts rectly impacted by the disasters. These Philippines dealing with Tropical Storm in the Philippines and in our continued support are family; these are friends; these are Ketsana and Typhoon Parma. I support this to the families of the many victims. neighbors. Their loss is also our loss. resolution because the devastation caused by U.S. military forces and civilian agencies are Yet there has also been hope. Many these two events has created tragic and last- supporting local Philippine efforts by distrib- local and charitable institutions from ing effects that the world should recognize. uting relief supplies and assisting in rescuing around the world, including those in Tropical Storm Ketsana landed on the Phil- victims from inundated areas of Manila. As the Northern Mariana Islands, have ippines on September 26 and deluged the is- part of this effort, the U.S. Agency for Inter- stepped up to answer President Gloria lands with the heaviest rainfall in over 40 national Development has so far allocated Macapagal-Arroyo’s call for help from years. The capital city of Manila was 80 per- $1.8 million to respond to the disaster. Our the international community. I am cent underwater. Nearly 700,000 people have Hawaiian ohana stands ready to further assist proud to say that the Northern Mar- taken refuge in the evacuation shelters. The our friends in the Philippines. iana Islands community has been quick casualties from Tropical Storm Ketsana are I urge my colleagues to rise in support of to respond where our Governor, our listed at 277 dead and dozens more missing. this legislation. bishop, our people, and many commu- All told, over 3 million people in the Philippines Mr. BILBRAY. Mr. Speaker, as cochairman nity organizations, such as the United were impacted. The number of homes de- of the U.S.-Philippine Friendship Caucus, I Filipino Workers and CREAM, to name stroyed number more than 4,600 and the cost wish to offer my sincere condolences to the a few, have made great efforts to assist of the damage is estimated at $4.8 billion. citizens of the Philippines that have suffered with the disasters in the Philippines by The damage from Tropical Storm Ketsana so much due to the devastation left by Trop- sending both money and other dona- was an incredible tragedy by itself, but the im- ical Storms Ketsana and Parma. Since Sep- tions to the victims. pact was compounded when the Philippines tember 26, 2009, the flooding that has oc- I hope we follow their examples and was hit by Typhoon Parma less than a week curred due to record amounts of rainfall has continue to support the Philippines in later. On October 2, Parma brought intense forced the evacuation of hundreds of thou- their time of need. rain, causing more flooding. The combination sands of people, destroyed over 4,000 homes Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, of disasters caused landslides, ruined crops, and left more than 700 people dead. how much time do we have left? and brought more deaths. At least 16 people This is a tragic event that reminds us of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The gen- died as a result of Typhoon Parma. fragility of human life when confronted by the tleman has 12 minutes remaining. In the week after Parma hit, media reports forces of Mother Nature. Sadly, the deadly re- Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, revealed that the Philippines faced other sults of Tropical Storms Ketsana and Parma at this time, I yield 2 minutes to the threats caused by these disasters. The flood- continue to do damage and wreak havoc on distinguished gentlewoman from Ha- ing spread debris across the islands and the health and well being of the citizens of the waii (Ms. HIRONO). helped boost the mosquito population. The re- Philippines. As Congress offers its condo- Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I rise sult was a dramatic increase in the prevalence lences, our friends in the Philippines try to re- today in support of H. Res. 800, which of disease and an increased threat to the store order to their country. expresses the sympathy of the Congress health of residents of the Philippines. It is re- to citizens of the Philippines after ported that $128 million worth of crops were As an American, I am proud that more than Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon destroyed, including rice. The loss of those 700 United States Marines and sailors are on Parma. food staples will cause the nation to have to the ground in the Philippines providing food I would like to thank Congress- import rice to prevent a food shortage. The and clean drinking water directly to her citi- woman JACKIE SPEIER for her work on devastation will cause lasting economic dam- zens. With that said, I want to reaffirm the this resolution. She has painted a pic- age, which may especially hurt the poor who United States commitment to doing all we can ture of the devastation that is very are not able to return to their jobs and garner to help our friends in the Pacific. Our thoughts hard to remove from our minds. wages. and prayers are with the Filipino people and I My heart is with those who are lost. My home city of , Texas is home to urge my colleagues to support the underlying It is with their loved ones, and with one of the largest Filipino communities in the resolution. the tens of thousands of survivors who United States. As news came in of the disas- Ms. BORDALLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise today are struggling in the aftermath of ters, my constituents waited nervously to hear in support of House Resolution 800, legislation these cataclysmic events. of the fate of loved ones in the Philippines. My introduced by my colleague, Congresswoman The Filipino community in Hawaii, heart goes out to those families who have JACKIE SPEIER of California. This resolution ex- one of the largest outside of the Phil- been touched by the devastation caused by presses sympathy for the citizens of the Phil- ippines, has come together out of a these natural disasters. ippines as they recover from Tropical Storm sense of damayan, or empathy, to help In the days before Tropical Storm Ketsana Ketsana and Typhoon Parma. support relief efforts. Since the storms, made landfall, I had the pleasure of meeting Tropical Storm Ketsana and Typhoon many families have sent balikbayan with Congressman Hermilando Mandanas of Parma caused widespread landslides and boxes, or care packages, carrying ev- the Philippines House of Representatives. A flooding in the Philippines. More than 600 Fili- erything from canned food to clothing sense of optimism for the future of the Phil- pinos have lost their lives due to these storms, to their families and friends in the ippines pervaded that meeting. It is my sincere and I offer my sincere condolences to their Philippines. hope that in the months after the period of families and friends. H. Res. 800 encourages While not an exhaustive list, I would mourning and the reconstruction begins, that the U.S. government to work closely with the like to recognize the work of the fol- the people of the Philippines are able to re- Philippine government to improve disaster re- lowing community organizations in gain their spirit. The future of the Philippines sponse and also urges President Obama to Hawaii: the United Filipino Council of is bright and it is my wish that the sadness continue his support of disaster relief efforts in Hawaii, the Oahu Filipino Community and sense of loss caused by Tropical Storm the Philippines. Council, the Filipino Community Cen- Ketsana and Typhoon Parma do not scar the Just last week, a 22-member team from the ter, Inc., the Filipino Chamber of Com- Philippines. Guam National Guard flew to the Philippines merce, the Honolulu Filipino Jaycees, Mr. ABERCROMBIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to provide medical relief and to support the the Hawaiian Lodge of Free and Ac- today to support H. Res. 800 and extend my armed forces of the Philippines as they con- cepted Masons, and the Kasama Fili- sympathies for the citizens of the Philippines tinue the recovery process. Many of my con- pino studies club at Leeward Commu- dealing with Tropical Storm Ketsana and Ty- stituents have family members, who were af- nity College. phoon Parma. fected by this storm, and I commend the Fili- The Filipino community, as well as With a large Filipino community in Hawaii, pino community of Guam, who were the first all others in the State of Hawaii, have and the historical and cultural ties that bind to mobilize our larger Guam community to come together to provide what sup- our two countries, the impact of these natural quickly come together to collect relief items portive relief we can, and we will con- disasters hits close to home. I want to express and provide financial assistance to those af- tinue to do so. my sincere condolences to those who have fected by this natural disaster.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00027 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.049 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11328 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 I thank my colleague, Congresswoman Sec. 18. Flight crewmember pairing and (2) the progress of air carriers and labor SPEIER, for introducing this legislation, and I crew resource management unions in implementing the best practices urge my colleagues to support H. Res. 800. techniques. identified by the Task Force; Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. (3) recommendations of the Task Force, if (a) DEFINITIONS.—In this Act, the following any, for legislative or regulatory actions; I have no further speakers at this time. definitions apply: (4) the progress of air carriers and labor I yield back the balance of my time. (1) ADVANCED QUALIFICATION PROGRAM.— unions in implementing training-related, The SPEAKER pro tempore. The The term ‘‘advanced qualification program’’ nonregulatory actions recommended by the question is on the motion offered by means the program established by the Fed- Administrator; and the gentleman from American Samoa eral Aviation Administration in Advisory (5) the progress of air carriers in devel- (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) that the House Circular 120–54A, dated June 23, 2006, includ- oping specific programs to share safety data suspend the rules and agree to the reso- ing any subsequent revisions thereto. and ensure implementation of the most ef- lution, H. Res. 800, as amended. (2) AIR CARRIER.—The term ‘‘air carrier’’ fective safety practices. has the meaning given that term in section (e) TERMINATION.—The Task Force shall The question was taken. 40102 of title 49, United States Code. terminate on September 30, 2012. The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the (3) AVIATION SAFETY ACTION PROGRAM.—The (f) APPLICABILITY OF FEDERAL ADVISORY opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being term ‘‘aviation safety action program’’ COMMITTEE ACT.—The Federal Advisory in the affirmative, the ayes have it. means the program established by the Fed- Committee Act (5 U.S.C. App.) shall not Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA. Mr. Speaker, eral Aviation Administration in Advisory apply to the Task Force. I object to the vote on the ground that Circular 120–66B, dated November 15, 2002, in- SEC. 4. IMPLEMENTATION OF NTSB FLIGHT cluding any subsequent revisions thereto. CREWMEMBER TRAINING REC- a quorum is not present and make the OMMENDATIONS. (4) FLIGHT CREWMEMBER.—The term ‘‘flight point of order that a quorum is not (a) RULEMAKING PROCEEDINGS.— crewmember’’ has the meaning given that (1) STALL AND UPSET RECOGNITION AND RE- present. term in part 1.1 of title 14, Code of Federal COVERY TRAINING.—The Administrator of the The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Regulations. Federal Aviation Administration shall con- ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the (5) FLIGHT OPERATIONAL QUALITY ASSUR- duct a rulemaking proceeding to require part Chair’s prior announcement, further ANCE PROGRAM.—The term ‘‘flight oper- 121 air carriers to provide flight crew- ational quality assurance program’’ means proceedings on this motion will be members with ground training and flight the program established by the Federal Avia- postponed. training or flight simulator training— tion Administration in Advisory Circular The point of no quorum is considered (A) to recognize and avoid a stall of an air- 120–82, dated April 12, 2004, including any withdrawn. craft or, if not avoided, to recover from the subsequent revisions thereto. stall; and f (6) LINE OPERATIONS SAFETY AUDIT.—The (B) to recognize and avoid an upset of an term ‘‘line operations safety audit’’ means aircraft or, if not avoided, to execute such AIRLINE SAFETY AND PILOT the procedure referenced by the Federal techniques as available data indicate are ap- TRAINING IMPROVEMENT ACT Aviation Administration in Advisory Cir- propriate to recover from the upset in a OF 2009 cular 120–90, dated April 27, 2006, including given make, model, and series of aircraft. any subsequent revisions thereto. Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I move (2) REMEDIAL TRAINING PROGRAMS.—The Ad- (7) PART 121 AIR CARRIER.—The term ‘‘part to suspend the rules and pass the bill ministrator shall conduct a rulemaking pro- 121 air carrier’’ means an air carrier that ceeding to require part 121 air carriers to es- (H.R. 3371) to amend title 49, United holds a certificate issued under part 121 of tablish remedial training programs for flight States Code, to improve airline safety title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. crewmembers who have demonstrated per- and pilot training, and for other pur- (8) PART 135 AIR CARRIER.—The term ‘‘part formance deficiencies or experienced failures poses, as amended. 135 air carrier’’ means an air carrier that in the training environment. holds a certificate issued under part 135 of The Clerk read the title of the bill. (3) DEADLINES.—The Administrator shall— title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. The text of the bill is as follows: (A) not later than 180 days after the date of H.R. 3371 SEC. 3. FAA TASK FORCE ON AIR CARRIER SAFE- enactment of this Act, issue a notice of pro- TY AND PILOT TRAINING. posed rulemaking under each of paragraphs Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- (a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Administrator of resentatives of the United States of America in the Federal Aviation Administration shall (1) and (2); and Congress assembled, establish a special task force to be known as (B) not later than 24 months after the date of enactment of this Act, issue a final rule SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE; TABLE OF CONTENTS. the ‘‘FAA Task Force on Air Carrier Safety for the rulemaking in each of paragraphs (1) (a) SHORT TITLE.—This Act may be cited as and Pilot Training’’ (in this section referred and (2). the ‘‘Airline Safety and Pilot Training Im- to as the ‘‘Task Force’’). (b) STICK PUSHER TRAINING AND WEATHER provement Act of 2009’’. (b) COMPOSITION.—The Task Force shall EVENT TRAINING.— (b) TABLE OF CONTENTS.— consist of members appointed by the Admin- istrator and shall include air carrier rep- (1) MULTIDISCIPLINARY PANEL.—Not later Sec. 1. Short title; table of contents. resentatives, labor union representatives, than 120 days after the date of enactment of Sec. 2. Definitions. and aviation safety experts with knowledge this Act, the Administrator shall convene a Sec. 3. FAA Task Force on Air Carrier Safe- of foreign and domestic regulatory require- multidisciplinary panel of specialists in air- ty and Pilot Training. ments for flight crewmember education and craft operations, flight crewmember train- Sec. 4. Implementation of NTSB flight crew- training. ing, human factors, and aviation safety to member training recommenda- (c) DUTIES.—The duties of the Task Force study and submit to the Administrator a re- tions. shall include, at a minimum, evaluating best port on methods to increase the familiarity Sec. 5. Secretary of Transportation re- practices in the air carrier industry and pro- of flight crewmembers with, and improve the sponses to safety recommenda- viding recommendations in the following response of flight crewmembers to, stick tions. areas: pusher systems, icing conditions, and Sec. 6. FAA pilot records database. (1) Air carrier management responsibilities microburst and windshear weather events. Sec. 7. FAA rulemaking on training pro- for flight crewmember education and sup- (2) REPORT TO CONGRESS AND NTSB.—Not grams. port. later than one year after the date on which Sec. 8. Aviation safety inspectors and oper- (2) Flight crewmember professional stand- the Administrator convenes the panel, the ational research analysts. ards. Administrator shall— Sec. 9. Flight crewmember mentoring, pro- (3) Flight crewmember training standards (A) submit to the Committee on Transpor- fessional development, and and performance. tation and Infrastructure of the House of leadership. (4) Mentoring and information sharing be- Representatives, the Committee on Com- Sec. 10. Flight crewmember screening and tween air carriers. merce, Science, and Transportation of the qualifications. (d) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after Senate, and the National Transportation Sec. 11. Airline transport pilot certification. the date of enactment of this Act, and before Safety Board a report based on the findings Sec. 12. Flight schools, flight education, and the last day of each 180-day period thereafter of the panel; and pilot academic training. until termination of the Task Force, the (B) with respect to stick pusher systems, Sec. 13. Voluntary safety programs. Task Force shall submit to the Committee initiate appropriate actions to implement Sec. 14. ASAP and FOQA implementation on Transportation and Infrastructure of the the recommendations of the panel. plan. House of Representatives and the Committee (c) DEFINITIONS.—In this section, the fol- Sec. 15. Safety management systems. on Commerce, Science, and Transportation lowing definitions apply: Sec. 16. Disclosure of air carriers operating of the Senate a report detailing— (1) FLIGHT TRAINING AND FLIGHT SIMU- flights for tickets sold for air (1) the progress of the Task Force in iden- LATOR.—The terms ‘‘flight training’’ and transportation. tifying best practices in the air carrier in- ‘‘flight simulator’’ have the meanings given Sec. 17. Pilot fatigue. dustry; those terms in part 61.1 of title 14, Code of

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Federal Regulations (or any successor regu- ‘‘(i) FAA PILOT RECORDS DATABASE.— (other than a claim arising from furnishing lation). ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Before allowing an indi- information known to be false and main- (2) STALL.—The term ‘‘stall’’ means an aer- vidual to begin service as a pilot, an air car- tained in violation of a criminal statute). odynamic loss of lift caused by exceeding the rier shall access and evaluate, in accordance ‘‘(4) REPORTING.— critical angle of attack. with the requirements of this subsection, in- ‘‘(A) REPORTING BY ADMINISTRATOR.—The (3) STICK PUSHER.—The term ‘‘stick push- formation pertaining to the individual from Administrator shall enter data described in er’’ means a device that, at or near a stall, the pilot records database established under paragraph (2)(A) into the database promptly applies a nose down pitch force to an air- paragraph (2). to ensure that an individual’s records are craft’s control columns to attempt to de- ‘‘(2) PILOT RECORDS DATABASE.—The Ad- current. crease the aircraft’s angle of attack. ministrator shall establish an electronic ‘‘(B) REPORTING BY AIR CARRIERS AND OTHER (4) UPSET.—The term ‘‘upset’’ means an database (in this subsection referred to as PERSONS.— unusual aircraft attitude. the ‘database’) containing the following ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Air carriers and other SEC. 5. SECRETARY OF TRANSPORTATION RE- records: persons shall report data described in para- SPONSES TO SAFETY RECOMMENDA- ‘‘(A) FAA RECORDS.—From the Adminis- graphs (2)(B) and (2)(C) to the Administrator TIONS. trator— promptly for entry into the database. (a) IN GENERAL.—The first sentence of sec- ‘‘(i) records that are maintained by the Ad- ‘‘(ii) DATA TO BE REPORTED.—Air carriers tion 1135(a) of title 49, United States Code, is ministrator concerning current airman cer- and other persons shall report, at a min- amended by inserting ‘‘to the National tificates, including airman medical certifi- imum, under clause (i) the following data de- Transportation Safety Board’’ after ‘‘shall cates and associated type ratings and infor- scribed in paragraph (2)(B): give’’. mation on any limitations to those certifi- ‘‘(I) Records that are generated by the air (b) AIR CARRIER SAFETY RECOMMENDA- cates and ratings; carrier or other person after the date of en- TIONS.—Section 1135 of such title is amend- ‘‘(ii) records that are maintained by the actment of this paragraph. ed— Administrator concerning any failed at- ‘‘(II) Records that the air carrier or other (1) by redesignating subsections (c) and (d) tempt of an individual to pass a practical person is maintaining, on such date of enact- as subsections (d) and (e), respectively; and test required to obtain a certificate or type ment, pursuant to subsection (h)(4). (2) by inserting after subsection (b) the fol- rating under part 61 of title 14, Code of Fed- ‘‘(5) REQUIREMENT TO MAINTAIN RECORDS.— lowing: eral Regulations; and The Administrator— ‘‘(c) ANNUAL REPORT ON AIR CARRIER SAFE- ‘‘(iii) summaries of legal enforcement ac- ‘‘(A) shall maintain all records entered TY RECOMMENDATIONS.— tions resulting in a finding by the Adminis- into the database under paragraph (2) per- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall sub- trator of a violation of this title or a regula- taining to an individual until the date of re- mit to Congress and the Board, on an annual tion prescribed or order issued under this ceipt of notification that the individual is basis, a report on the recommendations title that was not subsequently overturned. deceased; and made by the Board to the Secretary regard- ‘‘(B) AIR CARRIER AND OTHER RECORDS.— ‘‘(B) may remove the individual’s records ing air carrier operations conducted under From any air carrier or other person (except from the database after that date. part 121 of title 14, Code of Federal Regula- a branch of the Armed Forces, the National ‘‘(6) RECEIPT OF CONSENT.—The Adminis- tions. Guard, or a reserve component of the Armed trator shall not permit an air carrier to ac- ‘‘(2) RECOMMENDATIONS TO BE COVERED.— Forces) that has employed an individual as a cess records pertaining to an individual from The report shall cover— pilot of a civil or public aircraft, or from the the database under paragraph (1) without the ‘‘(A) any recommendation for which the trustee in bankruptcy for such air carrier or air carrier first demonstrating to the satis- Secretary has developed, or intends to de- person— faction of the Administrator that the air velop, procedures to adopt the recommenda- ‘‘(i) records pertaining to the individual carrier has obtained the written consent of tion or part of the recommendation, but has that are maintained by the air carrier (other the individual. yet to complete the procedures; and than records relating to flight time, duty ‘‘(7) RIGHT OF PILOT TO REVIEW CERTAIN ‘‘(B) any recommendation for which the time, or rest time), including records under RECORDS AND CORRECT INACCURACIES.—Not- Secretary, in the preceding year, has issued regulations set forth in— withstanding any other provision of law or a response under subsection (a)(2) or (a)(3) re- ‘‘(I) section 121.683 of title 14, Code of Fed- agreement, the Administrator, upon receipt fusing to carry out all or part of the proce- eral Regulations; of written request from an individual— dures to adopt the recommendation. ‘‘(II) paragraph (A) of section VI, appendix ‘‘(A) shall make available, not later than ‘‘(3) CONTENTS.— I, part 121 of such title; 30 days after the date of the request, to the ‘‘(A) PLANS TO ADOPT RECOMMENDATIONS.— ‘‘(III) paragraph (A) of section IV, appendix individual for review all records referred to For each recommendation of the Board de- J, part 121 of such title; in paragraph (2) pertaining to the individual; scribed in paragraph (2)(A), the report shall ‘‘(IV) section 125.401 of such title; and and contain— ‘‘(V) section 135.63(a)(4) of such title; and ‘‘(B) shall provide the individual with a ‘‘(i) a description of the recommendation; ‘‘(ii) other records pertaining to the indi- reasonable opportunity to submit written ‘‘(ii) a description of the procedures vidual’s performance as a pilot that are comments to correct any inaccuracies con- planned for adopting the recommendation or maintained by the air carrier or person con- tained in the records. part of the recommendation; cerning— ‘‘(8) REASONABLE CHARGES FOR PROCESSING ‘‘(iii) the proposed date for completing the ‘‘(I) the training, qualifications, pro- REQUESTS AND FURNISHING COPIES.—The Ad- procedures; and ficiency, or professional competence of the ministrator may establish a reasonable ‘‘(iv) if the Secretary has not met a dead- individual, including comments and evalua- charge for the cost of processing a request line contained in a proposed timeline devel- tions made by a check airman designated in under paragraph (1) or (7) and for the cost of oped in connection with the recommendation accordance with section 121.411, 125.295, or furnishing copies of requested records under under subsection (b), an explanation for not 135.337 of such title; paragraph (7). meeting the deadline. ‘‘(II) any disciplinary action taken with re- ‘‘(9) PRIVACY PROTECTIONS.— ‘‘(B) REFUSALS TO ADOPT RECOMMENDA- spect to the individual that was not subse- ‘‘(A) USE OF RECORDS.—An air carrier that TIONS.—For each recommendation of the quently overturned; and accesses records pertaining to an individual Board described in paragraph (2)(B), the re- ‘‘(III) any release from employment or res- under paragraph (1) may use the records only port shall contain— ignation, termination, or disqualification to assess the qualifications of the individual ‘‘(i) a description of the recommendation; with respect to employment. in deciding whether or not to hire the indi- and ‘‘(C) NATIONAL DRIVER REGISTER RECORDS.— vidual as a pilot. The air carrier shall take ‘‘(ii) a description of the reasons for the re- In accordance with section 30305(b)(8) of this such actions as may be necessary to protect fusal to carry out all or part of the proce- title, from the chief driver licensing official the privacy of the individual and the con- dures to adopt the recommendation.’’. of a State, information concerning the motor fidentiality of the records accessed, includ- SEC. 6. FAA PILOT RECORDS DATABASE. vehicle driving record of the individual. ing ensuring that information contained in (a) RECORDS OF EMPLOYMENT OF PILOT AP- ‘‘(3) WRITTEN CONSENT; RELEASE FROM LI- the records is not divulged to any individual PLICANTS.—Section 44703(h) of title 49, United ABILITY.—An air carrier— that is not directly involved in the hiring de- States Code, is amended by adding at the end ‘‘(A) shall obtain the written consent of an cision. the following: individual before accessing records per- ‘‘(B) DISCLOSURE OF INFORMATION.— ‘‘(16) APPLICABILITY.—This subsection shall taining to the individual under paragraph ‘‘(i) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided by cease to be effective on the date specified in (1); and clause (ii), information collected by the Ad- regulations issued under subsection (i).’’. ‘‘(B) may, notwithstanding any other pro- ministrator under paragraph (2) shall be ex- (b) ESTABLISHMENT OF FAA PILOT RECORDS vision of law or agreement to the contrary, empt from the disclosure requirements of DATABASE.—Section 44703 of such title is require an individual with respect to whom section 552 of title 5. amended— the carrier is accessing records under para- ‘‘(ii) EXCEPTIONS.—Clause (i) shall not (1) by redesignating subsections (i) and (j) graph (1) to execute a release from liability apply to— as subsections (j) and (k), respectively; and for any claim arising from accessing the ‘‘(I) de-identified, summarized information (2) by inserting after subsection (h) the fol- records or the use of such records by the air to explain the need for changes in policies lowing: carrier in accordance with this section and regulations;

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00029 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.017 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11330 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 ‘‘(II) information to correct a condition to carry out this subsection such sums as SEC. 7. FAA RULEMAKING ON TRAINING PRO- that compromises safety; may be necessary for each of fiscal years GRAMS. ‘‘(III) information to carry out a criminal 2010, 2011, and 2012. (a) COMPLETION OF RULEMAKING ON TRAIN- investigation or prosecution; ‘‘(15) REGULATIONS.— ING PROGRAMS.—Not later than 14 months ‘‘(IV) information to comply with section ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator shall after the date of enactment of this Act, the 44905, regarding information about threats to issue regulations to carry out this sub- Administrator of the Federal Aviation Ad- civil aviation; and section. ministration shall issue a final rule with re- ‘‘(V) such information as the Adminis- ‘‘(B) EFFECTIVE DATE.—The regulations spect to the notice of proposed rulemaking trator determines necessary, if withholding shall specify the date on which the require- published in the Federal Register on January the information would not be consistent ments of this subsection take effect and the 12, 2009 (74 Fed. Reg. 1280; relating to train- ing programs for flight crewmembers and with the safety responsibilities of the Fed- date on which the requirements of sub- aircraft dispatchers). eral Aviation Administration. section (h) cease to be effective. (b) EXPERT PANEL TO REVIEW PART 121 AND ‘‘(10) PERIODIC REVIEW.—Not later than 18 ‘‘(C) EXCEPTIONS.—Notwithstanding sub- PART 135 TRAINING HOURS.— months after the date of enactment of this paragraph (B)— (1) ESTABLISHMENT.—Not later than 60 days paragraph, and at least once every 3 years ‘‘(i) the Administrator shall begin to estab- thereafter, the Administrator shall transmit after the date of enactment of this Act, the lish the database under paragraph (2) not Administrator shall convene a multidisci- to Congress a statement that contains, tak- later than 90 days after the date of enact- ing into account recent developments in the plinary expert panel comprised of, at a min- ment of this paragraph; imum, air carrier representatives, training aviation industry— ‘‘(ii) the Administrator shall maintain ‘‘(A) recommendations by the Adminis- facility representatives, instructional design records in accordance with paragraph (5) be- experts, aircraft manufacturers, safety orga- trator concerning proposed changes to Fed- ginning on the date of enactment of this eral Aviation Administration records, air nization representatives, and labor union paragraph; and representatives. carrier records, and other records required to ‘‘(iii) air carriers and other persons shall be included in the database under paragraph (2) ASSESSMENT AND RECOMMENDATIONS.— maintain records to be reported to the data- The panel shall assess and make rec- (2); or base under paragraph (4)(B) in the period be- ‘‘(B) reasons why the Administrator does ommendations concerning— ginning on such date of enactment and end- (A) the best methods and optimal time not recommend any proposed changes to the ing on the date that is 5 years after the re- records referred to in subparagraph (A). needed for flight crewmembers of part 121 air quirements of subsection (h) cease to be ef- carriers and flight crewmembers of part 135 ‘‘(11) REGULATIONS FOR PROTECTION AND SE- fective pursuant to subparagraph (B). air carriers to master aircraft systems, ma- CURITY OF RECORDS.—The Administrator ‘‘(16) SPECIAL RULE.—During the one-year neuvers, procedures, take offs and landings, shall prescribe such regulations as may be period beginning on the date on which the necessary— and crew coordination; requirements of this section become effec- (B) the optimal length of time between ‘‘(A) to protect and secure— tive pursuant to paragraph (15)(B), paragraph ‘‘(i) the personal privacy of any individual training events for such crewmembers, in- (7)(A) shall be applied by substituting ‘45 cluding recurrent training events; whose records are accessed under paragraph days’ for ‘30 days’.’’. (1); and (C) the best methods to reliably evaluate ‘‘(ii) the confidentiality of those records; (c) CONFORMING AMENDMENTS.— mastery by such crewmembers of aircraft and (1) LIMITATION ON LIABILITY; PREEMPTION OF systems, maneuvers, procedures, take offs ‘‘(B) to preclude the further dissemination STATE LAW.—Section 44703(j) (as redesignated and landings, and crew coordination; and of records received under paragraph (1) by by subsection (b)(1) of this section) is amend- (D) the best methods to allow specific aca- the person who accessed the records. ed— demic training courses to be credited pursu- ant to section 11(d) toward the total flight ‘‘(12) GOOD FAITH EXCEPTION.—Notwith- (A) in the subsection heading by striking standing paragraph (1), an air carrier may ‘‘LIMITATION’’ and inserting ‘‘LIMITATIONS’’; hours required to receive an airline trans- allow an individual to begin service as a (B) in paragraph (1)— port pilot certificate. pilot, without first obtaining information de- (i) in the matter preceding subparagraph (3) REPORT.—Not later than one year after scribed in paragraph (2)(B) from the database (A) by striking ‘‘paragraph (2)’’ and inserting the date of enactment of this Act, the Ad- pertaining to the individual, if— ‘‘subsection (h)(2) or (i)(3)’’; ministrator shall submit to the Committee ‘‘(A) the air carrier has made a docu- (ii) in subparagraph (A) by inserting ‘‘or on Transportation and Infrastructure of the mented good faith attempt to access the in- accessing the records of that individual House of Representatives, the Committee on formation from the database; and under subsection (i)(1)’’ before the semi- Commerce, Science, and Transportation of ‘‘(B) has received written notice from the colon; and the Senate, and the National Transportation Administrator that the information is not (iii) in the matter following subparagraph Safety Board a report based on the findings contained in the database because the indi- (D) by striking ‘‘subsection (h)’’ and insert- of the panel. vidual was employed by an air carrier or ing ‘‘subsection (h) or (i)’’; SEC. 8. AVIATION SAFETY INSPECTORS AND (C) in paragraph (2) by striking ‘‘sub- OPERATIONAL RESEARCH ANA- other person that no longer exists or by a LYSTS. foreign government or other entity that has section (h)’’ and inserting ‘‘subsection (h) or (a) REVIEW BY DOT INSPECTOR GENERAL.— not provided the information to the data- (i)’’; Not later than 9 months after the date of en- base. (D) in paragraph (3), in the matter pre- actment of this Act, the Inspector General of ‘‘(13) LIMITATIONS ON ELECTRONIC ACCESS TO ceding subparagraph (A), by inserting ‘‘or the Department of Transportation shall con- RECORDS.— who furnished information to the database duct a review of aviation safety inspectors ‘‘(A) ACCESS BY INDIVIDUALS DESIGNATED BY established under subsection (i)(2)’’ after and operational research analysts of the Fed- AIR CARRIERS.—For the purpose of increasing ‘‘subsection (h)(1)’’; and eral Aviation Administration assigned to timely and efficient access to records de- (E) by adding at the end the following: part 121 air carriers and submit to the Ad- scribed in paragraph (2), the Administrator ‘‘(4) PROHIBITION ON ACTIONS AND PRO- ministrator of the Federal Aviation Admin- may allow, under terms established by the CEEDINGS AGAINST AIR CARRIERS.— istration a report on the results of the re- Administrator, an individual designated by ‘‘(A) HIRING DECISIONS.—An air carrier may view. an air carrier to have electronic access to refuse to hire an individual as a pilot if the (b) PURPOSES.—The purpose of the review the database. individual did not provide written consent shall be, at a minimum— ‘‘(B) TERMS.—The terms established by the for the air carrier to receive records under (1) to review the level of the Administra- Administrator under subparagraph (A) for al- subsection (h)(2)(A) or (i)(3)(A) or did not tion’s oversight of each part 121 air carrier; lowing a designated individual to have elec- execute the release from liability requested (2) to make recommendations to ensure tronic access to the database shall limit such under subsection (h)(2)(B) or (i)(3)(B). that each part 121 air carrier is receiving an access to instances in which information in ‘‘(B) ACTIONS AND PROCEEDINGS.—No action equivalent level of oversight; the database is required by the designated or proceeding may be brought against an air (3) to assess the number and level of expe- individual in making a hiring decision con- carrier by or on behalf of an individual who rience of aviation safety inspectors assigned cerning a pilot applicant and shall require has applied for or is seeking a position as a to such carriers; that the designated individual provide assur- pilot with the air carrier if the air carrier re- (4) to evaluate how the Administration is ances satisfactory to the Administrator fused to hire the individual after the indi- making assignments of aviation safety in- that— vidual did not provide written consent for spectors to such carriers; ‘‘(i) the designated individual has received the air carrier to receive records under sub- (5) to review various safety inspector over- the written consent of the pilot applicant to section (h)(2)(A) or (i)(3)(A) or did not exe- sight programs, including the geographic in- access the information; and cute a release from liability requested under spector program; ‘‘(ii) information obtained using such ac- subsection (h)(2)(B) or (i)(3)(B).’’. (6) to evaluate the adequacy of the number cess will not be used for any purpose other (2) LIMITATION ON STATUTORY CONSTRUC- of operational research analysts assigned to than making the hiring decision. TION.—Section 44703(k) (as redesignated by each part 121 air carrier; ‘‘(14) AUTHORIZED EXPENDITURES.—Out of subsection (b)(1) of this section) is amended (7) to evaluate the surveillance responsibil- amounts appropriated under section by striking ‘‘subsection (h)’’ and inserting ities of aviation safety inspectors, including 106(k)(1), there is authorized to be expended ‘‘subsection (h) or (i)’’. en route inspections;

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00030 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.017 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11331 (8) to evaluate whether inspectors are able flight crewmember duties under part 121.542 (B) function effectively in adverse weather to effectively use data sources, such as the of title 14, Code of Federal Regulations. conditions, including icing conditions; Safety Performance Analysis System and (3) STREAMLINED PROGRAM REVIEW.— (C) function effectively during high alti- the Air Transportation Oversight System, to (A) IN GENERAL.—As part of the rule- tude operations; assist in targeting oversight of air carriers; making required by subsection (a), the Ad- (D) adhere to the highest professional (9) to assess the feasibility of establish- ministrator shall establish a streamlined standards; and ment by the Administration of a comprehen- process for part 121 air carriers that have in (E) function effectively in an air carrier sive repository of information that encom- effect, as of the date of enactment of this operational environment. passes multiple Administration data sources Act, the programs required by paragraph (1). (c) FLIGHT HOURS.— and allowing access by aviation safety in- (B) EXPEDITED APPROVALS.—Under the (1) NUMBERS OF FLIGHT HOURS.—The total spectors and operational research analysts streamlined process, the Administrator flight hours required by the Administrator to assist in the oversight of part 121 air car- shall— under subsection (b)(1) shall be at least 1,500 riers; and (i) review the programs of such part 121 air flight hours. (10) to conduct such other analyses as the carriers to determine whether the programs (2) FLIGHT HOURS IN DIFFICULT OPERATIONAL Inspector General considers relevant to the meet the requirements set forth in the final CONDITIONS.—The total flight hours required purpose of the review. rule referred to in subsection (b)(2); and by the Administrator under subsection (b)(1) (c) REPORT TO CONGRESS.—Not later than (ii) expedite the approval of the programs shall include sufficient flight hours, as deter- 90 days after the date of receipt of the report that the Administrator determines meet mined by the Administrator, in difficult submitted under subsection (a), the Adminis- such requirements. operational conditions that may be encoun- trator shall submit to the Committee on (b) DEADLINES.—The Administrator shall tered by an air carrier to enable a pilot to Transportation and Infrastructure of the issue— operate safely in such conditions. House of Representatives and the Committee (1) not later than 180 days after the date of (d) CREDIT TOWARD FLIGHT HOURS.—The on Commerce, Science, and Transportation enactment of this Act, a notice of proposed Administrator may allow specific academic of the Senate a report— rulemaking under subsection (a); and training courses, beyond those required (1) that specifies which, if any, policy (2) not later than 24 months after such date under subsection (b)(2), to be credited toward changes recommended by the Inspector Gen- of enactment, a final rule under subsection the total flight hours required under sub- eral under this section the Administrator in- (a). section (c). The Administrator may allow tends to adopt and implement; SEC. 10. FLIGHT CREWMEMBER SCREENING AND (2) that includes an explanation of how the such credit based on a determination by the QUALIFICATIONS. Administrator that allowing a pilot to take Administrator plans to adopt and implement (a) REQUIREMENTS.— such policy changes; and specific academic training courses will en- (1) RULEMAKING PROCEEDING.—The Admin- hance safety more than requiring the pilot (3) in any case in which the Administrator istrator of the Federal Aviation Administra- does not intend to adopt a policy change rec- to fully comply with the flight hours re- tion shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding quirement. ommended by the Inspector General, that in- to require part 121 air carriers to develop and cludes an explanation of the reasons for the (e) RECOMMENDATIONS OF EXPERT PANEL.— implement means and methods for ensuring In conducting the rulemaking proceeding decision not to adopt and implement the pol- that flight crewmembers have proper quali- icy change. under this section, the Administrator shall fications and experience. review and consider the assessment and rec- SEC. 9. FLIGHT CREWMEMBER MENTORING, PRO- (2) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.— FESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT, AND ommendations of the expert panel to review (A) PROSPECTIVE FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS.— LEADERSHIP. part 121 and part 135 training hours estab- Rules issued under paragraph (1) shall ensure (a) RULEMAKING PROCEEDING.— lished by section 7(b) of this Act. that prospective flight crewmembers under- (1) IN GENERAL.—The Administrator of the (f) DEADLINE.—Not later than 36 months go comprehensive pre-employment screen- Federal Aviation Administration shall con- after the date of enactment of this Act, the ing, including an assessment of the skills, duct a rulemaking proceeding to require Administrator shall issue a final rule under aptitudes, airmanship, and suitability of each part 121 air carrier to take the fol- subsection (a). each applicant for a position as a flight crew- lowing actions: SEC. 12. FLIGHT SCHOOLS, FLIGHT EDUCATION, member in terms of functioning effectively (A) Establish flight crewmember men- AND PILOT ACADEMIC TRAINING. in the air carrier’s operational environment. toring programs under which the air carrier (a) GAO STUDY.—The Comptroller General (B) ALL FLIGHT CREWMEMBERS.—Rules will pair highly experienced flight crew- shall conduct a comprehensive study of issued under paragraph (1) shall ensure that, members who will serve as mentor pilots and flight schools, flight education, and aca- after the date that is 3 years after the date be paired with newly employed flight crew- demic training requirements for certifi- of enactment of this Act, all flight crew- members. Mentor pilots shall receive, at a cation of an individual as a pilot. members— minimum, specific instruction on techniques (b) MINIMUM CONTENTS OF STUDY.—The (i) have obtained an airline transport pilot for instilling and reinforcing the highest study shall include, at a minimum— certificate under part 61 of title 14, Code of standards of technical performance, (1) an assessment of the Federal Aviation Federal Regulations; and airmanship, and professionalism in newly Administration’s oversight of flight schools; (ii) have appropriate multi-engine aircraft employed flight crewmembers. (2) an assessment of the Administration’s flight experience, as determined by the Ad- (B) Establish flight crewmember profes- academic training requirements in effect on ministrator. sional development committees made up of the date of enactment of this Act as com- (b) DEADLINES.—The Administrator shall air carrier management and labor union or issue— pared to flight education provided to a pilot professional association representatives to (1) not later than 180 days after the date of by accredited 2- and 4-year universities; develop, administer, and oversee formal enactment of this Act, a notice of proposed (3) an assessment of the quality of pilots mentoring programs of the carrier to assist rulemaking under subsection (a); and entering the part 121 air carrier workforce flight crewmembers to reach their maximum (2) not later than 24 months after such date from all sources after receiving training potential as safe, seasoned, and proficient of enactment, a final rule under subsection from flight training providers, including flight crewmembers. (a). Aviation Accreditation Board International, (C) Establish or modify training programs universities, pilot training organizations, SEC. 11. AIRLINE TRANSPORT PILOT CERTIFI- to accommodate substantially different lev- CATION. and the military, utilizing the training els and types of flight experience by newly (a) RULEMAKING PROCEEDING.—The Admin- records of part 121 air carriers, including employed flight crewmembers. istrator of the Federal Aviation Administra- consideration of any relationships between (D) Establish or modify training programs tion shall conduct a rulemaking proceeding flight training providers and air carriers; for second-in-command flight crewmembers to amend part 61 of title 14, Code of Federal (4) a comparison of the academic training attempting to qualify as pilot-in-command Regulations, to modify requirements for the requirements for pilots in the United States flight crewmembers for the first time in a issuance of an airline transport pilot certifi- to the academic training requirements for specific aircraft type and ensure that such cate. pilots in other countries; programs include leadership and command (b) MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS.—To be quali- (5) a determination and description of any training. fied to receive an airline transport pilot cer- improvements that may be needed in the Ad- (E) Ensure that recurrent training for pi- tificate pursuant to subsection (a), an indi- ministration’s academic training require- lots in command includes leadership and vidual shall— ments for pilots; command training. (1) have sufficient flight hours, as deter- (6) an assessment of student financial aid (F) Such other actions as the Adminis- mined by the Administrator, to enable a and loan options available to individuals in- trator determines appropriate to enhance pilot to function effectively in an air carrier terested in enrolling at a flight school for flight crewmember professional develop- operational environment; and both academic and flight hour training; ment. (2) have received flight training, academic (7) an assessment of the Federal Aviation (2) COMPLIANCE WITH STERILE COCKPIT training, or operational experience that will Administration’s oversight of general avia- RULE.—Leadership and command training de- prepare a pilot, at a minimum, to— tion flight schools that offer or would like to scribed in paragraphs (1)(D) and (1)(E) shall (A) function effectively in a multipilot en- offer training programs under part 142 of include instruction on compliance with vironment; title 14, Code of Federal Regulations; and

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00031 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.017 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11332 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 (8) an assessment of whether compliance rive benefit from establishing a flight oper- site following a search of a requested with the English speaking requirements ap- ational quality assurance program; itinerary in a format that is easily visible to plicable to pilots under part 61 of such title (2) how part 121 air carriers with estab- a viewer.’’. is adequately tested and enforced. lished aviation safety action and flight oper- SEC. 17. PILOT FATIGUE. (c) REPORT.—Not later than 120 days after ational quality assurance programs can (a) FLIGHT AND DUTY TIME REGULATIONS.— the date of enactment of this Act, the Comp- quickly begin to report data into the avia- (1) IN GENERAL.—In accordance with para- troller General shall submit to the Com- tion safety information analysis sharing graph (3), the Administrator of the Federal mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure database; and Aviation Administration shall issue regula- of the House of Representatives and the (3) how part 121 air carriers and aviation tions, based on the best available scientific Committee on Commerce, Science, and safety inspectors can better utilize data from information— Transportation of the Senate a report on the such database as accident and incident pre- (A) to specify limitations on the hours of results of the study. vention tools. flight and duty time allowed for pilots to ad- SEC. 13. VOLUNTARY SAFETY PROGRAMS. (c) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after dress problems relating to pilot fatigue; and (a) REPORT.—Not later than 180 days after the date of enactment of this Act, the Ad- (B) to require part 121 air carriers to de- the date of enactment of this Act, the Ad- ministrator shall submit to the Committee velop and implement fatigue risk manage- ministrator of the Federal Aviation Admin- on Transportation and Infrastructure of the ment plans. istration shall submit to the Committee on House of Representatives and the Committee (2) MATTERS TO BE ADDRESSED.—In con- Transportation and Infrastructure of the on Science, Commerce, and Transportation ducting the rulemaking proceeding under House of Representatives and the Committee of the Senate a copy of the plan developed this subsection, the Administrator shall con- on Commerce, Science and Transportation of under subsection (a) and an explanation of sider and review the following: the Senate a report on the aviation safety how the Administration will implement the (A) Time of day of flights in a duty period. action program, the flight operational qual- plan. (B) Number of takeoff and landings in a ity assurance program, the line operations (d) DEADLINE FOR BEGINNING IMPLEMENTA- duty period. safety audit, and the advanced qualification TION OF PLAN.—Not later than one year after (C) Number of time zones crossed in a duty program. the date of enactment of this Act, the Ad- period. (b) CONTENTS.—The report shall include— ministrator shall begin implementation of (D) The impact of functioning in multiple (1) a list of— the plan developed under subsection (a). time zones or on different daily schedules. (A) which air carriers are using one or (E) Research conducted on fatigue, sleep, SEC. 15. SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS. more of the voluntary safety programs re- and circadian rhythms. (a) RULEMAKING.—The Administrator of ferred to in subsection (a); and (F) Sleep and rest requirements rec- the Federal Aviation Administration shall (B) the voluntary safety programs each air ommended by the National Transportation conduct a rulemaking proceeding to require carrier is using; Safety Board and the National Aeronautics (2) if an air carrier is not using one or more all part 121 air carriers to implement a safe- and Space Administration. of the voluntary safety programs— ty management system. (G) International standards regarding (A) a list of such programs the carrier is (b) MATTERS TO CONSIDER.—In conducting flight schedules and duty periods. not using; and the rulemaking under subsection (a), the Ad- (H) Alternative procedures to facilitate (B) the reasons the carrier is not using ministrator shall consider, at a minimum, alertness in the cockpit. each such program; including each of the following as a part of (I) Scheduling and attendance policies and (3) if an air carrier is using one or more of the safety management system: practices, including sick leave. the voluntary safety programs, an expla- (1) An aviation safety action program. (J) The effects of commuting, the means of nation of the benefits and challenges of using (2) A flight operational quality assurance commuting, and the length of the commute. each such program; program. (K) Medical screening and treatment. (4) a detailed analysis of how the Adminis- (3) A line operations safety audit. (L) Rest environments. tration is using data derived from each of (4) An advanced qualification program. (M) Any other matters the Administrator the voluntary safety programs as safety (c) DEADLINES.—The Administrator shall considers appropriate. analysis and accident or incident prevention issue— (3) DEADLINES.—The Administrator shall tools and a detailed plan on how the Admin- (1) not later than 90 days after the date of issue— istration intends to expand data analysis of enactment of this Act, a notice of proposed (A) not later than 180 days after the date of such programs; rulemaking under subsection (a); and enactment of this Act, a notice of proposed (5) an explanation of— (2) not later than 24 months after the date rulemaking under subsection (a); and (A) where the data derived from such pro- of enactment of this Act, a final rule under (B) not later than one year after the date grams is stored; subsection (a). of enactment of this Act, a final rule under (B) how the data derived from such pro- (d) SAFETY MANAGEMENT SYSTEM DE- subsection (a). grams is protected and secured; and FINED.—In this section, the term ‘‘safety (b) FATIGUE RISK MANAGEMENT PLAN.— (C) what data analysis processes air car- management system’’ means the program es- (1) SUBMISSION OF FATIGUE RISK MANAGE- riers are implementing to ensure the effec- tablished by the Federal Aviation Adminis- MENT PLAN BY PART 121 AIR CARRIERS.—Not tive use of the data derived from such pro- tration in Advisory Circular 120–92, dated later than 90 days after the date of enact- grams; June 22, 2006, including any subsequent revi- ment of this section, each part 121 air carrier (6) a description of the extent to which sions thereto. shall submit to the Administrator for review aviation safety inspectors are able to review SEC. 16. DISCLOSURE OF AIR CARRIERS OPER- and approval a fatigue risk management data derived from such programs to enhance ATING FLIGHTS FOR TICKETS SOLD plan. their oversight responsibilities; FOR AIR TRANSPORTATION. (2) CONTENTS OF PLAN.—A fatigue risk man- (7) a description of how the Administration Section 41712 of title 49, United States agement plan submitted by a part 121 air plans to incorporate operational trends iden- Code, is amended by adding at the end the carrier under paragraph (1) shall include the tified under such programs into the air following: following: transport oversight system and other sur- ‘‘(c) DISCLOSURE REQUIREMENT FOR SELLERS (A) Current flight time and duty period veillance databases so that such system and OF TICKETS FOR FLIGHTS.— limitations. databases are more effectively utilized; ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—It shall be an unfair or (B) A rest scheme that enables the man- (8) other plans to strengthen such pro- deceptive practice under subsection (a) for agement of fatigue, including annual train- grams, taking into account reviews of such any ticket agent, air carrier, foreign air car- ing to increase awareness of— programs by the Inspector General of the De- rier, or other person offering to sell tickets (i) fatigue; partment of Transportation; and for air transportation on a flight of an air (ii) the effects of fatigue on pilots; and (9) such other matters as the Adminis- carrier to not disclose, whether verbally in (iii) fatigue countermeasures. trator determines are appropriate. oral communication or in writing in written (C) Development and use of a methodology SEC. 14. ASAP AND FOQA IMPLEMENTATION or electronic communication, prior to the that continually assesses the effectiveness of PLAN. purchase of a ticket— the program, including the ability of the pro- (a) DEVELOPMENT AND IMPLEMENTATION ‘‘(A) the name (including any business or gram— PLAN.—The Administrator of the Federal corporate name) of the air carrier providing (i) to improve alertness; and Aviation Administration shall develop and the air transportation; and (ii) to mitigate performance errors. implement a plan to facilitate the establish- ‘‘(B) if the flight has more than one flight (3) PLAN UPDATES.—A part 121 air carrier ment of an aviation safety action program segment, the name of each air carrier pro- shall update its fatigue risk management and a flight operational quality assurance viding the air transportation for each such plan under paragraph (1) every 2 years and program by all part 121 air carriers. flight segment. submit the update to the Administrator for (b) MATTERS TO BE CONSIDERED.—In devel- ‘‘(2) INTERNET OFFERS.—In the case of an review and approval. oping the plan under subsection (a), the Ad- offer to sell tickets described in paragraph (4) APPROVAL.— ministrator shall consider— (1) on an Internet Web site, disclosure of the (A) INITIAL APPROVAL OR MODIFICATION.— (1) how the Administration can assist part information required by paragraph (1) shall Not later than 9 months after the date of en- 121 air carriers with smaller fleet sizes to de- be provided on the first display of the Web actment of this section, the Administrator

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00032 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.017 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11333 shall review and approve or require modifica- SEC. 18. FLIGHT CREWMEMBER PAIRING AND ber PETRI and I held an Aviation Sub- tion to fatigue risk management plans sub- CREW RESOURCE MANAGEMENT committee hearing on June 11 on ‘‘Re- mitted under this subsection to ensure that TECHNIQUES. (a) STUDY.—The Administrator of the Fed- gional Air Carriers and Pilot Work- pilots are not operating aircraft while fa- force Issues.’’ The testimony we heard tigued. eral Aviation Administration shall conduct a study on aviation industry best practices was nearly unanimous—that Congress (B) UPDATE APPROVAL OR MODIFICATION.— with regard to flight crewmember pairing and the FAA must raise the bar on the Not later than 9 months after submission of and crew resource management techniques. a plan update under paragraph (3), the Ad- current minimum pilot training stand- (b) REPORT.—Not later than one year after ards. At the end of the hearing, I stated ministrator shall review and approve or re- the date of enactment of this Act, the Ad- quire modification to such update. our intention to pursue legislation. ministrator shall submit to the Committee The bill before us fulfills our com- (5) CIVIL PENALTIES.—A violation of this on Transportation and Infrastructure of the subsection by a part 121 air carrier shall be House of Representatives and the Committee mitment to address these safety issues, treated as a violation of chapter 447 of title on Commerce, Science, and Transportation and we will continue to conduct rig- 49, United States Code, for purposes of the of the Senate a report on the results of the orous oversight to ensure that these application of civil penalties under chapter study. measures are implemented after the 463 of that title. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- bill is enacted. (6) LIMITATION ON APPLICABILITY.—The re- ant to the rule, the gentleman from Il- Regional airlines have been involved quirements of this subsection shall cease to in the last six fatal U.S. airline acci- apply to a part 121 air carrier on and after linois (Mr. COSTELLO) and the gen- tleman from (Mr. PETRI) dents, and pilot performance has been the effective date of the regulations to be implicated in three of these accidents, issued under subsection (a). each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman not including Colgan. It is time to (c) EFFECT OF COMMUTING ON FATIGUE.— from Illinois. strengthen pilot training requirements (1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than 60 days and qualifications. Those, among other GENERAL LEAVE after the date of enactment of this Act, the important issues, are addressed in this Administrator shall enter into appropriate Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask legislation. arrangements with the National Academy of unanimous consent that all Members To address pilot qualifications, the Sciences to conduct a study of the effects of have 5 legislative days within which to commuting on pilot fatigue and report its bill increases the minimum flight revise and extend their remarks and to hours required to be hired as an airline findings to the Administrator. include extraneous material on H.R. (2) STUDY.—In conducting the study, the pilot. Currently, individuals only need 3371. a commercial pilot’s license to be a National Academy of Sciences shall con- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there sider— commercial pilot, which is a minimum objection to the request of the gen- (A) the prevalence of pilot commuting in of 250 flight hours. Based on the wit- the commercial air carrier industry, includ- tleman from Illinois? nesses’ testimonies in our hearing, There was no objection. ing the number and percentage of pilots who meetings and a roundtable discussion Mr. COSTELLO. I yield myself as commute; with airline pilots, there is a consensus (B) information relating to commuting by much time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank you, and I rise that 250 hours simply is not enough ex- pilots, including distances traveled, time perience to be an airline pilot, and that zones crossed, time spent, and methods used; in support of H.R. 3371, the Airline safety would be improved by raising (C) research on the impact of commuting Safety and Pilot Training Improve- on pilot fatigue, sleep, and circadian the standard. ment Act. Under H.R. 3371, all airline pilots rhythms; This legislation will improve avia- must obtain an Airline Transport Pilot (D) commuting policies of commercial air tion safety, and it is one of the strong- license, which is currently needed to be carriers (including passenger and all-cargo est aviation safety bills in decades. The an airline captain. It requires a min- air carriers), including pilot check-in re- bipartisan legislation is authored by quirements and sick leave and fatigue poli- imum of 1,500 flight hours, additional cies; Chairman OBERSTAR, Ranking Member aeronautical knowledge, crew re- (E) post-conference materials from the PETRI, and me. I would like to thank sources management, and greater Federal Aviation Administration’s June 2008 them for their leadership and hard flight proficiency testing. symposium entitled ‘‘Aviation Fatigue Man- work to bring this legislation to the In addition to the ATP, the bill goes agement Symposium: Partnerships for Solu- floor today. a step further to put in place new stat- tions’’; I also want to thank the families of utory requirements to strengthen the (F) Federal Aviation Administration and those who perished in the Colgan acci- qualitative minimum requirements a international policies and guidance regard- dent in Buffalo for their input, co- pilot must have to qualify for an ATP. ing commuting; and operation, and persistence. Some of (G) any other matters as the Adminis- For example, an individual must be them are here with us today. able to function effectively in a multi- trator considers appropriate. In addition, the subcommittee (3) PRELIMINARY FINDINGS.—Not later than pilot environment. We also require pi- 90 days after the date of entering into ar- worked very closely with the pilot lots to be trained to fly in adverse rangements under paragraph (1), the Na- groups, the airlines, the National weather conditions, including icing. tional Academy of Sciences shall submit to Transportation Safety Board, the De- The subcommittee is looking at this the Administrator its preliminary findings partment of Transportation inspector issue very closely. In fact, Ranking under the study. general, and members of the Aviation Member PETRI and I are convening a (4) REPORT.—Not later than 6 months after Subcommittee, as well as other Mem- roundtable tomorrow to discuss what the date of entering into arrangements under bers of Congress, such as Congress- steps can be taken to mitigate ground paragraph (1), the National Academy of woman LOUISE SLAUGHTER, Congress- and in-flight icing and how icing can Sciences shall submit to the Administrator a man BRIAN HIGGINS and Congressman affect commercial and general aviation report containing its findings under the CHRISTOPHER LEE, who also helped study and any recommendations for regu- aircraft. latory or administrative actions by the Fed- shape the legislation. In addition, because pilot groups, the eral Aviation Administration concerning At our Aviation Subcommittee hear- FAA administrator and flight edu- commuting by pilots. ing on June 11, I stated that we would cation universities have all cited the (5) RULEMAKING.—Following receipt of the not wait on the FAA to go forward need to strengthen pilot academic report of the National Academy of Sciences with the rulemaking process. Rather, training, the bill allows the FAA ad- under paragraph (4), the Administrator we would move legislation through the ministrator to give credit towards the shall— Congress to improve safety and to im- 1,500-flight-hour requirements if a (A) consider the findings and recommenda- prove pilot training, and that is ex- flight school or a university provides tions in the report; and actly what we did. On July 30, H.R. 3371 academic training that exceeds the (B) update, as appropriate based on sci- was reported favorably out of the strengthened minimum ATP require- entific data, regulations required by sub- section (a) on flight and duty time. Transportation and Infrastructure ments in the bill. (6) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— Committee. The bill has many cospon- To reiterate, this bill, one, will re- There are authorized to be appropriated such sors from both sides of the aisle. quire all pilots to hold an ATP certifi- sums as may be necessary to carry out this Mr. Speaker, today is an important cate; two, will strengthen the min- subsection. day for aviation safety. Ranking Mem- imum requirements for an ATP; and

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00033 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.017 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11334 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 three, will provide a flight-hour credit which air carrier is operating the has made several recommendations re- for coursework that exceeds the flight, including multiple flight seg- lated to pilot training, pilot fatigue, strengthened minimum requirements. ments. the availability of pilot records, and In addition, the administrator can only Finally, to recap, the bill increases voluntary safety reporting programs. award these credits on the basis that the minimum flight hours required to The bill before us is an important step specific academic courses will enhance be hired as an airline pilot to 1,500 toward improving safety by imple- safety more than flight experience. hours and an ATP license. Now an indi- menting the NTSB pilot training re- H.R. 3371 goes a long way to strength- vidual needs only 250 hours to receive quirements ening both the qualitative and quan- their commercial pilot’s license and fly To address what FAA Administrator titative training requirements to be- in the left seat of a cockpit as a First Randy Babbitt has identified as a lapse come an airline pilot. Officer. The bill requires the First Offi- in professionalism on the , The bill mandates several out- cer to have at least 1,500 hours and an the bill directs the FAA to conduct a standing NTSB recommendations re- ATP. rulemaking to improve flight crew lated to pilot training that were dis- We are strengthening the ATP by re- member mentoring, professional devel- cussed at the hearing, such as stall and quiring strong qualitative require- opment, and leadership. upset recovery, and remedial training. ments such as knowing how to fly in a This bipartisan legislation contains We require the FAA to convene a mul- multi-pilot environment, being trained several provisions that will help miti- tidisciplinary panel on stick pusher to fly in adverse weather conditions, gate the dangers associated with pilot training and for the FAA to act on the including icing. It mandates several fatigue. H.R. 3371 directs the FAA ad- panel’s recommendations. We are also outstanding NTSB recommendations ministrator to update and issue new mandating that the Secretary of related to pilot training and requires pilot flight and duty time require- Transportation must provide Congress the Secretary of Transportation to pro- ments. It also requires the Federal with an annual report on each open vide an annual report to Congress on Aviation Administration to coordinate NTSB recommendation. each NTSB recommendation that is with the National Academy of Sciences To address concerns regarding profes- still open. in order to conduct a joint study on the It mandates regional and major air- sional standards, the bill requires re- effects of pilot commuting. lines to create pilot mentoring pro- The bill mandates that all commer- gional and major airlines to create grams, it requires the FAA to create cial air carriers submit a fatigue risk pilot mentoring programs pairing high- and maintain an electronic pilot data- management plan to the FAA within 90 ly experienced pilots with junior pilots. base to ensure that airlines can make days of enactment. Pilot fatigue poses New-hire pilots and pilots in command informed hiring decisions. It directs a significant risk to air transportation, are required to receive leadership the FAA to implement the flight and and I am glad this bill takes measures training and must undergo instruction duty time rules and requires airlines to to eliminate its dangerous con- on compliance with sterile cockpit reg- create fatigue management systems. sequences. ulations. It directs the National Academy of H.R. 3371 will improve access to pilot Also, the bill creates a task force of Science to study the relationship be- records by creating a secure, consoli- experts to evaluate best practices in tween pilot commuting and fatigue. It dated FAA-managed database. The the airline industry regarding men- requires all Internet Web sites that sell database will contain all Part 121 pi- toring, pilot training and intercarrier airline tickets to explicitly say which lots’ performance, training, and testing information sharing. The task force air carriers are operating the flight, in- records, and it will enable air carriers will report to Congress every 180 days cluding multi legs of flight. to gain a more accurate and complete on the progress of implementing these Mr. Speaker, this is most comprehen- perspective when making hiring deci- best practices. sive safety bill that has come before sions. All commercial carriers will be To ensure that airlines can make in- this Congress in many, many years. It required to access this database and formed hiring decisions, the bill also provides important steps to address prescreen an applicant’s comprehensive requires the FAA to create and main- many safety concerns raised at our record before making a final decision tain an electronic pilot records data- hearing. I urge my colleagues to sup- on hiring. base. port this legislation. These are just a few of the provisions b 1315 I reserve the balance of my time. included in this important legislation. Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- I would like to express my appreciation The database will allow airlines to self such time as I may consume, and I for the open, bipartisan manner in quickly assess and have access to the rise in support of H.R. 3371, the Airline which this bill was put together. This pilot’s comprehensive record for the Safety and Pilot Training Improve- collective effort demonstrates that purposes of hiring only. The database ment Act. aviation safety is, as it always should will have records of the pilot’s license, Safety is the highest priority of the be, a nonpartisan issue. aircraft ratings, check rides, notice of Transportation and Infrastructure I also want to thank the families of disapproval, and other flight pro- Committee, as we’ve heard from our Continental Flight 3407. Their efforts ficiency tests. subcommittee chairman. Even the to improve regional airline safety have Fatigue has been on the NTSB’s most well-funded, technologically ad- been most helpful as we drafted the bill ‘‘most wanted list’’ since 1990. The bill vanced transportation system is worth before us. directs the FAA to implement a new less if it cannot move its users from In the other body, the Commerce pilot flight and duty time rule. An up- point to point in the safest possible Committee has included several provi- dated rule will more adequately reflect manner. Although the U.S. airline in- sions in its mark of the FAA reauthor- the operating environment of today’s dustry’s safety record is the envy of ization bill that address some of the pilots and will reflect scientific re- the world, recent events offer proof same issues in the bill before us today. search on fatigue. In addition, the bill that this safety legislation is needed. I urge my colleagues in the Senate to requires air carriers to create fatigue Since 2003, there have been six fatal complete consideration of their reau- risk management systems to commercial air carrier accidents. thorization package so that we may proactively mitigate fatigue. Every one of those six involved re- conference these bills together before Many of us are concerned about the gional airlines. In four of the six acci- the end of this year. These issues are relationship between pilot commuting dents, the National Transportation too important to leave to languish due and fatigue. This is an issue that needs Safety Board cited pilot performance to inaction. to be looked at more closely. There- as a potential factor. The most recent While some have concerns about cer- fore, the bill directs the National Acad- accident of Colgan Flight 3407 was tain provisions of the bill, I support emy of Sciences to conduct a study on again a stark reminder that we must moving the bill forward and addressing the impact of commuting on pilot fa- remain ever vigilant in our pursuit of those concerns during the House and tigue. The bill requires all Internet aviation safety. Senate conference. Web sites that sell airline tickets to In response to these accidents, the Again, I thank the chairman, as well show on the first Web page display National Transportation Safety Board as my colleagues, for their work on

VerDate Nov 24 2008 00:31 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00034 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.051 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11335 this important bill, and our sub- Airline Safety and Pilot Training Im- Airline Safety and Pilot Training Im- committee chairman, Representative provement Act which I introduced with provement Act of 2009. I especially COSTELLO from Illinois. my western New York colleagues, Ms. want to thank my colleagues from I reserve the balance of my time. SLAUGHTER and Mr. HIGGINS. western New York, Congressman CHRIS Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, at this Mr. Speaker, this bill, unfortunately, LEE and Congresswoman LOUISE time I yield 2 minutes to the chair- arose out of a tragedy. This past Feb- SLAUGHTER. person of the Rules Committee, the ruary on an icy evening in Buffalo, On February 12, 50 lives were lost gentlewoman from New York, Con- Continental Connection Flight 3407, op- when Continental Connection Fight gresswoman SLAUGHTER. erated by regional carrier Colgan Air, 3407 crashed into a house in Clarence, Ms. SLAUGHTER. Mr. Speaker, I crashed into a home killing all 49 peo- New York, 5 miles from the Buffalo Ni- want to express my great gratitude to ple on board and one person on the agara International Airport. Earlier Mr. COSTELLO for the incredible work ground. this year, I said that the devastation that he’s done on this in such a short Among those on board Flight 3407: a felt in the aftermath of this tragedy period of time. And those of us who live prominent human rights activist, a 9/11 can never be undone. This was an in the area of the Colgan crash are widow, a retired Air Force Reservist, avoidable tragedy, and we owe it to the greatly in his debt. I thank Mr. PETRI an accomplished jazz guitarist, a can- families and the victims and to all air for all of the good work. I think this is tor at a Williamsville temple, the di- passengers to learn from this experi- indeed one of the best safety bills that rector of a youth services program, an ence and change the system to improve we’ve done since I’ve been in Congress. expectant mother who was going to be flight safety. This bill will start to do Nothing in the bill before us can do due at the end of May, a program man- that. anything to bring back the lives that ager for Northrop Grumman, a second- The Airline Safety and Pilot Train- were lost on that cold night in Buffalo year law student, the daughter of a ing Improvement Act of 2009 will ad- back in February when Colgan Air Holocaust survivor, and a Vietnam vet- dress the many factors that caused the Flight 3407 fell to the ground and ex- eran with two Purple Hearts. crash of Flight 3407. The bill would re- ploded into fire. But I am happy to be The families of these victims—many quire all commercial pilots to obtain here today because the House is mov- of whom are here, and I am honored an Airline Transport Pilots license ing forward with legislation that in- that they are here today. I’ve used which requires a minimum of 1,500 cludes the strong new set of guidelines their personal heartache to advocate flight hours. for improving passenger and crew safe- for stronger standards for commercial ty. airline pilots. It is due to their tireless b 1330 This Act will mean safer flights for efforts that we have come so far. It requires the FAA to ensure that pi- all of us. As we learned during the Being a commercial airline pilot is lots are better trained to recover from NTSB hearings into this issue over the not an entry-level position. Commer- stalls, and it would create a database summer, there are far too many pilots cial pilots are entrusted with the lives to provide access to pilots’ comprehen- flying regional planes who are over- of our mothers, daughters, sons, and fa- sive records. The bill also established extended, undertrained, or exhausted. thers, and we and they both deserve to new risk management plans to reduce The bill establishes comprehensive have them as well-trained as possible. pilot fatigue and to enhance pilot preemployment screening for prospec- This bill dramatically improves train- training for flying in inclement weath- tive pilots and requires airlines to es- ing by requiring commercial airline pi- er, including icy conditions. tablish pilot mentoring programs so lots an FAA airline transport pilot li- This legislation dramatically im- that the highly experienced pilots can cense which requires a minimum of proves upon the safety of our airways. mentor more junior pilots, surely an 1,500 flight hours. However, I do have concerns with lan- issue in the Colgan crash. In fact, jun- In addition, H.R. 3371 requires the guage in the bill that would give the ior pilots will no longer fly alongside a first page of a Web site that sells air- FAA administrator the authority to junior pilot under the bill. line tickets to disclose the airline car- allow academic class time to count as In addition, there are new mandates rier that operates each segment of the class hours towards the 1,500-hour that grew out of the NTSB safety hear- flight. From combating pilot fatigue to flight requirement. While additional ings earlier this year: requiring the improving training practices, estab- academic class time is important, if we FAA to ensure that pilots are trained lishing an electronic pilot records want experienced pilots, there is sim- on stall recovery and upset recovery, database, and increasing transparency, ply no replacement for flight hours. As mandates that the FAA convene a mul- H.R. 3371 is an important first step in this legislation continues through Con- tidisciplinary panel on pilot training improving commercial airline safety. for stick pusher operations, and then I would like to thank again my col- gress, I will work to perfect the lan- guage to ensure high-quality training. take action to implement the rec- leagues, Mr. HIGGINS and Ms. SLAUGH- I want to thank Chairman OBERSTAR, ommendations of the panel. TER, for the support they have given to It came as a surprise to me that the the families and victims of the Flight Chairman COSTELLO, Ranking Members NTSB ideas were only suggestions to 3407 tragedy, as well as Chairmen MICA and PETRI for their leadership. I would also like to thank the families, the FAA. So obviously we’re going to COSTELLO and OBERSTAR and Ranking some of whom are here today and many have to make sure that they’re imple- Members PETRI and MICA for their hard mented. work on these issues. of whom who were here for many There is also a section in the bill to While it’s horrifying to think that months, including Kevin Kuwik and create the new database which Mr. this tragedy could have been avoided, Karen Eckert, for their commitment to COSTELLO has explained, but most im- this legislation is a testament to the making from this tragedy something portantly, it requires the Secretary of courage and the strength of the Flight positive. Transportation to give us an annual re- 3407 families who, again, have worked Mr. PETRI. I yield such time as he port on what they’re doing to address tirelessly to enact these meaningful re- may consume to the ranking member each open NTSB recommendation per- forms. of the full Transportation and Infra- taining to small air carriers like I urge my colleagues to support this structure Committee, my colleague, Colgan. legislation and enable these long-over- JOHN MICA, from Florida. I am so grateful for this bill. due reforms. Mr. MICA. Mr. Speaker and my col- Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, at this time Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, at this leagues, I am pleased to come to the I yield such time as he may consume to time I yield 2 minutes to the gen- House today and join in a bipartisan ef- an original coauthor of the bill who is tleman from New York who was instru- fort to pass the regional commuter air- before us who has been heavily in- mental in working with us to craft this line safety legislation. I really don’t volved in the deliberations on the bill bill, Congressman HIGGINS. need a prepared speech to talk about from its inception, our colleague from Mr. HIGGINS. I thank the gentleman this, having been involved with Mr. New York, Representative CHRIS LEE. for yielding. COSTELLO, Mr. OBERSTAR, our ranking Mr. LEE of New York. Mr. Speaker, I Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to join my member of the Aviation Sub- rise in support today of H.R. 3371, the colleagues in support of H.R. 3371, the committee, Mr. PETRI, on almost a

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:07 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00035 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.052 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11336 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 daily basis for a number of weeks. In Now, let me say that the challenge is flying with the air carrier that we sign fact, having chaired the Aviation Sub- just beginning. We have not had an up and we pay for, and that’s going to committee and now a leader of the full FAA reauthorization, I think, since I change in this bill. Not only are we committee, I can’t think of any issue have chaired the subcommittee. We going to allow these regional airlines we have probably spent more quality just got an FAA administrator some to cut corners, to shave times and time on and a more bipartisan effort. If months ago. We were one of the longest shoot for the minimums, because when all the legislation was fashioned in the times without an administrator. Our we asked this airline why they were manner in which this was, I think Con- overall bill, FAA bill that sets policy not trained to adequately recover from gress would be in great shape and held projects and all of the important as- this, they said the FAA did not require in great esteem by the public. pects of aviation safety, is still not in them to do this; that will end. We are As you have heard today, this legisla- place. going to do this now. tion comes as a result of a tragedy. We Mr. OBERSTAR and I, Mr. PETRI, Mr. Don’t tell me what you believe. Show have had the good fortune of having COSTELLO, we have done our due dili- me what you have done and I will tell our large passenger aircraft not have gence in the House. We all need now to you what you believe. really a significant incidence of fatali- work on the other body. It is my hope Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such ties since, I believe, November of 2001, that we can incorporate this legisla- time as he may consume to the former but we have had at least, since 2003, six tion into the master FAA reauthoriza- chairman of the Aviation Sub- regional commuter aircraft crashes, tion and get that signed by the Presi- committee, my colleague from Ten- and we have had over 155 deaths in an dent into law so that, again, we can en- nessee, JOHN DUNCAN. even shorter period of time. sure for regional passengers of com- That prompted me, and I brought the mercial aircraft, for the flying public, Mr. DUNCAN. I thank the gentleman record, and I will probably put it in the and for all aircraft in our skies and for for yielding me this time. RECORD, my calls for looking at com- the future the best possible safety Mr. Speaker, I rise mainly to com- muter airline safety. Unfortunately, measures in law. mend, first of all, Chairman OBERSTAR, the crash in Buffalo, the sixth crash Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, at this who I have always referred to as Mr. that we had, and the families that have time, I yield 2 minutes to the gen- Aviation in this Congress, and my own been mentioned here today who had tleman from Ohio, who is a member of ranking member, Mr. MICA, who has victims in Flight 3407, also took up the the subcommittee, who is an experi- been so kind to me. I especially want banner, turned a horrible personal enced pilot and who made invaluable to commend my good friends, Chair- tragedy and loss into something posi- contributions to this legislation, Mr. man COSTELLO and Ranking Member tive and have worked in a positive BOCCIERI. PETRI, who have worked so hard to fashion to craft good legislation. Mr. BOCCIERI. Mr. Speaker, Chair- bring this legislation to fruition and Let me just cite for the record that man OBERSTAR, Chairman COSTELLO, bring it to the floor today. we all came together and we entered in Ranking Members MICA and PETRI, drafting legislation. We introduced it Unless you have worked on legisla- thank you for bringing this bill to the in a bipartisan fashion, as we say tion like this, you just can’t imagine floor today. around here, the big four, Mr. OBER- all of the details that have to be ironed I remember my parents telling me: STAR and myself, Mr. PETRI, Mr. out, all the competing interests that don’t just tell me what you believe; COSTELLO. Then we thought we had have to be brought together. I espe- show me what you have done and I will done what we needed to do. But it cially want to thank them for taking tell you what you believe. By us bring- wasn’t long before that legislation saw into consideration the needs of our ing this bill to the floor today, we can the light of day, and we got to folks great educational institutions that now discount the feelings and thoughts talking about the provisions. have aviation programs, such as One of the more controversial provi- that we just believe that we should Embry-Riddle and Middle Tennessee sions was going from a smaller number have safer skies. We are now doing State University in my own State of of flight hours to 1,500 flight hours. We what should be required to make air- Tennessee, and many others. line travel as safe as possible. felt, we believed then and we firmly be- As Ranking Member PETRI just men- Taken on a whole, Mr. Speaker, air- lieve today, that commuter and re- tioned, I had the privilege of serving line travel is extremely safe in the gional aircraft passengers shouldn’t be for 6 years as chairman of the Aviation United States. However, that is compo- second-class passengers. The pilot Subcommittee. I enjoyed that very nent and functional upon the pilots fly- that’s in the cockpit of those smaller much, and I think it’s very important ing and the training that they receive. aircraft should have the same skills work that I had the privilege of doing In fact, this air crew, by all standards, and training, background and edu- then and that they are working so hard was a very experienced crew. Yet what cational experience as those pilots in on now. larger commercial aircraft. we found through NTSB reports and the later testimony by the FAA is that We have the best aviation system in After we introduced that, we found, the world, without any question. Un- in fact, that we needed to fine-tune the that air crew and this airline did not train their pilots to adequately recover fortunately, we have more people legislation and make certain that the 1 from a stall. killed in 3 ⁄2 months on the Nation’s type of hours aren’t just simple flight highways than have been killed in all hours. If someone is towing a banner, Now, we can measure these types of of the U.S. aviation accidents com- for example, does that qualify you to instant recovery patterns and the bined since the Wright brothers’ flight fly commercial passenger aircraft as upset stall recovery that needs to hap- in 1903. It’s an amazing record. someone flying in, say, the tropics and pen based on simulation. This bill will never experienced a de-icing? If some- now force pilots and their trainers to But you can never rest on your lau- one is flying a mail route and never make certain that they will not only rels, and you should always be trying had passengers in an aircraft, a crop recognize a stall, but be able to recover to make things better. We have the duster, might rack up 1,500 hours; that from a stall and be adequately trained best airlines and we have the best pi- wasn’t what we wanted. on the equipment in their airplane. lots, but everybody should always be We sat down. We sat down with ex- We will increase the number of hours trying to improve and get better. Cer- perts, pilots. We sat down with officials for regional pilots. We will add crew re- tainly, when we are faced with the from the Federal Aviation Administra- source management that will help pi- tragedy of a major crash such as we tion. We sat down with all the parties lots cut down on the chatter while they have heard mentioned several times who could provide us guidance. I think are flying. Important stall recovery here already today, it’s a terrible what we came up with is the best pos- procedures will be implemented thing, especially for those who have sible guidelines for FAA to ensure that through pilot training programs that been killed and their families. We all we have quality, qualified pilots in the will allow simulation. need to do everything we can and we cockpit of regional carriers. We will also end these share agree- certainly try to do everything we can I just want to thank again everyone ments, because when you and I buy a to make our aviation system even who has participated. ticket, we want to know that we are safer.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:07 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00036 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.054 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11337 I am pleased to be associated with Those are the raised standards that These are just a few of the many safety im- these gentlemen and also with this leg- we include in this legislation, includ- provements in this bill. And while the safety islation. I urge my colleagues to sup- ing a number of recommendations from record of our aviation system is admirable, port this very fine bill. the National Transportation Safety mistakes in the sky can devastate hundreds of Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, at this Board; remedial training, stall and lives and we must do everything possible to time, I yield to the distinguished chair- upset recovery training. You can’t get ensure our pilots are adequately trained, well man of the full committee, Chairman that just on the ground in a simulator. rested, and best practices are always used. OBERSTAR, as much time as he may You need that training at six and seven I urge my colleagues to pass this important consume. miles in the air, when there is no curb piece of legislation to make the skies safer for Mr. OBERSTAR. I thank the gen- to pull over and look under the hood or us all. tleman from Illinois, Chair of the Sub- call for help. That training has to be Mr. HOLT. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in sup- committee on Aviation, for the splen- instilled in the pilot, in the captain in port of H.R. 3371, the Airline Safety and Pilot did job he has done, for the diligent, command and the first officer, before Training Improvement Act. time-consuming, engaged work that he they get in the flight deck. On February 12, 2009, 50 lives were lost has dedicated to bringing this bill to We also create an air carrier safety when Continental Flight 3407 crashed outside the House floor today; and to our col- and pilot training task force to iden- of Buffalo, New York. This was truly a national league, Mr. PETRI, a senior member on tify the best practices in the industry tragedy, one that has raised serious concerns the Aviation Subcommittee on the Re- for pilot training, professional stand- about the safety and oversight of our nation’s publican side who has also contributed ards, intercarrier information-sharing aviation system. an enormous amount of time and en- and mentoring. I would like to take a moment to honor the ergy and work. We appreciate the kind All of these are important. But not lives of three of the passengers on Flight 3407 words of Mr. DUNCAN and Mr. MICA, my just to have those standards. We re- from New Jersey’s 12th Congressional District, ranking member and counterpart, and quire them to report to the Congress which I have the privilege to represent in Con- to the congressional delegation of every 180 days, and I thank Mr. gress. I have spoken with and heard from their Members whose constituents included COSTELLO for insisting on that and for families and friends, and my thoughts and those lost lives in this tragic crash. the oversight he has conducted. We are prayers go out to them as they cope with the It is so often the case that tragedy going to stay on top of this thing. This loss of these outstanding individuals. As they brings us to the House floor to right a full committee and this subcommittee mourn, they have been vigilant in working to wrong and correct gaps in safety in are not going to just fold our hands ensure that we address the serious safety aviation, in railroad, in trucking, in after the bill passes and say ‘‘job well concerns that led to this crash. passenger rail service, transit systems. done.’’ ‘‘Job just begun’’ is our method Lorin Maurer from Princeton was a fund- We should be ahead of the game. We and is our standard. raiser for the athletics division of Princeton should be prescriptive rather than re- For pilot fatigue, we require new University. According to her coworkers she active. This legislation will do that for flight and duty time rules within a was a bright and rising star. She was also a us. It will make us prescriptive in the year. You know, it took 14 years to get dedicated volunteer for the Greater Princeton field of aviation. flight and duty time for flight attend- Junior League. According to her fellow volun- This bill, when enacted into law, will ants. teers she was ‘‘an enthusiastic woman who be the most significant improvement So these and a whole host of others not only had great ideas for improving our in raising the standards of pilot quali- are wrapped up with a directive to the community, but took the actions necessary to fications since 1958, when the FAA was General Accounting Office to do an achieve our goals.’’ I would like to thank established. There has been a great evaluation of flight schools upon enact- Lorin’s boyfriend Kevin Kuwik for his hard deal of concentration of public interest ment of this legislation and report in the number of hours required to back to Congress. That is a complete work on behalf of the families of Flight 3407. Ron Gonzalez of North Brunswick was a serve in the flight deck, in the left- package: new standards, higher stand- tireless advocate for his community. According hand or the right-hand seat. ards, more requirements, more over- to his sister he was a true advocate for life. This bill is much more than hours sight, reporting to the Congress and served. We have a current standard keeping our hands on to make sure His humanitarian efforts included running the that a pilot need only a commercial pi- there are no more Colgan tragedies. New York City Marathon, and volunteering for lot’s certificate, 250 hours, in some The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the New York State Healthy Heart Program, cases only 190 hours. time of the gentleman has expired. HIV AIDS Community Services, and the New Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I have no York State Prevention Planning Group. Ron b 1345 further requests for time. I urge my worked at New Brunswick Tomorrow where he Well, to fly an aircraft you need a lot colleagues to pass this bill. managed a school based program for at-risk more experience, a lot more flight ex- Mr. COSTELLO. I would ask the children within New Brunswick Public Schools. perience. You need more aeronautical ranking member if he would yield 30 During Ron’s tenure with New Brunswick To- knowledge. You need weather training. seconds to me, since I am out of time. morrow, he worked hard to save children who You need training in crew resource Mr. PETRI. I yield such time as he were in crisis due to domestic violence, drugs, management in the flight deck so that may consume to my chairman, Mr. gangs, and other social ills. His passing is a you have a plan, as in the case of Gal- COSTELLO. great loss to our community. axy Airlines when a sound was heard in Mr. COSTELLO. I thank the ranking Coleman Mellett from East Brunswick was a the flight deck and all three personnel member for yielding 30 seconds to me. talented jazz guitarist. Coleman’s talent was in the flight deck began trouble- In closing, let me reiterate that this evident from a young age. He came in second shooting and no one was flying the air- is the strongest aviation and pilot at the scholarship competition at the East craft. You need a flight management training bill, as Chairman OBERSTAR Coast Jazz Festival while he was still in high plan. And in that case, the aircraft said, in over half a decade. It is a good school. Coleman played with a number of tal- crashed and 93 people died. bill. It deserves our support. I urge my ented musicians including Chuck Mangione’s We raised the standards for the air- colleagues to support this legislation. band. He also released the solo album Natural line transport pilot certification. The Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, as a High in 2007 which demonstrated the depth of pilot must have flight training, aca- member of the Transportation and Infrastruc- his talent. I can only imagine the music that demic training, and operational experi- ture Committee and a cosponsor of this bill I we have lost with Coleman’s passing. ence to function effectively and effi- rise to lend my strong support of Airline Safety Many of the family members of the victims ciently in an operational environment. and Pilot Training Improvement Act of 2009. of Flight 3407 are at the Capitol today to re- You have to be part meteorologist to This important piece of legislation increases mind us that we in Congress need to take ac- understand weather conditions. You commercial pilot training requirements and re- tion to prevent another tragedy of this scale. need training for how to cope with quires the Federal Aviation Administration to A series of National Transportation Safety icing, high-altitude operations, convene a multidisciplinary review panel Board (NTSB) hearings exposed the disturbing multipilot crew, and operating an air- aimed at improving pilot response to a variety fact that this tragedy was preventable. The pi- craft under difficult conditions, say, of conditions. It would also create an FAA task lots had received inadequate training on how when the autopilot is off. force to identify industry best practices. to recover from a stall and how to proceed in

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:07 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00037 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.056 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11338 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 icing conditions. Severe pilot fatigue also was Whereas in 1997, IAH was named in honor for the airport’s service to Houston’s identified as the cause of the crash. The of the Nation’s 41st President, George Her- citizens and the national air transpor- NTSB found that regional carriers are held to bert Walker Bush, a longtime resident of tation system. lower safety standards than national carriers Houston who, as a Member of the Houston Houston Intercontinental Airport is congressional delegation, was present at the despite regional airlines’ accounting for one- 1969 opening of the airport; the largest airport in Houston, serving half of all scheduled flights in the United Whereas IAH is the largest airport in Hous- over 43 million passengers in 2008, and States. As a result, five of the last seven fatal ton, serving over 43,000,000 passengers in 2008, is the eighth largest airport in the commercial plane crashes involved regional is the 8th-largest airport in the United United States. The airport has grown carriers. States and the 16th-largest in the world for to become a world-class international As more Americans rely on commuter air- total passengers served; gateway and is a regional and world lines for air service, the Federal Aviation Ad- Whereas more than 700,000,000 people have leader in air cargo processing, consoli- ministration (FAA) must take aggressive action passed through IAH’s gates since its opening; dation, and distribution. to ensure that there is no difference in the Whereas IAH has grown to become a world- class international gateway offering service Finally, the airport supports more level of safety provided by different air car- to more than 109 domestic and 65 nonstop than 151,000 jobs and contributes over riers. However, the NTSB hearings also made international destinations in over 32 coun- $24 billion annually to the Houston re- clear that the FAA has failed to issue regula- tries; gional economy. tions based on previous NTSB recommenda- Whereas in 1990, the City of Houston Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to tions to establish uniform standards for train- named the IAH international arrivals build- join me in supporting H. Con. Res. 138. ing and performance. We owe it to the families ing, now the IAH Terminal D, in honor of the I reserve the balance of my time. and friends of the victims of the Flight 3407 to distinguished Congressman for the 18th Dis- Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- take action to prevent such tragedies in the fu- trict of Texas, George Thomas ‘‘Mickey’’ Le- self such time as I may consume. land, a renowned antipoverty activist who Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of ture. died tragically in 1989 while on a humani- Earlier this year I joined my colleagues from tarian visit to Ethiopia; House Concurrent Resolution 138, rec- upstate New York, CHRISTOPHER LEE and Whereas IAH operates the largest pas- ognizing the 40th anniversary of the BRIAN HIGGINS in introducing the One Level of senger international arrivals facility in the George H.W. Bush Intercontinental Safety Act. Our legislation would require re- Nation and was selected by the Department Airport in Houston, Texas. gional carriers to meet the same training and of State and the Department of Homeland George H.W. Bush Intercontinental, safety standards of national carriers. Addition- Security as the first ‘‘Model Port’’ for its ef- as has been pointed out, is the eighth ally, it would require the FAA to implement the ficiency in welcoming international pas- largest airport in these United States sengers arriving in the United States; and served over 43 million passengers unfulfilled NTSB recommendations that were Whereas IAH is a regional and world leader found to be responsible for this crash. I would in air cargo processing, consolidation, and in 2008 alone. The airport offers flights like to thank Chairman COSTELLO for including distribution; to over 32 countries and is the world a number of these provisions in the Airline Whereas IAH is a critical component of the leader in air cargo processing, consoli- Safety and Pilot Training Improvement Act that Houston economy, supporting more than dation, and distribution. we are considering today. I am proud to be an 151,000 jobs and contributing over George H.W. Bush Intercontinental is original cosponsor of this bill and I urge my $24,000,000,000 in economic benefits to the vital to the economic stability of the colleagues to support it. Houston region; and greater Houston area. The airport con- Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I have no Whereas IAH serves 30 airlines and is the tributes almost $24 billion in direct further requests for time, and I yield headquarters and major hub for award-win- ning Continental Airlines, which is cele- benefits to the region and supports back the balance of my time. brating its 75th anniversary in 2009: Now, more than 151,000 jobs. The airport is a The SPEAKER pro tempore. The therefore, be it valuable part of our national airspace question is on the motion offered by Resolved by the House of Representatives (the system and is very important to the the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Senate concurring), That the Congress— greater Houston area. COSTELLO) that the House suspend the (1) recognizes the 40th anniversary of the Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3371, as founding of the George Bush Interconti- join me in supporting this resolution amended. nental Airport; and honoring the 40th anniversary of (2) congratulates officials of the George The question was taken. George H.W. Bush Intercontinental The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the Bush Intercontinental Airport, the Houston Airport System, and the City of Houston, Airport. opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being Texas, for the airport’s record of excellent I reserve the balance of my time. in the affirmative, the ayes have it. service to the citizens of Houston and the na- Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, on tional air transportation system. 4 minutes to the author of this legisla- that I demand the yeas and nays. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- tion, the gentlelady from Texas (Ms. The yeas and nays were ordered. JACKSON-LEE). The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ant to the rule, the gentleman from Il- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. I thank ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the linois (Mr. COSTELLO) and the gen- the distinguished gentleman from Illi- Chair’s prior announcement, further tleman from Wisconsin (Mr. PETRI) nois and as well the chairman and proceedings on this motion will be each will control 20 minutes. The Chair recognizes the gentleman ranking member of the Aviation Sub- postponed. from Illinois. committee for your leadership on a f GENERAL LEAVE number of issues that have been on the RECOGNIZING THE 40TH ANNIVER- Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask floor of the House today. SARY OF THE GEORGE BUSH unanimous consent that all Members I thank my cosponsors, who realize INTERCONTINENTAL AIRPORT IN have 5 legislative days within which to in this time of a challenging economy HOUSTON, TEXAS revise and extend their remarks and to how important the aviation industry is Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I move include extraneous material on H. Con. in being an economic engine; how to suspend the rules and agree to the Res. 138. many of our tourists that come to concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 138) The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there Washington, DC, many drive, but many recognizing the 40th anniversary of the objection to the request of the gen- of them fly, and they want to fly on a George Bush Intercontinental Airport tleman from Illinois? safe and secure system. in Houston, Texas. There was no objection. As the chairwoman of the Sub- The Clerk read the title of the con- Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I rise committee on Transportation Security current resolution. in support of H. Con. Res. 138, intro- and Infrastructure Protection, Mr. The text of the concurrent resolution duced by the gentlewoman from Texas COSTELLO and myself have common in- is as follows: (Ms. JACKSON-LEE). terests about security and safety, but H. CON. RES. 138 The concurrent resolution recognizes we also are glad for our Nation’s air- Whereas the George Bush Intercontinental the 40th anniversary of the George ports. Airport in the City of Houston, Texas (re- Bush Intercontinental Airport in Hous- Our Nation’s airports are large and ferred to in this resolution as ‘‘IAH’’), was ton, Texas, and congratulates officials small; they are rural and urban. I ap- first opened for operation on June 8, 1969; of the airport and the City of Houston plaud them all. But I am excited to

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:07 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00038 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.031 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11339 stand with my colleagues to recognize as President received both the victims more than 109 domestic and 65 nonstop inter- one of the strongest airports in the Na- of that tragedy and the report while he national destinations in over 32 countries, and tion, the George H. Bush Interconti- was in the White House, and our now today remains a regional and world leader in nental Airport in Houston, Texas, and chairman of the full committee, Chair- air cargo processing, consolidation, and dis- is the subject of this resolution, H. man OBERSTAR, was then the chairman tribution. Con. Res. 138 that I authored. I would of the Aviation Committee, served on The George Bush Intercontinental Airport in like to thank my cosponsors, Mr. the commission, and this Congress has Houston operates the largest passenger inter- CULBERSON, Mr. MCCAUL, Mr. OLSON, implemented 63 of the 64 proposals of national arrivals facility in the Nation and was and Mr. GENE GREEN. that particular commission. That selected by the Department of State and the I sponsored this resolution to ac- means we worked hand-in-glove to help Department of Homeland Security as the first knowledge the importance of airport improve airline and airport security. ‘‘Model Port’’ for its efficiency in welcoming travel and to recognize that this air- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The international passengers arriving in the United port in Houston, Texas, is an economic time of the gentlewoman has expired. States. engine and to realize that the airport’s Mr. COSTELLO. I yield the gentle- Bush Intercontinental is located approxi- record of excellent service to the citi- lady an additional minute. mately 23 miles north of downtown Houston, zens of Houston and the national air Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. In sup- near the Tollway (Beltway 8 transportation system is deserving of porting these airlines and supporting North). The airport is operated and maintained acclamation and applause, for their this airport, we are very pleased that by the City of Houston Department of Aviation. great service has been a critical com- this airport has been the recipient of The Houston Airport System functions as an ponent of Houston’s economy, sup- many, many awards and as well many, enterprise fund and does not burden the local porting more than 151,000 jobs and con- many thank-you’s from the employees tax base for airport operations, maintenance tributing over $24 billion in economic to the traveling public. We are now in or capital improvements. IAH currently ranks benefits to the Houston region over a new construction for expansion. 3rd in the United States among U.S. airports period of time. I want to congratulate the City of with scheduled non-stop domestic and inter- The George Bush Intercontinental Houston and the leadership of the national service (over 170 destinations). With Airport in the City of Houston was first Houston Intercontinental Airport, more than 29 destinations in Mexico, IAH of- opened for operation on June 8, 1969, 40 named for the 41st President of the fers service to more Mexican destinations than years ago. In 1997, it was named in United States, for providing the kind of any other U.S. airport. Furthermore, this air- honor of the Nation’s 41st President, economic engine that says to the port is the 8th busiest airport in the U.S. for George Herbert Walker Bush, who hap- world, we are open, we are friendly, and total passengers. For these reasons and more pens to be a resident, along with his says to the City of Houston, we are we ask for my colleagues to support this bill. wife, Mrs. Bush, of Houston, Texas. He your economic engine, too! Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, at this time was also a member of the Houston con- I ask my colleagues to support this I yield such time as he may consume to gressional delegation, and he was legislation. our hardworking colleague from the present at the 1969 opening of the air- Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today in sup- greater Houston area in the State of port. port of House Concurrent Resolution 138, Texas, Representative PETER OLSON. In 1990, the City of Houston named Recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Mr. OLSON. Mr. Speaker, I also IAH’s International arrivals building, George Bush Intercontinental Airport in my would like to thank Chairman now terminal D, in honor of my prede- home city of Houston, Texas. I would like COSTELLO and Ranking Member PETRI cessor, Congressman Mickey Leland of thank my co-sponsors, Representative for all your hard work to get this reso- the 18th Congressional district, who CULBERSON, Rep. GENE GREEN, Rep. MCCAUL, lution to this point. died tragically on a humanitarian ef- and Rep. OLSON. In June of this year, George Bush fort trying to help the starving and I sponsored this resolution to recognize the Intercontinental Airport in Houston ravished people of Ethiopia. He was 40th anniversary of the George Bush Inter- celebrated its 40th anniversary. Inter- also a figure who cared about people. continental Airport and congratulate officials of continental is the largest airport in Our airport cares about people. It the George Bush Intercontinental Airport, the Houston and served more than 43 mil- served over 43 million passengers in Houston Airport System, and the city of Hous- lion passengers in 2008, making it the 2008. It is the eighth largest airport in ton, Texas, for the airport’s record of excellent eighth largest airport in the United the United States and the 16th largest service to the citizens of Houston and the na- States and the 16th largest airport in in the world for total passengers tional air transportation system. For their great the world. served, with more than 700 million peo- service has been a critical component of the 1400 ple having passed through its gates Houston economy, supporting more than b since its opening. 151,000 jobs and contributing over Serving as Houston’s gateway to the The airport has grown to be world- $24,000,000,000 in economic benefits to the world, Intercontinental operates one of wide. We are building new terminals Houston region. the largest international passenger ar- now. The anchor airline is Continental; The George Bush Intercontinental Airport in rival facilities in our country. With but we are open to the many, many the city of Houston, Texas was first opened for five terminals and 125 gates, Inter- other airlines, as well as international operation on June 8, 1969. In 1997, it was continental gives passengers the option airlines, because this is an inter- named in honor of the Nation’s 41st President, of service to over 170 nonstop destina- national city. Houston is the fourth George Herbert Walker Bush, a longtime resi- tions in more than 30 countries around largest city in the Nation, but soon to dent of Houston who, as a Member of the the world. It is one of few airports in be in this new census the possibility of Houston congressional delegation, was the world with five, five, air carrier being the third largest city in the Na- present at the 1969 opening of the airport. In runways, and the ability to handle tri- tion. 1990, the city of Houston named the IAH inter- ple simultaneous takeoffs and landings George Bush Intercontinental Air- national arrivals building, now Terminal D, in in all sorts of weather. port has 109 domestic and 65 nonstop honor of the distinguished Congressman for Intercontinental is a key driver for international destinations in over 32 the 18th District of Texas, George Thomas the greater Houston area economy. The countries. We are a part of the eco- ‘‘Mickey’’ Leland, a renowned antipoverty ac- airport supports more than 151,000 jobs nomic engine of this great country. tivist who died tragically in 1989 while on a and contributes more than $24 billion I would also like to note that George humanitarian visit to Ethiopia. in economic benefits to the Houston re- H.W. Bush, since we are concerned IAH is the largest airport in Houston, serving gion. Bush Intercontinental Airport is about being secure, was the President over 43,000,000 passengers in 2008, is the an important part of keeping the goods who asked for the Pan Am 103 report on 8th largest airport in the United States and the and people moving around our great the tragedy of Pan Am 103. He asked 16th largest in the world for total passengers nation and the entire world. the Congress to establish the Pan Am served, with more than 700,000,000 people I ask that my colleagues join me in 103 commission, and that commission have passed through its gates since opening. supporting House Concurrent Resolu- was part of the effort of being able to Our airport has grown to become a world- tion 138 and recognizing Intercontinen- respond to that tragedy. George Bush class international gateway offering service to tal’s 40th anniversary.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:07 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00039 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.060 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11340 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- the United States economy through general recognizing and honoring Russell W. port of this legislation, H. Con. Res. 138, intro- aviation operations; Meyer, Jr., on his induction into the duced by the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Whereas Russ Meyer was the originator of the National Aviation Hall of Fame. Prob- Citation Special Olympics Airlift, in which hun- ably best known for his role as chair- JACKSON-LEE), which recognizes the 40th an- dreds of owners of Citation aircraft transport niversary of the George Bush Intercontinental athletes from around the country to the Special man and chief executive officer of Airport in Houston, Texas, and congratulates Olympics National Games; and Cessna Aircraft for 28 years, Mr. Meyer officials of the airport and the City of Houston Whereas Russ Meyer will join fellow residents is an enthusiastic member of the gen- for the airport’s service to Houston citizens of Kansas Olive Beech and Walter Beech, Lloyd eral aviation community. In the mid- and the national air transportation system. I Stearman, Clyde Cessna, Amelia Earhart, and 1990s, when the entire general aviation thank Representative JACKSON-LEE for her Joe Engle in the National Aviation Hall of industry was on the brink, he helped leadership on this measure. Fame: Now, therefore, be it push the General Aviation Revitaliza- Resolved, That the House of Representa- Houston Intercontinental Airport is the eighth tion Act of 1994 to enactment. tives— Through the development of the Be A largest airport in the United States, serving (1) commends Russ Meyer for being in- over 43 million passengers in 2008. The air- ducted into the National Aviation Hall of Pilot program, Mr. Meyer did his best port offers 109 domestic and 65 nonstop inter- Fame; to share his love of flying with others. national destinations in over 32 countries by (2) recognizes the achievements of Russ And when Special Olympics athletes 30 airlines. More than 700 million passengers Meyer during his lifetime of service to the faced challenges in transportation to have travelled through the airport since it aviation industry; and the Games, he organized the Citation opened in 1969. Furthermore, the airport con- (3) directs the Clerk of the House of Rep- Special Olympics Airlift, partnering resentatives to transmit a copy of this reso- tributes more than 151,000 jobs and $24 bil- athletes with Cessna Citation owners lution to Russ Meyer. and pilots to provide a ride to the lion in economic benefits to the Houston re- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. gion. For air cargo, the airport is a regional Games. In addition to his philanthropic SCHIFF). Pursuant to the rule, the gen- and world leader in processing, consolidation, work with the aviation industry, Russ tleman from Illinois (Mr. COSTELLO) Meyer was also an active philan- and distribution. and the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- thropist for local charities in and PETRI) each will control 20 minutes. porting H. Con. Res. 138. around his hometown. The Chair recognizes the gentleman For his accomplishments as both an Mr. PETRI. I have no further re- from Illinois. Air Force and Marine Corps aviator, a quests for time. I urge my colleagues GENERAL LEAVE successful aircraft manufacturing exec- to support this resolution. Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I ask utive and a philanthropist, we honor I yield back the balance of my time. unanimous consent that all Members Russ Meyer and congratulate him on Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, we may have 5 legislative days within his induction into the National Avia- have no further requests for time. I which to revise and extend their re- tion Hall of Fame. urge my colleagues to support this leg- marks and to include extraneous mate- I urge my colleagues to support the islation. rials on H. Res. 719. resolution. I yield back the balance of our time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there I reserve the balance of my time. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The objection to the request of the gen- Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, we question is on the motion offered by tleman from Illinois? have no further speakers on our side. the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. There was no objection. I reserve the balance of our time. COSTELLO) that the House suspend the Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I yield Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield such rules and agree to the concurrent reso- myself such time as I may consume. time as he may consume to our col- lution, H. Con. Res. 138. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. league from Kansas, Representative The question was taken; and (two- Res. 719, introduced by the gentleman TODD TIAHRT. thirds being in the affirmative) the from Kansas (Mr. TIAHRT). The resolu- Mr. TIAHRT. Mr. Speaker, I want to rules were suspended and the concur- tion recognizes Russell W. Meyer, Jr., first thank Chairman COSTELLO for his rent resolution was agreed to. for his achievements and lifetime of leadership on this legislation and also A motion to reconsider was laid on service to the aviation industry and Ranking Member PETRI for his help in the table. commends him on his induction into recognizing Russ Meyer. It’s with great pleasure that I come f the National Aviation Hall of Fame. As a leading proponent of aviation, to the floor today to commend Russ W. COMMENDING RUSS MEYER ON Russ demonstrated strong leadership Meyer, Jr., for his induction into the HIS INDUCTION INTO THE NA- as the former chairman and chief exec- National Aviation Hall of Fame. In TIONAL AVIATION HALL OF utive officer of Cessna Aircraft Com- April, Russ joined astronauts Ellen FAME pany. He was instrumental in sup- Collins, the late Edward White, and Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, I move porting innovative aviation programs movie legend Jimmy Stewart in the to suspend the rules and agree to the and played a key role in the develop- class of 2009. resolution (H. Res. 719) commending ment of the Be A Pilot program that Russ has had a distinguished career Russ Meyer on his induction into the resulted in tens of thousands of new pi- both in the private and public arena. National Aviation Hall of Fame, as lots and contributed more than $200 While attending Harvard Law School, amended. million to the economy. Russ served with the United States Ma- The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Russ has served on three Presidential rine Corps Reserves from 1958 to 1961. tion. commissions and was one of the prin- After a few years in the private prac- The text of the resolution is as fol- cipal architects of the General Avia- tice of law, Russ entered the aviation lows: tion Revitalization Act of 1994. industry as president and CEO of Grumman American Aviation Corpora- H. RES. 719 In 1995 he received one of aviation’s tion in Cleveland, Ohio. Then Russ Whereas the leadership of Russell (Russ) W. most prestigious individual honors, the Meyer, Jr., former chairman and chief executive Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy. It came to Wichita, Kansas. Russ joined officer of Cessna Aircraft Company and a lead- is awarded annually on the anniversary the Cessna Aircraft Company as execu- ing proponent of general aviation, has had a of the Wright brothers’ first powered tive vice president in June of 1974. One dramatic impact on the continued growth of the flight. year later he became the chairman and aviation industry in Kansas and throughout the Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to CEO. United States; join me in honoring one of America’s There are few who have done more Whereas Russ Meyer was one of the principal pioneers in aviation by supporting H. for the general aviation community advocates for the General Aviation Revitaliza- Res. 719. than Russ. He led Cessna, both as tion Act of 1994 (Public Law 103–298; 108 Stat. chairman and CEO, for a total of 23 1552); I reserve the balance of my time. Whereas Russ Meyer was instrumental in the Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- years. During his time with Cessna, development of the ‘‘Be A Pilot Program’’, self such time as I may consume. Russ led the expansion of the Cessna which has resulted in tens of thousands of new I rise today in support of the resolu- line of business jets, the world’s most pilots and contributed more than $200,000,000 to tion before us, House Resolution 719, popular line of mid-sized jets.

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We’re among the sick out there in Boise, Idaho, Ed A motion to reconsider was laid on highest. It’s because of visionaries like Stimson. the table. Russ Meyer who gave the American Ed was the head of general aviation f manufacturing and worked with Russ, people the ability to do the same work MARITIME WORKFORCE and they were a great team. Your col- in less time, making us the most pro- DEVELOPMENT ACT ductive and strongest workforce and league, your predecessor, Dan Glick- economy in the world. man worked very hard on the general Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I move In the 1980s, the general aviation in- aviation liability legislation, which to suspend the rules and pass the bill dustry was faced with a tremendous was an extraordinary piece of work (H.R. 2651) to amend title 46, United hurdle that threatened to eliminate a that completely changed the dynamics States Code, to direct the Secretary of big portion of the general aviation air- and helped general aviation recover. Transportation to establish a maritime craft market. Aircraft manufacturers And I was a cosponsor of that legisla- career training loan program, and for were forced to cease production of their tion. But Russ Meyer is just one of the other purposes, as amended. piston-powered aircraft due to liability great leaders in general aviation his- The Clerk read the title of the bill. issues that extended over the life of the tory. The text of the bill is as follows: aircraft. In response to this threat, I commend the gentleman for his re- H.R. 2651 Russ put his leadership to work on marks and urge the passing of this res- Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- Capitol Hill. He became one of the olution. resentatives of the United States of America in principal advocates for the General Mr. TIAHRT. I thank the gentleman Congress assembled, Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994. from Washington State, and I appre- SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. This bill provided limited liability on ciate his contributions to the aircraft This Act may be cited as the ‘‘Maritime Workforce Development Act’’. general aviation aircraft and revital- industry as well. He’s been a stalwart SEC. 2. MARITIME EDUCATION LOAN PROGRAM. in helping us get American jobs made ized the general aviation industry. (a) IN GENERAL.—Chapter 517 of title 46, But this is just one of many con- by American companies, American air- United States Code, is amended by adding at tributions Russ has given to the indus- craft. the end the following: try as a whole. Far beyond his leader- Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- ‘‘§ 51705. Maritime career training loan pro- ship in the business sector, Russ is also port of this legislation, H. Res. 719, introduced gram a philanthropist. One person described by the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. TIAHRT), ‘‘(a) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary of Russ as one who has a big heart and which commends Russell W. Meyer, Jr. for his Transportation shall establish a maritime wants to serve the underserved. This induction into the National Aviation Hall of career training loan program (in this section isn’t just talk. Russ was the chairman Fame, and for his many contributions to gen- referred to as the ‘program’) in accordance of a campaign to construct a 42,000- eral aviation. with the requirements of this section. square-foot complex for the Boys and Russ Meyer is an accomplished individual. ‘‘(b) PURPOSE.—The purpose of the program shall be to make maritime career training Girls Club of South Central Kansas. He He earned a Bachelor of Arts from Yale Uni- loans available to eligible students to pro- led the fundraising effort and raised versity and a law degree from Harvard Univer- vide for the training of United States mari- over $9 million for the project. sity. From 1955–1961, Meyer served as a ners. Russ was also the originator of the fighter pilot in both the Air Force and the Ma- ‘‘(c) ADMINISTRATION.—The program shall Citation Special Olympics Airlift, rine Corps Reserves. Later, Meyer was Chair- be carried out by the Secretary, acting where hundreds of Citation airplane man and Chief Executive Officer of Cessna through the Administrator of the Maritime owners from around the country trans- Aircraft Company from 1975 to 2003. In this Administration. port athletes to the national Special ‘‘(d) DUTIES.—The Secretary shall— role, Meyer won two Trophies for ex- ‘‘(1) allocate, on an annual basis, the award Olympic Games. Russ is also a member panding the Cessna’s Citation line of business of loans under the program based on the of the Kansas Aviation Hall of Fame, a jets. needs of students; Wright Brothers Memorial Trophy Meyer was an advocate for the General ‘‘(2) develop an application process and eli- holder, has served on three Presi- Aviation Revitalization Act of 1994, which gibility criteria for the award of loans under dential commissions, and the list goes placed fair and reasonable limitations on the the program; on. time period during which a manufacturer ‘‘(3) approve applications for loans under Like many others, I’ve known Russ would be legally liable for aircraft defects. He the program based on the eligibility criteria to be a man of vision and action. When- also contributed to thousands of new pilots and allocations made under paragraph (1); ever Russ takes on a project, he has and taking flight in the United States with the ‘‘Be ‘‘(4) designate maritime training institu- the ability to rally and inspire every- a Pilot Program.’’ This program helped to re- tions at which loans made under the pro- one around him behind a common goal. duce the cost of flight schools for new pilots. gram may be used. Every community wants a Russ Meyer. To assist athletes traveling to the Special ‘‘(e) DESIGNATION OF MARITIME TRAINING Every community needs a Russ Meyer. Olympics National Games, Meyer founded the INSTITUTIONS.— The children of South Central Kansas Citation Special Olympics Airlift, which coordi- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—In designating maritime needed him, and Russ delivered. The nates transportation to the games on Cessna training institutions under subsection (d)(4), aircraft industry needed him, and Russ owners’ aircraft. In 1995, he won the Wright the Secretary— ‘‘(A) may include Federal, State, and com- delivered. He’s a big reason why Wich- Brothers Memorial Trophy for this important mercial training institutions and nonprofit ita is known as the air capital of the work. training organizations, except that under- world. I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- graduate students at the United States Mer- Once again, I am pleased today that porting H. Res. 719. chant Marine Academy shall not be eligible the United States House of Representa- Mr. PETERSON. Mr. Speaker, I have for loans under the program; tives will congratulate and commend no further requests for time. ‘‘(B) shall designate institutions based on Russ W. Meyer, Jr., on his induction I yield back the balance of my time. geographic diversity and scope of classes of- into the National Aviation Hall of Mr. COSTELLO. Mr. Speaker, we fered; Fame. have no further requests for time. I ‘‘(C) shall ensure that designated institu- tions have the ability to administer the pro- Mr. DICKS. Will the gentleman urge passage of this legislation. gram; and yield? I yield back the balance of our time ‘‘(D) shall ensure that designated institu- Mr. TIAHRT. I will be glad to yield The SPEAKER pro tempore. The tions meet requirements to provide training to the gentleman from Washington question is on the motion offered by instruction for appropriate Coast Guard-ap- State (Mr. DICKS). the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. proved training instruction.

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‘‘(2) EXCLUSIONS.—The Secretary— ‘‘(A) be evidenced by a note or other writ- penses reasonably incurred in attempts by ‘‘(A) may exclude from participation in the ten instrument that provides for the repay- the Secretary to collect on a loan; program a maritime training institution ment of the principal amount of the loan and ‘‘(viii) a statement of the total cumulative that has had severe performance defi- any origination fee, together with interest balance, including the loan applied for, owed ciencies, including deficiencies demonstrated thereon, in equal installments (or, if the stu- by the student borrower to the Secretary, by audits or program reviews conducted dur- dent borrower so requests, in graduated peri- and an estimate of the projected monthly ing the 5 calendar years immediately pre- odic installments determined in accordance payment, given such cumulative balance; ceding the present year; with such schedules as may be approved by ‘‘(ix) an explanation of any special options ‘‘(B) shall exclude from participation in the Secretary) payable quarterly, bimonthly, the student borrower may have for loan con- the program a maritime training institution or monthly, at the option of the student bor- solidation or other refinancing of the loan; that has delinquent or outstanding debts to rower, over a period beginning 9 months ‘‘(x) a statement that the student borrower the United States, unless such debts are from the date on which the student borrower has the right to prepay all or part of the being repaid under or in accordance with a completes study or discontinues attendance loan, at any time, without penalty; repayment arrangement satisfactory to the at the maritime program for which the loans ‘‘(xi) a statement summarizing cir- United States, or the Secretary in the Sec- are used at the institution approved by the cumstances in which repayment of the loan retary’s discretion determines that the exist- Secretary and not exceeding 10 years; or interest that accrues on the loan may be ence or amount of any such debts has not ‘‘(B) include provision for acceleration of deferred, and a brief notice of the program been finally determined by the appropriate repayment of the whole, or any part, of such for repayment of loans, on the basis of mili- Federal agency; loan, at the option of the student borrower; tary service, pursuant to the Department of ‘‘(C) may exclude from participation in the ‘‘(C) provide the loan without security and Defense educational loan repayment pro- program a maritime training institution without endorsement; gram (10 U.S.C. 16302); that has failed to comply with quality stand- ‘‘(D) provide that the liability to repay the ‘‘(xii) a definition of default and the con- ards established by the Department of Labor, loan shall be canceled upon the death of the sequences to the student borrower if the stu- the Coast Guard, or a State; and student borrower, or if the student borrower dent borrower defaults, together with a ‘‘(D) may establish such other criteria as becomes permanently and totally disabled, statement that the disbursement of, and the the Secretary determines will protect the fi- as determined in accordance with regula- default on, a loan under this part shall be re- nancial interest of the United States and tions to be issued by the Secretary; ported to a credit bureau or credit reporting promote the purposes of this section. ‘‘(E) contain a notice of the system of dis- agency; ‘‘(f) STATE MARITIME ACADEMIES.— closure of information concerning default on ‘‘(xiii) to the extent practicable, the effect ‘‘(1) USE OF FUNDS FOR LOANS TO STUDENTS such loan to credit bureau organizations; and of accepting the loan on the eligibility of the ATTENDING STATE MARITIME ACADEMIES.—The ‘‘(F) include provisions for deferral of re- student borrower for other forms of student Secretary may obligate not more than 50 payment, as determined by the Secretary. assistance; and percent of the amounts appropriated to carry ‘‘(2) RATE OF INTEREST.—A student bor- ‘‘(xiv) an explanation of any cost the stu- out this section for a fiscal year for loans to rower who receives a loan under the program dent borrower may incur in the making or undergraduate students attending State on or after January 1, 2010, and before Octo- collection of the loan. maritime academies receiving assistance ber 1, 2015, shall be obligated to repay the ‘‘(C) INFORMATION TO BE PROVIDED WITHOUT under chapter 515 of this title. loan amount to the Secretary, together with COST.—The information provided under this ‘‘(2) ACADEMIC STANDARDS FOR STUDENTS.— interest beginning in the period referred to paragraph shall be available to the Secretary Students at State maritime academies re- in paragraph (1)(A), at a rate to be deter- without cost to the student borrower. ceiving loans under the program shall main- mined as follows: ‘‘(4) REPAYMENT AFTER DEFAULT.—The Sec- tain satisfactory progress toward the com- ‘‘(A) For a loan for which the first dis- retary may require any student borrower pletion of their course of study as evidenced bursement is made on or after January 1, who has defaulted on a loan made under the by the maintenance of a cumulative C aver- 2010, and before October 1, 2011, 5.6 percent on program to— age, or its equivalent, or academic standing the unpaid principal balance of the loan. ‘‘(A) pay all reasonable collection costs as- consistent with the requirements for gradua- ‘‘(B) For a loan for which the first dis- sociated with such loan; and tion, as determined by the institution. bursement is made on or after October 1, ‘‘(B) repay the loan pursuant to an income ‘‘(g) LOAN AMOUNTS AND USE.— 2011, and before October 1, 2012, 4.5 percent on contingent repayment plan. ‘‘(1) MAXIMUM AMOUNTS.—The Secretary the unpaid principal balance of the loan. ‘‘(5) AUTHORIZATION TO REDUCE RATES AND may not make loans to a student under the ‘‘(C) For a loan for which the first dis- FEES.—Notwithstanding any other provision program in an amount that exceeds $15,000 in bursement is made on or after October 1, of this section, the Secretary may prescribe a calendar year or $60,000 in the aggregate. 2012, 3.4 percent on the unpaid principal bal- by regulation any reductions in the interest ‘‘(2) USE OF LOAN PROCEEDS.—A student ance of the loan. rate or origination fee paid by a student bor- who receives a loan under the program may ‘‘(3) DISCLOSURE REQUIRED PRIOR TO DIS- rower of a loan made under the program as use the proceeds of the loan only for postsec- BURSEMENT.— the Secretary determines appropriate to en- ondary expenses incurred at an institution ‘‘(A) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary shall at courage ontime repayment of the loan. Such designated by the Secretary under sub- or prior to the time the Secretary makes a reductions may be offered only if the Sec- section (d)(4) for books, tuition, required loan to a student borrower under the pro- retary determines the reductions are cost fees, travel to and from training facilities, gram, provide thorough and adequate loan neutral and in the best financial interest of and room and board. information on such loan to the student bor- the United States. ‘‘(h) STUDENT ELIGIBILITY.—To be eligible rower. The disclosures required by this para- ‘‘(6) COLLECTION OF REPAYMENTS.—The Sec- to receive a loan under the program, a stu- graph may be made as part of the written ap- retary shall collect repayments made under dent shall— plication material provided to the student the program and exercise due diligence in ‘‘(1) be eligible to hold a license or mer- borrower, as part of the promissory note evi- such collection, including maintenance of all chant mariner document issued by the Coast dencing the loan, or on a separate written necessary records to ensure that maximum Guard; form provided to the student borrower. repayments are made. Collection and serv- ‘‘(2) provide to the Secretary such informa- ‘‘(B) CONTENTS.—The disclosures shall in- icing of repayments under the program shall tion as the Secretary may require, including clude— be pursued to the full extent of the law, in- all current Coast Guard documents, certifi- ‘‘(i) the address to which communications cluding wage garnishment if necessary. The cations, proof of United States citizenship or and payments should be sent; Secretary of the Department in which the permanent legal status, and a statement of ‘‘(ii) the principal amount of the loan; Coast Guard is operating shall provide the intent to enter a maritime career; ‘‘(iii) the amount of any charges collected Secretary of Transportation with any infor- ‘‘(3) meet the enrollment requirements of a at or prior to the disbursal of the loan and mation regarding a mariner that may aid in maritime training institution designated by whether such charges are to be deducted the collection of repayments under this sec- the Secretary under subsection (d)(4); and from the proceeds of the loan or paid sepa- tion. ‘‘(4) sign an agreement to— rately by the student borrower; ‘‘(7) REPAYMENT SCHEDULE.—A student bor- ‘‘(A) complete a course of instruction at ‘‘(iv) the stated interest rate on the loan; rower who receives a loan under the program such a maritime training institution; and ‘‘(v) the yearly and cumulative maximum shall repay the loan quarterly, bimonthly, or ‘‘(B) maintain a license or document and amounts that may be borrowed; monthly, at the option of the student bor- work under the authority of the license or ‘‘(vi) an explanation of when repayment of rower, over a period beginning 9 months document and any associated endorsements the loan will be required and when the stu- from the date the student borrower com- for at least 18 months following the date of dent borrower will be obligated to pay inter- pletes study or discontinues attendance at graduation from the maritime program for est that accrues on the loan; the maritime program for which the loan which the loan proceeds will be used. ‘‘(vii) a statement as to the minimum and proceeds are used and ending not more than ‘‘(i) ADMINISTRATION OF LOANS.— maximum repayment term that the Sec- 10 years after the date repayment begins. ‘‘(1) CONTENTS OF LOAN AGREEMENTS.—Any retary may impose, and the minimum Provisions for deferral of repayment shall be agreement between the Secretary and a stu- monthly payment required by law and a de- determined by the Secretary. dent borrower for a loan under the program scription of any penalty imposed as a con- ‘‘(8) CONTRACTS FOR SERVICING AND COLLEC- shall— sequence of default, such as liability for ex- TION OF LOANS.—The Secretary may—

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:07 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00042 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.035 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11343 ‘‘(A) enter into a contract or other ar- makers and stakeholders in addressing mer- ‘‘(C) assist in the development and replica- rangement with State or nonprofit agencies chant mariner recruitment, training, and re- tion of effective service delivery strategies and, on a competitive basis, with collection tention issues. for the national maritime industry as a agencies for servicing and collection of loans ‘‘(4) CONSULTATION.—In developing a plan whole. under this section; and under paragraph (1), the Secretary shall con- ‘‘(2) RESEARCH PROJECTS.—The Secretary ‘‘(B) conduct litigation necessary to carry sult with representatives of the maritime in- may award grants to carry out research out this section. dustry, labor organizations, and other gov- projects identified in a plan published under ‘‘(j) REVOLVING LOAN FUND.— ernmental entities and parties with an inter- subsection (a)(1) that will contribute to the ‘‘(1) ESTABLISHMENT.—The Secretary shall est in the maritime industry. solution of maritime industry recruitment, establish a revolving loan fund consisting of ‘‘(5) TRANSMITTAL TO CONGRESS.—The Sec- training, and retention issues in the United amounts deposited in the fund under para- retary shall transmit copies of a plan pub- States. graph (2). lished under paragraph (1) to the Committee ‘‘(3) MULTISTATE OR REGIONAL PROJECTS.— ‘‘(2) DEPOSITS.—The Secretary shall de- on Transportation and Infrastructure of the The Secretary may award grants to carry posit in the fund— House of Representatives and the Committee out multistate or regional projects identified ‘‘(A) receipts from the payment of prin- on Commerce, Science, and Transportation in a plan published under subsection (a)(1) to cipal and interest on loans made under the of the Senate. effectively disseminate best practices and program; and ‘‘(b) DEMONSTRATION PROJECTS.— models for implementing maritime recruit- ‘‘(B) any other monies paid to the Sec- ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—The Secretary may ment, training, and retention services de- retary by or on behalf of individuals under award grants to a maritime training institu- signed to address industry-wide skill short- the program. tion to carry out demonstration projects ages. ‘‘(3) AVAILABILITY OF AMOUNTS.—Amounts that implement the priorities identified in ‘‘(4) GRANT AWARDS.—Grants shall be in the fund shall be available to the Sec- the plan prepared under subsection (a)(1), for awarded under this subsection on a competi- retary, without further appropriation— the purpose of developing and implementing tive basis under guidelines and requirements ‘‘(A) to cover the administrative costs of methods to address merchant mariner re- to be established by the Secretary. the program, including the maintenance of cruitment, training, and retention issues. ‘‘(d) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— records and making collections under this ‘‘(2) GRANT AWARDS.—Grants shall be There are authorized to be appropriated for section; and awarded under this subsection on a competi- each of fiscal years 2010 through 2015— ‘‘(B) to the extent that amounts remain tive basis under guidelines and requirements ‘‘(1) $10,000,000 for making grants under available after paying such administrative this section; and costs, to make loans under the program. to be established by the Secretary. ‘‘(3) APPLICATIONS.—To be eligible to re- ‘‘(2) $1,000,000 for administrative expenses ‘‘(4) MAINTENANCE OF RECORDS.—The Sec- of the Secretary in carrying out this sec- retary shall maintain accurate records of the ceive a grant for a project under this sub- section, a maritime training institution tion.’’. administrative costs referred to in paragraph (b) CONFORMING AMENDMENT.—The analysis (3)(A). shall submit to the Secretary a grant pro- posal that includes, at a minimum— for such chapter is amended by adding at the ‘‘(k) ANNUAL REPORT.—The Secretary, on end the following: an annual basis, shall submit to the Com- ‘‘(A) information demonstrating the esti- ‘‘51705. Maritime career training loan pro- mittee on Transportation and Infrastructure mated effectiveness of the project; and ‘‘(B) a method for evaluating the effective- gram. of the House of Representatives and the ‘‘51706. Maritime recruitment, training, and Committee on Commerce, Science, and ness of the project. retention grant program.’’. Transportation of the Senate a report on the ‘‘(4) ELIGIBLE PROJECTS.—Projects eligible program, including— for grants under this subsection may in- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- ‘‘(1) the total amount of loans made under clude— ant to the rule, the gentleman from the program in the preceding year; ‘‘(A) the establishment of maritime tech- Maryland (Mr. CUMMINGS) and the gen- ‘‘(2) the number of students receiving loans nology skill centers developed through local tleman from Wisconsin (Mr. PETRI) under the program in the preceding year; and partnerships of industry, labor, education, each will control 20 minutes. ‘‘(3) the total amount of loans made under community-based organizations, economic The Chair recognizes the gentleman program that are in default as of the date of development organizations, or Federal, from Maryland. the report. State, and local government agencies to GENERAL LEAVE ‘‘(l) AUTHORIZATION OF APPROPRIATIONS.— meet unmet skills needs of the maritime in- There are authorized to be appropriated for dustry; Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I ask each of fiscal years 2010 through 2015— ‘‘(B) projects that provide training to up- unanimous consent that all Members ‘‘(1) $10,000,000 for making loans under the grade the skills of workers who are employed may have 5 legislative days in which to program; and in the maritime industry; revise and extend their remarks and to ‘‘(2) $1,000,000 for administrative expenses ‘‘(C) projects that promote the use of dis- include extraneous material on H.R. of the Secretary in carrying out the pro- tance learning, enabling students to take 2651. gram. courses through the use of media technology, The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there ‘‘§ 51706. Maritime recruitment, training, and such as videos, teleconferencing, and the objection to the request of the gen- retention grant program Internet; tleman from Maryland? ‘‘(a) STRATEGIC PLAN.— ‘‘(D) projects that assist in providing serv- There was no objection. ‘‘(1) IN GENERAL.—Not later than one year ices to address maritime recruitment and Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield after the date of enactment of this section, training of youth residing in targeted high poverty areas within empowerment zones myself such time as I may consume. and at least once every 3 years thereafter, Mr. Speaker, as chairman of the Sub- the Secretary of Transportation, acting and enterprise communities; through the Administrator of the Maritime ‘‘(E) the establishment of partnerships committee on the Coast Guard and Administration, shall publish in the Federal with national and regional organizations Maritime Transportation, I rise today Register a plan that describes the dem- with special expertise in developing, orga- in strong support of the Maritime onstration, research, and multistate project nizing, and administering merchant mariner Work Force Development Act, H.R. priorities of the Department of Transpor- recruitment and training services; and 2651, legislation which I authored to tation concerning merchant mariner recruit- ‘‘(F) the establishment of maritime train- address the education and training ment, training, and retention for the 3-year ing programs that foster technical skills and needs of our Nation’s merchant mari- operational productivity in communities in period following the date of publication of ners. I thank Congressman OBERSTAR, which economies are related to or dependent the plan. the chairman of the full committee on ‘‘(2) CONTENTS.—A plan published under upon the maritime industry. paragraph (1) shall contain strategies and ‘‘(c) PROJECTS AUTHORIZED.— Transportation and Infrastructure, identify potential projects to address mer- ‘‘(1) PROJECTS.—The Secretary may award Congressman MICA, the ranking mem- chant mariner recruitment, training, and re- grants to carry out projects identified in a ber on the full committee, and Con- tention issues in the United States. plan published under subsection (a)(1) under gressman LOBIONDO, the ranking mem- ‘‘(3) FACTORS.—In developing a plan under which the project sponsor will— ber of the Coast Guard Subcommittee, paragraph (1), the Secretary shall take into ‘‘(A) design, develop, and test an array of for working with me to support our account, at a minimum— approaches to providing recruitment, train- maritime work force. ‘‘(A) the availability of existing research ing, or retention services to one or more tar- H.R. 2651 would amend title 46 of the (as of the date of publication of the plan); geted populations; United States Codes to direct the Sec- ‘‘(B) the need to ensure results that have ‘‘(B) in conjunction with employers, orga- broad applicability; nized labor, other groups (such as commu- retary of Transportation to establish a ‘‘(C) the benefits of economies of scale and nity coalitions), and Federal, State, or local student loan program to attract the the efficiency of potential projects; and agencies, design, develop, and test various next generation of workers to the good ‘‘(D) the likelihood that the results of po- training approaches in order to determine ef- paying jobs available in the maritime tential projects will be useful to policy- fective practices; or industry.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:07 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00043 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.035 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11344 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 b 1415 school with a maritime theme. I have I visited the Merchant Marine Acad- The loan program will also help those assembled a board of maritime and emy last year. I had a wonderful visit already in the industry obtain the cer- education professionals who have there and was told by the administra- tifications and the training they need worked in an advisory capacity with tors there that there is a huge demand to move ahead in their careers. the school for 2 years and who are now for their graduates, that they have In October of 2007, I convened a hear- creating a formal foundation to sup- about 10 job offers for every graduate ing in the Coast Guard Subcommittee port the school, which opened this cur- and that we need more people who have to examine trends in the maritime rent 2009–2010 school year in a new lo- excellent education and training in the workforce. According to the Bureau of cation and with an enrollment level maritime skills. Transportation Statistics, in 2006, that has tripled in the last 2 years. However, this bill I think is not there were more than 38,000 on-the- The grant program that is authorized doing what we would like for it to do, water jobs in sea, coastal, and Great by H.R. 2651 would support the growing and it raises more questions, I think, Lakes transportation, and nearly 23,000 number of maritime-themed edu- than it answers. I have asked some of jobs in the inland water transportation cational institutions, including high the questions of the staff, and I don’t industry. Many of those who currently schools, throughout the country as get the kind of answers that I think we work in the industry are nearing re- they work to expand maritime edu- need to be getting. tirement age. Thus, the Maritime Ad- cation opportunities and attract new I’m very keen on our having account- ministration has indicated that at the individuals to a field critical to the ability for any way that we authorize time of our hearing, the average age of success of our national economy. or spend money, and there is really no a mariner with a master’s license was Finally, Mr. Speaker, I again want to accountability in this bill at all. There 51, while the average age of a chief en- thank Chairman OBERSTAR, Ranking is no statement of the demand. It says gineer was 50. Member MICA, Ranking Member that there were 162,000 jobs in the U.S. Additionally, significant new stand- LOBIONDO, and all of our subcommittee water transportation sector in 2006, up ards for training and continuing edu- for their hard work on H.R. 2651 and from nearly 148,000 jobs reported in cation have been applied to mariners urge the adoption of this legislation by 2002, and it says, in the summary, through the 1995 amendments to the the House today. there’s a perceived future shortage of Convention on Standards of Training, And with that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve workers, not an actual one. So we are the balance of my time. Certification and Watchkeeping. These going to authorize a program for a per- Mr. PETRI. Mr. Speaker, I yield my- standards have rightly been set to im- ceived need. self such time as I might consume. The headlines out this week are that prove safety in the maritime industry I rise in support of H.R. 2651, the our military has gone way beyond its by reducing human factors as the Maritime Workforce Development Act. goals in recruiting people, and I sus- causes of maritime accidents, but they The bill will provide needed training pect that with unemployment as high have also imposed expensive and very and educational opportunities for mer- as it is right now, many, many people time-consuming training requirements chant mariners and those interested in are going into skilled trades programs on mariners, particularly on those who working in the maritime trades. The trying to get the kind of licensure they are looking to upgrade a document or U.S. Merchant Marine is an important need to get jobs. But again, this bill license to move up the career ladder. component to our national and eco- doesn’t present that information. It While there are many facilities in the nomic security, and I support this ef- doesn’t say that there are people being United States that provide outstanding fort to strengthen this important sec- turned away from these State pro- training programs for those seeking to tor of our workforce. grams that are helping these people get enter or advance in the maritime field, The bill directs the Maritime Admin- the skills they need. It doesn’t tell how tuition can be extremely expensive. istration to establish a program to sup- many people are being turned away Further, the types of training pro- port continuing education at approved from the Merchant Marine Academy. grams in which mariners enroll are maritime training institutes and un- I am very much concerned that this unique and are not easily served by ex- dergraduate training at the five State program is going to be a lot like the isting loan programs. Mariners who maritime academies. Loan recipients program that was funded in 2004 with have already begun their careers rarely would be required to commit at least 18 an earmark requested by DAVID PRICE enroll in 2- or 4-year educational pro- months of service at sea as a condition which gave $10 million in the Federal grams. Instead, typically, they enroll of participation in the program. This budget to a program at UNC Chapel in multiweek courses to obtain a spe- program will improve the opportunities Hill for a new effort to help deployed cific new certification, and they enroll available to those currently serving as soldiers of the National Guard and in such courses several times a year. merchant mariners and attract new en- Army Reserves. I drafted H.R. 2651 in an effort to pro- trants to the maritime workforce. An article has said, 5 years later, the vide to individuals in the maritime in- The bill also directs the Maritime citizen-soldiers support program has dustry a loan program that is tailored Administration to develop a strategic spent $7.3 million, but the money has to their specific needs and to the types plan to enhance merchant mariner re- accomplished little for the people it of training programs that serve them. cruitment, training, and retention, and was supposed to help. And, Mr. Speak- Using the model of existing student to fund demonstration projects to fur- er, I would like to enter into the loan programs, H.R. 2651 creates a mar- ther the goals outlined in the plan. RECORD the complete article that I’m itime-focused student loan program This measure is an important compo- referencing. Mr. Speaker, it goes on to through which individuals can receive nent of the House’s ongoing work to say that an internal review found that up to $60,000 in loans over the course of support the U.S. Merchant Marine. I the program produced reams of paper- a lifetime. H.R. 2651 also authorizes the strongly support the bill and ask all work but few concrete results. appropriation of $10 million in each of Members to do the same. Because there’s no accountability in fiscal years 2010 through 2015 to sup- At this point, I would yield 5 minutes this bill, we are giving huge discretion port these loans. to our colleague from North Carolina, to the Secretary to handle this money. Additionally, H.R. 2651 authorizes the FOXX. We are not outlining the kinds of appropriation of $10 million in each of Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, I want to things that we, as a Congress, should fiscal years 2010 through 2015 to enable thank my colleague, Mr. PETRI, for be outlining. We are not demanding the Department of Transportation to yielding me some time. any kind of results from the money award grants to maritime training in- When I was going over the bills for that is being spent. And it’s a lot of stitutions to support their efforts to this week, this bill sort of flew out at money. It’s $110 million over 2010 to develop and implement programs to ad- me. It seems like a very innocuous bill, 2014, $22 million in 2014. dress mariner recruitment, training, like motherhood and apple pie, the There’s a program to give $10 million and retention issues. kind of thing that we should be doing for grants to maritime training insti- In my district in Baltimore, I have here. We know that there are a lot of tutions to establish demonstration been working closely with the Mari- people needed in the maritime indus- projects and other programs to in- time Industries Academy, a public high try. crease mariner recruitment, training,

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:07 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00044 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.068 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11345 and retention. There is no evidence Ingram said that after four years, the Na- reliance on outside consultants; an unclear that such programs need to be out tional Guard recently received the first tan- chain of command that creates confusion in- there. Again, we don’t know how many gible service from the program: a database of side and outside the program; few practical people are already applying for such North Carolina mental health providers ex- results; little or no evaluation; and dis- perienced with the military and problems proportionate administrative costs. programs. such as post-traumatic stress disorder or The review committee said it could neither This money also is going to be avail- traumatic brain injury. confirm nor refute the suspicion that ‘‘the able to unions and to community ac- On Thursday, UNC—Chapel Hill Chancellor CSSP may have squandered a substantial tion groups such as ACORN. It’s going Holden Thorp told the UNC Board of Trust- portion of its funding on overpaid, under-su- to very nebulous groups of people. ees that he has ordered the program to shape pervised staffers who spent too much of the I have a great concern, again, about up. time attending to the organization and its how we are going to have any account- ‘‘The program has serious flaws,’’ Thorp shifting priorities and too little time pro- ability from this program. We, in Con- said. ‘‘We need the program to show drastic viding real value to groups serving soldiers gress, have an obligation to make sure improvement in a short period of time.’’ and their families.’’ that any money that we are spending is 16,000 WARRIORS The deputy director for military relations, Susann Kerner-Hoeg, earns a salary of In 2004, as the U.S. military ramped up op- being spent as well as it could be spent. $129,600. Kerner-Hoeg works from her home erations in Iraq and continued the war in Af- We have an almost 10 percent unem- in northern Virginia, and the program pays ghanistan, more and more members of the ployment rate in the country. We are for her travel, lodging and meals when she National Guard and Army Reserves were taxing people who are working for a comes to Chapel Hill. The program has spent being mobilized. In all, 16,000 members of the $76,558 over the past three years for Kerner- living, and we are taxing them to give N.C. Guard have been deployed, some of Hoeg’s flights, rental cars, hotel rooms and the money to programs like this for them two or three times. meals. which, again, there is no account- Price, a Chapel Hill Democrat, saw a need, During the same period, the program paid ability and no idea that we are going to and he used a controversial method to ad- $313,600 to Kent Peterson & Associates of dress it. He inserted an ‘‘earmark,’’ an ap- get our money’s worth out of it. I just Kansas City, KA. Peterson, a consultant, propriation for a specific project that a think it’s very unfair to the American served as the director of community rela- member of Congress can include in the budg- public. tions. et. We may need to do this kind of pro- It is routine for the university to get a cut The program was to help soldiers in the of grant money. Academic institutions, gram. I know that the Merchant Ma- North Carolina National Guard and Army which provide administrative support and of- rine people told me that we need better Reserves, with the idea that it could serve as fice space, routinely receive portions of educated, better trained people, but I a model and eventually be expanded to other grants for administrative overhead. The fig- don’t think this is the right program. states. ure often runs as high as 46 percent. [From the Raleigh News and Observer, Citizen soldiers are scattered around the Sept. 25, 2009] state in civilian communities. They arid TURNING IT AROUND? PROGRAM PROVIDES LITTLE HELP FOR their families lack the institutional support Waldrop, the vice chancellor in charge of SOLDIERS and military community available to sol- the program, said the review and audit have diers stationed at bases such as Camp CORRECTION put it on the right footing. Lejeune or Fort Bragg. Waldrop said the program can list some ac- A Sept. 25 front-page article on the Citizen ‘‘The new program aims to better address complishments: the database of mental Soldier Support Program stated four of the challenges Guard and Reserve members and health providers; one-day training for 2,000 program’s eight employees earned more than their families face both when they are de- mental health providers on military culture $100,000. Only three employees do: One em- ployed into duty and when they return and the after-effects of war-related injuries; ployee reduced her work schedule to three- home,’’ according to an UNC news release and consulting with the Army Reserve’s Yel- quarter time and earns $77,250. October 6, from August 2004. low Ribbon program. 2009. Price said that the program is worthy of In 2004, U.S. Rep. David Price inserted a $10 Neil Caudle, an associate vice chancellor federal funding and that he still supports its million program into the federal budget, who headed the review committee, said the goals. sending the money to UNC—Chapel Hill for a program is still committed to helping sol- ‘‘The check isn’t just sent out and forgot- new effort to help deployed soldiers of the diers. ten about,’’ Price said. ‘‘If these funds National Guard and Army Reserves. ‘‘In six months to a year, we’ll be in the Five years later, the Citizen Soldier Sup- haven’t been utilized in the most effective right place,’’ Caudle said. port Program has spent $7.3 million, but the way, we need to correct it.’’ money has accomplished little for the people ANONYMOUS COMPLAINT [From the Carolina Journal, Oct. 9, 2009] it was supposed to help. One-quarter of the The program started in March 2005; the DELEGATION DENOUNCES EXCESSES IN CITIZEN- money has gone to the university for over- current end date is December 2009, though SOLDIER PROGRAM head, and a large part of the rest has been UNC has asked for a one-year extension but (By David N. Bass) spent on well-paid consultants, six-figure no more money. RALEIGH.—An embattled university pro- salaries and travel. In June 2008, Rep. Sue Myrick received an gram meant to assist soldiers returning from Half of the eight full-time employees are anonymous fax complaining that the pro- paid more than $100,000 a year, including a Iraq and Afghanistan must shape up or lose gram spent millions with nothing to show its taxpayer funding, say many of the same deputy director who has been reimbursed for it. Myrick forwarded it to Erskine $76,000 for food, travel and lodging when she North Carolina congressional lawmakers Bowles, president of the UNC system. who supported the program’s initial federal commutes from her home in northern Vir- One month later, Peter Leousis, who over- ginia to North Carolina. commitment five years ago. sees the program, assured Myrick in a letter The Citizen-Soldier Support Program, An internal review found that the program that the program had accomplished much. produced reams of paperwork but few con- housed at the Odum Institute for Research in ‘‘We have been and will continue to be Social Sciences at the University of North crete results. good stewards of the taxpayers’ dollars in ac- ‘‘The program has produced volumes of Carolina at Chapel Hill, is meant to connect complishing CSSP’s mission,’’ Leousis wrote. veterans and their families with support sys- documentation, but the vast majority of this Reached by telephone recently, Leousis tems in local communities. But the program documentation is devoted to conceptual ver- said he would like to discuss the program, has drawn criticism in recent weeks after an biage about how the program will function,’’ but he and his staff have been told by his su- internal UNC–CH review flagged a series of the review said. ‘‘The CSSP is vulnerable to periors not to talk to reporters. the accusation that it spends too much management, personnel, and financial prob- money on administrative overhead and low- SCATHING REVIEW lems. priority, ‘nice-to-do’ activities and not On Feb. 17, seven months after Leousis as- As Carolina Journal and the News & Ob- enough time on activities directly relevant sured Myrick all was well, Tony Waldrop, server of Raleigh reported, CSSP has burned to its mission.’’ vice chancellor for research and economic through most of its $10 million in federal The head of the N.C. National Guard, development, ordered a committee to review funding with little to show for it. Over half Major Gen. William Ingram, has worked with the organization. of Kits employees earn six-figure salaries, the program since its inception. He said he The university redacted substantial parts and some have racked up extensive traveling has experienced many meetings, lots of dis- of that review and a related internal audit expenses, laying the groundwork for rumors cussion and stacks of paperwork. before release, citing personnel laws. Thorp that CSSP ‘‘may have squandered a substan- ‘‘We’re feeding you ideas, we’re working said the removed sections discuss the actions tial portion of its funding on overpaid, with you, but we’re not seeing any results,’’ and job performance of specific employees. under-supervised staffers,’’ according to the Ingram said in an interview. ‘‘We’re not see- The report listed a host of problems with internal review. ing a whole lot of action; there’s a lot of dis- the program: overpaid employees; employees The program has also faced criticism for cussion, but . . . no results.’’ performing below expectations; an excessive agreeing to pay a Kansas-based consultant

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:19 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00045 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.069 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11346 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 up to $340,000 and for reimbursing its deputy As for the entire program, Rhinehardt tleman would have a closing state- director, who lives in northern Virginia, for wrote, ‘‘I think that the CSSP leadership ment. travel between her home and CSSP’s offices should be permitted a supervised oppor- I reserve the balance of my time. in Carrboro. tunity to dramatically improve the Program Mr. PETRI. I have no further re- Those expenses, mixed with other problems subject to review by their National Advisory quests for time and yield back the bal- identified by the university review, have Committee and Review Committee. If mo- raised objections among North Carolina’s mentum does not tend toward progress by ance of my time. congressional delegation. October 23, 2009, then remaining federal Ms. RICHARDSON. Madam Speaker, as a ‘‘This program appears to have produced funds should be returned and the program member of the Transportation and Infrastruc- almost no results—other than nice salaries should be terminated.’’ ture Committee I rise to lend my strong sup- for consultants and bureaucrats,’’ said Rep. The review committee that authored the port to H.R. 2651, The Maritime Workforce Virginia Foxx, R–5th District. internal report is continuing to monitor the Development Act which will help strengthen ‘‘Many of our guardsmen have been de- program, said UNC–CH spokesman Mike our maritime industry by providing loans to ployed two or three times to Iraq and Af- McFarland. ghanistan, and that takes a heavy toll on students who are pursuing a maritime edu- their families back home,’’ said Rep. Brad Mr. CUMMINGS. I yield myself such cation. I want to thank my colleague Rep- Miller, a Democrat from the 13th District. time as I may consume. resentative CUMMINGS for bringing this bill to ‘‘But worthy goals do not excuse poor per- I’m sitting here and I’m amazed what the floor and bringing attention to this impor- formance. I won’t support the program again I just heard. We spend phenomenal tant issue. unless the program fixes the problems that amounts of money on so many things, Having the port of Long Beach in my dis- the university’s internal review found.’’ and we are talking about many young Miller’s colleague in the House, 4th Dis- trict, I know the importance of a well educated people simply trying to have an oppor- maritime industry. I also know how few Ameri- trict Democrat David Price, was responsible tunity to be all that God meant for for securing the largest chunk of federal cans now pursue careers in the maritime in- funding—$5 million in 2005. In a statement e- them to be. dustry and we should do what we can to make mailed to CJ in late August, Price acknowl- We’ve got a situation where we have maritime education possible and affordable to edged problems in the program but said that an industry that is growing, and the all. UNC—Chapel Hill ‘‘has taken concrete steps question that has arisen many times is This bill goes a long way towards rectifying to address these issues.’’ whether we are, as a country, being in- problems in our maritime training and I want to The $5-million earmark had unanimous novative. Are we preparing our people thank Mr. CUMMINGS for his work rectifying this support from the state’s congressional dele- for the opportunities that come forth gation, according to a UNC–CH press release important issue. I ask that my colleagues from June 2005. A number of lawmakers are or are we sitting back and allowing today support this bill, and continue to support now having second thoughts, however. them to get to a certain point, and our maritime industry. ‘‘I will not continue to support federally then when they try to enter the doors Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today funded programs that do not reach the goals that will allow them to rise up to go in strong support of H.R. 2651, the ‘‘Maritime originally intended for the recipients. The into the fields that they want to go Workforce Development Act’’. H.R. 2651 di- American taxpayers deserve better,’’ said into, then we say, ‘‘Sorry. Too bad. All rects the Secretary of Transportation to estab- Rep. Walter Jones, R–3rd. the money is gone’’? ‘‘The program has failed to put the needs lish a maritime career training and loan pro- of our Reserve Component members and There’s something absolutely incred- gram. I thank the gentleman from Maryland their families first, and I do not think that ibly wrong with that picture. It’s very (Mr. CUMMINGS) for working on this important the program should be allowed to continue easy to come down and say, oh, the piece of legislation. as it currently is administered,’’ said 9th mariners don’t need this money, when, The maritime industry anticipates a con- District GOP Rep. Sue Myrick. in fact, the costs of the mariner’s edu- tinuing shortage of qualified merchant mari- Myrick said she received an anonymous cation has gone up tremendously. It is ners. Due to projected increases in commer- complaint in 2008 about abuses in. the CSSP very easy to say that we don’t need and subsequently contacted UNC system cial maritime traffic and a maritime workforce President Erskine Bowles. this when the age of our folks who are that is approaching retirement age, a maritime ‘‘In his response he gave me assurance that in the industry is at 50 and we need to training program is needed to help ensure that each of the allegations would be reviewed,’’ begin to bring in new people, and we our nation will continue to have skilled and ex- Myrick said. ‘‘Now, I’m again receiving are constantly talking about jobs in perienced U.S. citizen merchant mariners. anonymous faxes about the program, and America and making sure that our peo- Such a program can begin in high schools by with the results of the latest audit now pub- ple have the opportunities that they creating maritime training curriculum for stu- lic—it’s not good.’’ deserve. Something is wrong with the Foxx said excesses in the program are an dents to obtain the basic knowledge of the example of why she took a no-earmark picture when their opportunity comes maritime industry and skills to gain an entry- pledge in 2007. ‘‘Too much taxpayer money up and, the next thing you know, we level job. gets frittered away like this with little to no take a hike on them. H.R. 2651 also creates a maritime loan pro- oversight,’’ she said. One of the things I will say is that gram that meets the needs and training re- Calls and e-mails to spokesmen for Reps. this industry is growing. We’ve had a quirements of mariners, which they may not G.K. Butterfield, D–1st; Mike McIntyre, D– little bit of a slowdown here recently get through a traditional two- or four-year edu- 7th; Larry Kissell, D–8th; and Patrick because of the economic situation, but cational institution. McHenry, R–10th, were not returned by press anybody who knows anything about time. Mariners have certification courses that can Reached by phone, Doug Abrahms, spokes- the maritime industry knows that last from two weeks to several months and man for 11th District Democratic Congress- after this economic situation is over, their courses are typically taken between voy- man Heath Shuler, noted that Shuler was we will be increasing at a very rapid ages. When mariners seek to enhance their not in Congress when funding for CSSP was pace and to a very large extent. credentials, they need a loan program that first authorized. Asked if Shuler would sup- And so while I respect the gentlelady helps them with expenses while they are tak- port continued funding, Abrahms said, ‘‘It’s for her comments, what I will say is ing the time off to pursue certifications or li- not something that’s on his agenda right that this is money that is needed, and now.’’ censes. H.R. 2651 creates a loan program to it is money that—as I have often said, help mariners pay for their books, tuition, fees, DEADLINE SET our children are the living messages room and board, and travel to and from their Since reports on the internal review first that we send to a future we will never surfaced in late August, university officials training facilities. have said that improvements need to be see. The question is what kind of mes- In these tough economic times with high un- made or else CSSP should be terminated. sage do we send to the future if our employment rates, it is critical for there to be ‘‘We need this program to show dramatic children are unprepared, if they are un- a mechanism to aid people interested in a improvement in a short period of time to re- prepared to take on the responsibilities maritime career, whether they are recent high main viable’’ said UNC–CH Chancellor that lie in front of them? Must we al- school graduates or if they graduated from Holden Thorp at a Board of Trustees meeting ways go overseas to get people to come high school 10 or 20 years ago. There is a Sept. 24. to do these jobs? We are trying to edu- Kimrey Rhinehardt, vice president for fed- shortage of maritime workers and a high per- eral relations at UNC General Administra- cate our own, and that is what this is centage of mariners are approaching retire- tion, sent an e-mail dated Aug. 17 to Bowles all about. ment age. Something must be done now to fill recommending that CSSP’s behavioral Mr. Speaker, I have no other speak- the gap and help sustain an adequate number health initiative be terminated. ers, and I would assume that the gen- of qualified mariners. To that end, H.R. 2651

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:39 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00046 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.021 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11347 authorizes $10 million for each of fiscal years b 1430 JAG officer for the United States Air 2010 to 2015 to fund the education of mari- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Force, and in 1965 he received the ners, and sustain our vital maritime industry. ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from United States Air Force Commenda- H.R. 2651 also requires the Secretary of Hawaii (Ms. HIRONO) and the gentleman tion Medal. Transportation to establish a maritime recruit- Judge Kazen is married to Barbara from Wisconsin (Mr. PETRI) each will Ann and they have four children. He is, ment, training, and retention grant program. control 20 minutes. without a doubt, a selfless public serv- The Secretary is directed to consult with rep- The Chair recognizes the gentle- ant who has been a tremendous credit resentatives of the maritime industry, labor or- woman from Hawaii. ganizations, other governmental entities and to the city of Laredo and the State of maritime industry interests. This program will GENERAL LEAVE Texas and our great Nation. be imperative to the maritime industry in re- Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I ask I also want to recognize Judge Ka- cruiting new mariners, keeping current mari- unanimous consent that all Members zen’s Federal magistrate, the Honor- ners, and assisting them with training and up- may have 5 legislative days within able Marcel Notzen. Since 1967, Marcel grading their licenses. H.R. 2651 authorizes which to revise and extend their re- Notzen, the magistrate, served for four $10 million for each of fiscal years 2010 to marks and to include extraneous mate- decades in front and behind the bench, 2015 to fund grants to support this program. rial on H.R. 2423. as an attorney, as a law partner, and The nation’s maritime cargo volumes are The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there most recently as a U.S. magistrate for expected to double by 2020. As waterborne objection to the request of the gentle- the Southern District. Judge Notzen is commerce expands in the United States, there woman from Hawaii? married to Nora Lee, and they have six is a great need to meet the labor demands There was no objection. children. that the continued growth in the maritime in- Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield It is with great pride that I authored dustry is expected to create. H.R. 2651 cre- myself such time as I may consume. this legislation, H.R. 2423, to name the ates mechanisms to ensure that our nation will Mr. Speaker, H.R. 2423, as amended, is a United States Courthouse located at be well equipped to handle the welcomed bill to designate the federal building and 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, Texas, maritime growth. United States courthouse located at 1300 Vic- as the George B. Kazen Federal Build- I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- toria St. in Laredo, Texas as the George P. ing and United States Courthouse in porting H.R. 2651. Kazen Federal Building and United States honor of George Kazen. It is also my Mr. CUMMINGS. Mr. Speaker, I yield Courthouse. legislative intent, Mr. Speaker, to back. Congressman CUELLAR introduced this bill, name the jury room in the United The SPEAKER pro tempore. The which has bipartisan support. Judge Kazen States courthouse as the Marcel C. question is on the motion offered by has served the people of the southern judicial Notzen, II Jury Room. I think this is a the gentleman from Maryland (Mr. district of Texas with great distinction and way to thank these two individuals CUMMINGS) that the House suspend the dedication since 1979. He is a graduate of the who have worked so hard for their Na- rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2651, as University of Texas, and the University of tion as judges. amended. Texas Law School. After serving in private I want to thank all of my Texas col- The question was taken; and (two- practice in Laredo, Texas he was nominated leagues for helping me recognize these thirds being in the affirmative) the to the federal bench by President Jimmy exceptional individuals. By recognizing rules were suspended and the bill, as Carter in 1979. He served in the southern dis- these individuals, their contributions amended, was passed. will be remembered and they will con- A motion to reconsider was laid on trict of Texas and served as Chief Judge in tinue to inspire those individuals who the table. that district from 1996 until 2003. Judge Kazen was also very active in his follow their lead in preserving the f community, serving as a member in the U.S. American justice system. GEORGE P. KAZEN FEDERAL Air Force, founding the Laredo Legal Aid Soci- I urge my colleagues to support this BUILDING AND UNITED STATES ety, and serving in numerous capacities in legislation. COURTHOUSE civic organizations in South Texas. Judge Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I move to Kazen served as President of the Laredo Civic ida. Mr. Speaker, after hearing the elo- suspend the rules and pass the bill Music Association, the Boys’ and Girls’ Clubs quent explanation from the sponsor of (H.R. 2423) to designate the Federal of Laredo, the St. Augustine-Ursuline School the legislation, I thank him for his building and United States courthouse Board, and as a member of the Laredo Com- leadership on this bill and many oth- located at 1300 Victoria Street in La- munity College Board of Trustees. ers. This bill would designate a Federal building redo, Texas, as the ‘‘George P. Kazen It is both fitting and proper to honor Judge and courthouse in Laredo, Texas as the Federal Building and United States Kazen’s distinguished public career with this ‘‘George P. Kazen Federal Building and Courthouse’’, and to designate the jury designation. I support H.R. 2423 as amended United States Courthouse.’’ room in that Federal building and and urge my colleagues to join me in sup- porting this bill. Judge Kazen has served on the District United States courthouse as the Court for the Southern District of Texas since ‘‘Marcel C. Notzon II Jury Room’’, as Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the author of the bill, 1979. amended. From 1996 to 2003, Judge Kazen served as Mr. CUELLAR of Texas. The Clerk read the title of the bill. chief judge and, earlier this year he assumed The text of the bill is as follows: Mr. CUELLAR. Thank you very much for yielding. senior status. H.R. 2423 Prior to his appointment to the federal Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- bench, Judge Kazen was in the private prac- resentatives of the United States of America in the outstanding contributions of a fine Congress assembled, tice of law. public servant in Laredo, Texas, Judge Earlier in his career he served in the JAG SECTION 1. BUILDING DESIGNATION. George P. Kazen. This is an individual (a) DESIGNATION.—The Federal building and Corp as a U.S. Air Force Captain and worked that has dedicated the majority of his as a briefing attorney for the Texas Supreme United States courthouse located at 1300 Vic- life to upholding the justice system in toria Street in Laredo, Texas, shall be known Court. and designated as the ‘‘George P. Kazen Fed- south Texas. He received both his bachelor’s degree and eral Building and United States Courthouse’’. In 1979, President Jimmy Carter ap- law degree from the University of Texas. (b) REFERENCES.—Any reference in a law, pointed Judge George P. Kazen to be a His career demonstrates his dedication to map, regulation, document, paper, or other United States district judge. For four public service and the law. record of the United States to the Federal build- decades, he served south Texas as a I have no objections to the passage of this ing and United States courthouse referred to in tireless advocate for fairness under the legislation. subsection (a) shall be deemed to be a reference law. From 1996 to 2003, he was the chief Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- to the ‘‘George P. Kazen Federal Building and United States Courthouse’’. judge of the United States Southern port of H.R. 2423, as amended, a bill to des- SEC. 2. EFFECTIVE DATE. District, which includes the areas of ignate the Federal building and United States This Act shall take effect on the first day on Houston, Galveston, Victoria, Laredo, courthouse located at 1300 Victoria Street in which George P. Kazen is no longer serving as Corpus Christi, McAllen and Browns- Laredo, Texas as the ‘‘George P. Kazen Fed- a Federal judge. ville in Texas. Judge Kazen is also a eral Building and United States Courthouse’’.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:39 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00047 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 9920 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.037 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11348 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 The Federal building and U.S. Courthouse lishment of a National Women’s His- ance for any lawful purpose consistent with ex- designation will become effective when Judge tory Museum, as amended. isting authorities granted to the Administrator, George P. Kazen retires and is no longer The Clerk read the title of the bill. except that the Administrator shall provide the The text of the bill is as follows: Committees with 30 days advance written notice serving as a federal judge. The bill was intro- of any expenditure of the proceeds. duced by the gentleman from Texas (Mr. H.R. 1700 (d) QUIT CLAIM DEED.—The property shall be CUELLAR) and has bipartisan support. Be it enacted by the Senate and House of Rep- conveyed pursuant to a quit claim deed. George P. Kazen was born in Laredo, resentatives of the United States of America in (e) USE RESTRICTION.—The property shall be Texas, in 1940. In 1960, he earned a bach- Congress assembled, dedicated for use as a site for a national wom- elor’s degree in Business Administration from SECTION 1. SHORT TITLE. en’s history museum for the 99-year period be- the University of Texas. He later earned his This Act may be cited as the ‘‘National Wom- ginning on the date of conveyance to the Mu- law degree from the University of Texas en’s History Museum Act of 2009’’. seum. School of Law in 1961. Kazen began his pro- SEC. 2. DEFINITIONS. (f) REVERSION.— fessional career as a Briefing Attorney for the In this Act, the following definitions apply: (1) BASES FOR REVERSION.—The property shall Texas Supreme Court in 1961 and 1962. (1) ADMINISTRATOR.—The term ‘‘Adminis- revert to the United States, at the option of the trator’’ means the Administrator of General United States, without any obligation for repay- From 1962 to 1965, he was a U.S. Air Force Services. ment by the United States of any amount of the Captain in the JAG Corps. Following his mili- (2) CERCLA.—The term ‘‘CERCLA’’ means purchase price for the property, if— tary service, Kazen worked in a private prac- the Comprehensive Environmental Response, (A) the property is not used as a site for a na- tice in Laredo until 1979. Compensation, and Liability Act of 1980 (42 tional women’s history museum at any time dur- In 1979, President Jimmy Carter nominated U.S.C. 9601 et seq.). ing the 99-year period referred to in subsection George P. Kazen as a U.S. District Court (3) COMMITTEES.—The term ‘‘Committees’’ (e); or Judge for the Southern District of Texas. means the Committee on Transportation and In- (B) the Museum has not commenced construc- Judge Kazen has served on the bench for frastructure of the House of Representatives and tion of a museum facility on the property in the the Committee on Environment and Public 5-year period beginning on the date of enact- more than 30 years, including as Chief Judge Works of the Senate. from 1996 to 2003. On May 31, 2009, he as- ment of this Act, other than for reasons beyond (4) MUSEUM.—The term ‘‘Museum’’ means the the control of the Museum as reasonably deter- sumed senior status on the court. National Women’s History Museum, Inc., a Dis- mined by the Administrator. trict of Columbia nonprofit corporation exempt During his tenure on the bench, Judge (2) ENFORCEMENT.—The Administrator may Kazen considered a wide variety of cases. In from taxation pursuant to section 501(c)(3) of perform any acts necessary to enforce the rever- Luna v. Van Zandt, a 1982 case, he invali- the Internal Revenue Code of 1986. sionary rights provided in this section. (5) PROPERTY.—The term ‘‘property’’ means dated a Texas statute that allowed for the de- (3) CUSTODY OF PROPERTY UPON REVERSION.— the property located in the District of Columbia, If the property reverts to the United States pur- taining of individuals perceived as mentally ill subject to survey and as determined by the Ad- suant to this section, such property shall be for up to 14 days without a commitment hear- ministrator, generally consisting of Squares 325 under the custody and control of the Adminis- ing. In addition, Judge Kazen has testified be- and 326. The property is generally bounded by trator. fore Congress and written several articles on 12th Street, Independence Avenue, C Street, and issues of Federalism and the courts. Outside the James Forrestal Building, all in Southwest (g) CLOSING DEADLINE.—The conveyance pur- Washington, District of Columbia, and shall in- suant to this Act shall occur not later than 3 of the courtroom, Judge Kazen is a stalwart of years after the date of enactment of this Act. his community, serving on numerous civic or- clude all associated air rights, improvements thereon, and appurtenances thereto. The Administrator may extend that period for ganizations in South Texas. such time as is reasonably necessary for the Mu- Given Judge George P. Kazen’s exemplary SEC. 3. CONVEYANCE OF PROPERTY. seum to perform its obligations under section public service, it is fitting to designate the Fed- (a) AUTHORITY TO CONVEY.— 4(a). (1) IN GENERAL.—Subject to the requirements eral building and United States courthouse lo- of this Act, the Administrator shall convey the SEC. 4. ENVIRONMENTAL MATTERS. cated at 1300 Victoria Street in Laredo, Texas, property to the Museum on such terms and con- (a) AUTHORIZATION TO CONTRACT FOR ENVI- as the ‘‘George P. Kazen Federal Building and ditions as the Administrator considers reason- RONMENTAL RESPONSE ACTIONS.—The Adminis- United States Courthouse’’. able and appropriate to protect the interests of trator is authorized to contract, in an amount I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- the United States and further the purposes of not to exceed the purchase price for the prop- porting H.R. 2423. this Act. erty, with the Museum or an affiliate thereof for Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- (2) AGREEMENT.—As soon as practicable, but the performance (on behalf of the Adminis- not later than 180 days after the date of enact- trator) of response actions (if any) required on ida. I yield back the balance of my the property pursuant to CERCLA. time. ment of this Act, the Administrator shall enter into an agreement with the Museum for the con- (b) CREDITING OF RESPONSE COSTS.—Any costs Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield veyance. incurred by the Museum or an affiliate thereof back the balance of my time. (3) TERMS AND CONDITIONS.—The terms and pursuant to subsection (a) shall be credited to The SPEAKER pro tempore. The conditions of the agreement shall address, the purchase price for the property. question is on the motion offered by among other things, mitigation of developmental (c) RELATIONSHIP TO CERCLA.—Nothing in the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. impacts to existing Federal buildings and struc- this Act may be construed to affect or limit the HIRONO) that the House suspend the tures, security concerns, and operational proto- application of or obligation to comply with any rules and pass the bill, H.R. 2423, as cols for development and use of the property. environmental law, including section 120(b) of amended. (b) PURCHASE PRICE.— CERCLA (42 U.S.C. 9620(b)). (1) IN GENERAL.—The purchase price for the The question was taken. SEC. 5. INCIDENTAL COSTS. property shall be its fair market value based on Subject to section 4, the Museum shall bear The SPEAKER pro tempore. In the its highest and best use as determined by an opinion of the Chair, two-thirds being any and all costs associated with complying independent appraisal commissioned by the Ad- with the provisions of this Act, including studies in the affirmative, the ayes have it. ministrator and paid for by the Museum. and reports, surveys, relocating tenants, and Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, on that I (2) SELECTION OF APPRAISER.—The appraisal mitigating impacts to existing Federal buildings demand the yeas and nays. shall be performed by an appraiser mutually ac- and structures resulting directly from the devel- The yeas and nays were ordered. ceptable to the Administrator and the Museum. opment of the property by the Museum. (3) TERMS AND CONDITIONS FOR APPRAISAL.— The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- SEC. 6. LAND USE APPROVALS. ant to clause 8 of rule XX and the (A) IN GENERAL.—Except as provided by sub- paragraph (B), the assumptions, scope of work, (a) EXISTING AUTHORITIES.—Nothing in this Chair’s prior announcement, further and other terms and conditions related to the Act shall be construed as limiting or affecting proceedings on this motion will be appraisal assignment shall be mutually accept- the authority or responsibilities of the National postponed. able to the Administrator and the Museum. Capital Planning Commission or the Commission f (B) REQUIRED TERMS.—The appraisal shall as- of Fine Arts. sume that the property does not contain haz- (b) COOPERATION.— NATIONAL WOMEN’S HISTORY ardous substances (as defined in section 101 of (1) ZONING AND LAND USE.—Subject to para- MUSEUM ACT OF 2009 CERCLA (42 U.S.C. 9601)) which require re- graph (2), the Administrator shall reasonably Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I move to sponse action (as defined in such section). cooperate with the Museum with respect to any suspend the rules and pass the bill (c) APPLICATION OF PROCEEDS.—The purchase zoning or other land use matter relating to de- price shall be paid into the Federal Buildings velopment of the property in accordance with (H.R. 1700) to authorize the Adminis- Fund established under section 592 of title 40, this Act. Such cooperation shall include con- trator of General Services to convey a United States Code. Upon deposit, the Adminis- senting to applications by the Museum for ap- parcel of real property in the District trator may expend, in amounts specified in ap- plicable zoning and permitting with respect to of Columbia to provide for the estab- propriations Acts, the proceeds from the convey- the property.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:19 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00048 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 6333 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.039 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11349 (2) LIMITATIONS.—The Administrator shall not This is a very important day for Museum, and especially Joan Wages, be required to incur any costs with respect to co- women’s history. Today, we are recog- their president. The museum played a operation under this subsection and any con- nizing the immense contributions leading role in moving the suffragist’s sent provided under this subsection shall be pre- women have made to our Nation by statue out of the basement into the liv- mised on the property being developed and oper- ated in accordance with this Act. voting to help create the National ing room of the Capitol, Statuary Hall. SEC. 7. REPORTS. Women’s History Museum. They have been working with me and Not later than one year after the date of en- I am grateful to Chairman OBERSTAR ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON on this actment of this Act, and annually thereafter for his support in moving this bill project well over 10 years. I look for- until the end of the 5-year period following con- through committee. And of course I ward to continuing our work together veyance of the property or until substantial thank my partner in this, Chairwoman as we see the museum built right completion of the museum facility (whichever is ELEANOR HOLMES NORTON, whose dedi- across from our National Mall, and later), the Museum shall submit annual reports cation and commitment in creating a that we have, for the first time, a na- to the Administrator and the Committees detail- museum about women has been per- tional museum dedicated to the many ing the development and construction activities sistent and strong. And I thank her contributions of women. of the Museum with respect to this Act. staff, Susan Brita, and mine, Orly Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Isaacson, for their hard work. ida. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from We have been working on this effort much time as I may consume. Hawaii (Ms. HIRONO) and the gentleman for well over 10 years to provide Mr. Speaker, this is a nonpartisan, from Florida (Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART) women, comprising 53 percent of our not-for-profit educational institution each will control 20 minutes. population, recognition of their many dedicated to preserving, interpreting, The Chair recognizes the gentle- contributions that are the very fabric and celebrating the diverse and impor- woman from Hawaii. of our country. I strongly urge my col- tant historic contributions of women GENERAL LEAVE leagues to vote in favor of this bipar- and integrating this rich heritage fully Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I ask tisan bill and bring the Women’s His- into our Nation’s history in a place unanimous consent that all Members tory Museum to the National Mall. where everyone will be able to see, ev- may have 5 legislative days within There are 211 statues in the Capitol eryone will be able to visit right here which to revise and extend their re- Building, each honoring a leader from in the heart of the Nation’s Capital. marks and to include extraneous mate- our Nation’s history, but only 11 of Again, H.R. 1700 is intended to help rials on H.R. 1700. these statutes are of female leaders. Of pave the way for a women’s museum in The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there America’s 2,004 historic landmarks, the Nation’s Capital dedicated to rec- objection to the request of the gentle- fewer than five chronicle the achieve- ognizing the significant contributions woman from Hawaii? ments of women. Even more troubling, of women throughout our wonderful There was no objection. a recent study revealed that only one and rich history. And despite the sig- Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield of every 10 people identified in the 18 nificant contributions of women myself such time as I may consume. most commonly used U.S. history text- throughout the history of our country, Mr. Speaker, I am pleased to support H.R. books is female. frankly, women continue to be under- 1700, as amended, as bill which directs the The museums and memorials in represented in exhibits featured in our Administrator of General Services to sell at fair Washington are one measure of what museums. market value property in Southwest Wash- our society values. We already have The stories and contributions of ington, DC to the National Women’s History museums for stamps and for spies, but women are critical to understanding Museum, Inc., a District of Columbia non-profit not one dedicated to women. This bill our history as a Nation. And this is one corporation for the purpose of establishing a would honor our Nation’s foremothers way, just one way, that we can ensure museum dedicated to women’s history. and inspire future generations of that this history is passed along to our This bill was introduced by Mrs. MALONEY women leaders by providing a space on sons and to our daughters. and co-sponsored by many members including the National Mall to honor women’s I think it is very befitting that this Subcommittee Chair NORTON, Ranking Mem- contributions to American history. legislation would provide a prominent ber Mr. DIAZ-BALART and myself. From Susan B. Anthony to Sojourner site for the National Women’s History The National Women’s History Museum was Truth to Oprah Winfrey, from Hattie Museum near the National Mall, again, founded in 1996, and has been seeking a per- Caraway, the first woman elected to right here in our Nation’s Capital. manent physical location in the Nation’s cap- the , to Sonia I am pleased to be a cosponsor of this ital since its inception. According to museum Sotomayor, our Nation’s first Latina bill, along with approximately 50 other officials, the museum intends to build a woman appointed to the U.S. Supreme of my colleagues. I also want to recog- ‘‘green’’ building that will cost between $250 Court, the story of what women have nize the work of not only Representa- and $350 million. The costs will include de- contributed to the American way of tive MALONEY and Chairwoman NOR- signs, plans, construction, and two years of life is a very long, overdue story. TON, who chairs our subcommittee with operation. The permanent museum is ex- The bill directs the General Services great distinction, but also Senator pected to be a focal point that will have per- Administration to sell property located SUSAN COLLINS, who has worked tire- manent and temporary exhibits, special across from the National Mall at 12th lessly over the previous Congresses on events, and education materials that highlight and Independence to the museum at a legislation to secure a site for the Na- women’s social, political, and intellectual con- fair market price. Reasonable time tional Women’s History Museum. tributions to history. According to the museum, frames are included for the transfer of I support the passage of this legisla- this facility will house the first permanent and the property and the beginning of con- tion, Mr. Speaker, and I urge my col- comprehensive record of women’s history. struction. The museum will be built leagues to do so same. The National Women’s History Museum will and maintained with private funds. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of have five years to raise funds to construct the I urge my colleagues to support the my time. museum. If, after five years, the fundraising National Women’s History Museum, Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 has not been successful, the property will re- and in so doing, honor our mothers, sis- minutes to the Honorable ELEANOR vert back to the Federal government, thus the ters, wives, and daughters. HOLMES NORTON of Washington, D.C. government’s interests are protected. I am really thrilled that it is here be- Ms. NORTON. I thank you for yield- In general the museum will bear the costs of fore us on the floor today. For too ing. And I thank the ranking member the sale, including the appraisal. long, women’s history has been missing of the subcommittee for working with This bill has bipartisan support and I urge from textbooks, memorials, museums, me to make sure that this bill came to my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. exhibits, and many other venues. With the floor today. I especially thank my 1700 as amended. this bill designating a permanent good friend, the original sponsor of this I yield such time as she may consume building site, this museum will bring bill, the gentlewoman from New York, to the author of this legislation, Mrs. to life and tell all the stories of Amer- who has worked tirelessly to make sure MALONEY. ican history, male and female alike. this bill got done. And I want to take Mrs. MALONEY. Thank you so much I would also like to recognize and note of the women who for 10 years for yielding. thank the National Women’s History have never given up on this idea.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:39 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00049 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.028 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11350 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 I had to overcome a presumption population is going to be very proud of. seum here in Washington to learn against transferring Federal property, It’s long overdue. Let’s get it done. about the great achievements that con- so I encountered many difficulties in Thanks to all who were involved in tinue until this day of women through- trying to get this bill through. But making it happen. out the United States of America in all women never say no, and that is very Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- fields and endeavors. important to achieving what is long ida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance So I congratulate the sponsor, and I overdue, this bill. of my time. hope for its favorable consideration. And note what the mission of the Na- Ms. HIRONO. I yield 2 minutes to the Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- tional Women’s Museum is: to re- gentlewoman from California, the Hon- ida. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the bal- search, collect and showcase the con- orable LYNN WOOLSEY. ance of my time. tributions of women in professional Ms. WOOLSEY. Thank you, Madam Ms. HIRONO. Mr. Speaker, I want to fields as well as honor women’s roles in Hirono, and thank you to the gentle- thank all of the speakers who sup- nurturing their families and commu- woman from New York for all you do ported this resolution. As a woman, of nicates. Women are absent from the for women day in and day out. course, it has special meaning to me as Mall. Women are absent from promi- Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support well as to all of the other women in the nent government sites. Part of it has of H.R. 1700, the National Women’s His- House. to do with inequality of women in our tory Museum Act of 2009. It is impor- Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise in sup- society, that they haven’t as often tant because Congress and our Nation, port of H.R. 1700, as amended, a bill to direct done what comes to light, but even as a whole, must find ways to honor the Administrator of the General Services Ad- when what comes to light comes, they the important roles of women, roles ministration to sell, at fair market value, real are not recognized. That’s why we need that women have played in shaping our property in southwest Washington, DC, com- a women’s museum. We note that this very country. monly known as the ‘‘Cotton Annex’’ site, to year there are women winning Nobel Unfortunately, before the 1970s, the the National Women’s History Museum, Inc., Prizes in science and economics, which subject of women’s history was largely NWHM, a District of Columbia nonprofit cor- shows you that you are going to have a missing from our schools, and it was poration, for the purpose of establishing a mu- lot to honor in this museum very absent completely in media coverage seum dedicated to women’s history. The site quickly. and in cultural celebrations. That’s is bounded by 12th Street SW., Independence We went through regular order. The why, when I chaired the Sonoma Coun- Ave., the James Forrestal Building, and C Women’s museum has to buy the parcel ty Commission on the status of women Street SW. The NWHM is a nonpartisan, edu- at market value. They have 5 years to in 1978, the commission’s education cational institution with a mission of high- raise the money or it reverts back to task force initiated a Women’s History lighting and celebrating the historic contribu- the government. That is regular order; Week celebration, centered around tions of women in the United States. The bill that’s the way it always is when we international women’s history day. was introduced by the gentlewoman from New transfer a property. But the women are That celebration, that very celebra- York (Mrs. MALONEY) and has bipartisan sup- geared up and ready to go, and I thank tion, started a national movement. port. all concerned for making this bill pos- In 1981, Congress responded to the H.R. 1700 requires that fair market value of sible today, especially my partner in growing popularity of Women’s History the property be determined by highest and this enterprise, the gentlelady from Week, which was led by the women best use, as determined by an independent New York, and most of all the women from my community in Sonoma Coun- appraisal commissioned by the Administrator themselves who refused to give up and ty, by making it a national observance, of the General Services Administration, GSA, now have what they deserve. and it eventually expanded the week to and paid for by the museum. a month in 1987. During National Wom- The National Women’s History Museum will b 1445 en’s History Month, many cities and have 5 years to raise funds to construct the Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- towns celebrate women’s contributions museum. If, after 5 years, the fundraising ef- ida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance through parades and other activities. fort has not been successful, the property will of my time. By building a National Women’s His- revert back to the Federal Government. The Ms. HIRONO. I yield 2 minutes to the tory Museum, we will ensure that our Federal Government is further protected by gentleman from Virginia, the Honor- Nation celebrates women not just dur- limiting use of the parcel as a site for the Na- able JIM MORAN. ing 1 month but throughout the year, tional Women’s History Museum for 99 years. Mr. MORAN of Virginia. Mr. Speak- every year, and it will ensure that It is with great pleasure and satisfaction that er, in a perfect world, this legislation young families, young girls and young I support H.R. 1700, as amended. The com- would not be necessary, but gosh sakes, boys come to Washington, D.C., to visit mittee has worked with staff from the Wom- only 5 percent of our national historic the women’s museum and to remember en’s Museum for almost 10 years to find a landmarks are in recognition of the ac- what women have contributed and are suitable site, determine an appropriate dis- complishments of more than half of our contributing. posal method, and identify terms and condi- population. This is long overdue. Again, I would like to thank my col- tions that were acceptable to GSA. I want to particularly recognize the league from New York, Representative I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- sponsor, Chairwoman CAROLYN MALONEY, for her leadership. porting H.R. 1700. MALONEY; Joan Wages, who was head of I urge my colleagues to support this Ms. HIRONO. I yield back the re- the National Women’s History Museum important bill. mainder of my time. idea for a number of years; MAZIE Mr. MARIO DIAZ-BALART of Flor- The SPEAKER pro tempore. The HIRONO; and of course, her very able as- ida. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance question is on the motion offered by sistant for our public buildings, Susan of my time. the gentlewoman from Hawaii (Ms. Brita. All of these folks, who happen to Ms. HIRONO. I yield 1 minute to the HIRONO) that the House suspend the be women, have brought this about. gentleman from Pennsylvania, the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1700, as I want to underscore the fact that it Honorable CHAKA FATTAH. amended. simply authorizes the General Services (Mr. FATTAH asked and was given The question was taken; and (two- Administration to convey a parcel of permission to revise and extend his re- thirds being in the affirmative) the real property near the National Mall marks.) rules were suspended and the bill, as for the establishment of the National Mr. FATTAH. Let me thank the gen- amended, was passed. Women’s History Museum. Fair market tlewoman, and let me thank the spon- A motion to reconsider was laid on rates prevail, and the museum will be sor of this bill, the gentlewoman from the table. funded with private contributions. New York. f Since it is for women, about women Mr. Speaker, I rise in one of my and by women, they’re going to achieve proudest moments in the House to sup- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER that contrary to some of the other port this legislation. As the father of PRO TEMPORE things we’ve attempted. This is going three daughters, I am looking forward The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- to be a museum that all of the Nation’s to the day I can bring them to the mu- ant to clause 8 of rule XX, proceedings

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:39 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00050 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.076 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11351 will resume on motions to suspend the Harman Matsui Ross b 1515 rules previously postponed. Harper McCarthy (CA) Rothman (NJ) Hastings (FL) McCarthy (NY) Roybal-Allard So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Votes will be taken in the following Hastings (WA) McCaul Royce tive) the rules were suspended and the order: Heinrich McClintock Ruppersberger resolution, as amended, was agreed to. H. Res. 768, by the yeas and nays; Heller McCollum Rush The result of the vote was announced H.R. 1327, by the yeas and nays; Hensarling McCotter Ryan (OH) Herger McDermott Ryan (WI) as above recorded. H. Res. 816, by the yeas and nays; Herseth Sandlin McGovern Salazar A motion to reconsider was laid on H. Res. 786, by the yeas and nays; Higgins McHenry Sa´ nchez, Linda the table. H.R. 3371, by the yeas and nays. Hill McIntyre T. Stated for: Himes McKeon Sanchez, Loretta The first electronic vote will be con- Mr. COLE. Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, ducted as a 15-minute vote. Remaining Hinchey McMahon Sarbanes Hinojosa McMorris Scalise October 14, 2009, I was unavoidably detained electronic votes will be conducted as 5- Hodes Rodgers Schakowsky and I missed the first vote in a series of five minute votes. Hoekstra McNerney Schauer votes. I missed rollcall vote No. 775. Holden Meek (FL) Schiff f Honda Meeks (NY) Schmidt Had I been present and voting, I would have Hoyer Melancon Schrader voted as follows: Rollcall vote No. 775: ‘‘yea’’ SUPPORTING NATIONAL WORK Hunter Mica Schwartz (on agreeing to H. Res. 768). AND FAMILY MONTH Inglis Michaud Scott (GA) Inslee Miller (FL) Scott (VA) f The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Israel Miller (MI) Sensenbrenner finished business is the vote on the mo- Issa Miller (NC) Sessions IRAN SANCTIONS ENABLING ACT tion to suspend the rules and agree to Jackson (IL) Miller, Gary Sestak OF 2009 Jackson-Lee Miller, George Shadegg the resolution, H. Res. 768, as amended, (TX) Minnick Shea-Porter The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- on which the yeas and nays were or- Jenkins Mitchell Sherman finished business is the vote on the mo- dered. Johnson (GA) Moore (KS) Shimkus tion to suspend the rules and pass the The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Johnson (IL) Moore (WI) Shuler Johnson, E. B. Moran (KS) Simpson bill, H.R. 1327, as amended, on which tion. Johnson, Sam Moran (VA) Sires the yeas and nays were ordered. The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Jones Murphy (CT) Skelton The Clerk read the title of the bill. question is on the motion offered by Jordan (OH) Murphy (NY) Slaughter The SPEAKER pro tempore. The the gentleman from the Northern Mar- Kagen Murphy, Patrick Smith (NE) Kanjorski Murphy, Tim Smith (NJ) question is on the motion offered by iana Islands (Mr. SABLAN) that the Kaptur Murtha Smith (TX) the gentleman from Massachusetts House suspend the rules and agree to Kennedy Myrick Smith (WA) (Mr. FRANK) that the House suspend the resolution, H. Res. 768, as amended. Kildee Nadler (NY) Snyder the rules and pass the bill, H.R. 1327, as The vote was taken by electronic de- Kilpatrick (MI) Napolitano Souder amended. vice, and there were—yeas 415, nays 0, Kind Neal (MA) Space King (IA) Neugebauer Speier This is a 5-minute vote. not voting 17, as follows: King (NY) Nunes Spratt The vote was taken by electronic de- [Roll No. 775] Kingston Nye Stark vice, and there were—yeas 414, nays 6, YEAS—415 Kirk Oberstar Stearns Kirkpatrick (AZ) Obey Stupak not voting 12, as follows: Abercrombie Buyer Dingell Kissell Olson Sullivan [Roll No. 776] Ackerman Calvert Doggett Klein (FL) Olver Sutton YEAS—414 Aderholt Camp Donnelly (IN) Kline (MN) Ortiz Tanner Akin Campbell Doyle Kosmas Pallone Taylor Abercrombie Brown-Waite, Davis (TN) Alexander Cantor Dreier Kratovil Pascrell Teague Ackerman Ginny Deal (GA) Altmire Capito Driehaus Kucinich Pastor (AZ) Terry Aderholt Buchanan DeFazio Arcuri Capps Duncan Lamborn Paul Thompson (CA) Adler (NJ) Burgess DeGette Austria Capuano Edwards (MD) Lance Paulsen Thompson (MS) Akin Burton (IN) Delahunt Baca Cardoza Edwards (TX) Alexander Butterfield DeLauro Langevin Payne Thompson (PA) Bachmann Carnahan Ehlers Altmire Buyer Dent Larsen (WA) Pence Thornberry Bachus Carson (IN) Ellison Andrews Calvert Diaz-Balart, L. Larson (CT) Perlmutter Tiahrt Baird Carter Ellsworth Arcuri Camp Diaz-Balart, M. Latham Perriello Tiberi Baldwin Cassidy Emerson Austria Campbell Dicks LaTourette Peters Tierney Barrett (SC) Castle Engel Baca Cantor Dingell Peterson Titus Barrow Castor (FL) Eshoo Latta Bachmann Capito Doggett Bartlett Chaffetz Etheridge Lee (CA) Petri Tonko Bachus Capps Donnelly (IN) Barton (TX) Chandler Fallin Lee (NY) Pingree (ME) Towns Baird Capuano Doyle Bean Childers Farr Levin Pitts Tsongas Baldwin Cardoza Dreier Becerra Chu Fattah Lewis (CA) Platts Turner Barrett (SC) Carnahan Driehaus Berkley Clarke Filner Lewis (GA) Poe (TX) Upton Barrow Carson (IN) Duncan Berman Clay Flake Linder Polis (CO) Van Hollen Bartlett Carter Edwards (MD) Berry Cleaver Fleming Lipinski Pomeroy Vela´ zquez Barton (TX) Cassidy Edwards (TX) Biggert Clyburn Forbes LoBiondo Posey Visclosky Bean Castle Ehlers Bilbray Coble Fortenberry Loebsack Price (GA) Walden Becerra Castor (FL) Ellison Bishop (GA) Coffman (CO) Foster Lofgren, Zoe Price (NC) Walz Berkley Chaffetz Ellsworth Bishop (NY) Cohen Foxx Lowey Putnam Wamp Berman Chandler Emerson Blackburn Conaway Frank (MA) Lucas Quigley Waters Berry Childers Engel Blumenauer Connolly (VA) Franks (AZ) Luetkemeyer Radanovich Watson Biggert Chu Eshoo Blunt Cooper Frelinghuysen Luja´ n Rahall Watt Bilbray Clarke Etheridge Boccieri Costa Fudge Lummis Rangel Waxman Bilirakis Clay Fallin Boehner Costello Gallegly Lungren, Daniel Rehberg Weiner Bishop (GA) Cleaver Farr Bonner Courtney Garrett (NJ) E. Reichert Welch Bishop (NY) Clyburn Fattah Bono Mack Crenshaw Gerlach Lynch Reyes Westmoreland Bishop (UT) Coble Filner Boozman Crowley Giffords Mack Richardson Whitfield Blackburn Coffman (CO) Fleming Boren Cuellar Gingrey (GA) Maffei Rodriguez Wilson (OH) Blumenauer Cohen Forbes Boswell Culberson Gohmert Maloney Roe (TN) Wilson (SC) Blunt Cole Fortenberry Boucher Cummings Gonzalez Manzullo Rogers (AL) Wittman Boccieri Conaway Foster Boustany Dahlkemper Goodlatte Marchant Rogers (KY) Wolf Boehner Connolly (VA) Foxx Boyd Davis (AL) Gordon (TN) Markey (CO) Rogers (MI) Woolsey Bonner Cooper Frank (MA) Brady (PA) Davis (CA) Granger Markey (MA) Rohrabacher Wu Bono Mack Costa Franks (AZ) Brady (TX) Davis (IL) Graves Marshall Rooney Yarmuth Boozman Costello Frelinghuysen Braley (IA) Davis (KY) Grayson Massa Ros-Lehtinen Young (AK) Boswell Courtney Fudge Bright Davis (TN) Green, Al Matheson Roskam Young (FL) Boucher Crenshaw Gallegly Broun (GA) Deal (GA) Green, Gene Boustany Crowley Garrett (NJ) Brown (SC) DeFazio Griffith NOT VOTING—17 Boyd Cuellar Gerlach Brown, Corrine DeGette Grijalva Brady (PA) Culberson Giffords Brown-Waite, Delahunt Guthrie Adler (NJ) Cole Schock Brady (TX) Cummings Gingrey (GA) Ginny DeLauro Gutierrez Andrews Conyers Serrano Braley (IA) Dahlkemper Gohmert Buchanan Dent Hall (NY) Bilirakis Hirono Shuster Bright Davis (AL) Gonzalez Burgess Diaz-Balart, L. Hall (TX) Bishop (UT) Holt Wasserman Broun (GA) Davis (CA) Goodlatte Burton (IN) Diaz-Balart, M. Halvorson Cao Kilroy Schultz Brown (SC) Davis (IL) Gordon (TN) Butterfield Dicks Hare Carney Mollohan Wexler Brown, Corrine Davis (KY) Granger

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:39 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00051 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.078 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11352 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 Graves Marchant Roskam Honda Walz Wexler Chandler Hill Michaud Grayson Markey (CO) Ross Mollohan Wasserman Childers Himes Miller (FL) Green, Al Markey (MA) Rothman (NJ) Shuster Schultz Chu Hinchey Miller (MI) Green, Gene Marshall Roybal-Allard Clarke Hinojosa Miller (NC) Griffith Massa Royce ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE Clay Hodes Miller, Gary Grijalva Matheson Ruppersberger The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Cleaver Hoekstra Miller, George Guthrie Matsui Rush the vote). There are 2 minutes remain- Clyburn Holden Minnick Gutierrez McCarthy (CA) Ryan (OH) Coble Holt Mitchell Hall (NY) McCarthy (NY) Ryan (WI) ing in this vote. Coffman (CO) Hoyer Moore (KS) Hall (TX) McCaul Salazar Cohen Hunter Moore (WI) Halvorson McClintock Sa´ nchez, Linda b 1527 Cole Inglis Moran (KS) Hare McCollum T. So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Conaway Inslee Moran (VA) Harman McCotter Sanchez, Loretta Connolly (VA) Israel Murphy (CT) Harper McGovern Sarbanes tive) the rules were suspended and the Cooper Issa Murphy (NY) Hastings (FL) McHenry Scalise bill, as amended, was passed. Costa Jackson (IL) Murphy, Patrick Hastings (WA) McIntyre Schakowsky The result of the vote was announced Costello Jackson-Lee Murphy, Tim Heinrich McKeon Schauer as above recorded. Courtney (TX) Murtha Heller McMahon Schiff Crenshaw Jenkins Myrick Hensarling McMorris Schmidt A motion to reconsider was laid on Crowley Johnson (GA) Nadler (NY) Herger Rodgers Schock the table. Cuellar Johnson (IL) Napolitano Higgins McNerney Schrader Stated for: Culberson Johnson, E. B. Neal (MA) Hill Meek (FL) Schwartz Cummings Johnson, Sam Neugebauer Himes Meeks (NY) Scott (GA) Mr. WALZ. Mr. Speaker, due to unforeseen Dahlkemper Jones Nunes Hinojosa Melancon Scott (VA) circumstances, I missed rollcall vote No. 776 Davis (AL) Jordan (OH) Nye Hodes Mica Sensenbrenner Davis (CA) Kagen Oberstar Hoekstra Michaud on motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. Serrano 1327, the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2009 Davis (IL) Kanjorski Obey Holden Miller (FL) Sessions Davis (KY) Kaptur Olson Holt Miller (MI) Sestak as amended. Had I been present, I would Davis (TN) Kennedy Olver Hoyer Miller (NC) Shadegg have voted ‘‘yea.’’ Deal (GA) Kildee Ortiz Hunter Miller, Gary Shea-Porter DeFazio Kilpatrick (MI) Pallone Inglis Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. Mr. Speaker, I re- Miller, George Sherman DeGette Kilroy Pascrell Inslee Minnick Shimkus gret that I was unable to participate in a vote Delahunt Kind Pastor (AZ) Israel Mitchell Shuler on the floor of the House of Representatives DeLauro King (IA) Paul Issa Moore (KS) Simpson Dent King (NY) Paulsen Jackson (IL) Moore (WI) today. Sires Diaz-Balart, L. Kingston Payne Jackson-Lee Moran (KS) The vote was on H.R. 1327 as amended, Skelton Diaz-Balart, M. Kirk Pence (TX) Moran (VA) Slaughter the Iran Sanctions Enabling Act of 2009. Had Dicks Kirkpatrick (AZ) Perlmutter Jenkins Murphy (CT) Smith (NE) I been present, I would have voted ‘‘yea’’ on Dingell Kissell Perriello Johnson (GA) Murphy (NY) Smith (NJ) Doggett Klein (FL) Peters Johnson (IL) Murphy, Patrick that question. Smith (TX) Donnelly (IN) Kline (MN) Peterson Johnson, E. B. Murphy, Tim Smith (WA) Doyle Kosmas Petri Johnson, Sam Murtha f Kratovil Jordan (OH) Myrick Snyder Dreier Pingree (ME) Kagen Nadler (NY) Souder MOURNING THE LOSS OF LIFE ON Driehaus Kucinich Pitts Kanjorski Napolitano Space AMERICAN SAMOA AND SAMOA Duncan Lamborn Platts Kaptur Neal (MA) Speier AFTER THE EARTHQUAKES AND Edwards (MD) Lance Poe (TX) Kennedy Neugebauer Spratt Edwards (TX) Langevin Polis (CO) Kildee Nunes Stark TSUNAMIS ON SEPTEMBER 29, Ehlers Larsen (WA) Pomeroy Kilpatrick (MI) Nye Stearns 2009 Ellison Larson (CT) Posey Kilroy Oberstar Stupak Ellsworth Latham Price (GA) Kind Obey Sullivan The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Emerson LaTourette Price (NC) King (IA) Olson Sutton finished business is the vote on the mo- Engel Latta Putnam King (NY) Olver Tanner tion to suspend the rules and agree to Eshoo Lee (CA) Quigley Taylor Etheridge Lee (NY) Radanovich Kingston Ortiz the resolution, H. Res. 816, as amended, Kirk Pallone Teague Fallin Levin Rahall Kirkpatrick (AZ) Pascrell Terry on which the yeas and nays were or- Farr Lewis (CA) Rangel Kissell Pastor (AZ) Thompson (CA) dered. Fattah Lewis (GA) Rehberg Klein (FL) Paulsen Thompson (MS) The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Filner Linder Reichert Kline (MN) Payne Thompson (PA) Flake Lipinski Reyes Kosmas Pence Thornberry tion. Fleming LoBiondo Richardson Kratovil Perlmutter Tiahrt The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Forbes Loebsack Rodriguez Lamborn Perriello Tiberi question is on the motion offered by Fortenberry Lofgren, Zoe Roe (TN) Foster Lowey Rogers (AL) Lance Peters Tierney the gentleman from American Samoa Langevin Peterson Titus Foxx Lucas Rogers (KY) Larsen (WA) Petri Tonko (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) that the House Frank (MA) Luetkemeyer Rogers (MI) Larson (CT) Pingree (ME) Towns suspend the rules and agree to the reso- Franks (AZ) Luja´ n Rohrabacher Latham Pitts Tsongas lution, H. Res. 816, as amended. Frelinghuysen Lummis Rooney LaTourette Platts Turner Fudge Lungren, Daniel Ros-Lehtinen Latta Poe (TX) Upton This will be a 5-minute vote. Gallegly E. Roskam Lee (CA) Polis (CO) Van Hollen The vote was taken by electronic de- Garrett (NJ) Lynch Ross Lee (NY) Pomeroy Vela´ zquez vice, and there were—yeas 422, nays 0, Gerlach Mack Rothman (NJ) Giffords Maffei Roybal-Allard Levin Posey Visclosky not voting 10, as follows: Lewis (CA) Price (GA) Walden Gingrey (GA) Maloney Royce Lewis (GA) Price (NC) Wamp [Roll No. 777] Gohmert Manzullo Ruppersberger Gonzalez Marchant Rush Linder Putnam Waters YEAS—422 Lipinski Quigley Watson Goodlatte Markey (CO) Ryan (OH) LoBiondo Radanovich Watt Abercrombie Biggert Brown (SC) Gordon (TN) Markey (MA) Ryan (WI) Loebsack Rahall Waxman Ackerman Bilbray Brown, Corrine Granger Marshall Salazar Lofgren, Zoe Rangel Weiner Aderholt Bilirakis Brown-Waite, Graves Massa Sa´ nchez, Linda Lowey Rehberg Welch Adler (NJ) Bishop (GA) Ginny Grayson Matheson T. Lucas Reichert Westmoreland Akin Bishop (NY) Buchanan Green, Al Matsui Sanchez, Loretta Luetkemeyer Reyes Whitfield Alexander Bishop (UT) Burgess Green, Gene McCarthy (CA) Sarbanes Luja´ n Richardson Wilson (OH) Altmire Blackburn Burton (IN) Griffith McCarthy (NY) Scalise Lummis Rodriguez Wilson (SC) Andrews Blumenauer Butterfield Grijalva McCaul Schakowsky Lungren, Daniel Roe (TN) Wittman Arcuri Blunt Buyer Guthrie McClintock Schauer E. Rogers (AL) Wolf Austria Boccieri Calvert Gutierrez McCollum Schiff Lynch Rogers (KY) Woolsey Baca Boehner Camp Hall (NY) McCotter Schmidt Mack Rogers (MI) Wu Bachmann Bonner Campbell Hall (TX) McDermott Schock Maffei Rohrabacher Yarmuth Bachus Bono Mack Cantor Halvorson McGovern Schrader Maloney Rooney Young (AK) Baird Boozman Capito Hare McHenry Schwartz Manzullo Ros-Lehtinen Young (FL) Baldwin Boren Capps Harman McIntyre Scott (GA) Barrett (SC) Boswell Capuano Harper McKeon Scott (VA) NAYS—6 Barrow Boucher Cardoza Hastings (FL) McMahon Sensenbrenner Bartlett Boustany Carnahan Hastings (WA) McMorris Serrano Flake Jones McDermott Barton (TX) Boyd Carson (IN) Heinrich Rodgers Sessions Hinchey Kucinich Paul Bean Brady (PA) Carter Heller McNerney Sestak Becerra Brady (TX) Cassidy Hensarling Meek (FL) Shadegg NOT VOTING—12 Berkley Braley (IA) Castle Herger Meeks (NY) Shea-Porter Boren Carney Herseth Sandlin Berman Bright Castor (FL) Herseth Sandlin Melancon Sherman Cao Conyers Hirono Berry Broun (GA) Chaffetz Higgins Mica Shimkus

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One minute remains in this Costa Johnson (GA) Napolitano Cao Honda Wasserman vote. Costello Johnson (IL) Neal (MA) Carney Johnson, E. B. Schultz Courtney Johnson, Sam Neugebauer Conyers Mollohan Wexler b 1534 Crenshaw Jones Nunes Hall (TX) Schrader Crowley Jordan (OH) Nye Hirono Shuster Cuellar Kagen Oberstar So (two-thirds being in the affirma- ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE tive) the rules were suspended and the Culberson Kanjorski Obey Cummings Kaptur Olson The SPEAKER pro tempore (during resolution, as amended, was agreed to. Dahlkemper Kennedy Olver the vote). Two minutes remain in this The result of the vote was announced Davis (AL) Kildee Ortiz vote. as above recorded. Davis (CA) Kilpatrick (MI) Pallone ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER PRO TEMPORE The title of the resolution was Davis (IL) Kilroy Pascrell Davis (KY) Kind Pastor (AZ) amended so as to read: ‘‘Mourning the The SPEAKER pro tempore (during Davis (TN) King (IA) Paulsen the vote). After the pending vote on loss of life caused by the earthquakes Deal (GA) King (NY) Payne and tsunamis that occurred on Sep- DeFazio Kingston Pence H.R. 3371, the unfinished business will tember 29, 2009, in American Samoa, DeGette Kirk Perlmutter be on House Resolution 786, which Delahunt Kirkpatrick (AZ) Perriello originally had been slated as an earlier Samoa, and Tonga.’’. DeLauro Kissell Peters A motion to reconsider was laid on Dent Klein (FL) Peterson vote. the table. Diaz-Balart, L. Kline (MN) Petri Diaz-Balart, M. Kosmas Pingree (ME) b 1544 f Dicks Kratovil Pitts Messrs. WESTMORELAND, BROUN Dingell Kucinich Platts AIRLINE SAFETY AND PILOT Doggett Lamborn Poe (TX) of Georgia and INGLIS changed their TRAINING IMPROVEMENT ACT Donnelly (IN) Lance Polis (CO) vote from ‘‘yea’’ to ‘‘nay.’’ Doyle Langevin Pomeroy OF 2009 So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Dreier Larsen (WA) Posey tive) the rules were suspended and the The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Driehaus Larson (CT) Price (NC) Duncan Latham Putnam bill, as amended, was passed. finished business is the vote on the mo- Edwards (MD) LaTourette Quigley The result of the vote was announced tion to suspend the rules and pass the Edwards (TX) Latta Radanovich as above recorded. bill, H.R. 3371, as amended, on which Ehlers Lee (CA) Rahall Ellison Lee (NY) Rangel A motion to reconsider was laid on the yeas and nays were ordered. Ellsworth Levin Rehberg the table. The Clerk read the title of the bill. Emerson Lewis (CA) Reichert The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Engel Lewis (GA) Reyes f question is on the motion offered by Eshoo Linder Richardson Etheridge Lipinski Rodriguez COMMEMORATING THE CANON- the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Fallin LoBiondo Roe (TN) IZATION OF FATHER DAMIEN DE COSTELLO) that the House suspend the Farr Loebsack Rogers (AL) VEUSTER TO SAINTHOOD rules and pass the bill, H.R. 3371, as Fattah Lofgren, Zoe Rogers (KY) amended. Filner Lowey Rogers (MI) The SPEAKER pro tempore. The un- Fleming Lucas Rohrabacher finished business is the vote on the mo- This will be a 5-minute vote. Forbes Luetkemeyer Rooney The vote was taken by electronic de- Fortenberry Luja´ n Ros-Lehtinen tion to suspend the rules and agree to vice, and there were—yeas 409, nays 11, Foster Lummis Roskam the resolution, H. Res. 786, as amended, Foxx Lungren, Daniel Ross not voting 12, as follows: on which the yeas and nays were or- Frank (MA) E. Rothman (NJ) dered. [Roll No. 778] Franks (AZ) Lynch Roybal-Allard Frelinghuysen Mack Royce The Clerk read the title of the resolu- YEAS—409 Fudge Maffei Ruppersberger tion. Abercrombie Barton (TX) Boren Gallegly Maloney Rush The SPEAKER pro tempore. The Ackerman Bean Boswell Garrett (NJ) Manzullo Ryan (OH) Aderholt Becerra Boucher Gerlach Marchant Ryan (WI) question is on the motion offered by Adler (NJ) Berkley Boustany Giffords Markey (CO) Salazar the gentleman from American Samoa Akin Berman Boyd Gingrey (GA) Markey (MA) Sa´ nchez, Linda (Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA) that the House Alexander Berry Brady (PA) Gohmert Marshall T. Altmire Biggert Brady (TX) Gonzalez Massa Sanchez, Loretta suspend the rules and agree to the reso- Andrews Bilbray Braley (IA) Goodlatte Matheson Sarbanes lution, H. Res. 786, as amended. Arcuri Bilirakis Bright Gordon (TN) Matsui Scalise The vote was taken by electronic de- Austria Bishop (GA) Brown (SC) Granger McCarthy (CA) Schakowsky vice, and there were—yeas 418, nays 0, Baca Bishop (NY) Brown, Corrine Grayson McCarthy (NY) Schauer Bachmann Blumenauer Brown-Waite, Green, Al McCaul Schiff not voting 14, as follows: Bachus Blunt Ginny Green, Gene McClintock Schmidt [Roll No. 779] Baird Boccieri Buchanan Griffith McCollum Schock Baldwin Boehner Burgess Grijalva McCotter Schwartz YEAS—418 Barrett (SC) Bonner Burton (IN) Guthrie McDermott Scott (GA) Abercrombie Adler (NJ) Altmire Barrow Bono Mack Butterfield Gutierrez McGovern Scott (VA) Ackerman Akin Andrews Bartlett Boozman Buyer Hall (NY) McHenry Serrano Aderholt Alexander Arcuri

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Austria Doyle Kucinich Pitts Scalise Teague H. RES. 465 Baca Dreier Lamborn Platts Schakowsky Terry Whereas the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Bachmann Driehaus Lance Poe (TX) Schauer Thompson (CA) Bachus Duncan Langevin Polis (CO) Schiff Thompson (MS) (AIWW) was authorized by the Rivers and Har- Baird Edwards (MD) Larsen (WA) Pomeroy Schmidt Thompson (PA) bors Act of 1937 to provide a safe inside naviga- Baldwin Edwards (TX) Larson (CT) Posey Schock Thornberry tion channel for commercial shipping, support Barrett (SC) Ehlers Latham Price (GA) Schrader Tiahrt for and encouragement of interstate commerce, Barrow Ellison LaTourette Price (NC) Schwartz Tiberi and safe harbor and protection for shipping Bartlett Ellsworth Latta Putnam Scott (GA) Tierney from inclement weather and wartime enemy at- Barton (TX) Emerson Lee (CA) Quigley Scott (VA) Titus tack; Radanovich Sensenbrenner Bean Engel Lee (NY) Tonko Whereas the AIWW, completed in 1940, runs Becerra Eshoo Levin Rahall Serrano Towns along the southeast coast of the United States Berkley Etheridge Lewis (CA) Rangel Sessions Tsongas from Norfolk, Virginia, to Key West, Florida, Berman Fallin Lewis (GA) Rehberg Sestak Turner Berry Farr Linder Reichert Shadegg Upton and measures 1,088 miles long; Reyes Shea-Porter Biggert Fattah Lipinski Van Hollen Whereas segments of the intracoastal water- Richardson Sherman Bilbray Filner LoBiondo Vela´ zquez way on the Atlantic Coast received their initial Rodriguez Shimkus Bilirakis Flake Loebsack Visclosky congressional authorization through Rivers and Roe (TN) Shuler Bishop (GA) Fleming Lofgren, Zoe Walden Rogers (AL) Simpson Harbors Acts beginning in 1880; Bishop (NY) Forbes Lowey Walz Rogers (KY) Sires Whereas the AIWW is a vital transportation Bishop (UT) Fortenberry Lucas Wamp Blackburn Foster Luetkemeyer Rogers (MI) Skelton system providing safe, reliable, and efficient Rohrabacher Slaughter Waters navigation for commercial, recreational, and Blumenauer Foxx Luja´ n Watson Blunt Frank (MA) Lummis Rooney Smith (NE) military vessels; Ros-Lehtinen Smith (NJ) Watt Boccieri Franks (AZ) Lungren, Daniel Waxman Whereas the Corps of Engineers is currently Boehner Frelinghuysen E. Roskam Smith (TX) engaged in flood control, hydropower produc- Ross Smith (WA) Weiner Bonner Fudge Lynch Welch tion, environmental restoration, maintenance Bono Mack Gallegly Mack Rothman (NJ) Snyder Roybal-Allard Souder Westmoreland dredging, lock maintenance, recreation, and Boozman Garrett (NJ) Maffei Whitfield navigation projects along the AIWW; Maloney Royce Space Boren Gerlach Wilson (OH) Whereas, according to the Corps of Engineers, Boucher Giffords Manzullo Ruppersberger Speier Rush Spratt Wilson (SC) Boustany Gingrey (GA) Marchant in 2007 the AIWW supported the transportation Ryan (OH) Stark Wittman Boyd Gohmert Markey (CO) of 2,543,000 tons of freight traffic, including Ryan (WI) Stearns Wolf Brady (PA) Gonzalez Markey (MA) commodities such as wheat, corn, soybeans, Salazar Stupak Woolsey Brady (TX) Goodlatte Marshall electrical machinery, iron, coal, gasoline, fab- Sa´ nchez, Linda Sullivan Wu Braley (IA) Gordon (TN) Massa T. Sutton Yarmuth ricated metal products, and electrical machin- Bright Granger Matheson Sanchez, Loretta Tanner Young (AK) ery; Broun (GA) Graves Matsui Sarbanes Taylor Young (FL) Whereas, according to the Corps of Engineers, Brown (SC) Grayson McCarthy (CA) in 2007 the AIWW supported a total of 34,184 Brown, Corrine Green, Al McCarthy (NY) NOT VOTING—14 Buchanan Green, Gene McCaul trips made by recreational, commercial, and Boswell Conyers Shuster Burgess Griffith McClintock military vessels; Brown-Waite, Hall (TX) Burton (IN) Grijalva McCollum Wasserman Whereas the AIWW is an integral transpor- Ginny Hirono Butterfield Guthrie McCotter Schultz tation network supporting the Armed Forces Cao Hodes Buyer Gutierrez McDermott Wexler Capps Honda through the shipment of military equipment, Calvert Hall (NY) McGovern Carney Mollohan fuel, and generators between Norfolk, Virginia, Camp Halvorson McHenry and Kings Bay, Georgia; Campbell Hare McIntyre Whereas the Dismal Swamp Canal, on the Cantor Harman McKeon b 1602 AIWW, is the oldest operating artificial water- Capito Harper McMahon So (two-thirds being in the affirma- Capuano Hastings (FL) McMorris way in the United States and has been placed Cardoza Hastings (WA) Rodgers tive) the rules were suspended and the on the National Register of Historical Places, Carnahan Heinrich McNerney resolution, as amended, was agreed to. was registered as an engineering landmark in Carson (IN) Heller Meek (FL) The result of the vote was announced 1988, and was included in the National Park Carter Hensarling Meeks (NY) as above recorded. Service’s Underground Railroad Network to Cassidy Herger Melancon A motion to reconsider was laid on Freedom Program in 2004; Castle Herseth Sandlin Mica Whereas the AIWW has enhanced the lives of Castor (FL) Higgins Michaud the table. Chaffetz Hill Miller (FL) the residents of Virginia, North Carolina, South Chandler Himes Miller (MI) f Carolina, Georgia, and Florida, as well as the Childers Hinchey Miller (NC) greater southeastern United States, for more Chu Hinojosa Miller, Gary ANNOUNCEMENT BY THE SPEAKER than 6 decades; Clarke Hoekstra Miller, George PRO TEMPORE Whereas the wildlife, flora, and fauna along Clay Holden Minnick the AIWW provide ample recreational opportu- Cleaver Holt Mitchell The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. PE- nities for birdwatchers, photographers, and Clyburn Hoyer Moore (KS) TERS). Pursuant to clause 8 of rule XX, Coble Hunter Moore (WI) boaters; Coffman (CO) Inglis Moran (KS) the Chair will postpone further pro- Whereas the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Cohen Inslee Moran (VA) ceedings today on motions to suspend Association was organized in 1999 to address the Cole Israel Murphy (CT) the rules on which a recorded vote or navigation challenges of the AIWW and to en- Conaway Issa Murphy (NY) the yeas and nays are ordered, or on courage the continuation and further develop- Connolly (VA) Jackson (IL) Murphy, Patrick which the vote incurs objection under ment of waterborne commerce and recreation on Cooper Jackson-Lee Murphy, Tim the AIWW; Costa (TX) Murtha clause 6 of rule XX. Whereas the Association has voiced the inter- Costello Jenkins Myrick Record votes on postponed questions Courtney Johnson (GA) Nadler (NY) ests of commercial and recreational users of the Crenshaw Johnson (IL) Napolitano will be taken later. AIWW, earning the title of ‘‘Voice of the Water- Crowley Johnson, E. B. Neal (MA) f way’’; Cuellar Johnson, Sam Neugebauer Whereas the Association has been an advocate Culberson Jones Nunes for maintenance of the AIWW to promote safe, Cummings Jordan (OH) Nye RECOGNIZING 10TH ANNIVERSARY OF THE ATLANTIC INTRA- cost-effective navigation; and Dahlkemper Kagen Oberstar Whereas the Association promotes the AIWW Davis (AL) Kanjorski Obey COASTAL WATERWAY ASSOCIA- as a vital marine highway along the Atlantic Davis (CA) Kaptur Olson TION Davis (IL) Kennedy Olver coast, providing safe navigation for commercial Davis (KY) Kildee Ortiz Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I move to and recreational vessels: Now, therefore, be it Davis (TN) Kilpatrick (MI) Pallone suspend the rules and agree to the reso- Resolved, That the House of Representatives— Deal (GA) Kilroy Pascrell lution (H. Res. 465) recognizing the At- (1) recognizes the importance of the Atlantic DeFazio Kind Pastor (AZ) Intracoastal Waterway to recreational, commer- DeGette King (IA) Paul lantic Intracoastal Waterway Associa- cial, and military vessels and to the history and Delahunt King (NY) Paulsen tion on the occasion of its 10th anni- DeLauro Kingston Payne quality of life of the citizens of the United Dent Kirk Pence versary, and for other purposes, as States; and Diaz-Balart, L. Kirkpatrick (AZ) Perlmutter amended. (2) acknowledges the Atlantic Intracoastal Diaz-Balart, M. Kissell Perriello The Clerk read the title of the resolu- Waterway Association on the occasion of its Dicks Klein (FL) Peters tion. 10th anniversary. Dingell Kline (MN) Peterson Doggett Kosmas Petri The text of the resolution is as fol- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Pursu- Donnelly (IN) Kratovil Pingree (ME) lows: ant to the rule, the gentlewoman from

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:59 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00054 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.051 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11355 the District of Columbia (Ms. NORTON) I reserve the balance of my time. coast, providing safe navigation for and the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, I yield commercial and recreational vessels. BOOZMAN) each will control 20 minutes. myself such time as I might consume. The association was organized in 1999 The Chair recognizes the gentle- According to the Chesapeake Conven- to address the navigational challenges woman from the District of Columbia. tion and Tourism Bureau, Edgar Allen of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway GENERAL LEAVE Poe reportedly wrote parts of his fa- and to encourage the continuation and Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I ask mous poem ‘‘The Raven’’ while trav- further development of commerce and unanimous consent that all Members eling the Dismal Swamp Canal, which recreation on the AIWW. At present, may have 5 legislative days within was later to become part of the Atlan- the association has more than 200 which to revise and extend their re- tic Intracoastal Waterway. members consisting of tug and barge marks and to include extraneous re- The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway, companies, shippers, port facilities, marks on H. Res. 465. AIWW, was authorized by the Rivers marinas, dredging companies, and oth- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there and Harbors Act of 1937 to provide a ers with an interest in the waterway. objection to the request of the gentle- safe inside navigation channel for com- The AIWW was completed in 1940 and woman from the District of Columbia? mercial shipping. Completed in 1940, runs along the southeast coast of the There was no objection. the AIWW runs along the southeast United States from Norfolk, Virginia, Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, I yield coast of the United States from Nor- to Key West, Florida, and measures myself such time as I may consume. folk, Virginia, to Miami, Florida, 1,088 miles long. It has historically Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. measuring 1,088 miles long. served as an important shelter for Res. 465 offered by Mr. BROWN of South The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway mariners from the stormy seas of the Carolina. This resolution recognizes is also used extensively by recreational Atlantic. Since it runs parallel to the importance of the Atlantic Intra- boaters. Studies have shown that rec- Interstate 95, the waterway has the po- coastal Waterway and acknowledges reational boaters bring millions of dol- tential to become a major marine high- the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway lars to State budgets. The waterway is way, serving as a safe, fuel-efficient, Association on the occasion of its 10th also used by vessels not equipped for and economical alternative to con- anniversary. ocean travel or for when weather con- gested highways and rail lines. Every ton of traffic that runs The waterway was authorized by the ditions make the ocean too rough to through a marine highway like AIWW Rivers and Harbors Act of 1937 for the travel. purpose of supporting and encouraging The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway is a ton of traffic that isn’t on our con- gested highway system. I have heard interstate commerce. Today, the wa- has a good deal of commercial activity. from multiple shippers visiting my of- terway allows for the safe and efficient Products shipped include fuel oil, gaso- fice that would love to have a non- transportation of goods along the At- line, asphalt, fertilizers, chemicals, highway shipping option. AIWW con- lantic coast from Norfolk, Virginia, to wood chips, wood, limestone, sand, nects all of the east coast ports. The Key West, Florida. gravel, iron, steel, slag, lime, fab- potential for coastal traffic between The waterway is comprised of numer- ricated metal products, soybeans, vege- these ports is significant and has the ous channels and rivers that were once tables, produce, and electrical machin- ability to have a major impact on separate and distinct. For example, the ery, all of which are shipped along the smaller ports like Georgetown in my Dismal Swamp Canal was once a 22- Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. district. In fact, if the AIWW could be mile-long waterway that supported The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway developed as a marine highway, the commercial vessels traveling between Association was organized in 1999 to South Carolina State Ports Authority Virginia and North Carolina. In 1929, address the navigation challenges of has estimated business growth at the however, it was purchased by the Fed- the waterway and to encourage the Port of Georgetown could be more than eral Government for half a million dol- continuation and further development 2.5 million tons of cargo a year. How- lars and incorporated into a larger of waterborne commerce and recre- ever, the waterway faces significant transportation network. Today, the ation on the AIWW of Virginia, North funding challenges. Dismal Swamp Canal is an integral Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and In South Carolina alone, the Army part of the waterway and is recognized Florida. The association has been an Corps estimates that the need of the as the oldest operating artificial water- outspoken advocate for regular dredg- waterway will total some $14.5 million way in the United States. Additionally, ing and adequate maintenance to pro- in fiscal year 2010, yet the administra- it is also on the National Park Serv- mote safe, cost-effective navigation tion has requested less than $800,000 for ice’s Underground Railroad Network to along the AIWW and is known as the maintenance. Indeed, to bring the en- Freedom program. ‘‘Voice of the Waterway.’’ tire waterway up to standards and to The waterway holds great signifi- Today, we recognize the Atlantic In- keep it there will require over $100 mil- cance to those who live in the south- tracoastal Waterway Association on lion in investment; yet administration eastern United States. It enables wa- the occasion of its 10th anniversary. after administration continues to terborne transportation to move And with that, I reserve the balance shortchange the AIWW in their budget, smoothly and efficiently and provides of my time. barely requesting enough money to numerous recreational opportunities Ms. NORTON. I have no further control the mosquitos. for anglers and boating and enthu- speakers, and I reserve the balance of This is no way to treat such a valu- siasts. my time. able potential resource, and I want to It is appropriate to recognize the im- Mr. BOOZMAN. With that, Mr. tip my hat to the AIWWA for their ef- portance of the waterway to the qual- Speaker, I yield as much time as he forts to showcase the potential for the ity of life of our citizens and to the might desire to the gentleman from waterway not just to the communities thousands of commercial, recreational, South Carolina (Mr. BROWN). it touches, but to the entire Nation. and military vessels that utilize the Mr. BROWN of South Carolina. Mr. I’m proud to support the waterway and system each year. Speaker, I thank my good friend from will continue to fight to ensure that it This resolution also acknowledges Mr. Arkansas (Mr. BOOZMAN) for yield- is not only maintained but improved to the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway ing and the gentlelady from the Dis- improve freight movement and open Association on the occasion of its 10th trict of Columbia (Ms. NORTON) for her new economic doors for communities anniversary. This association has support of this resolution. along its banks. worked over the last decade as an advo- Mr. Speaker, while only 10 years old, Mr. BOOZMAN. Mr. Speaker, having cate for keeping the waterway open the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway no more speakers on the subject, we do and safe for navigation. It is appro- Association, AIWWA, has become a support the adoption of H. Res. 465 rec- priate to recognize its numerous con- strong voice representing the interests ognizing the Atlantic Intracoastal Wa- tributions. of commercial and recreational users terway Association, the good work Mr. Speaker, I support this resolu- of the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway that they have done over the last 10 tion and urge my colleagues to support by promoting the waterway as a vital years, and with that, I yield back the it as well. marine highway along the Atlantic balance of my time.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:59 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00055 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.088 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11356 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 Ms. NORTON. Mr. Speaker, along ida State Legislature, FIND is a special taxing U.N.’S REPORT ON ISRAEL with the gentleman from Arkansas and district charged with helping to maintain the In- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a the gentleman from South Carolina tracoastal Waterway with the Army Corps of previous order of the House, the gentle- who is the author of this resolution, we Engineers. They are an important entity and woman from Florida (Ms. ROS- are pleased to support this resolution. perform an often unheralded job, so I wanted LEHTINEN) is recognized for 5 minutes. Mr. OBERSTAR. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to take this moment to commend the men and Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN. Mr. Speaker, in support of H. Res. 465, recognizing the women employed by FIND for helping to main- this week at the United Nations an- 10th anniversary of the Atlantic Intracoastal tain one of Florida’s most important natural re- other assault is being launched on the Waterway Association. sources. democratic Jewish State of Israel, an The Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway (Water- In closing, I want to again thank the gen- assault that the United States must way) runs from Norfolk, Virginia, to Key West, tleman from South Carolina for introducing unequivocally oppose and defeat. Florida, and has been in existence for more House Resolution 465, urge my colleagues to Predictably, this assault has its roots than seventy years. The once distinct chan- support its passage. in the U.N.’s so-called ‘‘Human Rights nels and rivers that now make up the Water- Ms. NORTON. At this time, I yield Council,’’ an institution that has been way were brought together to create a contin- back the balance of my time. hijacked by dictatorships and gross uous waterborne transportation network along The SPEAKER pro tempore. The human rights violators. the southeastern coast of the Atlantic. question is on the motion offered by This past winter, in Operation Cast The Waterway has enriched the lives of the gentlewoman from the District of Lead, Israel defended its citizens—and those in the southeast and served the greater Columbia (Ms. NORTON) that the House its existence—against the actions of United States by allowing for the safe and effi- suspend the rules and agree to the reso- Hamas and other violent extremist cient transportation of commercial goods along lution, H. Res. 465, as amended. groups in Gaza. The Human Rights the coast. The question was taken; and (two- Council responded by passing a resolu- This resolution recognizes the importance of thirds being in the affirmative) the tion authorizing a so-called ‘‘fact find- the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway to the qual- rules were suspended and the resolu- ing mission’’ to investigate Operation ity of life of the citizens in the United States, tion, as amended, was agreed to. Cast Lead. This mission’s mandate had and to the thousands of recreational, commer- A motion to reconsider was laid on nothing to do with fact finding and ev- cial, and military vessels that use the system the table. erything to do with persecuting Israel annually. for defending herself. The resolution also acknowledges the Atlan- f The mandate prejudged Israel’s guilt, tic Intracoastal Waterway Association on the b 1615 authorizing the mission to investigate occasion of its 10th anniversary. This associa- only assumed human rights violations tion has worked tirelessly over the last decade DALE WILSON—NATIONAL DIS- by Israel. The mandate did not include to keep the Waterway open and safe for navi- ABLED AMERICAN VETERAN OF or even mention the thousands of rock- gation. THE YEAR et attacks and mortar attacks span- I urge my colleagues to join me in sup- (Ms. FOXX asked and was given per- ning 8 years by Hamas and other vio- porting H. Res. 465. mission to address the House for 1 lent extremist groups in Gaza against Mr. KLEIN of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise minute.) civilian targets in southern Israel. today in support of House Resolution 465 and Ms. FOXX. Mr. Speaker, today I rise Then, last month this so-called ‘‘fact to thank the gentleman from South Carolina, to praise Dale Wilson, a remarkable finding mission’’ released its report. Mr. BROWN, for introducing this important bill. veteran from Troutman, North Caro- It’s a 575-page collection of distortions I have had the good fortune of working with lina, who was named the 2009 National and double standards. The report made the distinguished gentleman on other legisla- Disabled American Veteran of the Year baseless accusations that Israel’s mili- tion, and I can say that on this and other by the Disabled American Veterans. tary had deliberately attacked civil- issues, he serves his constituents well. Dale Wilson lost both of his legs and ians. The report disregarded extensive Mr. Speaker, H. Res. 465 acknowledges the his right arm while serving in the Ma- evidence that violent extremist groups Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway Association on rine Corps in Vietnam; but for a Silver in Gaza used civilians as human the occasion of its 10th anniversary, and it Star recipient who paid such a heavy shields, operating from schools, from recognizes the importance of the Atlantic Intra- price for his country, Wilson dem- mosques, from hospitals. It ignored the coastal Waterway to recreational, commercial, onstrates remarkable humility, good Israeli military’s extraordinary efforts and military vessels and to the history and will, and an astonishingly positive atti- to target its operations in order to quality of life of the citizens of the United tude. He is well known for his strident minimize civilian casualties. It gave a States. belief that his life is rich and full de- free pass to the Iranian and the Syrian Having a congressional district with over 75 spite what many could call a severe regimes, which provide material and fi- miles along the Intracoastal Waterway, I know disability. His days are full of service nancial assistance to Hamas and other firsthand its importance to South Florida. It to his community and his fellow vet- murderous groups in Gaza. serves as a crucial thoroughfare for the two erans. He counts his family, his com- Finally, this report recommended ports in my district, the Port of Palm Beach munity, and his service to his country further persecution of Israel through and Port Everglades. In fact, the Army Corps as dear blessings. And you won’t catch follow-up action by the U.N. Security of Engineers reported that over 2.5 million him complaining about the hand that Council, the General Assembly, the tons of freight traffic was shipped along the In- was dealt him. Human Rights Council, and the Inter- tracoastal Waterway in 2007 alone, including Dale Wilson is the sort of marine national Criminal Court, among oth- commodities such as wheat, corn, and soy- that gives the Marine Corps such a ers. In fact, today, the Security Coun- beans. proud reputation, and his recognition cil met at the request of the Libyan re- But the Intracoastal Waterway provides by the DAV is well deserved. I know gime and considered this very biased Americans with more than just economic activ- that his example serves to inspire report. ity. Just go out on the water any day of the Later this week, with the blessing of those who know and love him to re- week in my congressional district and you’ll the U.N. Secretary General, the Human member their many blessings and to see recreational boaters traveling on the Intra- Rights Council is expected to hold a love the country that Wilson sacrificed coastal Waterway. Boating is an iconic symbol special session on this report. What so much for. for South Florida, and the Intracoastal Water- will they do? They will pass yet an- way serves as an important part of that. Sim- f other resolution condemning Israel, ply put: South Florida would not be the boat- and only Israel. ing capital of the world without it. SPECIAL ORDERS And what has the U.S. done in re- I also want to take a moment and commend The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under sponse to this anti-freedom onslaught? the work of the Florida Inland Navigation Dis- the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- While acknowledging that the report trict, or FIND. They maintain our state’s por- uary 6, 2009, and under a previous order and its mandate were biased, adminis- tion of the Intracoastal Waterway, from Jack- of the House, the following Members tration officials still claim that the re- sonville to Miami. Created in 1927 by the Flor- will be recognized for 5 minutes each. port raised serious issues and should be

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:19 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00056 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.089 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11357 considered seriously by that rogues and not one for younger consumers, (Mr. JONES addressed the House. His gallery known as the Human Rights which is essentially what the CPI is remarks will appear hereafter in the Council. Is this how the United States oriented towards. It isn’t even very re- Extensions of Remarks.) supports Israel and counters the anti- flective of the cost of average Amer- f Semitic and anti-Israel bias that is ican families. It is very skewed. It was THE RULE OF LAW IS BEING present every day at the U.N.? skewed beginning in the Reagan years, IGNORED We must recognize what is at stake and it has never been fixed to try and here. If the democratic political and understate real inflation to real Ameri- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a military leaders of Israel can be hauled cans. previous order of the House, the gen- before an unaccountable court for de- In this case, we have an opportunity. tleman from Texas (Mr. POE) is recog- fending their nation against violent ex- We could fix this injustice to our sen- nized for 5 minutes. tremists in Gaza, then how long before iors and help those most in need, many Mr. POE of Texas. Mr. Speaker, the U.S. officials and those of other NATO of whom are either principally or to- open borders crowd is at it again, push- countries will face the same for defend- tally dependent upon a Social Security ing for amnesty for people that are ille- ing our Nation against al Qaeda and income. We could give them a one-time gally in the United States. It is bad public policy to give a wink other such threats? Ultimately, this re- $250 payment, which would equate to and a nod to people who continue to port is an effort by the enemies of free- almost a 2 percent cost-of-living ad- advocate the exploitation of American dom to deprive democracies of the justment. That would cover the in- border laws for their own personal right of self-defense, making it open crease in their Medicare part B pre- agenda. A nation cannot survive in season for global jihadists to come mium, maybe some of their Medigap freedom without just following the law. after Israel or the U.S. and other free insurance, maybe a little bit of what The very future of any civilization nations. they’re having to pay in higher phar- As the leadership of the Simon rests upon the rule of law. maceutical costs. For many seniors it Now, we are a self-governing people. Wiesenthal Center stated in a recent could avert a disaster in terms of their That means we are a Nation of laws. letter to our ambassador, Susan Rice, personal budgets. We don’t get to choose what laws we consideration of this report is a pre- So I have introduced legislation, follow and what ones we don’t. That scription for disaster not only for along with 14 of my colleagues—today, would mean complete chaos. If people Israel, but for the United States and I reintroduced it—which would give a want to come to the United States le- every country that fights violent extre- one-time $250 payment to 48.9 million gally, by all means let them come le- mism. people who are on OASDI, that is So- gally. Sign the guest book at the port Mr. Speaker, we must oppose any ef- cial Security and disability, 5.1 on SSI, of entry so we know who you are, so we fort to grant consideration or legit- 1.4 million veterans, and 200,000 rail- know the purpose of your visit and imacy in any forum to this irredeem- road retirees. whether or not you mean harm to ably biased U.N. report. We must sup- Now, I want to be fiscally respon- American citizens. That means every- port the right of Israel, the right of the sible; I don’t want to take it out of the body who comes here, not just a select U.S., the right of all democracies to de- Social Security trust fund which is few. fend ourselves and our citizens. looking toward problems some 37 years The push to reward illegal behavior Once again, Mr. Speaker, it is time down the road or so, or starting in 2037. today by granting amnesty only en- for the U.S. to lead. Thank you, Mr. So I would pay for this, and it’s quite courages more of the same illegal be- Speaker, for the time. simple: in order to give this benefit to havior. A new Zogby-Washington f over 50 million people, something for Times poll in Mexico found that 56 per- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a them to make ends meet and scratch cent of Mexican nationals surveyed previous order of the House, the gentle- by, all we have to do is ask that that said that if we pardon illegal immi- woman from California (Ms. WOOLSEY) select group of Americans—many of grants here, it will encourage more of is recognized for 5 minutes. whom work on Wall Street—who will them to come across the border ille- (Ms. WOOLSEY addressed the House. earn over $1.4 million this year, that gally. Her remarks will appear hereafter in for their earnings over $1.4 million The poll also showed that most folks the Extensions of Remarks.) they pay the same Social Security tax in Mexico think their countrymen who f as every working American who earns come here still owe their loyalty to COST-OF-LIVING ADJUSTMENT less than $106,000. The tax now is only Mexico, not America. Now, these are FOR SENIORS applied to income up to $106,000. After things the open borders crowd won’t that, you don’t pay it. That means if tell you. Many people come here and The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a you earn $1.4 million, your tax rate is don’t want to become Americans; they previous order of the House, the gen- about 7 percent of someone who earns just want the personal benefits of being tleman from Oregon (Mr. DEFAZIO) is $40,000 a year. in the United States without any obli- recognized for 5 minutes. Let’s make it fair. I hear a lot about gation to the country. And amnesty Mr. DEFAZIO. Next month, the gov- flat taxes and fairness. Let’s make it will only encourage more illegal entry. ernment is going to go to the expense fair; let’s make it flat. Let’s ask those b 1630 of sending out a letter to well over 40 people who are earning over $1.4 mil- million Social Security recipients tell- lion to pay the same percentage of that Anyone who comes to this country ing them they are not going to get a income in Social Security tax as people permanently owes this Nation the re- cost-of-living adjustment, but they who earn less than $106,000. And if they spect of learning what it means to be didn’t experience inflation this year. did that just for 1 year, we could give an American—embracing the melting Now, the only problem with that is the those 50 million seniors and disabled pot concept. They should honor the way we measure inflation is heavily and veterans and railroad retirees a sacrifices of the men and women who oriented toward nonessential consumer small, $250 one-time cost-of-living ad- have made our history great in these goods of which seniors do not buy a lot. justment. I think it’s only fair in this 200-plus years. This mighty Nation is Seniors have to buy certain essen- tough economy that those at the abso- the beacon of liberty, and it did not tials; pharmaceuticals, up double digits lute tiptop just do a little bit more to happen by chance. It came through in the last year. Seniors buy health in- help those most in need. hard work and sacrifice in the name of surance, Medigap policies up high sin- I recommend this legislation to my freedom. It came from following a set gle digits in the last year. Seniors have colleagues. of principles and ideals, and it came rent, utilities, probably also up depend- from following the rule of law—laws ing upon where they live. But they are f passed by our representative form of not entitled to a COLA because of a de- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a government with the consent of the fect in the way we calculate COLAs. previous order of the House, the gen- governed. I have tried to fix this for years by tleman from North Carolina (Mr. The American dream is not about having a special calculation for seniors JONES) is recognized for 5 minutes. money; it’s about liberty, and those

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:59 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00057 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.091 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11358 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 who come here owe this Nation an obli- In one country, banks that are too Kansas housing market has struggled gation to understand that. They need big to fail privatize their profits. along with our Nation’s economy. One to learn what freedom is and how we go They’re taking more, but they socialize important tool that has strengthened about keeping it, and a big part of that their losses, putting their trillion-dol- the housing market and has limited is following the law. lar mistakes on the backs of the Amer- the economic decline has been the Solving the problems of illegals and ican taxpayers. In the other country, $8,000 first-time homebuyer tax credit. the crisis they have created will not be which I represent, families that are too However, unless Congress takes imme- an easy task before us. There are those small to matter lose their jobs to diate action, this valuable credit will who want amnesty and who support globalization, and they lose their expire on November 30. policies that promote more illegal homes to foreclosure. These same I come here with a message for my entry and lawlessness. These are unac- banks finance the outsourcing of their colleagues and the leaders of the House ceptable in a post-9/11 world. We can jobs, and they restrict credit to Main of Representatives: Congress must act start by enforcing the law and showing Street businesses across our country. quickly to renew the first-time home- we are serious about it. We also need to In one country, financial commenta- buyer tax credit. eliminate policies in this country that tors cheer as the Dow Jones Industrial A Realtor from Manhattan, Kansas, encourage and ignore illegal entry. Average goes over 10,000. In the other wrote me about the importance of the Such policies include easy access to country, where I live, the unemploy- homebuyer tax credit. She noted that jobs with little enforcement on em- ment rate is rising, exceeding 13 per- the credit had been extremely helpful ployers who knowingly hire illegals; cent. While housing values fall more to the Kansas economy. She says: Dur- free health care and free education, than 10 percent in a single year and ing these challenging economic times, policies that don’t promote assimila- foreclosures are going up 94 percent, the first-time homebuyer tax credit tion; and the inability of local law en- JPMorgan Chase is the top forecloser has injected new life into the housing forcement to assist Federal immigra- in the Ninth Congressional District of market and has helped stimulate many tion authorities. Ohio, and they don’t even show up for local economies through the stabiliza- We need to upgrade interior enforce- meetings with the people being af- tion of housing prices. However, our housing market re- ment of immigration laws. Many peo- fected. There is something wrong with mains fragile, and more progress is ple come here legally, then they never this picture. There is something really needed to further stabilize our commu- go home, because this Nation doesn’t wrong with our country, and there is nities. The homebuyer tax credit do much about visa overstays. Border something really wrong with our econ- works. Since its enactment in Feb- security is a national security issue. omy. ruary, the IRS has reported more than We just witnessed recently a Jordanian Even one of the Wall Street analysts 1.4 million taxpayers have claimed the national who came here legally, who picked it up today in his comments to homebuyer credit. This incentive will overstayed his visa and then tried to the Associated Press, saying, ‘‘Wall lead 400,000 prospective first-time blow up a Dallas skyscraper. Thanks to Street is picking up quite smartly, homebuyers to purchase homes who the work of law enforcement, this while Main Street continues to suffer.’’ probably would not have without the bombing plot was averted. How can that be? How can the stock help of the tax credit. We owe an obligation to the future of market be so oblivious to the pain that Moreover, it’s estimated that each this Nation to guard and secure our American families are feeling? Grant- sale generates $63,000 in additional borders, to permit entry of only people ed, a rising stock market might help goods and services that benefit the who will benefit our Nation and to 401(k)s and pension plans and indi- economy. There are tax savings for keep up with those who enter as guests vidual portfolios, but not everybody is taxpayers which generate more rev- of our country. It is not too much to celebrating. In fact, the majority isn’t. enue than the aggregate amount of the require that people legally enter the Furthermore, how can this stock mar- original tax cut. Along with falling United States or don’t come at all. ket rally last when national unemploy- home prices, the homebuyer credit has And that’s just the way it is. ment is close to 10 percent and, in some helped put the housing market on the f regions, far above that? How can the track to recovery. bullish sentiment override the reality A TALE OF TWO COUNTRIES While market conditions have im- in the other America where unemploy- proved, as the Realtor says, the market The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ment and foreclosures have turned the remains fragile. The housing tax credit previous order of the House, the gentle- American dream into a nightmare for needs to be extended to make sure that woman from Ohio (Ms. KAPTUR) is rec- so many people—for so many millions the economic gains that have been ognized for 5 minutes. and millions and millions of our fellow made are not lost. Ms. KAPTUR. Mr. Speaker, the an- citizens? In order to build on that economic nouncement today that JPMorgan Perhaps congratulations are in order progress, the tax credit should be ex- Chase, the largest bank in our country, to JPMorgan on its quarterly report. I panded. I’ve introduced H.R. 2905, the turned a $3.6 billion profit in the most would only ask Chase and the other Homebuyer Tax Credit Expansion Act recent quarter brings to mind Charles banks to remember who came to their of 2009, which would extend the $8,000 Dickens’ 19th-century English master- rescue, because the people who bailed tax credit beyond its November 30 expi- piece, ‘‘A Tale of Two Cities,’’ except them out, the people in the other ration. In addition, this legislation this is the United States, and it’s the America—beyond Wall Street, those would expand the tax credit to all 21st century, and it’s a tale not of two people—are still really hurting. The homebuyers, not just to first-time buy- cities but of two countries. communities that they live in are real- ers. There is one country where giant ly hurting. Our food banks are up 53 I’ve asked the Speaker of the House banks are making so much money that percent in requests, and donations are and the chairman of the Ways and they are setting aside enough to pay down 13 percent. This economic depres- Means Committee to bring this bill or each worker in their investment bank- sion is widening across this country, similar legislation to the floor for a ing divisions $353,834. That country is but there are some folks in that other vote. At the very least, Congress Wall Street. The other country is country who don’t seem to care at all. should pass a 1-year extension of the where I come from—Toledo, Ohio—and f credit before it expires. It can take sev- places like it across the Nation where eral months to go from contract to the majority of the American people EXTEND THE FIRST-TIME closing, and the tax credit will soon be- live. Toledo, Ohio, where the median HOMEBUYER TAX CREDIT come unavailable for many buyers well household annual income is not even The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a before the November 30 expiration one-tenth of that amount—it’s $35,216. previous order of the House, the gen- date. An extension must be passed soon It’s not even one-tenth as much as tleman from Kansas (Mr. MORAN) is if homebuyers are going to continue to JPMorgan Chase is setting aside for bo- recognized for 5 minutes. take advantage of the tax credit. nuses for its investment banking em- Mr. MORAN of Kansas. Mr. Speaker, Homeownership and the knowledge ployees. like many parts of the country, the that one has equity in one’s home can

VerDate Nov 24 2008 01:59 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00058 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.096 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11359 significantly improve our economy. We So it is important that we recognize drill off the Continental Shelf or in the should not allow this important tax that we are, in fact, our brothers’ and ANWR in Alaska or do other explo- credit to expire. Congress must act sisters’ keeper, and we thank those ration for a number of reasons, not the quickly now to renew the first-time who have already come forward, but we least of which is, quote-unquote, envi- homebuyer tax credit. look forward in this Congress to con- ronmental. f tinue to work, as we have worked be- But at the same time we won’t allow fore, to ensure that they are re-sta- offshore drilling here, we just gave WE ARE OUR BROTHERS’ AND bilized. We must recognize the humani- Brazil $2 billion so they can drill off SISTERS’ KEEPER tarian response that is currently un- their shores. It just doesn’t make any The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a derway. We are, in essence, com- sense to me. We ought to be spending previous order of the House, the gentle- mending them, but it is important that that money here at home exploring for woman from Texas (Ms. JACKSON-LEE) we continue to encourage donors and oil so we can move towards energy is recognized for 5 minutes. other relief agencies to work with independence. We have a 400- or 500- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas. Thank these vulnerable organizations in year supply of natural gas and we have you, Mr. Speaker, for your kindness stricken areas because we know, hav- plenty of oil if we just could go get it, and generosity. ing experience in the United States and we can do it in an environmentally I rise today for a number of thank with the fires in California, with the safe way. yous and acknowledgments. floods in the Midwest, and with the ter- Now the reason I bring that up is be- First of all, I think it is very impor- cause one of the big problems we face is tant to acknowledge, when tragedy oc- rible hurricanes in Florida, Louisiana and Texas, and we understand disaster. we get 35 to 40 percent of our oil from curs, how important it is that this the Middle East, and one of the big country, as it has often done, rallies We are grateful for those who have helped, but we want and we need con- problems facing the United States and around those around the world to help the world right now is Iran. Iran has them in their time of need. tinued help. We commend the over 100,000 Samoan been developing a nuclear program, a I want to pay tribute to one of our nuclear weapons program for some colleagues—to the delegate from Amer- residents in the United States from American Samoa and Samoa for com- time, and our position in the United ican Samoa, Congressman States now, under the new administra- ing to the aid of their fellow brothers FALEOMAVAEGA—who has in the last tion, is to try to work with them, to and sisters. It is important for this couple of weeks been subjected to ter- talk with them to stop them with their Congress to not only pay tribute but to rible tragedies at home, for on Sep- nuclear development program. And if recognize that people are still hurting. tember 29, 2009, American Samoa and they don’t, we’re going to try to get a Let me end this by again thanking other areas in the surrounding areas sanctions bill passed. were impacted by an 8.3 earthquake, 8.3 our American Representative—our del- Now, we have a bill sponsored by the on the Richter scale, which was recog- egate from American Samoa—and by chairman of the International Rela- thanking him for his strength. nized as the world’s largest earthquake tions Committee, Mr. BERMAN, that has of 2009. Out of that earthquake came a Just for a moment, Mr. Speaker, I over 300 cosponsors—I happen to be one terrible tsunami, one that struck turn very briefly to join with my col- of them—and we believe we ought to American Samoa, Samoa and neigh- league who spoke earlier, Congress- bring that bill to the floor as quickly boring Tonga, sweeping people and cars woman KAPTUR, to say this point: as possible to try to put pressure on out to sea as survivors fled to high Americans are still suffering. Fore- Iran to stop the development of the nu- ground. closures are still happening. Small clear weapons program. We remember the tsunami of some businesses are still not getting access But the administration, I think, has years ago that impacted Sri Lanka, In- to capital. I beseech those who have re- suggested we should wait. They were donesia and India in parts. I traveled to ceived the larger part of the bailout be- trying to bring China and Russia on Sri Lanka, and realized that the devas- cause it was necessary to restore cap- board, and China and Russia are not tation was enormous. So, when there ital markets in a capitalistic system. going to be on board. So we should do was a tsunami with waves that reached None of us adhere to socialism, but we it by ourselves and we should do it ex- up to 20 feet in height and that pene- do adhere to helping ourselves and peditiously. trated 1 mile inland, we knew how dev- helping our brothers and sisters across Let me tell you why I think it’s so astating that had to be. It caused death America. important. If Iran continues down this and destruction of a nearly unprece- It is crucial for the banks of America path, Israel—whom Iran has said they dented amount. The death toll as of Oc- to lend to Americans—to taxpayers, to want to destroy—will have no choice tober 7 is estimated at 32 in American homeowners, to business owners. Let but to defend itself. They cannot let Samoa and 135 in the independent state them expand. Let them add new em- Iran develop a nuclear bomb and a de- of Samoa. ployees. Let them keep their homes. livery system. If they do that, they Many individuals and families have The tight credit market is choking us. will be able to destroy Israel and mil- suffered and are impacted, now lacking It is killing hardworking Americans lions of Jews in Israel in a very short basic survival necessities, and they re- who, as I said, are the beneficiaries but period of time. It will be another Holo- main at risk of additional death due to yet the benefactors of those who are in caust. the shortage of clean water and of ade- need around the world, and it is impor- So what will happen? If they get too quate shelter and food. My colleague tant for our banks to listen. They were far down the path, if we don’t put pres- who represents the area has been work- bailed out. They’d better listen to the sure on them to stop—and they don’t ing without ceasing, but the deep American people. stop—I believe Israel will have no human disaster is evident. choice but to attack Iran. And if they f So I rise today to thank the 300 re- attack Iran, that could end up in being sponders from FEMA; the American b 1645 a major conflagration in the entire Red Cross; the U.S. Army Corps of En- IRAN’S NUCLEAR PROGRAM MUST Persian Gulf area. gineers; the Department of Health and Now, why is that important to us? BE STOPPED Human Services; and from other Fed- We get 35 to 40 percent of our energy eral agencies which rushed forward to The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a from the Persian Gulf area. If that goes help our fellow world citizens: The previous order of the House, the gen- up in smoke, we will lose 35 to 40 per- United States Navy; the United States tleman from Indiana (Mr. BURTON) is cent of the energy that we have in this Coast Guard; the Hawaii Air and Na- recognized for 5 minutes. country because we’re not energy inde- tional Guard; the U.S. Army Reserve; Mr. BURTON of Indiana. I appre- pendent. American Samoa under the leadership ciated what my colleague just said The lights that we have, the gasoline of Admiral Timothy J. Keating, com- about the banks, and one of the things in our cars, the fuel we use to heat our mander of the U.S. Pacific Command; that I think we ought to focus on in ad- houses, everything that needs energy many, many others; and the foreign dition to that is that we are not energy will suffer, and we will have severe eco- governments who came to their aid. independent and we’re not allowed the nomic problems if this problem isn’t

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00059 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.097 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11360 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 dealt with before a tragedy occurs over Now, some interesting things have of the orthopedic companies, plus there. been happening. We’ve heard about Medtronic, plus Orthopediatric, plus This really bothers me. We tried to blaming the banks. You know, busi- 6,000 direct feeding, plus as you move work with some time ago ness, to invest, has to have an idea that to South Bend and over to Fort Wayne during the Clinton administration. We a recovery is coming. It has to request and down to Indianapolis—and in fact even had an agreement with them that the money. And part of the challenge throughout the Midwest—and then if they would stop their nuclear develop- here if they’re uncertain whether you look at the whole industry of the ment program if we gave them some they’re going to get taxed in a small United States, it’s a cluster. things, and we did. And what did they business tax, if they’re uncertain We had this theory in America that do? They lied and they went ahead whether they are going to be taxed in we were going to move up the ladder. with their program, and they are a nu- health care, if they’re uncertain of And as other countries beat us on clear power. They’re using missiles what the energy costs are going to be labor, we would do things like pharma- that would be intercontinental in in Indiana—because ours are projected ceuticals, like orthopedics, like bio- scope, testing them over the sea of to get hit harder than any other con- technology. We’d be the cutting edge, Japan right now. And they’ve done gressional district in America, and I except now we’re going to tax them to that a number of times. have the number one manufacturing death. So we have to worry about them. We district—they aren’t asking to borrow So guess what this article says? have to worry about North Korea and and the banks don’t know how to value They’re looking at going overseas. I’ve what they’re going to do next. Can you the assets. already heard this. Why won’t they go imagine what it will be like once Iran We have to have a recovery, not offshore if they can get cheaper labor? develops a nuclear weapons program? taxes and pressures on industry. They can get engineering research, They are committed to destroying There’s a classic book, ‘‘Competitive they can get government subsidies to Israel. They are committed to forcing Advantage of Nations’’ by Michael Por- some degree, but most importantly, their view of religion and religious be- ter. He’s written a lot of books since they’re going to go where they can do liefs on much of the rest of the world, then, including one on health care I R&D and the combination cheaper than and it could be a real problem for us. don’t particularly agree with. But he’s they can do it in the United States. A They don’t like America very much ei- a very reflective man, and these are tax won’t bring in revenue, a tax will ther. And so we have a myriad of prob- the basic principles of how you develop drive our clusters away. To put the lems facing us if we don’t get on with clusters. taxes on the most innovative clusters putting as much pressure as possible on He says, ‘‘Creating competitive ad- is unbelievable. I just don’t under- Iran and doing it right now. vantage in sophisticated industries de- stand, particularly in a State where As we speak, they’re developing their mands improvement and innovation— the President said not 30 miles away nuclear weapons program. They said finding better ways to complete and ex- from the center of the orthopedic in- they’re going to let U.N. nuclear ex- ploiting them globally, and relent- dustry where many of these parts peo- perts come in and police the area and lessly upgrading the firm’s products see what they’re doing. I don’t believe ple are, ‘‘I promise you it will im- and processes.’’ that. I believe they will let us see one prove.’’ In another section of the book he The maverick CEO, Dane Miller, and or two spots, but they’re going to go on says, We ‘‘must create new advantages with their nuclear development pro- the story of Biomet illustrates another at least as fast as competitors can rep- gram. myth that these are some sort of rich We must put pressure on them now. licate old ones.’’ billionaires. It talks how he put a tita- He also points out the United King- We must put pressure on them imme- nium hip in his own body because ini- diately, because if we don’t, we’re toy- dom, in their R&D, is among the high- tially they wouldn’t believe it, then it ing with a major problem, a major eco- est compared to GDP of any nations, worked, and that’s partly how we got nomic problem for America as well as a but top heavy government R&D. They the innovation today. possible holocaust in that part of the don’t have the private sector R&D, so I encourage people to read this bio of world in the very near future. they don’t have the growth, and the Dane Miller. growth they have is in the wrong areas. [From Orthoknow, Oct. 2009] f Now, why do I bring this up? In a SUCCESS FEES FOR ORTHOPAEDICS? IMPORTANCE OF INDUSTRY newsletter of ‘‘ORTHOKNOW, Stra- (By John A. Engelhardt) CLUSTERS TO A NATION tegic Insights Into the Orthopedic In- In the Senate Finance Committee’s The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a dustry,’’ John Engelhardt reports the healthcare reform bill, partial financing will previous order of the House, the gen- 10 to 30 percent tax in the Senate Fi- come from ‘‘fees’’ imposed on the manufac- tleman from Indiana (Mr. SOUDER) is nance Committee’s bill that was passed turers of medical devices. As I review what is recognized for 5 minutes. yesterday would lead to roughly a tax being proposed, I am (nearly) at a loss for Mr. SOUDER. Mr. Speaker, I’m going of 50 percent of the R&D that the or- words. The total cost to medical device com- to make a number of comments here thopedics industry does. For example, panies will be $40 billion over ten years. That’s $4 billion a year. Here is how it that will be in the RECORD tomorrow. Zimmer—based in my district—in the orthopedics cluster, Zimmer would be shakes down. We’ll also have the things I refer to— The U.S. medical device industry in 2009 is because I’m going to make a number of taxed $94.7 million and their R&D is projected to be valued at $91.3 billion. points—on our Web site in the next $194 million. They’re the biggest ortho- Orthopaedic revenues generated in the U.S. hour. pedic company. in 2008 reached $21.7 billion. Assuming flat President Obama made his first visit Biomet—which I believe is the fourth growth from 2008 to 2009, orthopaedics would after the stimulus package passed to or fifth biggest orthopedic company— then comprise 23.7% of the total medical de- Elkhart, Indiana, to Concord High would be taxed $60.9 million. R&D esti- vice industry in the U.S. in 2009. School for a town hall meeting that mate for 2008 was 82.2, and they had a America’s Healthy Future Act of 2009, ‘‘An- nual Fee on Manufacturers and Importers of straddles Congressman DONNELLY’s and loss. Medical Devices,’’ would impose an aggre- my district. Unemployment was 15.3 Now, Michael Porter points out when gate fee of $4 billion on the medical device percent when he visited. It went high- you lose one or two, you lose that com- industry, payable annually, beginning in er, up to close to 20 percent. It’s now at petitive pressure, that you cannot sus- 2010. Each company’s fee would be calculated 16.5, I believe. In other words, we’ve tain R&D with the new taxes, espe- based on its relative market share of U.S. gone backwards. cially if at the margins the cost of the sales for the prior year with covered domes- What he said that day—referring to a tax is greater than the profits of the tic sales taken into account as follows: previous campaign visit there—‘‘I firm, let alone the R&D. 0% of sales up to $5 million promised you back then that, if elect- I also refer to a USA Today article of 50% of sales over $5 million and up to $25 million ed, I’d do everything I could to help this morning that says, ‘‘Orthopedic 100% of sales over $25 million this community recover and that’s why Industry Has Enjoyed Fine Health.’’ According to our calculations, if I come back today because I intend to And it goes to Warsaw, Indiana in my orthopaedics represents 23.7% of the total keep my promise.’’ district where three of the five biggest medical device industry, then its portion of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00060 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.099 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11361 the $4 billion would be $949 million. Exhibit 5. The cost of healthcare will not budge. diana known as the ‘‘orthopedic manufac- 1 summarizes the fees assessed for several 6. When the plan fails, the government will turing capital of the world.’’ companies. just come back for more. Zimmer Holdings, Biomet and DePuy You will note that this is not being called What’s next? Bonus points for product re- Orthopaedics are based here, along with sev- a tax. Thus, it is NOT deductible by these calls? eral smaller companies and suppliers. To- companies as a legitimate business expense. And so it goes. We take from the most suc- gether, they generate nearly a third of the Let me just repeat that for effect. It is NOT cessful, and give to the least, until such time estimated $32 billion in global orthopedic de- deductible by these companies as a legiti- as a steady state of mediocrity is reached. vice sales. mate business expense! This goes way beyond everyone getting an For much of the past decade, times have The ‘‘fee’’ adds up to about four percent of award in the T-Ball tournament. been good for the industry, with hefty profits orthopaedic product sales for the companies. I will hereby propose a new Mediocrity from steadily rising sales of its artificial Since it is not deductible, that automati- Czar, whose job it will be to ensure that all hips and knees, bone screws and other de- cally comes OFF the bottom line. The loss aspects of society are put on an even playing vices worldwide. More than 700,000 hip and drops right through the P&L. Here are some field. Here are some suggestions. knee replacements are performed in the U.S. highlights. SPORTS each year. That number could double by 2016, In the case of Exactech, it wipes out nearly driven partly by osteoarthritis and other ail- 40% of its earnings. The value of the com- LeBron James will be required to give ments, researchers told the American Acad- pany will decrease a pro rata amount, losing every point over 20 per game to the other emy of Orthopaedic Surgeons’ annual meet- $60 million in shareholder value. team. ing last February. In 2008, Osteotech made a small profit of Michael Phelps will have to swim with a Yet, the industry, succeeding even as some $2.2 million. Under the Senate proposal, the cinderblock tied to his leg to allow all those other U.S. manufacturing sectors are slump- company would pay $3MM in fees! This is a who have never won a gold medal to do so. ing, does face challenges: company struggling back to health. How Tiger Woods will be required to carry his The recession has curbed demand for long would they be able to remain a viable own bag, and will not be allowed to set it orthopedlc devices worldwide as patients entity? down during play. delay treatment, forcing layoffs at some Biomet, in the midst of a rebuilding and BUSINESS companies. restructuring, lost $749MM in 2008. Under the Bill Gates and Steve Jobs will have a por- A proposal that passed the Senate Finance new plan, it would pay almost $61MM. I am tion of their brains removed until such time Committee on Tuesday would place up to $40 not making this up. as those pesky competitors of theirs catch billion in new taxes on the medical device in- Alphatec would have to pay about $3MM up. dustry in the next decade. for the pleasure of having lost about $25MM! Device makers say such a tax would stifle Study Exhibit 1 carefully. You’ll find your- POLITICS job growth and innovation, adding to unem- selves asking many questions. What planet No action needed. ployment in regions such as Warsaw. But the are we on? Where did these Senators go to Perhaps there is more that orthopaedics health overhaul proposals could also bring school? can do to contribute. benefits to the area, such as helping provide Did they even go to school? Maybe they All sales reps and distributors will have subsidies so unemployed workers such as didn’t have math in their school. their commission structures modified such Funk could purchase health insurance. It is very hard to argue with the economics that the more they sell, the less they make. Senate Finance Committee Chairman, Max of orthopaedic care. It has been positively Those who sell more than $5MM per year will Baucus, D-Mont, who proposed the tax, sees documented for a half century. give a portion of their commissions to those the levy as the device industry’s fair share in Many people describe joint replacement as who didn’t sell squat. helping pay legislation that could bring it among mankind’s most significant achieve- Surgeon reimbursement will be inversely millions of new insured customers. ments, not only for the suffering it relieves proportional to surgical volume. Orthopedic device industry profits are but for its economic value to society. Re- If a surgeon is too talented and popular healthy: Zimmer Holdings and Stryker Corp. cently, others have published the more com- with patients, he/she will be required to show five-year average gross profit margins pelling metrics of orthopaedic treatment in strike that patient soundly with a stick at of 76.5% and 68.3%, respectively, according to response to the reform debates. (See the the end of each office visit. Thomson Reuters. Medical equipment and ORTHOWORLD Position Paper on This should help just about everyone rise suppliers as a whole showed five-year gross Healthcare Reform, www.orthoworld.com/ to the middle. margins of 59% compared with 45.8% for the site/index.php/main/healthcare, and Connec- A generation ago, some of the people read- S&P 500. tions, the blog of Biomet CEO, Jeffrey ing this article and their forebears were Drugmakers and hospitals have agreed to R. Binder, www.biomet.com/corporate/ceo called upon by mankind to help eliminate help finance part of the legislation, expected Blog/.) the suffering of millions of people crippled to cost more than $800 billion over a decade, It’s as if, in their infinite wisdom, our rep- by arthritis, debilitated by back pain and according to a Congressional Budget Office resentatives have identified the achievers homebound by injuries. estimate. and propose to levy a cost on them to help You responded with joint replacement, spi- Drugmakers, for example, agreed to what support the underachievers. nal fusion and arthroplasty, arthroscopy and they say is an $80 billion deal that includes These companies have done too well, cutting by half the prices they charge pa- helped too many people, created too many soft tissue repair and trauma technologies, and the result was that these lost souls were tients who hit a coverage gap in the Medi- good quality jobs. Shouldn’t we be holding care drug program. Hospitals agreed to a $155 them up as an example to others, in order to able to return to active lives as healthy con- tributors to society. billion cut in Medicare reimbursements over encourage efficiency and reward perform- a decade. ance? You are called upon again today, as we seek to find a way to treat the millions of Jeffrey Binder, president and CEO of I can think of no other term for this than Biomet, says the device industry faces a dou- a penalty for success. In essence, these com- new orthopaedic patients stressing the sys- tem. Only this time we’re broke. ble whammy. panies will have to pay for the right to do ‘‘This particular fee is completely out of business in their own country. So it looks as if we are being asked to pay for the right to contribute further. proportion with what any other sector has Forgive me if I am having trouble grasping agreed to do,’’ he says. ‘‘It would cost our the idea that if you fail, the government Surely there is a better solution that will not undo a century of progress in healing. company alone $45 million to $50 million a gives you taxpayer’s money to bail you out. year. That’s equivalent of approximately 800 If you succeed, that same government fines [From Kaiser Health News] jobs.’’ you? In addition. device makers, who sell di- I hope not to insult any of you reading this ORTHOPEDIC INDUSTRY HAS ENJOYED FINE rectly to hospitals, will be under pressure to when I suggest exactly what this will cause, HEALTH lower their prices as hospitals attempt to ab- because it is so obvious to us thinking folks. (By Julie Appleby) sorb their own cuts related to the health 1. Jobs will be lost. These companies are care overhaul, Binder says. massive providers of extremely high quality WARSAW, IND.—Travis Funk, laid off a year jobs. They will be forced to pare down their ago from his job finishing boat interiors, NO GUARANTEES workforces. hopes to land a job in a field he thinks has The fate of the tax is uncertain. A number 2. Jobs will be moved overseas. In order to more promise: making artificial hips and of Democrats and Republicans oppose it. make up the margin deficits, good corporate knees for an aging population. So, too, dogs the industry’s trade group, stewards will examine all opportunities to ‘‘I figured the best thing to do was get into the Advanced Medical Technology Associa- drive costs down. the orthopedic industry,’’ says Funk, 29, who tion (AdvaMed), which says the tax would be 3. R&D budgets will be reduced and innova- is taking algebra, blueprint reading and com- passed on to consumers in higher prices—or tion will slow. puter programming classes at Ivy Tech Com- result in job cuts. 4. U.S. companies will focus on the mar- munity College here several nights a week. The $4 billion-a-year tax on the $130 billion kets outside the States where the penalties He hopes knowledge gained in the 12-month medical device industry ‘‘is a devastating don’t apply. They’ll get four more cents on a program will earn him a job in Warsaw, a prospect,’’ particularly for smaller compa- dollar of sales if the sale is ex-U.S. small town in a lake-dotted part of rural In- nies, AdvaMed President and CEO Stephen

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:19 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00061 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.067 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11362 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 Ubl said at a news briefing in Washington on which includes Warsaw, was 11.6%, vs. the (Mr. FRANKS of Arizona addressed Tuesday. The industry is lobbying hard national average of 9.7%, says database serv- the House. His remarks will appear against the tax, but Ubl says it supports ice Proximity. But that was far below that of hereafter in the Extensions of Re- other elements of the legislation, such as neighboring Elkhart, where the jobless rate marks.) finding new ways to compare which drugs, is 16%, in part due to a sharp downturn in devices and treatments work best. the recreational-vehicle-building industry. f Senate Finance Committee staff, speaking LEAVING THE AREA? The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a to reporters Monday, said the device tax is a The proposed tax on device makers is not previous order of the House, the gen- flat amount based on each company’s mar- the only issue dampening future employment tleman from Georgia (Mr. WESTMORE- ket share, not product prices, a provision prospects here. LAND) is recognized for 5 minutes. meant to discourage passing the fee to con- Other countries are offering huge incen- (Mr. WESTMORELAND addressed sumers. tives lure device makers overseas, where The controversy about the device tax illus- the House. His remarks will appear labor costs and other expenses may be lower. hereafter in the Extensions of Re- trates how difficult it is for lawmakers to Zimmer Holdings and Biomet already have find ways to pay for their ambitious health manufacturing plants in Europe and China. marks.) care ideas. For months, proposals have come And while Biomet’s Binder says those plants f and gone—and come back again—from fees mainly serve emerging markets, he acknowl- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a on soft drinks to levies on the wealthy. A edges that some lower-skill production jobs previous order of the House, the gentle- windfall-profits tax on health insurers and have moved overseas. an excise tax on expensive individual health woman from North Carolina (Ms. FOXX) It’s unlikely that orthopedic device manu- is recognized for 5 minutes. policies are under consideration. Device facturing will leave the USA entirely be- makers are just taking their turn in the hot cause the high-tech skills are hard to trans- (Ms. FOXX addressed the House. Her seat. fer, says Larry Davidson, director of the Cen- remarks will appear hereafter in the ‘‘Congress has a not-in-my-backyard prob- ter for the Business of Life Sciences at Indi- Extensions of Remarks.) lem in health reform,’’ says Robert ana University. f Laszewski, an Alexandria, Va.-based health ‘‘What has been helpful for that industry policy consultant. ‘‘Everyone wants it, but The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a and will continue to provide jobs in the U.S. previous order of the House, the gen- someone else has to pay for it.’’ and Indiana is that it’s harder for that indus- PLUSES AND MINUSES try to separate the technology and product tleman from Florida (Mr. POSEY) is rec- The health care debate in Washington development from the manufacturing,’’ Da- ognized for 5 minutes. might seem a long way from this community vidson says. (Mr. POSEY addressed the House. His 21⁄2 hours north of Indianapolis. But the topic Others are not so sanguine. remarks will appear hereafter in the is top-of-mind for the executives who run the ‘‘It’s conceivable that (device makers) Extensions of Remarks.) could move everything eventually,’’ says device companies, the physicians who use f Nick Deeter, president and CEO of the products produced in the plants, and peo- The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a ple seeking jobs in the industry. OrthoPediatrics, a Warsaw-based firm that Funk is among the growing number of un- develops orthopedic devices designed for previous order of the House, the gentle- insured in Warsaw and its surrounding area. children. He buys components from manufac- woman from Minnesota (Mrs. About 19% of people here have no health in- turers based in the USA and abroad. ‘‘Ma- BACHMANN) is recognized for 5 minutes. surance, compared with 15.4% nationally, ac- chines do all the work now. Someone starts (Mrs. BACHMANN addressed the cording to the most recent census data. them and stops them. Even though it’s a House. Her remarks will appear here- For Funk, the proposed tax is ‘‘a toss-up.’’ high-tech product, it doesn’t take a skill.’’ after in the Extensions of Remarks.) If health reform is approved, he would likely Other states and countries have tried to get f qualify for subsidies to help him buy insur- Deeter to move his headquarters. ance. But the tax might make it more dif- ‘‘I have a pile of business cards from com- HEALTH CARE panies in Ireland,’’ he says. ‘‘Akron, Ohio, re- ficult for him to find work in the industry. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under Today, device makers employ about 6,000 cently offered us a $3 million grant to people in Kosciusko County, accounting for move.’’ But he stayed, with the help of $4.4 the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- nearly 19% of the county’s private-sector million in grants and other incentives from uary 6, 2009, the gentleman from Mis- jobs, according to a September report from Indiana. souri (Mr. AKIN) is recognized for 60 BioCrossroads, a group formed by venture The ongoing recession means job openings minutes as the designee of the minor- capitalists and philanthropic organizations in the device industry are fewer and attract ity leader. many more applicants, says Melissa Denton, to boost the life sciences industry in Indiana. Mr. AKIN. Mr. Speaker, this evening ‘‘It’s the only thing that provides a ray of workforce and economic development direc- tor at Ivy Tech in Warsaw. we’re going to be continuing on a fa- sunshine in that part of the state,’’ says Rob- miliar theme for many, probably the ert Guell, professor economics at Indiana Enrollment in Ivy Tech’s advanced ortho- State University. pedic manufacturing skills training program single issue that rivets the attention of Jobs run the gamut, from Ph.D. chemists has grown so fast, now at 400 students, that Americans perhaps more than any sin- to machinists. Workers at Biomet and the the school has had to move into larger quar- gle debate and discussion and, that is other plants use high-tech computerized ters twice since last year. the change to American health care. lathes to craft hips and knees from titanium. Funk expects to complete his training This is not, of course, a small debate. At Zimmer, which has its own foundry work- soon, although he might pursue a two-year degree: ‘‘I just hope someone hires me.’’ It is a debate that involves a question ers in heat-protective suits pull molten-hot of, to a large degree, whether the gov- f molds of joints from giant furnaces, Up- ernment is going to take over 18 per- stairs, scientists in nearly soundless offices The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a cent of our economy. That’s not a research the next advance in device tech- previous order of the House, the gen- small section of our economy, 18 per- nology. tleman from Texas (Mr. GOHMERT) is cent, nor is it a small question. Medical device jobs in Kosciusko County recognized for 5 minutes. pay well, averaging more than $81,000 annu- Not only economically is it a big (Mr. GOHMERT addressed the House. ally, according to BioCrossroads. question, every one of us has to live in- His remarks will appear hereafter in For a time, experienced workers were often side our own bodies. So it is a very per- the Extensions of Remarks.) lured from one company to another. sonal question. We have to live inside There was so much movement,‘‘you almost f our bodies, and we’re dependent on had to keep a scorecard to know where your The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a health care, and we hope that we can neighbor was working,’’ says Thomas previous order of the House, the gen- Krizmanich, an orthopedic surgeon who lives continue to enjoy the high quality of and works in Warsaw. He says he has to be tleman from North Carolina (Mr. health care that we have had in Amer- careful not to offend patients who work for MCHENRY) is recognized for 5 minutes. ica. one of the three big device makers by im- (Mr. MCHENRY addressed the House. But people recognize that there are planting them with competitors’ products. His remarks will appear hereafter in problems with American health care. ‘‘Every company would like you to use the Extensions of Remarks.) Those problems largely are not so 100% of their product,’’ Krizmanich says. ‘‘It f much in the delivery of the health care can be difficult to make three companies happy.’’ The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under a but rather in how the health care is The sagging economy has slowed job hop- previous order of the House, the gen- being paid for. So there are stresses in ping—and hiring—in the past year. In Au- tleman from Arizona (Mr. FRANKS) is the system as to who’s going to pick up gust, unemployment in Kosciusko County, recognized for 5 minutes. the tab on it.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:19 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00062 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.071 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11363 We’ve seen a lot of examples of dif- gressman who has not been here that ago was raiding $500 billion out of ferent departments of the Federal Gov- many years and yet who has already Medicare. Now, that has been scored in ernment. It does amaze me just in a earned a reputation far in dispropor- the Senate. It’s about 400-and-some- commonsense point of view why people tion to the amount of time he has thing billion being taken out of Medi- would really want to trust their own served, and long on the common sense care to try and pay for this thing. That personal health care with any depart- department, which I think we need a wasn’t something you were proposing? ment in the Federal Government when whole lot more of that common sense. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. No. I think of the profound inefficiencies Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Especially when you are looking at within many departments of govern- Well, I thank my good friend and, actu- proposals to raid Medicare specifically, ment. ally, 10 months, just about 10 months is the hospice services, people that are We don’t think of the post office as what I have been here. The world I preparing their lives to die with dig- being a model of efficiency, the IRS as came from, actually, was the health nity, to die in their own homes and being any particular model of compas- care world. I mean, I had spent 28 years places surrounded by their family and sion or precision. If you think about working in health care services as a can be comforted in a way that pro- the Energy Department, the Energy therapist, health care manager in rural vides that dignity to those final days. Department was founded on the idea hospitals, licensed nursing home ad- And to cut Medicare in that area is that we had to make sure that America ministrator. just wrong. never had to rely on foreign sources of I came here knowing with a commit- I think that what I find most inter- energy. Since that time, the Energy ment that we could do better with the esting about that proposal to cut Medi- Department has grown in employees, health care system we had, that we can care to fund this new large govern- and we have also grown on our depend- improve all four principles of health ment-run program, sweeping govern- ence on foreign oil. care: access, affordability, quality, and ment-run program, is that it’s, in my Then you’ve got, of course, the Edu- choice. experience, as I look at the issues sur- Mr. AKIN. Slow down just a minute cation Department. That is a model of rounding—and this is some of the now. The four basic principles of health something that I wouldn’t put my trust things I came with—the issues sur- care, do that again. in. In fact, there was a study done on rounding a wide commercial health in- Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Ac- surance is so expensive, and it is in the Education Department some years cess, affordability, quality, and choice. ago that concluded that if a foreign na- many places. By choice, I mean strengthening that The average health insurance pays, tion had done to America what the vital decisionmaking relationship be- nationwide, 140 percent of cost to hos- Education Department had done, it tween the physician and the patient, pitals and to physicians. The reason for would be viewed as an act of war. and not having the government or a that is—there are many reasons, and Yet there are people in spite of this— bureaucrat being wedged between those we will talk about them this evening, and we’ve seen the Federal emergency two. like tort reform, but the other reason management in response to Katrina Mr. AKIN. Doctor-patient, yes. is Medicare. It’s medical assistance. and other departments of the Federal Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Medicare pays, on the average, 90 Government. In spite of that, people Doctor-patient relationship, yes. I hap- percent of the costs. For every dollar of want to turn over 18 percent of our pen to think we have a pretty good sys- costs a hospital has or a physician has, economy to the government. tem. Not that we couldn’t improve on Medicare pays 90 cents. For every dol- Well, when the government does too it. I came with ideas on how to do that. lar of cost that a hospital or a physi- much, there are some things that we Unfortunately, the ideas I brought cian has, medical assistance pays, var- tend to see as becoming problematic. with my almost 30 years of experience ies State by State, but 40 to 60 cents. One of them is that you get some inef- have been largely ignored by the ma- Within our health care system, because ficiencies. You could get excessive ex- jority side, by the Democratic Party. the government set up these entitle- penses, degraded quality, or bureau- I find that the proposals put out ments and soon found that it couldn’t cratic rationing. there, specifically House Resolution sustain them, couldn’t afford them and b 1700 3200, in many ways I can find where begins to systematically underpay that proposal, that the Democratic Is this something we need to worry them, we look to commercial insurance health care proposal, would make all to make up the difference. about when we are talking about four of those principles worse. It’s interesting that Medicare is the health care? Somebody quipped that if Mr. AKIN. That doesn’t sound like a reason, I think, one of the primary rea- you think health care is too expensive very good idea. Just probing a little sons why commercial insurance is as now, just wait until it’s free. We will bit, though, you made a comment. You expensive as it is, yet the proposal is to take a look. said that you came here with 20-plus make more Medicare cuts. Here is what was proposed in the years of health care experience. You Mr. AKIN. Here, this is a chart of House plan, right here. It’s a 1,000 page came here with ideas that could im- these three big entitlements. People bill, but you can summarize it in this prove the system, and we have been ac- talk sometimes about earmarks and nifty flowchart. All of the colored cused for months, both by the Presi- other stuff about Federal spending. But boxes are new parts, new moving dent and others, as saying the Repub- the real story about the Federal budget pieces. licans don’t have any ideas, yet you being broken is really within these You could see that it certainly had quite a few ideas. three big entitlements. All of them, doesn’t meet the test of simplicity, Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. you can see, are growing out of control that’s for sure. People who have looked Absolutely. I am proud that, as Repub- over time: Medicare, Medicaid, Social at this and studied it long enough say, licans, we have over 30 bills that we Security. I want to be the health care czar. He’s have introduced that would specifically Now, as these things grow, what you the guy who makes all the decisions address the different issues and the are saying is, in spite of the fact it’s and determines who gets care and who concerns that I came with, and many costing a ton, there is still not enough doesn’t. others, the visions of my colleagues, money in those programs to really pay Tonight, we are going to be talking that I think would be good to address for what the medical costs are. We are on the subject of health care. A lot of the health— now taking money out of the private new information is breaking, new esti- Mr. AKIN. Let me ask you this. Did sector or from other sources to help mates from the Senate as to how much any of your proposals—because we have subsidize these things that don’t work. their plan is going to cost and how been accused of this as well, did any of Now, you are a commonsense guy. It much is going to be taken out of Medi- your proposals raid money out of Medi- seems to me that if we have Medicare care on that plan. care? and Medicaid that are financially bro- I am joined by some good friends of Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. ken, the solution to say, well, we are mine here, and I am thinking my friend Absolutely not. going have the government take over GT is here. I am just going to recognize Mr. AKIN. Yet the Democrat pro- all of that and a lot more, that almost and yield to you, my friend, a Con- posal we were talking about 2 weeks defies common sense.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00063 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.108 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11364 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 You know, we are joined by a gen- Mr. AKIN. This is death care? because they have started to imple- tleman whose sagacity and also years Mr. SOUDER. Well, it says they will ment some of these procedures. What of service on the floor are about leg- present all the alternatives. But I as- we hear is that, well, if there is waste endary. Congressman SOUDER, I would sume that the real intent around that and abuse, why aren’t we checking it appreciate you joining. I think of these was to promote hospice care. But if right now. as kind of a dinner conversation. Let’s they are cutting hospice care, and the Well, they are defining waste and just talk about what we have got going hospice centers don’t know what they abuse as underutilization of equipment. on. This is something that Americans are doing and you are rationing certain What does underutilization of a heart care about all across our country, and life supports, and if they are talking machine mean? What does under- I think we need to have enough time to about how much is spent in the last utilization of a heart center mean? talk about it, take a look at it, and to years of life, this is really disturbing What does nonefficient usage of oncol- say just say rationally what’s the right stuff. ogy machines mean? thing for us to be doing. That’s why we have to read the bill. In Indiana, what it means is every- Mr. SOUDER. Right, and you have We have to know precisely what’s in it. body goes to Indianapolis. You are taken the lead here on the floor. Try- What do you mean when you put that going to close your heart centers in ing to make sure we present this, I kind of stuff in? Fort Wayne because you have a utiliza- have got a couple of specific points, but Where that section was on our House tion of 44 percent, not the 80 they are one, which you are doing through this, bill referred back to the Social Secu- mandating. It means South Bend, is at a minimum, the public needs to rity act. It didn’t even fit. The coun- Evansville, northwest. In Missouri, know what’s in the bill, and the seling part didn’t even fit. Nothing else maybe you get Kansas City and St. thought that something may come in there was counseling. It was things Louis. here without 72 hours to read it, which like liver and all this kind of stuff. It We had a number of Russian health is not a long time, is just abhorrent. was incredibly sloppily written. It will care administrators in my district as Mr. AKIN. This is not really a par- be forever litigated. well as people from the Duma a number ticularly subtle point, yet the Amer- It seems to set up a pattern where of years ago. We took them to some of ican public understands this. They you are going to be counseled and our hospital systems. They said we would like us to read the bill. It’s real- given a different alternative from hos- have seen most of this stuff in Moscow. ly hard to read the bill when the bill pice to euthanasia. You are going to be What’s unusual even in the United we are debating and voting on is still told you are going to get things re- States is that even in towns of 15,000 being collated up here, like the cap- duced, or at least they should disclose you have hospitals like we have in our and-tax bill that we had with 300 that. But if there is no hospice that big cities. amendments passed at 3 o’clock in the can survive, particularly in the smaller When we hear about lines in Canada morning. markets—which brings up another crit- and England, it’s partly because, to be Your point is well taken. First of all, ical point. The cardiologists were here efficient, they have people drive 200 it would be a good idea to see what the on the Hill just a couple of weeks ago. miles to a heart center, and they get to bill is before we vote on it. It seems Mr. AKIN. As you talk, what comes pay the mileage. They get to pay for like a straightforward point. to my mind, as I am hearing you talk, the motel. They get to go back for re- Mr. SOUDER. The other body passed is basically a form of rationing that’s peat visits and the cost to them. That’s a Senate Finance bill, which has cor- really diabolical, a sort of rationing not savings of waste and abuse; that’s rectly been called a conceptual bill, that we heard the budget estimates of that says, well, you can take a bottle transferring the fees to individuals. What we have right now is a dis- that bill. But as they said in the notes, of aspirin or what. I am getting to be persed health care system that brings in their report, you can’t hold us ac- an old codger at 62, but if I were older, it closer to home with what we call countable for these estimates because I would be even more paranoid, I think, RediMeds in our area. You have blend- the bill doesn’t specify how they are from what I am hearing you say was in going to achieve certain savings, the bill. ed regional hospitals feeding up to big- doesn’t specify how certain things are Mr. SOUDER. The challenge here is ger hospitals. They seem to think that going to be paid for, doesn’t specify ex- that people are confused. You hear the these savings are going to become like actly what they are covering. It President or others say it’s not in the they were trying to do in the veterans doesn’t give enough specifics. bill, then you hear the Republicans hospital system in Indiana and make Even when you are taking over this make an allegation. everybody go to the biggest city in the big a sector of the economy, 1,000 pages Here is the thing. It doesn’t specify, State. is like a sneeze at this problem. There A, if we could read the bill, but what Mr. AKIN. What strikes me, gen- has to be not only 72 hours to read it, we see doesn’t specify. What it does say tleman, and your points are very, very, but we need to actually see a real bill, is there will be counseling. In another well taken, currently full of waste and not a conceptual bill. section it says there’s going to be sav- abuse. It’s almost like you have a line Now, there are a couple of things. ings, which implies rationing, and in item on a budget that says waste and Our friend from Pennsylvania alluded another section—or implementing and abuse and so many million dollars. I to this one. We have had this huge con- procedures, a cut for hospice care. mean, if you had that, you take that troversy about the so-called death In another part of it it says, the first line item off the budget. Well, what ex- counselors that are clearly in the bill part says 5 years. Nobody knows ex- actly does waste and abuse mean? to do counseling in the last 5 years of actly what that means, every 5, once in We were just talking to cardiologists life and if your condition deteriorates. 5, not explained. Then later it says if today that came in. They explained the Many of us are strong supporters of you have a condition change. When you kinds of equipment they have in their hospice care. I think a lot of people put those together, you come to a log- office. From a practical point of view, thought this was for hospice care, but ical conclusion. if you are a cardiologist, it’s like what they are getting cut 18 percent. I just But then the other side goes, well, used to be a stethoscope. A doctor hung read a letter from someone in my dis- it’s not in the bill. Well, not precisely, it around his neck. He might not have trict that says we don’t know how our but it’s in there in five different places, used it all the time, but he needed it on hospice care can survive with these and there is no other way to resolve it. a fairly regular basis. cuts. What is the point of these coun- There has to be some kind of unit that Their stethoscopes now are far more selors if you are wiping out the hospice has to put this together to make these sophisticated, but they use them all care? kinds of decisions. the time. Not all time, but they have No wonder some people are a tad In this waste and abuse, one of the to have them immediately available to paranoid. I don’t know what it means. questions is what does waste and abuse do their job. As you say, that allows How can we know what it means? What mean. them to provide service reasonably we know is it looks like they are ra- The cardiologists were in the other close where people live, and it allows tioning because they are cutting off week, and the oncologists the week be- them to do it right in the office. Par- services to Medicare. fore that, because they were concerned ticularly, it provides the fact you don’t

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00064 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.110 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11365 have to wait weeks and weeks to get First, if you are among the hundreds I have to tell you that I was working some particular checkup. of millions of Americans who already in health care in 1983 when diagnostic- That is the weak underbelly of the have health insurance through your related groups and the first prospective socialized medical systems in England job, Medicare or Medicaid or the VA, payment system came into health care. and Canada, because you take a look at nothing in this plan will require you or Soon after that, we began to hear things like cancer, you don’t want to your employer to change the coverage about and work on eliminating fraud wait weeks and weeks. If you have got or the doctor you have. The President and abuse. Professionally and ethi- melanoma, you want to get it and you is saying this. You get to keep what cally, that’s a responsibility that want to get it now. If you have got you have got. If you like what you’ve health care professionals have to do. heart disease, you want to get it now. got, you can keep it. The fact is that is something that has b 1715 Yet here you have an MIT health been ongoing. So now this claim that economist, with or without reform, we’re going to find these massive I just went through this with my fa- that won’t be true. His point is that ther. He got a new heart doctor. His old amounts of money as a result of waste the government is not going to force and abuse that we can use and save and heart doctor wasn’t paying too much you to give up what you have, but that attention. His new heart doctor took a help to fund this government-run is not to say that other circumstances health care program is just false, abso- look at him, took a look at his meds won’t make that happen. Essentially, and said you need to get a chemical lutely false. what happens is the government gets Now I do think there’s waste in stress test. When he got that, he said into the insurance business, the other you need to get an angioplasty thing. health care, and I can point to annu- privates all close down, and you only ally $26 billion. We can take $26 billion So they go in and look around with have one choice: you have got to go to that. They said when you get that, you annually, and we can find that like this the government. if we had the courage of my colleagues need to get a heart bypass, which So one thing you are hearing, you turned out was a seven-way heart by- on that side of the aisle to address can keep what you have. In fact, here medical malpractice. pass. When he got done with that, 4 is a guy from outside that doesn’t have days later he is home. Total period of Mr. AKIN. Gentleman, you’ve got all a dog in the fight, he says that is not of our curiosity up. How can we get $26 time, less than 3 weeks from the time how it’s going to work. he went in to see the doctor until he billion? You say there is a line item of Here, this is a section, the doctor-pa- $26 billion that you could work on. had a seven-way heart bypass and was tient relationship. If there is anything home from the hospital. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. important in medicine, it is the doctor- There are line items in physician budg- That is the American medical sys- patient relationship. This is an amend- tem, because it can react quickly and ets, in hospital budgets; and we could ment that was offered by Dr. GINGREY eliminate that cost to health care rapidly to something that if you let it from Georgia, one of our friends and go is going to be life threatening. That today by passing medical malpractice colleagues. Here is his amendment: tort reform. is what you are talking about. ‘‘Nothing in this section shall be con- So this waste and abuse, we have Mr. AKIN. Oh, tort reform. strued to allow any Federal employee Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. seen where some of this supposed waste or political appointee,’’ that is bureau- Tort reform. Premiums annually in and abuse is coming from; $500 billion crat or whatever, ‘‘to dictate how a this country are paid in the amount of out of Medicare. I know Republicans medical provider practices medicine.’’ have been accused for years of being In other words, we are going to en- $26 billion. The average award under people who want to cut Medicare. Here shrine the doctor-patient relationship. malpractice is $4.1 million in this coun- we have got the Obama plan, we are We are going to make it clear that try. And so there’s a line item that ac- going to get the money out of Medi- when a doctor and patient decide on a tually is in health care budgets and all care. particular procedure, we are going to the providers across this Nation that In fact, you made the point, gen- proceed. Nobody is going to get in the we could take that money—and we’ve tleman, that we hear these conflicting way. Not only do we not want the in- got great proposals. The Republicans claims and people say, Well, what’s the surance company getting in the way; have H.R. 3400 that’s out there that truth? we don’t want any bureaucrats. would address tort reform, that would Here’s what you need to know: So he puts this amendment up and it do it in a way that would limit puni- ‘‘First, I’ll not sign a plan that adds goes to a vote in committee. Most peo- tive damages. It would set up panels to one dime to our deficits, either now or ple don’t know this amendment went be able to deal with those situations in the future.’’ This is our President. to a vote in committee and here is the using judges that have health care ex- He says he is not going to add a dime result: 23 Republicans say, yeah, we perience. to our deficits. Guaranteed, first thing. want to leave that doctor-patient rela- So we have bills out there that if we Well, let’s take a look at the track tionship sacred. And where were the could get our colleagues’ support to- record since the beginning of the year. Democrats? Thirty-two of them voted morrow or today, we could actually Deficits. We are talking trillions of against this, only one voting for it. So eliminate what I consider $26 billion of dollars worth of deficits here. Here is what confidence does that give you waste from health care. the Wall Street bailout, the second half that we’re not going to get a rationed Mr. AKIN. I think my friend from In- of that. Economic stimulus. If you health care system? And yet we’re say- diana had a comment on that. I yield. don’t vote for this, you might have ing whatever you have, you can keep Mr. SOUDER. I beg to differ just over 8 percent unemployment. So all it. We’ve had these claims and counter- slightly. While that’s the amount that these liberals voted for this thing, $787 claims, and I think it’s important for people pay, what I hear from doctors in billion, mostly in handouts and welfare us to let the American public shed my district—and we have MedPro, types of things; and now we have got, some light on this. This is what people which is one of the biggest insurers of whatever it is, 9 percent unemploy- are saying. doctors—that that’s just part of the ment. I’ve got some other charts, but I cost of defensive medicine. After the Mr. SOUDER. Maybe he meant that want to go to my good friend from doctors are told to keep your insurance he wasn’t going to add one dime, that Pennsylvania. I yield. down, make sure they get an MRI if he was going to add a couple of trillion. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. I they’re questioning at all rather than Mr. AKIN. Maybe that’s what he appreciate that, and I thank my good extra x rays so they can’t sue you, meant, it wasn’t a dime, it would be friend. make sure you do this extra test, that trillions of dollars. But this doesn’t I want to come back to the waste and doesn’t count all the things that they give us any record to be comfortable abuse claim, that in addition to obvi- do to try to avoid their rates from with. This assertion doesn’t square ously significant taxes, that there’s all going up. We don’t know what the cap with what our history is. these savings under waste and abuse. is. Now, there have been a number of It’s being presented and proposed by The problem with the studies that other assertions. This is what makes the Democratic Party like this is claim you don’t save as much from tort people confused. something new that we’re looking at. reform by those who are proponents of

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00065 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.111 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11366 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 it literally do not take into account trying to avoid a frivolous lawsuit. Ex- There are a lot of claims going on. what doctors are saying in their daily perts will tell you you could save about Here’s one: practice of things that they wouldn’t a hundred billion dollars—billion with ‘‘There are also those who claim that do at the margins if they didn’t think a B—a year in medical savings just by our reform effort will insure illegal im- there was a potential of being sued doing something to eliminate the frivo- migrants. This is false. The reforms that would drive up the rates. lous lawsuits and address medical li- I’m proposing would not apply to those Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. ability reform which, as my friend who are here illegally.’’ This is the Will the gentleman yield for one quick from Pennsylvania points out, we do in President. This is his claim. But let’s point? the bill that I’m a cosponsor, many of take a look and see, well, what does Mr. AKIN. Yes. us are cosponsors of, H.R. 3400. the fine print say. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. Not only that, for Americans who This is the Congressional Research There was a recent study done just in have to go through these tests and pro- Service. This is a nonpartisan group. Pennsylvania that showed that 93 per- cedures that they know they don’t They’ve studied the bill that the Presi- cent of physicians in Pennsylvania have to go through and they wonder, dent was talking about. They say: practice some form of defensive medi- why do I have to go through these CAT Health insurance exchange would cine. Ninety-three percent, for that scans and these other tests that my begin operation in 2013 and would offer very reason. You invest $200,000 to a doctor really doesn’t think I need but private plans alongside public option. half a million dollars in a medical edu- because he’s afraid of a lawsuit, I’ve H.R. 3200—that’s Speaker PELOSI’s cation career and then because of these got to spend the extra time and the bill—does not contain any restriction lawsuits and because of medical mal- extra money. on noncitizens. It does not contain any practice and the lack of tort reform, Outside groups have now come and restrictions on noncitizens, whether le- you’re at risk of losing not just your just earlier this week, Pricewaterhouse gally or illegally present or in the practice but your family’s home. I un- said that the bill being brought by United States temporarily or perma- derstand why defensive medicine oc- President Obama and others in Con- nently participating in this exchange. curs. We’ve got the solution. H.R. 3400 gress would add another $1,700 a year to Mr. SOUDER. Will the gentleman would address that. the average American family’s health yield? Mr. AKIN. We’ve been talking about insurance cost. Mr. AKIN. Yes, I do yield. how do you deal with some of the dif- Mr. AKIN. Wait a minute now. You Mr. SOUDER. Can you imagine the ferent questions in health care. What got my attention. The average Amer- outrage in America if liquor stores ican family, the proposal that’s being has just been illustrated here is the posted on their door, No IDs checked offered is it’s going to add $1,700 more fact that Republicans do have a num- here? If you went to a gas station a year for the cost of their medical in- ber of ideas. One of those is tort re- where we assume that tobacco cannot form. You’re not talking about the fact surance? Mr. SCALISE. That’s exactly what be sold to minors but you had a sign that if a doctor makes a mistake that the Pricewaterhouse study says. that said no IDs checked here, would the patient shouldn’t be made whole; Mr. AKIN. Isn’t that the new study you believe that the liquor store or the but what you’re talking about is this on the Democrat Senate plan? Isn’t place selling the tobacco isn’t going to wild, punitive damage kind of thing that where that was done? sell to minors? On what basis? In ef- which just introduces such a wild card Mr. SCALISE. Right. Because as fect, what we’re telling them in this for the insurance companies that they we’re getting more information on this bill, no IDs checked here, so how do run the cost of insurance up and then bill that just passed out of the Senate, you know? the doctors practice all this defensive they still won’t put the legislative text Mr. AKIN. Isn’t that amazing? This is medicine, which my friend from Indi- out there, and I think we should have why Americans to some degree are ana is pointing out as well; and any at least 72 hours where the bill is avail- upset. They’re upset about the points doctor you talk to will explain that able online so that not only Members you made. They would like us to have that’s just standard. We don’t nec- of Congress but all Americans can read 72 hours to at least look at a bill and essarily like it, but politically the it, but also as they’re starting to re- read it. Democrat Party doesn’t want to allow search and look at all of these taxes. b 1730 dealing with that tort reform. The Democrat bill in the Senate has Now, the President did make a com- $400 billion in new taxes that would be And then, they’re not too fond of the ment about it, and it is kind of the ele- passed on to American families. The idea they’re going to get cracked for phant in the room, but it’s a big cost to House bill has $800 billion in new taxes. $400 billion or $500 billion taken out of health care that could be dealt with. All of that will raise the cost of health Medicare. Certainly senior citizens We’re joined also by my good friend care. aren’t too fond of that. Some people from Louisiana, Congressman SCALISE. Mr. AKIN. Let’s talk about cost. don’t like the idea of having to pay for Please join us. You’ve got $400 billion in new taxes, illegal immigrants’ health care serv- Mr. SCALISE. I want to thank my and you’re going to take another 400 or ices. This is very clear from the Con- friend from Missouri for hosting this $500 billion out of Medicare. So right gressional Research Service that what and for helping to continue this debate off the bat when you say, Here’s this the President said just flat isn’t true. to really get the facts out about some new piece of legislation, what do I get And if that were not enough for you, of the dangers of the proposal being for it, well, first of all, $400 billion in here’s an amendment by one of our col- brought by President Obama, Speaker taxes, 400 or $500 billion out of Medi- leagues, Congressman HELLER. This is PELOSI and others to really have a gov- care. That’s something, just as we another one of these amendments that ernment takeover of health care. I started talking. It raises this kind of takes place in committees where peo- agree with most Americans in this commonsense question: You’ve got ple don’t see it so much. This is going country who recognize that there are over a hundred million Americans that to clarify this statement that the problems in the system but also recog- have insurance and doctors and health President made. In order to utilize the nize that with those problems we still care that they like pretty well, and public health insurance option, an indi- have some of the best medical care in they don’t really want to change; vidual must have had his or her eligi- the world and we surely don’t want to they’re content with what they’ve got, bility determined and approved under see the government come in and take and in order to try to fix what problem, the Income Eligibility Verification over health care and destroy the things you’ve got somewhere between 10 and System, IEVS, and the Systematic that work all in the name of fixing the 20 or 10 and 30 million who don’t have Alien Verification for Entitlement, very specific things that are broke. health care, maybe could afford it but SAVE programs under section 1137 of If you talk about medical liability don’t. And so in order to do the 10 or 20, the Social Security Act. reform, doctors will tell you that many you’re going to basically take apart So, in other words, what we’re saying of the tests, maybe a third of all of the the system for a hundred, which also is, we’re going to make sure, we’re tests and procedures that are run on raises kind of a commonsense question, going to card you at the liquor store. people, are just purely in defense of too. I just don’t quite see that. When you buy those cigarettes, we’re

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00066 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.113 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11367 going to card you. That’s what this know, when people say, oh, what hap- Mr. AKIN. A vote isn’t an opinion. amendment says. You notice it says pened, why didn’t you guys—I mean, It’s a hard and historic fact, yes. ‘‘failed’’ down here at the bottom. It the only place we can offer amend- Mr. SOUDER. Keep your own insur- failed why? Well, because here’s the ments usually is committee. We don’t ance, keep insurance the way it is? No. Republicans. They all voted for it. get to offer them here on the floor. It was defeated. We had one that said Here’s the Democrats. They all voted Mr. AKIN. Just for some people that catastrophic plus an HSA. That means against it. There are more Democrats might not be familiar with the way the that you could get flexibility to get so this amendment is history. House works, when this bill, this med- catastrophic coverage that could be So the President says, we’re not ical bill, whatever it is that the Demo- provided by the firm; they give you going to have any illegal immigrants, crats come up with, it comes to the money so you get an HSA, and then if but, in fact, the Congressional Re- floor, they’re not going to let us offer you want pregnancy coverage you search Service and this amendment any of the amendments that are going could cover pregnancy. If you were and the vote on this amendment bears to be in any way embarrassing or de- older—like, we’re probably not going to testimony that that just isn’t true. bate them or discuss them. It’s going have any more babies; it would be a big Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. to be a take-it-or-leave-it. The train is shock if we did, since I am 59, about to Will the gentleman yield? leaving; either get on or stand on the turn 60, and my wife’s similar. Much Mr. AKIN. I do yield to my good platform with your hat in your hand. younger of course, but similar. I’m friend from Pennsylvania. Mr. SOUDER. Putting aside that that going to get killed when I get home. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. I’m may be why they don’t bother to let us The bottom line is that we may not not sure which committee this is rep- read the bill, because we can’t amend it want pregnancy coverage, so why can’t resentative of, but I serve on the Edu- anyway, that you would think that we get a health policy that’s cus- cation and Labor Committee. And in there would at least be some public re- tomized? Defeated. that approximate period of time of sponsibility to give us 72-hour notice. You know, this idea that the Senate around July 16th, the next to the last In committee, we didn’t get 72 hours. bill in their talking points today says week in July, we were also presented As my friend from Pennsylvania, Mr. they’re going to allow you to keep your with H.R. 3200, and we were presented THOMPSON, has pointed out, it was just, own insurance. And then further down it says all these new things will be with it and went into within 48 hours of I mean, we got it basically when we sat added. Mandatory. By the way, that when we were given the first copy, down, the final bill. Then we’re debat- wouldn’t be your insurance. If your in- which was 500 pages of the bill, and ing it in the middle of the night, which the other party said was shameful surance doesn’t have it, that’s not your then that was on a Wednesday. The when the Republicans held a vote be- insurance. Your company would have very next day, on Thursday, we started cause of the debate which was actually to either raise the prices or drop your bill markup, which is an important on the floor. We don’t do debates in the policy. If they’re dictating, that’s not event around this place. It’s where we middle of the night anymore because your own insurance. make substantive changes to bills. And we don’t do debates, we don’t offer Mr. AKIN. And that’s one of the talk- at that point, the bill had grown, with amendments. ing points as we talked to one of the a manager’s amendment, to over 1,000 But in the amendments in com- Senators this morning about the new— pages. And we started a marathon mittee, the amendments on pro life, because we’re getting information markup that started at 10 a.m. on a the amendments on trying to check ID, about what the Senate is doing, and Thursday and was driven by the leader- the amendments on a lot of these con- that was one of their things—it reduces ship of the Democratic party until 5 troversial provisions, nobody got to see health choices. I think the whole point a.m. on Friday, 20 hours. I can’t tell the very eloquent debate. I thought we of the policy is Americans don’t all you the— were pretty eloquent at 3 in the morn- necessarily want the same policy. You Mr. AKIN. Till 5 ’o clock in the ing. You know, I took a little offense. know, if you’ve got a medical savings morning? I thought we were fairly good but no- account, which is something that we Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. 5 ’o body will witness it. have supported, so you can put money clock in the morning. I can’t tell you— Mr. AKIN. Well, let’s just review a aside to cover different things, and you can imagine what the quality of few of those amendments. The first you’ve got a lot of money in that med- work was after about 11 p.m. But some thing is, you don’t want illegal immi- ical savings account, the insurance you time during those wee hours of the grants to be tapping into the money for may want would be what we used to early morning, probably between 1 and the health care. Another one was say- call a major medical policy. It covers 3 a.m. I specifically remember that ing we weren’t going to use health care the great big things, but the smaller amendment coming up and being de- to pay for abortions. So that was one stuff, you can say, hey, I can afford to bated, and debated passionately, that that, I mean, a lot of Americans are take a thousand or $2,000 hit because we have a responsibility to the Amer- thinking, I don’t really want my— I’ve got enough money in my medical ican citizens to be able to be good stew- whether you’re for or against abor- savings account that I don’t need to ards of the resources that are here that tions, I’m not sure I want my money pay for a policy that covers everything. we have as a country, and that we have being used to give people free abor- Somebody else who’s just starting, the responsibility of overseeing. And I tions. And then there was a question and maybe they’re a little bit worried remember that amendment, and spe- about the doctor-patient relationship. about they just can’t take anything, cifically how it was defeated, along a Are we going to ration health care with they’re going to want a policy that party line, with all the Republicans bureaucrats, some calculator, some covers a lower deductible. And depend- voting for that amendment and the computer that says, well, at your age ing—as you made eloquently clear, one Democrats opposing it. and at this and such, you don’t get size doesn’t fit all. It’s not the, You Mr. AKIN. This is the illegal immi- any? can have any car you want as long as grants getting access to the money of And so you’ve got an amendment it’s black. We’ve got choices in Amer- Americans that are paying money for that says that you’re going to have a ica. And what this Democrat Senate health care. doctor-patient relationship that is plan, and it is Democrat, does—there’s Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. going to be sacred, and that you’re only, huge news, one Republican, just That is correct. going to allow the doctor and patient one, that ventured to vote for this Mr. AKIN. I do yield to my friend to make medical decisions. All those thing; everybody else is against it—it from Indiana. amendments offered in committee go reduces health choices. That’s not the Mr. SOUDER. Also as a member of down on a straight party-line vote. way you save money, and it’s not the the Labor Committee, my friend from Mr. SOUDER. Another one for a sec- way you provide good health care. Very Pennsylvania and myself and probably ond that you referred to earlier. That, good points, gentleman. I yield to my three others, I thought, were actually you know, people can say things. We friend from Pennsylvania. very articulate in arguing some of can stand up and say whatever we Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. these amendments at 3 in the morning. want. But when you vote it’s your ac- Well, what you’re talking about is ac- Our audience wasn’t very big. You tion. And in the action— tually an amendment that I offered in

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00067 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.115 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11368 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 the Education and Labor Committee to that they’re going to find waste, fraud, difference between life and death. Hos- bar the exchange, the health insurance and abuse. But it’s odd that if they pitals, rural hospitals, and I’m sure un- exchange, which essentially allows this know where the waste, fraud and abuse derserved urban hospitals in particular, new health insurance commissioner to is, why do you have to bargain to get a they have a banner year when they dictate the terms for your private in- socialized medicine program in order make a margin of 1 to 3 percent—1 to surance policies. Exactly what my good go after the waste, fraud and abuse? If 3 percent. friend from Indiana was talking about. you find waste, fraud and abuse in gov- Mr. AKIN. That’s not a lot of fat. Specifically, what would be required, ernment, don’t keep it secret, Mr. Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. No. as opposed to a consumer in a free mar- President. Tell me where it is. We’ll Because out of that 1 to 3 percent, ket, where I choose what’s best for me find it here in Congress. hopefully they’re able to give some and my family, a government bureau- And that’s one of my concerns is that type of cost-of-living adjustments to crat would dictate if my insurance pol- you can’t bargain that. If it’s good pol- keep the best and the brightest in icy qualifies or not within this ex- icy, eliminating waste, fraud, and terms of physicians and therapists and change. And again, that’s an amend- abuse is always good policy. You don’t nurses and health care professionals. ment we offered up to eliminate the ex- hold it out and say, I’ve got a secret. b 1745 change from H.R. 3200 within the Edu- It’s in the envelope—karnak predicts They also need to be investing in new cation and Labor Committee. And that that if you pass my national health lifesaving technology that is being de- was defeated along party lines. care plan, I can find you billions of dol- veloped all the time. And so we see Mr. AKIN. Another party-line vote. lars worth of savings. But taking it out these Medicare cuts in particular. Just amazing, isn’t it? Well, you know, of our senior citizens’ pockets. And it’s I also put out there the public option, if you take a look at what the Senate so interesting to me that I remember because the public option will pay by is talking about doing, you can under- my junior Senator, TOM HARKIN, had a statute, what I saw in the Education stand why there’s this amazing gap, be- political campaign that resolved and Labor Committee, pays Medicare cause the public opinion polls are around a statement that he made, he rates 80 to 90 cents on the dollar of showing that people are not very com- referenced $6 billion, and he said, Well costs, essentially what you will do is fortable with what we’re talking about that’s just pencil dust. And so his oppo- bankrupt hospitals and physicians. And jumping into, and for the sake of what- nent walked around with a man-sized I project that that will hit first in ever it is, 10 or 20 million people, de- pencil the whole campaign showing $6 rural America and underserved urban stroying the health care of 100 million. billion is not pencil dust. areas. And this, these are some of the costs: But I recall the spokesperson for the That’s rationing. When you close fa- It raises premiums, and it reduces the AARP sitting on a national cable news cilities, when physicians no longer are health choices which we’ve been talk- program, referring to the half a trillion in practice because they can’t balance ing about. Those health choices are dollars in Medicare cuts, now it does their books, that is the purest form of very important. It delays or denies sound like more when it’s $500 billion rationing services. care. This thing here, delaying and de- in Medicare cuts, referring to it as a Mr. AKIN. Rationing is something we nying care, as a cancer survivor, I un- small percentage of the overall out- need to give some thought to. derstand the importance of this be- lays. Half a trillion dollars, a small My good friend from Indiana. cause if you don’t get it and get it percentage of the overall outlays. Mr. SOUDER. There’s one point I quick, you’re a goner. And so this idea That’s one of the pieces of the bullets wanted to make sure I got in here to- of rationing and postponing and having that you have there. night, because part of my district is to wait in queues, which is endemic in Mr. AKIN. I’d just like to cut in a lit- stunned today. The Senate Finance bill England and Canada, that’s something tle bit on you, gentleman. When you’ve yesterday is proposing a tax that that we don’t—that’s a high cost. raised this point that Medicare pays ranges from 10 to 30 percent on the We’ve got some other costs here. for whatever it is, 80 or 90 percent of medical device industry. Now, when we We’ve been joined by my good friend the actual cost of a procedure. So what talk about Medicare, what we’re really from Iowa, Congressman KING, and I that’s saying is, whenever a doctor talking about is they cover not quite imagine you might have a few thoughts treats a Medicare patient, what’s real- variable costs, but cover no mixed on these subjects as well. ly happening is there’s more cost than costs, and no fixed costs for hospitals Mr. KING of Iowa. Well, I thank the actually is being paid by Medicare. So or for reimbursement of other things. gentleman from Missouri for holding what that means is at a certain point, Private pay pays for the rest of it. And this special order. And as I hear the if you were to reduce what Medicare is what this bill is in danger of is squeez- word Iowa, I look across that list and I paying, there’s going to come a point ing or taxing out private pay. see $500 billion in Medicare cuts. And where a doctor says, enough already. I Now what I hear often is why can’t we know that nationwide, Medicare re- just can’t afford to cover any more we just all go to the Medicare system? imbursement rates, the services pro- Medicare patients because, guess what, The Medicare system, people who are vided under Medicare, are only com- I’m going to have to cover some other alive today wouldn’t be alive if it were pensated under the schedule we have patients, and I’m going to have to based on Medicare reimbursements be- today at about 80 percent of the cost of charge them 120 percent to make up for cause the pharmaceuticals wouldn’t delivering that care. the 80 percent over here because we’re have been made. The hip replacements And if you look around the country cost shifting. that they have, the shoulder replace- where you have concentrations of sen- So, in other words, what’s happening ments, the knees wouldn’t have been iors, we know that’s where the Medi- is somebody is having to pay more. So invented, because the key is R&D. care dollars go. And my district of now what we’re going do is take $500 Lilly in Indianapolis, at one point, 60 Iowa, as a State, has the highest per- billion out of this. And what’s that percent of their profits were from centage of its population that’s over mean? Somebody else is going to have Prozac. Every other drug that was in- the age of 85. And we’re in the top six to pay more. vented was funded with R&D from that. or seven over the age of 65. So we actu- Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania. I But if they attach an R&D fixed ally do pretty good on the longevity think that you are just going down a amount to a particular drug, there will side. And in 99 counties in Iowa, 10 of line, a road that is so important in this be no excess profits with which to ex- the 12 most senior counties in Iowa are debate. It really comes back to where periment. in my district, so I may well represent we started talking about rationing. The orthopedics industry, according the most senior congressional district And the ultimate form of rationing, to to OrthoKnow, an article by John in America. me, is where you have to close hos- Engelhardt that was just released And I’m standing here looking at this pitals, especially in a congressional shows that the tax on the orthopedic, a data that’s been out here now for prob- district like mine, and probably a num- little town of Warsaw, 15,000 people in ably 2 months, a half a trillion dollars ber of my colleagues here are very that county, is one-third of the ortho- in Medicare cuts, Medicare cuts. And rural; to get to another hospital when pedics industry in the world in my dis- the administration takes the position one closes is a commute that makes a trict. Three of the five biggest, they

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00068 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.116 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11369 own the biggest companies in Europe, Mr. SOUDER. They come here. this data that is there. You didn’t read they are looking if this tax goes Mr. AKIN. They come here? the text below that, the success story through and how they move out. This Mr. SOUDER. When they need a new here in America in proportion, but U.S. is one when we move up the ladder, we hip, the inventions are coming out of companies have developed half of all say we’re not going to just flip ham- Warsaw, Indiana. The parts groups that new major medicines introduced world- burgers, we’re going to go up, we’re not work at some little companies like wide over the past 20 years. It happens going to do commodities, we’re going OrthoPediatrics, they’re working on to also be true that in the United to go higher, and then we get up to the specialized hips for kids who are 4 States slightly more than half of the higher areas, and we tax them. years old and 6 years old. Are they research dollars in the entire world are Here is Zimmer, the biggest, based in going to go to Wal-Mart and pick one invested here. Those things are not co- Warsaw. Their R&D budget was $194 up off the shelf? Let’s get real here. incidences. Those things come to- million. The tax under the Senate bill Innovation requires competition. It gether. It’s almost directly propor- is 94.7. Stryker— requires investment. The way you keep tional to the research dollars. I’d like Mr. AKIN. Wait. Wait. Wait. You’re a cluster, according to Michael Porter to think we are a little better than going too fast for me. This is abso- in ‘‘The Competitive Advantage of Na- that. I’d like to think that we have in- lutely incredible. What you’re saying is tions,’’ when you have a cluster, you novative skills and there’s something one of the most brilliant parts of need competition. There has to be in- within our culture and our mindset American health care has been the in- novation every week, how can I get that lets us push even a little harder novation, has been all the new drugs, better? And that’s driven by profit and than that. But what we’re hearing from the new devices, the new procedures. by competition. the gentleman from Indiana is that As I mentioned, I’m 62 now. I have got- R&D in England is one of the highest this policy punishes the very most suc- ten to be an old geezer, and my left hip in the world, yet they don’t produce cessful among us in this country, and has been giving me trouble. You see me new products because the government it’s likely to drive them overseas. limping around, and I’m going to be is most of the R&D. It’s not driven for I had a long conversation with a rep- looking at a hip replacement. Those what the consumer wants where the resentative from one of the large well- weren’t available 25, 30 years ago. consumer basically rewards the mar- known medical industries in the coun- Mr. SOUDER. Commodities. The ket. And we are going to tax these lit- try, and they’ve developed a tech- head and founder of Biomet, Dane Mil- tle ones totally out and the big ones nology, and I’m not going to define it ler, talks about in here, they didn’t half, and we simply aren’t going to get any more than that it would be trans- think titanium was going to work. He the products. So we don’t have the op- formative from a cure standpoint. And had somebody serendipitously put into tion of going to Canada and England to they are looking at deploying that in his arm titanium. He walked around get it. other countries where they can actu- with it for 12 years and proved it Mr. AKIN. So what you’re saying, ally get it deployed more quickly. If worked. And they said, wow, this gentleman, is you’re going to kill R&D. that happens, if they can introduce doesn’t disintegrate. They used to use You’re going to kill the development. new cures in other countries, the re- basic pieces of wood as your hip. Now There are all kinds of people that have search dollars will follow too, and they we customize it. We try to make it so cancer that is ticking away slowly. will set up shop in those countries. It that when soldiers get hurt on the bat- They want some innovation. They are won’t be just customers; it will be our tlefield and they are 18 years old, hoping some new drugs or some new businesses that go, just as we heard they’re not going to die in 5 years. Is procedures are going to come along. from the gentleman from Indiana. this going to be flexible enough? How is We’re going to kill that. We’re going to Mr. AKIN. The thing that concerns the skin and bone going to go around get rid of that, and we’re going to go to me is that it’s possible for us jumping it? Michael Porter points out, innova- a system that has never worked his- in haste to some kind of a solution like tion comes when you have a cluster torically. this because of all the political hubba- and there’s competition. You destroy Here is a chart. This kind of got my hubba that’s going on, to jump into that, you take away the R&D. Medi- attention, because as I mentioned, I something which is going to perma- care doesn’t pay for that. Private pay was diagnosed with cancer, but take a nently damage American health care. pays for that. look at the cancer survivor rates when Furthermore, Zimmer is proposed to It’s going to irreparably move us in a you go to the U.K. compared to the be taxed half. Stryker is proposed to be direction where it’s going to be almost taxed half. Smith & Nephew is pro- U.S., and what you see is that big wait- politically impossible to recover from. posed to be taxed half of their R&D ing time and that lack of innovation. It’s a little bit like when you get on budget. Biomet, $82.2 million in re- You don’t live as long when you are the gunwale of a canoe, you put enough search; $60.9 million is their tax. Be- over in the U.K. In fact, I was told that weight on it, and you’re going to dump cause they were doing readjustments when you add up all the cancer times, it over. last year, they didn’t even make any U.K.’s is a 50 percent survival rate if We have a very good health care sys- money. you’re diagnosed with cancer. In the tem, but can it take this kind of a hit? Now, how do you think we are going States, it’s supposedly considerably $400 billion in new taxes. Guess who is to have a single innovation in ortho- higher. So why do we want to destroy going to pay those? Do you think those pedics if you tax half of the R&D? And a system that is producing this level of are rich guys that are going to pay furthermore, they don’t call it a ‘‘tax,’’ innovation? those? That’s going to be every plain they call it a ‘‘fee,’’ so it is not even What you are talking about is free old working person in this country tax deductible. enterprise. And free enterprise needs, that is going to be part of that $400 bil- Mr. AKIN. So what I’m hearing you first of all, to have people have enough lion. $500 billion out of Medicare. Guess say, gentleman, then, is this. Let’s just money to be able to invest; and second who’s going to pay that? That’s going assume if you’re a company, for every of all, have that competition and that to be the seniors. And the delays and dollar you put into R&D, you get the hub of technology that you’re starting denied care. Who’s going to pay that? same benefit out. You’re saying you’re to drive and one guy is thinking, Hey, That’s people with heart problems, peo- going to slash the R&D budget of some I see what they did. That was a cool de- ple with cancer problems. People will of the big innovators in medicine; vice. But I think I could up it one. I be waiting in line. People will have you’re going to slash it by half because could do it even better. And that Amer- some bureaucrat controlling their you’re going to tax them? ican process is what has allowed us to health care. Mr. SOUDER. The little ones get hit enjoy the best health care in the world. One of the things that really scares harder. If you’re a rich sheikh from Bahrain me about this, and maybe I’m thinking Mr. AKIN. Now England and Canada and you’re sick, guess where you’re of it a little too personally, but we are have had this socialized medicine for going to go? The good old U.S.A. Congressmen, and one of the things years. Are they known for the innova- My good friend from Iowa. that we do in our office is we try to tion that those countries have added to Mr. KING of Iowa. I thank the gen- help our constituents that have a prob- health care? tleman from Missouri, and I look at lem with the Federal Government. And

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00069 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.118 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11370 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 so if somebody needs to get a passport, REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- Housing and Food, Barely Getting By’’; we go hurry up and try and help them VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF ‘‘Seniors Struggle to Survive’’; ‘‘Single get their passport quicker. If somebody H.R. 2442, BAY AREA REGIONAL Seniors Can’t Make Ends Meet’’; ‘‘Sub- has a problem with a permit or some- WATER RECYCLING PROGRAM sidized Lunches in Greater Demand thing, WE go call the bureaucrats up EXPANSION ACT OF 2009 Among Senior Citizens’’; ‘‘Forty Per- and say, Can you help out? What form Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, from the cent of Senior Citizens Not Taking Pre- have we not done? How can we help Committee on Rules, submitted a priv- scribed Medicines Due to Budget’’; this? And we try to help our constitu- ileged report (Rept. No. 111–301) on the ‘‘Senior Citizens See Largest Gain in ents out. Now, I’m picturing I’m on the resolution (H. Res. 830) providing for Credit Card Debt As Recession, Medical phone and we’ve got this kind of sys- consideration of the bill (H.R. 2442) to Costs Take a Toll.’’ Mr. Speaker, our country will re- tem, and I’m getting the phone call amend the Reclamation Wastewater cover from this recession, but we can- that says, You’ve got some government and Groundwater Study and Facilities not forget the seniors who struggled bureaucrat that just told my dad he Act to expand the Bay Area Regional before the recession began. Many live can’t get a heart bypass. What am I Water Recycling Program, and for on fixed incomes and find it difficult to supposed to do? other purposes, which was referred to live under the pressure of high medical I yield. the House Calendar and ordered to be bills and the rising cost of essentials printed. Mr. SOUDER. The chancellor of one like medication, food, and housing. of my universities, yesterday, when I f One of the most disheartening news headlines of 2009 had the title, ‘‘U.S. Is was at Turnstone, this fellow that THE CONGRESSIONAL BLACK Losing Ground on Preventable works with kids who have physical dis- CAUCUS HOUR Deaths.’’ In this story, AARP reported abilities and gets them recreational ac- The SPEAKER pro tempore (Mr. that Americans are dying too soon, al- tivities, he said, My dad is a veteran KISSELL). Under the Speaker’s an- though the United States spends $2.4 and my mom is now in the hospital, nounced policy of January 6, 2009, the trillion a year on medical care, vastly and we tried to check with the Federal gentlewoman from Ohio (Ms. FUDGE) is more per capita than comparable coun- Government to get the eligibility bene- recognized for 60 minutes as the des- tries. Our Nation ranks last when com- fits. We kept getting taped messages ignee of the majority leader. pared to 19 other industrialized nations saying the person is there on Thurs- GENERAL LEAVE on premature deaths caused by ill- days for 2 hours. Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, I ask for nesses such as diabetes, epilepsy, That’s what you’ll get with govern- unanimous consent that all Members stroke, influenza, ulcers and pneu- ment health care. be given 5 days to revise and extend monia, all medical issues that dis- proportionately attack and weaken Mr. AKIN. Thursdays on 2 hours. So their remarks. American seniors. get in line. That’s incredible. The SPEAKER pro tempore. Is there objection to the request of the gentle- In my district, senior citizens call We are about at the end of our hour. woman from Ohio? my office daily. Some call looking for I would very much like to thank my There was no objection. reassurance that Medicare will be good friends representing a host of dif- Ms. FUDGE. Mr. Speaker, the Con- strengthened through the health care ferent States, people with a great deal gressional Black Caucus, the CBC, is reform, and others asking questions of common sense, and particularly proud to present this hour on issues about the future of Social Security. One senior called just this past week. Pennsylvania, with 25-plus years of that concern America’s senior citizens. He is an 85-year-old man living in pub- being in the medical business. You see The CBC is chaired by the Honorable lic housing. He has an artificial leg this thing, it’s like a train wreck that BARBARA LEE from the Ninth Congres- which he has had since the age of 11. He you’re seeing in slow motion. sional District of California. I am Rep- is worried that his Social Security resentative MARCIA L. FUDGE from the What we’re trying to say is Ameri- check will not cover the cost of the 11th Congressional District of Ohio, cans, pay attention. We cannot afford medications he uses for complications and I am the anchor of the CBC hour. to go this deal about taking 18 percent caused by his artificial limb if the cost The vision of the founding members of our economy and giving it to the of his medications continues to climb. Federal Government to run. It doesn’t of the Congressional Black Caucus, to I am confident, Mr. Speaker, this make sense. It’s going to be expensive. promote the public welfare through Congress will answer the calls and the It’s going to destroy health care. And legislation designed to meet the needs concerns of these seniors, and I will not in every other regard, this is just a bad of millions of neglected citizens, con- rest until all seniors have their an- deal for everybody. tinues to be a focal point for the legis- swers. lative work and political activities of Thank you so much for joining me, Reports have been looming for years the Congressional Black Caucus today. about the long-term financial problems gentlemen. Tonight, the CBC will focus its atten- of Social Security. The retirement pro- tion on the issues currently con- gram is projected to start paying out f fronting our seniors. In his last speech, more than it receives in the year 2016. Hubert Humphrey said, The moral test According to the Social Security trust- REPORT ON RESOLUTION PRO- of government is how that government ee, without changes, the retirement VIDING FOR CONSIDERATION OF treats those who are in the dawn of fund will be depleted by 2037. CONFERENCE REPORT ON H.R. life, the children; those who are in the Demographic factors are accelerating 2892, DEPARTMENT OF HOME- twilight of life, the elderly; and those Social Security problems. Life expect- LAND SECURITY APPROPRIA- who are in the shadows of life, the sick, ancy is increasing faster than antici- TIONS ACT, 2010 the needy, and the handicapped. pated. In 1940, a 65-year-old man could The fact that some Americans work expect to live maybe another 12 years. Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, from the their entire life, regularly paying into Today it’s 15 years, and by 2040, it will Committee on Rules, submitted a priv- Social Security and are confronted by be 17 years. The fertility rate is falling ileged report (Rept. No. 111–300) on the poverty in their golden years is indeed faster than expected, from 3.6 children resolution (H. Res. 829) providing for a problem, Mr. Speaker. for a typical woman of childbearing consideration of the conference report age in 1960 to just two today, and a pro- to accompany the bill (H.R. 2892) mak- b 1800 jected 1.9 by 2020. ing appropriations for the Department The social insecurity facing our Na- The elderly portion of the population of Homeland Security for the fiscal tion’s seniors is not a Democratic prob- will likely rise from 12 percent today year ending September 30, 2010, and for lem or a Republican problem; it is an to 20 percent by 2050, increasing the other purposes, which was referred to American problem, Mr. Speaker. This number of retirees from 34 million to 80 the House Calendar and ordered to be year’s news headlines tell the story: million. The smaller working age popu- printed. ‘‘Seniors Struggle With High Cost of lation and larger elderly population

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00070 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.119 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11371 means that where there were more closer than we were when Truman said go to the doctor and say, I have a small than five workers for each retiree in we need universal health care coverage. problem, let’s take care of it before it 1960 and 3.3 workers per retiree today, We are close. We have five bills re- becomes a big problem. by 2030 there will be just two workers ported out, three bills through the And I think that just what you’re to pay the taxes for the benefits of House, two bills through the Senate. talking about is preserving the lon- each retiree. And right now, Americans all around gevity of grandma and your uncles and Social Security is a pay-as-you-go the country are saying, will the Con- your aunts based upon the fact that system, as you know, with each gen- gress finally do it? they are going to be healthier longer is eration of workers paying the benefits Do you know that upwards of 77 per- very, very important. And I yield back. of current retirees. This works fine as cent of Americans want real health Mr. ELLISON. Well, I accept the gen- long as the working population grows care reform? They want health care re- tlelady’s yielding because it’s impor- faster than the retired population; but form with a public option. They want tant that when we talk about health now that the trend has reversed, the real change, and it’s time that they get care—you know, Mr. Speaker, we talk system is simply unsustainable. it. about statistics. And we drop stats, and Congress and the Social Security Ad- But I wanted to mention to my friend we’re talking about statistics and num- ministration are seeking solutions to from Ohio, the great Congresswoman bers and all of this stuff that we talk this long-term problem; but at the FUDGE, we all need health care reform. about. But we can never forget we are same time, we have to work on the ex- The fact is that when health care re- talking about human beings’ lives. isting problems confronting our seniors form arrives, it will benefit commu- We’re talking about human beings hav- on Social Security. Recently, the Con- nities of color more than it will other ing more time with each other. We’re gressional Budget Office reported that communities. It will benefit everybody. talking about, as we said, your grand- for the first time in 35 years older Everybody who will never be turned mother being there; and yet because of Americans will not receive a cost-of- down for a preexisting condition will health disparities, inequality in the living adjustment, or COLA, increase benefit. Everybody who has seen their area of health, she is not being there. in their Social Security checks in 2010. premiums double over the last 10 years And how enriched a human being is by This is bad news for many retirees liv- and will probably see them double in having that generational exchange. ing on a fixed income because although the next 10 years will benefit. But when These are just little examples of the cost of necessary goods like food you look at the startling disparities what we’re talking about. And that’s will continue to rise, seniors who rely people of color are facing every day, I why Democrats are pushing forward on on Social Security checks will not see think that they will benefit more. health care. That’s why the Black Cau- their budgets increase. Just to let everybody know, the fact cus is pushing forward on health care. To compound this problem, millions is that, yes, it’s true, life expectancy That’s why we need all Americans who of the same seniors whose budgets may for the average American has gone up. care about a better quality of life to be be tighter than ever will also face But for average , it pushing forward on health care. We much higher Medicare part B and still lags behind about 5 to 6 years. For can’t survive with the status quo. Lit- Medicare part D premiums next year. African American men, it’s not even 70 erally, we cannot survive with the sta- Medicare part B insurance covers doc- years old yet. African American men, tus quo. tors visits, lab work, physical therapy, on average, can expect to live to be I yield to the gentlelady. and other types of outpatient services. about 69. Their counterparts can expect Ms. FUDGE. Thank you. You are ab- Medicare part D is the Medicare pre- to live to be about 75. Now, imagine a solutely right; we cannot survive with scription drug program. child being born at the age when their the status quo. A Federal law, known as the ‘‘hold grandpa is 69 years old. That means And the other thing that this bill harmless’’ rule, prevents the annual that if that child is African American does is it allows us to say to those who cost of part B premiums from rising and their grandfather is, they may have for so long not been able to really higher than that year’s Social Security never know grandpa. live a healthy lifestyle—not because COLA. For example, if your annual So- But if we really address health care they don’t want to, but because they cial Security income increases by 5 disparities, maybe we can get African don’t have the ability to—to now say, percent, the yearly part of part B pre- American men up to 75 years old. That look, we are going to put resources in miums cannot increase by more than 5 means that they will get a chance to your neighborhood community clinic percent. The problem is that, while bounce on his knee, get to know him, so that you can go and make sure that this hold harmless rule covers some get to talk to him, get to learn some- your children have the proper exams Medicare part D patients, it does not thing from him, maybe learn how to go and the proper things before they go to cover any of the 28 million seniors in- fishing. It’s a quality of life issue, more school. sured by Medicare part D prescription years. Addressing that cervical cancer We are going to be in a position drug coverage, and it does not cover earlier means grandma will be around where we say to them, we are going to about 11 million Medicare part B sen- longer. make this health care accessible to iors. Most of us, if you grew up like I did, you, not just on Monday through Fri- Mr. Speaker, I have been joined know that mom and dad had to be day from 8 to 4, when working parents today by my colleague and friend, the tough on you because they had to raise have to work; but because of the re- Congressman from Minnesota. I would you right. But there is one person who sources we’re providing, we are now like to yield as much time as he may you knew thought you were absolutely opening these clinics on Saturday. We consume. terrific no matter what you did, and are now saying to them we are going to Mr. ELLISON. I want to thank the that’s grandma, right? make this more convenient for you be- gentlelady from the great State of Ohio Ms. FUDGE. That’s absolutely right. cause we want you to be healthy. We for doing such a wonderful job talking Will the gentleman yield? want to set the example, set the stand- about health care, our seniors, talking Mr. ELLISON. I will yield to the gen- ard; and it’s time we do those kinds of about all these critically important tlelady. things for the people we serve because issues facing our Nation right now. Ms. FUDGE. I just wanted to say that is our job is to take care of the As the gentlelady is very well aware, that, as you talk, it just really gives people we serve. we are at the very edge, at the very me some encouragement that we have I yield back. moment where we can have real health put in place legislation that is going to Mr. ELLISON. I thank the gentlelady care reform for all, or maybe not. The allow us to deal with preventive care for yielding. reality is that we are optimistic. We and wellness. Certainly that is an issue Mr. Speaker, I mean, the point is are closer than we have been in 60 in our neighborhoods and all neighbor- that part of this bill says, if it’s en- years, closer than we were in 1994, clos- hoods, especially neighborhoods of poor acted into law, that, you know what? er than we were when Roosevelt first people and middle class people. It has You will not have to pay a copayment said all Americans should have health become a major issue just finding the for preventative services. We want you care and have health and wellness, resources and the time and ability to to engage in preventative medicine.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00071 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.121 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11372 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 Get your sugar checked. Get your gling at a disproportionate rate to Congressional Black Caucus support blood pressure checked. Come on in overcome the grip of poverty and to health care reform that includes a here and let’s make sure that you get a maintain their quality of life, so it is strong, robust public option like Medi- prostate or a mammogram. The fact is important that tonight we talk about care, which is a component of health these are the things that are going to what is going on with our senior citi- care reform for which we are unwaver- keep you around here longer and will zens and how important this moment is ing in our support. We want to con- save the system money in the long run. for them. tinue to strengthen and to protect These things are so important. During the present turmoil, these Medicare for our seniors, and we are And I just want to give folks an ex- hardships are especially acute amongst determined to do that in this health ample. In the year 2004, just a few people of color, minorities, with more care reform effort—that is, strengthen years ago, African Americans had the than 22 percent of African American and protect Medicare for our seniors. highest age-adjusted causes of death and 19 percent of Latino seniors living We agree that Medicare services should rates for all races and ethnicities. In below the poverty line. These poverty not be reduced as a means of paying for addition, African Americans have the levels are more than double the na- this health care reform bill. highest age-adjusted death rate for tional average for all individuals over While the proposed provisions for our heart disease, cancer, diabetes, HIV 65 years of age. robust public option will not be imple- and AIDS. All of these things would be Now, I firmly believe, like Congress- mented until 2013, we also recognize addressed if we can pass this bill and woman FUDGE and like all of us here that, as early as 2010, many positive re- keep those things in the bill that ad- believe in the Congressional Black forms will be enacted, such as prohib- dress health disparities. That’s why we Caucus, that we have a moral responsi- iting the abusive health insurance need people to step forward and do the bility, a duty and an obligation to re- practice of rescinding existing cov- right thing and support this bill. verse this disturbing trend by utilizing erage in order to avoid future costs, You know, the American people have the full constitutional power, statu- improving preventative care and cov- called for change, but I just want to let tory authority and resources of our erage, making prescription drugs more folks know that the change that we’re government to provide opportunities affordable by eliminating the gaps in calling for will help all Americans. And for all and to develop these pathways coverage, and increasing funding for while it might not help some executive out of poverty for our seniors. Some of community health centers. So this is insurance companies, it will everybody these pathways include critical pro- essential in our health care reform else. And when everybody else gets grams such as Social Security, contin- package, but as I said earlier, we want helped, this rising tide will lift people ued support of Medicare and reforming to strengthen and we want to protect at the bottom higher, and it will help our Nation’s health care system, which Medicare for our seniors. extend their lives and improve the you heard about earlier and which we Finally, let me just say, as a member quality of their life. are in the midst of reforming as we of the Subcommittee on Labor, Health At this point, I am going to have to speak. and Human Services and Education of turn it back over to the gentlelady. Social Security benefits constitute 90 the Appropriations Committee, I would She has been doing such an excellent percent of the income of one-third of like to highlight the initiatives in the job, but I just want to say thank you Americans over 65. Many of the 75,000 2009 omnibus appropriations bill which for doing what you can do to raise the residents in my district who receive strive to close the huge gaps in cov- consciousness of the American people Social Security are dependent on their erage and access for America’s seniors because the American people want guaranteed benefits. Without these by providing $22 million for a new ini- change, they want optimism, they vital benefits, nearly 50 percent—mind tiative to reduce hospital and clinic in- want people who will fight for change. you, 50 percent—of seniors nationwide fections that cause nearly 100,000 They don’t want folks who are going to would be forced to live in poverty, deaths each year. That’s staggering. give us the same old thing, because we which is a five-fold increase over the Hospital and clinic infections cause can’t survive with the status quo; but present rate. This makes it very crit- nearly 100,000 deaths each year. What with change, we can. ical for all of us to fight against any ef- we did is we put in $22 million so we Ms. FUDGE. Thank you very, very forts that would threaten the benefits can begin to combat these avoidable much. I am so pleased to have you join on which so many senior citizens rely. infections and reduce hospital readmis- me this evening, Mr. ELLISON. I thank I hear this from my mother, Mildred sion rates. you for your work. You do outstanding Massey, each and every day. So, on her In addition, $45 million has been set work on behalf of people in the most behalf, I want to reiterate that once aside for health insurance counseling need, and I am happy you could join again. for seniors so that millions of Medicare me. We must also understand that, as the beneficiaries can get the help that they It seems as though now we have been costs of medical care continue to rise, need to understand and to utilize their joined by our Chair, the Honorable ensuring individuals’ economic sta- complex benefits. I understand how BARBARA LEE, the gentlelady from bility is inextricably linked to reform- complex some of this can be, and this California. I will now yield to our ing our broken health care system. counseling is so important. For those chairwoman. Thank you so much for Today, as a Nation, we spend approxi- of us who have mothers and fathers and being here. mately $2.2 trillion per year on health grandparents and aunts and uncles who care, or $7,400 per person, which is are senior citizens, we know very clear- b 1815 nearly twice the average of other de- ly how difficult it is to weed through Ms. LEE of California. Thank you veloped nations and more than what we some of these forms and through some very much. Let me thank the gentle- currently spend on either housing or of these benefit regulations and rules, lady for yielding. food. and we need to make it less com- Let me also, once again, thank you Members of Congress, especially plicated. So, hopefully, this $45 million for your leadership in making sure that members of the Congressional Black will help our senior citizens. all of the issues that are so important Caucus here, really do disproportion- From the members of the Greatest to our country and to the Congres- ately represent the men, women, chil- Generation to the aging baby boomers, sional Black Caucus, to all of us, are dren, and especially seniors who are our seniors have given much over the really brought forward on this floor. underinsured and uninsured and whose years, so it must be our charge to sup- I rise tonight on behalf of—and I just health and wellness have suffered be- port them and to remain focused on have to say—our nearly 70,000 senior cause of the numerous gaps. tackling the many challenges facing citizens whom I have the privilege to Some of us are calling these, really, our Nation. We look forward to work- represent in the Ninth Congressional moral gaps in our Nation’s health care ing with our leadership on both sides— District of California, but also the sen- system. We support efforts to reform Democrats and Republicans—in the fol- iors across this country. As our Na- and to modernize America’s health lowing weeks to do everything that we tion’s economic uncertainty continues, care system through comprehensive can to continue to guarantee con- it is these individuals who are strug- health care reform, and members of the tinuing care—Medicare and health

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00072 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.122 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11373 services—for this great group of Ameri- Another piece of legislation which is Experts who have studied the House cans. essential to the welfare of America’s health care reform legislation found Thank you, Congresswoman FUDGE. seniors is the America’s Affordable that the proposed changes actually Ms. FUDGE. Thank you so much, Health Choices Act of 2009. While some strengthen Medicare and improve bene- Madam Chair. It’s always a pleasure to seniors have received misinformation ficiaries’ care and access to physicians. have you join me. Even though we gen- and have voiced suspicions that health Passing legislation that improves the erally do this on Monday nights, this is care reform would cut Medicare bene- lives of seniors is the number one pri- a special Wednesday night for us, so I fits, many know the truth about this ority in this Congress. Seniors should appreciate your taking the time to bill. Medicare will be absolutely not have to fear or wait any longer. I stop by. Thank you very much. strengthened under the proposal. say to all of the seniors: We are fight- Mr. Speaker, as I mentioned, I be- As we all know, the health care re- ing for you. Every day, we are fighting lieve this Congress is willing to take a form bill is not yet complete, and for you, and we will not let you down. stand for seniors. I am proud to be a many more changes will be made be- f cosponsor of several pieces of legisla- fore it becomes law. While I cannot tion and to be a signatory on a number predict how the bill will be structured HEALTH CARE REFORM of letters to congressional leadership once it is finalized, I can tell you that The SPEAKER pro tempore. Under and Federal agencies which were au- I am fighting to ensure health care for the Speaker’s announced policy of Jan- thored to help seniors who are facing seniors will not be diminished in any uary 6, 2009, the gentleman from Texas mounting financial and medical con- way. (Mr. BURGESS) is recognized for 60 min- cerns. Under the House proposal, seniors utes. One important bill, the Social Secu- should notice a number of improve- Mr. BURGESS. I thank the Speaker rity COLA Fix for 2010 Act, ensures ments in services. To be more specific, for the recognition. that seniors receive their COLAs for the House proposal will protect Medi- Mr. Speaker, I come to the House 2010. This legislation will help offset care by shoring up funding for the pro- floor tonight to talk a little bit more rising costs by providing seniors with a gram across the board so that all about health care. It is, it seems, the one-time $150 payment in lieu of the Americans will have this benefit as number one topic of the day here in Social Security COLA. The offset is they grow older. Washington, D.C. It’s interesting be- fully paid for, and the legislation would The bill will lower drug costs by cause probably 50 percent of Americans not affect other Federal programs. For eliminating the Medicare part D care more about what we are doing as example, the one-time $150 payment doughnut hole for prescription-drug far as job creation, and 14 percent are would not count as income, and as a re- coverage. The doughnut hole refers to a concerned about health care. You sult, it would not push seniors who are costly gap in the Medicare part D pre- would think that we would adopt the too young to qualify for Medicare out scription drug plan. The plan currently phrase of ‘‘focusing like a of the eligibility for Medicaid. I want to talk just a bit about end- covers up to $2,700 per year in prescrip- laser beam’’ on the economy and ‘‘fo- stage renal disease, Mr. Speaker, which tion-drug benefits. Then it stops. Cov- cusing like a laser beam’’ on job cre- is a disease that affects many seniors erage does not begin again until a re- ation. But health care is important, in my district and around the country. cipient’s drug cost exceeds $6,100 annu- and it is appropriate that we spend They are those who experience kidney ally, thus, leaving the recipient respon- some time discussing it because, likely failure. Last year, Congress passed leg- sible for paying all drug costs between as not, before the end of this month, islation to provide up to six sessions of $2,700 and $6,100. certainly before the end of this year, it pre-end-stage renal disease education Under the proposed legislation, sen- is possible that some type of bill will to Medicare beneficiaries experiencing iors could receive a 50 percent discount pass this House, although it may not be kidney failure. on brand name drugs in the doughnut to the liking of a great number of I joined a number of other Members hole immediately after the bill passes. Americans. of Congress and sent a letter to the di- This is a measure that would provide Mr. Speaker, I know that my com- rectors of the Centers for Medicare and immediate relief for seniors who must ments must be directed to you and not Medicaid Services, urging them to re- choose to either purchase medication to others, but I would say, Mr. Speak- consider the proposed physician fee or food—a choice no American should er, that if I were able to talk to people schedule, which would reimburse a 60- be forced to make. about what they could do, a plan for minute kidney education service, pro- The legislation provides free prevent- action, I will be discussing that toward vided by a licensed physician, at the ative care. Seniors would pay nothing the end of this hour. on preventative screenings and services same rate as a 15-minute session pro- b 1830 vided by a nutritionist. The letter also designed to keep them healthier requests that CMS reconsider the re- longer. So I do encourage people to stay striction on who can administer pre- The bill improves primary care by tuned to this debate—not necessarily end-stage renal disease education. Cur- ensuring that seniors are able to spend to this discussion this hour—but stay rently, only physicians can provide more time with their primary care doc- tuned to this debate because it is im- this service, although, licensed practi- tors. portant. It is going to affect the lives tioners, such as nurses and nutrition- There are provisions to enhance safe- and livelihoods of Americans from this ists, are available and are trained to ty by developing national standards day forward for a long, long time. It is provide this education as well. that measure medical care quality by extremely appropriate that we take Adjusting the reimbursement rate investing in patient safety and by re- our time, that we get this right, that and allowing multiple types of licensed warding doctors and nurses who admin- we do not hurry through the process, practitioners to educate seniors with ister high-quality care. that we do not cut corners. kidney failure will ensure that seniors The legislation increases oversight Now, Mr. Speaker, you look at where facing end-stage renal disease will get by cracking down on waste, fraud, we are 10 months into this year. Do we the care and education they need. abuse and medical overpayments. have the trust of the American people For many seniors, their major con- There are provisions that encourage in this body? The answer to that ques- cern about aging is the fear of losing hospitals with high readmission rates tion is, it doesn’t seem so. What people their mental capabilities. That is why I to provide transitional and coordinated have seen this year—and even going am a cosponsor of the Alzheimer’s care services. back into last year in the term of the Breakthrough Act of 2009, which is a Finally, Mr. Speaker, the bill has previous President, President Bush, bipartisan piece of legislation that in- new initiatives to improve nursing they saw a couple of bailouts last year, cludes an authorization of $2 billion for home quality and transparency. they’ve seen more of the same this Alzheimer’s funding at the National In- Seniors should not be fearful. year, they’ve seen stimulus, they’ve stitutes of Health, for support for care- Change, we know, is difficult, but as seen automobile takeovers, financial giver programs and for a national sum- Henry Ford said: Don’t find fault; find sector takeovers, cap-and-trade that mit on Alzheimer’s. a remedy. passed the floor of this House that

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00073 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.124 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11374 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 many Americans felt was inadvisable President Obama’s position last fall surance plans, if we have a tax on med- in a time of economic downturn; and was significantly tilted towards get- ical devices, if we have a tax on any Washington yet still has the nerve to ting coverage for the uninsured. It was number of things, these taxes will say, Trust us because we can take care a moral imperative. It was something begin to accrue January 1 of that year, of you and we will make your lives bet- that we had to do. Then we worked but the benefits don’t actually begin to ter. But the current polling numbers through some of the more difficult kick in for some time. don’t really suggest that that is some- parts of the economic downturn, a lot And once again, the United States thing that’s believed by the American of job losses were incurred during that Congress, when it’s questioned by the people. time; and at the beginning of the year, American people, the United States Now true enough, the President many more people were concerned Congress says, Don’t worry. Trust us. started this year with extremely high about the cost of health care and would We know best how to plan for you. We approval ratings, somewhere likely in they be able to continue to afford their know best how to take care of you. We excess of 80 percent approval ratings at insurance, would they be able to con- know that you don’t know how to do the time of the inauguration—an ex- tinue to afford health care. So afford- this for yourself. And Congress, with tremely popular individual—and has ability became perhaps a higher pri- its 20 percent approval rating, is just retained a great deal of that popu- ority for Members of Congress who the man for the job to get this done for larity, depending upon the poll that were considering these reforms during you. you select. Now it is down to about 50 the spring. percent, 49 percent this morning in In June when the first congressional During the presidential campaign Rasmussen, 52 percent in the committee in the Senate, the Health, last year, President Obama promised to RealClearPolitics daily average poll. Education, Labor, and Pensions Com- bring all parties together and not nego- But, still, one out of every two Ameri- mittee passed their bill out of the Sen- tiate behind closed doors and to be cans still has a favorable impression of ate committee, the focus was all on broadcasting those negotiations on C– the President. cost and coverage. The cost numbers SPAN. Now we had kind of an unusual What about the United States Con- turned out to be significantly higher situation occur in May and June of this gress? Is it one out of two? Is it one out than anyone thought they would be; year when stakeholders in the health of three? It’s one out of every five peo- somewhere in the neighborhood of $1.5 care community met at the White ple holds the United States Congress in trillion over 10 years’ time. The cov- House and offered up things that they high regard. erage numbers were disappointing at could do, things that they could do to So with our current approval ratings only a third of the uninsured actually hold down the cost of health care—you hovering around 20 percent, why do we being picked up. And there’s no ques- had to wonder where were these indi- think the American people would be- tion that that delayed the second Sen- viduals for the 15 years before—but you lieve that we, in fact, do know best and ate committee, the Senate Finance had groups. The American Medical As- that they should trust us on an under- Committee, in introducing a bill and sociation, of which I am a member, was taking of this mammoth scale? And marking up a bill which they just com- in those meetings; the American Hos- you can see how big the undertaking is. pleted this week because they were try- pital Association was in those meet- We heard previous speakers in the ing to fine-tune those numbers. ings and offered up a number of things last hour talk about how difficult it is. Now on the House side, we did, in that they could do for substantial cost We have had three health care bills fact, get a Congressional Budget Office savings. that passed the various committees in score that came in around a trillion A little bit of controversy then last the House last summer. You had one dollars for a 10-year bill. A little dis- week as the Senate was working health care bill that passed the Senate ingenuous because the Congressional through its product, will those things Health, Education, Labor and Pensions Budget Office—in the hearings we had that the American Hospital Associa- Committee in June of this year; and on Energy and Commerce from the tion offered, are those going to be then most recently you had the talking Congressional Budget Office, the score taxed or not? And there was some points memo that passed out of the was administered not on legislative back-and-forth with the Congressional Senate Finance Committee yesterday language but on conversations, tele- Budget Office as to what those num- with a single Republican vote on that. phone calls, that the members of the bers actually meant. I do not believe there were any Repub- Congressional Budget Office had with Medical devices. Again, similar situa- lican votes on any of the House prod- members of the Democratic majority tion. PhRMA came to the table with— ucts in the three committees that con- who were writing the bill. So, yes, it I forget the number now, but it seems sidered this bill under their various ju- was a cost number but there was some like it was about $80 billion in cuts risdictions. question as to the accuracy of that. that they were going to be offering. The Congress doesn’t have a lot of And then here was a really big prob- credibility right now on this or, quite lem and one that really hasn’t been ad- Well, none of these things that were frankly, many other issues. It would be dressed yet. These are enormous pro- agreed to behind closed doors last May, a great thing, in my opinion, if Con- grams to undertake. They are not none of these deals are available to us gress spent some time in trying to re- going to start overnight. So even if we as Members of Congress so that we can build that credibility; but unfortu- pass a bill before the end of the year, it know what did America’s health insur- nately, it’s the old adage: Don’t check is going to be some time before these ance plan group, when they came to the weather; we’re going to fly anyway. programs—whether it be a public op- the table and said, We can save you bil- And off we go with a big cap-and- tion, whether it be exchanges within lions of dollars, Mr. President, and he trade bill in June that upset a lot of the States—it is going to be some time said, What took you so long? But as people; we did the three health care before the Centers for Medicare and members of the committee that were bills on the House side in the various Medicaid Services in the Department charged with working through this bill committees in July. We ran into the of Health and Human Services—which last July, why did we not have that in- town hall meetings during the month is likely to be charged with writing the formation available to us? Why was it of August when people told us what rules and regulations under which a surprise at the Senate Finance Com- they thought of our efforts, and now these new products are formed—it’s mittee when, hey, we thought these we’re back here in the fall taking up going to be some time before those breaks we were giving the hospitals the big bill on health care reform. things happen. were going to still be subject to a cor- As we’ve watched this debate, you The benefits are actually not sched- porate income tax, not an off-tax item? think back to a year ago, we were in uled to begin to kick in until the year Why was there even that discrepancy the middle of a presidential campaign. 2012, 2014. It will be some time before or that discussion? Why not share with Both presidential candidates had ideas those benefits occur. The taxes, of us those deals that were struck down about what should happen as far as course, will begin the minute the ink is at the White House? health care and the possibilities for dry on the President’s signature on the And indeed, last month I sent a letter health care reform. Remember now- bill. So if we have a tax on high-end in- to the White House and asked for the

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00074 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.126 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11375 release of those discussions, the tran- with you through an hour or so discus- a fact, but I will say it: America has scripts of those discussions, the min- sion of a health care bill. But they did, the best health care system in the utes or notes of those discussions, per- and they asked questions, and they world. There are distributional prob- tinent e-mails that may have occurred were respectful. lems, and there are inequities in the in- during those discussions. I don’t think that this August was an surance system that need to be fixed, Just quoting from my letter to the anomaly. I don’t think that the Amer- and they are within our purview. They White House: It has been now over 4 ican people had some sort of fugue are within our capability of fixing, but months since the White House an- state during August where they re- we do not need to turn the entire sys- nounced numerous deals with major acted to the health care legislation and tem on its head to effect those ends. stakeholders in the health care debate the cap-and-trade legislation and re- How could we best go about improv- to save upwards of $2 trillion in the acted in no uncertain terms as to how ing what we call health care in Amer- health care system. Little to no details angry, how anxious they were about ica? Well, we can ensure that patients regarding the negotiations have been these bills that we were passing. continue to have, continue to get, care, released. And recent actions and press But when we get back to Congress in have access to care, and continue to reports have reminded me of the im- September, it’s like August never hap- get the best care. That would be a good portance of openness and transparency pened. It was unimportant. ‘‘Don’t pay thing for us to work on together. throughout the legislative process—the any attention to those people back Instead of being an obstacle, instead of threatening cuts every time you very openness and transparency that home because we’re Congress. Trust us. turn around, we could help doctors, we were promised by this President We know best. We know best how to nurses and hospitals continue to pro- during the campaign. take care of you. We know best how to vide that excellent care. We, as Mem- So the letter has gone to the White give you what we think you need.’’ bers of Congress, and sometimes it’s do House. I eagerly await a response to We got back in September and I as I say, not as I do, but perhaps we that. I am in fact somewhat surprised, think I thought after seeing the August could set a better example about living my committee, the Committee on En- town halls, I thought this Congress healthy lifestyles, staying within our— ergy and Commerce that has a fairly would hit the pause button, hit the staying within our ideal weight. Maybe robust oversight and investigation sub- reset button, hopefully the rewind but- that’s something we should look at. committee, I am somewhat surprised ton on this health care legislation, but Again, an amendment to that effect that they have not been curious about no such luck. was turned back in my committee on the deals that were made down at the We went at it full force. We, in fact, Energy and Commerce. You know, real- White House early in the spring; why even had a little bit of an extended ly, one of the keys is going to be, if we they have not been curious about some markup in the Energy and Commerce are going to hold down medical costs, of the e-mails that may have occurred Committee where it was suggested to we really do have to involve the pa- during the back-and-forth working the chairman of my committee, you tient in the process. We have to have through these negotiations. Again, the know, that August was a rough month patient involvement in the doctor’s of- letter went to the White House on Sep- for a lot of people, a lot of people on fice. We have to have patient involve- tember 30, and I await a reply. both sides of the dais—Republicans and ment in making those healthy lifestyle I will ask later to include this letter Democrats both, even Republicans who choices. If we do not have the patient as part of the CONGRESSIONAL RECORD voted against the bill—people were involvement and increase the patient this evening so that people will have angry that the bill was even being con- knowledge base, the health literacy, if the opportunity to read through that sidered and would likely pass. you will, about things like preventive letter themselves. b 1845 care, about things like the importance But again, the American people just of eating right and staying fit and the On the Democratic side, there were a simply do not trust the American Con- importance of regular health checkups number of town halls that were quite gress, the United States Congress, to and medical screenings, if we don’t do contentious. We thought, I thought make these kinds of decisions for them. that, the cost for health care is going Members would welcome the oppor- When you look at some recent poll- to continue to increase and increase at tunity to, well, let’s sit down and re- ing data when the question was asked a rate at which it’s go going to be very, if Congress works through this process visit this. Let’s reorganize. Maybe very difficult, regardless of the number and comes up with a major health care there were some good ideas on the of new taxes, regardless of the cuts to reform piece of legislation, is health other side of the dais. Maybe Repub- doctors and hospitals and nurses. Re- care going to get better or is it going lican members should have been gardless of all of those things it’s going to get worse? Well, a quarter of folks brought into this process and take to be very, very difficult for Congress think it’s going to get better. About 26 some ownership of this bill, if nothing to keep up. percent say, Yeah, we think Congress else. Don’t leave us being the only ones We do put the system at risk when will make the kinds of improvements out there to defend it; but, no, that we do that. There could be a day when that are necessary and health care will, wasn’t the case. the generation or two coming behind in fact, improve. Fifty percent say it The chairman of the committee said us will say we can no longer afford the will get worse. Not great numbers with August, in so many words, August type of tax rate that you have left for which we’re working. didn’t matter. The people that spoke us. We will have to do something dras- You know, it was startling for many up were few and far between, and these tically different, and we don’t want to of us, the interest that was out there large crowds that showed up at the do that. We don’t need to do that. over the summer during the August re- town halls were somehow manufac- Now, you have heard a lot of discus- cess on the health care bill, on cap-and- tured and didn’t count. Not only did sion about how Republicans have been trade. Town hall activity was widely they not count, we were not reconsid- obstructing the process. Let me clarify reported in news media outlets across ering any part of the bill. We had some that just for a moment. There are 177 this country. My district back in Texas additional amendments that Members or 178 Republicans in this body, 256 was no exception. Town halls where I on the Democratic side wanted to offer. Democrats in this body. It takes 218 might typically have 30, 40, 50 people I offered a couple on our side as did votes to pass a bill, to send it on to the show up on a Saturday morning, 1 or other Members on the Republican side. Senate. The Democrats in this body 2,000 people would show up. In fact, one But for the most part those amend- could pass whatever bill they wanted. venue we had to change from inside to ments were struck down on a party- They do not need Republican support. outside and just held the bulk of the line vote. They have, in fact, told us that on meeting out in the parking lot because Both sides of the aisle genuinely see more than one occasion. The famous of the number of people that showed a problem and genuinely want to work phrase that came out in January or up. toward improvement of the process. February, well, after all, we won. There I have to tell you, Mr. Speaker, Au- You have heard me say it before. You hasn’t been a lot of reaching across the gust in Texas in the parking lot is— have heard other Members of Congress aisle, because it was just simply not you’re asking a lot of people to stay say it before. Some people dispute it as necessary.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00075 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.127 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11376 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 Now, you think back to February. Now it’s interesting because all three understand what’s being contained Again, the President had an approval committees have passed the bill. They within the bill. rating of, I don’t know, 70, 75, 80 per- all amended it and some of those You know, the President has said re- cent. The President could have passed amendments will be completely—the peatedly that if you have good ideas, I whatever health care bill he wanted in incentives will be aligned. Some of will listen. In fact, here in the House, February of this year. There would them actually will be at a 90-degree in the joint session that was held on have been nothing anyone could have intersection. September 9, the President said, right done to stop it. In fact, there likely Someone is going to have to redo from the podium behind me, and I am would have been very few people with that bill. That is happening now, and quoting now, ‘‘I will continue to seek the courage to try to stop it because you can expect that there is probably a common ground in the weeks ahead. If the President was seen as so popular heavy hand from the White House in you come to me with a serious set of and so powerful, evidenced by the fact aligning all three of those House bills proposals, I’ll be there to listen to that the President did get a $787 billion into one product. We will likely get to you.’’ stimulus bill passed through this see it a few hours before we vote on it. Well, that’s kind of interesting, too. House, a bill that many thought was ill It may come as early as the end of this During the campaign, the President advised, a bill that many thought was month, and we are promised that it said that he would sit down with people duplicative, unnecessary and wasteful. will, in any case, be something that we who might be regarded as folks that But they got it passed, no Republican see before Thanksgiving. I expect that don’t like us very much, folks like input into that bill as it was being that is true. Ahmadinejad and Hugo Chavez. The written and no Republican support on I don’t know whether any Members President said, I will sit down with the floor; but they didn’t need it. It on my side will vote for it. There don’t leaders of other countries and meet passed overwhelmingly with only seem to be a large number of Repub- with them without preconditions. Democratic votes, went down to the licans who are supporting H.R. 3200. I Well, when it comes to congressional Senate for a similar fate, went down to don’t know if any Democrats will vote Republicans, he does set some pre- the White House and was promptly against it. We certainly saw that in all conditions. We have to come with a se- signed into law by the President. three committees that there were some rious set of proposals. We can’t just It was followed a week later by an Democrats who simply could not sup- show up with ideas. I prepared a seri- omnibus bill that spent a lot of the port the things in the bill and did vote ous set of proposals and sent it to the same dollars on the same things. against it. White House on September 16 of this Again, not much in the way of Repub- The public option continues to be a year, about a week after we had the lican support was solicited or required political football kicked from one side joint session of Congress. I prepared a for that. It passed because, after all, of the rotunda to the other. The House number of things within the letter. 218 votes are all that are required to wants a robust public option, the Sen- Attached to it were a number of bills that I had introduced that I thought pass a bill on the floor of this House. ate not so much. How will it pass on should be parts of whatever type of The Democrats with their 256 majority the Senate side if they have a public health care reform is passed. I am still have more than enough votes to pass option, or will a public option be ig- waiting for a response to that. Things almost anything they want. nored by the Senate but added back in like addressing the problems of the Now, the Republicans even tried—and the middle of the night when the two physician workforce, things like ad- I don’t know the answer to that for ev- bills come together in the House Sen- dressing the liability, the problems eryone, but I will tell you that I did. I ate conference before we vote on the that doctors face with the liability in- met with the transition team in No- final product? surance, fixing the sustainable growth vember of last year. It’s anybody’s guess and, Mr. Speak- I met with the chairman of my com- rate formula, some price transparency, er, again, you know, just speaking to mittee in January of this year and a lot of good ideas contained within you, I would say if I were able to speak said, look, I didn’t give up a 25-year here. to the American people, I would say medical career to come here to sit on Again, I will, at the end of this, I will stay tuned to this because it is going the sidelines. I want to be involved in submit this for the RECORD. But, again, to be a very important process. You this debate. I may not be able to be no response from the White House. will have a House unified bill coming with you on some issues. There are The list talked in some detail about up the next couple of weeks. How long some things that I think are just the those things that the Republicans we have to evaluate that before we wrong approach to reforming health agree should be a part of the meaning- care, but let’s sit down and have the vote, I think, is going to be very tell- ful reform. You know, we hear it said discussion and see what can be worked ing. If it’s a very short period of time, all the time that there is agreement out. there is probably some bad stuff in the on, like, 80 percent of the things con- I was thanked for my interest and bill that they don’t want you to know tained within health care reform. I never received a call back. Oh, I did get about before we actually vote. think that number is a little bit high. called down to the White House in Now, we are arguing for 72 hours. I But, nevertheless, we hear it said all March for a photo op, but that was will just tell you, for what’s likely to the time. about it. There wasn’t much more to it be at least a 1,000-page bill, more likely But what is the primary thing? What than that. a 1,500-page bill, 72 hours is a very is the number one thing I heard about Then as the bill was being written be- short interval of time to work on a bill over and over and over again in the hind closed doors for the various com- of that magnitude. Bill language is in- town halls in August? mittees where we worked on the bill on herently very difficult to read. There is The thing that is really grating on the House side, certainly at no point a lot of referral back to the Social Se- the American people is those individ- was I ever offered any input. curity Act. There is a lot of referral uals who want insurance but can’t get Now, I did, as did many members in back to the Medicare or the Medicaid it. They can’t get it because they have my committee, offer a number of provisions in the United States Code. had a tough medical diagnosis. They amendments, and we did amend the bill It takes some doing to get through have a preexisting condition. They had in committee. It would be interesting that bill language and really under- insurance on their job and they lost to see now whether or not those stand what the implications of what their job and they couldn’t keep up amendments stay in the bill. you are reading. But it doesn’t mean with the COBRA payments, so they But I don’t think anyone is fooling we shouldn’t do it. It just means that lost their insurance. Now they are themselves. There was not—there was we need have the time to do it. I cer- stuck without insurance, but have a no way to amend that bill, H.R. 3200. tainly encourage the Democratic lead- preexisting condition. It wasn’t that There was literally no amendment you ership to give us the time necessary they wanted to drop their insurance; could offer except striking the lan- and make the facilities available to us but the conditions were such, the rules guage in the bill and offering the new so that we can have the opportunity to were set, that they didn’t have any bill. There really was not. It was not read through that bill and read choice but to let that insurance cov- salvageable, in my opinion. through it with experts and come to erage go, even though they knew it

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00076 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.128 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11377 might be difficult to get back into a where they’re working well, some and they may not be allowed to take state of coverage in the future. States where they’re working less well. that coverage with them? Why not Another thing that just really both- I always felt that in my home State of allow that transition from State to ers people is the fact that Americans Texas, it wasn’t working so well. It State without rerating that individual, can do the right thing and have health turns out it’s really not a bad program, without causing that individual to be insurance and pay that premium reli- it’s just not funded to the level that it rerated by a new insurance company giously, get a tough medical diagnosis, need be. where now their preexisting condition and the insurance company looks back Well, if we could encourage a con- that they’ve acquired along the way and says, you know what, we really tribution from the Federal Govern- prevents them from getting or obtain- never meant to offer that policy to you ment, the State government and per- ing that insurance in the individual in the first place, or we think there haps even the private sector, the insur- market in a new State? was something you obscured in your ance companies themselves, perhaps we I liken that to the National Football history. Now, by a process of what are could get that figure down to a point League, and you have a player in the called ‘‘insurance company rescis- where people can actually utilize the National Football League who gets sions,’’ they are going to take that in- program. Because people that then are traded from one city to another, their surance policy away. subsequently covered by those high- insurance goes with them. No problem. The President even referenced that in risk pools in Texas love the program. I If they had a knee injury in one city, his speech on September 29, and that’s had someone come up to me after a it’s going to be taken care of in the wrong. People acknowledged that it’s town hall in the district in August that new city. But if their fan who wants to wrong, both sides of the aisle. said, Please, whatever you do, don’t do follow their favorite football player Now, in cases of fraud, correct. The anything that’s going to mess up my moves from city A to city B, they’ve insurance company has to have a right high-risk pool because that’s the best got to start all over again, if they’re in of action. They have to have a way to insurance I’ve ever had. The problem is the individual market, and during the protect other people that have insur- it’s limited to the number of people time that they do that, they may find ance. You don’t want people coming who can access that. that they are rerated by their insur- and buying insurance under fraudulent We have people losing their jobs. It’s ance company, reunderwritten by their terms. an unfortunate, disastrous occurrence insurance company, and if they had But for people who have an omission that happens in a recession. Some peo- even a modest diagnosis like high from a medical history that makes no ple are laid off. And if you have em- blood pressure, depression or adult difference as to their subsequent care ployer-sponsored insurance, there’s onset diabetes, it can be a very expen- and diagnosis, these are things that are trouble brewing. Yes, because of rules sive adventure for them buying insur- generally recognized by the American and laws that Congress passed many, ance in that new State. people as being egregious overstepping many years ago, COBRA coverage that So why don’t we allow that type of by the insurance companies, and that is extended for 18 months is available transition so that someone doesn’t needs to be fixed. Here is the sad part, to an individual who loses his job, but have to be rerated? We talk a lot about Mr. Speaker, that could have been that insurance has to be the same in- being able to buy insurance across fixed. That could have been fixed be- surance that that person had while State lines. I think that’s important, fore we went home for the August re- they were employed. too. That’s a little bit heavier lift. It’s cess. We just simply chose not to do it. So the individual can pick up the pre- a little bit more difficult for Congress So, if we provide a way for someone mium for that employer-sponsored in- to come to that understanding, but who has a preexisting condition, per- surance, but most of the time the em- this ability to allow someone to buy in haps through a reinsurance, perhaps ployer is not continuing to pay their the individual market without being through high-risk pools, perhaps part so the individual has to pay the rerated when they change States, through high-risk pools with additional entire freight; in fact, it’s actually 102 that’s easy and we should be able to do State and Federal subsidies, there can percent because there’s an administra- that. Again, I frankly don’t understand be ways to bring individuals who have tive cost tacked onto that. Well, that why we don’t take that up. a preexisting condition into a state of is an expensive issue for someone who’s Again, remember if we pass this big, coverage. just lost their job. comprehensive, robust public option Could we offer people another choice? health care bill, when do you get the 1900 b If someone loses their job, they’ve got benefit? Four years. We’re going to It’s a shame. It’s a shame we never good employer-sponsored health insur- have people losing jobs next year. had a hearing on that in our health ance, they are protected. As long as We’re going to have people losing jobs subcommittee. We had hearings on al- they keep their insurance, they’re pro- the year after that. What are we going most every other issue under the sun, tected against falling into that pre- to do for those individuals in the short but we never had a hearing on, is there existing condition trap. But right now term? a way, short of an unconstitutional in- it’s either pay that large premium— And, again, I’ll reference back to the dividual mandate, is there a way to get and again you just lost your job so it President’s own speech that he gave people insurance coverage who have may be hard to do that—or become un- here on September 9. When he was at had a bad medical diagnosis and lost insured. the podium giving the speech, JOHN their insurance? We never had a hear- We offer people two choices right MCCAIN was in the audience. He ac- ing on that. We could. I think we now. What if we made something else knowledged that JOHN MCCAIN had a should. I think bright minds on both available to people? What if we allowed good idea for covering people with sides of the aisle could get together people to transition into the individual high-risk pools and that perhaps that and work out ways that this problem market and not have to go through the would be a way to provide some imme- could be solved. COBRA system to do that, but still diate relief for people who couldn’t Rescissions. Again, with a history protect their ability to have the cov- wait for the 4 years before the Federal that’s now newly disclosed, has noth- erage for a preexisting condition Government starts this new robust ing to do with the medical diagnosis, should one have developed or develop public option plan. and it was in no way fraudulently with- during the time that that individual is You hear me talk about medical li- held from the insurer, rescissions need transitioning to insurance on the indi- ability. Medical liability is a big deal. to stop. States that have high-risk vidual market. Why does it always The fact that it’s been left out of the pools, there are 34 of them. States that have to trigger the COBRA insurance? House and Senate bills, I think, is a big have the opportunity for reinsurance. Why is there not an intermediary step deal. Look, we’re asking our doctors to These are States that are working, try- that is less expensive, but still provides be our partners. Whatever the brave ing to offer their citizens a method of the protection? new world of health care reform looks dealing with this problem. We could en- Other things we could do. What if like, whatever we go to, we’re going to courage more States to pick up high- someone has COBRA, has that cov- ask our doctors to be there and be at risk pools. We’ve got some States erage, but they move to another State our sides and help us, or be the ones to

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00077 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.129 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11378 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 take care of the patients and answer in this country. It doesn’t count those tinued that job until you got your gold those emergency calls in the wee hours that are paid for by private insurance, watch in retirement. of the morning. those that are paid for out of just indi- It doesn’t work that way anymore. I We’re asking our doctors to stand viduals paying their bills or that is don’t know exactly what the figure is, with us on this. And yet we won’t do gifted to people through charity. but the estimate from the Census Bu- the one thing that would simplify the So double that number. It’s over $100 reau is that people will have perhaps 10 lives of doctors across the country, billion over the 10-year life of the or 11 jobs during the course of their keep doctors from dropping out of the health care bill that is a potential sav- productive years. So it only makes practice of medicine, and, that is, bring ings with modest medical liability re- sense that if we continue, and we likely some sense, some stability, to the med- form. Again, that’s not going to pay for will continue, to have employer-spon- ical justice system that we have in this the whole health care bill, but it would sored health insurance, that we allow country. pay for 10 percent of it. Don’t you more portability than is within the Now, Texas has done what I consider think if we could pay for 10 percent of system now. Some people have talked to be a very good thing, with putting what’s being proposed that we ought to about things like defined contributions caps on noneconomic damages. They at least consider it in our committees, from employers, rather than just the did that in 2003. They had to do it with that we should at least consider it in employer providing the insurance, pro- a constitutional amendment so that it the legislative language that’s being viding a designated sum of money for would become immediately effective proposed? the purchase of that insurance. and didn’t have to go through all sorts I will just tell you what’s happened There is a lot of discrepancy for what of court challenges; and, boy, it was in Texas since 2003 when we did pass a insurance costs. In the State of New like turning a switch and things have cap on noneconomic damages. Since Jersey, the average health insurance improved in Texas since that bill was 2003, Texas has licensed 15,000 new phy- premium for a family of four recently passed. But you will also hear people sicians. Over a similar time span pre- quoted at $10,000. You go across the say, Oh, medical liability, it doesn’t ceding that, that number was about a State line to Pennsylvania and it drops save that much money. You can do third. We’ve gained 192 new obstetri- $4,000, to $6,000. Well, there’s not a lot whatever you want, but it’s like a 1 cians; 26 rural counties have added an of difference right there on the State percent savings. obstetrician, including 10 where pre- line between one segment of the popu- But that’s based on a very old study viously there was no OB doctor. lation and those that are north of the that really only looked at the cost of Texas is a big State. We’ve got 242 line in New Jersey. Why not? Why not the premiums themselves, from back in counties, so there’s a lot of counties in allow people to perhaps look into the the early 1990s, the American Medical Texas. But, still, 10 counties without purchase of insurance in other markets Association, a very famous study an obstetrician before that now have that may fit their needs and may be called the Tonn study, frequently still one. That’s prenatal care that’s avail- more affordable? quoted here 15, 20 years later. The Tonn able to patients that wasn’t available And then, of course, again we get study did say that you weren’t going to before unless you drove multiple miles into the issue of someone who moves save much money with medical liabil- to a medical center. That’s doctors who across the State line, why not allow ity. But, of course, the Tonn study dis- are there when patients need them, fre- that portability? Just in the interest of counted what would happen as far as quently when time is of the essence, in completeness, the State of Texas, a the practice of defensive medicine. the process of having a baby. So that is family of four, the average insurance Let me ask you this: medical liabil- a good thing. premium is $5,000 a year. The State ity premiums have gone up year over Thirty-three rural counties have lines concept is one, and we heard the year over year. Medical liability has gained ER doctors, including 26 coun- President talk about it in his speech of continued to be a problem year over ties that previously did not have an September 9. He talked about a part of year over year these last 20 years. Do emergency room doctor now have one rural Alabama where if someone was you think the practice of defensive since the passage of commonsense med- going to the individual market, they medicine is more widespread now than ical liability reform in 2003. Doctors only had one insurance company from it was 20 years ago? Well, you bet it is. have contributed $594 million in char- which to choose. You bet it is. Twenty years ago we ity care since the bill was passed. 1915 didn’t have PET scans. We barely had I introduced similar language at the b MRIs. The more new things, new tech- Federal level, H.R. 1468 for those keep- And that’s not terribly surprising. In- nology that becomes available, doctors ing score at home; and I had offered surance companies tend to be natural are continually trying to see what is that as an amendment to our com- monopolies. They tend to want to form the maximum I can do so that I won’t mittee bill last July. I was at first monopolies and capture market share. look bad if things go wrong and I’m struck down on a technicality. Then I But the President’s quite correct; you called into court and have to defend was struck down on a party-line vote. don’t get much competition if you’ve my medical judgments. So it’s no small It doesn’t seem that the Democratic only got one insurance company. So wonder that the cost of defensive medi- majority has really had any interest in the President’s solution to this prob- cine has gone up and up and up. trying to reform the medical justice lem is, well, let’s create a public option Now the Congressional Budget Office system in this country. and we’ll have two insurance compa- has put out a new report. In a letter to Yet now the Congressional Budget nies for that family in Alabama to Senator HATCH, they talk about their Office in a letter to Senator HATCH, choose from. But there’s over 1,300 in- new estimate for what medical liabil- where he requested a new analysis of surance companies in the United ity reform would save the Federal Gov- the cost of defensive medicine, has said States of America. Why not open the ernment. This is just in the Medicare that it would be a savings of $54 billion market up so that more of those 1,300 and Medicaid system, and it’s esti- over 10 years, and they do cite several insurance companies that already exist mated to be $54 billion over 10 years. studies in there where they’ve gained in the country—we don’t have to create That’s getting to be a significant that information. a new one, we don’t have to pay all amount of money. Again, at the end of this hour I will that start-up capital for creating a new But wait a minute. Remember that ask to make the Congressional Budget program—why not just allow them to the Federal Government is now respon- Office report, the letter to Senator compete across state lines? sible for about 50 cents out of every HATCH, a part of the RECORD. And you know, interestingly enough, health care dollar that’s spent in this Portability, being able to take your Democrats that reflexively opposed country. Fifty cents out of every insurance with you. There was a time this idea year in and year out now health care dollar that’s spent in this when I was a youngster when you went seem to be warming to the concept. At country actually originates right here to high school, perhaps went to college, the very least, if you have a public op- on the floor of this House. So that $54 but whether you graduated from col- tion that is available in Alabama, it’s billion over 10 years only represents lege or just started after high school, going to be the same public option about half of the medical expenditures you took a job and you probably con- that’s available in Tennessee, and the

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00078 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.130 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11379 same public option that’s available in one such plan. And certainly, that is formula, what’s it going to look like if Texas. Guess what? That public option one that should be included in any we enact some of these things that is going to be sold across state lines be- compendium of plans that are offered have been discussed over on the Senate cause it is a Federal program. So why as conservative or Republican alter- side and indeed on the House side? don’t we, before we go to all the trou- natives to what is being proposed in What if we create this body that’s ble and expense and anxiety of creating health care. going to come to us every year and say, an entirely new Federal entitlement Medicare payment reform. We’re in order for the books to balance, Mr. and type of insurance, why not just going to pay for half of this trillion- or Mrs. Congressman, we are going to simply allow some open competition dollar bill with cuts in Medicare. Well, have to cut fees that are paid to hos- across state lines? I’ve got to tell you, I get more letters, pitals, doctors, nurses, nursing homes Now, cooperatives are something more mail from individuals who are by whatever percentage amount they that we hear, that word gets a lot of doctors who are concerned about what say. traction, co-ops. You know a pur- we, what Congress is doing to them in Congress, if we pass this law, simply chasing co-op that could go across physician reimbursement. It’s easy to votes that up or down. They don’t take state lines, I could be okay with that. say, oh, man, doctors they make so any responsibility for it. There’s no ac- A co-op that was just a dressed-up pub- much money, so you cut them a little countability. We just simply pass those lic option, I’m not so much in favor of bit—who cares? December 31st of this cuts on. That’s a terrible way to do that. But certainly, allowing people to year, under the current formula, sus- business. Wouldn’t it be better if we band together, people that may belong tainable growth rate formula, physi- found a way to deliver care more eco- to the same alumni association, the cians will undergo a 20 percent reduc- nomically so we didn’t have to come to same church, you name whatever asso- tion in reimbursement. our provider community, to our doc- ciation, realtors, dentists, physicians Now, true enough, Senator BAUCUS’ tors, to our hospitals, to our nurses and offices, that want to get the purchasing bill does delay that by 1 year. That’s nursing homes, and say, We’re going to power of a much larger group in that our typical response. We’ll do some- have to keep a little bit more of your individual market, we should allow thing to kick the can down the road. If money this year in order to make our them the freedom, the freedom to be we do that, then next year they face a books balance? able to make those associations and to 25 percent reduction in reimbursement. Now, ensuring the future physician purchase. In some specialties, cardiologists, in work force, I think, is extremely im- You know, tax credits—and I will particular, where there’s been some re- portant. H.R. 914, the Physician Work- admit there are people on my side that basing of what are called relative value force Investment Act that I introduced get nervous when you talk about tax units for the work that they do, are last Congress and this Congress as well, credits. But tax credits to help with facing cuts in excess of 30 percent at I’ve provided that to the White House. the purchase of insurance I think is the end of the year. Well, I’m here to You know, here’s the deal. We can sit certainly something that was talked tell you that you don’t have that much here and talk all night long about about during the last presidential cam- excess capacity in the average doctor’s health insurance, and that may be an paign. I think it is a way to provide im- office where you can squeeze 30 cents important discussion to have, but I’ve mediate help, not help 4 years from out of every dollar in savings and ex- got to tell you, if you don’t have any now, but immediate help to people who pect those offices to stay open. doctors there at the end of the day, all don’t have employer-sponsored insur- Well, wait a minute. We’ve got an un- the insurance in the world isn’t going ance, where otherwise the cost of in- employment rate that’s approaching 10 to do you a bit of good. In fact, I’d far surance is an obstruction to them get- percent. Cardiology offices are small rather have a doctor and no insurance ting that coverage. Maybe if we take business across the country, and they than I would have insurance and no away some of the issues with pre- are facing a 30 percent reduction in doctor, because if I’m in trouble, if I’m existing condition rescissions, we take Medicare reimbursement, when often- needing someone to take care of me, away some of the issues with port- times Medicare is 50, 60 or 70 percent of the insurance company typically ability, still it may be an affordability the business that they do. How do we hasn’t been all that great at that en- issue, and if we could help that with expect them to keep their doors open deavor. But physicians always respond. the tax credit or even a pre-fundable after January 1st? How do we expect Preventive care and wellness pro- tax credit, I think that is something them to make employment decisions grams. Clearly, these are going to be that is, it’s at least worth having the for their employees in their offices necessary in the world going forward. discussion. over these next couple of months while The model that was brought to us by And again, through all the hearings they’re living with this kind of limbo? Safeway Stores, the model that we that we’ve had on this, we never once I mean, they’re sitting here watching were not allowed to consider in our visited that issue. We never once in- Congress and wondering if we’re just markup in committee, but realisti- vited the Congressional Budget Office going to run out the clock on Decem- cally, we have to do that. H.R. 3148, in to kind of give us some views and es- ber 31st. When these huge cuts go into which is the Burgess-Christian CBO timates on what this might cost or effect, what are they going to tell their scoring bill, would allow for the Con- what this might look like. Instead, we employees? If they wanted to hire gressional Budget Office to score those just simply said, we’re Congress, we someone new earlier this year they’re savings that could be achieved with know best, we’re going to build an en- certainly not thinking about doing healthy lifestyles. tirely new insurance company that’s that now. And we’ve got a 9.6 percent Price transparency. We did include administered by the Federal Govern- unemployment rate. some language in the bill that was ment and that will be your competi- Cardiology offices are small busi- passed. H.R. 2249 was the Health Care tion. Take it and like it because we, nesses. Echo techs, phlebotomists that Transparency bill that I introduced after all, know best. draw blood in the lab, people that put two Congresses ago and have continued Again, the ability for people to asso- the patient back in the room. All of to introduce every Congress. A lot of ciate, whether it be a church group, an these jobs are now at risk because of that language was inserted into H.R. alumni association, maybe it’s time what Congress is doing, or not doing, 3200, for which I was grateful. But at that we gave people the option of not with fixing the sustainable growth rate the same time, transparency has got to having insurance that’s tied to a single formula and the cuts in Medicare. If we be there. So if we’re going to ask peo- employer, because, again, many people pass a bill like the Baucus bill, the cuts ple to make more and more decisions will change jobs over time. Allow the only become deeper and more Draco- for themselves, we have to give them cross-state purchasing. nian. Again, you don’t save $500 billion the information with which to do that. We’ve talked about things like asso- out of the Medicare program over 10 Mandates have no place in a free soci- ciation health plans. Various bills have years by not making some pretty harsh ety. been introduced that would deal with decisions. And when I hear the Senate talk, and this. H.R. 3218 introduced by Rep- And you know, if you think it’s bad I hear the House talk about we’re going resentative SHADEGG from Arizona is now with the sustainable growth rate to have an individual mandate and an

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00079 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.132 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11380 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 employer mandate, wait a minute. I’m ance; 7 percent goes to paying the dress those problems we will never know if not even sure that’s constitutional. freight that Medicare and Medicaid are we can find common ground if we do not try. Mandates just create laziness, create not carrying themselves. To assist you in identifying measures that could gain wide bipartisan support I am en- laziness on the part of the insurers, We have a good system. Let’s build closing four pieces of legislation that will create laziness on the part of the in- on what we have. Let’s not tear it down make incremental but important reforms to sured, and certainly create laziness on and then create something out of whole our health system. I believe that, with your the part of your Congressman. cloth to go in its place. You know, the leadership, these measures could be passed Wouldn’t it be better if we required government can referee some of these and signed into law before Thanksgiving. people to actually build programs that things, but the government doesn’t These efforts would show that we can work people wanted, rather than just force need to be the man in charge of all of together to make important reforms that improve access to care and protect the doc- people to take what we think they these things. Again, remember, the tor/patient relationship. ought to want? Mandates are an anath- United States Congress, we’ve got Physician Workforce: H.R. 914, the Physi- ema to free society. about a 20 percent approval rating. I cian Workforce Enhancement Act, would es- And there are ways to do this. Pre- think reforms can and should go for- tablish an interest-free loan program for eli- scription-drug benefit in part D, for all ward. I think there are good ideas on gible hospitals to establish residency train- its faults, Dr. McClellan, when he was both sides of the aisle here. I’ll take ing programs in certain high-need special- constructing that program, had six the President at his word. I’m anx- ties. Under the program, eligible hospitals could receive up to $1,000,000 that must be re- protected classes of drugs and said iously awaiting their response to my paid within 3 and a half years. H.R. 914 will there had to be at least two drugs of- letters. provide needed resources to smaller and fered within those six protected class- I look forward to this debate we’re emerging communities so they can attract es, and people flocked to those pro- going to have over the next several and retain the medical professionals their grams. It has been a success in the weeks, and I would encourage people communities will rely on in the future. If we number of seniors that now have cred- that, every morning when they get up, do nothing to assist the training of physi- ible drug coverage and seniors that are remember, you’ve got one Member of cians, waiting lines will grow longer, lapses Congress and two Senators. They need in treatment will occur, and many of our satisfied or very satisfied with the drug small and rural communities will be at risk coverage that they have. to hear from you on this issue. Wheth- of not having physicians to meet their grow- Normally, if you have a mandate er you agree with me or not, I promise ing needs. you’re going to get about 85 or 95 per- you they need to hear from you on this Medical Liability Reform: As you alluded cent compliance. We’ve got about 85 issue before we have this vote. to in your speech, too many doctors are percent compliance with the voluntary For more information on H.R. 914, forced to practice defensive medicine and system right now. You’re not going to the Physician Workforce Enhancement face the constant threat of lawsuits and get that much more with the mandate. Act of 2009; H.R. 1468, the Medical Jus- unsustainable medical liability insurance rates. This results in millions of dollars in Even without mandates in the prescrip- tice Act of 2009; and H.R. 2249, the unnecessary tests and procedures. Seasoned tion-drug benefit, by creating programs Health Care Price Transparency Pro- medical professionals are retiring early be- that brought value to people’s lives, 93 motion Act of 2009, log on to http:// cause staying in practice is no longer finan- percent uptake on a credible drug pro- thomas.loc.gov. cially feasible, further contributing to our gram. HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, nation’s doctor shortage. This is a growing So, you know, I’ve got to tell you. I Washington, DC, September 16, 2009. crisis that is pushing affordable health care beyond the grasp of millions of Americans. will never sit down here and advocate President BARACK OBAMA, for private insurers. But I will tell you The White House, H.R. 1468, the Medical Justice Act, is based Washington, DC. on medical liability reform implemented in that most Americans do have coverage Texas. The reforms have created a magnet under a private insurance, and they DEAR MR. PRESIDENT, I am once again com- pelled to write to you to accept your offer to for doctors and provided the funding mecha- like it. They don’t want to lose it. That meet with you at the White House to discuss nism to improve access to care and enhance has been one of the big obstacles to the health care reform proposals currently patient safety. To prove the success of getting sweeping health care reform. before us. Texas’ reforms, I’d like to share a few of the The President always says if you like I listened intently as you addressed the statistics, from the Texas Medical Associa- Joint Session of Congress on September 9, tion: what you have you can keep it. I think Since the 2003 reforms, Texas has licensed 2009, and you once again extended an olive that’s right. Sixty percent of the 14,496 new physicians. This is a 36 percent in- branch to members of the minority. I want American people like what they have, crease from pre-reform. and they don’t want it to change, so to reiterate that I am completely committed Thirty-three rural counties have seen a net to working in a bipartisan fashion to deliver that makes it difficult to do reform gain in ER doctors, including 26 counties reforms that all Americans can be com- that previously had none. that is on this scale and this sweeping. fortable with, increase access to care, lower I’ll tell you another little secret. The After years of decline, the ranks of medical health care costs for America’s families and specialists are growing in Texas. In my field Federal Government, the public option businesses, and deliver changes to the health of obstetrics, Texas saw a net loss of 14 ob- that we already have, doesn’t pay its system that improve quality. stetricians in the two years preceding re- full share of the freight of the cost of I thank you for your public commitment form. Since then the state has experienced a delivering the care. It’s subsidized by to accept innovative ideas from Republicans net gain of 192 obstetricians, and 26 rural the private sector. If you shrink the and hope that you will follow through with counties have added an obstetrician, includ- your public pledge by reviewing this letter private sector and grow the public sec- ing ten counties that previously had none. thoroughly. As you stated last week: ‘‘I will Charity care rendered by Texas hospitals tor, how are you going to make that continue to seek common ground in the has increased by 24 percent, resulting in $594 up? Where’s that money actually going weeks ahead. If you come to me with a seri- million in free care to Texas’ patients. to come from? And that’s something ous set of proposals, I will be there to listen. Texas physicians have saved $574 million in that I never hear discussed. My door is always open.’’ liability insurance premiums, a significant Yeah, insurance companies do bad I accept your gracious offer and want you savings that has allowed more doctors to things. And we’ll hear stories, we’re to know that it is not my intention to ‘‘kill’’ stay in their practice. going to hear stories in my committee health reform. In fact, I stand proudly by my Medicare Reform: Many new Medicare bipartisan work in the U.S. House of Rep- beneficiaries find it difficult to locate a doc- tomorrow about how bad insurance resentatives on health care issues. Several of tor who will accept Medicare. This is because companies are. But if we didn’t have my amendments in the Energy & Commerce physicians around the country realize that that cross-subsidization of the private Committee were accepted unanimously while Medicare is an unstable payer, subject to the sector, we could not afford the public others are currently under negotiation with whims of political will and influence, and are sector. Now, people will tell you that Chairman Waxman for inclusion in a final doing what they must to protect their small it’s the cost of the uninsured that we’re House product. businesses. Physicians are scheduled to re- leaning on the private sector to provide That said, I have read the America’s Af- ceive a significant reduction in Medicare for us. No, that’s a small amount. That fordable Health Choices Act (H.R. 3200) and I payments on January 1, 2010. The Ensuring do concede I have many concerns with the the Future Physician Workforce Act, a bill I cross-subsidization that’s coming to approach the bill takes. Many of the items plan on introducing shortly, will give doc- the public sector is the lion’s share of you outlined in your speech do have wide bi- tors what they really need a stable and rea- that. That 9 percent figure, about 2 partisan support. While we may have dis- sonable predictor of an inflationary reim- percent is people who have no insur- agreements on the policy approaches to ad- bursement under Medicare. This will allow

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00080 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.133 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11381 seniors to maintain access to their doctor. care system. Little to no details regarding individuals associated with the White House The legislation also rewards quality report- the negotiations have been released, and re- and any and all individuals, groups, associa- ing of data, further incentivizes the adoption cent actions and press reports have reminded tions, companies or entities who are stake- of Health Information Technology, and me of the importance of openness and trans- holders in health care reform, as well as the brings increased transparency on utilization, parency throughout the legislative process. nature, sum and substance of the agree- billing, and funding to the Medicare pro- Roll Call reports today that negotiators ments; and, gram. working in the House to merge the three 2. The name of any and all individuals as- Health Care Price Transparency: A patient committee bills plan to trim the cost of the sociated with the White House who partici- should be able to know what they are paying legislation by roughly $200 billion. I wonder pated in the decision-making process during for and how much they will pay out-of-pock- what programs or services are being cut, who these negotiations, and the names, dates and et. H.R. 2249, the Health Care Price Trans- will be affected, and how these cuts are being titles of meetings they participated in re- parency Promotion Act, directs states to es- decided. garding negotiations with the aforemen- tablish and maintain laws requiring disclo- In the Senate Finance Committee’s mark- tioned entities in question one; and, sure of information on hospital charges. The up, Senator Bill Nelson (D-Fl) introduced an 3. The names of any and all individuals, legislation requires hospitals and health amendment regarding drug prices in Medi- groups, associations, companies or entities plans to make this information available to care and Medicaid. During the debate on the who requested a meeting with the White the public, and to provide individuals with amendment, Senator Torn Carper (D-Del), House regarding health care reform who information about estimated out-of-pocket while arguing against the amendment, said were denied a meeting. costs for health care services. H.R. 2249 aims ‘‘Whether you like PhRMA or not, we have a In our efforts to improve access to health to make health care more affordable by pro- deal,’’ referring to the deal PhRMA cut with care services, the American people expect us moting greater transparency about the cost the White House earlier this year. to act in their best interests, rather than of health care services for patients seeking In addition, within the Senate Finance protecting business interests of those who care. The legislation sets a national floor for Committee plan is a commission to slow the are interested in currying favor in Wash- growth of Medicare spending, most likely transparency. As someone who has com- ington, DC. If these health related stake- through changes to reimbursement policy. mitted his Administration to transparency, holders have made concessions to Wash- However, hospitals would be exempt from this is an important step in helping make ington politicians without asking anything this commission because, according to health care, and specifically health care in exchange for the patients they serve, Con- CongressDaily, ‘‘they already negotiated a costs, more transparent, which empowers the gress and, more importantly, the American cost cutting agreement’’ with the White consumer. public deserve to know. Conversely, if they As a practicing physician for over 25 years, House. Despite your promise to make all health sought out protections for industry-specific I believe I bring a unique perspective to the care reform negotiations in public, we still policies, we need to know that as well. current health care reform debate. I am com- have very few details on what exactly was We must learn what these negotiations mitted to finding areas of collaboration be- agreed to during these highly publicized ne- mean for the millions of concerned Ameri- tween the political parties that can deliver gotiations. In fact, even the stakeholders in- cans. How they will be better served, includ- meaningful system reforms that will benefit volved have, at times, seemed at odds with ing having affordable health coverage and all Americans. I would greatly appreciate what was actually agreed to. But the one access to the providers they need? These ne- the opportunity to review both the efforts thing we all know is that, through press gotiations may have produced consensus on outlined above and also my areas of concern statements, many deals were made. Unfortu- policy changes that are proper and needed, with H.R. 3200 so that we may mutually nately, even where brief descriptions of pol- but Congress will never know for sure that work to bring quality, affordable health care icy goals are available, details on achieving we are acting in our constituents’ best inter- to all Americans. these goals are absent, a point made by the ests until all the facts are known. I look forward to the opportunity to meet Congressional Budget Office (CBO). I look forward to the opportunity to speak with you at your earliest convenience. I am compelled to ask—how could Congress with you at your earliest convenience on Should your staff have any questions about have done its’ due diligence in creating the this matter. Should your staff have any any of the attached proposals or would like policy before us without crucial details sur- questions about this request please contact to arrange a meeting, please contact me or rounding these deals? Were the votes we me or my Legislative Director J.P. my Legislative Director J.P. Paluskiewicz at have seen in the Senate Finance Committee Paluskiewicz at my Washington, D.C. office my Washington, D.C. office. as of late a direct result of these backroom at 202–225–7772. Sincerely, negotiations? Will CBO be able to actually Sincerely, MICHAEL C. BURGESS, M.D., score any of these deals to apply those cost MICHAEL C. BURGESS, M.D., Member of Congress. savings to legislation? Were these negotia- Member of Congress. tions in the best interests of patients? f HOUSE OF REPRESENTATIVES, Having little to no information, I cannot Washington, DC September 30, 2009. judge. However, this begs even more ques- LEAVE OF ABSENCE President BARACK OBAMA, tions. Is Congress enacting the best policy By unanimous consent, leave of ab- The White House, reforms for Americans, or are certain sence was granted to: Washington, DC. changes being made or not made because of DEAR MR. PRESIDENT, I write you once the negotiations orchestrated by the White Mr. ABERCROMBIE (at the request of again on the topic of health care reform. As House? Will smaller stakeholders suffer more Mr. HOYER) for today and October 15 you know, Democrat leaders in the House of from our policy choices because of what larg- until 3:30 p.m. Representatives are currently working to er groups may have negotiated behind closed Mr. CARNEY (at the request of Mr. merge the three committee bills. Meanwhile, doors? HOYER) for today and October 15 on ac- the two Senate products are waiting to be Mr. President, I do not write this letter to count of active military duty. merged pending completion of the Senate Fi- chide you for engaging in what I consider the nance Committee’s mark-up. most pressing debate before Congress. I ap- f I have closely followed the health care de- plaud you for your leadership in compelling SPECIAL ORDERS GRANTED bate for months, making note of actions by Congress to act. In order to fully understand all parties involved, including the House, the policy choices before us, though, we need By unanimous consent, permission to Senate, White House, advocate groups, and to know what took place earlier this year address the House, following the legis- the health care industry. These reforms have during these meetings at the White House. lative program and any special orders wide-reaching implications, and you have You have made it very clear that you value heretofore entered, was granted to: stressed the importance of conducting busi- transparency and have sought to make your (The following Members (at the re- ness in public so that the American people Administration stand out in this regard. As quest of Mr. DEFAZIO) to revise and ex- are aware and involved in the process. a member of the House Energy and Com- tend their remarks and include extra- In fact, during a Democratic Presidential merce Committee’s subcommittee on Over- primary debate on January 31, 2008, you said: sight and Investigations, so do I. The last neous material:) ‘‘That’s what I will do in bringing all parties thing I would want to see is a formal inves- Ms. WOOLSEY, for 5 minutes, today. together, not negotiating behind closed tigation of these meetings. Ms. KAPTUR, for 5 minutes, today. doors, but bringing all parties together, and Thus, I formally request full disclosure by Mr. DEFAZIO, for 5 minutes, today. broadcasting those negotiations on C–SPAN the White House in the following areas re- Ms. JACKSON-LEE of Texas, for 5 min- so that the American people can see what garding all meetings with health care stake- utes, today. the choices are, because part of what we holders occurring earlier this year on the (The following Members (at the re- have to do is enlist the American people in topic of securing an agreement on health re- quest of Mr. POE of Texas) to revise and this process.’’ form legislation, efforts to pay for any such It has now been over four months since the legislation, and undertakings to bend the out extend their remarks and include ex- White House announced numerous deals with year cost curve: traneous material:) major stakeholders in the health care debate 1. A list of all agreements entered into, in Mr. POE of Texas, for 5 minutes, Oc- to save upwards of $2 trillion in the health writing or in principle, between any and all tober 21.

VerDate Nov 24 2008 04:19 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00081 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\A14OC7.065 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE H11382 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE October 14, 2009 Mr. JONES, for 5 minutes, October 21. 4095. A letter from the Acting Under Sec- Directives; Fokker Model F.27 Mark 050 Air- Mr. KING of New York, for 5 minutes, retary, Department of Defense, transmitting planes [Docket No.: FAA-2009-0691; Direc- October 20. Inventory Lists for the Department of De- torate Identifier 2009-NM-061-AD; Amend- fense Agency and Activities pursuant to sec- ment 39-15988; AD 2009-16-05] (RIN: 2120-AA64) Ms. ROS-LEHTINEN, for 5 minutes, Oc- tion 2330a Title 10 of the U.S. Code as amend- received September 21, 2009, pursuant to 5 tober 15, 20 and 21. ed by section 807 of the National Defense Au- U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Mr. DEAL of Georgia, for 5 minutes, thorization Act of Fiscal Year 2008; to the Transportation and Infrastructure. October 15. Committee on Armed Services. 4106. A letter from the Program Analyst, Mr. WESTMORELAND, for 5 minutes, 4096. A letter from the Chair, Congres- Department of Transportation, transmitting today. sional Oversight Panel, transmitting the the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness Ms. FOXX, for 5 minutes, today. Panel’s monthly report pursuant to Section Directives; Boeing Model 737-100, -200, -200C, 125(b)(1) of the Emergency Economic Sta- -300, -400, and -500 Series Airplanes [Docket Mr. POSEY, for 5 minutes, today and bilization Act of 2008, Pub. L. 110-343; to the No.: FAA-2008-1213; Directorate Identifier October 15. Committee on Financial Services. 2007-NM-092-AD; Amendment 39-15987; AD Mrs. BACHMANN, for 5 minutes, today 4097. A letter from the Assistant Legal Ad- 2009-16-14] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received Sep- and October 15. visor for Treaty Affairs, Department of tember 21, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. f State, transmitting a report prepared by the 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- Department of State concerning inter- tation and Infrastructure. SENATE BILLS REFERRED national agreements other than treaties en- 4107. A letter from the Program Analyst, Bills of the Senate of the following tered into by the United States to be trans- Department of Transportation, transmitting titles were taken from the Speaker’s mitted to the Congress within the sixty-day the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness period specified in the Case-Zablocki Act, Directives; Boeing Model 767 Airplanes table and, under the rule, referred as pursuant to 1 U.S.C. 112b(b); to the Com- [Docket No.: FAA-2007-29173; Directorate follows: mittee on Foreign Affairs. Identifier 2006-NM-283-AD; Amendment 39- S. 846. An act to award a congressional 4098. A letter from the Assistant Secretary, 15989; AD 2009-16-06] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received gold medal to Dr. Muhammad Yunus, in rec- Legislative Affairs, Department of State, September 21, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. ognition of his contributions to the fight transmitting Pursuant to section 527(f) of 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- against global poverty, the Committee on Fi- the Foreign Relations Authorization Act for tation and Infrastructure. nancial Services. FY 1994 and 1995 (Pub. L. 103-236), a report 4108. A letter from the Program Analyst, S. 1510. An act to transfer statutory enti- listing outstanding expropriation cases; to Department of Transportation, transmitting tlements to pay and hours of work author- the Committee on Foreign Affairs. the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness ized by the District of Columbia Code for 4099. A letter from the Chairman, Merit Directives; British Aerospace Regional Air- current members of the United States Secret Systems Protection Board, transmitting the craft Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jet- Service Uniformed Division from the Dis- Board’s report entitled ‘‘Managing for En- stream Series 200 and 3101, and Jetstream trict of Columbia Code to the United States gagement — Communication, Connection, Model 3201 Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2009- Code, the Committee on Oversight and Gov- and Courage’’, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 1204(a)(3); 0570; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-033-AD; ernment Reform. to the Committee on Oversight and Govern- Amendment 39-15949; AD 2009-13-10] (RIN: ment Reform. 2120-AA64) received September 21, 2009, pur- f 4100. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- ENROLLED BILLS SIGNED ment of Health and Human Services, trans- mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- mitting copy of the Annual Report to Con- ture. Lorraine C. Miller, Clerk of the gress on the Refugee Resettlement Program 4109. A letter from the Program Analyst, House, reported and found truly en- for the period October 1, 2006 through Sep- Department of Transportation, transmitting rolled bills of the House of the fol- tember 30, 2007 as required by section 413(a) the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness lowing titles, which were thereupon of the Immigration and Nationality Act, pur- Directives; British Aerospace Regional Air- signed by the Speaker: suant to 8 U.S.C. 1523(a); to the Committee craft Model HP.137 Jetstream Mk.1, Jet- on the Judiciary. H.R. 1016. An act to amend title 38, United stream Series 200 and 3101, and Jetstream 4101. A letter from the Attorney-Advisor, States Code, to provide advance appropria- Model 3201 Airplanes [Docket No.: FAA-2009- Department of Homeland Security, transmit- tions authority for certain accounts of the 0817; Directorate Identifier 2009-CE-046-AD; ting the Department’s final rule — Special Department of Veterans Affairs, and for Amendment 39-16020; AD 2009-19-03] (RIN: Local Regulations for Marine Events; Pa- other purposes. 2120-AA64) received September 18, 2009, pur- tapsco River, Northwest Harbor, Baltimore, H.R. 2997. An act making appropriations suant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Com- MD [Docket No.: USCG-2009-0251] (RIN: 1625- for Agriculture, Rural Development, Food mittee on Transportation and Infrastruc- AA08) received September 25, 2009, pursuant and Drug Administration, and Related Agen- ture. to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on 4110. A letter from the Program Analyst, cies programs for the fiscal year ending Sep- Transportation and Infrastructure. Department of Transportation, transmitting tember 30, 2010, and for other purposes. 4102. A letter from the Attorney-Advisor, the Department’s final rule — Standard In- f Department of Homeland Security, transmit- strument Approach Procedures, and Takeoff ting the Department’s final rule — Safety SENATE ENROLLED BILL SIGNED Minimums and Obstacle Departure Proce- Zone: F/V Patriot, Massachusetts Bay, MA dures; Miscellaneous Amendments [Docket The Speaker announced her signa- [Docket No.: USCG-2009-0707] (RIN: 1625- No.: 30683 Amdt. No 3336] received September ture to an enrolled bill of the Senate of AA00) received September 25, 2009, pursuant 18, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the following title: to 5 U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on the Committee on Transportation and Infra- Transportation and Infrastructure. structure. S. 1717. To authorize major medical facility 4103. A letter from the Program Analyst, 4111. A letter from the Program Analyst, leases for the Department of Veterans Af- Department of Transportation, transmitting Department of Transportation, transmitting fairs for fiscal year 2010, and for other pur- the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness the Department’s final rule — Airspace Des- poses. Directives; SOCATA Model TBM 700 Air- ignations; Incorporation By Reference f planes [Docket No.: FAA-2006-26234; Direc- [Docket No.: 29334; Amendment No. 71-41] re- torate Identifier 2006-CE-064-AD; Amendment ceived September 18, 2009, pursuant to 5 ADJOURNMENT 39-15983; AD 2007-03-17 R1] (RIN: 2120-AA64) U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Mr. BURGESS. Mr. Speaker, I move received September 21, 2009, pursuant to 5 Transportation and Infrastructure. that the House do now adjourn. U.S.C. 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on 4112. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- The motion was agreed to; accord- Transportation and Infrastructure. ment of Labor, transmitting the 2008 Annual 4104. A letter from the Program Analyst, ingly (at 7 o’clock and 28 minutes Report of the Assistant Secretary for Vet- Department of Transportation, transmitting erans’ Employment and Training of the De- p.m.), the House adjourned until to- the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness partment of Labor, pursuant to 38 U.S.C. morrow, Thursday, October 15, 2009, at Directives; BAE Systems (Operations) Lim- 2009(b); to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- 10 a.m. ited (Jetstream) Model 4101 Airplanes [Dock- fairs. f et No.: FAA-2009-0463; Directorate Identifier 4113. A letter from the Chairman, Defense 2008-NM-065-AD; Amendment 39-15984; AD Nuclear Facilities Safety Board, transmit- EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS, 2009-16-01] (RIN: 2120-AA64) received Sep- ting a report entitled, ‘‘Risk Assessment ETC. tember 21, 2009, pursuant to 5 U.S.C. Methodologies at Defense Nuclear Facili- 801(a)(1)(A); to the Committee on Transpor- ties’’; jointly to the Committees on Armed Under clause 2 of Rule XXIV, execu- tation and Infrastructure. Services and Energy and Commerce. tive communications were taken from 4105. A letter from the Program Analyst, 4114. A letter from the Secretary and At- the Speaker’s table and referred as fol- Department of Transportation, transmitting torney General, Departments of Health and lows: the Department’s final rule — Airworthiness Human Services and Justice, transmitting

VerDate Nov 24 2008 03:08 Oct 15, 2009 Jkt 089060 PO 00000 Frm 00082 Fmt 7634 Sfmt 0634 E:\CR\FM\K14OC7.135 H14OCPT1 wwoods2 on DSK1DXX6B1PROD with HOUSE October 14, 2009 CONGRESSIONAL RECORD — HOUSE H11383 the eleventh Annual Report on the Health PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS H. Res. 828. A resolution to recognize Octo- Care Fraud and Abuse Control (HCFAC) Pro- ber 24, 2009, the 20th chartered flight of gram for Fiscal Year 2008; jointly to the Under clause 2 of rule XII, public World War II veterans through Louisiana Committees on Energy and Commerce and bills and resolutions of the following HonorAir, as ‘‘Louisiana HonorAir Day,’’ and Ways and Means. titles were introduced and severally re- to honor the invaluable service and dedica- 4115. A letter from the Board Members, ferred, as follows: tion of the World War II veterans to our Na- Railroad Retirement Board, transmitting By Mr. MORAN of Kansas: tion; to the Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. the Annual Report of the Railroad Retire- H.R. 3806. A bill to amend the Medicare By Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- ment Board for Fiscal Year ending Sep- Prescription Drug, Improvement, and Mod- ida (for herself, Mr. TIBERI, Mr. DAVIS tember 30, 2008, pursuant to 45 U.S.C. ernization Act of 2003 to extend and expand of Illinois, Mr. MCDERMOTT, Mr. 231f(b)(6); jointly to the Committees on the Medicare rural community hospital dem- DAVIS of Kentucky, Mrs. BACHMANN, Transportation and Infrastructure and Ways onstration program; to the Committee on Mr. PLATTS, Mrs. SCHMIDT, Mr. MEEK and Means. Ways and Means. of Florida, Mr. DEAL of Georgia, and 4116. A letter from the Board Members, By Mr. ROE of Tennessee: Mr. LINDER): Railroad Retirement Board, transmitting H.R. 3807. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- H. Res. 831. A resolution supporting the the Board’s budget request for fiscal year enue Code of 1986 to provide an incentive for goals and ideals of National Adoption Day 2011, in accordance with Section 7(f) of the expanding employment in rural areas by al- and National Adoption Month by promoting Railroad Retirement Act, pursuant to 45 lowing employers the work opportunity cred- national awareness of adoption and the chil- U.S.C. 231f(f); jointly to the Committees on it for hiring residents of rural areas; to the dren in foster care awaiting families, cele- Appropriations, Transportation and Infra- Committee on Ways and Means. brating children and families involved in structure, and Ways and Means. By Mr. ADERHOLT (for himself, Mr. adoption, recognizing current programs and 4117. A letter from the Secretary, Depart- DAVIS of Alabama, Mr. BRALEY of efforts designed to promote adoption, and en- ment of Labor, transmitting the Depart- Iowa, and Mr. CASTLE): couraging people in the United States to ment’s report entitled, ‘‘The Department of H.R. 3808. A bill to require any Federal or seek improved safety, permanency, and well- Labor’s List of Goods Produced by Child State court to recognize any notarization being for all children; to the Committee on Labor or Forced Labor’’; jointly to the Com- made by a notary public licensed by a State Ways and Means. mittees on Education and Labor, Oversight other than the State where the court is lo- By Mr. LOEBSACK (for himself, Mr. and Government Reform, and Ways and cated when such notarization occurs in or af- BOSWELL, Mr. LATHAM, Mr. KING of Means. fects interstate commerce; to the Committee Iowa, and Mr. BRALEY of Iowa): f on the Judiciary. H. Res. 832. A resolution recognizing and By Mr. BROUN of Georgia: congratulating ACT, Inc. on 50 years of serv- REPORTS OF COMMITTEES ON ice to the Nation; to the Committee on Edu- PUBLIC BILLS AND RESOLUTIONS H.R. 3809. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- enue Code of 1986 to allow a deduction for un- cation and Labor. Under clause 2 of rule XIII, reports of reimbursed funeral expenses with respect to By Mr. SCHIFF: committees were delivered to the Clerk a deceased indigent individual; to the Com- H. Res. 833. A resolution honoring the 60th for printing and reference to the proper mittee on Ways and Means. anniversary of the establishment of diplo- calendar, as follows: By Mr. DEFAZIO (for himself, Mr. HIN- matic relations between the United States and the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Mr. WAXMAN: Committee on Energy and CHEY, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Ms. DELAURO, Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. RYAN of 10th anniversary of the accession to the Commerce. H.R. 3200. A bill to provide af- throne of His Majesty King Abdullah II Ibn fordable, quality health care for all Ameri- Ohio, Mr. SABLAN, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Ms. KAPTUR, Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. Al Hussein, and for other purposes; to the cans and reduce the growth in health care Committee on Foreign Affairs. spending, and for other purposes; with an DELAHUNT, Mr. OBERSTAR, Mr. FIL- amendment (Rept. 111–299 Pt. 1). Referred to NER, Mr. TIERNEY, Mr. CAPUANO, and f the Committee of the Whole House on the Mr. GUTIERREZ): H.R. 3810. A bill to extend certain eco- PRIVATE BILLS AND State of the Union. RESOLUTIONS Mr. RANGEL: Committee on Ways and nomic recovery payments, and for other pur- Means. H.R. 3200. A bill to provide affordable, poses; to the Committee on Ways and Means, Under clause 3 of rule XII, quality health care for all Americans and re- and in addition to the Committees on Trans- Mr. PASTOR of Arizona introduced a bill duce the growth in health care spending, and portation and Infrastructure, and Veterans’ (H.R. 3814) for the relief of Martha Quintana for other purposes; with an amendment Affairs, for a period to be subsequently de- Bonilla; which was referred to the Com- (Rept. 111–299 Pt. 2). Referred to the Com- termined by the Speaker, in each case for mittee on the Judiciary. consideration of such provisions as fall with- mittee of the Whole House on the State of f the Union. in the jurisdiction of the committee con- Mr. GEORGE MILLER of California: Com- cerned. ADDITIONAL SPONSORS By Ms. KOSMAS: mittee on Education and Labor. H.R. 3200. A Under clause 7 of rule XII, sponsors bill to provide affordable, quality health care H.R. 3811. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- for all Americans and reduce the growth in enue Code of 1986 to authorize the Secretary, were added to public bills and resolu- health care spending, and for other purposes; for a period of 2 years, to allocate a new mar- tions as follows: with an amendment (Rept. 111–299 Pt. 3). Re- kets tax credit limitation to entities that H.R. 32: Ms. MARKEY of Colorado and Mr. ferred to the Committee of the Whole House serve or provide investment capital for dis- PETERSON. on the State of the Union. tressed communities; to the Committee on H.R. 211: Ms. ROYBAL-ALLARD. Mr. HASTINGS of Florida: Committee on Ways and Means. H.R. 272: Mr. LANCE. Rules. House Resolution 829. Resolution pro- By Ms. KOSMAS: H.R. 391: Mr. MANZULLO. viding for consideration of the conference re- H.R. 3812. A bill to amend the Internal Rev- H.R. 406: Ms. TSONGAS. port to accompany the bill (H.R. 2892) mak- enue Code of 1986 to encourage businesses to H.R. 525: Mr. BURGESS. ing appropriations for the Department of purchase commercial and residential prop- H.R. 610: Mr. HARE. Homeland Security for the fiscal year ending erty in distressed communities by providing H.R. 615: Mr. MCMAHON. September 30, 2010, and for other purposes an exclusion from tax on certain gains; to H.R. 761: Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN. (Rept. 111–300). Referred to the House Cal- the Committee on Ways and Means. H.R. 868: Mr. HODES and Mr. WALZ. endar. By Mr. SESTAK: H.R. 986: Mr. REYES. Ms. MATSUI: Committee on Rules. House H.R. 3813. A bill to amend title 38, United H.R. 1024: Ms. CHU. Resolution 830. Resolution providing for con- States Code, to provide for the approval of H.R. 1103: Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Flor- sideration of the bill (H.R. 2442) to amend the certain programs of education for purposes ida. Reclamation Wastewater and Groundwater of the Post-9/11 Educational Assistance Pro- H.R. 1177: Mrs. MCMORRIS RODGERS. Study and Facilities Act to expand the Bay gram; to the Committee on Veterans’ Af- H.R. 1182: Mrs. DAHLKEMPER, Ms. SUTTON, Area Regional Water Recycling Program, fairs. Mr. BISHOP of Georgia, and Ms. DEGETTE. and for other purposes (Rept. 111–301). Re- By Mr. FLEMING (for himself, Mr. AL- H.R. 1191: Mr. KENNEDY. ferred to the House Calendar. EXANDER, Mr. BOUSTANY, Mr. CAO, H.R. 1193: Mr. SCHAUER. f Mr. CASSIDY, Mr. MELANCON, and Mr. H.R. 1194: Mr. SIRES, Mr. MELANCON, Mr. SCALISE): THOMPSON of Pennsylvania, Mr. LEE of New DISCHARGE OF COMMITTEE H. Res. 827. A resolution honoring the life York, Mr. NYE, Mr. PRICE of North Carolina, Pursuant to clause 2 of rule XII the Com- and service of Dewey Lee Fletcher, Jr; to the and Mr. ISRAEL. mittees on Oversight and Government Re- Committee on House Administration. H.R. 1215: Mrs. NAPOLITANO. form and the Budget discharged from further By Mr. CAO (for himself, Mr. CASSIDY, H.R. 1283: Mr. FOSTER. consideration. H.R. 3200 referred to the Com- Mr. ALEXANDER, Mr. BOUSTANY, Mr. H.R. 1310: Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York. mittee of the Whole House on the State of MELANCON, Mr. SCALISE, and Mr. H.R. 1326: Mr. SERRANO, Mrs. MCCARTHY of the Union, and ordered to be printed. FLEMING): New York, Mr. MEEK of Florida, Mr.

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RUPPERSBERGER, Mr. ANDREWS, and Mr. CAS- H.R. 3077: Ms. LINDA T. SA´ NCHEZ OF CALI- Georgia, Mr. HARPER, Mr. DAVIS of Ken- TLE. FORNIA. tucky, Mr. MARCHANT, Mr. GINGREY of Geor- H.R. 1392: Ms. DELAURO. H.R. 3092: Ms. DEGETTE. gia, Mr. GARRETT of New Jersey, Mr. H.R. 1478: Ms. SUTTON. H.R. 3185: Mr. MARSHALL. LAMBORN, and Mr. BURTON of Indiana. H.R. 1521: Mr. BOUCHER and Mr. WEINER. H.R. 3206: Ms. RICHARDSON. H.R. 3802: Mr. CHAFFETZ, Mr. BONNER, Mr. H.R. 1545: Mr. TURNER and Ms. TSONGAS. H.R. 3225: Mr. CARNAHAN. POSEY, Mr. BROWN of South Carolina, Mr. H.R. 1549: Mr. MEEK of Florida. H.R. 3238: Mr. POLIS of Colorado. BISHOP of Utah, Mr. FLEMING, Mr. ISSA, Mr. H.R. 1570: Mr. BLUNT. H.R. 3263: Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey. AKIN, Mr. LAMBORN, Ms. FALLIN, Mrs. H.R. 1583: Mr. VISCLOSKY and Mr. WELCH. H.R. 3350: Mr. POSEY. BACHMANN, Mr. GINGREY of Georgia, Mr. H.R. 1588: Mr. DAVIS of Tennessee. H.R. 3355: Mr. THOMPSON of Pennsylvania, BARTLETT, Mr. MARCHANT, Mrs. BLACKBURN, H.R. 1596: Mr. EHLERS. Mr. BONNER, and Mr. LEWIS of Georgia. Mr. CULBERSON, Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. H.R. 1623: Mr. KILDEE. H.R. 3356: Mr. OLSON, Mr. BISHOP of Utah, KLINE of Minnesota, Mr. BROUN of Georgia, H.R. 1708: Ms. BERKLEY and Mrs. MCCARTHY Mr. MARCHANT, Mr. LAMBORN, Mr. COFFMAN Mr. DAVIS of Kentucky, and Mr. COLE. of New York. of Colorado, Mrs. LUMMIS, and Mr. MCCAUL. H. Con. Res. 42: Mr. GRIJALVA. AMBORN H.R. 1770: Mr. CARNAHAN. H.R. 3375: Mr. L . H. Con. Res. 43: Mr. GRIJALVA. H.R. 3380: Mr. FILNER, Mr. BACA, Ms. WA- H.R. 1826: Mr. BRALEY of Iowa, Mr. KILDEE, H. Con. Res. 58: Mr. HONDA and Mr. TERS, Mr. CARSON of Indiana, and Mr. BAIRD. Ms. NORTON, and Mr. SCOTT of Virginia. FORTENBERRY. H.R. 3400: Mrs. MYRICK, Mr. SESSIONS, Mr. H.R. 1831: Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN, Mr. MARIO H. Con. Res. 108: Mr. MICHAUD. SMITH of Texas, and Mr. POSEY. DIAZ-BALART of Florida, Mr. BUCHANAN, and H. Con. Res. 139: Mr. INGLIS, Mr. SHULER, H.R. 3426: Mr. GENE GREEN of Texas, Mr. Mr. SPRATT. and Mr. STEARNS. FILNER, Mr. KUCINICH, and Mr. DELAHUNT. H.R. 1835: Mr. WU. H. Con. Res. 158: Mr. MILLER of North Caro- H.R. 1944: Mr. PASCRELL. H.R. 3454: Mrs. BLACKBURN. H.R. 3495: Ms. TSONGAS. lina. H.R. 1964: Mr. BUTTERFIELD. H.R. 3524: Mr. MICHAUD, Mr. OLSON, and Mr. H. Con. Res. 185: Mr. LATOURETTE. H.R. 1977: Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. BISHOP of Utah. H. Res. 266: Mr. DUNCAN. H.R. 1987: Mr. MORAN of Virginia, Mr. H.R. 3553: Mr. HARE. H. Res. 523: Mr. PENCE. CARNAHAN, and Mr. RUSH. H.R. 3554: Mr. ARCURI and Mr. BRIGHT. H. Res. 561: Mrs. MALONEY. H.R. 1993: Ms. SUTTON and Mr. SCHAUER. H.R. 3577: Mr. MCGOVERN, Mr. NYE, and Mr. H. Res. 563: Mrs. MALONEY. H.R. 2024: Mr. ROE of Tennessee. RAHALL. H. Res. 613: Mr. GERLACH, Mr. HASTINGS of H.R. 2031: Mr. CHAFFETZ and Mr. YOUNG of H.R. 3586: Mr. OBERSTAR. Washington, Mr. REICHERT, Mr. EHLERS, and Alaska. H.R. 3608: Ms. SPEIER. Mr. HINCHEY. H.R. 2138: Mr. PETERSON, Ms. CORRINE H.R. 3612: Mr. FRANKS of Arizona, Mr. KING H. Res. 630: Mr. GEORGE MILLER of Cali- BROWN of Florida, and Mr. SCHAUER. of Iowa, Mr. CAMPBELL, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Mr. fornia. H.R. 2156: Mr. SHUSTER. POSEY, Mr. LUETKEMEYER, Mr. BISHOP of H. Res. 660: Mr. FATTAH. H.R. 2160: Mr. OLVER. Utah, Mr. BROWN of South Carolina, Mr. H. Res. 708: Mr. HARE, Mr. KLEIN of Flor- H.R. 2161: Ms. ZOE LOFGREN of California. FLEMING, Mr. PAULSEN, Mr. AKIN, Mr. SAM ida, Mr. BLUNT, Mr. GONZALEZ, Mr. SOUDER, H.R. 2177: Mr. GUTIERREZ. JOHNSON of Texas, Mr. BARTLETT, and Mr. and Ms. MATSUI. H.R. 2214: Mr. MICHAUD. GINGREY of Georgia. ARSON H.R. 2227: Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN and Mr. H. Res. 709: Mr. C of Indiana. H.R. 3633: Mr. RUSH, Ms. SUTTON, and Mr. TURNER. H. Res. 736: Mr. HALL of New York, Mr. TIM MURPHY of Pennsylvania. H.R. 2279: Mr. CONYERS and Ms. DELAURO. JACKSON of Illinois, Mr. STEARNS, Mr. CAO, H.R. 3636: Mr. CONYERS, Mr. CARSON of Indi- H.R. 2299: Ms. WATSON. and Mr. PITTS. ana, and Mr. JOHNSON of Georgia. H.R. 2305: Mr. ISSA. H. Res. 747: Mr. WALZ, Mr. BACA, Mr. H.R. 3644: Mr. SABLAN and Ms. LEE of Cali- H.R. 2408: Mr. SESTAK, Mr. LUETKEMEYER, SALAZAR, Mr. MILLER of North Carolina, Mr. fornia. INSLEE, Mr. KLEIN of Florida, Mr. YARMUTH, and Mr. REYES. ELCH ARBANES H.R. 3664: Mr. W , Mr. S , and Mr. ROGERS of Alabama, Mr. BONNER, Mr. H.R. 2452: Mr. ROTHMAN of New Jersey, Ms. ARNAHAN Mr. C . REICHERT, Mr. WILSON of South Carolina, Ms. FOXX, and Mr. MITCHELL. H.R. 3670: Mr. BARROW, Mr. PAYNE, and Mr. GRANGER, Mr. BROWN of South Carolina, Mr. H.R. 2480: Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin, Mr. SCHAUER. KIND, Mr. DRIEHAUS, Mr. SKELTON, Mr. SAR- HOLT, Ms. HIRONO, Mr. CONYERS, Mr. MASSA, H.R. 3679: Mr. FATTAH. BANES, Mr. DICKS, Mr. TAYLOR, Mr. DON- Mr. GERLACH, Mr. SCOTT of Virginia, Mr. H.R. 3691: Mr. BUCHANAN and Mr. ROONEY. NELLY of Indiana, Mr. COURTNEY, and Mr. PASTOR of Arizona, Ms. CHU, Mr. SPRATT, Mr. H.R. 3712: Mr. HALL of New York, Mr. MICHAUD. WEINER, Ms. GIFFORDS, Mr. MEEK of Florida, MICHAUD, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. WELCH, Mr. H. Res. 749: Mr. FORTENBERRY. Mrs. MCCARTHY of New York, Mr. SHULER, CAO, Mr. HOLT, Mr. BURTON of Indiana, and H. Res. 759: Mr. RYAN of Wisconsin. Mr. MURPHY of Connecticut, and Mr. Mr. MASSA. H. Res. 783: Mr. SMITH of Nebraska, Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. H.R. 3721: Mr. BRALEY of Iowa. FARR, Mr. OLSON, Mr. CANTOR, and Mr. RUSH. H.R. 2493: Mr. KING of New York. H.R. 3728: Ms. LEE of California and Mr. H.R. 2502: Mr. THOMPSON of Mississippi, Mr. RUPPERSBERGER. H. Res. 786: Mr. ALTMIRE and Mr. SABLAN. WALDEN, Mr. UPTON, Mr. PETERS, Mr. H.R. 3731: Ms. CHU, Mr. MASSA, Ms. H. Res. 796: Mr. GINGREY of Georgia and MINNICK, Mr. SHULER, Mr. JOHNSON of Geor- SCHAKOWSKY, Mr. SCHAUER, Mr. PASCRELL, Mr. SOUDER. gia, and Ms. KILPATRICK of Michigan. Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland, Ms. EDDIE BER- H. Res. 798: Mr. FALEOMAVAEGA, Mr. CON- H.R. 2547: Mr. PAUL and Mr. PETERSON. NICE JOHNSON of Texas, Ms. LINDA T. YERS, Mr. SESTAK, Mr. RYAN of Ohio, Mr. H.R. 2556: Mr. SAM JOHNSON of Texas and SA´ NCHEZ of California, Mr. PASTOR of Ari- SCHIFF, Mr. HONDA, Mr. MEEK of Florida, Ms. Mr. SOUDER. zona, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida, Ms. BERKLEY, Mr. PETERS, Mr. FILNER, Mr. H.R. 2560: Mr. CUMMINGS. VELA´ ZQUEZ, Mr. SALAZAR, Mr. DINGELL, Mr. SHULER, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of H.R. 2563: Ms. BERKLEY. CARDOZA, Mr. WAXMAN, Mr. GUTIERREZ, Mr. Texas, Mr. MORAN of Virginia, and Mr. CAR- H.R. 2567: Ms. ESHOO, Mr. PAYNE, and Mr. RODRIGUEZ, and Mr. INSLEE. SON of Indiana. KILDEE. H.R. 3742: Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. COLE, Ms. RICH- H. Res. 800: Mr. AUSTRIA. H.R. 2608: Mr. BROWN of South Carolina, ARDSON, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, Mr. H. Res. 801: Ms. WATERS, Ms. RICHARDSON, Mr. MCKEON, Mr. GINGREY of Georgia, and FALEOMAVAEGA, Ms. HERSETH SANDLIN, and Ms. CLARKE, Ms. EDWARDS of Maryland, Mr. Mr. SMITH of New Jersey. Mr. POMEROY. SNYDER, Mrs. CHRISTENSEN, and Mr. WEXLER. H.R. 2617: Mr. HINCHEY. H.R. 3749: Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado, Mr. H. Res. 816: Mr. BACA, Ms. MATSUI, and Mr. H.R. 2628: Mr. DAVIS of Alabama. PUTNAM, Mr. FLEMING, Mr. HOLDEN, Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. H.R. 2743: Mr. CONYERS, Mr. MINNICK, and MCHENRY, and Mr. COBLE. H. Res. 824: Mr. MANZULLO, Ms. SLAUGHTER, Mr. MCNERNEY. H.R. 3772: Ms. LEE of California. Ms. HIRONO, Mrs. CAPPS, Mrs. DAVIS of Cali- H.R. 2746: Mr. MASSA and Mr. HARE. H.R. 3778: Mr. MEEK of Florida. fornia, Ms. SPEIER, MS. MARKEY of Colorado, H.R. 2807: Mr. HOLT. H.R. 3789: Mr. ROSS and Mr. GARY G. MIL- Ms. DEGETTE, Ms. MOORE of Wisconsin, Mr. H.R. 2817: Mr. MCDERMOTT and Mr. FATTAH. LER of California. FOSTER, Ms. BERKLEY, Ms. TITUS, Ms. TSON- H.R. 2866: Mrs. MYRICK, Mr. INSLEE, Ms. H.R. 3791: Mr. SPRATT, Mr. LEVIN, Mr. GAS, Mrs. HALVORSON, Ms. PINGREE of Maine, TSONGAS, and Mr. ELLSWORTH. DEFAZIO, Mr. MURPHY of New York, Mrs. Mr. KISSELL, Ms. SUTTON, Ms. KILROY, Ms. H.R. 2941: Ms. KOSMAS. BIGGERT, Ms. EDDIE BERNICE JOHNSON of CASTOR of Florida, Ms. BEAN, Mrs. BIGGERT, H.R. 2954: Mr. PASCRELL. Texas, Mr. WEINER, and Mr. HALL of New Mr. COSTELLO, Mr. DAVIS of Illinois, Mr. H.R. 3006: Mr. POLIS of Colorado. York. HARE, Mr. JACKSON of Illinois, Mr. JOHNSON H.R. 3017: Mr. BECERRA. H.R. 3797: Mr. JONES, Mr. MCCLINTOCK, Mr. of Illinois, Mr. KILDEE, Mr. KIRK, Mr. LIPIN- H.R. 3048: Mr. CARSON of Indiana. COLE, Mr. KLINE of Minnesota, Mr. BROUN of SKI, Mr. QUIGLEY, Mr. RUSH, and Mr. SCHOCK.

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