Supporting National Men's Health Week.

Madam Speaker, for the information of our colleagues and my constituents, I want the Record to reflect how I would have voted on the following votes I missed this session.

On rollcall 338, on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 1212 providing for consideration of H.R. 6049, Energy Production and Conservation and Individual Income Tax Relief I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 339, on agreeing to the resolution providing consideration of H.R. 6049, Energy Production and Conservation and Individual Income Tax Relief, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 340, on ordering the previous question providing for consideration of H.R. 5658, the National Defense Authorization of 2009, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 341, on ordering the previous question providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany S. Con. Res. 70, the Congressional Budget Act, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 342, on agreeing to the resolution providing for consideration of the conference report to accompany S. Con. Res 70, the Congressional Budget Act, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 343, on the motion to recommit with instructions H.R. 6049, the Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act, I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 344, passage of H.R. 6049, The Renewable Energy and Job Creation Act, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 345, to suspend the rules and pass as amended H.R. 1771, The Crane Conservation Act of 2008, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 346, passage of H.R. 2419, the Farm, Nutrition, and Bioenergy Act objections of the President notwithstanding, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 347, to suspend the rules and pass, as amended H.R. 3819, Veterans Emergency Care Fairness Act of 2008, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 348, to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5826, Veterans Compensation Cost-of-Living adjustment, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 349, to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 5856, Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Facility Authorization and Lease Act, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 350, on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 1218, providing for consideration of H.R. 5658, Department of Defense Authorization, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 351, on agreeing to the resolution providing for consideration of H.R. 5658, Department of Defense Authorization, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 352, on motion to table H. Res. 1221, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 353, to suspend rules and pass H.R. 6124 to provide for the continuation of agricultural and other programs of the Department of Agriculture through 2012, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 354, to suspend rules and pass H. Res. 1194, reaffirming the support of the House of Representatives for the legitimate, democratically-elected Government of Lebanon, under Prime Minister Fouad Sinoria, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 355, on the Akin amendment to H.R. 5658, to cut military pay, benefits, and healthcare by $163 million. I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 356, on the Franks amendment to H.R. 5658, that would take $719 million from high priority R&D programs outside of the Missile Defense Agency, in order to eliminate the committee's targeted reductions to the missile defense budget, I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 357, on the Tierny amendment to H.R. 5658, to reduce funding for the Missile Defense Agency by an additional $996.2 million beyond the $719 million already reduced, I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 358, on the Pearce amendment to H.R. 5658, to cut $10 million from the Department of Defense Energy Conservation Improvement Program in order to restore RRW funding, I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 359, on the Lee amendment to H.R. 5658, requiring that any security guarantee, arrangement, or assurance between the US and Iraq would have to be ratified by the Senate or approved by the full Congress, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 360, on the Braley amendment to H.R. 5658, requiring an extensive report on current and future war costs, including direct war costs and veterans payments, to try to capture the full cost of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 361, on the Price amendment to H.R. 5658. prohibiting agencies under the Department of Defense from using contractors to perform interrogations, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 362, on the Holt amendment to H.R. 5658, requiring that strategic intelligence interrogations of Department of Defense detainees being conducted in theater interment facilities, and not on the battlefield, are video-taped or otherwise electronically recorded and stored according to guidelines that the Secretary of Defense will promulgate, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 363, on the McGovern amendment to H.R. 5658. requiring the secretary of defense to remove recently imposed secrecy and return to the previous practice of releasing the names, upon request, of the students and instructors at the Western Hemisphere Institute for Security Cooperation, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 364, on the motion to recommit with instructions H.R. 5658, the Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009, I would have voted ``no.''

On rollcall 365, on passage of H.R. 5658 Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 366, to suspend the rules and agree, as amended H. Res. 986, recognizing the courage and sacrifice of those members of the United States Armed Forces who were held as prisoners of war during the Vietnam conflict and calling for a full accounting of the 1,729 members of the Armed Forces who remain unaccounted for from the Vietnam conflict, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 367, to suspend rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 138 supporting National Men's Health Week, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 368, to suspend rules and agree on H. Res. 923 recognizing the State of Minnesota's 150th Anniversary, I would have voted ``yes.''

On rollcall 369, to suspend rules and agree to H. Res. 1114 supporting the goals and ideals of the Arbor Day Foundation and National Arbor Day, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, on February 6, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following votes: rollcall No. 29: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 867. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 30: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 942. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'', and rollcall No. 31: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 943. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''.

Madam Speaker, on February 7, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following votes: rollcall No. 32: On ordering the previous question for H. Res. 956. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 33: On agreeing to H. Res. 956. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 34: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 283, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 35: On motion to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4848, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 36: On agreeing to the amendment numbered 4 to H.R. 4137. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 37: On agreeing to the amendment numbered 5 to H.R. 4137. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 38: On agreeing to the amendment numbered 7 to H.R. 4137. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; rollcall No. 39: On motion to Recommit H.R. 4137 with Instructions. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no''; rollcall No. 40: On passage of H.R. 4137. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall

No. 41: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 947. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes'', and rollcall No. 42: On agreeing to the Senate amendment to H.R. 5140. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Madam Speaker, On March 11, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following vote: rollcall No. 111: On motion to adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Madam Speaker, on April 14, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following votes: rollcall No. 183: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 886, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 184: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 994, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; and rollcall No. 185: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 3548, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, on May 5, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following votes: rollcall No. 240: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 952. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 241: On a motion to table the motion to reconsider H. Res. 952. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 242: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1011, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 243: On a motion to table the motion to reconsider H. Res. 1011. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; and rollcall No. 244: On a motion to adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, on May 6, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following vote: rollcall No. 260: On motion to adjourn. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, on June 3, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following votes: rollcall No. 367: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 138, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 368: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 923. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 369: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1114. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Madam Speaker, on July 17, 2008, I was unable to vote on the following votes: rollcall No. 510: On agreeing to the resolution to H. Res. 1350. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes''; rollcall No. 539: On motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 1370, as amended. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to thank my colleagues for just a few minutes ago passing unanimously H. Con. Res. 138, which I introduced recognizing June 9 through 15, 2008, as National Men's Health Week.

The need for this legislation could not be more evident, as far too many of our friends, brothers, uncles, cousins, grandfathers and fathers die each day from illnesses and diseases that are treatable.

Despite the advances in medical technology and research, men continue to live an average of almost 6 years less than women, and African American men have the lowest life expectancy of all groups.

Further, all of the 10 leading causes of death, as defined by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, affect men at a higher percentage rate than women.

Men simply are not getting the care they need. Women are 100 percent more likely to visit the doctor for an annual examination and to get preventive care.

This happens for a variety of reasons, including fear on the part of men, lack of health insurance, a macho attitude, thinking that they cannot be harmed, lack of information and cost factors. The disparity in men's health has led to increased risk of death from heart disease and cancer. But these problems do not only affect men.

More than one-half of elderly widows now living in poverty were not poor before the deaths of their husbands, and by age 100, women outnumber men eight to one.

We simply must get more men the early care and education they need to lead long, healthy lives. That is why I sponsored this resolution that recognizes June 9 through June 15 as National Men's Health Week. We need to educate both the public and health care providers about the importance of early detection of male health problems to reduce rates of mortality for common diseases.

Appropriate use of tests such as prostate specific antigen, PSA, exams,

blood pressure screening, cholesterol screening and in conjunction with clinical examination and self-testing for problems such as testicular cancer, can result in the detection of many of these problems in their early stages. This early detection can lead to increases in the survival rates to nearly 100 percent of men.

National Men's Health Week was established by Congress in 1994. The week is designed to encourage men and their families to engage in appropriate health behaviors, and the resulting increased awareness has improved health-related education and helped prevent illnesses.

Men who are educated about the value that preventive health can play in prolonging their life span and their roles as productive family members will be more likely to participate in preventive care.

By recognizing National Men's Health Week, we bring this very important issue to the forefront, encouraging discussion and promoting this critical education in early detection.

I thank Chairman Waxman and Subcommittee Chairman Davis for their support, and I appreciate my colleagues voting in favor of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 138) supporting National Men's Health Week, as amended.

I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Committee on Oversight and Government Reform, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of H. Con. Res. 138, as amended, which expresses Congress's support of Men's Health Week, which is designed to raise awareness of men's health issues and the importance of preventative health care in order to improve the lifespan of American men.

H. Con. Res. 138, which was introduced by the gentleman from Maryland, Representative Elijah Cummings, on May 1, 2007, was amended and reported from the Oversight Committee on May 15, 2008, before being passed by voice vote. The measure has the support and sponsorship of 59 Members of Congress, and expresses support for increased medical awareness that will

improve the health and well-being of American men.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, all of the 10 leading causes of death among Americans, such as cancer and heart disease, affect our Nation's men at a higher rate than our women. On average, the male life expectancy in America is 6 years lower than the life expectancy of their female counterparts. A leading cause of this disparity is that men are 100 percent less likely to visit a doctor for screening and preventative medical checkups. This reluctance is tragic, as many life-threatening conditions are mitigated when found through early detection.

Congress recognized the need to encourage preventative medicine by increasing health awareness in American men when it established National Men's Health Week in 1994. Now, 14 years later, this commemorative week has helped to raise awareness and lower illness among American men.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I urge the swift passage of this measure, as it will continue to encourage the men of our country to take a more active and preventative role in safeguarding their health, and, therefore, the health of America.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve.

Mr. Speaker, as we observe and promote Men's Health Week, I am pleased to note that both the Illinois Department of Public Health and the City of Chicago's Department of Public Health, under able leadership of their commissioners, place great emphasis on men's health, and have two activities coming up this week; Saturday at Malcolm X College, and next week, the day before Father's Day, at Malcolm X Community College, where the focus is men's health.

I urge passage of this measure.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I rise today in support of this resolution promoting National Men's Health Week. Across this Nation, men are reminded daily about the benefits of living a healthy life. Whether through exercise, a balanced diet, or regular visits to the doctor, these simple steps can lead to longer, more vibrant lives. Sadly, many men still neglect the basic preventative measures and often fail to realize the ripple effect their declining health can have on those around them.

It is no secret that men have a shorter lifespan than women. Of the 10 leading causes of death in this country, men lead women in all 10. Yes, some of this can be attributed to lifestyle differences. Men are prone to engage in heavier drinking, smoking, and risky behaviors. But the sad reality is that men all too often neglect to seek out the medical help they need. Studies have shown that men are significantly less likely to visit the doctor than women are.

Congress and the President established National Men's Health Awareness Week in May 1994. They chose the week leading up to Father's Day, when our focus on the male figures in our life is greatest, to bring national attention to the critical health issues facing men and to highlight the preventative measures that are necessary and available.

Early detection is vital, and in many cases, increases chances for survival. Men's Health Awareness Week helps bring this information to light and highlights the proactive steps that men can take to improve their chances for a long, healthy life. The benefits of a more proactive approach to men's health extends not only to the individual, but to their families, friends, society, and the Nation.

Better long-term health means fewer medical expenses for families, taxpayers, and employers. When women outlive their spouses, often by more than half a decade, they face the financial, emotional, and physical burden of living out their remaining years in solitude. This can ultimately place undue stress on a family or taxpayers.

Men's Health Awareness Week helps broaden our understanding of the serious health risks facing men and the simple steps we can all take to help mitigate their effects. So I urge my colleagues not only to support this resolution, but to honor its message. If you're a man, go to the doctor. If you're a woman, encourage your husband, brother, son, and friends to do so. Take a walk, go for a jog, or eat a piece of fruit. After all, we all know that an apple a day keeps the doctor away.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague from the State of Idaho (Mr. Sali).

Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.