Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise this afternoon as a nurse and as someone who has spent her professional career in health care. I ran for Congress because I was opposed to the Affordable Care Act, and I stand here today after 18 months of listening to the people in my district, because this law is the wrong law for health care reform in the United States of America.

When I hear from my hospitals, my skilled nursing facilities, my physicians, when I hear from small businesses, and when I hear from my seniors, they're all in fear of what this health care law is going to do to them. So I think it is incumbent upon this body, as we have a responsibility to the people who live in the United States of America, to provide them with true health care reform, reform that truly reduces the cost of health care and improves access to care. This Affordable Care Act that was just declared constitutional by the Supreme Court is not--is not--the way to do that.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Corporal Kyle R. Schneider. Kyle R. Schneider was born on January 8, 1988, to Richard and Lorie Schneider. He was raised in the Baldwinsville, New York, area with his brother, Kevin. Kyle was a graduate of Baker High School in Baldwinsville and attended Onondaga Community College for 1 year in the criminal justice program. While at Baker High School, he played baseball, football, and ran track. He loved the outdoors and was an avid hunter and fisherman.

In March 2008, Kyle joined the United States Marine Corps and in January of 2011 was assigned to the 3rd Platoon and deployed to Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. In defense of our Nation, Kyle was killed in the Helmand province, Afghanistan, on June 30, 2011, by an improvised explosive device. Kyle Schneider was 23 years old.

As we commemorate the first anniversary of his death, let us honor the service and sacrifice of Corporal Kyle R. Schneider. He is an American hero. He was a proud and valiant marine. He was also a son, a brother, a grandson, a fiancee, friend, and comrade. Kyle is greatly missed, and no words will diminish the grief of those who knew and loved him. In his death, Kyle R. Schneider has earned the thanks of a grateful Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for his steadfast work on behalf of truth in trying to get to the bottom of Fast and Furious.

Mr. Speaker, Syracuse, New York, in the heart of my district, is roughly 2,500 miles from Rio Rico, Arizona, where U.S. Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry was tragically shot and killed by an AK-47 assault rifle that the United States knowingly allowed into the hands of a suspected gun trafficker, yet every time I'm home, it is the issue first and foremost on the minds of my constituents. I listen to their calls, to their emails, and at our town halls. They want to know what happened, who knew what, and when did they know it. They ask me, they ask Washington, they ask the Department of Justice: How could the United States Government, the pillar of hope and freedom, have allowed for this, for one of their own representatives, one of their own good guys, to be so helplessly gunned down by a suspected criminal?

Mr. Speaker, I'm embarrassed to say that after 562 days, I still don't have an answer for them.

Mr. Speaker, I ask: Is this the hope that Americans are supposed to believe in out of the supposedly most-transparent government in the history of our Nation?

It is my hope, Mr. Speaker, that the district court judge will see through the Attorney General's contempt of Congress after it is passed in the House today. However, we must not be mistaken, even if the Attorney General is prosecuted, the case is not closed. We must not forget that guns leaked through this program claimed lives.

Mr. Speaker, after today's vote, we must continue our efforts to find more answers than there are questions relating to this administration's catastrophic Fast and Furious. The American people deserve to know those answers, and the family of Border Patrol Agent Brian Terry do as well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Bob Cudworth for his service to this nation in World War II and to congratulate him upon the occasion of serving as the Grand Marshall of the Camillus Memorial Day Parade.

Lt. Cudworth arrived in Iwo Jima on February 25, 1945 with Alpha Company, 9th Marines, 3rd Division. During a period of three days, 87 Marines from his Platoon were killed in action; Lt. Cudworth was dangerously close to being injured when an enemy bullet nearly grazed his boot. Lt. Cudworth and his Platoon were instrumental in taking ``Hill Oboe'' from the Japanese. He departed Iwo Jima in April 1945.

It is important that we remind our Veterans that they are greatly appreciated for their service to this great Nation and that they will never be forgotten. It is because of our service men and women that the United States of America remains the Greatest Nation in the History of Mankind.

The men and woman who served our country in World War II are shining examples of patriotism, strength, courage, and decency. It is with great honor that I pause and reflect upon the sacrifices of men and women like Bob Cudworth.

I wish to extend Mr. Cudworth my gratitude for his dedicated service to the United States of America and congratulate him upon the occasion of serving as the Grand Marshall in this year's Camillus Memorial Day Parade, where we honor and remember all of our heroes of war, past and present.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Valley of Syracuse upon the occasion of celebrating 150 years of service to the Syracuse, New York community and surrounding areas.

The Scottish Rite of the Valley of Syracuse operates within the Northern Masonic Jurisdiction of the United States of America and is comprised of four separate Bodies: Central City Lodge of Perfection, Central City Council Princes of Jerusalem, Central City Chapter of Rose Croix, and Central City Consistory. Each of these four Central City Bodies has been active in Syracuse and nearby areas since 1862.

Scottish Rite Masons are a diverse group of Brothers who come from of all walks of life, cultures, religious backgrounds, and careers.

Today, with 750 members in the Valley of Syracuse, The Scottish Rite of Free Masonry supports Schizophrenia research, provides college scholarships to members and their children, and supports many charities and organizations, particularly the Children's Dyslexia Center of Central New York.

It is important that we recognize organizations like the Ancient Accepted Scottish Rite of the Valley of Syracuse for their dedicated service to the community as well as their rich history and involvement in the shaping of the State of New York and the United States of America.

It is with privilege that I pause in my legislative deliberations to congratulate and thank the Scottish Rite of the Valley of Syracuse on their 150th Anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to Chief Firefighter, Douglas E. Milton for 35 years of dedicated service to the Jordan Fire Department, which provides fire and EMS services to the Village of Jordan, New York and neighboring areas.

Chief Milton joined the Jordan Fire Department in 1964 where he served as Lieutenant, Captain, and First Assistant Chief, before being elected to the seat of Chief of Department in 1977. In his role as Chief of Jordan Fire Department, Chief Milton has demonstrated commitment to the safety and well-being of his community through exceptional leadership and management.

Among his many accomplishments, Chief Milton was instrumental in securing several grants which greatly improved service to the community, organizing and overseeing multiple restoration and construction projects, collaborating with local government officials to expand the department's areas of emergency services, and improving the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the Jordan Fire Department.

It is important that we give special recognition to our local leaders in emergency services, particularly firefighters like Chief Douglas E. Milton who put the safety of their community above all else. It is with privilege that I pause and thank Chief Milton for 35 years of leadership and service to others with the Jordan Fire Department.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to LTC MaryJo Timpano, Director of Staff, 174th Fighter Wing upon the occasion of her retirement from the United States Air Force Air National Guard.

Lieutenant Colonel Timpano assumed the duties of the Director of Staff and Wing Executive Officer for the 174th Fighter Wing at Hancock Field on June 4, 2008. It was under this assignment that Lieutenant Colonel Timpano has directed all wing and public affairs activities.

Additionally, Lieutenant Colonel Timpano has served as the Hancock Field Sexual Assault Response Coordinator and the Community Manager for the 174th Fighter Wing.

Prior to her assignments with the 174th Fighter Wing, Lieutenant Colonel Timpano served the Office of the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff as an Executive Officer to the Assistant to the CJCS for National Guard and Reserve Matters.

Lieutenant Colonel Timpano earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Developmental Psychology through the State University of New York at Brockport and is currently pursuing a Master's degree in Psychology. She has an extensive military education and has been the recipient of several medals.

It is important that we as a nation recognize our service men and women for their dedication to the United States of America, particularly those as accomplished as LTC MaryJo Timpano.

Mr. Speaker, it is with privilege that I pause to commemorate LTC MaryJo Timpano on her dedicated service to the Nation and congratulate her on her retirement from the United States Air Force Air National Guard.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to our Veterans of the Vietnam War and to reflect upon their courage, strength, and love for the United States of America.

March 29, 2012, has been proclaimed Vietnam Veteran's Day in the State of New York, but it is important that we recognize our Veterans of the Vietnam War throughout this great Nation.

During the Vietnam War, of the more than 3.4 million Americans that were deployed, over 58,000 were killed, 153,000 were wounded, and over 2,000 remain missing in action.

In April of 1975, the Vietnam War came to a close with the fall of Saigon, but the war will go on forever in the hearts and minds of our Veterans and their families. It is important that we remind our Veterans that they are greatly appreciated for their service to this great Nation and that they will never be forgotten. It is because of our service men and women that the United States of America remains the Greatest Nation in the History of Mankind.

The men and woman who served our country in the Vietnam War are shining examples of patriotism, strength, courage, and decency. It is with great honor that I pause and reflect upon their sacrifice and thank our Vietnam Veterans for their dedicated service to the United States of America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Polish Constitution Day: a day in which we celebrate the signing of Europe's first written constitution.

The Polish Constitution was signed into law on May 3, 1791. It was preceded only by the United States Constitution, making Poland the second nation in the world to establish a written constitution.

Once a monarchy, Poland recognized and declared the sovereignty of its citizens through the renunciation of noble power and the signing of the Polish Constitution.

Much like the United States Constitution, the Polish Constitution grants legal rights for all, freedom of religion, separation of powers, and political equality.

To this day, the principles of democracy have been central to the Polish people, including the many Polish-Americans who have made significant contributions to the United States of America and communities across this great nation.

It is with privilege that I pause and join with members of Congress, people across the United States, Poland, and nations around the world in commemorating and celebrating the Polish Constitution and the many efforts that the Polish people have made towards the development and growth of democracy throughout the world.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the Walworth-Seely Public Library, as it celebrates its 50th anniversary this year.

Located in Wayne County, New York, the original site of the Walworth- Seely Public Library was purchased from Bessie Seely, the daughter of a tinsmith who sold her father's shop to the Walworth Chamber of Commerce for one dollar under the condition that the space was used for educational purposes. The Walworth Town Board unanimously decided that there was a need for a library.

The Walworth-Seely Public Library officially opened its doors in 1962. It quickly grew to require an expansion to the existing building in 1970 and in 1992 the library moved to a new facility to accommodate continued growth.

Fifty years from its inception, the Walworth-Seely Public Library still serves a vital role in the community by allowing free access to books and bringing the community together.

It is important that we give special recognition to our libraries, as they welcome all members of the community to share and enjoy the many benefits of reading, as well as educate and inspire our future leaders of tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you and my colleagues to join me in congratulating the Walworth-Seely Public Library as they celebrate 50 years of service to the community by supporting free access to knowledge and information.

I thank the gentleman from Arizona for his excellent work on this important bill.

I rise this afternoon in support of H.R. 3541 as a woman, as a mother of four daughters, and as a grandmother of three granddaughters.

Mr. Speaker, there can be no rights for women if we don't allow them the right to life. What we are hearing from the other side this afternoon is about money and about political campaigns and about the rhetoric of the war on women. This is the ultimate war on women, Mr. Speaker. If we don't allow women to be born, we cannot talk about any other rights.

So I stand here today, and I urge all of my female colleagues in this House of Representatives to stand together and support H.R. 3541.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Taiwan on the second inauguration of President Ma Ying-jeou. In so many respects, Taiwan has come a long way in its progress. Taiwan has become one of the world's leading economic forces, despite enormous pressure and obstacles.

As a close ally and friend of Taiwan, we celebrate the rapid advancement of the island nation. Given our close ties with Taiwan-- ties that include our common defense and economic cooperation--their progress as a nation is vital for American interests. I am proud to be a member of the Congressional Taiwan Caucus, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this year.

A basic element of our common economic well-being is trade. Taiwan is a major trading partner of ours and a major importer of one of our largest industries, agriculture. Taiwan imports large amounts of wheat, corn, and soybeans, mostly from the United States. Poultry and pork production is a staple of Taiwan's livestock sector and drives demand for imported corn and soybeans from the United States, Taiwan's prime supplier.

In these trying days of world economic upheaval, it is certainly gratifying to know we not only have a good friend but a good customer in Taiwan. By their continued imports of our products, Taiwan helps to provide American jobs, which is more important than ever for the American people.

Good luck President Ma. We wish you the best in your second term.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to commend the work that job creators do to provide services and American jobs in New York's 25th District and across our great Nation.

I want to take this opportunity to draw attention to the efforts of Dr. Rick Plympton, the CEO of Optimax, located in my district in Rochester, New York. Optimax provides innovative technology and manufacturing solutions for the production of precision optics. After over 16 years of work with Optimax, Dr. Plympton has been awarded the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) 2012 New York State Small Business Person of the Year award.

I want to congratulate Dr. Plympton on his innovation, hard work and leadership. Thank you for all you contribute to our community and Nation.

I rise this afternoon in support of the rule and the underlying bill in H.R. 4970. I am so pleased to stand here with my colleagues in support of this rule.

This is a particularly meaningful bill for me because, in 1994, when I graduated from law school, I became aware of a program that the Women's Bar Association had. That was 1994, and that's when the original VAWA was enacted. The program was that we could do pro bono work and work in our domestic violence shelter. For all of these many years, I have been involved in domestic violence. So it's particularly meaningful to me that the time when I first got involved in this--and it was thanks to a very courageous law school professor I had--that we now are reauthorizing VAWA that was originally from 1994.

Madam Speaker, I just become so distressed when I hear the allegations that there is a war on women. When we sat down and we began discussing VAWA, we sat down with the understanding that Americans deserve equal protection under the law. We are not going to single out. We are not going to distinguish one victim from another. Any person who is a victim of domestic violence is a victim of domestic violence. Beyond that, it should be of no concern.

However, I will say this--and my colleague Sandy Adams has done such a magnificent job with this--when we began to have concerns after we dropped this bill last week, we went back to the table. We heard from Members who have large Native American populations in their districts and Members who are Native Americans with regard to the issue. We heard with regard to the illegal alien issue. We went back to the table and came forth with a manager's amendment to begin to address those issues. That's the right thing to do. That's what domestic violence victims should expect from this House--sit down, figure this out, and make sure we go forward with what is in the best interest of the victims. And that's what the House of Representatives did.

I strongly support this rule and the underlying bill.

Mr. Speaker, today we have an opportunity to vote on a bipartisan initiative that will save our country's future leaders billions of dollars. Economists have resoundingly predicted that a student loan crisis may soon send America's fragile economic sector into shambles if it is not soon addressed.

The New York Federal Reserve has reported that student loans are the leading cause of this debt, with $870 billion last month alone. This tops even credit card debt.

My friend in Illinois has proposed a commonsense solution to halt an increase in Federal loan rates that everyone agrees is needless.

But, Mr. Speaker, I must say to you, I was stunned to hear that leaders on the other side of our aisle, our good friends on the other side, were attempting to take this issue hostage.

Our sons' and daughters' pursuits have been hijacked for political gamesmanship.

Let me be clear, Mr. Speaker, the fund which is offsetting this looming rate hike is nothing more than a slush fund. The HHS Secretary has authority to use it without congressional discretion. It was yet another allowance given to an unelected, unaccountable bureaucrat to be used on things such as bike paths, jungle gyms, and worse yet, lobbying efforts.

I am a woman who has worked for years as a women's health care practitioner, and on behalf of women's health care patients, I will tell you, for the other side, Mr. Speaker, to manipulate this issue does nothing to advance women's interests, but in fact demeans the accomplishments made in women's health over the past decades.

Mr. Speaker, I implore my colleagues who are playing games with this critical issue to grow up. This is not kindergarten. This is the reality of crushing college costs. This bill will help our future by making colleges more affordable by leaving them with a country that is not inundated in debt.