Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong opposition to the Rangel substitute and in support of H.R. 4227. I want to thank my colleague from Pennsylvania (Mr. English) and the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Simmons) for their leadership on this important issue.

The AMT, created over 30 years ago to ensure the super wealthy were not escaping paying taxes, has grown out of control and is now trapping millions of middle class families in a complicated and costly tax system.

Under the leadership of President Bush, the 2001 and 2003 tax relief bills passed by this Congress included increases in exemption amounts which ensured many middle income families would not be hit with this tax. If this Congress does not act, that relief will disappear in 2005.

If these exemption are allowed to expire, approximately 11 million taxpayers will be hit with an average tax increase of over $1,500. This substitute is a misguided attempted to provide for AMT relief. While this provides temporary relief for some families, it does so by permanently raising taxes on the country's manufacturers and other corporations.

While the economy is recovering and job creation is steadily increasing, now is not the time to permanently increase taxes on our country's job creators.

I strongly support permanent reform of the AMT. And, in fact, I have introduced a bill that would index the AMT to inflation and end in a full repeal of this terrible system in 2010. While I believe a long- term solution such as this is needed to address the tax system,

doing nothing or voting to increase taxes on corporations are irresponsible options, in my view.

By extending the 2003 relief through 2005, we can continue to protect our middle class families from this tax while Congress works on a long- term solution of reform.

I encourage my colleagues to vote no on increasing taxes with this substitute and instead vote in support of the underlying bill. H.R. 4227 is a reasonable short term solution to the growing problem of AMT.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the extraordinary vision of entrepreneur Stephen G. Sheetz, owner and chairman of Sheetz, Inc. for his ``2004 Lifetime Achievement Award for Business Advocacy''.

This prestigious award, presented by the Chamber of Commerce of Blair County, Pennsylvania, has been designed to honor an individual who has set the standard of excellence in achievement, both personal and professional.

Steve Sheetz is recognized as a true leader of both his family's business, Sheetz, Inc., as well as, the business community of central Pennsylvania.

He has served as a longtime mentor and visionary for generations of fellow business associates, family members, and employees, as well as, a devoted following of consumers.

He constantly sets an example of selflessness by helping to promote the overall business climate without focusing efforts on his own business or personal gains.

I am pleased to commemorate the excellence in achievement of Stephen G. Sheetz, of Sheetz, Inc.

This honor is appropriately ``Made To Order''.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. John Sheedy of Hollidaysburg, Pennsylvania, for his countless contributions to the Home Nursing Agency and on receiving the Visiting Nurse Associations of America Volunteer Board Member of the Year Award.

As a life-long resident of Blair County, Dr. Sheedy has connected with citizens in the area in a way that few are able. Since the late 1960s, when he worked alongside nurses to launch the first home care agency, Dr. Sheedy worked diligently to make positive changes throughout the system so that health care would be more accessible to Pennsylvania's immobilized citizens. From the very beginning, he served as medical director, and he was one of the first members of the board of directors. The impact he has had on the Home Nursing Agency, as well as central Pennsylvania, is immeasurable.

For more than 30 years, Dr. Sheedy has taken advantage of the opportunities to teach and challenge others on staff at the agency, and he has worked tirelessly to make improvements where they have been needed. His devotion and commitment to those in the community are admirable, and I am grateful for all that he has accomplished throughout Blair County.

Dr. John Sheedy has served this Nation every day of his life, touching the lives of every American citizen indirectly as he served in the United States Navy, as well as directly, as he has visited countless homes and patients in need. Central Pennsylvania is a better place because of the contributions that Dr. Sheedy has made. Thank you for all that you have done, Dr. Sheedy, and congratulations on receiving this much-deserved award.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of this amendment. I disagree with my good friend from Oregon. This does not restrict but expands the options to expand our highway and interstate system.

We do not have to stray very far from the Capitol here to see the congestion that plagues our Nation's roads. Try to drive out of here on a Friday afternoon, which I will, and we will see rush hour traffic that will slow and almost stop the movement of automobiles out of this city.

DOT reports that the average rush hour has increased 18 minutes between 1997 and 2000. Additionally, congestion costs our nation $65 billion annually in lost productivity and wasted motor fuel. The idle time spent in traffic increases transportation costs for U.S. businesses and robs drivers of time they could spend at home with their families.

We must find workable solutions. I believe we have one in this amendment. It is an innovative method of combating this problem. The amendment allows for voluntary collection of fees for construction of additional lanes on the interstate highway system. Specifically, the amendment will allow States to create high-speed toll lanes to be used by motorists willing to pay a toll. Under the FAST lanes provision, the fees are collected electronically; thus, no toll booths. There will be no back-up. The fees collected are then used to pay off the newly constructed lanes. When enough revenue is obtained, they pay off the cost of the expansion. The fees are eliminated.

Mr. Chairman, this amendment is a common-sense approach to dealing with our Nation's increasing congestion problems. The Kennedy amendment provides States with a voluntary means of raising revenues for expanding their highways as much as $50 billion over the 6-year life of this bill, and this approach will free up dollars for other essential transportation projects throughout our States.

Mr. Chairman, this amendment is a win-win for both States and drivers. So I urge passage of the Kennedy amendment.

Mr. Chairman, I have great respect for the gentleman from Georgia, as well as my colleague from Florida, the gentleman who just spoke. But I think the key issue on this amendment is the uncertainty of it. They have an analysis by the Federal Highway Administration. We have seen an analysis by the Federal Highway Administration and it is unclear. The Federal Highway Administration says that this amendment is going to cut funding in this bill by $3.7 billion, which means that many States would lose money. I think because of the uncertainty of it, as the gentleman from Ohio said, let us work in conference to fix this problem. There is not enough money in this bill. I think all of us are disappointed that we could not get more money into this bill to fix the donor/donee State problem. But, as I said, the uncertainty, the numbers that I show here, a State like California is going to lose $550 million; Illinois, $346 million; Texas, $275 million over the life of this bill.

Again, I come back to the uncertainty of this. Let the committee get into conference, let us try to work out our problems, but I would urge a ``no'' vote on this bill today because of that uncertainty. We are going to pass this thing and who knows what happens.

Let us work towards getting into conference, and I believe the chairman and the conferees will make the proper adjustments on this bill.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3550, the Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy For Users, or affectionately known as TEA LU.

I want to begin by extending my appreciation to the chairman of the full committee as well as the ranking member for their work in this extremely important bipartisan piece of legislation. They have fought the good fight, and here we are today. We need to pass this important legislation to improve our transportation system.

I would like to remind my Republican colleagues who may have some questions about this bill, whether we should pass it or not, that the Founding Fathers charged the Federal Government, the United States Congress, to oversee interstate commerce, to encourage interstate commerce. That is what this bill is all about, interstate commerce, improving the efficiency of our economy.

In addition, as the gentleman from Ohio reminded us, this is a core principle, a core legacy of the Republican Party in this country, from Abraham Lincoln and the transcontinental railroad, to Teddy Roosevelt and the Panama Canal, Eisenhower and the interstate highway system. This is extremely important for us as Republicans. We can be proud to pass this and improve our country and improve this economy.

The modern highway and transit system maps this Nation's economic strength as it weaves through our cities and small towns. However, heavy traffic and increased congestion have taken a heavy toll on our highways, bridges and transit systems. As stewards of our highways, we cannot wait any longer to fix transportation systems that are listed as substandard or poor or bridges that are considered structurally deficient.

As a Pennsylvanian who represents a broad geographic region, I know the issue of transportation is critical to our constituents. I hear it each day and every day from small business owners, from large employers and from even average family members who sit on the front porch and watch the traffic back up over the horizon. Our roads, highways and transit systems link our cities, businesses and lives to one another. To let them deteriorate is unjust to any one person who uses them.

The need, Mr. Chairman, is clear. While I am disappointed that we were unable to pass a larger bill, I believe that the legislation before us today will go a long way in alleviating the troubles that plague our highway and transit systems. Over the 6-year life of TEA LU, it will provide $232 billion in funding for highways and highway safety, $52 billion for our transit system. These funding levels take critical steps to ensuring our Nation's infrastructure remains strong.

A key component of this bill is the fulfillment of a longstanding need to improve safety, and it takes steps to combat the 42,000 lives that are lost each year on our Nation's highways.

As a Member who represents a rural area of Pennsylvania, I am very pleased that we are including a new program to upgrade and make improvements to roads and rural areas where over 60 percent of auto fatalities take place. This legislation includes important measures to relieve congestion on our Nation's highways. The investment of our transit system not only strengthens transit, but also encourages the use of mass transit to relieve congestion. It also creates a program to help fund smaller transit programs, offering States more options in improving their transit systems.

To further relieve bottle necks on our roads, TEA LU contains innovative real-time and intelligent transportation initiatives that allow States to monitor and improve traffic flow and enhance safety. Building on these innovative programs, I also encourage support of an amendment that will be offered by the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kennedy) to create voluntary toll lanes, or fast lanes, which pay for new lanes and highways to increase capacity. Drivers who choose these fast lanes will be charged electronically, eliminating the toll booths that add to the backups and congestion.

And finally, I was very pleased that TEA LU funds Maglev. Maglev is an exciting new transportation technology that is a vital next step in the future of

our Nation's transportation system. Additionally, funding for Maglev is an essential step in addressing some of the most pressing needs facing our domestic steel industry by creating the demand for steel. For instance, a typical Maglev project would require 4,000 tons of plate steel per mile for the tracks.

Mr. Chairman, this is a good bill and a solid step in the right direction, providing State DOTs with the long-term stability they need to plan for projects. I want to again thank the gentleman from Alaska (Chairman Young), the gentleman from Wisconsin (Chairman Petri), the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Oberstar), and the gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Lipinski) for their tireless efforts and leadership on behalf of American motorists, passengers, and transit systems. We need to pass this bill to increase the efficiency of our economy, to create jobs, and improve safety. I urge passage.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 4062, which would temporarily extend the Small Business Administration's 7(a) loan program. One of the SBA's most successful initiatives, the 7(A) loan program provides loan guarantees to small businesses. These small businesses are able to use this financial assistance to start up new enterprises. In January 2004, due to lack of funding, the SBA was forced to temporarily suspend the 7(a) loan program, thus cutting off a major funding resource for thousands of potential new small businesses. While the SBA was able to have the program up and running again in a relatively short time, it was still forced to scale back on the size and scope of the 7(a) program.

I am pleased that the legislation before us today not only extends the 7(a) program, but also restores the robust nature of the program by reinstating the maximum loan amount to $2 million. Additionally, H.R. 4026 would allow for piggyback loans, allowing businesses to seek out additional financial assistance to help grow their business. Equally important for our Nation's lenders, H.R. 4062, would increase the loan guarantee to $1.5 million. Lastly, Mr. Speaker, plans put forth this morning will create at least $12.5 billion in lending authority for the SBA in Fiscal Year 2004 and will allow for SBA to add an additional 30,000 loans which in turn could create thousands of new jobs.

In conclusion, I want to extend my thanks to our Chairman Don Manzullo and Ranking Member Nydia Velazquez for their hard work and leadership on this issue. Today's action will allow the SBA to continue providing financial assistance to our Nation's small businesses and keep our economy growing. I urge my colleagues to support this measure.

Mr. Chairman, a few days ago, I reluctantly voted for the budget resolution that was thoroughly debated on the House floor. My reluctance in voting for the budget was based on one main cause, my concern for our nation's veterans. Even though we increased funding in veterans' care once again, I believe there was further room for improvement.

The budget that we passed is a step forward in the areas of deficit reduction and spending control. I am heartened by our efforts to cap some areas of government spending but disappointed that we continue to debate the proper level of veterans' funding. In the past months, there has been great discussion in the funding that these brave individuals who have sacrificed so much for our country will receive from the VA. With that discussion, I believe that we should never lose sight of what these veterans have accomplished and what they have meant to our Nation's freedom.

As this process moves forward, I believe that there are additional areas of the budget that can be curtailed to further supplement our veterans' funding needs. For example, we should continue to scrutinize our massive foreign aid budget for savings that can be returned to the U.S. shores and to the veterans' needs.

In the end, I voted for this budget because we must continue the process and we will have opportunities to improve our veterans' funding. Additionally, to delay this budget means we delay our national defense and our homeland security priorities. To delay this budget risks not having a budget at all and that leaves no barriers to government spending. In a time of war, we can not allow that to happen.

We must all work hard to improve the budget before it comes to conference. I hope that

at that point we will all be able to vote for the budget without reservation and with the confidence that our Nation's veterans have been properly cared for by the government.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate Cambria County, Pennsylvania, as it celebrates its 200th Birthday. Having adopted the ancient name for Wales, Cambria is a county rich with culture, beauty, and natural resources. This picturesque region was designated on March 26, 1804, as Cambria County, when parts of Huntingdon, Somerset and Bedford counties merged together.

In the last 200 years industrialization has dictated the progression of this land. The vast opportunities for employment in coal mining, iron production, and railroad construction throughout the nineteenth century attracted an eclectic group of workers. With origins primarily in Wales, Ireland, and Germany, the newly settled immigrants bore the cuts, bruises, fatigue and pain necessary to plant the seeds for a prosperous new county.

In 1825, coal mining became the largest industry in the region, not only illuminating countless homes, but contributing greatly to the bustling Pennsylvania steel industry. From the production of steel and iron came the construction of the Allegheny Portage Railroad, and only 20 years later, the invaluable Pennsylvania Railroad. Despite having to endure several natural catastrophes, including severe flooding and multiple mine disasters, the region continued to flourish and provide the necessary resources for this young nation so that it was able to grow.

For 200 years the citizens of Cambria County have remained loyal and committed to industry--the very roots upon which this community was founded. The rich history that has been told through the sweat and tears of Cambria's past inhabitants parallels the history of our Nation. As you immerse yourselves in this celebration of Cambria County's 200th Birthday, you are learning about the people and the events that formed the very foundation of the United States of America.

Today, the people of Cambria County have every reason to be proud of the progress that has been made. Your efforts have and will continue to benefit your children, the very heart of this celebration, who will guide this county and this nation into a successful future.

Happy Birthday Cambria County!

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of H.R. 339, the Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act. This common sense legislation would prohibit lawsuits that claim a food manufacturer or seller is responsible for an individual's weight gain or obesity.

The food service industry is our nation's largest private sector employer, providing more than 12 million jobs in this country. Due to the industry's success of selling a legal product and meeting consumer demands, they have become the next target for the personal injury trial lawyers. If we do not pass this legislation, we will clear the way for the next free-for-all and litigation-lottery created to line the pockets of trial lawyers and send the message to Americans that they no longer have to be responsible for their actions. Make no mistake about it, this legislation is about personal responsibility. Each individual must be held accountable for their own personal choices and that includes the choices they make regarding what and how much they eat.

By supporting this legislation, we are not turning our backs on this country's problem with obesity but will in fact take one step closer in addressing the issue in a responsible and reasonable manner. As a nation, we must look for solutions to this public health problem. However, the solutions will not be found in the courtroom. Baseless and frivolous lawsuits are a misguided attempt to correct the poor eating habits of Americans and will not help a single individual in their struggle with obesity. The answers to our nation's struggle with weight and the associated health problems can be found by educating individuals about healthy lifestyle choices. It is doctors, nutritionists, and other health care providers that can offer help to overweight Americans--not personal injury lawyers. If lawsuits that blame the food industry for an individual's weight gain are allowed, we will simply make it easier for individuals to shift the blame to someone else. In a society that values choices and personal freedom, I believe we must take responsibility for our own choices in order to preserve them. We cannot stand by and let trial lawyers attempt to legislate through litigation. I urge my colleagues to vote for common sense and personal responsibility by supporting this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Harold E. Detwiler who passed away on Saturday, January 31, 2004. He was a wonderful person who contributed so much to his community.

Born on March 3, 1930, in New Enterprise, PA, Mr. Detwiler was taught at a young age the advantages of freedom and democracy that this country offers its citizens. After graduating from Replogle High School in 1948, and marrying his wife, E. Anne Baker, on November 21, 1953, Harold became the personification of patriotism. He served with the military police in the Korean War, rising to the rank of Private First Class before completing his duty. He returned to Pennsylvania to serve as a deacon of St. John's United Church of Christ in Martinsburg, where he later acted as a member for the majority of his life.

Mr. Detwiler found his business niche, however, in the Mutual Insurance Industry. Throughout his life he acted as chairman of the PA Association of Mutual Insurance Companies and the NAMIC Farm Underwriting Committee, in addition to acting as a member of the National Association of Mutual Insurance Companies, the MSO board of directors, the AAIS Advisory Council, the Mutual Inspection Bureau board of directors, the Sparks Club, and the Eastern Mutual Group, among others. In recognition of the time and dedication that he put in to attaining professionalism within the insurance industry, NAMIC honored him with their merit award and the National Service Award. With so much experience and education on the subject, Mr. Detwiler became the President and CEO of Everett Cash Mutual and Evergreene Insurance Companies, eventually retiring from the position in 1998.

Although he was a highly influential businessman throughout central Pennsylvania, Harold's generosity within the community in which he lived far surpassed his fiscal contributions. From 1974 until 1993, he served on the Martinsburg Borough Council, eventually rising to the position of President. As a member of the D. Merle Tipton VFW Post 43 and a leader of the Boy Scouts, he willingly passed down his knowledge to the children who would benefit the most from his teachings.

Harold Detwiler was a man who refused to settle for anything less than the best. He devoted much of his time to the improvement of society, and as a result, Martinsburg is a better place to live. He will be missed, but the legacy of his actions and the influence of his spirit will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 1997, the Unborn Victims of Violence Act introduced by my colleague from Pennsylvania.

The legislation before us today establishes that if an unborn child is injured or killed during the commission of a crime an additional charge may be brought on behalf of the second victim, the unborn child. Additionally, the bill stipulates that the same punishment be issued as provided for under Federal law for the crime committed against the mother.

The principle behind this bill is justice. Justice for the unborn child and justice for those left behind to cope with the grief. Justice, Mr. Speaker, for both victims. Currently over half of the states, including my home state of Pennsylvania, have an unborn victims law on the books. These laws have received increased attention over the last year due to the Peterson case in California.

Fortunately, California has an unborn victims law and thus the crimes committed against both Laci and Connor Peterson may be prosecuted and justice will be brought for both victims.

Additionally, Mr. Speaker, it should be noted that Americans have shown that they support unborn victims laws. Three nationwide polls, conducted in 2003 showed that respondents support unborn victims legislation by margins of 8 to 1 and in some cases as high as 12 to 1.

The American people accept that an attack on a pregnant woman is not just an attack on her, but an attack on her unborn child as well. It is time for Congress to come to the same resolution.

In conclusion, I want to extend my sincere thanks to my colleague from Pennsylvania, Congresswoman Hart. I appreciate her leadership on this issue.

Mr. Speaker, the unborn cannot defend themselves when they are attacked, yet they are no less a victim. I urge my colleagues to stand up today to offer justice for all victims of violent crime.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Obie Snider, an extraordinary man who passed away on the night of December 18, 2003. After enlightening the lives of those around him for seventy-seven years, the memories of his generosity and genuine care for others have served to comfort those who knew him best, as well as the community which benefitted tremendously from his numerous contributions.

As a pillar of strength within his community of Bedford County, Pennsylvania, Mr. Snider was a role model and leader who was admired for his loyalty to God, his family, and his comrades. With the help of his vision and guidance the East Freedom Chapel was founded, and it was under that roof that he became director of Young Life in the 1950s. Mr. Snider remained a devoted Christian throughout his life, and that piety translated into his every action. In addition to being a Sunday school teacher, he was the chairman of Truth and Praise, a publisher of hymnals, and the chairman of the Christian Workers Fellowship Fund of Kansas, among other things.

After graduating from Replogle High School in 1943, Mr. Snider's experiences in college prepared him for the enriched life he would lead. Two years after marrying Mary Ann Gilbert on June 1, 1948, he graduated from Penn State University. Grounded by a strong marriage and a solid education, Mr. Snider established Singing Brook Farms and eventually became a trustee of his alma mater, a position that lasted 21 years. His appointment to Trustee Chairman in 1985 marked the first time that an agriculturalist filled the role, and in the years following he was named a distinguished alumnus and received the status of trustee emeritus in July of 2000. Mr. Snider dedicated a large portion of his time to the improvement of the university and succeeded in administering numerous changes throughout the system. Without Obie Snider's influence and vision, Penn State University would not be the renowned institution of higher learning that it is today.

Mr. Snider's commitment to agriculture and education has proved to affect and benefit not only the state of Pennsylvania, but the entire nation. The numerous organizations and boards that he selflessly served were all positively changed by his presence, and they will undoubtedly miss his spirit and direction. Obie Snider has left behind a legacy of dignity and merit that will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Betty Lucinda Etchison for her nearly 58 years of committed service to the McLanahan Corporation. Her presence with the company will be sorely missed.

Betty Lucinda was born in Geeseytown, Pennsylvania, in 1928 to George J. and Rebecca H. Etchison. After graduating from Hollidaysburg High School in 1946, she began her journey through the McLanahan and Stone Corporation as a stenographer. At the time, she was only a temporary employee; but after proving herself as a capable worker, Ward McLanahan hired her as a full-time employee.

Under the direction of James Craig McLanahan, Ms. Etchison further disclosed her vast capabilities, quietly earning recognition for her incomparable performance on the job. Shortly after the company became the McLanahan Corporation, Ms. Etchison's distinguishing loyalty was acknowledged, as she became Michael McLanahan's personal secretary and remained in the same position for the next 31 years. Working tirelessly to overcome the obstacles of having to learn and master continually changing technology, Ms. Etchison flourished under her final boss, Sean McLanahan.

To the enjoyment of local citizens, her spirit and dedication translated into every aspect of her life. Ms. Etchison has been a life- long member of the Scotch Valley Grange, helping to prepare food and treating the crowds by playing the piano at numerous functions and selflessly contributing her time and musical talent to the Lutheran churches of Frankstown and Geeseytown. Her uncompromising sense of duty to the community in which she lives has been a source of inspiration.

Having worked diligently for four generations of the McLanahan family, Ms. Etchison has demonstrated an unyielding enthusiasm and care for the company which she has served. For her incomparable generosity, service to the McLanahan Corporation, and unabated commitment to excellence, Betty L. Etchison deserves the highest recognition. The legacy she has left behind is one that every American should emulate, and her contributions will not go unnoticed by the business for which she worked nor the community in which she lives. I would like to congratulate Ms. Etchison on her accomplishments, and I wish her the best of luck in her retirement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to report back on the last 3 weeks I spent in my district, traveling the district, visiting with the 13 hospital and medical centers that are in my district, to talk to them about the Prescription Drug and Medicare Modernization Act that we passed here in November and the President signed into law.

I would like to report they have been very pleased with what we did here in Congress. The doctors are pleased with the reimbursement increase they are going to receive, and our hospitals are pleased with what we have done. I have a rural district, and the rural package that we put forth for these hospitals is very important to their financial well-being.

But as we talked about what we did in the bill, the discussion quickly turned to what we have not done here in Congress. In the House, we have attempted to do it three times, passed legislation to reform medical malpractice, but it has not passed in the other body, and as I talked to these CEOs, doctors and nurses, we talked about the stories in various areas of the district.

In Indiana County, for instance, the home of Jimmy Stewart, a very well-respected and beloved orthopedic surgeon, Dr. Paul Burton, left Pennsylvania for California 6 months ago due to the medical malpractice crisis in the State of Pennsylvania.

In Blair County, Pennsylvania, the largest hospital in my district, the Altoona Hospital, in 1999 they paid approximately $1 million in malpractice insurance; last year, that number jumped up to almost $3 million, and not a penny of it was used to help patients.

Pennsylvania physicians paid over $350 million in malpractice insurance premiums, which ranks them second in the Nation, nearly 10 percent of the Nation's total, despite having less than 5 percent of the Nation's physicians.

There are countless stories like these, not only in my district, but across this country. In 2002, an American Medical Association analysis found that 12 States were in crisis. That number has now reached 19, and they include Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, West Virginia, Ohio, Kentucky, North Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Mississippi, Arkansas, Missouri, Illinois, Texas, Wyoming, Nevada, Oregon and Washington. Together, these States represent almost half the population of the entire country.

America's medical liability system is broken. Jury awards are a big part of that problem. In 2002, 52 percent of all awards were for $1 million or more. Today that average is over $3.5 million. In the city of Philadelphia, juries awarded more than the entire State of California, which is outrageous. If left unrestrained, these jury awards will continue to spiral out of control.

One of the most serious consequences of the medical malpractice crisis is patients' access to care. Physicians are being forced to limit services, retire early or move to other States where medical malpractice reform has taken place.

During my tour, I met an ear, nose and throat physician who is trying to recruit another doctor for his practice. He told me that when he goes to these conferences and speaks to the residents or other physicians, as soon as they hear he is from Pennsylvania, they say, ``No way.'' In fact, last year not a single orthopedic resident that was trained in Pennsylvania stayed in Pennsylvania to practice medicine due to the medical malpractice situation in our State.

Not just doctors and hospitals pay for this medical malpractice insurance, but all patients pay the escalating costs of this crisis. Health and Human Services estimates that medical liability costs add $60 billion to $108 billion to the total cost of health care each year, $47 billion annually to what the Federal Government pays for Medicare, Medicaid, VA and health care for Federal employees.

Costs are further increased by additional unnecessary tests and treatments that are performed by physicians practicing defensive medicine, trying to avoid being sued.

The solution to all of this is reform. The House passed, as I said, three times, medical liability reform, proposing a cap of $250,000 on noneconomic damages. The HEALTH Act, H.R. 5, of which I am a cosponsor, which we passed in the spring, would still allow for unlimited economic damages, while also establishing a reasonable limit on the pain and suffering awards.

I salute the President for bringing this to the forefront in his State of the Union message and as he traveled the country the past couple of days talking about the need for medical malpractice reform in this country. I would also urge the other body to move this important legislation, so that we can give the relief needed, the much-needed relief, to our health care system.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Leonard S. Fiore, Inc. on its 50th Anniversary and to thank the general contracting corporation for its numerous contributions to the community.

For more than four decades, Leonard S. Fiore, Inc. has maintained a strong commitment to people, hard work, and education. The company was founded by Leonard Fiore Sr. in 1954 upon the principle of providing efficient, top quality work at a reasonable cost, and the progress that it has made in the past fifty years confirms the company's dedication to this principle. In 1957 the company completed its first commercial construction project with the erection of the Altoona Skating Center and the St. Rose of Lima Church in Altoona. Since that date, the company has expanded its capabilities and heightened its goals tremendously, having provided jobs to over 250 people and completed over 300 commercial buildings.

As one of central Pennsylvania's leading general contractors, Leonard S. Fiore, Inc. offers demolition, excavation, concrete and steel erection, masonry, carpentry, metal stud and drywall work as well as plastering, painting, and a certified surveyor. Devoted to the belief that ``no job is too large, no need too small,'' every job that the company undertakes receives the same enthusiasm and quality of workmanship. Regardless of the task at hand, the experience and expertise of each and every employee guarantees every project to be completed with the best possible results.

In addition to the organization's excellence in its industry, it has remained extremely loyal to the surrounding community. Leonard S. Fiore, Inc. regularly supports Saint Francis College in Loretto, PA, and Bishop Guilfoyle High School in Hollidaysburg, PA, providing them with financial assistance and volunteer services. Additionally, the company sponsors local little league baseball teams, the Tour de Toona bicycle race, and the annual Fiore Family Golf Classic, which is a popular event that raises money for various community services. Leonard S. Fiore, Inc. has demonstrated an unyielding enthusiasm and care for the public which it serves.

For its incomparable generosity, service to the community, and unabated commitment to excellence, Leonard S. Fiore, Inc. deserves the highest recognition. The company continues to grow and maintain a high level of quality, providing an example that all businesses should follow. I congratulate Leonard S. Fiore, Inc. on its 50th Anniversary and eagerly await its future progress.