Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to share some powerful stories that Kentuckians have shared with me regarding their experiences with ObamaCare.

Jim Holloway of Glasgow was notified that his small business insurance plan will be canceled. Here is the letter:

Dear James Holloway, II, you will be moving to a health

care reform, also called the Affordable Care Act compliant

plan.

Mr. Holloway told me, ``The plan I had was not a junk plan. I liked my plan.'' Unfortunately, he will not be able to keep that plan.

Tanya Veitschegger of Bowling Green also received a cancelation notice of her plan. After calling her insurance agent, she learned that a similar plan to what she and her husband had was available at a cost of $490 more a month.

Vince Berta, also of Bowling Green, said that by being forced to go onto the exchange, his family's insurance rate will jump from $375 a month to $849 a month. He asks a fair question: ``An over 100 percent increase--what part of this is affordable?''

The fact is that President Obama repeatedly promised Americans that if they liked their plan they could keep it. I heard over and over from Kentuckians that is not the case.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding time to speak on an important issue that the Retail Investor Protection Act addresses.

Employee Stock Ownership Plans provide good jobs and secure retirements in my home State, the Commonwealth of Kentucky, and across the Nation. In fact, ESOPs had fewer layoffs during the recession than other businesses.

I have been joined by two dozen colleagues, from both sides of the aisle, on a bill to prevent the Department of Labor from imposing the fiduciary standard on appraisers of ESOP stock.

IRS law today requires that ESOPs get an independent appraisal in order to determine the value of the stock. On the other hand, fiduciaries are, by definition, not independent. Any rule that would define ESOP appraisers as fiduciaries would create a conflict with the IRS regulations; and by creating conflicting duties for appraisers, any Department of Labor rules in this area would substantially increase the cost of ESOPs and, in fact, could regulate them out of existence.

DOL's proposal would add costs to all parties and encourage needless litigation time and again. DOL has failed to sufficiently document the problems with ESOPs that they claim they are trying to remedy.

This is simply another example of this administration overreaching and

creating unnecessary burdens on business leaders for providing a great service to their employees.

I am pleased to stand in support of the rule and the underlying bill today because, if enacted, this bill will help protect ESOPs in the near term. By barring DOL from finalizing a rule on fiduciaries until after the SEC has acted, this bill will provide some temporary protection for ESOPs and their appraisers.

We must continue to defend business leaders and their employees from professional regulators whose ill-considered and counterproductive proposals are making it more difficult for hardworking Americans to achieve the American Dream.

And we have been working with both sides of the aisle; and this party, the Republican Party, on this side of the aisle wants to make sure Americans have the opportunity to achieve the American Dream. This bill does that; and, therefore, I support the rule and the underlying bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to discuss the importance of manufacturing to our economy.

Today, I introduced the Reducing Employer Burdens, Unleashing Innovation, and Labor Development, or the REBUILD Act of 2013.

The REBUILD Act is aimed at stimulating domestic production and increasing our global competitiveness. Provisions included in the bill seek to redesign workforce training, achieve comprehensive tax reform, increase access to energy and decrease costly regulations, reform health care, reform trade policy, and open up more spectrum for technological innovation.

Pieced together, these policies will allow us to ensure the United States of America remains the best place in the world to do business. I come from a small business and manufacturing background and understand how Federal policies can encourage or stifle innovation and job creation. I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in this effort to restore American innovation and boost our global competitiveness.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Medal of Honor recipient Don J. Jenkins of the United States Army for his brave service in Vietnam.

Under heavy crossfire, Don Jenkins maneuvered forward to an exposed position and began placing suppressive fire on the enemy. He exposed himself to extremely heavy fire when he repeatedly ran and crawled across open terrain to obtain resupplies of ammunition until he had exhausted all that was available for his machine gun. Displaying tremendous presence of mind, he then armed himself with two antitank weapons and, by himself, maneuvered through the rapid, hostile fire to within 20 meters of an enemy bunker to destroy that position. After moving back to the friendly defensive perimeter long enough to secure yet another weapon, a grenade launcher, Don Jenkins moved forward to a position providing no protection and resumed placing accurate fire on the enemy until his ammunition was again exhausted.

It is for his courage and unwavering devotion to duty that I am proud to honor the actions of Private First Class Don J. Jenkins of Morgantown, Kentucky. I have the great privilege of knowing him personally, and I'm proud to call him my friend.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3092) to amend the Missing Children's Assistance Act, and for other purposes, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on H.R. 3092.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3092, and I yield myself such time as I may consume.

As a father of three children, I can't imagine the horror if one of my children were missing or were in harm's way. Just like any other parent, the thought is unthinkable and is one that I am thankful to have never experienced.

My first exposure to the issues facing at-risk populations, such as those served by programs authorized by the underlying law, was as a cadet at West Point, which is just north of New York City. There was a shelter in New York City for runaway children. It was heartbreaking to hear the stories of these children, many of whom were abused or neglected and had no homes to return to. Oftentimes children who have run away from their homes are the most in danger of being killed or exploited. Approximately 80 percent of children reported missing are, in fact, categorized as ``endangered runaways.'' These vulnerable kids deserve help.

My bill, H.R. 3092, will reauthorize the Missing Children's Assistance Act

at current funding levels. Reauthorizing this critical law will ensure that the coordination of State and local law enforcement efforts to identify, locate, and recover missing, abducted, and sexually exploited children continues. We cannot afford to wait.

The world around us, while often kind and beautiful, can also be cruel and ugly; but it is through the work of groups like the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that resources are available to assist those in dire need. Chances are that you've seen a hotline come across your TV screen that is looking to collect information about a missing child but you've never thought about the infrastructure behind these efforts. This legislation seeks to reauthorize these critical programs and ensure no gap in access for the children, families, and communities in need.

Since its founding in 1984, the center, while partnered with local law enforcement, has helped recover more than 188,000 missing children across the United States. April 9, 2014, marks the 30th anniversary of the Justice Department's awarding the first national clearinghouse grant to the center. Just 2 months after its creation, in June of 1984, President Reagan celebrated the official opening of the center at a White House ceremony, praising this model of public-private partnership, which has fulfilled his vision for three decades.

I applaud the efforts of Chairman Kline, Representative Walberg, and my fellow committee members for understanding the importance of this legislation and in helping to move it forward. I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 3092 so we can continue to support these vital programs.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I very much appreciate the strong words of support from my friend from Florida.

I now yield 3 minutes to the chairman of the Education and the Workforce Committee, the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Kline), my friend.

Mr. Speaker, as my friend from Florida said, we were able

to work together--House and Senate, Republicans and Democrats--for a very important issue. And I want to thank my colleagues who were here speaking to the importance of H.R. 3092, the E. Clay Shaw, Jr. Missing Children's Assistance Reauthorization Act of 2013.

The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children has assisted law enforcement in the recovery of more than 188,389 missing children since it was founded in 1984. As of June 2013, the center's toll-free, 24-hour call center received more than 3.8 million calls. Reauthorizing this law will ensure that the critical coordination of State and local enforcement efforts by the center on behalf of missing, abducted, and sexually exploited children continues.

I'm honored to take the lead on this important legislation and urge my colleagues to support this bill so we can continue these vital programs.

Again, I thank both sides for working together, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of C. Waitman Taylor, Jr. Born and raised in Lewisport, Kentucky, Waitman has continued the Taylor family legacy by serving Hancock and Daviess Counties in a variety of ways.

Waitman is retiring as Executive Director of Owensboro Health's Foundation for Health. Nearly 86 years old, Waitman has over 60 years in the workforce along with serving in the U.S. Air Force, retiring as a captain of the U.S. Air Force reserves in 1966. The list of titles and duties are long, but his distinguished career is truly one to be acknowledged.

Waitman has served in his current role since 2002. Prior to that, Waitman served as an industry official at institutions such as L.R. Chapman Inc., General Electric Co. and Texas Gas Transmission. He was also elected Mayor of Owensboro, a position he held from 1972-1976, after serving as Mayor Pro-Tem for two years.

Waitman's roles go beyond industry and elected office. Waitman served in numerous board positions for the University of Louisville, Murray State University and 30 years with Brescia University receiving honorary doctorate in 1976. Waitman's list of community and fundraising activities are equally as impressive, serving in a variety of leadership positions at the Owensboro-Daviess County Chamber of Commerce, United Way, Owensboro-Daviess County Industrial Foundation, Junior Achievement, Owensboro-Daviess County Regional Airport and Industry Inc., now known as Greater Owensboro Economic Development Corp. Waitman was the co-founder and chairman of Community Foundation of Owensboro-Daviess County. And he was a member of the first Leadership Kentucky class in 1985.

It should come as no surprise that Waitman's achievements have been recognized with numerous awards. In 1958, Waitman was named Owensboro's Outstanding Young Man. Hancock County Historical Society named him Historian of the Year in 2012. In January 2013, when the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce celebrated its 100th birthday they named Waitman as their Chamber Member of the Century.

Quoted in Owensboro's Messenger Inquirer, Waitman said, ``Looking back, if I had retired at 65, I wouldn't have met and worked with all these wonderful people in the last 21 years.'' I can tell you that sentiment is shared. It has been a true pleasure working with Waitman and I join the people of Kentucky's Second District in thanking him for his contributions. Please accept my best wishes and blessings for Waitman and his family.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of John ``Kirk'' Kirkpatrick. Born and raised in Owensboro, Kentucky, Kirk has strived to better his surrounding community in every way possible.

Kirk's career began with Owensboro on the Air, Inc., where he served in a number of capacities. Kirk also handled public relations for the city's television system before joining WaxWorks/VideoWorks in 1984. Kirk served as President and CEO of the RiverPark Center Foundation for two years, working to help develop the riverfront. After facilitating major improvements to The RiverPark Center, he returned to WaxWorks/ VideoWorks to continue his career until his recent retirement.

Kirk's background in communications made him a natural for Master of Ceremonies for the Greater Owensboro Chamber of Commerce's monthly Rooster Booster meetings. Kirk branded ``the good news phone'' as his signature personality to share the great happenings of Owensboro. For more than 35 years, Kirk has served in this capacity, with the Owensboro Chamber of Commerce recognizing him as ``Member of the Year'' three times.

Serving in numerous Board of Director positions, it is evident that Kirk has dedicated his career to serving the greater Owensboro community--for both current and future generations. Kirk recently accepted his latest role as an ambassador for the Owensboro Convention Center. I couldn't think of anyone better suited for this important role. Recently named an All-America City with Kirk's help, Owensboro is fortunate to call Kirk one of its residents.

I look forward to seeing Kirk's new endeavors and would like to thank him for all he has and will continue to do on behalf of Owensboro, Kentucky.

I thank my friend from Georgia for yielding. I appreciate him letting me be a part of the Doctors Caucus for tonight.

I don't want to pretend that I am a doctor. I certainly am not, but I appreciate the opportunity to be here, Mr. Speaker, to talk about the health care bill. It's nice that this has been organized so we can be here tonight to talk about a topic that is critical to the American people, and that's the crushing mandates in ObamaCare.

As we know, last week, Mr. Speaker, the House considered two bills to relieve the American people of these mandates: the Authority for Mandate Delay Act would give large employers a reprieve from compliance with ObamaCare's employer mandate until 2015, and the Fairness for American Families Act would grant individuals until 2015 to comply with the law's individual mandate.

This one-size-fits-all health care law is a train wreck. It's been quoted as a train wreck by members of the other party who voted for it in the other body. The administration has clearly realized its employer mandate will hinder businesses in their ability to grow and, just a few weeks ago, announced their decision to delay the implementation of this bill.

I appreciate being here tonight because I come from a small business manufacturing background that provides health care at a low cost to our employees. I believe I understand the complexities that an employer faces in providing health insurance for their workers. This law encourages employers to cut workers' hours, pare back their numbers of workers, and move workers from existing health insurance plans onto the exchange.

Well, I'm glad to see the administration is finally paying attention to the disastrous consequences of this law. It is disappointing that they expect families and small business owners to comply with the crushing mandates while they give big businesses a break. Improving access to health care and making it more affordable should be the goal and the outcome. I will continue to fight for full repeal of this law, but in the interim, I'm glad the House moved last week to delay the implementation of the crushing mandates.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia for yielding.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Student Success Act.

As a father of three children, I know the importance of a good education that ensures students graduate high school prepared for post- secondary education and the workforce.

For years, States and school districts have been burdened by Federal overreach and red tape that has failed to improve the academic performance of our students. We can--and must--do better.

Our State and local leaders have the best understanding of their own school districts and student populations. So we must get Washington out of our students' classrooms and equip them with the tools necessary to put our students on a path toward academic excellence. H.R. 5 has got about four key principles to do just that: reducing the Federal footprint, empowering parents, supporting effective teachers, and restoring local control.

My colleagues and I share the belief that young people need to think big and dream bigger.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, just last week the administration chose to delay implementation of the employer mandate by 1 year. While this delay grants business owners more time to determine their options, it is not the repeal that we need.

The House majority leadership sent a letter to President Obama today asking him to explain what prompted a delay in the employer mandate. The American people--families like yours and mine--are left wondering what led to this decision and why the individual mandate, which will be just as costly, remains in place. I join my colleagues in requesting this vital information.

The requirements of the health care law have always left more questions than answers. I continue to hear from Kentuckians who wonder if they will lose their coverage, be forced to choose different providers, or be saddled with enormous new costs. ObamaCare continues to be the train wreck that will destroy jobs, and we have to stop it.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady for yielding.

It seems there's no shortage of red flags regarding ObamaCare. The one-size-fits-all health care law is proving to be disastrous for consumers, for employers and health care providers alike.

Just last week, as my friend from North Carolina said, the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office warned:

Because government officials have missed multiple key

deadlines to set up the new health insurance exchanges, there

is serious concern that the exchanges will not be ready in

October, as scheduled.

Employers and families across Kentucky have expressed serious concerns about meeting the requirements of the law and wondering if they will lose their coverage, be forced to choose different providers, or be saddled with enormous new costs. Now these individuals are left with even more uncertainty.

When talking with business leaders across my district, I hear a barrage of questions and concerns. Small businesses, the backbone of our economy, are likely the hardest to be hit. Some

local insurers say the law could put them out of business. One restaurant owner says it will be a challenge for the whole industry and many will be forced to lay off employees. Others simply say it will be difficult to insure all of their existing employees.

A Gallup poll released last week showed that 41 percent of small businesses, the engine of our economic growth, have stopped hiring new employees because of ObamaCare. The same poll also showed that one- fifth of those surveyed have reduced their workforce because of the law.

Citing the uncertainty, these business leaders don't know what type of insurance programs they might be able to implement or if they will have to alter the shape of their workforce. The uncertainty seems likely to continue given the striking, but not surprising, report from the GAO.

The Government Accountability Office warns that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services still has many duties to complete across core exchange functions, including eligibility and enrollment. With enrollment less than 4 months away, these missed deadlines will likely result in even more confusion as Americans are prepared to be placed into the exchanges. It's no wonder that this law is so wildly unpopular and individuals fear being placed in exchanges.

But it's not just families and businessowners who are left in the dark. Insurance companies don't know what to plan for when the exchanges open, and some are already fleeing the market.

Aetna recently announced they will not participate in any statewide exchanges and they will exit the individual insurance market in California entirely. This mood can set a dangerous precedent: insurers not being willing to take the financial risk to meet the demands of ObamaCare and not participating in the exchanges altogether.

With competition dwindling and individuals not knowing what they can expect in terms of coverage and cost, we are left with a very scary and unacceptable reality. There are simply too many unknowns in the law that completely overhauls our Nation's health care system. This has led to unintended and negative consequences for employers, patients, and providers.

This law is not the solution to our Nation's health care problems, especially given the lack of information and tools available for implementation. Instead, we need to enact a patient-centered plan that lowers cost and ensures access for all Americans.

We hear stories like that all the time when we're home.

We had one in the Energy and Commerce Committee when we had a gentleman who had a chain of restaurants he's developing in New England, which isn't where I'm from, but he was before the committee. His testimony was that he had eight restaurants and planned to open a ninth, and he decided he had to wait because he has no idea what this health care bill is going to cost him when he has to provide health care for his employees. Of the net income of his eight restaurants, he estimated--if he could come up with it because, as we know, you still don't know exactly what the health care bill is going to look like. We know what the bill looks like, but what we don't know is what's really in it because the rules have not come out to say what you have to provide your employees. It's supposed to happen in October and be ready for January 1. So he has decided to just not open a restaurant until this gets implemented so he can then move forward. He said it's going to take half of his net income, he has estimated, if what's in the rules comes out.

If you've ever been in business, it's something you always take home, but if you're growing a business, hoping to open a ninth, 10th, and so on and create a chain, the net income is what you put into the business to grow the business and move forward. It's half of his net income, according to his estimate and as best as he can estimate, because nobody knows the details of what's actually going to be required until, hopefully, we see it before October 1. It's just frustrating for him. It's frustrating for people. It's frustrating for employees.

A guy stopped me in a store the other day. He just got a job at a retail store. He said, I was promised 40 hours, and I was just told I'm going to be working 29 hours. That's the new class of people working, particularly in retail. He was retired, and he was kind of looking for extra income, and he's going to be a 29er. That's a term that we hear quite a bit.

So dealing with health care is something we absolutely have to deal with but not dealing with it in the way of this bill. They didn't try to cut costs, and it's actually implemented on top of the system even more, which is going to cost more. Employers are really concerned, not about being able to cover their employees, but they're concerned about, Are they going to be able to afford to stay in business and even have employees? That's the concern of most of them whom I hear talk about it.

I'm sure you hear the same. I know our good friend from Texas is now here on the floor, and I'd like to give this back to my friend from North Carolina.

I don't think you were here when we were debating ObamaCare.

When we were debating it, the number was always 40 million people uninsured. So we've completely upended the health insurance market and have put all this uncertainty into the economy. I think it's the biggest drag on the economy. Now, we haven't had growth, and we're going to have 31 million uninsured. That's not even by a bipartisan group. That's by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office that we're going to have 31 million people uninsured--all of this because we had 40 million uninsured and, after all of this, 31 million uninsured.

So did we get our $1 trillion worth?

That's a great point that I brought up when we were debating it back in 2009.

What people don't realize, as it didn't get a lot of coverage, Mr. Speaker, is that the Federal Government took over the student loans.

So you're going to hear a lot about student loans in the next few days because after July 1 the student loan rates are going to go up. The House was active. We passed a bill. It's in the Senate. I've heard the President talk about it.

What people need to realize is that when the health care bill passed--as my friend just said, the Federal Government can loan money at a low rate because we can pretty much borrow from ourselves at a low rate. When we loan it to students, they pay a little over 3 percent; and the difference, the flow, comes back to the Federal Government, the profit from loaning to our businesses.

Do you know where $8.7 billion of that is going to? To pay for the health care bill. Instead of taking $8.7 billion and giving it back to students who are struggling with affordability of college--I'm in that world right now because my son is leaving this summer to go off to college and I have a daughter in college. So most of the people that are peers of theirs that I see, we talk about the affordability of college. One of the things that we did is we took money that students are paying back on their student loans to pay for the health care bill. Instead of rebating it back to the students to put it in their pockets to pay for their loans, it goes to the health care bill.

As we hear a lot of people on the other side and in the White House this week talk about health care and that the Senate hasn't passed a bill to deal with student loan interest rates that will go up, I want people to remember, Mr. Speaker, that $8.7 billion of what people are paying back in interest is going to fund the health care bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Bardstown Police Officer Jason Scott Ellis. Officer Ellis was shot and killed while on patrol in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 25. Believed to be an ambush, this senseless act has left Bardstown and its surrounding communities mourning the loss of a husband, father and police officer.

A seven-year veteran of the force, Officer Ellis also served as Bardstown's canine officer and training officer. He is the first police officer in the history of the Bardstown Police Department to be shot and killed in the line of duty.

Bardstown Police Chief Rick McCubbin was quoted as saying Officer Ellis ``paid the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved: being a police officer.'' Mayor Bill Sheckles said, ``The city and community of Bardstown lost a class act officer of the law in Jason Ellis, and his shoes will be hard to fill.'' I could not agree more.

I join with the Bardstown community and all of Kentucky's Second District in sending my thoughts and prayers to the family of Officer Ellis, especially his wife Amy and their sons, Hunter and Parker.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Chief Master Sergeant James K. ``Kenny'' Fogle.

Joining the U.S. Air Force in 1977, Chief Fogle began his active duty career serving as an Airborne Cryptologic Linguist. He was assigned to the Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. Chief Fogle logged more than 450 hours of flying time with the RC135 and earned the Air Medal during this tour.

Following his service with the U.S. Air Force, Chief Fogle enlisted in the Kentucky Air National Guard in several capacities. From 2000- 2003, Chief Fogle served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Brigadier General Rick Ash. Chief Fogle also served as Assistant to the Secretary of Transportation in Kentucky's Transportation Cabinet from 1988-2003.

Today, Chief Fogle serves as the Executive Director of the United Way of Nelson County. Chief Fogle's life of service has earned him many medals and ribbons, but perhaps most importantly, the gratitude of the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

As Memorial Day approaches, I'd like to acknowledge Chief Fogle for his military service and for continuing that service in his personal life. I join with Kentucky's Second District in thanking you for your service.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Lou P. Vincent.

Lou dedicated her career to caring for patients and aiding them as best she could. A dedicated nurse, Lou worked for Dr. John Grise for 9 years and for Dr. Mark Yurchisin for 22 years.

Specifically, Lou helped deliver my three children: Caroline, Robby and Elizabeth. Lou's smile comforted me as my wife was prepped for each delivery and her comforting persona helped both of us through the process.

My family and I will forever be grateful for her service and thank her once again for helping us welcome our three amazing children into the world. It has been a pleasure knowing Lou and seeing her in the Bowling Green community. She will certainly be missed.

Lou was present on three of the best days of my life, and my wife and I will always consider her a part of our family.

I thank the chairman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1120.

This bill is important for our employers, employees, and our Constitution. It has already been said, but I'd like to make that point again: the President does not have the authority to decide when the Senate is in session. His recess appointment of three members to the National Labor Relations Board was against the law and the tradition of separated powers inherent in the Constitution.

Some on the other side will say that the impasse at the NLRB is the fault of Republicans, that our colleagues in the Senate are acting as obstructionists; but I will remind my colleagues that, during the Bush administration, Senator Reid used pro forma sessions to block recess appointments just the same, and he did not make recess appointments when the Senate was in pro forma session, which is different than the situation here.

The real solution isn't to appoint board members that a Democratically-controlled Senate can't approve; it is to nominate reasonable individuals who will adjudicate our Nation's labor laws without bias and with an eye towards the goal we all share--a healthy economy with adequate worker protection. That's what this bill before us does.

This bill would prohibit the NLRB from enforcing any actions that required a quorum, or from issuing new decisions requiring a quorum, until a

Board quorum is confirmed with the advice and consent of the Senate, the Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of the January 2012 recess appointments, or the term of the 2012 recess appointments expires.

Unless Congress provides relief, employers and unions will be forced to either comply with costly orders that may be overturned or to litigate them on a case-by-case basis. Both of these paths are cost prohibitive. I urge the passage of this important bill.