Floor Statements

Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I rise today in support of the SKILLS Act. This legislation is a key tool to improve employee skills, and, in turn, strengthen our Nation's workforce.

Jobs and growing our Nation's economy must be our top priority. There has never been a more critical time to make sure that our workforce has the opportunity to find new jobs or receive additional education.

The bill includes a number of positive changes to the workforce system. Creating a flexible workforce investment fund to give local workforce investment boards additional flexibility is an important step to get more workers through the system.

This bill also does away with the antiquated sequence of services which delays access to training. In addition, the bill enhances adult literacy, a cause that is particularly important to me.

Today, approximately 12 million Americans are without work; yet jobs are open in many industries, especially in manufacturing. When I travel around my district, I continue to hear that employers are actively looking for workers but have difficulty finding the skilled workforce they need.

Technology will always be advancing. We must ensure our workforce is armed with the skillset to perform the tasks that are required today and tomorrow. This bill will address this problem head-on and allow for the education these individuals need.

These high-skilled, high-wage, and high-demand jobs are the pathways to the American Dream. I've seen firsthand, at my family's manufacturing facility, how lives can be transformed through additional skills and investing in our workforce.

There are countless benefits to better educating our workforce as our economy continues to rebuild from the recession. We must do everything we can to put Americans back to work. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this effort for our Nation's workforce.

Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to see that President Obama now recognizes his proposed sequester is a meat-ax approach to cutting defense. Just a few months ago, in the third Presidential debate, he told the American people that these cuts were a well-thought-out plan to modernize the military. He said these cuts were nothing more than the equivalent of no longer spending money on horses and bayonets. He was wrong.

He was correct in the State of the Union in saying some in Congress, meaning House Republicans, want to replace these cuts to our defense, but he wants to replace other spending, as well. My colleagues in the House have offered two replacement bills which the Senate has yet to act on.

Let's not use our brave men and women in uniform and civilian workers who serve them as leverage for other spending. The Constitution states that Congress is to provide for our national defense and the President is Commander in Chief.

I ask the Senate and President Obama to join the House in doing its constitutional duty and replace these devastating defense cuts now.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest on being named one of ``America's Prettiest Parks'' by Yahoo! Travel.

I am fortunate to know firsthand how beautiful this forest is and I am proud that it is located in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Bernheim's mission and vision statements, ``connecting people with nature,'' and ``Bernheim will be a nationally treasured leader in ecological stewardship that inspires the exploration of deep connections with nature,'' are profound and true.

Tom Block, a Bernheim Trustee and the great-grandson of founder Isaac Wolf Bernheim welcomed the distinction, calling it ``another branch on Bernheim's growing tree of awards and honors.''

Clermont, Kentucky and the surrounding community are fortunate to have this forest in their backyard. For those of you who have yet to visit Bernheim, I encourage you to do so. You will be overwhelmed by its beauty and peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Perryene Lickert on retiring after 31 years dedicated to civil service at Ft. Knox.

Since 1981, Ms. Lickert has served our nation in a multitude of capacities. From working in the Commissary as a Sales Store Checker to working as a Military Personnel Clerk in several departments, Ms. Lickert has dedicated her career to a greater cause.

Next week, Ms. Lickert's civil service ends as a Human Resources Assistant in the Health Services Directorate with the U.S. Army's Recruiting Command.

Upon Ms. Lickert's retirement, I want to wish her well and thank her for her service to both the Ft. Knox community as well as our great nation. You have made Kentucky's Second Congressional District proud.

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to recognize the dedication and selfless service of Major General Gina Farrisee, who will culminate her 34-year Army career as the Commanding General of Human Resources Command in Ft. Knox, Kentucky.

As a Member of Congress, a Kentuckian, and a former Army Officer, it is an honor to recognize Major General Farrisee today before the United States House of Representatives. She is a native of Virginia, a 1978 graduate of the University of Richmond and the National Defense University in 1998. She was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, serving her career as an Adjutant General Officer.

Major General Farrisee's career highlights include a variety of command and staff positions at Army installations around the world to include Germany, Ft. Bliss, TX; Ft. Lewis, WA; Ft. Benjamin Harrison, IN; and Ft. Jackson, SC. During several key assignments in the Pentagon she worked for the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Management Policy and four years as the Army's Director of Military Personnel Management. Her highly successful command assignments included battalion command at Ft. Lewis, brigade command at Ft. Benjamin Harrison and the Army's Soldier Support Institute at Ft. Jackson. Most recently, Major General Farrisee headed Army Human Resources Command, at Ft. Knox in my district. Her selfless service, professionalism and expertise were highlighted while assigned as the 61st Adjutant General of the Army.

Throughout her service, Major General Farrisee has been a shining example for our Nation. It has been my pleasure to highlight Major General Farrisee's long and decorated career today. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I join my colleagues today in commending and thanking Major General Farrisee for a lifetime of service during peace and wartime to her country. Her sacrifices and contributions will be forever remembered in the Soldiers and families she mentored and inspired. Those same Soldiers will miss her leadership, technical competence, mentorship and enthusiasm, as well as her daily inspiration--``It's a Great Day to be a soldier. . . . Hooah!''

For all she and her family have given to our country, we are in debt. We wish her and her husband David, all the best as they continue their journey.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the town of Bardstown, Kentucky on its recent honor of being named the ``Most Beautiful Small Town in America.'' This distinction was made by Rand McNally and USA Today after considering the 650 nominated towns.

This is a tremendous honor for Bardstown and its residents. Whenever people visit Kentucky, I always tell them to visit Bardstown because I believe it best exemplifies the beauty of the Bluegrass State. I am proud to call Kentucky my home, and I hope this honor will continue to draw attention to this beautiful town and all that Kentucky has to offer.

Bardstown, the second oldest city in Kentucky, has previously been named one of the 100 Best Small Towns in America and one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns. Bardstown is home to many historic and notable sites, most notably ``My Old Kentucky Home,'' which was visited by American composer Stephen Foster. The legendary story says it was his inspiration for the Kentucky State Song. Bardstown holds another impressive title of ``Bourbon Capital of the World.'' Bardstown is home to Heaven Hill and Barton Brands and the distilleries at Maker's Mark and Jim Beam are just outside of town.

It is important to highlight the wonderful leadership of Bardstown, and this honor reflects on their work within the community. Thank you for making Bardstown what it is today.

I encourage everyone to visit beautiful Bardstown, Kentucky. You will fall in love with the majestic landscape and the sense of community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Michel Russell, on the occasion of his return home from duty in Afghanistan.

In his role as a United States Army Brigade Commander, Mr. Russell was uniquely responsible for over 50,000 United States Army Soldiers, Department of Army Civilians and contractors from private industry, a command of equivalent size to an entire Army Corps.

Colonel Russell was commander of the 401st Army Field Support Brigade (AFSB) during a unique period in time. As a result of the Presidential directed drawdown of military forces in Afghanistan, Colonel Russell was responsible for ensuring the redeployment of equipment in addition to the 401st AFSB's traditional functions of sustaining theater forces with quality of life products such as food, warfighting equipment such as MRAPS, and developing and fielding emerging technologies to increase force protection and quality of life for soldiers.

Colonel Russell and his team of soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians and private industry contractors created from scratch the Afghanistan redeployment process. This process is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and removing thousands of pieces of equipment out of Afghanistan and back to the Continental United States or other locations where United States Forces are stationed.

Colonel Russell and his team serve as the ``Face to the Field'' for the United States Army Materiel Command, the United States Army Sustainment Command and the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, providing all war fighters the equipment they need in the Afghanistan Theater to fight America's enemies who harbor ill-will toward freedom.

I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Colonel Michel Russell for his steadfast commitment to the U.S. Army, his fellow soldiers, and his nation. We owe our freedom to men like Colonel Russell, whose devotion to our nation will forever be remembered and appreciated.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman for yielding.

I rise today in support of the legislation to reauthorize the Prescription Drug and Medical Device User Fee Act and authorize new user fee programs for generic drugs and biosimilars. The legislation also includes important reforms to grant patients improved access to new therapies and promotes innovation and job creation.

Jobs and the economy are top issues for most Americans, and this bill focuses on that. As a manufacturer, I've heard many stories from many device manufacturers across the country about problems they face with the FDA and how those struggles are making it harder for them to manufacture in America.

This bill includes important changes, including one that I championed, to reform the FDA's guidance process that will inject certainty into the process and create more American jobs.

This bill is an example of working in a bipartisan way to achieve a quality product that creates jobs. I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their work. And, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science for being named America's Best Public High School for 2012 by Newsweek magazine.

Each year, Newsweek publishes a ranking of the Nation's top 1,000 public high schools. Schools are judged on criteria such as percentage of graduates accepted to college, advanced placement and international baccalaureate test scores, and average SAT scores. Year after year, one quarter of the schools making the list are located near major metropolitan areas. However, I am proud to announce that this year's number one school, the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, is in my hometown of Bowling Green, Kentucky.

I witnessed firsthand the Gatton Academy grow from a dream of a few

committed individuals into a reality. I was serving in the Kentucky senate back in 2004 when rumblings of the school first began. Named after renowned Kentucky entrepreneur Carol Martin ``Bill'' Gatton, the school first opened its doors in 2007 to a select group of 126 public high school students. Aside from meeting stringent admission criteria, today's Gatton Academy students embody a love and talent for science and math. Students there also share a common hunger for college-level academics, and that is exactly what they get at Gatton Academy.

Students are submerged in academics as they live and study in a residence hall built especially for them on Western Kentucky University's campus. Most classes are college level and are taken on the WKU campus alongside college undergrads.

At the Gatton Academy, students break the traditional high school mold, trading locker-filled hallways and 8 a.m. bells for access to college-level innovative technology and the study of DNA and alternative fuels. Students work regularly with their instructors on scientific research projects, and also take advantage of the school's study abroad programs. This past winter, several students had the opportunity to study in Western Europe and Costa Rica.

Students at the Gatton Academy graduate with more than just a high school diploma, as many students are well on their way to obtaining college and postgraduate degrees by the time they graduate high school.

The Gatton Academy is one of 16 residential public high schools in the Nation specializing in science, technology, engineering, and math-- STEM subjects. In a world of increased global competitiveness, enhanced STEM education is critical if we want to remain one of the world's most technologically advanced nations. I applaud the faculty and staff at both the Gatton Academy and WKU for fully recognizing this and making a commitment to the education of the Commonwealth's best and brightest students.

Specifically, I would like to recognize the Gatton Academy's executive director and visionary for the academy, Dr. Julia Roberts, and director Dr. Tim Gott, and congratulate them on this recognition, which is a testament to their years of hard work. I would also like to congratulate and thank Dr. Gary Ransdell, the president of Western Kentucky University, for making WKU's partnership with the Gatton Academy possible.

Again, I offer my congratulations to the entire Gatton Academy community on this outstanding accomplishment. I look forward to following the future success of the Gatton Academy and its students.

Mr. Speaker, I submit a clarification of my vote on rollcall No. 233 the Flores Amendment No. 10, to H.R. 5326. I mistakenly voted ``nay'' when I intended to vote ``yea''. The amendment would remove a standing prohibition on federal purchases of coal-to- liquid fuels, which have the potential to greatly increase our energy security.

I am a strong supporter of coal-to-liquid technology and am a cosponsor of H.R. 2036, the American Alternative Fuels Act, which would repeal the very same prohibition this amendment defunds. My vote against the Flores amendment was accidental. I regret my error and appreciate the opportunity for clarification.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to report the tragic loss of a young man who was born and raised in Kentucky's second district.

Captain Dan Utley, born in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 1979, and who was raised and educated in Glasgow, Kentucky, before graduating from the University of Louisville, was killed in action while serving in the U.S. Army in Mali on April 20, 2012, while on a training mission to help the people of that country combat terrorism.

Captain Utley was 33 years old. And I am told that in those 33 years he touched many lives with his intellect, his compassion, and his warmth. He was a sharp young man who, at every turn in his life, made the kind of selfless choices that define what it means to be an American hero. And make no mistake--Dan Utley and the members of America's Armed Forces who die defending our nation are indeed heroes. They put defending their country, their families, and our freedom ahead of their own lives.

During his Army service, Captain Utley served in many posts, all of them challenging and proof of his skill and talent. His deployments included serving in South Korea for 24 months, in Kuwait for 12 months, in Afghanistan for 13 months, and in Mali for seven months. It was in that North African country that Captain Utley lost his life.

A recent news article published by Reuters outlined the challenges facing Mali:

Within weeks, Mali has plunged from being a sovereign

democracy to a fractured territory without a state, occupied

by competing rebel groups in the north while politicians and

coup leaders in the south jostle for control of the capital

Bamako.

There is no sign the broken nation can be put back together

soon--raising concerns among neighbors and Western powers of

the emergence of a lawless ``rogue state'' exploited by al

Qaeda and criminals.

``We have never been in such a dire situation at any other

time in our history,'' said Mahmoud Dicko, influential head

of the Islamic High Council in the poor former French colony

once seen as a poster child for electoral democracy in West

Africa.

Captain Utley was there because America is engaged in a worldwide fight against al Qaeda and other terrorist networks. His devotion to his country and to the less fortunate people of the third world took him to one of the most dangerous places on Earth. He made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the people of Mali and so that everyone back home can continue to enjoy freedom and safety. I am humbled every time I hear of one of these young men and women who have given their life so that their fellow citizens can enjoy their own life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Dan served with distinction during each of his missions. He served as a tactical communications platoon leader, an operations officer while in Kuwait, as aide-de-camp for the 160th Signal Brigade, and as a brigade civil affairs officer in the 101st Airborne. After completing a civil affairs qualifications course, Dan was assigned to F Company, 91st Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) as a Team Leader.

During the course of his service, Dan Utley won several awards and commendations, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Combat Star, The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal. Captain Utley also received the Basic Parachutist Badge and his Thailand Jump Wings.

What I've been told about Dan Utley is what I think every parent ultimately wants for their children--that they grow up with a strong desire to serve their fellow man, their country, and their community. That they grow up with an incredible work ethic. That they grow up with compassion and a desire to make a difference.

Dan Utley lived that kind of life, and I couldn't agree more with Dr. Gary Gregg, the Director of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville where Captain Utley was a graduate, who lamented, ``America has lost one of its rising stars.'' And to my friend, the Senior Senator from Kentucky, Mitch McConnell, I offer my sympathy on the loss of one of the greatest McConnell Scholars who has passed through the wonderful program that he set up at the University of Louisville to nurture the next generation of leadership for our Commonwealth.

Dan Utley is no longer with us, but he had already grown into a great leader, an American hero, and will forever serve as an example to others who seek positions of leadership. If every person who desires a chance to lead had the heart and values of Dan Utley, I imagine we would be living in a much better world.

Today, I offer condolences to Captain Utley's widow, Captain Katie M. Utley, who we also thank for serving in America's military; to Captain Utley's father, Charles L. Utley; his mother, Linda H. Utley; his brother and sister-in-law, Charles L. Utley II and Maria; his brother and sister-in-law, Matthew R. Utley and Michelle; his nephews, Matthew Ryan Utley and Mason Robert Utley; his niece, Marleigh Rose Utley; his maternal grandmother, Pauline Haynes; his parents-in-law, Chris and Peggy Michael; his brother-in-law, Matthew Michael; and many other friends and family members.

I am saddened by this loss, but heartened at the enduring courage of those who serve in America's Armed Forces. Kentucky is home to a great many families who have lost loved ones in the War on Terrorism and in previous conflicts in which our country has been engaged. We mourn always for their loss, and remain eternally grateful for their sacrifice.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I rise today in support of H.R. 5, legislation to repeal the IPAB and make critical reforms to our medical liability system.

The IPAB was created in the health care law as a way to contain growing costs, but the reality is those savings will likely be found by removing health care decisions from patients and doctors and placing them in the hands of unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats.

H.R. 5 also addresses the critical issue of medical liability reform. Our current tort system is driving doctors out of the practice of medicine. Those who remain are forced to practice defensive medicine, further increasing health care costs.

The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that medical-liability reform will save hardworking taxpayers over $40 billion. H.R. 5 makes two commonsense reforms to protect doctors and patients. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I rise today in support of H.R. 1173, to repeal the CLASS Act established in the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act.

The CLASS Act was unsustainable and unworkable from the time it was enacted. Even at the time the health care bill was passed, it was evident that the health care program was completely unworkable. The CLASS Act is such an egregious budget gimmick that even Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has admitted the program is unsustainable.

Repeal of the CLASS Act isn't as scary as those on the other side would have you think it would be. In fact, the Obama administration has already acknowledged the program is unworkable in its current form and has halted efforts to establish the program. However, the CLASS Act remains on the books.

I strongly support ensuring Americans have access to long-term care. In order to move forward with a new plan, we need to get the CLASS Act off the books.

I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, due to the death of a close friend, I was absent from the House on Thursday, December 15th and Friday, December 16th. Had I been present, I would have recorded the following votes:

Rollcall 933--aye;

Rollcall 934--aye;

Rollcall 935--aye;

Rollcall 936--aye;

Rollcall 937--aye;

Rollcall 938--aye;

Rollcall 939--aye;

Rollcall 940--aye;

Rollcall 941--aye;

Rollcall 942--aye;

Rollcall 943--no.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great friend and a remarkable Kentuckian, Mrs. Phyllis Causey. In January, after 39 years of honorable and selfless public service, she will retire.

Her Lewisburg High School yearbook in 1968 contained a prophecy for her, saying, ``Phyllis will be in President Nixon's Cabinet in 10 years.'' And although President Nixon resigned while she was at basic training for the Army Reserve in '74 and she never did make it to the White House, lucky for us, she still decided to follow her passion for politics and public service.

Phyllis graduated from Hopkinsville Community College in 1970 and received her bachelor's degree from Western Kentucky University in 1972. Upon her graduation, Phyllis worked for WKU for the following 23 years.

In 1995, she was hired as a field representative for Congressman Ron Lewis. And when I was elected to replace Congressman Lewis upon his retirement, Phyllis was kind enough to continue working for me.

While traveling as a candidate for Congress, I met so many individuals whose first question to me was, Are you going to keep Phyllis if you are elected? Their question was a testament to Phyllis' compassion, hard work, and dedication to the individuals in the counties she served. She was and still is irreplaceable.

Phyllis grew up on a farm in Logan County, where her parents taught her the value of hard work and the importance of giving and caring for others. And throughout the nearly 20 years I have known Phyllis, she has exemplified these values every day. She has been such an inspiration to me, and she has always been devoted to the causes she believes in--church, family, and friends.

Phyllis is an incredible wife, daughter, sister, and mother. I know her

family--especially her husband, Larry--will be happy to have her around more often.

And although I will miss her, I know this is in no way a goodbye. I am positive she will continue to be active and touch the lives of those of us who have had the privilege of call her a friend.

I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mrs. Phyllis Causey, who exemplifies what it means to be an American, a Kentuckian, a Christian, and a public servant.