Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Campbellsville University Women's Volleyball Team for their outstanding performance this season. While the team's record-setting 38 wins constitute a monumental achievement in their own right, the fact that the Campbellsville University Volley Tigers won the team's--and the university's--first NCCAA National Championship is truly a testament to their exceptional effort and indomitable spirit.

The Lady Tigers' extraordinary commitment to academic and athletic excellence has not only distinguished them as role-models for their community, but has also earned Campbellsville University the national attention it so richly deserves. It is fitting, then, that the Volley Tigers' tremendous success aptly demonstrates not only their own exacting standards of excellence, but those of the university itself.

In addition to Coach Randy LeBleu and Assisitant Coach Amy Eckenfels, I would like to commend the members of the team, Caitlin Dresing, Brooke Marcum, Lilian DaSilva, Tiarra Wilham, Lilian Odek, Caroline Martin, Samantha James, Shannon Cahill, Christiana Sindehar, and seniors Jovana Koprivicia, Whitney Haynes and Renee Netherton, on their outstanding success. I wish them nothing but the best in their future endeavors.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 897 recognizing the importance of teaching elementary and secondary school students about the sacrifices that veterans have made throughout the history of the Nation. Over the recent Veterans Day holiday, I was proud to attend many ceremonies and parades held across my district to honor our veterans. Through these events, and many others, students learn the important role past generations played in our Nation's history. We watch with admiration the accomplishments of our servicemen and -women, both past and present. And as we come upon another holiday season, we are thankful for their perseverance and dedication, and are again reminded how important our military, their families, and veterans are to our Nation's history and future.

I want to share one experience just a few weeks ago. We finished voting early, and I went for a walk around the Capitol on a beautiful fall day. As I was walking down the Mall, I walked past the World War II Memorial. I stood there, and there were older people looking at the Pacific side and the Atlantic side, and I was trying to think in my mind what they were thinking. Were they remembering a friend or colleague that didn't come back? A lot of them were sharing that experience with grandchildren or great-grandchildren. You could just see at the memorial the pride and the tears in our veterans.

As I continued to walk, I went down to the Korean war memorial, and that is one that my family has personal experience with. My uncle, 12 years before I was born, in 1952 was killed. And so my grandfather and grandmother always talked about the sacrifice of veterans, particularly losing their oldest son in the Korean war.

Then further along the Mall there is the memorial to Abraham Lincoln with

the Gettysburg Address dedicating a cemetery to our veterans.

And then the one that is so moving, as I was walking back, the Vietnam Wall. As you see families at the Vietnam Wall, a lot of them will take a piece of paper and pencil and will sketch out the name of someone. As I was watching them doing that, I was standing there wondering, is that a husband that didn't come home? Is that a father for a child they never met?

And then I turned back to get back for an evening meeting. As you head to the Capitol, you understand what it is all about. The thing that you see most and foremost is the dome over the building in which we are standing. I remember walking back after having these moments with veterans and remembering veterans and looking at the dome all of the way walking back and saying, that dome is opportunity, it is freedom, it is hope. But not just for us; it is hope for the world. People look to that dome throughout the world.

It hit me that the Mall is the story of veterans. And the reason the Mall is the story of veterans and memorials to veterans, this country, this Nation and this dome and this symbol is about freedom, and we wouldn't have one without the other. It was an emotional day for me as I was walking back.

I have been talking to schools as I mentioned earlier during Veterans Day, and one of the things I talked to them about was about Francis Scott Key and ``The Star-Spangled Banner'' and the history and the actual meaning of those words in that song. I always end it with--I will never pretend that I can improve on Francis Scott Key, but the last line, It is the land of the free and the home of the brave, I would say we need to think it is the land of the free because of the brave.

I think it is important that our students are taught, and in our home State of Kentucky, Veterans Day is a school day, but it is mandated that each school teaches about veterans by being in session on Veterans Day. I think it is important that we do this across this country, and I ask my colleagues to support this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I have no further speakers, and so I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I might consume.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1422, the Airline Flight Crew Technical Corrections Act. This bill is a companion to H.R. 912, which this House approved in February on a voice vote. The bill we consider today contains a few minor changes to the House-passed legislation made in the other body and is equally deserving of support.

As we have heard, this legislation is needed to address a very narrow, very specific concern. At issue is the fact that some airline personnel are subject to a unique scheduling process in which they are paid for being on-call, but in some cases are not credited with those hours in the calculation used for Family and Medical Leave Act eligibility. The practical impact of this technicality is that some flight crew personnel may work a full-time schedule but fail to qualify for family and medical leave. This is a real concern for those grappling with health conditions or family obligations.

Many Members have been uneasy about efforts to open up the Family and Medical Leave Act for small changes when it is clear that broader reforms are necessary. The FMLA has worked well for 16 years, offering workers the flexibility to tend to their own health or care for a loved one in their time of need without fear of losing their job. But despite the law's many successes, it has also become clear that changes are needed. The realities of today's workplaces are different from those of a decade and a half ago. Courts have offered evolving interpretations, and, as is often the case with such a sweeping change to employment law, there have been unintended consequences for both employers and employees.

I know the majority has worked with Members on our side of the aisle to craft legislation carefully and avoid some of the pitfalls that could come with piecemeal reform of FMLA. I want to thank them for ensuring this bill does exactly what it intends, no more and no less. The bill before us today, in fact, clarifies further several narrow points contained in the House-passed bill and ensures that these are truly technical corrections.

I hope Members will join me in supporting this bill and sending it to the President for his signature.

With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, we have no further speakers, and with that, I will yield back.

Mr. Speaker, I have heard from many of my constituents who are worried and anxious about Speaker Pelosi's health care bill.

Speaker Pelosi's bill spends $1.2 trillion, cuts Medicare benefits, includes a $34 billion unfunded Medicaid mandate and increases premiums for those already struggling to pay for health insurance. On top of all of that, the bill raises taxes for just about everyone. The bill taxes individuals who choose not to purchase health insurance, taxes small businesses, taxes medical devices, and taxes health savings plans. The bill is the exact opposite of what the American people said they wanted.

The Republican alternative addresses Americans' number one priority for health care reform: lowering the cost for premiums they pay now. The Congressional Budget Office has confirmed that our plan will lower health care premiums and reduce the deficit without taxing families and small businesses.

I am voting ``no'' on Speaker Pelosi's bill because of the devastating consequences it will have on Kentucky's families, seniors, and small businesses.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jack L. Ray, who for over 28 years has served as a minister and elder of the Lehman Avenue Church of Christ in Bowling Green, KY.

Mr. Ray leaves a long legacy as an evangelist in the churches of Christ. Many generations have heard the teachings and sermons of Mr. Ray, and have read many of the lessons he has contributed to the publications of the churches of Christ.

In his more than 50 years of service, he has worked unselfishly to not only help other congregations grow in size and in faith, but has helped new congregations establish in Kentucky.

He is a blessing to many, including the youth in the church community, who he has helped lead, educate and nurture their faith. He is greatly loved and respected by the members of the Lehman Avenue Church of Christ, because of his dedication, strong faith and loving guidance.

Madam Speaker, I am proud to recognize Jack L. Ray for his more than 50 years of commitment and devotion. I wish him nothing but the best in his future endeavors as he continues to be a blessing to others.

Madam Speaker, 1 week from today, our Nation will honor our veterans and remember all those who have fallen in order for us to be free.

I rise today to honor one veteran in particular, Jesse W. Grider, a true patriot whose dedication to our Commonwealth and Nation is to be commended.

Mr. Grider enrolled in the National Guard in 1950 at the age of 17. Upon his return from the Korean war, Mr. Grider continued his dedication to his country and district by serving in the Glasgow Police Department, attaining the rank of sergeant.

In 1958, he was appointed a U.S. Deputy Marshal in the Western District of Kentucky, where he served as an instructor and trainer. At one point in his career, Mr. Grider had trained two-thirds of the deputy marshals in the United States.

After his work at the U.S. Marshal's Service in Washington, D.C., Mr. Grider returned to Kentucky in 1973 where he served as Chief Deputy Marshal before being appointed in 1975 as the U.S. Marshal for the Western District of Kentucky.

After his retirement as U.S. Marshal, Mr. Grider was appointed Clerk of the U.S. District Court in the Western District of Kentucky, where he served 17 years.

On Veteran's Day, friends, family and members of the Barren County and Glasgow communities will come together to recognize Mr. Grider's distinguished career. I join them in honoring Jesse W. Grider and thank him for his service and the great contributions he has made to our Nation and community.

Mr. Speaker, the Pelosi health care bill hits States when they are hurting the most by mandating a $34 billion expansion of Medicaid. I served in State government and have helped write budgets, and I know firsthand this expansion creates a serious problem for Kentucky's already stretched resources and will leave fewer dollars available for our schools and universities.

Last week, Dr. James Ramsey, president of the University of Louisville and a renowned professor of public finance, predicted the next budget period in Kentucky will be ``a bloodbath'' and said a high price will be paid for inadequate funding of all State programs.

Phil Bredesen, the Democratic Governor of Tennessee and a health care expert, said he is most concerned with the financial impact on the States, and he said ``this is the mother of all unfunded mandates.''

There are many reforms that will make health care more affordable and accessible without giving huge debts to our children. Forcing State governments to look to our schools and universities for the money to meet this mandate is not acceptable. Our children deserve better.

Mr. Speaker, as a Member of Congress, I not only have the responsibility of looking out for future generations, but also a duty to ensure that we are doing all we can to take care of our seniors. Real reform needs to make health care more affordable and more accessible. Unfortunately, the bills being crafted by the majority could threaten the health care benefits seniors already receive while raising premiums.

The plan currently in the House makes massive cuts to Medicare which the Congressional Budget Office anticipates will increase seniors' Medicare prescription drug premiums by 20 percent over the next decade.

For those who live on a fixed income, the possibility of having to pay more is very worrisome.

Their plan also includes cutting $162 billion from Medicare Advantage, a program widely supported by the seniors because of its choices and affordability.

We should focus on ensuring Medicare continues to be there for our seniors, not cutting their benefits to fund an unproven proposal.

Mr. Speaker, we can all agree that health care needs to be made more affordable and accessible. However, under the proposed House bill, those who are working to get our economy back on track will be burdened with financing the government takeover of health care.

Some in Congress want to enact a $544 billion surtax to help pay for the legislation. However, according to the data from the IRS, more than half of those targeted under the surtax are small business owners.

Small businesses have historically employed more than half of the U.S. workforce and have created more than 72 percent of the new jobs across the country. With unemployment climbing to record numbers and the Federal deficit reaching $1.4 trillion, Congress simply can't keep ignoring these issues.

Prior to being elected to Congress this year, I was working for my family's small business and know how important small businesses are not only to local communities but to our national economy as well.

Imposing taxes on small businesses that are doing all they can to stay afloat is not a viable answer and could make job losses even worse.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Kentucky Wesleyan College, which for over 150 years has been dedicated to giving its students the tools they need to be successful in all areas of life.

A small liberal arts college, Kentucky Wesleyan offers a distinct collegiate experience that allows the undergraduates to grow academically, professionally, and spiritually. The college started from its modest beginnings in Millersburg, Kentucky, in 1858, with one building and with the first graduating class consisting of only one man.

Today, Kentucky Wesleyan has broken out and made incredible gains, with over 8,500 men and women having earned degrees, each continuing to uphold the traditions and values that were created so long ago. Over recent years, the college has renovated and expanded by updating the campus with new and refurbished buildings, adding new faculty and academic programs, and steadily increasing enrollment. Students at Kentucky Wesleyan are committed to making a difference and encouraged to be an example for others.

The president of the college, Dr. Cheryl D. King, who is also an alumna, has made it a point to develop personal relationships with the students. She is dedicated to making their collegiate experience a valuable and memorable one. Dr. King expresses the goals and values of the college perfectly in a letter to prospective students. In it she writes:

``Our students are encouraged to serve in anticipation of a lifetime of service to others. Last year, one-third of our students took part in community service opportunities. From overseas mission trips to numerous local projects, Kentucky Wesleyan students meet the needs of others and positively impact the world around them.''

Kentucky Wesleyan has truly lived out its mission statement to foster a liberal arts education that nourishes, stimulates, and prepares future leaders intellectually, spiritually, and physically to achieve success in life. Under the leadership of Dr. King, I know the college will continue to grow and flourish. I look forward to watching the strides they make and seeing the accomplishments of its students and alumni.

I am proud to represent Kentucky Wesleyan in Washington. I am proud to represent the community in which it exists, Owensboro, in Daviess County, and I wish them nothing but the best.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Green County High School Lady Dragons Golf Team on their outstanding performance this season.

On October 10, 2009, the team won Green County High School's first KHSAA Girls State Golf Championship, bringing statewide attention to their school.

Under the leadership of Coach Rick Davis, the Lady Dragons remained steadfast throughout the tournament weekend and shot an impressive two- day total of 113-over par to win the tournament by six shots.

To reach the state championship tournament, the Lady Dragons won the 4th Region Title on September 29, 2009, in a two-hole playoff, defeating Glasgow High School, the defending state champion.

The Lady Dragons' performance is a testament to their hard work and dedication. I want to congratulate team members Sydney Agee, Cassidy Scantland, Leah Rose Judd, Olivia Parrott, Sydney Smith, and Kate Larimore and Coach Rick Davis and wish them nothing but the best in their future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Former Daviess Circuit Judge Garland Howard, a true Kentuckian. Mr. Howard is well- known in the Owensboro community as a valued leader, visionary and hard-worker.

Mr. Howard, who had been Daviess County Master Commissioner since 1985, was appointed to the circuit judgeship by Governor Paul Patton in 1995.

His passion and love for the Ohio River was expressed through his development projects, which inspired and led the way for growth and expansion in Owensboro.

Even though Mr. Howard gave so much of himself to his community, the love he gave to his wife Mary Ann and to his children was unparalleled. Mr. Howard passed away on October 7, 2009. Our thoughts and prayers are with the entire Howard family.

Garland Howard will forever be remembered by the amazing legacy he leaves behind through the lives he touched, the projects he created and the children who he taught by example to be community leaders in their own right.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Bernheim Forest and their recent recognition from the Environmental Protection Agency.

The Bernheim Forest Arboretum Visitors Center in Clermont, Kentucky won two of EPA's Lifecycle Building Challenge awards for a professional building and for a building with the best greenhouse gas reduction.

EPA's Lifecycle Building Challenge recognizes innovative green building ideas that reduce environmental and energy impacts. Reusing building materials assists the building industry in reducing more than 88 million tons of building-related construction and demolition debris that are typically sent to landfills in the United States each year.

The Bernheim Forest Arboretum Visitors Center incorporates the surrounding forest into the building's design. The staff and board at the Bernheim Forest are committed to our natural environment and this visitor's center is a solid example of that commitment.

Construction of the center emphasized safe materials made of biological nutrients, which break down to safely return to forest soil, as well as technical nutrients, which can be remanufactured into new objects.

I congratulate the work of the individuals who made this building a reality and honor the staff and board at Bernheim Forest, whose passion for the environment make it possible for Kentuckians to connect with nature.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Charles E. Williams, Jr., who has virtuously served the United States and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

Colonel Williams was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1986 upon his graduation from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point. During his career he has served both at home and overseas and as Military Aide to both President Bill Clinton and President George W. Bush.

On October 1, 2007, Colonel Williams assumed command of the U.S. Army Special Missions Brigade at Fort Knox, Kentucky. As the Commander, he oversees the In-Service Recruiting of Special Operations, Warrant Officers and Chaplains, as well as the Logistics and Administrative Support for 1600 recruiting stations across the country.

Colonel Williams' decorations are numerous. Throughout his career he has been an inspiration and example to both soldiers and civilians alike. He has represented his country proudly as a man of honor and a true patriot.

After years of dedicated service, Colonel Williams has decided to retire. I honor him today because of his dignified and steadfast commitment to the citizens of this country and the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge the passage of H.R. 2877, a bill designed to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 76 Brookside Avenue in Chester, New York, as the ``1st Lieutenant Louis Allen Post Office'' in honor of the late Louis E. Allen, a 34-year-old Army National Guardsman killed by an explosion in Tikrit, Iraq, on June 8, 2005.

A native of Goshen, New York, and a West Point graduate, First Lieutenant Allen was not only a model soldier but also a model citizen who had a true passion for helping others.

A loving husband and father of four sons, he drove more than 1 hour each way to George Baker High School in Tuxedo, New York, a school where he taught science. The school superintendent remembers him as loving kids and having a ``real passion for our students.'' He was also known by his family as being fun-loving, gracious and caring as he took care of everyone around him. A longtime friend of Allen's once said that ``if my son grows up to be half the man Lou is, I'll be the happiest father in the world.''

First Lieutenant Allen is a shining example of an individual who continually and selflessly served those around him, both through his work for his community and country. His spirit lives on through the work of his family and friends as they continue to promote the sacrifice of First Lieutenant Allen through the First Lieutenant Louis Allen Scholarship and Community Foundation.

It is with gratitude for his bravery and sacrifice for his country that I ask all Members to join me in supporting H.R. 2877 in First Lieutenant Allen's honor.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no other speakers, so I yield back my time.