Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today Ranking Member Robert Brady and I join together on behalf of the House of Representatives to pay tribute to Mr. Rodric J. Myers, Director of House Garages and Parking Security with the Sergeant at Arms, on the occasion of his retirement on June 14, 2013. Rod has served this institution with distinction for over 40 years--both as an officer with U.S. Capitol Police and with the Office of the Sergeant at Arms. His capable guidance, trusted mentorship, and steady leadership have been invaluable assets not only to his staff and colleagues, but to every Congressional office.

A native of Indianapolis, Indiana, Rod Myers joined the U.S. Capitol Police in June 1972. He both began and ended his career with the U.S. Capitol Police in the Capitol Division, first as a uniform patrol officer in and around U.S. Capitol, and eventually as the Administrative Specialist for the entire Capitol Division. Rod was responsible for time and attendance for approximately 100 officers, the daily roster assignment of officers, as well as working an assignment of his own outside of his administrative duties. Rod was--as everyone who ever worked with him will attest--the man who made the trains run on time. His 29 years of service with the department were marked by a remarkable devotion to detail and a demonstration of professionalism in the highest degree.

During Rod's long tenure with the U.S. Capitol Police he had the honor of working ten Presidential Inaugurations, as well as 40 State of the Union addresses. Needless to say, he had the opportunity to meet and greet numerous dignitaries and heads of state over the years, but perhaps his most cherished moment was a visit by his beloved Dallas Cowboys football team. Rod--being the U.S. Capitol Police administrative specialist--got this assignment himself.

On July 9, 2001, Rod was appointed Director of House Garages and Parking Security with the Sergeant at Arms. Throughout the past 11 years, he has worked tirelessly to establish parking protocols and procedures that enhance both the safety and security of Members and staff. Rod has crafted a comprehensive on-going training program for all Garages and Parking Security staff, coordinating with the U.S. Capitol Police and the Office of the Attending Physician to ensure that his staff is

prepared for any eventuality. He has worked closely with the Committee on House Administration over the years concerning every facet of the House parking regulations. Rod is also involved in continuity and contingency planning efforts for the Sergeant at Arms.

Rod Myers' profound compassion and deep commitment to this institution are second to none. From events such as 9/11 and the anthrax incident, to an earthquake, his gentle nature always projects a sense of assurance and calm to all who encounter him. His leadership by example and an ability to motivate are benchmarks in a long and distinguished career.

Please join me in commending the outstanding service of Mr. Rodric J. Myers, to the Congress of the United States and congratulating him on his retirement. We wish you well in all your future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 16) authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for the unveiling of a statue of Frederick Douglass.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on the concurrent resolution.

I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of Senate Concurrent Resolution 16, authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for the unveiling of a statue of Frederick Douglass, a great abolitionist. Frederick Douglass is a pivotal figure in American history who had an unyielding dedication to equal rights, the abolition of slavery, and the enhancement of women's suffrage. His brave actions and compelling writings inspired and forever changed this grateful Nation.

Born into slavery, Frederick Douglass escaped to New York in 1838 disguised as a free uniformed sailor. Upon achieving his own freedom, he quickly and unwaveringly turned his life's mission to seeking freedom, justice, and equality for all. Frederick Douglass inspired in African Americans the fundamental that one's achievement cannot be limited by one's color and that the American Dream is within reach for all Americans, regardless of race.

Over a century has passed since his death, and yet his contribution to American society is very much alive today. His tireless dedication, brilliant words, and inclusive vision of humanity continue to inspire people of all races. In considering the remarkable achievements of Frederick Douglass and his contributions to our rich history, his presence within the United States Capitol will honor this institution and serve as endearing testimony to this Nation's struggle for freedom and for equality.

I want to thank the Senator from the State of New York, Mr. Schumer, for

introducing this concurrent resolution, as well as my colleague, Ms. Norton from the District of Columbia, for her work on this, and I would certainly urge my colleagues to support it.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, again I want to thank my colleague from the District of Columbia for her very eloquent words. We are all looking forward to the unveiling of the statue of this remarkable American that is such a critical component of our proud history.

With that, I would urge all of my colleagues to support this Senate concurrent resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and concur in the concurrent resolution (S. Con. Res. 10) authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center for an event to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on the concurrent resolution.

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

I rise in support, Mr. Speaker, of Senate Concurrent Resolution 10, authorizing the use of Emancipation Hall on June 9 to celebrate the birthday of King Kamehameha, a legendary figure in Hawaiian history and culture.

On June 11, the people of Hawaii will celebrate the 97th annual Kamehameha Day commemorating the life of Kamehameha the Great, who between 1795 and 1810 unified the islands into the Kingdom of Hawaii.

Known for being a fierce warrior who fought for unity and independence, King Kamehameha was highly regarded for ruling with fairness and compassion. He's remembered for his law

known as the ``law of the splintered paddle,'' which specifically protects civilians in wartime. It is a model for human rights throughout the world today.

The statue of King Kamehameha, prominently displayed in Emancipation Hall in the Capitol Visitor Center, was added to the National Statuary Hall collection by Hawaii in 1969.

Every year, as part of the King Kamehameha celebration, the statue is draped in long beautiful strands of lei. In adopting the resolution, Mr. Speaker, we will authorize the use of this space for the celebration of his life and great accomplishments.

I certainly want to thank the gentlewoman from Hawaii, Ms. Hirono, for introducing this concurrent resolution; and I certainly would urge my colleagues to support it, as well.

With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I would certainly urge all of my colleagues to support this very bipartisan legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

Madam Chair, let me just read for our colleagues the preamble of our Constitution:

We the people of the United States, in order to form a more

perfect Union, establish justice, insure domestic

tranquility, provide for the common defence, promote the

general welfare, and secure the blessings of liberty to

ourselves and our posterity, do ordain and establish this

Constitution for the United States of America.

Madam Chair, this great statement that is the foundation for our Federal Government provides us the direction that we need to our primary responsibilities. I would suggest that this legislation helps us fulfill every one of the responsibilities mandated on us by our Constitution. Now let's just take them one by one.

``Establish justice''--it is just to protect American companies from the theft of their intellectual property by attackers and by competitors.

``Insure domestic tranquility''--can you even imagine the threat to domestic tranquility if our power grid is successfully attacked by a foreign state like North Korea and this Nation is left in the dark?

``Provide for the common defence''--what is more common than our power grid, our financial system and our economy? Are we not required to defend all of that?

``Promote the general welfare''--again, if our power grid is taken down, it is impossible to promote the general welfare.

``Secure the blessings of liberty to ourselves and to our posterity''--our intellectual property, made with American ingenuity, our life savings in banks, under threat from foreign actors, our jobs, our economy. All of these blessings of liberty are currently at risk if we do nothing.

I've heard some suggest, Madam Chair, that they have constitutional concerns about passing this bill. I would just suggest to them that I believe strongly that you should have constitutional concerns about not passing this bill. I do not believe that our Constitution gives foreign state actors like China or Russia or North Korea or Iran uncontested access to the critical systems of private American companies. To the contrary, I believe that our Constitution requires us, the Federal Government, to defend them.

I certainly want to applaud the great work that has been done by the chairman of the House Intelligence Committee, Mr. Rogers of Michigan, and certainly applaud our ranking member, Mr. Ruppersberger.

Gentlemen, you have worked so closely together on your committee and with other committees as well on this great piece of legislation.

I would urge all of my colleagues, Madam Chair, to join me in fulfilling our oath and in voting ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of House Resolution 142, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous materials on House Resolution 142.

Mr. Speaker, the Chief Administrative Officer of the U.S. House of Representatives is recognizing the House of Representatives Child Care Center, HRCCC, team with the 2012 Employee Excellence Award, which is sponsored by the Officers and Inspector General of the U.S. House of Representatives. The award recognizes employees from each entity who have provided outstanding performance to their employer and who have demonstrated a superior attitude and demeanor in service to the House over the period of the last year.

The employees of the HRCCC have demonstrated a high level of drive, determination and commitment over the past year. They are dedicated not only to the children, but also to their parents, the CAO and the House community at-large.

While we recognize the HRCCC as a team I would also like to recognize each teacher and staff member individually today.

Ladonya Allen

Monica Barnabae

Paige Beatty

Sherleen Boyde

Erica Doody

Suzette Drexel-Carpenter

Shamorrow Hall

Contrinia Hemphill

Suzanne Hite

Michelle Jones

Nicole Price

Jennifer Sekhar

Sharon Steele

Ann Vogel

Kathleen Williams

Fareen Wu

Congratulations to the House of Representatives Child Care Center team.

Mr. Speaker, I call up House Resolution 127 and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 122, I call up the resolution (H. Res. 115) providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives in the One Hundred Thirteenth Congress, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I might consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in very strong support of House Resolution 115, which is providing for the expenses of certain committees of the House of Representatives for the 113th Congress and which authorizes committee budgets for the 113th Congress.

Earlier this month, Mr. Speaker, the Committee on House Administration held two very lengthy and very informative days of hearings with our chairmen and with our ranking members from all of the 19 House committees. Each of them testified about their respective budgets, the commitment to uphold the longstanding two-thirds, one- third allocation between majority and minority offices; and most importantly, Mr. Speaker, they talked about doing more with less, which is a topic that we are all very, very familiar with.

This funding process and these discussions significantly impact the legislative process as these committees are where, of course, the legislation that comprise much of our work begins, where our vital oversight functions occur, which is why throughout this process we adhered, Mr. Speaker, to two very important principles. First of all, we said we need to live within our means, and then prioritizing the finite resources that we have provided to us

in the Congress by hardworking American taxpayers.

As we all know, sequestration went into effect on March 1, 2013, and Congress must live with further cuts, just as every other agency of government must live with similar cuts. As a result of the sequester, the total committee authorization level must be reduced by approximately 11 percent, in the 11 percentile range. And that means if we authorize above that amount, then we will have to take the money from somewhere else.

When ensuring that committees have adequate resources, obviously, we have to consider their legislative objectives; we have to consider their anticipated workload and authorize the finite resources available in a way that best suits the needs of the House of Representatives as a whole.

Although the sequestration is not certainly the ideal way to cut spending, cuts are imperative. They must happen. Our government is too big, too involved, and too costly. As those who are charged with the care of taxpayers' dollars, we need to lead by example, and we must control our spending. We must live within our own means.

Now, this may be a far more strict budget than many had hoped or anticipated, but like so many Americans, we are coping with our circumstances, and we are making cuts to our budgets in a way that any American business or American family would have to, as every local unit of government, every State around the country has had to do. Certainly during these very trying economic times, we also have to make value judgments and budget accordingly.

To match the available post-sequestration funding level, the total authorization amount for House committees must be reduced, as I say, by about 11 percent from the 2012 level; and, therefore, with very few exceptions, each committee authorization has been reduced, again, within that 11 percent range or certainly within a percentage point or so of the 11 percent.

Based on the anticipated workload for the 113th Congress, the Budget Committee, the Committee on Ways and Means, and the Select Committee on Intelligence have been given very much smaller reductions, a very slight reduction from the 11 percent. But every committee certainly will be faced with important oversight responsibilities for 2013. However, given that getting our economy moving again and defending this Nation are the foremost priorities that we face, the dire need for tax and entitlement reform to help grow our economy, to create good-paying private sector jobs and the increasing cyberthreats to our digital infrastructure, it was determined by our committee that these three committees certainly are the tip of the spear in doing some of the most important work for the American people.

We must remain, as well, committed to leading by example in cutting government waste, rooting out inefficiencies, and conducting essential and efficient oversight of our vast administrative agencies.

House Resolution 115, Mr. Speaker, we believe fulfills that mission. I would also point out that this House resolution not only reduces committee expenditures, but it also authorizes total committee funding for the 113th Congress at a level which is lower than 2005. I think that bears repeating--a level lower than 2005. By comparison, overall nondefense discretionary spending by the executive branch has actually increased 16.7 percent since 2008--quite a big difference there.

As I said before, as chairman of the Committee on House Administration, I certainly understand the challenges of stretching committee resources, and I have a very deep appreciation for every committee's ability to absorb these cuts and their commitment to functioning at a high level, even with the reduced resources that they have, and that is due certainly in no small measure to the outstanding leadership that we have with each committee chairman and each ranking member on all of our committees, really, all committed to delivering a very high level of service to the American people.

Some of my colleagues, I know, have voiced their opposition to this measure calling for a freeze in committee spending. They say that freezing spending for committees at 2012 levels is a more balanced approach. But since sequestration, we just don't have the money to cover a freeze. We do not have the money.

So I would simply state that spending beyond our means, in my opinion, is not a balanced approach. In fact, I would say it's a bit irresponsible. As I said before, every American family, every small business, every State and local unit of government must live within their means, and so must the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. Speaker, again, this resolution has required us to make some very difficult but very necessary decisions. And I want to personally thank, and certainly all of our committee members thank, each chairman and each ranking member who testified before our committee, and our committee staffs as well, who are often unrecognized for the vital work that they do.

I would urge, Mr. Speaker, all of my colleagues to support House Resolution 115, living within our means and prioritizing our finite resources like the rest of America.

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

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure at this time to yield as much time as he may consume to an outstanding member of the House Administration Committee, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Rokita).

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

The fact of the matter is that this is all the money that we have to spend.

Believe me, I am sympathetic to the arguments that it would be nice if our committees didn't have to make any cuts. Again, if we don't make some cuts because of the sequestration, this money has to come from somewhere else. I guess we're sort of looking for other ideas of offsets for those who are saying that we should not pass this resolution.

What kinds of things would they offset?

We've certainly watched the White House close tours to groups because they said the sequester impacted the Secret Service's ability to protect the President when the American people came into the White House. I don't know if they're suggesting we should close the Capitol Building or what have you. I don't think that kind of suggestion would go very far.

But, again, where do you offset if you're not going to cut any spending here?

I will also say this: I come from southeast Michigan, which arguably was ground zero during the most painful economic transition, certainly in my lifetime, that happened in our Nation here recently, and we're trying to get ourselves out of that. We were number one in all of the categories you didn't want to be number one in. If I'd have told our local county or our local units of government that they'd have to cut 11 percent, they would say thank you, because they've cut anywhere from 30 to 40 percent. There were just incredible amounts of cuts that happened. Furloughs have happened with employees. That has been going on for years, actually. That's my neighborhood.

When we think about the amount of borrowing that we're doing as a Nation--as everybody knows, we are now to the point of $16 trillion in national debt with no end in sight, and we've been running deficits for, certainly, the last 5 years of well over $1 trillion and, in many cases, $1.5 trillion annually, and we're borrowing 42 cents on every dollar that we spend--if we do not have the political will to make any kind of cuts ourselves to where we can't even cut our own committee budgets here in the House while these kinds of cuts are being absorbed by other areas, I just think that this resolution will be a very vivid demonstration of the differences of what we think ``leading by example'' actually means.

I will tell you as well, as a grandmother, I do not want to look at my two little grandchildren and say, Hey, do you mind paying the bill, because I don't have the political will. I just can't do it. Too hard for me. I don't want to break a sweat here. Would you mind paying?

I'll tell you, Mr. Speaker, that I just cannot get to that place. I think this resolution is very, very important. I recognize the painful cuts that are happening. It's not easy. That's why the American people sent us here--to have the political will and to make the hard decisions. I would hope that my colleagues would support this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the minority whip's comments. I have great regard for him as well. I thought it was interesting, Mr. Speaker, listening to him talk about the President's sequester as an irrational kind of a thing. Of course, it was the President's idea. I don't dispute that it is not the best way to cut spending. Many may say it's an irrational approach. Again, the President's sequester, the President's idea.

I yield to the gentleman.

I thank the gentleman for pointing out the sequencing of the sequester, the President's sequester, the President's idea of the sequester, and I appreciate that. I still say with the President's sequester that what's going to happen with this vote is a very vivid demonstration, again, of who is actually committed to doing more with less. My colleague, the gentleman, the minority whip, also has given us sort of a historical lesson of various things in his observation of the way things had gone earlier on, and I would point something out as well since we are talking about committee budget cuts.

In 2007 when the other party, the Democrats, took control of this House, they immediately increased the amount of spending on committees by 8.9 percent, almost 9 percent; immediate increase. Then in 2009 as they kept control of the Congress, again they increased committee spending, that time by 8.9 percent. Now keep in mind, this was at a time--which I had mentioned previously, being from southeast Michigan-- everybody else, it seemed like, certainly every State government, every local unit of government, every school district, many, many businesses, certainly American families, were making cuts. That was not happening here with committee spending.

In 2010, this House shifted control. The Republicans took control. And what did we do with committee spending as a way to show that we wanted to do more with less, that we understood that we needed to get a handle on this out-of-control Federal spending, we actually cut committee budgets by 9.5 percent for the 112th Congress, and as we are debating now, another 11 percent cut that we're looking at.

This is at the same time that the House, under Republican control, has also cut what we call our Members' representational allowances, our MRAs, which has been very painful for all of us as well. We cut 5 percent, then in the 6 percentile. Now just a couple of weeks ago, effective immediately with the sequester, another in the 8 percentile cuts for all of us. All of us are doing more with less. And believe me, I understand there's no sympathy for Members of Congress, but I certainly point that out.

At the same time if you look at non-defense discretionary for the executive branch, almost a 17 percent increase during that same time. So I just think when we look at this resolution, we see how important it is. Again, I am not minimizing how painful it will be for the committees, but it's really the new reality, I think, and it's important for those of us here in the people's House to do the people's work with the amount of money that we have available, and to do it to the very best of our ability. And I know certainly Republicans and Democrats are committed to doing that.

With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, it's my pleasure, at this time, to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Cotton).

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

First of all, I certainly want to thank Mr. Vargas for controlling his time. Mr. Speaker, he did a very good job. We certainly welcome him to the committee and look forward to working with him, as we also thank the ranking member, Mr. Brady, for his extraordinary work on behalf of the committee, and we look forward to continuing to work with him.

Obviously, we have a bit of a disagreement, Mr. Speaker, on the committee budget cuts here; but I certainly would also applaud the work of all of our chairmen of our committees, as well as all of the ranking members, who very diligently went through their budgets trying to make the appropriate cuts and will continue to do that now, when this resolution is certainly passed, as we go forward, I think, for all of us, really, trying to create a fiscally responsible level of funding here and, again, something that allocates resources in the very best way that we can, that allows this House to complete its work on behalf of the American people.

Again, Mr. Speaker, I would say, I believe that we are leading by example with this resolution today, and we need to show that the important work of government can certainly be done, and we can do it well with less. Doing more with less, that's a very well-used term, but it is certainly appropriate for this, during times of tight budgets.

So I would urge all of my colleagues to support this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of his retirement on February 28, 2013, we would like to thank Mr. Gordon Beaudoin for his twenty-three years of distinguished service to the United States House of Representatives. Gordon has served this great institution as a valued employee of House Information Resources (HIR), within the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (CAO).

Gordon began on the Hill in 1990 as an on-site Voice Service Manager with an outside contractor. He was responsible for all telephone services for the House, the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. He retired from the company in 2000, and became a full-time employee for the House on April 16, 2001.

Gordon's first responsibility as Manager of the Voice and Video Branch was to sustain existing systems and ensure the best level of voice service was provided to the House community. After September 11, 2001, Gordon's team was tasked with identifying and resolving vulnerabilities in the voice systems necessary for Congress to perform its duties.

Gordon directed the development of a voice network recognized by industry experts as one of the most reliable and sustainable in the country. His team completely revamped the voice system hardware and software to provide multiple backups and redundancy. Additionally, he directed his team to completely redesign the network used to transport phone calls. It was an amazing improvement to reliability of service and one in which Gordon is extremely proud to have been a part.

Then, Gordon's responsibilities focused on the tracking and implementation of new technology in the House community. Gordon had the foresight to initiate projects which will continue to provide House customers with the world class service they expect from the CAO. Based on his vision, the voice network is being converted to an IP based system in order to provide many benefits now as well as in the future. Additionally, the voicemail system is being upgraded to provide new features and functions allowing customers to communicate in more collaborative ways.

On behalf of the entire House community, we extend congratulations to Gordon Beaudoin for his many years of dedication, outstanding contributions and service to the United States House of Representatives.

We wish him many great years in fulfilling his retirement dreams.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 77) establishing an academic competition in the fields of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics among students in Congressional districts.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks on the House resolution.

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

I rise today in very strong support of House Resolution 77 to establish an academic competition that promotes innovation among students from across the country in the science, technology, engineering, and math--or the ``STEM'' fields, as they are called.

This program will be modeled after the Congressional Art Competition. This Congressional Academic Competition will be a nationwide STEM innovation competition for participating students in every congressional district. Each year, students will submit STEM projects or programs to their Representatives for consideration. Representatives, Members of Congress, will then select the winning submissions that will be recognized in Washington, D.C., each year. The initial focus of this competition will be software applications. Submissions will likely include smart phone apps, management software programs, and social media technologies.

STEM positions are among the fastest growing occupations. Unfortunately, organizations are having a difficult time filling these positions with qualified and diverse candidates. At least half the growth in the U.S. gross domestic product over the last 50 years has been due to science and engineering. Yet the United States, unfortunately, is losing its competitive edge in those fields. According to a 2010 National Academies report, the United States ranked 27th among developed countries in the proportion of college students earning bachelor's degrees in science or engineering.

As I mentioned, it is our intent to model this program after the Artistic Discovery Competition. I would say, Mr. Speaker, since my arrival here in Congress, I've just marveled at the incredible abilities, the talents, the creativity of young artists from my district, and I have certainly been honored to display the winning submission here in the Capitol building.

I truly believe that the Artistic Discovery has worked to inspire those artists to hone their skills and advance their creativity. This STEM competition, this program that we are talking about today, could do so much more of the same and perhaps help us discover the next Steve Jobs or Bill Gates. This would not only help our young people to thrive, but it would also advance our entire economy.

A study by the President's Council of Advisors on Science and Technology found that, over the next decade, ``economic forecasts point to a need for producing approximately 1 million more college graduates in STEM fields than expected.''

We are nowhere near meeting that goal, and this competition would be a

no-cost way to further interest in the field. Additionally, fewer than one-third of the eighth graders in the United States show proficiency in science and mathematics. Actually, only nine States allow computer science courses to count toward high school graduation requirements. I know we can do better than that.

We can help America's schools to do more to prepare our children in the STEM fields. We can help to stimulate the workforce by helping America's young people to not only be prepared but to ably fill the STEM jobs in our economy as they are created. It is vital to our economy and to our future that America remain competitive in this growing field. We can encourage and embrace STEM innovation through this bipartisan academic competition.

In an ever-competitive global economy, I know that America's young people can be the world's greatest source of innovation and creativity. We can improve our Nation's economy and help provide countless of our children great opportunities in the future by encouraging their imaginations and by honoring their hard work. If there are STEM jobs available, we must make every effort to ensure that American young people fill these positions.

This competition will help students see the value of STEM fields and engage them with the topics throughout their lives. We also need to help students who are interested in science and engineering maintain that interest so that they can become scientists and engineers. Encouraging greater innovation and participation in STEM fields will help our students and, again, help our Nation to succeed in the future. We know all too well how difficult our economy has been in recent years, but even in this tough economy a lot of these tech industries have flourished. It's important to empower our young people with the necessary tools to succeed when it comes time for them to enter the labor force.

The action that we take today could help empower the next generation because this competition will offer the opportunity for students to expand their horizons and to potentially find interest or maintain their interest in one of our economy's fastest growing occupations. We can improve our students' academic achievements in education in hopes of preparing them for these opportunities in their futures.

As former U.S. Secretary of Education Bill Bennett has said:

As a Nation, we simply must get this message to schools,

businesses, corporations, State departments of education,

Governors, and beyond. STEM education is an urgent need for

our Nation. We cannot continue to graduate students ill-

prepared for our Nation's economic necessities--or their own.

Mr. Speaker, we believe that this proposed academic competition will inspire and encourage young innovators and better equip our youth to compete in today's global economy.

Far too often, I would note, this House seems to be unable to come to agreement on ways to solve America's challenges, and I know on this issue we all agree. It's a bipartisan effort. We all love our children. We all want them to succeed. We want them to reach their full potential, and we certainly want to honor their hard work as they reach toward a brighter future. So I would urge all of my colleagues, Mr. Speaker, to join me in supporting this small step toward that brighter future.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to yield 1 minute to the distinguished majority leader, the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Cantor), who has been a principal force and advocate for this particular piece of legislation in the STEM.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Hanna), who is also the distinguished cochair of the STEM Education Caucus.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte), the distinguished chairman of the Committee on the Judiciary, as well as the Internet Caucus, and a cosponsor of this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I have no further speakers at this time, but I would reserve the balance of my time if my ranking member would like to close, to make his final statement.

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

I, first of all, would like to associate myself with the remarks about Rosa Parks that my ranking member just made. You think about one person with that act of courage literally changing a Nation, and it's a remarkable thing. And we were very proud in Michigan that she came to be a resident of Michigan in her final years, where she served, as you can imagine, so extraordinarily well and so inspiring to so many people. It's certainly entirely appropriate that a statue to her takes a place in Statuary Hall amongst Presidents and other national leaders. And so we're all looking forward to it tomorrow, to that unveiling of her statue.

But getting back to the House resolution that we have today, Mr. Speaker, I would just say, in closing, that certainly if America wants to remain competitive, we have to encourage and embrace innovation in the STEM fields. And as all of the various speakers have mentioned today, this program, I'm very excited about it. I have to tell you, in full transparency, 5 years ago I didn't even know what an app was. Now it's part of the nomenclature. You've got an app store and there's apps for all kinds of things. And these kids, when you get a chance to go into these high schools and talk to them, have ideas for apps doing all kinds of things.

And so I think that we're going to try to design this program to be technology neutral, whether it's a smartphone or a Web site or a laptop or any kind of software, and then sort of leave it open, because the technology is just changing so rapid fire as well.

We've thought about, for instance, in my district I've talked to my staff about how we would have a panel of judges that are very savvy on all of these things. You could use computer science teachers to be part of the judging panel, people from industry, academics, what have you.

And then, I think, hopefully as some of the students come forward, whether they win or not, that we would have some sort of a mentoring program, as well, where folks from the industry, from the academics and the sciences in the STEM programs in the fields could talk to these students about opportunities, job possibilities, et cetera.

So I do think that this resolution that we're passing today, again, in a bipartisan way, is very important and does have the ability to really impact in a very positive way.

With that, I have no further requests for time, so I would urge my colleagues to support the legislation. I yield back the balance of my time.

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

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

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 325, the No Budget, No Pay Act.

The Budget Act of 1974 requires each House of Congress to pass a budget each year by April 15. This is important, of course, because the budget that we pass is our blueprint, literally, for how we're going to spend the hard-earned tax dollars that the American people send here to Washington to run our Nation.

Today, we are in a situation where the United States Senate has not passed a budget in nearly 4 full years, leaving the American people with no idea of how the Senate intends to deal with the fiscal crisis that is facing our Federal Government. In the time since the Senate last passed a budget, the Federal Government has experienced deficits of over $1 trillion each and every year, and we have added more than $5 trillion to our national debt. Obviously, this is a very serious fiscal crisis, and the American people are demanding answers.

This legislation will allow us room to begin working on a solution that will put our Nation on a much more sound financial footing. This bill will extend our Nation's borrowing authority for 90 days to give each House of Congress, the House and the Senate, the needed time to do what they are legally required to do, which is to pass a budget to show the American people how we intend to deal with the many challenges that we face. But while giving Congress time to do its work, it also has a very important caveat associated with it that says, if we don't do what we are required to do by law, that we will not be paid. Simply put: no budget, no pay.

This idea actually came, Madam Speaker, from previous bipartisan efforts to bring fiscal responsibility to Washington. And now the President has indicated that if it reaches his desk, he will sign it, that he does not oppose it.

As well, there have been very promising indications coming out of the United States Senate from many Democratic Members that they will also step up, after 4 long years of inaction, and put forward a budget.

I believe that this can be the impetus today for us to begin working together to make the difficult decisions to finally address our fiscal challenges. Today, we can send that very strong message to the American people with a bipartisan vote to show that we are willing to put our paychecks on the line to meet these challenges.

Now, some are concerned about whether or not this legislation is constitutional because of the 27th Amendment's restriction that the pay of Members of Congress cannot be varied--that is really the operative phrase of that amendment, ``varied''--that it can neither be raised nor reduced until another election has taken place. This bill, Madam Speaker, was carefully crafted to comply with the requirements of the 27th Amendment.

So this is how it will work:

If either the House or the Senate does not pass a budget by April 15, the deadline, then beginning on April 16, the pay for Members of that Chamber will be placed into an escrow account and will only be paid when that Chamber--either the House or the Senate--has passed a budget or when we reach the end of the 113th Congress. The amount that Members are paid will not be reduced nor will it be raised, so we stay in strict compliance with the terms of the 27th Amendment.

There is no requirement in the 27th Amendment which states that Members have to be paid weekly, biweekly, monthly, or bimonthly or what have you, only that the pay that they receive will not vary.

Now, some have suggested that the escrow account into which the Member pay would be deposited should bear interest so that that could then, as well, be paid to the Members. This cannot happen because that would actually cause Member pay to increase, of course. It would then vary their pay, which would not be in compliance with the strict terms of the 27th Amendment.

So I am extremely hopeful, Madam Speaker, that we will successfully conclude our work in a timely basis here in the House, and I hope that this additional provision, as well, encourages the Senate to also complete our important work and pass a budget.

What we are suggesting certainly is not unreasonable. I'll tell you, I come from southeast Michigan, and one thing I can tell you that is true about the people that I am honored to serve is that they get up every single day, every morning and work hard all day, every day. They simply do not understand how Congress can fail to do our job for almost 4 years--no budget out of the Senate for almost 4 years--and yet suffer no consequences.

The American people are demanding that their Members of Congress deal effectively with the challenges we face. Our problems are real, and it's time for real solutions or real consequences.

The concept, again, very simple: no budget, no pay. When times are tight, you balance your checkbook. When you run out of money, you stop spending. When your credit card is maxed out, you cut it up or get a plan together to pay it off. And if you don't do your job, you don't get paid. These are the principles, Madam Speaker, that Americans live by, and we certainly should be no exception.

So I would urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, before I yield time to my good colleague here, a couple of comments in regards to what my ranking member has said from the committee, why not no gun control, no pay, or using some other examples. I would just point out that none of those are required by law, as passing a budget is required by law.

Also, there was some comment again about the significance of the 27th Amendment. I would just add quickly a statement from David Rivkin, Jr., and Lee Casey. These are two constitutional attorneys that served in former administrations who say the bill passes muster. Their comment:

It does not vary Members' compensation instead holding it

in escrow until such time that a budget is passed or, at the

latest, this Congress comes to an end. It is attentive to the

text and structure of the Constitution.

And just one other quote. This is from another constitutional attorney, a Greg Watson--actually, a gentleman who rallied the support to pass the 27th Amendment. I will proudly point out, in 1992 it was my State of Michigan that put it over the three-fourths threshold. But at any rate, he said:

Nowhere in such a proposal do I see any violation of the

terms and provisions of the 27th Amendment. Such a proposal

does not vary the dollar amount of compensation to Members of

Congress. The proposal merely delays the disbursement of that

dollar amount.

Statement of David B. Rivkin, Jr., and Lee A. Casey

Members of Congress are accountable not just to serve their

constituents but also to support and defend the Constitution

of the United States. The House of Representatives' debt

ceiling extension furthers both. The American people expect

that their elected representatives in Congress will work

together to enact a budget resolution, and the House bill's

approach holds them personally accountable for doing so. It

honors both Article I and the Twenty-Seventh Amendment to the

U.S. Constitution because it does not vary Members'

compensation, instead holding it in escrow until such time

that a budget is passed or, at the latest, this Congress

comes to an end. This mechanism is a model for the way that

Congress ought to work: it is creative, it is fiscally

responsible, and it is attentive to the text and structure of

the Constitution.

Madam Speaker, at this time I am very honored and privileged to yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Harper), who is a distinguished member of the Committee on House Administration.

Madam Speaker, the reason that we have such an enormous amount of national debt, such a number that you can't even get your mind around it anymore, $16 trillion, a big component of that is because we have not been following the law in having the Senate pass a budget as we have done in this House.

I would say, having been very proud to participate and sit on the platform watching the President of the United States in his inaugural getting sworn in just the other day, one of the things that he said is that we have to address our debt and we have to work together. And today, the White House is saying they will not oppose this bill. So I am asking my colleagues to work together in a bipartisan way. Passing a budget is the foundation for us to begin to get a handle on this out- of-control spending and the deficit and the debt that we have.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I yield myself the balance of my time.

I would just say this, Madam Speaker: what we're hearing from our Democratic colleagues here in the House is really a complete disconnect from what we're hearing from their Senate colleagues about this particular bill.

You have House Democrats saying that this bill is nothing but a gimmick. I've heard it said that this bill is a joke. In other words, it is a gimmick or a joke to suggest that Congress should follow the law.

I think that's different than what Senate Democrats have been saying very vocally, that this bill actually would give them an opportunity to pass a budget and the White House saying that they won't oppose it. Again, it's a complete disconnect from my colleagues here on the floor, some that I'm hearing on the other side there. I would say more pointedly that it's a complete disconnect from what the American people have as an expectation for their government, which is to follow the law, to pass a budget, to get a handle on our debt and our spending, and to prioritize our spending.

Again, a budget is a blueprint for a path forward. It speaks to the American people of the priorities of their Congress, of their government. We will have lots of other opportunities to address this terrible national debt.

I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I reserve a point of order.

Madam Speaker, I withdraw my point of order.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to pay tribute to the memory of a great citizen of the State of Michigan, the late Dr. Sheldon Kapen. Sadly, Dr. Kapen passed away on Thanksgiving Day at the age of 77.

He was the longtime Chairman of the Department of Neurology at the John V. Dingell Veterans Administration Hospital in Detroit and a leading figure in the field of sleep disorders research who made many outstanding discoveries and contributions. The plaque which honors him at the VA hospital calls Dr. Kapen ``A Physician, a teacher, a scientist, a leader, and a friend''.

My sincerest condolences go out to his family. I would like to place into the Record an article from the VA Hospital bulletin on the occasion of the naming of the Sheldon Kapen Sleep Laboratory last year as well as an obituary that appeared in the Wayne State University newspaper.

Detroit VAMC Sleep Clinic Honors Dr. Kapen

(By Alysse Mengason)

This fall, the Detroit VAMC staff and patients paid tribute

to one of its long-time physicians, hanging a plaque in his

honor in the sleep clinic.

Dr. Sheldon Kapen's legacy is represented in the sleep lab,

which he founded in 1985, when he took over a new 2 bed unit

in the old Detroit VAMC in Allen Park. Dr. Kapen started the

first sleep lab in any VA facility. Dr. Kapen achieved many

successes over the years. Among the grants he won, Dr. Kapen

received a VA Research Grant to study stroke and sleep.

When the Detroit VA Medical Center moved to Detroit and

became the John D. Dingell VA Medical Center, Dr. Kapen was

able to expand the clinic into a new 8 bed facility with

state of the art equipment and more staff.

Dr. Kapen's sleep medicine and laboratory was the first VA

sleep lab to be accredited, and approximately the 20th in the

nation (there are now about 1,000 accredited sleep labs in

the U.S.). He also had the first VA-based accredited

fellowship program in 1989 (the 4th overall in the country)

and it has also been reaccredited multiple times.

In his more than 30 years with the VA, Dr. Kapen has

trained dozens of physicians, and continues to train and

supervise sleep fellows from Wayne State University.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 619 I was inadvertly detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to offer my sincerest congratulations to Michigan's Harbor Beach Pirates High School Varsity Football Team. The Harbor Beach Pirates ended a remarkable 2012 season last Friday by winning Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) Division 8 State Championship!

This win marks the first football state championship win in Harbor Beach High School's history, and ending a 13 games won and only one loss season for the Pirates, a season that includes a. Greater Thumb East Conference title, a district title, and a regional title.

The Harbor Beach Pirates were able to accomplish this feat at Detroit's Ford Field, home of the Detroit Lions. The Pirates won the Championship despite the best efforts of their opponents, the Beal City Aggies.

The Pirates dominated their competition throughout the state playoffs, a journey that culminated in the Pirates winning the Michigan State Championship game by a score of 35-10. This winning score was achieved through a combination of a stingy defense that had multiple red-zone stops and a complete team offensive effort.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor the hard work and sportsmanship displayed by all the members of the Pirates. I applaud these young men for always remaining both mentally and physically ready to compete, and for staying energized and focused each time they stepped on to the gridiron. I understand this can be extremely difficult considering the numerous pressures and distractions high school student-athletes can encounter, but these brave men are wonderful examples of hard-work to achieve your goals.

I also wish to acknowledge the administrators, teachers, cheerleaders, parents, students and fans alike for their assistance and support in making this a truly unforgettable season.

The Pirates proved they had the talent and the perseverance to rise to the challenge and accomplish their ultimate goal--a Michigan State Championship!

In closing Mr. Speaker, I am so proud of how hard this team worked together, and I want to offer my personal congratulations and best wishes. All the accolades, awards, and trophies are rightfully deserved. Way to go Pirates!

Mr. Speaker, it is my distinct privilege today to recognize the Deckerville Eagles High School Football Team. The Eagles capped off a remarkable and extremely memorable season by bringing home to Sanilac County the second ever Michigan High School Athletic Association (MHSAA) 8-Player State Championship!

The Eagles defeated the Bellaire High School team in the State Championship game on November 16th by a score of 14-12.

This championship game was a hard-fought defensive battle, with the Eagles keeping constant pressure on their opponent. The Eagles were able to come up with numerous important stops on defense, and capitalized on the errors of their opponents to earn the victory.

The Eagles proved they had the talent, fortitude, and resilience to rise to the challenge and accomplish their ultimate goal--a State Championship! Teamwork, perseverance, and friendship all contributed to this title. I know the community and the entire Thumb Region takes great pride in what these young men were able to achieve.

Mr. Speaker, it is my pleasure to honor the hard work and sportsmanship displayed by all of the members of the Deckerville Eagles team. I also wish to acknowledge the parents, the cheerleaders, the school teachers and administrators, and all of the students, fans, and community members who came out this season to support the Eagles. Together they combined to make this an unforgettable season.

In closing, Mr. Speaker, I want to offer my personal congratulations and best wishes. All the accolades, awards, and trophies are rightfully deserved. Way to go Eagles!