Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today, I honor ``Stand With Those Who Serve Week'' in my home state of Washington. Governor Christine Gregoire today urged all citizens to join her in ``this special observance to support the many activities and efforts of Washington's public safety personnel and services.''

The public safety and law enforcement community in Washington State has endured a lot of heartache over the past years, and those losses are always at the forefront of our thoughts. Such terrible incidents remind us that despite the risk, our police offers and other public safety personnel do not pause for fear or self-interest. They serve bravely, boldly and selflessly and continue every day to earn our respect, admiration and gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, the support that my colleagues across state and party lines have shown demonstrates our commitment to the brave men and women in the law enforcement and public safety professions. It is my hope that through all of this support they continue to have the tools and encouragement that they need.

Therefore, Mr. Speaker, I join with Governor Gregoire today, along with other elected representatives in Washington, community leaders and private citizens in standing in solidarity with our brave public servants and law enforcement personnel. While they work to reduce crime, protect the vulnerable and keep our communities safe, we will stay mindful of their efforts and in turn serve them, wherever and whenever possible.

Mr. Speaker, today I congratulate Q-13 Fox, the Fox network's affiliate in Seattle, and its program ``Washington's Most Wanted'' for playing an integral role in the capture of 300 fugitives in Washington State and Oregon.

``Washington's Most Wanted'' partners with Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound to produce local television alerting viewers to fugitives from justice in their communities, Mr. Speaker, and those communities have responded in a big way: since the show began in November of 2008, viewer tips and the hard work of the law enforcement community has led to 300 criminals--murderers, rapists, unregistered sex offenders, thieves, and burglars--getting off the streets and out of communities.

Mr. Speaker, dynamic and productive partnerships exist between law enforcement, communications professionals, and concerned citizens all over the United States. I'm proud that such a partnership exists in the Northwest, Mr. Speaker, and I applaud Q-13, Crime Stoppers of Puget Sound, the alert and thoughtful citizens of the Northwest, and our brave and dedicated law enforcement officers for staying vigilant in the fight against dangerous fugitives and crime.

I've been fortunate enough to help in this effort to get fugitives out of our communities and the amount of success this effort has had since 2008 is no surprise--hard work and dedication pay off.

Mr. Speaker, today I recognize a hero who died last month leading an effort to save four climbers on Mt. Rainier in Washington State.

On June 21 four climbers fell into a crevasse on a glacier on Mt. Rainier. National

Park Climbing Ranger Nick Hall and other Climbing Rangers braved the elements and terrain to rescue the climbers and get them the medical attention they desperately needed. Mr. Hall, a 33-year-old four-year veteran of Mt. Rainier's Climbing Ranger team, tragically fell more than 2,500 feet down the side of the mountain. The Climbing Ranger team was unable to communicate with Mr. Hall after his fall and continued their heroic efforts to save the four climbers. All four climbers were saved and all suffered non-life threatening injuries. I applaud the heroic efforts of the rescue team.

Rangers did reach Mr. Hall hours after the rescue mission began, but, sadly, determined that he had died as a result of his fall. Because of heavy snow, clouds, and the threat of an avalanche, Mr. Hall's body could not immediately be recovered. Finally, on Thursday, July 5, Mt. Rainier National Park personnel were able to confirm that Mr. Hall's body had been recovered.

Mr. Speaker, It has been a tough year at Mt. Rainier. On January 1 Park Ranger Margaret Anderson was gunned down at Mt. Rainier by a fleeing gunman. Now Nick Hall has lost his life saving climbers on the mountain. I grieve with the friends, family, and colleagues left behind.

The week of July 15 has been declared ``Stand With Those Who Serve Week'' in Washington. Nick Hall is the latest example of someone willing to pay the ultimate sacrifice in service to others. Today I stand with members of the Park Service, Mt. Rainier Superintendent Randy King, and the supportive communities around the mountain.

Mr. Speaker, September 24 of last year during a beautiful fall afternoon, six police officers in Issaquah, Washington stopped a gunman intent on murdering innocent people. Because of their quick actions and bravery, the officers will be honored Saturday evening at the 19th annual TOP COPS Awards ceremony in Washington, DC.

On that fateful day last fall, the gunman walked through yards and on sidewalks indiscriminately firing a rifle at homes, businesses, and passersby. Not far away, more than 100 people were watching a youth football game at a local school. Before the players and spectators could find refuge, the six officers put an end to his rampage utilizing the information being relayed via 9-1-1 operators.

On that day, as on every day, law enforcement officers saved lives calmly, swiftly and selflessly.

Each year, Mr. Speaker, the National Association of Police Organizations recognizes law enforcement officers from federal, state, county and local agencies for acts of bravery, courage and outstanding service to their communities over the preceding year. I am proud that six of our nation's finest officers--and who serve in the district that I represent--8th of Washington--will be acknowledged with the rest of our heroes during police week.

Mr. Speaker, to Officers Brian Horn, Jesse Petersen, Laura Asbell, Tom Griffith, Corporal Christian Munoz, and Sergeant Chris Wilson, I say ``thank you.'' I will continue to support you and all of our law enforcement professionals around the country.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman for yielding me this time.

Mr. Speaker, we have been here before. We're here today to talk about the Health Care Cost Reduction Act, and it's an act reducing costs from a bill that's called the Affordable Health Care Act. So let's just bring a little bit of context into this, Mr. Speaker.

This isn't the first time, as I've said, we've been here. The 1099 reform, language included in the so-called Affordable Care Act, more commonly known as ObamaCare, a burdensome tax on small businesses. The Democrats agreed it needed to be removed from the bill. The President agreed and signed it into law.

The CLASS Act that was announced by the Secretary of Health, Secretary Sebelius, we can't afford to implement the CLASS Act. That was designed to help with long-term health care issues. Can't do it; can't afford it under the Affordable Care Act.

The Independent Review Board, we've passed a bill here in the House to eliminate that. What does that do? It takes away all the choice from the American people, especially seniors and veterans, on what you want to do with your own health care.

So, time after time after time we're finding language in this bill that is not affordable, that does not give Americans the opportunity to choose for themselves. It takes away choice. It takes away freedom.

Today we're talking about a 2.3 percent tax that will cost thousands of jobs--about 10,000 in the State of Washington--and it will increase the price of these medical devices on things that you may not even think about. For example, a filtration device on a dialysis machine, that's going to be a medical device that will be taxed. Who's going to pay for that? Well, the claim is that these companies that are making so much money, they'll be the ones to pay for it. This bill is paid for through those companies. Those costs are passed on to the customers, to the patients.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

So I would say, Mr. Speaker, this bill does not have a real good track record, and we should vote for this Health Care Cost Reduction Act. I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the nearly 1 million law enforcement officers who work day and night to protect all of us. All of us sleep more soundly at night knowing that the brave men and women of law enforcement are in our communities patrolling, protecting, and watching over our homes and businesses. They do so bravely and selflessly, and they do not ask for recognition. They put their lives on the line knowing the risks, and they take those risks on with unwavering courage.

I worked for 33 years as a law enforcement officer before I came to Congress. I didn't do that because I wanted to be the sheriff of King County in Seattle. I didn't do it because I wanted to be a Member of Congress. I did it because I wanted to serve my community by protecting it and making a difference. I found that I wasn't alone. Each of my law enforcement colleagues carried in them the heart of a servant.

So this week, National Police Week, is bittersweet for all of us in law enforcement because we remember the tragedy of our fellow officers' loss. Already this year, 40 officers have been killed in the line of duty.

Tuesday was Peace Officer Memorial Day, a day to remember the brave brothers and sisters killed in the line of duty. We've lost them; they're gone, but they're not forgotten.

Why do law enforcement officers come together today during this week in Washington, D.C., and on this memorial event? To share the fellowship and remember, because we made a promise. Everyone in this room has made a promise and everyone across this country has made a promise, Mr. Speaker, to never forget--to never forget the pain, the suffering, the feeling of great loss, the brokenness of families, the sadness that will touch that family for the rest of their lives. We made a promise to never forget not only those sad times, the feelings of brokenness and loneliness, but those good times, the funny stories we hear.

I have two friends killed in the line of duty, one in June of 1982. He was my good friend and partner, Sam Hicks. He was shot and killed. But I remember a night when he and I, together, went to catch a robber. We surrounded the house, just the two of us. It was pitch dark outside, and all of a sudden I heard Sam scream, Run, Dave, run.

So when Sam said ``run,'' I ran. And I ran. Then I heard a barking dog. I looked and saw that Sam was being chased by a large dog. Sam and I jumped in our police car and I peeled out, headed out of the driveway because the lights were coming on inside the house where the robber was, and I began to smell something a little bit funny. Well, what happened is that Sam decided he was going to mace the dog, but instead he maced himself.

That's one of the stories I remember about my good friend Sam. He also taught me how to tie a tie. I only know one knot. It's the knot that I'm wearing today.

My good friend, Mike Raburn, who went to the academy with me, saved my life one night. I was directing traffic in Federal Way just south of Seattle, and I didn't know it, but someone behind me had run up behind me with a knife with the knife raised in the air. Mike had just driven up, and the guy was running toward me to stick the knife in my back. Mike tackled him and saved my life.

I remember those good times. I remember those bad times. We can never forget the sacrifice of our law enforcement men and women. We are all safe today. You can be in this Hall today, Mr. Speaker. We can all be here today, we can walk on the streets safe knowing that our brothers and sisters in law enforcement are there to protect us.

Now, you can help them. This week we passed the Blue Alert bill. All you need to do is watch for those, like those AMBER Alert, the Blue Alert signals on your freeway signs. If an officer has been shot or killed, you'll see information on those signs. Call in.

We can work together to keep the communities safe, because if they hurt a cop, if they kill a cop, they'll hurt somebody, somebody in the community. So help us by participating in Blue Alert.

And also, I ask of you today, Mr. Speaker, and everyone listening across the great Nation of this United States of America to never forget.

God bless you. Thank you.

Madam Speaker, yesterday was National Law Enforcement Memorial Day. This entire week is National Law Enforcement Week.

Last year, we lost 163 police officers killed in the line of duty. So far this year, there have been 40 killed in the line of duty protecting each one of the communities that we represent in this great body, people like Tony Radulescu, a trooper in Washington State, a person who left his home that day with a hug and a kiss from his family expecting him back home again that evening for dinner, men and women in uniform leaving every day to go to work to protect our communities, expecting to return home. Some never do.

It is right; it is proper; it is our duty, Madam Speaker, to, today, pause in this great body and pay tribute to those men and women who have sacrificed their lives for us so that we can all live safely.

I ask for a moment of silence.

Moment of Silence

Mr. Speaker, September 24 of last year during a beautiful fall afternoon, six police officers in Issaquah, Washington stopped a gunman intent on murdering innocent people. Because of their quick actions and bravery, the officers will be honored Saturday evening at the 19th annual TOP COPS Awards ceremony in Washington, D.C.

On that fateful day last fall, the gunman walked through yards and on sidewalks indiscriminately firing a rifle at homes, businesses, and passersby. Not far away, more than 100 people were watching a youth football game at a local school. Before the players and spectators could find refuge, the six officers put an end to his rampage utilizing the information being relayed via 9 1 1 operators. On that day, as on every day, law enforcement officers saved lives calmly, swiftly and selflessly.

Each year, Mr. Speaker, the National Association of Police Organizations recognizes law enforcement officers from federal, state, country and local agencies for acts of bravery, courage and outstanding service to their communities over the preceding year. I am proud that six of our nation's finest officers--and who serve in the district that I represent--8th of Washington--will be acknowledged with the rest of our heroes during police week.

Mr. Speaker, to Officers Brian Horn, Jesse Petersen, Laura Asbell, Tom Griffith, Corporal Christian Munoz, and Sergeant Chris Wilson, I say ``thank you.'' I will continue to support you and all of our law enforcement professionals around the country.

Mr. Speaker, on the occasion of National Teacher Day, I want to thank the teachers around this country for giving so generously of themselves to their students, their communities and their schools. Teachers make a difference in young people's lives every day and in myriad ways. I know personally the positive change they made in my life. Teachers educate our young people not just in math and English, but in more difficult subjects such as sharing, expressing themselves and solving differences. The value they add to students cannot be measured. I also want to single out the teachers in the District I represent, Washington's 8th, because I've had the pleasure of visiting and interacting with so many there. Every single time I visit a school, I see students responding positively to teachers' guidance and encouragement.

Our teachers never stop working. They work both in and outside the walls of their classrooms. They help coach athletes. They inspire students in the community. Our teachers act as positive role models for children that may not otherwise have them. They spend weekends and evenings grading papers and tests. They brighten their classrooms with inspirational and thoughtful artwork. They engage young people in the kind of conversations necessary to be leaders in future generations. They help supply students with the everyday life skills that they need to succeed.

That is why I sponsored the Teacher Tax Relief Act, a bill increasing the maximum tax deduction available to teachers for out of pocket expenses from $250 $500 and a bill making professional development costs an eligible expense--in that way, teachers can continue to their own educations and continue to be effective in the classroom.

Today, Mr. Speaker, on National Teacher Day, I thank all teachers for their service to America's future generations. All of our teachers deserve the respect and support of students, parents and their communities. My pledge today is to support teachers in this House as much as possible.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a philanthropist and forward-looking individual who made a remarkable announcement a few weeks ago. Paul Allen, the founder of the Allen Institute for Brain Science, yesterday announced that he is giving $300 million toward the invaluable research at the Allen Institute for Brain Science, which he started with $100 million of his own money.

Mr. Speaker, the researchers at The Allen Institute employ an extraordinary team approach to brain research and all strive, every single day, toward the same goal: mapping the human brain with the goal of finding the causes and cures of vexing diseases--Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, dementia, autism, depression and many more.

Perhaps most impressively, Mr. Speaker, Mr. Allen's team at the Institute share what is learned as it happens. Each month, tens of thousands of scientists from around the world access the vast data stores and web-based tools available via the Institute's brain map website to learn and advance their own research. The investment Mr. Allen and the brilliant team of researchers make are intriguing and hopeful.

I'm proud to say, Mr. Speaker, that Mr. Allen and his team are doing the bulk of their work in the Pacific Northwest providing hope for the future--and opportunities for the present. I salute Mr. Allen, his team of researchers, and our talented and motivated medical professionals around this Nation. The dollars and time being invested should never be forgotten in this House, nor by humanity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to thank our guest chaplain, Rev. Dr. Carl Que Hickerson for dedicating his life to the faith and to his community.

Rev. Hickerson has been preaching the word of God his entire life and has made it his goal to share his passion with others.

Rev. Hickerson grew up in a religious household where he received guidance from

his father, Rev. Dr. Willis M. Hickerson and was called to become a preacher at a young age.

Through his ministry, he has many accomplishments. The Reverend helped revitalize the youth ministry of his home church in Pennsylvania, significantly increased church membership wherever he has served, established various mission ministries and invigorated the commitment to God in every community he has served.

Chaplain Hickerson is a proud husband of Mrs. Hickerson, where they live a happy life raising their daughter, Octavia Belle. He has learned, served, preached and taught nationally and internationally and is currently the seventh pastor of the historic Springfield Baptist Church of Washington, DC.

On behalf of Washington's Eighth Congressional District, it is my pleasure to introduce our Guest Chaplain for today, Rev. Dr. Carl Que Hickerson.

Madam Chair, 2 years ago, the President's massive health care plan came before us, and then-Speaker Pelosi said we had to pass this bill to find out what was in it. Well, you know what? We're finding out what's in this bill.

In the last 2 years, we've had 47 committee hearings in six different committees. We've taken 25 floor votes to repeal, defund, or dismantle harmful elements of this massive $1 trillion, 2,000-page government takeover of our Nation's health care system. We're finding out what's in this bill.

We've already repealed the 1099 requirement with bipartisan support. We've already repealed the CLASS Act with bipartisan support. Now we're awaiting the Supreme Court's decision on whether the individual mandate is constitutional.

I think the public is now beginning to learn a little bit about this bill themselves. I think they know there is a 3.8 percent tax on small businesses, our job creators. There's another 2.3 percent tax on medical devices--wheelchairs for our seniors, hearing aids for our disabled folks. These are things that are in this bill. There's a 40 percent tax on your health care plans.

Now they keep telling us, too, that if you like your health care plan, you can keep it. Well, President Obama, himself, said, you know, there may have been some language snuck into this bill that runs contrary to that premise. Who do we believe here? What do we believe?

Here we are again. One more thing to add to the list of what we're finding out, IPAB, the Independent Payment Advisory Board. This unelected board makes decisions and gives recommendations to Congress for cutting Medicare payments. So this panel of unelected bureaucrats unilaterally decides what kind of care is now available and allowable to our seniors, to our veterans, and to our Americans with disabilities--not doctors, not nurses, not anybody who has medical or scientific training. These are bureaucrats.

Just what we need, more bureaucrats.

If we don't vote to repeal this provision, a gang of 15 unelected bureaucrats will have the ability to cause cuts to Medicare payments without anyone else's input.

So this rationing board will threaten seniors' access to care in secret. There is absolutely no requirement for openness or transparency or for those bureaucrats to hold public meetings or consider input on its proposals. The IPAB, this board of bureaucrats, is unaccountable; it's secretive and threatens patients' care.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3801) to amend the Tariff Act of 1930 to clarify the definition of aircraft and the offenses penalized under the aviation smuggling provisions under that Act, and for other purposes,

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume, and I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days within which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. Speaker, as a former sheriff, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3801 because it would address the increasing use of ultralight aircraft in the smuggling of contraband across our borders.

We also move this bill today in honor of Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords, the sponsor of this bill. She ably represented Arizona's Eighth Congressional District since being elected to the United States House of Representatives in November of 2006. In fact, our offices were next door to each other when she first arrived in Congress, and we had an opportunity to walk and talk and share some stories, and I learned from her that she came to Congress for the right reasons--she is concerned about her constituents and cares and loves this country deeply. So we got to know each other just a little bit. And one of her foremost

concerns has been the safety of her constituents. This bill is but one way in which she addressed those concerns, working together with her good friend and tireless colleague, Representative Flake. I'm delighted that we can move this bipartisan bill. We look forward to the day when Gabrielle fully recovers.

The use of ultralights, which are small, slow, highly maneuverable, single-seat recreation air vehicles is a proven way to smuggle contraband. These planes fly at a very low altitude and do not even have to land; they simply drop their bundles of contraband at a predestined point and fly back undetected.

A sheriff in Luna County, New Mexico, was quoted as saying that we need the ability to detect smugglers' flights before they cross the border to track them and give us a good indication of where they're dropping their contraband so that we can pre-position our response teams.

This legislation provides the tools to stop these smugglers from using ultralight aircraft. First, the bill adds ultralights to the definition of aircraft for purposes of smuggling and stiffens the penalties for using this type of aircraft to smuggle contraband. Secondly, it enhances the ability of U.S. Customs and Border Protection to detect, track, and halt illicit trafficking across the international borders between the United States and Mexico and the United States and Canada by calling for a collaborative effort between the Department of Defense and Customs and Border Protection. For these reasons, I'm in favor of expanding our abilities to combat smuggling and support this bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I understand that the other side may have some additional speakers. We have one additional speaker. So I would yield to Mr. Levin to continue with the further speakers on his side.

I will continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake) and also take a moment to recognize him for his continuing efforts and dogged determination to ensure the safety of our country's borders.

Mr. Speaker, I have no additional speakers, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I have no additional Members seeking time, and I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I will keep my closing statement short.

This obviously is an important bill to this country for our Nation's security and is especially important on this day when our good friend, Gabrielle Giffords, has presented her resignation.

I urge all Members to join me in support of this bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in remembrance of a fallen constituent, a National Park Ranger who will be remembered for her love of the outdoors and her co-workers, her dedication to community and family, and as a hero.

Mr. Speaker, Ranger Margaret Anderson was killed on January 1 while performing her duties at Mt. Rainier National Park. The senseless and heartbreaking act of violence ended the life of a public servant and law enforcement officer who respected and enjoyed her colleagues and the natural world. Washington State has a long tradition of outdoor enthusiasm and it is because of Rangers like Margaret Anderson that the people of the State explore our natural resources safely. She worked at Mt. Rainier for four years. She served as a Ranger at other locations previously and met her husband while performing her duties. As friends and colleagues around the country react to her death, Mr. Speaker, the same words get repeated: sweet, kind, selfless, loving. She respected and loved her colleagues and the same respect and love was returned.

Margaret and her family lived in Eatonville, Mr. Speaker, a small community in the 8th District near Mt. Rainier. Her friends, neighbors, and relatives recall a woman who volunteered her time for many causes, and doted on her two little girls. Her husband--like Margaret, a park ranger at Mt. Rainier--and her two girls, ages 1 and 3, need a community of support. I'm heartened to know that community, because there is no doubt the family will get it in Eatonville. While Margaret was with us, she cared for her family and her community. Now, her community will help care for her family.

The manner of Margaret's death will not soon be forgotten. Thankfully, Mr. Speaker, neither will her spirit and life. I urge members of this House to keep Margaret's husband Eric and her two daughters Anna and Katie in their prayers. As Eric, Anna, Katie, and the rest of Margaret's family move forward in life, I want

them to know that Margaret is a hero and her sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, each year we recognize November as National Adoption Month. I encourage my colleagues in both chambers to raise awareness about the adoption of young boys and girls in our foster care system who dream of one day having a forever family. Many of us have brothers or sisters, aunts or uncles, sons or daughters, who have lovingly decided to add to their family through adoption. By raising awareness about the many benefits of adoption, and the process for families and children in foster homes, we can make sure more children go to sleep in their own home every night.

According to the Congressional Coalition on Adoption Institute, 423,000 children are living without permanent families in the U.S. Today, 115,000 of these children are eligible for adoption but almost 40% will wait more than 3 years in foster care before being adopted. Every single year--and this number is climbing--over 29,000 of our young people ``age-out'' of foster care. A child that ``ages-out'' is more likely to be undereducated, unemployed, homeless, addicted to drugs or alcohol and/or utilizing government benefits to survive, compared to their peers who grew up outside the foster care system or were adopted before aging out. Our children deserve better than this, and the good news is we can help. We can help by encouraging more families to consider adoption, and offering assistance to those who do by extending the adoption tax credit.

Our young people are our greatest treasure. To continue to allow thousands of our young people to begin adulthood at a distinct disadvantage would be devastating. Please consider the plight of so many of our children and young adults living in foster care; shuttled back and forth between homes, towns, cities, schools, friends, support groups, and so on. Children in foster care without a more permanent structure and support system are more likely to distrust adults or have strained relationships with the adults in their lives and with their peers.

National Adoption Month is also an opportunity to recognize the foster parents in our communities who are selflessly giving so much to help our youth. They too deserve our support and our thanks. Foster parents across this nation are wonderful examples for all of us and provide some of our most vulnerable young people with protection and a sense of family and home. I appreciate their sacrifice and I hope they know it does not go unnoticed. The decision to become foster parents or adoptive parents can sometimes be scary; not knowing how one's family dynamics may be impacted or if you'll be able to create a bond with the child and the child with you. To all who may be considering these options today, trust me. I know from personal experience that the worry melts away as soon as you bring that special child into your home. As a foster grandparent, and now a proud grandpa of two adopted children, I can assure you that it won't be long before you realize that it's not just the children who gain so much through adoption. You too gain more joy and more love than you ever could have imagined.

Look for ways that you can get involved with adoption efforts in your local community. Locate adoption services in your community and help with your time, money, or both. Adoption is essential to the health of our nation. Supporting adoptive parents, adoption agencies, and foster parents is a duty for all of us.