Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, since 1991, Congress has officially recognized the work of public safety telecommunicators who handle millions of calls every year with great efficiency. The selfless nature with which these public servants do their jobs is truly remarkable.

As the former Sheriff of King County in Washington State, I worked alongside the men and women in our communications center. I depended on them daily to provide me with the correct information in order to safely carry out my duties and keep our communities safe. The men and women at our communications center went to great lengths to make sure I was okay after a head-on collision in 1991, and I will always remember their care and compassion. After the collision, I was able to get out of my car and check on the other people involved in the accident. I left my portable radio behind in the patrol car at that point, not realizing that the men and women at the communications center were nearly in tears with worry, wondering if I was safe. It is a difficult and sometimes emotional duty these public servants perform; they don't always know what's happening on the other end of the line because they can't see what's going on, but they can hear the cries for help and the commotion and confusion of the scene. I can't adequately express how much their professionalism and concern meant to me, knowing they cared so much about my well-being. In short, the men and women at our communications centers are truly heroes to the law enforcement officers and citizens they serve.

As I recounted during National Telecommunications Week two years ago, a former Chief of Police in Colorado once wrote that dispatchers must possess, among other things, the humor of David Letterman, the endurance of the Energizer Bunny and the patience of Job. It is not often that such traits are found in one person. However, in my experience, to find such a person one need look no further than the telecommunications section of a local police, fire or Sheriff's office. These men and women work tirelessly with the heart of a servant. Every day they meet the needs of those who call for help, and they make sure our first responders are able to perform their duties as safely as possible.

I encourage all my friends, colleagues, and neighbors to take a moment during this week to thank a telecommunications dispatcher, letting them know you recognize and appreciate the guidance and service they provide to their fellow citizens.

Madam Speaker, this week we'll be recognizing National Library Week all across our great country. In an age of tough economic forecasts, and families scrambling to make ends meet while still engaging in their communities, libraries around the United States have seen more people walk through their doors, visit their websites and communicate with their employees than perhaps ever before. Indeed, the library systems of America are operating at unprecedented levels. Rather than shrinking in their responsibility, many systems are proactively courting members of their communities and expanding the resources they have available to help push this country forward. I am very fortunate to represent the 8th Congressional District of Washington, and to observe and follow the work being done by my childhood library system, the King County Library System.

The King County Library System, led by Director Bill Ptacek, is the third-busiest library system in the United States. It is a remarkable distinction. In his introduction to their year-in-review for 2009, Director Ptacek wrote: ``KCLS developed an innovative approach in response to the economic crisis to guide patrons to reliable information when they needed it most.'' Citizens in our region looked to their library system for help and the King County Library System responded: In 2009, nearly 10 million people walked through the doors of their local library and more than 21 million items were circulated. The library catalog of the King County Library System had nearly 89 million visits and the system's website--kingcountylibrarysystem.org-- received nearly 27 million hits. In other words, I can think of very few public organizations busier than the King County Library System and the System has responded, stepping up to meet the challenge in a big way.

Director Ptacek and his staff have expanded collections and streamlined service using technology and terrific, innovative organizational structure and management. The King County Library System has increased its technological output and reached out proactively to underserved communities in King County with great success. The system has ensconced itself in the communities it serves and has become a huge asset for families, community groups and local governments. The King County Library System has researched and developed programs specifically targeting young children in their formative years to get excited about literacy and research; they've done the same specifically targeting children who speak English as a second language. Overall, the King County Library System is providing the people of King County with a large public organization that is best described with one word: innovative.

Director Ptacek, his managers, and the employees of the KCLS deserve our utmost respect and admiration. The system answers the call of communities each and every day, without fail. A large public organization with such an innovative spirit and flexible structure always deserves accolades and encouragement. I am proud to honor the KCLS during National Library Week, during a difficult period and for serving our communities in such efficient, creative, and meaningful ways.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this flawed health care bill.

Mr. Speaker, the American people have spoken loud and clear. They don't want a government takeover of health care. The Democrats' latest plan is still a government takeover. Billions of dollars in new taxes on small businesses, over a trillion dollars in new spending, and it hurts our seniors and special-needs population by taxing hearing aids, pacemakers, wheelchairs.

We've heard, ``If you like it, you can keep it.'' Not according to this President, who said recently, ``I think some of the provisions that got snuck in might have violated that pledge.''

We need to start over, and today I stand with Americans who want the freedom to choose their own health care.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 140, I inadvertently voted ``no.'' I wanted to be a ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I am humbled and honored today to recognize the sacrifice of a fallen marine from my district, Lance Corporal Eric Levi Ward from Redmond, Washington, who was killed in Afghanistan on February 21.

Soon he will be buried at Arlington, the final resting place for those who so honorably sacrificed their lives for this country. When I talked to Eric's mom the other day, she said she understood her son's dedication to his country. She was a proud marine mom despite the sacrifice her family has made and the sense of loss and grief that they now bear.

It's important that we remember today that our country, the government, the people, our very way of life would not exist without those who sacrifice so willingly, who put on the uniform and sacrifice their lives, marines like Eric Ward, who gave their lives to honor our country to have freedom.

To Eric's family and to his friends, know that we will never forget Eric's sacrifice nor all those who have gone before him. His memory will live on, and we will continue to remember Eric's service to this country.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I am proud to stand here today on behalf of my constituents and my community throughout the region of western Washington, and especially those working hard in the Eighth District, to finally bring this legislation to the floor today. I just happen to be the conduit to bring this legislation to the United States House of Representatives, so all the hard work was really done by the people who live in our region.

The Alpine Lakes Wilderness Additions and Pratt and Middle Fork Snoqualmie Rivers Protection Act is the product of teamwork, 3 years of careful collaboration, consultation, and consensus building with local stakeholders. Since 2007, we've worked with scores of local officials, conservation enthusiasts, recreation groups, public safety advocates, and parties interested in land use issues to develop this bipartisan proposal.

And I would like to particularly thank King County Councilman Reagan Dunn, whose mother actually held this seat prior to my arrival here, who has always worked tirelessly throughout the State of Washington, and especially in our western Washington area, for our environment.

I thank the community for taking the long view and for not letting politics get in the way of doing what's right for Washington State. Because of these efforts, we will have a spectacular wild area to leave behind for our children and grandchildren to use and enjoy.

H.R. 1769 builds on the proud Washington State tradition pioneered by Senators Warren Magnuson, Scoop Jackson, and Dan Evans, who have all worked together over the years to protect our public lands and preserve our recreational opportunities for all Washingtonians.

This bill also builds on another important Washington State tradition, that of collaborative consensus-based, environmental stewardship. And I want to thank Senator Patty Murray for introducing companion legislation on the Senate side.

My bill provides a unique opportunity to permanently protect key additions to the existing Alpine Lakes Wilderness, which reaches the crest of the Cascade Mountains just east of the Seattle-Bellevue metropolitan area in my district. It also preserves wildlife habitats, existing recreational opportunities, and local economies that rely on both.

Alpine Lakes was first designated by Congress in 1976, and it's one of the most visited and most popular wilderness areas in our country. My legislation embraces important lower elevation lands, completes watersheds, protects two rivers with wild and scenic designations, and provides clean water and flood control for the valleys those rivers run through.

The proposed additions have been carefully crafted, taking into consideration existing recreational opportunities for hiking, camping, rafting, kayaking, horseback riding, mountain biking, and wildlife viewing, also taking care to protect a large area to preserve for hunting and fishing opportunities.

These additions my bill makes to this Alpine Lakes Wilderness area do not infringe on any private property issues and will not cost the Federal taxpayers a single cent.

I hope today that we realize that protecting this wilderness will serve our future generations. And as a grandfather--now as my staff wrote this thing and I'm reading through part of this bill today, I noticed in this sentence right here they have shortened my life a little bit, because they have said that I won't have the opportunity to see my great-grandchildren enjoy this wilderness area. I have a 15- year-old grandson, so I'm hoping in the next, maybe, 10 years or so, I might be able to watch my great-grandchild walk through this park.

I've had the opportunity to work with, again, as I said, all the people in our community, and it's just a joy to take my grandchildren today, my sons and daughters before that, walking through the wilderness, looking at wildlife and seeing the excitement in their eyes as they see wildlife pass right in front of them in some of our wilderness areas in Washington State. So, this wilderness area will be right in the backyard of Bellevue and Seattle, 40, 45 minutes away.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation today.

Listen. Can you hear the American voices loud and clear saying, I don't want a government takeover of health care? The Democrats' latest plan is still a government takeover of health care. It includes billions of dollars in new taxes, over a trillion dollars in new government spending, and will also cause millions of employers to cancel the health care of their employees.

We have also heard if you like it you can keep it. Not according to this plan. Not even according to the President of the United States, who recently said, quote, ``I think that some of the provisions that got snuck in might have violated that pledge.''

Madam Speaker, we don't know what is in this bill. The American people don't know what is in this bill. We need to start over.

Let's consider the Seattle Times' editorial this morning: ``Right now the government should be focused on the revival of business and the creation of private sector jobs. This cannot be put off. The responsible vote,'' according to the Seattle Times, ``is `no'. Take a break, let the economy recover and start over.''

I couldn't agree more.

Mr. Speaker, as indicated in the Leave of Absence request granted by the U.S. House of Representatives, I was not in attendance for votes February 22-26, 2010, so that I could support my family through the tragic and unexpected death of my 16-year-old niece.

Were I in attendance, I would have voted in favor of H.R. 4425 (RC No. 49); H.R. 4238 (RC No. 50), H. Res. 1066 (RC No. 52), H. Res. 1059 (RC No. 53), H. Res. 1039 (RC No. 54), H. Res. 1046 (RC No. 55), Hastings (WA) Amendment to H.R. 2314 (RC No. 56), Flake Amendment to H.R. 2314 (RC No. 57), H. Res. 1074 (RC No. 61), H. Res. 944 (RC No. 62), the Motion to Recommit H.R. 4626 (RC No. 63), H.R. 4626 (RC No. 64), H. Res. 1085 (RC No. 65), Concurring with the Senate Amendments to H.R. 3961 (RC No. 67), H. Con. Res. 227 (RC No. 68), Hastings (FL) Amendment to H.R. 2701 (RC No. 70), Schauer Amendment to H.R. 2701 (RC No. 71,), the Motion to Recommit H.R. 2701 (RC No. 72), and H. Con. Res. 238 (RC No. 74).

I would have opposed H. Res. 1083 (RC No. 51), Abercrombie Amendment to H.R. 2314 (RC No. 58), H. R. 2314 (RC No. 59), H. Res. 1098 (RC No. 60), H. Res. 1105 (RC No. 66), Reyes Amendment to H.R. 2701 (RC No. 69), and passage of H.R. 2701 (RC No. 73).

Madam Speaker, I ask that we take the time to recognize the importance of Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month. This is an increasingly critical issue that has a devastating effect on our schools, families, and most importantly the victims of this horrifying crime.

The fact is that teens are at a higher risk than adults--half of reported date rapes occur among teenagers. Every year, nearly 1.5 million high school students experience physical abuse from a dating partner.

This violence against another human being breaks our hearts and should never be tolerated.

We took an important step to help these victims with the passage of my Amendment 20 to H.R. 2847, which provided funding to the Supporting Teens through Education and Protection (STEP) program to help schools combat sexual harassment.

Every young person deserves relationships based on respect, and Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month is a time to draw needed attention to this important issue. By educating our youth about the importance of safe and healthy relationships, raising awareness among those who care for them, and supporting the community services that aid victims, we can help to prevent this tragic cycle of abuse.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a company headquartered in the Eighth Congressional District that has been recognized this month by Fortune magazine as one of the ``100 Best Companies to Work For.'' Recreational Equipment, Inc., REI, was ranked 14th on Fortune's 2010 list. With this year's acknowledgment, REI is now one of only five companies nationwide to appear on Fortune's list every year since it was first unveiled in 1998.

Headquartered in Kent, Washington, REI employs 9,137 people across the country and takes care of them through a variety of health care options, store discounts, paid sabbaticals for veteran employees, and generous retirement plan contributions. REI produces state-of-the-art outdoor equipment and clothing for people to enjoy everything our country's landscape has to offer. Additionally, the company promotes a culture of sustainability and is committed to protecting our precious natural resources and lush, open spaces.

In selecting companies for this list, Fortune collects random employee interviews and written surveys to determine an organization's willingness and ability to care for its employees. REI's consistent recognition is a testament not only to its sound business model but also its dedication to providing for the well-being of its people. Businesses like REI are the heart and soul of the American economy. We should do everything possible to promote the innovation and sound practices of our job creators, and I believe Fortune's ``100 Best'' list is a valuable tool to do that. I offer my heartfelt congratulations and thanks to President and CEO Sally Jewell and her many employees for setting the gold standard that other companies would be wise to follow.

Madam Speaker, today I rise to speak about a young man in the Eighth Congressional District who earned recognition as a semifinalist in this year's Intel Science Talent Search.

Intel's Science Talent Search is our country's oldest and most prestigious pre-college science competition, and attracts some of the brightest students across the nation. Intel provides each semifinalist with a $1,000 award and does the same for each individual school represented.

William Edwards, a student at Bonney Lake High School and a resident of Lake Tapps, WA, earned his place on this prestigious list along with 299 other innovative and inventive minds from around our Nation. It is a thrill to congratulate a hard-working and intelligent young man, William, for standing alongside the best our Nation has to offer in the fields of math, science and technology. William serves as an example of excellence, and encourages a spirit of curiosity and innovation that we must continue to foster among young people across this great nation.

The competition encourages students to tackle the challenging scientific questions of both the present and the future. I thank Intel for its leadership in this endeavor and congratulate their success in this annual competition.

Madam Speaker, today I rise in support of National Mentoring Month. On the 26 of January, this House passed a resolution supporting the goals and ideals of National Mentoring Month, which we recognize each January. Last year I honored an organization that operates in and around the Eighth Congressional District that truly exemplified the spirit of selflessness and community that we look for in our Nation. This year, I've selected another honorable organization to highlight.

Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound is a wonderful organization. Despite rough economic times they have persevered and continue working to match boys and girls in Western Washington with willing and energetic mentors to build relationships that sometimes last a lifetime. In 2009 alone, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound made and funded more than 2,000 matches in Western Washington. ``Bigs'' head to their ``littles'' schools or neighborhoods to study or play. ``Bigs'' in Western Washington may go to Safeco Field with their ``little'' to watch the Mariners play, or board a ferry to get an up- close glimpse of the beautiful Puget Sound.

It is during difficult economic times that wonderful organizations such as Big Brothers Big Sister can ``slip under the radar'' and struggle mightily--and silently--while trying to achieve their goals. I encourage everyone to support your local chapter of Big Brothers Big Sisters, and any other businesses, or nonprofit, religious or civic organizations who put the youngest among us first. We all know the devastating stories of young people whose futures are derailed because of poor decision-making, violence, or apathy. Mentoring holds a remedy. Mentoring is proven to change lives--the lives of ``bigs'' and ``littles'' alike.

In 2009, Patrick D'Amelio took over for Tina Podlowski as President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of Puget Sound. I look forward to working with Patrick on issues of mentoring and education, and I wish him all the best in the coming year. Again, I encourage this body to support mentoring across our great Nation, because the work done by our mentors is invaluable and lasting.

Mr. Speaker, now more than ever, young people across this country understand the gravity of the issues that we face today as a Nation. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take some time this evening to share a poem that was written by a ninth grade student in Washington State. This ninth grade student just happens to be my grandson. His name is Caleb Mathena, and he has written a poem. He sent me the poem and said, Papa, what do you think about this? I didn't know that he was writing this poem, but I was pleased to get it; and I am pleased to share it with those who are listening. It's called ``We the People.''

``We the people of freedom and choice, we elected our main voice, hired to keep our country strong, our rights secure and list of options long. Why is it then that this has happened? Why have they disregarded us in this matter? Thinking they know what's best or what we need, speeding through without the heed of what we choose, of what we demand, forgetting they are merely hired hands, easily removed, easily replaced.

``Perhaps that is what's best for these United States, knowing not humility, only selfish ideals. Now reacting blindly, regardless of how others feel. Secretly dealing, concealed by closed doors. Instead of candidly conveying, betraying what was promised before. What has it come to? Has it come to this? Where We the people are just dismissed?

As for me, I know that I won't be silent, won't just stand by. I will not watch as my country, our country is taken. I cannot nor will not sit back. I will not forsake it.

If we all stand up and state our thoughts, if we have the courage to secure our rights that our Founders painstakingly sought, if we wisely decide who would honestly be truly honest and unselfish leaders for our great country, surely then the land in which we live will remain free, free for my children's children to admire and see and say, ``If my forefathers fought obtaining liberty for me, then I can surely do likewise to the utmost degree.''

Mr. Speaker, this young man speaks words far beyond his 15 years on this Earth. He talks about liberty and freedom. This is the people's House, and sometimes we forget who we represent. Sometimes we forget who we work for. We work for the people of these United States. We must listen to these words and the words of our constituents; listen to the words of Caleb Mathena, a 15-year-old student, and all the people and citizens across this country; listen to the words of our constituents in our districts across the country and respect their wishes to preserve and protect the freedom that has been so bravely fought for by so many.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor of Governor Albert Rosellini, who will celebrate his 100th birthday on January 21, 2010. Gov. Rosellini was elected to the Washington State Senate in 1938, and served honorably as Washington State's governor from 1957 to 1965. Ultimately, this man has always worked as a servant and leader for his family, community and State.

As a 29-year-old law school graduate from Tacoma, Washington, Governor Rosellini began his career early, serving in the Washington State Senate in 1938 and championing issues ranging from forward- looking transportation policy to juvenile justice. He was an advocate for working families and never missed an opportunity to improve the lives of his constituents. Later, as Governor, Rosellini played an important role in starting one of our nation's finest medical schools at the University of Washington. He also helped create the Evergreen Point Floating Bridge--a bridge that now bears his name. The type of leadership that helped build the Floating Bridge is typical of Gov. Rosellini: visionary and decisive.

Additionally, Governor Rosellini's ascension to the Governorship of Washington was a seminal moment in the illustrious history of Roman Catholic Italian-Americans and he remains a leader in that community to this day.

A Seattle columnist wrote in 2005 that Governor Rosellini ``makes most governors after him look like slackers.'' Madam Speaker, Gov. Rosellini served Washington with a steely determination, with the cares, concerns, and best interest of all Washingtonians in his mind and heart at all times. It is my distinct honor to recognize him and his countless contributions to the great state of Washington, and to challenge us all to aspire to serve in the same way he has throughout his distinguished life and career.

Along with this House, I wish Mr. Rosellini a happy 100th birthday and thank him for his dedicated public service.