Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from New York for the time and for his work on this vital issue.

I am opposed to raising the debt ceiling limit. How in the world can we raise the debt limit when the Senate refuses to work with the House to even pass a budget? The Senate hasn't passed one in 3 years. No one would walk into a bank and ask for a loan without a plan on how they would spend that money and pay it back. So why is it okay for the Federal Government to operate that way?

It's not.

The latest increase to the debt ceiling limit allows President Obama to borrow an additional $1.2 trillion, which brings our national debt to $16.4 trillion, and he will likely be back at the end of the year asking for another increase. To put that into perspective, after the Revolutionary War, when we became a country in 1776, and after that, many wondered if the young democracy could withstand what many at the time considered a crushing debt. The Nation had borrowed heavily to pay for the Revolutionary War. The debt, when the war was over, was about $34 per American which, in today's inflation-adjusted dollars, would be about $653. Today's debt, by contrast, is nearly 68 times that size, or $45,000 per American. It's bad enough to borrow money like there is no tomorrow, but to do so without even a budget in place is simply wrong.

Today I have introduced a bill to stop this madness. The Budget Before Borrowing Act, H.R. 3778, is a straightforward, no-gimmicks approach to spending money. It very simply says that the Nation cannot raise the debt ceiling limit unless the House and the Senate have agreed on a budget resolution. This can only be waived with a vote of two-thirds of the Members of both houses.

To conclude, I am opposed to raising the debt ceiling limit, and I urge my colleagues to support this disapproval resolution. With our current debt load and lack of a budget, the President has no business asking to raise our Nation's debt at this time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Ms. Maria Ambuul upon her achievement of the Stars and Stripes Award, the highest honor of the American Heritage Girls organization. It is a pleasure and privilege to honor Ms. Ambuul for her accomplishments, as well as her dedication to her God, her family, her community, and her country.

American Heritage Girls is a nonprofit Judeo-Christian organization for girls ages five to 18, dedicated to building women of integrity through service to God, family, community, and country. The organization was started in 1995 and has grown to nearly 400 troops with more than 12,500 members in 45 states. Ms. Ambuul is the first Coloradan to achieve the coveted Stars and Stripes Award.

The Stars and Stripes Award is bestowed upon young women who have gone above and beyond the highest program level in American Heritage Girls. Young women receiving the Stars and Stripes Award must exemplify the following qualities: compassion, helpfulness, honesty, loyalty, perseverance, purity, resourcefulness, respectfulness, responsibility, and reverence. They must also have demonstrated exemplary commitment to the American Heritage Girls oath to love God, cherish their families, honor their country, and serve in their communities. The Stars and Stripes Award is equivalent to the Boy Scout's Eagle Scout Award.

Ms. Ambuul has proved her love for and dedication to her community. I thank her for the difference she has made in Colorado's Fifth District and for setting such a fine example for young women in the state of Colorado.

Mr. Speaker, on this, the 70th anniversary of the attack on Pearl Harbor, I want to recognize a group of unique Americans who made an invaluable contribution to winning the war in the Pacific-- Native American Code Talkers.

John Werito of southwest Colorado was assigned to the 4th Marine Division in Maui, Hawaii. He first saw action when his division landed on Roi Namur, part of the Marshall Islands, then a Japanese stronghold.

From there, the 4th Division took Saipan where Werito was wounded. After recovering from his injuries, he took part in the invasion of Iwo Jima, where he was wounded a second time. He recovered from his injuries on a hospital ship at sea after refusing to be sent home to the U.S. because he wanted to be part of the invasion of Japan, should that be necessary.

Back home, Werito settled in Denver where he served as a letter carrier for the U.S. Postal Service. He passed away in 1983 and is buried at Fort Logan National Cemetery in Colorado.

Werito was posthumously awarded the Silver Congressional Medal of Honor in 2002. His widow, Rose, and children, Nellie and Michael, attended the ceremony in Window Rock, Arizona, on the Navajo Nation.

I thank Mr. Werito for his courage in fighting a brutal enemy in the Pacific.

The Code Walkers of all tribes are a special class of brave warriors who deserve our continued recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 8 o'clock and 8 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, December 8, 2011, at 9 a.m.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the 90th Anniversary of the Canon City Noon Lions Club in my district in Colorado. For Ninety years, the Noon Lions have been dedicated to providing aid and assistance to the needy and less fortunate in their community. During the Lions Club International Campaign Sight First II, the Noon Lions were one of five Model Clubs within the state of Colorado raising over $32,000 for the program. This program helps under-privileged children from all over the world get much needed eye exams and medications. Last December, the Noon Lions raised over $3,000 in a ``Cash for Christmas'' raffle in order to pay for appointments and surgery for a young girl with Amblyopic eye condition and a man with cataracts.

The Canon City Noon Lions are dedicated to serving their community and the wider world. Ever since they started in the basement of a local YMCA building on November 22, 1921, the Noon Lions have tirelessly devoted their time, effort, and energy to fighting blindness, combating hunger, and aiding seniors and the disabled. With the introduction of the ``Sight First'' program the Noon Lions have screened the eyes of more than 5,000 children within their community and surrounding area. The Noon Lions look back at their legacy of community service with an eye on the future and on the service they will be a part of in strengthening their community. I am proud of the work they have done my district and I offer them my most sincere congratulations on their 90th anniversary.

Mr. Speaker, the big spending policies of the Obama administration have failed America. Millions of Americans have lost their homes, their jobs--and even their hopes for a brighter future. Our economy has stalled, and the American people are looking for solutions.

This week, the House will vote on a balanced budget amendment. It is an honest and bipartisan solution to the problem of overspending that threatens our economic recovery and prevents job creation. Forty-nine States, including Colorado, comply with a balanced budget amendment. Spending cuts, caps and promises, though helpful, are only temporary. A balanced budget is permanent.

When the Federal Government starts living within its means, the Nation's job creators will have the confidence to create more jobs. That certainty is essential to restoring our economy and putting Americans back to work. In an otherwise bleak economy, a balanced budget amendment is our brightest ray of hope.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the life and the sacrifice of Army Private First Class Christopher A. Horns who died in service to this great nation. On October 22, 2011, Private First Class Christopher A. Horns was killed in Kandahar province, Afghanistan, of wounds suffered when enemy forces attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device.

PFC Christopher Horns, 20, of Colorado Springs, Colorado was assigned to 2nd Battalion, 75th Ranger Regiment, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington. Afghanistan was his first overseas deployment in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. He is survived by his parents and sister, who reside in Colorado Springs, Colorado.

Christopher enlisted in the Army in July, 2010 and joined the 75th Ranger Regiment in March, 2011. He served as an assistant machine gunner and automatic rifleman. By joining the Army Christopher followed in his father's footsteps, who had also served a tour in Afghanistan at the beginning of the war. He was eager to serve his country and the Army. He was especially proud when he qualified for Ranger school after boot camp.

We must never forget the sacrifices that our young men and women have made in defending our freedom. I am humbled and honored to represent such a fine young man as Christopher, who made the ultimate sacrifice for his country. Please keep the family and friends of Christopher in your thoughts and prayers.

I ask the Members of Congress to join me in remembering and honoring Army Private First Class Christopher A. Horns. We must never forget those who take up arms on our behalf to preserve our way of life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Captain Dale Goetz, who was killed in Afghanistan by the enemy on August 30, 2010, in service to his country and his God. Captain Goetz, you see, was a chaplain and Baptist minister. The last time the Army lost a chaplain in combat was in 1970 at the height of the Vietnam War.

The picture by me shows the memorial service at Fort Carson, Colorado, for Captain Goetz and other brave soldiers who made the ultimate sacrifice. If you look closely, you will see that in place of a rifle there is a cross. Chaplains, you see, are unarmed.

Captain Goetz leaves behind three sons--Landon, Caleb, and Joel--and his loving and devoted wife, Christy.

Captain Goetz will always be remembered by his family and friends who survive him and by his fellow soldiers for whom he gave so much. They will remember his love of country, his bravery under fire, his devotion to others, and, most of all, a heart fully committed to the Lord and Savior he served and loved so fully.

``Greater love has no one than this, that one lay down his life for his friends.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a fallen American hero--Army Chaplain Dale Allen Goetz. Goetz is the first Army clergyman killed in action since the Vietnam War. Goetz was killed a year ago while serving his country in Afghanistan.

On August 30, 2010, Goetz was riding with a resupply convoy when the enemy attacked with an improvised explosive device near the Arghandab River Valley.

Four of his fellow soldiers from Fort Carson died with him in that attack.

Army Chaplains are considered noncombatants and do not carry weapons. Chaplains do not go on combat patrol, but do go onto battlefields to conduct services and counsel soldiers.

Goetz was serving with the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team with the 4th Infantry Division of Fort Carson, Colorado.

Goetz grew up in Hood River, Oregon. His first job after high school was working at an old-fashioned dairy where he processed milk and sold ice cream cones at a drive-up window. A year before graduating from high school, Goetz became a Christian. After graduating, he joined the Air Force then attended Maranatha Baptist Bible College. He later earned his Master of Divinity at Central Baptist Theological Seminary. Goetz moved to White, South Dakota where he was pastor before joining the Army to serve our soldiers.

Goetz served his country for nearly 11 years before he was killed. It was his third deployment.

Goetz, who was 43-years old, left behind his wife, Christy, and their three young boys. He is also survived by his mother, Hope, and his sisters, Kim Sumner and Ann Senetar.

In paying tribute to Chaplain Goetz, I would like to enter into the Congressional Record a short poem written by a longtime Capitol Tour Guide Bert Caswell.

The Faith of His Father in Honor of a Fallen Hero Chaplain Captain Dale

Goetz the Lord and the United States Army

Goodness!

Evil!

Darkness!

Light!

Those brave hearts who evil must fight!

Who bring their light!

All in the darkness of war. . . .

Unarmed. . . .

There are but all of those on battlefields of honor,

Chaplains who so ensure. . . .

The Faith of our Father. . . .

Who but bring our Lord's light!

The Faith of Our Father, to help souls to endure. . . .

Armed, with but only Bible in hand. . . .

As it was there midst of such evil, Dale, you were to so

stand!

Bringing hope and so comfort, to woman and man. . . . .

In the darkest of all places. . . .

While, at death's door they'd so stand!

Giving them the strength to so pray. . . .

Offering your hand, while reaching out on each day. . . .

As from out of that darkness, the light you so gave!

Something, far much more precious than what of gold is so

made!

To so find the right words, as you were so heard. . . .in the

sacred moments of death. . . .

Giving such strength to all of their hearts to so bless. . .

.

For War is Hell, and Hell is War!

And for all your sons, all of the ones. . . . you cared for

so deep . . . .

As upon each day, all in their beautiful faces. . . .to us

you will so speak!

And to your fine wife, who has suffered the greatest lost of

her life. . . .

We pray to our Lord to let her find peace!

It's for you now, Dale, the Angels up in heaven now so weep!

And to his family, somehow so find the strength. . . .

All in what his fine life has meant!

As now we they lay your fine body, Dale, down to sleep. . . .

As into this soft cold dark quiet ground, Dale, so deep. . .

.

As, it was you, Dale, our Lord's son. . . .

Who to Him, your promises did so keep!

As a new Angel up in Heaven, one day again you'll meet!

To watch over us now as we so sleep!

With The Faith of His Father So Very Deep!

Amen!

Mr. Speaker, on October 10th, the Republic of China will celebrate its Centennial National Day. The United States of America and Taiwan enjoy a close and strong relationship based on shared democratic values and free market economies.

While welcome, the improved relations between the two sides does not eliminate the need for the United States to continue to help Taiwan's defense capabilities under the Taiwan Relations Act. Based on that act, the United States should continue to aid Taiwan in replacing its aging air force. According to the

most recent Department of Defense report on Taiwan's military power, China currently enjoys air superiority over Taiwan.

In recent decades, we witnessed how Taiwan evolved from authoritarian rule to a vibrant democracy. Taiwan also has been a reliable political, economic and cultural ally of the United States. In recent years, Taiwan has been very strong in cooperating with us against global terrorism.

It is also my view that we must continue to support Taiwan's participation in global affairs by supporting Taiwan and its 23,000,000 people in becoming a member of the United Nations. An internationally visible Taiwan is a strong Taiwan.

Today, Taiwan remains a major trading partner and friend. Our strong economic and cultural ties go back nearly a hundred years. We hope that this strong bond will continue for another 100 years and more. Congratulations to the people of the Republic of China (Taiwan) on their Centennial National Day.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and congratulate the new mayor of Colorado Springs, Steve Bach. Situated at the heart of my district, Colorado Springs is an exceptional community that deserves an exceptional leader. Mayor Bach is that man.

In 2010, Colorado Springs voters adopted a strong mayor-council form of government. As the city's first mayor under this new model, Steve will lead Colorado Springs through this historic transition. For the first time in the city's 140-year history, the Mayor will have broad powers over hiring and firing city workers.

Mayor Bach has a unique opportunity to shape the city's direction for years to come. Mayor Bach has lived in Colorado Springs for over 40 years and has seen the city change from a small town nestled in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains to the 41st largest metro area in the country.

Mayor Bach previously was a commercial real estate broker who retains longstanding ties to the business community. He promises to improve the business climate by cutting red tape at City Hall. His fresh ideas on job creation and his history of building coalitions in

the community will no doubt bring new vigor to the area's economy.

As a devoted husband and family man, Mayor Bach knows the kind of values and ideals that are required to lead in a responsible and conservative manner. I wish the Mayor success in his new job. I know that Colorado Springs could not ask for a better mayor at this critical time.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from the great State of New York, Representative Reed, for recognizing me, but most of all for bringing this resolution. I support it, and I urge everyone here to support it.

As you may remember, it was a two-step process when the debt ceiling was increased: an initial $400 billion immediately to avert the possibility of a default. That has been done. But an additional $500 billion will not go out if this resolution passes. I think we need to slow down and take a look at our spending before we commit another trillion dollars of debt.

We did reduce next year's budget by, I believe, $31 billion over last year. That's a good step. That's a step in the right direction, but it's only a small step when you realize that this year's deficit is $1.3 trillion. So $31 billion is only a small step in the right direction. So this would give us more time and seriousness of purpose to look at additional savings.

So with that prospect in mind, I would urge my colleagues to support this resolution. Let's slow down the adoption of an additional half trillion of debt. I urge support.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to discuss a critical component of America's national security, our nuclear deterrence. Yesterday, the House Armed Services Committee Strategic Forces Subcommittee held a hearing on sustaining nuclear deterrence after New START. This hearing made it absolutely clear that the nuclear policy provisions in the House fiscal year 2012 National Defense Authorization Act are critical to our nuclear deterrence strategy.

The ink was barely dry on the New START Treaty, and the administration was already talking about deeper cuts. We need to slow down and wait for nuclear modernization to catch up to arms control. We must be wary of any further unilateral reductions of the U.S. nuclear deterrent, which is critical to America's defense and that of over 30 of our allies. Congress has an obligation to scrutinize U.S. nuclear policy and force structure to ensure that we have a sustainable and effective deterrent, which is why the House NDAA nuclear policy provisions must become law.

Madam Chairman, I claim time on behalf of the Committee on Natural Resources.

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

This legislation takes a crucial step towards securing our Nation's energy security and putting Americans back to work. In 2010 alone, the United States imported over 1 trillion barrels of oil from OPEC countries, many of which have unstable or unfriendly governments. While my preference would be that we replace that oil with domestically produced resources from the Rockies, our Outer Continental Shelf, and Alaska, we have the next best thing by having Canada as a stable, friendly, energy-rich trading partner sharing our northern border.

As we have seen in so many other aspects of our Nation's energy portfolio, whether it be offshore production, onshore production, or even renewable energy production on Federal lands, the Obama administration is once again slow-walking or even stonewalling domestic energy security and job creation with needless delays and bureaucratic red tape.

This legislation will help ensure a steady supply of crude oil from one of our strongest allies. It has the potential to create 20,000 direct construction jobs for Americans and spur $20 billion in new spending in the U.S. economy. The extension of this pipeline will generate $585 million in new State and local taxes during construction. It will greatly lessen our dependence on oil from OPEC.

Opponents of this pipeline seem to believe that if we don't use this oil here, it won't be produced. That position is fundamentally wrong and displays a foolish and naive disregard for the flow of international oil production.

The reality is, if America won't take this oil, China will. Instead of having a secure pipeline feeding the American heartland, we will see massive tankers off the coast of Washington and Oregon as China fills its ships for export. And China doesn't have the environmental safeguards that we do.

We should pass H.R. 1938.

At this moment, Madam Chairman, I yield 1 minute to my colleague from the State of Ohio (Mr. Johnson).

I yield 1 minute to my good colleague and friend from the State of Texas (Mr. Flores).

Madam Chairman, the North American-Made Energy Security Act is a pivotal first step toward securing our energy future, lessening our dependence on oil from OPEC countries, and putting Americans back to work.

Canada and the U.S. have the world's largest two-way relationship. Rather than put up roadblocks, we should foster and build upon that relationship to utilize each other's resources.

If we don't use this oil, Chinese consumers will, and we will continue to rely on oil from OPEC. We cannot stand idly by as the Obama administration continues to delay and put up roadblocks that prevent the production of American energy and the creation of American jobs.

H.R. 1938 will force the administration to make a decision that has been unnecessarily delayed for years. The legislation is good for the American economy and good for American jobs, and I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I am offering this amendment on behalf of and in cooperation with Representative Paul Broun of Georgia, who could not be here tonight. What this amendment does is it would zero out all of the land acquisition programs within the Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies appropriations bill, thus placing more than $50 million in the Spending Reduction Account in order to reduce our national debt.

The Federal Government already owns more than 650 million acres of land, or about 30 percent of the total land area of the United States. We can't even take good care of the lands that the Federal Government already owns. An example of this is that the Park Service has a current backlog of several billions of dollars of repairs and maintenance in our beautiful national parks. At a time when we are facing an unprecedented fiscal crisis, the Federal Government needs to focus its energy on taking better care of the land it already has rather than purchasing additional acres. Our Federal agencies have enough on their plate, and if we zero out these land acquisition programs, we can save a significant amount of money.

Mr. Chair, we cannot spend our way out of the debt dilemma. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment and to send more than $50 million toward paying down our national debt.

I yield back the balance of my time.