Floor Statements

Offered By: Mr. Whitfield

Amendment No. 108: Page 306, line 11, insert after the

dollar amount the following: ``(reduced by $1,500,000)''.

Page 359, line 16, insert after the dollar amount the

following: ``(increased by $1,500,000)''.

Mr. Speaker, I am delighted we have the opportunity today to revisit the health care bill that was passed last year.

I am delighted because, first of all, when it came to the floor last year, this bill affected every aspect of health care in America, and we did not have the opportunity to offer one amendment on the floor. In addition to that, this bill takes $500 billion out of Medicare, which means less money to nursing homes, hospitals, and Medicare beneficiaries. Then the claim that this would reduce the deficit by $138 billion was calculated by including 10 years of tax revenues under this bill but only 6 years of expenditures.

How can you claim that we are supporting insurance companies by repealing this bill when the insurance companies supported the bill, and they supported the bill because it mandates that small businesses and individuals buy health insurance?

So I would urge the repeal of this legislation, and then we can fix health care the way it should be fixed.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 75th anniversary of the Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association. This Association was instrumental in reforming the flood and navigation system along the Mississippi River after the 1927 flood, which was one of the greatest peace-time disasters our nation has seen. This disaster wrecked the levee system and devastated over 12 million acres and drove 600,000 people from their homes. Losses were estimated at $400 million.

A shining star in this disaster was the quick work of this Association by organizing a congressional tour at the height of the flood by special train and boats. This effort paved the way for legislation developing the Mississippi River and Tributaries Project to build a levee system to tame the Mississippi River's forces. Today, this levee system still protects hundreds of thousands of families from flooding and facilitates transportation in our inland water ways system.

The Association still lives on under the great leadership of Mr. George Grugett. Mr. Grugett's career is an example for all of us to follow. He has served as the Executive Vice President of the Mississippi Valley Flood Control Association since 1980. During his service to this Association, he has successfully brought together Members of Congress, senior officials within the Army Corps of Engineers, and levee boards along the Mississippi River in order to promote and develop the flood and navigation system that is so important to our economy.

I can confidently say that with Mr. Grugett's leadership we have made numerous strides in the areas of flood control and water navigation. I ask the entire House to join with me to commend Mr. Grugett for his leadership and dedication to this Association as it marks its 75th anniversary.

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

I want to thank the gentleman from New Jersey for introducing this important legislation. We anticipate that over the next 25 years, the demand for electricity in America is going to almost double. One of the ways, not the only way, but one of the ways that we are going to have to address this problem is to have consumer products that are more efficient, that use less electricity.

That was certainly the purpose of the Energy Independence and Security Act of 2007, which sought to clarify requirements in the measurement of energy consumption in certain consumer devices. Some of the devices, however, that were not excluded in this legislation included security devices such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors.

When we have regulations to make products more efficient, it's always a balancing act. We want them to be more efficient, but we don't want them to have to be redone in such a way that it raises the price to the consumer and makes the manufacturer of that product less competitive in the global marketplace.

This legislation, H.R. 5470, is designed to do particularly that, to exclude from this legislation of 2007 these security devices such as smoke and carbon monoxide detectors. This legislation is going to help clarify that, because we went to the Department of Energy and asked them to modify the requirements, and they refused, saying that they could issue a ruling only to modify regulations written by the Department, not amend a law passed by Congress. Mr. Pallone's legislation does expressly that. I would urge all of our Members to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

I want to thank the gentleman from New York for bringing this matter to the attention of the Congress, and specifically the Energy and Commerce Committee. As he said, with the economic downturn and with the dramatic increase in the price of gold, we see more and more people mailing their gold possessions in an envelope to these companies that are buying gold and then melting it down. It is a system that is ripe with the opportunity to defraud a lot of people. And this legislation, as the gentleman from New York stated, simply clarifies a number of issues.

Number one, it makes it easier to determine whether or not a consumer is

accepting the offer of the company that's buying the gold. It also provides these additional protections on the insurance, because as the gentleman from New York said, frequently the client, the consumer, did not really want to sell; and yet it probably was melted down, and they said, well, we mailed it back to you, but it was lost in the mail.

So this is important legislation, provides additional consumer protections at a time when a lot of our consumers are particularly vulnerable to being taken advantage of. I want to commend the gentleman once again for his actions and urge the support of H.R. 4501.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the people of the Republic of Turkey in their celebration of their country's historic eighty-seventh anniversary and founding by Mustafa Kemal Ataturk on October 29.

The anniversary is cause for us to pause and reflect upon the many accomplishments of the people of Turkey, most notably Turkish Republic founder Mustafa Kemal Ataturk's vision of a secular, pluralistic democracy.

The United States and Turkey have invested a great deal of energy in cultivating a critical and robust bilateral relationship. Time and time again, Turkey has proven itself to be a strong ally in our fight against Islamic extremism, and a key supporter of our operations in Afghanistan.

As the people of Turkey enter their eighty-eighth year, Ataturk's vision continues to ring true. I know my colleagues and fellow Americans share my sentiments in wishing the people and Government of the Republic of Turkey all the prosperity and opportunity of a bright democratic future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong opposition to H. Res. 1631, a one-sided resolution that seeks to advance political interests under the guise of the protection of religious sites on the island of Cyprus. This resolution carries with it the potential to significantly damage relations between Turkish and Greek Cypriots at a time when reconciliation talks are at a critical stage. In fact, the United Nations special envoy for Cyprus expressed hope that, an agreement on the divided island could be brokered by the end of the year.

In 2009, Greek and Turkish Cypriot leaders took a tremendous step toward reconciliation with the formation of the Cultural Heritage Technical Committee, an organization tasked with the protection, preservation, and restoration of the rich cultural heritage of Cyprus. This committee has made enormous progress in identifying sites, located in both northern and southern Cyprus, which are suitable for restoration and protection. This committee has been one of the most successful vehicles yet created for fostering open dialogue and honest conversation between Greek and Turkish Cypriots on an issue of great importance to both communities. It would be unfortunate if actions by the U.S. Congress were to somehow unintentionally disrupt the progress that has been made so far to protect and restore precious artifacts and heritage sites.

While I commend my colleagues for their desire to protect the rich cultural heritage of Cyprus, the two parties in this conflict are already working to correct the wrongs of the past. This resolution puts their hard work in jeopardy, and I urge Congress to play a peacemaking role, rather than take sides in a dispute.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor George Wilford Arnold for his lifelong contributions within his community. I wish to recognize his accomplishments by recalling some of his many achievements as an outstanding public servant.

Mr. Arnold began his public service in the U.S. Army Air Corps during World War II, and this service to his country and community continued throughout his life. Following his military service Mr. Arnold served on multiple boards as well as civic organizations that worked to improve the quality of life in the surrounding region. After many years of service he became a self-taught visionary seeking to improve the supply and the quality of water for his city, county, and region. This dedication to improving the people's quality of life led him to serve as chairman of the Logan/Todd Regional Water Commission from 1997 to 2003 and the executive director from 2003 to 2005. Mr. Arnold also served as the Mayor of Adairville for almost 20 years. During this time he was both trusted and respected for his commitment to the people.

In his community and surrounding area, Mayor George Wilford Arnold was seen as an example of hard work and ingenuity. One of his greatest strengths was that he possessed an unwavering belief in the people he represented. His work and leadership are largely responsible for the advancements of drinkable water within the First Congressional District.

Madam Speaker, Mayor George Wilford Arnold was an integral part of Kentucky's growth and advancement and it is an honor for me to bring to the attention of this House the achievements of this extraordinary gentleman. Although the death of Mayor Arnold is a great loss to our District, his work will live on in the many accomplishments we recognize here today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the bicentennial celebration of the town of Burkesville, Kentucky. I wish to recognize the town of Burkesville's history and its cultural contribution to our country.

Founded by Samuel Burkes, an early settler from Virginia, Burkesville has embodied small town virtues, patriotism, hard work, and the spirit of helping one's neighbor for just over 200 years. As a city on the border of Kentucky, Burkesville played an integral part in the American Civil War and the Cumberland River on the city's southern border served as a major natural barrier between opposing forces during the war.

In the present day, the Cumberland River has provided the City of Burkesville an economic engine due to its excellent recreation and the tourism it provides. Also known for its tourism and bass fishing is the Dale Hollow Lake located just south of Burkesville. Within the great state of Kentucky Burkesville is seen as a place that shows the pure heart and true character of the United States. Everyone who has had the pleasure to set foot within the City's old fashioned town square, myself included, has been able to appreciate the history that this unique town represents.

Madam Speaker, the City of Burkesville is an integral part of Kentucky's history and it is an honor for me to bring this great town to the attention of this House.

I want to thank Members on both sides of the aisle for working with us on this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, as it has already been said, John James Audubon came to Henderson, Kentucky, in 1810, 200 years ago this year. He was an ornithologist, naturalist, and painter. He also painted and catalogued the birds of North America in a more precise way than any other naturalist in this Nation's history.

Not only was he a tremendous painter, he also was a great businessman, and in 1816, he brought one of the first steam-powered saw-and-grist mills on the banks of the Ohio River to Kentucky.

To commemorate John James Audubon's commitment to his community and wildlife, the Commonwealth of Kentucky dedicated the John James Audubon State Park on October 3, 1934. It is an impressive structure designed as a replica of a Norman-French inn to honor Audubon's French heritage. The museum structure has a round tower in which there is a lot of nesting birds, I must say. A cobbled courtyard with a French garden graces the immediate grounds of the museum. It also contains the world's largest oils and water colors of birds. And today, the park enjoys thousands of visitors who come and admire the work of John James Audubon.

This year their bicentennial celebration has been occurring throughout the year, and it's going to end on October 23 in Henderson with a huge gala in the community celebrating the works of John James Audubon.

I would urge the Members of the House to support this legislation, and, once again, I want to thank both sides of the aisle for working with us on it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to support H.R. 6130, a commonsense solution to combating fraud in Medicare. This legislation will provide the Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General with tools to properly combat Medicare fraud.

First, it will close an important loophole in current law and give the Office of the Inspector General additional authority to fight fraud. Under current law, for example, if an executive leaves a company before the company is convicted of Medicare fraud, that executive cannot be barred from participating in Federal health programs. Under current law, an executive intent on defrauding Medicare could simply move from one company to another and continue to inequitably use American taxpayers' money.

Second, this law will prevent companies from hiding behind corporate shells. Some companies use shell companies to protect the parent company from any liability. If the company is caught participating in fraud, the shell could be dissolved, leaving the parent company fully intact. Under this bill, the Office of Inspector General can exclude parent companies when such punishment is merited.

I am glad that we are continuing to find ways to combat fraud in Medicare because we know that health care costs are out of control. And I might say, I am sure every Member had the same experiences that I did when we were home over this recent 3-week work period in which people were coming up asking all sorts of questions about the health care reform bill, and we really do not know the answers to it because HHS is basically going to be writing these regulations. And we are not going to fully know the outcome of this legislation for many years to come, which I think merits, once again, the importance of starting to have oversight hearings to have some questions answered that the American people are asking for.

I would ask unanimous consent at this time to yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from California (Mr. Herger).

Mr. Speaker, I rise today also in support of H.R. 3199, the Emergency Medic Transition Act.

This legislation would provide grants to States with a shortage of EMTs to assist veterans who have completed military emergency training and assist them in becoming State-licensed or certified EMTs.

Through their service in the Armed Forces, these veterans have received some of the best emergency response training available. Our Nation is currently blessed with thousands of men and women who, through their honorable service in Iraq and Afghanistan and around the world, are equipped with unmatched credentials and vast practical experience.

We have heard of stories from around the country of there being a shortage of EMTs and about the training and licensing barriers returning veterans face when they transition to the civilian workforce. If the Federal Government has provided training in emergency management services to these veterans, it would be beneficial to use that investment to fill EMT needs in communities once the veteran has left the service. It makes sense to me that we should help veterans with life-saving skills to use them in our communities after they come home.

I would certainly like to thank also Congresswoman Harman and Chairman Pallone as well as Congressman Buyer of Indiana, all of whom have worked hard on this legislation.

I urge my colleagues to support this legislation.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

There has been a lot of debate in the United States about infant mortality. And when we hear that the U.S. ranks 30th in the world, it certainly bothers all of us.

I do think it is important that we also recognize, just for informational purposes, that not every country in the world uses the same method to determine infant mortality. For example, in the United States, all live births at any birthweight or gestational age must be reported. In France, for example, only live births of at least 22 weeks of gestation or weighing at least 500 grams must be reported. So some of these countries use different reporting facts to determine their mortality rates.

There is no question that certain communities in the United States have infant mortality rates that are persistently high. And this legislation authorizes HHS to award grants for pilot projects to reduce infant mortality in the communities with the highest infant mortality rates and would require these projects be evaluated to ensure we are on the right track to reducing infant mortality rates in those areas and in the United States.

I want to thank Congressman Cohen for his leadership on this issue as well as Congressmen Pallone and Shimkus.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge all Members to support this legislation, and I thank the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Cohen) and others who worked hard on this legislation.

I yield back the balance of my time.

I also want to thank Congressman Doyle for his leadership on this issue.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentleman from New Jersey (Mr. Smith), who has been particularly involved in the issue of autism.

I would just like to reiterate what the gentleman from Pennsylvania said, which is that early detection can make all the difference in the world. This legislation goes a long way in providing assistance and in aiding in early detection.

I urge Members to support this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

I want to thank Congressmen Pallone and Shimkus for bringing this important legislation to the floor. We all recognize the devastating effect of methamphetamines.

Mr. Speaker, at this time I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Wamp), who has been a true leader in combating methamphetamines.

When you talk to law enforcement officers anywhere in America today, they will tell you that about 80 percent of the crimes committed in America are the direct result of some type of drug. Methamphetamine is certainly one of those.

In Kentucky, we have the Pennyrile Drug Task Force. And when I think about the passage of this legislation, I think of a gentleman named Cheyenne Albro who started that task force and who was a true leader in combatting methamphetamine and who, unfortunately, died a couple of weeks ago, but I know he would be very proud of this act.

I would urge that this legislation be adopted.

Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.