Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I would like to, first of all, congratulate the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Green) and the gentleman from Tennessee (Mr. Ford) for bringing forth this legislation, and for really identifying the need for a correction in this very impactful portion of our statute.

As the gentleman had said, there was a recent interpretation of a statute which simply makes achieving the dream of home ownership that much more unattainable, and we are here today to try and make that correction so we can continue as the gentlemen from Massachusetts and Wisconsin have said, making the dream of home ownership that much more attainable.

Many of us have worked on houses which have been built under this program. The gentleman mentions Habitat for Humanity. I think all of us have done that.

Recently, 2 weeks ago, I did participate in the construction of a house with Habitat and with the Richmond Association of Realtors; and in that project, I think the house was completed in 4 days. So we can see the problem: if we require an individual to exhort 200 hours, let us say, of his own sweat equity and try and squeeze that into 4 days during the construction period, it is just not going to work.

So a looser or more flexible interpretation of this, which does not take away from the volunteer requirement of the requisite number of hours, I think accomplishes two things. One, it allows an individual to continue to benefit from the SHOP program; but it

also encourages volunteerism and makes that volunteerism more workable to be able to fit into that homeowner's work schedule. Many of the homeowners are single parents, obviously with the parental obligations that come with that role as well.

So, Mr. Speaker, I am here to congratulate and endorse this legislation and urge its passage.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman from California for the time.

I rise today to proudly stand with my friends and colleagues to pay tribute to President Ronald Reagan. President Reagan had the courage to lead America to greatness again after so many others had written us off as a country whose best days had passed. He was a lone voice who dared to believe that the Cold War could be won and communism could be conquered peacefully through strength.

He led United States from double-digit inflation, skyrocketing interest rates and recession to unprecedented economic growth and prosperity. His commonsense ideas of lower taxes and limited government brought us out of those troubling times. His ability to inspire and effect change was truly unique.

I remember fondly my parents' pride in being delegates to the 1980 Republican convention and casting votes to nominate Ronald Reagan to be President. While in high school and college during his Presidential term, I was dramatically impacted by his moral clarity and courage.

President Ronald Reagan had the positive spirit and courage of his convictions that inspired our generation and future generations to enter public service and make a difference in our country.

My family and I send our condolences to Mrs. Reagan and the Reagan family. Nancy Reagan deserves our steadfast support at this time and has earned our respect alongside her husband for her faithful service to our country.

Religion played a crucial role in his life. Ronald Reagan knew he could set out and accomplish his goals because of his strong faith in God. His mother Nelle taught her son to believe in a loving and merciful God. Her teaching helped guide her son throughout his life as actor, Governor, and President.

Having spent several decades battling the evils of Communism as president of the Screen Actors Guild and as Governor of California for two terms, Reagan held strong convictions that were based on his faith in God and led him to run for President in 1980. He would win in a landslide and become our nation's 40th President.

Reagan's religious convictions would immediately be put to the test. After surviving an assassin's bullet in the third month of his Presidency, Reagan believed God saved his life. He wrote, ``I've always believed that we were, each of us, put here for a reason, that there is a divine plan for all of us. I know now that whatever days are left me belong to Him [God].''

He believed God saved his life for a reason, and he set out to ensure that he fulfilled God's plan for him in the White House. In an era when people tried to diminish the role that faith and religion play in the political life of the United States, Reagan knew that the United States was ``richly blessed with His [God's] love and generosity.'' Reagan also knew that if we failed to remember that the United States is a Nation under God, then the United States would be a ``Nation gone under.''

During the 1980s, Reagan's religious convictions allowed him to set an agenda that was new and optimistic. His strong faith enabled him to preserve and never waiver when opponents called his economic and foreign policy plans ``radical'' and ``dangerous.'' As a result, Reagan played an integral role in winning the Cold War, in restoring economic prosperity to the United States, and in helping liberate millions of people from the evils of Communism. He entered the White House with a

goal to change the country--he ended up changing the world. He led his life with a mission to fulfill God's plan and, in turn, accomplished so much for all of us.

My family and I send our condolences to Nancy Reagan and her family. Nancy Reagan deserves our steadfast support at this time and has earned our respect alongside her husband for her faithful service to our country.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Michigan and the gentleman from Illinois for their leadership in bringing this resolution to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and honor the brave firefighters, police, public servants, civilians, and private businesses that responded to the devastating fire in Richmond, Virginia, on March 26, 2004.

Our brave firefighters and first responders routinely risk their lives to save others, and some sacrifice their lives in the line of duty. The history of our great Nation has been marked with the heroic efforts of valiant individuals and organizations exhibiting resilience and courage as they combat dangerous fires and deal with their scorched aftermath.

Each year, fire kills more Americans than all other natural disasters combined. In order to lessen the death toll, all Americans must work together for the common goal of fire prevention, fire use, and fire suppression. The valiant firefighters, police, public servants, and civilians who protect the Richmond region have added their story to our Nation's history of selfless acts.

On March 26 of this year, the Carver community of Richmond, the City of Richmond, and Virginia Commonwealth University experienced a devastating fire which resulted in the destruction of numerous buildings and property. During the course of the day, strong winds quickly spread the fire through several city blocks and a section of the Virginia Commonwealth

University campus. The local firefighters, who initially answered the call, were later assisted by countless others from fire stations throughout the region. These units joined together to defeat the blaze and fight the challenging wind, smoke, and heat conditions. Their efforts prevented further destruction and helped protect innocent lives from being lost.

These firefighters were not alone that day, as public, private, and civic organizations worked as a seamless team preserving and protecting human lives, defending property, and providing food and comfort to all those affected. All of these organizations met their community's call to duty by providing brave and steadfast assistance to our community. They stand as a symbol to all who give of themselves in an effort to better our Nation and uphold the finest traditions of the Commonwealth of Virginia.

In closing, I am proud to recognize and honor the firefighters, police, public servants, civilians, and private businesses who responded to the devastating fire in Richmond on March 26, 2004, and commend them for their dedicated service to the people of the Commonwealth of Virginia and urge passage of House Resolution 612.

Mr. Speaker, as our nation mourns the loss of 2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd, I rise today to honor this fallen son of Virginia. I would like to reflect on his honorable service and sacrifice to the United States of America.

I join his family, wife, and friends who now stand strong as they carry on the memory of his life. I extend a special condolence to his wife Sarah Cerri Cowherd, his parents Lenny and Mary Ann Cowherd of Culpeper, his brother Colby Cowherd, his sister Laura Cowherd, and his twin brother, Charles Cowherd. 2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd will forever be in our hearts.

2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd called the Culpeper region home and graduated from the Wakefield Country Day School in Rappahannock County. Always striving to better himself, he applied for and accepted a nomination to the United States Military Academy, graduating in 2003. Upon concluding an excellent academic career, he married the love of his life, Sarah Cerri Cowherd.

Soon after their wedding, 2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd answered his country's call to defend our flag and took command of a tank platoon assigned to Company C, 1st Battalion, 37th Armor Regiment, 1st Armored Division. In Iraq, 2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd gave the ultimate sacrifice in the performance of his selfless duty. The life of 2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd will stand forever as a perfect model for all men and women in uniform. He is a testament to his family, the American Military, and the United States of America.

2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd possessed the deepest conviction in the freedoms symbolized by the flag of the United States of America. Our flag symbolizes strength and conviction, perseverance and steadfast morals, justice and liberty. Where our flag stands, so stands freedom. The flag of the United States of America stands in the sands of Iraq because of 2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd and so does freedom.

I join the people of the United States of America, the Commonwealth of Virginia, family and friends, and all those who hold the memory of 2nd Lt. Leonard Cowherd close--that today and everyday following, we honor his sacrifice and celebrate his life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of three important initiatives we took this week to meet the uninsured crisis head-on and to address the rising costs of health care.

We have a crisis on our hands--over 40 million Americans are without health insurance. In addition, it is becoming increasingly difficult to not only obtain affordable health coverage, but to keep it--especially for America's small businesses.

According to the Associated Builders and Contractors, over 60 percent of the Nation's uninsured are small business employees. Small businesses are the backbone of our economy. We must ensure that we create an environment that allows these businesses access to affordable health care. If we do not address the issue, we will see more and more small businesses stop growing or close their doors. It is imperative, therefore, that we pass legislation creating Association Health Plans and legislation that allows families to roll-over money year-to-year from their Flexible Spending Accounts or into new Health Savings Accounts.

These two pieces of legislation will dramatically improve our Nation's health care climate, especially for small businesses. More individuals and their employers will be able to afford health care; and in turn, we will see the health of Americans improve and the costs of health care decline.

The third piece of legislation addresses America's medical liability crisis. Physicians in Virginia and across the country are being forced to close their doors due to the astronomically rising costs of medical malpractice premiums.

On February 4, 2004, as many as 1,500 physicians from all over my State marched on the Virginia Capitol to make the case for common-sense medical liability from reform in the State legislature. Led by the Medical Society of Virginia, Virginia's White Coat Day march on Richmond was designed to educate state lawmakers on how doctors' skyrocketing malpractice insurance is limiting patients' access to medical care. Outrageous runaway jury awards are causing malpractice premiums to rise uncontrollably,and many doctors are being forced to raise prices or shut their doors. These higher costs are then passed on to working families and small businesses.

Not only should the Virginia legislature address this issue, but we as a Congress need to do the same. We need to take President Bush's lead in ending the jackpot payouts that our legal system encourages.

Mr. Speaker, we must pass these common sense reforms into law in order to help our Nation's uninsured and address the rising costs of health care. These are issues we cannot afford to ignore.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak in favor of this resolution that will designate the month of April as ``Financial Literacy Month.'' I would like to thank my colleague, Ms. Biggert from Illinois, for introducing this legislation. It is important that we raise public awareness and support financial knowledge in the United States. The penalties that may be associated with a lack of understanding of personal finances are too grave for Americans to be left in the dark.

The majority of Americans successfully use the assistance offered by the financial service industry each year. These organizations help individuals to build homes, buy a car, finance an education, start a business, and many other everyday needs. It is essential that individuals are prepared to manage their money, credit, and debt as well as to become responsible workers, investors, business leaders, and citizens.

Promoting financial literacy encourages all Americans to make wise financial decisions and expands their access to the mainstream financial system that provides lower costs, safer options and a greater ability to build wealth. The end result is not only greater empowerment for the American people, but a likely increase in economic activity and growth.

I would like to thank the Financial Literacy and Education Commission, the National Council on Economic Education, the Jump$tart Coalition for Personal Financial Literacy, its state affiliates, and its partner organizations for designating April as ``Financial Literacy Month,'' educating the public about the need for increased financial literacy for youth in the United States.

Personal finance education and awareness is fundamental in ensuring that the public is well-versed in issues that will affect them today, as well as in years to come, as they plan for college, home-buying, and eventually retirement. We must supply them with the knowledge they need in order to succeed in today's complex world of finance.

I urge the passage of this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the gentleman from Alabama. I rise in support of H.R. 3966. This bill is about the war on terror. It is about the obligation that we have to sustain a viable Armed Forces. It is my understanding that the judge in the

FAIR case did not disagree with the Secretary of Defense's obligation to build up our Armed Forces and did not disagree that there should be equal access and treatment of our recruiters, but I think that the findings were that there was not explicit statutory direction or authorization to do so, and that is why we are here.

As the gentleman from California previously stated, this is about abandoning the Vietnam-era rejection of the values associated with service in the military. I find it ironic. There is a lot of discussion today on the floor about these institutions of higher learning that enjoy such a worldwide reputation and a lot of talk about their enjoyment of their freedom of expression and protection of free speech, and at the same time what they are doing is trying to advocate a specific position and denying choice to our students. I commend the gentleman and urge the passage of this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I am here tonight to talk about the Medicare Modernization Act, the reform bill that was passed by this body back in December.

I think the first question to ask is, who remembers what they were driving in 1960 or perhaps what a parent was driving in 1960? One of the most popular cars at that time was a Rambler; and if one thinks about the options available and the safety features in that car, we would really be amazed at how far we have come. There were no seat belts. There were no air bags. There were no GPS systems. There was just a lot different with vehicular travel back then.

And I think it is a wonderful analogy to think about when we are talking about health care in this country. Because Medicare in its inception in the 1960s really has changed very little over the years; and what we have is a situation where our seniors are faced with the same type of options, the same menu of services that they have had over the last 40 years. That is why we needed to pass the Medicare reform bill, and that we did.

The bill provides, I think, seniors with access to choices in health care, with easier access to health care, and it also provides immediate relief for the rising need for access in prescription drugs.

Under the Medicare Modernization Act, seniors have a choice. First of all, when we are talking about the prescription drug program, that program is completely voluntary.

It is voluntary, and seniors in my district, some of whom have existing coverage, will not have to participate in the program. It is not a one-size-fits-

all-type program. The design of the bill is to give seniors choices to better fit their families' needs as far as prescription drugs are concerned. So seniors have a choice whether they are going to sign up for the prescription drug coverage.

Also, if you look at the larger body of the bill and look at the choices that the seniors will have, they can actually now have a choice of the type of health insurance coverage that they access. Much like we do here in Congress, they have a decision to make about which plan bests fit their medical need. It puts seniors back into the driver's seat.

One of the, I think, most interesting parts of the bill is we really tried to improve the quality of health care that seniors can receive, much like many in the private sector enjoy today, much like we here as Members of Congress enjoy. We enjoy improved quality of care through accessing preemptive health care screenings. So in the Medicare bill, we included new screenings, diabetic screenings, blood screenings to detect cardiovascular disease. These are tests that are indicative of disease and have a broad array of applications. Medicare participants will now have access to these screenings.

Also, we put in a provision for a free physical for the new entrants to Medicare. There is also now a provision which allows seniors to access a disease management function. I know a lot of us know senior citizens who deal with a lot of specialists, and sometimes those specialists do not talk to one another. Well, this disease management function, while voluntary and optional, will and may help many of our senior citizens.

Also in the Medicare Modernization Act, we try to deal with the very pressing problem of low-income seniors, and we gave help to those who need it; and any senior who falls within 135 percent of the poverty level will now pay very little as far as their health care coverage and certainly as far as prescription drugs. Essentially, their drug bills will be eliminated.

I think the final version of this bill did include a provision which allowed for the creation of health savings accounts, I think something that is revolutionary and will, once again, put the spotlight back on the doctor/patient relationship and putting the seniors back into the driver's seat as far as which type of health care that they can access, and it also ensures that the seniors themselves can make their medical decisions without the intervention of a third party that may not be familiar with the particular health of that senior.

So, Mr. Speaker, I am here tonight to make sure that we in this body realize that we have gone and taken the first step toward modernizing health care for seniors. We have given them choice. We have given them hope for a discount on their prescription drug bills. This June, there will be the introduction of discount cards that will afford seniors up to 50 percent of a discount on the cost of prescription drugs. So there is immediate relief that our seniors across the Nation will experience.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Organ Donation and Recovery Improvement Act (H.R. 3926).

With the number of individuals who need organ donations far exceeding the number of available donors, it is imperative that we address this situation. This bill will help increase organ donations and recovery rates by providing grants for organ donation projects. This bill also improves and strengthens the organ procurement process. In addition, it supports individuals who make living donations by reimbursing expenses incurred when making their donation.

The United Network of Organ Sharing (UNOS) is based in Richmond, Virginia and serves as the clearinghouse for organ donations. On a daily basis, those who work at UNOS perform crucial work that helps save lives. They help give the gift of life. I am grateful to them and all they do.

This bill gives hope to those who desperately need new organs. I believe that hope goes a long way when you are facing tough situations. I admire the courage of those patiently waiting for organ donations. They are an inspiration to us all.

I thank my friend Michael Bilirakis for his leadership on this important legislation, and I urge its passage.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today to speak in favor of The Financial Services Regulatory Relief Act. This important legislation will help relieve several of the regulatory burdens that hinder the business practices of financial institutions throughout our Nation. By lifting these regulations, banks, credit unions, and other institutions will be able to better serve the average American.

Particularly, I would like to mention the importance of Section 208 of this legislation. This provision would remove a limitation on savings associations that prevents them from offering a larger percentage of automobile loans to their customers.

Presently, automobile loans are included in the household or consumer loan restriction limit of 35% of an institution's assets. Many savings associations will be forced to stop or limit the number of automobile loan products they offer because of this restriction. With less competition in the marketplace, the American people will be left with fewer options to purchase automobiles.

The language currently in this legislation will remove automobile loans from household or consumer loan restriction. This provision will help guard against predatory practices and add flexibility to the lending industry by creating better marketplace options for the American consumer.

For over 150 years, thrift banks have focused on providing consumers with the necessary means to obtain the American dream of ownership. We should not limit Americans in that dream.

Mr. Chairman, I would like to thank the Financial Services Committee and Chairman Oxley for including this important provision in H.R. 1375. I urge that we pass this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, in the historic Medicare prescription drug bill, Congress created health savings accounts to give individuals greater choice over their health care decisions, radically expand access to health care, and drive down rising costs.

According to the National Association of Health Underwriters, one of the most important ways to address the rising cost is through encouraging purchasers of health insurance to become better consumers. HSAs will do that.

HSAs are providing real savings. A family of four in my district used to pay $532 a month for health care and now pays only $245 a month after establishing a HSA plan.

HSAs will give Americans more choices, better access to health care, and empower them to save money.

Mr. Speaker, as I sit here and I listen to the debate, I am almost in disbelief when I hear Members on the other side claiming perhaps that the world is not as safe a place since Saddam Hussein was removed.

But I do not hear anyone on the other side disputing the facts in the resolution that Saddam Hussein committed crimes against humanity, that he subjected the Iraqi people to murder and torture, and that he unleashed weapons of mass destruction against his own people.

So I can only arrive at the conclusion that perhaps someone is insinuating that the horrific terrorist bombings that have occurred in Bali, in Riyadh, Madrid, Jerusalem since Saddam Hussein's ouster would not have occurred if he were still in office. Now, that is just preposterous. I know that no one would suggest such a thing.

President Bush was right when he said that we cannot distinguish between the terrorists and the states that sponsor those terrorists. Regimes like Saddam Hussein's still exist. Those brutal outlaw regimes around the world who are there supporting the terrorist organizations are our enemies just as the terrorists themselves.

Clearly, without Saddam Hussein, America is safer. The Middle East is safer. Just ask the Israelis. Ask them if they feel that they are not safer without the threat of Saddam and his Scuds aiming at Tel Aviv. Of course they are safer. Of course the world is safer.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to close by thanking God that we have our troops and our young men and women who are volunteering their lives, risking their lives to go and take the battle to the front lines, to take the battle to the terrorists so that perhaps we can avoid another terrorist attack on our homeland.

Mr. Speaker, some people may flinch when they look in the eyes of the terrorists, but with this President in this House with the American people, that will never happen.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in strong support of the Broadcast Decency Enforcement Act, H.R. 3717. The use of obscenity, which has recently been so casually used on our public airwaves for the entire country to witness, should not and cannot be tolerated.

As a parent, I share the concerns of many regarding the level of offensive television and radio programs that are transmitted into our homes. The recent violations that have occurred disgusted not only me, but damage our society. Families should be able to turn on the television or radio without worrying that obscene programming will negatively impact our children.

This important legislation calls for tougher fines and enforcement penalties for obscene broadcasts. Shameless acts are inexcusable and should be disciplined to ensure that they will not continue and will not be tolerated.

I have received over one thousand letters, emails and phone calls from outraged constituents regarding obscene TV and radio broadcasts in recent months. We cannot accept anything less than an effective solution to this problem; we will not be satisfied until those who are responsible have been reprimanded, and we can be assured this kind of behavior will not continue.

We must give parents the peace of mind that the programming available to their children on television and radio today is appropriate.

I urge all members to support this legislation.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of legislation to end misguided obesity-related lawsuits. The Personal Responsibility in Food Consumption Act, H.R. 339, would take a strong step forward in accomplishing this goal. I strongly support this common sense legislation and believe it is time to end frivolous lawsuits against our nation's 878,000 restaurants and their 12 million employees.

In recent years, our nation's vast restaurant industry has come under attack from absurd obesity lawsuits. This litigation has bogged down the judicial process and threatens small business owners. A recent poll shows that 89 percent of Americans believe that restaurants should not be held liable for an individual's obesity or weight gain. The National Restaurant Association believes lawsuits attacking food is not the answer to our nation's obesity problem. Emphasis must be placed on education, personal responsibility, moderation, and healthier lifestyles.

This legislation would prevent food companies from being held liable for the condition of obese and overweight consumers. Our public health would remain protected and any establishment distributing food that has a defect or that is improperly prepared will be held accountable.

Mr. Chairman, the time has come to end these lawsuits against our American restaurants and small business owners.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the Medicare Prescription Drug Improvement and Modernization Act, which was signed into law in December by the President.

I spent a lot of time in the district explaining the new law to my seniors. They were excited to learn that this bill is about choices. It gives them the freedom to finally make choices that better fit their own needs.

Medicare once was an outdated, one size fits all program. Well, we know that not every senior is the same. Through this legislation, seniors now have a much better Medicare with lots of options. And if they like what they have now, they can keep it. But if they want to enhance their Medicare coverage, they have that choice.

Some examples of the choices seniors will have include the option of a free welcome to Medicare physical, diabetes screening, heart disease screening, and disease management programs. These options will enhance the health of our nation's seniors.

This law not only gives seniors better access to health care and prescription drugs, it puts seniors back in the driver seat when it comes to their health care.