Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, investing in the next generation of health care professionals to equip them with the tools and skills to improve the quality and delivery of health care is essential to the successful modernization of our nation's health care system. For the past six years, United Health Foundation has helped more than 1,000 multicultural students from across the country reach their higher education dreams while inspiring them to pursue careers in health care through their Diverse Scholars Initiative. This year's scholars represent an impressive group of individuals who are dedicated to creating a more culturally relevant and effective health care system, particularly in underserved communities. I would like to congratulate these individuals for their academic achievements and their commitment to enter the health care workforce.

Mycolette Anderson, Lukachukai, Arizona, 1st Congressional District of Arizona.

Kaitlyn Benally, Tuba City, Arizona, 1st Congressional District of Arizona.

Wilma Hunter, Chinle, Arizona, 1st Congressional District of Arizona.

Regis Maloney, Tonalea, Arizona, 1st Congressional District of Arizona.

Jeffery Sleppy, Chinle, Arizona, 1st Congressional District of Arizona.

Cecilia Espinoza, El Mirage, Arizona, 8th Congressional District of Arizona.

Lorenza Villegas-Murphy, Litchfield Park, Arizona, 8th Congressional District of Arizona.

Nancy Rivera, Davis, California, 3rd Congressional District of California.

Tria Vue, Sacramento, California, 6th Congressional District of California.

Brian Daniel, San Pablo, California, 11th Congressional District of California.

Ricky Vides, Moraga, California, 11th Congressional District of California.

Hannah Yemane, Danville, California, 11th Congressional District of California.

Lois Chen, Oakland, California, 13th Congressional District of California.

Jose Mata, Los Angeles, California, 28th Congressional District of California.

Angelyn Reyes, Los Angeles, California, 33rd Congressional District of California.

Elisa Parmentier, Sun City, California, 42nd Congressional District of California.

Sophia Jimenez, Imperial Beach, California, 51st Congressional District of California.

Blanca Pacheco, San Diego, California, 53rd Congressional District of California.

Kelly Sanchez, New Haven, Connecticut, 3rd Congressional District of Connecticut.

Dianelis Martin, Lehigh Acres, Florida, 19th Congressional District of Florida.

Emmanuel Adejo, Miami Gardens, Florida, 24th Congressional District of Florida.

Alison Morales, Key West, Florida, 26th Congressional District of Florida.

Karla Arevalo-Alas, Morrow, Georgia, 5th Congressional District of Georgia.

Sharmori Lewis, Hampton, Georgia, 13th Congressional District of Georgia.

Carolina Gonzalez, Pocatello, Idaho, 2nd Congressional District of Idaho.

Jessica Smith, Chicago, Illinois, 7th Congressional District of Illinois.

Raymond Morales, Urbana, Illinois, 13th Congressional District of Illinois.

Christian Figueroa, Garden City, Kansas, 1st Congressional District of Kansas.

Marcus Rushing, Overland Park, Kansas, 3rd Congressional District of Kansas.

Stephen Igwe, New Orleans, Louisiana, 2nd Congressional District of Louisiana.

Julius Unamba, Upper Marlboro, Maryland, 4th Congressional District of Maryland.

Alba Ortega, Lynn, Massachusetts, 6th Congressional District of Massachusetts.

Erez Gueta, Bath, Michigan, 4th Congressional District of Michigan.

Linda Kerandi, Plymouth, Minnesota, 3rd Congressional District of Minnesota.

Victoria Okuneye, Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, 3rd Congressional District of Minnesota.

David Koffa, Hanover, New Hampshire, 2nd Congressional District of New Hampshire.

Quidest Sheriff, Blackwood, New Jersey, 1st Congressional District of New Jersey.

Nailah Cooper, Albuquerque, New Mexico, 1st Congressional District of New Mexico.

Tylene Billie, Crownpoint, New Mexico, 3rd Congressional District of New Mexico.

Lesley Eldridge, Gallup, New Mexico, 3rd Congressional District of New Mexico.

Ronald Sanchez, Queens, New York, 5th Congressional District of New York.

Xiang Mei Cao, Brooklyn, New York, 7th Congressional District of New York.

Emma Guzman, Brooklyn, New York, 11th Congressional District of New York.

Elliott Brea, New York, New York, 12th Congressional District of New York.

Rosario Jaime-Lara, New York, New York, 13th Congressional District of New York.

Gordon Wong, Geneseo, New York, 27th Congressional District of New York.

Joshua Pyant, Charlotte, North Carolina, 9th Congressional District of North Carolina.

Jessica Mack, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, 12th Congressional District of North Carolina.

Rashiadah Weaver, East Cleveland, Ohio, 11th Congressional District of Ohio.

Shelah McMillan, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, 2nd Congressional District of Pennsylvania.

Vivienne Meljen, Scranton, Pennsylvania, 17th Congressional District of Pennsylvania.

Emily Gao, Galveston, Texas, 14th Congressional District of Texas.

Brian Ibarra, El Paso, Texas, 16th Congressional District of Texas.

Paula Ogbevoen, Houston, Texas, 18th Congressional District of Texas.

Rio Reyna Pilar, San Antonio, Texas, 20th Congressional District of Texas.

Cassandra Ragin, San Antonio, Texas, 20th Congressional District of Texas.

Brenda Tristan, Laredo, Texas, 28th Congressional District of Texas.

Leslie Cepeda-Echeverria, Salt Lake City, Utah, 2nd Congressional District of Utah.

Michelle Lewis, Richmond, Virginia, 3rd Congressional District of Virginia.

Beverly Sanchez, Alexandria, Virginia, 8th Congressional District of Virginia.

Tiffany Tran, Vancouver, Washington, 3rd Congressional District of Washington.

Harpreet Singh-Gill, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 4th Congressional District of Wisconsin.

Mr. Speaker, from the beginning, it was clear to many Americans that ObamaCare was far too burdensome, far too complex, and far too bureaucratic to be successfully implemented. And now it appears the Obama administration agrees.

Just a few weeks ago, the administration announces on a blog post a 1-year delay of the employer mandate, admitting that it is unworkable.

Now, I've advised hundreds of businesses in Minnesota and have heard loud and clear the concerns that Obama's mandates and rules mean increased costs, higher taxes, fewer hours for workers, lost jobs and layoffs. But it's not fair that the administration is choosing to let the individual mandate take effect, letting millions of average Americans be hit with a mandate and new financial penalties.

Why is the administration only concerned about protecting business, but not hardworking American taxpayers?

Today we have an opportunity to also delay the individual mandate in order to protect all Americans. This is an issue of fairness. Average Americans are struggling under this law and they need relief. They need protection, and they need real health care reform.

Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 332 (Quigley), I was unexpectedly detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

(By unanimous consent, Mr. Gosar was allowed to speak out of order.)

A Moment of Silence in Honor of the Yarnell 19

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and offer congratulations to U.S. Bank, who was awarded the prestigious Secretary of Defense Employer Support Freedom Award from the Employer Support of the Guard and Reserve (ESGR) organization.

The Freedom Award was instituted in 1996 to recognize exceptional support of the U.S. Armed Forces from the employer community, and is the highest honor given by the U.S. government to employers for outstanding support of employees who serve in the National Guard and Reserve.

U.S. Bank is one of only 15 honorees out of nearly 2,900 nominated companies. Through U.S. Bank's companywide initiative called Proud to Serve, thousands of veterans have been hired and supported over the past five years.

The numbers are impressive. U.S. Bank committed to hiring 1,000 service members and veterans between 2012 and 2013 and surpassed its 2012 goal by hiring 597 new veterans.

Minnesota is home to many great corporate citizens like U.S. Bank who are dedicated to supporting those who have made great sacrifices to defend freedom, liberty and our country. Congratulations to U.S. Bank for receiving the Employer Support Freedom Award and thank you for your support of our nation's veterans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate a cancer survivor and a true inspiration--Minnesota's own Kayla Shroeck. Later this week, I plan to attend Eden Prairie's Relay for Life where Kayla will share her story as an honorary survivor.

Kayla, who just graduated from Eden Prairie High School, was diagnosed with a Wilms' tumor when she was just 2 years old. After undergoing chemotherapy and numerous surgeries, Kayla heroically survived her struggle with cancer. Through the ups and downs, Kayla has remained resilient and has never lost hope. As she puts it, ``I choose to focus on what I can do rather than on what I can't do.'' She will now turn this focus to raising awareness and supporting cancer funding to benefit cancer patients throughout the country.

She and thousands of other cancer survivors are absolute testaments to the value and importance of cancer research and treatment. I want to commend Kayla for her courage. She is now an inspiration for all of those who are struggling with cancer.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the members of the Wayzata Boys Tennis Team, which recently won the Boys Minnesota State High School Tennis Championship title.

The team had a phenomenal season. After finishing second the past two years, this victory--which marks Wayzata's first boys tennis state title since becoming part of the Class 2A division--was especially rewarding. And everyone can honestly say it was a team effort, with freshman Nicholas Beaty securing the championship for the team and senior Dustin Britton, who was forced to sit out the previous season with a shoulder injury, ending his high school career with a win and a team state title.

Their dedication included running miles even after victorious matches and shoveling off the courts during our frigid and extended Minnesota winter. Their success this season is a tribute to their unparalleled determination, one that I am sure they will continue to display in all aspects of their lives.

It is truly an honor to congratulate and represent these hard-working student-athletes. Go Trojans!

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the members of the Minnetonka Girls Track and Field Team, which recently won the Girls Minnesota State High School League Track and Field championship.

Minnetonka didn't hold the top rank going into the championship meet, but they quickly showed that they deserved it as they secured first- place finishes in both the 4 800 relay and the long jump on the first day of competition. Rising senior Elizabeth Endy also broke a school record with her second-place finish in the 400-meter race. Some of the team's stars may be graduating, but others--like freshman Lucy Hoelscher, who was a part of two championship relays--are only beginning their high school careers.

I look forward to tracking their progress in the upcoming years. Their success this season is a tribute to their high level of commitment, one that I am sure they will continue to display in all aspects of their lives.

I am proud to honor these hard-working student athletes. Go Skippers!

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the members of the Eden Prairie Boys Lacrosse Team, which recently won the Minnesota State High School League Lacrosse Tournament.

The Eden Prairie Boys had a phenomenal season. Not only did they win the state championship, they also finished the year going undefeated, with a record of 18-0. Their championship game against second-ranked and defending state champion Eastview was won on a last-second goal by freshman J.D. Spielman. This year's team was lead by senior attackman Brooks Armitage, who ended up with 50 points this season. The Eden Prairie lacrosse team persevered through multiple second-place finishes in the state tournament to truly earn this year's state title.

Adding to the pressure of the final game was that it was a rematch of last year's championship. The Eagles started off strong with a 3-0 lead, but by the end of the second quarter, the game was a tight 5-4 in favor of Eden Prairie. The teams traded goals throughout the second half, until the game was tied 8-8 with only a few minutes remaining. Spielman called for the ball and scored with just 12.4 seconds left in the game.

Our community is proud of this team earning the state's highest collective achievement. Their success this season is a tribute to their high level of commitment, one that I am sure they will continue to display in all aspects of their lives.

Go Eagles!

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize and congratulate the Eden Prairie Boys golf team for winning the 2013 Boys Minnesota State High School Golf Championship. Their efforts were nothing short of excellent and their victory was earned through hard work and commitment.

The boys team worked hard to improve their skills throughout the season. The winning 10-foot putt was sunk by junior Zach Peters, allowing the Eagles to win over the defending state champion by a single point, truly marking the Eden Prairie team as worthy champions. Together, this team has exemplified perseverance and dedication.

I would also like to commend the coaches for leading this Eagles squad to the state title. This is the first time the Eagles have secured the state title since their initial championship in 1999, and Head Coach Ty Armstrong has promised the team that they can throw him into a pond to celebrate.

It is a noteworthy achievement to win a state championship title, and the team members and coaches of the Eden Prairie boy's golf team should be proud. They set a great example to fellow students and athletes. Congratulations to these student athletes, their parents, and the coaches. Go Eagles!

Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of National Post- Traumatic Stress Disorder Day. PTSD is a serious mental condition affecting many of our Nation's servicemen and -women, both past and present. Up to 20 percent of those who have been returning from Iraq and Afghanistan are at risk of dealing with PTSD, and their personal battles can continue far beyond their time spent overseas.

I'd like to especially recognize the Minnesota National Guard and their Beyond the Yellow Ribbon program and their initiative in this area. This comprehensive and very unique program has helped many of our returning servicemen and -women with their transition to home life, and it has inspired programs around the country to ensure our military members and families have the support they need after they leave active service.

So let's continue to do what we need to do to support our veterans in their time of need and ensure that they have the best services and care available to them upon their return home, especially those that are suffering from dealing with PTSD.

Madam Speaker, I want to recognize the achievements of the Edina High School girls golf team. This talented group of young ladies recently demonstrated extreme passion and dedication and intensity in a commanding win in this year's Minnesota State High School Golf Tournament.

The Edina girls team should be proud, not only for being named winners of this year's tournament, but also for having the lowest overall score in State tournament history. This now brings the Hornets' championship total to eight, the most ever in Minnesota.

These student athletes are great role models, and they're also setting themselves up to be a positive standard for all of their classmates.

Congratulations to the team, and congratulations to the coaches for their hard work and their dedication and for this year's big win.

Go Hornets.

Mr. Speaker, recently, I held a telephone town hall meeting with 7,000 of my constituents, and a good part of our conversation centered on our economy's anemic economic job growth and lackluster job creation. One woman with whom I spoke, whose name was Gloria, is a small business owner in Chanhassen. She expressed her deep frustration with the growing weight of new regulations on her business and on small businesses.

Mr. Speaker, Americans are burdened with $2 trillion nearly every year of new regulations--with the number only increasing. Since 2008, 156 new major regulations have been instituted, adding about $90 billion in regulatory costs to the economy and stifling economic growth and job creation. This needs to be fixed.

Congress should have more control over a growing bureaucracy by requiring that elected representatives sign off on those new rules and regulations that would have a major economic impact. Cutting red tape will help lower one more hurdle that is impeding opportunity for new jobs, job growers and creators, and entrepreneurs like Gloria.

Madam Speaker, I just want to recognize a true American hero, World War II veteran Jerry Nauss.

After enlisting in the U.S. Army shortly after Pearl Harbor, Jerry served for the duration of the war in the 1st Infantry Division, nicknamed the Big Red One. He served as a wire troubleshooter and risked his life time and time again to ensure that communication lines remained intact.

Jerry was a native Minnesotan, led a distinguished military career and exhibited immense bravery landing on the beaches of Normandy on D- day and fighting through Europe, including in the Battle of the Bulge.

Because of his heroic actions, Jerry has now been named a Knight of the Legion of Honor by French President Hollande. The Legion of Honor is the highest decoration in France and commemorates remarkable military service.

It is important that we always remember our Nation's veterans and keep those who still serve in our thoughts and prayers.

I would like to thank Jerry Nauss for his service and congratulate him on a much deserved honor. You make Minnesota proud.

Mr. Speaker, on Sunday, many families across Minnesota and across the country took the time to recognize National Cancer Survivor Day.

Last year, more than 28,000 Minnesotans were diagnosed with cancer. And while there's hardly anyone who doesn't know a loved one or friend who has suffered from cancer, the good news is that 13.7 million Americans have won their battle against this terrible disease.

One great Twin Cities organization working to ensure that those struggling with cancer do not face it alone is the new Gilda's Club that opened up in Minnetonka, Minnesota, recently.

The American Cancer Society is now setting aggressive goals for the reduction of cancer. Prevention and early detection are key to reaching these goals.

Thanks to advances in medical innovation, it's estimated that over the next 10 years, millions more Americans will have a chance at life after cancer.

Mr. Speaker, let's celebrate with those who have won their fight, as they offer hope that all cancer patients may someday be able to proudly say that they too are cancer survivors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to congratulate a long time Minnesota nonprofit organization, Opportunity Partners, for serving the needs of developmentally disabled adults for 60 years. The latest statistics reveal that only 33 percent of Americans aged 18 to 64 with disabilities are employed.

The founders of Opportunity Partners recognized the many challenges the disabled encounter when trying to integrate into the workforce, so they acted, creating an organization that gives ongoing support to people with disabilities, helping them lead independent and fulfilling lives.

In 1953, Opportunity Partners was serving 15 teens with disabilities. And now today, the organization is reaching over 1,700 people and equipping them with the work skills and the training these individuals need to gain successful employment.

I have toured this amazing operation myself. I have seen first hand the lives that are impacted and affected by Opportunity Partners. The staff and the volunteers are dedicated to empowering others through a simple, but powerful, mission--to help those with disabilities to live, learn, and work.

Mr. Speaker, I want to send my congratulations and a thank you to all those at Opportunity Partners for serving Minnesota.