Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Eden Prairie, Minnesota-- the best place to live in America. Yesterday, my hometown of Eden Prairie was named by Money Magazine as their 2010 Best Place to Live in America. Of course, the people of Eden Prairie have known this for some time. But being true Minnesotans, we're very modest about our achievements. In fact, you usually won't hear anyone from Eden Prairie brag about our nationally recognized companies that we're home to, our beautiful lakes and rivers, or the miles of hiking and biking trails that run through town. You also won't hear anyone from Eden Prairie that brags about our award-winning schools, the civic-mindedness of our business community, or the friendliness of our citizens. In Eden Prairie, our preference is to leave that type of grandstanding to others like Matt Lauer and ``The Today Show'' and nationally circulated magazines with millions of subscribers.

Eden Prairie has been my family's home for close to 20 years. It's the place that I represented in the Minnesota State legislature, and now in Congress--and I can't think of a more deserving honor than being named The Best Place to Live in America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commend the work being done by the Children of the American Revolution, Lake Minnetonka. They're hosting a pancake breakfast to raise money for their grant programs to teach kids about the real meaning of the Fourth of July. Their mission is to train good citizens, develop leaders, and to promote a love of the United States of America and its heritage.

The Lake Minnetonka chapter recently gave a grant to Our Military Kids, a nonprofit that provides tuition assistance for art, sports, and music camps to children of parents that are deployed overseas or recovering from serious injury. They're also presenting the first donation for a memorial that's planned for the Minnesota State capitol grounds that pays tribute to all family members of all men and women, past and present, who have served our country in uniform.

Again, Mr. Speaker, I want to commend the children of the American Revolution, and I encourage all of us to remember those who serve this great Nation as we approach the Fourth of July.

Madam Speaker, I rise to remember an inspiring and patriotic America, Master Sergeant Edward William Clough, of Maple Grove, Minnesota. Edward embodies the love for this Nation that has been critical to American success throughout our history and will serve as an example of dedication and service for generations to come.

Ed was born in the Bronx, raised in the Hell's Kitchen neighborhood of Manhattan, and enlisted in the Army the moment he became eligible for service back in 1949. He served in Korea, where he was injured in battle, and received a Purple Heart; and despite being offered the opportunity to return home, he persevered and overcame painful reconstructive surgeries on both of his feet so that he could continue to serve in the United States Army.

Just as our Nation has overcome many painful challenges, Ed overcame

his injuries and continued to serve with profound distinction and success. He eventually joined the Special Forces and in 1961 became one of the very first 100 Green Berets. He used his success and his knowledge of the Special Forces to great effect as an instructor for many years; and although he was seen as a natural leader, Ed was careful to remain humble while being awarded numerous medals, badges, and commendations. Following his distinguished service, he devoted himself to his wife, children, and extended family. He loved having the freedom to fish with his grandchildren and skydive recreationally periodically, but these were not the only freedoms that stirred Ed's passion.

Too often these days, Congress is overly partisan and forgets our need to focus on issues of importance and getting things done and on service. And now, more than ever, when we are facing as a country great significant issues of national importance, we should absolutely remember the leadership of people Ed Clough and his devotion, when he proudly stated, ``I may not agree with every American's opinion, but I spent my life protecting the freedom they have to express it.''

And now, Madam Speaker, as we approach the Fourth of July holiday and we consider our independence as a Nation and a country, we must pay tribute to citizens like Ed, who have devoted their lives to protecting our sovereignty. We are a Nation of free citizens who may speak honestly and display our beliefs proudly. But without the men and women who bravely serve in our military--men and women like Master Sergeant Clough--none of our cherished freedoms would exist today.

Master Sergeant Clough, I honor you and I thank you for your service. I also thank the family that supported you and loved you throughout your distinguished career. My hope is that today and each day in the future we will be conscious of the dedication and service of the men and women in our Armed Forces. We must always acknowledge the importance of remaining resilient and brave in the face of great challenges, just as Master Sergeant Clough did throughout his entire life.

Mr. Speaker, I also rise today in opposition to the rule, and here is why. I offered three amendments before the Rules Committee and cosponsored a fourth. Sadly, none of them were made in order for today's bill.

My top concern and the concern of my constituents continues to be jobs. I believe everything Congress does should be looked at through the prism of is it helping or hurting job growth, and is it going to put Americans back to work. Unfortunately, Washington has not pursued a pro-jobs agenda over the last few years. In fact, since the stimulus was signed, we have lost about 3 million jobs, and we continue to spend and grow our Nation's debt to a larger and larger percentage of our

Well, Mr. Speaker, one of the most fundamental responsibilities of Congress is that of crafting and passing a Federal budget. This is not a responsibility that should be taken lightly, nor should it be cast aside when the job seems to be too difficult. Unfortunately, that is exactly what is happening right now with the House majority's failing to pass a budget for the first time since modern budget rules were established in 1974.

While there is no question that the budgetary challenges we face today as a country are very dire, the most dire we have seen in decades, this does not mean Congress should shirk its responsibilities in crafting a responsible budget. If anything, this year's budget should be viewed as an opportunity to bring long-term, overdue fiscal reform and discipline to Washington.

Mr. Speaker, it is absolutely time to address the reckless Washington spending, the trillion dollar deficits, the national debt that is over $12 trillion now, for the sake of our children and our grandchildren.

Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to recognize National Small Business Week. This week, we recognize the millions of entrepreneurs across America for their innovation, their spirit and the enormous contributions that they make to America's economy.

Small business is the engine of job growth in our country. It always has been. More than half of all Americans either own or work for a small business, and two of every three net new jobs are created from this sector.

Given our current economic situation, it goes without saying that Congress should be focusing all of its efforts to spur job creation on small businesses first and foremost.

I have toured dozens of small businesses over the past few months in my district, and I have witnessed the many remarkable things they are accomplishing. Despite the challenges they face, they continue to embody the entrepreneurial spirit and the innovation that has made America great.

So this week, let's not only recognize small businesses for their contributions, but let's work hard to redouble our efforts and refocus our efforts to actually create an environment where they're able to continue to create more jobs and grow.

Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to recognize National Small Business Week. This week, we recognize the millions of entrepreneurs across America for their innovation, their spirit and the enormous contributions that they make to America's economy.

Small business is the engine of job growth in our country. It always has been. More than half of all Americans either own or work for a small business, and two of every three net new jobs are created from this sector.

Given our current economic situation, it goes without saying that Congress should be focusing all of its efforts to spur job creation on small businesses first and foremost.

I have toured dozens of small businesses over the past few months in my district, and I have witnessed the many remarkable things they are accomplishing. Despite the challenges they face, they continue to embody the entrepreneurial spirit and the innovation that has made America great.

So this week, let's not only recognize small businesses for their contributions, but let's work hard to redouble our efforts and refocus our efforts to actually create an environment where they're able to continue to create more jobs and grow.

Madam Speaker, I also rise today as a strong supporter of H.R. 2546, the Blue Star/Gold Star Flag Act. This is a straightforward bill that will ensure that those who want to honor the men and women of our Armed Forces can absolutely do so. Specifically, this bill protects the rights of an individual to display the Service flag on residential property without limitation.

Service flags are official banners authorized by the United States Department of Defense for display by families of military members serving our country during periods of war. The blue star, as was mentioned earlier, represents that a family member is currently serving, and the gold star signifies that a family member has given their life in service to our Nation. Both of these flags are a constant reminder of the honor, of the duty, of the service and the sacrifice our members embody that provide that service each and every day.

There should be no question, no question at all that America's military families can display a Service flag in front of their place of residence if they choose to do so. Unfortunately, current law does not allow that to take place. It doesn't guarantee that right to display that Service flag in certain housing condominium associations or in real estate management associations. So this bill merely addresses a commonsense problem in allowing the military families to proudly honor their loved ones.

I just want to thank the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Boccieri) for his leadership on this issue, his service himself. This is important legislation. It goes right to the heart of the servicemember families and what they believe in, and I urge support.

Mr. Speaker, the medical device industry is a Minnesotan and American success story. The innovation it fosters means longer lives, healthier patients, good-paying jobs, and economic growth.

Just this morning, I attended a town hall meeting in Minnesota with the new head of the FDA's Center for Devices and Radiological Health, Dr. Jeffrey Shuren. Dr. Shuren and his team were in town to hear from device manufacturers, doctors and patients. I applaud his willingness and his team's willingness to listen.

As the FDA looks to the future, it is critical that it strikes the right balance--protecting patients from harm while not hindering the availability of lifesaving innovations. An uncertain, unpredictable approval process for devices could absolutely reduce options for patients down the road. We need to keep the innovation here. We need to keep the jobs here. We need to keep the technology and the patient care here in the United States. That's why we need an effective process that protects patients while fostering the innovation and economic growth that this industry provides.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize two heroes from my district who went above and beyond their call of duty. Plymouth Fire Captain Tom Evenson and Volunteer Firefighter Ann Korsmo recently received the Firefighters Heroes Award from the Twin Cities chapter of the American Red Cross.

After learning about a local family who suffered severe burns during a home fire incident, these firefighters decided to provide a fire safety course to the family to help them overcome their fear and avoid similar problems in the future. When they came to discover the grandmother, who cares for the family's children, was deaf, they reached out to a local hearing professional and were able to get a $6,000 pair of hearing aids charitably donated.

Madam Speaker, the selfless service of people like Tom Evenson and Ann Korsmo is what makes our communities and our country great, and I am proud to recognize them here today.

Madam Speaker, Saturday marks the 65th anniversary of V- E Day, Victory in Europe Day, one of the most truly seminal days in history.

On May 8, 1945, the World War II allies formally accepted the unconditional surrender of Nazi Germany, marking the end of Hitler's Third Reich and the years of tyranny and war it brought to the continent. The members of the Greatest Generation who made this victory possible are 65 years removed from this V-E Day, yet their commitment to remembering the sacrifices that made it possible are as strong as ever.

In fact, one of my constituents, Freemont Gruss, will be in the Czech Republic this Saturday to mark the anniversary with members of his former division, which was credited with firing the last shot against the Germans before V-E Day.

Today I honor each and every one of the soldiers who made V-E Day possible. I know that in another 65 years their accomplishment will still be one of the most important that our world has ever seen.

Mr. Speaker, when the health care bill was moving through Congress, I repeatedly made the arguments that the legislation was flawed because it failed to fundamentally address the problem with our current health care system--rising costs. Well, now guess what? A new analysis just put out by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services confirms that disturbing fact. According to CMS, the new health care law will actually increase our Nation's health care costs rather than decrease them.

Here are some of the staggering numbers: Health care spending is projected to increase by $311 billion, and health care will now increase to 21 percent of our gross domestic product by 2019. So costs are going up, not down.

These numbers are alarming, and they're further proof that the health care bill missed the mark. Real reform would have lowered health care costs for individuals, for families, and for small businesses. Unfortunately, the partisan bill that was signed into law has failed to address this great need for our constituents.

Madam Speaker, I rise today because April is National Autism Awareness Month. Autism affects nearly one in every 110 children born in the United States and is the fastest growing developmental disability.

With approximately 1.5 million Americans currently living with autism, we have a responsibility to support research and provide resources to support those living with autism. Studies have shown that early diagnosis and treatment can lead to better outcomes for children with autism. In fact, early identification and treatment can help reduce the symptoms of autism, increase progress for children as they enter school and reduce the need for more intensive support in the future.

But to do that, we must work hard to increase the awareness of autism across the country. That's why I'm proud to be an original cosponsor of House Resolution 1033, which officially designates April as Autism Awareness Month. I look forward to working with my colleagues in the days and months ahead on both sides of the aisle to bringing awareness to this important effort going forward.

Mr. Speaker, I rise tonight to recognize our great ally, Israel, on the 62nd anniversary of their nation.

As the standard bearer for democracy in the Middle East, Israel is of critical importance to the United States. Since the declaration of the State of Israel in 1948, they have consistently shown the power of democracy in a very volatile part of the world.

Their achievements cannot be understated. The per capita annual GDP in Israel is nearly $30,000 and the average life span is over 80 years. Israel consistently keeps its citizens safe, despite the security threats that occur on a daily basis. The fact that Israel continues to grow in population at an annual increase of 1.8 percent is a strong signal of the nation's strength.

So today let us recognize Israel and their many achievements and let us always remember the unending bond between the United States and Israel that must continue to be protected.

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

Mr. Speaker, I also rise in support of H.R. 4573, the Debt Relief for Earthquake Recovery in Haiti Act of 2010.

H.R. 4573 takes a good first step towards the goal of eliminating Haiti's uncollectible debts so the country can start to rebuild. Removing this burden will also help Haiti begin the process of becoming a self-sustaining economy.

Nearly identical legislation has already been agreed to by the House under suspension of the rules. The Senate made only two minor changes to the bill to ensure that our commitment to Haiti remains unchanged and it stays focused. One change was that it sets an explicit time period for future grants for Haiti, and the other ensures that assistance provided helps not just today's Haitians but also ensures help for future generations. This is a very sensible, commonsense approach. I support these changes.

I also want to recognize the members of the International Monetary Policy and Trade Subcommittees and the staff of the committee for their bipartisan efforts on this legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I support this bill, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I encourage strong support of this legislation, and I yield back the balance of my time.