Floor Statements

I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership on this issue as well.

For nearly 100 years, the Girl Scouts have helped girls throughout the United States develop their full individual potential. The first Girl Scout troop was founded on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Georgia. And since then, more than 50 million American women have enjoyed Girl Scouting during their childhood, and that number's still growing.

There's over 3.7 million Girl Scouts across the Nation today. And as the father of four daughters, I can speak to the testament where Cassie and Briana were involved in the Girl Scouts themselves, and Tayler and Liesl still are actively participating in the Girl Scouts, and I certainly understand the importance that this institution has had and is having on their life.

So through a variety of experiences, ranging from field trips to community service projects to cultural exchanges, the Girl Scouts have helped girls build individual character and skills to succeed in today's world. And by fostering the development of these skills, the Girl Scouts have helped millions of girls contribute to the improvement of society through their abilities, their leadership skills and cooperation with others.

2012 will mark the 100th year anniversary of Girl Scouting here in the United States of America. And the legislation before us with the leadership of the gentleman, my colleague from Illinois, as well, would honor this milestone by authorizing the minting of 350,000 $1 coins, and the proceeds from that sale of these commemorative coins would, in turn, go back to the Girl Scouts program which is so important. And the Senate counterpart bill I know, as well, has over 70 cosponsors and is moving forward in a bipartisan manner. I expect it's going to pass swiftly as well.

But finally, I would be remiss if I didn't mention the cookies as well, and I'll put in one more vote. It's been a staple of Girl Scout fundraising for a long period of time all the way back to 1917. But just like my colleagues from Illinois and Georgia, my personal favorite is the Thin Mint.

Just seeing Dairy Queen as an institution also cooperate with the Girl Scouts to promote their cookie sales is outstanding.

So, Madam Speaker, this legislation before us honors an institution that has positively impacted the fabric of America for decades, and I encourage my colleagues to support it.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate the Hopkins Police Department for being awarded the 2009 Civil Rights Award by the International Association of Chiefs of Police.

By involving themselves in the Joint Community Policing Project, the Hopkins Police Department has enhanced communication and understanding between the law enforcement community and the multicultural residents of Hopkins. The department is setting a very strong example of leadership on this project through truly connecting with the community whom they protect.

I recently met with over a dozen police chiefs as part of my law enforcement advisory committee, and I continue to be very, very impressed with the level of service and dedication shown by our law enforcement community.

Congratulations again to the Hopkins Police Department for receiving this recognition and also for working hard for the community that they protect.

Mr. Speaker, I just want to rise in support tonight and commend my colleagues from Florida and North Carolina for their support in this effort and bringing attention to this very important issue.

As I listened to the personal stories tonight, I couldn't help but think about how this has touched so many different people in so many different ways. As the father of four daughters myself, I certainly have the perspective of wanting to focus early prevention and attention on this issue.

I have staff members who have family members who have been afflicted by this terrible disease. I think it is very important to recognize that as we look at October being Breast Cancer Awareness Month, and the efforts that are going on here this evening, the more that we can do as a Congress bipartisanly and across the aisle, especially to drive attention and focus on a disease that is afflicting so many people and is something that is very preventable, as was mentioned. This is the disease that is the most commonly diagnosed cancer among women in the United States after skin cancer, and the second most common cause of cancer death, after lung cancer, among U.S. women.

Twenty-five years ago was the first observance of National Breast Cancer Awareness. We have come a long way since then, but we have a long, long way to go. We must continue to do more to raise awareness of this very serious issue.

That is the reason that I am a cosponsor of the gentlelady's legislation from Florida. It does focus the education on the prevention measures which are so critical. I mention that, having four young daughters myself. That is a bill that has 370 cosponsors. There aren't that many pieces of legislation that garner that type of support. It really is a testimony of not only the issue, but the leadership of the gentlelady from Florida. It is an honor to be part of this effort tonight and to drive focus and attention on this.

This bill really does focus important attention to early detection, which is the key to preventing and curbing this horrible disease. Studies have shown that early detection of breast cancer can and does save lives.

Mammograms performed every 1 or 2 years for women aged 40 years or older can reduce mortality by approximately 20 to 25 percent over 10 years. So it works.

I was proud last night to highlight an example of two young entrepreneurs, enterprising constituents in my district, that began their own efforts to drive attention on this deadly disease. They started their own lawn care business, but on the side they decided to dedicate a portion of their profits toward breast cancer research.

So these two young 15-year-olds have begun one of the most inspiring and philanthropic organizations throughout Minnesota, and now they are trying to drive more attention to this

around the country and throughout Minnesota to raise money to focus attention on breast cancer research. It goes all the way down to the younger and youth that are trying to bring attention to this issue.

I hope this month serves as a reminder of early detection and screening and working towards a cure for breast cancer.

I thank the gentlelady for giving me some time this evening and for her leadership.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call attention to two young and enterprising constituents from my district.

Two years ago, friends Max Woodrich and Doug Ellingson, decided to start a lawn mowing business, and their venture was unique in that they decided to use part of their profits to benefit breast cancer research.

Today, these 15-year-olds have had their idea turned into one of the most inspiring, philanthropic organizations in Minnesota's recent history. Think Pink Kids is now dedicated to providing education and awareness about breast cancer, constantly working to earn, raise, and donate money for research. They also have the goal of forming Think Pink Clubs in every school and civic organization in Minnesota.

One out of eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer at some point in their lives, but thanks to the commitment of people like Doug and Max--and organizations like Think Pink Kids--the fight will continue until we ultimately defeat this terrible disease.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month.

This deadly disease hits 1 in every 72 women in the United States and is the fifth leading cause of cancer deaths among women.

As a husband, brother, and father, I believe it's of the utmost importance to call attention to this disease that hits 20,000 American women every year. In just 2008 alone, over 15,000 women died of ovarian cancer.

Cases of this deadly cancer can be very difficult to diagnose because of subtle symptoms that are sometimes confused with many other conditions. When it's detected, however, 9 out of 10 women will survive. However, only 19 percent of ovarian cancer cases in the United States are diagnosed at an early stage.

Let's not only remember those that we have lost to this deadly disease, but as this month ends, let's work together towards creating and improving treatments to save the lives of mothers, sisters, daughters, and all those around us that we love each day.

I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today also in strong support of S. 1677, the Defense Production Act Reauthorization of 2009, and ask for its immediate passage.

We deal with many important pieces of legislation in this Chamber, and there's one law that may seem a little bit more obscure--but enacting it is critically important to this country--and that's the Defense Production Act of 1950.

While not specifying the purchase of a single weapon system or a single sandbag, it does provide the orderly framework for interventions into the normal functioning of the economy when they are necessary to aid in national defense or in mitigating the results of some disaster.

Without this bill, Mr. Speaker, the government would not have been able to acquire on a timely basis special switching equipment to get trains running back into the gulf coast after Hurricane Katrina. We wouldn't have been able to quick-order new radio equipment before the first Gulf war to help soldiers from different countries working together in Desert Storm communicate with each other. And we would not have been able to ensure that domestic sources of production for some highly specialized defense equipment for which no company otherwise would see the economic case to produce was made available.

This bill before us, Mr. Speaker, authorizes the DPA for 5 years. It removes some archaic language in a text that is nearly 70 years old and reinstates some of its purposes without materially changing the authorities themselves.

It changes the way that the government notifies Congress in those specialized domestic production cases and conforms language in sections allowing loan guarantees to match other parts of Federal law.

The only real change is the creation of a new Cabinet secretary-level committee which will advise the President on the use of the DPA and to facilitate interagency communications on DPA issues, correcting lines of communication in the executive branch that have been identified for decades. This same committee would report annually to Congress on the use of the DPA with any recommendations for reforms so that we in Congress can keep those important powers current.

Mr. Speaker, as evidence of how valuable the Defense Production Act authorities can be, I would like to submit for the Record a story from yesterday's Washington Post that details the work by Army scientist Scott Schoenfeld, who developed some special lightweight armor to protect our troops in the Gulf from a new and deadly type of explosive device that was overcoming vehicles' existing armor plating.

The research was done at Aberdeen Proving Ground, but the expedited acquisition authorities in the DPA allowed the Army to secure an adequate supply of the new armor quickly, saving countless lives.

More recently, the Department of Defense has also used the DPA as an innovation tool to provide seed money to develop new technologies. One such instance is the development of radiation-hardened microelectronics, which are designed to withstand extremely harsh natural and manmade radiation environments.

A few years ago, Honeywell opened a production line devoted to this high-performance technology in my district. This project can be used to produce components for the most sensitive national security systems, and employs 425 highly educated and highly skilled workers in the exacting science of microelectronics in my district. This technology protects our Nation's most critical assets from nuclear and radiological damage and interference.

Mr. Speaker, I think it's important to note that the DPA does not itself specify the purchase of any weapon, but rather it is a framework to ensure that there is the least disruption possible to the economy when the government needs to step to the head of the production line to obtain material.

It's the jurisdiction of the Financial Services Committee to referee and minimize interferences in the economy while leaving departments such as Defense or Homeland Security or Transportation the actual use of the powers as they are delegated by the President.

I hope we have strong support for this important legislation.

[From the Washington Post, Sept. 22, 2009]

Vehicle Armor Recognized in Army Awards

(By Michael E. Ruane)

In the deadly contest last year between American experts

trying to protect soldiers from roadside bombs and enemy

technicians designing the lethal devices, Army scientist

Scott E. Schoenfeld often pondered his adversary.

The enemy was fielding new so-called EFPs--explosively

formed penetrators--that were so potent they were destroying

even the most-heavily armored vehicles. As Schoenfeld and his

colleagues at the Aberdeen Proving Ground studied captured

explosives, the American, who has a PhD in applied mechanics,

worried that his opponents might be much like himself.

Monday, in a sense, the latest round went to Schoenfeld. He

and a team of Army experts were recognized for devising an

``add on'' lightweight armor kit that the Army said has

proved resistant to the powerful EFPs.

Schoenfeld's work and the efforts of nine other programs

deployed in the field last year were recognized as the Army's

top inventions of 2008 by its Aberdeen-based Research,

Development and Engineering Command. The 10 winners were

selected by a panel of soldiers from 30 nominees, said

spokesman Robert DiMichele.

``These are actually innovations that have been put into

the field that soldiers are using right now,'' he said. ``A

lot of these are things that are really innovations that

protect the soldier and save soldiers' lives.''

One device was a special gauze bandage designed to stem

arterial bleeding. Another was a steel roof to protect Humvee

gunners from overhead fire. Another can detect sniper fire

and allows a gunner in a vehicle to automatically aim at the

source of the fire. Yet another can help detect radio

emissions used to detonate makeshift bombs. And another was a

kind of armored TV truck that can raise video and other

sensing equipment mounted on a 30-foot mast to spot trouble

nearby.

One of the most lifesaving programs was the add-on armor

kit for the Army's mine and ambush resistant vehicles, which

had become vulnerable to the penetrating roadside bombs. At

Aberdeen, where thousands of captured roadside bombs have

been studied, scientists were able to detonate powerful bombs

and monitor how they worked.

Part of the solution was plastic armor made of high-density

polyethylene fibers. ``It's kind of an amazing process,''

Schoenfeld said Monday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Crystal

City, where the recognition ceremony was held. ``It's

plastic, and the plastic is processed very heavily. It's

drawn into fibers. The fibers are very high strength, and

they're consolidated into composite panels. And they give

very good ballistic performance.''

Schoenfeld said the Army brought captured roadside bombs to

Aberdeen and set them off to see how they worked.

``We tested . . . devices ourselves,'' he said. ``We

actually detonated many of them.''

Experts measured the explosions with a host of

sophisticated instruments, he said.

``We can do X-ray diagnostics, where we actually flash

high-energy X-rays and make shadowgraphs of things that are

coming off of the IEDs,'' he said, ``so we understand the

actual detail, of the penetrators that they form.''

The scientists then study what they call ``terminal

effects,'' or what the explosive does to its target, and

design armor to counter it.

Along the way, he said, the American experts think a lot

about the designers of these bombs.

``We try and think, 'What would they do next?' `` he said.

``They have some expertise, and it's pretty obvious what it

is. And you start understanding that. And you try and

anticipate what else they might do.''

``I'm worried that I might know'' such an adversary, he

said. ``The scientific community is worldwide.'' He said such

devices ``very easily could have been'' the work of someone

like himself.

For now, though, the American scientists seem to have the

upper hand.

``The rewarding part,'' Schoenfeld said, was getting back

photographs of vehicles blasted by IEDs in which ``people

were not getting killed.''

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, just in closing, I yield myself such time as I may consume. This is a good, bipartisan bill. It was crafted by Senators Dodd and Shelby in consultation with Mr. Watt and Mr. Bachus. It passed the Senate last week under unanimous consent.

Although we're in the middle of hurricane season and in a tough conflict in Afghanistan, these powers will expire at midnight 1 week from today if we do not reauthorize them. So I hope that all Members will support this legislation and send it to the President quickly so he can sign it.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate two schools in my congressional district: Our Lady of Grace in Edina and Thomas Jefferson Senior High School in Bloomington. They were both recently named 2009 National Blue Ribbon Schools. They were just two of 314 schools nationwide to receive this honor.

The Blue Ribbon Schools Program honors elementary, middle, and high schools that display superior academic achievement or demonstrate dramatic gains in student achievement.

Both of these schools are carrying on a proud tradition we have in Minnesota. Our students consistently score at the top in national assessments and tests, and our educational experience from birth to adulthood rates among the best in the Nation.

The Blue Ribbon Schools designation is one of the highest awards the school can ever receive. I congratulate the students, the teachers, the administrators, and the parents who've earned this honor for both Our Lady of Grace and Thomas Jefferson Senior High School.

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

I rise today in support of House Resolution 215 to commemorate the 40th anniversary of the Minority Business Development Agency.

It was nearly half a century ago that President Nixon recognized the need to stand by minority businessmen and businesswomen advancing the ability of minority businesses to compete financially on a national level. With approximately 40 business centers around the country, the MBDA set up a national network providing minorities access and support to the resources necessary to compete in a global business environment.

Access to capital is the primary focus of the MBDA. Since its creation, this Agency has worked alongside more than 25,000 minority business owners to generate $1.85 billion in contracts and financial awards for minority businesses.

Mr. Speaker, MBDA also provides minority entrepreneurs with one-on- one assistance in writing their business plans, writing their marketing plans, management and technical assistance, and the financial planning that's necessary to assure adequate funding for business ventures.

Since its inception, the MBDA has expanded the scope of its initiatives internationally by participating in the very first U.S. trade mission to Bahrain as well as additional International Trade Administration missions to South America, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean.

As we observe this anniversary, we do need to applaud its continued commitment to the growth of minority businesses by providing access to capital.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, we have no additional speakers. I would urge passage of the resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I first want to thank Mr. Moore, the leader of the subcommittee, for his leadership on this issue as well and on the subcommittee in general.

The legislation before us requires that the Special Inspector General report to Congress on how smaller financial institutions are faring under the TARP program and whether they are gaining access to needed funding. It would also require the Special Inspector General to examine the impact of TARP funding on small businesses.

During the August recess, I met with community bankers throughout my district. They outlined their desire to increase their lending to local small businesses that have been frozen out by the credit crunch. Similarly, I met with dozens of small business owners who expressed concerns over access to credit and to capital, key components of their ability to create jobs.

This problem was echoed in a recent article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune. The article outlined the problems that smaller financial institutions are having in trying to obtain TARP funds. They were primarily local banks that wanted to obtain TARP funds, but they had not received them or had not been given permission to receive them.

Mr. Speaker, in hearings held by the Financial Services Committee, we heard concerns that the large institutions may not be increasing their lending and that it was going to be the smaller institutions that would ultimately help revitalize our economy. The problem is the small businesses are not receiving the funds they need to help maintain and to grow their businesses. The reason is simply that those funds are not available.

When I asked about the assistance the community bankers, in particular, are getting from TARP, the representatives from the community banks responded by saying, All community banks have lost the trust of the Federal Government's ability to negotiate with them.

Now, Mr. Speaker, that concerns me especially if we are looking to get out of the financial and economic mess that we are facing. Community banks make the bulk of their loans to small businesses, and it's the small businesses that have created two of every three net new jobs in the United States since the early 1970s. We need to expand lending so we can create jobs and can grow our economy. The government's ``too big to fail'' approach, which has been the guiding principle for a long time in Washington, also implies ``too small to save.''

This premise is shortsighted; it's inaccurate and it's unfair to smaller institutions and to small businesses. By requiring the Special Inspector General to also examine now and to report the impact on smaller financial institutions as well as on small businesses, this will result in recommendations to both the U.S. Treasury and to Congress on how to improve the TARP program

so we can focus on job growth. Above all else, job growth needs to be our number one priority for each of us in Congress.

I ask for support, and I urge passage of H.R. 3179.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, just to follow up again, I want to thank Mr. Moore for his leadership on the subcommittee.

I want everyone to know that, with the country's current financial state, now more than ever we do need to help our Nation's job creators and small businesses.

With that, I would urge passage of H.R. 3179.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, as part of Children's Cancer Awareness Month, I rise to call attention to the innovative work of Children's Hospitals and Clinics of Minnesota.

Each year in the United States, there are approximately 12,400 children who will develop cancer before their 20th birthday. Children's Hospital is helping to combat cancer by embracing a simple motto: ``better journey, better outcomes.'' They believe that the more you can help a child by simply being a kid during treatment, the more likely the cancer will be defeated.

Children's Integrative Medicine Program treats children dealing with all types of illnesses and injuries, bringing together the best therapies to help kids and their families. Most importantly, Children's gets results. Their treatment results are consistently among the best in the Nation.

Finding out a child has cancer is a terrifying moment for any family. I am proud to recognize that an institution that is working so hard to bring new approaches and a unique philosophy to families facing this terrible disease is successful in helping children get back to living their lives cancer-free.

Mr. Speaker, as we continue the debate on health care, we must remain cognizant of the impact on both jobs and health care innovation.

That's why I strongly oppose the new $40 billion innovation tax on the medical device industry that's being proposed in the Senate. Minnesota, and the Third Congressional District in particular, is home to many of the top medical device manufacturers responsible for life- saving technologies. Hundreds of small businesses and entrepreneurs in the medical technology field also call Minnesota home.

I visited and I have met with many of these entrepreneurs. They are hard working. They are employers that provide tens of thousands of good-paying jobs for Minnesotans. Moreover, these medical breakthroughs save money, and they improve the quality of care.

A massive new tax increase will stifle job growth. It will stifle innovation, and it will ultimately harm quality health care. I strongly urge the Senate, the President, and my colleagues to oppose this misguided new tax.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican standards on member requests, I am submitting the following information regarding congressionally directed appropriations projects I sponsored as part of H.R. 3326, FY 2010 Department of Defense Appropriations bill.

Account: Defense

Amount: $2,000,000

Requesting entity: Minnesota National Guard

Address: 20 West 12th Street, St. Paul, MN 55155

Description of Project Request: Funding will help meet the needs of Beyond the Yellow Ribbon reintegration program for service members, which is implemented across all congressional districts throughout Minnesota and over all phases of the deployment cycle. During FY 2010 the Minnesota National Guard will experience a surge in support requirements as Minnesota soldiers return home from mobilization Funding will be used to support reintegration services for soldiers returning from mobilization, as well as services for family members. Funding will support wounded soldiers, transition events, mental health services, research and additional needs.

I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on the pecuniary interests of me or my spouse.

Account: Army Other Procurement

Amount: $2,360,000

Requesting entity: Minnesota National Guard

Address: 20 West 12th Street, St. Paul, MN 55155

Description of Project Request: Funding will be used for the Minnesota National Guard initiative, Communications Aerial Platforms for Increased Situational Awareness (Phase II), which will provide improved situational awareness to on-scene incident commanders during responses to state emergencies such as floods or other natural disasters. The system provides on-scene communications linking together all response organizations; site command communication, including voice, video, data, and cellular; and real-time streaming data to responders; resulting efficiency saves lives and property.

I certify that this project does not have a direct and foreseeable effect on the pecuniary interests of me or my spouse.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great Minnesotan who lost his life in the line of duty yesterday, Officer Richard Crittenden.

A 9-year veteran of the North St. Paul Police Department, Officer Crittenden dedicated his life to protecting others. Part of his life of service included being a 4-year deputy with the Wabasha County Sheriff's Department, and before that an enforcement officer for the Hennepin County Parks Department. And if that wasn't enough, he also served our Nation as a member of the U.S. Army. Unfortunately, when Officer Crittenden responded to a domestic disturbance call, things went tragically awry and we lost one of Minnesota's finest.

This husband, father and grandfather chose a life of service, protecting and defending his friends, neighbors, and the public. His life and work demonstrate a public service of the highest caliber. With this loss, I offer my prayers and deepest sympathies to the family and friends of Officer Crittenden, and I urge all Americans to take the time to thank those who put their lives in danger every day in order to protect us.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 683 I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Amendment No. 2 in the Nature of a Substitute Offered by Mr. Garrett of

New Jersey

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding and for his leadership on this issue, as well as the leadership of Mr. Driehaus from Ohio.

I rise today in support of H.R. 3330, the Improved Oversight by Financial Inspectors General Act. In the wake of the financial crisis, it is so important that we make sure that our Federal banking supervisory resources are deployed where they are best going to be the most effective, and the financial crisis and the increased number of bank failures that have followed have exposed some very outdated provisions in existing law that are now placing some onerous reporting requirements on the financial inspectors general.

It is using precious time, and it is really diverting some really crucial resources. So this bill is going to update the standard that was first set 25 years ago that will trigger a material loss review for a failed financial institution.

Now, the financial Inspectors General have assured us that this does not mean there will be insufficient review of failures in the future, but rather there is now going to be a smarter review concerning large bank failures and any small bank failures that occur where there are special circumstances, and that is something that can be learned.

So I would urge my colleagues to support this very bipartisan legislation. It has been a pleasure working with my colleagues on both sides of the aisle on this. We should put our focus and attention now, and that of the Inspectors General, where it can be most effective to protect taxpayers and financial institutions.