Floor Statements

Let me thank you, Mr. Pallone, for yielding the time, and I thank you so very much for your leadership on the Health Subcommittee. You do extraordinary work on our committee.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of S. 3187, the amended version of the Food and Drug Administration Safety and Innovation Act. I strongly support this bill, and I am particularly pleased that the intent of H.R. 3059, the Creating Hope Act, sponsored by my good friend from Texas (Mr. McCaul) and myself, was included in the final bill.

I am thrilled to highlight section 908, the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Incentive program. The program will incentivize pharmaceutical companies to develop new drugs for children with rare pediatric diseases, such as childhood cancers and sickle cell disease, by expanding the cost-neutral priority review voucher program. Expanding the voucher program will allow pharmaceutical companies to expedite the FDA review of more profitable drugs in return for developing treatments for rare pediatric diseases. I think that is a good trade-off.

I would like to thank Mr. McCaul, Mr. Waxman, Mrs. Myrick, and all of those who have worked on this bill with us. I want to thank our Senate colleagues, Messrs. Casey and Brown, for working diligently with me and our

colleagues to see to its inclusion. Finally, I want to recognize Nancy Goodman, with Kids Versus Cancer, who continues to be a tireless advocate for this issue.

Mr. Speaker, Juneteenth, commemorated on June 19 each year, marks the date of the reading of the Emancipation Proclamation by U.S. Army Major Gordon Granger in Galveston, Texas to slaves unaware of the original issuance two years prior.

The date carries significance as the official end of one era in American history that led to the freedom-filled chapter of the next for the millions who were liberated by the Proclamation.

As our Nation evolves toward legally recognizing a more inclusive citizenry of all ethnicities and backgrounds, let us remain ever mindful of the courageous and brave individuals who fought tirelessly, but were not granted freedom and liberty under American law.

Mr. Speaker, we must not take our civil rights for granted, but rather use them to continuously propel our great country forward. History is not meant for mere storytelling, but instead serves as a blueprint from which we learn and expand upon the discoveries we encounter each day.

May we take away from the events of Juneteenth the spirit of resolve and unified commitment of liberty and justice for all.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor two American trail blazers from North Carolina's first congressional district; Montfort marine veterans Johnny Thompskins and the recently deceased Joe Cobbs. I would also like to recognize the son of a Civil War veteran Luke Martin, Jr. Thompskins, Cobbs, and Martin will be honored by the Christian Community Charity Workers (CCCW) Inc., on June 24 at the Flame Banquet Center in New Bern, North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, recruiting for the ``Montfort Marines'' began on June 1, 1942, following public pressure on President Franklin D. Roosevelt by Black leaders to issue Executive Order 8802, which barred government agencies and federal contractors from employment discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color or national origin. The order also required all of the U.S. Armed Services, including the United States Marine Corps, to recruit and enlist African Americans. Despite an era thick with racial discrimination, Black recruits lined up by the thousands to defend the freedoms of people abroad, while still being denied basic unalienable rights at home.

Among the inaugural class of Black Marines were Johnny Thompskins and the late Joe Cobbs. Thompskins, a man of small stature but enormous courage; and Cobbs, who developed a strong work ethic while working his family's farmland, received basic training at the segregated Camp Montfort Point in North Carolina, because no Black recruit was allowed to enter the main base of nearby Camp Lejeune unless accompanied by a white Marine.

Nevertheless, these three men were unafraid by the onslaught of World War II. They understood that victory in war was only achievable with the talent of its Black citizens. As a result, these men served their country with distinction, chartered uncharted territory, and set the bar for exemplary African American servicemen.

At 94 years old, Martin is widely known around the state of North Carolina as one a few living children of Civil War veterans. His father, Luke Martin, Sr., was a slave in Hertford County when he joined the Union Army and began to bravely fight for the freedoms of his loved ones.

Nonetheless, Martin, Jr. is a distinguished mason who has earned enormous respect for building a several structures across Craven County. Martin's son Frederick Martin was killed in the Vietnam War in 1968.

Today, Thompskins and Martin reside in New Bern, North Carolina. Cobbs also lived there until his passing in May. All entered the world as young men determined to forge independence and enthusiastic to contribute to the country and their communities.

Mr. Speaker, the contributions of Thompkins, Cobb, and Martin to America expand the definition of patriotism. Their trailblazing efforts will forever remain a cornerstone in American history.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of Dr. Gardner Calvin Taylor on the occasion of his 94th birthday. Dr. Taylor's indispensable contribution to American preaching and his instrumental role in the Civil Rights Movement underscore a life devoted to uplifting the human soul and the equal treatment of men and women everywhere.

Dr. Taylor was born June 18, 1918 in segregated Baton Rouge, Louisiana. He was the only child born to Reverend Washington and Selina Taylor. He was only 13 years old when his father ``Wash'' Taylor passed away. Even the short time Gardner had with his father; he had already impacted Gardner's delivery of the spoken word. Originally pursuing hopes of one day becoming a lawyer, a single event would forever change his course and life pursuits. Gardner survived a horrific car accident that claimed the lives of two others. Convinced that his survival was no happenstance, it was then he experienced a call to ministry.

In 1937, Dr. Taylor forewent plans to attend the University of Michigan Law School and enrolled in the Oberlin School of Theology. It was there he met his wife, Laurabelle Scott, whom he married in 1940 and had one daughter, Martha. During his studies at Oberlin, Dr. Taylor preached at Bethany Baptist Church from 1938 to 1941. He later went on to pastor Concord Baptist Church of Christ in New York City in 1948. When he commenced his pastoral duties at Concord, church membership was a very respectable 5,000 members. By the end of his tenure in 1990, his unparalleled leadership and sermonic delivery grew the membership to more than 14,000 members.

Striving to serve equally beyond the pulpit, in 1961, he unsuccessfully sought the presidency of the National Baptist Convention. His close affiliation with Martin Luther King, Jr. and other Civil Rights leaders placed him at odds with members of the National Baptist Convention. Not one to be deterred from service, Dr. Taylor along with Dr. King, went on to found the Progressive National Baptist Convention.

Dr. Taylor's talent was revered. He taught at several elite divinity schools including Yale, Harvard, and Duke Universities. In 1979, Time magazine named Dr. Taylor one of the seven greatest Protestant preachers in America, and in 1980, the publication deemed him the ``Dean of the Nation's Black Preachers''.

In 1993, his influence reached into public service when he delivered the sermon for President William Jefferson Clinton's Inaugural Prayer Service. President Clinton was so impressed with Dr. Taylor that in 1997, he again enlisted Dr. Taylor to deliver the benediction at his second inauguration. And, in 2000, President Clinton honored Dr. Taylor with the Nation's highest civilian honor, the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Dr. Taylor is commonly referred to as the ``dean of American preaching'' and the ``poet laureate of American Protestantism.'' For many, Dr. Taylor's oration and style is considered the standard for young ministers seeking to learn the art of preaching. His brilliant ability to merge significant metaphors and powerful language into a seamless narrative continues to inspire clergy and laymen alike.

Dr. Taylor's life constitutes a worthy example for others, one in which everyone uses his or her individually bestowed talents to enrich the lives of the beloved community. Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Gardner Calvin Taylor on his 94th birthday and honoring his lifelong commitment to the betterment of society.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a friend and constituent, Steve Simon Thornton, who has devoted the last 31 years to serving the children of eastern North Carolina. In a few days, Steve will be retiring as Assistant Superintendent of the Wilson County Public Schools.

Steve Thornton is a native of Halifax County, North Carolina. He was born on November 1, 1959 to Stonewall and Garteen Davis Thornton who were role models and inspired Steve to give of his time and talent to disadvantaged children. His parents believed in the power and opportunity offered by an educated mind and from a very early age ingrained in Steve and his three older siblings the importance of education.

Steve was a product of the Halifax County Public School System, having attended T. S. Inborden Elementary School and graduating in 1978 from Enfield High School. Throughout his formative years, Steve learned that education was key to breaking the cycle of poverty that can so often plague traditionally southern communities. He was determined to give back to the community that gave him so much. And so he attended East Carolina University in Greenville, North Carolina and in 1982 received a Bachelor's Degree in Intermediate Education.

After receiving his undergraduate degree, Steve chose to become an elementary teacher at Benvenue Elementary School in Nash County, North Carolina. He was so highly respected by his colleagues that he was named grade chairman and was also honored as the 1986 Teacher of the Year. The following year, Steve saw a new opportunity to help shape young minds and began serving as Assistant Principal at Carver Elementary School in Edgecombe County, North Carolina.

In 1989, after earning a Master's Degree in School Administration, Steve returned to his

native Halifax County and served as Principal of Pittman Elementary School. While there, he instituted a number of successful programs that helped to create an environment in which every child could learn successfully. In 1992, he was appointed Principal of Brawley Middle School where he was so successful that he was named Halifax County School's Wachovia Principal of the Year. In 1994, Steve returned to the newly merged Edgecombe County--Tarboro City School System where he served as Principal of Stocks Elementary School.

Two years later, Steve Thornton was recruited to serve as Executive Director of Human Resource Services with the Wilson County Public Schools. The following year he ascended to the position of Assistant Superintendent of Human Resource Services, the position that he now holds. Steve is well respected and revered by the community and his colleagues in the entire school system. They will miss his spirit of dedication and excellence.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking Steve Simon Thornton for 31 years of service to the precious children of eastern North Carolina and for his commitment to education. I ask that my colleagues wish Steve Thornton God's continued blessings as he continues on life's journey.

I thank the gentleman for yielding, and I thank him for his leadership on our committee.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 5651, the Food and Drug Administration Reform Act, and want to simply highlight section 865, the Rare Pediatric Disease Priority Review Voucher Incentive program. I'm so pleased this section was included in the base text of the bill. I want to thank my colleagues on the committee and my good friend Congressman Mike McCaul of Texas for joining with me to see to its inclusion. Actually, we joined together in seeing to its inclusion. Also, let me give a strong thank you to Nancy Goodman with Kids vs. Cancer, who was a strong advocate on this issue.

The program will incentivize pharmaceutical companies to develop new drugs for children with rare pediatric diseases such as childhood cancers and sickle cell disease by expanding the cost-neutral priority review voucher program. Expanding the voucher program will allow pharmaceutical companies to expedite FDA review of more profitable drugs in return for developing treatments for rare pediatric disease.

Since 1980, the FDA has approved only one new drug for treatment of childhood cancer while having approved 50 new cancer-fighting drugs for adults. Children living with life-threatening conditions need access to newly developed drugs that can treat these rare diseases.

Whether a disease is rare or common, the need for effective care and potential cures is the same. Therefore, I strongly urge its inclusion in the final bill that will go to the President for his signature.

Mr. Speaker, on a slightly different note, I would also like to discuss another issue of equal importance. My colleagues and I have worked closely with the Pharmaceutical Distribution Security Alliance to craft a consensus proposal that has the support of manufacturers, distributors, wholesalers, and both the community and chain pharmacists in dealing with traceability of prescription medication.

The proposal, known as RxTEC, would establish a national standard to address the serious issue of drug traceability and pedigree. I commend PDSA for their commitment to consumer and patient safety by working so diligently with both Chambers on this very important issue, ultimately securing placeholder language in the Senate FDA reform bill.

I am very supportive of this proposal, as RxTEC increases patient access to safe medicines, improves security of the pharmaceutical distribution chain, and lowers costs and regulatory burdens. Given the seriousness of this issue, and to avoid additional injuries and potential deaths from counterfeit drugs, I urge the FDA and all parties involved in these talks to find common ground so that we can include final supply chain integrity language into the final draft similar to section 865.

I ask my colleagues on the committee to also voice their support for inclusion.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of my dear friend, American coaching legend and pioneer, Dr. LeRoy T. Walker or ``Doc'' as he was affectionately known. Dr. Walker's life touched countless athletes, students and loved ones worldwide before he entered into eternal rest on April 23, at the age of 93.

Born the youngest of 13 children and the grandson of slaves, Dr. Walker's inherent goodwill and tenacity catapulted him to unknown heights, breaking athletic records and color barriers. He excelled at Benedict College as an honor student and varsity tri-athlete in football, basketball and track. Initially, Dr. Walker sought to pursue a career in medicine, but due to extremely long wait lists at medical colleges that would admit African-Americans, he chose another path instead. With his heart set on service, he went on to earn a master's in health and physical education from Columbia University and a doctorate in exercise physiology and biomechanics from New York University.

Dr. Walker knew that his education was not only for his personal betterment, but would benefit his surrounding community as well. Instead of accepting lucrative offers upon graduating, he chose to use his skills in academia in hopes of extending the same opportunities afforded to him.

He began his coaching career in 1945 as the basketball and football coach for N.C. College for Negroes--now known as North Carolina Central University (NCCU). He later founded the college's first track and field team as a way to keep his athletes in shape during the off-season.

It was during his tenure at NCCU, I had the pleasure of meeting and befriending the man with a golden heart. Upon the news of his passing, many of his former athletes expressed condolences, referring to him as the smartest individual they've ever known and always ``ahead of the game.''

At the Montreal games in 1976, Dr. Walker placed NCCU and Durham, North Carolina in the public eye, when he was named the first African- American U.S. Olympic track and field coach. The American team brought home 22 medals that year. In total, Dr. Walker coached and mentored 11 Olympic medalists, 30 national champions, and 100 All-Americans.

A man dedicated to both athletics and academics, he served as Vice- Chancellor and Chancellor of the NCCU. His relentless devotion to students in the classroom and on the sports fields compelled the NCCU to grant Dr. Walker the title of Chancellor Emeritus of the university.

In 1986, his dynamic leadership and knack for coaching athletes into medalists led to his induction into the U.S. Olympic Hall of Fame. He later would be named U.S. Olympic Committee President in 1996, the first African-

American to hold the position. When the 1996 Olympic Games took place in his hometown of Atlanta, Dr. Walker as U.S. Olympic Committee President, proudly led the parade of 654 U.S. athletes into the stadium.

Though Dr. Walker is no longer with us in physical presence, his remarkable legacy will be a reminder of what one can achieve if they dare to dream. I hope the full breadth of his life gives his family comfort as they celebrate the legacy of Dr. LeRoy T. Walker.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to draw attention to the potential impact of the merger of two major pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs), Express Scripts, Inc. and Medco. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) recently decided not to oppose this merger, which combines two of the ``Big Three'' PBMs. However, the FTC decision was not unanimous; in fact, one FTC Commissioner who opposed the merger called it a ``game changer.''

The merger of Express Scripts and Medco now means that the top two PBMs will cover approximately 72 percent of the privately insured Americans. This ``mega PBM'' will have the ability to raise prices for health plans and patients, limit access to pharmacy patient care and force patients to use the PBM's mail order pharmacies rather than their trusted community pharmacies, driving up costs for employers, health plans and other federal and state programs.

Additional concerns resulting from the Express Scripts and Medco merger include increased market concentration in the PBM market, with decreasing competition. The ``Big Three'' PBMs controlled approximately 80 percent of the national prescription drug plan market for large plans. This merger reduces the options for large plans from three to two. For large health plans that have typically selected one of the ``Big Three'' PBMs, the merger creates a firm with more than 50 percent market share.

The new mega PBM alone will control over 40 percent of the national prescription drug volume. Approximately 135 million Americans--more than one-third of all Americans--will rely on this new ``mega PBM'' to manage their prescription benefits. The merger combines two of the three largest suppliers of specialty pharmacy services, consolidating an excessive share of all specialty pharmacy sales. The merger creates the nation's largest mail-order pharmacy accounting for close to 60 percent of all mail-order prescriptions processed in the United States. This is a very troubling situation.

I have actively sought to bring this issue to the forefront, through floor speeches, letters to the FTC, and calls for hearings in the House Energy & Commerce Committee. I am concerned that this ``mega PBM'' will only exacerbate the problems for community pharmacies and consumers caused by PBMs currently. Already, many PBMs disallow pharmacies the ability to appeal pricing decisions with which they disagree. It is documented that they often mandate that a covered individual use a specific retail pharmacy, mail order pharmacy, specialty pharmacy or other pharmacy or entity. This is exceedingly problematic in places like the First Congressional District, where there are limited options for seniors and the disabled to reach certain pharmacies.

Only a handful of states directly regulate some PBM functions, such as how they conduct audits of pharmacies, and some state

boards of pharmacy regulate them to the extent that their activities can be construed as practicing pharmacy. The vast majority of their remaining functions and activities are unregulated.

We must do more to rein in some of the worst abuses of PBMs against community pharmacies and consumers. In addition to supporting state actions against the Express Scripts/Medco merger, I am a cosponsor of H.R. 4215, the Medicare Pharmacy Transparency and Fair Auditing Act, important legislation that will protect patients and providers from the egregious practices of PBMs. Similar legislation that includes the provisions of H.R. 4215 has been introduced in the Senate. This legislation will help level the playing field between neighborhood pharmacies and PBMs and ensure Americans have access to see the providers of their choice. PBMs are the little-known, but powerful, virtually unregulated middlemen that administer prescription drug benefits for most Americans.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a constituent and friend, Mrs. Alice Eason Ballance, who has been the epitome of service to her community. For more than fifty years, Mrs. Ballance has advocated for better educational opportunities, voting rights, and racial equality for African American citizens. On April 20, 2012, the Bertie County, North Carolina Board of Commissioners will officially declare that day ``Alice Eason Ballance Day'' for the County. I can think of no finer individual to bestow such an honor than this great American.

Mrs. Ballance was born Alice Eason on July 8, 1919 in the small community of Cedar Landing in Bertie County, North Carolina. She was the youngest of three children following behind brother Willie and sister Mary, reared by parents George and Cynthia Eason. She grew up on a small farm where she learned very early the value and necessity of hard work; a trait she would go on to instill in everyone with whom she worked over the years.

After graduating from Bertie County's W.S. Etheridge High School, Ms. Alice married

Frank Winston Ballance, Sr. on August 14, 1938 and began to grow a family. Mr. and Mrs. Ballance reared five children: Frankie, George, Frank, Jr., James, and Vashti. She also pursued her passion of seeking to bring reforms to the system of public education that was clearly discriminating against African American children. She felt that it was unconscionable that African American children were required to attend inferior schools. She believed it was immoral and illegal that African American children were forced to walk to school while their white counterparts enjoyed bus transportation. And she found it unacceptable that the African American schools received their books, instructional materials, and other supplies as ``hand-me-downs'' from the white schools when they were no longer useful.

As former President of the local branch of the NAACP for nearly two decades, Mrs. Ballance used the political process to make the changes she sought. Over the better part of the 20th century, Mrs. Ballance registered thousands of voters across North Carolina and informed them on the importance of voting. Her efforts impacted local, state, and federal elections in North Carolina and she became a well-known political force throughout the State.

Mrs. Ballance's passion has always been ensuring that children-- particularly those without privilege--are well cared for and receive a quality education. To that end, Mrs. Ballance in 1980 opened the non- profit Kiddie World Child Care Center, Inc. in Windsor, North Carolina. For more than 32 years, Mrs. Ballance has served as the Chief Executive Officer--a position this vibrant 93 year old still holds today. She tirelessly manages a staff of 20 that serve up to 50 children each day. She is extremely proud that Kiddie World has graduated more than 3,000 students since it opened more than three decades ago.

Mrs. Ballance is a deeply religious individual. She is a long standing member of Cedar Landing Missionary Baptist Church in Windsor, North Carolina. Over the years, she has held nearly every official Church position including Sunday School Teacher and Chair of the church's Kitchen Committee. The Church recently recognized Mrs. Ballance's dedication and longtime service to the Church and its members by honoring her with the title ``Mother of the Church.''

Mr. Speaker, Alice Eason Ballance has dedicated her life in service to friends, family, and all of humanity. I commend and congratulate Alice Eason Ballance on the great honor of having April 20th from this year forward known as ``Alice Eason Ballance Day'' in Bertie County, North Carolina.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to send warm regards to Mr. William Henry ``Babe'' Woolard who celebrated his 90th birthday on February 29, 2012. Babe is in the very unique position of being born during a Leap Year and on Leap Day. In fact, he celebrates his birthday only every four years so he has only experienced 23 actual birthdays.

Babe was born to Mr. Henderson and Ms. Ida Woolard on February 29, 1922 in Williamston, North Carolina and is one of six children. Like many in eastern North Carolina, Babe went in to farming and was a farmer for the Lilley Families in the Lilley's Quarter section of Williamston. Later, he inherited the Woolard family farm located in the Farm Life Community of Williamston and Babe and his son Willie continue to farm the land today.

Like many Americans of his generation, Babe was called to serve his country during World War I. He bravely defended the United States and its allies against the tyranny perpetrated by the Axis of Evil by serving in the U.S. Army with the all Black 3,685th Trucking Division. I commend him for his bravery and thank him for his selfless service to this great country.

When he returned from his service in Europe with the U.S. Army, Babe married Ms. Verna Mae Brown. The two reared seven children together-- Hattie, Verna, Dianne, Mary, Doris, Angela, and Willie--and they settled back in Babe's hometown of Williamston. Babe and Verna Mae were married for 70 wonderful years filled with love, caring, and compassion until she passed away on June 20, 2011.

Babe is many things, but above all else he is a man of God. He has attended Cedar Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Williamston most of his life. The fellowship and community provided by his church has sustained Babe through the highs and lows of life. I admire his faith.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. William Henry Woolard on his 90th birthday--or his 23rd birthday. No matter how you add it up, Babe has always lived his life to the fullest. May he celebrate this and many more birthdays in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Mr. Johnny Barnes, who, after ten years as the Executive Director of the American Civil Liberties Union of the National Capital Area, is retiring. Johnny's tireless advocacy and his outstanding leadership, passion, and integrity during his service with the ACLU have brought about a more fair and just society.

Johnny's advocacy efforts also include strong support for DC Statehood and working to get the residents of Washington, DC, a true vote in Congress. Washington, DC, residents pay the second highest per capita federal income taxes in the United States but have no vote on how the Federal Government spends their tax dollars and no vote on important issues such as health care, education, Social Security, environmental protection, crime control, public safety, and foreign policy. Johnny is determined to educate citizens everywhere about taxation without representation for the more than 600,000 Washingtonians who live in the shadow of the United States Capitol Building.

Since joining the ACLU of the National Capital Area, Johnny has led several successful efforts to promote the rights of all people. People expect and deserve a fundamental right to privacy. Johnny fought the proliferation of video surveillance cameras in majority-minority communities in Washington, DC. He also fought for the rights of honest people against warrantless searches police checkpoints. Throughout his time with the ACLU, Johnny has given a resounding voice to those who could not be heard.

Before joining the ACLU, Johnny enjoyed a distinguished career supporting several Members of Congress in senior positions. From 1984 1990, Johnny served as the Chief of Staff to Washington, DC, Delegate Walter E. Fauntroy. From 1992 1995, Johnny served as Senior Counsel and Legislative Director to Congressman Lucien E. Blackwell from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and from 1995 2000, Johnny served as Chief of Staff to Congresswoman Eva M. Clayton who represented the First Congressional District of North Carolina; the same Congressional District that I have the distinct honor of representing today.

Johnny graduated Cum Laude from Central State University in Wilberforce, Ohio, and from the Georgetown University Law Center. He has shared his passion, understanding and expertise in law with countless students as Law Professor at the Georgetown University Law Center, the Potomac School of Law, and Antioch School of Law.

Johnny's work as a professor, seasoned Congressional staffer, and leader of the ACLU of the National Capital Area deserve recognition from this august body. I am confident that he will continue to be a strong advocate for civil rights wherever his interests and dedication to the community lead him.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Mr. Johnny Barnes on his retirement from the American Civil Liberties Union.

Madam Speaker, the Republican budget cuts at least $3.3 trillion from low-income programs over the next 10 years while it increases the defense budget. It reduces taxes to a level that will wreak havoc on the Federal Treasury.

The rate of poverty is at its highest level in nearly 30 years. The Republican budget would increase poverty and exponentially raise the misery index for hardworking American families.

The Ryan budget also wreaks havoc on seniors. The American people must know that this Republican budget--which has been endorsed by all three Republican Presidential candidates--will end Medicare as we know it. Their plan is to get the Federal Government out of the Medicare program. Republicans simply want to provide seniors a small voucher to purchase Medicare insurance on the private market. Most seniors will not have the money to do that.

The Ryan budget shows Medicaid cuts of $810 billion. They want to get the Federal Government out of the medical assistance program to low- income families and place that burden on States with an underfunded mandate.

Madam Speaker, the Ryan budget is absolutely shameful and misleading. House Democrats will fight it to the end.

Madam Speaker, over the past several months, we have seen Republicans wage war on women's health. Nowhere can the Republican zeal for limiting women's access to affordable quality health care be seen more clearly than in their attempt to dismantle the Affordable Care Act.

Improving health care has long been a priority for women, reflecting their experiences as patients, mothers, and caregivers. For decades insurance companies have been able to deny coverage and charge higher rates for women simply because of their gender. Thanks to the Affordable Care Act--the greatest advancement for women's health in a generation--this will no longer be legal. This law moves us closer to the day when essential women's health services are covered, prevention is a priority, and care is coordinated.

On the eve of the 2-year anniversary of the Affordable Care Act, I join my colleagues in protecting health care reform for women, and I rebuke all attempts to continue discriminatory health insurance policies that result in women paying more than men.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of LCDR Dale Taylor of the United States Coast Guard. Lieutenant Commander Taylor was a native of Snow Hill, North Carolina, which is in my Congressional District. Lieutenant Commander Taylor was one of four Coast Guardsmen that tragically lost their lives when Coast Guard Helicopter 6535 went down off the coast of Alabama while conducting a training exercise on February 28, 2012.

Lieutenant Commander Taylor was a source of great pride in his hometown of Snow Hill. He exemplified to the community what was possible with hard work and determination. Lieutenant Commander Taylor graduated from Greene Central High School and later Appalachian State University. After receiving his bachelor's degree he joined the United States Coast Guard and completed Officer Candidate School. Shortly thereafter, he received his wings of gold, making him a naval aviator.

Lieutenant Commander Taylor epitomized what it meant to serve with honor and distinction. These facts were demonstrated in December of 2003 when Lieutenant Commander Taylor jumped from a Coast Guard helicopter into the Atlantic Ocean during a violent winter storm to save the final person aboard a sinking sailboat. He was awarded the Coast Guard Medal for these heroic actions, and later earned two Coast Guard Achievement Medals and Five Commandant's Letter of Commendation Ribbons, along with numerous unit and service awards. In only 36 years, Lieutenant Commander Taylor accomplished more than most people do in a full lifetime.

Lieutenant Commander Taylor is survived by his two sons, Evan D. Taylor and Emmet J. Taylor; his wife, Teresa D. Taylor; and his parents Larry T. Taylor and Judy L. Taylor. I offer my sincere appreciation to his loved ones for his service in the United States Coast Guard and his selfless efforts in the defense of our great nation. I ask that my colleagues join me in offering heartfelt condolences to Lieutenant Commander Taylor's family. I pray that his life serves as a guiding force in his sons' lives. Their dad gave them an example that is paralleled by no other.

Today, I rise to congratulate Cassius S. Williams, a dear friend, who is the recipient of North Carolina State University's Watauga Medal Award.

Each year, NC State honors alumni for outstanding contributions to the university by bestowing on them the Watauga Medal Award.

Recipients of this historic award understand the enormous value of education, and their commitment to that idea has generated immeasurable prosperity for communities across America.

Watauga Medal Award recipients are candles in the dark, men and women of great purpose who have injected their talents into the lifeblood of North Carolina State University.

Mr. Speaker, this week Cassius S. Williams of Greenville, North Carolina, joined the ranks of great servants as its newest honoree. Without a doubt, his work will continue to foster a better education for our children that will create a brighter future for North Carolina.

The House of Representatives appreciates Cassius Williams.