Floor Statements

I know Joe Wilson. I've worked with him in the halls of this Congress in committees and I have traveled with him to Iraq. A retired Army colonel, all four of his sons followed Joe into military service.

In the 7 years that I have known him, I have never known Joe Wilson to say an unkind word about anyone. Joe is a good and honest man. He is the kind of person who, if he disagrees with you, does it without being disagreeable.

Just as it was wrong for my Democrat colleagues to boo former President Bush in this Chamber, it was wrong for Joe Wilson to speak out of turn. The difference is that Joe Wilson apologized and the President very graciously accepted his apology.

Every Member in this Chamber has uttered words they wish they could have said differently. I know Joe made his comment out of frustration because there seems to be a large gap between health care rhetoric and reality.

What the President said did not match up with the bill that came before the House. This is the same bill that was discussed last month in many town hall meetings across our country. His comment provided Americans with an opportunity to discuss the differences between the bill they've seen and the ideas that the President mentioned in Wednesday's speech.

On the issue of illegal immigrants in health care reform, in three committees here in this very House Republicans offered up amendments to clarify to ensure that illegal aliens would not be included in the health care reform bill. In all three committees, those amendments were resoundingly defeated by my Democrat colleagues.

All Americans heard the President say, If you like your plan, you can keep it. But those words directly conflict with the CBO's findings that cuts to Medicare Advantage plans in H.R. 3200 would result in millions of seniors losing their current plan. That's not keeping the plan that they like.

Further still, we heard the President say that his plan would not add one dime to our deficits. Again, that's contrary to CBO's findings that say that H.R. 3200 would increase deficits by $239 billion over 10 years.

Mr. Speaker, there's a lot of frustration in our districts and throughout America about H.R. 3200. We need to stop wasting time and get down to the business of drafting a bipartisan health care bill that addresses the needs of all Americans.

Think of how many Americans lost their jobs and lost their health care coverage during this 1 hour of debate that we're having today. We need to get down to the serious business that our constituents sent us here for. That's the very least that we can do. That's our job.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an American soldier who was wounded in service to our Nation during the conflict in Afghanistan. Army Ranger Romulo ``Romy'' Camargo is a member of the United States Army who served with honor and distinction on the battlefield.

Moving to Citrus County as a third-grader, Romy spent the majority of his adolescence in Crystal River. He graduated from Crystal River High in 1993, where he captained his swim and wrestling teams.

He spent the past 14 years in the Army, eight of which with the Special Forces, and served three tours in Afghanistan. Last year while serving second in command of his team, Operational Detachment Alpha 7115, his squad was ambushed. Chief Camargo sustained a gunshot wound in the back of his

neck. He was treated for his injury at Walter Reed Hospital and later transferred to Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa. This Saturday I, along with his family, friends, and neighbors have the great honor of welcoming him home.

Madam Speaker, on behalf of a grateful Nation, I thank Romulo Camargo for honorably defending the freedoms that all Americans hold dear. While Chief Camargo was fighting for freedom and liberty, his family, friends and loved ones were praying for him back home. They and this Congress will not soon forget his bravery and commitment to our Country.

Madam Speaker, I have come here today to honor a fallen hero who, after 18 years, has finally been reunited with his family. Captain Speicher was a man of great distinction who gave the ultimate sacrifice so that others might know a more peaceful world. The following poem from Capitol Guide Albert Carey Caswell reflects on his final journey home.

Welcome Home

Welcome Home!

Scott, may your sacred body rest!

America's Finest, of all Sons, but one of her very best!

How over the years, have so have so our tears . . . have so

run!

And all of those sleepless nights, keeping hope alive . . .

as we have all so done!

As your beautiful Children, have so missed you my Son!

And your Wonderful Wife, with hope burning bright . . . how

the tears begun!

And your Mom and Dad, praying from evening to morning sun . .

.

But, it's over now . . . we can rest!

But, oh how so bittersweet . . . this answer, this emptiness

. . . Thy Will Be Done!

For you were and will always be, one of America's best!

Welcome Home, Our Most Heroic One!

For you are now, One of America's Chosen Sons . . .

Sons of Freedom and Peace, who defend us with but only their

beliefs!

`Oh how so Magnificent, are but all of these . . . such

splendid ones!

Just moments, are all that we so have . . .

To make a difference, to heart's grab!

To change the world!

To go off so valiantly, with but out flags unfurled . . .

It's been eighteen long . . . long years!

With all of that heartache, and all of those most swollen

tears . . .

Still, in all our pain . . . there are so many families, who

will never know . . .

Will never know, but where there loved ones so remain . . .

Bless you, our Fine Son!

And your family, for our country . . . for what you have all

so done!

For your last flight Scott, was not over Iraq!

But, up to our Lord . . . as straight up to Heaven as was

that!

For Scott now, now are an Angel with wings . . .

In the Army of our Lord, of all things!

And on the day you arrived, could you not hear our Lord and

his Angels cry!

Scott, Welcome Home!

In honor of a real American Hero, Navy Captain Scott

Speicher and his family . . . may they find peace . . .

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Eloise Enoyer McCall of Pasco County, Florida. In a couple of days, Eloise will do something that all of us strive to do, but that very few of us will ever accomplish, celebrate her 100th birthday.

Born September 11, 1909 in South Sabius, New York, she now resides in Zephyrhills, Florida. Eloise was married for 53 blissful years to her late husband Carl McCall. Together they had three sons, Gerald, Leonard and Bernard.

For the past 27 years Eloise has been a member of the Zephyrhills tourist club where she still goes dancing every week.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring Eloise Enoyer McCall for reaching her 100th birthday. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as her.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Frank N. Barrett of Citrus County, Florida. In a couple of days, Frank will do something that all of us strive to do, but that very few of us will ever accomplish, celebrate his 100th birthday.

Born September 10, 1909 in East Orange, New Jersey, Frank is the oldest of seven children. He owned and operated a chemical and machinery business in Connecticut before he and his family moved to Florida more than 25 years ago. Frank is the loving father to six children, 11 grandchildren and fourteen great grandchildren!

Frank loves to dance and has fond memories of teaching his wife and dancing partner of 52 years, Ingrid, the Tango.

Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring Frank N. Barrett for reaching his 100th birthday. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as him.

Madam Speaker pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3326, the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010.

I received two projects in H.R. 3326.

$3,000,000 for The Miami Project to Cure Paralysis located at 1095 NW 14th Terrace, Miami, FL 33136. These funds will be used for continued research into spinal cord injuries and their treatments as part of the Project Battlefield and Combat Related Spinal Cord Injury Research program at the University of Miami's Miller School of Medicine. These funds would be used to study the battlefield injuries of returning veterans and active military members as well as non-military patients.

$2,000,000 for Saint Leo University located at 33701 State Road 52, P.O. Box 6665, St. Leo, FL 33574. These funds will be used to continue the tele-learning program and connect student soldiers around the Nation and at military bases around the world to the Saint Leo distance education program.

Mr. Speaker, today's Wall Street Journal cites a quote from then-candidate Obama while out on the campaign trail. Mr. Obama railed against a health plan that included drastic cuts for seniors, saying, ``If you count on Medicare, it would mean fewer places to get care and less freedom to choose your own doctors. You'll pay more for your drugs. You'll receive fewer services. You'll get lower quality. I don't think that's right. In fact, ``it ain't right'' was his exact quote.

Well, I couldn't have said it better, Mr. President. It is so troubling that this plan that your party is putting before us proposes to do exactly that. The plan would cut a total of $538 billion from Medicare, $172 billion from Medicare Advantage alone.

We need a plan that works with our seniors, not against them.

I thank the gentleman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1803, the Veterans Business Center Act of 2009. By creating a Veterans Business Center program, this bill supplies veterans with the academic, instructional and economic support that they need to start their own businesses. In my home State of Florida, 99 percent of the State's employers are small businesses. At a time when Florida is facing unprecedented economic difficulties, this bill will provide veterans in my district with the entrepreneurial training and counseling that they need to enter this vital part of Florida's economy.

I especially like the part of the bill that targets areas with high veteran populations. Madam Chairman, do I have the area for you: certainly the Tampa Bay area is home to so many veterans. We have MacDill; we have two wonderful veterans hospitals right there; and the third one is about to be built in the Orlando area.

While serving in the Armed Forces, our men and women in uniform often need to put their own career goals and ambitions on hold while risking their lives to protect our freedom. One way that we can honor our troops for their sacrifices and bravery is to provide them with the opportunity to pursue their dreams once they return from the battlefield. This Veterans Business Center Act of 2009 is an important step in achieving this goal. I want to thank Mr. Nye for introducing this bill and certainly Ms. Velazquez from New York for allowing the bill to come before her committee and eventually to the floor. I encourage all of my colleagues to support this bill.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3288, the Transportation, Housing and Urban Development, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.

I received one project in H.R. 3288.

$750,000 for the Lake County Board of Commissioners located at 315 West Main St., P.O. Box 7800, Tavares, FL 32778. This funding is for the replacement of the Lakeshore Drive/Palatlakaha Bridge located over the Palatlakaha River at Lake Minnehaha in Lake County. It is a reinforced concrete structure, 185 feet long in five spans, and constructed in 1962. The bridge is functionally obsolete with two 12 foot travel lanes and no walkways or bicycle facilities.

The replacement of the Lakeshore Drive/Palatlakaha Bridge will improve the safety of movement of goods. Additionally, it will enhance and create economic benefits in the terms of movement of goods and services on Lakeshore Drive by allowing improved access to US 27, which is a Strategic Intermodal System. The project will also enhance the evacuation routes in and out of the Central Florida Region.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 3293, the Departments of Labor, Health and Human Services, and Education, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.

I received one project in H.R. 3293.

$600,000 for the Enrichment Center located at 11375 Cortez Boulevard, Brooksville, FL 34613. This funding will go to build a Community Center/Special Needs Disaster Shelter in Hernando County. The Enrichment Center offers a comprehensive program, which includes health education, recreation, and promotion of ongoing personal growth. The Center serves as the focal point for health information and community services in Hernando County. The cost of this project is being shared by the State of Florida, the Hernando Board of County Commissioners, and the City of Brooksville.

Mr. Speaker, federal government spending is out of control. Adjusted for inflation, this Majority has increased federal spending at a greater rate than during FDR's implementation of the New Deal.

It's hard to imagine that the Majority could spend so much in such a short period of time. Unfortunately, there is even more spending on the way in the form of a trillion dollar government takeover of health care. So much for controlling rising health care costs.

In fact, in recent testimony before the Senate Budget Committee, CBO Director, Douglas Elmendorf, made it clear that the federal government's budget is on an unsustainable path.

That is why I rise today, in support of increased transparency and accountability in the budget process. Sadly, the federal budget process has become a complex shell-game with dramatic and consequential long- term costs.

I believe the PAYGO legislation before the House today is a step in the right direction but it is only a step.

Unfortunately, this Majority has wavered in its commitment to PAYGO in the past, setting aside the PAYGO rule more than a dozen times since taking control of the House.

If the Majority continues to use budgeting gimmicks and adds more programs to the exclusion list, this legislation will not accomplish the goal of fiscal responsibility.

Mr. Speaker, Congress needs to make the tough choices that will put this country on the path towards fiscal responsibility and sustainability.

Madam Speaker, federal government spending is out of control. Adjusted for inflation, this Majority has increased federal spending at a greater rate than during FDR's implementation of the New Deal.

It's hard to imagine that the Majority could spend so much in such a short period of time. Unfortunately, there is even more spending on the way in the form of a trillion dollar government takeover of health care. So much for controlling rising health care costs.

In fact, in recent testimony before the Senate Budget Committee, CBO Director, Douglas Elmendorf, made it clear that the federal government's budget is on an unsustainable path.

That is why I rise today, in support of increased transparency and accountability in the budget process. Sadly, the federal budget process has become a complex shell-game with dramatic and consequential long- term costs.

I believe the PAYGO legislation before the House today is a step in the right direction but it is only a step.

Unfortunately, this Majority has wavered in its commitment to PAYGO in the past, setting

aside the PAYGO rule more than a dozen times since taking control of the House.

If the Majority continues to use budgeting gimmicks and adds more programs to the exclusion list, this legislation will not accomplish the goal of fiscal responsibility.

Mr. Speaker, Congress needs to make the tough choices that will put this country on the path towards fiscal responsibility and sustainability.

Amendment in the Nature of a Substitute Offered by Mr. Ryan of

Wisconsin

Mr. Speaker, last week the Democrats released a health care bill which essentially said to America's seniors ``drop dead.'' Despite their promise to care for our seniors, Democrats have decided that it's too expensive to care for my senior constituents and everyone else's constituents.

This bill would cut an additional $156 billion from the Medicare Advantage program in order to pay for the government expansion of health care for the young, the healthy, and the wealthy.

This, by the way, is the second attack on our seniors this year. The first came in March when the administration announced that Social Security recipients would not receive a cost-of-living increase.

Listen up, America. Seniors have special needs. This bill ignores the needs of Florida's health care system. We should be fixing what is broke, not decimating the care of our senior population. This is change our Nation cannot afford.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2647--National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010.

I requested one project in H.R. 2647.

In coordination with thirteen other Members of Congress, I sent a letter to the Chairman and Ranking Member requesting support for additional funding for the Army National Guard's H60 Black Hawk Helicopter modernization program. As a result of this letter, $20.4 million was included in the Defense Authorization Act for this purpose. Army National Guard operational tempos are the highest they have ever been supporting the full spectrum of state missions including search and rescue, utility/lift, disaster relief, firefighting, medical evacuation, all while sustaining deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan and the Balkans. This high operational tempo is wearing out the National Guard H60 fleet much faster than planned and as a result of this request, we can ensure the National Guard has the tools and equipment they need to do their job.

I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today first to applaud the House for working on legislation that is designed specifically to help small businesses. It is the most important thing that Congress can do for the economy, and I thank the chairwoman and the ranking member for their hard work on this issue.

I also rise today to bring one provision in the bill that will surely influence the effectiveness of the SBIR and STTR programs--either for good or ill.

Section 102 mandates that no single venture capital firm may own more than 49 percent of a small business for that small business to be eligible to participate in these programs. Multiple venture capital companies, however, in aggregate, may own a majority of the shares, but no single firm may have a controlling interest.

In essence, section 102 attempts to strike a balance between the two concerns. On the one hand, Congress does not want large venture capital firms scavenging and acquiring a large number of small businesses simply to take advantage of Federal tax dollars. On the other hand, Congress has an interest in making sure that any otherwise eligible small business is not unnecessarily excluded from participating simply because it has received all or a majority of its funding from a single angel, of sorts, investor.

Preventing large firms from ``gaming'' the system is the correct goal in my view, and I appreciate the committee's work to address this problem. Yet, Congress must do everything possible to ensure that we are not letting our pursuit of the perfect affect our ability to achieve the goals of this legislation.

Simply put, my amendment directs GAO to conduct a study on the effect that this ownership restriction has on participation. This will help Congress to determine if the right balance has been struck.

The bottom line, Mr. Chairman, is that in far too many cases thoughtful and well-intended programs to assist small businesses have been unnecessarily hampered by arbitrary rules and restrictions that made sense at first glance.

The SBA's ARC loan program, for instance, which provides 100 percent guarantees for small business loans had been hampered because despite the guarantee, many banks are refusing, most banks are actually refusing to participate. Banks are being forced to hoard capital to satisfy stress test requirements, and while those requirements make sense for regulators, they

inhibit the government's ability to administer its small business programs.

As my colleagues know, small businesses accounted for 70 percent of new job growth over the last 10 years. It is critical that Congress get these small business programs right and that they are implemented quickly. Over the long term, Congress must continue to do everything to support entrepreneurs through thoughtful policy and resist the temptation to replace them with bureaucrats.

This, Mr. Chairman, is a program that supports entrepreneurs, and I think that we owe it to them to make sure that the program is as effective as possible; and if it is not, to fix it until we get it right.

I believe this legislation has a chance to do what Congress should have done from the start in this economic crisis, and that is to help small businesses. However, if in a month from now Congress turns around and institutes employer mandates and taxes the health care benefits provided by small business owners, the House will again have taken a step back in supporting the recovery and growth of small businesses.

I urge the House's adoption of this amendment.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the gentlelady from New York working with me on this amendment as a former New Yorker and as somebody who wants to make sure that this bill works. I really appreciate it.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2997--Agriculture, Rural Development, Food and Drug Administration, and Related Agencies Appropriations Act, 2010.

I requested two projects in H.R. 2997.

$300,000 for the University of Florida's Institute of Food and Agriculture Sciences Shellfish Aquaculture Development Program and the Cedar Key Aquaculture Association located at P.O. Box 89, Cedar Key, FL 32625. These funds will be used to conduct multi-disciplinary research into struggling aquaculture programs.

$1,033,000 for the study of Subtropical Beef Germplasm by the SubTropical Agricultural Research Station located at 22271 Chinsegut Hill Road, Brooksville, FL 34601. The 3800 acre USDA research facility conducts multidisciplinary research aimed at boosting efficiency, safety and environmental responsibility for the cattle industry of Florida and the southeast.