Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, today marks the legal deadline of registration for the Affordable Care Act, popularly known as ObamaCare.

On March 12, 2014, HHS Secretary Kathleen Sebelius testified before a House Ways and Means Committee. When asked, are you going to delay enrollment beyond March 31, she definitively answered, no, sir.

Well, Madam Speaker, April Fools.

Millions of Americans are finding ObamaCare today to be a very expensive and harmful April Fools' prank. One of those individuals is Sondra, a constituent from Clinton County, located in the Fifth District of Pennsylvania.

Sondra emailed the following on Friday:

I was just on the marketplace, and I can't believe the

prices. I also am wrong about ObamaCare including eye and

dental. I see that it does not. I thought this was supposed

to be better than what I would find privately. Not to my

surprise.

Even with the tax credits, it is going to cost us just as

much. It seems they doubled the price on there to eat up the

tax credits. This whole thing has us so upset.

We only make between $30,000-$40,000 a year, and our health

insurance is going to go from $320 a month for both of us to

doubling, at the least. We will pay more and get less

coverage and pay way more out of pocket.

How does our President think this is helping us, the

working poor? This is a class we never hear anyone talk

about. We hear about the poor, middle class, and the wealthy,

but not the working poor. We are the ones who make too much

to get a handout, not that we want one, but not enough to

really make ends meet due to our poor economy and rapidly

rising inflation.

Honestly, it would pay me to quit my job because we would

get all the help we need because our income would be so low,

and with my chronic health issues of diabetes, thyroid

disease, and arthritis, I would get Pennsylvania medical

assistance.

How sad is it that our President has put the working poor

in that option? I could honestly just cry not knowing how we

will be able to pay for this health care penalty. We had what

we needed and could afford.

Now, we can't afford it even with the government help, and

we have less coverage for higher premiums. How does this make

any sense? Ugh. Sorry for the rant.

Madam Speaker, Americans deserve solutions to assure access to affordable, quality health care that they determine that they need. As for ObamaCare, there are far too many winners and mostly losers like Sondra and her family, so it is fitting and accurate on this April 1 day to say: ObamaCare? April fools.

Mr. Speaker, the Endangered Species Act was signed into law in 1973, in order to preserve, protect, and recover key domestic species.

The ESA also contains a citizen lawsuit provision, which allows private citizens--and, in many cases, special interest organizations-- to sue Federal agencies and private landowners for allegedly failing to comply with ESA. Taxpayers are on the hook, even when the Federal Government prevails.

The Forest Service, which I had the privilege of holding jurisdiction over as chairman of the Agricultural Subcommittee on Conservation, Energy, and Forestry, must comply with ESA before engaging in any kind of forest management activity, which is the agency's most basic and fundamental role

Protecting species is our goal, but unfortunately, this provision has been used as a tool by those who would like to halt land management activities.

The financial impact of these activities in the Forest Service is significant, posing a threat to the forest health, the economic well- being of local communities, and also the species we are aiming to protect.

We must replace this flawed policy with one that protects taxpayers and species restoration, but also the health of our forests and our local economies.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pennsylvania State University Nitanny Lion Fencing Team. On Sunday, the team won their 13th NCAA championship which took place in Columbus, Ohio. Beating out the second-place Princeton University team, which totaled 159 bout victories, the Nitanny Lions completed the competition with 180 bout victories.

On the individual level, Kaito Streets, a sophomore, claimed the men's sabre NCAA championship, becoming the 13th individual champion for the team. As a result of this title win, Penn State fencing is now the winningest fencing program in the NCAA.

Mr. Speaker, I want to offer my praise to these student athletes, along with head coach Wes Glon, for their hard work and determination. The University and the Happy Valley community are extremely proud of your efforts, and we congratulate you on another amazing season.

Mr. Speaker, despite the recent military drawdown, our Nation continues to rely upon qualified and well-trained volunteers joining the military in order to regenerate our Armed Forces. Now, some of these young men and women have prepared their entire lives for service, while others found the call to duty some years later. All have chosen to serve their country in uniform and do so with honor and bravery.

When joining the service, new recruits must undergo comprehensive medical and physical examinations in order to certify they are both fully fit and capable of performing the range of rigorous and demanding jobs our military must carry out. However, Mr. Speaker, despite comprehensive physical and medical evaluations, there is no similar examination for mental health competency; meaning, we thoroughly examine knees, backs, eyes, and even the heart, yet leave the most important part of the body--one's mind--off-limits.

Now, this is certainly cause for concern and what some view as a serious gap in recruitment evaluation, especially as the military continues to address issues of behavioral health, posttraumatic stress disease, traumatic brain injury, and suicide. According to a recent Army study, nearly one in five Army soldiers enter the service with a psychiatric disorder, and nearly half of all soldiers who tried suicide first attempted it before enlisting. Additionally, the Journal of the American Medical Association found that a large percentage of suicides in the military were individuals who had never been deployed in a combat role.

Mr. Speaker, as policymakers, we have a responsibility to address this challenge. And this week, Ohio Congressman Tim Ryan and I plan to call on our colleagues to do just that and to join as cosponsors of the Medical Evaluation Parity for Service Members, or MEPS, Act. This bipartisan bill will institute a preliminary mental health assessment at the time recruits are first joining the military.

Keeping individual privacy in mind, the MEPS Act will follow all HIPAA guidelines and cannot be used in consideration for promotion or assignments. Additionally, the Congressional Budget Office has found the MEPS Act to have no budgetary effect.

In addition, this legislation requires the National Institute of Mental Health, in conjunction with the Department of Veterans Affairs and other experts, to report their recommendations on the assessment to ensure best practices are done. Now, this commonsense proposal seeks to bring mental health to parity with physical health and recruitment evaluations and will ensure that our incoming troops are both physically and mentally fit to serve.

Additionally, the bill has the support of the American Psychological Association, the Veterans of Foreign Wars, the National Guard Association of the United States, the Reserve Officers Association, the Reserve Enlisted Association, and the Association of the U.S. Navy.

Mr. Speaker, the MEPS Act is not, alone, the magic silver bullet to solve all of the behavioral health issues the military faces, but it is an important step in better understanding the scope of the challenge that we face. Now, I encourage my fellow colleagues to join us in this effort to protect the safety and security of those in uniform by becoming a cosponsor of the Medical Evaluation Parity for Service Members Act. These brave men and women deserve as much.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the House Agriculture Committee, I rise in support of the goals of National Agriculture Day, which is today, March 25.

Agriculture remains the number one industry in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, supporting upwards of 63,000 family farms, generating more than $67 billion in economic impact, and one in seven residents of Pennsylvania works in the agriculture sector.

While a good portion of America's population does not see firsthand where our food supply comes from, a wise man once told me that we shake hands with a farmer at least three times a day. This saying truly illustrates the importance of supporting agriculture, but equally the importance of supporting the future of agriculture and our future food security.

I had the pleasure of meeting with two officers of the Pennsylvania chapter of the Future Farmers of America earlier this morning. I commend them for their outreach efforts here in Washington to promote the goals of National Agriculture Day. Their advocacy in engaging the next generation to become farmers is crucial to ensuring our country has the most affordable, the highest quality, abundant, and safest food supply in the world.

Mr. Speaker, President Obama on Friday signed into law H.R. 4076, the Home Heating Emergency Assistance Through Transportation, or HHEATT, Act.

Having heard from so many constituents facing hardship relating to home heating fuel shortages and supply disruptions, I am a proud cosponsor of this bill, which will extend emergency relief to families and businesses during this ongoing crisis.

On February 5, 2014, the U.S. Department of Transportation issued temporary emergency declarations to allow tank truck operators delivering propane and other home heating fuels to drive for longer hours to speed up deliveries to affected States.

Even though spring is officially upon us, demand for home heating fuels remains high as communities across the country continue to endure below average temperatures. The HHEATT Act provides a guaranteed extension of the Department of Transportation's short-term emergency declarations until May 31, 2014.

I am pleased the Senate followed the House and took immediate action on this emergency legislation that will alleviate propane supply disruptions and get fuel to those who need it most.

Mr. Speaker, the Constitution is very clear: the elected Representatives in Congress pass the laws and the President enforces those laws. This system of checks and balances has served to limit abuses of power and hold government accountable to the people.

From our immigration laws to the 2010 health care overhaul, the current White House has selectively enforced our laws, and in many cases acted unilaterally to change or alter them. In fact, the majority leader's office recently released a report outlining 40

separate instances where the Obama administration broke this fundamental responsibility.

Yesterday, the House acted on two measures to hold the executive branch accountable and restore balance to the separation of powers. H.R. 4138, the ENFORCE Act, which deals with lawsuits against the executive branch for failure to execute the laws, and H.R. 3973, the Faithful Execution of the Law Act, which requires the Attorney General to report to Congress any time a Federal official implements a policy to refrain from enforcing Federal law.

Mr. Speaker, no matter which party is in the White House, our laws must be faithfully executed. Americans deserve as much.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge a story of hardship and compassion. Josh Hardy, a young boy from Fredericksburg, Virginia, survived a battle with cancer when he was just 9 months old. Today, at the age of 7, he is currently suffering from a life-threatening infection acquired during his cancer treatment at St. Jude Children's Hospital.

A pharmaceutical company, Chimerix, produces the medication Josh's doctors believe could help save his life. Unfortunately, the drug was still in trial testing, and the company has been unable to provide access due to the number of requests for the drug and the rate of its production in the testing stage.

Physicians at St. Jude's Hospital and members of Josh's family pleaded for Josh to obtain access to the drug. Last Friday, Matt Hardy, Josh's uncle, of Lock Haven, Pennsylvania, a constituent of mine, contacted my office to request our support in seeing if the drug could get approved.

Josh's story has become widely known across the country. Yesterday, Chimerix agreed to provide Josh access to their environmental antiviral drug for his treatment. This small business should be commended for their compassion and making tough decisions. We hope they can continue with expedience to bring their product to market in order to help others like Josh.

Mr. Speaker, through these tough times, our thoughts and prayers remain with Josh, his family, and the countless individuals committed to making lives better through cutting edge medical research.

Mr. Speaker, the world recently lost a great American hero and one among the last remaining of the Greatest Generation, Colonel Gerald F. Russell of Centre County, Pennsylvania. Today, I rise to honor the life and the legacy of this brave combat veteran. One of only two surviving Iwo Jima battalion commanders, Colonel Russell passed away on Monday, February 24, 2014, at the age of 97. It is an honor to have called Gerry my friend.

As one of the most decorated marines in World War II and with over 28 years of military service, Colonel Russell spent a life serving his country. And while his military career was second to none, Russell's humanitarian and philanthropic work was equally remarkable. Indeed, it was his commitment to service and serving others that made him a pillar for both the Nation's military and his local community, which encompasses much of central Pennsylvania and well beyond.

A graduate of Boston College, Russell was one of the first alternates for the 1940 U.S. Olympic track team in the 800 meters, a sport he loved with a passion.

Immediately following his completion of undergraduate studies, Russell began his career in uniform when he enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. During his service, Colonel Russell took part and played a role in seminal moments in the country's history.

As one of the youngest battalion commanders in World War II, at the age of 27, Russell was responsible for leading 1,000 troops during the first major offensive by Allied forces against the Empire of Japan--the Battle of Guadalcanal. Russell suffered shrapnel wounds during the campaign after being hit by Japanese aircraft during landing.

At the ripe age of 29, Russell landed in the third assault wave on Iwo Jima, Red Beach One, and fought for all 36 days. Again wounded during battle, Russell went on to witness the historical raising of the American flag on Mount Suribachi.

These are just a few of the many remarkable experiences of this amazing individual, Mr. Speaker.

Following his retirement from the Marine Corps, Russell went on to serve others through roles in academia and philanthropy, including as associate dean of the College of Health and Physical Education at Pennsylvania State University.

During this time and after, Russell was always a tireless community and volunteer advocate.

He was the founder and chairman of the local United Way Day of Caring, served as a member of the United Way board of directors, and played an active role in the Pennsylvania Special Olympics, the Centre Country Toys for Tots, and many other programs that benefit our local community.

Mr. Speaker, in all of these endeavors, Russell inspired so many to give back and pushed his community to do the same. He led a life built on service, sacrifice, and a commitment to others.

Colonel Russell once stated that he hoped that he would be remembered for the impact that his life had on others and that he made a difference. Well, Mr. Speaker, I rise today as one more voice among the countless others across Pennsylvania, the country, and the world to praise Colonel Russell for doing just that. We thank you for your unparalleled service to this Nation and our community. May you rest with God, my friend.

Mr. Speaker, today the House acted on an important piece of legislation that strikes at the very heart of our democracy--the Equitable Access to Care and Health Act, or EACH Act.

The individual mandate of the 2010 health care law included a very narrow exemption for religious groups, meaning that members of certain recognized religious sects could be exempted from the requirement to purchase health care or face a penalty of a tax for noncompliance.

To qualify for the current exemption, individuals must waive all public and private insurance benefits, including Social Security and Medicare. Individuals who participate in Social Security and Medicare but whose religious beliefs cause them to object to medical health care are not eligible for the existing exemption.

The EACH Act, which had bipartisan support, expands this exemption for individuals whose sincerely held religious beliefs would cause them to object to medical health care provided under such coverage.

Mr. Speaker, religious freedom must be protected for all Americans. Passage of the EACH Act is a step forward in safeguarding this fundamental and enduring principle.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge National Frozen Food Month, and in doing so, one of my home State's own frozen food companies, Better Baked Foods.

Headquartered in North East, Pennsylvania, in the Fifth District of Pennsylvania, with facilities in Erie, Pennsylvania, and New York, Better Baked Foods is currently celebrating its 50th anniversary.

Over the years, Better Baked has built a reputation as an affordable option for nutritious snack foods. Today, the company proudly employs over 300 associates who produce over 325,000 pieces of frozen French bread pizzas, flatbreads, and breakfast sandwiches.

By devoting the necessary resources to its people, equipment, and facilities, Better Baked is continually working to ensure that it meets consumer demand and grows its operation.

I am proud to honor a company that is constantly innovating to improve its products while also recognizing the hard work and the efforts of its employees.

Mr. Speaker, in celebration of National Frozen Food Month, I wish to applaud Better Baked Foods and the entire frozen food industry for their hard work and continued contributions to strong local economies, through jobs and quality, affordable meals for our Nation's consumers.

Madam Speaker, this year marks the 100th anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act of 1914, which established the Cooperative Extension Service. Extension is a unique educational partnership among Federal, State, and local governments and the Nation's land-grant universities to extend research-based knowledge to the American public and private industry.

Over the years, Extension has connected individuals and families with the resources and expertise of our Nation's land-grant university system. In Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania State University provides this educational network, working to help families make sound economic and nutritional choices, and help businesses increase efficiency and troubleshoot production and industry challenges.

Madam Speaker, today, the Penn State College of Agricultural Sciences is on the Hill with agricultural businesses and industry advocates to share with us the importance of the Cooperative Extension Service.

As we celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Smith-Lever Act, I want to give congratulations and recognition to the outstanding Penn State Extension team, which is led by Interim Dean Barb Christ, and thank them for their important work to improve the lives and economic outcomes of countless families and businesses across the country.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as an original cosponsor of H.R. 3370, the Homeowner Flood Insurance Affordability Act of 2014.

Over the past decade, the National Flood Insurance Program has bordered on insolvency, and today it is over $24 million in debt. Congress, in 2012, passed the Biggert-Waters Act, which created much- needed reforms to the program that were designed to more accurately reflect insurance risks and create fiscal solvency. The law mandated that the Federal Emergency Management Agency perform an affordability study before transitioning to the newly weighted system, which they failed to do and has led to devastating flood insurance premium increases.

Mr. Speaker, there are those who think we should do nothing and let government mismanagement ruin the economic health of our communities. We cannot run away from pressing challenges. To the contrary, we must correct this policy failure in a manner that strikes a balanced solution without adding one dime to the Federal deficit.

H.R. 3370 enables Congress to develop a long-term solution that protects local economies and holds government accountable.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise in the House as an original cosponsor of H.R. 4100, the Local Organization Cooperative Agreement and Facility Maintenance Act, or the LOCAL Act.

For the past several years, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers has partnered with local nonprofit organizations to cooperatively manage and maintain recreational facilities at lakes and reservoirs on these Federal lands.

In my district, the Friends of Raystown Lake Group in Huntingdon County have been able to collect and retain user fees generated from the public's use of the lake, which they then reinvest to perform operations and maintenance on that site. Recently, an administrative ruling forced the Army Corps to terminate these agreements at facilities across the country. The Friends of Raystown should be commended for their volunteerism, not penalized by Washington's bureaucracy. The LOCAL Act will allow these and other agreements to remain in force.

I would encourage my colleagues to support the LOCAL Act to ensure the Army Corps can continue these cooperative agreements that are good for the community and good for taxpayers.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Pennsylvania State University IFC-Panhellenic Dance Marathon, otherwise known as ``THON,'' for another tremendous, record- breaking fundraising total in support of the fight against childhood cancer.

The largest student philanthropy in the world, THON is a yearlong fundraising effort where students work in numerous ways to raise money for the cause. The effort culminates with a final 46-hour event where over 700 students partake in a no-sitting, no-sleeping dance marathon, and thousands more cheer on their efforts. All proceeds from THON benefit the Four Diamonds Fund, an organization dedicated to battling childhood cancer.

This year, I had the honor of attending THON. The energy and enthusiasm from those in attendance was nothing short of breathtaking as the students went on to raise $13.3 million, surpassing the $12.4 million last year. Penn State has raised over $110 million in THON's history.

Mr. Speaker, as a proud Penn State alumnus, I want to thank all of the students and families for providing this outstanding emotional and financial support to the children, families, researchers, and the staff of the Four Diamonds Fund.