Floor Statements

It was reported today that President Obama is trying out a new slogan on his campaign-style road trip. The new slogan is: ``We can't wait.'' In my opinion, this slogan is an odd choice, especially coming from the President and his party.

Right now, 15 different House-passed jobs bills, each reducing the red tape

that is hindering small business and each removing obstacles to domestic energy production, are stuck in the Senate, awaiting action from the Democratic leadership. Mr. Speaker, the President is right--we can't wait.

We can't wait for the President and the Democrats to join us in eliminating excessive government regulations, stopping Washington from spending money it doesn't have, and fixing the Tax Code for families and job creators.

We can't wait for the Obama administration to end the continual delays to job-creating domestic energy production.

We can't wait for Senate Democrats to approve more than a dozen House-passed jobs bills.

Americans who want to get back to work shouldn't have to wait any longer for Washington to get out of the way. It's time for President Obama and Senate Democrats to put aside politics and work with the House on these commonsense ideas.

We simply can't wait.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Lieutenant Colonel Robert Barraclough.

Retired from the United States Air Force in 1968, Colonel Barraclough's record of service is impressive. During World War II, Barraclough was a bomber pilot flying missions over German-occupied territory. These dangerous bombing missions had high casualty rates.

Between mechanical problems, lack of fuel, enemy fighters and enemy ground fire, nearly 26,000 airmen lost their lives in the ``Mighty 8th'' Air Force during the war. However, after switching out of the B- 24 Liberators and into the B-17 Flying Fortresses, Barraclough flew 32 missions in the 490th Bomb Group in the 8th Air Force and was made group commander.

Perhaps one of his greatest accomplishments was that his leadership resulted in the lowest casualty rates of all the squadrons and groups in the 8th Air Force during the entire war. Keeping his group's pilots rotated and rested, flying in tight formations to concentrate firepower, German observation planes could not find an easy plan of assault on the formation.

Today I honor Lieutenant Colonel Barraclough, and I thank him again for his dedicated service to our country.

The motto inscribed on the Prisoners of War/Missing in Action flag reads, ``You are not forgotten.''

I rise today to Honor Major Thomas E. Clark, a U.S. soldier who served in Vietnam, an airman who gave his life defending this country.

Originally from Emporium, Pennsylvania, Major Clark studied at Penn State before being accepted into the Air Force Academy and graduating in 1963. In 1969, while flying an F-100 in a mission over Laos, Major Clark's aircraft was hit by enemy fire. The plane went crashing into the jungle canopy. The wreckage was not found and Major Clark went missing in action for 4 years when, in 1973, the Air Force determined Clark was ``killed in action; body not recovered.'' In 1991, some of the wreckage of the F-100 was found. Finally, in 2009, an investigation found the remains of Major Clark.

Next week, the Air Force will bring home Major Clark to Emporium, Pennsylvania, to have him properly laid to rest in his family's plot. I'm truly proud and honored to recognize his bravery and thank him for making the ultimate sacrifice for this country. He will not be forgotten.

Major Clark, may you rest in peace.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Matt Porter of State College, Pennsylvania, the 2011 recipient of the National Down Syndrome Society's Dan Piper Award.

Dan Piper was a young man born with Down syndrome who spent much of his life advocating on behalf of himself and others with Down syndrome. He, sadly, passed away on September 1, 2002. In order to celebrate Dan's life, the Dan Piper Award was created to recognize and celebrate an individual with Down syndrome that has made similar contributions to Down syndrome awareness and advocacy.

Today, I'm pleased and proud to recognize one of my constituents, Matt Porter, as the 2011 recipient of this great honor. I have met Matt Porter on several occasions. Most recently, I joined him and others at the Centre County Down Syndrome Society's annual Buddy Walk. My introduction to Matt, however, was sometime before that when he visited my Washington office in mid-February with his brother, Andy. Matt was visiting congressional offices to raise awareness for the Down Syndrome Society and to advocate on issues most pressing to those who are living with Down syndrome.

Matt's personality and attitude towards life embody the spirit of the Dan Piper Award. Much like Dan, Matt's accomplishments have opened so many doors to those with Down syndrome. I find Matt to be an inspiring individual, and I commend him on the hard work with his employment, participating in the Special Olympics, volunteering in the community, and advocating on behalf of others with Down syndrome.

We all stand to learn a lot from this young man's example and character. Congratulations, Matt Porter.

Mr. Speaker, the future of electric aviation is upon us in the Centre region of Pennsylvania. Pipistrel and Pipistrel USA, an aviation company in State College, Pennsylvania, won first place in NASA's Comparative Aircraft Flight Efficiency Green Flight Challenge, which took first place September 25 at Charles Santa Rosa, California.

Sponsored by Google, the Green Flight Challenge was created to advance aviation fuel efficiency technologies. Fourteen teams registered and collectively invested more than $4 million in the challenge. The winning aircraft had to fly 200 miles in less than 2 hours and use less than 1 gallon of fuel per occupant, or the equivalent in electricity, and would be awarded a $1.35 million grant.

Pipistrel USA's aircraft achieved twice this requirement, flying 200 miles using just over a half-gallon of fuel equivalent per passenger. The team was led by Dr. Jack Langelaan, assistant professor of Aerospace Engineering at Penn State University, and supported by engineers and faculty from numerous departments, local area aviation businesses and facilities. It truly was a team effort.

I want to congratulate Pipistrel USA, Penn State, and all those involved in this project for their hard work and entrepreneurial spirit.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to recognize the many hospital professionals that serve every day to keep our communities leading strong, healthy lives. Having spent 28 years as a therapist, rehabilitation services manager, and a licensed nursing home administrator, I know firsthand the many challenges this industry continues to face.

Medicare and Medical Assistance payments are just a few of the many variables beyond a hospital's control--Medicare that only pays 80 to 90 cents for every dollar of cost in delivering care and Medical Assistance that only pays 40 to 60 cents for every dollar of cost in delivering care.

As Congress continues to work on issues impacting this industry, it is important to recognize the critical role our hospitals play in not only providing access to cost-effective care, but also economic growth.

In my home State of Pennsylvania, more than 584,000 individuals depend on hospitals for their jobs through direct and indirect employment. The economic contributions made by Pennsylvania's hospitals to local communities continue to increase, rising to $98.9 billion in 2010, and that's up from $89.8 billion during 2008.

When 268,000 hospital employees spend money on products and services, it translates to nearly 317,000 additional hospital service-related jobs and more than $13 billion in employee compensation. More than $27.2 billion in total labor income is generated directly and indirectly by Pennsylvania hospitals. In 55 of the 67 Pennsylvania counties, hospitals remain among the top five employers, providing family-sustaining jobs and solid benefits. Every additional dollar in employee compensation in the hospital sector results in 92 cents of wages to other Pennsylvania industries.

At a time marked by so much uncertainty, lawmakers need to ensure that hospitals remain viable assets in our communities, where they can provide jobs, support other businesses, and continue offering these critical services. Hospitals are about access to quality care and jobs.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize a great friend and colleague, Bob Schoenfeldt, for his long and distinguished career in the field of agriculture.

After more than 34 years of service, Bob will be retiring this year from USDA, where he served as the area director for rural development in northwestern Pennsylvania, which is home to a diverse array of the Commonwealth's agriculture industry.

Bob has been at the forefront of ensuring agriculture continues to play a key role throughout Pennsylvania, especially through rural economic development. He has been a committed advocate for Pennsylvania's agriculture and family farmers across our State.

Like new shoes or hunting boots, I'm sure Bob's retirement will at first be stiff and uncomfortable for a little while; but after such a long, distinguished and committed career, it's about time he put those feet up and relaxed for once.

Thank you, Bob, for your commitment to our State, the Nation, and the agriculture community. Congratulations on such an esteemed career. We wish you happiness and the best of luck in future endeavors.

I thank my good friend from Texas for hosting this and for yielding.

I'm very proud to be here tonight, a subcommittee chairman of the Agriculture Committee, to speak to the tremendous benefits that these three free trade agreements yield for all of agriculture across the United States.

Mr. Speaker, today America's farmers and ranchers are competing in a global market in face of stiff protectionism while their foreign competitors are gaining preferential treatment and access at the American people's expense.

It's been a long time coming. While the delay was unacceptably long and likely has cost jobs, I'm pleased the Obama administration has finally done its part and sent Congress these important trade agreements, free trade agreements with Korea, Colombia, and Panama.

Many agricultural products have encountered dramatic price fluctuations in recent years, particularly dairy, as a result of depressed exports. These trade agreements will expand U.S. exports, create jobs, and bring much-needed income to communities across rural America.

These exports are increasingly important to Pennsylvania's agricultural and statewide economy. Expanding these markets for our farmers, ranchers, and small businesses across the country is a critical component of future economic growth. Overall, every sector of Pennsylvania's agriculture stands to benefit from each trade agreement.

Pennsylvania will benefit under the U.S.-Korea free trade agreement. The U.S.-Korea free trade agreement will benefit the Pennsylvania economy and create new jobs by immediately opening new access for Pennsylvania goods and services in Korea's $1 trillion economy and by establishing a level playing field in Korea for Pennsylvania workers and businesses to compete.

One-half of chemical products and many other manufactured goods produced in Pennsylvania will enter Korea duty-free immediately. Tariffs on the remaining chemical products will be eliminated over the next few years. Korean duties on major Pennsylvania agricultural products, such as grape juice, wine, and many dairy products, will be eliminated immediately. Mushrooms will become duty-free within 5 years. Simplified and expedited customs procedures will enable Pennsylvania businesses to reach Korean customers more quickly and with less redtape.

Full implementation of the Korea trade agreement could generate nearly 280,000 new jobs, including 9,963 in Pennsylvania alone.

Pennsylvania will benefit under the U.S.-Colombia Free Trade Agreement. Under the Colombia Free Trade Agreement, more than half of U.S. agricultural exports to Colombia will become duty-free immediately, and the remaining eliminated within 15 years. Colombia will eliminate its price band system which affects key U.S. exports, including corn, wheat, dairy, pork, and poultry. Tariffs of $202 million in U.S. processed food product exports, which are currently as high as 20 percent, will be immediately eliminated. Colombia is actively pursuing and implementing free trade agreements with a number of other trading partners. With every day that we don't act on this agreement, foreign competitors take market share from American farmers and ranchers.

Pennsylvania will benefit under the U.S.-Panama Free Trade Agreement. Panama is one of the fastest expanding economies in Latin America, with 7.5 percent growth in 2010. Panama is already an important market for America's farmers and ranchers. In 2010, the United States exported more than $450 million of agricultural products to Panama. More than half of U.S. agricultural exports to Panama will become duty-free immediately. Remaining tariffs will be removed over 15 years. Panama's tariffs on poultry range from 5 percent to 260 percent. Some of these will immediately drop to zero, and others will be phased out within 15 years.

I am so pleased that we're moving ahead with what will be great for agriculture and great for jobs in this country with these three free trade agreements. Mr. Chairman, thank you so much for hosting this tonight.

Madam Speaker, since this year began, the United States House has put forth measure after measure to incentivize growth and end burdensome regulations, only to see them stall in the Senate and be ignored by the President.

Two years after passage of the stimulus, unemployment remains at staggering levels, despite billions of dollars still sitting in government coffers. It was my hope that the President would move past his stimulus spending proposals and offer real economic relief. While some of the President's proposals put forward in his Joint Session speech merit consideration, this bill is no substitute for the targeted, long-term policies needed to empower private sector investment by facilitating an economic climate where businesses have the confidence to hire workers and take on new endeavors.

We're not talking about real, pro-growth tax reform and regulatory relief because it sounds good. It's what our economy needs, and badly.

It's time for Congress--both Chambers--and the President to recognize the pressing need for real tax relief and aggressive regulatory reform. It's time for a new direction, and it's time for action.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend each American who celebrated Constitution Day, which was last Saturday, September 17.

Over the past few decades, many Americans have expressed disgust with our out-of-control reach of government and erosion of the very freedoms that we claim to protect.

The powers of Congress are clearly laid out in article I, which is the most expansive article of the Constitution for a reason. Our Founding Fathers fully intended for power to rest with the people, in a legislative body.

I'm proud to say that during this Congress, the House has taken significant steps to restate its constitutional authority and has given an earnest attempt to returning to a constitutional government.

One example is the TRAIN Act on the floor this week, legislation intended to rein in the executive branch's gross regulatory overreach. From the debt limit debate to each spending bill considered on the floor, this process has been about more than just our need for fiscal reform. It's about the timeless principles of freedom, justice, and opportunity that have provided America with 224 years of prosperity and the future promise of our Nation, if we continue to hold these principles dear.

Mr. Speaker, I was not in attendance on Friday, September 9, 2011, due to catastrophic flooding in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. My presence was needed at home, on the ground, with my constituents, first-responders, and recovery teams. While back in Pennsylvania, I met with local officials and constituents to help assist in disaster recovery efforts. I also toured many of the towns in the 5th District of Pennsylvania that were most affected by the floods. Consequently, I missed the vote on the Hunter Amendment to H.R. 1892, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012.

Had I been present for rollcall vote number 695, my vote on Amendment #6, offered by Mr. Hunter of California, to H.R. 1892 would have been ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I was not in attendance on Friday, September 9, 2011, due to catastrophic flooding in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. My presence was needed at home, on the ground, with my constituents, first-responders, and recovery teams. While back in Pennsylvania, I met with local officials and constituents to help assist in disaster recovery efforts. I also toured many of the town's in the 5th District of Pennsylvania that were most affected by the floods. Consequently, I missed the vote on the Carney Amendment to H.R. 1892, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year, 2012.

Had I been present for rollcall vote number 696, my vote on Amendment #7, offered by Mr. Carney of Delaware, to H.R. 1892 would have been ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I was not in attendance on Friday, September 9, 2011, due to catastrophic flooding in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. My presence was needed at home, on the ground, with my constituents, first-responders, and recovery teams. While back in

Pennsylvania, I met with local officials and constituents to help assist in disaster recovery efforts. I also toured many of the town's in the 5th District of Pennsylvania that were most affected by the floods. Consequently, I missed the vote on the Motion to Recommit with Instructions offered by Ms. Hochul from New York to H.R. 1892, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year, 2012.

Had I been present for rollcall vote number 697, my vote on the Motion to Recommit with Instructions to H.R. 1892 would have been ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, I was not in attendance on Friday, September 9, 2011, due to catastrophic flooding in Pennsylvania's Fifth Congressional District. My presence was needed at home, on the ground, with my constituents, first-responders, and recovery teams. While back in Pennsylvania, I met with local officials and constituents to help assist in disaster recovery efforts. I also toured many of the towns in the 5th District of Pennsylvania that were most affected by the floods. Consequently, I missed the vote on final passage of H.R. 1892, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2012.

Had I been present for rollcall vote number 698, my vote on passage of H.R. 1892 would have been ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, on August 14, Keystone Little League from Clinton County, Pennsylvania, won the Little League Mid-Atlantic Region title. This win secured them a place in the Little League World Series Tournament.

A special group of young men made up the Keystone team. It wasn't just a talented Pennsylvania team making it to the World Series, or the fact that they were the first Clinton County team to make the World Series since 1949, but that for weeks these boys were perhaps the biggest story in the world of sports.

While some exceptional teams often hitch their success to one or two early developing kids, it was Keystone's teamwork, sportsmanship, and character that served to rally the entire State around them, creating record-breaking crowds as we watched their historic run for the world championship.

This team, more than any other, held their own against national competition, winning three of five games during the tournament.

In the end, Keystone left this season with something more than a regional title; they left with a legacy that will be remembered generations from now. I want to congratulate the whole team, the coaches, and the dedicated parents who helped make this season one for the record books.

Congratulations, Keystone.

2011 LITTLE LEAGUE BASEBALL EASTERN REGION TOURNAMENT SUMMARY ---------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------