Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to address an issue that is very much on the minds of my constituents right now--the violence in Israel and Gaza.

This is a difficult time for Israel, and as its ally, I believe we must support its right to self-defense.

Before I joined Congress, I had the privilege of visiting Israel. It was a trip that I will never forget. I have always considered myself a friend of Israel, but that trip made me realize just how much our two nations have in common.

We all want peace, Madam Speaker, but clearly there can be no peace while Hamas continues to launch unprovoked rocket attacks into Israel.

We would not let Hamas launch rockets into the United States, and I do not know how we could expect Israel to permit these attacks either.

I am deeply saddened by the casualties the recent conflict has inflicted, especially the civilian casualties. Each one of these is a tragedy, and I sincerely hope that both sides will do everything possible to avoid them.

I am encouraged by Israel's decision to temporarily pause its military operations to allow delivery of humanitarian aid, and by Hamas's decision to cease rocket launches during these deliveries. While only three hours, this is an important step forward. I hope that a longer lasting peace can be achieved soon.

Madam Speaker, earlier today my colleague Dr. Ron Paul and I were joined by more than 50 Members of Congress from both sides of the aisle to introduce the Stop the Congressional Pay Raise Act of 2009.

As you may recall, I introduced similar bills the last two years, seeking to prevent an automatic pay raise for Members of Congress from taking effect in 2008 and 2009. Unfortunately, despite the support of 34 cosponsors, last year's bill failed to reach the floor. As a result, every Member is now receiving $174,000 this year, a $4,700 increase since last year.

Madam Speaker, our economy is in a recession, hundreds of thousands of U.S. troops are fighting overseas, and our national debt exceeds $10 trillion. Unemployment figures are on the rise, home values are falling, and markets around the world are suffering from a devastating loss of credit and consumer demand. The American people aren't getting a $4,700 pay raise this year. I do not know how in good conscience we, as their Representatives in Congress, can accept one.

In the last year, jobless rates increased in 49 States and the District of Columbia. Unemployment was up 2 percentage point from a year before. In my home State of Arizona, unemployment rose by over 50 percent, leaving nearly 200,000 workers unemployed.

Compounding the situation, economists estimate that nearly $7 trillion of investor stock wealth was lost in 2008, and Standard & Poor's 500 and the Dow Jones industrial average experienced their worst years since the Great Depression.

When Members of Congress accept this pay raise, we send the wrong message. We should be tightening our belts along with the men and women we represent. Americans are suffering and instead of feeling that pain, Congress is quietly approving pay raises to further insulate us from it. If you want to know why people hate Washington and feel that it is out of touch, it is precisely because of moves like this.

If we are going to talk the talk of fiscal discipline, I believe we need to walk the walk of self-restraint. I will be donating my 2009 pay raise to charity, just as I did with my 2008 pay raise. I encourage my colleagues to do the same, and join me in stopping the next automatic pay raise from taking effect by supporting the Stop the Congressional Pay Raise Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a member of the Armed Forces from my home state of Arizona. Every month Scottsdale Healthcare honors service members that perform diligent service to this country. For the month of November, they have recognized Mark A. James, Hospitalman 3rd Class, United States Navy.

I commend Scottsdale Healthcare for paying tribute to such an outstanding service member for his bravery and service to our country.

Hospitalman 3rd Class James displayed an early interest in military service through his participation in the Junior ROTC program offered by his high school. After graduation in 2005, Hospitalman James joined the U.S. Navy. He completed his boot camp training and hospital corpsman courses at Naval Station Great Lakes in Great Lakes, Illinois. After finishing initial training, Hospitalman James was stationed in Sasebo, Japan, and was also deployed for one tour in Kuwait.

After completing his service in Japan, Hospitalman James is currently on his way to joining the crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln, which is an aircraft carrier based out of Everett, Washington. Hospitalman James has received the Navy-Marine Corps Achievement Medal, the Expert Rifle Badge, and a Certificate of Achievement, and is looking forward to a career in naval medicine as a physician's assistant.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the inspiring efforts of this brave citizen who is serving our country and protecting the lives of his fellow servicemen in combat.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of a member of the Armed Forces from my home state of Arizona. Every month Scottsdale Healthcare honors service members that perform diligent service to this country. For the month of December, they have recognized Lieutenant Junior Grade Daniel Lee Martinez, Jr.

I commend Scottsdale Healthcare for paying tribute to such outstanding service members for their bravery and service to our country.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Martinez entered the Naval Academy in 2001 and majored in Quantitative Economics. After graduation, he earned his wings as a Naval Flight Officer from Naval Air Stations in Pensacola and Jacksonville, Florida. After being permanently stationed in Whidbey Island, Washington, Lieutenant Martinez was deployed to Iraq, where he served seven months. He then went on to serve three months in South America in support of counter narcotic operations. Currently, he is expecting another deployment to Iraq in 2009.

Throughout his brave military service, LTJG Martinez has received many awards, including a Battle ``E'' Ribbon, the National Defense Service Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Sea Service Deployment Ribbon, Rifle Marksmanship (Expert), and Pistol Marksmanship (Expert).

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the inspiring efforts of Lieutenant Junior Grade Daniel Lee Martinez, Jr. who is serving our country and protecting the lives of his fellow servicemen in combat.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Jeff Funicello for his performance in the World Wrestling Games in Tirana, Albania. While representing his country and the State of Arizona, Jeff was able to secure a bronze medal in both grappling and beach wrestling in the 92KG division. The World Wrestling Games are highly revered throughout the competitive wrestling world and Jeff's victories signify an outstanding achievement.

I would also like to commend Jeff on the service he offers to the community by teaching mixed martial arts classes which promote discipline and self confidence, but more importantly teach students proper self defense techniques. Jeff founded American Pankration in 1990, a mixed martial arts team which trains and competes at Arizona State University. Jeff shows great dedication to his students and is committed to offering them the highest level of attention and instruction on and off the mats.

Jeff is a former Arizona State University Sun Devil and was on the varsity wrestling team from 1992 through 1994. Jeff's credentials also include being a three time Olympic alternate as well as having competed throughout the world with great success in a number of different disciplines of wrestling, submissions, and kickboxing. Jeff's skills as a training partner and coach have often been tapped to train with a who's who list of Olympic, Ultimate Fighting Championship, and Pride FC Championship champions.

Mr. Funicello should be proud of his accomplishments. Again, I say congratulations on your achievements in the World Wrestling Games and commend you for a job well done.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. John Baracy, an exemplary public servant and recently retired Superintendent of Scottsdale Unified School District.

After working in education for 38 years, Dr. Baracy is retiring from a post where he brought leadership, vision and stability. Dr. Baracy thrived and excelled even though he was diagnosed with cancer within three weeks of accepting the Superintendent position.

In his four years, Dr. Baracy helped to stabilize the finances of the district. Under his leadership, 22 of 32 schools now bear the label ``excelling,'' Arizona's top academic ranking. In addition to this, all five of the high schools in the district were renovated under budget and on time.

Throughout this, Dr. Baracy worked on forming a model of partnership for others to follow. Responding to calls to improve communication with parents and community members, Dr. Baracy moved towards more parent and community input into shaping the schools. By drawing upon his business background, Dr. Baracy shared his vision of finding common ground with parents and the community. The effects of his dedication will continue to shape Scottsdale schools for years to come.

Therefore, I urge you Madam Speaker, in rising to congratulate Dr. Baracy on his accomplishments and recent retirement.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Susan Foster on receiving this year's West Region Great Comebacks Award. This award recognizes the remarkable way in which Susan was able to overcome the physical and emotional challenges of having ulcerative colitis, a form of Inflammatory Bowel Disease.

Susan has suffered from this disease for 15 years before having a life-changing permanent ileostomy. Since then, Susan has dedicated herself to staying physically active and traveling, making it a priority to not allow her disease to control her life. She has also worked to actively reach out to others with IBD through her time with the United Ostomy Associations of America visiting patients who undergo ostomy surgery.

The Great Comebacks has been advocating for and inspiring those around the world living with IBD for the past 24 years. They have made it their mission to not only raise awareness for the difficulties that come with having IBD, but to also remove the stigma attached to having ostomy surgery. Organizations like the Great Comebacks support IBD patients and help them lead full lives in spite of the adversities they face.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Susan Foster for her energetic effort in supporting those with IBD, and her continued service to the community.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall 650, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye'' and on rollcall 654, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the Wounded Warrior Project for its annual Soldier Ride--2008 High Desert Challenge and the sponsor of the challenge, U-Haul.

The nonprofit Wounded Warrior Project is a nonprofit organization that follows their mission, honors and empowers wounded veterans through raising public awareness, enlisting aid for those severely injured, and providing programs and services to those with special needs.

The Soldier Ride--2008 High Desert Challenge is a rehabilitative program that provides the opportunity for wounded veterans to regain an active lifestyle. This three-day bicycle ride from Phoenix to Las Vegas is a remarkable way to honor those wounded during their brave service to our country and to raise money to further the mission of the Wounded Warrior Project.

I congratulate the Wounded Warriors Project for recognizing the significant sacrifices these soldiers have made for our country and community, and continuing to serve these brave men and women through fundraising projects such as the Soldier Ride. I would also like to recognize U-Haul for sponsoring the event.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Wounded Warrior Project and their fundraising efforts, as well as their dedicated sponsor, U-Haul.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 2606, the United States Fire Administration Reauthorization.

Last year, I was proud to introduce H.R. 4847, the House version of the U.S. Fire Administration Reauthorization along with my colleague from Georgia, Dr. Gingrey. I voted for and the House unanimously passed H.R. 4847 by a vote of 412 to zero on April 3, 2007.

Firefighters are often the first--and the last-to leave an emergency scene. Whether it's putting out a house fire or a wildfire--or responding to a terrorist attack or a car accident--we depend on firefighters every day.

But firefighters also depend on us. They depend on the public and their elected officials to make sure that they have the resources, the equipment and the training they need to do their job. Without those tools, we put them and all of us at unnecessary risk.

The U.S. Fire Administration is an invaluable resource for our Nation's firefighters and the communities they protect. Through training, data collection, fire education for the public, and support for fire related research and development, USFA provides critical tools and leadership to the fire service. The resources and leadership of USFA are an essential part of the ability of the fire service to protect our cities, towns, and communities.

Firefighters today are called upon to respond to an ever broader array of emergencies. This authorization bill gives USFA the authority to make sure its training program keeps pace with the increasing challenges to the fire service.

S. 2606 reauthorizes this important agency for four years at funding levels that will enable USFA to fully carry out its mission.

Last fall, the Science and Technology Committee's Subcommittee on Technology and Innovation, of which I am a member, heard testimony about the priorities of the Nation's fire service community for USFA. This bill directly reflects these priorities.

Fighting wildfires in urban areas requires special training--and I'm proud that this legislation enhances Fire Administration training for wildland-urban interface fires. In Arizona, one of the toughest challenges our firefighters face is wildfires in the wildland-urban interface.

This bill also authorizes USFA to focus on the pressing challenges of fires involving hazardous materials as well as advanced topics in emergency medical services.

This legislation is the product of bipartisan collaboration and is supported by major fire service organizations, including the International Association of Fire Chiefs, the International Association of Fire Fighters, the National Volunteer Fire Council, the National Fire Protection Association, and the Congressional Fire Services Institute.

The Senate passed S. 2606 unanimously on September 18, 2008. I urge my colleagues to support this vital legislation, bringing it one step closer to becoming law.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Joseph Little for being honored by the Council for Opportunity in Education for his educational achievements and career accomplishments. I am especially pleased to recognize Joseph because he is not only a worthy recipient, but a proud veteran and former Army Ranger. This recognition stems from the outstanding success Joseph has achieved while participating in Arizona State University's Veterans Upward Bound program.

When Joseph was discharged from the Army after the Vietnam war, he had severe physical and emotional injuries. It took Joseph 50 surgeries and 30 years outside the education arena until he was ready to return and realize his dream. Despite his doctors and vocational rehabilitation counselors telling him he would never be able to earn a degree, Joseph earned both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in social work from Arizona State University. This recognition represents the tireless determination and stellar work ethic that led Joseph to overcome adversity and become the first member in his family to graduate from college.

Joseph has worked at the Phoenix Veterans Center since 1998 and puts his education to good use by working with veterans with post-traumatic stress disorder. He is currently helping fellow veterans ranging from those who served in World War II to those returning from recent conflicts.

As a member of the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, I am particularly proud to see Joseph chosen as one of six winners out of a national pool of 52 nominees. When our veterans return home to Arizona and need a helping hand, I feel confident knowing that he is there to assist them with whatever problems they may have. Joseph is an inspiration to me and to an increasing number of veterans. He personifies the persistence necessary to achieve one's dreams and the altruism that is a product of an inherent moral obligation to help others who are faced with the same obstacles he was able to overcome.

Once again, I congratulate Joseph for all that he has accomplished, and I am confident we will continue to see wonderful things from him in the future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Laguna Elementary School in my home state of Arizona. Laguna is being honored by the Intel Corporation for its impressive science education program. Every year, Intel honors schools that have shown outstanding effort in math and science. This year, Laguna Elementary won first place in Science Excellence for Elementary schools and was given one of the six Schools of Distinction awards.

The Intel Corporation awards grants and equipment to top U.S. schools that show determined excellence in math and science education. Winners receive $10,000 cash grants and over $100,000 in equipment for their schools. Schools that enter must show that they have exceeded national guidelines in breadth and scope of math and science education.

Laguna Elementary should be applauded for their innovative approach to learning. No longer is math about rote memorization of number tables. Instead, students at Laguna expand their learning through discovery, focusing on the inquiry process, and further their skills by developing questions regarding these subjects. Teachers, with parental and community input, have developed a curriculum that encourages ``interactive experiences,'' expanded use of technology, while addressing a diverse student population at the school.

Because of their innovative techniques, Laguna Elementary won $10,000 dollars in grant money, and $160,000 in training, computers, educational software and interactive white boards. This technology will further allow teachers to pinpoint where students are in the learning process and allow them flexibility in creating lesson plans.

Therefore, I commend Laguna Elementary administration, teachers, parents, and students for their accomplishments and efforts.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of two members of the Armed Forces from my home state of Arizona. Every month Scottsdale Healthcare honors service members that perform diligent service to this country. This month, they have recognized two siblings: Sergeant Chauncey K. Lovell and Airman 1st Class Althea Lovell.

I commend Scottsdale Healthcare for paying tribute to such outstanding service members for their bravery and service to our country.

Sergeant Chauncey Lovell has been in the Marine Corps for six and a half years, which he has included three deployments to Iraq in 2004, 2006, and 2008. He is currently deployed and will be transferred in November to his home station, Marine Corps Base Kaneohe, on the island of Oahu, Hawaii. His record includes the National Defense Service Medal, Navy and Marine Corps Achievement Medal, Iraq Campaign Medal, a Meritorious Mast and a Certificate of Commendation among others.

Airman First Class Althea Lovell is also on active duty as a Dental Hygienist at the Ramstein Air Force Base in Germany. Having joined the Air Force three years ago, this is her first deployment. She is accompanied by her husband, Gil, who is a Tech Sergeant working in the operating room on the same base, and their six-month-old daughter, Chloe. Airman First Class Lovell and her family expect to be reassigned to Hickham Air Force Base in Hawaii.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the inspiring combined efforts of this brother and sister who are serving our country and protecting the lives of their fellow servicemen in combat.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Ralph ``Tom'' Browning, Tris S. Castle, Robert F. Delker, and William H. Wallace, the Class of 2008 inductees to the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame. As veterans, these citizens have bravely served our country and their selfless efforts deserve considerable recognition.

The Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society is committed to promoting camaraderie among those who have served and continue to serve the state of Arizona and our country. Its message of perpetuating service and patriotism through recognition is inspirational to the entire community. These individuals have been selected for this prestigious honor by the Office of Governor Janet Napolitano as well as the Arizona Department of Veterans' Services.

These Arizona residents were selected to be part of the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame not just because they honorably served our country, but because they have continued their commitment to the idea of selfless service throughout their lives.

I commend the Arizona Veterans Hall of Fame Society for awarding such deserving citizens. These four people truly exemplify the courage and patriotism that we as Americans value so highly. As members of Hall of Fame Society, I am sure these veterans will continue to serve and inspire future generations.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Ralph Browning, Tris Castle, Robert Delker, and William Wallace's continued service to the community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Joseph Stalnaker and the Paws with a Cause organization. On the morning of Wednesday, September 13, 2008, Mr. Stalnaker suffered a seizure as a result of an injury he received while serving in the U.S. military. While Mr. Stalnaker was unable to help himself, his trained service dog, Buddy, managed to place the 911 call that saved his life. He had adopted Buddy from Paws with a Cause a year earlier.

The Paws with a Cause organization trains seeing eye and service dogs to be placed for adoption by people with disabilities. They are the nation's largest non-profit group providing service dogs trained especially to handle people with seizure-related disorders. Their goal is to not only assist people with serious disabilities, but to encourage them to be able to live independently. Paws with a Cause purveys a message of awareness through education, and provides service dogs to its clients free of charge.

Through these advocacy programs, people with disabilities like Joseph Stalnaker, who bravely served our country, are able to live independently. The Paws with a Cause program tirelessly serves the community, providing both aid to those with disabilities, and providing homes to many dogs that would not otherwise have these opportunities.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the Paws with a Cause organization

and one of its fortunate beneficiaries, Joseph Stalnaker.