Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to reaffirm my support for Israel.

I was saddened to see the recent disagreement between our two nations spill out onto the front pages of newspapers around the world.

These headlines belie the close and vitally important relationship the United States and Israel enjoy, and will continue to enjoy.

And it is important for the world to know that we stand shoulder to shoulder.

Israel shares our democratic values. And they are forced to defend these values daily against countless in their neighborhood who would like to wipe Israel off the map.

The threat of rocket attacks is nearly constant for Israelis. I had the opportunity to visit Israel last year, and I witnessed firsthand some of the damage caused by rocket attacks by Hamas from Gaza. I am amazed at the determination of the Israelis to continue to lead normal lives despite the constant threats and reminders of terrorism. It was particularly evident during a trip to Sderot, at an indoor playground that also functions as a bomb shelter.

The threat from Iran is even more ominous. The Holocaust denials, the arms shipments to terrorists, the quest for nuclear weapons--to say this is alarming would be an understatement.

These actions are not just a threat to Israel, they are a threat to the United States, and that is why I support strong sanctions against Iran.

That is also why I believe we are lucky to have a close ally like Israel in the region.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize an outstanding member of the Armed Forces from my home State of Arizona. Each month, Scottsdale Healthcare honors military personnel who perform diligent service to this country. For the month of March Scottsdale Healthcare has recognized Captain Randolph E. Derr.

I commend Scottsdale Healthcare for recognizing Captain Derr for his life-saving service to our country.

Captain Derr recently completed a yearlong tour as a critical care nurse at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Germany. While there Captain Derr provided life-saving care to wounded service members suffering from combat injuries, including traumatic amputations, burns, head injuries, and fractures. For his outstanding service, Captain Derr was awarded the Army Commendation Medal. This was Captain Derr's third post-9/11 deployment which included a year in Afghanistan and eight months in Kuwait.

In his new role as a clinical educator for the Military Partnership Training Program at Scottsdale Healthcare, Captain Derr will use the experience he acquired during his deployments to educate military medical personnel about wartime medical skills. His efforts will advance the critical care skills of deploying military personnel and improve the medical readiness of our Nation.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing a truly outstanding Army Nurse for serving our country and caring for fellow service men and women in combat.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Michael Young, named one of Arizona's top youth volunteers for 2010 by the Prudential Spirit of Community Awards. This award recognizes Michael's outstanding volunteerism and his contributions to the animal-assisted therapy program at Phoenix Children's Hospital.

At only 12 years of age, Michael founded the Swing Fore Kids Golf Classic, an annual charity golf tournament. In the four years since its inception, the Classic has raised approximately $200,000, ensuring that the hospital's patients will have the opportunity to receive animal- assisted therapy. This therapy has been proven to provide positive physical and emotional benefits by motivating patients to help themselves.

A community's quality of life is determined by many factors, such as the policies set by city government and the programs available to its citizens. However, I believe that a community rises and falls on the shoulders of its citizens, and the contributions they make to that community. Michael exemplifies this commitment and raises the bar for everyone around him.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Michael Young's continuing work for the animal-assisted therapy program at Phoenix Children's Hospital in Arizona.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to applaud the accomplishments of 11 retired Seniors from the East Valley who have been awarded the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for Lifetime Achievement. This prestigious award honors those who have provided more than 4,000 hours of volunteer service over the course of their lifetime. The President's Volunteer Service Award program was created as a way to thank and honor Americans who, by their demonstrated commitment and example, inspire others to engage in volunteer service.

This year's recipients of the Presidential Volunteer Service Award for Lifetime Achievement are exceptional individuals who epitomize the true meaning of service. These 11 honorees exhibit a sincere commitment to helping others and creating positive communities.

As a representative, I am fortunate to have such benevolent and dedicated individuals serving within my district. Each one of the recipients should serve as an inspiration for us all and encourage us to make service a central part of our lives.

Madam Speaker, it is my honor to officially recognize Kay Fisher, Shigeko Godsey, Kenneth Hawkes, Marietta Hopkins, Gertrude Huhn, Rena Johnson, Peter Loguda, Pamela Manaos, Helen McShane, Susanne Ulbrish and Grant Whitney for their outstanding service to our community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor William ``Bill'' Kajikawa, a legendary former football, basketball and baseball coach at Arizona State University, who passed away Monday, February 15.

Kajikawa began coaching at Arizona State in 1937 and retired after close to 40 years of dedicated service. Kajikawa served as head basketball coach from 1948 to 1957 and was head coach of ASU's club baseball team from 1947 to 1957. Additionally, Kajikawa worked as the freshman football coach under nine ASU head football coaches.

Kajikawa took his only break from ASU during World War II, where he served with distinction in the Army's 442nd Regimental Combat Team. The 442nd was manned entirely by Japanese Americans and was the Army's most decorated combat unit.

Kajikawa has been recognized on numerous occasions for his tremendous accomplishments. In 1995, Arizona State University honored Kajikawa in a ceremony that named the Sun Devil football practice field The Bill Kajikawa Practice Facility. He was inducted into the Arizona Basketball Hall of Fame in 1968 and the ASU Hall of Distinction in 1982. Moreover, the American Legion selected him in 1976 for the Americanism Award to applaud his service to young people.

A true Sun Devil, Kajikawa possessed an enthusiastic personality that inspired student athletes to excel. He will long be remembered and honored for his strong leadership and passion for athletics. I am privileged to have known Coach Kajikawa and his wonderful family, and to have had the opportunity to represent such an incredible mentor. Please join me, Madam Speaker, in remembering his distinguished legacy.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the fifth annual Dialysis Awareness Walk taking place Sunday, March 7, 2010. The Sunset Kiwanis Club of Fountain Hills and DaVita Patient Citizen's Group has organized this wonderful and exciting event.

I would particularly like to honor Edward Stizza for his efforts coordinating this annual event, and for his tremendous commitment to educating the community about Chronic Kidney Disease and End Stage renal disease. The proceeds from the walk will benefit the Dialysis Patient Citizens Group, a non-profit organization that provides education for dialysis patients and their families. Additionally, the walk provides an invaluable forum for organizations to answer questions and provide pertinent information regarding diabetes, kidney dialysis, nutrition and organ transplants.

More than 20 million Americans have chronic kidney disease, which if left untreated can lead to End Stage Renal Disease. However, with the help of individuals like Mr. Stizza, and particularly his work organizing the Dialysis Awareness Walk, we can raise the public awareness of this debilitating disease and the plight of the more than 400,000 Americans who rely on kidney dialysis today.

Madam Speaker, please join me in applauding the fifth annual Dialysis Awareness Walk. I am confident that this event will do much to increase support and funding for those whose lives are intimately affected by chronic kidney disease.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 100th anniversary of Scottsdale's Little Red Schoolhouse. The schoolhouse has been a prominent pillar within the Scottsdale community since its beginnings and an important historic marker of how far the city has developed.

Since its construction in 1910, the schoolhouse has continuously evolved to match the needs of a flourishing community. Originally designed as a school for eight students, the schoolhouse now serves as a historical museum under the leadership of the Scottsdale Historical Society. Over its many years, it has also served as a polling place, a Sunday school, a county court office and as Scottsdale's Town Hall.

The schoolhouse fostered the growth of the community and symbolizes Scottsdale's continued prosperity. I am confident that the schoolhouse will continue to thrive and serve Scottsdale for the next 100 years.

Madam Speaker, please join me in commemorating Scottsdale's Little Red Schoolhouse, and expressing gratitude to all of the volunteers and advocates of historical preservation who have made this special celebration possible.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a member of the Armed Forces from my home state of Arizona. Every month, Scottsdale Healthcare honors military personnel who perform diligent service to this country. Scottsdale Healthcare has recognized U.S. Army Staff Sergeant Tim Copeland for the month of February.

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

Copeland has served as an Information Systems Operator and Analyst for the Army since 1992. He has been deployed twice to Kuwait and is currently deployed for a two-year tour at Camp Arifjan, Kuwait.

During his service Copeland has received numerous awards, all of which serve as a tribute to his honorable character. He has received the Presidential Service Badge, two Joint Meritorious Unit Awards, a Joint Service Commendation medal, two Army Commendation medals and seven Army Achievement medals.

Staff Sergeant Copeland is the brother of Clare Copeland, who works in the Emergency Department Admitting Office at Scottsdale Healthcare. Clare is an avid supporter of the military partnership training program.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 25th anniversary of Tempe Leadership. Tempe Leadership has continuously identified bright and exceptional community members and nurtured their leadership skills through education, experience, exposure and service.

In its 25 years, Tempe Leadership has played an essential role in fostering tomorrow's community leaders. To date, Tempe Leadership boasts more than 400 graduates, including highly accomplished elected officials, board members, and numerous business and non-profit executives. Each year, participants of the program tackle a class project, which utilizes their skilled and unskilled physical labor to give back to Tempe.

I would like to congratulate Tempe Leadership on 25 years of success, and express my gratitude for the profound contributions its graduates have made to our community's quality of life. Because of Tempe Leadership, their positive impact on our community will be felt for decades to come.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Tempe Leadership's impressive 25 years of service. The program's dedication to enhancing Tempe leaders should serve as an inspiration to us all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many contributions that the Mekong Plaza has made to the City of Mesa and surrounding communities. In just over a year since its Grand Opening, Mekong Plaza has proven to be a distinctive and uniquely wonderful element of Mesa's community. The grocery story and many shops and restaurants serve as a window into the Southeast Asian culture, showcasing Vietnamese food, clothing, culture and hospitality.

I especially want to recognize that, this year, all of the proceeds from Mekong Plaza's annual Vietnamese Tet New Year Celebration--the largest such event in Arizona--will be donated to provide services to the needy and to assist public safety through the non-profit CARE Partnership and the Mesa Public Safety Foundation.

I am truly privileged to represent such a strong cultural fixture in our district and will continue to treasure the plaza's addition to Mesa's diversity. As many in the Vietnamese community decorate their homes with flowers and share special cuisine to start the New Year, I am honored to share in their celebration. Again, I am proud to serve the Mekong Plaza and am eager to see its continued success and growth.

I urge you, Madam Speaker, to join me in rising to congratulate the tenants and management team at Mekong Plaza for their tremendous service and contributions to Mesa and the surrounding community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to applaud the tireless work of Arizona State Senator Carolyn Allen on behalf of women's reproductive rights. This week, Planned Parenthood will honor Senator Allen's commitment to ensuring all Arizona women have the right to seek reproductive services.

In her 16 years of public service at the Arizona Legislature, Senator Allen has continuously displayed tenacity in promoting women's rights. Despite facing loud opposition and political pressure, Senator Allen has never shied away from separating from party lines to support reproductive freedom. A staunch believer in woman's right to choose, Senator Allen opposed legislation that would hinder a woman's ability to seek these vital services. Again and again, Senator Allen stood up against her party and stood with the women of Arizona. Her unwavering dedication has earned Senator Allen the respect and admiration of many of her peers.

As the quest for reproductive freedom continues, Senator Allen's exhaustive efforts remind us of all the dedicated individuals who diligently work behind the scenes to promote and protect a woman's right to choose. I am humbled to have such a charismatic advocate as a colleague and a friend.

Madam Speaker, please join me once more in congratulating Senator Carolyn Allen as she is honored with this well-deserved recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to once again urge my colleagues to cosponsor H.R. 4255, Stop the Automatic Pay Raise for Members of Congress in Fiscal Year 2011 Act. Representative Ron Paul and I introduced a bipartisan bill which has 117 cosponsors, because we think that at a time like this, it is simply unconscionable for Members to be seeking a pay raise.

Unless Congress acts, that is precisely what will happen. Americans are struggling. They're not getting a pay raise and neither should Congress. President Obama has frozen pay for senior White House officials. Chief Justice Roberts recently announced that he is not seeking a salary increase for Federal judges this year. Congress should follow suit. We hear an awful lot about fiscal discipline in this Chamber. We talk the talk. Mr. Speaker, it is past time for us to walk the walk. I urge my colleagues to do the right thing by cosponsoring H.R. 4255 and stop Congress from getting a pay raise.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Maryanne Weiss, on being named ``Woman of the Year'' by the National Bank of Arizona Women's Financial Group. This prestigious honor is given to women in business whose contributions and leadership positively influence our community.

Ms. Weiss is deeply involved with promoting strong business values in the Valley. In 2008, she was named the first woman Chair of Greater Phoenix SCORE. Additionally, Maryanne is a Skills Commissioner for the Arizona Department of Education. Through these platforms, she serves as a positive mentor for Valley women, helping them reach their full leadership potential.

In creating the foundation for business women to thrive, Maryanne has become a shining example of true community service. Her dedication to connecting women with the resources necessary to grow their businesses should serve as an inspiration to us all.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing Maryanne Weiss as she is honored with this well-deserved ``Woman of the Year'' award.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a member of the Armed Forces from my home state of Arizona. Each month, Scottsdale Healthcare recognizes service members who perform diligent service to our country. Scottsdale Healthcare has recognized Captain Joseph A. Iannitti for the month of January.

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

Captain Joseph A. Iannitti is the son of Susan Iannitti who has worked for Scottsdale Healthcare for 23 years and is currently the Supervisor of Registration.

Captain Iannitti has served in the Army for nine years and is currently the Executive Officer for the 286th Signal Company, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade at Fort Bliss, Texas. Next month, he will deploy to Kuwait where he will be serving a one year tour of duty as a Communications Officer for the 3rd Battalion, 43rd Air Defense Artillery Regiment, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade.

During his service Joseph has received numerous awards, all of which serve as a tribute to his honorable character. He was awarded two commendation medals, an achievement medal, good conduct medal, national defense service medal, reserve mobilization medal and a global war of terrorism service medal.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing this courageous service member for his outstanding contributions and service to our country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a member of the Armed Forces from my home state of Arizona. Each month, Scottsdale Healthcare recognizes service members who perform diligent service to this country. Scottsdale Healthcare has recognized Captain Joseph A. Iannitti for the month of January.

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

Captain Joseph A. Iannitti has served in the Army for nine years and is currently the Executive Officer for the 286th Signal Company, 11th Air Defense Artillery Brigade at Fort Bliss, Texas. Next month, he will deploy to Kuwait as a communications officer.

During his service Joseph has received numerous awards. He was awarded two commendation medals, an achievement medal, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Reserve Mobilization Medal and a Global War on Terrorism Service Medal.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing this courageous service member for his outstanding contributions while serving our country.