Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Susan ``Sue'' Ringler, who has been named as the 2009 Humanitarian of the Year by the Tempe Community Council. The Tempe Community Council was founded in 1972 with the mission of ``connecting those in need with those who care,'' and has been honoring exceptional individuals with the Don Carlos Humanitarian Award for the past 26 years. Sue exemplifies the definition of a humanitarian, and is incredibly deserving of this award.

Sue has worked to serve her community and the city of Tempe in numerous and incredible ways. Currently a faculty associate with Arizona State University's School of Nursing and Healthcare Innovation at the West Campus, Sue is also the pastor of Guardian Angels Catholic Community. In the past, Sue was the manager of Paz de Cristo food kitchen in Mesa when it began in 1988, and worked to make sure that this kitchen had a permanent location to feed the homeless. Sue also served as manager of Ten Thousand Villages, a non-profit fair trade shop that sells crafts made in third world countries and sends the profits directly back to the artists. Sue also played a critical role in the development of both the Interfaith Hospitality Emergency Lodging Program and Tempe Homeless Connect.

Sue has contributed so much to the Tempe community with her unwavering devotion to helping the homeless and those in need. She is a role model for our community, and demonstrates what it truly means to be a humanitarian. Please join me, Madame Speaker, in congratulating Sue for receiving the Don Carlos Humanitarian Award, and for recognizing all of her past achievements.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the Manager's Amendment to the Solar Technology Roadmap Act, H.R. 3585.

We're lucky in Arizona to enjoy over 300 days of sunshine. We have a real opportunity to brighten our state's future by investing in solar energy research and technology.

As solar technology advances, I believe that Arizona will be a leader in clean, alternative energy production. Refocusing our energy production on alternative sources such as solar is critical for our national security and the environment.

Moreover, investing in solar energy is vital to Arizona's economy.

With the help of solar tax credits, Abengoa Solar and Arizona Public Service are developing the world's largest solar energy plant outside of Gila Bend. The Solana solar generating station will create 1,500 to 2,000 jobs and provide clean, emission-free energy for 70,000 homes. Solana is expected to ultimately spur $1 billion in economic development.

H.R. 3585, the Solar Technology Roadmap Act, is critical in order to spur further research and development of solar technology. This legislation would establish a Solar Technology Roadmap Committee tasked with creating a Solar Technology Roadmap to evaluate near-term, mid- term, and long-term research, development, and demonstration needs in solar technology. This Committee would include stakeholders in the solar industry to provide insights on the deployment of this technology.

I would like to thank Chairman Gordon for working with me to ensure that the Solar Technology Roadmap would also address an important obstacle blocking the advancement of solar technology today--namely that this technology is expensive.

I offered an amendment to H.R. 3585 to ensure that the Solar Technology Roadmap includes research and development goals for improving the cost-effectiveness of domestic manufacturing of implements and devices used in the production of solar energy.

The Chairman graciously agreed to include my amendment in the manager's amendment.

If we are serious about making large-scale solar energy production a reality, it is critical that we focus our research efforts on ensuring that solar technology is affordable and competitive with other sources of energy.

I would also like to take a moment to thank Congresswoman Giffords for her hard work on this bill.

I urge my colleagues to support the manager's amendment as well as the underlying legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Mr. Richard L. Boals, who has been selected to receive the Anti-Defamation League's Jerry J. Wisotsky Torch of Liberty Award. The ADL is a national non- profit organization committed to combating all forms of prejudice and discrimination, as well as defending democratic ideals and protecting civil liberties for all. The Jerry J. Wisotsky Torch of Liberty Award recognizes outstanding leaders who have demonstrated a serious commitment to the social, economic, cultural, and environmental well- being of their communities.

Mr. Boals is an exceptional community leader who epitomizes the ideals of the Torch of Liberty Award. As president and chief executive officer of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Mr. Boals is in charge of the state's leading health insurer. His long history of service to his community includes serving on the

board of directors for Greater Phoenix Leadership, the Translational Genomics Research Institute, the Arthritis Foundation Greater Southwest Chapter, the Arizona State University (ASU) W.P. Carey School of Business Center for Services Leadership, the ASU President's Club, and the ASU Dean's Council of 100. Mr. Boals is also co-chair of the Phoenix Police Reserve Foundation board of directors and is currently working with the Salvation Army as their Capital Campaign Committee Chairman. In addition, Mr. Boals has served in the past as chairman of the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, the Arthritis Foundation Greater Southwest Chapter, the Arizona Quality Alliance, the Arizona Affordable Health Care Foundation, and Teach for America.

Through his contributions to his community, Mr. Boals also serves as a great role model to all of us. Again, I congratulate Richard Boals on this award, and I thank him for everything he has done for his fellow community members.

Madam Speaker, I rise today on behalf of thousands of constituents in my district who are still struggling to cope with the housing crisis.

Arizona consistently ranks among the Nation's top three States in foreclosures. As a former mayor and a homeowner, I recognize the negative impact foreclosures have on home values and neighborhoods.

Earlier this year, as part of the American Reinvestment and Recovery Act, we took an important step forward. We passed a temporary $8,000 tax credit for first-time homebuyers.

The good news is that tax credit has worked. Closer to home, in the Phoenix metropolitan area, according to at least one recent survey, home sales have reached 9,614 in June, up 11 percent from May.

However, I believe we need to expand this credit to make it available to any American who wants to buy a home, not just first-time homebuyers. As the expiration of the current homebuyer tax credit approaches, I want to encourage my colleagues to consider supporting legislation to expand and extend the homebuyer tax credit.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the many contributions of the India Plaza to the city of Tempe. The India Plaza has been a strong and distinctive feature in the Tempe community since 2003. The plaza serves as a window into the Indian culture, showcasing India's food, clothing, music and hospitality.

Since its beginnings, the plaza has continuously thrived. Its business owners and employees have partnered with local charities and been active in the Tempe Chamber of Commerce. Those same merchants also worked to create a safer environment by promoting the addition of crosswalk and signal access near the plaza.

I am truly privileged to represent such a strong cultural fixture in our district and will continue to treasure the plaza's addition to Tempe's diversity. As many in the Indian community decorate their homes with lights, share sweets and start the new financial year in celebration of Diwali, I am honored to share in their celebration. Again, I am proud to serve the India Plaza and am eager to see its continued success and growth.

Therefore, I urge you Madam Speaker, in rising to congratulate the India Plaza on its partnerships and accomplishments within the community of Tempe, Arizona.

Madam Speaker, it is with great remorse that I rise today to remember the life of Navy Seal, SO2, Ryan Job. Ryan joined the Navy in 2002 with the goal of joining the select Navy Special- Operations Force, known as the SEALS. Ryan was eventually deployed to serve in Iraq in 2006. While on patrol in the city of Ramadi, Ryan was wounded in an assault, which resulted in the destruction of one of Ryan's eyes and severing the optic nerves of the other. This attack left Ryan entirely blind. After spending time in multiple military hospitals across the country, Ryan's stamina and determination allowed him to make a full recovery, and in 2007, he and his wife Kelly moved to my district and settled in North Scottsdale. There, he was able to complete his business degree, and landed a job with General Dynamics.

Ryan was able to make this smooth transition back to a civilian life with the help of the non-profit Sentinels of Freedom Scholarship Foundation. This incredible organization is devoted to providing aid and support to injured men and women of the U.S. armed forces to help them realize their goals of returning back to their homes and becoming productive and active members of society. The Sentinels of Freedom helped Ryan to locate the condo he and his wife chose to live in, found him the job at General Dynamics, and also enrolled him in online classes to allow Ryan to finish his degree. In return, Ryan became a spokesman for the organization and an advocate for veterans, as he wanted to make sure that his fellow men and women in uniform would be able to make the same transition as he did.

On September 24, 2009, Ryan underwent another surgery. However, this time, there were complications, and in an absolutely heart-breaking turn of events, our brave and inspiring friend Ryan Job passed away.

Madam Speaker, I hope that you will join me in remembering and celebrating the life of Ryan Job. My thoughts are with Ryan's family and loved ones during this difficult time. Ryan is a hero to us all. He will be dearly missed, but he will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of America's service members who devote their lives to defending and serving this great country.

The Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009, H.R. 3590, will help strengthen our Nation's housing industry while ensuring that our honorable service men and women can take full advantage of the benefits they have earned through their service and sacrifice.

Earlier this year, we enacted a temporary $8000 tax credit for first time-time homebuyers.

So far, the tax credit has worked. According to Moody's chief economist Mark Zandi, almost 400,000 new and existing home sales are attributable to the tax break.

In the Phoenix metropolitan area--we have seen a growth in first-time home sales, especially of homes below $150,000. According to at least one recent survey, home sales reached 9,614 in June, up 11 percent from May.

Current law, however, requires first-time homebuyers who use the $8,000 tax credit to repay the credit if they move from their principal residence within three years of closing.

This is a problem for service members, who are often required to redeploy overseas within a three year period. We need to ensure that service members are not adversely impacted by simply carrying out their duties.

The Service Members Home Ownership Tax Act of 2009, would exempt service members from the repayment requirement if they are deployed overseas within three years of using the home buyer tax credit.

I encourage my colleagues to honor the men and women who serve this country and pass this important legislation.

Madam Speaker, earlier today I, along with Representative Dean Heller of Nevada introduced the Protecting Resort Cities from Discrimination Act of 2009.

If enacted, the bill would prohibit federal agencies from discriminating against cities like Scottsdale, Arizona, and Reno and Las Vegas, Nevada, simply because they are great places to visit.

Scottsdale, and resort destination cities like it, are reeling right now--not just from an economic downturn, but from stigma. Business travelers are reluctant to avail themselves of the great facilities and great value we have to offer, out of fear that they will be accused of inappropriately vacationing on the company dime.

In Arizona, some are calling it the ``AIG effect.''

As a result, an already difficult situation has become dire.

Earlier this year, the Arizona Republic reported that, in Scottsdale alone, an estimated 80 events and business meetings had been canceled and local resorts had lost a combined $23.9 million from groups fearing a public-relations backlash.

Scottsdale's hotel occupancy is down nearly 12 percent, and revenue per available room is down nearly 30 percent.

The ripple effect this has had on our economy is even worse. Restaurants, suppliers--you name it--they're all suffering.

And it doesn't help when the federal government tells the business community that they're afraid of giving us their business, too.

Cities like Scottsdale, Reno and Las Vegas should have every bit as much right to win federal meeting and conference business as anywhere else. If we can provide the right facilities at the right price, we shouldn't be punished because we also happen to be great places to visit.

If enacted, the Protecting Resort Cities from Discrimination Act would stop that from happening. The bipartisan bill would prohibit federal agencies from discriminating against cities that are perceived to be resort or vacation destinations when planning events, meetings or conferences.

I want to assure my colleagues that nothing in this bill will encourage federal agencies to undertake any additional or unnecessary travel. I firmly believe that federal agencies have an obligation to ensure that tax dollars are not wasted or misused.

All this bill would do is ensure that, when appropriate, cities like Scottsdale have a right to compete.

I want to thank Rep. Heller for his partnership on this legislation and I urge my colleagues to support it.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate National Job Corps Day on Capitol Hill, which takes place September 23, 2009. This day-long event will recognize the 45-year anniversary of Job Corps, which has been dedicated to helping young people launch stable careers.

Since its start, Job Corps has been committed to helping young people, ages 16-24, get connected with the resources to be successful in the workforce. With 123 campuses, Job Corps is a nationwide tool for many young Americans to gain the essential education and work skills. I am pleased to have such a strong and active branch of the organization right here in Maricopa County, serving young people across the valley.

At its core, Job Corps exemplifies the importance and true value of education. As a former teacher, I believe education is the foundation for preparing our youth to thrive in the future. Through efforts like Job Corps, we can work together to make higher education and careers attainable for all youth.

Madam Speaker, please join me in celebrating the 45th Anniversary of Phoenix Job Corps.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a member of the Armed Forces from my home state of Arizona. Every month, Scottsdale Healthcare honors service members who perform diligent service to this country. For the month of August, they have recognized First Lieutenant Michael Parrish.

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

Parrish joined the Army National Guard in 2001 to further his education and serve his country. After completing basic training, he provided medical coverage for cadets who were training at West Point Military Academy. During his tenure, 100 percent of the cadets finished the training without injury. This September, Parrish will deploy to Vicenza, Italy, to provide care to Army soldiers and families.

In addition to his military work, Michael is an avid supporter of the Scottsdale Healthcare Military Partnership Training Program, which is designed to ensure military medical personnel have the necessary skills and experience to operate in a wartime setting. Without a doubt, his outstanding leadership and dedication contribute to the success of this very important 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 congratulate David Carey on being honored with the Robert Woods Johnson Community Leader Award. David is currently the Human Services Co-op Board Chair of Inspire, an organization that aims to empower individuals with disabilities to direct and control their own services in a way that promotes community life.

David's journey began in 1988. One evening, as his roommate and a friend were examining a gun, it went off, shooting a bullet into his spine as he slept. In just moments, he went from dreaming of becoming a professional baseball player to facing the rest of his life with quadriplegia. While this sudden change of circumstance would deter many people, David redirected his energy to help other people with disabilities.

Today, David's leadership impacts the lives of over 500,000 people with disabilities in the Phoenix area. Since 2006, when he led a group of individuals to create Inspire, David has secured long term contracts to provide attendant care services and ensure that individuals across Arizona receive the quality of care they deserve. He has also worked with local transit authorities to create accessible public transportation throughout the Valley of the Sun.

When I was an Arizona State Senator, David would come to my office to lobby on disability issues. It did not make any difference how hot it was outside; David put in the effort and make his way to the State Capitol, usually on public transportation. I was impressed with him then, and continue to be impressed with his accomplishments now.

The Robert Woods Johnson Foundation Community Health Leaders program each year honors 10 outstanding and otherwise unrecognized individuals who overcome daunting odds to improve health and health care, especially to underserved populations in communities across the United States. The program elevates the work of these unsung heroes, like David, through enhanced recognition, technical assistance and new leadership opportunities. I know he will use these new resources to improve the lives of Arizonans with disabilities.

Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulating David Carey on being honored with the Robert Woods Johnson Community Leader Award. His dedication to creating better communities is an example for us all.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Penny Brophy, who is retiring from the City of Tempe after twenty four years of distinguished service. Penny possesses a quick wit and enthusiastic personality that endears her to her fellow co-workers. She also has the rare ability to interject humor in even the most stressful situations, and is always generous with her time to help her co-workers.

However, Tempe's loss is the Brophy family's gain. She will now have more time to spend with her husband, Bob and their children, Howard and Laurie. As a grandparent myself, I also know she will love having more free time to dote on her own four grandchildren--Adam, Jessican, Dylan and Sydney.

Penny, congratulations on your retirement, and I hope you enjoy your hard-earned leisure. You are a rare gem and will be truly missed.

Penny started her tenure with Tempe while I was Mayor, and I am pleased to recognize her accomplishment today. Madam Speaker, please join me in congratulation Penny Brophy on a distinguished career of service.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the Mountain View Little League's All-Star team, which won the 2009 Junior League Baseball World Series. I share the pride of from around my Congressional District and state that this inspiring and hard-working team hails from our community.

After a 24-game winning streak, the Scottsdale-based team claimed the World Series title, beating a team from Aruba. However, it is not just their impressive record or title that makes them an exceptional team. Their qualities of dedication, hard work and perseverance brought the team to victory. As a former teacher and coach, I know from experience the importance of these values, which are essential both on and off the field.

Therefore, I am truly privileged to celebrate the win of such a determined and good-spirited team. The team's heart and unity has paid off and should serve as an inspiration for all. I have high hopes for all members of the team and I am confident that they will continue to make Arizona proud, whether in baseball or any other future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to enter into Congressional Record the names of the Mountain View Little League's All-Star team: Jake Anderson, Dylan Cozens, Michael DeRegis, Jimmy DiTroia, Cody Erickson, Lucas Jacobi, Zac Janikis, Grant Martinez, Duncan Morfitt, Ryan Riggs, Michael Salazar, Luc Trotta, Mo White; Coaches Jim DiTroia, Darin Trotta and Manager Steve Erickson.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Scottsdale Deputy Fire Chief James Ford for his induction into the Arizona Fire Service Hall of Fame on September 10, 2009. Chief Ford will be recognized for his continued dedication and service to the community. The Arizona Fire Service Hall of Fame recognizes those who make constructive contributions to their community.

Throughout his career, Chief Ford has worked tirelessly to promote the safety and security of the Scottsdale community, and his efforts have saved countless lives. He has dedicated much of his career to ensuring the safety of every community member by pushing for the installation of residential and commercial sprinkler systems. His pioneering research and advocacy on behalf of mandatory sprinkler systems, which activate automatically during a fire emergency to preserve lives and property, has established Scottsdale as a national and international leader in fire safety.

I am proud to represent such a compassionate and hard working individual in my district. Not only have his efforts benefited the community, but he has inspired communities elsewhere to develop and implement mandatory sprinkler ordinances.

Therefore, I urge you Madam Speaker to join me in recognizing and congratulating James Ford on his recent induction and his lasting contributions to his profession and community.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the consecration of the first Armenian Apostolic Church in Arizona, which will take place Sept. 20 in Scottsdale, and to honor the many valuable contributions the Armenian community has made to our state.

The Armenian community first came together in Arizona in an organized way just over a half century ago, and it has grown and flourished ever since. The first Armenian clergy who visited Arizona performed their services in the homes of local residents while community members worked together to donate and save for a permanent worship center.

In 1963 the State of Arizona officially acknowledged the Armenian Apostolic Church of Arizona. A few years later, a local Armenian family donated property in Scottsdale for the first church site. In 1992, the church established the Armenian Church Cultural Center and later the Eleanora Ordjanian Library on that site.

And on Sunday, Sept. 20, this inspiring story will culminate with the consecration of the first Armenian Apostolic Church, a new sanctuary that was made possible with the support and hard work of countless community volunteers.

Madam Speaker, please join me in recognizing the contributions of the Armenian community to Arizona and in wishing them well on the consecration of their new sanctuary.