Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall Nos. 538 and 539, I would have voted ``yea'' on both.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 4104) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition and celebration of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and add extraneous material on this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to urge approval of H.R. 4104, the Pro Football Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act. Since being introduced on February 28, 2012, we have gathered 294 cosponsors.

I would like to give a special thanks to Representatives Stivers and Shuler for helping me collect such a large and bipartisan group of cosponsors. I would also like to thank the chairman and ranking member of the House Financial Services Committee, Representative Bachus and Representative Frank, for their support.

The bill before us celebrates the 50th anniversary of the Pro Football Hall of Fame, the pride of Canton, Ohio. The Hall opened its doors on September 7, 1963. Six legends were enshrined that day: Sammy Baugh, Red Grange, George Halas, Don Hutson, Bronko Nagurski, and Jim Thorpe. These titans were the first of the 273 men who are now enshrined in the Hall of Fame. And I must add that 23 of those members are from Ohio.

Americans from all walks of life have enjoyed the game of football for decades, and the Pro Football Hall of Fame ensures the achievements of the gridiron's greatest will be remembered and preserved for generations of future fans.

Since its opening almost 50 years ago, the Pro Football Hall of Fame has attracted more than 9 million visitors to Ohio from across the world. Through its media and Internet outreach, nearly 15 million more participate in Hall-related activities.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame's efforts go beyond preserving the history of the gridiron. Two of the Hall's core missions are educating youth and promoting positive values.

A few highlight programs exemplify its missions: Camps for Kids, designed to promote good nutrition and physical fitness; the Hall's Black History Month program, which details the African American experience in professional football; the Hall of Fame Reader, a kindergarten through 12th grade summer literacy program; and teacher workshops for graduate and continuing education studies.

These educational programs are designed to strengthen core curriculum knowledge and skills across key learning areas: the arts, geography, health, history, language arts, math, and science.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of our sports heroes, but it also will help support those exceptional philanthropic efforts. Each coin will be sold for an amount that recovers all real and imputed cost plus a surcharge, so there is absolutely no cost to the taxpayer. Once the Hall raises matching funds from the private sector, it may claim the surcharges that will be available to help finance the expansion and renovation of its facilities and carry out its mission.

We are now at the goal line and prepared to put this legislation into the end zone. I urge all Members to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank the gentleman from New York for his inspiring comments.

I would agree that the Pro Football Hall of Fame is a great asset not only to the city of Canton, the State of Ohio, and America, and the accomplishments that it provides other than just enshrining inductees are a great asset to this hall.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I ask my colleagues to join me in passing H.R. 4104, and I yield back the balance of my time.

House of Representatives,

Committee on Ways and Means,

Washington, DC, August 1, 2012.

Hon. Spencer Bachus,

Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Bachus: I am writing concerning H.R. 4104,

the ``Pro Football Hall of Fame Commemorative Coin Act,''

which is scheduled for floor action the week of July 30,

2012.

As you know, the Committee on Ways and Means maintains

jurisdiction over matters that concern raising revenue. H.R.

4104 contains a provision that establishes a surcharge for

the sale of commemorative coins that are minted under the

bill, and this falls within the jurisdiction of the Committee

on Ways and Means.

However, as part of our ongoing understanding regarding

commemorative coin bills and in order to expedite this bill

for floor consideration, the Committee will forgo action.

This is being done with the understanding that it does not in

any way prejudice the Committee with respect to the

appointment of conferees or its jurisdictional prerogatives

on this or similar legislation in the future,

I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming

this understanding with respect to H.R. 4104, and would ask

that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be

included in the Congressional Record during floor

consideration.

Sincerely,

Dave Camp,

Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of this motion to instruct the Surface Transportation bill conferees. The EPA's proposed rule to classify coal ash as a hazardous material is yet another example of this administration's continual attack on coal and the affordable domestic energy it generates.

The production and use of coal ash has grown into a multi-billion dollar industry supporting thousands of jobs in my home State of Ohio. Coal ash is used in more than 75 percent of the concrete primarily because of its cost effectiveness. Eliminating it would force concrete producers to use expensive alternatives, driving up the cost of building roads and bridges in America by more than $5 billion a year. That means construction costs won't go as far at a time when our infrastructure is in dire need of repair.

In addition, classifying coal ash as a hazardous material will prove extremely costly for coal-fired power plants. Some energy companies may analyze the costs and find it simply too expensive to continue operating. Others may attempt to pass the new costs on to consumers in the form of higher utility costs. Either way, the outcome would be devastating for a State like Ohio that derives 80 percent of its electric power from coal. With our economy still struggling, that is the last thing Ohio businesses, construction companies, and families need right now.

Despite decades of research and studies concluding there is no reason to consider coal ash hazardous, many of which the EPA itself carried out, the Agency now appears willing to jeopardize thousands of jobs with this inaccurate ruling. It is critical that efforts are taken to prevent the implementation of this regulation. Instead, allow each State to set up their own coal ash recycling programs following existing EPA health and environmental regulations. This approach will protect jobs and our economy in my home State and across America.

I applaud Representative McKinley for his continued leadership on this issue, and I urge the conferees to keep the bipartisan House language in the final version of the Surface Transportation bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 436, the Health Care Cost Reduction Act.

Over the past 18 months, the House has been focused on legislation that will help set the table for job creation. This recession has proven more stubborn than previous ones in part because it hits solid, middle class jobs the hardest. The medical technology industry, however, is one area where America remains a global leader in manufacturing. There are more than 35,000 medical technology industry jobs in Ohio alone, well paying jobs too. Unfortunately, the President's health care law wants to punish this industry's success.

His overhaul of the health care industry created a 2.3 percent tax on medical device sales in the U.S., which will be implemented just 6 months from now. As a small business owner myself, I understand this tax will have a huge negative impact on this industry, killing American jobs, slowing medical innovation, and harming America's global competitiveness. That is because this tax is on revenues, not profits.

Some in the Halls of Congress and in this administration who have never worked in the private sector may not realize it, but that is an important distinction. Placing the tax on the revenue side makes it much more costly for small device makers to pay for it because many of them have high revenue levels, but much smaller profit margins. You're taxing them based on how much business they do, not on how much money they make, an idea only career politicians could dream up and attempt to implement.

Over 75 percent of medical device makers are small businesses with fewer than 50 employees. As such, it has been estimated that this tax will lead to somewhere between 15,000 and 50,000 lost jobs. I will not stand idly by while this tax threatens jobs across the country and my home State of Ohio. That is why I stand in strong support of the Health Care Cost Reduction Act, which would repeal this tax. And I thank Representative Paulsen for introducing it. We simply cannot be competitively global when we tax our manufacturers and our small businesses at a higher rate than our foreign competitors tax theirs.

I call on my colleagues from both sides of the aisle to practice some economic common sense and join me in voting to repeal this tax.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 50, Wednesday afternoon, I was participating in an important subcommittee meeting and was unable to make the first vote of the series. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

I want to thank the gentleman from Texas for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in opposition to the Democratic motion to instruct and in support of an initiative in this bill that I believe will have a positive impact on our Nation's staggering unemployment rate.

In these uncertain economic times, we must allow States the ability to pursue innovative, pro-work strategies, and we must grant them the flexibility to build effective employment programs. Every day, I hear from businesses in my district in Ohio that are ready to hire but that cannot find the right person. Most of those currently collecting unemployment insurance want to return to work as soon as possible.

We must implement measures and expedite reemployment without adding to the deficit. A concept for granting States the flexibility to redirect a portion of unemployment benefits to an employer was included in the original bill. In exchange, the employer would hire a qualified unemployed worker at a higher rate than that individual would have received on unemployment.

This commonsense legislation is a win for the unemployed, for employers, and for taxpayers. I urge Members to support the underlying bill and to oppose any effort to limit this initiative.

I thank the gentleman for yielding. I would like to thank Chairman Camp and Chairman Davis for their hard work on the much- needed reforms to our unemployment insurance program.

The Bureau of Labor Statistics reported today that there are over 3.3 million job openings in America. According to studies earlier this year, 22 percent of American businesses and 57 percent of small businesses are looking for employees and are ready to hire, if they can just find the right people. Matching willing employers with able workers is an absolute must.

In this uncertain economy, helping to cover the risk of training a new employee will help the unemployed back to work. Using unemployment dollars to subsidize the training of a new employee to reenter the workforce is just good public policy.

In June, I was proud to introduce the bipartisan-supported EMPLOY Act, to give States the flexibility to do precisely this. I remain very proud today that my concept is included in this package.

Support this bill, which gives States like Ohio the flexibility to use unemployment dollars for job-training services, and I want to thank the chairmen for working with me.

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 817, due to flight cancelation and subsequent delay traveling to Washington from my District, I was unable to vote. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 816, due to flight cancellation and subsequent delay traveling to Washington from my District, I was unable to vote.

Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize U.S. Army 1st Lt. Ashley I. White Stumpf--a member of the North Carolina National Guard's 230th Brigade Support Battalion, 30th Heavy Brigade Combat Team. She was attached to a Joint Special Operations Task Force in Afghanistan when she and two Army Rangers were killed as enemy forces attacked her unit with an improvised explosive device.

Ashley was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a Medical Service Corps Officer after receiving a commission from Kent State University in 2009. After completing both the medical services officer basic course at Fort Sam Houston, Texas, and the U.S. Army basic airborne course at Fort Benning, Georgia, she volunteered to become a member of a new tactical force called Cultural Support Teams.

Cultural Support Teams highlight the importance and necessity of women on the battlefield today. Their primary task is to engage the female population in ways that would be culturally inappropriate if performed by a male service member. As a member of only the second class of women to enter this program, Ashley was a trail-blazer. Cultural Support Team members assist in a variety of functions in Afghanistan, including medical programs, searches and seizures, humanitarian assistance, and civil-military operations. In support of these special Special Operations units, Ashley exposed herself to danger on a regular basis and has now become the first casualty in what the Army says is a new and vital wartime attempt to gain the trust of Afghan women. She will be remembered for her sacrifice for years to come.

Ashley's awards and decorations are many and include the Parachutist Badge, the Ohio Faithful Service Ribbon, the Armed Forces Reserve Medal, the Army Reserve Achievement Medal, and the National Defense Service Medal. She will be posthumously awarded the Bronze Star, the Purple Heart, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal, and the Combat Action Badge.

Lt. Col. David Hodne stated it well when he said, ``Ashley was an incredibly talented officer and teammate who lost her life while committed to making a difference in our effort in Afghanistan. She demonstrated a level of quiet courage that set the example for others to follow, and we will never forget her sacrifice. Her family is in our thoughts and prayers.''

A native of Alliance, Ohio, Ms. White Stumpf is survived by her husband Cpt. Jason Stumpf of Raeford, N.C., her parents Robert and Deborah White, twin sister Brittney and brother Josh, all of Alliance. Loved by friends, family and citizens across this nation, Ashley will remain a shining example of selfless sacrifice.

I honor Ashley's life, her service, and her memory. She will surely be missed by many, but she--along with all of our fallen heroes--will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I want to congratulate Melissa Seibert, of the Stark County Chapter of the American Red Cross, for receiving the Ohio Commendation Medal. This is the highest Ohio military honor and is awarded to only a few distinguished persons each year. It is presented to each person who, while a member of the state military forces, distinguishes himself/herself while serving in any military capacity by meritorious achievement and in an outstanding manner.

Melissa Seibert began her work with the Red Cross in 1999, where she started as a First Aid and Disaster Action Team volunteer. Shortly after, she was asked to be the Health and Safety Instructor; leading to a promotion to a position in the Health and Safety Services Department. In 2004, Melissa became the Assistant Director of Emergency Services, and in 2008 was challenged with the opportunity to develop a new Military Outreach program.

The development of the Military Outreach Program has become a vital part of the military community in the Stark County area. Melissa's passion and dedication has taken the program to great heights, providing military families in the community with much-needed support, resources and strength. She provides support for military personnel during times of deployment and organizes many ``Welcome Home'' and ``Send Offs'' for the military men, women and family members. Melissa is the foundation of the ``Military Family Connection'' support group, where family members of service personnel meet to support each other and gain valuable information on many local resources. She also hosts quarterly ``Psychological First Aid'' programs for local families dealing with the stress and emotions that come with the deployment of a loved one.

Ms. Seibert has successfully networked with countless military groups and associations in the community; strengthening the common bonds that tie these families together. She works closely with Blue Star Mothers, USO, the Regional Inter-Service Family Assistance Committee and the Gold Star Mothers. In addition, Melissa participates on the board for

the Stark County Safe Kids and the Federal Emergency Management Agency,

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Marine Sergeant Daniel J. Patron. Sgt. Patron--a member of the 8th Engineer Support Battalion, 2nd Marine Logistics Group, II Marine Expeditionary Force-- was tragically killed on August 6 while trying to defuse a roadside bomb in the Helmand province of Afghanistan.

Our Explosive Ordinance Disposal, or EOD, teams are even more important and face even more dangerous tasks now that we are dealing with an enemy who relies on improvised explosive devices. From the start of our combat operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, insurgents have often refused to fight our forces in the open, choosing instead to hide in the shadows waiting to attack our brave men and women from afar.

Standing between our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines and those insurgents are our EOD teams. They selflessly place themselves face-to- face with increasing advanced and intricate explosives. Their office resides fully in harm's way, and they know one loose wire or one extra- sensitive detonator could kill them or their team members. Still they accept the job of protecting their brothers and sisters, too often laying down their own lives in the process.

I have no doubt Sgt. Patron knew the risks he took on a daily basis. He knew that each day the challenges would be great and the task at hand would be vitally important. That kind of noble commitment to others may seem incredible to many of us. But what it is truly remarkable is how often we see it from those who serve in our Armed Forces. Daniel was certainly no exception.

Sgt. Patron leaves behind his wife Cody Drace Patron, his parents Frank and Kathy, and his older brother Matthew. I would like to pass on my deepest condolences to his family and share with them the thanks of a grateful nation. Daniel was, and will remain, a shining example of the best America has to offer.

I honor Daniel's life, his sacrifice and his memory. He will surely be missed by many, but he--along with all of our fallen heroes--will not be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th anniversary of the Sacred Heart Catholic Church in my home town, Wadsworth, Ohio.

Sacred Heart has been encouraging the Wadsworth community to participate, celebrate and spread Catholic values for over a century, and quite successfully, I might add. Sacred Heart aims to empower and encourage others to make a positive difference in the world. With their devotion to the community comes the lasting effect of true humanitarian work.

As a proud member of this parish, it has been a truly humbling experience to witness so many students, faculty, volunteers, and citizens brought together by this one entity. Sacred Heart has been a place of learning, sharing the Catholic faith and creating life-long friends for the last 125 years.

It is my pleasure to commemorate this momentous anniversary and to acknowledge all of their accomplishments within the Wadsworth community.

Mr. Chairman, I rise for the purpose of asking the gentleman from New Jersey, the subcommittee chairman, to engage in a colloquy on the importance of solid oxide fuel cell technology and the need to maintain sufficient funding levels for research and development of this critical asset.

Mr. Chairman, I first want to commend you on the fine bill. This bill, which I know was full of difficult choices and competing priorities, comes in more than 16 percent less than the administration's request, marking a clear commitment to fiscal discipline and restraint. I understand that within the Fossil Energy Research and Development account the committee has appropriated $25 million for the research, development, and demonstration of solid oxide fuel cells.

Is my understanding correct, Mr. Chairman?

If the gentleman will continue to yield, I appreciate his kind words about this particular innovative technology.

I believe that properly funding solid oxide fuel cell systems is an important step towards an all-of-the-above energy policy. The technology will help increase American energy capacity, reduce emissions, reduce our dependence on imported oil, and encourage the sustainable use of domestic hydrocarbons, including coal, oil, and natural gas, particularly newly discovered shale gas in the Marcellus and Utica formations located within my home State of Ohio.

It is my understanding that the Department of Energy's Solid State Energy Conversion Alliance, or SECA, is a model example of a public- private partnership that creates jobs, promotes private investment, and enhances our energy security. It is also my understanding that preserving the current funding level is paramount in protecting over 700 existing SECA-related private sector jobs. Moreover, ensuring timely commercialization of this technology will provide the basis for broader domestic economic growth, potentially paving the way for creating thousands more high-tech, high-skilled American manufacturing jobs.

Does the chairman agree with this understanding?

I appreciate the gentleman's commitment to this technology and to working to ensure that this funding level, approximately 50 percent less than in fiscal year 2011, is not needlessly reduced any further for the coming fiscal year.

I again thank the gentleman from New Jersey and the ranking member from Indiana for their hard work on this bill.

I thank the gentleman for yielding and also for his hard work on the amendment on behalf of American small businesses.

I rise today in strong support of the Peters-Renacci amendment--a commonsense, no-cost study to determine the best method for American small businesses to obtain and enforce patent protections in foreign countries.

Industries that rely on intellectual property employ nearly 18 million American workers and represent 60 percent of American exports. As these industries continue to grow globally, foreign patent protection will become increasingly important to protect these workers' jobs, promote exports and expand our economy.

Our economy is becoming more global by the day, with foreign innovators testing the outer reaches of imagination and enjoying the strong support of their home nations. China, for example, is becoming increasingly aggressive at protecting their innovators' intellectual property rights and is subsidizing applications for foreign patents. We must develop a way here at home to make American small businesses equally competitive in the foreign marketplace. In order to compete with China, we have to stand behind our innovators with equal force.

Our amendment simply directs the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office to conduct a joint study with the Small Business Administration to issue recommendations on how America can do just that. Furthermore, this study is to be completed within 120 days, giving the 112th Congress ample time to implement its recommendations.

Not only are jobs and the economy paramount, but promoting American innovation is also important. Innovation is about much more than economic growth. It breaks boundaries, connects people from distant lands, fires the imagination, and sends a message of hope to those who need it most. Americans should be on the cutting edge of innovation, and this amendment is a good first step toward that direction.

I would again like to thank Mr. Peters as well as Chairman Smith and Ranking Member Conyers. I urge support of the amendment.