Floor Statements

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

I rise in strong support of H.R. 360 to posthumously bestow Congress' highest civilian honor to Addie Mae Collins, Cynthia Wesley, Carole Robertson, and Denise McNair.

I also want to commend my two colleagues on the Financial Services Committee--Ms. Sewell and our chairman emeritus, Mr. Bachus, both from Alabama--for bringing this bill before the House.

Mr. Speaker, I was a mere child when these innocents were murdered. I am

no longer a child, but I'm the father of two small children--a 9-year- old and an 11-year-old. I cannot imagine the unspeakable horror of knowing that my children were in church and that one of the great acts of evil known in our Nation's history could be perpetrated upon them.

That act 50 years ago jarred millions in our Nation to the realization that racial prejudice and hatred had just manifested itself in pure, unimaginable evil. Within a year, this body had passed the 1964 Civil Rights Act.

In his eulogy for these four little girls, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said:

These children--unoffending, innocent and beautiful--were

the victims of one of the most vicious, heinous crimes ever

perpetrated against humanity. Yet, they died nobly. They are

the martyred heroines of a holy crusade for freedom and human

dignity.

I certainly cannot add to the words of this great American hero, martyred himself.

I will just end by saying, Mr. Speaker, it is a good and right thing that this body honor these innocent children martyrs, that we never forget, that we always confront evil, and although our Nation was founded on noble principles, we must never cease the work of making America a more perfect Union. With the passage of this bill, I think we do one small act to do that.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor the Martin's Mill Lady Mustangs basketball team, which won the Texas Class A Division I High School Basketball Championship on March 2, 2013. This victory marked the third time since 2006 the Lady Mustangs have captured the title.

I would like to especially recognize team members Alyssa Pate, Brianne Miller, Hannah Celsur, Cassidy McCoy, Taylor Munns, Haily Jenkins, Bailey Caldwell, Cheyenne Brown, Madison Daniel, Meagan Weatherford, and Hailey Hawes. I would also like to recognize Head Coach Doug Barncastle; Assistant Coaches Laura Jenkins and Don Tarrant; and Managers Hailey Celsur, Jacee Greenlee, Jillian Jones, Megan Lafleur, and Adrianna Weatherford.

On behalf of the Fifth District of Texas, I am honored to congratulate the Martin's Mill Lady Mustangs--both players and coaches--for their talent, dedication, and exceptional performance. I am confident that this is an accomplishment these young ladies will remember for the rest of their lives.

I thank the gentleman for yielding, and thank him for his leadership on this critical issue.

Mr. Chairman, we have heard from so many of our colleagues that budgets are about priorities, and I believe this to be true. So what does it say about Democrats' priorities when the President is almost 2 months late in submitting his budget, and Senate Democrats have taken over 4 years to even bother to write a budget?

I suppose it says, Mr. Chairman, that budgets have a way of getting in the way of Democrats as they wish to tax us more, as they wish to borrow more money from China, money our kids have to pay back, and budgets get in the way of Democrats wanting to spend more of our money on a Washington insider economy that doesn't work for the rest of us.

We know that ObamaCare just raised $1 trillion of taxes, much of it falling on working families. The so-called ``fiscal cliff'' raised taxes almost another $700 billion, much of it falling on small business owners who can no longer offer raises, promotions, or even hire new workers. And now all these Democrat budgets are looking for an additional trillion dollars of tax increase on top of that. That comes out to about $9,000 for every working household in America.

Mr. Chairman, that is not fair, that is not helpful to this struggling economy. No nation in the history of the world has ever taxed its way into prosperity. America will not be the first.

Mr. Chairman, no nation has ever spent its way into prosperity; yet the Democrat budgets continue a spending spree that is driving us towards national bankruptcy. A day of reckoning is coming. You cannot have Federal programs going at 2 percent, 4 percent, 6 percent, 8 percent when the new reality under this President is 1\1/2\ to 2 percent economic growth, and the family budget, which ultimately pays for the Federal budget, is stagnant.

The families that I represent in the Fifth Congressional District of Texas have several concerns. They want to feel more secure in their jobs. They want to quit seeing their paychecks shrink in the face of higher prices. They want a healthier economy where their success is dependent upon how well they work, not on who they know in Washington. In other words, they don't want a Washington insider economy where they can only succeed if Democrats choose to invest in them.

Mr. Chairman, not every American belongs to a government employee labor union that supported the President in the last election. Not every American has a failing bankrupt solar energy company. So for the rest of them, these hardworking Americans, they want an opportunity, and they want a Main Street economy that, if they work hard and they play by the rules, every American can succeed.

And, finally, the people I represent believe it is just immoral, immoral to saddle our children with this trillion dollars of debt. That is why I am proud to support both the Republican Study Committee budget and the House Republican budget. They will help bring us a vibrant, competitive economy through pro-growth tax reform, a whole new Tax Code which is fairer, flatter, simpler, and more competitive, a budget that is guaranteed to grow jobs and paychecks. And contrary to the Democrat budget, no tax increases on anybody.

We quit spending money we don't have, and I know my Democratic colleague is very sensitive about the balance issue because they have a budget which never balances. The American people demand one; the Republican Study Committee and the House Republican budget deliver it. For a fairer economy, for a balanced budget, for a greater future for our children, we need to support these Republican budgets.

Mr. Speaker, today, I honor a mother and her child.

A member of my staff recently gave birth to her daughter, who had a fatal birth defect and could not survive outside of the womb.

This absolutely devastating condition unfortunately happens to many children each year. We rarely hear of these cases, though, because such pregnancies are often terminated.

But there are also many mothers who choose to carry their sons and daughters to term--providing nourishment and the most loving home possible here on earth.

This child had a name--Kari Grace. And she had a mom, Kirsten, and dad, David.

That is why I am sharing this story today--so that other women might hear it, and might feel that they are not alone, and know that caring for their child is an act of pure, unselfish love worthy of recognition.

Most of us will never meet these children. But they exist, and we will forever be touched by the grace of knowing that a life was created and a mother was made.

Thank you, Kirsten, for displaying such strength and love to a world that doesn't always recognize it. And to Kari Grace--please know you created a great mom, and that you will always be loved and remembered.

Mr. Speaker, this year marks the 40th anniversary of ``Operation Homecoming,'' which made possible the release of hundreds of American heroes held captive in North Vietnam.

One of those courageous POWs is my friend and our distinguished colleague, Congressman Sam Johnson of Texas, who didn't see his family for seven years as a prisoner of the North Vietnamese. Forced to endure severe torture, solitary confinement, malnutrition, and attempts by their captors to force confessions for propaganda, Sam Johnson and countless other American POWs conducted themselves with uncommon courage and heroic strength of character.

In Sam's book, ``Captive Warriors,'' he writes about a phrase found scribbled onto the walls of his cell: ``Freedom has a taste to those who fight and almost die that the protected will never know.'' Because of men like Sam, I know that my nine-year-old son and my ten-year-old daughter sleep in a freer and a safer America tonight.

President Calvin Collidge once said, ``The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.'' I, for one, am committed to ensuring this nation never forgets the sacrifice Congressman Sam Johnson and the countless American POWs who have endured such extreme hardship--and in many cases paid with their lives--to protect the freedom we cherish.

Mr. Speaker, as a Texan and as an American, I am proud to salute patriot Sam Johnson.

Mr. Speaker, I submit for publication the attached copy of the rules of the Committee on Financial Services for the 113th Congress:

Rule 1

general provisions

(a) The rules of the House are the rules of the Committee

on Financial Services (hereinafter in these rules referred to

as the

``Committee'') and its subcommittees so far as applicable,

except that a motion to recess from day to day, and a motion

to dispense with the first reading (in full) of a bill or

resolution, if printed copies are available, are privileged

motions in the Committee and shall be considered without

debate. A proposed investigative or oversight report shall be

considered as read if it has been available to the members of

the Committee for at least 24 hours (excluding Saturdays,

Sundays, or legal holidays except when the House is in

session on such day).

(b) Each subcommittee is a part of the Committee, and is

subject to the authority and direction of the Committee and

to its rules so far as applicable.

(c) The provisions of clause 2 of rule XI of the Rules of

the House are incorporated by reference as the rules of the

Committee to the extent applicable.

Rule 2

Mr. Speaker, my prayers today are with the family and loved ones of Chief Petty Officer Chris Kyle. I was deeply saddened to learn of the tragic shooting of two men, including Chief Petty Officer Kyle, that took place in Erath County, Texas on February 2nd. A Navy SEAL, Chief Petty Officer Kyle earned distinction for his actions in battle during several tours of duty in Iraq, and is renowned as the most lethal sniper in American military history. Chief Petty Officer Kyle--by all accounts, a devoted father and husband--committed his life after serving to assisting his fellow veterans.

I join the citizens of a grateful nation in honoring Chief Petty Officer Kyle and all of our current and former military personnel for their valiant service. As the son, grandson, and brother of veterans, I deeply appreciate the brave men and women who have sacrificed to make our country and the world a better, safer place to live. President Calvin Coolidge once said, ``The nation which forgets its defenders will itself be forgotten.'' I agree, and will do my utmost to make sure that our defenders, such as Chief Petty Officer Kyle, are remembered.

Mr. Speaker, today we as a Nation reflect on the 40th anniversary of the Supreme Court's decision in Roe v. Wade. It is estimated that in the 40 years since that fateful decision, 55 million abortions have been performed in the United States of America--millions of unique and precious human lives ended by the unspeakable tragedy of abortion.

As a matter of morality, history, science, reason, and most of all faith, I can come to no other conclusion but that every human life begins at conception and every life is worthy of protection. We have a sacred responsibility to protect the innocent and defend the rights of those who are unable to defend themselves. The struggle to protect life is truly a struggle to change hearts and minds. It requires faith, reason, debate, action, and compassion.

Often we hear that we ought to do something for the least of these; truly, unborn life is the least of these. Let us recognize it. Let us hold it precious. Let us live up to our responsibilities from the Creator and grant those yet to be born that precious right to life.

Later this week, thousands of citizens will fight for the rights of the unborn by participating in the March for Life in Washington, D.C. Thousands more will march to support the inalienable right to life in local events in Texas and around the country. I applaud those who attend, both in body and spirit, for their determination to uphold the sanctity and dignity of human life and wholeheartedly support their efforts.

Madam Chair, there is no doubt that Hurricane Sandy rendered unspeakable damage to lives and property on our East Coast. It truly represents one of the great natural disasters of recent history. For millions of our fellow citizens, the devastation has been unfathomable. We are a compassionate nation, and that is why the House of Representatives is taking up its second Hurricane Sandy relief bill.

Sadly, Hurricane Sandy isn't the only disaster we face as a nation. The tragic reality is that our nation is broke. We have amassed more debt in the last four years than was accumulated from President George Washington through President Bill Clinton. Our spending trajectory is unsustainable by any account. Our swelling $16.4 trillion debt threatens our national security, our economic well-being and our children's very future. If we don't quit spending money we don't have, it is they who will become the next victims--think Greece. It is past time to re-examine the proper role of the federal government in providing disaster relief and how that relief is financed.

In the wake of a tragedy like Hurricane Sandy, all agree, no matter what, that disaster victims must receive basic necessities like food, water, power, medicine and law enforcement. This is undebatable. Yet as we continue to borrow more than 30 cents on the dollar, much of it from the Chinese, can and should the federal government continue to fund the restoration of private homes, businesses and automobiles? When wealthy states like New York and Connecticut spent $4.7 million on streetscapes and $30 million a year in taxpayer funds to rent new office space while state-rented office space stood vacant, can and should the federal government continue to pay to rebuild their infrastructure?

According to a recent report by the Heritage Foundation, the yearly average for disaster declarations has grown from 28 during the Reagan administration to 90 during the Clinton administration, 130 during the George W. Bush administration, and 153 during the Obama administration. This isn't just nature at work. This is a move toward ``nationalizing'' disaster, consequently lowering the threshold of what is considered truly disastrous. This has allowed states and localities to abdicate more and more of their responsibilities to a federal government that owns a printing press for money and has no balanced budget requirements. Also, spending restraint is usually the first thing to go in the heat of a crisis--especially when someone else is picking up the tab.

Case in point: The Sandy relief bill passed by the Democratic- controlled Senate in the 112th Congress--the same Senate that has refused to pass a budget in the last three years--includes $150 million for fisheries as far away as Alaska, $8 million to purchase cars for the Homeland Security and Justice Departments, $58.8 million to replant trees that were damaged on private land, $135 million to improve weather forecasting, and $10.78 billion largely for future construction improvements to public transportation not even related to Hurricane Sandy. In fact, 64 percent of the so-called ``emergency'' funding in this bill will not be spent until 2015 or later. We must always be vigilant to ensure the Obama administration's cynical motto, ``never let a serious crisis go to waste,'' is not allowed to rule the day.

Given our spending-driven debt crisis, changes must be made. Like many members of Congress, when disaster has befallen my district or state, I have worked to help ensure funding was provided through the Federal Emergency Management Agency. However, I have consistently fought for disaster funds to either be in the budget or offset through the rescission of lower-priority spending. A nation on the road to bankruptcy must prioritize its spending. There should be no more ``emergency'' disaster funding without offsetting cuts to lower priority spending.

Next, the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) must be functionally and significantly reformed. I have long been critical of this ineffective, inefficient and indisputably costly experiment in government-provided flood insurance. The program operates with non- actuarial rates, encouraging unsustainable development and running up $21 billion in debt with zero hope of repayment. A reauthorization bill passed last year began eliminating outdated subsidies, but Sandy hit before many of these provisions could take effect. Certainly, we have a contractual obligation to pay the NFIP claims of people whose lives were turned upside down by this terrible storm. Yet we also have an obligation to ensure hard-working taxpayers aren't always stuck bailing out failed government programs. The Financial Services Committee, which I chair, will take up legislation to get the government out of the subsidized insurance business and transition us to a private, stable insurance system that can keep the promises it makes without borrowing tens of billions of dollars that we do not have.

America is not just operating on borrowed money--we're operating on borrowed time. Today, it is not a question of if bond markets will turn on us, but when. Unless we change our out-of-control spending ways, we will be the first generation in American history to leave the next generation with less freedom, fewer opportunities and a lower standard of living. We have no greater moral responsibility than to preserve the blessings of liberty and opportunity for future generations. A compassionate nation will not allow a great physical tragedy of today to ever become an even greater fiscal tragedy for our children tomorrow.

There's no doubt that Hurricane Sandy rendered unspeakable damage to both lives and property on our east coast. It represents truly one of the great natural disasters of recent history.

For millions of our fellow citizens, the devastation has been unspeakable and unfathomable. It is time, obviously, to rebuild homes, buildings, and lives. For the victims who paid for flood insurance policies with the National Flood Insurance Program, their claims need to be paid, and paid now.

But, Madam Speaker, here's the tragic reality: The National Flood Insurance Program is broke. It is beyond broke. It is now taxpayer- bailout broke. Regrettably, not unlike our Nation, broke, trillions in debt--debt to the Chinese, the shameful bill sent to our children and grandchildren.

So right here, right now, Madam Speaker, Members are faced with a tragic choice of not paying contractual claims to victims who paid premiums or adding $9.7 billion to an insane national debt that threatens our national security, our economic well-being, and our children's future. Emergency bills like this should not come to the floor without offsets to pay for it or structural reforms to ensure that taxpayer bailouts are never needed again. Regrettably, less than 24 hours into a new Congress, there is simply not time for this.

As many in this body know, I have long been critical of the National Flood Insurance Program. For more than four decades, this experiment in government-provided flood insurance has proven to be ineffective, inefficient, and indisputably costly to hardworking American taxpayers.

Last Congress, we passed a reauthorization bill with modest reforms to begin eliminating outdated subsidies and get the program on a path towards actuarial soundness.

But Sandy has hit before many of these provisions could take effect.

As chairman of the Financial Services Committee, I wish to inform all Members in this Congress our committee will take up legislation to transition to a private, innovative, competitive, sustainable flood insurance market, one that serves the needs of all of our countrymen but ends the unsustainable taxpayer bailouts once and for all. A great fiscal tragedy of today should never become an even greater fiscal tragedy for our children tomorrow.

I thank the gentlelady for yielding to me.

Mr. Speaker, an hour ago, I had no idea that I would be on the House floor to witness the farewell speeches of two giants who have served in this institution. In many ways, Mr. Speaker, I approach my comments tonight with trepidation because my voice is most inadequate and unprepared for this moment.

The term ``happy warrior'' was used. The gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake), I have never known him not to have a smile on his face. Mr. Speaker, if there was one individual who summed up the phrase that one man in the right makes a majority, it's the gentleman from Arizona, Jeff Flake.

Mr. Speaker, I have no doubt whatsoever that the other body will never be the same when the gentleman from Arizona steps into that other Chamber--because of his leadership. Many come here and serve. They speak with eloquence. They represent their values. They represent their constituents. But, Mr. Speaker, not all that many leave this institution and can look themselves in the mirror and know they have made a difference. The gentleman from Arizona has made a difference in the people's House and how the peoples's money has been spent.

Mr. Speaker, it's a challenging time in our Nation's history. There's much turmoil. I know many question Madison's genius--perhaps mad genius--in providing for this thing called divided government. It's sloppy; it's messy; it gets a little noisy; it's not always efficient; but it has produced the greatest, freest, most prosperous Republic in the history of mankind. That divided government is played out in this institution by noble men and women who mean well. Again, I find my voice most inadequate to honor the work of these two great men.

I look at the words above you, Mr. Speaker, ``In God we trust.'' Few have lived that and had it emblazoned on their heart as the gentleman from Indiana, Mike Pence.

He knows the words of Jefferson: Can the liberties of a Nation be thought secure when we have removed their only firm foundation, and that is a conviction in the hearts of man that these liberties are gifts of God?

I know this man, this great man from the Heartland. I know Karen, Michael, Charlotte and Audrey. What a strong family. I want to thank them for their sacrifice. We, Mr. Speaker, as you know, we serve our country, but we don't sacrifice. But our families do. What a great sacrifice of the Pence family of Indiana to let this great man come and serve with distinction for these years.

Mike Pence has brought the values of the Heartland to this institution and taught us all well. He has led by example, and he's done something that, frankly, few Members have done, and that is he has inspired us to greatness.

Again, Mr. Speaker, many serve here as public servants, but some go beyond being a public servant and they embody everything that was good and great about the Founders. We have a special word for those people, it's called ``patriot.'' Mike Pence, the gentleman from Indiana, is a patriot. His moral compass always points true north. His humor and compassion have lifted his colleagues in this Chamber in tough and challenging moments.

He embodies that definition of character that he always does what is right even when no one is watching. And because he understands better than most what the true genius of America is, every day he gets up, he praises his Lord, he thanks Him for his family, and he dreams bold dreams because, Mr. Speaker, he is an American.

Mr. Speaker, I've been granted many blessings in life, many blessings in life, few that I will cherish as much as the blessing of fighting for freedom on the floor of the United States House of Representatives at the side of Mike Pence. He has taught me that verse in Proverbs that ``iron sharpens iron.'' Mr. Speaker, he has always sharpened my iron. He has taught me about Proverbs 18:24: And there is a friend that sticketh closer than a brother. Mike Pence is my friend that sticketh closer than a brother.

I've often thought, What is the highest praise that I can pay to such a friend? Back in Dallas, Texas, I've got a son, Travis; he's 9. Since it's a school night, he, hopefully, is not playing Angry Birds or Plants Versus Zombie or some other electronic game. He and his sister are the apple of my eye and my wife's eye. And I think, Mr. Speaker, what kind of life might my son have? How do I want to raise my son? What do I want to teach him? Who do I want him to emulate? Mr. Speaker, I've said this about very few people I have met in life, but Mr. Speaker, I could never be more proud than if my son, Travis Jeb Hensarling, grew up to be like Mike Pence, the Governor-elect of Indiana, my friend, our patriot.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in great honor to recognize my friend and fellow Texan, Ralph Hall, for being the oldest Member of Congress to cast a recorded vote on the House floor. It is not often that I have been given the opportunity to recognize someone with such a long, long, long, very long history of service to our country.

Everyone in this institution knows that Ralph's passion in this institution is science and space and technology. It represents the areas of the committee he now chairs.

When I came here, I asked someone, Why is Ralph such an expert in science? And someone said, Well, you may not know it, but according to some, he was there when Columbus discovered the Earth was round, Newton discovered gravity, and Franklin discovered electricity.

Now, Mr. Speaker, they say that imitation is the greatest form of flattery, and this was a poor attempt on my part to show how Ralph Hall brightens this institution every day with his humor. He is clearly the wittiest Member of Congress in a body that is in desperate need to be brightened up and occasionally benefited by such wit and humor.

But besides his wit and humor, for those who really know him, he is clearly one of the wisest men to ever serve in this body. And I certainly benefit from that wisdom, as do so many others.

Mr. Speaker, we heard earlier that Ralph has said, I'd rather be respected at home than liked in Washington. The truth is, not only is he respected in Rockwall, Texas, he is beloved in Rockwall, Texas. And not only is he liked in Washington, more importantly, he is respected in Washington. And more importantly, he is respected by both Republicans and Democrats alike. And that, Mr. Speaker, is a huge, huge testament.

And so, Mr. Speaker, I'm honored to recognize a Texas legend, a World War II veteran, a statesman, a role model for all American citizens, including my children. I'm honored to recognize him on this historic occasion. I'm honored to recognize this institution for this historic moment. But most of all, I'm honored to call Ralph Hall my friend.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to congratulate a very special organization on a very special anniversary. On Saturday, November 10, 2012, For the Love of the Lake will mark its 200th consecutive month of shoreline spruce-ups that have helped keep the shores of White Rock Lake clean and the surrounding park looking beautiful.

For the Love of the Lake is a truly grassroots effort, made up of caring volunteers who are dedicated to improving White Rock Lake and the surrounding area. The organization is a shining example of conservation and volunteerism in action. For the Love of the Lake shows what good people can do when they come together to accomplish something for the betterment of their community.

My wife, Melissa, and I, along with our two young children, enjoy White Rock Lake, and know that the lake area is important, not just to those who live in the neighboring streets, but to all who come to White Rock Lake to enjoy the landscape, water, trees, and parks.

For the Love of the Lake volunteers understand that we have a duty to conserve these wonderful natural resources for our children and future generations. Since its inception in 1995, thousands of people have given their time, effort, and energy in a variety of ways--from picking up litter, to painting murals and buildings at the park, to attending fundraising events, or helping with White Rock Marathons.

Over the years, For the Love of the Lake has been honored with countless awards and recognized by numerous organizations for their outstanding work. Dallas Observer magazine said, ``For the Love of the Lake is easily one of Dallas' best volunteer service organizations.'' I could not agree more.

On behalf of the people of Dallas, especially those who live in neighborhoods near White Rock Lake, I would like to congratulate the For the Love of the Lake organization and volunteers on their tremendous accomplishment. I would also like to thank them for their continued valuable service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, today I would like to honor Chandler Elementary School of the Brownsboro Independent School District from the Fifth Congressional District of Texas for excellence in education. Chandler Elementary School was named to the United States Department of Education's 2012 Blue Ribbon Schools Program, which: ``recognizes public and private elementary, middle, and high schools where students perform at very high levels or where significant improvements are being made in students' levels of academic achievement.''

Chandler Elementary School's performance illustrates the commitment and dedication of the school board, administrators, teachers, and staff who provide students with a quality education. The school district, parents, students, and community should be applauded for this achievement.

Mr. Speaker, as the representative for the Fifth Congressional District of Texas, I would like to commend Chandler Elementary School for their continued educational achievements.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Speaker, every single day we see more proof of the President's failed economic policies. We just have heard that last quarter's GDP was revised down. It's probably two-thirds of what it ought to be. Forty-one straight months of 8 percent-plus unemployment. Millions can't find jobs; millions more only can find part-time work. Real disposable income of working families down under this President's failed policies.

And because his policies have failed, he resorts to the politics of diversion, division, and envy. Change the subject. Let's talk about taxes. Let's divide Americans into smaller groups and make them envious of each other.

So the President comes and says, Let's increase taxes. Let's increase taxes on a million small businesses.

Fact: Ernst & Young has said this will cost our economy 700,000 jobs.

Fact: Small businesses now say, for the first time in almost 4 years, the greatest threat is not lack of sales; it's taxes. And that's why House Republicans voted yesterday to stop the tax increases. Stop the tax increases.

Today we take the next step, and that is to create a process for a fair, flatter, simpler, and more competitive Tax Code, one that will assure that the family budget doesn't go broke paying for the Federal budget, one that ensures that the success of working families depends on how hard they work in their hometowns and not the size of their tax loopholes in Washington, D.C.

Now, my friends from the other side of the aisle, Mr. Speaker, they have great theories that we're going to tax our way into economic growth. If only we will tax small businesses more, then somehow they'll create more jobs. Beatings will continue until morale improves is their theory.

Well, we have history. We have history. Go to the Coolidge administration, the Kennedy administration, the Reagan administration, the Bush administration. Every time we have lowered marginal rates, every time that we have simplified the Tax Code, not only have we ignited economic growth, but we've actually received more tax revenues.

And yet my friends from the other side of the aisle and the President, they want to defend the status quo, only more so. And now I wake up this morning to discover that, as they defend the global system, that even our Olympians are going to be taxed on their Olympic medals. So we've had a President who told every small business man in America, every small business woman, You didn't build that, by defending this global system, they now tell our Olympians, You didn't win that. That belongs to the Internal Revenue system.

This is what it is about today: less taxes and more jobs; more taxes, fewer jobs.