Floor Statements

To address the House for 1 minute.

In order to achieve real health care reform, the kind of change that would relieve Kansas families and business owners from facing drastic increases in their health insurance premium costs, we must do something to reduce health care costs. If we fail to affect cost, then reform efforts, whatever they may be, will fail because costs simply get shifted and always roll downhill to the patient. This is one of the many reasons I'm so adamantly opposed to the Democrat health care plan.

You may hear that the health care legislation we apparently are going to vote on this week will reduce costs. But the accounting data shows just the opposite. The facts are the facts. Democrats count billions in tax revenues to pay for their plan's new programs, but then they assign those same revenues to preserve Medicare and Social Security. They are double counting. When all the budgetary gimmicks are removed, we see this bill for what it is, a trillion dollar budget breaker that we cannot afford and that won't improve everyday Americans' access to affordable health care. It's the worst of both worlds: Breaking the bank, breaking the Treasury and not controlling health care costs.

Madam Speaker, this past weekend, like many Americans, my wife and I sat at our kitchen table and worked on getting our taxes figured out so we could file our return. Across our country, millions of Americans are working to finalize their annual tax return. It is clear that our system of income taxes is broken. To restore our Nation's economic health, increase personal liberty, reduce cheating and confusion, and restore fairness, Congress must abandon our current tax code and replace it with something much better.

There is no reason that paying taxes should be so complicated and so confusing. The burden in this process that is placed upon individuals and small businesses must be relieved. The IRS itself has estimated that 7.6 billion hours are spent in tax preparation every year. That 7.6 billion hours equates to 3.8 million people working full time for a full year. Congress can simplify this process and reduce the amount of time and energy spent on paying our taxes.

As a longtime supporter of the FAIR Tax, I see H.R. 25 as a step in the direction of liberty and prosperity. The FAIR Tax seeks to eliminate the payroll, estate, and many other taxes to be replaced by a national sales tax levied on purchased goods. Overhauling the U.S. Tax Code is not an easy task to undertake, but reducing the burden of filing taxes should be a priority in this Congress. Anyone who views our tax collection practices can see the flaws. The question is whether Congress has the courage and determination to change it.

The process of tax reform has major consequences for every American, but it is a process that must be started because the consequences of inaction are too costly. The truth remains that Americans want and need some sort of tax filing relief. The need for commonsense reform becomes more obvious during this tax season.

I have called on the newly installed chairman of the Ways and Means Committee, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Levin) to schedule a hearing on the FAIR Tax. I encourage my colleagues who are serious about starting an open conversation on tax reform to join me in this request. The American people are ready to have that conversation, and their representatives should be also.

Americans are in need of tax reform and simplification, but instead, all they are getting from this Congress is increased spending and record deficits. By reforming this broken process, Americans will once more be in charge of their lives and their money.

Over the course of the last several years, American taxpayers have become much more attentive to what is and what is not happening in Washington, DC. Tea Party protests and fair tax advocates are making their voices heard. Their message is clear to Congress if Congress will only listen--simplify the tax code. In doing so, we will create an opportunity for economic growth and new prosperity while increasing personal freedom and liberty.

April 15 is now less than 1 month away. No more business as usual. Let's not let another tax year go by without action to replace our convoluted, confusing, and freedom-restricting tax code.

Mr. Speaker, Iran's nuclear program is progressing at a rapid pace, and absent swift action, Iran could soon build a nuclear bomb, putting the United States, Israel, and the entire Middle East at risk. The need for Congress to pass strong and comprehensive sanctions against Iran is urgent.

Iran currently possesses enough low-enriched uranium to produce two nuclear weapons upon further enrichment. Last month, Iran began enriching the stockpile of low-enriched uranium to a level of 20 percent under the guise of needing more highly enriched uranium for medical purposes; yet the truth is that Iran lacks the technical know- how to turn 20 percent enriched uranium into fuel rods needed to produce medical isotopes.

Rather than meeting its medical needs, this step only puts Iran that much closer to having weapons-grade fuel that could be turned into a nuclear weapon. In fact, nuclear experts say this level of enrichment represents 85 to 90 percent of the work needed to produce weapons-grade fuel. Allowed to continue on this course, Iran could potentially complete the enrichment process in a few months at a small facility, according to former IAEA action team member and physicist David Albright.

The IAEA has also recently raised new concerns about the military nature of Iran's nuclear program. In February, the U.N. nuclear watchdog agency issued a report that said Iran may be working to develop a nuclear-armed missile, adding further evidence that Iran's nuclear work is not for peaceful purposes.

If Iran is successful in building a nuclear weapon and fitting it into a missile, the entire region will be at risk. Iran already has missiles with a range of more than 1,200 miles, which puts Israel, Iraq, Turkey, Afghanistan, Pakistan, Egypt, and the Ukraine and many other countries within striking distance.

Advancements in Iranian technology threaten nations further away from Iran as well. Iran has launched a satellite into space, demonstrating that it has the technical capability that may allow it to build ballistic missiles capable of hitting American cities.

While nuclear proliferation is dangerous in any context, there is greater reason to be gravely concerned about a nuclear-armed Iran. For years, Iran has fought American presence in the Middle East and has supported terrorist groups that have targeted and killed American troops. For example, American officials believe Iran supported the group behind the 1996 terrorist attack on a U.S. military residence in Saudi Arabia that killed 19 of our servicemen. A nuclear-armed Iran would surely put American troops serving in the Middle East today at even greater risk.

In addition, Iran's leaders frequently speak of a world without Israel. The Iranian President has called for Israel to be ``wiped off the map.'' If Iran gets a nuclear weapon, its leader will have the capability to do these hateful, destructive things that they speak of.

Americans and Israelis around the world would also be at likely greater risk of a terrorist attack if Iran obtains the bomb. Iran is already the leading state sponsor of terrorism, funneling money, weapons, and training to terrorist groups, including Hezbollah, Hamas, and other terrorist organizations. These groups have goals and ideologies inconsistent with our American values. Emboldened by a nuclear-armed Iran, they may launch even more frequent and deadly attacks on innocent civilians.

Clearly, the consequences of a nuclear-armed Iran are intolerable. To stop Iran's drive to a nuclear weapon, we must act now and we must act decisively. The House of Representatives and the Senate have both passed legislation to impose strong and comprehensive sanctions on Iran. The Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act and the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act target Iran's reliance on foreign suppliers to meet its fuel needs. Although Iran sits on top of a wealth of oil and natural gas, it lacks the ability to turn much of that oil into gasoline. Consequently, Iran imports 40 percent of its gasoline needs.

The Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act and the Comprehensive Iran Sanctions, Accountability, and Divestment Act offer the best prospect of compelling Iran to give up its pursuit of nuclear weapons. Congressional leaders must quickly resolve the differences between the House and Senate versions of these bills while keeping the teeth of the sanctions intact so the President can sign a final bill into law.

At the same time, the administration and like-minded allies should impose multilateral sanctions now while also pressing reluctant nations to agree to strong and comprehensive sanctions at the United Nations. The administration must also enforce current law and levy sanctions against companies that violate our laws.

Time is not on our side. The sooner strong and comprehensive sanctions are applied on Iran the greater chance we have of preventing a nuclear-armed Iran, saving the lives of many, and enhancing the security of our own and that of our allies in the region.

In an effort to pass health care reform, Democrat leadership is considering a procedural tactic known as the ``Slaughter solution'' that will allow the passage of the Senate health care bill without an actual vote. Skirting a direct vote on a trillion- dollar plan that would increase health care spending, cut Medicare by nearly $500 billion, and increase taxes by over $500 billion is outrageous.

And I'm not surprised that the House Democrats don't want their name attached to this Senate bill, which was pieced together through shameless vote peddling and secret backroom deals like the ``Cornhusker Kickback'' and the ``Louisiana Purchase.'' I'm not surprised that the Democratic leaders want to avoid a direct vote on a partisan measure that infuriated Americans and led to a stunning electoral upset in Massachusetts. I'm not surprised that Democrat leaders don't want their names linked to legislation that fails to reduce costs and adds to increasing deficit.

House Democrats have no problem imposing a flawed plan on the American people, but they are taking every opportunity to distance themselves from the passage of this package.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Tony Bell of Harveyville in the ``Big First'' Congressional District of Kansas. Tony has been selected as a ``Great Comebacks Recipient'' for the central region of the United States. He has been selected for this honor because of his perseverance and determination in the face of medical and physical challenges. Each year, the Great Comebacks program celebrates a group of individuals who are living with intestinal diseases or recovering from ostomy surgery.

Tony is one of over 700,000 Americans who have an ostomy, a surgical procedure that reconstructs bowel and bladder function through the use of a specially fitted medical prosthesis. Many Americans suffering from Crohn's or ulcerative colitis rely on a certain type of ostomy to function on a daily basis. Just like a prosthesis, ostomies help restore patients' ability to participate in the normal activity of daily life.

The Great Comeback Awards program raises awareness of quality-of-life issues for people with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis, colorectal cancer, and other diseases that can lead to ostomy surgery. While ostomy surgery is a procedure that can be life saving, it is also life- changing for these patients. The spirit and courage with which a patient embraces life after ostomy surgery is what the Great Comebacks program celebrates.

Born with a defect of his colon, Tony Bell received an ostomy after birth. The ostomy was reversed a few years later, but Tony received a permanent colostomy at 9 years of age. Following this procedure, Tony was ready to saddle up and grab life by the horns and he embraced a bright future--one he hoped would include a career as a professional bull rider from Kansas. He wasted no time, mounting his first bull at the age of 10. As Tony trained for rodeo events, he also pursued his love of music. In fact, as a high school senior, he was chosen to join the elite Kansas Ambassadors choir on a European tour.

While attending college on a singing scholarship, Tony entered the pro rodeo circuit and competed professionally for two years, even riding in the Cheyenne Frontier Days Rodeo, known as ``Daddy of 'em All.'' Having achieved this childhood dream, Tony has set his sights on a new goal, following in his parents footsteps to become a teacher.

Throughout his life, Tony says he drew tremendous strength from his parents, who taught him to be resilient and to bounce back from whatever life throws your way. He also credits his ``second family,'' Youth Rally, a summer camp for adolescents with an ostomy, for helping him through some rough patches in his life. He now returns to Youth Rally each summer as a counselor and enjoys providing support and encouragement to campers.

Today, Tony is 28 and lives in Harveyville, Kansas with his wife Pam and six-year-old stepdaughter Haiden. He works on the family farm and is just a few credits shy of his special education teaching degree. Tony continues to channel his musical talents by performing in a barbershop quartet with his father. An outdoor enthusiast, he enjoys skydiving and noodling (fishing for catfish with your bare hands). Tony wants to share his story of success so that others with life-changing conditions know that they are not alone and can achieve their goals with hard work, determination, and perseverance. I commend Tony on his efforts and will to help others and I congratulate him on being selected as a Great Comebacks Recipient.

Mr. Speaker, I am here this evening to recognize the Harvest Market for its service to the community and the citizens of Grainfield, Kansas. The Harvest Market represents everything that makes a small-town business work--community support, dedicated employees and a desire to maintain a quality of life for those living in and around Grainfield and Gove County, Kansas.

During my travels throughout our congressional district, the community grocery store has proven itself to be the cultural center of rural Kansas. I frequently hear from Kansans who contact me following a conversation they've heard at the grocery store. Many times the grocery store, along with the local barber shop, provides patrons with the day's current events and activities. Economic development within the First Congressional District of Kansas can easily be seen as whether a community does or doesn't have a grocery store. And I know my colleagues here in Washington, D.C., at least some of them, find that hard to believe that that can be an issue in a community.

The viability of rural Kansas depends upon fresh and affordable food as well as the jobs a grocery store provides. When we lose our grocery store, we begin to lose our town. Grainfield is no exception to this rule. In this tiny community of 300 people, Harvest Market provides the people of Grainfield with everything from a cup of coffee from the in- store shop to the food that will make the evening's dinner.

Dan Godek and his wife, Nicole, own and operate the Harvest Market. The Godeks continue to work hard by supplying a wide variety of affordable produce with meats and dairy products in order to make the local shopping experience more enjoyable. With people in rural Kansas willing to travel to other communities featuring larger stores, maintaining that competitive edge is vital to both the store and the community.

The couple has also made efforts to make the store more energy efficient. They've installed more efficient coolers and are making plans for freezers and reusable grocery bags. These changes for efficiency reflect the long-term goal of maintaining a thriving business in this small town. Store efficiency will help cut down on costs, allowing the Godeks to put the extra money back into the store. This increased input means additional choices for their shoppers.

Harvest Market is a socially important component to Grainfield as well. The store serves as a community center for people to visit with their neighbors. It is here that residents discuss local news and run into old friends. The Godeks also participate and help sponsor community events as their way of giving back to the townspeople. Just a few of their civic activities include organizing and sponsoring Cruise, Shoes and BBQs, as well as sponsorship of the Harvest Pie Festival on Labor Day weekend.

While the Godeks work hard to maintain the success of the store, their fellow residents also have chipped in to help around the store. Dan says that he is very impressed with the locals and how much they've supported him. Customers are more than willing to lend a helping hand by retrieving items from the back and straightening the shelves. One Grainfield resident commented, It's not just my store; it's everybody's store. They're all proud of it too. Even

Dan's mother-in-law makes the point to stop in to help stock shelves.

The willingness of the Grainfield residents to partner with the Godeks to help one another succeed is a great example of the many values that rural America lives by. They can be proud of their achievements, just as I am proud to represent these kinds of people. Congratulations to Dan and Nicole in their efforts at Harvest Market and the services they bring to Grainfield. And thank you to the town of Grainfield and the citizens of Gove County for the support of the Godeks and the Harvest Market.

Madam Speaker, though I was attending a previous engagement in Kansas on Friday, February 26, had I been present in the House of Representatives, I would have voted in opposition to H.R. 2701, the Intelligence Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2010 (rollcall 73). Additionally, I would have voted to support the Republican Motion to Recommit (rollcall 72).

I believe this Intelligence Authorization bill is more concerned with providing political cover than addressing a number of real national security issues, including the administration's misguided efforts to close the Guantanamo Bay detention facility and transfer detainees to the United States, and improving intelligence gathering and coordination in the wake of recent attacks at Fort Hood and the Christmas Day airline bombing attempt.

Mr. Speaker, I am on the floor tonight to request that President Obama include in tomorrow's discussion at the health care summit the issue of medical malpractice reform and defensive medicine--the kind of reform that will relieve Kansan families and business owners from facing higher health insurance premiums. We have to reduce health care costs, and this is a commonsense way to do so. If we do not control those costs, then any reform effort will fail, as the cost of health care and, therefore, the cost of insurance will increase.

Defensive medicine, where doctors order every possible test under the sun for fear of being sued, costs us more than $650 billion each year, or 26 percent of our annual health care spending. These costs increase insurance premiums for doctors, and health care expenses simply get shifted to the patients.

Mr. President, if you are serious about improving patient care and about reducing costs, add medical malpractice reform to the agenda at your health care summit tomorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise this evening to recognize Kansas State University's Proud campaign. K-State Proud was founded in the fall of 2006 as an effort for students to help other students. This year's event will be celebrated this Saturday, February 27, during the Missouri-Kansas State men's basketball game. This is a great concept that reflects our Kansas values of family, community, and stewardship.

There are many people who take college experience for granted. Leaving home to pursue an education is not a given for many families. Certain amounts of financial, emotional, and spiritual support are needed to ensure a student's success. Sometimes bad things happen and students' families fall on hard times. And it's heartbreaking to see a student's dreams and hard work jeopardized by events beyond their control.

The K-State Proud campaign was started in an effort to keep these struggling students in school. It was started by students, for students. Students continue to organize, plan, and execute K-State Proud's activities. This year's co-chairs are Anna Zeiger, Reed Pankratz, and Robert Swift. That is what makes this effort so unique. There are no benefactors or trust funds paying an annuity that funds the tuition or living expenses for a struggling student. This program allows these kids to collect money from their peers and to distribute to those most in need. As a society, we should take a step back and look at what K-State Proud has accomplished. They have had a genuine compassion for complete strangers. They do more than pay lip service to the concept of charity. They put their money where their mouth is.

For a $10 donation, the donor receives a K-State Proud t-shirt to be worn for the designated K-State basketball game. Special thanks should be

given to GTM for donating the t-shirts and Cox Communications for their generous support. A quarter of a million dollars raised by K-State Proud over the course of 3-plus years emphasizes the enormous impact this campaign has had on K-State's student body. The results are real and undeniable.

K-State Proud allowed a student whose hometown of Greensburg, Kansas, which was destroyed by a tornado, to stay in school despite the enormous loss of life and property. K-State Proud provided support to a cancer survivor that would otherwise have had a difficult time completing a college degree. K-State Proud provides these financial awards while also providing the recipients with an emotional boost to overcome their struggles. Money is a necessity, but knowing that someone recognizes your pain and is there to support you is very powerful as well. This sense of community, that we're all in this together, has made K-State Proud a huge success. Some people worry about the future of our country. When I see the K-State Proud movement at work, I realize that there is a new crop of compassionate, principled leaders preparing themselves to better our State and our Nation.

K-State Proud has become a model for other universities searching for a way to unite their student bodies and communities. People familiar with K-State know how special this university is. It is only fitting that the rest of this country learns how special it is as well. I urge you to tune in to the basketball game this Saturday and witness this student body's commitment to each other.

I have used the word ``proud'' many times in these remarks. I'm the proud father of two current K-State students. I'm proud to be associated with such great ambassadors for our State. And I'm proud to be a Kansan. In this case I'm proud to be a K-State Kansan.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Bill Jellison--a lifelong Kansan, a revered educator, and my friend. Bill passed away in April of last year at the age of 82, but he will always be remembered for his nearly three decades of service to Fort Hays State University and for his optimism despite adversity.

A native of Lincoln, Kansas, Bill attended Fort Hays State University and received degrees in 1951 and 1952. Following graduation, he taught high school in southwest Kansas along with his wife, Margaret. In 1960, Bill returned to Fort Hays for what was to become a 28-year career. Bill would serve as dean of men, dean of students, and vice president of student affairs. He retired in 1988.

Bill had two passions in life: helping others and the outdoors. During his tenure at Fort Hays, Bill enjoyed assisting students, particularly those from small towns and rural areas. He dedicated his career to ensuring that students achieved success, assisting in any way possible.

In his spare time, Bill loved to hunt and fish with his buddies and inspired others to share in this interest. One of the boys he inspired to hunt was Randy Wood, who is now a columnist for the hunting magazine Horizontal Bowhunter. Randy's father was Bill's friend and hunting buddy, as was Randy once he became old enough to hunt. After Bill's passing, Randy wrote a heartfelt tribute, describing Bill as a ``big man who loved to talk and always had a smile on his face. The sound of his laughter would fill the room.''

In 1994, Bill tragically suffered a severe stroke that left him disabled. Though wheelchair bound and no longer able to walk the fields for pheasants, Bill remained optimistic. He kept a bright outlook on life and continued to care about others. After a 15-year struggle, Bill passed away last spring. For those of us blessed to have known him, let us be thankful that God places men like Bill Jellison in our lives. May we always remember and honor him.

Mr. Speaker, since the earthquake hit Haiti on January 12, we have all watched with sadness as the death toll rose, prayed for those affected, and rejoiced when survivors were found. It is an event that has directly touched the lives of people around the world, including many at home in Kansas.

I have heard some incredibly touching stories about Kansans affected by the earthquake. Many were in Haiti already serving the people of Haiti and caring for people who are less fortunate than they are.

Thirty-one-year-old Ann Varghese, a graduate of Southeast High School in Wichita and the University of Kansas, was trapped under the rubble of a hotel for 55 hours. In a tiny dark space just 3 feet high and 5 feet long, Ann spent over 2 days with five other people without water and sharing only gum and a lone Tootsie Pop. Though nothing short of a miracle, Ann made it out alive, but sadly for two of her colleagues who were trapped, they did not.

Kim Bentrott of Belleville, Kansas, and her husband, Patrick, remain in Haiti. They made it out of their third-floor apartment just before the building collapsed. Employed through Global Ministries, they have lost their headquarters, school, offices, and medical clinic, but must stay to complete the process of adopting a son, Solomon. Now 14 months old, Kim and Patrick rescued Solomon from a Haitian orphanage as a newborn, and their dedication to providing a loving family for Solomon is an inspiration.

Six residents of the Dodge City, Kansas, area, including John Maples and Greg Love of Montezuma, Terry and Martha Major and Doug McGraw of Pierceville, and Clayton Stolzfus of Meade, all survived the catastrophic earthquake. Unfortunately, this team from Independent Christian Alliance Ministries is still awaiting word when a possible return to the United States can be accomplished.

On a brighter note, Naomi Streck, a Norton native and Wichita State graduate, is part of a 21-member team from Center for Children International Lifeline that escaped unhurt and has returned to Kansas.

Then there is Scott and Wanda Miller of Hesston, who are now safely home with their newly adopted Haitian son, 16-year-old Junior Oranvil Miller.

Many others, such as Jake and Amy Glover of Hays, Kansas, are among the families currently in the process of adopting children and awaiting news from Haiti. Even today, we put pressure on the Department of State to see that this adoption is completed and that their child can be returned to them in the United States.

I am proud to recognize these great individuals and many other Kansans who have devoted their lives to the betterment of Haiti through many years before the crisis and will do so into the future. It gives me hope to see so many Americans and people around the world putting aside cultural, racial, and political differences to band together in our effort to rebuild the damaged nation.

All who have donated money and supplies, served on search and rescue teams and have prayed for those affected deserve our gratitude. Today it was announced that the Kansas National Guard will be sending soldiers to Haiti from their current assignment at Guantanamo Bay. We express our appreciation, and we express our support

and concern for them and their families.

As for those of us in Congress, we are committed to doing everything in our power to ensure a swift and safe conclusion to this crisis. The people of Haiti and those affected by this tragedy are in my thoughts and our family's prayers.

I appreciate the gentleman from Illinois for recognizing me today.

I am here today to honor former Kansas Congresswoman Jan Meyers, a fiscal conservative and a true public servant. Jan served in the House of Representatives from 1985 to 1997, representing the communities around Kansas City. In 1995, she became the first woman chairman of a House committee since 1976.

Before her election to Congress, she served on the Overland Park City Council and as a senator in the Kansas State Legislature. While serving Kansans in the House of Representatives, Jan was a consistent advocate for fiscal responsibility, an example that many in Washington today could follow. Whether she was promoting legislation in the Small Business Committee to protect small business owners or offering conservative solutions during the debate over welfare reform, she always remembered that when Congress spent money, it was the taxpayers' money, not the government's.

She regularly voted to cut taxes so that Americans could keep more of what they earned and worked to reduce the budget deficit and eliminate wasteful government spending. Kansas son and American hero Bob Dole summed it up well when he said of Jan Meyers on the Senate floor that she ``never stopped fighting to reduce the regulatory and tax burdens on America's small businessmen and women.'' She was a true steward of the people's resources and worked hard on their behalf.

Yet it was her caring and attentive nature that Kansans really remember. Although a conservative Republican, Jan reached out to Kansans of every philosophy. She was sensitive to the needs of Kansans and always quick to respond to their problems. Jan never forgot who she worked for and always had time for the folks back home.

To me, Jan was more than an ideal public servant. She is also a friend. The manner in which she met difficult circumstances with a smile gave me comfort on several occasions, and I value her kindness and gentle spirit. While we recognize Jan today, it's also important to note the recent loss of Jan's husband of 56 years, Dutch. Together, Jan and Dutch made a good team and raised two wonderful children.

Our Nation needs more public servants like Jan Meyers, people that are good stewards of taxpayer money and put service above self. Designating a post office in her hometown of Overland Park in her name will remind Kansans of these characteristics and honor her legacy for years to come. I thank Jan Meyers for a job well done and for a life well lived.

I appreciate the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore) for bringing this legislation to the floor.

Mr. Speaker, last month I wrote Speaker Pelosi and insisted that the Stupak-Pitts amendment be preserved in any final version of health care reform legislation. The Stupak-Pitts amendment would maintain the current policy of preventing Federal funds, taxpayer dollars, from paying for elective abortion. This question is even more crucial after passage of H.R. 3590, the Senate health care bill, which allows Federal funds to subsidize elective abortion. Unfortunately, the Speaker has yet to respond to my inquiry.

So this week, the same week as the annual March for Life in Washington, the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. Walden) and I are again sending a request to the Speaker: Madam Speaker, please respond to our request for information regarding your intentions on the Stupak-Pitts amendment in health care reform negotiations. We continue to insist that you keep the exact language of that amendment which passed this House by a wide, bipartisan margin in any final version of health care legislation. Please do not ignore the voice of the American people or their Representatives on this very important issue.

Madam Speaker, a year ago Israel was engaged in defensive operations to protect its citizens from terrorist attacks. In doing so, Israel was exercising the most basic right and responsibility of a state, to protect one's citizens. Troubling, many in the international community condemned Israel's actions. Many more refused to recognize Israel's right to self-defense.

As we begin this new year, I'm here to speak up for the right of sovereign nations to defend their people. Israel has a right to defend itself. The U.S., as a strong ally of Israel, must be vigilant in supporting this most basic right.

I just read a story in The Jerusalem Post about life in Israel a year after Operation Cast Lead. Before the war, Israelis were enduring relentless rocket and mortar attacks in Gaza. Terrorists launched more than 12,000 rockets

and mortars across borders in Gaza at Israel's civilians over the course of 8 years. These rockets were not aimed at military targets, but the goal was to try to kill civilians and instill a sense of fear in the Israeli people.

Thousands of Israelis living within range of Hamas rockets had their whole lives changed. Locating the nearest shelter as they went around town became second nature to them. Israelis living in the time of Sderot have just 15 seconds from the time a warning is sounded to take shelter from missile attacks. Young children did not know that this way of life was not normal.

When I visited Israel last year, I had the opportunity to meet with several Israeli families from Sderot. They told me compelling stories about living under the constant barrage of terrorist activity and the challenges of raising a family under these conditions, yet their attitude was, This is our home. This is our community, and we are going to stay and surmount this adversity. The families under attack faced difficult circumstances, but they were not willing to give up on a place they considered home, nor should they have to.

Since Operation Cast Lead, things have improved for Israelis living within the range of Hamas rockets, yet we should know, the attacks still occur. Since the end of the war, there have been an additional 300 attacks. This is, of course, far less than the 3,200 attacks in 2008 but, still, 300 too many.

At the time the story in The Jerusalem Post was written, 242 attacks had occurred since the end of Operation Cast Lead. The writer said that it was both shocking and sad that her friends would say, Only 242 attacks. She asked, In what other country do you think that it's a reasonable number of rocket attacks aimed at civilian targets in 1 year? Any terrorist attack is unacceptable.

Israelis hope for peace. They do not want war or conflict with their neighbors, but peace is a two-way street. Israeli Prime Minister Binyamin Netanyahu has reiterated Israel's commitment to peace. He has said that he is ready to resume peace talks now and without condition. He even placed a 10-month moratorium on the construction of new homes in the West Bank to jump-start the peace talks.

It is my sincere hope that Israel's willingness to make peace will be reciprocated and that the terrorist attacks will cease. But if attacks continue, Israelis must be allowed to defend their homes, and we in the United States must assist in that effort and support their basic right to do so.