Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the United States World War II Submarine Veterans and the important roles they played in the Allied victory.

Approximately 3,500 submariners gave their lives to protect the liberties and freedoms of the United States. The U.S. Submarine Force suffered the highest loss rate of the U.S. Armed Forces during World War II, losing a total of 52 American submarines in battle. The War in the Pacific could not have been won without the brave and selfless efforts of these men.

It is also a great honor to be able to attend the decommissioning ceremony for World War II Submarine Veterans, Diamond Chapter, hosted by the USS Snook Base of the United States Submarine Veterans in Rogers, Arkansas.

The recognition of our World War II submarine veterans has been long overdue. I am pleased and honored to recognize these servicemen, who risked their lives for their country and made the World War II victory possible in House Resolution 773. I thank Congressman Sestak for his service to our country and for his leadership on this Resolution and encourage my colleagues to cosponsor this important bill.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my gratitude for Pastor Dr. Robin Cowin and the congregation at First Baptist Church in Gentry, Arkansas, for the wonderful work they are doing spreading the good news of the Gospel. This past Sunday, I had the pleasure of attending a service at the church and honor the sacrifice, service, and celebration of the homecoming of Staff Sergeant Eric Cowin.

Serving in the Army for the last 6 years, Eric was on his second tour in Iraq when he was injured in an IED explosion in Baghdad in June. Now he is undergoing rehabilitation at Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, and is in good spirits and on the road to recovery.

Eric is representative of so many American soldiers who have served this country honorably, stepping up to protect its citizens and people all around the world. I am grateful for the sacrifices Eric and all of our troops are making every day and for the hardships that they, as well as their families, face.

I wish Eric and his wife, Andrea, the best of luck in the future. Eric, you're a true American hero. I ask my colleagues to keep Eric in their hearts and minds as he goes through rehabilitation and all of our American troops in their thoughts and prayers.

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate Clarksville Police Chief Greg Donaldson for his service to protecting the public, upholding the law and his vision for community involvement in helping find missing children. For his dedication and commitment, Chief Donaldson has been named the Arkansas Association of Chiefs of Police, AACP, 2009 Chief of the Year. Chief Donaldson shares this honor with the community, telling the Russellville Courier that ``Without the employees here and the members of the community, I could have never been chief of the year,'' he said. ``It would be easy for me to say, `I have this award, and this award is about me,' but it belongs to the whole community.''

Chief Donaldson is continuously putting the community first, as a police department employee for two decades, serving in a number of roles including dispatcher, patrol officer, investigator, supervisor, Sergeant and for the last 21 months as Chief.

At the helm of the department Chief Donaldson has implemented new and innovative programs including partnering with Morgan Nick Foundation for the ``Picture Them Home Campaign'' that puts pictures of missing children on patrol cars. The Clarksville Police Department was the first to do this and since then several other law enforcement agencies have followed. In recognition of the department's efforts Chief Donaldson and the Clarksville Police Department was awarded the ``2009 Morgan's Choice Award.'' Chief Donaldson is always looking for ways to make an impact on the community. ``The day I walk out the door, I want people to be able to say `he made a difference in the lives of children and grandchildren.' If they say that, I've done my job,'' he told the Russellville Courier.

It is clear he has done that and I am confident that will continue. I commend Chief Donaldson for his service as well as his good work and wish him continued success in the future. I ask my colleagues today to join with me in honoring Greg Donaldson, a wonderful public servant, who is and always will be dedicated to the people of Clarksville.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Keith Morrison of Fayetteville, Arkansas, as an Angel in Adoption. Keith is very deserving of this honor and recognition because of his work and dedication to finding children from around the world permanent families.

Working as an attorney since 1984, he has represented hundreds of families throughout the United States both in domestic and international adoptions. Morrison also regularly represents private adoption agencies. He continues his work beyond the walls of his office, helping start church adoption ministries and raising funds to support

families with adoption-related expenses. He also regularly counsels others who are considering beginning or working their way through the adoption process. Finally, he and his wife have found fulfillment in adoption, adopting both domestically and internationally.

I commend him for his leadership and his selfless service to unite children with loving families. I'm proud to recognize his effort and accomplishments. And I ask my colleagues today to join with me in honoring Keith and the other Angels who are working to create a better life for children all around the world.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Russellville High School for being accepted as an Arkansas Advanced Initiative for Math and Science School.

Beginning with the 2009-2010 school year Russellville High School will be receiving $750,000 in grant money, to be distributed over the next four years, to help teachers, along with students in properly preparing for the Advance Placement Exams, which take place every May.

These funds will help the students do well on the exams. This is a great honor for the school district that will help develop the skills our students need to excel in a global economy.

Arkansas was one of just seven states selected to receive grant money and Russellville High School was just one of 24 schools chosen in the state. I am proud to support both the students and teachers of Russellville High School and look forward to the academic excellence that will come from Russellville High in the years to follow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk of health care. Last week I had the opportunity to speak and listen at a town hall meeting in Bella Vista, Arkansas. This retirement community voiced their concern that insurance needed to be much more affordable and that we should do away with preexisting conditions. They did not want this paid for, though, on the backs of seniors.

In the current proposal, $500 billion is taken away from Medicare. They do this by decreasing or eliminating the subsidy on Advantage plans, so most seniors would lose this opportunity to help them. There would be less money to providers when, in the situation we have now, it's very difficult to even find a Medicare provider in some cases.

Again, it makes no sense, Mr. Speaker, to cut Medicare $500 billion, increase the patient load by 30 percent, not provide any more doctors to take care of the people, and no more facilities. We need reform, but we need commonsense reform. We must not do something just for the sake of doing it.

Mr. Speaker, I rise before you today to express my support, not only for the principles of House Resolution 686, but for all of the historical foundations of our Nation and its laws. The Constitution is our Nation's most precious and important document. The Constitution spells out the vision that our founders had for this land and its people, while directing us on how to protect the many freedoms and gifts it provides us. A fundamental understanding of social studies, like many other subjects, is imperative for our children, and our Nation, to achieve their greatest potential. That understanding of social studies must include many things, but most importantly an understanding of our Constitution, our Founding Fathers, their vision and ideals for this Republic, and a sense of civic duty that embodies charity and the American spirit of independence. In order for our students to grasp these concepts and relate them to the rest of their educational experiences and daily lives, these concepts and themes must be revisited throughout the education of young Americans and not just for a week in September. As the Constitution is the foundation of our Republic and its laws and principles, in teaching our students about American government and American history the Constitution should provide a foundation and frame of reference throughout the educational process. I am greatly appreciative for all of our teachers and education professionals and thank them for the service they provide to our communities. I would encourage them to include our founding documents and the lessons provided by our Founding Fathers into their classrooms whenever possible.

Mr. Speaker, the American health care system is in need of reform, but the current proposals are not the solution the American public is looking for. The House health care plan will create a surtax on small business, the lifeblood of our economy, to help pay for the $1.5 trillion reform.

My constituent, Donald Dickey, is a small business owner and is already being forced to cut his workforce by more than 70 percent because of the current economy. Under the proposed health care reform bill, Donald says he will be forced to close his business because of the combination of the new surtax and requirements for employers to provide health coverage for all workers.

We need to work on commonsense solutions that encourage job growth, expand access to affordable health care, and give Americans the ability to choose a plan that fits their needs. I am willing to work with my colleagues to achieve those goals in a final bill.

Madam Speaker, I would like to ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Jacob Costello from Wesley, Arkansas for achieving the Congressional Award Silver Medal.

The Congressional Award Silver Medal is achieved after participating in 200 hours of Public Service in the community as well as setting and achieving challenging goals in physical fitness and personal development and expedition/exploration.

Jacob's volunteer service was completed through involvement in the Washington County Historical Society, the Washington County Master Gardeners, and the Boy Scouts of America. He also worked with a local summer camp for children with parents in prison, helping prepare the facilities by painting, hauling gravel and removing fallen leaves. In addition to completing the requirements for the Silver Medal, he's already added 40 hours of volunteer work through his Boy Scout Eagle project which will go towards his Gold Medal aspirations.

To complete the physical fitness portion of the award, Jacob biked, swam, hiked, and backpacked for more than 100 hours. He actually completed more than half of the necessary hours to achieve the Congressional Gold Medal.

For the personal development requirement, Jacob joined the performance for Peter Pan at the Northwest Academy of Fine Arts. Playing his violin, he attended rehearsals and practiced on his own time, learning how to play in a group setting. He attended a Fiddle Workshop at the Ozark Folk Center and traveled to New York City to play with the North Arkansas Youth Orchestra at Carnegie Hall. Once there,

he practiced under Conductor Myron Flippin to prepare for the orchestra.

Jacob had the unique opportunity to attend Philmont Boy Scout camp for his Expedition. To prepare for this, he worked toward his Physical Fitness goal of carrying 55 pounds in his backpack for a distance of 12 miles over two days by planning mini-hikes with his pack and cross- training in the pool and on the track.

Among all of these achievements, Jacob is also involved in the White River Fellowship Church as a youth leader and a worship team member. I congratulate Jacob in his achievements and commend him for his aspirations to continue on his path to accomplish the Congressional Gold Medal.

Mr. Speaker, during the August work period, I heard from thousands of Arkansans about health care reform. I promised my constituents that I would bring their stories and thoughts back to Washington so we can enact commonsense health reforms and have wide support throughout the country.

While residents of the Third District are supportive of reform to cut the cost of health care and make it more affordable and accessible to all Americans, there is a consensus that the reforms currently under consideration by Congress aren't what they want. The overwhelming majority of citizens I heard from don't want the government to federalize their health care.

We can create a better plan for health care reform that includes fixing the fraud in the Medicare and Medicaid systems, implementing tort reform and allowing Americans to own their own health insurance like they own their own car insurance.

Congress needs to listen to what the American public is saying. Do not support federalizing health care. Don't destroy the good things of the American health system while trying to fix the bad.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 447, which recognizes the significant contributions of the American Council of Engineering Companies during its 100 years of service.

The American Council of Engineering Companies, or ACEC, represents more than 5,000 engineering firms across the Nation who work to enhance and safeguard America's quality of life. These companies are involved in every aspect of our economy, from highways and infrastructure to drinking water to new technologies. In 1909, a loosely organized group of engineers in private practice established the American Institute of Consulting Engineers, AICE, the forerunner of ACEC.

Since then, the organization has grown to encompass member firms that employ more than hundreds of thousands of engineers, architects, land surveyors, scientists and other specialists

responsible for more than $200 billion of public and private works annually.

There are now 51 State and regional ACEC counsels, including a chapter in my State of Arkansas. The 2008-2009 Arkansas chapter president, Jerry Martin; vice president, Matt Crafton; treasurer, Barry McCormick; and state director, Brent Massey, all are doing a tremendous job. I can attest firsthand to the Arkansas chapter's hard work and the tremendous job that they have done in contributing to the State of Arkansas.

Mr. Speaker, the American Council of Engineering Companies' mission is to contribute to America's prosperity and welfare. I believe they do just that, and I commend the Council and their members for 100 years of outstanding service to the United States and urge adoption of H. Res. 447.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Bella Vista Police Chief Jim Wozniak, who has devoted his life to protecting the public, upholding the law, and serving his country.

Wozniak is retiring at the end of September after 38 years in law enforcement, the last 14 as the head of the Bella Vista Police Department. He helped the department grow from nine officers to 20, and he is always looking for ways to improve the police force and the services it offers. He is proud of his department, and rightfully so, because he makes sure his staff put the people first.

His coworkers describe him as a man with a big heart, and I describe him as a friend. Bella Vista will undoubtedly be losing an amazing man who contributed to the safety of the community. We were blessed to have such caring, devoted citizens as Jim.

I commend him for his service as well as his good work and wish him continued success in the future. I ask my colleagues today to join with me in honoring Jim Wozniak, a wonderful public servant who is, and always will be, dedicated to the people of Bella Vista.

Well, thank you very much.

You know, it's interesting. I think we bring up a good subject. When I'm home, one of the things that I hear very, very much from the seniors is, we have a Medicare system that's functioning pretty well. Yet, when you look at it in 2017, it has all kinds of fiscal problems. Their question to me is: Why aren't you fixing the government program you have now before you expand it greatly to millions of people? You guys can correct me or can add to this: I've heard anywhere from 10 percent of the Medicare bill that we pay is just waste and fraud. Why aren't we addressing that?

I agree. As a guy from Arkansas, I just know that there's a heck of a lot of fraud and waste in the system. Rather than expand it like we're talking about doing now, why not fix that first? We hear about the pizza parlors that are charging for dialysis and, you know, things like that.

So, again, I would say that we need to get our act together there and reform the Medicare system that we've got.

I know I'm in a situation now. It's not uncommon at all for me to have people my age call and say, My mom has moved to town, and I can't find a Medicare provider because the fees are so low for physicians that people have started either limiting the slots that they use for the Medicare practice or they've simply discontinued the practice in their clinics.

I think that's a real problem.

As was mentioned, one of the things that we see in this type of plan is rationing for seniors. Are they going to be able to get the knees? the hips? In my case, being very familiar with cataract surgery, is somebody going to allow them to have that as they get older and allow them to ease their pain and lead a quality of life?

You know, we're talking about getting preventative care and all this. Well, you do a great job, and you live, and you get up in years, and then we're going to take away the ability for you to go ahead and continue that quality of life.

I agree with the gentleman. If he would yield?

There are so many questions that are unanswered when you look at this chart. If you get denied, you know, who do you appeal to? Is there any appeal?

If the gentleman will yield, the first thing you've got to do is have some tort reform, and you guys can, you know, very well spell out how you practice defensive medicine when people come in with headaches and things like that, and there's one thing that's not on that chart. There's nothing about nuisance lawsuits, which are driving up the costs of medicine and which make it such that we have counties in Arkansas, where I'm from, that don't have any OB because the guys can't afford the malpractice insurance.

Very much so. I was looking on the chart, and it's not up there. But other things, the associated health plans, where if you're a florist, a small business man and you've got your little store and you go in and try to negotiate with the insurance company, you don't have a very strong negotiating position. But if we would allow them to go in with others, thousands of florists, then they could negotiate as a group and get a much better rate like a major corporation.

In doing that, then you have to go across State lines. Also, different States have different mandates as far as what they--you have to offer in particular States.

So we could do that at the Federal level and get rid of all of that stuff and not go across the State line.

Well, I would just say that all of us--and in hearing the letter, all of us have seen patients in our practices that we knew as we prescribed the treatment that they couldn't afford, hardworking people that just didn't have the ability to afford that. So we definitely need reform, and we've talked about that. We need portability. We need more competition, things like that. What we don't need, though, is to try to get this thing done in 2 or 3 weeks.

I was on this school board for 7 years. If we were trying to change the curriculum of the high school class, we'd spend more than 2 or 3 weeks doing due diligence. But to try to do that in a period of 2 or 3 weeks makes no sense at all.

The other thing I would say is that we don't need government-run health care. We don't need to go down the path towards Great Britain and Canada. And something I'd like for you guys to comment on--because you have treated them and things--tell us about the results of cancer and things like that in the Canadian and Great Britain systems compared to the United States. I guess my concern is, in an effort to fix our pretty good system--you know, it's working pretty good--that we actually destroy the system to fix the part that's broken.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to express my support for several veterans' bills that are on today's legislative calendar under suspension of the rules. Before I proceed, I would first like to thank the sponsors of the legislation and the Chairman and Ranking Member of the House Veterans' Affairs Committee, Mr. Filner and Mr. Buyer, for working together to bring this legislation before the House today. As the number of veterans returning from their deployments in the Global War on Terror increases, it is imperative that those of us on the Committee on Veterans' Affairs, and all Members of Congress, continue working to improve benefits for our veterans and ensure that they and their families receive everything that has been promised to them. I am proud to be an original Cosponsor of H.R. 3219, the ``Veterans' Insurance and Health Care Improvements Act,'' as well as H. Res. 483, which supports the goals and ideals of Veterans of Foreign Wars Day. H.R. 3219 contains numerous measures and technical corrections to modernize many of the life insurance and health care benefits that are received by disabled and non-disabled veterans. This bill also brings overdue recognition to many World War II veterans who have yet to receive their rightful recognition and benefits compensation from the United States government, including but not limited to the Flying Tigers of WWII and the Women Airforce Service Pilots of WW II (WASPs). H. Res. 483 supports the goal and ideals of Veterans of Foreign Wars Day, September 29th. Since 1899 the VFW has been advocating and fighting for the rights and benefits of our veterans, making invaluable contributions to the national dialogue surrounding how to care for those who enable us to live in safety and peace. It is also my privilege to be a cosponsor of H.R. 1293, the ``Disabled Veterans Home Improvement and Structural Alteration Grant Increase Act of 2009,'' which makes much needed increases in the amounts our service-connected disabled veterans can receive to make alterations to their homes that enable them and their families to live the most fulfilling lives possible. I would also like to thank, once again, Chairman Filner and Congressman Michaud for their bills H.R. 2770 and H.R. 3155, respectively, both of which I supported in Committee, and which represent a step in the right direction for improving veterans' benefits and care. It is my hope that the House Committee on

Veterans' Affairs will continue with its spirit of bipartisan cooperation to help our nation's veterans; a spirit that is represented in all of this legislation before us today.

Madam Speaker, pursuant to the House Republican standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as a part of H.R. 3326, Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010.

Requesting Member: Congressman John Boozman

Bill Number: H.R. 3326

Account: RDTE,A

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Arkansas

Address of Requesting Entity: University of Arkansas--Fayetteville, 119 Ozark Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701

Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used for the continuation of research and development of nanoscale bio-sensors at the University of Arkansas.

Requesting Member: Congressman John Boozman

Bill Number: H.R. 3326

Account: RDTE,A

Legal Name of Requesting Entity: University of Arkansas

Address of Requesting Entity: University of Arkansas--Fayetteville, 119 Ozark Hall, Fayetteville, AR 72701

Description of Request: It is my understanding that the funding would be used to the development of high power, portable terahertz sensing and imaging technology for the hostage stand-off, detection of landmines, and concealed weapons screening.