Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to submit for the Record a poem written by Kaprise Anuu, a 5th grader from Tulsa, Oklahoma, that was written for her Veteran's Day celebration at Wesley V. Jarman Elementary School. It is entitled, ``Thank You For The Time You Gave.''

Thank you for the time you gave

I wish I were just that . . . very brave

You fought for all the country

You even fought for liberty

Before you thought of yourself

You thought of me

You thought of me so I'd be free

Thank you for the time you gave

You thought of me night and day

I always pray you'll be okay

Thank you for the time you gave.

I commend the patriotism of Kaprise. It is wonderful that young people like her express such gratitude and appreciation for those men and women who put their lives on the line to protect the freedoms we cherish in America.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the Oklahoma National Guard's 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team (IBCT), the Oklahoma Stabilization Transitions Team and the 146th Air Support Operations Squadron that are set to deploy to Afghanistan in support of the Global War on Terror.

A farewell ceremony honoring more than 3,200 deploying members of the 45th IBCT, the Oklahoma Stabilization Transitions Team and the 146th Air Support Operation Squadron was held at the Oklahoma City Arena and Cox Convention Center in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Families and friends throughout the state had the opportunity to celebrate the patriotism and courage of Oklahoma's citizen soldiers and airmen. This will be the largest single deployment since the Korean War, an important event in the history of the Oklahoma National Guard.

The 45th IBCT recently began training at Camp Gruber Maneuver Training Center and then they will move to the mobilization station at Fort Bliss, Texas. The brigade is undergoing intense mission specific training that will prepare them for any mission unique tasks that they will be required to perform while deploying to Afghanistan.

I know this is not the first deployment for many of these brave men and women and their families back home. Their collective sacrifice for our nation's security is symbolic of the pride Oklahoma has for our citizen soldiers and airmen serving in times of war and conflict.

I am confident these soldiers and airmen are ready to answer the call in the defense of our nation. With this deployment, they are carrying forward the proud history of this brigade. It is an honor to represent many of these brave citizen soldiers in Congress, and I look forward to supporting their critically important missions to the fullest extent possible. My prayers go out to the soldiers and their families during this deployment. They have my full support and I pray for not only successful missions but their safe return home to their families.

Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 116, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Amendment No. 333 Offered by Ms. Kaptur

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment would simply delay the implementation of the EPA's E15 waivers for the remainder of the fiscal year, which would allow Congress time to address safety concerns related to the higher blend of ethanol gasoline before the EPA puts it in our general fuel supply.

Despite alarming consumer, environmental and economic concerns, the Environmental Protection Agency has approved a 50 percent increase in the amount of corn-based ethanol allowed in gasoline used by cars and light trucks manufactured in the 2001 model year and newer.

This is simply another attempt by the EPA to engineer ethanol mandates and drive ethanol subsidies forward. And, yes, this is a mandate.

The EPA has mandated that we use 36 billion gallons of renewable fuels, like ethanol, annually in our motor engines by 2022 and through incremental steps and backhanded attempts just like this, the EPA is mandating.

The EPA's move from E10 to E15 fuel over the next several months is in effect a backhanded 50 percent increase in the corn ethanol mandate putting consumers, engine makers and gasoline retailers at risk. Gasoline station owners are terrified of how they will comply with this E15 mandate because not all of the existing infrastructure is certified for the fuel. Under the EPA waiver, they will have no liability protections.

Quik Trip, a major gasoline retailer across the Midwest, which is headquartered in my hometown of Tulsa, Oklahoma, offers an unconditional guarantee on every drop of gasoline they sell. Because of the lack of liability protection, they will be left on the hook if someone puts the wrong blend of gas in the wrong kind of car. That will open up a litigation nightmare.

Why do we want to further mandate a fuel consumers don't want and retailers are afraid to sell? This is a major consumer safety issue that could adversely impact up to 60 percent of cars on the road today.

It is also important to point out the environmental impacts of this as well. The higher a fuel blend like E15, the higher the toxic air pollutant emissions. Since ethanol contains just 66 percent of the energy that gasoline does, E15 will lead to an actual drop in gasoline mileage. The EPA has even said you get 5 percent less fuel economy with E15 than clear gasoline.

The EPA has completely ignored calls from lawmakers, industry, environmental and consumer groups to address important safety issues raised by the 50 percent increase in the ethanol mandate waivers. Putting the brakes on E15 is the right thing to do for the people that we represent.

I ask my colleagues to join me in passing this amendment.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Offered By: Mr. Sullivan

Amendment No. 94: At the end of the bill (before the short

title), insert the following:

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of legislation to repeal ObamaCare. This health care law is bad for patients, bad for doctors, bad for small businesses, and terrible for our troubled economy.

I hear from small business owners across the First Congressional District every day. Many are being forced to cut back on health benefits. They can't afford to hire new employees, and they are scared to death that ObamaCare will put them out of business.

Not only is this unconstitutional to force the American people to purchase government-approved health insurance, but this prescription for disaster has put our Nation on a path to bankruptcy by adding billions of dollars to our already record-setting deficit.

In addition, ObamaCare actually reverses over 30 years of bipartisan efforts to keep tax dollars from funding abortions, which I find reprehensible.

Mr. Speaker, repealing ObamaCare is not the end of the debate over reforming our health care system. It's the first step in implementing a health care system that works for all Americans without costly, unconstitutional government mandates that destroy jobs.

Madam Speaker, I rise to state for the record that I intended to vote ``nay'' on rollcall vote 584 taken on November 30, 2010. The Congressional Record currently lists me as an ``aye'' vote on this measure. As a fiscal conservative, I cannot support $4.6 billion in government spending in a period of record federal deficits and budget constraints facing American families.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and achievements of Tadahisa Kuroda of Potomac Falls, Virginia, who passed away in August at the age of 69.

Tad was born September 10, 1940, in New York City to the Honorable Otoshiro and Mei Kuroda. He spent his childhood in New York City and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. He graduated from Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut and later received his master's degree and doctorate from Columbia University in New York.

Tad taught at Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs, New York for 36 years and held important positions of leadership at the College, including History Department Chair and Associate Dean of Faculty. A specialist in early American history, Tad received the Ralph Ciancio Award for Teaching Excellence prior to his retirement in 2005. As we celebrate Constitution week, September 17th through 23rd, it should be noted that Tad was an expert on the United States electoral college having written, ``The Origins of the Twelfth Amendment: The Electoral College in the Early Republic, 1787-1804'', published in 1994.

During retirement Tad was active with the American Institute for History Education. He visited schools across the country helping

them develop their history education programs. Tad also remained passionate about baseball and the Philadelphia Phillies.

He will be missed by his wife, Akiko, his family and a host of friends, colleagues, and students. He was a remarkable teacher and a true gentleman.

Madam Speaker, I commend Tad Kuroda for his commitment to teaching, scholarship and service, and I ask the U.S. House of Representatives to join me in remembering this outstanding American, Tad Kuroda.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to honor the winners and participants of the 2010 CrossFit Games held in Carson, California from July 16 to July 18, 2010.

CrossFit was created in the mid-80s by former gymnast Greg Glassman. When it was first introduced, it was a completely different form of physical training that was developed to enhance an individual's competency at all physical tasks and functional movements in everyday life. Greg Glassman moved to Santa Cruz, California, in 1995, and he and wife Lauren Glassman opened the first independent CrossFit gym there in 1999. Since then, CrossFit has expanded to about 1,900 affiliated gyms worldwide, with each operating as its own independent small business.

While at first, the concepts and training associated with CrossFit seem to be aimed for the elite athlete, military special operations units, police academies and tactical operations teams, the fact that it has grown so much so quickly is a testament to CrossFit's ideology that the needs of the average person, like myself, and the Olympic athlete differ by degree not kind. This is especially important today, when my state of Oklahoma and our nation faces an obesity epidemic that is not only straining our health care system, but causing chronic health conditions like diabetes, heart disease and cancer. The medical benefits, increased self confidence, and stress reduction that can come from athletic activity help contribute to a healthier, more productive Oklahoma and nation.

There is no better test of all around fitness, not focusing on one single type of event, than the CrossFit Games, where multiple and varied workouts are held each day over a three day competition. The workouts over the duration of each day are not announced until a few hours before each event which means that the athletes are training for a competition whose format is almost completely a mystery. One of the workouts in this year's Games was the following:

Event 2a--For time (22 min cap): run 1,200 meters, 63 kettlebell swings (55/36 lbs.), 36 pull-ups, run 800 meters, 42 kettlebell swings (55/36 lbs.), 24 pull-ups, run 400 meters, 21 kettlebell swings (55/36 lbs.), and 12 pull-ups.

Event 2b--Within 90 seconds of completing Event 2a: 1 rep max Shoulder-to-Overhead.

Approximately 4000 men and women initially entered the preliminary events earlier this year to not only competing for a spot in the Games but to challenge oneself. The large number of contenders eventually narrowed down to 45 men and 41 women competing for the claim as the fittest in the world. Every single individual competitor, masters athlete and affiliate team earned the right to compete through old- fashioned hard work and dedication to physical fitness.

I.want to congratulate the winners of the individual competition, who can now say they are among the fittest athletes in the world, Graham Holmberg from New Albany, Ohio and Kristan Clever from Sherman Oaks, California. Both athletes not only exhibited great skill, but gut- wrenching effort that ultimately put them on top. They are an inspiration to all that hard work pays off in the end.

I would also like to congratulate the affiliate team winner of the Games, CrossFit Fort Vancouver, as well as the masters category individual competition winners Laurie Carver and Brian Curley.

Finally, I would like to congratulate my hometown gym in Tulsa, Oklahoma, CrossFit

Sky, that competed in the affiliate completion and finished 30th. I witnessed firsthand all the hard work and dedication that ultimately granted them a spot in the Games. The members of CrossFit Sky's affiliate team are Amy Quimby, Hollace Fugate, Mandy Malloy, Sean Malloy, Brian Head, Tom Sharp, Aaron Fugate and Mike Quimby.

The CrossFit Games are only a small part of CrossFit as a whole which is ultimately spreading the desire to make oneself live a healthier and more productive lifestyle. It is available to everyone, not just elite athletes. The same concepts behind CrossFit used to train elite athletes can be used for people of all ages to help them reach their fitness goals. Tony Budding from CrossFit headquarters couldn't have said it any better, ``CrossFit is really about helping others achieve their goals. For even the top athletes, their achievements are temporary, whereas the impact we make on others is lasting.''

I rise today not only to honor these great athletes who have not only achieved the ultimate success of being named among the fittest in the world, but to celebrate the sport of fitness in general. In an era when we are faced with less time for physical activity and the temptation and convenience of unhealthy food, it is important for all Americans to take simple steps to live long and better lives, especially considering the obesity epidemic facing my state of Oklahoma and our Nation. I believe CrossFit is helping in this fight against obesity and I challenge all Americans to challenge themselves to live a healthier lifestyle.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise today to honor Dr. Jeff Kimpel for his service as the Director of the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration's (NOAA) National Severe Storms Laboratory (NSSL), in Norman, Oklahoma, and for his thirteen years of Federal service.

Dr. Jeff Kimpel has been a lifeline for the NSSL for the last thirteen years; he has led the program to further research opportunities and the results have showed nothing but excellence. Dr. Kimpel has allowed the NSSL to embark upon many programs and technological advancements, saving countless lives and property from the consequences that severe weather can cause. Under the watch of Dr. Kimpel, the NSSL performed the scientific and technological research that upgraded the Next Generation Weather Radar to an open systems operation. Along with this, super resolution capability and designed dual polarization upgrades were added.

The NSSL has been able to upgrade and expand their programs, establishing strong programs and cloud resolving and numerical forecast models, all under the watch of Dr. Kimpel. He was also instrumental in gaining support for new facilities, which sprung the construction of the National Weather Center, which shares space with the National Weather Service and the University of Oklahoma Meteorology Program.

Dr. Kimpel has a perseverance that goes far beyond the field of meteorology. He is dedicated to NSSL but has also achieved so much more, such as serving our nation in Vietnam and being awarded the Bronze Star Medal for his bravery and courage and being named as the Senior Vice President of the Norman Campus of the University of Oklahoma.

Dr. Kimpel, I commend and congratulate you on your noteworthy contributions that you have made to our Nation, the state of Oklahoma, the University of Oklahoma and to the field of meteorology.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to introduce H.R. 5582, the Private Property Rights Protection and Government Accountability Act of 2010.

Previously, the U.S. Constitution specifically limited government taking of private property through a relatively narrow exception for ``public use.'' Public use has historically referred to roads, schools, firehouses, etc. You may remember the infamous 2005 Supreme Court decision, Kelo v. City of New London, where the court broadened the government's ability to take your home, farm, business or place of worship. The negative effects of this far-reaching Supreme Court decision place millions of private property owners nationwide at risk.

Some states are trying to correct this injustice and have enacted restrictions on the use of eminent domain, in this case, when the government seizes private property, with varied effectiveness. However, Congress has not taken action to restore private property rights and the abusive use of eminent domain has continued.

That is why I am introducing the Private Property Rights Protection and Government Accountability Act of 2010. This legislation will restrict certain federal economic development funds for 10 years to any state or locality in which eminent domain is used to take private property for a private purpose. It will also allow private property owners the legal recourse they deserve to fight baseless private property takings by state and local governments.

Examples of eminent domain abuse can be seen across Oklahoma, from Oklahoma City to Muskogee, and throughout this country.

No family, business operator or place of worship is safe if the government decides that their property does not measure up, and that ``public purpose'' would be better served if it were torn down and replaced by something bigger, glitzier and more taxable. I encourage all my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of one of the U.S.'s strongest and most steadfast allies, Israel. Since the tragic events of May 31, 2010, many have publicly questioned the right of Israel to defend herself

by blockading terrorist-controlled Gaza. I believe that this blockade is a necessary measure to stop the shipment of weapons and prevent the loss of innocent lives in the region. After careful examination of the facts, I am confident Israel's right to defend herself will be sustained in the eyes of the international community.

Israel plays an intricate role in United States foreign policy and provides the United States with a staunch ally in the region. As the only free market economy and viable democracy in the Middle East, it is essential that Israel and the United States continue this mutually beneficial partnership. We should continue to support this valuable ally in their fight against terrorism and extremism.

I encourage the international community to recognize this basic right of Israel and encourage my colleagues to join me in making clear that the United States cares deeply about our friend and ally and we will not allow their right to their own defense compromised because of the actions of Hamqs extremists who seek to do them harm.

Mr. Speaker, I am troubled by this administration's commitment, this lack of commitment of enforcing our national immigration laws.

Just last week, John Morton, Assistant Secretary of Homeland Security for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, said that ``his agency will not necessarily process illegal immigrants referred to them by Arizona officials,'' in light of their new State law.

My district contains two permanent ICE offices, and I am seriously concerned that one of the top officials in the Obama administration in charge of enforcing our Nation's immigration laws is refusing to do his job. Regardless of his personal feelings on the Arizona immigration law, Assistant Secretary Morton has an obligation to enforce the rule of law and protect U.S. citizens and legal residents.

Arizona is under siege with both human and drug smuggling, and it is on the front lines dealing with Mexico's drug violence that is spilling over into the United States.

On behalf of my constituents and millions of Americans, I urge President Obama and Immigration and Customs Enforcement Secretary Morton to enforce our immigration laws.

I'd like to thank Congressman Barton for yielding me time.

Higher premiums, higher taxes, and cutting Medicare is not health care reform. Republicans care about health care, but we don't care for this bill. Unfortunately, the White House and congressional Democrats are still insisting on their massive 2,700-page bill that includes higher premiums, $500 billion in higher taxes, and $500 billion in cuts to senior Medicare.

My son, who's here this week, Tommy Sullivan, even can consider that that's not reform.

Madam Speaker, higher premiums, higher taxes, and cutting Medicare is not health care reform. Republicans care about health care, but we don't care for this bill. Unfortunately, the White House and congressional Democrats are still insisting on their massive, 2,700-plus page bill that includes higher premiums, $500 billion in higher taxes, and $500 billion in cuts to seniors' Medicare. That is not reform.

There is a reason why Congress has been debating this for a year. The reason the majority is having such trouble securing passage is because Americans have made it abundantly clear that they don't like this bill either. I want to make something clear: killing the Democrat plan for a government health care takeover does not kill the health care debate. It simply allows us to start from scratch and focus on real solutions that will lower the cost of health care for small businesses and families across this Nation. Stop this bill.