Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I have heard repeatedly from the seniors about their high satisfaction with Medicare Advantage and their fears of losing it. The Senate Finance plan would slash $123 billion from Medicare Advantage.

Over 10 million seniors are currently enrolled in the Medicare Advantage plan, and, according to CBO Director Elmendorf, those proposed cuts to Medicare Advantage will force reduced benefits for many seniors, over 100,000 seniors in the three counties that I represent. This is in stark contrast to ``if you like your insurance, you can keep it.''

Director Elmendorf states very clearly that under the Senate Finance plan, Medicare Advantage enrollees will suffer reduced benefits.

We must preserve Medicare Advantage for those who are benefiting from the peace of mind that it provides, and

strengthen it for those seniors that have not yet turned 65.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the First Baptist Church of Carrollton, Texas. The church is celebrating its 100th anniversary, and I would like to take a moment to speak about the history of the church and its past and present contributions to our community.

Established in 1909 by thirteen people, the First Baptist Church began its history at a missionary tent revival. The church conducted their services within the same tent of its establishment and at the home of one of its founders. On January 12, 1910, the church moved their services to an old bank building. Months following the move to the bank, the Baptist Ladies Aid Society graciously donated land to the church where the tabernacle was built. Over the next forty years, the tabernacle underwent building additions and extensive renovations to include a nursery, an education building, and parsonages.

In 1952, with guidance from Reverend Thomas B. Guinn, the church began building a larger education building south of the sanctuary. In 1955, the services were moved to the education building, and in 1957 a special auditorium was added to the building to hold the services. Twenty-nine years later the congregation would move again.

On Easter Sunday, March 30, 1986, the present-day sanctuary was opened to the public, and on this day, 2,655 people came to celebrate it. As for the former church location, it was decided the building would be transformed into the International Missions Center. The center has hosted five missionary companies which have worked in Latin countries, Korea, Vietnam, Cambodia, and Africa.

Today, the congregation has grown to have 4,500 members, and it continues to grow. With such a large congregation, the First Baptist Church has become a cornerstone of the community. The church involves itself in charity events and community programs. Under the leadership of Dr. Brent Taylor, the pastor since 1999, the church has continued programs such as the Bus Ministry which provides transportation to children and teenagers who are unable to attend service and the Friendship House which provides food, clothes, and Christmas gifts for families in need.

I am honored to represent the First Baptist Church of Carrollton and I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating the congregation upon their 100th anniversary.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sara Biesiadny of Grapevine, Texas. Sara has been selected as a regional winner of a ConvaTec Comeback Kids Award. This very important program honors annually a group of individuals living with intestinal diseases or recovering from ostomy surgery.

The Great Comebacks Awards Program honors the achievements of children and teenagers living inspirational lives with Crohn's disease, ulcerative colitis and/or an ostomy. This year marks the 25th anniversary of the Great Comebacks Program. Each year regional awards are given to 12 people throughout the United States who have struggled with a chronic condition and have shown extraordinary strength and courage. Recipients are selected for having managed, despite daily struggles with their conditions, to live full and productive lives. In March of 2010, one of these recipients will receive the national Great Comebacks Award.

My constituent Sara, born with birth defects of the spine, bladder and colon, received an ostomy shortly after birth. Despite this rough start in life, Sara has never wasted a moment's thought on ``why has this happened to me?'' In fact, she has refused to let her ostomy and other medical conditions get in the way of pursuing her love of sports and science. Even though Sara has undergone continuous medical procedures and surgeries since birth, she won't sit on the sidelines, and enjoys playing softball and basketball and swimming. In fact, as a freshman, she set her mind to join the high school golf team and has enjoyed three solid seasons with the team. Sara also has excelled academically. Sara, 17, is currently a high school senior and encourages others suffering from bowel diseases to remember, ``Having an ostomy or bowel disease does not define who you are, only you can do that.''

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. These diseases are painful and debilitating; and while ostomy surgery is a procedure that can be life saving, it is also life-changing for patients of all ages. The spirit and courage with which a patient embraces life after ostomy surgery is what the Great Comebacks Program celebrates. My best wishes to Sara and her family.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for women and

families affected by ovarian cancer. Ovarian cancer is recognized as one of the nation's deadliest cancers. The five-year survival rate for ovarian cancer patients is 46 percent, while the ten-year survival rate is calculated to be as low as 39 percent. In 2009, it is estimated that more than 21,550 women will be diagnosed with ovarian cancer and 14,600 will die of the disease.

However, there is hope. If ovarian cancer is treated before it has spread outside the ovary, the five-year survival rate is an outstanding 93 percent.

Unfortunately, due to the lack of an effective early detection test, less than 20 percent of cases are found early enough to treat. Survival rates vary greatly depending on the stage of ovarian cancer at diagnosis. Women diagnosed at an early stage have a dramatically higher five-year survival rate than those diagnosed at a late stage. Since there are currently no effective screening tools for ovarian cancer, raising patient and health care provider awareness is crucial and the only way to help women recognize potential warning signs that can extend and improve their lives.

To this end, I urge my colleagues and their staff to join me in recognizing September as National Ovarian Cancer Awareness Month. This is an important time during which the ovarian cancer community will be helping to increase awareness of the disease and its symptoms, as well as support research to improve treatments and the development of a desperately needed screening test. September 4th is recognized as ``Teal Day'', a day on which everyone is encouraged to wear teal to raise awareness of ovarian cancer and its symptoms, much like pink is worn to do the same for breast cancer. Teal Day is an excellent opportunity to increase public knowledge about this disease.

I commend the Ovarian Cancer National Alliance and other groups like it for their unwavering commitment to make women aware of ovarian cancer symptoms and for their advocacy on behalf of women and families touched by this devastating disease. More must be done to identify ovarian cancer at its earliest and most treatable stage.

Madam Speaker, Americans need health care reform, but we do not need a super expensive and inefficient government plan that will saddle our children with massive debts. With unemployment at 9.5 percent, its highest level in a quarter century, now is not the time to enact employer mandates that will lead to fewer jobs and rationed care.

I am opposed to government run health care. Over $60 billion is lost annually to health care fraud; just think of how much more money will be lost to waste, fraud, and abuse under a massive government takeover.

I stand in support of the Patients Choice Act sponsored by Congressman Paul Ryan. This bill gives every American the opportunity to choose the health care plan that best meets their individual needs-- and it ensures that our constituents will receive the same standard benefits as their Member of Congress.

Rather than allowing Washington bureaucrats to come between a patient and their doctor, the Patients Choice Act puts individuals in control. I am proud to co-sponsor the Patients Choice Act.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a remarkable public servant and friend of Cedar Hill, Greg Patton. Mr. Patton served on the Cedar Hill City Council from 2000 until 2009. Throughout his nine years on the council, Mr. Patton exemplified the true meaning of public service by always prioritizing the needs of others first. With his retirement from the council, Mr. Patton will be sorely missed but I am confident his presence will continue to shine in Cedar Hill.

In addition to his council duties, Mr. Patton served as a member and chair of the Southwest Dallas County Transportation Committee, served on the National League of Cities Steering Committee for Transportation and Infrastructure Services, and served as an active participant in the River of Trade Corridor Coalition.

Prior to his council tenure, Mr. Patton chaired the Joe Pool Lake Planning Council which resulted in the last lake built in North Texas and the creation of Lake Joe Pool State Park. During the same time, he also served as commissioner and then as chairman of the Cedar Hill Planning and Zoning Commission.

A familiar face in the Cedar Hill community, Mr. Patton is an active member of the Cedar Hill Church of Christ and a member of the Cedar Hill Lions Club. He is also a regular volunteer at the Cedar Hill Food Pantry and served for twenty years on the Cedar Hill Volunteer Fire Department from 1977 until 1997. Among his many other accomplishments, Mr. Patton was the chair of the 1975 City Charter Committee for Cedar Hill.

Mr. Patton's wife, Linda, and two children all deserve a special thank you for allowing him to spend so much time dedicated to the betterment of Cedar Hill. Mr. Patton also has one granddaughter and three grandsons.

Distinguished colleagues, please join me in honoring Greg Patton's tireless passion, proven commitment, and years of admirable service to the growth and success of Cedar Hill. I am proud to join the Cedar Hill community in saluting Greg for all of his hard work, and I wish him the best in the next chapter of his life.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor a great friend and tremendous public servant, former Mayor Andy Wambsganss, for his years of service to the City of Southlake and the North Texas region.

Since assuming the mayor's office in 2003, Mayor Wambsganss guided Southlake with an immense degree of dedication, passion and competence. He served as mayor for nine years, from 2003 to 2009, and prior to his mayoral tenure he served on the Southlake City Council, as Mayor Pro Tem, and as a judge in the community. Andy has always strived to better his community, and his broad experience served his constituents well.

Under Andy's principled leadership and sound management, the City of Southlake experienced tremendous economic growth while at the same time maintained the city's unique small town charm. He managed the city with great efficiency and responsible fiscal discipline. Andy selflessly served the City of Southlake for many years, and his positive impact on the city will long endure in the future.

Throughout the years, Andy Wambsganss contributed his expertise to many local and regional organizations. He was President of Southlake Crime Control and Prevention; on the Southlake Teen Court Board of Directors; Director of the Airport YMCA; Director of Metroport Cities Fellowship; member of the Tarrant County Mayor's Forum; member of the Northeast Leadership Forum; and much more.

Andy Wambsganss is a longtime resident of Southlake, a kind and apt public servant, and a family man. His wife, Leigh, and their two boys, are involved in many community and philanthropic endeavors.

It is a distinct privilege to call Andy a friend of mine. He has been an outstanding public servant to the City of Southlake and his honest leadership will be sorely missed. On behalf

of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I extend my sincere appreciation to Andy Wambsganss and wish him the very best of luck in the future.

Madam Speaker, Mr. Ma Ying-jeou was inaugurated as President of Republic of China (Taiwan) on May 20, 2008. During the last twelve months there has been a considerable reduction of tension across the Taiwan Strait and there have been productive talks between the two sides on issues such as direct airline flights, an economic accord protecting investments, more tourist visits by mainlanders to Taiwan.

President Ma has also been working closely with the U.S. government. The mutual relationship between our two countries is strong. We hope that the relations will grow even stronger in all areas, including trade, science and technology, educational exchange, military sales and Taiwan's participation in international agencies.

It is heartening to learn that Taiwan has been invited to attend this year's World Health Assembly (WHA) in Geneva, Switzerland from May 19 to May 27 as an observer. This is a breakthrough for the Taiwanese government; it is Taiwan's first participation in a formal U.N activity since 1971, when the world body switched its recognition to mainland China.

In celebrating President Ma's first anniversary in office, I join my Congressional colleagues in hoping that Taiwan's participation in the WHA this May will lead to Taiwan's future successes in returning to other international organizations.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and express my appreciation for the service of an exemplary citizen, Mayor Doug Stover of Coppell, Texas. Doug began his public service as an elected official in May, 1998 as city councilmember of Coppell, followed by six years of service from 2003 to 2009 as the mayor of Coppell. During this time, Doug's passion and leadership guided the community as evidenced by the city's financial strength, economic development, sound infrastructure, strong public safety record and first rate education system.

Mayor Doug Stover is Equity Compensation Manager for Celanese Corporation. He holds a BBA in Finance from Texas Tech University.

In May of 1998, Coppell consisted of 29,850 citizens and has grown to a community of 39,500. The adopted budget for the 1998-1999 fiscal year was $35,182,905 and grew to $81,057,966 in the 2008-2009 fiscal years.

Under his leadership, the City of Coppell added many facilities, physical improvements and infrastructure. These projects include a Justice Center housing the Police and Municipal Courts, municipal service center, aquatic & recreation center, animal shelter and adoption center, Town Center Plaza, Old Town development, multiple park facilities, multiple road improvements, with a new senior and community center and municipal cemetery now being constructed, all developed to meet the needs of a growing population.

A major focus on economic development was also led by the mayor. This resulted in many commercial and industrial developments bringing new revenue to the city that has enabled the community to enjoy many quality of life improvements without the need for additional tax rate increases.

Public safety was also a high priority under the mayor's leadership. Red light cameras were installed, 25-mph zones were implemented on residential streets, and a Citizen's Police Academy was established in his push to increase public safety.

Funding for CISD schools was addressed through the 379A Sales Tax which generated sales taxes for the community's education issues. The Infrastructure Maintenance Fund was created by a sales tax election for 1/4-cent being directed for the crime district and 1/4-cent for streets.

Mayor Stover's selfless public service has clearly shaped the city of Coppell and helped make it the thriving community it is today. Doug possesses a genuine passion for Coppell which characterized his many years of service to the community. His first priority was always for the betterment of the citizens of Coppell, which helped make him a popular and well-respected leader. On behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I congratulate Doug Stover for his remarkable service as mayor and wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the announcement of Taiwan's participation as an observer in the World Health Assembly, WHA, to be held in Geneva, Switzerland. This announcement is the culmination of more than a decade of efforts by the Taiwanese people to be included in the assembly. Additionally, many of my congressional colleagues and I have been active in supporting Taiwan's participation in the WHA. I am delighted that after years of work in both Taipei and Washington, DC, these efforts have finally paid off and that Taiwan will be able to send a delegation to the WHA later this month under the nomenclature of ``Chinese Taipei.''

With the outbreak of the H1N1 virus sweeping across the United States and several countries, Taiwan's inclusion as an observer in the WHA is especially crucial in coordinating global responses to epidemics. Diseases do not stop at national borders, and Taiwan's long absence from the WHA meant that a coordinated global response to outbreaks was not as effective as it could be with Taiwan's inclusion.

I congratulate the Taiwanese people on finally winning inclusion in the WHA and look forward to continuing the good relations between Taiwan and the United States.

Madam Speaker. I rise today to recognize the exceptional achievement of the Coppell High School Girls soccer team: 2009 Class 5A State Champions of Texas. The Coppell Cowgirls completed their historic title run with a victory over the nation's previously top-ranked team and a dramatic 3-2 victory over The Woodlands in the state championship game.

Winning a state title is a remarkable accomplishment. It takes many crucial components working together to achieve this level of success. The 2009 Class 5A Girls Soccer State Champions of Texas, the Coppell High School Cowgirls, include: Kailey Hicks; Tannah Deloach; Katie Bass; Laura Sadler (Captain); Lauren Johnson; Alyssa Diggs (Captain); Sydney Frazier (Captain); Spayne Avant; Dominique Dinka; Chioma Ubogagu; Brittany Redus; Amina Radoncic; Allison Guderian; Danielle Herubin; Kristen Hart; Christina Baker; Erin Barlow; Haley Powers; Rebekah Henderson; Rachel Henderson; Cara Manning (Captain); Tori Van Riper; Whitney Borstad; Lauren Scott; Maddie Peter; Jessica Berdan; Bear Bass; Lindsey Meyer; Arielle Ghoston (manager); Arresha Robinson; Yvette Carson; Kristen Hester (trainers); Michelle Mcalister; Justin Heller; Tito Schwabe (assistant coaches); John Crawford (athletic director); Sherri Hankins (athletic coordinator); and the head coach, Chris Stricker. Educators, teachers, school officials, families and friends also deserve significant praise for their efforts in supporting the Cowgirls.

The state title earned by the Cowgirls has brought great pride to the school and community. On behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, congratulations to the entire team and coaching staff and best of luck in all of your future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to John Reap, the 2008 Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce ``Citizen of the Year.'' John's dedication and contributions to the Metrocrest community, which consists of Addison, Carrolton and Farmers Branch, have been both dynamic and exceptional. The Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce presents the award on January 30, 2009, and I would like to extend my sincere congratulations to John for the deserved award and his many years of selfless service.

John is the current President and Chief Executive Officer of Town North Bank, N.A., in Dallas. He also serves on the Board of Directors for the Bank. John has been at Town North Bank for twenty-eight years, the last fourteen serving in his current position.

An active community member, John has served with a variety of civic organizations including the American Heart Association, the Cotton Bowl Athletic Association, the Metrocrest Senior Adult Services, the Carrollton Farmers Branch Independent School District Educational Foundation, the University of Arkansas Alumni Association, and the North Texas Region Committee for the University of Arkansas Campaign for the 21st Century. John served for seventeen years in both local and state capacities for the American Heart Association in Texas, and was Chairman of the Board of the American Heart Association, Texas Affiliate, Inc., from 1992 until 1993.

John earned a banking graduate degree from the University of Virginia in 1977, a master's degree in Business Administration from Southern Methodist University in 1971, and an undergraduate degree from the University of Arkansas in 1970. He also served as a faculty member for several years at the Southwestern Graduate School of Banking at Southern Methodist University.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I join the Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce in applauding the merits and commitment John Reap has displayed to our community. John's tireless passion for community service has contributed greatly to the betterment of those around him, and I am extremely grateful for his service. On behalf of the 24th Congressional District of Texas, I salute John for his achievement as the 2008 Metrocrest Chamber of Commerce ``Citizen of the Year'' and wish him many years of continued success.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Jim Witt, who is retiring after fifteen years of service as City Manager of Coppell, Texas. His dedication to the community proves that citizens can truly make a difference in the lives of others, and I am proud to honor such a distinguished leader.

Mr. Witt has played an indispensable role in the development of Coppell during his tenure. In his fifteen years of service, Coppell has increased its size by 19,000 residents, the City staff increased from 178 to 365, and the City budget grew from roughly $15 million to approximately $81 million.

Mr. Witt oversaw tremendous economic growth in Coppell. Many of the buildings in Coppell that stand as cornerstones of the community were only possible through the efforts of Mr. Witt. To name just a few of the buildings he has played an instrumental role with: the Justice Center, three Fire Stations, a Fire Administration building, a Service Center, the William T. Cozby Public Library, an Aquatics and Recreation Center, a Municipal Cemetery, Wagon Wheel Park, Andy Brown East and Central, MacArthur Park, over six miles of trails, Town Center Plaza, and the Community/Senior Center.

With Mr. Witt's leadership, he helped create several community-based initiatives such as Farmers Market, community gardens and the half-cent sales tax for schools.

On behalf of the 24th District of Texas, I would like to thank Mr. Witt for his tireless service to Coppell. Mr. Witt's successes have been many, and it is an honor for me to recognize him for his nearly two decades of contributions to the people of Coppell. I ask all my colleagues to join me in wishing Jim Witt continued success in his future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Maureen Gavin of Southlake, Texas, who was awarded the 2007-08 Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award on behalf of Humanities Texas. This award honors K-12 humanities teachers in the state of Texas who make exemplary contributions in teaching, curriculum development and extracurricular programming.

Mrs. Gavin, a former sixth grade English teacher at Eubanks Intermediate School in Southlake, currently works with Morningside Elementary School in Fort Worth.

In the words of Mrs. Gavin, ``All good thinking begins with good questioning, and as a humanities teacher it is my responsibility to provide provocative questions that allow my students to dig deep within themselves as they learn about our world, past and present, and how they fit into it''. In this spirit, Mrs. Gavin brings to the classroom a passion for literature, language, and the ever-growing continuum of knowledge.

One example of this passion was displayed when Mrs. Gavin's students read the book Maniac Magee by Jerry Spinelli, the story of a homeless orphan who makes a positive difference in the lives of other. With the guidance and encouragement of Mrs. Gavin, her students created a ``Kids Helping Kids'' initiative that ultimately raised $2,000 to support kids in need. This is just one shining example of how the passion of Mrs. Gavin's teaching translates to a world far larger than the walls of a classroom.

Among Mrs. Gavin's many accomplishments include: Carroll Independent School District (CISD) Teacher of the Year, Eubanks Intermediate School Teacher of the Year, EPISD Teacher of the Year Top Ten Finalist, Carlos Rivera's Teacher of the Year, W.W. Bushman Teacher of the Year, presenter CISD parent University, creator of the sixth grade language arts curriculum, former member of the CISD language arts vertical team, former language arts department chairperson, and many, many more.

Madam Speaker, it is a special honor to present Mrs. Maureen Gavin the Outstanding Teaching of the Humanities Award. Educators in the humanities like Mrs. Gavin advance not just the knowledge of life, but the critical importance of reflection, wide-angle perspective, and the wisdom of a larger world. As her former school's Member of Congress, I am especially proud that we have teachers like her who enlighten our students in the arts, history, and languages; ultimately emboldening our nation's cultural framework as well as our future.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the grand opening of the Cedar Hill Government Center in Cedar Hill, Texas. The grand opening for this new facility was held on Tuesday, September 30, 2008.

A community known for its beautiful natural landscape and rolling hills, Cedar Hill is now home to one of the most innovative and efficient government centers in the country. Cedar Hill has always been a community committed to providing the best for its citizens, and the new Government Center is yet another example of that commitment.

The center houses the City of Cedar Hill and the Cedar Hill Independent School District. Built with native Texas materials such as limestone, clay tile and mesquite wood flooring, the centralized facility represents the spirit of Cedar Hill and the great state of Texas.

A model of forward thinking leadership and architecture, this collaborative facility uses 23,000 square feet out of 115,887 square feet specifically for shared-use space and public gatherings. Local residents benefit from the centralized facility's easy access, convenience, and efficiency. The partnering use of facilities not only benefits the community in the long-run, but it also saved taxpayers considerable construction costs.

City and School District officials selected the architecture firms of Holzman Moss and Wiginton Hooker Jeffry and Hunt Construction provided construction oversight. The architects were able to maximize the distinctive character of Cedar Hill, preserving many native trees, utilizing the beautiful surroundings, and preparing for future walking trails so visitors can fully enjoy the natural habitat even further.

Madam Speaker, it is with great honor that I congratulate Mayor Rob Franke, City Council members, President of CHISD Dan Hernandez, school board members, and the residents of Cedar Hill on the opening of this facility. The Government Center stands a true symbol of the fabric of this great community. I look forward to seeing the positive impact this center will have on the community and I am extremely proud to represent Cedar Hill in the 24th District of Texas.