Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, today I stand on the floor of the House of Representatives to recognize a true inspiration, a woman who embodies everything about what makes the United States an exceptional Nation. Today, I rise to wish happy birthday to my grandmother Edna Yoder, who turns 102 today.

Born in the heartland of Kansas in 1911, my grandmother was no stranger to hard work. She spent most of her life milking cows, helping bring in the wheat harvest, raising a family of four, and being a true partner to her husband and my late grandfather, Orie Yoder.

Her faith in God, her love of family, and her belief in hard work and humble living define my grandmother. Her generation saw the Dust Bowl, the Great Depression, and many other difficult times over the past century. Her generation's perseverance and dedication to our country helped build the most prosperous nation the world has ever seen.

Today, on her 102nd birthday, she is happy and healthy. She tells great stories about times past, and her smile still lights up the room.

Grandma, we could learn a lot from you. Happy birthday.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to address the mounting financial challenges facing our college students.

With student loan debt over $1 trillion, even larger than the credit card debt in our Nation, students are taking on a significant financial burden in order to realize their dreams. Soon that burden may grow as interest rates are set to go up significantly on these loans that students hold, thereby increasing the cost of college dramatically in our country.

Congress must act, and the House already has. A month ago the House proactively took action to ensure America's college students and their families continue to have the Nation's support in pursuing their collegiate aspirations. In passing the Smarter Solutions for Students Act, the House would keep rates low for college students and create a permanent solution to this annual problem, getting Congress out of the business of setting interest rates.

Mr. Speaker, I hope the Senate will take up the Smarter Solutions for Students Act to create certainty for today's college students so that they, too, may have a chance to realize the American Dream.

Well, if I might add to the gentlelady's point, the gentlelady from Alabama, this administration has continually pushed the notion that the gentlelady's describing, that regulations do create jobs. Their argument is that when they regulate our industries, when they regulate our local companies, when they regulate the local small businesses in our communities, that those businesses have to then hire people to respond to the regulations. Therefore, presto, this administration has created jobs.

So to the gentlelady's point, what this administration has done is created a country that has focused their job creation on bureaucracy and regulation and red tape, and so they're forcing debt on our kids and grandkids to pay for bureaucrats to come out into our communities to force our small businesses to hire people to respond to the bureaucrats. I mean, what a maddening system. In a country where we are supposed to be the inspiration around the world, the land of hope and opportunity, and they are taking us towards becoming the land of regulation, the land of unemployment, the land of mandates and taxes.

And all this together, it's no wonder that our unemployment rate is still almost 8 percent, or 7.6 percent. It's the longest the unemployment rate's been this high since the Great Depression for this long. And for this administration to say that this is somehow a job- creation agenda, regulating our local businesses, regulating our energy costs and driving up the cost of energy.

And ultimately, the sad point is, and the gentleman from Arkansas spoke to this a little bit ago, is that this is not just a war on a business. This is not just a war on an energy producer. This

is not just a war on a coal company. This is a war on the American people.

They are the victims in this. It is not the small business owner that's the victim. It is the American people. It's the people struggling to pay their bills. It's the person on the fixed income. It's the single mom. It's the senior. It's someone whose energy costs are that big a proportion of their monthly budget that this really hurts them in the pocketbook. It's that family that's trying to make that life work. They are the folks that ultimately get hurt in the situation.

So we have to stand up for the victims in this country, that silent majority that is being hurt by these anti-energy policies. And at the end of the day, that's why I join my colleagues to support an all-of- the-above energy approach to put people back to work, to lower the cost of energy in this country, and to make us more secure by making us less dependent on foreign sources of energy.

We need it.

And to the gentlelady's point, what a great opportunity for Members in both political parties to work together to do something that can help create jobs for the American people.

You've talked about the over 1 million jobs that could be created this week if folks on both sides of the aisle will just work together for some bipartisan, commonsense legislation that creates affordable energy job opportunities and puts Americans to work.

I'm sure this legislation will pass this week, but it's an opportunity for folks to vote for something that will actually make a difference. I challenge folks in both parties to stand up and support this legislation. Now, the real hope will be whether the Senate will actually take it up.

You know, we've passed dozens upon dozens of bills that create jobs, that help put the American people back to work, yet we still have almost an 8 percent unemployment rate in this country. I'll tell you what: I am fed up with Washington getting in the way of progress. At every turn the solutions out of Washington are greater taxes, greater mandates, greater burdens on the American people.

What we're talking about here is creating prosperity and opportunity for the American people to go back to work, to put food on the table for their families, and it's done through what is such a simple thing, domestic forms of energy that are right here at our grasp. Why wouldn't we utilize this energy that's right here in our country? It seems foolish and shortsighted. And frankly, it hurts the American people when we're not supporting domestic forms of energy.

So this week is a great opportunity for folks who say they're for job creation, who say they're for an all-of-the-above energy approach to step up and lead and to join us in proposals that will put Americans back to work and help rebuild this country.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about the American

Dream. In the United States, we are a Nation of opportunity, a country that provides everyone the chance to follow their ideas, to innovate, to explore, to create, and to build.

In the United States, this Nation of opportunity is best represented by the millions of small businesses that make our economy grow and put our friends and neighbors to work. That's why I'm proud today to speak to recognize National Small Business Week.

More than two out of every three new jobs created in our country are made possible by small businesses. As we spend this week highlighting the innovations and successes of small businesses across the country, let us renew our efforts to help all Americans get back to work with bipartisan and commonsense legislation that helps these small businesses grow and hire new employees.

Madam Speaker, we must continue to work together to harness the full economic drive of the United States economy, and that drive is led by the men and women in the engine room of each and every small business across our great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise to recognize two of America's finest heroes.

I was saddened to learn of the death of 23-year-old Second Lieutenant Justin Sisson. Second Lieutenant Sisson graduated from Blue Valley West High School in Overland Park, Kansas, a suburb of the Third District, which I represent. Sisson was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 506th Infantry Regiment, 4th Brigade Combat Team, 101st Airborne Division as an assistant operations officer out of Fort Campbell, Kentucky.

Deployed to Afghanistan with less than a year of Active Duty, Sisson, along with Army Specialist Robert Allan Pierce of Panama, Oklahoma, was killed on Monday by a suicide vehicle-borne improvised explosive device.

With the deaths of Second Lieutenant Justin Sisson and Specialist Robert Pierce, we are once again reminded that freedom is not free. As Americans, we owe a debt of gratitude to these brave men that we simply cannot repay.

Second Lieutenant Sisson and Specialist Pierce will forever be known as patriots and heroes whose sacrifice will never be forgotten.

Mr. Speaker, Memorial Day is a day our grateful Nation devotes to observing the extraordinary sacrifices paid by so many brave military men and women. Those who served so honorably died to protect the values and ideals on which our country was built, and we will never forget them.

Mr. Speaker, while we continue to work on behalf of the American people here in Washington, let us remember we work for people outside the beltway, many of whom are still searching for employment. With the unemployment rate for post-9/11 veterans at 9.2 percent, I'm heartbroken when reminded of veterans who come back from deployments abroad and cannot find work back home.

This Memorial Day weekend, let us remember to always honor those so devoted to their country that they gave their lives; and let us honor those veterans who defend us on the front lines

abroad by putting these brave men and women first in line at home to find a job, provide for their families, and to realize the American Dream.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Dr. Gene Johnson, Superintendent of the Shawnee Mission School District in Johnson County Kansas, for his unwavering service to our country's greatest natural resource--our children. Dr. Johnson has tirelessly served the children of Kansas during his educational career as teacher, principal, administrative leader, and during the last five years as the Superintendent of one of the largest school districts in Kansas. He will be ending his life-long service in public education at the end of June.

During his time of leadership Dr. Johnson has led through the difficulties of economic challenge and a changing demographic in student population, while continuing to raise the bar of academic excellence and achievement--a great example of excellence in leadership through diversity. He has quietly and brilliantly led this national award winning school district in the increase of their International Baccalaureate programs in the high schools and Advanced Placement Courses; Signature Programs in Bio-Science/Medical Studies, Bio- Technology, Engineering, Legal Studies, Culinary Arts and others while strengthening focus on early childhood education and academic rigor in the Middle Schools.

Thank you, Dr. Johnson, for your servant leadership. You are a hero and champion, and we wish you the best in your retirement.

Madam Speaker, I stand today with Americans rightfully outraged and stunned that their government has admitted to harassing Americans with audits and paperwork simply based upon their political beliefs.

The American people expect the institutions of their government at their most basic, most simple levels to be fair. They expect not to be discriminated against or targeted based on their beliefs--religious, political, or otherwise.

But, Madam Speaker, we've learned over the past days about gross violations of our constitutional rights, an appalling overreach by the Internal Revenue Service which has admitted to targeting certain Americans for heightened tax scrutiny and additional burdensome and costly audits based solely on political affiliations. These anti- American violations strike at the heart of our free and democratic society and they confirm the worst fears that many Americans have about their government. What makes matters worse is Congress was misled into believing that this wasn't happening.

Madam Speaker, we must get to the bottom of these very serious admissions by the IRS. There must be accountability and consequences for those involved, and we must ensure that this never happens again.

Mr. Speaker, in our recovering economy today, we have many families that have two working parents, each juggling their careers, coordinating children at school and extracurricular activities, parent- teacher meetings, and other work obligations. For so many Americans, balancing these important demands of family and work proves to be extremely difficult and oftentimes exhausting.

That is why I rise today in support of giving private sector employees the same flexibility and choice to balance their careers and home lives that public sector employees have enjoyed for the past 30 years.

The Working Families Flexibility Act simply gives employees a choice that already exists for public employees; and if passed, this commonsense legislation would correct an outdated Federal law and help give all employees more options to take care of family obligations.

Mr. Speaker, during our continued economic recovery, at a time when it is difficult for Americans to see Washington come together and pass bipartisan, positive solutions, let's show them that we understand times are difficult for many and pass the Working Families Flexibility Act of 2013.

Mr. Speaker, over 100 Kansans traveled across the country to take part in the world's most recognized marathon yesterday in Boston.

We've all seen the images of the destruction caused by the cowardly acts of violence. But, Mr. Speaker, what was not cowardly was the instinct and immediate reaction of so many first responders and countless spectators who were watching their loved ones partake in the Patriots' Day tradition.

Cowardly doesn't describe runners who passed the finish line after running 26 miles and immediately, without hesitation, turning around, running back to help.

Those heroes include Dr. Chris Rupe from Salina, Kansas. Chris finished the race and was only 10 yards away from the first explosion. Dr. Rupe turned and ran to help the injured, the way Kansans do, the way so many Americans did.

Mr. Speaker, there is still much to determine in regards to the details from yesterday, and we will get those answers I'm sure of it. What is known for certain is the bravery and courage of the American people and Kansans like Dr. Rupe in emergencies and times of tragedy like yesterday in Boston.

Mr. Speaker, the President released his February 2014 budget proposal this morning, and now for the first time in over 4 years, the House and the Senate and the President all have submitted budget blueprints showing their priorities for getting our Nation's finances back in good standing.

In the House, our budget balances within 10 years by slowing the growth of government, responsibly and carefully reforming Federal spending, while strengthening and preserving Medicare and Social Security for future generations. And the House budget pays down the national debt to zero within our lifetimes.

Just 12 weeks ago, taxes went up on every American; yet, unfortunately, the President's plan raises taxes again on Americans while increasing spending, growing the size of government, and never, ever balancing.

Mr. Speaker, the American people want balance in Congress, and they want a balanced budget. As we go forward, let's do our job and control spending. Let's balance our own books, and let's stop the constant push for higher taxes on the American people.

Announcement by the Speaker Pro Tempore

Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of this budget proposal.

Before I came to Washington, D.C., I was the Appropriations Committee chairman of the Kansas State Legislature, where we were required each year to balance our State's budget. We were like a lot of Kansas families; we couldn't spend more money than we bring in--quite a novel concept.

As a Member of Congress, I have stood in disbelief, much like most Americans, at the wanton disregard for balancing the Federal budget. Frankly, Mr. Chairman, it is astonishing. In the last 50 years, we've only balanced the budget six times. That's why I'm so happy that we finally have a budget before us that balances. Not only does it balance, it pays off the national debt down to zero.

Now, I support a balanced budget amendment to the Constitution to require Congress to do its job and make sure that we don't spend more than we take in. Opponents of that amendment often say we don't need the Constitution to require us to do our work, to balance the budget. We have all the tools to balance the budget now. Great. This is our opportunity to prove it. Let's come together and do our jobs.

Americans are sick and tired of the standard lame Washington excuses of why we couldn't do our jobs and balance the budget. How can you keep going home and blaming others, blaming the other side for the fiscal state of our Nation?

The facts are, Mr. Chairman, besides the RSC budget, this is the only budget being presented that balances and pays the debt down to zero. So we are hearing speech after speech today that criticizes this balanced budget without offering a balanced alternative.

Mr. Chairman, each day, hardworking Americans get up to do their jobs. They work long, hard hours. They put food on the table. They raise their families, and they pay lots of taxes. Is it too much for them to ask for us to balance our books, to spend their tax dollars wisely?

Let's chart a debt-free future for this country. Let's rebuild our economy. Let's honor the work and commitment of the American taxpayers, and let's stand together for a balanced budget.

Mr. Speaker, I have made it a priority since day one to support pro-growth, pro-jobs legislation that encourages entrepreneurship and supports innovation--all in the name of strengthening our economy and making certain the United States remains globally competitive and is the place where the hardest working and best minds exist.

To remain competitive, we must continue to have the best trained workforce in the world. Quite often, programs in Washington, D.C., are cumbersome and difficult to use. We must all endeavor to make the Federal Government more efficient and effective.

That's why, today, I rise in approval of the SKILLS Act, and encourage my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to support this commonsense legislation that will eliminate burdensome and frustrating roadblocks that prevent out-of-work Americans from accessing beneficial workforce development programs and job skills training efforts that will only help our national economy.

Mr. Speaker, everyone must have a chance to succeed in our current economy, a chance to realize the American Dream. Let's pass the SKILLS Act so we continue working together in a competitive and thriving economy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to praise the life and legacy of a personal hero of mine. Adele Hall was one of the kindest, warmest and friendliest people I have ever known. Yesterday, Adele was laid to rest amongst the outpouring of family and friends who were touched and inspired by the heartwarming and graceful life that Adele led.

Called the first lady of Kansas City, Adele and her adoring husband, Don, have been staples of the Kansas City community for a generation, providing irreplaceable leadership in both business and civic affairs.

Her obituary states in part:

Adele was interested in a broad range of community needs

with a special passion for the needs of children. She was

tireless working toward those interests in any capacity

needed--as a visionary board chairman, energetic champion and

catalyst for change, hardworking committee member, dedicated

fundraiser or hands-on volunteer.

We will forever miss Adele's good deeds in our community; but, most of all, I will miss her smile. To Adele Hall, thank you for your life of inspirational leadership. You have forever found a place in our hearts.

Amendment I:

``Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof; or abridging the freedom of speech, or of the press; or the right of the people peaceably to assemble, and to petition the government for a redress of grievances.''

Amendment II:

``A well-regulated militia, being necessary to the security of a free State, the right of the people to keep and bear arms, shall not be infringed.''

Amendment III:

``No soldier shall, in time of peace be quartered in any house, without the consent of the owner, nor in time of war, but in a manner to be prescribed by law.''