Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to mark the 68th anniversary of the Allied expeditionary forces landing in Normandy, France, at the start of the end of World War II. The allied invasion of Europe was led by a native Kansan born in Abilene and a truly great American hero, former-President General Dwight ``Ike'' Eisenhower.

On the morning of June 6, 1944, General Eisenhower inspired his men to fight for the values of liberty and freedom, stating:

Your task will not be an easy one. Your enemy is well

trained, well equipped, and battle hardened. He will fight

savagely.

Our homefronts have given us an overwhelming superiority in

weapons and munitions of war, and placed at our disposal

great reserves of trained fighting men. The tide has turned.

The free men of the world are marching together to victory.

Good luck. And let us beseech the blessings of Almighty God

upon this great and noble undertaking.

We all remember the tremendous sacrifices the Greatest Generation gave for the cause of freedom and liberty as we mark this solemn anniversary today.

Mr. Chairman, I move to strike the last word.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to the Hahn amendment, which strikes a dagger in our efforts to protect our country, our homeland security, from threats to our food system, our agriculture system, and threats to the American people.

As horrific as it is to imagine, reports show that one of our greatest vulnerabilities is threats to our food supply, to agriculture. One doesn't have to stretch too far to think how mad cow disease or some other viral spread could grind our economy to a halt and strike fear in the hearts of all Americans. This simply cannot happen.

The Hahn amendment, which completely defunds 100 percent of the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility in this year's appropriations bill, would completely set us back, would make us very vulnerable to threats to our agricultural system from foreign-borne illness and those terrorists who would seek to injure and strike fear in the hearts of Americans.

Currently, our country lacks a biosafety level 4 lab needed to keep our food supply safe. Both Secretary Vilsack and Secretary Napolitano have stated that this is a priority, and it has bipartisan support within the administration. Both President Bush and President Obama have supported it. Homeland security is not a partisan issue. We're here today to do what we can to protect the American people.

I want to commend the chairman and the committee for their work in ensuring that the National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility was properly funded and that we can move forward and continue to protect ourselves from terrorists around the world. I can assure us here today that terrorists are not sleeping. They are not waiting for this committee to debate. They're not waiting for conference committees. They're doing everything they can to strike fear in the hearts of Americans and disrupt our food supply.

This weakness is something that we can not continue to let go by. That's why I stand strongly against the Hahn amendment. It's dangerous for our national security. It's dangerous for the American people, and I ask the body to reject it this evening.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the life of a true public servant from the great State of Kansas. Kansas State Representative Bob Bethell represented the 113th District in the State House and hailed from Alden, Kansas, not too far from the farm where I grew up. Representative Bethell served the people of Kansas in the State House for 14 years and was a staunch advocate for education, health, and long-term care. His distinguished career includes serving as mayor of Alden, as a pastor in his community, a school principal, and a director of college admissions. Additionally, Bob was a private business owner, operating long-term health care facilities.

I was saddened to learn of the tragic car accident State Representative Bob Bethell suffered while driving home from the Kansas legislature recently on Sunday, May 20. I served with Bob for 8 years in the Kansas House, and I always remembered him as a kind and caring man who never took himself too seriously--always wearing his trademark Mickey Mouse ties.

A true public servant. Bob, we're going to miss you.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

I just want to join the chorus of those who appreciate the work done on the Military Construction-Veterans Affairs Committee. The work by Chairman Culberson and Ranking Member Bishop is a true spirit of bipartisanship, and it shows what we're capable of when we work together towards a common goal.

It's hard to think of an issue more important than honoring our Nation's veterans, those men and women who stood in the field of battle, who assumed the call of duty, served admirably, protecting our Nation and protecting freedom and liberty around the world. So this committee and this appropriations bill is important to me.

As a freshman member of the committee, I can think of no better place than to be in a position to help advocate for our men and women who serve the country. After that service is concluded, it's our responsibility as a Nation to honor that commitment by ensuring that the benefits are high quality and are there, and that the access is available to those whom it was promised to.

I commend the committee for working with the Veterans Affairs Department and other areas of the government to find and ensure that our constituents and folks across this country who served receive the benefits they were promised, and they receive the access and quality and all sorts of things, from physical to mental health care, to our facilities, making sure they're quality facilities, renovated, and that the men and women receive the care that was promised, because these benefits are earned, not given. That's a topic I think that's very near and dear to these veterans is that these services were earned in the field of battle. They were earned through service, and it is our responsibility and our duty to honor that commitment.

So I look forward to continuing to work with the committee, look forward to working with Members of both parties as we continue to do all that we can. And I join the efforts of the chairman to ensure that resources are going to the proper spots, that it's being done quickly and adequately, and that we don't have veterans waiting and waiting forever to get the services they were promised. It's our duty and responsibility to honor that commitment, and I am here to stand in strong support of the budget that the committee has put together today.

Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the Commerce- Justice-Science 2013 appropriations bill, our first appropriations bill of the upcoming fiscal year. I'd like to commend the chairman and Members of both parties in their efforts to put together some bipartisan reforms in this legislation, and also to find ways to reduce spending to get our national debt back in line.

Like many Americans, I am concerned about the national debt crisis facing this country--almost $16 trillion now in national debt that we've racked up; that is a factor now--and the economic decisions we have to make every day in this country. It will be a burden that we'll pass on to our kids and grandkids for generations to come. So any opportunities that we have to reduce spending and find ways to get our budget back in line should be supported by this Congress as we attempt to become fiscally responsible.

We've had a spending epidemic in this city for far too long, many times not finding any cure on this House floor and no support for reducing spending. So I want to commend the committee for actually reducing spending in this legislation below the 2008 levels, below the pre-stimulus levels, to try to put us back on a track towards fiscal responsibility.

It used to be in Washington the idea that a spending cut was not getting the amount of increase that you requested. You requested a 3 percent increase, you only got a 2 percent increase, and an agency felt they were cut. So we're turning that on its head. We're changing the course of business in this town and actually reducing spending from one year to the next, and it's a good first start. Certainly, there are many miles to go and additional reductions to make in all areas, but this legislation heads us in the right direction, and it does so in a responsible way. Not only does the legislation reduce spending, but it re-prioritizes spending to those things that have the greatest value to the American people and make the greatest impact on the economic challenges our country is facing.

Not only does it increase support for the FBI and different law enforcement agencies, but it also supports the National Science Foundation with an increase in spending, the Commerce Department, and our Trade and Patent Offices, those types of bottleneck agencies that make a difference on whether small business owners, entrepreneurs can create jobs and grow and expand the economy.

So we need to get Washington out of the way and create these efficiencies, and this legislation goes in the right direction towards cleaning up some of those problems and supporting the programs that have the greatest impact by re-prioritizing spending.

So if you're focused like I am on reducing spending, like many Americans are on this national debt crisis, but you also want to see Washington spend less resources on endless bureaucracy in Washington, D.C., and more on the types of programs that help Americans back home, this is the right type of legislation; it strikes the right balance.

My hope is that the two political parties can work together to support this legislation. Let's get it moving. And let's start producing the types of priorities and the types of bills that the American people want to see us continue to work on, continue to see us be productive on, working together to reduce the national debt, reduce spending, but finding ways to re-prioritize spending on those things that matter most.

I'd like to commend the chairman and the committee for working together.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to acknowledge everyone's least favorite day of the year, tax day.

In 1935, the 1040 Form was accompanied by a two-page instruction booklet. Today, taxpayers must wade through over 200 pages of instructions and a code that extends 4 million words in length and grows daily like an ever expanding blob entangling itself and attaching its burdens to the hopes and dreams of every American.

Yet as millions of Americans pay their taxes today, some in this town believe that Washington should actually tax and spend even more of the hard-earned dollars of the American people.

Instead, I believe we should first reform the Tax Code and work to control reckless and wasteful spending in the Federal budget. As it's been said: It's not that Washington taxes too little; it's that Washington spends too much.

Mr. Speaker, we must focus on reducing the tax burden on the American people, cutting spending here in Washington and working towards a bipartisan plan to reform the Tax Code and simplify it for the millions of taxpaying Americans that are counting on us.

Mr. Speaker, today, I express my support and recognize March as National Essential Tremor Awareness Month. Essential Tremor, commonly known as ET, is a progressive neurological condition that impacts the lives of up to 10 million Americans. Every day those afflicted with this disorder face a rhythmic trembling of the hands, head, voice, legs or trunk. Daily activities that many of us take for granted, such as eating, drinking and writing, may become unbearable or even impossible.

Unfortunately, there is no medical test to easily diagnose this condition and it is often confused with Parkinson's disease and dystonia. In addition, due to stereotypes, embarrassment and a general lack of awareness, many people with ET never seek medical care or treatment. This can lead to more medical issues such as depression or isolation.

For these reasons, I appreciate the efforts of my predecessor, Rep. Dennis Moore, who recognized the importance of early awareness of this condition and in 2010 introduced legislation to declare the month of March as National Essential Tremor Awareness month.

Today, on the second anniversary of the passage of this legislation, I am happy to do my part to help increase awareness of this debilitating condition. I am honored to represent the home of the International Essential Tremor Foundation in Lenexa, Kansas. The IETF has served as an invaluable resource for thousands of its members since 1988, providing global educational information, services and support.

Most of all, the IETF provides hope. Staff, board members and volunteers work tirelessly to empower those with ET in Kansas and across the nation to regain control of their lives by providing educational opportunities, treatment options and coping skills necessary to minimize the impact of ET and improve the quality of life for those who suffer. I commend them for their outstanding efforts and look forward to working together to raise awareness and eventually, find a cure.

Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

The motion was agreed to; accordingly (at 10 o'clock and 29 minutes p.m.), under its previous order, the House adjourned until tomorrow, Thursday, March 29, 2012, at 9 a.m.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to again encourage my colleagues to support pro-growth economic policies that can help put Americans back to work.

With over 8 percent unemployment and slow economic growth, many Americans are struggling to pay their bills and provide for their families. Unfortunately, many of the policies coming out of Washington over the past few years have prolonged this economic stagnation and damaged our recovery.

With small businesses creating two out of every three jobs in this country, we need to support policies that keep business taxes down, eliminate costly regulations, and open up new avenues for access to capital. That's why I'm happy to support the JOBS Act. This bipartisan legislation will help new business formation, open up access to capital, and help new businesses create jobs.

Madam Speaker, let's work together in bipartisan fashion on the JOBS Act and other legislation, and let's help put Americans back to work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to call attention to a very special day in our country. Yesterday marked the seventh anniversary of Down Syndrome Awareness Day.

There are over 400,000 people living in the United States with Down syndrome. This equates to one out of every 700 new babies born in America.

Many of us personally know friends and loved ones with Down syndrome. Those with Down syndrome lead active and productive lives, attend school and work, participate in decisions that affect them, and contribute to society in so many wonderful ways. That's why I am a proud supporter of the Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, the ABLE Act, and I will continue to do my part to spread the word about this and other important legislation that will help those with Down syndrome have the tools to succeed.

Please help me celebrate the importance of Down Syndrome Awareness Day, and let's join together to champion every individual in this country, especially those with Down syndrome.

Mr. Speaker, today I rise to call attention to the millions of families and small business owners across America who are feeling the impact of high energy prices.

According to AAA, the national average of a gallon of gasoline currently stands at $3.77, with no sign of relief in the near future. Couple this with higher utility rates, and Americans are struggling under the weight of ever-increasing energy costs. Yet Washington continues to attempt to pile more regulations and higher taxes on energy producers in this country.

Let's be clear: higher energy taxes, more utility mandates, and bigger regulatory burdens drive up the cost of energy production. Washington will not lower energy costs for Americans by placing further roadblocks in the way of energy production in this country.

As workers sit idly waiting to construct the Keystone pipeline and utility and energy producers work to remove government burdens and barriers, the American people are losing. It's time we get the Federal Government out of the way and work together towards bipartisan solutions that get America producing domestic sources of energy in all forms.

Let's lower energy costs for all Americans, and let's get our economy growing again.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to welcome Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on his visit to the United States and to reaffirm our commitment to our strongest ally, Israel.

As Prime Minister Netanyahu visits our Nation, Israel presently stands in the shadow of a threatening neighbor who is intent on producing nuclear weapons.

Israel must remain the master of its fate and be able to defend itself against Iran. Iran's nuclear program is unequivocally a threat to Israel's existence and a threat to stability throughout the whole Middle East region and throughout the whole world by way of proliferation. There is no telling who Iran may sell their enriched uranium to; but their state policy of sponsoring groups that promote terrorism, it's not hard to speculate on the dire consequences.

Madam Speaker, as we work together to combat global terrorism and those that would threaten peace, democracy, and stability in the world, we must stand strong behind our ally Israel.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the brave men and women who served and sacrificed in World War I. 2014 will be the centennial anniversary of the Great War, and it's my hope that a grateful Nation will come together to pay tribute to the heroes who fought for liberty and freedom almost 100 years ago.

I urge my colleagues to support the Frank Buckles World War I Memorial Act, which would establish a commission to ensure a proper national observance of this historic occasion. Kansas City, which has a long tradition dating back to 1921 of honoring World War I and its legacy, is home to the outstanding National World War I Museum. I ask my colleagues to join in our support of designating this museum the National World War I Memorial.

It's my hope that over the next 2 years, we can come together and recognize the ideals and values that our country's bravest so exemplified in the First World War, and that we continue to uphold today.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to welcome the tens of thousands of people traveling to Washington, D.C., to show their support for the cause of life and give a voice to those who do not have one.

Since the ruling of Roe v. Wade 39 years ago, tragically, over 50 million abortions have occurred in this country. There are over 3,500 abortions a day, 146 an hour, and, sadly, one pregnancy is aborted every 25 seconds.

Each year, the March for Life gives Americans who are heartbroken by these tragedies a time to come together and pray for these lost souls and the families and women hurt by the abortion epidemic in this country.

As we renew our efforts to support legislation that will restore the sanctity of life, I thank all of these impassioned Americans who today chose to come together in support of life.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to acknowledge the hard work of Eric Foss, my legislative assistant.

Eric has worked in my office since I came to Congress and is leaving Washington, D.C. to return to Kansas. He has been a valued and reliable member of my staff, and it has been my honor to work with him as we serve the great people of the State of Kansas.

Eric is a proud Jayhawk, and a graduate of the University of Kansas and KU law. He has been a great source of information in my office, and my entire staff and I are sad to see Eric leave. We wish him the best of luck in his future endeavors in Kansas, and know Eric will do great things.

We thank Eric for his service to the 3rd District of Kansas.