Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Thomas McKennon ``Ken'' Shea, a life-long resident of Dumas, Arkansas, who passed away at the age of 58 on November 29, 2012. Ken was born on August 9, 1954 in Dumas, Arkansas and I would like to recognize his life and achievements.

Raised in Dumas, Arkansas, Ken attended Dumas High School and earned a bachelor's degree from Louisiana State University, where he was a member of Kappa Sigma fraternity. Ken returned to Dumas after graduating from LSU to become associated with his father at McKennon Implement Co. Inc, the family's John Deere farm equipment dealership, and served as president and sales manager there while helping to oversee his family's farming interests. Following the sale of the McKennon dealerships Arkansas Ag in 2011, he was Location Manager for Arkansas Ag in McGehee. He was a past president of the Southeast Equipment Dealers Association.

Ken led an exemplary life and was extremely active in many different capacities. He was past president of the Dumas Chamber of Commerce, Dumas Lions Club, and Walnut Lake Country Club Boar. He served as chairman of the Dumas Airport Commission, on the Chicot-Desha Metropolitan Port Authority (Yellow Bend Port) and on the Dumas School Board. He represented the Dumas area on the Southeast Arkansas Levee District Board and had been a member of the AgHeritage Farm Credit Services Board of Directors since 1993. Ken was chosen as the Ding Dong Daddy of Dumas for 1996 and was named Dumas Lions Club Man of the Year in 1993, the same year his wife Debbie was honored as Woman of the Year at the annual Dumas Chamber of Commerce banquet.

Ken was also very active at the First United Methodist Church where he served as past chairman of the Administrative Board, a member of the governing council, and a Sunday School teacher.

Leading by example through a lifetime of dedication, community service, and commitment to agriculture, Ken has left an undeniable mark on the Desha County community. Dumas is a better place, more cohesive community because of Ken Shea and he will be deeply missed. My heartfelt condolences are with his wife of 35 years, Debbie; his son, the Rev. Thomas McKennon Shea Jr. and wife Anna Collins Shea; his daughter, Sarah Helen Shea Studebaker and husband Peyton Mills Studebaker; his brother, William Warrick ``Bill'' Shea; his sister, Anne Shea Carroll; and his two grandchildren, Jackson Reade Studebaker and Thomas McKennon ``Mac'' Shea, III. While Ken may no longer be with us, his spirit will live on forever in the lives he touched.

Mr. Speaker, on September 19-21, 2012, I was not present for the following votes.

Rollcall vote 585 on passage of H.R. 5044, the Andrew P. Carpenter Tax Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Rollcall vote 586 on passage of H.R. 5912, to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to prohibit the use of public funds for political party conventions. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Rollcall vote 587, on ordering the previous question providing for consideration of H.J. Res. 118 and H.R. 3409. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Rollcall vote 588, on agreeing to the resolution providing for consideration of H.J. Res. 118 and H.R. 3409. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Rollcall vote 589 on passage of H.J. Res. 118, Providing for congressional disapproval of the rule submitted by the Office of Family Assistance of the Administration for Children and Families of the Department of HHS relating to waiver and expenditure authority under the Social Security Act with respect to the Temporary Assistance for Needy Families program. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Rollcall vote 590, on passage of HR 6429, To amend the Immigration and Nationality Act to promote innovation, investment, and research in the United States, to eliminate the diversity immigrant program, and for other purposes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Rollcall vote 591, on passage of H.R. 5987, to establish the Manhattan Project National Historical Park in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, Los Alamos, New Mexico, and Hanford, Washington, and for other purposes. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Rollcall vote 592, on Markey of Massachusetts Amendment No. 1. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Rollcall vote 593, on Waxman of California Amendment No. 3. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Rollcall vote 594, on Kelly of Pennsylvania Amendment No. 4. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Rollcall vote 595, on Markey of Massachusetts Amendment No. 5. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Rollcall vote 596, on Jackson Lee of Texas Amendment No. 8. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Rollcall vote 597, on McKinley of West Virginia Amendment No. 9. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Rollcall vote 598, on Markey of Massachusetts Amendment No. 10. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Rollcall vote 599, on DeFazio of Oregon Amendment No. 11. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Rollcall vote 600, on Flake of Arizona Amendment No. 12. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Rollcall vote 601, Gosar of Arizona Amendment No. 13. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Rollcall vote 602, on motion to recommit, to limit the authority of the Secretary of the Interior to issue regulations before December 31, 2013, under the Surface Mining Control and Reclamation Act of 1977. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Rollcall vote 603, on passage of H.R. 3409, the Coal Miner Employment and Domestic Energy Infrastructure Protection Act. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, on Thursday, September 13th, 2012 and Friday, September 14th, I was not present for rollcall votes 572- 584.

Had I been present for rollcall 572, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall 573, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall 574, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 575, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 576, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall 577, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall 578, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 579, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 580, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 581, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall 582, I would have voted ``no.''

Had I been present for rollcall 583, I would have voted ``aye.''

Had I been present for rollcall 584, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true patriot who died in service to this great country. On February 17, 2011, Airman 1st Class Corey C. Owens, USAF, died of a non-combat related incident at Al Asad Air Base in Iraq in support of Operation New Dawn.

Airman 1st Class Owens, 26, of San Antonio, Texas, was assigned to the 47th Security Forces Squadron, Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas, and was on his second deployment to southwest Asia. His father resides in Story, Arkansas.

Although I never had the honor of meeting Airman 1st Class Owens, it is clear by the outpouring of praise from his colleagues, friends, and family that he was well liked and well respected by all who knew him. In fact, local news reported that when Laughlin Air Base held a memorial service on Feb. 28, they had trouble finding a space large enough.

Airman 1st Class Owens is survived by his current wife, Misty Owens; his two daughters, Xiya and Xoe Owens from his first marriage; his father, Steve Owens of Story, Ark.; his mother, Chris Owens of Springfield, Ill.; two sisters, Ann Kusterbeck of Princeton, Tex., and Sandra Owens of Springfield, Ill.; two uncles, two aunts, two nieces, one nephew and several cousins.

When we think of true heroes, we think of brave Americans like Airman 1st Class Owens who risk everything to defend freedom and serve this great county. We will always be grateful for his selfless sacrifice and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his parents and the rest of his family and friends during this very difficult time. We are who we are as a nation because of patriots like Airman 1st Class Owens.

Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me as we honor the life of Airman 1st Class Corey Owens and his legacy, as well as each man and woman in our Armed Forces, and all of those in harm's way supporting their efforts, who give the ultimate sacrifice in service to this great country. We owe them our eternal gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a true patriot who died in service to this great country. On May 4, 2012, Master Sergeant Gregory L. Childs died of a non-combat related illness at the age of 38 in Kabul Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom.

Master Sergeant Childs was raised in Warren, Arkansas, where he graduated from Warren High School in 1992. After graduation, he joined the United States Army where he served his country with honor for 20 years, traveling to Bosnia, Germany, Columbia, and two tours to Afghanistan. He excelled through the ranks of the Non-Commissioned Officer (NCO) Corps and earned the rank of Master Sergeant (MSG), one of the highest ranks you can receive in the U.S. Army NCO Corps. At the time of his death, Master Sergeant Childs was assigned to the Defense Logistics Agency, Administrative Support Center, Fort Belvoir, Virginia.

Although I never had the honor to meet Master Sergeant Childs, on behalf of the State of Arkansas, I extend my sincere condolences to his family, friends and all who knew him for this devastating loss.

Master Sergeant Childs is survived by his daughter, Kourtlan Iman Childs of Arlington, Texas; his mother, Eula Childs of Warren, Ark.; his brother, Shawn Childs of Little Rock, Ark.; a grandmother, Maola Jones of Hermitage, Ark.; a fiancee, Jewele Johnson of Columbia, SC; best friends Chad Mingo of Shreveport, LA, and Alonzo Hampton of Bowling Green, KY, as well as a host of other relatives, friends, and soldiers.

When we think of true heroes, we think of brave Americans like Master Sergeant Childs who risk everything to defend freedom and serve this great country. We will always be grateful for his selfless sacrifice and he will be deeply missed by all who knew him. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family and friends during this very difficult time. We are who we are as a nation because of patriots like Master Sergeant Childs.

Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me as we honor the life of Master Sergeant Gregory L. Childs and his legacy, as well as each man and woman in our Armed Forces, and all of those in harm's way, who give the ultimate sacrifice in service to this great country. We owe them our eternal gratitude.

I thank the gentleman from Florida.

Let me just say that the Congressional Sportsmen's Caucus is one of the largest bipartisan caucuses within the Congress. I think the work we do together is very important, and at a time when there's so much that divides us, this is something that so many of us are able to come together and be united on. I want to thank everyone that participates and helps make it one of the largest, if not the largest, bipartisan caucuses in the Congress.

To my friend from Florida, now that he gave me a little kind jab, let me just make the point that the Democrats have won the annual skeet, trap, and sporting clays competition for the last 3 years, and we were feeling bad about it, and so we decided that this year we would make sure that all of our shotguns had a full choke and one arm tied behind our back to try to make it more fair. And, obviously, maybe we shouldn't have tied our arm behind our back.

We congratulate you on your victory this year, and we look forward to next year as well for those that are returning.

Mr. Speaker, I feel compelled to make a statement because I'm concerned with the newly created mega pharmacy benefit manager (PBM). The Federal Trade Commission recently concluded its investigation into the merger of Express Scripts and Medco, two of the three largest PBMs. PBMs are primarily responsible for implementing and administering benefit plans that are care-effective and lower prescription drug spending. Now, approximately 135 million Americans will be forced to rely on this new mega PBM to manage their prescription drug benefits. This merger also creates the nation's largest mail-order pharmacy, accounting for close to 60 percent of all mail-order prescriptions processed in the U.S.

PBMs claim to reduce prescription drug costs; in fact, they are contributing to the increase in healthcare spending. They create artificial barriers that limit patient choice and competition through referring patients to their own mail-order operations. PBMs also switch patients to more expensive medications allowing these companies to collect rebates from drug makers. Employers and health plans end up paying more for these expensive drugs.

Since 2000, the number of large PBMs has declined and the concentration among the ``Big Three'' PBMs has increased. The merger of Express Scripts and Medco reduces the options for large plans from three to two. This new mega PBM will control over 40 percent of the national prescription drug volume.

Mr. Speaker, given the possible concentration of market share by the mega PBM, I urge my fellow colleagues to demand transparency and accountability in this industry.

Mr. Speaker, the Fourth Annual NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill is a special day where we recognize pharmacy's contribution to the American healthcare system. The event, organized by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores, takes place on March 21 22. Hundreds from the pharmacy community--including practicing pharmacists, pharmacy school faculty and students, state pharmacy leaders and pharmacy company executives--will visit Capitol Hill to share their views with Congress about the importance of supporting legislation that protects access to neighborhood pharmacies and utilizes pharmacists to improve the quality and reduce the costs of healthcare.

Two of these attendees from more than 40 states who have traveled to Washington are from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences College of Pharmacy. These important healthcare providers are here to urge Congress to recognize the value of pharmacists and protect access to these medication experts as a part of our valued healthcare delivery system.

Pharmacists are the nation's most accessible healthcare providers and nearly all Americans live within five miles of a community retail pharmacy. There are 116 chain pharmacies and 108 independent pharmacies in

my own Congressional District in Arkansas. Pharmacy has a long history of receiving, filling, billing and dispensing prescriptions in tandem with counseling. But pharmacists, utilizing their specialized education, also play a major role in medication therapy management, disease state management, immunizations, healthcare screenings, and other healthcare services designed to improve patient health and reduce overall healthcare costs.

We have a responsibility to adopt policies in recognition that pharmacists help patients adhere to their medications to improve health outcomes and reduce the risks of adverse events and unnecessary costly hospital readmissions and emergency room visits. Congress recognized the important role of local pharmacists when it included a Medication Therapy Management (MTM) benefit in Medicare Part D. As we have seen the increasing power of this benefit in improving patient health outcomes, I support community pharmacy's efforts to strengthen the MTM benefit so it is available for seniors and others struggling with chronic conditions and other illnesses.

We also have a responsibility to implement fair reimbursement for pharmacies for the cost effective medications that they dispense. Furthermore, we have a responsibility to protect American consumers and the pharmacies that serve them from corporate middlemen known as Pharmacy Benefit Managers (PBMs). Despite their claims to the contrary, PBMs drive up prescription drug costs, restrict consumers' choice of pharmacy, use gimmicks to delay payments to pharmacies and use private and sensitive health information for illegitimate purposes. Nothing is more important to chain pharmacy than the health and safety of their patients and the well-being of the American public.

Today, I celebrate the value of pharmacy and support efforts to protect access to neighborhood pharmacies and utilize pharmacies to improve the quality and reduce the costs of healthcare. In recognition of the Fourth Annual NACDS RxIMPACT Day on Capitol Hill, I would like to congratulate pharmacy leaders, pharmacists, students, and executives and the pharmacy community represented by the National Association of Chain Drug Stores for their contributions to the good health of the American people.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated soldier and true American hero who died in service to this great country. On January 15, 2012, U.S. Army Sergeant First Class Benjamin B. Wise, who was 34 years old, died at Landstuhl Regional Medical Center in Landstuhl, Germany, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. Sergeant First Class Wise died of injuries sustained on January 9, 2012, in Balkh Province, Afghanistan, from small arms fire.

SFC Benjamin Wise graduated from West Side Christian High School in El Dorado, Ark., in 1995 and eventually joined the United States Armed Forces in 2000, where he began a distinguished military career. At the time of his death, SFC Wise was on his fourth deployment overseas--once in Iraq and three times to Afghanistan--and was assigned to A Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Special Forces Group, Joint Base Lewis-McChord, Washington.

SFC Wise was an outstanding soldier and, according to his family, incredibly proud of the career he built in the Army. During his 11 years as a soldier, SFC Wise earned three Army Commendation Medals; three Army Good Conduct Medals; the National Defense Service Medal; two Afghanistan Campaign Medals with Bronze Service Stars; three Iraq Campaign Medals with Bronze Service Stars; the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal; two Noncommissioned Officers Professional Development Ribbons; the Army Service Ribbon; two Overseas Service Ribbons; the NATO Medal; the Parachustist Badge, Basic; the Combat Infantryman Badge; the Expert Infantry Badge; the Combat and Special Skill Badge, Basic Marksmanship Qual Badge; the Canadian Parachutist Badge; the Special Forces Tab; and four Overseas Service Bars.

SFC Wise was also posthumously awarded two Bronze Star Medals for his bravery in battle and a Purple Heart for giving his life in service to his country.

As a well-respected leader, SFC Wise was an outstanding soldier who served his country well and proudly wore the uniform of the United States of America. He represented the best of our Armed Forces and the best of America--giving his life to protect the freedoms we all cherish. As a husband, father, son and brother, his loss will leave an incredible void that will be impossible to fill. My thoughts and prayers are with his wife, Traci; his children, Kallen, Luke and Ryan; his parents, Dr. Jean and Mary Wise; his brother, Marine Corps Cpl. Matthew Wise; his sister, Mary; and, the rest of his family and friends during this very difficult time.

Unfortunately, what made SFC Wise's death even more tragic is that just two short years ago, the Wise family also lost another son in Afghanistan--Jeremy Wise, who was SFC Benjamin Wise's brother. Former Navy SEAL Special Warfare Operator First Class Jeremy Wise, age 35, was part of the CIA's security detail at an outpost near Khost, Afghanistan, when he was killed on December 30, 2009, when a terrorist detonated a bomb at the facility killing seven Americans in the attack. America has now lost two outstanding patriots in the Wise family and both Benjamin and Jeremy will be deeply missed.

The United States of America remains a strong beacon for freedom and liberty around the world because of brave, honorable and dedicated service members like SFC Benjamin Wise and his brother, Jeremy. The Wise family has endured an incredible burden and made an extraordinary sacrifice on behalf of all Americans and we are forever thankful.

Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me as we honor the life and legacy of Army Sergeant First Class Benjamin Wise, as well as each man and woman in our Armed Forces, and all of those in harm's way supporting their efforts, who give the ultimate sacrifice in service to this great country. I also ask that we recognize the sacrifice and burdens our military families endure in support of this great country. We owe them all our eternal gratitude.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a good friend and dedicated public servant who recently passed away. On Friday, Jan. 13, 2012, Edward ``Ed'' Fry, long-time congressional aide and Chief of Staff to three successive Arkansas Congressmen, died of cancer at the much too young age of 55. Ed worked so hard for his state and nation for more than 20 years that he eventually earned the honorary title of ``Arkansas's Fifth Congressman.''

I knew Ed Fry for many years and considered him a good friend since our days as active members of the Arkansas Young Democrats. In fact, we used to drive together across the state of Arkansas setting up Young Democrat chapters at colleges and universities wherever we could. Ed would later go on to serve as the President of the national chapter of the Young Democrats of America.

Considering himself a life-long ``yellow dog'' Democrat, politics and helping people were among Ed's top passions in life. So, when Arkansas Governor Bill Clinton decided to run for president in 1992, Ed jumped at the chance to help and joined an enthusiastic group of Clinton supporters--called the ``Arkansas Travelers''--who traveled around the country to help elect the 42nd President of the United States.

Ed Fry was born in Illinois, but his family moved to Pine Bluff, Ark., in 1972, where his father worked as a naval architect. He enrolled in Ouachita Baptist University in Arkadelphia, Ark., as a 16- year-old student and graduated with his bachelor's degree in just three years. He went on to earn a J.D. from the University of Arkansas-Little Rock Bowen School of Law and a master's degree from Emory University in Atlanta, Ga.

Ed also proudly served his state and nation as a congressional staffer in our nation's capital for more than 20 years, serving as Chief of Staff to three successive Arkansas Congressmen and as a mentor to dozens of young people over the years. He became such a staple in Arkansas politics and was such a strong and passionate advocate for the people of Arkansas that he eventually earned the nickname ``Arkansas's Fifth Congressman.''

When not working, Ed took to the waters and had a great passion for boating his entire life, even earning his USCG Masters ``Captains'' License at the young age of 18. He had such a humble, infectious personality that as a friend, I know we will all miss him dearly.

Ed made public service his career, life and passion. Arkansas and the nation are a better place because of the time, energy and life of Ed Fry. Cancer took from us a wonderful human being and a person who loved the American political system and who worked hard to make Arkansas and America a better place to call home.

My thoughts and prayers are with his partner of 17 years, Mark McCullough; parents, Edward and Patricia Fry; sisters, Leah Ann Taylor and Andrea Zomber; six nieces and nephews; and, the rest of his family and friends.

Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me in honoring all of our congressional staffers who work hard every day for the people of this country. I also ask that they join me in honoring the life and legacy of an extraordinary congressional staffer and statesman, Ed Fry--``Arkansas's Fifth Congressman''--who will be deeply missed throughout the halls of Congress and throughout the state of Arkansas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 886, the United States Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act. I'm proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill and to work very closely with my colleague from Arkansas, Mr. Womack, to issue a commemorative coin honoring the 225th anniversary of the United States Marshals Service in helping to raise money for the U.S. Marshals museum in Fort Smith, Arkansas. The very first Congress with its very first bill created the U.S. Marshals Service when President George Washington signed the Judiciary Act of 1789. This was the same bill that created the entire Federal judicial system, and today the U.S. Marshals Service remains the Nation's oldest Federal law enforcement agency.

My home State of Arkansas has a proud chapter in the history of the U.S. Marshals Service. As a young State, Arkansas sat on the western edge of a growing Nation in the late 1800s, and it would be the U.S. Marshals and their deputies based out of Forth Smith, Arkansas, that had jurisdiction over

74,000 square miles, an area where countless numbers of dangerous criminals fled into Indian territory to escape prosecution.

Home to Judge Parker's courthouse, Fort Smith became the center of law and order in the Western United States throughout much of the late 19th century.

Charles Portis' 1968 novel ``True Grit'' first introduced Fort Smith, Arkansas, to many Americans and its role in the history of the U.S. Marshals Service. An Arkansan born and raised in El Dorado, Arkansas, in my congressional district, Charles Portis later saw his novel turned into the 1969 movie starring Arkansas native and recording artist, singer Glen Campbell, and John Wayne as U.S. Marshal Rooster Cogburn; and more recently, the 2010 remake of the movie featuring Jeff Bridges in the same role.

The importance of Fort Smith, Arkansas, to the U.S. Marshals Service is in part why the city will also be home to the U.S. Marshals museum, to be funded partly by sales from the U.S. Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin. When finished, the U.S. Marshals museum will be a world class national museum with over 20,000 square feet helping to share the history and legacy of the U.S. Marshals Service.

Most importantly, it will serve as a memorial for all of those within the U.S. Marshals Service who gave their lives in service to our country.

Today more than 4,000 U.S. Marshals, deputy marshals, and criminal investigators make up the modern U.S. Marshals Service, carrying out many of the duties first assigned to them more than two centuries ago.

Our U.S. Marshals and deputy marshals protect the Federal judicial system, apprehend Federal fugitives, seize property, house and transport Federal prisoners, and operate the witness security program. They continue to risk their lives to preserve and protect law and order, the very basic tenet of our American democracy and, yes, our way of life.

Mr. Speaker, this bill, which will not add a single dime to the deficit, will allow our Nation to recognize, honor, and thank the sacrifices that so many U.S. marshals and deputy marshals have made to this country over the past 225 years. It will also generate revenue from the U.S. Marshals Service 225th anniversary Commemorative Coin sales to help build a museum in their honor in Fort Smith, Arkansas, so that this generation and the generations that follow will know the truly American story of the U.S. Marshals Service.

So, Mr. Speaker, I'm proud to join my colleague from Arkansas (Mr. Womack) in offering up a bipartisan bill, and I'm asking you to join me in voting for H.R. 886, the United States Marshals Service 225th Anniversary Commemorative Coin Act. Again I'd like to thank the gentleman from Arkansas, Mr. Womack, for his steadfast leadership and hard work to see this day become a reality.

Mr. Speaker, on Wednesday, November 30, 2011, I was not present for rollcall vote 869 on passage of H.R. 3094, the Workforce Democracy and Fairness Act.

Had I been present for rollcall 869, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, earlier this summer, Congress passed a bipartisan, compromise agreement--known as the Budget Control Act of 2011--to raise the debt ceiling in two stages by 2013. The new law cuts spending by more than it increases the debt limit and it does not raise any taxes.

Specifically, the Budget Control Act will reduce the deficit by more than $2 trillion over the next 10 years. To do so, it directly specifies $917 billion in deficit cuts now and requires at least an additional $1.2 trillion in savings by December 23, 2011. Tasked with finding these deficit cuts is the 12-member, bipartisan and bicameral Joint Committee on Deficit Reduction, also known as the ``Super Committee.''

According to the new law, the Super Committee must recommend a plan to Congress by November 23, 2011, that cuts the deficit by at least $1.2 trillion in ten years. Then, Congress has until December 23, 2011, to pass the plan on a straight up-or-down vote, meaning no amendments and no filibusters allowed. If Congress fails to pass the plan or comes up short, then across-the-board spending cuts would automatically take effect, split evenly among defense and non-defense spending.

As we are approaching the November 23 deadline, I continue to believe that we need to make serious changes to our budget that will provide necessary savings to help stabilize our long-term financial security. However, any changes that take place over the long run must not be at the expense of our seniors. We absolutely cannot reduce the deficit by cutting seniors' benefits or jeopardizing the stability of programs that they rely on. This is not what I want and this is not what the American people want.

Over 20 million Americans aged 60 and older are economically insecure--living at or below 250 percent of the federal poverty level (FPL). The FPL does not account for the rising cost of living seniors experience as they age, which can include illness, loss of a spouse, or care for a disabled spouse, adult dependent child, or grandchildren.

Many seniors rely on fixed incomes, receiving on average $1,081 in Social Security benefits, $401.70 in Supplemental Security Income, and/ or $297 in public assistance each month. Women fare worse than men, with 56% economically disadvantaged compared to 30% of men. Weekly earnings vary by age and gender. Men aged 55 and older have the highest average weekly earnings at $965, while women earn $744.

In August 2011, 1.7 million Americans aged 55 and older were actively seeking work. The unemployment rate for mature workers in this age group is 6.6 percent. The average duration of looking for employment is 44.6 weeks.

These are only a few statistics highlighting the economic difficulties many of our nation's elders face.

I believe that reducing the federal budget deficit is important to our nation's economic future and will require difficult choices and shared sacrifice. However, spending cuts cannot be made at the expense of economically disadvantaged seniors. Due to the recent economic downturn, more seniors than ever need assistance and support to make ends meet.

The Super Committee and Congress must be mindful of this as any possible changes are made to senior related programs and benefits.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an exceptional soldier and a true American hero who died in service to this great country. On November 1, 2011, U.S. Army Specialist Sarina N. Butcher was killed at the age of 19 years old in Paktia Province, Afghanistan, in support of Operation Enduring Freedom. According to initial reports, Specialist Butcher died of injuries sustained when an improvised explosive device detonated near her military vehicle.

Specialist Butcher was born in Crossett, Arkansas, and spent many of her childhood years in southern Arkansas, where much of her family still lives today. Specialist Butcher eventually moved to Oklahoma, where she graduated high school and eventually joined the Oklahoma National Guard. At the time of her death, she was assigned to F Company, 700th Brigade Support Battalion, 45th Infantry Brigade Combat Team, Army National Guard, based in Tulsa, Okla.

We now know that Specialist Butcher was the first female and youngest Oklahoma National Guard soldier killed since the wars in Iraq & Afghanistan began, but she will be remembered for much more than that. She will be remembered as an outstanding soldier. In fact, soon after her death, Private First Class Butcher was posthumously promoted to Specialist Butcher. She also earned a National Defense Service Medal, Army Service Ribbon, Oklahoma Good Conduct Medal, Bronze Star and Purple Heart all at the age of 19.

Specialist Butcher will also be remembered as a loving daughter, a loving mother to her beautiful 2-year-old daughter, Zoey, and a good friend to all who knew her. She leaves behind an incredible void that will be impossible to fill. My thoughts and prayers are with her daughter; her mother, Dana; her father, James; and, with all of her friends and family during this very difficult time.

Last Sunday would have been Specialist Butcher's 20th birthday. It's hard when we lose any soldier in war, but it's especially hard when we lose such a young soldier. However, Specialist Butcher's too short of a life leaves behind a legacy longer than she could have ever lived. Her legacy of valor, distinction, patriotism and bravery will be remembered for years to come and will be told to her daughter as she grows up.

Specialist Butcher was honored and laid to rest on Veterans Day and I had the privilege to speak at her funeral service. Her story and her sacrifice are startling reminders of what our men and women in uniform risk when they serve this country.

Today, I ask all Members of Congress to join me as we honor the life and legacy of Army Specialist Sarina Butcher, as well as each man and woman in our Armed Forces, and all of those in harm's way supporting their efforts, who give the ultimate sacrifice in service to this great country. We owe them our eternal gratitude.

I rise today in strong support of H.R. 822.

If you get a driver's license in Arkansas, it's recognized in every State in the country. And if you have a concealed-carry permit, the same rules should apply. Our Second Amendment rights to own and bear arms are universal, and our laws should reflect that as best they can.

The National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act would allow every American citizen with a valid concealed-carry permit to carry a concealed firearm in all States that allow them for lawful purposes.

Let me be clear: If your State bans concealed firearms, then this law will not affect that ban. This bill does not change any State laws about when and where you can carry a concealed firearm. This bill does not create a new Federal licensing system. It simply reinforces our Second Amendment rights and makes the laws more fair for law-abiding gun owners.

As a strong supporter of the Second Amendment, I believe we must pass the National Right-to-Carry Reciprocity Act now, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for the bill.