Parker Griffith

Mr. Speaker, over the last year, there has been a lively debate on the future of NASA's manned spaceflight program. The debate has largely focused on the role of commercial space and what direction the government programs should take. Those advising the Obama administration chose an approach with deep practical and technical flaws which has embarrassed the administration and brought resounding rebuke from my colleagues on both sides of the aisle.

To quote Scott Pace speaking at a recent event, ``The administration's radical course abandoned the most precious and rare commodities for the U.S. space community--a bipartisan consensus.''

This administration has directed NASA to ignore the spirit of last year's appropriations. Layoffs due to changes at NASA are taking place all over the country. These incredibly intelligent individuals represent a culture, not just a profession. They are literally rocket scientists, and they will disappear if we don't give them direction and firm funding.

For this reason, it is absolutely imperative that we pass a new NASA authorization bill, providing NASA and the Obama administration with firmer guidance.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to revisit the subject of health care reform. The bill was passed behind closed doors using bribery, deceit, and arm twisting. It is not popular with the American people, and the majority of them want it repealed.

The promises made to the American people were false. You will not be able to keep your doctor. You will not be able to keep your insurance. There will be rationing of health care, even to the seniors.

The acute physician shortage means the poor, near poor, and middle class Americans will find the quality of their health care diminished and their access limited. Emergency rooms will be busier than ever, and it will be increasingly difficult for Medicare and Medicaid patients to be seen.

The unfunded medical mandates forced onto the weakened financial systems of the States are designed to collapse and fail. The administration had no intention of keeping any of the promises it made. Their only concern was furthering their own agendas, even at the expense of the taxpayer and the American health care system.

The American people stand ready to support those of us who seek to repeal this disastrous health care bill, and I stand resolute with my colleagues to do so.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak to the ongoing destruction of the American Dream.

As the dense fog of increasing debt suffocates our economy, joblessness creates the uncertainty in which small businesses cannot survive. Credit is not available. Increasing taxes are creeping in at every level. We now know that we cannot keep our doctors or our insurance. We, the people, see no leadership.

As the President treads water, as America looks for leadership, as small business is paralyzed with uncertainty, as our elderly watch their health care rationed and as they are fearful for their future, as our families lose their confidence in leadership, all of this poses the virtual collapse of the American Dream.

The denial on the part of the administration is pathologic. The refusal to acknowledge reality is causing undue human suffering, prolonging the agony of massive unemployment, creating confusion and doubt in our military, and sending international messages of U.S. indecision and weakness.

It is time for action. It is time for us, the American people, to restore the American Dream.