Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Harry T. Clunn Memorial Post 9220 VFW in Bensalem, Pennsylvania, as it celebrates its 60th anniversary. Throughout the entirety of the Bensalem VFW's history, the Post and its members have worked tirelessly and selflessly for the betterment of the community as a whole.

The spirited efforts of the Post's members reflect the memory of Lieutenant Harry T. Clunn, who sacrificed his life for his country. The Bensalem VFW Post embodies the civic duty and patriotism that Lieutenant Clunn showed during his service to this nation. Lieutenant Clunn, a graduate of Bensalem High School, enlisted and trained as a navigator with the 409th Bombardier Squadron at Hondu Air Base in Texas. At the height of the Second World War, the squadron was deployed to the China-Burma-India Theater of Operations. On April 12, 1944, Lieutenant Clunn and his fellow airmen were tragically killed after completing a bombing mission.

Madam Speaker, the Bensalem VFW post has worked hard to honor Lieutenant Clunn and all the other men and women who have valiantly given their lives on the battlefield to protect the freedom we as Americans enjoy. In the memory of Lieutenant Clunn, members of the Post have contributed tremendous time and energy to the Bensalem community. The Post has supported local softball teams and senior citizen dinners. They have organized the ``Voice of Democracy'' essay contest for high school students and the ``Patriots Pen'' essay contest for middle school students. Each year, members of the Post contribute time and money to the Marines' ``Toys for Tots'' program, the St. Francis Home for the Homeless, the Delaware Valley Veterans Home and the Scotland School for Veterans' Children.

With great pride, the Bensalem VFW Post publicly commemorates our fallen soldiers and all members of the military, thanking them for their commitment and devotion to defending our country. Each Memorial Day, members assist in the placement of thousands of American flags and markers at grave sites. But more generally speaking Madam Speaker, the members of the Bensalem VFW Post exemplify the commitment to public service that is at the core of our shared American values. They serve as an inspiration to the rest of the community, and a reminder that we are all indebted to the brave men and women who gave their lives before us. Madam Speaker, on behalf of the Bensalem community, it is my honor to recognize the Harry T. Clunn Memorial Post 9220.

Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to rise before you today in recognition of the Bucks County Women's Fund.

For sixteen years the Bucks County Women's Fund has provided more than $200,000 to 36 local organizations to support programming in the critical areas of domestic violence prevention, economic self- sufficiency, vocational education, finance, leadership, mentorship and literacy. The Fund has opened countless doors to the women and girls of Bucks County, recognizing their potential for success and presenting them with opportunities to achieve their dreams.

The Bucks County Women's Fund is a real source of inspiration to the citizens and organizations back home, and clearly demonstrates how much we all benefit from the advancement of women. The Fund leads by example: women manage the Fund, run its programs and promote policies for women's rights. It is also active in a global network of funds with common goals, working to ensure rights and opportunities for girls and women all over the world. What started as a humble organization has now established an endowment, ensuring that it will continue as a pillar of our community for years to come.

Madam Speaker, the mission of the Fund has a special significance for me personally. My daughter Maggie was born three months ago, and I want to thank the Bucks County Women's Fund for building a better future for my little girl and all of the girls and women in our county. I offer my hearty congratulations as they prepare for ``Creating Change, Transforming Lives,'' their 16th annual dinner celebration on March 8, 2007. Madam Speaker, on Maggie's behalf, I commend the Fund as it continues its good work for our wives, mothers, sisters, daughters and friends.

Madam Speaker, it is my privilege to rise before you to honor Michael B. Schad, of Langhorne, Pennsylvania, for his many years of dedicated service to the U.S. Army National Guard. For Mr. Schad, this marks the end of a 35 year career with the National Guard during which his willingness to go above and beyond the call of duty exemplified the true spirit of our armed forces.

Mr. Schad first served four years with the U.S. Navy during the Vietnam War. Upon returning home, Mr. Schad joined the National Guard and worked tirelessly, many times volunteering for extra duty. When there was a call for help to guard a nuclear facility in New Jersey, Mr. Schad stepped up. When Hurricane Katrina ravaged the Gulf Coast, Mr. Schad joined the relief effort without hesitation. Mr. Schad filled in at supply commands at Fort Dix, McGuire Air Force Base and in Germany. Yet through all of this, Mr. Schad maintained a full-time job and raised a family, a tremendous feat given his level of commitment to the National Guard.

Madam Speaker, the eagerness with which Mr. Schad served his country is the very trait that serves as the backbone of the National Guard. His willingness to stand at his country's guard, while at the same time undertaking the rest of life's responsibilities, deserves special appreciation and respect. I would like to take this opportunity to recognize Mr. Schad for what at many times may have seemed like a thankless task. Mr. Schad was not seeking praise or reward, but only the unique feeling of satisfaction that comes with serving your country and making it safer for others.

Mr. Schad has passed these principles on to his son, U.S. Army Sgt. Brian Schad, who will soon be deployed to Afghanistan after serving in Djibouti, Africa. We all owe a debt of gratitude to families such as the Schads, who have taken up their country's call. Madam Speaker, I am proud to express the gratitude and affection of myself and my constituents to Mr. Schad and his entire family.

Madam Speaker, I rise before you today to recognize Zach Cohen, an extraordinary young man from Lower Makefield, Pennsylvania. Through his involvement with Operation DVD, Zach has shown exceptional selflessness and caring, well beyond his years.

The Charles Boehm Middle School seventh grader wrote me recently to promote the project, excited to help our community show support for troops overseas. Operation DVD was started by AMVETS, a national veteran's organization. Those running the project collect new or used DVDs and CDs, which are sent abroad to our service men and women. The goal of Operation DVD is to send over one million discs to soldiers in Iraq and Afghanistan, where outdoor recreational activity comes at great risk. By providing soldiers with music and movies, they can enjoy what little free time they might have in safety.

Zach became involved with the project when he was researching a community service project to complete in preparation for his Bar Mitzvah. He felt his love for movies and music would be shared by our men and women fighting overseas. But most important, Zach's attitude showed appreciation and maturity that hopefully rubs off on others his age. Zach wrote in his letter, ``I also think it's very important to support our troops and thank them for all that they do for our country. And I thought it was great that I had found a way to do a lot of good without having to ask people for money.'' Madam Speaker, we should all share this genuine thoughtfulness and consideration, especially for men and women who have sacrificed so much. And as someone who served in Baghdad only three years ago, I can attest to the affect these acts of generosity have on morale.

From the moment Zach discovered Operation DVD, he showed tremendous determination in spreading the word. He attended a Lower Makefield Township Supervisors meeting. He was featured in articles by the Yardley News and the Trend Midweek. He has sent letters to Bucks County school districts and various other community organizations. Madam Speaker, Zach's tireless efforts represent the potential of our youth for contributing to our communities through selfless and noble acts.

Mr. Speaker, I take the floor today not as a Democrat or a Republican, but as an Iraq war veteran who was a captain with the 82nd Airborne Division in Baghdad. Three years ago I came home, but 19 of my fellow paratroopers did not.

I rise to give a voice to the hundreds of thousands of Pennsylvanians and veterans across the globe who are deeply troubled by the President's plan to escalate the number of American troops in Iraq.

I served in Baghdad from June 2003 to January 2004. I saw firsthand this administration's failed policies in Iraq.

In this new Congress, there are 49 new faces. I am proud that five of those 49 new faces are veterans. All five of those veterans are Democrats.

Today, I stand with my other military veterans, Sergeant Major Tim Walz and Admiral Joe Sestak. We stand together to tell this administration that we are against the escalation and to say with one voice that Congress will no longer be a blank check to the President's failed policies.

Mr. Speaker, the time for more troops was 4 years ago, but this President ignored the military experts like General Shinseki and General Zinni, who in 2003 called for more troops, several hundred thousand more troops, to secure Iraq.

Now, Mr. Speaker, our President is ignoring military leaders again, patriots like General Colin Powell, General Abizaid and the bipartisan Iraq Study Group who were clear: the President's plan to send more of our best and bravest to die refereeing a civil war in Iraq is wrong.

Mr. Speaker, it is a time for a new direction in Iraq. From my time serving with the 82nd Airborne Division in Iraq, it became clear that in order to succeed we must make it clear to the Iraqis that we are not going to be there forever. Yet 3 years after I left Iraq, Americans are still running convoys up and down Ambush Alley and securing Iraqi street corners.

Today I am proud to stand with my fellow veterans and support this resolution.

Mr. Speaker, we often hear from our colleagues on the other side that the only way to support the troops is to blindly support the President.

Mr. Speaker, I ask anyone to look at Admiral Joe Sestak, a man who was responsible for the safety and security of 15,000 sailors and marines, and tell him that he does not support the troops. I ask them to look at Sergeant Tim Walz, a man who served his country for 24 years in the Minnesota National Guard as a noncommissioned officer, the backbone of our Army, and tell him he does not support our troops.

Mr. Speaker, we are the troops, and we oppose the President's escalation of troops.

Mr. Speaker, during rollcall vote No. 96 on the previous question I was unavoidably detained at a closed Intelligence briefing. Mr. Speaker, if I had been present, I would have voted ``yes.''

Mr. Speaker, I now yield 6

minutes to the gentleman from Tennessee, my fellow Blue Dog, Colonel Tanner, a Vietnam Navy veteran, retired colonel of the Tennessee Army National Guard.

Mr. Speaker, I now yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Washington (Mr. McDermott), a veteran of the U.S. Navy.

(Mr. McDERMOTT asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Thank you, Mr. Chairman, I appreciate it.

Mr. Speaker, I take to the floor today, not as a Democrat or a Republican, but as an Iraq war veteran who was a captain of the 82nd Airborne Division in Baghdad.

I speak with a heavy heart for my fellow paratrooper Specialist Chad Keith, Specialist James Lambert and the 17 other brave men I served with who never made it home.

I rise to give voice to hundreds of thousands of patriotic Pennsylvanians and veterans across the globe who are deeply troubled by the President's call to escalate the number of American troops in Iraq.

I served in Baghdad from June of 2003 to January of 2004. Walking in my own combat boots, I saw firsthand this administration's failed policy in Iraq. I led convoys up and down Ambush Alley in a Humvee without doors, convoys that Americans still run today because too many Iraqis are still sitting on the sidelines.

I served in al-Rashid, Baghdad, which, like Philadelphia, is home to 1.5 million people. While there are 7,000 Philadelphia police officers serving, like my father in Philadelphia, protecting its citizens, there were only 3,500 of us in al-Rashid, Baghdad.

Mr. Speaker, the time for more troops was 4 years ago, but this President ignored military experts like General Shinseki and General Zinni, who, in 2003, called for several hundred thousand troops to secure Iraq.

Mr. Speaker, our President, again, is ignoring military leaders, patriots like General Colin Powell, like General Abizaid and members of the bipartisan Iraq Study Group who oppose this escalation.

But most importantly, Congresses in the past did not stand up to the President and his policies. But today I stand with my other military veterans, some who were just elected, like Sergeant Major Tim Walz, Admiral Joe Sestak and Commander Chris Carney. We stand together to tell this administration that we are against this escalation, and that Congress will no longer give the President a blank check.

Mr. Speaker, close to my heart is a small park on the corner of 24th and Aspen Streets in Philadelphia. This is the Patrick Ward Memorial Park. Patrick Ward was a door gunner in the U.S. Army during Vietnam. He was killed serving the country that he loved. He was the type of guy that neighborhoods devote street corners to and parents name their children after him, including my parents, Marge and Jack Murphy.

Mr. Speaker, I ask you, how many more street corner memorials are we going to have for this war? This is what the President's proposal does. It sends more of our best and bravest to die refereeing a civil war. Just a month ago, Sergeant Jae Moon from my district in Levittown, Bucks County, was killed in Iraq.

You know, a few blocks away from this great Chamber, when you walk in the snow, is the Vietnam Memorial, where half the soldiers listed on that wall died after America's leaders knew our strategy would not work. It was immoral then, and it would be immoral now to engage in the same delusion. That is why sending more troops in the civil war is the wrong strategy.

We need to win the war on terror, and reasonable people may disagree on what to do, but most will agree that it is immoral to send young Americans to fight and die in a conflict without a real strategy for success. The President's current course is not resolute, it is reckless. That is why I will vote to send a message to our President that staying the course is no longer an option.

Mr. Speaker, it is time for a new direction in Iraq. From my time serving with the 82nd Airborne Division in Iraq, it became clear that in order to succeed there, you must tell the Iraqis that we will not be there forever. Yet, 3 years now since I have been home, it is still Americans leading convoys up and down Ambush Alley and securing Iraqi street corners. We must make the Iraqis stand up for Iraq and set a timeline to start bringing our heroes home.

That is why I am proud to be an original cosponsor, with Senator Barack Obama and fellow paratrooper, Congressman Mike Thompson, of the Iraq De-escalation Act, a moderate and responsible plan to start bringing our troops home, mandating a surge in diplomacy and refocusing our efforts on the war on terror and Afghanistan.

Mr. Speaker, our country needs a real plan to get our troops out of Iraq, to protect our homeland and to secure and refocus our efforts on capturing and killing Osama bin Laden and al Qaeda. There are over 130,000 American servicemen and women serving bravely in Iraq. Unfortunately, thousands more are on the way. An open-ended strategy that ends in more faceless roadside bombs in Baghdad and more street- corner memorials in America is not one that I will support.

Madam Speaker, education is the foundation of a strong nation, and I strongly believe that by investing in education and supporting our teachers, we can maintain American competitiveness in an increasingly global economy.

That is why I am honored to rise today in recognition of Ms. Pamela Sime, a science teacher at Unami Middle School in Chalfont, Pennsylvania. Today, Ms. Sime is here in Washington as one of five finalists nominated for the National Education Association Foundation Award for Teaching Excellence.

Madam Speaker, as a teacher in the Central Bucks School District, Ms. Sime has inspired students for the better part of a decade, and the people of the Eighth Congressional District are lucky to have her. Ms. Sime teaches students a very modem curriculum, emphasizing ecology, energy, and the use of technology. She employs a hands-on, interactive approach to learning. Ms. Sime's students recently released their own science publication and after studying oil, they wrote letters to soldiers stationed overseas. Every year, her students look forward to investigating the disappearance of Skully, the classroom skeleton. In this exercise, students use modern forensic techniques, incorporating real-life applications in their study of science. I believe that great science teachers like Ms. Sime are a big part of why innovation exemplifies the American spirit.

Were Ms. Sime's excellence limited only to the classroom, we would still be proud, but her activities outside of the classroom are equally impressive. She is involved in all aspects of students' lives, and is always available for extra help. This dedication to her students is one of the most inspiring things about Ms. Sime. In a field where our professionals regularly demonstrate uncommon compassion and dedication, the rarefied few that go beyond set a new standard of excellence. That is why it comes as no surprise, Madam Speaker, that Ms. Sime entered the contest not for her own recognition, but in order to secure a grant to further enrich the educational experience of her students.

For these reasons, Madam Speaker, I am delighted to honor Ms. Sime's achievements. I wish her luck today regardless of the outcome of the competition's final decision, the people of Bucks County are proud of her accomplishments and grateful for her years of service.

Madam Speaker, it is with great honor and personal gratitude that I recognize the remarkable work of Mike and Marie Farley who, along with Rodney Van Pelt and other members of the Quakertown Moose Lodge No. 1622, took bold initiative to provide our soldiers with life-saving equipment.

Marie Farley of Nockamixon, Pennsylvania was shocked to learn that antiquated gear was being issued to U.S. soldiers--including to her 23- year-old son Michael, a Marine stationed in Anbar Province, Iraq. She learned that with an upgrade kit, her son's helmet could do more to protect him. If Michael was knocked down by an explosion, the shock- absorbing pad and new strap system could save his life. But Mrs. Farley and her husband Mike discovered that if they wanted their son and his unit to have this simple safety feature, they would have to raise the money themselves.

The Farleys were not alone in their desire to provide U.S. soldiers with proper equipment. A national initiative--Operation Helmet--was underway and the Farleys quickly sought to localize the effort. Mrs. Farley made up signs asking for donations and put one of those signs at the Quakertown Moose Lodge. That is where the project took off. After learning about the need for the protective pads, Rodney Van Pelt of the Moose Club joined the Farleys to aggressively pursue the goal of equipping Michael's entire unit with the upgrade. The Moose Club and the rest of the community rallied around the family and raised enough to take care of Michael's entire company, not just his unit.

As of today, the Farleys and the Quakertown Moose Club have raised $35,000, enough for almost 500 upgrade kits. The kits have been shipped out and came as early Christmas presents for soldiers overseas. This accomplishment is inspiring and is a telling example of true patriotism and respect.

Having led convoys in a Humvee without doors while serving with the 82nd Airborne Division in Baghdad, I understand what it means to fight a war without proper equipment. So I speak from experience when I say that this kind of support from home is whole-heartedly appreciated and serves as a tremendous morale boost. But Madam Speaker, family members should not be forced to pay for their loved ones' military equipment. The Farleys were able to gather tremendous community support but despite their best efforts they couldn't supply all U.S. forces, and many families are paying out-of-pocket. This is unfair and I urge you all to support the Helmet Pad Reimbursement Act of 2007. I am proud to be an original cosponsor of this bill because at the very least, these families should have the opportunity to request a reimbursement.

This is an issue of critical importance to our troops and I commend all who have brought it to light. On behalf of the men and women with whom I served, Mr. and Mrs. Farley, Mr. Van Pelt, the Quakertown Moose Lodge and most importantly, Michael and all the soldiers who continue to risk their lives for this country, I urge Congress to support this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as an original co-sponsor and in strong support of House Resolution 51, ``Honoring the Contributions of Catholic Schools.''

As a product of Saint Anselm and Archbishop Ryan, I know the vital role that Catholic schools, students, parents, and teachers play towards building a stronger nation. I know that I would not be here today without the guidance of Sister McFadden, the assistance of Ms. Erwin, or the countless other teachers, priests and nuns who helped shaped me into the man I am today.

Our Catholic schools instill a strong sense of community and service in their students: service to our God, to our families, to our towns and cities. And it is this spirit of service that leads so many to strengthen our communities: in our hospitals, schools, businesses and even in these halls of Congress.

President John F. Kennedy, the first and only Catholic President--and one of my political heroes--said: ``With a good conscience our only sure reward, with history the final judge of our deeds, let us go forth to lead the land we love, asking His blessing and His help, but knowing that here on earth God's work must truly be our own.''

Mr. Speaker, though I have not been in this Chamber long, I have relied on the lessons I learned in the classrooms of St. Anselm and Archbishop Ryan to do what I believe is right. And I am honored that in the first 100 hours of the 110th Congress we have passed bills to lift millions out of poverty by raising the minimum wage and to protect our environment by investing in alternative energy.

But Mr. Speaker, the commitment to justice, peace and service taught in Catholic schools resonates far outside this chamber and is felt in countless, yet tangible ways in every comer of the nation. And it is only through everyday men and women simply trying, as President Kennedy so eloquently stated, to make God's work their own, is America the nation it is today.

That is why Mr. Speaker, as a proud former student of Catholic schools, I urge my fellow representatives to support this resolution honoring the contributions of these fine institutions to our communities and Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Arkansas for this opportunity and for allowing me to serve on that task force that we formed to present this bill this week, this Operation Iraqi Freedom cost accountability resolution.

As I was seeking to prepare my remarks, I could not help but think about Mr. Scott from the great State of Georgia when he talked about that Constitution. That is the Constitution that every soldier, every airmen, every marine takes note to support and defend against all enemies, foreign and domestic. I appreciate that.

That is the Constitution I had the great opportunity to talk about and teach about every single day at the United States Military Academy at West Point, and talking about those first three articles of our Constitution that lays out the framework, that separation of powers that we talk about. There is a reason why Article I was the Congress and Article II was the President and Article III was the judiciary.

Those two main goals of the U.S. Congress is to, one, declare war; but two is the purse strings, that budget that you talked so eloquently about. So I appreciate you bringing that up, and I hope we can make this happen this week. I do believe that we will get many of our colleagues, not just on our side of the aisle, but also on the other side of the Chamber as well.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to talk about the war in Iraq, and I want to talk today because the Blue Dogs, the Blue Dog Democrats, the fiscally conservative Democrats, stay focused on two things: one, fiscal responsibility; and, two, a strong national defense. The legislation that we are discussing this week, which I will have the opportunity to introduce, tackles both of these issues.

Mr. Speaker, we have spent over $360 billion in Iraq over the course of the last 4 years.

Along with the casualty reports and the terrible news on the ground, we are getting reports about money lost and weapons missing.

Last week, as a member of the Armed Services Committee, we heard from Stuart Bowen, the Special Inspector General for Iraqi reconstruction. He told those of us at the hearing that as much as 15 percent of the billions of dollars that we were spending in Iraq has vanished, and as many as 14,000 weapons sent to the Iraqis have gone missing because of mismanagement and fraud. That is enough weaponry to arm an entire division of the al Sadr militia. This isn't just about money; it is about the safety of our troops as well.

Mr. Speaker, it is long past time that we kept track of the money and the weapons that we are giving to the Iraqis and to replace the fraud, waste and abuse with proper oversight, responsibility and accountability.

The legislation that the Blue Dogs are introducing this week addresses the glaring lack of oversight and accountability in Iraq and addresses how our taxpayer dollars are spent on the war. It puts forward commonsense proposals that ensure fewer resources are wasted and more resources get to the troops in the field.

This bill contains measures everyone can agree on, regardless of their political party. American families are frustrated with the war in Iraq, and this legislation will go a long way toward providing some meaningful solutions.

Another thing that this legislation does is urge the establishment of a Truman Committee-type commission to track and curb the waste, fraud and abuse in Iraq. In the 1940s, then-Senator Harry Truman established a committee that wasn't very popular at the time. Senator Truman's work reportedly saved $11 billion, and eventually landed him on the cover of Time magazine.

Now, Mr. Speaker, none of us here, none of us Blue Dogs here, are looking to be on the front of a magazine cover; but we are looking for an end to the mismanagement in Iraq and in the war.

As you know, this issue hits very close to home for me. I served in Baghdad, Iraq, in 2003 to 2004 as a member of the 82nd Airborne Division, Second Brigade Combat Team. On our team, we lost 19 men, men that made the ultimate sacrifice. Part of what we did in Iraq was to train the Iraqi National Defense Corps.

At the time that we were training them back in that summer of 2003, they didn't have uniforms, so we took the initiative to give them hats, Chicago White Sox hats, so that we could identify them as a unit. They didn't have uniforms. There was no oversight. There was no thought process. But our soldiers on the ground took the initiative to at least give them something that would distinguish them.

At our hearing, Special Inspector Bowen revealed one example of $75 million so grossly mismanaged by the Iraqi Police Academy that it had to be knocked down before it was even put to use. That is $75 million in American taxpayer money that is just thrown to the wayside.

Mr. Speaker, it is time for answers, and it is time for accountability.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as an original cosponsor of this legislation and a strong supporter of the medical miracle of embryonic stem cell research.

Mr. Speaker, there is a woman named Shelbie Oppenheimer who is watching today in my district of New Hope, Pennsylvania, who simply wants to see her 8-year-old daughter Isabella go to her senior prom in 10 years.

Shelbie lives with her husband Jeff and their 8-year-old daughter, and over a decade ago, Shelbie was diagnosed with ALS, Lou Gehrig's disease. She was 28 years old. Shelbie vowed to fight the disease and looked at embryonic stem cell research as her best and perhaps only hope to fill her dream of seeing her daughter grow up.

Now confined to a hospital bed in her own living room, Shelbie continues to fight on. Though forced to speak through a respirator, she told me, ``Patrick, my voice is too soft to be heard, so please tell my story.''

There are countless stories of heartache and hope across America just like Shelbie's. Mr. Speaker, I know Shelbie is watching us today, and I hope we make her proud.

Thank you, sir. I appreciate the opportunity to speak here tonight amongst my colleagues here in the Blue Dogs.

When you come down to Washington, you align yourself with people that are just like you, people that represent not just you personally, but your district back at home and your interests in your district back at home.

When Congresswoman Bean talked about Thomas Jefferson and the future generations, I couldn't help but think that I kissed this morning when I came to work my baby daughter goodbye for the day, Maggie Murphy. I mentioned earlier she was born 6 weeks ago.

When you look at that bottom number there that the Blue Dogs fight for, that $29,000, every newborn in America is born into that debt, that $29,000 apiece, they are born into that debt, and this Congress previously just let it keep rolling and rolling and growing and growing.

Finally the Blue Dogs have arrived now, and the Blue Dogs are saying, listen, we are not going to take it anymore. We are putting our foot down. We are going to be disciplined.

That discipline is something I learned personally in the military, that families in my district in Bucks County, Pennsylvania, know about, because in my district we have Washington's Crossing, where those soldiers that started the Revolution, that really earned our independence, showed the discipline when they didn't have the best uniforms. They didn't have the best equipment, but they had a belief, and they stood by their beliefs.

That is exactly what the Blue Dogs do, and they keep it simple. They say we stand for two things: Fiscal discipline, fiscal responsibility; and, number two, a strong national defense.

That is why it is an honor that the families in the Eighth Congressional District, they know that their congressman, in myself, in Patrick Murphy, and our colleagues of the Blue Dogs, that we stand for something, and that we will fight every single day to bring down that number, so that when people like Maggie Murphy and other newborns in Lower Bucks Hospital and all over America, when they are born into our great country, and it is a great country, they are not born $29,000 in debt.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today as an original cosponsor of this vital measure.

Mr. Speaker, this vote is about one of the most important issues facing America today, fiscal responsibility.

PAYGO is straightforward. If Congress is going to buy something, we need to figure out how we are going to pay for it. That is what the small business owners, farmers, and families in the Eighth Congressional District of Pennsylvania do every single day.

If the Mignonis in Bristol want to expand their store, they have to roll up their sleeves and figure out how they are going to pay for it. When the Russos of Fairless Hills started saving for their daughters' college tuition, they had to figure out how they were going to pay for that.

Mr. Speaker, this is exactly what we are voting on here today. If you or I have a good idea, we are going to have to roll up our sleeves, just like the Mignonis and the Russos, and figure out how we are going to pay for it first.

As most of you know, I have a 6-week-old daughter, Maggie. Maggie and every other newborn born in America are saddled with $28,000 in debt. That is immoral. Voting ``yes'' to implementing PAYGO is the first step toward getting our fiscal house in order.