Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4217.

Mr. Speaker, this is a straightforward bill, one that will provide a 3-month extension of various excise taxes that support the Airport and Airway Trust Fund, as well as the trust fund's expenditure authorities. These taxes and authorities are currently scheduled to expire at the end of the month, and today's legislation will permit this Congress the time it needs to consider a longer-term FAA reauthorization bill.

As the ranking member of the Select Revenue Subcommittee within the Ways and Means Committee, I'm pleased that Chairman Rangel held a hearing earlier this year to examine tax issues related to the Airport and Airway Trust Fund. I certainly look forward to working with Chairman Rangel, Chairman Lewis, and all the members of our committee over the months ahead as we determine whether modifications to the financing structure of the Airport and Airway Trust Fund are warranted going forward. Ways and Means is clearly the appropriate committee of jurisdiction regarding these tax issues, and I anticipate working with other Ways and Means members of both parties to ensure that our committee continues to shape FAA reauthorization as it proceeds forward.

I would note for my colleagues that under the Congressional Budget Office baseline, expiring excise taxes that are dedicated to a trust fund are assumed to be extended at current rates for budgeting purposes. Consequently, the Joint Committee on Taxation is expected to score H.R. 4217 as having no revenue effect, just as it has with similar short-term extensions of FAA taxes in the past. While many Members on our side of the aisle would argue that the Congressional Budget Office and Joint Tax should make the same assumption about expiring tax relief as well, that is a bigger debate for another day. For now, it's important that we extend the current FAA excise taxes on a temporary basis, and I'm pleased to join with my colleagues on the other side of the aisle in support of this legislation today.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to an expert on transportation issues in this Congress, a true leader, the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Petri).

I will close by asking, again, my colleagues to support the measure. I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to the many outstanding athletic accomplishments achieved by students at St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus, Ohio. DeSales High School is in my congressional district, and I am proud to recognize a school that excels in and out of the classroom. Most recently, this fine academic institution won the 2009 Ohio Division II Boys Soccer Team Championship.

As you know, this sort of achievement is earned only through many hours of practice, perspiration and strong commitment. The soccer team, led by Coach Domenic Romanelli finished its remarkable postseason without allowing a single goal. In the championship game, where they beat Bay Village High School 1-0, David Harper scored the lone goal, while keeper Chris Weisgarber finished his accomplished season with yet another shutout. This is the fourth title for the Stallion soccer team, and their first since 1997.

Everyone at DeSales should be extremely proud of this group of student-athletes and the standard they have established. Their accomplishments attest to the outstanding athletic department at DeSales High School. It is an honor to represent such a fine group of young people who have a strong dedication to each other, their sport and their academics. I know every member of this championship team will treasure the memories of their remarkable season and I commend them, and the greater DeSales community, for this truly great achievement.

Madam Speaker, it is with pleasure I congratulate the members of the Worthington Christian Boys Soccer team as they recently won the Division III State Championship.

The soccer team finished its remarkable season by beating Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy 2-1 when junior midfielder, Trent Smith scored the winning goal in the first overtime. Led by Head Coach Dan Roads, the victory reflects his team's outstanding perseverance as they rebounded from losing in last year's final to win the 2009 championship.

After their winning 2009 season, the school can proudly display their second title in four years. With a history like that, I'm sure the future is bright for this fine soccer program.

This team has set a standard for future Worthington Christian athletes of all sports to strive toward. Everyone at this fine academic institution should be extremely proud of this group of student- athletes, and I'm proud to congratulate this team and join with them in celebrating the history made with their State Championship title.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding accomplishments of two students at St. Francis DeSales High School in Columbus, Ohio. Kim My Li and My Linh Li, who not only are teammates, but sisters, recently won the Ohio Division II State Championship in tennis doubles.

The Li sisters won their championship tennis match in remarkable fashion, playing to a marathon score of 6-2 6-7(7-9), 6-2. This year's tournament was My Linh's first and Kim My's third, and through hours of practice, and true demonstration of teamwork, these sisters were able to end their season on a high note.

This accomplishment attests not only to the sisters' commendable display of commitment, but also to the outstanding athletic department at DeSales High School. I'm proud to congratulate Kim My and My Linh and join with them in celebrating their historic State Championship title!

Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 893, I was meeting with a constituent here in the Capitol but was not able to make it back to the floor to cast a vote before time expired. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to St. Charles Preparatory School in Columbus, Ohio. St. Charles is in my congressional district, and I am proud to recognize a school that not only excels in academics but also distinguishes itself in athletics. The St. Charles Golf Team recently won the 2009 Division I Ohio State Golf Championship. In the championship meeting, St. Charles came from behind to defeat Cincinnati St. Xavier, Cleveland St. Ignatius and Columbus Dublin Coffman. This was the first ever state title for the school's golf program.

The golf team exemplifies outstanding hard work, determination and perseverance. Such a win stands as a reflection of the many hours of practice and level of commitment exhibited by all team members.

Their victory was directed by such talented golfers as Senior Andrew Steffensmeier, Juniors Alex Carpenter, Michael Ricaurte and Daniel Wiegandt, and Sophomore Nate Yankovich.

Coached by Anthony Mampieri, this St. Charles alumnus helped instill in his team a commitment to excellence and culture of teamwork.

It is an honor to represent such a fine group of young people who have a strong dedication to teamwork and academics. I know each one of them will treasure the memories of their championship season and I commend them, and the St. Charles community, for this truly great achievement.

Mr. Speaker, the American people do not want their health care replaced by government-run health care.

This bill is flawed in many ways. It cuts benefits to seniors. It increases taxes. It's the largest expansion of Medicaid ever at a time when State governments across our land are cutting services. It creates and extends 43 entitlement programs and 111 new offices, bureaus, commissions.

The Ohio State Medical Association that represents doctors in my district is opposed to the bill. They write, ``Medicaid eligibility expansion is a troubling trend for the physician community as payment for these services often fails to cover the cost of providing care.''

They go on to say, the legislation ``lacks many of the critical elements necessary for successfully reforming Americans' health care delivery system and strengthening the physician-patient relationship.''

The bill does not address medical liability reform, which causes defensive medicine to be practiced. Medicare is cut by over $500 billion. Five million seniors could lose the coverage they have today. It turns out that you can't keep what you have if you like it. In fact, one of three seniors in my district could lose the benefits they enjoy today.

I am also concerned about the negative impacts on small businesses and employers. Under the ``pay or play'' mandate in this bill, Mr. Speaker, $135 billion in new taxes will be thrust upon those businesses. This could cause over 5.5 million Americans to lose their jobs.

Mr. Speaker, we have a better way, a better alternative that will lower health care premiums, guarantee health care to affordable health care for those with preexisting conditions, allow States flexibility to provide more coverage, and protect the benefits of our seniors.

Americans deserve better, Mr. Speaker. There is a better way. Let's reject this bill and start over.

Madam Speaker, with great pleasure I rise to recognize the distinguished career of the CEO of the Columbus Board of Realtors, Larry Metzger.

Since World War II, homeownership has been at the root of America's vitality and growth. Where homeownership flourishes neighborhoods prosper, as residents are more civic-minded, schools stronger and streets safer. The spread of ownership and opportunity helps give us a vital stake in the future of America and the chance to realize the great

promise of our country. At the core of this promise is the industry which helps make this dream a possibility. Realtors serve a vital role in the healthy propagation of homeownership; therefore, those who contribute to the furtherance of this profession are deserving of our thanks and recognition.

For over two decades, Larry Metzger has led the Columbus Board of Realtors with distinction as its chief executive officer. Dedicating his career to his fellow realtors, Larry has built a tremendous reputation as a tireless advocate of his profession. His unparalleled leadership and passion for the benefits of homeownership helped maintain the realtor profession's role in the tremendous growth of central Ohio, playing an irreplaceable part in the furtherance of the American Dream for thousands.

Through commendable love of his community and fidelity to his craft, Larry stands as a pillar in the central Ohio region. Therefore, I am very pleased to thank him for all he has done for Ohio.

As a former realtor, I am especially pleased to recognize Larry Metzger for his service to central Ohio and the realty community.

Mr. Speaker, throughout the course of this debate on health care, we've heard a lot about cracking down on waste, fraud and abuse. I support that. In fact, I wrote a letter to the chairman of the Ways and Means Committee and the chairman of the Government Reform Committee asking that we hold hearings on the issue. I haven't heard back. Why would we need hearings when this bill now is being written behind closed doors, behind closed doors for no one else to see?

And it appears to me, Mr. Speaker, that the majority's plan for paying for this in part is on the backs of seniors. In my district, a third of my seniors are on Medicare Advantage plans. They like what they have. Under the Democrat bill, they will not be able to keep it because it will be cut.

Now, Mr. Speaker, we can only guess at this point what the health care bill will look like because it's being written behind closed doors. Only time will tell. So much for openness and transparency.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to submit to the Record the attached information concerning a constituent and a mother of a soldier that served in Afghanistan.

Congress of the United States,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC, October 8, 2009.

Hon. Robert M. Gates,

Secretary of Defense,

Washington, DC.

Dear Mr. Secretary: Last month I received a letter from a

constituent and mother of a soldier that served in

Afghanistan. She was concerned after learning that the 5th

Brigade, 2nd Infantry Division (Stryker Brigade Combat Team)

had not been authorized the necessary Improvised Explosive

Device Detection Dogs (IEDDDs) for its mission.

After forwarding her concerns to the U.S. Department of the

Army, I received a response from U.S. Army Central Command

dated September 30, 2009 from Chief of Staff Colonel Stephen

M. Twitty. The response stated ``On August 14, 2009, the

command submitted an urgent universal needs statement to

their higher headquarters, United States Forces--Afghanistan

for 75 IEDDDs with handlers for immediate fielding'' and that

the request was still pending at that time.

It is my understanding that after fifty-six days of

operations since the urgent request was made by commanders in

the field, the 5th Brigade has yet to receive the necessary

IEDDDs. I am concerned that commanders on the ground are not

receiving resources they are requesting. Please provide an

explanation of the plan that is in place to ensure that our

troops on the ground have the assets needed to keep Americans

safe and detect IEDs.

If you have any questions, please contact my district

director, Mark Bell. Thank you for your time and attention to

this matter, and I look forward to your reply.

Sincerely,

Patrick J. Tiberi,

Representative to Congress.

Enclosures.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to express my support for H. Con. Res. 51, Recognizing the 50th Anniversary of the Antarctic Treaty.

This resolution recognizes that the Antarctic Treaty has ensured Antarctica's peaceful use and the continuance of international harmony for the past half century. Also, it encourages international and interdisciplinary collaboration in the Antarctic Treaty Summit.

The Antarctic Treaty was signed by the United States and eleven other nations in Washington, D.C. on December 1, 1959. Over the past five decades, the Antarctic Treaty has succeeded as a firm foundation for ongoing international cooperation. It has grown to include 47 nations, representing nearly two-thirds of the world's population.

The Antarctic Treaty was established to continue and develop international ``cooperation on the basis of freedom of scientific investigation in Antarctica as applied during the International Geophysical Year.''

November 30th through December 3, 2009, on the 50th anniversary of its signing, the Antarctic Treaty Summit will convene in Washington, D.C. at the Smithsonian Institution. The summit will be an international and interdisciplinary meeting that will offer a unique venue for scientists, legislators, administrators, lawyers, historians, educators, executives and others to explore the scientific and policy achievements of the Antarctic Treaty System and its global precedents in international governance.

This resolution also encourages international and interdisciplinary collaboration in the Antarctic Treaty Summit to identify lessons from 50 years of international cooperation under the Antarctic Treaty that have legacy value for humankind.

I would especially like to recognize my constituent, Dr. Paul A. Berkman. Professor Berkman was awarded a Fulbright Distinguished Scholarship at the University of Cambridge to plan the Antarctic Treaty Summit: Science-Policy Inter-actions in International Governance. Dr. Berkman now serves as Chair of the international board for this interdisciplinary project. I am thankful for his dedication, passion, and enthusiasm for the Antarctic Treaty and the Antarctic Treaty Summit.

I hope that my colleagues will join me in recognizing the important contributions, and peaceful international cooperation the Antarctic Treaty has encouraged for the past half century by passing H. Con. Res. 51. A truly bipartisan measure will both capture and accurately honor the spirit of the Antarctic Treaty.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pleasure I rise to recognize the distinguished career of the CEO of the Ohio Association of REALTORS, Don Freels.

Homeownership has always been the cornerstone of the American Dream. When moving into a home of our own, we gain immeasurable independence and confidence, as faith in the future of our family and our community grows. The spread of ownership and opportunity helps give us a vital stake in the future of America and the chance to realize the great promise of our country. Therefore, those who contribute to the furtherance of the American Dream for others deserve to be honored for their service. The Ohio Association of REALTORS was created to help protect the investment Americans place in their homes, and for 17 years Don Freels has led this organization with honor and distinction.

Starting over 39 years ago, Don began serving as an active REALTOR in the Chicago area, working as the executive officer of two local boards. By 1985, due to his leadership and the remarkable reputation he built with his peers, Don was selected to head the Michigan Association of REALTORS. The success he achieved in this post caught the eye of REALTORS in the Buckeye State, and in 1992 Don was hired as CEO of the Ohio Association of REALTORS. Since then, Don's unparalleled leadership and passion for his craft has helped maintain the stature of Ohio's largest professional trade organization, improve the realty profession, and solidify its irreplaceable role in the furtherance of the American Dream.

Through commendable loyalty to his profession, Don stands as a pillar of his community. As a former REALTOR, I am very pleased to thank him for all he has done for Ohio.

I offer my congratulations to Don Freels for a career spent in service to REALTORS everywhere. I hope the spirit he daily brings forth in his life and work continues to inspire his friends and co-workers for years to come.

Madam Speaker, with great pleasure I rise to recognize the distinguished career of my constituent, Jim McCann.

For several decades, Jim served the Central Ohio community as the principal of Westerville North High School, passionately dedicating himself to the education of thousands. We all should strive to make a difference in this world, and Jim brought a remarkable level of energy and decency to his job, winning admiration from the community for his commitment to ``The Warrior Way.''

After retiring, Jim continued to give back to the youth of Central Ohio by serving as a chairman of my academy selection board. From that position, Jim took an active role in mentoring applicants, often staying in touch with them years after their first interview. To this day, Jim continues to serve his community in a number of civic committees, while also still educating and guiding many youths in the Westerville and Central Ohio area through his home school program.

Through commendable volunteer work and civic leadership, Jim stands as a pillar of the Westerville, Ohio community. Therefore, I am very pleased to thank him for all he has done for our area.

I offer my congratulations to Jim McCann for a career spent in service to others. I hope the spirit he daily brings forth in his life and work continues to inspire us to action and a renewed commitment to our country.

Madam Speaker, it is my pleasure to recognize Joseph W. Testa for his service to the people of Franklin County, Ohio.

Joe Testa has been a tireless advocate for good government, first serving as Franklin County Recorder from 1985 to 1992, and since then, as Franklin County Auditor. Throughout his career as an elected official, Joe acted as a resounding voice of fiscal responsibility.

Joe's career also showcased the finest level of professionalism. For more than 17 years, he ran one of the most effective and innovative county offices in the State of Ohio, and was consistently recognized as such by the County Auditor's Association of Ohio. As an early advocate of the potential of the internet and its benefits to local government, Joe's vision helped Franklin County government to become an example for other metropolitan areas in the region in how to maximize technology for public use.

In addition to his work with the county as an elected official, Joe made a lasting impression on the greater Central Ohio community. Driven by his deep faith, he has made service a priority throughout his life. Serving as an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University, and a

founder of a local charter school, Joe spent much of his free time helping provide a quality education for area students. Joe also founded a local non-profit which helps to locate, renovate and restore veteran gravesites going back to the Revolutionary War, ensuring that all veterans are remembered for their sacrifice.

This sense of service and level of commitment has made Joe a highly- respected figure in our community. While the Auditor's office and the taxpayers of Franklin County will certainly miss his principled leadership, I know he will continue to assist many in Central Ohio through his service as a private citizen.

For his years of service to Franklin County and consistent hard work toward the betterment of Central Ohio, I commend Joe Testa upon his retirement.

Mr. Speaker, we have before us this week, maybe, H.R. 3200, the health care reform bill. Those of us on this side of the aisle are for health care reform. We believe there are many who need insurance, many who need reduced costs for health insurance. Mr. Speaker, this isn't it. In fact, the President is fond of saying, if you have it and you like it, you can keep it. Not true.

On pages 16 and 17--and I would encourage the President to read pages 16 and 17, in fact, the entire bill--and he will see that we take a hatchet to private insurance, to employer health care, and, in fact, the Congressional Budget Office Director, a Democrat, said that the President not only doesn't bend the curve to reduce health costs, we increase it. And we create a $200 billion deficit. Americans deserve better, Mr. Speaker. They deserve a better bill than this one.