Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for advancement of the artificial pancreas, a transformative medical technology under consideration at the Food and Drug Administration that would help millions of Americans who suffer from diabetes.

In my home state of Ohio, approximately 900,000 people have diabetes--nearly 10 percent of the state's population. This unforgiving disease is not only the leading cause of kidney failure and adult-onset blindness, it also causes more than 80,000 amputations each year and increases the chance of suffering a heart attack.

The toll of diabetes is not limited to health. Americans spend $174 billion each year in diabetes-related treatments, with a significant portion of that figure going toward addressing long-term complications. With millions of lives at stake and billions of dollars being spent, this is a disease that demands our attention and we must strive to find better treatments for it until a cure is found.

The artificial pancreas is one such technology that automatically adjusts blood sugar levels for people with type 1 diabetes. With this technology, people will see optimal blood sugar control and as a result, significant reductions in complications associated with type 1 diabetes. Furthermore, an independent study has projected that Medicare will save $2 billion over 25 years once this technology is finally available to the diabetes community.

Currently, this technology is awaiting draft guidance from the Food and Drug Administration as to how clinical trials can proceed. The FDA has a self-imposed deadline of December 1st to issue this draft guidance and it is my sincere hope that they will not only meet this goal, but will give full credence to clinical expert recommendations so as to assure that this life-saving technology can safely and quickly be put in the hands of the people who need it.

Mr. Speaker, I along with Congressman Steve Stivers rise today to honor and recognize the Ohio State University Marching Band director Dr. Jon Woods upon his retirement.

As a former member of the marching band, I had the extraordinary opportunity of learning from and getting to know Dr. Woods. To this day, I am honored and blessed to call Jon a good friend. Issuing remarks about a man that has meant so much to me and every Buckeye around the world gives me great pleasure.

The Ohio State Marching Band remains one of the most well-recognized college bands in the country. Its artistry, accuracy and sound has earned the band the informal title of ``The Best Damn Band in the Land.'' Observing the band in action fills Buckeye fans with immense pride and captivates an audience in a way unlike any other live event. Most Ohio State supporters credit much of the band's success and acclaim today to the efforts of Dr. Woods. Since his arrival, Jon has upheld the band's traditions, while also employing new and innovative techniques that have helped the band sustain so many years of unrivaled superiority.

After several decades, the Ohio State Marching Band and the entire university has benefitted from the supreme expertise and visionary leadership of Dr. Woods. He has become a cornerstone of Ohio State, and, through his legendary work, has etched his name into the school's storied history. I along with Congressman Stivers and the entirety of the Ohio State community will greatly miss his presence. His passion for our beloved school and his years of commitment to the band have left him with an enduring legacy.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize ``The Best Damn Band in the Land!''

In my opinion, there are not many more electrifying and time-honored traditions in college sports than The Ohio State University Marching Band's presentation of ``Script Ohio.'' Throughout the country, it would be hard to find a college football fan that has not personally witnessed or been told the tale of this truly remarkable exhibition of music in motion. This year marks the 75th anniversary since former band director Eugene Weigel developed this storied ritual, and today ``Script Ohio'' continues to bring immense pride to the university and Buckeyes all over the world.

To me, attending an Ohio State football game and observing the band's elegance and precision remains a breathtaking experience. Along with other lifelong supporters of the school, I consider watching ``Script Ohio'' a considerably moving event, one that warms the heart of any Buckeye. The flowing spelling of those four letters stands as a monument to our state and an appreciation that all Ohioans cherish. As the band takes the field, fans throughout The Horseshoe, whatever colors they wear, quickly realize the significance of the spectacle they are witnessing.

As a former member of the band I have had the honor of forming ``Script Ohio'' countless times. My time with the band remains one of the most memorable and thrilling experiences in my life. One of my fondest memories is personally watching the legendary Ohio State Football Coach Woody Hayes dotting the ``i'' before a game. Only a handful of non-band members have ever been given the opportunity to take part in such a prestigious event. Seeing Woody honored that way was a testament to his legacy and Ohio State's respect for tradition and honor.

It deeply pleases me to speak on behalf of something that continuously fills me with pride: The Ohio State University Marching Band. Congratulations on the 75th anniversary of Script Ohio. Go Bucks!

I rise in support of the three agreements before us today and would like to read a recent quote from our President, Barack Obama:

``If Americans can buy Kias and Hyundais, I want to see folks in South Korea driving Fords and Chevys and Chryslers. I want to see more products sold around the world stamped with three proud words: `Made in America.' ''

Madam Speaker, this is about jobs, and I support the President's effort, our chairman's effort in crafting these three agreements before us today. In fact, I asked Ambassador Kirk earlier this year in our full committee, how many jobs did he think would be created if these three agreements were passed? And his answer was 250,000 new American jobs would be supported with these three agreements.

In Ohio, Madam Speaker, agriculture is still the number one industry. We believe, the trade ambassador believes, that we will see an increase in exports to South Korea and the three other countries of 55 million per year.

This is about jobs, Madam Speaker. This is about exports. This is about leveling the playing field.

I urge my colleagues' support of the agreements.

Mr. Speaker, there is no question that childhood obesity is among the most serious health problems affecting our nation's children. Indeed, approximately 17 percent of children and adolescents age 2-19 years in the United States are obese. The problem is only growing in magnitude, as over the past two decades, the prevalence of children who are obese has doubled, while the number of adolescents who are obese has tripled.

As co-chair of the Congressional Task Force on Childhood Obesity and in recognition of September as National Childhood Obesity Awareness Month, it is imperative that we begin to identify and promote solutions to the childhood obesity epidemic. One of the key places to look towards is the work of our children's hospitals.

Children's hospitals across the country are working to provide unique solutions for both treating and preventing childhood obesity. In my home district, in Columbus, Ohio, Nationwide Children's Hospital has created programs which approach the obesity epidemic from multiple angles, partnering with other organizations like the YMCA and Ohio Healthy Weight Outcomes Coalition to help foster a multi-lateral approach to addressing the epidemic.

One of these programs, the F.A.N., Fitness and Nutrition, Club was established in 2008 as part of Nationwide Children's Hospital's pediatric obesity initiative to help 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students in neighborhoods around the hospital experience fun activities to keep them fit and healthy through physical activity and education.

This month we applaud programs like F.A.N. Club and our children's hospitals, which in partnership with our local communities help ensure that children across the nation receive the tools and education necessary to prevent childhood obesity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the life and achievements of the late Command Sergeant Major Jake Brewer.

Throughout the entirety of his life, CSM Brewer epitomized the American spirit and exceptionalism. He committed himself and his career to this nation. His love of country and pursuit of helping others made him a beloved figure around central Ohio.

CSM Brewer, a two-war veteran who earned a bronze star for valor, served this nation valiantly during the Battle of the Bulge in World War II as a combat medic and was wounded fighting in Korea. His role in these historic conflicts represented a foreshadowing of his life's mission. Akin to the way he aided others on the battlefield in Europe and Korea, CSM Brewer went on to become a famed veterans' advocate in central Ohio.

During his stellar career serving veterans, CSM Brewer held many influential positions and acquired many distinct honors and accolades. He was a state commander of the Veterans of Foreign Wars and executive director of the United Service Organization (USO) of Central and Southern Ohio. Quite fittingly, the USO lounge at Port Columbus bears his name. Also, he helped construct the Military Veterans Education Foundation which assists in running Columbus' Veterans Day Parade and Armed Forces Luncheon. In my opinion, Jake was a human being of immeasurable quality, one who possessed a winning character and benevolent nature. I and many other Ohioans were proud to have known him.

After 87 years of life, Jake Brewer recently passed away leaving a legacy of unwavering service to his country and to central Ohio. In light of his contributions and service, I believe he remains worthy of immense respect and admiration. He will be a sorely missed member of our community and his influence will resonate for years to come.

Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 523, had I been present, I would have voted ``no.''

Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that Congressman Bill Pascrell and I rise on behalf of the Italian American Delegation to honor the 150th year of Italian Unification.

On March 17th, 2011 the Republic of Italy celebrates their 150th year of unification throughout Italy and across the United States with a series of activities turning 2011 into an ``Italian Year.''

150 years ago the Risorgimento gave birth to modern Italy, preserving the ideals of western civilization: the protection of the rights, freedoms, and liberty of individuals.

Much of what we are as Americans and what we believe in has roots in Italy. As long time allies, we share a unique partnership in the arts, sciences and politics. Our friendship is strengthened through our common values and historical ties. It has been shaped through the ideas and contributions of great figures like Andrea Palladio and Thomas Jefferson, Benjamin Franklin and Gaetano Filangieri, Giuseppe Garibaldi and Abraham Lincoln.

As co-chairs of the Italian-American delegation, we are proud to represent millions of Americans who like ourselves, are of Italian descent. Our ancestors have brought proud traditions of service with them to the United States. We still share those values today and with assistance from many Italian-American community organizations we continue to pass these traditions onto future generations.

As President Kennedy stated during the Centennial celebration of Italian Unification, ``We have the old and the new bound together and inextricably linked, Italy and the United States, past, present and we believe, future.''

We proudly recognize and celebrate this 150th anniversary of Italian Unification and the continued friendship between the United States and Italy.

Mr. Speaker, it is a pleasure for me to recognize the efforts of the National Ground Water Association (NGWA), which is headquartered in my district in Westerville, Ohio. NGWA is sponsoring National Ground Water Awareness Week which began on March 6. Each year, this event puts the national spotlight on a critically important issue, the preservation and protection of groundwater for human and environmental purposes.

National Ground Water Awareness Week is the pinnacle of NGWA's year- round effort to

educate the public about proper groundwater and water well stewardship. For private household well owners, stewardship includes regularly testing their well water quality and treating it if necessary. An estimated 95 percent of America's available fresh water is in the form of groundwater.

NGWA is a nonprofit organization composed of more than 12,000 U.S. and international groundwater professionals--contractors, equipment manufacturers, suppliers, scientists, and engineers--is dedicated to advancing groundwater knowledge. NGWA's vision is to be the leading groundwater association that advocates the responsible development, management, and use of water.

Association members will be using Ground Water Awareness Week to participate in a variety of activities and events. I want to thank them for their efforts to preserve, protect and safely utilize this most valuable resource.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the life and achievements of the late Mr. Alex A. Boudreaux.

A member of World War II's illustrious Tuskegee Airmen, Mr. Boudreaux was also believed to be the nation's first black civilian air-traffic controller, dedicating three decades of his life to Port Columbus.

Alex Boudreaux first fell in love with aviation while growing up in Lake Charles, Louisiana. He left college after two years during World War II to join the Army Air Corps training program. After the Tuskegee program ended, Mr. Boudreaux received training in air-traffic controlling. Although he never flew with the Air Corps, he continued to pursue his passion for flying and earned his civilian pilot's license. Following the war he commenced working as an air-traffic controller at Rickenbacker Air Force Base and went on to serve Port Columbus for 30 years before retiring in 1977.

Mr. Boudreaux acquired many distinct honors and accolades throughout his impressive time on this planet and always remained active in his community. He was a great supporter of numerous veteran organizations such as the Tuskegee Airmen Association and Motts Military Museum in Groveport, Ohio. He also devoted much of his time to the Columbus Urban League, YMCA and Knights of Columbus. In 2007, he was among 330 Tuskegee Airmen presented with the Congressional Gold Medal from President George W. Bush.

The story of the famed Tuskegee Airmen is one worthy of immense respect. The many tales of courage and patriotism exhibited by men such as Alex Boudreaux during America's efforts to defeat the Axis powers make up a truly remarkable contribution to U.S. history. Alex Boudreaux's commitment to his country, the famed Tuskegee Airman, and central Ohio was eclipsed only by his passion and dedication for his family. He left behind a loving family spanning three generations including four grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren.

After 90 years of life, Alex Boudreaux recently passed away leaving a legacy of unwavering service to his country and to central Ohio. In light of his contributions and service, I believe he deserves great respect and admiration. He will be a sorely missed member of the central Ohio community and his influence will be felt for years to come.

Thank you, Mr. Chairman.

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of the underlying bill today, which goes a long way toward job creation.

Jobs, jobs, jobs. We heard about that in the November election. We heard about the fact that small business owners, in particular, were going to be hampered by a provision, by actually two provisions: one provision in the health care bill that appears that everyone now seems to be opposed to but that the majority voted for; and then another provision that appeared in a bill in September of 2010 that even went further than the underlying provision in the health care bill, which applied to folks who own rental property or to someone who has a vacation home or to somebody who has retail property that he's leasing out or to somebody who is leasing out a room in his home. Suddenly, now we're going to require them to 1099 folks as well.

What an amazing provision that passed in September of 2010. The bill corrects that. The bill corrects both aspects.

I heard this over and over during my campaign. Think about this: Bob Roach, an independent insurance agent, goes out to Staples and buys paper. He's going to have to 1099 Staples. He goes to a hardware store to fix something in his office. He's going to have to 1099 the hardware store. It goes on and on and on. When a law-abiding small business owner--maybe a sole proprietor--now is being made the person who has to go out and be an extension of the IRS, it is truly amazing.

Then the pay-for is requiring people who get more than they're entitled to to pay it back--what a novel concept--with no penalties, no interest. Just pay back something that they're not entitled to.

Now, I was talking to my immigrant dad and immigrant mom about this. My dad has a sixth grade education, and my mom has an eighth grade education. They were, first of all, quite surprised by the fact that a family of four, making $88,000 a year, would get a subsidy. My mom and dad dreamed of making $88,000. They never came close to it--but they're middle class, and they're not looking for a subsidy, and they certainly would pay it back if they got more than they were entitled to.

Madam Speaker, this is about fairness. This is about jobs. This is about equity. This is about moving our economy forward. This is about law-abiding citizens not becoming extensions of the IRS. You're either for them or against them. I urge support of the bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize the life and achievements of Mr. Richard J. Solove.

I was proud to know Richard Solove for more than 25 years; and I was proud to call Dick my friend.

Richard J. Solove's name is well known in Central Ohio and in the health care community, but his incredible life story of generosity and compassion may not be as commonly known. The Ohio State University's renowned Comprehensive Cancer Center, Arthur G. James Cancer Hospital and Richard J. Solove Research Institute that bears his name is where doctors perform groundbreaking research in the fight against cancer.

Richard Solove was inspired by his father's battle with cancer and later his sister's to help bring about a cure for cancer and provide cancer patients with the very best care. A pharmacist by training, Mr. Solove had a vision to help create a state-of-the-art cancer research and care facility at his alma mater, The Ohio State University. His donation of $20 million, the largest private donation The Ohio State University Medical Center had ever received, is helping make his vision a reality.

According to the Columbus Dispatch, ``Dr. Michael Caligiuri, director of the OSU Comprehensive Cancer Center called Solove a hero for his passion, drive, tenacity, and vision . . .,'' while OSU President E. Gordon Gee said ``Solove was among the university's most-generous alumni and that he created an `enduring legacy' in working to find a cure for cancer.''

His generosity didn't end with the one-time donation; he gave a total of $27 million to the Medical Center. He served as the board chairman of the James Cancer Hospital's Research

Institute Foundation from 1989-1994 and remained on the board until his death last month at the age of 85. Quite literally, thousands of lives have been touched by Mr. Solove.

His commitment to fighting cancer nearly matched his devotion to Central Ohio. He had the foresight to envision the growth and expansion of this region back in the 1960s. Ending his career as a pharmacist, he began to develop shopping centers, office buildings and apartment buildings as I-270 was being built.

Growing his business, R.J. Solove and Associates, and creating Columbus Realty Investments, his 500 employees now stretch across seven states. He played a major role in developing Central Ohio's economy, leaving his footprint on the region for decades to come.

The son of Russian immigrants, a graduate of Columbus Public Schools and The Ohio State University, Richard Solove was also a son of Ohio. He lived the American dream and his legacy will be felt for years to come.

Madam Speaker, I rise in favor of this bill to repeal the government health care law that was passed in 2009. This issue was front and center of my campaign, as I am sure it was in many of the campaigns of the people in this body today. Most of my constituents in central Ohio opposed the 2,000-page bill that became law, and are just beginning to find out what's in it. Sure, they knew about some of the good things like dealing with preexisting conditions, which most of us on this side of the aisle support doing something with as well. But they didn't know about the medicine cabinet tax, for instance. That's right, flexible savings account changes. No more over-the-counter medicines for moms who are buying that infant Motrin for their babies. And next year, a cap of $2,500 for that flexible savings account. They didn't know about the health savings account withdrawal tax that will impact many Americans across our country.

A majority of my constituents want a patient-centered approach, not a government-centered approach; an approach where doctors and nurses are at the center of the process, not government bureaucrats in Washington,

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the victims of Saturday's shooting in Tucson and pray with all of us for them and their families.

This senseless tragedy has struck at the very foundation of the United States of America, attacking a representative to Congress, a congressional staffer, innocent bystanders in front of a grocery store. But there were heroes who showed up that day: the intern, Daniel Hernandez, who came to Gabrielle Giffords' aid; the witnesses who immediately tried to help those who were injured; the civilians who bravely stopped the shooter from injuring and inflicting more harm on others; the emergency room personnel; the emergency personnel overall whose decisive action saved other lives. These are the true examples of the spirit of what America is all about.

It's important to remember that this was an outrageous act by a deranged individual. Despite all the talk about tone and rhetoric, it's important to remember that we all on this House floor can disagree without being disagreeable.

The fact is that as public officials, Madam Speaker, being accessible to the public is an important part of our jobs, and we cannot let this tragedy stop us from doing our important work. We are Members of the people's House, and the minute we start separating ourselves from the people is the minute that we weaken our Republic.

The events in Tucson remind us how fragile our lives are. We pray again for the victims and their families, and we remember what really matters and that civility should rule the day.

Mr. Chairman, what an honor and privilege it is to be a Member of this House, and what an amazement it is to me to hear this debate that I have heard so much in the past. The road to prosperity is not through tax increases. The road to prosperity in America is not through class warfare.

My mother and father came to an America, a United States of America, for a better life, for an opportunity--not a guarantee, an opportunity, for their kids to be successful, for their kids to do well and pay taxes and do well for their kids.

When you're voting on a bill tonight that extends current tax rates, the current Tax Code that represents, Mr. Chairman, three-quarters of this bill, that represents three-quarters of the, quote, spending in this bill, and Members of this body say we have to borrow to allow people to keep the money that they earned, where have we come?

My father was a steelworker who loved John F. Kennedy, who proposed similar types of tax increases. My mother was a seamstress. Neither graduated from high school. They don't believe in class warfare.

Do they support all of this bill? Certainly not. Do I? Certainly not. But the question now, Mr. Chairman, is: Do we allow, on January 1, the largest tax increase in American history? That's the question.

I didn't negotiate this bill. If I were king, I would have certainly negotiated it differently. Only in Washington, D.C., can people keep what they have today and not pay more taxes does it cost the government money.

Think about the farmer who is sick, who is trying to plan his estate. And would I support permanency in the estate tax? Absolutely. And let's eliminate it. But if this bill doesn't pass, a

$1 million exemption occurs for that sick farmer trying to plan his estate. Will he have to sell his land, Mr. Chairman?

How about the single mom with two jobs trying to provide for her two kids? Her taxes will go up. How about the teacher and the police officer raising a family? The marriage penalty. How about the small business owner who pulled me aside on Wednesday and said: I can't even plan my business. I'd like to hire somebody. And you folks in Washington have known for how long that these tax rates were going to go up?

Last year, the majority party had 60 votes in the Senate, had a clear majority in the House. You could have passed something. And here we are, 15 days before Christmas, and the Grinch is about ready to steal it for so many Americans who will see their taxes go up, Mr. Chairman, if this bill isn't passed.

Now, there are a lot of things in this bill that I don't like. But the question today, Mr. Chairman, is: Do we let the perfect be the enemy of the good?

I could sit up here and pick apart pieces of this legislation. But when three-fourths of this is the current Tax Code, three-fourths of this allows for the current rates to continue so taxes don't go up on millions and millions of Americans, Mr. Chairman, it really comes down to this simple logic:

We cannot tax our way to prosperity. We cannot tax our way to fiscal responsibility. We must pass this bill and give 2 years for this Congress, this President, this Senate to come up with a better way, a more simple way to tax Americans; allow them to keep more of their money; provide for a way for capital to work in America's favor and allow America to be more competitive again, with a Tax Code that makes sense.

But the question today is: Do we allow taxes to go up, or do we allow Americans to have some certainty for the next 2 years?