Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today with the Hon. Kay Granger to honor and remember Mr. James L. Mallon, a baseball coaching legend at Southwestern University in Georgetown, Texas. Coach Jim Mallon passed away on Sunday, February 28, 2012 following complications from heart surgery.

After five years with the San Francisco Giants organization and the completion of his Masters degree from Baylor University, Coach Mallon began his collegiate coaching and teaching career at Southwestern University in 1971. Under his leadership, his teams won multiple championships. Most notably, in 1984, his team finished third in the National Association of Intercollegiate Athletics (NAIA) World Series. During his 33 years, he had an impressive record of 1,197 wins against 601 losses. In 2005, he received the prestigious Lifetime Achievement Award from Southwestern University and was inducted into the NAIA Hall of Fame in 1992 and the Hall of Fame at Southwestern University in 2010.

Aside from his successful career, Coach Mallon positively impacted the lives of countless students. Those he coached knew firsthand of his passion for baseball, his caring nature, and the candid yet valuable advice he offered, which guided so many of them through life in the face of difficulties. He was loved, admired, and respected by all who knew him. Indeed, Southwestern University and the baseball community have suffered a great loss. Coach Mallon is survived by his loving wife, Jane; his sons, Jeff and Jarret; and a multitude of friends throughout the State of Texas.

Mr. Speaker, we ask the House of Representatives to join us in mourning the loss of Coach Mallon and in offering his family and friends our sincere condolences. May the peace of God be with those he loved and sustain them through this hour of sorrow.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Kenneth L. Hall as his family, friends, and colleagues gather to celebrate his retirement and 19 years of dedicated service at Buckner International.

After earning his bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Tyler, Dr. Hall attended Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and graduated with Master of Divinity and Doctor of Ministry degrees. Prior to his leadership role at Buckner, Dr. Hall served as Pastor for four churches in Texas. In 1994, he joined Buckner as President and Chief Executive Officer.

Founded in 1879, Buckner International has devoted itself to helping orphans, vulnerable children, and their families. As a global Christian ministry, they annually serve over 400,000 people in 69 countries. They offer a variety of family, empowerment, and community programs, as well as retirement services, and humanitarian aid. Under Dr. Hall's leadership, Buckner extended its reach outside of the borders of Texas for the first time. In 1996, Buckner launched its international ministry, supporting children living in orphanages in other countries. Aside from his duties at Buckner, Dr. Hall has also devoted himself to serving his local community. He has served as a Board Member for numerous organizations, including Children's Medical Center, the Alliance for Children and Families, and Baylor Specialty Health Centers. Dr. Hall's legacy reflects his selfless service, enduring faith, and commitment to caring for those in need.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Hall on his retirement and 19 years of service to Buckner International. I wish him all the best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to ask the House of Representatives to join me in congratulating Jimmy and Billie Metcalf on their 70th wedding anniversary.

Jimmy Metcalf joined the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1941 and married Billie Borchardt on February 14, 1942, just two months after the attack on Pearl Harbor. During World War II, Jimmy proudly served his country overseas, which kept him apart from his wife for over three years. Despite this separation, their love persevered.

As family and friends join Jimmy and Billie to celebrate this joyous occasion, it is important to reflect upon the significance of this outstanding milestone. Over the past seventy years, they have shared many joys and faced life's trials together. Through all of life's ups and downs, their love for each other and for their children has remained constant. This platinum anniversary is a testament of their commitment to each other and to the wedding vows they took seventy years ago.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in congratulating Jimmy and Billie on seventy years of wedded bliss. May God bless them with many more years of happiness and health together!

Mr. Speaker, last night, Congressman Glenn ``GT'' Thompson was honored by the Boy Scouts of America with the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award. This award is the highest honor the Boy Scouts bestow, and is awarded to a deserving Eagle Scout for distinguished service in his profession and to his community for a period of at least 25 years after attaining the level of Eagle Scout.

A lifelong resident of North Central Pennsylvania, Congressman Thompson earned his Eagle Scout in May of 1977 from Boy Scout Troop 52 in Walker Township, Pennsylvania. Since then, Congressman Thompson has served his community as a volunteer fireman, member of the Bald Eagle Area School District Board of Education, and in 2008 was elected to serve his constituents as their voice in the U.S. House of Representatives.

I was proud to be with Glenn last night to help those closest to him honor his achievements. Glenn embodies the virtues of public service, duty to country and moral integrity that serve as the pillars of Scouting.

Therefore, today I wish to recognize Congressman Glenn Thompson and thank him for his service to his community and our country.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 522 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. McGovern), pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time is yielded for the purpose of debate only.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

House Resolution 522 provides a modified open rule for consideration of H.R. 1173. This rule allows for any amendment prefiled in the Congressional Record which complies with the rules of the House to be made in order. That's pretty simple.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this rule and the underlying bill, H.R. 1173, the Fiscal Responsibility and Retirement Security Act of 2011, which was introduced on March 17, 2011, by the gentleman, my dear friend from Louisiana, Congressman Charles Boustany, and was reported by the Committee on Energy and Commerce by a vote of 33-17 on November 29, 2011.

Additionally, the bill was reported by the Committee on Ways and Means on January 18, 2012, by a vote of 23-13.

This legislation has been through regular order. Members from both sides of the aisle on several committees have had opportunities to submit perfecting ideas, and those amendments have been considered. With the modified open process brought forward by the Rules Committee, every preprinted amendment will be given full and fair consideration by this body.

Mr. Speaker, the Community Living Assistance Services and Supports Act, also known as the CLASS Act, was a budgetary gimmick introduced by congressional Democrats in the ObamaCare bill to fit a 10-year budget score, not to provide reliable insurance coverage. This is why we are here today. Built on an unstable foundation, this long-term health insurance system was broken from its inception, and yet was used to sell ObamaCare to those who did not fully comprehend its future implications.

Let's review the facts of this case. The CLASS Act establishes a long-term health coverage program that would be operated by the Federal Government. The program is a guaranteed issue, meaning no one can be turned away. The program provides subsidized premiums to those under the age of 22 and to those below the poverty line. Finally, it can use no government funding. If that isn't a recipe for failure, I'm not sure how else you would design the program. Giving reduced premiums to some and mandatory coverage to all necessarily drives up the monthly premium. The Department of Health and Human Services indicated that the plans, as designed, would cost $235 and $391 a month and could rise to as much as $3,000 a month for those in the program. Anyone who is healthy and above the poverty line would most certainly turn to the private sector, leaving the program woefully underfunded. These are the facts. The program is not viable and is not sustainable.

In reference to the program, the Secretary of Health and Human Services, Secretary Sebelius, finally agreed on October 14, saying, ``I do not see a viable path forward at this time.'' It makes you wonder what other sections of ObamaCare might not be fiscally sound, given a closer review as well. Oh, by the way, this Republican Congress is doing that right now, in committee, under regular order. Apparently, however, we had to pass the bill to find out about the CLASS Act and what was in it and how it might work.

Mr. Speaker, we are not solving the problem by creating programs that are unsustainable. We continue to double down, taxing Medicare and Medicaid relentlessly to where they cannot pay for themselves. President Obama and congressional Democrats actually cut $500 billion in Medicare in order to fund the CLASS Act and flawed programs like it in the ObamaCare package. The majority of Republicans in this House are committed to protecting Medicare, Medicaid, and Social Security for future generations, not passing empty promises--those that cannot sustain themselves and those that would be headed for failure from their inceptions. I believe we are abandoning the core mission of entitlement programs, which was meant to bring necessary coverage to those who cannot provide for themselves.

Mr. Speaker, I, like many Americans, can speak on a personal basis about what a disappointment this is, not just the ObamaCare bill, but the provisions laid out in it. You see, I'm not unlike many Americans. I have a disabled son at home. I have an 18-year-old Down syndrome young man. I, and Alex, perhaps at some point, will count on the government's being able to uphold its real responsibility. I believe government should have a mission statement, and that government should have a role in the lives of Americans, but it should be one which is very narrow and well understood.

I understand and believe that we should have a government that does help people who need help, and that we do have a government that can give assistance. However, I believe that able-bodied people should not be included in these programs. I believe that the people who should be a part of this government assistance should be those who have an intellectual or physical disability, those who are seniors--our parents. Because of their ages and their service to this great country, they have earned this and should be given that help. Lastly, those who are poor--those, in other words, who are at or below the poverty line-- should be a part of this as well.

I believe that what this bill has done--and the philosophy of the Democratic Party, including that of this President--will diminish the real role that government should be playing, because, in fact, it has gone so far out of its intended purpose, or of its ability to sustain what it should be doing, that it will be a sham system and unable to help those it should have been intended to help in the first place. I have seen this many times. I have seen it in professional sports where, as an analogy, people will buy a season ticket and get a parking pass with it. There are sometimes 10,000 or 15,000 people who buy season tickets for 4,000 parking places. In other words, there may be 10,000 people who have the right to come to those parking places, but there is only room for a few.

Mr. Speaker, I believe our government and the leaders of this government, including Secretary Sebelius, recognize the limitations and the failures of this piece of legislation. This one piece alone is what we, as Republicans today, are trying to highlight, and Dr. Boustany is right in bringing it to us.

We should not be creating a system that would be outside the scope of what the government should actually be doing, which is to help those who cannot help themselves or who deserve that opportunity to have help. In other words, by creating a larger-than-life scenario which cannot be sustained, they've, in fact, put the underpinnings of something that could be good at risk--selling too many parking places for the ones that need to exist. The parking places that need to exist need to be on a one-on-one basis now for the people who need them the most. That is what the government should be doing and doing well, not going outside of its mandate and not promising something that is unsustainable and that they cannot deliver on.

Mr. Speaker, I would submit and suggest that some Democrats will rise today to defend this bill, the CLASS Act, but the facts of the case are now known and well understood so that even the President and his administration are walking away from this part of the bill. The program is fatally flawed, and a full repeal is the only realistic way we should approach this.

Now is the time to be serious with the American people. Now is the time when we need to say that this should not have been a part of what this health care bill is about. It will surely not deliver on what was sold or do what it was intended to do; and before we engage in that, we ought to be realistic and honest about what this is doing.

Now is the time to be serious with the American people about expectations from the Federal Government as related to this program. House Republicans are committed to providing affordable, patient-driven solutions to the problems facing our health care system; and we recognize, in going through the bill, that this stands out as a prime example of what is broken about the legislation that is law today.

So we are here forthrightly, through regular order, to talk in a polite and sensible way about how we should handle what we now know and what we should have known then but failed to do. Not reading the bill is just another example of the flawed process that we were going through.

I urge all of my colleagues to vote for this modified open rule, which allows for the consideration of all preprinted amendments that comply with the rules of the House, and to vote for the underlying bill.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

I find very interesting my friend's arguments. First of all, the health care bill hasn't even kicked in, so millions of people have not gotten the advantages of this bill yet.

I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts.

And that was a bipartisan agreement.

Reclaiming my time, Mr. Speaker, at the time the bill was passed, we agreed to a number of things that we did think were good ideas. That was a good idea.

The $500 billion of cuts in Medicare that Republicans talked about, we did not set that up for this election. They did that 2 years ago. That's one of the reasons why the American people, 50-plus percent of the American people, another reason why they do not like this bill.

But to suggest that all of the advantages that are occurring as a result of this bill would be a misnomer. As a matter of fact, it's causing almost 80 percent of small business owners not to make decisions about hiring people for the future; and it's causing intense financial problems, not only upon small businesses but upon other businesses who don't hire people. It's causing a substantial problem on the amount of money that we are spending by this government right now.

Oh, by the way, that legislation also said in certain pieces of it that it's not for review by judicial or congressional oversight, that whatever these panels do is a decision that they would make. It's very restrictive. It's a government-run system, and it's causing enormous financial distress to this country.

I appreciate the gentleman trying to take all of the high attributes for it. It's a system that Republicans will vote to repeal, and we will replace that with a system that is market-based and that works.

Lastly, I will say that the gentleman talked about how cost effective it is. Insurance rates are raising 30 percent this year alone for people in the private sector, and that's nonsustainable.

Mr. Speaker, today, however, we are talking about a larger issue, and that is a piece part of that bill, the CLASS Act. I'm very pleased today to have a gentleman who is a great member of our conference, a physician by trade. It's just of enormous consequence that we have a person who understands why this piece of the bill in particular, today, must be repealed.

I'm delighted to yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Louisiana (Mr. Boustany), the original sponsor of the bill.

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

You know, the beautiful part of this body and really the historical context of the United States Congress is that people can come down and advocate for things that they see, things that they want. We go through, have hearings, we pass bills. We're not here today to say what's good or bad or right or wrong in terms of how we help people. We're here saying the government cannot make this program work.

To make the program work means that it has to have the underpinnings of an understanding, not just how it will work and who will pay for it, but really, what are the services that are going to be provided? The gentlewoman from Texas was very genuine in talking about the needs of people. I deeply believe in those needs also. But it also goes back to, this administration is the one that is walking away from the legislation, and it does us no good to try and act like, it's okay, we'll just ignore that.

The Congressional Budget Office today released its viewpoint for the coming year, and once again this administration, President Obama, will have a $1 trillion deficit on his hands. The prior record before President Obama had been $459 billion. We are going to be a trillion dollars--again--in the hole. At some point someone needs to recognize we cannot sustain all these great and wonderful ideas because if you cannot pay for something, you have set an expectation of performance that will not ever come true. That is cruel. That is cruel, and that is exactly what this ObamaCare bill and this CLASS Act is all about. It is about substantially telling the American people that something will be there when it never will be there because it's not put together where it's sustainable. The President's own people are saying it's not sustainable. And we as Members of Congress are trying to work with the administration on how it might work, and they're saying it can't and won't.

So the reality base of this is that the Republican Party does recognize the need. I recognize the need personally. I think Charles Boustany, Dr. Boustany, who is the sponsor of the bill, recognizes a need. But the way that it is defined and was defined in the Energy and Commerce Committee was, it's a concept and an idea; let's voice vote this or agree that we'll get something back later. The bill was not voice voted. The agreement that they would come back later and look at it was.

In fact, Republicans are not guilty as charged. We are people who primarily go back home every weekend. I've never spent a weekend in Washington, D.C., in the 16 years I've been a Member of Congress. I go back out of Washington and try and go home to listen to people about the concerns that they have. It doesn't take much of a person who goes back every weekend to recognize there are great needs in this country. But to try and put together a program that cannot sustain itself, that offers a false hope and cannot be met, is cruel.

So today, Republicans, without calling anything bad, we're simply saying it cannot be sustained. It cannot be sustained by the government. The government cannot figure out a way to make it work. The managers of the business cannot figure out a way.

So, we've heard today we should hold hearings. We should. We should take up this issue. Dr. Boustany talked about the need to do that, and we're going to. But the way the law looks right now, it's unsustainable, and we should tell the truth about that. And that is what Republicans are on the floor of the House doing today.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

I think what we've done today is fair and honorable. We've talked about a problem. We've talked about a potential answer. First of all, an answer is that, since we do not have a workable program without bringing it back to the Congress, we ought to work with the administration. I think we've been responsible. But we have heard feedback from the administration, in a hearing, that said, we can't make that program work; we cannot make that program work.

So I think that what we are doing today is the fiscally responsible thing, to end the program, to end a program that is not going to work and was not designed to work, and then start back over, if we choose to, and put it into a workable mode. But only to have a false hope out there of something that cannot be sustained and something that the managers of the government cannot make work is a bad idea.

We've got another trillion-dollar deficit that is facing this country, another $1 trillion. We know who that is. That's Pin the Tail on the Donkey, Mr. Speaker. They are the ones responsible. They are the ones that are happy with that, and they are the ones that try to justify that.

Today we are coming together to find the solution to a long-term care issue in this country by talking about it, doing something that cannot be sustained, and then admitting, as Mr. Boustany did, that we need to do something better. And we should not throw the idea away. Today we are going to vote on something that will do no further harm.

I applaud my colleague from Louisiana, Congressman Boustany, for introducing the bill. I appreciate him coming before us. I respect and appreciate my committee, the Rules Committee, and the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier) for bringing this debate here in such an open and transparent process. I encourage a ``yes'' vote on the rule.

I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution

The previous question was ordered.

Mr. Speaker, today I wish to recognize Kent Conine of Dallas, TX. Mr. Conine has spent his career working to provide affordable housing for the citizens of the great State of Texas. As a homebuilder, Mr. Conine has made significant and lasting contributions to his local community and the housing industry. President of Conine Residential Group, Mr. Conine has helped thousands of Texans fulfill their American Dream of homeownership.

However, his efforts extend beyond his personal business. Mr. Conine has served as Chairman of the Texas Department of Housing and Community Affairs (TDHCA), on the Board of Directors Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas, and as President of the Texas Association of Builders, the National Association of State of Housing Boards, and the National Association of Homebuilders.

This evening in Austin, Texas the Texas Affiliation of Affordable Housing Providers is honoring Mr. Conine for his years of service and unwavering dedication to the people of Texas. I wish to join them in thanking Kent for everything he has done, and continues to do, to promote the American Dream of homeownership in Texas.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Albert ``Bert'' Caswell.

Bert has worked as a United States Capitol tour guide for over twenty-five years. He is known throughout the Capitol for his extraordinary work and selfless attitude. After hours, Bert volunteers his time offering Capitol tours to wounded veterans and participants of the Make-A-Wish foundation. He also visits and writes poems for wounded soldiers at local hospitals to lift their spirits and celebrate their heroic nature.

Mr. Speaker, I submit before you a poem, authored by Albert, reflecting on the extraordinary sacrifices and courage of the men and women of our Nation's Armed Services.

Christmas Tears

This Christmas season, as you awake. . . .

Please, so take the time to so take. . . .

To remember in this December, all of those families whose

hearts now quake. . . .

For they are so separated, so far across the shores . . . by

such dark and most evil war. . . .

All in fear, not knowing . . . if but their loved ones may

live but one day more. . . .

So say a prayer. . . .

Because, there will be tears across this nation. . . .

Christmas Tears. . . .

And as you so see the smiles upon your children's faces. . .

.

Remember, there are such men and women of honor, fighting all

in such dark places. . . .

Giving all of their treasure, oh yes That Last Full Measure .

. . so you may live in peace. . . .

So say a prayer and shed a tear, for all of them and all of

these so here . . . Our Patriots of Peace!

And all of the ones, who now so in hospitals, who have so

just begun their new battles in this new year. So shed

a tear. . . .

For the ones who now so live without arms and legs, and holes

in all places . . . teaching us all what faith is!

For them all so shed a tear!

And for all of those most magnificent ones, as Thy Will Be

Done, On Earth As It Is In Heaven now in the ground . .

. for freedom won! Shed a tear. . . .

For all those little boys and girls, who have just lost their

best friends in the world. . . .

Its so sad now, shed a tear. . . .

And as you so sing your songs of joy, remember all of these

little girls and boys in your hearts so very loud! And

shed a tear. . . .

And in this evening as you break your bread, remember to say

a prayer for all those whom have bled!

All so you can be free and live in peace. . . .

Please shed a tear, and say a prayer for all of these. . . .

A child is born. . . .

As we remember on this golden morn. . . .

Remember all of their Christian Acts, for their courage does

not lack. . . .

So for all of our Armed Forces, shed a tear. . . .

Say a prayer, that they will all be home one day . . . safe

and sound in the coming years. . . .

And on this Christmas night as you so lay yourself down to

sleep. . . .

All in your hearts, so very deep. . . . Say a prayer. . . .

That our Lord will so watch over all of these. . . .

And say a prayer for peace . . . do so please. . . .

Now, on this night from high above. . . .

But comes a gentle rain, soft falling snow flakes from our

Lord all in his love. . . .

All for their selfless sacrifice, all of these fine men and

women who now must fight. . . .

Are but our Lord's tears, for all these and their families on

this night. . . .

So say a prayer and shed a tear, and so pray that they will

all be back next year. . . .

But, with their loved ones, on Christmas night. . . .

Lord God, Bless Them. . . . Bless Them All! Thank Them All. .

. .

And say a prayer and shed a tear for all those most

magnificent families and heroes who answer the call!

Thank them all and shed a tear.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to recognize Dr. William C. Mobley, Distinguished Professor and Chair of the Department of Neurosciences at the University of California San Diego. On December 8th, Dr. Mobley was awarded the International Sisley-Jerome Lejeune Prize, in Paris, France, for his therapeutic research on Genetic Intellectual Disabilities.

Dr. Mobley's many contributions in the field of Down Syndrome have been truly valued in the special needs community. His research to identify causes of neurodegenerative disorders has brought new optimism to those afflicted with diseases from Alzheimer's to Down Syndrome.

As the parent of a child with Down Syndrome, I understand first-hand the daily challenges that families are facing. We are the beneficiaries of Dr. Mobley's important research and future generations will be enabled as a result.

Dr. Mobley has used his expertise to serve this Congress. As the expert advisor for the Congressional Down Syndrome Caucus, Dr. Mobley has educated Members of Congress on this important issue, raising public awareness while advancing critical research.

This award is a well deserved recognition of his life's work to eradicate debilitative neurological diseases and disorders. I applaud Dr. Mobley on his outstanding commitment to this vital research and look forward to a continuing partnership.

Mr. Speaker, I know my colleagues will join me in congratulating Dr. Mobley. Because of his efforts, I know that those with Down Syndrome, and their families, will see easier days ahead. With Dr. Mobley's work, we will one day see a world free of these devastating neurological disorders.

Mr. Speaker, on December 9, 2011 Jeffery Potter was duly elected to serve as President of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Jeff is the Vice-President of POTTER, a design firm in Dallas, Texas established in 1983. The firm has a broad portfolio but specifically seeks to advance schoolhouse design in the region.

Jeff has been recognized by his peers through numerous regional AIA and trade awards for his design efforts and has juried design awards programs throughout the United States. Over the past 30 years Jeff has worked to elevate professional communications between his peers and to educate the public on the importance of design. Additionally, Jeff has worked with his colleagues to help combine traditional architectural journalism with social media and knowledge sharing to promote architecture in the 21st century.

As AIA President, Jeff has stated that he will focus on what he calls the ``two spheres of influence'': nurturing a grassroots organization of architects and building on the strengths of the organization to promote a professional institute of design leaders.

I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mr. Potter's accomplishments and ask that we acknowledge the important role that architects serve in our economy.

Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume.

I want to first thank, if I can, the author of this piece of legislation, the gentleman from Kentucky, Geoff Davis. Mr. Davis has distinguished himself among, not only our colleagues, but also, I believe, his strong support of free enterprise and the people of Kentucky in doing his job, and I appreciate the opportunity to be here to help in that endeavor today.

I believe that excessive government regulations are a significant barrier to the creation of private sector jobs in America today. This Congress has made job creation a priority. As a matter of fact, we had the minority leader down talking just a few minutes ago about job creation and the priority that it needs to represent. And as a result, we must review regulations which stand in the way of not only having more jobs, but also the overuse of rules and regulations that prohibit and add to jobs and job creation.

That proposal that I believe we need to look at is whether the benefits outweigh any potential economic harm that might come.

My amendment requires the agencies submitting the report on a proposal Federal rule to include an assessment of anticipated jobs gained or lost as a result of its implementation and to specify whether those jobs will come from the public or the private sector.

This assessment would be part of the cost benefit analysis. It would be required to be submitted to the Comptroller General and made available to each Member of the House prior to our consideration of the rule.

I believe that what we are doing here today is positive, not only a benefit to the country in terms of recognizing that rules and regulations are burdening our economic engine, but also we are doing something about it here today, and I'm very, very proud to be here in support of this.

Earlier this year, I introduced House Resolution 72, and the House passed it with a strong bipartisan vote in February. My bill required authorizing committees in the House to review existing, pending, and proposed regulations through hearings this year and to report back to the House with their findings.

The REINS Act today before us is an extension, I believe, of H. Res. 72 and is an important measure to ensure that the government does not compete against the free enterprise system. And if it does, Congress should understand that at the time that we pass our laws.

Mr. Chairman, I ask my colleagues to support this important addition.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Smith).

Mr. Chairman, I yield myself the balance of my time.

I believe that the case which we're bringing forth today to Congress is

that we believe that jobs should be priority number one for this United States Congress and for the American people--not just the middle class, but investors and people who want to have great jobs in this country, for us to be competitive with the world. For us to do that, we need to recognize that people in Washington, D.C., who probably wouldn't recognize the free enterprise system if they saw it put rules and regulations on people; they don't understand the business; they don't understand how they operate; and they sure as heck don't understand why it's important to have a free enterprise system, one which is nimble and prepared and ready for competition.

I spent 16 years without missing a day of work in the private sector prior to coming to Congress. During those 16 years, I learned firsthand about how rules and regulations by the Federal Government and others can impede not only us and our ability to add jobs but perhaps more importantly, for us to be competitive. And I want to know today those people who will support us making sure that we look at a rule and regulation and understand what the impact on jobs would be.

That's what this vote will be. All Members will have an opportunity to come down to say, We think that there should be a consideration or should not be a consideration, at the time a rule will be written by an agency, what will be the impact of that rule. It would elude me to understand why someone would not want to include that as part of a cost benefit analysis.

Thus, Mr. Chairman, I rest my case.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, earlier this week the federal budget eclipsed 15 trillion dollars. The passing of this milestone underscores the real, substantive need to address our ballooning debt crisis. It is past time for Congress to take action and put this nation on a path to fiscal responsibility. That is why today I will vote in favor of a balanced budget amendment to the United States constitution.

Madam Speaker, this country has a spending problem and a balanced budget amendment is the only permanent fix to ensure that we stop burdening our children and grandchildren with a debt they cannot afford. Last year alone, the United States ran a 1.3 trillion dollar budget deficit. That means we spent 1.3 trillion dollars that we do not have. Under this balanced budget amendment, Congress would be forced to live within its means and balance our checkbook, just like millions of Americans

across this country. I urge my colleagues to help ensure that America's best days lie in its future and join me in passing this balanced budget amendment.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Texas Rangers Faces of Freedom Veteran Honorees for their dedicated service to this great Nation.

The Texas Rangers Faces of Freedom program is an initiative sponsored by the Texas Rangers baseball club and Southwest Airlines to honor the extraordinary service of current and former members of our Nation's Armed Forces. Throughout the baseball season, family, friends and members of the military nominated individuals who have shown tremendous strength, courage, and patriotism in the line of duty.

These honorees have served in wars ranging from World War II to the present day conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan. Many of these men and women braved horrible situations and suffered severe injuries to save their fellow soldiers. Among the group are several Bronze Star recipients, Purple Heart recipients, Commendation Medal recipients, a married couple who served significant tours in Iraq and Afghanistan, and many more extraordinary individuals who have selflessly served our Nation with distinct pride and courage.

On November 10, 2011, my office had the distinct pleasure of welcoming these brave men and women to our Nation's Capitol. Their sense of patriotism and good humor are a testament to the greatest our country has to offer.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in expressing our heartfelt gratitude and praise for the Faces of Freedom Veterans, and thank them for their extraordinary service to our Nation.

Mr. Speaker, by direction of the Committee on Rules, I call up House Resolution 453 and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. Speaker, for the purpose of debate only, I yield the customary 30 minutes to my friend, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Polis), a brand-new father who today presents himself on the floor as we work together, pending which I yield myself such time as I may consume. During consideration of this resolution, all time yielded is for the purpose of debate only.

General Leave

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks.

House Resolution 453 provides for a structured rule for the consideration of H.R. 2930 and H.R. 2940. This rule allows for all seven amendments submitted to the Rules Committee by Democrats and Republicans to be made in order.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of this rule and the underlying bills. H.R. 2930, the Entrepreneur Access to Capital Act, was introduced on September 14, 2011, by my friend, the gentleman from North Carolina, Mr. Pat McHenry, and was reported by the Committee on Financial Services by a voice vote last week. The second bill, H.R. 2940, the Access to Capital for Job Creators Act, was introduced by the Republican majority whip, the gentleman from California (Mr. McCarthy), and also passed the Committee on Financial Services by a voice vote last week.

Both pieces of legislation have been through regular order. Members from both sides of the aisle have had opportunities to submit perfecting ideas, and those amendments have been carefully considered. Every amendment that was submitted to the Rules Committee was made in order and will be given full and fair consideration today. The chairman of the Rules Committee, the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), has once again allowed the House to work its will through an inclusive legislative process.

On December 10, 2009, I stood on the floor, and I argued then against the rule for consideration of the bill known as the Dodd-Frank financial reform bill. It should be noted that I authored two proposals amongst many Republican and Democratic amendments that were all shut out that day. Then-Speaker Nancy Pelosi chose to advance the Dodd-Frank bill without any open process consideration. The result of that legislation has caused great concern in financial markets not just here in the United States, but it has caused financial concern around the world.

Today the Republican House is changing that course in consideration of bills from the Financial Services Committee. Today we are looking at a targeted removal of outdated regulations simply to encourage market access for millions of small businesses and to encourage not only investment but also jobs in America.

For those who are listening to this, you could consider this a jobs creation bill. So I would advance this cause down the street to the White House to encourage the President to know that this is yet another in a line of job-creating, job-saving, jobs-in-America bills that the U.S. House of Representatives is once again considering, and today, on a bipartisan basis, with every single amendment that was submitted to the Rules Committee through an open process on the floor of the House of Representatives, ready for us to move this bill and vote on that today.

Mr. Speaker, our economy has a revenue problem. The administration continues to promote policies that slow economic growth. Republicans believe we must create an environment that encourages investment in small business, really the engine of our national job creators. This underlying bill will do just that. H.R. 2930 would remove restrictions on crowdfunding, allowing companies to pool small investors so that small businesses and entrepreneurs can raise capital equity. Outdated SEC regulations do not allow business owners in search of investments to solicit or to advertise. This legislation is needed and it's being presented on a bipartisan agreement basis.

Yesterday, I met with community bankers from Texas--Scott Heitkamp, the president of Value Bank; John Jay, the president of Roscoe State Bank; and Milton McGee, with the Independent Bankers of Texas, among others, who described to me their inability to raise capital investment, not due to a lack of willing investors, but as a result of burdensome regulations which inhibit or do not allow this. They informed me that the SEC limit on individual investors restricts their ability to raise funds through community participation and local business creation. I was proud to tell them and I will tell them again today, I heard your story and we are here on the floor doing something about that that will be of immediate benefit and health to jobs and job creation in America today on the floor of the House of Representatives in a bipartisan agreement fashion.

H.R. 2940 allows for general solicitation and advertising which would attract private investment. Small, privately held companies will no longer be forced to have an existing relationship with potential investors. However, the legislation requires the SEC to ensure that investors are accredited.

As Congressman Jared Polis from Colorado, the lead today from the Rules Committee on behalf of the minority, indicated at the Rules Committee meeting yesterday that ``crowdsourcing'' investment through new advertising mediums, such as social media, would allow for access to new pools of available capital. These are exactly the kinds of ideas that are being brought today to the floor for the creation of investment dollars to help jobs in America and to make sure that we are prepared for our future.

Our Nation is in crisis. We cannot wait. And with an unemployment population of over 14 million people, we cannot continue the failed policies of government spending which have brought us to this point. Investment capital for small business continues to sit on the sidelines because of the uncertainty created by burdensome regulations and outdated rules. The underlying bills will foster job creation by simply allowing the private sector to participate in this endeavor.

The future success of our economy rests in the hands of private small business, not government. Unleashing their potential is the sole focus of this Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives. The result is an economic environment that promotes growth and generates revenue as well as the creation of jobs in America.

I urge my colleagues to vote for this fair rule that allows consideration of all requested amendments and to vote for the underlying bills.

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

Mr. Speaker, I yield 10 minutes to the gentleman from California (Mr. Dreier), chairman of the Rules Committee.

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

Mr. Speaker, thank you very much.

At this time, I would like to extend to the gentleman from California 5 minutes.

Mr. Speaker, I yield 4 minutes to the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert), chairman of the Insurance, Housing and Community Opportunity Subcommittee.

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

We're here talking about capital formation. We're here talking about entrepreneurial spirit, catching up with ideas to go to make job creation, and then for the jobs to be here in America.

That's what this bill is about today. It is about a bipartisan attempt, Republicans and Democrats working together, through regular order, to the Rules Committee, all seven amendments--Republicans and Democrats--that were submitted coming to the floor today, and us working these few hours, a chance for, I think, not only Members of Congress to effectively present their ideas and do the will of the people, but for us, perhaps more importantly, to work together to find common ground on important issues that will aid and help Americans have sounder financial footing. That's what this bill's about today.

I know there are other bills that people want to debate and want to bring to the floor. I felt that way for 4 years when the other side was, in fact, in control. But job creation through capital investment, through the formation, is what this bill's about.

I'm very proud of what we're doing here on the floor today.

I reserve the balance of my time.

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

Regarding what is on the floor today, it is important that we recognize it is a continuing trend for job growth, job creation on not just a net basis, but on a positive basis without the loss of jobs. The Federal Government creates an average of 4,000 final rules and regulations each year, and that is what inhibits job growth. That's what the prior two Congresses have been about--massive rules and regulations, not the empowerment of the free enterprise system.

We need to remember that what we are here for is to work in the best interest of making a future brighter and better for those who are with us today and those who are behind us for their future. And that's why job creation, investment, and capital formation is important.

I reserve the balance of my time

I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I would like to advise the gentleman from Colorado that I have no additional speakers other than myself, and I reserve the balance of my time to close.

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

Congress has an opportunity today to unleash investors in American business for the benefit of capital formation in America for American companies and jobs.

Additionally, we have an opportunity because we have worked so well together. There is joint agreement to ensure the safety and soundness of financial institutions in the United States with this legislation. Reforms to company-investor relations are long overdue, long overdue that would reform the industry to make them better, stronger--to add jobs, may I add.

Congress should be doing everything we can do to help economic growth and development, to jump-start the free enterprise system and put Americans back to work. That happens through capital formation. Growing our economy and slowing Federal spending will be the best way to get this government back and the economy back on track and getting out of the rising debt and deficit that is facing this great Nation.

The underlying bills provide necessary steps today for doing just that.

So I applaud my colleagues, Mr. McHenry and Mr. McCarthy, for introducing the bills that we're discussing here today. In particular, I'm proud of my committee, the committee I've served on for 14 years, the Rules Committee, under the leadership of the gentleman from California, Dave Dreier, for making sure that this bill--the power for investment, capital formation, jobs--also included ideas, ideas from both sides of the aisle, which equally, if submitted, were given not only consideration but the green light to come to the floor today to make sure that what we did, we did together; to make sure that we speak with a voice that's very powerful about the need for us to ensure that America's greatest days lie in our future through the free enterprise system.

I'm proud of what we have done here today.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, it's a rare day when members of the Rules Committee from opposing parties have a chance to do so well with each other on the floor.

Once again, I'd like to congratulate the gentleman from Colorado on being a new father. We celebrated this with the pictures at the Rules Committee just yesterday.

I encourage a ``yes'' vote on the rule.

I yield back the balance of my time, and I move the previous question on the resolution.

Mr. Chairman, I want to thank you today for your strong leadership and the leadership of other members of this conference for bringing forth a discussion about a balanced budget for the United States of America. In fact, the United States Congress has brought up this issue before, and it has been debated and discussed obviously since not just the time of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, but for many, many years afterwards.

Mr. Speaker, I would say to you today that every single Member of this body should recognize the times that we live in are unlike any that this great Nation has ever seen.

We find that we are in the midst of a threat of outside forces against the United States. We find ourselves in a time of war. We find ourselves in a time when we have political unrest with thousands of people encamped in our cities who are displeased with the direction that this country is going. We have millions of people, some 14 million people who are unemployed in America, some 6 million who are underemployed in this country.

We've seen out-of-control spending that has taken place from a Federal Government that is not accountable. They tax too much, they spend too much, and they listen too little. We have leaders of this country who are not honest in speaking to the American people about not only the truths of each party and what they stand for, but who I believe mislead others about the things for which they stand for themselves.

We find ourselves at a time in this country where we are faced with a $14 trillion debt that is growing every single day. In fact, if any American looks at the debt clock, they will see that it's spinning wildly out of control.

Mr. Speaker, I did not come to this body, nor probably did others, to think that they would be here to manage our demise. We come to Washington full of hope and opportunity, with the expectations to further the dreams of the American people, to further dreams for

an experience that would allow us to enrich our lives but also to leave that that would be the best for the next generation. As an Eagle Scout I grew up scouting and understanding that you should always leave your circumstances better than what you found it.

Now, I'm well aware that the President of the United States, President Obama, keeps talking about that this is a vision that he has about a direction, but there is no end in sight to the damage and harm, the carnage that is being laid to this country as a result of economic demise. But what I would say, Mr. Speaker, is there are others who have traveled down this road ahead of us, and we are watching them today and we've been watching them for years as the very fabric of their countries becomes torn apart.

The essential ingredients that made those countries strong, not that put them on the map, but that gave them a heritage, a meaning and a national purpose, they are now seeing with this current generation are falling apart. I would say as my message today I stand strong with Bob Goodlatte and Randy Hultgren. We have Brother Rokita here, we have Scott Garrett from New Jersey, and we have even a Member from as far south as Mississippi, Steven Palazzo, who are going to come forth on this floor and talk about the need for America to gather itself with discipline and strength to add to the spirit and the resiliency of the American people, that of entrepreneurship, that of tough love and hard work that will make this country stronger and better.

I stand here, Mr. Speaker, as a result of understanding, as other Members of this body that have circumstances that are very similar to mine. I have a future that I want to leave better than what I found it. I have two sons, one that's in the top 2 percent academically of students in this country, and one that is in the bottom 2 percent of students academically. And the future of this country is very important to them, perhaps more important than mine was to me.

But on my son who is in the top 2 percent academically, Bill, the future of his American Dream is being threatened because he wants to be a physician. And physician after physician, those in the health care field, are saying, Bill, don't do that. This is his dream. On Alex's side, as a Down Syndrome young man, he is faced with a sure future where he will be competing against all of us for the needs that he should have as a disabled young man that should be the mission statement of this government. Yet, the Federal Government will be incapable and unable to perform because they are trying to take on everybody, and thus they will not do their job right.

Former Senator Phil Gramm from Texas would speak about this often years ago when the same threat of a Clinton health care plan existed. Now it's the law. And Senator Gramm would talk about that, that little red wagon that is designed for just a few people that the Federal Government should get it right and support with government assistance-- those with a physical or intellectual disability, those who are seniors like our parents, yes, my parents at 81 years old who have served this country so well, so honorably and deserve a chance to be in that wagon in their latter years and, lastly, those who are too poor to take care of themselves.

Mr. Speaker, this balanced budget will ensure that we try and create a mission statement with this Federal Government that is not about expanding itself to where it is not within a mission statement, but one where it is within a mission statement where we are going to require the Federal Government to do a few things and do them well, because we're not going to have the money unless we give it to them through economic growth. And with economic growth, people can have their own dreams and not depend on government.

So why we're all here today there could be different reasons. But it will boil down to this: that the men and women of this body, some of whom I have spoken about, including the gentleman from Alabama (Mr. Brooks) who's joined us, are here for a mission and a purpose, and that is to join with Chairman Bob Goodlatte from Virginia and say to him that we want to leave America a better place than what we found it; and we believe bankruptcy debt, misery, and loss of jobs is not the right future.

I heartily sign back up for this important effort again, which I led in '97, '98 and '99. I, once again, sign my name to that pledge. I am for a balanced budget to leave America a better place than we found it. I thank the gentleman for yielding me time.

Godspeed and good luck, Mr. Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Bruce A. Beutler for winning the Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine, alongside two other scientists, for discoveries in how the immune system functions.

Initially, Dr. Beutler began searching for a receptor with the ability to bind lipopolysaccharide (LPS). After devoting a great deal of time cloning LPS receptor genes, Dr. Beutler and his colleagues made an important discovery in 1998--a Toll-like receptor (TLR) that activates signals when bound with LPS. This discovery spurred further research in innate immunity and now, over a dozen of different TLRs have been identified. I applaud Dr. Beutler's dedicated efforts and know that this finding will provide our medical community with greater understanding about how immune systems respond to diseases, keeping us on the forefront of medical research.

In 2008, he was elected to the National Academy of Sciences. He currently serves as the Director of the Center for the Genetics of Host Defense at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Beutler is the fifth faculty member from UT Southwestern Medical Center to be awarded a Nobel Prize since 1985.

Mr. Speaker, I ask my esteemed colleagues to join me in congratulating Dr. Beutler on receiving this prestigious award.