Floor Statements

I certainly want to thank the chairwoman for her leadership on this very important issue. I also want to thank the ranking member for his bipartisan leadership as well.

Mr. Speaker, I believe that a nuclear-armed Iran is actually the greatest threat we have to our own national security here at home. This issue is not a right versus left issue; this is a right versus wrong issue.

Mr. Speaker, this legislation is significant in its seriousness and its scope. By blacklisting virtually all of Iran's energy, banking, and transportation sectors, and specifically targeting those who enable Iran's attempted evasion of sanctions, this legislation sends a powerful signal to the Iranian regime that they should not ever question the resolve of the United States Congress to do what is necessary to confront Iran's illicit nuclear ambitions.

This legislation is the product of bipartisan efforts and hard work of many people, and I certainly appreciate Chairman Ros-Lehtinen's and Ranking Member Berman's focus to try to get this passed as quickly as possible.

I'm pleased to have contributed to strengthening this sanctions package with bipartisan proposals that I introduced with Representative Deutch from Florida, whom we just heard from, that declare the Iranian energy sector a ``zone of proliferation concern,'' and which will enhance the human rights portion of the bill.

I also want to note the significant contributions by Senator Mark Kirk, who has been a consistent champion and leader on the forcefulness of Iran sanctions.

I look forward to this legislation's passage today and implementation with urgency by the administration, and I look to continue to work with my colleagues in Congress on this issue until we can affirm that the Iranian regime is no longer pursuing a nuclear weapons capability.

I urge adoption of this resolution and for the immediate implementation by this administration.

I certainly thank the chairman for his leadership on this.

Mr. Speaker, I'm confused. I think my colleagues on the other side of the aisle haven't read what H.R. 8 is. They keep talking about how my colleagues and I are looking to try to raise taxes on a segment of the population. Actually, what this does is extend current tax rates for everyone--for every single American. I can tell you that, for people all across the country right now, foreclosures are up. They're concerned about how they will send their kids to school. We've got energy prices that are on the rise. We want to make sure that the government is not taking more from them.

I have to tell you that I think what we're talking about right now is trying to empower the American people. We want to make sure that we have upward mobility. We want to try to create growth in our economy.

Mr. Speaker, in 2010, the President of the United States came before the American public and said that our economy was too fragile. The President said that our economy is fragile and that we should extend these tax rates. That's when the economy was growing at 3\1/2\ percent, Mr. Speaker. The Commerce Department just came out with statistics that we are growing at 1\1/2\ percent today. There is no way in the world that we should be taking more out of the pockets of the American public. It's just not feasible.

Two-thirds of all net new jobs are created by small businesses, but this isn't just for small businesses--this is for every single American. We're running the experiment today. If you want to talk about higher taxes--more taking in the State of Illinois--if you want to take a look at what's going on in the State of Illinois, we are dead last in too many categories. We are not creating jobs. Jobs are picking up and they're going to neighboring States. They're leaving because we've decided to take more from hardworking taxpayers in the State of Illinois.

What we want to do is to make sure that we extend these for an additional year so that we can have real tax reform. That's what this is about. We want to talk about pro-growth tax policies so that we can get the American public back to work. This is about jobs and the economy.

Frankly, I tip my hat to my colleagues because, when I talk to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, they also indicate to me that the number one issue is jobs and the economy.

Let's come together. Let's not talk about how we want to raise taxes on the middle class because, frankly, that's just inaccurate, not true. We are looking to try to make sure these get extended for an additional year so that we can talk about pro-growth tax reform and get people off of the unemployment lines and back to work.

So I applaud you for trying to get up there and plead your political point, but we need to come together. We need to make this happen for the American public.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 3363) to provide for the use of National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center Commemorative Coin surcharges, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3187) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition and celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the March of Dimes Foundation, as amended.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to add extraneous materials on this bill.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3187, the March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act of 2011. I'm proud to have introduced this bill and to have worked closely with my friend and colleague from New York, Congresswoman Nita Lowey.

This legislation authorizes the minting and issue in 2015 of a commemorative coin honoring the 75th anniversary of the March of Dimes and recognizes their landmark accomplishments in maternal and child health. Surcharges on the sales of these special coins will fund critical research and programs to support healthy mothers, healthy infants, and healthy families nationwide.

Mr. Speaker, it's summertime across our Nation, and back home in our districts, children are playing outside with friends or are going swimming at the pool. But more than 75 years ago, children stayed indoors during the summer. Their parents wouldn't let them go to the park or to the pool because of outbreaks of polio. Polio back then could strike any child, and no one knew what the cause was.

The March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1938 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, with a mission to eradicate polio. In FDR's day, polio was an epidemic disease that paralyzed or killed up to

52,000 Americans, mostly children, every year. Even the President had polio.

So during the Great Depression, citizens sent dimes--4 billion of them--to the White House to fund polio research. That effort funded the research by Doctors Salk and Sabin that produced the vaccines that have eradicated polio in the United States and in much of the world.

In the quest for a vaccine, the March of Dimes supported many other research milestones in newborn and child health. For example, in 1953, Francis Crick and March of Dimes grantee Dr. James D. Watson identified the double helix structure of DNA and, in 1962, won the Nobel Prize for mapping the human genome.

Another research breakthrough came in the 1960s when the March of Dimes supported research that developed the first screening test for PKU, a rare metabolic genetic disorder that causes intellectual disabilities. Since that time, the March of Dimes has led the effort to expand newborn screening. Now every baby born in the United States receives screening for dozens of conditions that have the potential to cause catastrophic health problems or death if not detected or treated promptly at birth.

Today the March of Dimes is leading the national effort to reduce premature birth. Every year, nearly 500,000 infants are born far too soon. In my home State of Illinois, almost 13 percent of all infants are born prematurely. Preterm birth is the leading cause of death among newborns. Many of those who survive face a lifetime of serious health problems, including cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, chronic lung disease, and vision and hearing loss. Preterm delivery can happen to any pregnant woman, and in nearly half of the cases, no one knows why.

The March of Dimes National Prematurity Campaign funds a robust portfolio of research and education programs designed to unveil the causes and address the risk factors of preterm birth. For example, the March of Dimes is working with hospitals to implement best practices that discourage early elective deliveries before 39 completed weeks of pregnancy. Thanks to the dedication of the March of Dimes and others, the United States has seen a decline in the prematurity rate for 4 consecutive years.

Mr. Speaker, the March of Dimes has an extraordinary history of achievement. More than 4 million infants are born every year in the United States, and the March of Dimes helps each and every one through research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. The commemorative coin will help fund these vitally important activities.

H.R. 3187 has broad bipartisan support in both Chambers of the Congress, with 304 cosponsors here in the House and 68 in the United States Senate. This legislation complies with all statutory requirements for the commemorative coin program, and the coins will be produced at no cost to the American taxpayer. To claim the surcharges, the March of Dimes will raise matching funds form private sources.

Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have sponsored this bipartisan bill, and I would like to thank the Congresswoman from New York, Representative Lowey, for her steadfast leadership and hard work to see this day become a reality. I would also like to thank Chairman Spencer Bachus and Ranking Member Barney Frank for helping to get this bill to the floor today. I also want to thank my friend from Georgia, for him managing time on the other side today and for his leadership as well.

Mr. Speaker, for 75 years, the March of Dimes has dedicated itself to helping all infants get a healthy start in life, which is what I think is very, very important. I ask my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 3187, the March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, before I yield, I do want to just thank my good friend from Georgia (Mr. Scott) for his leadership and support of the March of Dimes.

He talked a little bit about the recent fundraiser that the March of Dimes held, where Members of Congress actually were cooking for this fundraiser. What he failed to mention was that I believe Mr. Scott--and Mrs. Scott, for that matter--actually won the cooking contest. So thank you again. It was one of the few places I know we went back for seconds. I really appreciate that.

Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield 2 minutes to my good friend, the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).

Mr. Speaker, in closing, I just want to again commend my colleague. This is a bipartisan bill, broad bipartisan support, talking about the Commemorative Coin Act for the March of Dimes, truly a wonderful organization that really helps protect our nearest and dearest, our children. I just want to thank my colleagues for their leadership and support, and urge swift passage.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Committee on Ways and Means,

House of Representatives,

Washington, DC, August 1, 2012.

Hon. Spencer Bachus,

Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, Rayburn House

Office Building, Washington, DC.

Dear Chairman Bachus: I am writing concerning H.R. 3187,

the ``March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act of 2011,'' which

is scheduled for floor action the week of July 30, 2012.

As you know, the Committee on Ways and Means maintains

jurisdiction over matters that concern raising revenue. H.R.

3187 contains a provision that establishes a surcharge for

the sale of commemorative coins that are minted under the

bill, and this falls within the jurisdiction of the Committee

on Ways and Means.

However, as part of our ongoing understanding regarding

commemorative coin bills and in order to expedite this bill

for floor consideration, the Committee will forgo action.

This is being done with the understanding that it does not in

any way prejudice the Committee with respect to the

appointment of conferees or its jurisdictional prerogatives

on this or similar legislation in the future.

I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming

this understanding with respect to H.R. 3187, and would ask

that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be

included in the Congressional Record during floor

consideration.

Sincerely,

Dave Camp,

Chairman.

Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to echo the comments of the esteemed chairman from the Rules Committee about the effects the Russian PNTR is going to have for American businesses. It really is going to allow us to compete more on a level playing field.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today also to recognize Bell Flavors & Fragrances of Northbrook, Illinois, who tomorrow will celebrate their 100-year anniversary on July 25. This is, indeed, a remarkable achievement and something that we should celebrate. Mr. James Heintz and his team at Bell Flavors & Fragrances are innovating and selling products that satisfy the needs of their customers. And their customers, Mr. Speaker, are literally all over the world. Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, Bell Flavors & Fragrances has sales offices in 40 countries around the world and tailors its products to meet the regional demands of its consumers.

Bell is one of the many small businesses in my district that has utilized the Export-Import Bank. They've utilized it this year to support their export operations. As a member of the Financial Services Committee and a strong supporter of the Export-Import Bank, I'm proud that here in Congress we were able to work together on a broad, bipartisan basis to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank. So many of our small and medium-sized businesses rely on support of the Export-Import Bank in order to more efficiently and effectively compete in the global marketplace.

Mr. Speaker, we don't always spend enough time, effort, or energy here in Washington, D.C., celebrating business growth and success. So today on behalf of the residents of the 10th District of Illinois, I want to congratulate the wonderful people who make up Bell Flavors & Fragrances on their centennial anniversary.

Will the gentleman yield?

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Mr. Chairman, we're focused on finding savings in every area of government spending. Without a doubt, the Defense Department has made significant and painful contributions to our efforts to reduce the debt, and I want to make sure that we recognize that.

The Defense budget actually accounts for roughly 17 percent of all Federal spending, yet it has contributed over 50 percent of the deficit reduction. I do want to recognize that we're already cutting a significant amount of money, Mr. Chairman, out of the Department of Defense. We need to be looking at commonsense ways for us to be able to save money.

This amendment is about promoting efficiency in the Department of Defense and achieving valued savings wherever possible. The amount of funds provided in this bill for these ships is $1 billion above the Navy's own budget request. In the spirit of seeking to achieve cost savings throughout this government, I believe it's appropriate for us to act consistent with the Navy's view of allowing the competitive bidding process to play out, which, as the Navy acquisition executive has testified, may very well allow the Navy to acquire its 10th ship at lesser amounts included in the Navy's budget request. If these bids come back and a 10th ship cannot be realized this year, I'm certainly supportive of providing additional resources next year for the 10th ship. But I do believe we should allow the Navy to operate and try to maintain at lower costs while achieving our Nation's security.

Mr. Speaker, this week I welcomed 26 new citizens to this country. It was an inspirational event, and I'm so proud of all they have been able to accomplish. These individuals have worked hard to become citizens, and they are poised to go on and fulfill the American Dream. There is no doubt that times are tough, and yet these individuals have persevered despite all of the obstacles.

As families all over the Nation are struggling with the lagging economy,

we must remain focused on job creation and economic growth. As part of my Main Street jobs agenda, I'm focused on bringing opportunities such as STEM education for our students and for those looking for work. As part of this effort, I've cosponsored the bipartisan, bicameral Startup Act 2.0.

The United States is the higher education destination for the world. This is a testament to the strength of these institutions and the value of the degrees. But too often, foreign students come here to learn, and then have little choice but to return to their home countries after they are through.

Students with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are forced to go home with that knowledge, with the ideas and aspirations, aspirations to change the world and bring new technologies. Many of them want to stay here to make something of themselves here in our country because it is still the best place for ideas to become realities. And what we do is we force them to go back to their own country, to compete against us here in the United States.

These ideas become solutions which, in turn, become job-creating companies. According to a study by the National Foundation for American Policy, immigrants founded or cofounded almost half of the top 50 venture-backed companies in the United States.

Since our Nation's founding, Mr. Speaker, immigrants have flourished, along with our economy. America becomes a richer and more dynamic society by encouraging the best and the brightest from all over the world to set up shop here on our soil. That is why I'm honored to cosponsor the bipartisan, bicameral Startup Act 2.0 that will help get Americans back to work, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same.

America becomes a richer and more dynamic society by encouraging the best and the brightest from all over the world to come here to our country.

The people I welcomed as new citizens this week do not have time for gridlock in Washington, Mr. Speaker. The American public doesn't have time for gridlock in Washington. We must move forward and find common ground to help the millions of Americans who are working toward their American Dream, to help them get back to work.

Mr. Speaker, as people in the United States evaluate what happened this past weekend in the Presidential election in Egypt, I have a simple message: we shouldn't deceive ourselves.

At a time when we are focused on stopping Iran's nuclear weapons program and on isolating the Iranian regime, the incoming Egyptian President vows to expand ties with Iran. At a time when families in southern Israel constantly live in fear of Qassam rocket attacks from Hamas-controlled Gaza, the incoming Egyptian President vows to expand ties with Hamas. As for relations with Israel, we should not paper over the most obvious reason for alarm. While the incoming President has recently pledged to honor the Camp David Accords, it is our responsibility to ensure that the U.S. goodwill is not taken advantage of and painfully looked upon as naive.

We must understand that the Muslim Brotherhood has a very clear history of opposing the peace treaty. Six weeks ago, incoming President Mohammed Morsi stated: ``Jihad is our path, and death for the sake of Allah is our most lofty aspiration.''

While we welcome the democratic process, Mr. Speaker, this result is nothing to cheer. We must not be in denial of what the Muslim Brotherhood really wants.

Mr. Speaker, as the Supreme Court is about to rule on the health care law, Americans all across the country are focusing again on health care.

Health care makes up about one-fifth of the United States' economy, and it is increasingly taking up a larger share of our Federal budget, so it's important that we look to implement strategies that bend the cost curve down.

Scientific research over the years has enhanced our understanding of disease and has continuously led to many breakthrough treatments. However, it is critical that we emphasize not just treatment, but specifically cures for diseases as well.

Last year, the United States Government spent just under $32 billion to help the National Institutes of Health carry out its critical mission: seeking fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems, applying that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce the burdens of illness and disability.

The NIH, Mr. Speaker, has earned a proud reputation for its research and has made a positive impact in the health care world. I'm a firm supporter of the NIH, and I spoke this past March to the House Budget Committee about the importance of funding NIH's mission. However, I also believe that we can always do more with the resources that we have and believe that we should refocus a portion of our health care resources toward a new mission. One idea that has been brought to me is a center that concentrates exclusively on eliminating diseases rather than continuing the practice of just treating diseases.

This center, known as the American Center for Cures, would be a public-private partnership that utilizes the resources of the government with the creativity and accountability of the private sector to find cures for the diseases that in some way affect almost everyone on the planet--diabetes, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, just to name a new.

By bringing our Nation's best and brightest minds together, from business boardrooms to scientists from around the world, the center would singularly devote its efforts to curing diseases by establishing renewed lines of communication amongst the world's most reputable scientists, funding collaborative research, unblocking bottlenecks in clinical research, facilitating speedy clinical trials, and ensuring that the research performed remains focuses on outcomes and results.

In addition to promoting the United States as the leading place for innovations and pioneering medical research, finding cures to some of mankind's deadliest diseases would also have global implications. The money saved by not having to dedicate it to treating or managing a disease could be freed up and invested in education, infrastructure, and deficit reduction, and we would be able to further help raise the standards of living for everyone in developing nations and around the globe.

During these difficult fiscal times, Mr. Speaker, here in our own country we have to start thinking differently. Today, we spend approximately $235 billion annually on treating diabetes alone. Think about the cost if we add Alzheimer's and Parkinson's. If the American Center for Cures could find a cure, think about the possibilities. Think about the good we could do, for instance, with 235 billion extra dollars right here. That's what we spend in our country. Think about what gets spent all around the globe.

We need to start thinking differently, Mr. Speaker. Change is hard, and change in Washington is even harder, but I believe that we have an obligation, as stewards of our taxpayers' hard-earned money, not only to effectively allocate their tax dollars in a manner that produces results, but change the way that we look at all the possibilities for our future. This mission could impact not just every American life, but every human on the planet.

Madam Speaker, I join with many others in the greater Chicago area in recognizing the life and recent passing of a tremendously respected, selfless, and inspirational leader in our community--Richard Schoenstadt.

Richard, no doubt, made a difference in this world with his tireless dedication to strengthening the U.S.-Israel relationship. His sweeping passion and energy for pro-Israel advocacy set a very high bar, which both elevated and advanced the commitment of so many good people to pro-Israel causes.

Richard believed in engagement and activism, and he lived his life knowing there was only one way to do things--the right way. He served his community as an outstanding example of leadership and earned a reputation as a brilliant and committed mentor to many, many people.

Like so many who were lucky to know him, I feel I was given a special gift in Richard's friendship. My thoughts and prayers go out to his family--his wife, Cindy, his daughters, Carly and Kate, and the entire extended Schoenstadt family.

May his memory continue to inspire us all to action, and may we in this Congress now and forever remain dedicated to advancing the principles that Richard Schoenstadt so proudly stood and fought for throughout his life.

This week, I joined with some of my colleagues to introduce the bipartisan Startup Jobs Act 2.0.

Mr. Speaker, students come to America from all over the world. They earn advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Then, upon graduating, they're forced to leave our country--forced to go back home and, in essence, compete against us. With them goes their knowledge, their ideas, and their aspirations to change the world. Many of these students want to stay here in America to make something of themselves here because America is still the best place for ideas to become realities. These ideas become solutions, which turn into job-creating companies.

According to a study by the National Foundation for American Policy, immigrants founded or cofounded almost half of the top 50 venture- backed companies in the United States. Since our Nation's founding, immigrants have flourished right along with our economy. America becomes a richer and more dynamic society by encouraging the best and the brightest from all over the world to set up shop here on our soil. That is why I'm honored to be an original cosponsor of the bipartisan, bicameral Startup Jobs Act 2.0 that will help America get back to work.

Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to thank the chairman for his leadership.

I'm pleased to rise in support of this legislation because it will save jobs. We hear time and time again all across the country that the biggest issue that we face is jobs and the economy.

We've got an unemployment rate of 8.2 percent, and we need to be focusing in on growing our economy. This special tax increase on medical device manufacturers frankly would do quite the opposite. It would cost jobs. In the 10th District of Illinois, thousands of individuals are employed by manufacturers that provide medical devices. Frankly, we need to create an environment here in Washington, D.C., that promotes innovation, promotes these medical device companies from all around the globe to come here to our country.

So I'm pleased to support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to support it as well, because we cannot have additional anxiety, uncertainty that is out there in the marketplace. We need to make sure that we are growing our economy, and we need to do that by providing an environment right here in Washington. Frankly, we're not doing that today. I support the legislation, and I urge my colleagues to do the same.

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

I certainly want to thank the chairman and the ranking member for their leadership on this legislation, and I want to thank the staff for working with me on this amendment.

Mr. Chairman, my amendment increases the Coast Guard operating expenses by $5.2 million to address search

and rescue capabilities in the Great Lakes Region. Search and rescue is one of the Coast Guard's oldest missions, dating back to the U.S. Revenue Cutter Service that was founded in 1790.

Today, Coast Guard search and rescue response involves multimission stations, cutters, aircraft, and boats linked by communication networks. It also includes over 5,000 commercial vessels that provide a voluntary global response force. Using these assets in the past year, the Coast Guard has responded to over 6,468 search and rescue cases, assisting over 10,000 people and saving over 1,400 lives. Just last week, Mr. Chairman, two young women were saved by the Coast Guard's air assets on Lake Michigan.

Unlike the President's budget, which makes dramatic cuts to critical search and rescue operations, this amendment would increase our Nation's search and rescue capabilities by adding funding for needed assets, assets vital to lifesaving capabilities.

Mr. Chairman, these investments build on previous investments that specifically increase capability in the Great Lakes to include the installation of Rescue 21 this past December. Rescue 21 is now standing watch on over 42,000 miles of coastline, improving the Coast Guard's ability to assist mariners in distress and saving lives and property. Further, by the end of this fiscal year, the Coast Guard will have delivered the last of three new long-range response boats to the Great Lakes area, which will enhance response capabilities.

Mr. Chairman, the Great Lakes is one of the most popular recreation areas in our country, and the Coast Guard is a vital part of making it safe for thousands each year. We can't stand by and allow the administration to eliminate lifesaving efforts on our Great Lakes, so I certainly urge support for this amendment.

I do want to yield the remaining time I have to my good friend who has been instrumental in assisting me on this amendment, the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Huizenga).

I thank the gentleman for his help.

I do urge my colleagues to support this amendment. It is commonsense legislation. We cannot afford to have search and rescue capabilities be diminished. As we look at the number of recreational boaters, it's a vital part of making sure that we're saving lives in the Great Lake's region.

I yield to the gentleman from Alabama.

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

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on Financial Services be discharged from further consideration of the bill (H.R. 5890) to correct a technical error in Public Law 112 122, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to include extraneous material on H.R. 5890.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day.

To my left here is a poster for Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day, which appears right now in hundreds of businesses all across our Nation and will be read by over a million survivors. This important day is observed on the first Tuesday in June, which falls this year on June 5. I am very pleased to help draw attention and raise awareness for this important day.

Mr. Speaker, there are nearly 12 million cancer survivors living in the United States, and each year that number continues to grow. In 2012, about 1.6 million new cases are expected to be diagnosed, and each individual will face challenges both during and after treatment. Each individual will need a tremendous amount of care and support.

Since its inception in 2003, Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day has helped bring warm support, comfort, and pride to survivors. This day is one of a kind, bringing together all cancer survivors in this country--men, women and children, regardless of their type of cancer or when they were diagnosed--with thousands of volunteer stylists, beauticians, barbers, and industry professionals who are looking to offer a little personal kindness to our Nation's cherished cancer survivors. These individuals have overcome so much and have shown us all the courage to fight on in the face of so many uncertain challenges. This day simply is an opportunity to provide relaxation and to connect survivors with one another and with caring volunteers.

Cancer Survivor Beauty and Support Day is the only event of its kind in our Nation, with complimentary services being offered to all survivors by salons, barbershops, day spas, and other beauty and massage therapy facilities. The event is nationwide, with support in literally all 50 States. It is also important to note that participation in this day is purely voluntary by these businesses, with no monetary solicitation or donations before, during, or after the event.

Support for this important day continues to grow, thanks to the hard work of so many good people and dedicated supporters. I'd like to especially recognize Barbara Paget, the founder and dynamic leader of this cause, for her hard work. It certainly would not be the event that it is today without her leadership.

In addition to the signs and flyers like this one we have right here, Mr. Speaker, all around the country, Stand Up To Cancer will reach over 1 million survivors on their Facebook page on June 5, 2012.

This day is very established and deserves recognition by this body. To this end, I have introduced House Resolution 494, a bipartisan resolution which expresses the support for designating the first Tuesday in each June as National Cancer Survivor and Beauty Support Day. I certainly urge all of my colleagues to recognize and jump on board this important resolution. But more importantly, I ask everyone to take a moment to recognize this day. Put something on your Web site. Urge survivors and volunteers in your districts to participate on this day, June 5, and honor the cancer survivors all across our Nation.