Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Dwight E. Radcliff on the celebration of his retirement and for his outstanding years of service to Pickaway County and the State of Ohio.

It is an honor to congratulate Sheriff Radcliff on this momentous occasion as the longest-serving sheriff in the United States of America. Serving as the Pickaway County Sheriff since 1965, Sheriff Radcliff has been committed to the citizens of Pickaway County by protecting life and property, preventing and solving crime and responding to all requests for assistance.

Following in his father's footsteps, Dwight became the second Radcliff to become the Sheriff of Pickaway County and the family name has held the office for 78 of the last 82 years. Over the past several decades, Radcliff has had both trying and memorable moments--from living in the county jail with his family to apprehending the rarest of criminals. Because of his great dedication and reputation for law enforcement, Pickaway County is often referred to as ``Putaway Pickaway'' by local and statewide residents.

On November 6, 2012 his son Robert was elected sheriff and will become the third generation of Radcliff's to hold this office. Dwight is married to Betty his wife of 59 years and is the father of three and grandfather to eight grandchildren, and great-grandfather to two great- grandchildren.

Thus, I join the citizens of the 7th Congressional District in congratulating and honoring Sheriff Dwight E. Radcliff for his many years of dedication and exemplary service to Pickaway County and the state of Ohio, and to extend best wishes to him and his family for much success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate and honor Michael T. Sumida, recent recipient of the Congressional Gold Medal.

It is an honor to join the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in recognizing Mr. Michael Sumida, whose patriotic work as a Japanese interpreter provided our military with invaluable intelligence and helped bring an end to World War II. As a Japanese American living in Hawaii, Mr. Sumida courageously volunteered his talents to assist the United States military in defeating the Japanese. In the face of racism, Mr. Sumida excelled in acquiring critical enemy intelligence by questioning Japanese prisoners. During his interrogations, Mr. Sumida uncovered the location of enemy troops as well as their plans for attack. The work accomplished by American interpreters was such a valuable asset to military intelligence during World War II that President Truman credited them with ending the war two years prior to the expected end date.

Mr. Sumida currently resides in my hometown of Beavercreek, OH with his wife, Patricia Sumida. It is with great pride along with Ohio's Seventh Congressional district that I honor Michael T. Sumida for his service to our nation.

I thank the gentleman.

I want to first thank the Ohio delegation for taking time this evening to recognize the departing members of the Ohio delegation; and to those Members on both sides of the aisle who have supported me and helped me throughout my 4 years of Congress, I thank you.

To those departing Members, for your service and your commitment to the Buckeye State, you will be missed. You've done a great job. I've had the distinct opportunity to work with many of you in the State legislature as well as in Congress, and I thank you for your service, and I especially thank those Members who have given me advice and helped me and supported me through this last year.

As the Members who are here on the floor today know, as well as many of the folks back in Ohio, the Seventh Congressional District that I represent was eliminated with redistricting. This has been a tough year. To those Members who have given me advice, encouragement, and sometimes just that pat on the back to keep going through these challenging times, I thank you for that, and your friendship will always be remembered.

It is truly an honor and a privilege to serve in Congress and to represent the eight counties and the residents of those eight counties that I represent in the Seventh Congressional District; to be blessed with a family and friends and a great staff who have supported and stayed with me during this past year; and to serve in this fine institution with so many good people--and there are good people here in Congress. I will miss serving in Congress, but the friendships that I have made here in Washington and throughout my district will be forever.

It was my father who first introduced me to politics and government. My father came to this country from the Philippines, and he came here to live the American Dream. He became a legal citizen, and he was so proud of that. He met my mother. They got married. They raised a family--nine kids and now 28 grandkids. God bless my mother who is still alive. He started his own business. He always gave back to his community, and he always believed in making this place he called ``home'' a better place for his children and grandchildren to live. I think if he were alive today--and I'm sure he's looking down from heaven somewhere--he'd be very proud of his oldest son, who, to my knowledge, is the first first-generation Filipino American to serve in the United States Congress.

I am proud to be part of the Asian American community. This has been a job for the past 14 years, in having served in the State legislature for 10 years and now in Congress for 4 years, that I have taken very seriously. I've tried to give it my all--100 percent--and have dedicated my life to it. I want to thank my family for all of the sacrifices that they have made to allow me to be the best Congressman that I could be.

Many Members of Congress have family members back home who are making tremendous sacrifices, and I thank you for those sacrifices to allow the Members of Congress to serve our government.

I also must recognize and thank my staff. You see, when I started my service in Congress, I was very blessed with a great staff that I inherited from my predecessor, Congressman Dave Hobson. Most have gone on to bigger and better things, but I am also blessed to end my service here with a very dedicated and committed staff who are dedicated to helping our constituents back in our district--whether they be veterans, whether they be seniors, whether they be hardworking Americans--and having a positive impact on their lives. There is a loyalty that this staff has given to our district. It is a very committed staff both in D.C. and back in the district; and most of the staff, actually, have stayed with me until the very end.

To our staff, to our team, you are the best.

To the freshman class of the 111th Congress that I came in with--in particular, our Republican members of the freshman class--I want to thank you for your service and the friendships and the support that we've had throughout the years.

I came in in 2008. It was a tough year for Republicans, and I was the only Republican in Ohio to win an open seat. Then, in 2010, my colleagues on the other side of the aisle experienced, I think, the same thing. We had a small Republican class that came in--22 members. It was a very talented class, a class that showed great leadership and was very vibrant, and I believe that they will be part of the future of this Congress as far as leadership. It was a great honor to be elected by my Republican peers and my freshman class as our class President. The freshman class of the 111th Congress was a special group of friends on both sides of the aisle that will be remembered forever.

Finally, Mr. Speaker, I want to pay tribute to Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, which I've had the honor to represent for the last 4 years. As I mentioned, this district was eliminated because of redistricting in Ohio; but it's a district with great history and one with great integrity, and it has had great leaders. It has been represented by leaders such as Congressman Dave Hobson, known as ``Uncle Dave'' here on the Hill and back home for the great work he has done in Washington and throughout the State of Ohio; by former Senator and now Attorney General Mike DeWine, a personal friend who continues to lead our great State of Ohio; Congressman Bud Brown and Joyce Brown and his father, Clarence Brown, who also served in the United States Congress. The list goes on and on. To follow these great leaders and to have the opportunity to serve behind my mentors has been a great honor.

When I'm here in Washington, I often walk through the Halls of the Capitol at night when there are very few people around. I can tell you the history, the tradition, the integrity of this Capitol is still there, and it speaks to you at night. Often as I walk through the Halls of the Capitol or am traveling throughout the district, folks will come up to me and remind me that, when one door closes, another opens and that God has a plan for all of us.

So as I begin the next chapter of my life with my wife of 26 years, Eileen, and our three boys--Brian, Kevin, and Eric--I will take this great experience, the knowledge, and the memories here in Congress with me into the future. I always will remember the advice my father gave to me when I ran for my first office nearly 25 years ago--a local precinct, a county central committee--which is: always do the right thing.

To the new Members who are here, I would encourage you to continue to do the right thing.

And to our members of the Ohio delegation, never forget our men and women who are serving in our military and our veterans and the sacrifices that they are making and continue to make for our country and for our freedoms.

May God bless this great country. It has been a privilege to serve you in Congress. Thank you.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Sheriff Dwight E. Radcliff on the celebration of his retirement and for his outstanding years of service to Pickaway County and the state of Ohio.

It is an honor to congratulate Sheriff Radcliff on this momentous occasion as the longest-serving sheriff in the United States of America. Serving as Pickaway County Sheriff since 1965, Radcliff has been committed to the citizens of Pickaway County by protecting life and property, preventing and solving crime and responding to all requests for assistance.

Following in his father's footsteps, Radcliff became the second Radcliff to be sheriff for Pickaway County and the family name has held the position for 66 of the past 70 years. Over the past several decades, Radcliff has had trying and memorable moments--living in the county jail with his family to apprehending the rarest of criminals. Because of his great dedication and reputation for law enforcement, Pickaway County is also referred to as ``Putaway Pickaway'' by local and state-wide residents.

Beyond his commitment to public service, Radcliff is the husband of 51 years to Betty, the father of 3 and grandfather of 8.

Thus, I join the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in congratulating and honoring Sheriff Dwight E. Radcliff for his many years of dedication and exemplary service to Pickaway County and the state of Ohio, and extend best wishes to he and his family for much success in the future.

Mr. Speaker, while we can never fully express the depth of our appreciation for those who have risked and given their lives to protect our freedoms, I rise today on behalf of the constituents of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District to recognize and honor our military veterans and their families through the American Veterans Traveling Tribute.

Our veterans have quietly gone to work and war so that Americans can freely pursue their

dreams. Their spouses have gone about the daily task of keeping the home fires burning, and have often sacrificed careers and other goals to provide stability at home during constant transitions. Furthermore, their children have learned to be resilient and appreciative of the cost of freedom. They are strong families who have contributed to our communities, and have defended our Constitution and freedoms.

The American Veterans Traveling Tribute is a mobile memorial dedicated primarily to the memory of fallen military members from Vietnam. The traveling unit centerpiece of a the American Veterans Traveling Tribute is a 380-foot exact replica of the Vietnam Memorial Wall, and the AVTT includes memorial displays honoring the veterans of World War 2, Korean War, the Gulf War, September 11th attack victims and the current War on Terror.

A non-profit event owned by a retired Army Vietnam veteran, there is a patch and coin available from the AVTT that is inscribed, ``I touched the Wall; the Wall touched me.'' This motto was so very true for a small group of veterans and citizens in Greene County, Ohio who formed a committee and hosted the AVTT in Xenia from October 10-14, 2012. They physically touched the Wall, but their lives were touched forever along with the lives of thousands of visitors who came to Xenia to see the

Mr. Speaker, thank you for this opportunity to publicly recognize September as Suicide Prevention Month.

As a member of the Military Mental Health and Suicide Prevention Caucus, my goal is to increase awareness and aid in the prevention of suicide.

Although suicide affects thousands of Americans each year, I would like to take a moment to focus specifically on our veterans and the men and women who are currently serving in our United States military.

Suicides are increasing at an alarming rate this year for our soldiers, sailors, airmen, and marines. Recent data shows that suicides are occurring at a rate of approximately one per day for the military. This makes suicide the second-leading cause of death for our troops, surpassed only by combat.

The Army, in particular, has seen a 22 percent suicide increase when comparing the first 7 months in both 2011 and 2012.

But these are not just numbers and statistics. These are real soldiers and real families impacted by this growing tragedy.

This increase became very personal for me again last weekend when I attended a memorial dedication for Lance Corporal Bobby Wiley. Lance Corporal Wiley was a Lima Company marine and the son of my classmate and friend. As a result of Bobby's death, a loving family and Nation grieve with loss.

On behalf of Bobby and his family, I stand before you today to briefly discuss this growing trend and associated symptoms, as well as highlight prevention efforts within my district and nationwide by both the Departments of Defense and Veterans Affairs.

More than 2 million troops have served in the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, and that's a lot of people who have seen war up close and personal. It can affect some of them adversely when they come back home.

In fiscal year 2009 alone, 1,868 veterans of these wars made suicide attempts.

Faced with the stigma of post-traumatic stress disorder, unemployment rates tipping 12 percent for our veterans, and a loss of the military camaraderie, many veterans report feeling purposeless upon returning home.

We are aware of three conditions that contribute to many of the suicides of our veterans, and they are post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD; traumatic brain injury, TBI; and depression. We know that veterans with these three medical conditions are at a higher risk of succumbing to suicide behavior.

As friends and family members of our veterans and those serving our country, there are some things that we can do: first, recognize the symptoms that could lead to serious problems; understand where and how to get assistance while still part of the military; and know the availability of treatment after service.

As members of the Veterans' Affairs Subcommittee, my colleagues and I on both sides of the aisle have had the opportunity to meet and discuss some of these very important issues, and I'm pleased with Secretary of the VA Shinseki's recent outreach efforts such as Stand By Them and Side By Side.

The purpose of the joint DOD and VA Stand By Them campaign and public service announcement, Side By Side, is to increase awareness with focus on support networks for military members.

Detection and treatment are key components required for resolution. Those closest to the military member can often see signals of distress before the member recognizes it himself or herself. The quicker the detection, the quicker the treatment.

Yesterday, I joined back in my home district Director Costie and Dr. Napp at the Dayton VA Medical Center to bring awareness to Suicide Prevention Month. With a large geographic span of responsibility in my district, the Dayton VA Medical Center provides services to veterans from 16 counties.

During the joint press conference at the VA, we announced the ongoing efforts and helped in the promotion of the VA and DOD programs. I know communities across our Nation are doing similar awareness and education programs.

As our young men and women are fighting to protect our freedoms, while they're often faced with multiple and lengthy employments, exposed to stressful situations in combat--including death--we cannot look the other way and hope that these issues disappear. The reality is we are faced with a growing number of PTSD, TBI, depression, and suicide within our military and veterans. This is a real problem. And if we can alleviate one of the symptoms and causes of suicide, PTSD, we may see a change in the current trendline before the problem becomes completely systemic across our fighting force.

Let me just say, as members of the grateful communities to which our brave men and women return, we need to do whatever is possible to recognize these veterans at risk and help them get the assistance they need.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Colonel Amanda W. Gladney for her outstanding service to our Nation and the United States Air Force.

It is an honor to join the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in congratulating Colonel Gladney upon her relinquishment of command as the Commander, 88th Air Base Wing, Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio.

Colonel Gladney commands one of the largest air base wings in the United States Air Force, with more than 5,000 Air Force military, civilian, and contractor employees. The wing provides support and services to one of the largest, most diverse, and most organizationally complex bases in the Air Force including a major acquisition center, research and development laboratories, a major command headquarters, an airlift wing, and the world's largest military air museum. The base is home to more than 27,000 employees and is the largest single site employer in the State of Ohio.

Colonel Gladney completed the 350 million dollar Base Realignment and Closure Project, including the completion of the Air Force's largest military construction effort since World War II, and drove outreach efforts with 430,000-plus volunteer hours into the local community. I can attest to her solid reputation of dedication to and pride in the men and women of the 88th Air Base Wing.

For her strong dedication of service to our community, I join the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in extending our best wishes upon her new assignment as the Director of Communications for Special Operations Command Europe in Stuttgart, Germany and wish her ongoing success in all future endeavors and in this new capacity.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Randall B. Parker. I am honored to recognize Mr. Parker for his Meritorious Civilian Service Award nomination. Mr. Parker was nominated for his outstanding service as Vice Director, 88th Air Base Wing (ABW), Aeronautical Systems Center (ASC), Air Force Material Command (AFMC), Wright- Patterson Air Force Base (WPAFB), Ohio from 4 March 2007 to 10 March 2012.

During his service, Mr. Parker distinguished himself as an exceptional leader who guided the organization through numerous cultural and business challenges while executing a full range of personal management responsibilities. Over the course of his tenure, he prepared and developed personnel for career opportunities, provided guidance to ensure work effort and products reflected management's expectations, and spearheaded the ``Grow the Force'' 88th ABW Commander's initiative, focused on recruiting and developing a superior, qualified workforce, while responding to ongoing budgetary and manpower reduction driven by the office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) and Headquarters Air Force (HAF) efficiency initiatives.

Mr. Parker's expertise and experience are truly noteworthy and will be greatly missed. His outstanding performance culminates a long and distinguished career that reflects his commitment and service to our community and nation.

Thus, with great pride, I recognize Randall B. Parker for his long- term commitment to the United States Air Force and I would like to extend best wishes for the future.

Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District, I am honored to recognize Major General Edward J. Mechenbier for his outstanding career in the United States Air Force, his leadership to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, and his heroic acts for our Nation.

A graduate from the U.S. Air Force Academy in 1964, General Mechenbier attended pilot training and served tours in Europe and Southeast Asia flying the F 4C. In June 1967, he was shot down on his 80th mission over North Vietnam and spent 5 years, 8 months, and 4 days as a prisoner of war. On 29 May of 2004, he flew his final flight, returning to Hanoi on the same aircraft to bring home the remains of two servicemembers listed as missing in action.

In 1973, he was assigned to the Fighter Branch, 4950th Test Wing, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. In 1975 he resigned his regular commission and continued to fly the F 100 and A 7 for 16 years with the Ohio National Guard. In 1991, General Mechenbier transferred to the Air Force Reserve where he served with the Joint Logistics Systems Center and Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command.

General Mechenbier has more than four decades of active-duty, Guard and Reserve service. Throughout his service he has been awarded two Silver Stars, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze star with V, two Purple Hearts, Meritorious Service Medal, 9 Air medals and the P.O.W. medal.

Major General Mechenbier, the Air Force's last serving Vietnam-era former prisoner of war, retired in June of 2004. He served as the mobilization assistant to the Commander, Headquarters Air Force Materiel Command, Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio. His outstanding performance culminates a long and distinguished career that reflects his dedication and service to our community and Nation.

Thus, with great pride, I recognize Major General Ed Mechenbier for his commendable service to the citizens of the United States and his long-term commitment to the United States Air Force. I join the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in extending my great appreciation for his service and success in all future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Linda S. Lange. I am honored to recognize Ms. Lange for her Outstanding Civilian Career Service Award nomination. Ms. Lange was nominated for her service as a civil service employee with the United States Air Force, Business Operations Division, 711th Human Performance Wing, Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL), Air Force Materiel Command (AFMC), Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, from 15 December 1975 to 30 April 2012.

During her 37 years of federal service, Ms. Lange displayed superior performance with her loyalty and commitment to the mission at hand. During her tenure in the AFRL, Ms. Lange was given high visibility jobs such as leading Inspector General Unit Compliant Inspections, directing all logistical and protocol functions for the Scientific Advisory Board reviews, and coordinating and managing all activities for the $293M BRAC MILCON ribbon cutting. Her involvement in this level of activities demonstrates the confidence her leadership had in her ability to perform independently and to meet all expectations.

Ms. Lange's expertise and experience are truly noteworthy and will be greatly missed. Her outstanding performance culminates a long and distinguished career that reflects her commitment and service to our community and nation.

Thus, with great pride, I recognize Linda S. Lange for her long-term commitment to the United States Air Force and I would like to extend best wishes for the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of four Great Oaks Vocational School students: Iayie Viassy, Wade Aills, Brandon North, and Austin Salisbury. I am proud to recognize these four young men for their brave heroics in helping 53 Miami Trace elementary school children off an overturned bus on March 12, 2012.

At 4:16 p.m. on March 12, a school bus transporting children home from school veered off the road and rolled onto its right side into a ditch. With the passenger door pinned against the ground, Wade Aills made the decision to kick open the emergency rear door. The four boys then proceeded to aid the elementary children in exiting the bus and keeping everyone calm until emergency personnel could arrive. When EMS units arrived on the scene, all of the children had been evacuated safely, with only a few children that suffered minor injuries.

Recently, these young men were honored and recognized by the Fayette County Sherriff's Office and the Miami Trace elementary school for their actions.

Thus, today I ask my colleagues to join me and the constituents of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in recognizing four true heroes: Iayie Viassy, Wade Aills, Brandon North, and Austin Salisbury.

Mr. Speaker I rise today in honor of Captain David Woodard: a strong son of the south, one of Georgia's finest, and member of the 4th Brigade 10th Mountain of the United States Army. April 28th marks the three year anniversary of an IED explosion in Sadr City, Iraq that almost took Captain Woodard's life. Although Captain Woodard lost his leg in the attack, he has not missed a beat. His recovery and ``can-do'' attitude has helped sustain him and inspire us all. With the help of his lovely wife Danielle and their beautiful son David, who is a carbon-copy of his dad, Captain Woodard is past the road to recovery and is preparing to embark on the next phase of his heroic life.

To the 10th Power

How high can a heart so climb?

To what heights may we so reach in time?

But, to the very top to teach us we find!

To the 10th Power!

Throughout our nation's history . . .

Have come such fine men of faith and courage, so indeed . . .

Strong Georgia Men, who are but our Nation's best friends . .

.

Who've worn the title of, 10th Mountain Men . . .

Who go off to war, and but for all of us . . . so much endure

. . . and depends!

Who but only with their Beliefs, so gallantly fight for our

peace!

Who above all others so tower, as up to new heights they

reach!

Like the Tenth Mountain Men, whose courage upon us showers .

. .

Showers, us with great courage and heroic faith!

Men of the hour, who will not fade . . .

Who in the moment of truth, their fine hearts rise, to the

10th Power . . .

Men, who upon battlefields of honor, death, and glory . . .

While, lying gravely wounded . . . close to death, they tell

their story . . .

Who give up their fine arms and legs . . .

And come back home to write another great chapter . . .

Another chapter, all in their life's most heroic page!

As they must somehow start all over again!

Men like David, these most heroic to 10th Mountain Men . . .

Whose, great hearts much somehow grow even greater than!

Men who teach us!

Who so beseech us!

All in how they so reach us!

As they start their lives all over again . . .

Just like his brother Bob Dole, Captain Woodard too has such

a fine soul!

As both are cut from the same mold!

In life, how high can a heart so rise?

As to what heights will it so climb?

When it all depends on . . . what is so found deep down

inside!

As to the 10th power, your heart so begins to rise!

Bringing tears even to the angel's eyes . . .

As David, yours has so!

And if I ever have a son!

David, I but hope and pray he could be like you . . . this

one!

By Albert Carey Caswell . . . Bless You All, as you have blessed so many Heroes and our Nation!

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Tyler's Light. I am honored to recognize Tyler's Light for its continued drug awareness efforts throughout Pickerington and Fairfield County, Ohio.

Tyler's Light was formed after the tragic and untimely passing of Tyler Campbell. Tyler was known for the way his blue eyes and infectious smile lit up a room. Tyler was very athletic and loved being outdoors where he would ride bikes, fish, and play various other sports. In just 23 years for life, Tyler managed to fulfill many of his lifelong dreams such as playing Division 1 High School Football at Pickerington North and college football at the University of Akron.

Pickerington and all of Fairfield County need to be aware of the current drug epidemic and are in need of education about how drug addiction is breaking families apart. Thus, the objective of Tyler's Light is to educate students, families, and communities about the dangers and consequences of drug usage. Tyler's Light has been very effective and in just months has gained the attention of Fairfield County residents and others that are concerned about the increasing drug abuse issues facing our communities.

Thus, with great pride, I recognize Tyler's Light for the positive impact it is making in the community and I would like to extend best wishes for the future.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today on behalf of the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District to recognize William F. Schenck for his outstanding career as a prosecuting attorney and his efforts of upholding justice in the Greene County Community and the nation.

Bill earned his Juris Doctor from The Ohio State University and shortly after began his career in the Greene County prosecutor's office. Elected to the position of Prosecuting Attorney seven times, Bill honorably served the citizens of Greene County for over 25 years. During his time as the county's prosecuting attorney, Bill prosecuted over 50,000 felonies and brought justice to numerous victims.

After his time in the Greene County prosecutor's office, Bill served as the Assistant United States Attorney at Department of Justice in the U.S. Attorney's Office for over five years. During this time, Bill prosecuted felons involved in organized crime.

Bill has shown himself to be a dedicated and hardworking member of the Greene County community and the state of Ohio. Throughout his service, he has been an advocate for victims' rights and has worked tirelessly for justice.

Thus, it is with great pride, I congratulate William F. Schenck for his commendable service in protecting the Miami Valley, the state of Ohio, and the United States. I join the people of Ohio's Seventh Congressional District in extending best wishes upon his retirement from the U.S. Attorney's Office and success in all future endeavors.

I thank the chairwoman for her hard work on this bill.

A year ago I spoke on the House floor urging this committee to introduce legislation repealing the program integrity regulations. Today I speak in support of H.R. 2117, which repeals two of these regulations.

While we must ensure that our small number of schools who have acted in bad faith are dealt with accordingly, the credit-hour and State licensing regulations are an overreaction with vast unintended consequences. First, these regulations will significantly alter the Federal role in the accrediting and licensing of institutions of higher education. Second, they will also drastically limit student access to educational programs and negatively impact all schools.

Let me give you an example of a school located in the Midwest in my district--Ohio Christian University--as an example of a school that will be adversely affected by these regulations. OCU is located in Pickaway County, which is a typical county in southeastern Ohio and mirrors that of many across the Midwest. It is struggling with this difficult economy. It has lost over 2,500 jobs, and only 11 percent of the residents in this county have a bachelor's degree.

In contrast, Ohio Christian University has created 150 jobs in just 5 years while graduating thousands of students since its founding in 1948. In addition to offering traditional undergraduate degrees, OCU offers an online degree program. Currently, more than 1,000 students from over 15 States are enrolled in that program. Because of the high costs and administrative burdens required to get licensing in every State where an online student resides, OCU will be forced to un-enroll at least half of its online students and lay off a large number of staff. Further, as part of the adult degree program, OCU offers a limited number of credit hours for prior learning and work experiences. This program allows nontraditional students the ability to return to school and earn their degree. To comply with the credit-hour regulation, the university will be forced to eliminate that program, which would be a significant disincentive for older students. The regulation will also negatively impact traditional students by setting a strict definition of credit hour, and this will eliminate the school's ability to credit innovative courses which provide students with the cutting-edge skills and knowledge required for future employees.

Today I urge my colleagues to protect our schools, States, and students from these burdensome, overreaching regulations by supporting