Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, thanks to the Affordable Care Act, roughly 17 million American children with preexisting medical conditions can no longer be discriminated against and be denied health insurance by insurance companies. And yet, rather than focus on the key tasks of creating jobs and strengthening the middle class in America, my Republican colleagues want to tear up the health care law. They want to rip up the independent decision by our Supreme Court, by Justices appointed by Presidents of both parties, finding the Affordable Care Act is on firm constitutional footing, and they want to start all over again, putting the coverage of those millions of children I just spoke about at risk.

This vote is personal. Health care is personal. When I was 9, I had a serious childhood illness. I spent 3 months in the hospital. My grandparents, who were raising me, found out that their family insurance didn't cover me. They made great sacrifices to help pay for my care. But if that weren't enough, when my grandparents then looked for insurance that would cover me, they couldn't find coverage at any price. I was considered one of those kids with a preexisting medical condition, never mind that I had fully recovered from my illness. No child should ever be denied coverage for that reason.

I grew up believing that no family should have to go through what ours did. Parents or grandparents shouldn't have to worry, shouldn't have to lay awake at night worrying about whether they can provide for a sick child or whether an illness might bankrupt their family.

Families now know that insurance companies can't discriminate against their children based on a preexisting condition. Turning back the clock so insurance companies can, once again, deny children access to care is simply wrong.

It is time that we all move forward. It is time that we work together. It is time to make this Affordable Care Act work for the American people.

Mr. Chair, I rise in opposition to the Conservation and Economic Growth Act, H.R. 2578, a measure that will not create jobs in our country, but instead poke gaping holes in the Clean Air and Clean Water Act.

I support pieces of this legislation, including the Target Practice and Marksmanship Training Support Act, H.R. 3065. This bill, introduced by Representative Heath Shuler,

would facilitate the construction and expansion of target shooting ranges by increasing the federal share of funding that can be used for such purposes. Had this provision come up for a vote on its own, I would have strongly supported this pro-sportsman legislation.

Unfortunately, this lands package incorporates 13 other bills including several poison pills meant to score political points, not address real issues. This bill includes sections that would wave dozens of federal statutes, including the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, Safe Drinking Water Act, and the Farmland Protection Policy Act. I will not support legislation that severely weakens the laws that protect the public health of Americans.

Instead of tackling the significant challenges facing our country, House Republicans created a partisan patchwork of legislation that does not create jobs. With the highway bill extension and student loan interest rates set to expire on June 30, and with millions of jobs and students in limbo, I believe Congress should work on bipartisan legislation that strengthens American infrastructure, keeps college affordable, and puts Americans back to work.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of the East Side Club and to recognize its outstanding commitment and contribution to our community.

In 1912, a group of businessmen from Madison's East side formed the East Side Advancement Association, which would eventually become the East Side Businessmen's Association (ESBMA) in 1922. Originally, the clubhouse was located in the old Hudson Hotel on Atwood Avenue and served as a place where members could gather for both business and recreational purposes. In 1947, as membership grew, the members purchased a prime piece of land located on the banks of Lake Monona and opened their new clubhouse on the site in 1955. This scenic location is where the East Side Club stands to this very day.

The East Side Club, as it has been known since 2006, is a hub for activity. The location along Lake Monona makes the club ideal for celebrations and has hosted countless weddings, birthdays, anniversaries, class reunions, and much more. In addition to private events, the East Side Club's Tiki Bar and Grill, bocce ball courts, Friday fish fry, and Sunday brunches offer families and friends a great setting to not only unwind and catch up with old friends, but also meet new ones.

Over the past century, the East Side Club has also proven to be much more than a social gathering place. The members' longstanding commitment to the surrounding community is an invaluable asset. For 72 years, the club held an annual Fall Festival establishing itself as an organization that cares deeply about the community. From hosting fundraisers for local charities to providing scholarships for local students, the East Side Club is always searching for new ways to give back to the community.

The East Side Club has provided entertainment and support to our community for 100 years and I offer hearty congratulations to the past and present staff and members on the celebration of this tremendous milestone. It is because of organizations like the East Side Club that I am so proud to represent the Second Congressional District of Wisconsin. I wish the club and its members nothing but the best and many more years of continued success.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th anniversary of the Stoughton Area Senior Center and to recognize its outstanding commitment and contribution to our community.

The Stoughton Area Senior Center began operating out of the basement of Our Saviors Lutheran Church as a social gathering place for local seniors in 1972 and eventually relocated to the First Federal Bank building in 1994. Situated along the banks of the Yahara River, the Senior Center's distinctive Norwegian-style building not only provides essential support and programming, but also greets all of Stoughton's residents and visitors as they drive down Main Street and into town. Over the years both my staff and I have had the privilege of holding public meetings at the Senior Center.

The Senior Center is committed to the enrichment of the lives of seniors and their families through a wide array of programs. However, this building is a hub for much more than a few games of bingo or euchre. The vision and dedication of staff and volunteers has led to the development of innovative programs like Zumba and Tai Chi, classes on health insurance and economics, and support groups for families. A team of Case Managers strive to help seniors remain independent by providing information and guidance about local services. Additionally, the Senior Center prides itself on its nutritional program, which is funded through the Older Americans Act and directed by the staff nutritionist. Last year, the Senior Center served 4,531 meals in-house and delivered 15,140 more meals directly to homes.

From these vital services to community partnerships to annual pool tournaments, the Senior Center could not operate without the devotion and hard work of volunteers. Throughout the years, countless volunteers of all ages have contributed to and supported the Senior Center. In 2011, a total of 177 volunteers contributed a staggering 11,111 hours of service.

The Stoughton Area Senior Center believes that, ``Aging brings changes. You make life choices. We provide options.'' For the past 40 years, the Stoughton Area Senior Center has provided options, invaluable services, and programming for our seniors and community. I offer hearty congratulations to the staff, volunteers, community partners, and the City of Stoughton for remaining committed to providing the highest level of service to our seniors. I wish the Stoughton Area Senior Center the very best and many more years of continued success.

I thank the gentleman from Florida for the time.

I rise today on behalf of the hardworking middle class families in Wisconsin and across the country who have unfairly been paying at a higher tax rate than multi-millionaires and billionaires.

Working Wisconsinites are struggling to find good-paying jobs, pay their mortgages, send their kids to college, and save for a secure retirement; meanwhile, the ultra-rich are reaping benefits unavailable to the rest of us. No wonder middle class Americans have long felt that our tax system is rigged against them. Frankly, it is.

Middle class Americans deserve a Tax Code that is fair. Powerful special interests have manipulated our Tax Code to make sure that the wealthiest Americans don't have to pay their fair share. Loopholes and special provisions have made it so that billionaire Warren Buffett's secretary pays a higher tax rate than he does. In fact, approximately one-quarter of all people who make over $1 million a year pay lower effective tax rates than middle class families.

I introduced the Paying a Fair Share Act, which would make the Buffett rule law and ensure that middle class workers do not pay a higher tax rate than those making over $1 million a year. This is a commonsense solution that would address the disparity that Warren Buffett decried, and it would reduce the deficit by billions of dollars over the next decade.

Now, let's be honest about what the Buffett rule is and what it is not. The Buffett rule is not a comprehensive tax reform bill, which I favor, by the way. The Buffett rule is not going to wipe our Nation's deficit away, something that I agree must be tackled. The Buffett rule is not a tax increase on small businesses. According to the Congressional Research Service, less than one-half of 1 percent of businesses may be impacted by the Buffett rule.

Here is what the Buffett rule is really about: fairness. Plain and simple, this is about fairness. It's high time that we level the playing field between middle class taxpayers and those who make over $1 million per year. The Paying a Fair Share Act will help restore people's faith that if you work hard and play by the rules, you'll have a chance to get ahead.

It's up to Congress to fix this obvious injustice. According to a recent CNN poll, nearly three-quarters of Americans support the Buffett rule. Earlier this week, a bipartisan majority of Senators demonstrated their support for the Buffett rule to institute tax fairness for the middle class.

I urge my colleagues to vote to defeat the previous question so that I may offer the Paying a Fair Share Act, also known as the Buffett rule.

Mr. Speaker, I rise to pay tribute to John Sullivan on his retirement from the post of Parliamentarian of the House.

John has served the House for 28 years, beginning as Counsel for the House Committee on Armed Services. In 1987, he joined the office of Parliamentarian where he rose from an Assistant Parliamentarian to Deputy Parliamentarian in 1994. He was named Parliamentarian by Speaker Dennis Hastert in 2004. He has served this body with dignity and professionalism.

I feel privileged to have worked with John, whom I consider a friend and a mentor. During the years when Democrats were in the majority, I enjoyed serving as Chair of the Committee of the Whole or as Speaker pro tem. When in the Chair I looked to John for wise guidance. He was a great teacher and I was eager to learn. He has a great command of and respect for the institutional history of the House, and its rules and precedents. John Sullivan was very supportive of Members who sought to learn more.

John is a kind man with a great intellect. We are all grateful for his service to the House and to the nation. I will miss him and wish him all of the very best in his future endeavors.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and achievements of State Representative Robert L. Turner. Representative Turner was first elected in 1990 and has served in the Wisconsin State Assembly for eleven consecutive terms. While representing the eastern half of the City of Racine, he has utilized his booming voice to become an advocate for issues such as criminal justice, urban affairs, racial equality, and veterans affairs.

Public service has always been a cornerstone of Representative Turner's life. After graduating high school in Mississippi and moving to Wisconsin, he was soon drafted into the United States Air Force. He bravely answered his country's call and completed tours of duty in both Vietnam, where he received a Medal of Commendation for meritorious service, and Korea during the Pueblo incident. Representative Turner turned his experience in the armed forces into a lifelong promise to support and encourage local veterans groups. During his first term in the Assembly, Representative Turner earned a perfect rating on veterans issues and was named to the All Star Team by the State Council of the Vietnam Veterans of America (VVA). Additionally, his legislative work earned him the Vietnam Veterans of America Distinguished Achievement Award in 1992 and he received life membership from the Vietnam Veterans of America in 1999.

Representative Turner has served on numerous committees during his time in the Wisconsin State Assembly, lending his expertise to everything from the Highways and Transportation Committee to the Judiciary Committee. His overwhelmingly friendly demeanor gives Representative Turner a unique ability to build close working relationships that extend far beyond party affiliations. While representing an area hit especially hard by the recent economic downturn, Representative Turner has consistently supported new economic development projects, increases in unemployment benefits, and affordable, quality health care for his constituency.

In addition to his tenure in the Assembly, Representative Turner also served on the Racine City Council for 28 years from 1976 to 2004. As both a State Representative and an Alder, he developed close relationships with many local organizations such as the NAACP, Big Brothers Big Sisters, the Urban League of Racine and Kenosha, and the Racine Raider Football team.

I had the honor of serving with Representative Turner in the Assembly for three terms and I am proud to continue to call him a close friend today. His service to his constituents and the City of Racine has always been a source of inspiration for me. To understand who Representative Turner truly is, one only needs to know that he considers one of his biggest accomplishments being able to serve, listen to, and assist his constituents for so long. Without fail, every time I see Bob, the only thing bigger than the smile on his face is the warm embrace I receive from him.

It is nearly impossible to mention everything Representative Turner has accomplished; it is even harder to overstate the positive impact he has had on our community. It is without a doubt that his work has bettered the lives of the people of Racine, Wisconsin, and our great nation. Today, I rise to honor and thank State Representative Robert L. Turner for his more than two decades of leadership in the Wisconsin State Assembly. May Bob's unwavering dedication, vision, and never- ending smile serve as an inspiration for all of us.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4105, a bill that would allow us to protect American manufacturing, including Wisconsin's paper industry, from unfair Chinese trade practices.

The simple fact is that China is cheating. Chinese manufacturers are not outcompeting American manufacturers. Chinese companies receive direct subsidies from their government to help them undercut American businesses. We've seen the result this has had on our manufacturing base, and in my home State of Wisconsin, particularly on our paper industry.

In the paper sector alone, China has provided more than $33.1 billion in subsidies from 2002 to 2009 and is now the world's largest producer of paper and paper products. Hardworking American businesses in these and other sectors rely on countervailing duties to combat these illegal subsidies and help them keep their doors open.

Last month, I introduced bipartisan legislation to ensure the Department of Commerce has the legal authority to impose these countervailing duties on subsidized imports from countries like China. I am very proud to see that legislation incorporated in the larger bill before us later today, and I urge my colleagues to vote ``aye.''

I rise today in strong support of the St. Croix River Crossing Project Authorization Act.

This past November, I had the chance to visit the existing 81-year- old Stillwater Bridge, and I met with local community leaders on the issue. After seeing this bridge for myself and after listening carefully to the arguments on all sides, I am convinced that this legislation is necessary, reasonable, and time-sensitive.

The bridge project will support thousands of construction jobs in both Wisconsin and Minnesota. In addition, the new bridge will help shorten travel times, reduce traffic congestion and, most importantly, improve safety. Perhaps it will even save some lives.

The stories I've heard from the Wisconsinites who use this bridge every day are truly startling. I've heard from some folks who literally fear for their safety and who are afraid something similar to the I 35 bridge collapse could happen to them. I've heard from others about the long delays and frequent spring closures of the bridge.

This is the reality on the ground, and it is woefully unacceptable. We have the power to change this. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' and to support this bipartisan legislation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and achievements of Mr. Jim Cavanaugh, President of the South Central Federation of Labor (SCFL), as he retires from his esteemed position after 25 years of service.

For the past three decades, Jim Cavanaugh has guided the local progressive labor movement with an unwavering hand. Jim's tenure is underscored with victories, such as the strike for sick pay against Aramark Laundry in 1999, and his place in labor's history was solidified this month one year ago, when he worked tirelessly to help unite hundreds of thousands of Wisconsinites in solidarity against the repeal of collective bargaining rights. His ability to rise above petty disputes and remain focused on the task at hand resulted in a tremendously successful career.

As President of SCFL, an organization for labor unions in Dane, Dodge, Sauk, Columbia, Jefferson and Iowa counties that represents over 100 labor organizations and more than 45,000 workers, Jim helped bring the struggles of Midwest workers to the forefront of political discussions. Jim recognized the importance of advocating on behalf of all workers and, in 2001, SCFL was recognized as one of the first fourteen central labor councils in the nation to fully achieve the goals of the AFL-CIO Union City program. As a member of the Union City program, SCFL advocates on behalf of both unionized and non-unionized workers to make our community one that provides a living wage and good benefits. Jim also helped expand the role of SCFL by forging new partnerships with existing labor groups like Madison Teachers Inc. (MTI) and reaching out to underserved counties.

Jim cherishes the value of education and understands the need for a highly educated workforce. To help bridge the gap between labor and education, Jim began a vital relationship with the University of Wisconsin-Madison's Student Labor Action Coalition (SLAC). For fifteen years, Jim also served on Madison College's (MATC) board in various capacities and was even nominated for the statewide Board Member of the Year award in 2008. Jim always recognized that a better educated workforce and community was directly correlated to a strong labor movement.

Furthermore, Jim worked to strengthen the local labor community by emphasizing the importance of building labor's diversity. In 1999, Jim began outreach to a plethora of faith-based communities which eventually led to the creation of the Interfaith Coalition for Worker Justice (ICWJ). And as an early and staunch supporter of the immigrant worker movement, Jim successfully organized and fought back after two dozen Latino custodians were fired over questions related to their immigration status, helping to secure a significant settlement for the workers.

From advocating for an increased minimum wage to organizing and mobilizing union voters, it is nearly impossible to mention everything Jim has accomplished in the past 25 years; it is even harder to overstate the positive impact he has had on our community. It is without a doubt that Jim's work has bettered the lives of countless workers in Wisconsin, the Midwest, and across our great nation. Today, we join together in solidarity to honor Mr. Jim Cavanaugh for his 25 years of fearless leadership of the South Central Federation of Labor. May Jim's unwavering dedication, vision, and lifelong commitment to worker's rights serve as an inspiration for all of us.

Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of the middle class workers in Wisconsin and across the country who have unfairly been paying a higher tax rate than millionaires and billionaires.

Middle class Americans deserve to know that our tax system has not been rigged against them. Powerful special interests have manipulated our Tax Code to ensure that the wealthiest Americans don't have to pay their fair share. These loopholes and special provisions have made it so that billionaire Warren Buffett's secretary pays a higher tax rate than he does. In fact, approximately a quarter of all millionaires pay lower effective tax rates than middle class families.

Yesterday, I introduced Paying a Fair Share Act, H.R. 3903, which would make the ``Buffett rule'' law and ensure that middle class workers do not pay higher tax rates than those earning more than $1 million a year. I invite my colleagues to join me in taking this commonsense first step to strengthen middle class families and rebuild our economy with a commitment to shared responsibility.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor St. Mary's Hospital in Madison, Wisconsin for attaining their third Magnet recognition from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, ANCC.

Since 1912, St. Mary's Hospital has provided exceptional health care for the people of our great community. With a wide array of health and wellness services, St. Mary's Hospital plays an essential role in providing quality

health care and even offers free services and programs to individuals who cannot otherwise afford care. Over the past century, St. Mary's has provided $47.5 million in free or reduced health care programs and has received countless awards and recognitions for their efforts.

Magnet recognition is the gold standard for nursing. Each year, the ANCC bestows the designation upon hospitals that provide excellence in nursing. St. Mary's was first recognized as a Magnet hospital in 2002 and was redesignated in 2008 and again earlier this year. Magnet recognition not only acknowledges the high quality of care provided at St. Mary's, but also the excellence of the hospital's overall organization and leadership. The ANCC recognized the hospital as exemplary in five areas: transformation of leadership; structural empowerment; exemplary professional practice; new knowledge, innovations and improvements; and empirical outcomes. In addition, the ANCC praised St. Mary's for sustaining high patient satisfaction scores, empowering nursing staff, and building and maintaining strong community partnerships.

St. Mary's has truly distinguished itself by attaining its third Magnet recognition. The rigorous application and redesignation processes, complete with extensive written documentation and on-site visits, make it difficult to attain Magnet recognition just once, let alone three times. Only about 7% of hospitals nationwide attain Magnet recognition and less than 1% have ever achieved Magnet redesignation twice.

With a philosophy focused on providing personalized care for patients and their families, showing respect and compassion for all persons who come in contact with the hospital, and fostering internal and external community understanding and support, St. Mary's Hospital is yet another reason I am so proud to represent the Second Congressional District of Wisconsin. For the third time, I am honored to offer hearty congratulations to the nurses, doctors, staff, and volunteers that work to make St. Mary's Hospital a prestigious Magnet hospital.

I thank the gentleman for yielding time.

Madam Speaker, the bill before us today is entitled the Farm Dust Regulation Prevention Act of 2011.

I want to make something very clear. If we were here today voting on a bill that actually stopped farm dust from being regulated by the EPA, I would support it. Agriculture is hugely important to my home State of Wisconsin, and the thought of regulating farm dust on a Federal level is simply ridiculous. However, there is no attempt by the EPA to regulate farm dust. Administrator Lisa Jackson said that the EPA has no intention of regulating farm dust.

The Republican Senate sponsor of this bill, former Secretary of Agriculture Mike Johanns, states that the EPA has provided ``unequivocal assurance that it won't attempt to regulate farm dust.''

This legislation is not about farm dust. Instead, this bill creates a new category of pollution called ``nuisance dust'' and exempts it from the Clean Air Act entirely. To be clear, ``nuisance dust'' is a made-up term that has no basis in established science.

Under this legislation, particulate pollution from open-pit mines, mine processing plants, sand mines, lead smelters, and cement kilns would be exempt from the Clean Air Act. These facilities emit coarse and fine particulates--arsenic, lead, mercury, and other toxic substances.

Now, I don't know about you, Madam Speaker, but this doesn't sound like ``farm dust'' to me.

I agree with my colleague Congressman John Dingell, who said, ``This is a solution in search of a problem.'' During the Energy and Commerce Committee markup, the majority

showed us that this bill isn't about farm dust at all; it's about hacking another hole in the Clean Air Act and about stoking the fears of rural Americans and farmers for cheap political points.

Americans are so sick of these political games. They want jobs, not fear mongering and baseless accusations. We shouldn't be wasting our time and theirs dealing with myths. We have real problems that need real solutions.

We should be extending the payroll tax relief for hardworking American families. We should be passing a transportation bill that puts Americans back to work rebuilding our crumbling roads and bridges. We should be extending unemployment insurance to millions of Americans who are still out, pounding the pavement day in and day out, trying to find work.

Republicans need to stop stoking the fears of farmers and rural Americans and get back to fixing the real crisis facing our country-- the jobs crisis.

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the Pandemic and All- Hazards Preparedness Reauthorization Act, H.R. 2405, a measure that will improve our nation's medical preparedness and response capabilities.

I am especially pleased to see that this bill takes important steps to ensure that our medical response systems are prepared to care for the critically ill and injured in the aftermath of a public health emergency.

As you can imagine, when we face a health emergency such as a flu pandemic, the critical care delivery system is an integral component of our nation's medical response. Yet, up to this point, critical care medicine has been largely under-contemplated in our national health policy.

Earlier this year, I introduced the bipartisan Critical Care Assessment Act, H.R. 971, with my colleague from Minnesota, Erik Paulsen. This measure seeks to identify gaps in the current critical care delivery model and bolster our capabilities to meet future demands.

I am pleased that the measure before us today includes two important provisions from my bill to improve federal disaster preparedness efforts to care for the critically ill and injured.

Notably, the reauthorization bill adds critical care to the priorities within the nation's medical preparedness goals. When a natural disaster strikes or a pandemic sweeps the nation, the demands on critical care increase exponentially, and I am pleased to see this language that recognizes the importance of treating the critically ill and injured in a public health emergency.

Additionally, the reauthorization bill improves efforts to ensure that the systems we have in place to address surge capacity will work effectively and efficiently during an emergency. Specifically, the bill includes language to provide for periodic evaluation and testing of the databases intended to ensure medical surge capacity.

As we learned during Hurricane Katrina and the 2009 H1N1 pandemic, having a system in place for the effective deployment of needed medical personnel and supplies is vital for the care of the critically ill and injured.

I would like to thank Chairman Upton, Chairman Pitts, and my colleagues on both sides of the aisle for working with me to recognize the importance of critical care preparedness by including these important provisions. I look forward to continuing to work to ensure we have a robust critical care infrastructure.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 125th anniversary of the YMCA of Dane County and to honor all those who make this institution such an influential part of our community.

As a component of the greater YMCA system, the Dane County Y exemplifies the values of the national organization. The YMCA of Dane County is committed to youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. These three areas of focus fuel the numerous programs and services the Y delivers to our community. In 2010, the YMCA of Dane County graciously spent more than $572,000 in programs that benefit the public.

The YMCA is a place where more than 19,800 youth members cultivate skills and gain the self-confidence necessary to become successful and positive members of society. Programs like Fill the Gap help youth grow by targeting at-risk teens and engaging them in challenging and fun activities in safe environments. Furthermore, thirty licensed before and after school sites throughout the county care for 1,200 children each day. These sites provide the necessary environment to keep children learning, engaged, and safe.

Additionally, the Y's Healthy Living initiative is fighting the country's obesity epidemic by encouraging a more active lifestyle. Each year, the YMCA reaches over 60,000 people through their wellness programs and provides a safe and clean environment for exercise. Furthermore, various exercise classes and access to pools and gymnasiums help encourage our community to stay fit and healthy.

The YMCA of Dane County also works towards producing hard-working members of society with its social responsibility programs. The YMCA's mission strives to ensure that every person has the opportunity to learn, grow, and thrive, regardless of socio-economic status. One of the many ways the Dane County Y fulfills this mission is by providing support, educational, and training services to unemployed citizens, which are desperately needed in the tough economic times we face today. This clear and determined dedication to improving the lives of community members not only physically, but also emotionally, highlights the importance of the YMCA of Dane County.

The Lussier Family East, Northeast, and Lussier Family West branches of the YMCA of Dane County work in conjunction to better our community and provide valuable resources and support. Along with the three branches, the four youth centers and numerous child care locations create a strong network dedicated to improving the lives of the members of our community.

I admire the mission and efforts of the YMCA of Dane County and look forward to many more years of service to our community. I proudly join those across Dane County, the entire state of Wisconsin, and our great nation in celebrating the 125th anniversary of the YMCA of Dane County and in thanking the members, employees, volunteers, and donors for their exemplary service to our community.