Floor Statements

Notably absent from the Republican agenda this year are the issues that the American people really care about--creating jobs and growing our economy. Just when we should be pulling together to work on these issues, instead, Republicans have put forth divisive and extreme legislation that takes away women's ability to make their own important life decisions about their reproductive health.

This extremist legislation is an unprecedented display of lack of respect for American women and our safety. The effect of this bill would be to cut off millions of women from the private care they already have and limit the ability of a woman to get the care she needs, even if the result is a serious permanent health condition that could shorten her life.

So we now know the Republicans' real agenda: to roll back women's health and rights. They have shown their true colors by trying to weaken the rape and incest exceptions for abortions. It's hard to believe, but a majority of the Republican House Members cosponsored legislation to give insurance companies new authority to decide if a woman had been raped and to deny care to incest victims. Thanks to the American women who spoke out, this dangerous provision was dropped. But I think it raises an important question: If Republicans are willing to redefine what constitutes rape and incest, what are they going to try next?

Enough is enough. It is time for the Republican majority to respect women's important life decisions, and it is time that they start to stand and start to refocus on the priorities of this country right now--jobs and growing the economy. I urge my colleagues to oppose this extreme and intrusive legislation.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in opposition to this free trade agreement with Panama and to the two others that we are considering this week with South Korea and Colombia.

Trade agreements should be in the best interests of our Nation and its people, but sadly this has not been the case with the past free trade agreements. Have some of our wealthiest corporations profited from them? Indeed. But the rest of America, especially the middle class, has struggled with job loss, closed factories, and economic and emotional anguish across the country.

I hear from Wisconsin families every day that are struggling mightily, struggling to pay the mortgage, put food on the table, and send their kids to college, especially during these uncertain economic times. The solution is to put our people back to work and preserve American jobs.

When done right, trade agreements can help bolster our manufacturing and high-skilled technology industries and create jobs as they increase exports and help our economy recover. Done wrong, trade agreements send these same jobs offshore, leaving Americans out of work. Unfortunately, I believe these trade agreements with South Korea, Panama, and Colombia will exacerbate the U.S. trade deficit and further erode our manufacturing base.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Madison Area Technical College and to honor the education and enrichment this institution brings to the people of Wisconsin.

Madison College was founded in 1912 and quickly gained the reputation of a prestigious technical and community college. The technical school offers associate degrees, professional certificates, and specialized vocational training that reaches far beyond the walls of its main campus in Madison. The ability to receive specific training in 140 pertinent and growing career fields from a technical college is essential to the success of our community, especially in the tough economic times we find ourselves in today.

Madison College's vision is to transform lives, one at a time. This vision holds true from the Madison campuses all the way to each of the regional campuses in Fort Atkinson, Portage, Reedsburg, and Watertown. The skills students gain while attending the institution provide them with the tools to be successful in their future endeavors. The class size of only 20 students allows students and dedicated instructors to form a close bond, enhancing the educational experience.

The mission of the institution is to provide ``accessible, high- quality learning experiences that serve the community.'' Madison College's affordable tuition, financial aid, and scholarship opportunities ensure students from all

backgrounds can receive the education they deserve. Further, the Transfer U program allows students to gain the first two years of general education requirements and continue on for a bachelor's degree at another college or university, including the University of Wisconsin-Madison. This program saves the student an average of $11,000 in tuition each year. The technical college is also recognized as a state leader in delivering specialized training for future employees and nearly 90 percent of graduates find employment within 6 months of matriculation.

Not only does Madison College deliver a high-quality education to its students, but it also provides a fun and well-rounded college atmosphere. There are many student activities, campus events, and athletics that students can participate in to enrich their experience. Through its educational and community programs, Madison College serves approximately 42,000 people each year.

Madison College has effectively promoted its values of excellence, respect, and integrity over the past 100 years and will undoubtedly continue to do so in the future. I proudly join those across South Central Wisconsin, the entire state of Wisconsin, and this great Nation in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Madison Area Technical College and in thanking the many instructors, administrators, and students that make this institution such an outstanding place.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 40th anniversary of Community Shares of Wisconsin and to recognize the commitment of its participants to serving their communities.

In 1971, amidst a deep societal divide over civil rights issues and the Vietnam War, a number of area volunteers created the Madison Sustaining Fund, America's first social action fund. Today, the fund now known as Community Shares of Wisconsin (CSW) partners with donors and non-profit member groups to address social, economic, and environmental challenges through grassroots activities, advocacy, research, and public education.

CSW continues to effect change in all aspects of our society by supporting the work of its non-profit member groups. The sixty-three non-profit member groups currently supported by Community Shares of Wisconsin are groups independently involved in tackling social and environmental issues both locally and nationwide. By working with CSW, each member non-profit group gains access to a larger network of supporters and more abundant resources with which to advance its mission.

For 40 years, CSW has utilized this pooled resource model to devise innovative solutions and ideas that generate lasting changes in social justice across the United States. It is due to the hard work of CSW member organizations like the Fair Housing Center of Greater Madison that more Wisconsinites can live in affordable housing complexes that offer permanent shelter and community safety. Other members of the CSW, like the Wisconsin Women's Network, are committed to the betterment of women's health, safety, and workplace protections. Although these are just a few examples, it is without a doubt that the civil rights and liberties of our family, friends, and neighbors stand better protected today thanks to the dedication and commitment of CSW member groups.

In addition to advancing social justice, the pursuit for environmental preservation is one of CSW's highest priorities. By supporting non-profit groups such as Clean Wisconsin, Friends of Wisconsin State Parks, and the River Alliance of Wisconsin, CSW works to improve the condition of Wisconsin's waters and its air quality. The great State of Wisconsin now thrives as a haven for residents and tourists who take pleasure in the outdoors and depend on the State's natural resources on a daily basis.

Today, CSW continues to bring together thousands of donors to benefit a multiplicity of causes through its non-profit member groups. I extend my sincerest congratulations to Community Shares of Wisconsin on its 40 years of forward thinking and its steadfast pursuit of justice and environmental protection for our community, both here in Wisconsin and across this great Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in celebration of the 25th anniversary of Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin and to honor all those who worked to make this exceptional food bank successful over the last quarter century.

In the summer of 1984, the dream of a food bank in Dane County became a reality when the Southern Wisconsin Regional Foodbank, Inc., eventually renamed Second Harvest Foodbank of Southern Wisconsin, was created. It wasn't until 1986 that the first warehouse was established in Madison, but by the end of the year nearly three million pounds of food had been donated to 85 partner organizations. Over the next two decades, the food bank saw an explosion of increased services and growth, including countless new partnerships and programs, awards, and food distribution topping 6.8 million pounds by 2009.

Today, Second Harvest works hard to address the issue of hunger in our community. They handle 20,000 pounds of food per day, distributing over 8 million pounds through 350 partner agencies in sixteen Wisconsin counties annually. Second Harvest also operates services like the Kids Cafe and the BackPack programs, which provide food, nourishment, and health education to children. These programs are essential because statistics show that over 43% of those who do not have access to adequate amounts and types of healthy foods are children. Furthermore, the food bank operates thirty Mobile Pantry Program sites and has a long-standing partnership with the local NBC affiliate for their annual holiday food drive, providing an additional 1.5 million meals for families facing hunger.

Over the years, numerous people helped to make Second Harvest Foodbank an ongoing success. Today, a dedicated board of directors and admirable staff work to assist over 141,000 people in southwestern Wisconsin who continue to lack proper nutrition. It is without a doubt, however, that the impact that Second Harvest makes on our community would not be possible without the ongoing generosity of volunteers. These inspirational and essential workers average over 5,000 hours of monthly service, equaling the work of 30 full-time employees. Further, each hour of donated time equals 63 meals, and with over 62,000 hours donated volunteers have helped share more that 3.9 million meals.

It is hard to overstate the positive impact that Second Harvest has had and will continue to have on our community. For the fifth year in a row, Charity Navigator rated Second Harvest with four stars, highlighting its commitment to returning 94 cents of every dollar donated back to support the charity. Last year, with the help of so many donations, the food bank shared over 8.1 million pounds of food and each of their five different programs saw great success and growth.

In the words of Second Harvest's President and CEO, Dan Stein, ``It is possible to end hunger.'' From Juneau to Green County, Crawford to Jefferson County and everywhere in between, Second Harvest has been a beacon of hope for our community and a model for charitable organizations. I proudly join those across Southern Wisconsin, the entire state, and the nation in celebrating the 25th anniversary of Second Harvest Foodbank and in thanking the employees, volunteers, and donors for their exemplary service to our community.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the enshrinement of Coach Barry Alvarez into the College Football Hall of Fame. Offering more then just winning strategy, our Coach has come to epitomize Badger athletics.

In the four seasons prior to the Coach's arrival in 1990, our football team was 9-36 and struggled to fill historic Camp Randall Stadium with fans. However, Coach Alvarez's innovative coaching techniques breathed new life into Wisconsin's football program and quickly reignited our community's passion for the team. As Head Football Coach for sixteen seasons from 1990 to 2005, Coach Alvarez distinguished himself as the winningest coach in school history. In 2004, Coach Alvarez also became the University's Director of Athletics, a position he continues to hold since retiring as Head Football Coach in 2005.

Enshrinement in the College Football Hall of Fame is no easy feat. Nominated coaches have won at least 60 percent of games over a minimum ten year and 100 game head coaching career, an accomplishment very few ever achieve. Coach Alvarez's resume also boasts an overall record of 118-73-4, three Big Ten Conference Championships and three Rose Bowl victories. Furthermore, he has the highest bowl game winning percentage for a coach with at least 11 bowl appearances and is the only coach in Big Ten history with back-to-back Rose Bowl wins. In 2009, he was inducted into both the Wisconsin Athletic Hall of Fame and the Rose Bowl Hall of Fame and finally, on May 27, 2010, Coach Alvarez was unanimously selected by his peers to join the 2010 class of the College Football Hall of Fame.

While Coach Alvarez achieved exceptional success on the football field, we must also acknowledge his wider contributions to the University and the people of Wisconsin. His commitment to the education of student-athletes during his tenure is inspirational. During his first year as Director of Athletics in 1996, Badger student-athletes registered the highest cumulative grade-point average on record. In 2000, Coach Alvarez and his wife, Cindy, created a $250,000 endowment scholarship at the University of Wisconsin helping to ensure that student-athletes are better prepared to become fully participating adults in our democracy.

Coach Alvarez remains committed to the advancement of Badger student- athletes, the Athletic Department and the entire University of Wisconsin. He selflessly dedicates his time, talents and resources to improving the lives of those around him. With Coach Alvarez's influence, athletics will continue to hold a prominent place at the University of Wisconsin. The contributions of such a legendary figure ensure that Badger fans in our community, across the state of Wisconsin and nationwide can stand proudly and cheer, ``On Wisconsin!''

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 100th anniversary of Devil's Lake State Park and the people of Wisconsin's commitment to the maintenance of our most visited state park.

Since 1911, Devil's Lake State Park has provided diverse recreation for countless spirited adventurers. From the dancing waters of the 374- acre lake filled with brown trout and northern pike to historic and sacred Effigy Mounds that are over 1,000 years old to the famed Devil's Doorway and Balanced Rock formations, this picturesque park encompasses nearly 10,000 acres. Those who trek to its highest points are treated to a breathtaking view of the valleys and bluffs that flank the park. For over a century, campers, hikers, bikers, swimmers, anglers, boaters, and many more have flocked to this pristine destination. It is no wonder why Devil's Lake State Park attracts so many visitors each year; to put it simply--to visit the park is to fall in love with it.

Although Devil's Lake State Park is celebrating its centennial this year, it has been a source of recreation and tourism for far longer. Beginning in the mid-1800s, the Devil's Lake area was surrounded by several hotels and resorts and even hosted Mrs. Mary Todd Lincoln and General Ulysses S. Grant during their visit. These establishments were serviced by a railroad that transported visitors often numbering in the thousands. As times changed and the automobile was introduced, the hotels faded into history and the park became more accessible as a day- trip destination. Finally, in 1911, the state designated the park as the third official Wisconsin State Park.

Of course, Devil's Lake State Park would not be what it is today without the dedication of many over the years. In the days of the Great Depression, it was the hardworking individuals of the Civilian Conservation Corps who built trails, removed invasive species, built a reservoir, acted as fireguards, and built various structures. Today, it is the tireless efforts of the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources, The Friends of Devil's Lake State Park, and the myriad of other volunteers and supporters who ensure that the park is protected and preserved for centuries to come.

In 1919, official attendance records indicate that there were 100,000 visitors. Today, Devil's Lake State Park entertains approximately 1.8 million visitors per year and continues to serve as a recreational haven. As we look to the future, we see the possible addition of more campsites and land to the west and north and a unique opportunity to add some 4,000 acres from the decommissioned Badger Army Ammunition Plant (BAAP) to the south. Today, I join visitors from South Central Wisconsin, across our great nation, and across the world in celebrating the 100th anniversary of Devil's Lake State Park.

Madam Chair, I have an amendment at the desk.

I yield myself 3\1/2\ minutes.

Madam Chair, I rise to urge adoption of the Baldwin-Sensenbrenner amendment that strikes section 5 in the America Invents Act. Section 5 expands the prior-user rights defense from its present narrow scope to broadly apply to all patents with minimal exceptions.

As we work to rebuild our economy, Congress should be doing all that it can

to foster small business innovation and investment. I believe that section 5 will do just the opposite. Expanding prior-user rights will be disastrous for small American innovators, as well as university researchers, and ultimately slow job creation.

Despite current challenges, the U.S. patent system remains the envy of the world. Since the founding of our Nation, inventions have been awarded exclusive rights in exchange for public disclosure. This system also creates incentives for investing in new ideas, fostering new ways of thinking, and encouraging further advancement and disclosures. It promotes progress.

If proponents of expanding prior-user rights have their way with this legislation, they will give new rights to those who have previously developed and used the same process or product even if they never publicly divulged their innovation and never even applied for a patent. It will transform our patent system from one that values transparency to one that rewards secrecy.

To understand why expanding prior-user rights runs counter to the public interest, it is important to reiterate how critical exclusive rights are for inventions to gain marketplace value and acquire capital. For start-ups and small businesses, raising necessary capital is vital and challenging. The expansion of prior-user rights would only make that task all the more difficult.

Under the system proposed in the American Invents Act, investors would have no way of determining whether anyone had previously developed and used the process or product that they were seeking to patent. In such a scenario, a patent might be valuable or relatively worthless; and the inventor and potential investors would have no means of determining which was true.

Madam Chairwoman, I would like to boast for a moment if I could about Stratatech, a fiercely innovative small business in Madison run by a top researcher at the University of Wisconsin who, through her research there, developed a human living skin substitute. This living skin is a groundbreaking treatment method that we hope will ultimately save the lives of American troops who have suffered burns while serving in Iraq and Afghanistan.

The company was recently awarded nearly $4 million to continue clinical trials for their tissue product. And what can save lives in a desert combat setting abroad will assuredly transform the way doctors save lives of burn victims in hospitals around our country and around the world.

Now, I wonder if Stratatech would have been able to drive this phenomenal innovation and life-saving technology as far as they have with a patent that provides only conditional exclusivity. Would investors have felt as secure advancing this technology in a system shrouded in secrecy? What if Stratatech's patent was subject to the claims of an unlimited number of people or companies who could later claim ``prior use''?

I yield myself 15 additional seconds.

If we let section 5 stand, it is unclear to me whether a similar company would ever secure the funding that they need to grow.

I urge my colleagues to adopt the Baldwin-Sensenbrenner amendment.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield the balance of my time to the gentleman from Wisconsin (Mr. Sensenbrenner).

Madam Chair, I demand a recorded vote.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the career and achievements of Ms. Connie Ferris Bailey, Executive Director of Operation Fresh Start, OFS, as she retires from her esteemed position after 34 years of service.

OFS was founded in 1970 and provides young offenders and high school dropouts with opportunities to learn basic work skills, prepare for high school equivalency exams, and secure employment. Furthermore, OFS stresses the importance of giving back to the community by renovating housing into safe, energy-efficient, affordable homes for low-income families. Over the past forty years OFS has built over 215 quality homes.

It is undoubtedly because of Connie's tireless leadership and energy that OFS is what it is today. In 1979, three years after joining OFS, Connie assumed the role of Executive Director. Under her tutelage OFS expanded annual enrollment to over 150 youth and focused on helping participants achieve self-sufficiency and become contributing citizens of the community. Connie's dedication to building a sustainable future and continuing Wisconsin's proud environmental legacy led OFS to begin providing conservation and stewardship services in and around Dane County in 1980. Additionally, since 2005, OFS builds new homes to meet or exceed Wisconsin Energy Star standards.

Connie transformed lives of at-risk youth in Madison, Dane County, and across Wisconsin. To date, OFS has served over 7,000 people. Eighty-five percent of participants are between the ages of 16-24 and 80 percent complete the goals of the program. Studies show that an astounding 60-65 percent of graduates remain self-sufficient. These numbers only begin to explain why the OFS model that Connie helped shape is so successful. It is not surprising that, in 1998, then Governor Tommy Thompson was eager to work with Connie to establish Wisconsin Fresh Start, WFS, a network of non-profit agencies operating under the OFS model that provide services aimed at increasing self- esteem and self-sufficiency of troubled youth. Today, WFS includes 9 agencies in 12 communities around the state and OFS continues to provide technical assistance to WFS.

Over the years, Connie held every employment title within OFS, highlighting how vital each position is to the program's overall success. It is an understatement to say that Connie has been and forever will be an invaluable asset to OFS and our community as a whole. Her emphasis on the value of hard work, respect, and self-worth and her recognition of potential in each and every person makes her an inspirational role model. Thankfully, although Connie is retiring, she will continue to provide essential technical assistance to new Youthbuild USA programs throughout the Midwest. People like Connie and programs like Operation Fresh Start are yet another reason I am so proud to represent the Second Congressional District of Wisconsin. I join those across Wisconsin, the Midwest, and our great Nation in thanking Ms. Connie Ferris Bailey for her lifetime of service.

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

Mr. Chairman, my amendment is simple. It would prohibit funds from being used to design, develop or procure Coast Guard Offshore Patrol Cutters unless the main diesel engines are manufactured in the United States and made by American workers. To address any concerns that this could be a single-source contract, this provision may be waived to ensure competition and best value to the American taxpayer.

The Coast Guard plans to build and procure 25 or more Offshore Patrol Cutters in the coming years. And I fully support this acquisition program. However, I believe that the Coast Guard should be required to purchase engines manufactured in the United States made by American workers.

For some reason, though, the Coast Guard has a history of buying ship engines from foreign manufacturers. We also know that the Coast Guard has a history of designing ship platforms which give preference to overseas manufacturers, resulting in major contracts going to foreign manufacturers.

This practice is driving American manufacturers out of business.

Although Congress required that vessels for the Coast Guard be manufactured in the United States starting back in 1993, in recent years, the Coast Guard has continued to procure vessel engines from foreign manufacturers.

Mr. Chairman, this is just plain wrong. The Offshore Patrol Cutter is a 25-ship class, one of the Coast Guard's largest cutter classes. Making these ships here in America would generate a lot of U.S. manufacturing jobs for many years to come. But absent some direction from this Congress, I believe that the Coast Guard will continue to send American manufacturing jobs overseas. With unemployment at 9 percent, Mr. Chairman, we can no longer tolerate this situation. Let's bring these jobs back home. Let U.S. manufacturers compete for taxpayer dollars.

I want to offer at least one specific example of the Coast Guard's current shortsighted procurement policy--the contract that they gave to MTU, a German manufacturer, for the May propulsion diesel engine of the first National Security Cutter.

This vessel, the US CGC Bertholf, suffered a catastrophic failure, including an explosion and destruction of the piston and connecting rod that had to be replaced. Now, in its solicitation for this replacement, the Coast Guard noted that ``a number of the critical parts are only currently available from the MTU factory in Germany, where these engines are manufactured. These critical parts must be specifically manufactured and have a lead time of 6 to 8 weeks from receipt of order. In addition, these parts must pass through U.S. Customs, which may entail additional delays.''

The Coast Guard purchased these repairs on a sole-source basis from Germany at an estimated cost to the taxpayer of $265,000. U.S. manufacturers never had a chance to compete for these engines and any repair work necessary down the road.

Again, Mr. Chairman, this is just plain wrong.

Getting Americans back to work is my number one priority, and I believe my colleagues would agree with me on this. I know full well these are challenging economic times in my home State of Wisconsin and across the Nation.

Recently, I visited a manufacturing plant located in my district. Workers there are confused. They don't understand why any branch of the Federal Government, much less a branch of homeland defense, would choose to give a major contract to a foreign competitor. The workers I spoke with share the worries of working families across the country: Will they be able to support their families? Will their children have the same opportunities they had, or will they see their jobs shipped overseas?

At the end of the day, this is about doing what is right by our fellow Americans.

Mr. Chairman, isn't keeping capable, hardworking Americans working the essence of homeland security?

In matters of national security in particular, I believe we should ensure that American workers build what we need to keep America safe.

My amendment is a small, but very needed change to the current Coast Guard procurement process. It will

strengthen the U.S. diesel manufacturing base and create many well- paying American jobs.

Mr. Chairman and my fellow colleagues, we have a choice. We can continue funneling good-paying jobs overseas, or we can allow my amendment to move forward, putting the best interests of America's working families and our national security first.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Point of Order

Mr. Speaker, today, I rise in support of National Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month and applaud the work of the nation's critical care medical professionals, including the doctors, nurses, respiratory therapists and pharmacists, among others, who provide care to the nearly five million Americans admitted into traditional, surgical, pediatric or neo-natal intensive care units each year. These patients require a specialized level of care that is technology-intensive, requires continuous monitoring, and involves a high use of tests, medications and procedures.

Critical care medicine consumes a significant proportion of our health care expenditures, representing 13 percent of all hospital costs, with the total costs of critical care services in the U.S. exceeding $80 billion annually.

Despite the significant role critical care medicine plays in providing high quality health care and its impact on health care costs, it is often not understood as a distinct specialty posing intense challenges in the health care system--from workforce shortages, poorly coordinated outcomes research and challenges in providing appropriate care at the end of a patient's life.

If we are to reduce costs and improve the quality of medical care, it is also important to consider and assess the unique demands of critical care medicine. That is why I have introduced the Critical Care Assessment and Improvement Act of 2011, which would ensure our critically ill and injured patients continue to receive the highest quality care by identifying gaps in the current critical care delivery model and bolstering capabilities to meet future demands.

I urge my colleagues to join me in paying special tribute to the dedicated professionals who care for the sickest patients and their families, and commemorate Critical Care Awareness and Recognition Month by cosponsoring the Critical Care Assessment and Improvement Act.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mt. Zion Baptist Church of the City of Madison, Wisconsin, on the historic occasion of its 100th anniversary.

Since 1911, Mt. Zion Baptist Church has been a vital organization in the Madison community.The Madison area is truly fortunate to have such a wonderful church continually working to better the community. Over the past 100 years, Mt. Zion has not only offered spiritual guidance, but also opened its doors to the community, expanding and evolving its services to meet the needs of those it serves.

In its first 100 years, Mt. Zion Baptist Church has provided a legacy of pastoral leadership. Reverend Joseph Washington, pastor from 1927 to 1965 and Reverend Joe Dawson, pastor from 1955 to 1985, did much to shape both the church and the community. That dedication to both congregation and community was further exemplified by the leadership of Reverend James Wright, who served Mt. Zion as associate minister from 1960 to 1984 and as senior pastor from 1990 to 1995. He also served the entire Madison community as Director of the Madison Equal Opportunities Commission. That rich tradition continues today under the leadership of Reverend Richard L. Jones, Sr.

Beyond offering a tradition of strong and inspirational pastoral guidance, Mt. Zion Baptist Church works tirelessly to give back to the community. Today, Reverend Richard Jones ensures that Mt. Zion does all it can to feed the hungry and clothe the poor, and work to better our community through scholarships, tutors, and many other forms of charity work. Mt. Zion is always extending a helping hand to its neighbors and all those in need.

The motto of Mt. Zion Baptist Church is ``Building up Reaching out,'' and this ideal is personified by the congregation at Mt. Zion. Every day since 1911, Madison area residents have enjoyed the service and guidance provided by the Church.

Today, I am humbled to join the congregation of Mt. Zion Baptist Church, the residents of the City of Madison, the people of the State of Wisconsin, and all citizens of the United States in recognizing, honoring, and sincerely thanking Mt. Zion Baptist Church and its faithful followers for their selfless works and tireless commitment for the past 100 years.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Children's Mental Health Awareness Day, which occurs each year during National Children's Mental Health Awareness Week.

In 2004, the National Federation of Families for Children's Mental Health began designating the first full week of May as Children's Mental Health Awareness Week to promote the positive development of our youth. Additionally, since 2006, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's Center for Mental Health Services has declared one day during the week National Children's Mental Health Awareness Day.

On this special day, a distinguished coalition is gathering in Wisconsin. Groups like Wisconsin Family Ties, the Wisconsin Alliance for Infant Mental Health, Wisconsin United for Mental Health, the Supporting Families Together Association, and Wisconsin Public Broadcasting are joining with affected youth, their families, and others in our community. They stand together at the Madison Children's Museum to focus our attention on this important public health issue.

In Wisconsin the statistics paint a startling picture. One out of every five children who appear healthy is, in fact, suffering from mental health problems. Children with mental illness and disabilities have a far greater likelihood of being suspended or expelled from school, abusing drugs or alcohol, or ending up in the juvenile justice system. In 2008, only 11 percent of Wisconsin children living with serious mental health disorders received any public mental health services, less than one third the rate for adults.

However, not all hope is lost. At the federal level, the passage of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act includes numerous provisions that will help diagnose, treat, and support children with mental illness and their families. For example, the law immediately eliminates pre-existing condition clauses for children. This will help ensure that more families can afford to seek treatment for their child and may do so without fear of losing their coverage.

We must continue to pursue a course of action that works to not only identify and diagnose mental illness as early as possible, but also provide comprehensive treatment to those affected. The better we are able to serve the needs of our youth who suffer from mental illness, the sooner we can reduce long term costs associated with dropout rates, substance abuse, homelessness, and the justice system. We know that children with mental illness can live full and productive lives as long as we provide them with the support they need.

In the 1800s, the color green was used to identify people who were labeled ``insane.'' Since then, the color has taken on a very different meaning, one that now signifies new life, new growth, and new beginnings. Today, I join with children, families, and supporters both in south central Wisconsin and across the nation in wearing the color green to show our support. Above all, I salute all those who are working to raise awareness of this crucial issue and hope today serves as a reminder that each one of us can and must do better to address children's mental health issues.

I thank the gentleman.

Mr. Chairman, I rise in opposition to this Republican proposal because it will not create jobs, it will not stimulate our struggling economy, and it will not put the middle class back to work. Instead, the bill that we are considering today would take away funding for States to offer new affordable insurance options for their citizens. And this bill would lead to job loss, hindering our fragile economic recovery.

Bait and switch--that is what it is called when you say one thing and do another, when you run for office promising to create jobs and bolster the economy and get elected and start doing something entirely different.

Last election was about jobs and the economy, and Congress should be at the forefront. But instead of leading and putting Americans back to work, we are considering a bill to repeal funding that will create jobs and provide families and small businesses with access to affordable health care options.

Forty-eight States, including my home State of Wisconsin, have already received up to $1 million each to get health insurance exchanges up and running, including hiring key staff for implementation. In other words, this funding is creating jobs.

This Republican bill raises a very important question: Are we going to ask cash-strapped States to return the money they have already been awarded? Are we going to prevent these States from receiving further funding that will create jobs?

I fail to see how rescinding these dollars that will be used to create jobs is the right thing to do to get our economy back on track, and I urge my colleagues to stand up for Americans looking for work and looking for affordable health care and vote against this bill.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the University of Wisconsin-Madison women's hockey team for completing an outstanding season and winning the NCAA Division I National Championship. The victory marks the Badgers' fourth national title in six years.

Under the tutelage of Coach Mark Johnson, UW-Madison achieved tremendous success this season with an overall record of 37 wins, 2 ties, and 2 losses. Their mark of 37 wins is a new NCAA women's hockey record, besting the mark of 36 wins previously set by the Badgers in 2006. and 2007, and their last win capped an unbelievable 27 game win streak. The Badgers secured both the WCHA regular season and tournament titles, and on March 20, 2011, they iced the National Championship with a 4-1 victory over Boston University in the 2011 NCAA Women's Frozen Four National Championship game at Tullio Arena in Erie, Pennsylvania.

The merit of this team is reflected in the many accolades earned by its members. Coach Johnson, a former gold medal Olympian, was awarded the 2011 American Hockey Coaches Association Division I Coach of the Year, making him a four-time recipient of the award. Additionally, senior forward Meghan Duggan was awarded the Patty Kazmaier Award, which recognizes the Division I female hockey player who displays the highest standards of personal and team excellence during the season. Meghan's three point performance in the semifinal game against Boston College, which included an assist on Brianna Decker's goal with just 48 seconds left, helped the Badgers skate into the finals.

The puck does not stop with athletic achievement. UW-Madison Chancellor Biddy Martin, Athletic Director Barry Alvarez, and Coach Mark Johnson are dedicated to creating an environment of academic excellence. Every year, the Elite 88 award is presented to the student- athlete with the highest cumulative grade point average participating in the finals for each of the NCAA's 88 championships. This year, sophomore goalie Rebecca Ruegsegger, who also was named to the All-WCHA Academic team and is a WCHA Scholar Athlete, was the women's hockey recipient for this prestigious award for her 4.0 grade point average.

The loyal support of Badger fans clad in cardinal and white across the state helped raise the women's hockey team to the apex of their sport. I join others in south central Wisconsin in proudly recognizing the achievements of the players, coaches, students, alumni, and staffers who were vital in helping the UW-Madison women's hockey team win yet another NCAA title.