Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, on January 7, 2015, on Roll Call #8 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 26--Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On January 7, 2015, on Roll Call #9 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 37--Promoting Job Creation and Reducing Small Business Burdens Act, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On January 7, 2015, on Roll Call #10 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 23--National Windstorm Impact Reduction Act Reauthorization, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On January 8, 2015, on Roll Call #11 on the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY.

On January 8, 2015, on Roll Call #12 on H. Res. 19--Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 3) to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 30) the Save American Workers Act of 2015, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY.

On January 8, 2015, on Roll Call #13 on the Democratic Motion to Recommit H.R. 30, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On January 8, 2015, on Roll Call #14 on Passage of H.R. 30--Save American Workers Act of 2015, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY.

On January 9, 2015, on Roll Call #15 on the Democratic Motion to Recommit H.R. 3, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On January 9, 2015, on Roll Call #16 on Passage of H.R. 3--Keystone XL Pipeline Act, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY.

Mr. Speaker, I was pleased that my colleagues unanimously agreed during the 113th Congress that we must act to combat Veteran suicide and I am grateful that we are acting quickly in the first days of the 114th Congress to address this critical unfinished business. The statistics are heartbreaking. An average of 22 Veterans commit suicide every day. So each day that we delay action is a day we cannot afford. I was proud to help introduce HR. 5059, Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act with Chairman Jeff Miller and Representative Tim Walz. While there is no bill that will completely end Veteran suicide, this comprehensive measure is a step in the right direction. It will remove barriers that prevent our nation's heroes from getting the quality, timely mental health care that they deserve. It is my sincere hope that my colleagues in the Senate will take note of the momentum in the House and bring this legislation to the Senate Floor as soon as possible.

Mr. Speaker, on December 9, 2014, on Roll Call #552 on the Democratic Motion to Recommit H.R. 5781, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 9, 2014, on Roll Call #553 on Passage of H.R. 5781-- California Emergency Drought Relief Act 2014, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY.

On December 10, 2014, on Roll Call #554 on H. Res. 775 Providing for consideration of S. 2244, the Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act of 2014; and for other purposes, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY.

On December 10, 2014, on Roll Call #555 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass S. 1000--Chesapeake Bay Accountability and Recovery Act of 2014, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 10, 2014, on Roll Call #557 on Passage of S. 2244-- Terrorism Risk Insurance Program Reauthorization Act, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 10, 2014, on Roll Call #558 on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 4681, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 10, 2014, on Roll Call #559 on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 2719, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 10, 2014, on Roll Call #560 on Motion to Suspend the Rules and Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 1204, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 11, 2014, on Roll Call #561 on H. Res. 776, Providing for Consideration of the Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment with an Amendment to H.R. 83--Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY.

On December 11, 2014, on Roll Call #562 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 5806--Supporting America's Charities Act, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY.

On December 11, 2014, on Roll Call #563 on the Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment with an Amendment to H.R. 83--Consolidated and Further Continuing Appropriations Act, 2015, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 11, 2014, on Roll Call #564 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended H.R. 5699--John Muir National Historic Site Expansion Act, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

Mr. Speaker, the National Defense Authorization Act provides critical authorities for our men and women in uniform. It provides for their pay, addresses issues of mental health and suicide, protects victims of sexual assault and ensures they are well equipped and trained to conduct the missions that the country asks of them. I am proud that my colleagues on the Armed Services Committee and in the House could come to bipartisan agreement on this legislation to ensure that our Armed Forces remain the best in the world. It is not perfect, but this year's NDAA is an example of how we can work together to keep the American people safe, save tax payer dollars and make sure our men and women in uniform get the support they deserve.

However, I remain concerned about the provision included in the NDAA to provide for authorization through 2016 for the equipping and training of Syrian rebels.

There still remain too many questions about the long term implications of arming and equipping rebel forces and how this action fits into our broader strategy of destroying ISIS. I believe, without a detailed discussion on what supporting the Syrian rebels entails, that this kind of authorization will lead to a much longer and costly level of engagement. Congress has failed to properly discuss and weigh the long

term consequences of this military action. As a Member of Congress, it is my responsibility to make sure we don't commit resources, the most precious of which are our men and women in uniform, with no comprehensive plan for our involvement. Congress needs to debate and develop a new Authorization for the Use of Military Force (AUMF) before authorizing one piece of that strategy that will inevitably lead to further involvement across multiple national borders.

Mr. Speaker, on December 1, 2014, on Roll Call #532 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended H.R. 5629-- Strengthening Domestic Nuclear Security Act of 2014, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 1, 2014, on Roll Call #533 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 3438--National Laboratories Mean National Security Act, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 2, 2014, on Roll Call #534 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass S. 2040--Blackfoot River Land Exchange Act of

2014, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 2, 2014, on Roll Call #535 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 5050--May 31, 1918 Act Repeal Act, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 2, 2014, on Roll Call #536 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended H.R. 3572--To revise the boundaries of certain John H. Chafee Coastal Barrier Resources System units, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 2, 2014, on Roll Call #537 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 5739--No Social Security for Nazis Act, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 2, 2014, on Roll Call #538 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and H.R. 3240--Regulation D Study Act, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 2, 2014, on Roll Call #539 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass, as Amended H.R. 2366--World War I American Veterans Centennial Commemorative Coin Act, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 3, 2014, on Roll Call #540 on H. Res. 766, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5771) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to extend certain expiring provisions and make technical corrections, and for other purposes, and providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 647) to amend the Internal Revenue Code of 1986 to provide for the tax treatment of ABLE accounts established under State programs for the care of family members with disabilities, and for other purposes. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY.

On December 3, 2014, on Roll Call #541 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and H.R. 5769--``To authorize appropriations for the Coast Guard for fiscal year 2015, and for other purposes.'', I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 3, 2014, on Roll Call #543 on the Democratic Motion to Recommit H.R. 5771, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 3, 2014, on Roll Call #544 on Passage of H.R. 5771--Tax Increase Prevention Act, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 3, 2014, on Roll Call #545 on Passage of H.R. 647-- Achieving a Better Life Experience Act, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 4, 2014, on Roll Call #546 on the Motion on Ordering the Previous Question on the Rule, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY.

On December 4, 2014, on Roll Call #547 on H. Res. 770--Rule providing for consideration of the Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment with an Amendment to H.R. 3979--National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2015, H.R. 5759--``Preventing Executive Overreach on Immigration Act,'' and H.R. 5781--California Emergency Drought Relief Act of 2014, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY.

On December 4, 2014, on Roll Call #548 on H. Res. 758--Strongly condemning the actions of the Russian Federation, under Vladimir Putin, which has carried out a policy of aggression against neighboring countries aimed at political and economic domination, as amended, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 4, 2014, on Roll Call #549 on the Democratic Motion to Recommit H.R. 5759, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On December 4, 2014, on Roll Call #550 on Passage of H.R. 5759, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY.

On December 4, 2014, on Roll Call #551 on the Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment with an Amendment to H.R. 3979, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

Mr. Speaker, I was proud to help introduce H.R. 5059, the Clay Hunt Suicide Prevention for American Veterans Act with Chairman Jeff Miller and Representative Tim Walz.

This bipartisan bill, named after 28-year-old Marine Veteran Clay Hunt, who tragically took his own life in March 2011, will reduce the barriers that prevent our Veterans from receiving quality mental health care.

It is a heartbreaking reality that twenty-two Veterans take their own lives each day. These are all casualties of war. As a nation, we are failing these brave men and women.

This legislation will task an independent, third party to annually review mental health care and suicide prevention programs and make recommendations on how to improve care. The bill also requires the VA to create a centralized source of information for all mental health services for Veterans. It will also address the shortage of mental health care professionals in order to ensure access to care as demand increases. Finally, through a pilot program, Veterans will receive reintegration assistance directly from the communities in which they live, fostering a smoother and more inclusive transition to life after the uniform.

Just as these Veterans remained faithful to our country on the battlefield, it is our turn as their Representatives to remain faithful to them. When our service men and women make the brave decision to seek help, we must ensure that they can get the quality assistance and treatment they deserve in a timely manner.

I urge all of the Members to support this legislation so that we can begin to turn the tide against suicide.

Mr. Speaker, on November 17, 2014, on Roll Call #520 on the Motion to Suspend the Rules and Pass H.R. 5162--To amend the Act entitled ``An Act to allow a certain parcel of land in Rockingham County, Virginia, to be used for a child care center'' to remove the use restriction, and for other purposes, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted

Mr. Speaker, as a proud cosponsor of H.R. 647, the ABLE Act, I urge all of my colleagues to vote in favor of this legislation today. If enacted, it would allow Americans living with a disability and their families to establish tax-exempt financial accounts so they can finance qualified expenses including education, housing, transportation, employment support, medical care and other personal necessities. Critically, it would not jeopardize eligibility for other important federal benefits like Medicaid and Social Security.

As a disabled American myself, I understand the financial strain a disability can have on individuals and their families. Not only do disabled Americans often face higher costs and lower incomes, but they are currently penalized for saving for their future. The ABLE Act will allow millions of Americans with disabilities to invest in their futures, live fulfilling lives and become more independent and less reliant on public benefits. It will empower them to build a better economic future for themselves and their families.

Disabled Americans deserve every opportunity to achieve their dreams. I urge the House to pass this important legislation as quickly as possible.

Mr. Speaker, on November 11, 2014, on Roll Call #516 on the Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 4194-- Government Reports Elimination Act, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On November 12, 2014, on Roll Call #517 on H.Res. 748, Providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5682) to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY.

On November 13, 2014, on Roll Call #518 on the Democratic Motion to Recommit H.R. 5682, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted YEA.

On November 13, 2014, on Roll Call #519 on H.R. 5682, to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted NAY.

Mr. Speaker, on November 11, 2014, on rollcall No. 516 on the Motion to Concur in the Senate Amendment to H.R. 4194-- Government Reports Elimination Act, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

On November 12, 2014, on rollcall No. 517 on H. Res. 748, providing for consideration of the bill (H.R. 5682) to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

On November 13, 2014, on rollcall No. 518 on the Democratic Motion to Recommit H.R. 5682, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

On November 13, 2014, on rollcall No. 519 on H.R. 5682, to approve the Keystone XL Pipeline, I am not recorded because I was absent for medical reasons. Had I been present, I would have voted ``nay.''

Mr. Speaker, I rise in recognition of Trickster Art Gallery for its presentation of Native American Veteran artwork in honor of Native Heritage Month and Veterans Day.

During the month of November, we celebrate the ancestry and time- honored traditions of Native Americans, as their contributions have been and continue to be instrumental in the development of our great Nation. Native Americans have helped shape American conservation policy, enriched American culture and have fought gallantly for our country.

From the Revolutionary War to current combat missions, American Indians have played a vital role in the United States Military. In World War II, for example, over 375 Navajo Marines were trained as Code Talkers and famously saved countless lives with their unbreakable codes.

Native Americans continue to serve honorably on behalf of our Nation. According to the Department of Defense, American Indians and Alaska Natives have a greater proportion of Veterans than the general United States population. As a Veteran myself, I understand the great sacrifice and courage of the Native American Veteran community.

I am proud to represent the Eighth Congressional District where the diverse cultures of our great Nation are celebrated.

Mr. Speaker, today I want to tell the story of a constituent of mine whose life has exemplified the American Dream.

Joe Schneider was born in Kernei, Yugoslavia, in 1929. While his father was off fighting in World War II, Joe led his displaced family on a journey throughout Eastern Europe. As refugees, the war years were extremely challenging, and he eventually lost a leg at the age of 15.

His family was given the opportunity to leave Austria and arrived in the U.S. as immigrants in 1951. Without speaking a word of English, he set out to start working as a tailor. He finally lived his dream when he founded Joe's Tailor Shop at 50. For more than 25 years, his small family business created employment and provided for more than 20 families. As a resident of Hanover Park, Illinois, Joe was known for his commitment to his community.

In 1953, Joe met Katharina Schaeffer, who was also an immigrant from Kernei. They had three children and three grandchildren together. The family was blessed to be able to celebrate Joe and Katharina's 60th wedding anniversary in February.

Unfortunately, Joe passed away recently, but his American Dream and love for his country and his family will live on forever. I send my condolences to his family and especially to Herman, his son, who continues that tradition of the American Dream and is leading manufacturing in our district, adding to the strength of this Nation.

Mr. Speaker, I submit the following.

Whereas; the Passenger Pigeon, Ectopistes Migratorius, was once the most abundant bird in North America with a population exceeding 3 billion; and

Whereas; due to unregulated market hunting in the 19th century, the population plummeted towards extinction; and

Whereas; the death of Martha, the last Passenger Pigeon, on September 1, 1914, and the extinction of the Passenger Pigeon helped assemble the American conservation movement of the early 20th century; and

Whereas; the story of the Passenger Pigeon can serve as a cautionary tale and raise awareness of current issues related to human-caused extinction, explore connections between humans and nature, and inspire the building of sustainable relationships with other species; and

Whereas; the history of the Passenger Pigeon is relevant today due to the fact more than 30 percent of amphibians are threatened with extinction, many species of birds, bats and honeybees are in rapid decline and when it is projected that 25 percent of the U.S.'s native plant species may go extinct by mid-century; and

Whereas; Project Passenger Pigeon, a consortium of over 150 institutions, scientists, conservationists, educators, artists, musicians, filmmakers and others throughout the nation is using the centenary of the species extinction to tell the story of the Passenger Pigeon; and

Whereas; the story of the Passenger Pigeon, once an example of nature's abundance, and its subsequent extinction is unique to American history;

Now Therefore, be it known that the undersigned Member of the United States Congress, the Honorable L. Tammy Duckworth of the Eighth Congressional District of Illinois, hereby recognizes the anniversary of the Passenger Pigeon's extinction and its importance in remembering our natural heritage and nation's wildlife and the role we can play in conserving them.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Joe Schneider. The recent emotion and debate surrounding immigration in the U.S. has detracted from some great stories about those immigrants who helped to found and shape this country. I would like to share a story about one of those immigrants.

Joe Schneider was born in Kernei, Yugoslavia in 1929. While his father was off fighting in World War II, Joe led his displaced family on a journey throughout Yugoslavia, Czechoslovakia, Hungary and ultimately Vienna, Austria. As refugees, the war years were extremely challenging and although he lost a leg at age 15, he never lost his desire or ability to support and lead his mother and four younger siblings.

His family was given the opportunity to leave Austria and arrived in the U.S. as immigrants in 1951. Joe was extremely proud of his German heritage but his love for this country was something he never stopped talking about. Without speaking a word of English and missing a leg he set out to start working as a tailor. He often talked about living in the land of opportunity and how it afforded anyone and everyone the chance to start and own their own business. He finally lived his dream when

he founded Joe's Tailor Shop at age 50. For more than 25 years, Joe's small family business created employment and provided for more than 20 families.

In 1953, Joe met Katharina Schaeffer, who was also an immigrant from Kernei. They had three children, Hermann (Christine), Robert and Monica (John) as well as three grandchildren, Michael, Lauren and Megan. The family was blessed to be able to celebrate Joe and Katharina's 60th wedding anniversary in February of this year.

For the past ten years Joe had been the President of the Kerneier Pleasure Club in Chicago. As a leader in Chicago's German-American community, he balanced the preservation of old world traditions with a love and belief in the American way of life. The recent World Cup soccer match between the U.S. and Germany could have created a conflict but Joe clearly supported Team USA.

I'm not sure he had a bucket list but I do know he had watched a family grow and flourish, experienced all the richness life can offer, and was able to look back with very few regrets. I also know the investment he made in his family and friends paid dividends throughout his whole life. Although he will be sadly missed, his love for his country and family will live on forever.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to welcome the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), their more than 200 employees and their beautiful new headquarters building to Schaumburg, Illinois.

The American Society of Anesthesiologists represents more than 52,000 members and is a cutting edge education and professional association. ASA is dedicated to the advancement and study of the practice of anesthesiology, with patient safety and standards of care at the core of its mission.

For more than 100 years, this association has worked to ensure that all Americans have access to high-quality and safe health care, and has been active in ensuring Congress does all it can to protect patient safety.

Anesthesiology was one of the first medical specialties to champion patient safety as a specific focus, leading to the creation of the independent Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation in 1985. This organization, supported by the ASA, works to assure that no patient will be harmed by anesthesia. This has led to national standards of practice, a rare feat for a medical professional society.

In its new state-of-the-art headquarters, ASA can better highlight the important role of physician anesthesiologists and their responsibility for patient care before, during, and after surgery. Since 2008, ASA has showcased its focus on patient safety through the Anesthesia Quality Institute, which develops and maintains a registry of case data that helps physician anesthesiologists assess and improve patient care. Additionally, ASA has maintained focus on the best methods of improving patient safety and recovery, developing the Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH), an innovative model of delivering health care during the entire patient surgical experience from the time of the decision for surgery until patient recovery.

The new facility features an updated Wood Library and Museum of Anesthesiology, which highlights these and other important historical developments of the practice of anesthesiology from its origin as the first organized anesthesia society in Long Island, NY.

From the Land of Lincoln to our nation's capital, the importance of patient safety continues to be a top priority. This is reflected in the Dr. Crawford Long statue, the father of anesthesiology, here in the U.S. Capitol building, a reminder of the ongoing efforts to develop the safest and most effective methods of anesthesiology and pain relief. Through the education, advocacy and involvement of ASA, the medical field of anesthesiology continues to grow and advance.

I am proud to rise and stand in support of the American Society of Anesthesiologists. Thank you for all that you have done and continue to do for patient safety within the field of anesthesiology. I ask my colleagues to join me in thanking them for their efforts and congratulating them on their new headquarters located in the Eighth District of Illinois.