Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise in support of this Senate-House compromise legislation, which takes important steps to eliminate Federal Government waste. For 4 years I served as the Chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Management, Finance, and Accountability, where I focused my efforts on making the Federal Government more accountable. My Subcommittee held numerous hearings in which, all too often, accounting errors such as overpayment for services or redundant payments were discovered or where programs were not effectively fulfilling their intended mission.

At a time when the national debt is nearly $14 trillion, it has never been more apparent that the Federal Government must spend taxpayer dollars wisely. Federal programs must be monitored to ensure that our investments are presenting clear results and those programs that are not performing effectively must be reformed or eliminated. One of the reasons that we find ourselves in such substantial debt today is that Federal programs never end. Both high-performing and low-performing programs continue on, year after year, often with increasing funds. The Federal Government needs a clear evaluation process for each program, the results of which would be used to provide legislators with the information they need to determine which programs should continue on and which should not.

The legislation we are considering today, similar to legislation that I introduced in the 108th Congress, H.R. 3826, and the 109th Congress, H.R. 185, would require that all Federal agencies work with the Office of Management and Budget, OMB, to clearly identify outcome-based goals and then submit an action plan to achieve these goals. Agencies would be required to conduct quarterly performance assessments outlining how effectively they are working to meet the stated goals, and all information would be made available to Congress and the American people.

In addition, the Government Accountability Office, GAO, would be tasked with performing frequent and detailed evaluations outlining how effective the agency has been in achieving their stated goals. This impartial review of Federal programs will assure that agencies are being good stewards of our Federal taxpayer dollars.

I commend Representative Cuellar for introducing this bill to ensure that Federal resources are spent efficiently and waste is minimized. Now more than ever, while American families are cutting extraneous expenses from their budgets, the Federal Government must do the same. I hope that all of my colleagues will join with me in supporting this important effort.

Mr. Speaker, on March 2, 2010, Secretary of Defense Robert Gates announced that the U.S. Department of Defense, DOD, would conduct a thorough review of the ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy prohibiting openly gay men and women from serving in the military. The review was to examine the impact that repeal of the ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy would have on military readiness and effectiveness, unit cohesion, recruiting, retention, and family readiness.

The review solicited feedback from more than 500,000 active duty and reserve component Service members and spouses, with more than 200,000 responses ultimately being received. The Working Group that conducted

the review was composed of 49 military personnel, officer and enlisted, and 19 civilian personnel from across the Department of Defense and the Military Services. The Group was Co-Chaired by General Carter F. Ham, U.S. Army, and the Honorable Jeb C. Johnson, Department of Defense General Counsel.

In May of this year, while DOD's review was still underway, the U.S. House of Representatives voted on an amendment to the Fiscal Year 2011 National Defense Authorization Act that would have effectively repealed the ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy. I voted against this amendment because I felt it was disrespectful to the men and women in uniform and their families for Congress to vote on a repeal of this policy without first considering their vital input.

The Department of Defense's nine-month review of the impact of repealing the ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy was completed last month. The review's findings include an understandably broad range of opinions about the likely impact of said repeal. Ultimately, however, the review concludes that repeal of the ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy can be implemented in a manner that minimizes the risks associated with military readiness and effectiveness, unit cohesion, recruiting, retention, and family readiness. I agree.

It is important to note that House of Representatives Bill 2965, H.R. 2965, does not repeal the ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy immediately. Rather, repeal is made contingent upon the President, the Secretary of Defense, and the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff certifying to Congress that the Department of Defense has prepared the necessary policies and regulations to implement the repeal in a manner that is ``consistent with the standards of military readiness, military effectiveness, unit cohesion, and recruiting and retention of the Armed Forces.'' Such a deliberate and orderly implementation of the repeal will be critical to its success and is consistent with the recommendations of the Department of Defense review.

In addition to my consideration of the Department of Defense's review, I received and thoughtfully considered the input of many currently serving military personnel and veterans in the 19th District, as well as numerous other 19th District residents. Similar to the findings of the DOD review, the input I received from my constituents included passionate appeals for and against repeal of the ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy.

Throughout my tenure in Congress, I have had the privilege to interact with thousands of our nation's armed service members--here at home and overseas in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia, and elsewhere. Each of these interactions has been truly inspiring and humbling. Our men and women in uniform, along with their loved ones, are the true heroes of our nation. But for their selfless service, the freedoms that all of us fellow Americans enjoy everyday would not be. Given that these proud Americans have answered the call to serve and stand ready to make the ultimate sacrifice on behalf of their fellow citizens, each and every one of them has earned my highest respect and heartfelt gratitude.

In light of the tremendous number of troops that I have interacted with over the last 10 years, it is safe to say that I have visited and thanked a significant number of gay or lesbian soldiers, marines, airmen, sailors, and coast guardsmen for their courageous and dedicated service in defense of all that is good about our great country. In light of the findings of the Department of Defense review, to oppose a repeal of the ``Don't Ask, Don't Tell'' policy would contradict the respect and gratitude that I feel for all who serve--regardless of their sexual orientation. As such, I support an orderly repeal of the policy along the lines contemplated in the DOD report and contained in

Madam Speaker, I rise today to offer my congratulations to the students, teachers, and staff members of West Creek Hills Elementary School, located in my Congressional District, for a very successful school supply drive for students in Afghanistan. In particular, I want to recognize 4th grader Adam Shea Aukamp for bringing the idea to West Creek Hills' Principal, Steve Yanni, and helping to organize the drive.

Adam came up with the idea for the school supply drive after reading a story in a newspaper for children that focused on U.S. troops serving in Afghanistan. The story highlighted how many Afghan children do not have enough school supplies, such as pencils, pens, crayons, etc. Adam decided he wanted to collect supplies to help Afghan children. Adam's mother, Barbara Sheaffer, contacted the Pennsylvania National Guard and connected with a colonel stationed in Afghanistan. The colonel learned through an interpreter that backpacks were also needed. Adam added this to his list.

Adam wrote a letter to his fellow students asking them to support the project and donate supplies. He and a few friends, including Drew Roman, Wesley Marshall, Jacob Doll, and Nicholas Minnich, created some posters and placed them around the school. They also visited classrooms to promote the project. Adam made announcements over the school's intercom system, first announcing the project, and then providing updates on the donation progress.

The drive lasted from November 8 through November 19, 2010. In the end, the school collected: 12 pencil boxes, 37 backpacks, 113 notebooks and writing tablets, 139 crayon boxes, 343 pens, and, 1,577 pencils.

Once again, congratulations to Adam Aukamp and all members of the West Creek Hills Elementary School community. Their efforts are an inspiration to all Americans and stand as a wonderful testament to the unparalleled generosity of our Nation's citizens, young and old.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House of Representatives Bill 1347 (H.R. 1347), the Concussion Treatment and Care Tools Act. I am honored to have joined with my fellow cochair of the Congressional Traumatic Brain Injury Taskforce, Representative Bill Pascrell, in introducing this important legislation that aims to make significant progress in protecting student athletes from brain injuries.

It is estimated that as many as 41 percent of high school athletes who suffer from concussions return to play too soon. The consequences of this practice are extremely dangerous, as suffering a second concussion before an existing head injury has time to heal can lead to brain swelling, permanent brain damage and even death. However, when students, coaches and athletic trainers are provided the proper training in prevention, detection, and management, these instances can largely be prevented. As such, the bill we are considering today provides States with the tools needed to adopt and disseminate concussion management guidelines for school-sponsored sports. In addition, the bill would fund schools' implementation of computerized pre-season baseline and post-injury neuropsychological testing for student athletes to determine the severity of each injury. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting H.R. 1347 and making significant gains in protecting high school student-athletes.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1560, supporting the increased understanding of, and interest in, computer science and computing careers among the public, and especially in our schools, to ensure an ample and diverse future technology workforce through the designation of National Computer Science Education Week.

Computer science is the study of the theoretical foundations of information and computation and of practical techniques for their implementation and application in computer systems. Today, more than ever, computer science is integral to the functioning

and growth of our society and economy. Computer science supports the information technology sector that has become such a large contributor to the United States' economic output.

The need for diverse participants in the field of computer science exists more so today than ever before. As the world's dependence on technology grows, so does the need for individuals with the knowledge and background to support and advance that technology in all fields of science.

Computer science education provides an opportunity for students to enter the field of computer science and exposes them to the opportunities this important field has to offer. A high-quality education in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics can help to prepare students for a future in computer science and to master the skills needed in the 21st century workforce. A computer science education can provide students with opportunities for future education and employment in some of the fastest growing industries.

National Computer Science Education Week, to be recognized the week of December 5, will inform students, teachers, parents, and the public about the role of computer science in our society and the opportunities it affords to participants in the field. Today I express my strong support for National Computer Science Education Week and encourage all schools, teachers, researchers, and universities to recognize this occasion.

I support the resolution and ask my colleagues to do the same.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I was expecting the sponsor of the resolution. I understand that he is on his way and should be here momentarily.

I take it the gentleman has no other speakers?

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

I want to commend the gentleman from Colorado along with the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers) for their sponsorship of this. We see issues often in our professional roles but also in our personal roles, and this area of computer science and education is one that I have seen as a dad, a parent of a 14-year-old and an 11-year-old, a sixth grader and an eighth grader. This generation that's coming up now can't imagine the world without computers. As one of the older generations, I regularly turn to them for input in how to troubleshoot. And I think that's what we're trying to help promote here is that understanding of how integral computer science is to our daily lives, to our economy, and to our quality of life. And this resolution will help promote that idea and remind all of our citizens that, if they're looking for a great opportunity for a career, computer science and related fields is a wonderful one that's going to be with us for decades to come and integral to our country's growth and success economically in the years ahead, as well.

I believe that we're not going to be able to wait for the sponsor, so I would just conclude by acknowledging Mr. Ehlers, the gentleman from Michigan's work in this area and his professional work before coming to the House in this arena and what a great champion he has been for supporting the importance of education in computer science, mathematics, engineering, and technology. And he'll be leaving us at the end of this session, but I know he will continue to be a strong advocate for education in this field.

With that, Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1582 honoring and saluting Americans for the Arts on its fifth anniversary, and I am honored to have the privilege of joining with the distinguished chairwoman of the House Rules Committee, the gentlewoman from New York. As cochairs of the Congressional Arts Caucus, I was delighted to join with her in sponsoring this resolution. I appreciate her great leadership in promoting arts and helping to advance the cause of arts.

Again, I speak as a dad, those boys I referenced earlier, my sons, T.J. and Tom, I have seen what a great blessing it has been to them being exposed to the arts throughout their lives, and how it has enriched them and allowed them to be even better students in other subjects as well.

Today I stand in support of this resolution. Americans for the Arts is the Nation's leading nonprofit organization for advancing the arts in America. It was founded and chartered in 1960 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, by first board president George Irwin and a group of arts supporters with the mission of enhancing public and private support for the nonprofits arts and serving local arts councils in the United States. The organization played an integral role in the formation and establishment of the National Endowment for the Arts in 1965, and today Americans for the Arts serves more than 150,000 organizational and individual members and stakeholders.

The organization's goals are achieved in partnership with local, State, and national arts organizations, government agencies, business leaders, individual philanthropists, and educators throughout this country. Americans for the Arts provides extensive arts-industry research and professional development opportunities for community arts leaders via specialized programs and services, including a content-rich Web site and an annual national convention.

Local arts agencies throughout the United States comprise Americans for the Arts' core constituency. A variety of unique partner networks with particular interests such as public art, united arts fundraising, arts education, and emerging arts leaders are also supported.

Americans for the Arts strives to ensure the arts thrive in America. It also produces annual events to heighten visibility for the arts, including the National Arts Awards and Arts Advocacy Day, which annually convenes arts advocates from across the country to advance Federal support of the arts, humanities, and arts education.

Today, we congratulate and honor Americans for the Arts for its 50 years of service representing and serving local communities and creating opportunities for every American to participate in and appreciate all forms of the

arts. I urge my colleagues to support this resolution.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield such time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers), both a strong supporter of the arts as well as computer science education, the last resolution that we adopted. He has been a great leader in these areas to us.

Madam Speaker, I again would be honored to yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Ehlers).

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1545, expressing support for designation of the week beginning on the third Monday of September--this week--as National Postdoc Appreciation Week, and join with the gentleman from Colorado in recognizing Mr. Stearns, the gentleman from Florida, for his sponsorship of this resolution.

Postdoctoral research is academic or scholarly research conducted by a person who has completed his or her doctoral studies, normally within the following 5 years. It is intended to further deepen expertise in a specialized subject area, including necessary skills and methods. Postdoctoral research is often considered essential to the scholarly mission of the host institution and is expected to produce relevant publications accordingly.

Postdoctoral research may be funded through an appointment with a salary or an appointment with a stipend or sponsorship award. Appointments for such research positions may be called postdoctoral research fellow, postdoctoral research associate, or postdoctoral research assistant. Depending on the type of appointment, postdoctoral researchers may work independently or under the supervision of a principal investigator.

Postdocs make invaluable contributions to the research enterprise, which is important if the United States is to remain competitive in a global market. To do so, we must make every effort to attract the best and the brightest men and women from all groups, including international scholars, to ensure that progress and innovation takes place in all fields of study.

Today, we recognize the accomplishments and contributions postdocs make to relevant institutions, fields of study, and communities around the world. We encourage the improvement of training and career opportunities in various research fields at all levels of training and stages of all research careers.

I urge all my colleagues to join in supporting this resolution.

Madam Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize South Middleton Township, Pennsylvania on its 200th Birthday.

Established in 1810, South Middleton Township is comprised of approximately 52 square miles and has a population of almost 14,500. A wonderful community in which to live, work, and play, the Township is bordered on the north by Carlisle Borough, North Middleton Township, and Middlesex Township. To the east is Monroe Township and to the south are York and Adams Counties. Dickinson Township borders South Middleton to the west. The Township is predominantly a rural farming community and forested area. Approximately 75 percent of the land is used for farming, forest, or woodland. South Middleton Township was created when the area known as Middleton was divided into North Middletorn and South Middleton. The governing body consists of five elected supervisors and an appointed township manager.

Madam Speaker, the observance of the 200th Birthday of South Middleton Township provides a special opportunity to pay tribute to the citizens of the township, past and present, who have contributed immeasurably to the township's wonderful quality of life. South Middleton Township will be celebrating the Bicentennial all summer long with parades, picnics, and events at local venues. Over Memorial

Day the Township had floats accompanied by veterans in both the Boiling Springs and Carlisle Memorial Day parades. Labor Day will conclude the official Bicentennial celebrations and will include a fireworks display. I encourage all of my constituents, whether South Middleton residents or visitors, to attend these gatherings and commemorate the Township's birth. It is with heartfelt wishes that I recognize South Middletown Township on its 200th Birthday.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Major General Robert Williams, 47th Commandant of the United States Army

War College. Just last month, Major General Williams retired after serving our nation admirably for 36 years.

Major General Williams is a highly decorated officer who served in a number of combat and non-combat assignments. His assignments included: Tank Company Commander in the 4th Battalion, 63d Armor at Fort Riley, Kansas; Executive Officer of the 3d Battalion, 67th Armor at Fort Hood, Texas; Assistant Division Commander (Support) for the 1st Infantry Division in Schweinfurt, Germany; Deputy Chief of Staff, G3/Operations, HQ Allied Command Europe, Rapid Reaction Corps, Moenchengladbach, Germany; and Commanding General of the United States Armor Center at Fort Knox, Kentucky. He was also deployed to Baghdad, Iraq, in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom as the C3 for CJTF-7.

In January 2008, Major General Williams was assigned as the 47th Commandant of the United States Army War College in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. I had the distinct privilege to interact regularly with Major General Williams during his tenure at the Ware College and witnessed first-hand his exemplary leadership. Major General Williams' candor and passion for the Professional Military Education (PME) system helped to strengthen the critically important mission of the War College and thereby enhance the strategic leadership qualities of the College's graduates.

It is with great admiration that I congratulate Major General Williams on his well-deserved retirement and express my heartfelt gratitude for his patriotic service to our nation. I and all Americans are forever indebted to him.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the achievements of Susan (Smith) Rodriguez of Bethesda, Maryland, who in 1944 answered her Nation's call to service in a time of great need. Mrs. Rodriguez joins a special sisterhood of women who share a unique place in American history.

Mrs. Rodriguez was born in York, Pennsylvania, in my congressional district, where she later worked as a French teacher at the former York Collegiate Institute (now known as York College of Pennsylvania). To help in the war effort, she received her commercial pilot's rating and gave flight instruction to U.S. Army pilots throughout the spring of 1944.

Mrs. Rodriguez was later assigned to the Office of Strategic Services, America's first intelligence agency, where she was posted to Tangier, North Africa and served until the end of the war. Similar to the Women Airforce Service Pilots, whom earlier this year were rightfully awarded the Congressional Gold Medal for their service during World War II, Mrs. Rodriguez helped blaze a trail for women who seek to serve their country. The achievements of Mrs. Rodriguez and other female pioneers continue to inspire generations of young women to achieve the impossible.

On behalf of the United States House of Representatives, I thank Mrs. Rodriguez for her service to the United States of America. I know that her family and friends join me in paying tribute to her.

Madam Speaker, today marks the one year anniversary of the enactment of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. I was proud to have partnered with Representative Henry Waxman in introducing this bill and seeing its passage through the House of Representatives.

The Family Smoking Prevention and Control Act took important steps to educate the American public about the harmful effects of tobacco-use. The law provides the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) with the authority to regulate tobacco products and ensures that these products are not advertised or sold to children.

While many of the provisions of this law are still being implemented by the FDA, a number of important changes have already taken place. For example, a ban on flavored cigarettes is now being enforced. Cigarettes with flavors such as strawberry and lemon were clearly marketed toward children and lured young adults into trying their first cigarette.

In addition, tobacco companies are now prohibited from sponsoring athletic and cultural events, which are widely attended and viewed by millions of children each year. No longer will a child's favorite race car driver be covered in tobacco ads nor will a favorite baseball player hit a homerun over a large cigarette banner.

The FDA has also begun enforcing the prohibition of vending machines that sell tobacco products in settings in which children are present. Vending machines served as an easy way for minors to access tobacco products since no age verification is present. Because the vast majority of all smokers try their first cigarette between the ages of twelve and twenty, these important changes will go a long way toward preventing children from trying their first cigarette, and becoming smokers as adults.

Thus far, the FDA has moved expeditiously in their implementation of the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act. I hope that they will continue their efforts to discourage our nation's young people from smoking and educate them of the harmful effects of tobacco use. For too long tobacco companies have targeted our nation's children through cartoon ads, event sponsorship, and free merchandise. I am confident that the continued implementation of this law will lead to generations of fewer tobacco-addicted youth.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this legislation, which takes important steps to eliminate Federal Government waste and inefficiencies. I served as the chairman of the Oversight and Government Reform Subcommittee on Government Management, Finance, and Accountability for 4 years, where I focused my efforts on making the Federal Government more accountable. My subcommittee held numerous hearings in which, all too often, accounting errors such as overpayment for services or redundant payments were discovered or where programs were not effectively fulfilling their intended mission.

At a time when the national debt is over $13 trillion, it has never been more apparent that the Federal Government must spend tax dollars wisely. Federal programs must be monitored to ensure that our investments are presenting clear results and that those programs that are not performing effectively must be reformed or eliminated.

One of the reasons that we find ourselves in such a substantial debt today is that Federal programs never end. Both high-performing and low- performing programs continue on year after year after year, often with increasing funds. The Federal Government needs a clear evaluation process for each program, the results of which would be used to provide Members of this House with the information needed to determine which programs should continue and which should not.

The legislation we are considering here today, similar to legislation that I introduced in the 108th and 109th Sessions of Congress, would require that all Federal agencies work with the Office of Management and Budget, OMB, to clearly identify outcome-based goals and then submit an action plan to achieve these goals. Agencies would be required to conduct quarterly performance assessments outlining how effectively they are working to meet the stated goals, and all information would be available to Members of the House and Senate and the American people.

In addition the Government Accountability Office, GAO, would be tasked with performing frequent and detailed evaluations outlining how effective each agency has been in achieving their goals. GAO would also assess whether the goals are appropriate and determine if the program is providing direct value to the American people. This impartial review of Federal programs will assure that agencies are being good stewards of our Federal taxpayer dollars.

I strongly commend my colleague, Representative Cuellar, for introducing this bill to ensure that Federal resources are spent efficiently and that waste is minimized. Now more than ever, while American families are cutting extraneous expenses from their budgets, the Federal Government must do the same. I hope that all of my colleagues will join me in supporting this important effort. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Madam Speaker, the loss of life is always regrettable, but it is wrong for members of the international community to rush to judgment against Israel with respect to the Gaza flotilla incident. Israel has a right to protect its borders and defend itself against terrorism.

The terrorist group Hamas is engaged in a war against Israel from inside Gaza. Israel unilaterally withdrew from Gaza in 2005 in the hopes of furthering peace. Instead, Hamas consolidated its power in Gaza and launched thousands of rockets and mortar shells against innocent Israeli civilians. Israel's blockade is an act of self- defense--a necessity to deny Hamas the weaponry it needs to continue in its acts of aggression.

Israel was willing to cooperate in a manner to ensure the flow of humanitarian aid to Gaza, as it has in the past. However, organizers of the flotilla appeared intent on provoking confrontation. Video has been released which indicates Israeli soldiers came under violent attack first, before the Israelis switched from using paint guns to using pistols in their own apparent self-defense.

The knee-jerk condemnation of Israel by some in the world community obscures two important facts that should never be forgotten: First, Israel is a democracy and an ally of the United States with a right to protect itself. Second, Hamas is a terrorist group that refuses to recognize the right of Israel to peaceably exist. As an investigation into the specific facts of the incident proceed, we must ensure that it is both balanced and respectful of these underlying facts.

Mr. Chair, I am proud to have joined with my friend from Texas, Mr. Sessions, in introducing this amendment which will provide our servicemembers that are affected by Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) with access to cutting-edge treatments. As we all know, TBIs have become the ``signature wound'' of the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan. Record numbers of troops return to American soil in need of treatment and rehabilitation. While the Department of Defense has been a leader in providing treatment to our wounded warriors, it has been slow to embrace innovative treatments, such as Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy.

This amendment would establish a five-year ``pay for performance'' innovative treatment pilot program. The pilot program would allow healthcare providers outside of the Department of Defense to treat active duty military personnel and veterans with cutting-edge TBI treatments not offered at military medical facilities. The private healthcare providers would only receive reimbursement from the Department of Defense if the treatment was proven to be successful. Servicemembers and veterans who voluntarily opt into this program would do so at no cost.

I see this amendment as a win-win. Not only will our troops receive access to innovative therapies, but it encourages the private sector to invest in new and inventive treatments for TBI. The amendment also requires the Department of Defense to maintain a database to track the effectiveness of such treatments. It is my hope that after the conclusion of this five-year pilot, the Department of Defense will begin providing proven therapies at military medical facilities.

Our men and women in uniform deserve the best treatments available. This common-sense amendment would help to expand access to new therapies in a fiscally responsible way. I encourage all of my colleagues to join with me to support this amendment.

Mr. Chair, I rise in support of this important amendment and I thank my friend from New Jersey, Bill Pascrell, for allowing me to work with him on this issue. The Department of Defense and the RAND Corporation have recently estimated that 20 percent of our military personnel who have served in Iraq or Afghanistan have suffered a Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI).

Because symptoms of TBI often go unnoticed, at least initially, it is difficult to know exactly how many troops are living with this disability. If not diagnosed early on, TBIs can lead to memory loss, severe headache disorders, and alcohol and drug abuse.

Neurocognitive assessment has been proven to be an effective tool in detecting and measuring the severity of TBI. This is why the fiscal year 2008 National Defense Authorization required the Department of Defense to screen ALL military personnel for TBI both before and after deployment. Post-deployment screenings are to be compared with pre- deployment (or baseline) assessments to determine whether or not the servicemember is suffering from a TBI.

Unfortunately, too many of our men and women returning from the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan are still not being screened for TBI. Servicemembers that have been screened post-deployment are currently given a self-assessment checklist, in which the results are not even comparable to their pre-deployment neurocognitive screenings. Not to mention that because the checklist is self-administered, the results are typically inaccurate since these troops either do not realize or do not want to admit that they are living with a TBI.

I am pleased that this year's Defense Authorization includes language requiring the Department of Defense to implement a comprehensive screening and assessment policy by the end of 2011. However, until this policy is fully implemented, thousands of our men and women in uniform are returning from combat without the necessary screenings to ensure that they receive proper treatment.

This amendment, which I am proud of to have introduced with Congressmen Pascrell, Andrews, Cole, Ortiz, Coffman and Joe Wilson, will ensure that until the Department of Defense has put in place a comprehensive screening policy, all of our military personnel will receive neurocognitive assessments both before and after deployment. The amendment requires that the same neurocognitive tool used for pre- deployment assessment also be used for post-deployment evaluation. Using the same test allows physicians to compare the baseline screening with the post-deployment results to determine whether a TBI does in fact exist. The current system of using different tools for pre and post deployment screenings is like comparing apples to oranges. It is essential that our men and women who put themselves in harm's way to protect us every day receive immediate and appropriate care.

Though TBIs are difficult to detect because no one symptom exists, it is imperative that the Department of Defense take every possible measure to diagnose and treat our troops affected by TBI. This is why I strongly support this amendment and I encourage all of my colleagues to do the same.