Floor Statements

Madam Speaker, I rise to support House Resolution 1143. This resolution is intended to help increase awareness of our nation's domestic apple supply and promote healthy food choices for students and communities.

The United States is the second largest producer of apples in the world, after China. I am fortunate to have a very large apple industry in my District, with many growers and processors. Growers in the states of Washington, New York, Pennsylvania, Michigan, and California are the largest domestic producers.

To promote domestic apple production, the U.S. Apple Association recognizes October as National Apple Month, which focuses on educating consumers about the positive health outcomes associated with apple consumption. The Apple Crunch was created to encourage children to participate in National Apple Month activities.

The Apple Crunch was started in my home state of Pennsylvania and incentivizes schools to serve apples on their school lunch menus, as snacks in the classroom, and for use in classroom activities. Schools that create the most original activities integrating apples into the class day win monetary prizes to be put toward the school's food service operation.

Communities are also encouraged to participate in the Apple Crunch to support their local participating schools. Many local businesses voluntarily serve apples and apple products to their employees and to customers.

Madam Speaker, this October will mark the second year in which the Apple Crunch has been celebrated nationally. I think that we can all agree that supporting our nation's domestic agriculture production is not only important to our economy, but also the health of our citizens. I urge your support of this resolution, which promotes the goals and ideals of National Apple Week, and specifically the Apple Crunch.

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

I rise today in support of H.R. 6358, the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act. H.R. 6358 puts protections in place to guard against abuse, neglect, and death at residential treatment programs. These residential treatment programs help seriously troubled teens with drug addiction or behavioral or emotional problems. For many parents, they are a last resort when no other treatments or interventions have worked.

Members on both sides of the aisle share a commitment to protect young people enrolled in residential treatment programs. Even one instance of abuse, neglect, or death is one too many.

The bill we are considering today has been developed in an effort to reach a bipartisan consensus. It's important to note that the provisions in the version of this bill that the Education and Labor Committee reported in May have been revised or edited, including the requirement for the Department of Health and Human Services to establish a new bureaucracy to inspect every private residential treatment program in every State, and the requirement creating a new private right of action for lawsuits.

This legislation ensures that the standards required in the bill apply to both public and private residential treatment programs. The language also contains strong background check requirements that ensure that before coming into contact with children, potential employees are thoroughly scrutinized with tools, including the National Sex Offender Registry and an FBI fingerprint check.

Stopping child abuse is a necessary and essential function of State and local government. It is clear to me that the most effective and appropriate way to protect those enrolled in these programs is to require States to establish a system of standards, licensure, and regulation to ensure that States are working to stop instances of abuse and neglect at residential treatment programs. The Federal role is to ensure that States live up to their vital responsibilities in stopping abuse in these facilities.

In this bill, the responsibility for licensing and inspecting these programs rests with the States and is tied to their receipt of funds under the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act. The role of the Federal Government relates to establishing minimum standards and investigating instances of abuse and neglect upon a referral from a State.

I think Members on both sides of the aisle can agree that there's still more work to be done. Just yesterday, Congresswoman Bachmann offered a proposal to strengthen parental notification and consent requirements regarding prescription medications given to teens at residential treatment facilities. Hopefully, this important issue will be further addressed as this legislation moves through the legislative process.

In closing, it's important to acknowledge the great progress that has already been made to strike a bipartisan consensus. I especially want to commend Chairman Miller, Subcommittee Chairwoman McCarthy and Ranking Member McKeon, along with their staffs, for working together to strengthen this important effort to protect our nation's teens against abuse and neglect in residential treatment facilities. I stand in strong support of this important legislation and encourage my colleagues to also support it.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

I appreciate the ranking member for yielding.

I rise in strong support of H.R. 5876, the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act. This legislation will create and enforce safety standards for residential treatment facilities that serve to rehabilitate troubled youth.

While many residential treatment facilities for teens, such as boot camps and substance abuse treatment programs, provide effective rehabilitation services for troubled youth, it is the few bad actors that bring us here today. Families send their teens to residential treatment facilities many times after all other options have been exhausted. Though many of these programs involve extreme physical activities as part of their treatment plans, no child should be forced to endure suffocation, dehydration, or other types of physical abuse that surfaced during hearings that the Committee on Education and Labor held earlier this year.

While I supported the original bill, I believe that this manager's amendment makes the bill even stronger, and I thank Chairman Miller and Ranking Member McKeon for working together on this very important issue.

The substitute places the responsibility of monitoring and enforcement of these safety standards in the hands of each State government, rather than officials here in Washington. In addition, the manager's amendment would ensure that all facilities that provide treatment to children, public or private, are subject to safety standards.

I want to stress that not all residential treatment facilities are abusive or bad actors--in fact, quite the opposite. Through the process of considering this legislation, I have heard from many facilities which are proud of the positive impacts that they have had on the lives of teens. I've also heard from graduates from these programs who believe that they owe their lives to a treatment facility.

This bill, the Stop Child Abuse in Residential Programs for Teens Act, aims to ensure that all programs are working in good faith to achieve these goals and do not use violence or intimidation under the guise of treatment.

Again, I'd like to thank Chairman Miller and Ranking Member McKeon for working together to improve this important piece of legislation. I urge my colleagues to support the manager's amendment and ultimately to support H.R. 5876, legislation that is critically important to the safety of our Nation's children.

Madam Speaker, my vote was not recorded for rollcall No. 365. The vote should have been recorded as a ``yea'' vote.

Madam Speaker, on May 14, 1948, the dream of the restoration of a sovereign and independent State of Israel was realized. On that day, a mere 11 minutes following the declaration by Israel's Government, the United States officially recognized the Israeli state--extending a hand of friendship and support which has not once been withdrawn. Today, 60 years following that historic occasion, I rise to commemorate Israel's independence and congratulate the Israeli people on their dedicated efforts toward establishing a flourishing and thriving state.

Israel is currently the only fully established democracy in the Middle East, having free elections, a free press, freedom of religion, and the separation of powers. In addition, Israel is home to several of the leading universities in the world--spurring on its advanced economy with an emphasis in the technology sector. Israel's political, cultural, and economic success has not been easy, however, being attained in the face of war, ongoing terrorist attacks, and unfair boycotts against Israeli businesses.

I first visited Israel with five other members of Congress in 2003 and was struck by the degree to which ordinary Israelis were under the constant threat of terrorist attacks. Homes had bulletproof windows, security guards and metal detectors were necessities in most public places, and the threat of suicide bombings was a daily reality.

I am confident that terrorist attacks and other roadblocks to Israel's security and prosperity will not serve to undermine the resolve of Israel's people. Instead, these attacks will only increase the vigor with which the Israeli people defend their commonly held values of justice, freedom, and democracy.

Madam Speaker, I am honored to have this opportunity to recognize the 60th anniversary of the State of Israel, and sincerely hope that Israel will in the coming years finally attain the lasting peace its people have long desired.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1096, commending the University of Kansas Jayhawks for winning the 2008 National Collegiate Athletic Association Division I basketball championship.

On April 7 of this year, trailing 60-51 with just 2:12 left in regulation, the University of Kansas Jayhawks mounted a comeback that will go down as one of the most memorable in NCAA history. In overtime, the Jayhawks defeated Memphis 75-68 to win the national championship, its fifth national title in school history. With this win, the Jayhawks achieved a school record for all-time season wins, posting a 37-3 record during their run for the title. The Jayhawks finished the season with a 13-game winning streak, securing the Big 12 Conference championship in addition to the national title.

Jayhawks guard Mario Chalmers was chosen as the Most Outstanding Player of the Final Four and was named to the NCAA Final Four All- Tournament Team along with guard Brandon Rush and forward Darrell Arthur. Seniors

Jeremy Case, Darnell Jackson, Sasha Kaun, Russell Robinson, Rodrick Stewart and Brad Witherspoon ended their collegiate careers with a national championship. In addition, this was Head Coach Bill Self's first NCAA title. He improved his all-time record at Kansas to 142 wins, 32 losses.

KU has a rich history beyond the basketball court as well. Opened in 1866, the University of Kansas is a comprehensive educational and research institution with 29,000 plus students and more than 2,000 faculty members. KU includes the main campus in Lawrence, a city of about 88,000 in northeastern Kansas; the Medical Center in Kansas City, Kansas; the Edwards Campus in Overland Park; a clinical campus of the School of Medicine in Wichita; and educational and research facilities throughout the State.

Pulitzer and Nobel Prize winners have graduated from this great university, and many pharmacists, teachers, nurses and doctors have begun their careers at KU as well.

Today, I would like to congratulate Robert Hemingway, KU's Chancellor; Lew Perkins, the Director of Athletics; the student athletes, the students, alumni and all fans for the Jayhawks' historic win.

I'm happy to join with my colleague, Representative Moore, in honoring this exceptional team and all its accomplishments, and wish them continued success in their future endeavors.

With that, Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the distinguished gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moran) and would recognize that he is proudly wearing his KU colors as an undergraduate and law degree graduate of the university.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote.

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

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

I rise today in support of House Resolution 1100, congratulating the University of Iowa Hawkeyes wrestling team.

Since the program began in 1911, the University of Iowa wrestling team has had a rich tradition and a history of producing champions and outstanding collegiate athletes and coaches, and this year proved to be no different as the top-ranked Hawkeyes wrestling team clinched its 21st national team title in the NCAA championships. In addition to the team title, the Hawkeyes also crowned two national championships, Mark Perry and Brent Metcalf; seven All-Americans; and six Academic All-Big Ten wrestlers.

At the helm of this outstanding team sits Head Coach Tom Brands, who was named the Big Ten Coach of the Year and the National Wrestling Coaches Association's Coach of the Year. Coach Brands, a former Hawkeyes wrestler, 1996 Olympic gold medalist, and four time All- American, is in his second season as head wrestling coach at the University of Iowa.

Former head coach and Olympic gold medalist Dan Gable should also be commended for his leadership and guidance provided to the current 2008 championship team. Throughout his tenure, Coach Gable helped establish one of the most successful wrestling programs in the Nation.

The University of Iowa wrestling team has brought honor to themselves, but I would be remiss if I failed to also recognize the university for its outstanding commitment as a public university. Established in 1847, Iowa has won international recognition for its wealth of achievements in the arts, sciences, and humanities. Iowa was the first United States public university to admit men and women on an equal basis and the first institution of higher education in the Nation to accept creative work in theater, writing, music, and art as theses for advanced degrees. It established the first law school and the first educational radio station west of the Mississippi, broadcast the world's first educational television programs, and developed and continues to hold preeminence in educational testing.

I extend my congratulations to the University's president, Sally Mason; Athletics Director Gary Barta; Head Coach Tom Brands and his staff; all the hardworking wrestlers; their fans; and the entire University of Iowa community.

I am happy to join with my distinguished colleague Representative Loebsack in honoring this exceptional team and all of its accomplishments and wish all involved continued success.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 1130, recognizing the roles and contributions of America's teachers in educating and nurturing our Nation's children and thereby building and enhancing our Nation's civic, cultural and economic well-being.

A teacher's role in student development is irreplaceable. All of our lives have been influenced by the teachers that directed our classrooms, classrooms where students acquire the knowledge necessary to become a part of our Nation's future.

Showing teachers appreciation and recognition during the upcoming National Teacher Appreciation Week which takes place next week helps to remind us how important teachers are and what an integral role they play in the lives of our Nation's citizens. It is important that we recognize teachers for the critical work they do in improving our Nation in so many ways.

Teachers today devote more of their lives to teaching young people than ever before and spend more time on professional development, their own education and on class preparation outside the classroom. Teachers spend an average of over 50 hours per week on teaching duties and an average of $443

each year out of their own pockets to meet the needs of their students, all the while earning an average annual salary of slightly more than $31,000.

The future of our Nation's children is dependent on the individuals to make these time, energy and monetary commitments, and they deserve recognition for their service.

On a personal note, I certainly am honored to recognize the teachers I had in kindergarten through 12th grade in the New York suburban school district and know but for their support and guidance, I would not have had the opportunity to pursue my dreams, including the dream of serving in this very body, the United States House of Representatives.

Behind the upbringing of my mom and dad, my teachers, Dorothy Mirtz, my third grade teacher who is now 97 years old and still going strong as I visited with her just a few weeks back, my eighth grade teacher, Earl Lucius, who took the lessons of my parents of community service and inspired me to pursue a career in public service, they and so many other teachers and administrators I had the blessing to interact with in my education and career played a critical role in my life, as teachers do in all of our Nation's children's lives, in the past, the present and the future.

So I am honored and pleased to stand in support of this resolution, recognizing the important roles and contributions of America's teachers and support National Teacher Appreciation Week.

I certainly thank my colleague, Mr. Graves from Missouri, for introducing this resolution, and encourage an ``aye'' vote in favor of the resolution.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to my distinguished colleague, the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Poe).

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and again thank all the teachers of our great Nation for their devotion to our Nation's children and for their commitment to bettering the lives of those children and, in doing so, strengthening our Nation as a whole.

I yield back the balance of my time.

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

I rise today in support of House Resolution 1119, which supports the goals and ideals highlighted through National Volunteer Week. I am proud to have introduced this resolution, with my National Service Caucus cochairs, Representatives Chris Shays, David Price, and Doris Matsui, as well as Representative Buck McKeon.

Mr. Speaker, National Volunteer Week was created in 1974, when President Richard Nixon signed an executive order to establish the week as an annual celebration of volunteering. Every year since that time, each President of the United States, along with many Governors, mayors, and other elected officials, have signed a proclamation promoting National Volunteer Week.

This year, National Volunteer Week is being recognized this very week, April 27 to May 3. Various events are being held throughout the Nation to promote the 2008 theme of ``Volunteer to Change the World.''

Throughout the history of the United States, Americans have valued an ethic of service. Volunteering not only has a positive impact on local communities, but also on the volunteer himself or herself. Those Americans who give their time to serve are valuable assets to our local communities, and National Volunteer Week is our opportunity to thank them for their service and to encourage others to serve.

Across our country, Americans of all ages, backgrounds, and abilities are donating their time and talents to schools, churches, hospitals, and local nonprofits in an effort to improve their communities and serve a purpose greater than themselves. According to data collected over the past 30 years by the United States Census Bureau, Americans are volunteering at historically high rates. Between September 2006 and September 2007, 61.2 million Americans donated their time to help others, by mentoring students, beautifying neighborhoods, restoring homes after disasters, and much more.

In fact, earlier this week I had the pleasure of participating in a recognition ceremony at a local senior center, the Red Land Area Senior Center in York County, Pennsylvania, where dozens of senior volunteers and others were recognized for thousands of hours of donated volunteer service time in 2007. In fact, the top two volunteers recognized, Jim Fitzkee and Leona Deardorff, each contributed almost 700 hours of volunteer service to this center in 2007.

Volunteering is not only a rewarding but a necessary aspect of meeting the most pressing needs facing our Nation, including combating crime and gangs, poverty, disasters, illiteracy, and homelessness. Volunteering is also an important part of maintaining the health of our citizens, as research consistently shows that those who volunteer, especially those 65 years of age and older, lead healthier lives than those who do not engage in their communities. The intangible benefits alone, such as pride, satisfaction, empowerment, and accomplishment are worthwhile reasons to serve and give back.

Today I would like to recognize the diligent efforts of our major federally funded community service and volunteer service programs, thank the millions of dedicated and caring volunteers for their service, and encourage all Americans to give of themselves to make a difference in their local communities. I urge my colleagues to support House Resolution 1119.

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

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1149, expressing support for the designation of the month of April 2008 as National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month to bring attention to this disease, its potential causes, and the need for research on the causes and potential treatments.

Sarcoidosis is a noncontagious systemic disease of unknown origin that causes inflamed, microscopic growths called granulomas that often affect one or more systems in the body, including the lungs, skin, eyes, and nervous system. This disease is sometimes difficult to diagnose.

The American Lung Association reports that more than 90 percent of the people diagnosed with sarcoidosis experience some degree of problem with their lungs which may reduce their ability to absorb oxygen. Because of scarring caused by the inflammations, between 20 and 30 percent of people with pulmonary sarcoidosis end up with some degree of permanent lung damage. Although death is relatively uncommon, mortality can occur due to lung failure or if the disease causes serious damage to a vital organ other than the lungs.

It has been observed that the disease occurs throughout the world in all races and both sexes, although gender and ethnicity may have an impact on the risk of developing sarcoidosis and its severity. Women and people of African descent, along with those of Scandinavian, German, Irish and Puerto Rican descent, are particularly prone to the disease and its more chronic and serious manifestations. The reasons for this are yet unknown.

The cause or causes of sarcoidosis remain a mystery. Our best medical evidence to date has not discovered the extent to which lifestyle, environment, or heredity affects the development, severity, or length of this disease.

The American Lung Association reports that most researchers believe that the disease involves an altered immune system. Some studies suggest sarcoidosis is caused by a respiratory infection triggered by bacteria or a virus, or even by exposure to burning wood. Others suggest possible occupational or environmental risks. And some studies also show that sarcoidosis may run within families, suggesting a genetic link.

Medical science has developed treatments that manage the symptoms of the disease, but no treatment is clearly effective for a prolonged period, and there is no cure.

Considering the broad reach of this disease, across people of different genders and ethnicities throughout the

world, and the lack of scientific evidence as to its cause or a cure, it is important to acknowledge the efforts of individuals and organizations to observe National Sarcoidosis Awareness Month and work on promoting awareness and the search for the cause and effective treatments. I am pleased, therefore, to stand in support of this resolution and ask for a ``yes'' vote.

I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I urge a ``yes'' vote, and I yield back the balance of my time.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 1154, supporting the mission and goals of Workers Memorial Day in order to honor, remember and pay tribute to the workers who have been killed or injured in the workplace.

Monday, April 28 marked the 20th annual Workers Memorial Day, a day to honor our Nation's workers who were injured or lost their lives as a result of incidents in the workplace.

I was honored in my district in York, Pennsylvania, to participate with the York Adams County Central Labor Council in a Worker Memorial Day ceremony where three individuals were remembered following their deaths in the workplace in 2007, and pay tribute to them, with their families being in our thoughts and prayers and our sympathies going out to them on the loss of their loved ones.

We remember and pay tribute to all Americans who have given the most to ensure our Nation's economic growth and sustainability. On this day, we reaffirm our commitment to guarantee a safe and healthy work environment for all employees.

Employers, employees, and the local, State, and Federal Governments have all shared in the mission of protecting our Nation's workforce. I would note, Mr. Speaker, that labor organizations are not specifically mentioned in the resolution, but certainly they have played a critically important role in promoting and enhancing workplace safety. We all aspire to have hazard-free workplaces, and the combined efforts of these groups and individuals have moved us closer towards achieving this goal.

According to OSHA Administrator Edwin Foulke, Jr., in 2006, the Department of Labor reported that the Nation's injury and illness incident rate of 4.4 per 100 employees was the lowest ever recorded. Additionally, fatality rates remain at historic lows. Clearly these numbers show that workplaces are getting safer, but we must ensure that this trend continues.

April 28 also commemorated the 37th anniversary of the start-up of the Department of Labor's Occupation Safety and Health Administration. We commend OSHA for years of hard work and dedication. From day one, the agency has promoted a safe and healthy workplace for all employees. OSHA's regulations, educational efforts, and enforcement activities have enhanced both workplace safety and success across the United States.

Moving forward, it is important to remember that OSHA cannot guarantee the safety of our workers by itself. OSHA cannot write and enforce rules effectively if it does not receive adequate funding and valuable input from all interested stakeholders. We must ensure that our efforts to enhance workplace safety provide for this funding and input. We must maintain a strong commitment to work with OSHA on its mission of protecting the American worker.

Even one workplace injury or fatality is one too many. Workers Memorial Day serves to reaffirm our commitment to protecting all employees. On a day when we remember those who have sacrificed so much, it is clear Americans must work together to ingrain a culture of safety in all workplaces. I am pleased to support this resolution and ask for a ``yes'' vote.

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

Madam Speaker, I rise to commend the York-Adams County Central Labor Council, for helping to bring safety awareness to the issue of worker safety.

Every April for the past nineteen years, the York-Adams Central Labor Council has celebrated Workers Memorial Day by sponsoring public events to recognize workers who have been killed or injured on their job.

While the workplace fatality rate has decreased significantly since the passage of the Occupational Safety and Health Act, OSHA, in 1970, we must remain vigilant in working to ensure that workers are employed in safe environments. As a Member of the House Education and Labor Committee, I believe that ensuring worker safety should be one of Congress' top priorities.

Congress must appropriate adequate funding for OSHA so that representatives can carry out safety inspections and enforce safety regulations within workplaces across the Nation. It is imperative that employers understand OSHA regulations and comply accordingly to maintain the safest work environments possible.

Madam Speaker, I congratulate the York-Adams County Central Labor Council for its strong commitment to promoting safety in the workplace and look forward to joining them in honoring injured and deceased workers everywhere.

I thank the ranking member for yielding me the time.

I rise in support of H.R. 5715, the Ensuring Access to Student Loans Act. While not a complete solution to the current credit crunch that exists in the student loan market, this bill is a very important and strong starting point to ensure that students can continue to obtain affordable loans for their education.

I am especially pleased that the manager's amendment included a provision that I was planning to offer as a stand-alone amendment to the underlying bill. Specifically, this provision will permit the Secretary of Education to enter into forward purchasing agreements with student loan lenders when purchasing loans through the newly established secondary market. This contractual agreement will provide the necessary confidence for lenders to not only participate in the market, but to continue to originate loans for students.

Some lenders, such as the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency, PHEAA, in my home State, have recently announced that they will not be originating additional loans due to the unstable market conditions. This could result in difficulties for students in Pennsylvania, and elsewhere, in obtaining the loans they need.

It is imperative that Secretary Spellings at the Department of Education continue to work with Congress, as well as Secretary Paulson at the Department of Treasury and Chairman Bernanke at the Federal Reserve Bank, to provide access to capital sources for use in originating and purchasing loans.

Last month, I joined with the majority of my colleagues in the Pennsylvania delegation in sending a letter to Secretaries Spellings and Paulson and Chairman Bernanke requesting that they adopt both a short-term strategy to inject revenue into the student loan market and a long-term strategy to prevent future capital market disruptions.

While H.R. 5715 is a very important step in the right direction, the actions of Secretaries Spellings and Paulson and Chairman Bernanke will continue to be critically important to getting the student loan market fully back on track.

I certainly commend Chairman Miller and Ranking Member McKeon for bringing forward this bipartisan piece of legislation--and, as the ranking member said, in such a quick fashion--the committee leadership and staff in getting this bill to the House floor aimed at providing relief to both students and lenders.

Again, I also thank the chairman for including language in his manager's amendment providing for forward purchasing agreements. Allowing these agreements with the Department of Education will help to stabilize market conditions and thereby encourage lenders to originate more loans.

I strongly support this legislation and encourage a ``yes'' vote.

I thank the gentleman for yielding me the time.

Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of Senate bill 793, which, as was well delineated, reauthorizes this very important legislation, the Traumatic Brain Injury Act.

I am honored to join with Representative Bill Pascrell in introducing the House version of this legislation, which expands support systems for individuals who have sustained a traumatic brain injury. As the gentleman from New Jersey referenced, for the past 3 years, I have had the privilege of serving with him as cochair of the Congressional TBI Task Force.

I am pleased to recognize my distinguished colleague from New Jersey for his tremendous leadership and dedication related to TBI research and treatments over the course of many years. I have been delighted to serve as cochair for 3 years, but, long before that, the gentleman from New Jersey has been leading this effort and been a real champion of the importance of this work. I have been honored to work with the gentleman from New Jersey to bring awareness to the unique issues that surround TBI, such as frequent misdiagnoses and barriers to adequate and meaningful treatments.

Most Americans do not fully understand the amount of devastation caused by TBI each year. Most people do not realize that the incidence of TBI is greater than the incidence of breast cancer, HIV/AIDS, multiple sclerosis and spinal injuries combined.

Additionally, TBIs can manifest themselves in various manners, from a small behavioral change to complete physical disability and even death. Brain injuries affect the whole family emotionally and financially, often resulting in substantial medical and rehabilitation expenses.

The TBI Act of 1996 produced extensive research at the National Institutes of Health and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention regarding the incidence, detection and diagnosis of TBI. The time has come to better use these results and translate them into more extensive treatments. This is an important part of what Senate bill 793 aims to do.

In addition to expanding the research of NIH and CDC, this legislation will build on the support systems that States have already implemented to increase the independence and productivity of individuals living with TBI.

Soldiers returning from Iraq have brought much-needed attention to the variety of symptoms associated with TBI. Thanks to the state-of- the-art body armor with which our men and women overseas are equipped, these heroic individuals are able to survive violent attacks while receiving blunt force to the head. Studies have found that over 60 percent of all soldiers wounded in an explosion, vehicle accidents, gunshot wound to the head or neck sustain a traumatic brain injury.

This legislation provides additional support for States to integrate veterans into community-based treatments after these heroes return home from combat.

This is a bill aimed at helping individuals who, due to traumatic experiences, may never live their lives the same way again. Senate bill 793 builds on current research and support systems to help vulnerable individuals lead a more comfortable, productive and independent life.

I strongly urge my colleagues to support this legislation, and, I, again, commend my colleague from New Jersey for his great leadership in advancing this cause.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5563, the Generations Invigorating Volunteerism and Education Act, the GIVE Act, which will strengthen our Nation's national and community service programs. As you know, we debated this legislation for hours last week and adopted some very positive amendments. I'm pleased that the majority has included these amendments in the bill, as well as the Republican motion to recommit, which will ensure that adequate criminal history checks will be performed on anyone seeking a federally funded national service position, and that individuals who are registered sex offenders or convicted murderers will not be selected for such positions.

While it was my hope that the duplicative Energy Conservation Corps is struck from the bill during the conference because the bill already addresses that through other sections of this legislation, I'm proud to be part of this effort to provide more flexibility for existing community service programs to ensure that the most innovative and effective grantees continue to receive funding and to increase the accountability within the corporation.

Programs such as Foster Grandparents and Learn and Serve truly impact the lives of America's most needy. AmeriCorps and NCCC participants engage often disadvantaged youth and provide them with a sense of pride and civic responsibility. These programs are truly win/win and provide a tremendous return on the Federal investment.

Again, I want to thank Chairman Miller, Ranking Member McKeon, and Chairwoman McCarthy for working with me, and for all the staff who have made this effort a success.

I urge a ``yes'' vote and hope that my colleagues will support these commonsense reforms to our national service programs and to support the GIVE Act.

Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield the distinguished gentleman from Arizona (Mr. Flake) as much time as he may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I continue to reserve my time.

Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from New York (Mr. Kuhl).

Mr. Speaker, I yield to the distinguished gentleman from Illinois (Mr. Manzullo) as much time as he may consume.

Mr. Speaker, I would just, again, urge a ``yes'' vote in support of the GIVE Act.

I yield back the balance of my time.