Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, this administration has borrowed more money than all other administrations in the Nation's history combined, and they've only been at this for just over a year. The change we were promised has not turned out to be what all had hoped for.

The unemployment rate is nearly 2 percent higher than what the Democrats promised with their first stimulus package. America's debt is at $13 trillion now. Now we learn that the administration wants another $50 billion bailout. When will it end? Washington cannot create jobs no matter how much money is thrown out there. We know that jobs can only be created when you expand the private sector and not expand the government.

So, as we look forward to getting Americans back to work, I stand here today to say it is time for Washington to get about the business of expanding the private sector and of promoting sustainable job creation, which will come from that, and not of expanding government.

I know Georgians are tired of what is going on here in Washington, and I know most Americans are, too. Let's end the bailouts, the buyouts, and the stimulus bills.

Madam Speaker and Congressman Lewis, Congressman Kingston, thank you.

As we recognize Flag Day today, it's also a reminder of the greatness of this young Republic, the foundations for which it rests, and the opportunity that awaits.

As one who didn't grow up in wealth or politics but, really, quite the opposite--very simple beginnings in a single-wide trailer on a tar and gravel road in the backwoods of north Georgia--I am here now able to pay tribute to my parents who couldn't give me the material things in life but, instead, they showed me love and they encouraged me to dream big, to work hard, and achieve much.

And while I am standing before you today as a freshman Member, I am the freshest voice from the campaign trail. And the message from the hills of north Georgia to the Hill of this great building is very clear, and that is that it's time to curb spending. It's time to balance the budget, and it's time to empower the people.

While the challenges are great in this Nation, the will and the Constitution of her people are greater. And, you know, my dad was right. If we, as Americans, dream big, work hard, we can achieve much as a Nation.

So on behalf of Georgia Nine, Madam Speaker, I am here to go to work.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the chairwoman's request to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4508. The bill is straightforward, and it's a clean extension that prolongs the authorization of all programs authorized by the Small Business Act, Small Business Investment Act, and any program operated by the Small Business Administration for which Congress has already appropriated the funds. This extension is going to last until April 30, 2010. This legislation is essential because authorization for various programs operated by the SBA expire on January 31 of this year.

Over the past 3 years, our committee has worked in a bipartisan fashion, reported out a number of bills to reauthorize and extend programs operated by the SBA. Despite our efforts to come to terms with the Senate over the broader reauthorization, the extension passed late last year will expire before the legislative process can run its course. Without enactment of this extension, a vital number of programs that the SBA operates would cease to function. Given the continued importance that small businesses play in the revitalization of the American economy, we simply cannot allow the SBA authorizations to run out.

The work needed to help America's entrepreneurs revitalize the economy simply cannot be accomplished within the time frame outlined in the current legislation. We not only need to reauthorize these critical programs, but also update them to respond to new economic conditions. The extra time contained in this legislation allows us to fully explore and implement the ideas that will give our Nation's entrepreneurs the tools they need to be successful.

Passage of this legislation will enable the House and the Senate to continually work in a conscientious manner to address the necessary changes to SBA programs. I urge all my colleagues to suspend the rules and pass H.R. 4508.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would like to associate myself with the words of the gentleman from Oregon. It's not this Chamber's fault that we have to pass an extension. The reauthorization should be finished by now. I want to thank the chairwoman for all of her work in the committee and the work that we've been able to accomplish so far in the committee.

I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Parker Golliglee, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 309, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Parker has been very active with his troop participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Parker has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Parker Golliglee for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Kenyon R. Parton, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 215, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Kenyon has been very active with his troop participating in many scout activities. Over the many years Kenyon has been involved with scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Kenyon R. Parton for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to recognize Gary W. Nichols for his outstanding service to his country, and to congratulate him on receiving his honorary high school diploma from North Kansas City High School in North Kansas City, Missouri.

Gary dropped out of high school in 1954 to join the United States Navy. He would have been a member of the graduating class of 1956. Gary was a career serviceman from 1954-1974 and served on several destroyers and carriers during the Vietnam War. He attained the Rank of E-5.

Gary has earned the gratitude and respect of his fellow veterans and fellow citizens of Kansas City, Missouri. He has served as the Post Commander as well as the District 3 Commander for the American Legion. His life's dedication and hard work should serve as an example to the rest of us on how we can better serve each other and our great nation.

Gary is originally from Kingsville, MO, but he now lives in Kansas City with his wife Shirley, where he is the proud father of seven children and step-children, 22 grandchildren and five great- grandchildren.

Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me in congratulating Gary W. Nichols on the occasion of receiving his honorary high school diploma on January 30, 2010. I would also like to thank North Kansas City High School for providing Gary with the degree he would have received had he not left school to fight for his nation. I know Gary's colleagues, family and friends join with me in thanking him for his commitment to his country and wishing him happiness and good health in his future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I proudly rise to congratulate Liberty High School senior Marcus Lucas on his selection to play in the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl. The selection is a reflection of his hard work and dedication throughout his career as a Blue Jay.

Marcus is joining elite company. NFL players Adrian Peterson, Reggie Bush, Vernon Davis and Derrick Johnson are all alumni of the All- American Bowl. I join the entire Liberty community in expressing how very proud we are of this young man and wish him the best in both the upcoming game and as he heads to the University of Missouri in the fall of 2010.

Madam Speaker, I respectfully request you join with me in commending Marcus Lucas on his selection to the 2010 U.S. Army All-American Bowl.

Madam Speaker, I proudly rise to recognize Anna McKee, a very special young woman who has exemplified the finest qualities in journalism by competing in the recent Journalism Education Association (JEA) and National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) Convention in Washington, DC.

While competing, Anna and the Liberty High School broadcasting staff were honored as Pacemaker Award finalists for their KLHS broadcast. Anna and the team earned this distinct acknowledgement by conducting one of ten top broadcasts in the nation, a noteworthy achievement.

Anna has been very active with her endeavors in journalism and teamed up with fellow classmate Todd Swetnam to conduct a Public Service Announcement on Liberty's 20/20 program. This announcement earned the duo an honorable mention.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Anna McKee for her accomplishments in the field of journalism and for her efforts put forth in achieving such prestigious awards.

Madam Speaker, I proudly rise to recognize Todd Swetnam, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities in journalism by competing in the recent Journalism Education Association (JEA) and National Scholastic Press Association (NSPA) Convention in Washington, DC.

While competing, Todd and the Liberty High School broadcasting staff were honored as Pacemaker Award finalists for their KLHS broadcast. Todd and the team earned this distinct acknowledgement by conducting one of ten top broadcasts in the Nation, a noteworthy achievement.

Todd has also been deemed the best in the Nation in his field and given top on-air reporter honors based upon his exemplary journalistic skills. I join the Liberty community in congratulating Todd for his excellence in the field of journalism.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Todd Swetnam for his accomplishments and wish him good luck on all future endeavors.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Joey Lombardo, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 374, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Joey has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Joey has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Joey Lombardo for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Evan Johnson, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 75, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Evan has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Evan has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Evan Johnson for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Bradley Nelson, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 374, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Bradley has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Bradley has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Bradley Nelson for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Bennie Rudolph Wenzel III, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 714, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Bennie has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Bennie has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Bennie Rudolph Wenzel III, for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Ben Milks, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 374, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Ben has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Ben has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Ben Milks for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.

Madam Speaker, I proudly pause to recognize Will Quarles, a very special young man who has exemplified the finest qualities of citizenship and leadership by taking an active part in the Boy Scouts of America, Troop 374, and in earning the most prestigious award of Eagle Scout.

Will has been very active with his troop, participating in many Scout activities. Over the many years Will has been involved with Scouting, he has not only earned numerous merit badges, but also the respect of his family, peers, and community.

Madam Speaker, I proudly ask you to join me in commending Will Quarles for his accomplishments with the Boy Scouts of America and for his efforts put forth in achieving the highest distinction of Eagle Scout.