Floor Statements

Mr. Speaker, Democrats are committed to extending tax cuts for the middle class working families. Unfortunately, our friends on the other side of the aisle have been unwilling to compromise so far on tax cuts for the wealthy, which would add $700 billion to the national debt over the next 10 years.

I was proud to join several of my colleagues, led by Mr. Pascrell and Mr. Capuano, in sending a letter to Speaker Pelosi and Leader Boehner advocating for a compromise on this issue. Our idea involves a 1-year extension of the higher tax rates for individuals and joint filers making under $500,000 annually, a 5-year extension of the middle class tax cuts for individuals making less than $200,000 and joint filers making less than $250,000 annually, and a 5-year extension of the current tax rates on long-term capital gains and qualified dividends.

I hope we come together to address this issue quickly when Congress returns. And I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to focus on working out a compromise.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the Battle of Plattsburgh during the War of 1812 on the event's recent 198th anniversary. The conflict took the lives of 104 American soldiers, injured 116 more, and marked the end of the British invasion of the region during the war.

More than a skirmish during wartime, the memory and annual commemoration of the Battle of Plattsburgh preserves our precious local history and the vital role the region played in the end of the War of 1812.

This year's celebration of the North Country's heritage coincided with the anniversary of the September 11 attacks on the World Trade Center, providing us another chance to observe the bravery our men and women in uniform have exhibited in two different eras.

Madam Speaker, I thank all those involved in the annual commemoration of the Battle of Plattsburgh for working to preserve the rich heritage our area holds in the North Country. The event truly represents the contributions Upstate New York has provided for the direction of our entire nation.

Battle of Plattsburgh Association

Kristina Parker-Wingler, Museum Manager; Keith Herkalo, President.

Battle of Plattsburgh Commemoration Committee Officers & Members

Christopher Booth, Co-Chair; Gary VaCour, Co-Chair; Iris McLean, Secretary; Kate Besaw, Treasurer; Bill Arthur, James Bailey, Jack Barette, Sharon Bell, Sally Booth, Martha Bachman, Beth Brumfield, Ann Brady, Diane Brockway, Deb Brunner, Jane Claffey, Donna Coughlin, Anne Cutaiar, Don Craig, Carol Czaja, Mike Doe, Nancy Douglas Vickie Demarse-Giroux, William Glidden, David Graham, Bob Heins, Ellen Hogan, Dennis Hullbert, Mary Joyce, Bruce Kokernot, John Krueger, Carol Lunn, Keith Lunn, Betty Miller, Athena Moore, Bruce Moore, Art Norton, Helen Nerska, Michelle Powers, Chris Ransom, Stan Ransom, Philip Rice, Richard Rogers, Craig Russell, Bud Smith, John Tanner, Louise Tanner, Gerry Tetreault, Brenda Towne, Dick Ward, Linda Ward, Mike Wayne, Lynn Wilke, Josh Wingler.

Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of an important initiative that got its start here in Washington, DC but could one day make its way across the country for the benefit of our troops returning home from overseas.

MusicCorps is taking hold at Walter Reed Medical Center. This revolutionary program pairs injured veterans with working musicians to engage wounded warriors in the creation of music. Whether a particular servicemember seeks to become a professional musician, revive an old talent or simply find joy in learning a new skill, MusicCorps is offering a unique path to rehabilitating soldiers that has significant promise for the future of our Army.

Even as Congress is providing unprecedented levels of support for injured servicemembers, we must continue seeking out new and innovative ways to prepare the men and women of our Armed Forces for whatever path they desire when they return home, whether that is retirement, a new career or a return to service within America's military. I ask my colleagues to join me in voicing appreciation to the founders and participants of MusicCorps, along with our sincere desire that this important program continues to flourish at Walter Reed and elsewhere across the country.

I thank the gentleman from Michigan, Chairman Levin.

I rise today in support of H.R. 5982, the Small Business Tax Relief Act. This legislation repeals the new 1099 reporting requirements that impose a flood of new tax paperwork on small businesses. This bill evidences our commitment to listening to our constituents and acting to resolve their legitimate concerns. We, on our side of the aisle, are listening. We are acting.

I have heard from numerous constituents, farmers, manufacturers and other small businesses, about this issue. Repealing these requirements is critical to protecting small businesses and family farms from having to mail hundreds of forms to vendors each year. H.R. 5982 is fully paid for by eliminating $11.6 billion in tax breaks for companies that ship jobs overseas.

We hear constantly about the need for regulatory reform. This bill provides regulatory relief. Foreign tax credits do not incentivize production or manufacturing in the United States, as my colleague, Mr. Murphy, amply and adequately pointed out. We need to focus on incentivizing U.S.-based production by focusing on appropriate tax incentives and reduction in regulatory activity by the government.

We have an opportunity today to continue to improve on the health reform law by passing this bill, by helping to create U.S. jobs, and focusing and incentivizing companies to grow the American economy.

I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 5982.

Mr. Speaker, I want to thank Chairman Conyers and Chairman Thompson for their leadership and for bringing H.R. 4748 to the floor.

I do live along the Canadian border, and much of my district contains a broad swath of Indian reservation and much of the timber lands that were described by my colleague from California.

Our northern border with Canada spans over 4,000 miles, the longest open border in the world. The livelihoods of thousands of workers and their families in Upstate New York depend on a stable trading relationship with our northern neighbor. In my district alone, we saw more than $677 million worth of goods exported to Canada in 2008. Nearly 20,000 jobs depend on this trading relationship.

Since coming into office in November, I have met with officials from local and Federal law enforcement, members of the trade community, and small business owners from my district. Immediately before coming to the floor, I was with a number of ICE agents who were discussing this very problem. One issue that nearly every one of them has mentioned to me is the importance of a safe and secure northern border that can ensure the movement of people and goods. Whether it's Canadian tourists who have driven to Upstate New York for dinner or a manufacturing plant that imports its raw materials from Canada, New York has benefited for decades from a robust business relationship across international borders, and any illegal activity that takes place on our border threatens that relationship.

Organized criminal elements are increasingly exploiting the northern border to traffic narcotics, illicit cigarettes, firearms, and humans. According to the 2010 National Drug Threat Assessment, the amount of ecstasy seized at or between northern border ports of entry increased 594 percent from 2004 to 2009. In 2009, there were 1,100 drug-related arrests of adults in New York's north country.

While our Nation's drug czar has developed a comprehensive strategy for dealing with the flow of drugs across the southwest border, dealing with this problem at the northern border is currently left up to individual law enforcement agencies. The Northern Border Counternarcotics Strategy Act will require the Office of National Drug Control Policy to develop a comprehensive counternarcotics plan on the northern border.

By passing this legislation, we will be requiring all the relevant law enforcement officials at the Federal, State, and local levels to come together and start the process of developing a new approach to combat this problem. It is vital to both the economic development of our region and the safety of our community that we take the steps to stop the drug trade across our northern border. I ask my colleagues for their support.

Mr. Speaker, Social Security is a pledge to hardworking Americans that they will be able to retire with the dignity they deserve. As this treasured program reaches its 75th anniversary, we have a responsibility to guarantee that it remains strong for future generations; but as we work toward improving the long-term solvency of this program, we must avoid making ill advised changes, like creating volatile private accounts that could throw millions of seniors into poverty.

These are tough economic times, particularly for seniors on fixed incomes. Rising health care, energy and housing costs mean too many seniors do not have the resources they need to live comfortably. Now, more than ever, Social Security is a critical safety net for millions of Americans.

I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work together to strengthen the Social Security program for current and future generations. Hardworking Americans deserve to look forward to financially secure retirements.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the American Nephrology Nurses Association as well as all those involved in the annual Kidney Disease Awareness Week, which will take place this year from August 9th through August 13th.

There are over 400,000 Americans who have irreversible kidney failure, and the only treatment for this disease is dialysis or kidney transplantation. However, transplants are limited due to the shortage of donors, and the majority of patients who suffer from this forgotten ailment must undergo regular dialysis treatments.

The leading causes of end-stage kidney disease (ESRD), a disease that 24,000 New Yorkers suffer from, are hypertension and diabetes. An additional 15,000 people in my State suffer from these two ailments and are at risk of ESRD. Despite these staggering numbers, debilitating kidney diseases are typically forgotten.

Our area nephrology nurses play a fundamental role in providing our sick with dialysis and related treatments in my community and across the entire country. I applaud them for their efforts to contribute to the overall health of our nation.

Madam Speaker, I thank the American Nephrology Nurses Association for their work to treat these diseases and urge every American to observe Kidney Disease Awareness Week this August.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital of Plattsburgh, New York in the wake of the 100th anniversary of the admission of the facility's first patient on June 22, 1910.

CVPH was created in 1972 by the merger of Physicians Hospital with Champlain Valley Hospital. This association of private and charitable hospitals increased the level of access to quality health care for our community, and the CVPH Medical Center has remained the foundation of Plattsburgh's health for decades.

CVPH, through its board, management and employees, has proved their dedication to our community's health by instituting ambitious programs to expand their services. In their relentless mission to provide our region with education, awareness, and strength--in addition to the gold standard of health care for which they are known--the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital is a vital part of our community that cannot be replaced.

CVPH has always endeavored to find new ways to increase and expand the level of care it offers. From advanced cardiology services and mental health care to its community outreach efforts, our facility knows that the best approach to the overall health of an area involves every part of every individual.

Madam Speaker, I would like to offer my sincere congratulations to the Champlain Valley Physicians Hospital on their 100th anniversary, as well as my undying appreciation for the consistent level of service they provide our region.

Madam Speaker, I offer House Resolution 1467 and ask unanimous consent for its immediate consideration in the House.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Lewis County chapter of Veterans of Foreign Wars and to congratulate the group on their 50th anniversary. For over a half century, the VFW has served as the foundation for local veterans outreach and assistance, as well as a major supporter of our community in Lowville and surrounding areas.

Just as our soldiers pledge to leave no man or woman behind, the Lewis County VFW carries on that promise to our current and future veterans, helping all of us make good on the pledge to provide real opportunities to our troops upon their return from service.

The Lewis County VFW embodies what their national organization strives for--providing services that extend beyond the realm of veterans helping veterans. Their outreach and service in our region is invaluable and encourages community participation and volunteerism from both those in the armed forces and civilians alike.

From help in community food kitchens, work in blood drives, and assisting our veterans to receive their hard-earned benefits, the Lewis County VFW in New York's 23rd Congressional District truly knows how to accomplish their mission in making our area a better place.

Our local VFW in Lewis County increases civic pride and its 50 great years of serving our community is nothing short of remarkable. I would like to again thank them for their service and wish them the best moving forward.

Mr. Speaker, I represent the 10th Mountain Division, which is located at Fort Drum in my district, and I rise today to honor the brave men and women of the Armed Forces who are serving both home and a broad to prevent future terrorist attacks against our homeland.

After 8 years of failing to identify a clear plan in Afghanistan and provide the resources necessary for our troops to succeed, we are now taking the fight against the terrorists to their own turf, and we have them on the run. Democrats have worked with this President to successfully kill and capture hundreds of al Qaeda and Taliban leaders in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Pakistan. Last week, a suicide bombing attack on a convoy in Kabul reminded us of the brave sacrifice the men and women on the front lines of this fight are making. Two officers from the 10th Mountain Division, both lieutenant colonels, were among those killed. Lieutenant Colonel Paul R. Bartz and Lieutenant Colonel Thomas P. Belkofer were part of a team that was conducting training and setting conditions for the 10th Mountain Division deployments to Afghanistan later this year. This is a heartbreaking loss for the Fort Drum community, and our hearts go out to their families.

Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the outstanding career of Mr. Derek Muirden, a veteran of the armed forces and one of northern New York's most recognizable voices, for his decades of service to the North Country

For years, Derek has produced quality programming for Mountain Lake PBS, Plattsburgh's public television station and has reached millions of viewers in New York, Vermont and Quebec.

Derek has been a regional storyteller for decades through the many series he has produced and hosted including: People Near Here, Roadside Adventures, Roadside Recipes and Rustic Living. He is also noted in the region as a documentary filmmaker with productions such as: A Castle in Every Heart: The Arto Monaco Story, Voices of Scotland, Then Again: Reliving History at Fort Ticonderoga and Reach for the Sky: Inside the U.S. Air Force Thunderbirds.

Mr. Muirden is admired by many throughout our community for his in depth and entertaining reporting of the history of the North Country. He is held in high regards by many in our region because of his balanced reporting and his dedication to preparation and professionalism. Creating hundreds of hours of television chronicling our region, he is a prolific producer and host of programs that capture the unique feel and environment of the Adirondacks and our North Country region.

Madam Speaker, I would like to congratulate and thank Derek Muirden for his decades of effort to immortalize our community and honor our Nation. He is a great entertainer and a source of pride for our region, and the North Country would not be the same without him.

Madam Speaker, our middle class families and small business owners need fast action if they are to pull themselves out of the recession. The health care legislation that passed the House floor Sunday evening does just that. Beginning this week, health care reform will begin to impact my district in upstate New York. My constituents' number one concern is to create jobs. For our small business owners, tax credits of up to 35 percent of insurance costs are now available, allowing them to free up funds to hire new employees and expand.

The bill will help our seniors pay for their medication, closing the Medicare part D doughnut hole within a decade, and improve the system for over 100,000 Medicare beneficiaries in our communities. No longer will our neighbors have to worry about losing or being denied quality insurance because they get sick. The bill will end rescissions and denials based on preexisting conditions. The bill will make our health care more efficient, providing new investment in training programs for primary care professionals and fund 12 new health care facilities in upstate New York. Health care reform will set our college graduates off on the right foot, allowing 65,000 young adults in my district to obtain coverage through their parents' plan until they are 26.

Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 1099) recognizing the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima, as amended.

Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks on the resolution under consideration.

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

I rise today in support of House Resolution 1099, recognizing the 65th anniversary of the Battle of Iwo Jima. I would like to thank my colleague from Iowa (Mr. Braley) for putting this resolution together.

Madam Speaker, I don't know if you have ever been to the Marine Corps Memorial that sits nearby off Arlington Boulevard and George Washington Parkway atop a knoll overlooking all of the memorials on The Mall, the Washington Monument, and this Capitol building. If you haven't, I highly recommend going for a thoughtful visit. The memorial is a larger-than-life statute depicting one of the most famous images generated during World War II--Joe Rosenthal's Pulitzer Prize-winning photograph of the five marines and one Navy corpsman raising the American flag over Mount Suribachi during the Battle of Iowa Jima. At daybreak, the sun rises over the Capitol, illuminating monuments to America's history of perseverance for freedom. I can think of no better backdrop to this monument than that for which these brave men and women fought--the capital of the free world.

The battle of Iwo Jima lasted from February 19 to March 26, 1945, and was among the most bitter battles in the history of the Marine Corps. Over 70,000 participated, nearly a quarter of those were wounded, and almost 6,000 marines made the ultimate sacrifice by giving their last measure for America in this famous battle. And while the Marines suffered the most casualties in this confrontation, by far, this effort was directly supported by the Navy, which suffered roughly 2,800 casualties, and elements of the Army, which suffered 37 casualties.

Madam Speaker, 22 marines, 4 Navy corpsmen, and 1 Navy landing craft commander received the Medal of Honor, the highest award for valor in action against an enemy force which can be bestowed on an individual suffering in the United States Armed Forces, for their service during the Battle of Iwo Jima. It was Admiral Nimitz who stated, ``Among Americans who fought on Iwo Island, uncommon valor was a common virtue.'' It is hard to imagine or even truly understand what that experience must have been like.

The Battle of Iwo Jima was a military victory critical to the assault on Japan, which led to the eventual triumph in the Pacific Theatre during World War II. Therefore, I urge my colleagues to recognize and commend all members of the United States Armed Forces participating in the Battle of Iwo Jima for their service and sacrifice, with particular honor and gratitude given to those gallant Americans who gave their lives in defense of the United States and freedom, by voting in favor of House Resolution 1099.

If any of my colleagues haven't had the opportunity yet, I recommend that they stand at dawn, or during one of the Marine Corps Tuesday Sunset Parades, and reflect upon the Battle of Iwo Jima and the sacrifices our servicemembers have made during all of America's wars to protect the freedoms we enjoy this very moment.

I reserve the balance of my time.

I yield such time as he may consume to my friend and colleague and the sponsor of this resolution, the gentleman from Iowa (Mr. Braley).

I will continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I continue to reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I would like to respond to the comments about the bill and the inability to comprehend it in a short period of time.

I am relatively new to Congress. The Senate bill has been available, I think, for better than 80 days. This sounds more like a college or high school student saying I had to stay up all night and cram because I didn't study during the semester.

There was adequate time for everyone in the House to read the Senate bill. I certainly did. I read the reconciliation bill in one night. So the claim this is being foisted upon us in a manner which does not allow for its comprehension is simply incomprehensible.

I yield 2 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Oregon (Mr. DeFazio).

I yield the gentleman 1 additional minute.

I yield 1 minute to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from New York (Mr. Israel).

I yield 2 minutes to my friend and colleague, the gentleman from Colorado (Mr. Perlmutter).

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

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

Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Oswego High School Lady Bucs hockey team for their victory in the 2010 New York State Girls High School Hockey Championships.

On Saturday the 13th of February, high school hockey fans were treated to a great championship game between some of the most skilled players in the state when the Lady Bucs defeated Skaneateles in the final game 3-0. I understand that the Lady Bucs' championship win claimed the school's first team state title since the varsity boys bowling team accomplished the feat about two decades ago.

I want to congratulate the championship girls' team of Whitney Daino, Erika Lazzaro, Sage Dudley, Taylar Cianfarano, Kaitlin Friel, Sarah Mancuso, Danielle Faivus, Caroline Dougherty, Karissa Favata, Taite Phillips, Sarah Gosek, Lainey Celeste, Tessa Opet, Devyn Hutcheson, Caty Darling, Madisyn Whalen and Allison Yule on their hard work. I would also like to recognize Taylar Cianfarano for being named the tournament's most valuable player, as well as Devyn Hutcheson, Kaitlin Friel and goalie Madisyn Whalen for being selected to the all- tournament team.

I also want to extend my congratulations to head coach Dan Bartlett and assistants Beth Arduini and Andrew Lazzaro, who built upon an impressive legacy to take the team to victory. The elite status of these athletic young women could not have been reached without the combined dedication of these coaches.

Madam Speaker, the Lady Bucs' teamwork sets a strong example for the community and reminds us all what is possible when we come together. Again, congratulations to the Lady Bucs on their success.