Floor Statements

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

As a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I rise to join my colleagues in the consideration of H.R. 3501, to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 125 Kerr Avenue in Rome City, Indiana, as the SPC Nicholas Scott Hartge Post Office.

The measure before us was first introduced on November 18 by my colleague Representative Marlin Stutzman, and in accordance with the committee's requirements, this bill is cosponsored by all members of the Indiana delegation and was reported out of the committee by unanimous consent on February 7, 2012.

Nicholas Hartge was adamant about joining the military after the profound personal effect that the September 11 attacks had on him. He enlisted in the Army before graduating from East Noble High School in Kendallville, Indiana, in 2005. In August of 2006, he was deployed and stationed in Baghdad.

On May 14, 2007, Hartge was killed when the vehicle he was riding in came in contact with an improvised explosive device. Four other soldiers on patrol with Hartge sustained burn wounds on as much as 70 percent of their bodies from the attack.

Nicholas Scott Hartge made the ultimate sacrifice for his country, and his dedication and courage are a testament to the men and women of the United States Armed Forces. For this reason, the post office in Rome City, Indiana, should be named in his honor. And I ask that we pass the underlying bill to honor the service, sacrifice, and valor of Specialist Nicholas Scott Hartge.

Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I have no further requests for time. I urge passage of H.R. 3501, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

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

As a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I join my colleagues in the consideration of H.R. 3772, a bill to designate the facility of the U.S. Postal Service at 150 South Union Street in Canton, Mississippi, as the First Sergeant Landres Cheeks Post Office Building.

The measure was first introduced on January 13, 2012, by my colleague, Representative Bennie Thompson. In accordance with committee requirements, the bill is cosponsored by all members of the Mississippi delegation and was reported out of the committee by unanimous consent on February 7, 2012.

Madam Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Mississippi (Mr. Thompson).

Madam Speaker, we have no further requests for time. I think my friend and colleague from Mississippi has sufficiently given us the reasons why this House should adopt this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

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

As a member of the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of H.R. 3276, a bill to designate the facility of the U.S. Postal Service on Hillsborough Avenue in Tampa, Florida, as the Reverend Abe Brown Post Office Building. This bill meets the requirements of our committee.

At this time, I would like to yield to the gentlewoman from Florida (Ms. Castor) such time as she may consume.

Madam Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from Florida, and I ask that we pass the underlying bill without reservation to recognize Reverend Abe Brown's contributions, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Speaker, I object to the vote on the ground that a quorum is not present and make the point of order that a quorum is not present.

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

I want to thank the chairman of the full committee, Mr. Issa, and the chair of the subcommittee, Mr. Gowdy, for working closely with our side on this bill so that we could get it to the floor today. I also thank the ranking member of the full committee, Mr. Cummings, and Mr. Davis, the subcommittee ranking member, for their very important consultation.

H.R. 2297, which was introduced by my friend and colleague, Congresswoman Norton, will allow development of the waterfront area in Southwest Washington, DC. The bill makes technical changes concerning land owned on the Southwest waterfront by the District of Columbia since the early 1960s. The legislation that transferred the land to the District contained restrictions typical of the pre-Home Rule period.

H.R. 2297 updates that obsolete legislation to allow for the highest and best use of the land. The restrictions serve no Federal purpose. However, the unintended effect was to make a wasted asset of land that could be productive and revenue- and jobs-producing. The relevant Federal agencies have been consulted on H.R. 2297 and have raised no objections. The bill will allow mixed-use development on the waterfront for the first time. It will create jobs and raise local revenue at a time when they are needed most.

The Federal Government has no interest in the Southwest waterfront other than the Maine lobster memorial and the Titanic memorial, which the District and the National Park Service have worked together to preserve.

Madam Speaker, the bill expands the types of goods that can be sold at the fish market on the waterfront in a market well known in the region. This is a noncontroversial bill that removes out-of-date restrictions and involves no cost to the Federal Government.

At this time, I'd like to yield to the gentlewoman from the District of Columbia (Ms. Norton) for such time as she may consume.

I urge passage of the bill, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Madam Chair, I move to strike the last word.

Madam Chairman, the American Community Survey is absolutely vital. That's why I'm kind of stunned at what I'm hearing. It not only allowed us to replace the long form census, making it easier for everyone to participate in the decennial census, but it provides all Americans with important information. But one particular area is of great concern to me, and that's the use of ACS data in determining the distribution of a substantial proportion of Federal assistance.

Now, we talk about accountability here. Well, let's start being accountable. Put your actions to words.

In fiscal year 2008, 184 Federal domestic assistance programs used ACS-related data to help guide the distribution of $416 billion. That's not chump change; it's taxpayer dollars. This represents 29 percent of all Federal assistance.

ACS-guided grants accounted for $389.2 billion, or 69 percent of all Federal grant funding. Most of ACS-guided Federal assistance goes to State governments through a handful of large formula grant programs to aid low-income households and support highway infrastructure.

Medicaid alone accounts for 63 percent of ACS-guided funding.

ACS-guided funding is highly concentrated in a small number of programs, recipient States, departments, and budget functions. State per capita ACS-guided funding is positively related to income inequality--high annual pay, high poverty--Medicaid income limits, and the percent of the population that is rural. The higher any of these measures, the higher per capita funding tends to be.

The ACS is absolutely vital. If you want to eliminate that, I'm sure you have certain reasons to do it, but it will take away an essential tool for us to be accountable with taxpayer dollars. So sign your name on the bottom line if you want to, but I suggest you think twice before you eliminate the ACS.

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

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Missouri's own Class 5 State Basketball Champions, the McCluer North High School Stars.

McCluer North basketball and winning championships have become synonymous with one another, thanks to the tireless leadership of head coach Randy Reed and his group of determined and talented young men. High school students Alex Bluiett, Greg Brown, Galen Brown, Terrance Bush, Damon Clemons, Jacari Finley, Tremayne Garrett, Jordon Granger, Dorian Holland, Keith Jones, Mario McCoy, Bryon Ray, Zac Taylor, and Latron Thomas are now State champions.

The Stars' run of excellence is unparalleled. In the past 6 years, McCluer North has won no fewer than 3 State championships and played for the State title 4 times, winning the State's most daunting district tournament 6 of the past 7 years. This season alone, the Stars won 26 straight games, culminating in their heroic victory over their rivals, the Nixa Eagles. Their recent victory marks a fitting end to a season of hard work and perseverance. Their combination of athleticism, experience, depth, and talent proved to be more than their most challenging competitors could handle.

Mr. Speaker, Coach Reed and the men of the McCluer North Stars are true examples of sportsmanship and character, and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring their remarkable achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Missouri's own Class 4 State Basketball Champions, the Soldan High School Tigers.

Soldan High School's convincing 55 42 victory over Springfield Hillcrest at the Mizzou Arena in Columbia was the culmination of three years hard work and dedication, resulting in the Tiger's first state championship in basketball in 31 years. Under the leadership of Head Coach Justin Tatum, the Tigers defeated some of the best teams in the nation, outscoring their playoff opponents by an unbelievable average of 24 points a game.

The men of the Soldan High School Tigers are more than merely teammates, they are a band of brothers. Many of the Tigers have played on the same teams since grade school, their recent victory a fitting reward for years of dedication to both each other and the sport of basketball. Especially for Soldan's nine-man senior class of Devin Booker, Aaron Diamini, Kawan Griffin, Randy Holmes, Paul McRoberts, Jibreel Muhammad, Partice Sanders, Elva Shelton, and Rashad Simmons, the season, and their high school careers, ended exactly how they hoped they would.

Mr. Speaker, Coach Tatum and the men of the Soldan High School Tigers are true examples of character and sportsmanship, and I urge my colleagues to join me in honoring their remarkable achievement.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to have my name removed as a cosponsor from H.R. 3359.

I thank the gentleman from Michigan for yielding.

Madam Chair, my friends on the other side of the aisle want to repeal the Affordable Care Act. Since straight-out repeal didn't work, they are trying to dismantle it bit by bit. I'd like to focus on the effects of the ACA, or the Affordable Care Act, on women's health.

The ACA is the greatest improvement for women's health in decades. The health care needs of women are greater. Historically, women have played a central role in coordinating health care for family members. Here are just some of the ways that the ACA, a bill that I am proud to have helped pass, will improve women's health:

Women will not have to pay more than men for the same insurance policies. Imagine that. Women will not be denied coverage because they are sick or have preexisting conditions. Oh, that's an improvement. Women will be guaranteed preventive services with no deductibles or co- pays. More low-income women will have timely access to family-planning services. Wow, miracle of miracles. Nursing mothers will have the right to a reasonable break time and a place to express breast milk at work. Pregnant and parenting women on Medicaid will get access to needed services. That would be an improvement. Senior women will save thousands of dollars as reform closes the Medicare prescription drug coverage gap. And women will be able to comparison shop when choosing health plans for their families. Family caregivers, who are typically women, will benefit from new supports that help them care for their loved ones while also taking care of themselves.

Madam Chair, as a son, as a father, and as an American, I strongly support the ACA and its improvements to health care for everyone, especially women. Dismantling the act, whether through immediate repeal, lawsuits, or piece by piece, means losing those improvements, and that is unacceptable.

Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to remove my name as a cosponsor of H.R. 3610 and H.R. 3611.

I thank the gentleman for yielding.

Madam Speaker, the untimely passing of my good friend and colleague, Congressman Donald Payne, early this morning is a terrible loss for Donald's family and friends, the House of Representatives, the people of the Tenth Congressional District of New Jersey, and our Nation.

Donald Payne was a tireless advocate for his constituents at the local and municipal level before winning election to the House more than two decades ago. As New Jersey's first and--until his death--only African American Member of Congress, he was the voice of working families from all backgrounds who called the Tenth District their home.

I am privileged to have known and worked with Donald Payne. I will always be grateful to him for the warm way he welcomed me into this House and into the Congressional Black Caucus. I know that my father, who worked with Donald for more than 10 years, joins me in extending our family's sympathies to Donald's family, friends, colleagues, and constituents. As the people of Newark and across the State of New Jersey mourn the loss of their friend, Donald Payne, the people of St. Louis, all of Missouri, and all across our country mourn with them.

His leadership, friendship, and passion for his work will be missed.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a great American--a remarkable trial attorney, prosecutor, circuit and appellate judge, and most recently, the newest member of the Missouri Supreme Court, my dear friend and constituent, the Honorable Judge George W. Draper. Late last year, Missouri Governor Jay Nixon appointed Judge Draper to the Missouri Supreme Court after 17 years on the bench and 10 years in the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's office. He is only the second African American to serve on Missouri's high court. During his 27 years of public service, Judge Draper has demonstrated a dedication to justice and to serving the people of Missouri.

Those decades of experience and his legal acumen will serve him well on the Missouri Supreme Court. While serving on the Missouri Court of Appeals, Judge Draper heard a variety of civil and criminal appeals and authored several hundred opinions. He served as Chief Judge of the Court of Appeals from 2005 to 2006. Prior to his appointment to the appellate court, Judge Draper served first as an associate circuit judge from 1994 to 1998, and then as a circuit judge from 1998 to 2000 in St. Louis County. While serving as a prosecutor with the St. Louis Circuit Attorney's Office from 1984 to 1994, Judge Draper prosecuted numerous major felony cases and worked closely with law enforcement.

A graduate of Howard University School of Law, Judge Draper obtained his undergraduate degree from Morehouse College in Atlanta. Judge Draper has been active in several bar associations, including the Mound City Bar Association and the Missouri Bar Association, and has been supportive of the Missouri Asian Bar Association, as well as being an active member of Covenant Community Church.

Mr. Speaker, I have been blessed to know Judge George W. Draper and his wonderful family for more than three decades. His dedication to the law, to his State, and to the community that I represent is legendary. He is truly worthy of receiving this special congressional recognition.

Mr. Speaker, I rise today to give distinct recognition to the 9th Annual Salute to Women in Leadership Luncheon--an event paying tribute to women of diverse social strata committed to strengthening professional, social and family institutions through dedicated responsibilities.

The St. Louis Community Empowerment Foundation, Anheuser Busch and Worldwide Technologies will honor 14 distinguished women at the event, with the Lifetime Achievement Award bestowed upon Ms. Xernona Clayton, President and CEO of the Trumpet Awards Foundation and originator of ``Moments in History,'' one-minute broadcasts on black Americans televised during Black History Month.

Xernona Clayton deserves a broadcast depicting her accomplishments as she actively participated in the Civil Rights Movement organizing events for the Southern Christian Leadership Conference under the direction of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She was also the first African American female to host a prime time talk show broadcast on WAGA TV in Atlanta, and is credited with influencing a former Grand Dragon of the Ku Klux Klan to denounce the organization.

This year's celebrated women will also include Adrian Bracy, Kathleen Brady, Jacqueline Brock, Myrtle Dorsey, Shirley Drury, Frankie Eichenberger, Robbie Montgomery, Sandra Moore, Valerie Patton, Mary Attyberry Polk, Kacie Starr Triplett, Kimberly McKinney, and Cindy Erickson.

Mr. Speaker, the 9th Annual Salute to Women in Leadership Luncheon inspires advocacy for social justice through the works, accomplishments and deeds of the honored women. I urge my colleagues to join me in recognizing this event slated to be held this May in the beautiful City of St. Louis.

Mr. Speaker, as a member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I am pleased to join my colleagues in the consideration of H.R. 2079, a bill to designate the facility of the U.S. Postal Service located at 10 Main Street in East Rockaway, New York, as the ``John J. Cook Post Office.''

The measure before us was introduced by Representative Carolyn McCarthy on June 1, 2011. In accordance with the committee requirements, H.R. 2079 is cosponsored by all members of the New York delegation. It was reported out of the committee by unanimous consent on November 3, 2011.

At this time, Mr. Speaker, I would like to yield as much time as she may consume to the gentlewoman from New York (Mrs. McCarthy).

Mr. Speaker I have no further speakers and am ready to close, if that's okay with the gentleman from Pennsylvania.

Having no additional speakers, I, once again, urge adoption of H.R. 2079. I also ask that we keep the example of Mr. Cook's career in mind as we work together to craft what should be bipartisan legislation to ensure that the institution Mr. Cook loved so much, the United States Postal Service, can continue to serve our Nation so well.

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

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

As a member of the Oversight and Government Reform Committee, I join my colleagues from my home State of Missouri in strong support of H.R. 3247, and I thank my colleague, Mr. Akin, for introducing this legislation. The legislation will name the postal facility in Town and Country Commons in Chesterfield, Missouri, after Lance Corporal Matthew P. Pathenos.

H.R. 3247 was introduced by my colleague, Representative Akin, and has the support of the entire Missouri delegation, including myself. The bill was introduced on October 24 of last year and was considered by and reported from the Oversight Committee by voice vote shortly thereafter, on November 3, 2011.

Tragically, on February 7, 2007, Lance Corporal Pathenos was killed while conducting combat operations in the al Anbar province, Iraq. Described as a disciplined, dedicated, and patriotic gentleman, Corporal Pathenos served his country proudly.

In recognition of his dedication to his country, Mr. Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in commemorating the life of this brave marine by supporting the passage of H.R. 3247.

Mr. Speaker, having no additional speakers, I once again urge adoption of H.R. 3247 in honor of the life and service of Lance Corporal Matthew P. Pathenos.

I yield back the balance of my time.