Rob Andrews

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I would like to thank my friend from Massachusetts for yielding. The constituents that I listen to know that both parties are responsible for borrowing a lot of money. They know that we borrowed a significant amount of money in recent times. They also know that the minority party voted to borrow and increase the national debt by 70 percent during the term of the prior President. They know that this is the worst economic times we've had since the Great Depression. They don't know this by reading the newspaper. They know it by reading the balance in their checking account or reading the foreclosure notice that came in the mail yesterday or reading the want ads because they're looking for a job. They know this. They know that us saying the Republicans did wrong and the Republicans saying we did wrong isn't going to fix their problems. So what they know is they want to hear us talk about what to do about this burgeoning problem of the national debt. Here is our answer: We first believe that the best way to reduce the debt and reduce the deficit is to get people back to work so that individuals and families are able to pay taxes and so that businesses are able to pay taxes off of their profits. The best deficit- and debt-reduction program is full employment. We have nothing like full employment, nothing like it at all. We've lost huge numbers of jobs, and our plan to do something about it has been this: First, we believe that we should cut taxes for middle-class families so they have more money to spend. That's what we did last year, and the President proposes to do it again this year. Second, we believe that we should cut taxes for small businesses so they can reinvest in their businesses. That's what we voted for last year. We're prepared to do it again. We believe that we should put people back to work, rebuilding our roads and our bridges, rail systems, clean water systems, clean energy. That's what we voted to do last year. We are a long way from succeeding in this effort, but here is what has happened: In the last quarter of 2009, nearly 800,000 Americans lost their jobs. Tomorrow we will hear the reports for the month of January. They won't be good. But they will be a lot better than 800,000 people losing their jobs, which is what happened in the last quarter of the year before last year. We've seen growth in the fourth quarter at 5.7 percent. That means nothing to you if you're still looking at the want ads, but it means that there is reason to think that jobs are on the way. And what have we heard about this? The chief economic adviser to President McCain's Presidential campaign said that the key factor of that growth taking place was the recovery bill that we passed last February. Those are his words, not mine. The nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office, as Mr. McGovern said, estimates that as many as 2.4 million jobs have been created as a result of the recovery bill. We have a long way to go. We have laid out our plan to get there. Frankly, the minority has not laid out a plan, and we look forward to them doing so. The second thing that you need to do is to restrain and reduce spending. Most people will agree that the number one spending problem is entitlements, and the number one entitlement problem is health care. There are two ways to reduce health care spending. The first way is to restrain spending right now in existing programs. That's what we did. In November, a bill came to this floor to reform the country's health care system that would have stopped what I believe are wasteful payments to health care providers and people making money off the system to the tune of $480 billion, real deficit reduction that we all voted for. No one--with one exception--on the other side voted to do that.

Mr. ANDREWS. I thank the gentleman. The second way to reduce health care costs is to change the health care system so there is more competition, so that insurance companies have to compete for people's business and keep costs down that way. We'll all have a chance to vote on a bill that does that next week. And yes, the third thing that I think you have to do is to raise some revenue. The President and most of us ran on this proposition. We do believe that couples who make more than $250,000 a year and individuals who make more than $200,000 a year should be asked to pay the tax rates that they paid before the Bush tax cuts of 2001. Now we heard in 1993 that this would ruin the economy. It would cause calamity. It would be the end of the American economy as we know it. Mr. Gingrich said this. Others said this. They were wrong. After they said these things, the economy created 23 million new jobs. When we followed their way, the economy lost jobs in the succeeding 8 years. The American people want to know what we intend to do, and we've said what we intend to do. We know it can be better.

Mr. ANDREWS. May I answer the question?

Mr. ANDREWS. If I may, I'm trying to answer. Would the gentleman yield so I could answer?

Mr. ANDREWS. The pages the gentleman is talking about are what are called the sequestration rules; and what that means is, if the Congress violates pay-as-you-go, and it spends more than it should under those rules, then there is an automatic reduction in spending to make the so- called score card balance out, to make sure things are brought into balance. Sequestration has happened once in the years that pay-as-you- go were in effect. It was when Mr. Darman was Budget Director. It has never happened before. What these rules say is if there's a sequestration, there are certain programs that are off limits to the sequestration. But they're not exceptions to the PAYGO rule.

Mr. ANDREWS. Yes, sir.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that when the House adjourns on Friday, February 5, it adjourn to meet at 12:30 p.m. on Tuesday next for morning-hour debate.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, the American public must be baffled by the charges and countercharges going back and forth. I would just invite, Madam Speaker, those listening to make their own decision based on two facts. First is that the gentleman from Kentucky said a few minutes ago that the present administration had tripled the Federal spending. I would invite people to go look at the record, which says that the 2008 budget was $2.9 trillion. The proposed budget for this year is $3.7 trillion. That is not tripling. Second, in the years in which we have had the PAYGO rule in effect, we have accumulated 30 percent of the Federal debt. In the years we have not had it in effect, we have accumulated 70 percent of the Federal debt. Choose based upon the record and I think people will see that voting ``yes'' on this commonsense legislation is the right path.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Cooper University Hospital for their heroic response to the Haiti Earthquake disaster. The staff of Cooper University Hospital has shown incredible compassion for the victims of the tragedy and for this they deserve great praise. When the 7.0 earthquake devastated Haiti on January 12, Cooper University Hospital did not hesitate to mobilize an 18-member medical relief team. This team of 18 doctors, nurses, and technicians worked at the Haitian-Dominican Republic border, providing life-saving care under harrowing circumstances. They provided anesthesia, set broken bones, performed surgery and worked to significantly reduce the local mortality rate. The team has returned home, but their efforts continue. Cooper University Hospital is making plans to bring two Haitian children to Camden for surgery. Even now, the hospital is preparing to send 6,000 sets of canes, crutches, and walkers to Haiti. Madam Speaker, the service of these 18 people should not go unrecognized. I want to personally thank them for the humanitarian assistance they have provided and I am grateful Cooper University Hospital has continued their long tradition of caring for those in need.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary contributions of Gregory B. Roberts. On February 1, 2010, Mr. Roberts retired as President of L-3 Communication Systems-East after an amazing forty three-year career in the Aerospace and Defense industry. L-3 Communication Systems-East is located in my district and I have had the privilege to have known and worked with Mr. Roberts during the past 14 years. Mr. Roberts is a graduate of the University of Virginia where he received a bachelor's degree in electrical engineering. He also received a master's degree in electrical engineering from the Polytechnic Institute of Brooklyn. Mr. Roberts has held leadership roles in some of our most distinguished defense companies, including L-3 Communications, General Electric Aerospace--Reentry Systems, Martin Marietta, and later Lockheed Martin. Mr. Roberts' provided the leadership that led to the development of numerous innovative and high technology solutions for U.S. government customers including secure communications technologies, maritime communications solutions, space-based communications, channel processing equipment, and re-entry and fusing systems for Minuteman and Peacekeeper missiles. Those who know Mr. Roberts, know that throughout his career he has mentored our top scientists and engineers, and in doing so, has provided the country with our next generation of leadership talent. Madam Speaker, Mr. Roberts has a proud record of service to our country and I am proud to call him my friend. I congratulate Greg Roberts for all his accomplishments and wish him the best in his retirement.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the retirement of Mr. George Haeuber with recognition of his outstanding contributions in government service. Mr. Haeuber's devotion to public service began in March 1974 as Administrative Assistant to the Township Manager in the Township of Teaneck, New Jersey. From there he continued his public service as Borough Administrator of the Borough of Leonia, New Jersey. Mr. Haeuber became Township Manager of the Township of Maple Shade, Maple Shade, New Jersey in July 1984. As Township Manager, Mr. Haeuber served as chief administrative and executive officer of the Township, responsible for the day-to-day operations of the Township, and the preparation, presentation and administration of the Township budget. Mr. Haeuber supervised all aspects of municipal operations and provided for the effective and efficient fulfillment of Township Council policy. Mr. Haeuber also pioneered the formulation of local self-insurance pools. He served from 1987 to 1992 as chairman of the Executive Committee of the Professional Municipal Management Joint Insurance Fund. He served as a member of the Executive Committee of the Statewide Municipal Excess Liability Joint Insurance Fund (MELJIF) from 1988 to 1992 and from 1996. He chaired the committee from 1997 to 1999. In addition, Mr. Haeuber was Fund Commissioner, Municipal Excess Liability Residual Claims Fund, and Chairman of MELJIF Audit Committee. Mr. Haeuber's commitment to Maple Shade is also evidenced through his civic/community service affiliations. Mr. Haeuber is an active member of the Maple Shade Rotary Club, serving as its chairman in 1990-91, and Youth Chairman since 1986. Furthermore, Mr. Haeuber has been deeply involved in Boy Scouts of America Burlington County Council--Young Adults Division, as a member of the Council Exploring Committee from 1993 to 1998 and as chairman of the Service Team from 1993 to 1998. Madam Speaker, the work of Mr. Haeuber is truly praiseworthy. I wish Mr. Haeuber the best of luck upon retirement and I thank him for his commitment to his community.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the extraordinary contributions that the Gloucester County NAACP has made in our community. Today, I stand to celebrate the NAACP's centennial along with the Gloucester County chapter's 18th year in creating change and being an influential voice in America's conscience. The honorees at December's Annual Freedom Fund Awards Banquet, Chazz Witherspoon, Benjamin T. Griffith, Dr. Sandra M. Butts, Angela Nolan- Cooper, Seth Williams, Dr. Angela M. Jones, Frank Brown, Councilwoman Crystal Evans, Gwendolyn DeVera, Dr. Willie and Mrs. Emily Carter, Loretta Winters, Tiffany Grandison, and LaTonya Nelson, are a testament to the strength of the South Jersey community and the Gloucester County NAACP. These men and women come from all walks of life. They are boxers and bankers, police officers and politicians, anesthesiologists and attorneys. Despite their varied backgrounds, they have much in common. All should be commended for dedicating their time and energy to service of their community. The Gloucester County chapter of the NAACP was established in 1991. In its first 18 years, the Gloucester County NAACP has been influential in providing scholarships for minority students, coordinating voter registration drives, and encouraging students to reach their full potential. In celebrating the centennial of the NAACP, we must recognize the important role that the NAACP has played both on a national and local level to ensure the political, educational, social and economic equality of all Americans. Madam Speaker, the Gloucester County NAACP has made invaluable contributions to the South Jersey region. I congratulate the Gloucester County NAACP on achieving its 18th anniversary, and look forward to its continued successes in the future.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the twelve recipient winners on receiving the 2010 Camden County Freedom Medal. I commend them on being honored for their commitment to their profession and their work on behalf of the community. The Freedom Medal is awarded to extraordinary citizens of Camden County who have unselfishly contributed their time and effort to better their community and continue Martin Luther King, Jr.'s dream of bringing people together. Brief descriptions of these twelve recipient winners are below. Dr. Mumtaz H. Bodla played a vital role in organizing fundraisers for several natural disaster relief projects. Dr. Bodla has also contributed to the food and clothing drive for the homeless in Camden County. His tireless dedication and time working for all of these causes has not only benefited them but certainly his own community is enriched by his presence and all of his hard work. Mr. Kevin Jackson is a member of the M.E.N. (Men Empowering Nations) Board and serves as its Treasurer and invaluable mentor. He shares his extensive education, rich employment and entrepreneurial experience with the young men in positive ways. Mr. Jackson epitomizes Dr. King's beliefs and passes that onto the young men in the community. Ms. Madeline Shilling was one of the earliest members of the Hi-Nella Fire Company's Ladies Auxiliary, for which she served as President. She has always been active with the skits the members of the Fire Company and Auxiliary put on for their Socials. As a dedicated volunteer over the years, Ms. Schilling has impacted and benefited her community. Ms. Marilyn Torres is a community activist who has served in a myriad of capacities throughout the city of Camden. She served as Acting President/Chairperson of the Camden County Human Relations Commission, and was later elected to the position of Chairperson due to her esteemed leadership. Ms. Torres is dedicated to improving the quality of life in her community. Mr. Timothy Chatten serves as the Section Chief of the Juvenile Unit of the Camden County Prosecutor's Office. He has volunteered his services countless times in Biloxi, Mississippi after Hurricane Katrina. His remodeling, reconstruction, and handy work skills has helped dozens of families recovering from the disaster. His faithful commitment and personal sacrifice to these people has not gone unnoticed. Ms. Marian Stoy has served as Hi-Nella Fire Hall Girl Scout leader, a member on the PTA local school board, and as an officer of the Hi-Nella Fire Company Ladies Auxiliary. The auxiliary, during her term, donated over ninety-six thousand dollars to the local Fire Company. Over this period of time, she was instrumental in instilling positive morals and values to hundreds of young girls. Rev. Charles E. Giddins Sr. is the Senior Pastor of Victory Temple Community Church of God In Christ in Camden New Jersey. He has taught courses from Moody's Bible Institute and the American Bible College and also has held school bible study for city youth. Rev. Giddins established a Day Care program so that young mothers could go to work knowing that their children were safe. Rev. Giddins continues to serve and better his community as he answers the call of God. Mr. Qasim Hussain has provided leadership as a member of The Pakistan-American Society of South Jersey. He has spent countless hours volunteering for several international natural disaster relief missions, while helping his own community with the yearly Christmas collection of food, clothing and toys for the homeless of Camden City. Mr. Hussain is not only a shining example for this community, but he has truly touched many lives by his dedication and generosity. Ms. Christine Parry is the Chairperson for the Human Concerns Ministries at St. Andrew the Apostle Church in Gibbsboro. Ms. Parry volunteers the majority of her time to the Christian Cupboard, Prison Ministry, Nursing Home Companion Ministry and Local Outreach Ministry. Many lives and families have been assisted and touched by these various ministries and by Ms. Parry's unselfish service to the community. Ms. Jennifer Storer is a lifelong resident of Camden County who unselfishly contributes to her community as a member of the Black Horse Pike Board of Education. She is a major force on the Policy and Planning Committee and the Facilities, Security and Transportation Committee as well. She also won the Renaissance Achievement Award for her leadership and service. Her dedication and service to the community, especially the youth, will continue to impact the community. Mr. William and Mrs. Patricia McCargo have distinguished themselves as advocates for the rights of the underserved and the promotion of the equity and fairness as President and Corresponding Secretary of the Cherry Hill African American Civic Association. They are exemplary models of the vision and dreams of Dr. King. As Cherry Hill natives and graduates of Cherry Hill High School West, they know the meaning of qualitative education. Madam Speaker, the work of these twelve individuals is truly praiseworthy. I congratulate the 2010 Camden County Freedom Medal winners on their accomplishment and I thank them for their commitment to their community.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and memory of Rebecca H. Capuzzi, of Philadelphia who passed away on December 20, 2009 at Jefferson Hospital after a brief illness. Born on April 22, 1922 in Philadelphia, she was the daughter of the late David Hoffman and Mary (Singerman) Hoffman. Mrs. Capuzzi is survived by her two daughters, Donna and Judy, her son-in-law, Bernard, and her treasured grandson, Brandon. She was the devoted wife of the late John Capuzzi, a well known art restorer in Philadelphia. Mrs. Capuzzi's appreciation for the arts was evident to all those lucky enough to know her. She encouraged her beloved grandson, Brandon, to learn about the importance of the arts and often brought him to cultural institutions and performances. She will be interred at West Laurel Hill Cemetery, Mausoleum of Peace, with her husband. Madam Speaker, Rebecca Capuzzi's commitment to her family should not go unrecognized. I express my deepest condolences to her family for their loss and pay tribute to the memory of this astounding individual.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, the Iran Refined Petroleum Sanctions Act offers the Iranian regime a clear choice; either Iran can discontinue its nuclear weapons program or the Iranian economy will be severely disrupted by these tough new economic sanctions. As we have seen over recent months, the Iranian regime has proven to be openly and appallingly despotic. After falsifying election results, the Iranian leadership crushed the political opposition with brutal violence which was broadcast to every corner of the world. We have seen what this regime is capable of, and these tyrannical leaders cannot be trusted with nuclear weapons. Now, as this brutal regime comes ever closer to the development of a nuclear weapon the international community, acting through the United Nations Security Council, must use sanctions to pressure Iran to stop their nuclear program. This is in the self- interest of all the permanent members of the Security Council. The stability of the entire region would be threatened if Iran were to develop a nuclear weapon as other leaders would certainly decide that a nuclear Iran on their doorstep would necessitate a nuclear program of their own. Iran has been given until the end of this year by President Obama to negotiate in good faith. The clock is ticking down, and when we reach midnight on December 31st, billions around the world will celebrate the dawning of a new year. For the brutal Iranian regime, it will mean that their window of opportunity has slammed shut. They will have sealed their fate. Either they will have joined the nations of the world to create a more peaceful 21st century, or they will be facing the political and economic consequences of their own actions.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. I thank my friend for yielding. A tired old tradition is being carried out on the House floor today. When it comes time to extend the national debt ceiling, the Members in the minority get up and express outrage, and enough Members in the majority get up and show responsibility and vote to do what needs to be done to pay the Nation's bills. Madam Speaker, I know a lot of people watching this are scratching their heads and saying, how did we get to such a terrible predicament? Whose fault is it? And I think they're tired of hearing whose fault it is because, frankly, when the other side is in the majority, we say it's their fault; when they're in the minority, they say it's our fault. I think a history lesson is in order. In 2001, as Mr. Tanner said, we were looking at a projected $5 trillion surplus over the decade that we're now closing out. We're going to take in $5 trillion more than we spent. There were three things that happened in that decade that injured that prospect. The first was horrific, unavoidable, and the fault of no one in this room; it was the terrorist attack on the country on September 11, 2001, which had and still has negative economic consequences as well as security consequences for the country. The second thing that happened, in my view, is that two disastrous choices were made. The first was to launch two wars by borrowing the money to pay for those wars in Iraq and in Afghanistan. We certainly can disagree--and we have around here a lot--as to whether or not those wars were or were not in the national interest, but I think we should have understood that it was absolutely not in the national interest to defy historic tradition and finance those wars by borrowing money, unlike more responsible predecessors of ours had done in other times. The second disastrous decision was a tax cut, a huge majority of which benefited the wealthiest 5 or 10 percent of people in this country. That created a mountain of debt that shifted us from a projected $5 trillion surplus to a projected deficit instead. Then followed the financial meltdown of the fall of 2008. The Treasury Secretary told us in no uncertain terms that he felt that we were perhaps a few days away from the collapse of the global economy. So to this floor came a $700 billion bailout bill for the banking industry, and a lot of Members on both sides voted for it. I think it was the right vote because I do think it staved off that calamity from happening, and that added to the national debt. And yes, there were decisions made since the new administration came in to do the stimulus bill in a way that was not paid for.

Mr. ANDREWS. And I know there is disagreement over whether that was the right thing to do. I think it was absolutely the right thing to do because it stimulated between 600,000 and 1.6 million jobs thus far being saved or created. Let me say this to you: irrespective of how you recount the history as to how we got here, here we are. And to deal with this problem it seems to me there are three inescapable things we have to do. The first is to get entitlement spending under control. Frankly, our side believes the health care reform bill does exactly that, and the Congressional Budget Office would concur--nearly $500 billion in entitlement reductions over a 10-year period. Second, you have to get revenue back on track. Our budget calls for a repeal of the tax reductions for those that are in the top 5 percent or so of the country. I think that is the responsible thing to do. No one on the other side voted for that. And finally, we have to stop spending $300 or $400 billion a year to buy oil from other parts of the world. We had legislation here that would put us on that path and build American jobs. Almost no one--single digits--on the other side voted for that. So this is the day when the minority expresses outrage. There ought to be some other days when the minority expresses some ideas, some plans on how to fix the problem. Vote ``yes.''

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I thank the ranking member and the chairman for their guidance. I rise in strong support of the legislation.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commemorate the 50th anniversary of the Society Hill Playhouse in Philadelphia. Under the leadership of Deen and Jay Kogan, who founded the theater in 1959, the Society Hill Playhouse has become a home for important works by contemporary American and European playwrights. The Kogans met while students at Temple University and married soon after graduation. Deen carried a lifelong passion for the theater, and Jay, a former World War II prisoner of war, was soon bitten by the theater bug. After a year working in theaters in Milan and Zurich, the Kogans set out to create their vision of a theater community in Philadelphia. Over the last 50 years, the Society Hill Playhouse has delighted Philadelphia audiences with productions including Nunsense, Lafferty's Wake, and Menopause: The Musical. In addition to its contributions to the Philadelphia theater community, the Society Hill Playhouse created the Philadelphia Youth Theater, which for 25 years opened its doors to allow Philadelphia youth to have access to the arts and develop their skills. The Society Hill Playhouse prides itself on its appeal to ``people who don't like theater . . . or who think they don't.'' As Philadelphia's original public theater, the Society Hill Playhouse has made a lasting contribution to the design of new theaters throughout the Delaware Valley. Rarely does a theater extend beyond a location and become an integral member of the arts community, but the Playhouse has done exactly that. The Society Hill Playhouse brought a new generation into the theater, while producing hits and entertaining crowds for 50 years. Madam Speaker, the Society Hill Playhouse has made immeasurable cultural contributions to the Philadelphia area. I congratulate Deen Kogan and her late husband Jay on accomplishing their vision of a premiere arts institution in Philadelphia, and wish the Society Hill Playhouse many more years of success.

Mr. ANDREWS

Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself 3 minutes. Madam Speaker, the people of the country and Members of the House deserve a vigorous debate. They also deserve an accurate record. And I think the time has come to begin to clarify and correct some of the series of assertions that have been made here that are simply not correct. There was an assertion made from the minority side a few minutes ago that no one knows what will happen to those who are on TRICARE or veterans health benefits. The gentleman may not know, but we do. Nothing will change for a person under TRICARE or veterans benefits if they do not wish to have it changed. There was a statement made on the other side that the bill will ``cover illegal aliens.'' That is incorrect. There is no subsidy and there is no coverage for an undocumented person. There have been numerous statements made on the other side that there will be massive tax increases on the American people. Here is the fact: the fact is that there is a surtax in this bill that helps to pay for coverage of uninsured people and for better quality care. It affects the top .3 percent of households in this country. If you're an individual and you make more than $500,000 a year adjusted gross income, if you're a couple and you make more than $1 million a year adjusted gross income, it affects you. The statement has been made repeatedly the bill will add to the deficit. That's not the truth. That's not what the Congressional Budget Office says. They say the contrary. They say that the net effect of this bill is it will reduce the deficit in the first 10 years by in excess of $100 billion and that in the second 10 years, the bill will reduce the deficit by somewhere in the neighborhood of one-quarter of 1 percent of GDP. The statement has been repeatedly made that it is a crime not to have health insurance. Here's the accurate statement: because there is a penalty imposed on individuals who don't meet the individual mandate, and, by the way, that individual mandate has within it very generous subsidies and it has a hardship exemption, but it has been said it is a crime not to have health care. That is not accurate. It is a crime to willfully and intentionally evade taxation, just as it is with every other tax. It has been said this is a government takeover of health care. That is false. This is a consumer takeover of health care. And those who would be apologists for the insurance industry don't like that. The American people do and will. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, when people were about to be deprived the freedom to choose a public option, the Progressive Caucus stood up. The leader of the Progressive Caucus that led that effort will now be our next speaker. The gentlewoman from California (Ms. Woolsey) is recognized for 2 minutes.

Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I am pleased to yield to a Member who understands the immorality of 47 million uninsured. The gentleman from Michigan (Mr. Kildee) is recognized for 1 minute.

Mr. ANDREWS. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 3 minutes. (Mr. ANDREWS asked and was given permission to revise and extend his remarks.)

Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, I yield myself 30 seconds before the next introduction. There is a credibility issue here. The minority says the bill doesn't have enough prevention, but the American Cancer Society supports the bill. The minority says it destroys the doctor-patient relationship, but the American Medical Association supports the bill. The minority says it's bad for America's seniors and for Medicare, but the AARP supports the bill. I think there is a credibility issue, and it doesn't work for the minority. At this time, I would be happy to yield 1\1/4\ minutes to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Sestak).

Mr. ANDREWS. Madam Speaker, before I yield to my next speaker, I yield myself 30 seconds. With all due respect, what is an absolute disaster are the repeated misrepresentations of certain things that are in this bill, and we just heard one. No one is forced to join the public option. No one. It is not in the bill; and I would, frankly, invite the minority to show us where it is. Secondly, Members of Congress are positioned exactly the way everyone else is with the public option. When and if the time comes that the Federal Government is a participating employer in the exchange, we can either choose the public option or not. The House deserves an accurate record. I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to a woman who stood for fiscal soundness not only here in Washington but in New Hampshire for her State budget, the gentlewoman from New Hampshire, Carol Shea-Porter.