Rodney Alexander

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Mayor Gerard C. Moreau, Jr., for his many years of service and dedication to the Bunkie, La. community. A man of many dimensions, Moreau's career includes 30 years in the banking business as well as a volunteer fireman. Over the past few decades, he has been heavily involved in citizenship activities and community organizations. Among his many civic accomplishments, Moreau was elected to the Bunkie City Council in 1990, where he served until October of 1999. That same year, Moreau was elected mayor of the City of Bunkie, and he continues to serve in this capacity today. Additionally, Moreau was the past president and member of the Bunkie Chamber of Commerce and the Bunkie Lions Club. He is currently the senior vice president of Sabine State Bank in Bunkie. Beyond his professional career, Moreau is the devoted husband of Carla. They are the proud parents of three beautiful daughters and two lovely grandchildren. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing Mayor Gerard C, Moreau, Jr., a truly faithful public servant. His commitment, compassion and leadership warrant this laudable recognition.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to commend Mayor Richard Roy Michel, who has devoted over 28 years to serving Marksville, La. Michel was Marksville High School's valedictorian in 1950. He received his B.S. degree in 1953 from Louisiana State University (LSU) of Baton Rouge, and continued his education at LSU Medical School in New Orleans graduating in 1957. After marrying the former Margaret Bennett in 1956, Michel served his country in the U.S. Air Force from 1958 to 1960. He was a captain and head of the OB GYN medical division at Robins Air Force Base in Georgia. He also worked as the Assistant Hospital Administrator. In 1960, Michel returned to his hometown to practice medicine at Marksville Hospital where he continues to work today. For nearly three decades, Michel has been a businessman, politician, cattleman, and the Marksville Mayor. He is credited with turning Marksville from a town to a city by his notable undertakings. He was instrumental in encouraging the expansion of the Super Wal-Mart and assisting the Tunica-Biloxi Tribe in establishing the Paragon Casino. In addition, the Marksville City Hall, Police Station, Fire Station, City Courtroom and Marksville Water System buildings were constructed under his leadership as mayor. Among his impressive list of endeavors, Michel served as a charter member of the American Academy of Family Practice, board member of the Council on Aging, Cottonport Bank, Airport Authority and Marksville Chamber of Commerce. In addition, he was the first president of the Avoyelles Mayor's Association and the first chief of staff at Avoyelles Hospital. Beyond his professional career, Michel and his wife have two daughters, Margaret Suzone Alfred and Donna Renee Lemoine, two granddaughters, one grandson and one great-granddaughter. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mayor Richard Roy Michel. His unwavering commitment and compassionate service to the Marksville community deserve our gratitude.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and remember Charles Craddock, a World War II Veteran and Prisoner of War. I offer most heartfelt thanks to Mr. Craddock for his selfless and heroic service to our nation and dedication to preserving our freedoms. It is with great appreciation that I share his story in hopes of inspiring today's generation of young men and women to live with the same sense of duty and purpose. In April of 1943, Mr. Craddock was drafted and sent to Ft. Sill, Okla., then to Fort Polk, La., for basic training. From there, he was transferred into the Air Force Cadet program and took basic training and classification at Sheppard Field, Texas. After completing basic training, he was sent to pre-flight training at Butler University in Indianapolis, Ind. He was then sent to Fort Bragg, N.C., for combat training in the infantry, then to Fort Meade, Md., and Fort Dix, N.J., for further training. After D-Day, Mr. Craddock traveled to Omaha Beach and joined units of the 3rd Army near Nancy, France. Mr. Craddock was assigned to the 137th D Infantry Regiment of the 35th Division. The first two weeks his unit spent in a defensive position, and then began a drive to the German border. After two months, his group made it to the border at Sarrguimens. They crossed the Bliss River at night to take some high ground. Five of the soldiers, including Mr. Craddock, in the company were picked to go on patrol to see what lay ahead. They were captured behind the German lines during this patrol. It was hard getting to the POW camp near Stuttgart, as the Air Force was all around. Most of the distance was covered by walking at night. After spending about a month in Stuttgart, the American forces were driving into this area from southern France, so the prisoners were led into box cars for a miserable trip to the next POW camp at Luckenwald. This train trip lasted about four days and nights for the train would not move during the day for fear of the American Air Force. During this trip, they never let the POWs out of the box cars and gave them very little food or water. After spending about two months in Luckenwald, the prisoners were broken up in small groups and marched for two days to a camp known as Altengrabow. Once again, in two months, they were told they had to move, and walked through the city of Berlin, which was in ruins from the American and British Air Force bombings. The group was sent to a small camp west of Berlin, where every night they watched the bombings of the city. They were given no news, but sensed the war was coming to an end. One morning, near the end of April 1945, they were told to move again. They marched about a day and then spent the night in a barn. During the night, the German guards left. A Russian patrol came by the next day, and escorted them to the American lines on the Elbe River. That was on May 8, 1945, almost six months after being captured. For his truly brave and fearless service, Mr. Craddock received the following decorations: Combat Infantry Badge, Bronze Star, European Theater with two Battle Stars, and Good Conduct. Our country and many more around the world are the beneficiaries of his courage and vigilance. On May 16, 2010, America lost a hero with the passing of Mr. Craddock. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in paying tribute to Charles Craddock and extending thanks from a grateful nation.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today with tremendous pride and pleasure to pay tribute to the achievements of the West Monroe High School Choral program. Through the years, they have held numerous concerts at Carnegie Hall, performed Mozart's Coronation Mass in Salzburg and Vienna, Austria, and sang the mass at St. Peter's Basilica in Rome, Italy. The many recognitions they have received are the result of long hours of practice, and dedication to excellence by the students, faculty and their families. The West Monroe High School Choir has once again been honored as they have been asked to represent Louisiana at the 2010 American Celebration of Music in France and Great Britain. This tour will provide an once- in-a-lifetime opportunity for our young students to perform at various venues throughout Europe. The trip's highlights include performances at The Jesuit Church in Lucerne, Switzerland, Notre Dame Cathedral in Paris, France, The American Cemetery in Normandy Beach, France, and St. Paul's Cathedral in London, England. The European concert tour will take place from May 30, 2010 to June 10, 2010, and will include 82 singers and 40 chaperones. Under the leadership of Greg A. Oden, Director, and Vickie Freeman, Assistant Director, the students have passionately worked through the entire year to raise the necessary funds to achieve this aspiration. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the wonderful achievements of the West Monroe High School Choir. The many honors they have received are the result of long hours of practice, and dedication to excellence by the students, faculty and their families. They have truly made me and their community proud.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 125th anniversary of Ollie Grove Baptist Church in Choudrant, La. The church, which will celebrate this landmark anniversary on June 20, 2010, began in 1885 when a small group of men and women joined forces. These pioneers initially held services in a brush arbor until the first box-like frame building was constructed a year later. While the church building has changed many times over the past century, the church has continued to provide spiritual guidance to the Jackson Parish community since its inception. Today, Ollie Grove Baptist Church is led by a dynamic young Pastor named Derric Chatman where he performs missionary outreach and works to increase the number of young men and women believing in the Holy Father and living a life in accordance to his word. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Ollie Grove Baptist Church for its dedication to providing a steadfast place of worship. Countless Sunday morning services, baptisms, weddings have been held there, and I am confident it will continue to be a source of Christian love and fellowship well over the next 100 years.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. I thank the gentleman for yielding. All along the gulf coast, there are many communities hundreds of miles from the edge of the water, communities that are filled with families that, for generation after generation, have produced the workers that are required to produce gas and oil in the gulf region. Some of those workers leave home for periods of 7 days, 14 days, perhaps 21 days before coming home. Sadly, some never return home. Families can't be prepared for losing those loved ones, and for that, our hearts and prayers go out in this resolution.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride that I rise today to congratulate Linda Grant for being named the 2010 Direct Support Professional (DSP) of the Year for Louisiana. The American Network of Community Options and Resources (ANCOR) recently honored Linda with this wonderful recognition. As a DSP, Linda works to support people with disabilities through community-based services that promote independence and inclusion for individuals with intellectual, behavior and other disabilities. This award is testament that Linda is a true leader for her work assisting those with disabilities to live meaningful and productive lives. She is an example of how one person can change the lives of many, and I commend Linda for her hard work and dedication to making a positive difference in the community. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Linda Grant for this significant achievement.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I am proud to honor Cleco Corporation for ringing The Closing Bell at the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) on Friday, April 16. Cleco used this event to officially kick off its 75th anniversary celebration with more revelry scheduled to follow. Based in Pineville, La., Cleco is a regional energy company which began operations on January 2, 1935. Today, it serves about 277,000 retail customers across Louisiana. Moreover, Cleco is the only publicly traded company on the NYSE headquartered in Central Louisiana, and the seventh largest NYSE-traded company based in the state. Cleco has a remarkable track record of success, and I am confident it will continue to provide great opportunities for the residents of this area. It is with deep appreciation for this company's many contributions to the 5th Congressional District that I commend Cleco and its dedicated employees. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating the 75th anniversary of Cleco. I offer my deepest congratulations to the devoted individuals who helped Cleco reach this significant milestone.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor and recognize Angela Bruscato for 35 years of volunteer service to St. Francis Medical Center. Angie has continually demonstrated the mission of St. Francis Medical Center through her commitment to reaching out to others in their time of need. She has brought comfort and hope to patients and their families with her sincere concern for their welfare. Angie joined the St. Francis Medical Center volunteer program in May of 1975, and as of March 17, 2010, she has volunteered 19,696 hours of service. With her many talents, Angie has held many positions as a volunteer and on the Auxiliary Executive Board, and has helped raise $450,000 to benefit the health care facility. Angie is a shining example of how one person can change the world for many. Justly, Angie has been recognized for her caring service over the years. In 1990, she was awarded the Auxilian of the Year. In 1993, St. Francis Medical Center awarded her a Certificate of Merit for Dedicated Auxiliary Service. In 2004, she received the Volunteer of the Year award. I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Angela Bruscato. This truly amazing and selfless individual has continued to bring joy to the patients and employees of the St. Francis Medical Center for 35 years.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and achievements of Mr. K.D. Kilpatrick, who passed away on March 14, 2010. Among his impressive list of endeavors, Mr. Kilpatrick was a prominent businessman and former state senator. He was the retired co- owner of Kilpatrick Funeral Homes, Inc., Central American Life Insurance Company, Inc., and Ashley Life Insurance Company. He will surely be remembered by all as a loving husband and father, a successful businessman and an important part of the North Louisiana community. His legacy will continue to thrive in those who he leaves behind. Mr. Kilpatrick was a friend to many, and deemed a gracious and hardworking person by all who knew him. I wish to express my deepest condolences to his family, and may God continue to bless the memory of a man who will truly be missed by his family, his friends and his community. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the late K.D. Kilpatrick, a true representative of the spirit of North Louisiana.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and achievements of Robert ``Buddy'' Tudor, Jr., who passed away on March 14, 2010. Buddy was a dedicated public servant, and it is his connection and involvement in his community for which he will always be remembered. After serving in the U.S. Army, Buddy went on to become a third- generation owner of Tudor Construction Company in Alexandria who later founded the statewide and regionally based Tudor Enterprises. Perhaps some of his most recognized properties include The Hotel Bentley, Jackson Place, The Commercial Building and the Diamond Grill restaurant. An inspiration to all who knew him, Buddy was also a community leader, serving on the boards of numerous civic organizations. He was a past president of the Alexandria Rotary Club, the first chairman of the Rapides Area Planning Commission. Also among his impressive list of endeavors and recognitions, Buddy received the Louisiana Preservation Alliance Award for preservation of The Hotel Bentley and the National Trust for Historic Preservation Honor Award in 1986. A man of many dimensions, Buddy was also devoted to his family and church. He is survived by his wife, Patsy, five children, three stepchildren, 19 grandchildren and one great-grandchild. Buddy served as a deacon and Sunday school teacher at Pineville's First Baptist Church. It is my pleasure to honor the late Buddy Tudor, a man who served the people of Central Louisiana to his fullest capacity. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring Mr. Buddy Tudor for his exceptional contributions to his community and unparalleled influence on those of us who were blessed to have known him.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. The proponents of this health reform package are misleading the American public into believing that you can raise the baseline and reduce spending at the same time. You cannot expect to expand coverage to millions of individuals and to curb costs. The Medicaid program already pays doctors and hospitals at levels well below those of Medicare and private insurance. And most of the time, below actual costs. Many doctors, therefore, do not accept Medicaid patients and the cuts may further discourage participation. The most devastating cuts to the States' Federal Medicaid match have been deferred because of relief from the stimulus package. Those deferments end in December. The health care bill before us now is a disaster waiting to happen and an expansion of an already broken program.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to the life and achievements of Mayor Jack Hammons who passed away on March 5, 2010. Until his death, Mayor Hammons was a dedicated public servant. His strong connection and unwavering support of his dearly loved town of Winnsboro are qualities for which he will always be remembered. Before being elected as mayor three times, Mayor Hammons also served two terms on the city council. In addition to his long history of public service, he had a 40 year background as a businessman. Among his impressive list of endeavors and recognitions, he served for 12 years on the Franklin Medical Center Board of Commissioners, serving six as chairman. He was a member and past president of the Winnsboro-Franklin Parish Chamber of Commerce and was awarded the Chamber of Commerce's ``Spirit Award'' for his remarkable volunteer work. He also served as president of the Winnsboro Merchants Association for eight years, president of the Winnsboro Economic Development Foundation for seven years, a Franklin Parish Head Start advisory member for six years. But his commitment to others did not end there. Mayor Hammons was also a devoted family man. He is survived by his wife, Bobbie, and their three daughters, Paula, Sandy and Rhonda. Mayor Hammons was truly an inspiration to all who knew him. I wish to express my deepest condolences to his family, and may God continue to bless the memory of a man who will be missed by his family, his friends and his community. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join with me to pay tribute to Mayor Jack Hammons. He will always be remembered by all as a loving husband and father, a faithful public servant and an integral part of the Winnsboro community.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life and achievements of Mr. Clarence E. Faulk, Jr., who passed away at his residence on March 5, 2010. Mr. Faulk was born on January 9, 1909 in West Monroe, La., and recently celebrated the occasion of his 100th birthday. In 2003, Mr. Faulk lost his beloved wife of 72 years, Louise Benson Page. The couple is survived by their two sons and daughter, as well as their 10 grandchildren and seven great grandchildren. Having been raised by a family with deep roots in publishing, Mr. Faulk was well suited for a career path loaded with journalism and broadcasting endeavors. Mr. Faulk was the publisher of the Ruston Daily Leader from 1931 to 1962, the owner of radio station KRUS, the first radio station in Ruston, La. from 1947 to 1968. In addition, he served many years as the president of the Louisiana Press Association and the Louisiana Broadcasters Association. Outside of this field, Mr. Faulk owned numerous rent homes and commercial buildings in Ruston, and even received the Russ Award from the Ruston-Lincoln Parish Chamber of Commerce for his efforts in support of his treasured Ruston community. Mr. Faulk was a friend to many, and deemed a gracious and hardworking person by all who knew him. It is my privilege to honor Mr. Faulk as a man emblematic of the true spirit of North Louisiana. He will surely be remembered by all as a loving husband and father, a successful businessman and an important part of the Ruston community. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in honoring the late Clarence Faulk.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the Department of Defense Appropriations Act, 2010, H.R. 3326. Congressman Rodney Alexander

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I proudly rise today to commemorate the 50th Anniversary of Louisiana State University at Alexandria (LSUA). Ever since the Louisiana Constitution of 1852 reauthorized the establishment of Louisiana's first seminary of learning by stipulating that it would be located in Rapides Parish, LSUA has shared a rich and historical legacy with Louisiana State University. On January 2, 1860, Louisiana's pioneer public higher education institution opened its doors in Central Louisiana. LSUA saw its beginning in 1959, when the Louisiana State Legislature approved the establishment of a two-year commuter college to serve the residents of this region. In 1960, LSUA registered its first students, and in 1964 established the first degree program, an Associate in Nursing degree. Today, more that 3,000 nurses have earned their degrees at this institution, and the school currently boasts a 100 percent employment rate of graduate nurses. At the beginning of the new millennium, the Louisiana State Legislature voted to expand college access in one of the most educationally underserved areas of Louisiana by providing students with the opportunity to earn baccalaureate degrees from LSUA. Since there were students at LSUA who had completed upper-level course work through LSU Senior College, LSUA was able to produce its first bachelor's degree graduates in December 2003. LSUA's transformation into a four-year university resulted in its being Louisiana's only public college focused exclusively on undergraduate education. LSUA continues to offer access to affordable associate and bachelor's degrees and challenges students to seek excellence in their studies and lives. Nowadays, LSUA plays an integral role in the business community providing specialized training through continuing education programs. Moreover, this institution is a vital component of Central Louisiana's identity through the involvement of its faculty, staff, administrators, and students in community activities. In addition, former students and graduates of LSUA have fulfilled productive and rightful leadership and citizenship roles in business, industry, the arts, science, education, the military and government. Madam Speaker, I ask my colleagues to join me in recognizing LSUA for its exceptional contributions and remarkable influence on higher education, and the community at large, in Central Louisiana. As it celebrates its 50th year of service to Louisiana, LSUA looks to the future as it strives to become a university of choice for Louisianans.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize and commend a distinguished student, Hamilton Stephens Winters, on his achievement of Eagle Scout, awarded January 9, 2010. For nine years, Hamilton has been active in scouts. Prior to completing Cub Scouts in 2006, Hamilton received the Arrow of Light Award, which is the highest award a Cub Scout can earn. After completing the Cub Scout program, Hamilton joined Boy Scout Troop 66. During his tenure in the Boy Scouts, Hamilton has earned 37 merit badges, far surpassing the 21 merit badges that are required. This accomplishment is all the more impressive, considering Hamilton is only 14 years old. Hamilton is a model citizen amongst the youth in our country and my district. His proven leadership and remarkable accomplishments have truly made his family and community proud. I am confident that Hamilton will use the skills he has acquired for the rest of his life as tools for the betterment of his community, state and country. I ask my colleagues to join me in congratulating Hamilton Stephens Winters on this monumental achievement.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, today I stand before you proud to announce that the Rapides Regional Medical Center has been named one of the nation's 100 Top Hospitals for cardiovascular care. Moreover, this hospital, located in Alexandria, Louisiana, is the only hospital in Louisiana to make Thomson Reuters' 2009 list. As a premier teaching hospital, Rapides Regional Medical Center cultivates a community of care. The annual study examines the performance of 971 hospitals by analyzing clinical outcomes for patients diagnosed with heart failure and heart attacks, and for those who received coronary bypass surgery or interventions such as angioplasties. As noted by the Thompson Reuters Company, ``results show these top performers not only provided exceptional inpatient care, but also had significantly better post-discharge outcomes, including lower readmission rates for heart failure and heart attack patients as well as lower 30-day mortality rates for heart attack patients. This means that patients treated in hospitals with balanced high performance in cardiovascular care are more likely to have better results 30 days after discharge.'' At a time when our healthcare system is under constant scrutiny by citizens and public servants alike, the team at Rapides Regional Medical Center provides hope and reassurance that in fact, the United States, and Louisiana, offer exceptional care. I join those whose lives have been touched by Rapids Regional Medical Center in saying congratulations and thank you for the dedication to excellence by each employee and doctor on staff.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today in honor and remembrance of the life and achievements of Edgar H. Lancaster, Jr., who died on October 12, 2009, at the age of 91. Lancaster was a graduate of Tallulah High School, Louisiana Tech University, and Louisiana State University School of Law. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during World War II. Following his discharge, he returned to Louisiana to pursue his law degree, in which he actively practiced from 1948 until the time of his death. Lancaster served in the Louisiana House of Representatives from 1952 to 1968, where he continued his service to his community and state. In this capacity, he also served as Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee and Speaker Pro Tempore. Among his impressive list of endeavors, Lancaster also was an organizer of Southern National Bank at Tallulah, where he served on its Board of Directors, in addition to working as the bank's attorney. For his remarkable life's work, Lancaster received numerous awards and distinctions. In 1986, the Louisiana Bar Foundation named him Attorney of the Year, and he was inducted into the LSU Law School Hall of Fame in 1987. He was appointed by the Louisiana Supreme Court as the 6th Judicial District Judge Pro Tempore from 1992 to 1993, and served on the Louisiana Law Institute for over 50 years, also acting as past president and chairman emeritus of the Institute. Moreover, Lancaster was very involved in the Louisiana State Bar Association, where he served on both the Board of Governors and the Attorney Ethics Commission. A devoted husband and father, Lancaster is survived by his lovely wife of sixty-five years, Beverly Vedros Lancaster, and their three children. They are also the proud grandparents to three grandsons. A man of many dimensions, Lancaster was an avid golfer and an unofficial historian in his spare time. It is my pleasure to honor the late Edgar H. Lancaster, a man who served the people of Madison Parish as well as the state of Louisiana for many years. His commitment, hard work and leadership warrant this laudable recognition.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, I rise today with pride to commend Rapides Parish School District Superintendent, Gary Jones, for his contributions to local education, specifically his plans to launch Aiken cyberacademy this spring, which will revolutionize learning options available to our students. This virtual academy is modeled similarly to an online charter school in that it will be interactive and self-paced. Since students will be registered in the district system, Aiken will differ from online charter schools since students will be able to take other courses, as well as join extracurricular activities by attending a regular school. As our nation's educators continue to look for ways to improve and strengthen education in our country, I believe this is an innovative alternative for students who have not thrived in the traditional classroom. In addition, this plan will provide more choices for home- schooled children. To keep our communities on the cutting edge of educational advancements, I am proud of Gary Jones for ensuring such a creative option is available to help prepare our students. Please join me in honoring him for his work on behalf of our young students.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of the Interior Appropriations Act, 2010, H.R. 2996. Congressman Rodney Alexander

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, it is with deep appreciation for this company's many contributions to Louisiana that I rise today to commend CenturyLink. The telecommunications provider has an impressive track record of success. In July, CenturyLink was formed through the acquisition of Embarq Corporation by CenturyTel Inc., becoming the nation's fourth largest traditional telephone company. It is currently one of three Fortune 500 companies headquartered in Louisiana, and more importantly, it has been one of the state's top private-sector employers for many years. CenturyLink, which has approximately 20,000 employees in 33 states, announced yesterday it will add 350 jobs in Louisiana while maintaining its headquarters in Monroe for at least the next decade. The recent decision by CenturyLink to stay and grow in the Monroe area is a testament to the strong and skilled workforce found in Northeast Louisiana. During this time of economic uncertainty, CenturyLink is actively working to create new jobs in our communities. I am confident the remarkable progression of CenturyLink will continue to provide great opportunities for the residents of our area. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting CenturyLink and its commitment to building a stronger Louisiana.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition against this government takeover of health care.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Mr. Speaker, after months of meeting with constituents and business leaders, as well as hosting town halls and roundtable discussions, I can say that American public has clearly stated their opposition to this government takeover of health care. H.R. 3962, the Affordable Health Care for America Act, states in section one that this legislation ``builds on what works in today's health care system, while repairing what's broken.'' I agree that improvements need to be made to drive down medical costs, but placing individuals under one bureaucrat-run umbrella does not build on what works or make any repairs. The bill includes the government-run public option, cuts Medicare and Medicare Advantage programs, and raises taxes on middle class families. In addition, the bill does not protect the interests of small businesses nor does it adequately address defensive medicine. And, in the midst of states struggling with fiscal constraints, it will burden them with more unfunded mandates from the federal government. In the President's address to Congress on Sept. 9, President Obama said, ``Nothing in our plan requires you to change what you have.'' A study by the Lewin Group shows that two out of every three people would lose their current coverage, including up to 114 million people who receive health benefits through their employer or other current coverage if a government-run plan ``competes'' with private companies. I don't see the choice in this. Medicare cuts total $162 billion. As a result, Medicare Advantage plans will drop out of the program, limiting seniors' choices and causing many to lose their current health care coverage. Medicare Advantage has been successful in providing seniors with choice, selection and value. This is especially true for residents of rural America, where seniors have previously not had sufficient private alternatives. Currently, over 600,000 seniors are Medicare beneficiaries in Louisiana, while over 10,694 seniors in the 5th District are enrolled in the Medicare Advantage program. The bill includes taxes on individuals who do not purchase government-forced health insurance. It also imposes new taxes on businesses who cannot afford to fund government-forced health coverage for their workers, therefore violating the bill's new employer mandate and triggering an additional 8 percent payroll tax. The bill also prohibits the reimbursement of over-the-counter pharmaceuticals from Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), Medical Savings Accounts, Flexible Spending Arrangements (FSAs), and Health Reimbursement Arrangements (HRAs), increases the penalties for non- qualified HSA withdrawals from 10 percent to 20 percent, and places a cap on FSA contributions. Because at least 8 million individuals hold insurance policies eligible for HSAs, and millions more participate in FSAs, all these individuals would not be able to keep the coverage they have without facing tax increases. The grand total amount of tax increases included in this legislation equals approximately $729.5 billion over ten years. Imposing these new tax increases in the middle of a recession--with unemployment numbers we haven't seen since 1983--will only harm the economy and kill jobs. This bill intends to ensure that generic biologic companies will have to do some research and clinical trials before the FDA will approve them for use in the United States. This dramatically increases patient safety as generics come to market. Likewise, keeping research and trials in the country means more jobs at home. I hope this is included in discussions as the health care debate continues in the coming months. The CBO has also said that this bill will increase seniors' Medicare prescription drug premiums by 20 percent over the next decade. While the cost of living continues to rise during these tough economic times, I know that many cannot afford this increase. Medicare finances are rapidly deteriorating and we should be working on real solutions that ensure the long-term financial stability of Medicare. Choice is not option in this government takeover of our health care system. I am genuinely concerned for the well-being and options that the people of this great nation have. I do not believe H.R. 3962 best represents what the American people are asking for. I agree that improvements need to be made to our system currently in place. However, a solution should be built upon the principle that when individuals--not the government, insurance companies, or employers--are given control and ownership, we will achieve full access to coverage and see the entire system move in a more positive, patient-centered direction. America needs economic relief in the form of tax breaks for working families and small businesses, and fiscal discipline in Washington. Instead, our federal government keeps pushing policies that will impose harmful taxes and increase our national debt, saddling Americans who are already hurting with even more financial burdens. We must work to find real solutions that will help create jobs and lower health care costs. Everyone can agree that affordability, accessibility, portability, and quality should be the outcome of any overhaul of the health care delivery system. More specifically, it should be guaranteed that medical decisions are kept in the hands of patients and their doctors; the cost of insurance is lowered, and in turn the number of Americans who have insurance is increased. The American people deserve a plan that allows them to keep their health care coverage if they like it, and have the freedom to choose the plan that best meets their needs. As I have said before, and as I will say again, I will not support any type of health reform plan that raises taxes, rations health care, eliminates employer-sponsored health benefits for working families, or allows government bureaucrats to make decisions that should be made by families and their doctors.

Mr. ALEXANDER

Mr. ALEXANDER. Madam Speaker, it is with great pride and pleasure that I rise today to pay tribute to Mrs. Margie Sullivan for her accomplishments and dedication to the bluegrass gospel music industry. Sullivan, born in Baskin, LA, has devoted more than 60 years to the bluegrass gospel music ministry. Known as the ``First Lady of Bluegrass Gospel Music,'' she is featured in the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame located in Bean Blossom, Indiana. In addition, she is an International Bluegrass Music Association Living Legend recipient, member of the Alabama Country Music Hall of Fame in Tuscumbia, Alabama, and has been named as ``Goodwill Ambassador'' for bluegrass music in several European countries. Earning these recognitions is a tremendous honor, and I commend Margie for her hard work and compassion. I ask my colleagues to join me in saluting Mrs. Margie Sullivan. She is truly deserving of our appreciation.