Kevin Brady

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the subject of the bill under consideration.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of the SIMPLE Fairness Act and thank the leadership of the gentlelady from Kansas in this area. Back home, my people are frightened about the Affordable Care Act. They don't think it is a waste of time to be trying to fix and repeal and stop this. They are paying a very steep price for it. President Obama made them some big promises when he sold them this health care plan. He promised Americans could keep the plan they like. He promised lower health care costs. He promised a functioning Web site that he said would work as well as Amazon. The White House hasn't delivered on any of these promises. Where I am from, if you make a mistake, if you don't keep your promise, you step up and fix it. You don't blame those you have hurt. No American should have to pay a penalty because ObamaCare fell short of its promises. No American should have to pay a penalty because the Web site couldn't even accept their application or deliver the correct information. No American should be penalized for trying days on end to purchase a plan only to decide it wasn't worth the effort because it was too expensive. No American should be penalized because they are concerned about the security of their private information on this government Web site, and no American should be penalized by the IRS because of sticker shock or deciding not to purchase a plan that is so much more expensive than what was promised. President Obama gave Big Business a break; he deserves to give average Americans the same type of break, as well. SIMPLE Fairness requires that we do the same for the American people. That is all this is about. It is all we are doing today, treating average Americans who are hurt by the Affordable Care Act the way the White House helped Big Business with the same exact problems. The American people deserve the same relief. We ought to give it to them. That is why this bill is called the SIMPLE Fairness Act, and it deserves our support.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor Chicago Bridge & Iron Company, a great corporate citizen as they celebrate 125 years in business. At its founding in 1889, Benjamin Harrison was President and the Dakotas, Montana and Washington were becoming states, CB&I was establishing itself. Since its creation CB&I has evolved from a bridge design and iron company into an energy industry problem solver that employs 50,000 people around the world, including many Americans. CB&I is known for innovation in bulk liquid storage and its unwavering support of oil exploration around the world. This company has come a long way from the merger agreement between bridge designer Horace Horton and the Kansas City Wheelocks, George and William. During challenging international times, including World War I and World War II, CB&I helped keep our military strong and mobile. CB&I was essential in production of smaller, more maneuverable ships. CB&I's industry milestones are many over the last century--from floating roof tanks to the double-wall liquid natural gas storage tanks to the first site-assembled thick wall steel nuclear reactor vessel-- the innovations just keep coming. This success all started with a record number of bridges and structures now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Over 125 years and with workplaces in 130 countries, CB&I has evolved into one of the most energy infrastructure focused companies in the world, and it is a name The Woodlands, Texas knows well. The CB&I Tri, our local triathlon, is but one example of the worldwide support CB&I provides to the communities their employees call home. We also appreciate their efforts to use local suppliers to the fullest extent practicable. Congratulate Philip Asherman, the President and CEO of CB&I and all those who have helped make CB&I the innovator it is today. Mr. Speaker, once again, please join me in congratulating CB&I on their 125th anniversary.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Chairman, we are going through a very disappointing economic recovery. Millions of people can't find full- time work; millions more have given up looking for work; and our local businesses are just drowning in red tape. They often ask: Doesn't anyone in Washington consider the impact on our local businesses and the economy from all this new red tape before they put it in place? Well, sadly not often enough. In 2012, the Federal Government imposed 3,708 new Federal rules. Guess how many of them had a cost benefit analysis? Simply ask the question: How does this affect the economy? The answer is 14--14 out of more than 3,000. I applaud Chairman Goodlatte's commitment to reforming the way this government conducts red tape. I have an amendment that complements his efforts, one drawn from my own Sound Regulation Act, which I think is helpful as we move this reform through. The point here is this: When a Federal agency sets out to adopt new rules and red tape, the agency has a responsibility to state clearly the achievable objective of those rules or regulations. After all, our citizens have the right to know what their Federal Government intends to accomplish with this red tape. The agency also has the responsibility to tell the American people up front what metrics it is going to use to measure the progress toward that objective. No more manipulative statistics. No more fuzzy math. When the agency publishes the final rule, it has the responsibility to certify to the American people that the rule actually meets the objective the agency originally identified. It is just common sense. My amendment says to regulators: Tell us your objective. Tell us how you are going to meet it and measure it. Then tell us you actually did what you promised. It is common sense, and it may just help put this painful recovery behind us. Madam Chairman, I yield to the gentleman from Virginia (Mr. Goodlatte), the chairman of the committee.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Chair, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Madam Chair, very briefly, my friend from Georgia is a good man. I am surprised there aren't regulations about when you can send your kids up to clean their rooms again. Look, this is just saying to Washington: tell us what your goal is-- how you are going to measure it and if you achieve it--before you put this red tape on our local businesses. It is common sense and, frankly, long overdue. I urge strong support for this amendment. Madam Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I thank the chairman and Dave Camp for leading this effort to protect our free speech. Whenever someone in Washington tells you don't worry, it is not really about free speech, trust me, it is. A lot of Americans are frightened by the thought that their government would target them based on their political beliefs, and I am convinced the darkest days in America's history have been when the government has tried to silence the voices of those who disagree with it. We suffered under this intimidation during the civil rights era, under the antiwar era, and now today, because conservative organizations, constitutional organizations, some who simply want to make the country better and have that voice, are now being targeted. Make no mistake. This is not about clearing up confusion. This is about intimidation. This is about the government using one of the most powerful agencies it has, the IRS, the only agency that can destroy your life, your family, your business' life with their immense power, targeting people because of their political beliefs. If you talk about what is free speech, I would point to this: look at organizations back home in your community. Those who want to do get out to vote, so go vote and have your voices heard. Voter registration, candidate forms, let's find out what elected officials and candidates feel about the issues. Then just grassroots lobbying, letting their neighbors, their communities, their members understand the issues and weigh in. That is free speech. That is the First Amendment, and when this government targets Americans based on it, we have got to stop it. Make no mistake, Republican, Democrat, Tea Party, Progressive, I don't care where you are at on there, we cannot let the government have this power. It must be stopped now.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a reporter who has dedicated her career to our health. As Chairman of the House Ways & Means Health Subcommittee, I pay special attention when Christi Myers comes on my screen, because if there is something new to know in medicine, we all learn it from Christi. Today we are all wondering what we will do when she retires from Houston's ABC 13 at the end of this month. We may all need a ``health check'' to cope with the shock. Christi Myers' work in the medical community has set the gold standard. Recognized with a regional Emmy for the story of an infant who now has a piece of his young father's liver, Christi's work has earned more than a 100 awards, including a National Award for Excellence from the Epilepsy Foundation of America, honors from the American Cancer Society, American Heart Association, the Harris County Medical Society, the Harris County Pharmacy Association, Houston Press Club, Texas Public Health Association, Texas Medical Association, the Texas AP Broadcasters, and so many more. Christi Myers can also just as easily cover a story on toxic waste or nomadic herders in the Russian Arctic. In 1989, the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston honored her for reports that helped secure the freedom of a Soviet Jewish family. That's making a real difference. Something Christi is famous for Christi's inside look at military medicine during the first days of the Iraq war took us inside operating rooms where American casualties received life saving treatment. Some of her colleagues call her Dr. Myers because she simply is that good. We can't begin to tally the lives she may have helped save by informing us of new health treatments and cures. If we live to be 100, it's a good bet it's thanks to tips she has provided. Christi Myers is a rare reporter, having reported at KHOU, KPRC and KTRK, for over three decades. February 28th is our last opportunity to catch her reports before she devotes herself fulltime to her family. I'd just like to close with a simple ``Thank you, Christi.''

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember Western Music Icon Guy Porter Gillette who is being honored this weekend in Houston County. Guy left us on September 2nd, but his memory is alive and well. Guy was the son of famed photographer Guy and his wife Doris Gillette. He and his brother, Pipp, co-owned the Camp St. Cafe & Store where they enjoyed entertaining southeast Texas. The brothers were raised in Yonkers, New York, but spent their summers at their grandparents' Lovelady ranch. Back in their teens, the brothers had a band called the Roadrunners. Their lead singer was a young woman named Diane Keaton, who later became a movie star. Guy met Diane while studying at The Neighborhood Playhouse School of Theatre in Manhattan, NY and the brothers were known for playing coffee houses in many states, but Texas kept a piece of their hearts. They inherited their grandparents' Lovelady ranch and shortly after Guy's return to Texas he met Cathi Stas from Wheeler. They married and welcomed daughter, Dorcie in 1995. After fixing up their family homestead, Camp Street in Crockett was their next project. They turned a pool hall and barbershop their grandfather built into a new music venue where they could entertain us with a unique mix of blues, cowboy ballads and Celtic folk songs. One never knew what was on the bill at Camp Street. It could be comedy one minute and vaudeville the next--and audiences loved it. The awards stacked up for the Gillette Brothers: the Western Heritage Award for Best Traditional Western CD of 2010; two Cowboy Culture Awards; the Wrangler Award for Best Original Composition of 2012 for the song ``Tradeoff''; as well as awards for their chuck wagon sourdough biscuits. While cancer may have silenced Guy's tenor voice just two weeks after his father's passing, Cathi, Dorcie and Pipp have wonderful memories of music, laughter, and love to cherish. Guy was a bright star that gave so much to Houston County, Texas. He will be missed. God bless Texas.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I stand today to honor the ``The Lone Star Flag'' of Texas. 175 years ago, Texas' Red, White and Blue banner was adopted as the flag of the Republic of Texas. The blue stands for loyalty. The white stands for purity. The red stands for the courage with which Texans have been blessed. One-third of our flag is blue with a single centered white, five- pointed star. The remaining two-thirds of the flag are horizontal white and red bars. It's an image known the world over. When Texas became our nation's 28th state, Texas' national flag became our state flag. Our state pledge starts with ``Honor the Texas flag.'' Dr. Charles Stewart lived in Montgomery, Texas when he led a committee appointed by Mirabeau Lamar tasked with designing our flag. You can see how he envisioned Texas' flag at the Nat Hart Davis Museum on Liberty Street in Montgomery. Our county, and this community's Lone Star Flag ties, are second to none. In 1997, the Texas Legislature honored Montgomery County, Texas as the birthplace of the Texas Lone Star Flag. Our community is so proud of this honor. The Patrons of Cedar Brake Park in Montgomery have partnered with the Montgomery Economic Development Corporation and the Historic Montgomery Business Association to hold a 175th Anniversary Celebration for our great flag on Saturday, January 25, 2014. Special thanks to Bill Koltlan, Shannan Reid, Sonya Clover, Julia Wall and Patti Stafford and other volunteers for coordinating this event to celebrate the birth of this iconic symbol of our state. May our Lone Star Flag always wave proudly over the great state of Texas.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor Rod Rice as he prepares to hang up his microphone after a 40 year career in radio. Rod Rice has more than three decades on the air in Houston--providing us news and information. Much of that time, he's spent at Houston's Public Radio station, 88.7 KUHF. He joined KUHF from KTRH as a reporter and leaves this Friday morning as the anchor of KUHF Morning Edition. As Rod told a media reporter, ``It's been a pleasure playing a small role in the daily life of this wonderful city.'' Well, Rod, it's been our pleasure as listeners. During Rod Rice's tenure at KUHF, the station has grown their news operation from a 5 person newsroom to a full service news and information station that Houston relies on each and every day. Rod Rice may sound like he was born behind a news microphone, but he served in the US Army and as a disc jockey in many formats over several years before coming to Houston in 1991 to anchor the news on NewsRadio 740 KTRH. That's because Rice's fascination with radio began with his grandfather and listening to radio programs. That fascination never left him and those he mentored say he is always eager to pass it on to a new generation. Rod quickly developed a reputation for working with new reporters and helping them to make their news coverage better. One of those reporters mentored by Rod Rice now serves as my Communications Director. Rice has been honored more times that we can address here for excellence in broadcast journalism, including a regional Edward R. Murrow Award from the Radio and Television News Directors Association. What's next for Rod Rice is turning off his early morning alarm and enjoying life, but his roots in radio will always be a part of him. And, those who know him are convinced he will continue to mentor and share his love of radio for many years to come.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Exchange Information Disclosure Act. This legislation is needed because of what we know and what we do not know. Congress has repeatedly asked this administration for information about the rollout of Obamacare. We know this administration is not transparent. We know this administration has not been forthcoming or willing to acknowledge problems. The administration repeatedly came before Congress and testified the exchange was ready. Now know the federal exchange was not ready and there is mounting evidence just how early the administration knew. We know enrollment is in serious trouble. Based on the Administration's projections, December enrollment was over 1 million people below their own goal. At the current pace, enrollment for 2014 will fall over 2.4 million people short of the Administration's own projections. They project they need 38 percent of enrollees to be young and healthy, so far only 24 percent are. We know, without the right demographic mix premiums will continue to go up. This is what we know. But there is a lot we do not know. We do not know how many people have completed enrollment by actually paying premiums. We need this information to understand just how bad the problem really is. The administration has been unwilling to regularly release data about enrollments; instead we get limited, sterilized data of the administration's choosing provided on seemingly random dates. Our health care system is facing a crisis, and Congress needs to be a full partner with the Administration in fixing this disaster. For that, we need the raw data, we need the hard truths and we need to know what the administration knows, when they know it. This bill requires weekly reports of all of the important data. This bill is needed if Congress is going to be able to do its job for the American people.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, first let me thank Chairman Pitts for his leadership of the Health Subcommittee of Energy and Commerce and toward a solution for our local physicians. I rise today in support of the Pathway for SGR Reform. This is an important bill because it makes sure that our local physicians who treat our seniors don't face a drastic cut in their reimbursements on New Year's Day. We need a permanent solution. Just this morning the Ways and Means Committee unanimously voted to advance a bill that begins the process of a permanent, reliable solution so our seniors can continue to see a local doctor when they need them. It is not easy to bridge the gap and pay for this legislation, but until we can complete the process of a permanent solution, we had to make some difficult choices. In particular, I want to thank the long- term care hospitals for their strong leadership. We were able to work with this industry to design new criteria that created efficiencies to generate savings in the important Medicare program. Without the strong support of leaders in the LTCH industry, this would not have been possible. This has helped make a good bill even better.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an accomplished business, legal and educational leader in my district. William ``Randy'' Bates, Jr., has been a successful businessman and attorney in Southeast Texas and has served as a member of the Lone Star College System for more than 20 years. Randy was the first African American appointed, and then elected, to the Lone Star College System board. He served as Vice Chair of the board and was twice elected board Chair. As a board member and as Chair during his tenure with the Lone Star College System, he has been instrumental in the system's growth, from fewer than 20,000 students and three colleges in 1991 to six colleges and a total enrollment of 90,000 students. Prior to his service in the field of higher education, Randy earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from The Ohio State University and his Juris Doctor from the Thurgood Marshall School of Law at Texas Southern University, where he later served as an Adjunct Professor. As a student at Texas Southern, Randy was elected Class President at the Thurgood Marshall School of Law and was the first African American to be selected Law Student Director for the Texas Young Lawyers Association, representing all law students in the State of Texas. Randy later founded the law firm of Bates & Coleman, PC, which specializes in Public Finance Law. His many accomplishments include being named Outstanding Texan in the field of Education by the Legislative Black Caucus, the Mayor's Distinguished Award from the City of El Paso and the Excellence in Achievement Award from Texas Southern University for years of outstanding service to education and the community. Randy is a lifelong member of the Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity and is married to the former Glenda Underwood. They are the proud parents of three sons, Lamont, William and Jonathan. In recognition for his years of service to the Lone Star College System, the central building on the Lone Star College--Victory Center Campus will be named in his honor. Randy--I congratulate you on your distinguished service to the Lone Star College System and I offer my sincere appreciation for your many contributions to our community.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an outstanding leader in higher education in my district. Chancellor Emeritus Dr. John E. Pickelman became the second chancellor of North Harris County College in 1991 and served until his retirement in 2007. During his service as chancellor, enrollment increased from 14,000 to over 49,000 and grew from three colleges--LSC-North Harris, LSC- Kingwood and LSC-Tomball to five colleges, with the addition of LSC- Montgomery and LSC-CyFair, the first community college to open in the 21st century. Under his strong commitment to provide access to quality education for all citizens, LSCS's boundaries expanded from five to eleven independent school districts and added six satellite centers. Dr. Pickelman expanded the dual credit program and created early college high schools in partnership with local school districts which allowed qualified high school students to earn college credit while still in high school. He established The University Center, an innovative, highly successful multi-university teaching facility in The Woodlands, providing students and the community the opportunity to earn a bachelors or master's degree from six public universities. Dr. Pickelman was also credited with establishing a university-level sabbatical program for the benefit of Lone Star College System faculty and administrators to continue professional work in their respective fields. He served as a tireless advocate and leader for higher education at the local, state and national level and championed the college's role in economic development, establishing the center for Business and Economic Development, the Chamber Alliance and Leadership North Houston. Some of his leadership roles in numerous national, state and local organizations include chairman of the board of directors of the Southern Association Colleges and Schools, chairman of the board of the Texas Association of Community Colleges and president of the Association of Texas Colleges and Universities. Dr. Pickelman earned a bachelor's degree in English from Albion College and a master's degree in education from the University of Missouri at Kansas City. He received his Ph.D. from The University of Texas at Austin, where he received a distinguished graduate award from the College of Education. Dr. Pickelman and his wife, Barbara, are proud parents of two sons, Matthew and Jason; and four grandchildren. He is an excellent chef and he has personally raised over $100,000 for student scholarships auctioning off his culinary evenings. In recognition for his years of accomplished service in higher education, the Lone Star College System will rename the student center at the Lone Star College-Kingwood campus the Dr. John E. Pickelman Student Center. Dr. Pickelman, I congratulate you on this honor and I want to thank you for your years of service to higher education and for your generous commitment to serving others.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Tara Howard Knauff, who I had the privilege of knowing during her tenure at KTRH NewsRadio in Houston. Tara was a small town girl from rural upstate New York who dreamed of making a difference. We Texans were blessed that for many crucial years, she brought her talents and passion to make a difference in the Lone Star State. Tara got her start in broadcast journalism at Utica College of Syracuse University and honed her talents at WGY, WHAM, and WSYR before packing up her horse and making the move to Texas. While at KTRH, Tara was a newsroom leader who reported, anchored, edited, and rose to the position of assistant news director. When Tara returned to New York, she took her talents to a national stage at ABC NewsRadio. A leader in the ABC newsroom, friends and co-workers all seem to use the same words to describe Tara: ``mentor,'' ``hard worker,'' ``inspirational,'' and so much more. Tara, who adopted so many young journalists, found her own happiness with a partner who waged a heroic battle against cancer with her day in and day out. Just last May, Tara married retired Major General Robert ``Bob'' Knauff, a former commander of the New York Air National Guard and fighter pilot. When she told her friends about him, she wanted them all to ``Google'' him to see how amazing he is. After giving so much to his country, Bob gave Tara his undivided attention, support, and love during her long battle with cancer. While Tara lost her battle this week, her spirit lives on in the hundreds of broadcast journalists around the Nation that she encouraged every day. Today, so many of her protegees are vowing to continue her legacy and make their Tara proud. Tara leaves behind a beloved family, including her soul mate Bob Knauff, her sister Deborah, brother Merritt, and sister-in-law Lynne, and many nieces and nephews, Damaris, Devin Brianna, Laura, and Mick.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I would like to honor my dear friend, Mr. Robert ``Bob'' Williams on the occasion of his 95th birthday. It may be hard to believe this, but neither I--nor my intrepid staff--can seem to find a good cause in The Woodlands that Bob has not been instrumental in or supported. How many 95 year olds do you know that are using their birthday to raise funds and food for the needy? But, that's Bob. He is spending his birthday morning this Saturday at the Panther Creek Randalls store collecting non-perishable food and much needed money for InterFaith's Food Pantry. But, that's our Bob. Almost as soon as he moved to The Woodlands, Bob was busy helping to establish our first YMCA. From being a charter member of the Woodlands Community Presbyterian Church and a Hometown Hero, Bob Williams knows a lot about service. An Eagle Scout, World War II veteran and lifelong Kiwanis Club member, Bob founded The Woodlands first Kiwanis Club. Nearly 60 years later, he is still a distinguished member and his hard work is evident in the Kiwanis Breakfast and Key Clubs in four Woodlands High Schools that teach our young students community service. Bob walks the walk he talks every day. Whether it be in Kiwanis, the Special Olympics, his church, the YMCA or InterFaith, he leads by example with humor and caring. An amazing tennis player also known for his beautiful singing voice and for--get this--driving himself all over the United States; it's not unusual to hear how he just road-tripped the Midwest or Florida. That's Bob. Between his 90th and 95th birthday, he tried to go home again to Chicago, but it didn't take him long to realize Texas was home now. We are grateful for that epithany because we are better for his service. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize my friend Bob Williams for his countless--and ongoing--contributions to The Woodlands. I urge you to join me in recognizing Bob Williams for his many years of service, which I know will continue long after the candles are blown out on his 95 birthday cake.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a champion for small business in my district--and a true friend. For the past decade, Andy Dill has served as the President of the Community Chamber of Commerce of East Montgomery County. His leadership has helped grow this important organization and the community it promotes threefold. Prior to entering Chamber work, Andy served in the telecommunications industry and petrochemical and agricultural chemical industries. Frankly, I've learned there is very little Andy can't do and hasn't done. A graduate of Nacogdoches High School and Stephen F. Austin State University, Andy's career has taken him across east and southeast Texas. We consider ourselves lucky he settled on the dynamic east Montgomery County. Andy's community honors are many. From YMCA Volunteer of the Year, Rotary Club Service and Roll of Fame Awards, Andy has been a go-to person when a civic or community organization wants to get going. Andy also serves our communities on the TCC Board of Directors, the Board of the Kingwood Medical Center, Leadership Montgomery County and many others. When it comes to leadership, Andy is a triple threat. He is a 1988 graduate of Leadership Lufkin, a 1996 graduate of Leadership Montgomery County and a 2005 graduate of Leadership North Houston. It was no surprise to me that when Leadership East Montgomery County needed him, he answered the call. Andy keeps learning each and every day. He has completed the three- year Community Development Institute program and a fourth-year continuing education year program through the Texas Community Development program. Andy couldn't be the success he is without his wife Sylvia. For 44 years, she has been his biggest cheerleader. She is also a community treasure in her own right having spent 20 years as a special education teacher. Their daughter, Angela, son, Alan, daughter-in-law, Sarah and three wonderful grandchildren; Brady, Maddi and Lauren; inspired Andy's keen interest in both education and strengthening our communities through leadership. Somehow, Andy finds time for his woodworking hobby and an occasional round of golf. As he leaves the Chamber in a strong position for the future, he won't be slowing down much. He plans to consult, work with boards and non-profits and spend time with his grandchildren. Andy, I--and all of southeast Montgomery County--only have two humble words for you: Thank you! You have set an amazing example that we'll all strive to live up to. Best wishes, friend.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the heroic efforts of Lieutenant Michael Edwin Thornton of the United States Navy in Montgomery, Texas. Lieutenant Thornton was a senior adviser to Vietnamese Navy SEAL patrols and was awarded his Medal of Honor for extreme bravery in action on March 6, 1976, in Vietnam. Lieutenant Thornton and his team snuck behind enemy lines. At sunup, the team made contact with an enemy force and engaged in a furious firefight with the enemy, inflicting many casualties before withdrawing. When some of the men were cut off from the team, Lieutenant Thornton went back in, through enemy fire, to find the wounded men and carry them to safety. In killing several enemy combatants and hauling the wounded out, Lieutenant Thornton saved the life of his superior officer. It is for his heroic spirit in service to our Nation that I am proud to honor and remember the actions of Lieutenant Michael Edwin Thornton.

Mr. BRADY of Texas

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time in case the gentleman from Washington has additional speakers or would like to close on his side. We are prepared to close.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in strong support of the No Subsidies Without Verification Act because too many of our precious tax dollars are being lost to fraud. That's the simple goal of this bill by Representative Diane Black, stopping fraud and abuse in ObamaCare. We wouldn't allow an individual to apply for a mortgage, a car loan or a credit card without verifying their income. You can't go into a restaurant, grocery store, or gasoline station and just pay on the honor system. Yet today--because the White House, frankly, has botched the last 3\1/2\ years, and ObamaCare is still not ready--somehow they believe that it's okay for billions of dollars in new taxpayer subsidies to go out the door without a bat of the eye on the honor system. As hard as you work to earn every paycheck, how much more fraud in health care can we accept? Today we have the opportunity, and I think the responsibility, to hold the Federal Government's feet to the fire and insist it put in place strong protections that will end this pay first and chase later model that's been so ineffective at stopping fraud. This bill simply insists that the independent inspector general of the Health and Human Services agency certifies there is a real, genuine program in place to stop fraud and abuse in ObamaCare by stopping taxpayer subsidies from going out the door to those who aren't eligible. Wow, that's radical in Washington--not paying those who aren't eligible. This will give American taxpayers some assurance that we're protecting their hard-earned tax dollars. President Obama has admitted in ObamaCare it's not ready for businesses, and so he waived that. Everyone knows it's not ready for families and workers either. Is it asking too much to at least insist that it be ready to protect taxpayers against a mountain of more fraud? Now, the White House and our Democratic friends tell us, trust us, we'll verify everything before giving out taxpayer subsidies. Really? This is from the same White House that said exchanges may accept the applicant's attestation without further verification. This is from the same Health and Human Services agency that had to backtrack and explain maybe they would audit all of the applications, but not for State exchanges; they're on their own. Sorry, but I'm not buying it, and nor are taxpayers in my State of Texas. Time and time again, Health and Human Services and the White House have ducked the real details about ObamaCare. They have no real plan in place. Meanwhile, taxpayer subsidies will fly out the door as individuals pinky swear that their income is accurate. Only Members of Congress who refuse to stop fraud, who enjoy wasting taxpayer dollars, and who want to turn a blind eye to wasted money could oppose this bill. I strongly urge a ``yes'' vote on this legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentlelady from Tennessee (Mrs. Black) who has really led the effort to stop fraud and abuse in ObamaCare and who understands health care herself.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Oklahoma (Mr. Lankford), the head of the Republican Policy Committee, and a leader in health care.

Mr. BRADY of Texas. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Griffin), a key member of the Ways and Means Committee.