Joe Baca

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, last fall our economy began a tailspin into the worst economic crisis since the Great Depression. For years, greed and irresponsibility was allowed to run wild. Now, we find ourselves beginning to climb out of this hole. This week, we will consider a comprehensive financial package that is loud and clear: No more, and I state, no more, no more will we allow financial institutions to engage in abusive behavior with other people's money. No more will we allow corporate executives to receive cash bonuses for failed investments. No more will we let consumer protection take a back seat to the bottom line of Bank of America or Citibank. The age of taxpayer funded bailouts is over. Last fall, Americans lost faith in this country's ability to regulate corporate greed. This week, we have a chance to deliver reform Americans demand. We cannot let them down. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Recently, a single parent in my district called my office for help. He lost his good-paying job and the health benefits that went with it. Sadly, he is not alone in this problem. More Americans than ever before are losing their jobs, their livelihood, and their homes. In California, the unemployment rate is 12 percent. In my area, the Inland Empire, unemployment is a staggering 14 percent. We continue to have one of the highest rates of foreclosure in the Nation. The hardworking men and women in my district and throughout the Nation deserve a good-paying job; quality, affordable health care; enough food to put on the table; and a good quality of life. I commend President Obama for hosting a jobs forum. We need to create jobs so that people can put food on the table and keep their homes and live the American Dream. Instead of pointing fingers and calling names, this is a time when we all need to be working together to find real solutions in creating jobs for the American people right here in the United States and not outsourcing those jobs outside of here. For my part, I will host a jobs summit to hear from the private industry, nonprofit organizations, and labor organization and educators.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H.R. 3961, the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act. Congress is only a few steps away from passing a healthcare reform bill and sending it to the President's desk for a signature. However the 21% cut to physician payments under Medicare scheduled to go into effect on January 1st is just around the corner. We must act now to protect Medicare patient's access to their doctors. We must act now to protect military and their families under TRICARE the access to their doctors. The status quo is not an option; we must not let these cuts go through. Let's stop the cuts and short- term patches once and for all; this is real reform with a real solution. Today I will vote for the 194,510 Medicare patients in my District. Access to healthcare is not a privilege, it is a human right. I urge my colleagues vote for H.R. 3961 and preserve the access of Americans to see their doctor.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Congress is only a few steps away from passing a health care reform bill that is much needed for the American people. If we lose sight of our main goal to provide access coverage to everyone, especially the poor and the middle class that have already sacrificed or contributed so much so this country, I say, Ask not what you can do for the insurance companies but ask what you can do for the American people. This is a humanitarian issue about responsible parents trying to provide for their families. The House bill ends the doughnut hole prescription drug coverage, ends copayment for preventive care, ends discrimination based on preexisting conditions, and provides more health care for our youth. The health bill means less red tape and less paperwork, more time with your families and doctors, lower premiums for older Americans. This is extremely important at a time that the American families are stretching their budgets to the brink to make ends meet their needs and may have lost their jobs. Access to health care is not a privilege. It's a human right. I urge my colleagues to fight for the American family and pass real health care reform.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, today is a historic day for all of us. As Members of Congress, it is our duty to pass real healthcare reform this year. The American people are suffering. 47 million people lack even the most basic care, and for those lucky to have insurance--their premiums have more than doubled over the last 10 years. Perhaps no state is in greater need of this reform than my home state of California. 217 thousand people in my Congressional District go everyday without insurance. And for California as a whole--we have 13 million uninsured residents. The people of California, and people across the United States need health care reform that: ends discrimination based on pre-existing conditions; ends dropped healthcare coverage because you get sick; ends co-pays for preventative care; and ends skyrocketing costs for individuals and families. The Republican alternative does none of these things. It simply keeps the status quo! It does nothing to provide quality, affordable health care to the American people. The 217,000 people living in my District without insurance cannot afford inaction any longer. The 13 million people in California without insurance cannot live with the status quo. The 15 hundred families in my District who went bankrupt because of health costs cannot afford the status quo. Now is our opportunity to make history--and to move America forward. We must not be short-sighted and focus only on politics and polls. As a Christian--my faith teaches me we must love and care for our fellow man, as if they were our brother or sister. I know that fixing our broken health care system is not just an economic issue--it is also a humanitarian and a moral issue. I am especially pleased that today's bill includes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. As a Member of the House Native American Caucus and the Natural Resources Committee--I have been a strong supporter of ending the health disparities that exist on our reservations. I will close my statement by again stressing the importance of this historic moment. We passed Social Security in 1935. We passed Medicare in 1965. I urge my colleagues to stand with the American people and pass legislation in 2009 that will make quality, affordable health care a right for all Americans.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 3639--the Expedited CARD Act of 2009. This important piece of legislation will continue the great work that this Congress and the President completed earlier this year, by moving up the remaining dates on the original Credit CARD Act. Since signing the CARD Act into law, credit card companies have engaged in last-ditch predatory practices, seeking to gain as much money as possible from the American consumer. Many of the same practices that the Federal Reserve labeled ``unfair or deceptive'' and were prohibited in the original CARD Act, have increased in past months. In fact, since last May, credit card companies have raised interest rates by an average of 20 percent. When this law was passed, this body warned credit card companies that swift action would be taken if these companies took advantage of the staggered implementation of the bill. It is clear these companies have done just that, and we are now prepared to follow through on our promise. I want to thank Mrs. Maloney and Chairman Frank for their hard work on this issue and I am proud to be a cosponsor on this important piece of legislation. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yes'' on this bill.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, as Members of Congress, it is our duty to pass real health care reform this year. Perhaps no state is in greater need of this reform than my home state of California. Two hundred seventeen thousand people in my Congressional District go everyday without reform. And for California as a whole--we have 13 million uninsured residents! The people of California, and people across the United States need health care reform that: Ends discrimination based on pre-existing conditions! Ends dropped healthcare coverage because you get sick! Ends co-pays for preventative care! And ends skyrocketing costs for individuals and families! The Republican alternative does none of these things! It simply keeps the status quo! It costs more! And does nothing! The 217,000 people living in my District without insurance cannot afford inaction any longer! The 13 million people in California without insurance cannot live with the status quo! The 15 hundred families in my District who went bankrupt because of health costs cannot afford the status quo! Now is our opportunity to make history--and to move America forward! We must not be short-sighted and focus only on politics and polls. As we work for health care reform, I also urge my colleagues to pass a bill that does not include costly and discriminatory verification requirements like the SAVE requirements. Our Nation cannot afford either the humanitarian or the fiscal costs of a health care immigration verification process. As a Christian--my faith teaches me that we must love our fellow man, and care for them as if they were our brother or sister. If a sick person is at the doctor's or the hospital--they need help! They do not have time to wait for a lengthy background check to determine their citizenship status. Can you imagine the medical errors we will have if we have to run an immigration status check every time someone who looks different needs medical care! This can lead to a dangerous precedent of racial profiling! People may be denied life-saving care simply because of how they look! From a fiscal perspective--numerous studies have shown us that immigration screenings cost our nation much more in tax dollars than they actually save. SAVE requirements would become unfunded mandates that add to the administrative cost burden of our States! In my home State of California--Los Angeles County spent $28 million in 2008 to implement tougher verification standards on the Medi-Cal program! I repeat--$28 million!! And how many undocumented immigrants did this $28 million help to catch actually using Medi-Cal benefits? Zero!!! Is this a cost-effective practice?! Or is this a burden on county governments?! A mandatory verification requirement in this health bill would only add to the current cost burden of emergency rooms! We should be working on policies that encourage people to go to clinics, where they can receive proper preventative and routine care. SAVE electronic verification would push more and more people into the emergency room--where all of us will be left to pick up the tab! Additional SAVE Program Verification also hinders access for the general public to health care. This has certainly been the case since states have been required to verify legal status for Medicaid. According to the Center for Budget and Policy Priorities--anywhere from 3 million to 5 million U.S. citizens have lost Medicaid coverage because they lacked the necessary paperwork (birth certificate or passport) to prove their citizenship. By introducing mandatory electronic verification procedures--we are creating additional hurdles for Americans to access the care they need! And what would be the cost in new liability suits?! And think of our current situation with H1N1. Families need access to care immediately--to stop the spread of further outbreaks! This would be chaos! It would burden our entire healthcare system with a costly and ineffective unfunded mandate. From both a humanitarian and a fiscal point of view--we cannot afford mandatory electronic verification. I am pleased the manager's amendment to this legislation does not include mandatory verification for people looking to access the health care exchange. I urge my colleagues to remain vigilant on this issue--and work to stop any mandatory electronic verification requirements. I am also pleased the larger bill includes the Indian Health Care Improvement Act. As a Member of the House Native American Caucus and the Natural Resources Committee--I have been a strong supporter of ending the health disparities that exist on our reservations. I will close my statement by again stressing the importance of this historic moment! We passed Social Security in 1935. We passed Medicare in 1965. I urge my colleagues to stand with the American people and pass legislation in 2009 that will make quality, affordable health care a right for all Americans!

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chair, on rollcall No. 849, had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 89, the Veterans Day resolution. I thank Chairman Bob Filner and Ranking Member Steve Buyer for their commitment to this resolution and tremendous support for America's veterans. As one of many veterans who are now Members of Congress, I am proud to introduce and now seek the passage of this important resolution. To all my colleagues and fellow veterans, I commend you for your service. This resolution reminds us that Veterans Day is not just a day off from school or work. This is a special day of reflection to honor those that have defended our freedom. America would not be the great country that she is, if it were not for our veterans. When our troops commit to serve our country, they make a promise to serve and protect. We also have a moral responsibility to protect returning veterans and their families. Veterans returning from Iraq and Afghanistan must receive the best treatment. Sadly, for the last few years, I don't believe our Government has held its end of the bargain. But Congress is working diligently to correct this, most recently by implementing an outstanding GI bill and for adding more support services to veterans and their families. We all must do our part to recognize America's greatest heroes. This is why my resolution also encourages schools to educate our young people about the contributions of our veterans to this country. Last Congress, as Chair of the CHC, I worked closely with Hispanic veterans and Medal of Honor winners from WWII to today. The stories of courage and sacrifice I heard from them were nothing short of amazing. They deserve to be recognized and thanked. A special thanks is due to our military families who are often left behind and face the daily rigors of war within their homes in America and overseas. These families sacrifice so much for their loved ones and for America. I thank you as well; you are the support system and backbone for all these veterans. On November 11th, on Veterans Day do not forget who the true heroes of this country are. Reflect on the true meaning of Veterans Day, and remember the sacrifices made by so many proud American sons and daughters. I urge my colleagues to vote in favor of H. Res. 89.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Res. 783, resolution recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and celebrating the vast contributions of Hispanic Americans to the culture of the United States. I'd like to thank my friend Representative Mario Diaz-Balart, for sponsoring this important resolution; which I am proud to cosponsor. Economically, culturally, and politically, Latinos are a vital part of this Nation. The Hispanic community in America is over 47.5 million people strong, and has an annual purchasing power of well over a trillion dollars. From science, to sports, business, government, and the arts, Hispanic Americans have made significant contributions that have strengthened our Nation and our culture. And earlier this year, the Hispanic community continued to make history with the confirmation of Justice Sonia Sotomayor as the first Hispanic to serve on the U.S. Supreme Court. As former chair of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus, it gives me great pleasure to see the continued progress and growth of our Hispanic American community. I urge my colleagues to recognize the importance of the Hispanic community to our Nation, and vote in favor of the Hispanic Heritage Month resolution.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, we need health care reform right now. We need it on behalf of the 47 million people who don't have insurance. We need it on behalf of the 217 in my district who don't have any insurance. They talk about costs. What costs are going to go up if we don't do anything about health coverage? Right now, many of our seniors are suffering. They're wondering how they're going to pay their health care bills, how they're going to put food on the table and how they're going to take care of themselves. A lot of youth are asking: How are we going to provide health insurance for a lot of us who don't have it? We owe it to the American people. This is not about maintaining the status quo, and this is not about protecting the insurance companies. This is about doing something for the American people. It's time that we have a health plan that covers all Americans to make sure that we're not left out, to make sure that everybody has the ability to enjoy their quality of life and to be able to say: You know what? I know that I'm going to get coverage, and it doesn't matter where I am. I am not going to maintain the status quo. With the Republicans, it's all about maintaining the status quo, and that's not what America wants. We need to make sure that we have a health plan.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. As we move closer to health care reform, let us not lose focus on who exactly we are trying to help. Our seniors need help as they try to make ends meet between fixed income and increased health care costs. Our families need help as they are living paycheck by paycheck, often postponing doctor's visits. In my district in the Inland Empire, we have at least 217,000 who are uninsured, and this number keeps rising every day. All of these individuals have nowhere else to turn to. We must not turn our backs on them. I state, we must not turn our backs on them. We have seen what a quick fix can do to health care reform. This only leads to more problems with expensive consequences. Health care reform must include a public option, where everyone can participate and not be left out in the cold. A public option will bring down health care costs and give individuals and families a choice, instead of leaving them stranded without coverage. I urge my colleagues to remember who this health care reform is for and not let special interests cloud the picture of real reform. Let's support health care reform.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California, on the occasion of its 50th Anniversary. The students and alumni of Eisenhower High School will celebrate 50 years of continued academic excellence, October 17, 2009. This anniversary is a milestone for Rialto, California. Throughout the past 50 years, the school has provided an exemplary educational service to its students and has contributed greatly to the community. Eisenhower first opened its doors in fall of 1959, and since then has achieved success in academics, athletics and community service while providing a high level of education. They have always been a school of inclusion and unity regardless of an individual's background. Eisenhower High School has been able to maintain an outstanding athletic program for their students, allowing them to participate in activities that promote the values of team work, integrity, and dedication. Their athletic teams have consistently won conference titles in varied sports, including football, basketball, wrestling, and swimming. The boy's basketball team currently holds the State Championship title. With this victory they became the first California Interscholastic Federation State title holders for a school from San Bernardino County. Pro Football Hall of Famer Ronnie Lott graduated from Eisenhower High School. He went on to play for the San Francisco 49ers and was named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary team. Among other Eisenhower High School alumni whom have played on the professional level are Brandi Burton, David Lang, Jeff Conine, Darnell Coles, and Craig Newsome. Another distinguished alumnus is Derek Parra, Olympic Speed-Skating gold medalist and 1500 meter world record holder. Eisenhower High School has also achieved recognition in academics and community service. They have achieved recognition on the state level as well as national recognition. Anita Ware, alumna of Eisenhower, was its first student to be awarded the prestigious Westinghouse Science Award. The school newspaper, the Eagle's Eye, received an award in 1976 for being one of the nation's best student newspapers from the National Scholastic Press Association and Quill & Scroll. Eisenhower High School was also recognized as a National Blue Ribbon and as a California Distinguished School. Both of my sons graduated from Eisenhower High School. My son Joe Baca, Jr., served in the State Assembly and is now the Mayor Pro Tem for the City of Rialto. Jeremy Baca is an outstanding private consultant. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Eisenhower High School. Their continuing record of accomplishment is due in no small part to the teaching practices of the faculty who have guided the school through the years.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Eisenhower High School in Rialto, California, on the occasion of its 50th anniversary. The students and alumni of Eisenhower High School will celebrate 50 years of continued academic excellence, October 17, 2009. This anniversary is a milestone for Rialto, California. Throughout the past 50 years, the school has provided an exemplary educational service to its students and has contributed greatly to the community. Eisenhower first opened its doors in fall of 1959, and since then has achieved success in academics, athletics and community service while providing a high level of education. They have always been a school of inclusion and unity regardless of an individual's background. Eisenhower High School has been able to maintain an outstanding athletic program for their students, allowing them to participate in activities that promote the values of team work, integrity, and dedication. Their athletic teams have consistently won conference titles in varied sports, including football, basketball, wrestling, and swimming. The boy's basketball team currently holds the state championship title. With this victory they became the first California Interscholastic Federation State title holders for a school from San Bernardino County. Pro Football Hall of Famer, Ronnie Lott graduated from Eisenhower High School; he went on to play for the San Francisco 49ers and was named to the NFL's 75th Anniversary team. Among other Eisenhower High School alumni whom have played on the professional level are Brandi Burton, David Lang, Jeff Conine, Darnell Coles, and Craig Newsome. Another distinguished alumnus is Derek Parra, Olympic Speed-Skating gold medalist and 1500 meter world record holder. Eisenhower High School has also achieved recognition in academics and community service. They have achieved recognition on the state level as well as national recognition. Anita Ware, alumna of Eisenhower, was its first student to be awarded the prestigious Westinghouse Science Award. The school newspaper, the Eagle's Eye, received an award in 1976 for being one of the nation's best student newspapers from the National Scholastic Press Association and Quill & Scroll. Eisenhower High School was also recognized as a National Blue Ribbon and as a California Distinguished School. Madam Speaker, I ask that my colleagues join me today in honoring Eisenhower High School. Their continuing record of accomplishment is due in no small part to the teaching practices of the faculty who have guided the school through the years.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I rise in support of recognizing the month of October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month. This special recognition started 25 years ago to highlight and raise awareness of this devastating disease. Breast cancer is the most common type of cancer among women in the U.S. other than skin cancer. In 2009, it is estimated that in the United States there will be 192,370 new cases and 40,170 deaths from breast cancer. Sadly, just in my District in San Bernardino County, California the breast cancer incidence was reported to be 116.6 cases per 100,000 females during the period of 2001 to 2005. This is why we need to continue all efforts to raise awareness, not just during October but throughout the year. As a husband, father, grandfather, and as a son--the wonderful women in my life continue to be my driving force behind trying to make a difference in this fight against breast cancer. My efforts and passion date back to my public service in the California State Legislature. Through the leadership of Senator Dianne Feinstein, I helped passed the reauthorization for the Breast Cancer Stamp, which to this date has raised over $55 million dollars for research on breast cancer. These efforts coupled with the month long activities of many organizations on behalf of Breast Cancer Awareness Month are necessary to ensure that all men and women across America have the tools to overcome breast cancer. While we recognize October as Breast Cancer Awareness Month, we must also keep in mind that breast cancer is prevalent in our society and any healthcare reform must address this problem. This is why passing healthcare reform that includes a ban on denying coverage based on pre-existing conditions is extremely important. Millions of Americans combating breast cancer must not be denied coverage based on their condition at a time when these individuals need coverage the most. We must ensure that access to adequate testing for breast cancer and patient education is readily available. I congratulate all individuals and organizations that will hold events this month, and urge every American to do their part to observe Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Reforming health insurance must be our duty and responsibility. The vast majority of Americans have health insurance. The question is what does our health insurance reform mean for them. It means that insurance companies no longer will decide to deny your coverage or jack up your insurance rate because of preexisting conditions. It means that it will be against the law for insurance companies to drop your coverage when you get sick or water it down when you need it the most. It means that there will be a yearly limit on how much you can be charged for out-of-pocket expenses, because no one should go broke because they get sick. It means that premiums will stop growing three times faster than your wages, because more competitiveness in insurance markets will hold premiums down. It means that if you lose your job or change your job, you'll be able to get affordable coverage. In short, what health insurance reform means for millions of Americans who are insured today is more security and stability. Americans should not have to wait longer for this reform. Congress must act this year.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I ask for unanimous consent to address the House for one minute. I stand in support of H.R. 3590 and commend Representative Rangel for his leadership in protecting the livelihoods of our service men and women. H.R. 3590 extends the first-time homebuyer tax credit for one year for qualifying service members and waives the recapture requirement for service members if they are forced to sell their home within three years because of a change in duty station. The first-time homebuyer program works. We have already seen positive results. According to the National Association of Home Builders, approximately 200,000 additional home sales are attributable to the present-law tax credit and that it has resulted in a net increase of 187,000 jobs. H.R. 3590 will allow more families to buy a home and help our economy. I am hopeful that we will extend the credit for all Americans, but I am most grateful that today we will do the right thing and provide this incentive to our service men and women. It is in the top five for highest number of foreclosures.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Madam Speaker, I would like to bring to your attention today the many outstanding achievements of Bob Fenner, a businessman, community leader and 2003-04 past President of the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club. Bob has contributed enormously and made a tremendous difference to the Carlsbad Hi- Noon Rotary Club, the citizens of Carlsbad, and the mission of Rotary International. Mr. Fenner's accomplishments are many and varied. Under his leadership, the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club has supported the Worldwide Polio Eradication Program, a program designed to eradicate polio worldwide. Mr. Fenner has also sponsored a Youth Exchange Summer Camp, a program that fosters international understanding along with supporting RYLA, a Rotary Youth Leadership Conference, which helps to instill values and train high school students. Mr. Fenner was also instrumental in further enhancing international relations by directing the efforts of Hi-Noon Rotarians to support Project Mercy. Mr. Fenner's leadership has also made an extraordinary difference to others in need of a helping hand. With the assistance of Carlsbad Hi- Noon Rotary volunteers, the Christmas Bureau Distribution Program delivered food, clothing, and other gifts to over 3,400 needy individuals. There are many other contributions that the Carlsbad Hi-Noon Rotary Club has achieved during Mr. Fenner's Rotary service, including sponsoring a Christmas dinner party and gifts for elementary school students in need. He also provided financial support and volunteers to the Boys and Girls Club of Carlsbad while supporting the La Posada Carlsbad Homeless Shelter by contributing food, clothing, blankets and other items to the needy. Mr. Fenner also serves on the Board of The Hospice of the North Coast, and has hosted six foreign students, contributing to a better understanding of our culture and the cultures of other countries. Madam Speaker I hope you will join me in recognizing the many fine achievements of Bob Fenner. Without question, his leadership and contributions to Rotary, and his community are worthy of recognition.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my strong support for H. Con. Res. 163, a resolution expressing support for September 23 to be recognized as ``National Job Corps Day.'' In my home district of San Bernardino, California, we have an Inland Empire Job Corps center that has helped thousands of young people improve the quality of their lives through career, technical, and academic training. These young people have been able to give back to their local communities by becoming productive members of society, and with countless hours of community service organized through Job Corps. In fact, over the last 45 years, nearly 3 million youth across the Nation have been provided a safe living and learning environment on Job Corp campuses nationwide. Job Corps is America's largest and most successful high school dropout recovery and youth empowerment program. 75 percent of Job Corps graduates secure either permanent employment or enter into military service. It is only fitting that Congress moves to recognize this highly successful program--and continues to support it during these financially troubling times. I urge my colleagues to express their support for the Job Corps Program; and for the hardworking men and women who make a positive difference in the lives of America's young people. Vote in favor of H. Con. Res. 163.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Chair, on Monday we had a match, which is the Roll Call Cup, between the Democrats and the Republicans, our Ryder Cup, and we've had a series of matches. In the past, the Republicans have won it 4 years in a row. This year the Democrats won it to make it 4 years in a row by winning the series 12-5. I want to thank both of the team captains who have worked so hard on the Ryder Cup, and that's Zach Wamp on the Republican side for doing a good job and John Tanner, who has been the representative for us. But the real winners here are First Tee and Roll Call because this really goes out to help many underprivileged kids here in Washington, D.C., with the ability to play golf. So again, on behalf of the Democrats who retain the cup for the fourth year in a row, thank you very much. At this time I would like to yield some time to Zach Wamp.

Mr. BACA. Thank you very much. Mr. Chair, if I may thank the Democrats who participated, and that is John Yarmuth, John Tanner, Chet Edwards, Jim Clyburn, Albio Sires, Jim Cooper, Mike Doyle, Bart Stupak, Chris Carney and Ed Perlmutter. I want to thank the Ryder Cup team for their participation. Announcement by the Acting Chair

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Last night in a joint session of Congress, President Obama urged Congress that ``now is the time to deliver health care.'' We heard it loud and clear. But what we also heard was a remark that was disrespectful to this House and the American people serving here in the United States Congress. Access to adequate health care should be a right, not a privilege for those who can afford it. I stand here voicing the concerns of 217,000 uninsured in my district. No parent should have to worry about paying for a mortgage or paying for expensive health care insurance. No senior citizen should retire and have to balance paying for a doctor's visit or paying for groceries. No one should be denied health care because of a preexisting condition. That is not right. This is un-American. I urge my colleagues to be players in this debate and not just stand by and watch and be critical. Working together, we can make a difference. As the President stated: ``We did come not to fear the future. We came here to shape it.'' Let's get health care reform right now. I ask all of us to work together.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, families in America deserve a health care system that works. A parent should not have to worry about paying for either high health care insurance premiums or putting food on the table or paying their mortgages. In fact, each year in my district, 5,200 seniors who hit the doughnut hole are forced to pay their full drug costs despite having part D drug coverage. The Tri-Committee bill provides these seniors with immediate relief by cutting brand-name drug costs in the doughnut hole by 50 percent. In 2008, my district had 1,490 health care-related bankruptcies, caused primarily by the high health care costs not covered by insurance. The Tri-Committee bill caps out-of-pocket costs at $10,000 per year, ensuring that no individual will have to face financial ruin because of high health care costs. For these reasons, I stand here to advocate for American families who are struggling in every corner. I urge my colleagues to stand with me and to support health care reform. This is not a political issue. This is a human issue.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, President Kennedy once said, ``Ask not what your country can do for you; ask what you can do for your country.'' Immigrants take this question to heart. Not only do they ask what they can do for their country, but they also ask what they can do for their communities and for their families as well. Simply put, immigrants are one of the hardest working groups in America, regardless of legal status. Their willingness to work and to gain assimilation into American society and culture greatly benefits our country. This month in Iraq, 237 foreign-born U.S. servicemembers became citizens of this country. This is a key example of the level of dedication--I state ``dedication''--and service that immigrants give to America. I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work with President Obama and with CHC to pass comprehensive immigration reform.

Mr. BACA

Mr. BACA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in strong support of H. Con. Res. 164, a resolution recognizing the 40th anniversary of the Food and Nutrition Services (FNS) at the U.S. Department of Agriculture. I'd like to thank my colleague, Rep. Jim McGovern, for introducing this resolution; and for his commitment to ending hunger in America. As Chairman of the House Agriculture Subcommittee on Nutrition, I am proud to stand today in support of the mission of the FNS--to provide access to nutrious foods to needy American families. Since 1969, the FNS has been promoting sound nutrition and working to end hunger in America. Every day, 36 million Americans are given access to healthy foods they may otherwise not be able to afford if not for the good work done by so many individuals at the FNS. I am proud of the numerous improvements we made to federal nutrition programs in the 2008 farm bill. This includes a $10 billion increase in funding that puts food on the table for more veterans, elderly, disabled, and needy American families. But none of these funding improvements would have made a difference if it wasn't for the great work of the FNS and its dedicated staff members stationed across the United States. In today's terrible economic climate--the mission of the FNS, to prevent hunger in America, is more important than ever. I urge my colleagues to express their support for the great work of the dedicated Americans at the FNS, and vote in favor of H. Con. Res. 164.