Jeb Bradley

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Minnesota (Mr. Ramstad).

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself 3 minutes. Mr. Speaker, I had the opportunity in late October and early November to travel to Iraq to visit our troops and to assess the rebuilding of that troubled nation. The first stop, Mr. Speaker, that we made was in Kuwait in the desert at one of the camps, and we saw the actual R&R facility where members of our military were being processed. We had the chance to talk firsthand to people that were about to leave the theater and go home and, boy, let me tell my colleagues, they were very excited, Mr. Speaker, to be able to come home and visit loved ones. We know this was during the time when they had to pay their own way; but, nevertheless, they were pleased to be able to do it. Then we traveled in and out of Baghdad with members coming on some of the C-130 transport planes. Once again, the same thing, they were very anxious to be able to come home for a couple of weeks and to be able to reunite with their families. So, Mr. Speaker, I salute our military for authorizing this. Obviously, this legislation corrects an inequity, where those members of our military who wanted to travel home prior to December 19 are now going to be reimbursed for their expenses. Mr. Speaker, as indicated by the previous speaker, the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore), this was done in a bipartisan fashion. I salute not only the gentleman from California (Chairman Hunter), the gentleman from California (Chairman Lewis), but certainly the gentleman from Arkansas (Mr. Snyder), the gentleman from Kansas (Mr. Moore), and the gentleman from Connecticut (Mr. Simmons) for their hard work on this very important piece of legislation that will deal with all of our troops fairly and will encourage this type of R&R in the future, which is so important to our troops in so many far-flung areas of the world. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pleasure that I rise tonight to spend 5 minutes talking about health savings accounts. Clearly, much of the attention that our Nation has given to the medicare drug benefit has focused on the long overdue nature of the fact that we do need a drug benefit for senior citizens on medicare. For instance, Mr. Speaker, it is not acceptable that under medicare, expensive heart surgery is paid for, but the far cheaper prescription medications that will prevent senior citizens from having to have expensive heart surgery is not paid for. And this is a long overdue reform. But a little noticed section of the Medicare drug benefit legislation deals with health savings accounts. Mr. Speaker, you may recall that in the past we have had medical savings accounts that individuals can use but they have been very flexible and difficult to use. And with this important legislation that now allows for health savings accounts along with House passed efforts for medical liability reform, as well as associated health plans, we are making attempts in the House to lower the cost of health insurance and to improve accessibility. How do health savings accounts work? Well, first of all, individuals, their family members, or their employers can put tax-free dollars into an IRA-type of account that will be able to be rolled over for use for bona fide medical expenses. An individual can contribute $2,600, a family, couple, $5,150. As I said, if you do not use all of the health savings account tax- free dollars that you have put into your account in one year, it can roll over, can accumulate so senior citizens can use it, for instance, when they retire, for some expenses that they might not traditionally found Medicare has paid for. It can be part of one's estate, inherited by one's children. As I indicated before, individuals can contribute to this as can family members or employers. It can be transferred from job to job. And if you are in the age group of 55 to 65, you can do catch-up contributions of up to $1,000 more because retirement is coming along fairly quickly. This increased flexibility is what has made health savings accounts very exciting for people that are looking for market- based mechanisms to reform health care and to improve its delivery across our Nation. What can health savings accounts be used for? Number one, for bona fide medical expenses. It can be used for many different things that are not traditionally covered by health insurance, chiropractic care, acupuncture. This will enable alternative medicine to get the kind of attention that sometimes is missing from health insurance policies. And it can be used for the purchase of higher-deductible health care policies, $1,000 for an individual, and $2,000 for a family. So the use of tax-free dollars, Mr. Speaker, for medical attention, for medical care, is going to transform, I believe, the way that we purchase health insurance in this country and how we judge health insurance. Because no longer will it be somebody else's money, an insurance company's money or something like that; it will be our own money that we have earned. And so the practice of defensive medicine might be shrunk a little bit, unnecessary tests will be diminished because anybody using their health savings account dollars will be using their own money. So we will be much wiser consumers of medical care in this country. So, Mr. Speaker, I certainly encourage all Americans who are eligible for health savings accounts to look at them carefully because they are part of the law that has already been implemented. One can create their own health savings account as of January 1, 2004. And as we approach April 15, it is a good time to think about doing that. Because as I said, like an IRA, they are simple to use, easy to set up, and certainly, when all is said and done, this will transform how we purchase health insurance in our country in a very positive way.

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, pursuant to the unanimous consent request of February 3, 2004, I call up the Resolution (H. Res. 512) congratulating the New England Patriots for winning Super Bowl XXXVIII, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, before I yield myself such time as I may consume, for purposes of debate only, I yield 30 minutes to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank).

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I thank my colleague from Massachusetts (Mr. Frank) for sponsoring this resolution saluting the New England Patriots in their second Super Bowl championship in the last 3 years, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. It is indeed an honor to be able to stand here tonight, Mr. Speaker, and talk not only as a fan but as a person from New England about what it means to our region to be able to salute these New England Patriots. We are always grateful in New England, having rooted for the Red Sox for so long and witnessed so many heartbreaking seasons, for well- coached, well-run, well-organized teams that win and bring home the ring. So many individuals need to be saluted, but it is important to note that when we talk about the New England Patriots, we talk about teamwork. We talk about cooperation. We talk about individuals in high- profile positions subverting themselves to the greater good of the team, and that has always been the history of this team that had to recover from injuries, that had to recover from the loss of major free agents at the beginning of the season and still, despite those setbacks, were able to win. But it is also important for us to note several individuals that have made not only this season possible, but others in the past. It starts with the ownership of the New England Patriots. Mr. Bob Kraft and his sons have just done a tremendous job bringing back first-class football to New England and keeping the franchise in Massachusetts. And were it not for the Kraft ownership and all of the things that they have done to make this possible, we would not be seeing that success today. The coaching staff led by Bill Belichick has done just a stupendous job of putting together unique individuals and making the team function as something that is greater than the sum of all of the parts. But Bill Belichick cannot do it by himself. He has a tremendous staff in the front office all the way down to the trainers and the people that work in public relations. From the top to bottom, the Patriots' organization is a tremendously well-run organization. The players are, bar none, the best team in the league. And when Adam Vinatieri kicked that field goal, even though he had missed 2 already that afternoon, you knew that he was going to kick the third one and that we would win again. Also, in need of being saluted are long time announcers Gil Santos and Gino Cappelletti, the voices of the New England Patriots who for many, many years kept the faith alive. And perhaps the most important people that need to be celebrated are the fans of New England who have never given up on their team not only this year but for the last several years and braved the coldest of cold weather, the snowiest of snowy days, and were outnumbering the Carolina fans in Houston last week by 100 to 1. But as we celebrate the Patriots, let us also not forget the fine teams that they beat all year, starting with the Carolina Panthers who no one gave a chance to be successful in the Super Bowl last week who played a tremendous game. It was one of the greatest games in the history of the National Football League. The Patriots also beat two other fine teams in the playoffs: the Indianapolis Colts and the Tennessee Titans and had a tremendous regular season where they won 12 in a row and then three playoff games. Hopefully, we will continue this next year and do it one game at a time. Mr. Speaker, I yield such time as he may consume to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan).

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume and thank my colleague from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan) for giving that wonderful description of the Patriots and the fact that he was one of the brave 70,000 people that braved well below zero weather to root on the Patriots against the Tennessee Titans. Once again, Mr. Speaker, one of the greatest games in Super Bowl history. We all from New England, fans, everyone all across the spectrum of New England salute our Patriots. Mr. Speaker, I yield to the gentleman from Massachusetts (Mr. Meehan).

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, he is very right. I wear it all the time as I climb 4,000-foot mountains. I urge passage of this resolution. Mr. McGOVERN. Mr. Speaker, I would like to thank the gentleman from Massachusetts, Mr. Frank, and the gentleman from New Hampshire, Mr. Bradley, for bringing this resolution honoring the New England Patriots for their Superbowl victory to the floor today. Mr. Speaker, I want to offer my own congratulations to the Patriots for winning Superbowl XXXVIII, their 2nd championship in 3 years. The team has come together again this year, and proven to us that they truly are World Champions. While some around the Nation may know of our quarterback, Tom Brady, the majority of players on our team are not the superstars found in other cities across the country. However, we in New England know Troy Brown, Tedy Bruschi and Ty Law, not just for their individual accomplishments but for what they are a part of--a team. Mr. Speaker, Coach Bill Belichick said it best when he reminded the faithful fans that the players ``gave up a little of their individuality'' for the greater goal. ``That's what they did, and that's why they're champions.'' They have demonstrated to us and the rest of the world that winning a title isn't about statistics and breaking records, but instead about team work and focus. In addition to the Patriots' coaches and players, the team is guided by a terrific management team. Robert and Jonathan Kraft have worked tirelessly to build a strong organization and they also deserve praise today. I want to thank each and every player and coach on the team for showing their fans, the country and the world, that old-fashioned teamwork comes out ahead. Congratulations to the New England Patriots and to their fans.

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, due to my participation in a congressional delegation trip to Iraq, I missed several votes. I would like the record to reflect that had I been present, I would have voted in the following manner: On rollcall 576, on the motion to suspend the rules and pass, as amended, H.R. 1720, the Veterans Health Care Facilities Capital Improvement Act, I would have voted ``aye''. On rollcall 577, on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to the Senate amendments to H.R. 1516, the National Cemetery Expansion Act, I would have voted ``aye''. On rollcall 578, on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H.R. 3365, the Fallen Patriots Tax Relief Act, I would have voted ``aye''. On rollcall 579, on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 414, to encourage the People's Republic of China to fulfill its commitments under international trade agreements, support the United States manufacturing sector, and establish monetary and financial market reforms, I would have voted ``aye''. On rollcall 581, I would have voted ``aye''. On rollcall 582, on expressing deep gratitude for the valor and commitment of the members of the United States Armed Forces who were deployed in Operation Restore Hope to provide humanitarian assistance to the people of Somalia in 1993, I would have voted ``aye''. On rollcall 583, on making further continuing appropriations for the fiscal year 2004, I would have voted ``aye''. On rollcall 586, I would have voted ``aye''. On rollcall 587, I would have voted ``aye''. On rollcall 592, agreeing to the conference report on the Flight 100--FAA Reauthorization Act, I would have voted ``aye''. On rollcall 593, on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Res. 409--Repudiating the Anti-Semetic Remarks Expressed by Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, I would have voted ``aye''. On rollcall 595, agreeing to the conference report on the Department of Interior and related agencies Appropriations Act, I would have voted ``aye''. On rollcall 596, on the motion to suspend the rules and agree to H. Con. Res. 302, A Sense of Congress welcoming President Chen Shui-bian of Taiwan to the United States on October 31, I would have voted ``aye''. On rollcall 597, I would have voted ``aye''. On rollcall 598, I would have voted ``aye''. On rollcall 601, agreeing to the conference report on the Emergency Supplemental Appropriations for Defense and the Reconstruction of Iraq and Afghanistan, I would have voted ``aye''. On rollcall 580, I would have voted ``no''. On rollcall 584, I would have voted ``no''. On rollcall 585, I would have voted ``no''. On rollcall 588, I would have voted ``no''. On rollcall 589, I would have voted ``no''. On rollcall 590, I would have voted ``no''. On rollcall 591, I would have voted ``no''. On rollcall 594, I would have voted ``no''. On rollcall 599, I would have voted ``no''. On rollcall 600, I would have voted ``no''.

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a dedicated public servant who has devoted his life to the State he so loved dearly, former Governor Hugh Gregg. Governor Gregg passed away yesterday at the age of 85. Governor Gregg wore many hats in his lifetime, war hero, businessman, lawyer, public servant, but he will most be remembered as a devoted husband to his wife, Catherine, a father to his two sons, Cyrus Gregg and U.S. Senator Judd Gregg, and a grandfather and great-grandfather. He served as a special agent in the U.S. Army Counterintelligence Corps from 1942 to 1946 in China. He also served as an alderman in his hometown of Nashua, and later became mayor of that city. Governor Gregg was proud to be a politician and realized that politics was the vehicle to better the lives of New Hampshire's citizens. He perhaps will most be remembered for his passion for the New Hampshire first-in-the-Nation presidential primary. Governor Gregg authored two books on the New Hampshire primary, and his history of the primary is part of the official State record published by the Secretary of State's office. Not one to sit by idly, Governor Gregg was still a dominant presence in the State, even at the age of 85, most recently serving on the State Ballot Law Commission. Governor Gregg's legacy will continue to live on in the causes he held so dear to his heart, helping those with disabilities and preserving New Hampshire's unique role in the political process. The State mourns the loss of a great statesman, civic leader and friend, and his efforts to make New Hampshire a better place in which to live has made a lasting impact on all who call New Hampshire home. Governor Gregg represented the New Hampshire ideals we all cherish: Integrity, strength and honesty. He has raised the bar high for those who want to be public servants. His civility, frankness and fairness will be sorely missed.

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Chairman, I appreciate the commitments made by the gentleman from California to look at this very onerous program as it is implemented in the White Mountain National Forest in New Hampshire. I am an avid hiker. I am taking part in what for many people in the Northeast is a lifetime accomplishment, to try and climb all of the 48 peaks in the White Mountain National Forest; and I am at 37. I constantly am hearing from my constituents how little they like this program and the reason they like this program so little is the hassle that is involved, and then to find out that the administrative costs are so staggering. I really appreciate the comment from the gentleman from California to look at this, but I believe we can pass this amendment and finish and make a very clear statement that the program as it exists today does not need to be extended past September, 2004, and make sure that if a subsequent program comes into effect in the future that it is well run, that the administrative costs are within reason, and it is not an onerous burden, in particular, on the people that use the national forests where there does not need, in my opinion, to be an expensive- to-collect forest fee. I look forward to working with both sides on this issue.

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ted Connors upon his retirement from the position of Executive Director of the Portsmouth Housing Authority after 35 years of service. The son of the city's first night-shift police officer, Ted Connors grew up in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, known as ``the City of the Open Door''. Ted witnessed Portsmouth change over the years from a rough- and-tumble military town into the tourist and business center it is today. This native brought a valuable hometown boy's point of view to his position. Ted displayed an inspirational devotion to improving the quality of life for residents in his hometown. His top priority was to expand work-force housing in the region in support of the growing number of local employees being driven out of the city due to increasing housing costs. His commendable efforts led to a significant increase in the number of subsidized apartments, from 200 to 1,200. In addition to subsidized housing, Ted instigated numerous other services for the city of Portsmouth. He developed a transportation system that supplies 120,000 rides a year for elderly persons needing to travel to medical appointments, various shopping complexes, or centers for meals. Ted also oversaw the development and completion of a new Senior Citizen's Center in October 2000, which offers various programs such as basic health care, transportation, daily lunches and social activities. Without Ted's commitment to improving the quality of life for its residents, Portsmouth would not be the city it is today. His efforts to make New Hampshire a better place have made a lasting impact on the people that know him and know of him. Even Ted's successor has admitted that no one can truly fill the retiring director's shoes. Portsmouth and the state of New Hampshire are fortunate to have dedicated individuals like Ted working to make this city and this state a great place to live.

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 1 and the rule that accompanies this important legislation, for today we will begin to finally provide for a prescription drug benefit under Medicare for America's senior citizens. H.R. 1 will ease the financial burden placed on America's seniors, improve access to the medications they need, and introduce market measures that will curb future cost increases. According to a recent study, the House plan, our plan, would reduce the average overall cost of prescription drugs by 25 percent through aggregating the purchasing power of seniors. In addition to these overall savings, the plan provides significant and immediate savings for seniors through provisions, including a prescription drug discount card which would provide a 10 to 15 percent savings; significant front- end coverage with a cost sharing agreement that has seniors paying 20 percent on the first $2,000 of drug costs after they pay a deductible and a monthly membership fee. Beyond that it involves catastrophic protection providing 100 percent coverage for out of control drug costs beyond $3,500. And, lastly, and perhaps most importantly, assistance for low income seniors, enabling those Medicare beneficiaries that have income of 135 percent of the poverty line to receive full coverage on their prescription drugs. Mr. Speaker, the advancement of medical research and technology has led to the development of new drugs that can dramatically reduce the need for surgery, for hospitalization and for nursing home care. It is high time that we provide America's senior citizens with improved access to these drugs at prices they can afford. I urge my colleagues to support the rule and to support the legislation.

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to a friend, Bob Schroeder, who has been named Town of Hooksett's Citizen of the Year. Bob was instrumental in the restoration and revitalization of a truly historic local, State, and national landmark. Robie's Country Store, in Hooksett, has a lengthy history of acting as the town's gathering spot, a place to argue politics, play checkers, buy groceries and homemade baked goods. Robie's was also a required stop for local politicians and Presidential candidates visiting the first-in-the-Nation primary State for over 30 years. The store closed in 1997, after the store's owners, Lloyd and Dorothy Robie, retired. After 5 years of dormancy, and a lack of funds and dedicated owners, Robie's Country Store reopened, continuing its 30- year political tradition and its 110-year presence in the town. Bob Schroeder saw an imperative need to preserve this cultural and political landmark and formed the Robie's Country Store Historic Preservation Association to spearhead the renovation effort. The association has worked diligently to bring the store to life again; and on May 24, 2003, Robie's Country Store reopened to an eager and proud community. Bob and the Preservation Association were careful to maintain Robie's historical accuracy by keeping the 97-year old building's flooring, ceiling and picture wall of political memorabilia. Always humble, Bob refuses to take credit for the grand reopening of the store, instead pointing the spotlight on the efforts of the entire community. Under Bob's leadership, people of all ages worked together to restore Robie's through fundraising and renovation efforts. The community's hard work will undoubtedly ensure that the rich heritage and traditions of the store will remain intact for future generations to enjoy. Bob's tireless commitment to preserving this landmark and energizing the whole community to get involved is a wonderful example of his perseverance and dedication to improving the community and State in which he lives. I can think of no better person than Bob Schroeder to receive the Hooksett Citizen of the Year Award, and I am honored to represent him and all other concerned and conscientious citizens from Hooksett and the First Congressional District of New Hampshire.

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Well, Mr. Speaker, there certainly are gaps; and for those senior citizens that are at the low end of the spectrum, they often do not have any coverage whatsoever. And so this, unfortunately, and the gentleman, in his profession, knows this all too well, is forcing senior citizens into a terrible choice, paying their rent, their utilities, or having the prescriptions they need to have sound health. And that, in 2003, in the 21st century, is an unacceptable choice and something that we have the opportunity to remedy; and we should avail ourselves of the opportunity.

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Well, certainly my understanding of the work the Committee on Energy and Commerce has done so far, as well as the Committee on Ways and Means, is to dedicate the drug benefit to the senior citizens that need it the most; and that certainly should be the principle that we try to enshrine in this legislation. Those that need it the most are the most deserving and where we should focus scarce resources on serving.

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. I thank the gentleman, Mr. Speaker.

Mr. BRADLEY

Mr. BRADLEY. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman very much for yielding to me. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to discuss one of the most important topics that faces all senior citizens in our country, a Medicare prescription drug benefit. It is something that is long overdue, and we have the opportunity within a month or two months to do a good job of providing drug care for our senior citizens which they so desperately need. Mr. Speaker, I have in my hand a letter from a constituent in Chester, New Hampshire, a constituent who knows all too well just how important this legislation is. She writes to me that while she is not of retirement age today, she has a friend who is not able to retire because her drug costs are simply too high, but of course, she needs these drugs because they are essential to her health. Mr. Speaker, this is not an isolated story. This is a story that is being told at kitchen tables and in living rooms all across our country. It is a story that is overwhelming for millions and millions of Americans who have fallen victim to the overwhelming costs of high drugs today because they are so essential to our health. The facts do not lie. Prescription drugs costs have risen at a staggering rate. According to a study by Families U.S.A., which is a nonpartisan organization, the average senior citizen spent $1,200 on prescription drugs in the year 2000, but by the year 2010, that same senior citizen will spend $2,800. A Kaiser Family Foundation study found that between 1998 and 2000, the average prescription price increased more than three times the rate of inflation, and since 1995, the annual percentage increases in spending for prescriptions has been more than double the cost increases for hospitalization and doctors' care. While many Americans have felt the effects of these sharp rises in costs, it is America's senior citizens who are forced to pay the greatest price. Seniors and other Medicare beneficiaries account for 43 percent of this Nation's total drug spending, even though they represent 14 percent of our Nation's population. In total, over 80 percent, 80 percent of America's retirees use a prescription drug every day. With costs increasing at such an alarming rate, more and more seniors are forced to choose between putting medicine in their cabinets and food on their tables. That is an unacceptable choice, and we have the chance to remedy the situation very quickly. How will this legislation work? First of all, seniors will pay a $35 monthly premium and a $250 annual deductible, and then whether they use traditional Medicare fee-for-services or a private plan, after these initial costs, 80 percent of the next $2,000 of their drug costs will be covered. For many seniors, this means an immediate cost savings. In addition to this initial benefit, there is a catastrophic benefit. Over $3,700 of costs for senior citizens will be fully compensated. Seniors will get 100 percent of this coverage, and this is incredibly important for those seniors who have very high bills. At the other end of the spectrum, for 5 percent of senior citizens who have high incomes greater than $60,000 to begin with, the drug benefit is income sensitive on a sliding scale. What this provision does, Mr. Speaker, is ensure that those people with the greatest need and who have limited means are treated fairly and treated first, but those with the greater ability to pay for their drugs do so. It makes the program more cost effective not only for the seniors but for all taxpayers. Finally, and just as importantly as everything else, this bill provides senior citizens with options. At least two prescription drug plans will be available to all seniors. They will have the ability to fill their prescriptions at the pharmacy that they choose, and in addition, regional preferred provider organizations will compete for beneficiaries, bringing market forces to bear, improving care and coordination and better choices. This, in turn, will also lower costs for seniors and for taxpayers. In conclusion, Mr. Speaker, I strongly urge that my colleagues support this important legislation so that improved health care for senior citizens does not rely on financial sacrifices. The advancement of medical research and new drugs has better engaged treatment of many diseases that reduce hospitalization, reduce surgery and reduce nursing home care. Senior citizens are better able to live more productive and fulfilling lives, and because of these advancements, it will be made possible by a drug benefit and this important legislation if we act now.

Mr. BRADLEY. Mr. Speaker, the catastrophic coverage, the gentleman is absolutely correct. The cap starts at $3,700, and above that, on the sliding scale, senior citizens would have all drugs paid for based on income sensitivity. On the other end of the scale, and to me what is very important, is that the Americans, the senior citizens who need this benefit the most will get the care first, and so for up to 135 percent of poverty, all drug costs are covered, and that is absolutely appropriate, that we give those senior citizens who have the greatest need for this drug benefit the care.

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Bob Schroeder upon being named the Town of Hooksett's Citizen of the Year. Bob was instrumental in the restoration and revitalization of a truly historic local, state and national landmark. Robie's Country Store in Hooksett has a lengthy history of acting as the town's gathering spot, a place to argue politics, play checkers and buy groceries and homemade baked goods. Robie's was also a required stop for local politicians and presidential candidates visiting the first-in-the-nation primary state for over 30 years. The store closed in 1997 after the store's owners, Lloyd and Dorothy Robie, retired. After five years of dormancy and a lack of funds and dedicated owners, Robie's Country Store reopened, continuing its 30-year political tradition and its 110-year presence in the town. Bob saw an imperative need to preserve this cultural and political landmark and formed the Robie's Country Store Historic Preservation Association to spearhead the renovation effort. The Association has worked diligently to bring the store to life again, and on May 24, 2003, Robie's Country Store reopened to an eager and proud community. Bob and the Preservation Association were careful to maintain Robie's historical accuracy by keeping the 97-year old building's original flooring, ceiling and picture wall of political memorabilia. Always humble, Bob refuses to take the credit for the grand reopening of the store, instead pointing the spotlight on the efforts of the entire community. Under Bob's leadership, people of all ages worked together to restore Robie's through fundraising and renovation efforts. The community's hard work will undoubtedly ensure that the rich heritage and traditions of the store will remain in tact for future generations to enjoy. Bob's tireless commitment to preserving this landmark and energizing the whole community to get involved is a wonderful example of his perseverance and dedication to improving the community and state in which he lives. I can think of no better person than Bob to receive the Hooksett Citizen of the Year Award. I am honored to represent concerned and conscientious citizens like Bob in the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Manchester's John Mehrmann, New Hampshire's winner of the VFW Voice of Democracy Scholarship Contest. This contest is held each year to give high school students the opportunity to voice their opinion on their responsibility to our country. The following is Mr. Mehrmann's essay, which I found both compelling and profound, and which is why I want to read it on the floor of the United States Congress. ``We were just kids. All our lives, everything was perfect; everything worked. Everything was planned. We went to school. We came home. We slept. And somewhere along the road of our lives, we would graduate from school. After graduating from school, we would go to a new school, we would come home, and we would sleep. There was nothing to fear; there would always be food in the fridge and gas in the car. Every time we flicked the light switch, there would be light. ``Then something happened. Suddenly something, somehow, someway, somewhere shattered. As the dust settled and the magnitude of what we had lost became clear, it wasn't the death of an age for us, and it wasn't the death of jokes. But as we walked across the street or through the halls or drove our cars, something was different. The world was smaller that day. And all the faces, you with your expensive car, or you who always had something important to say, they all looked so much alike. They didn't all have the same hair color or the number of freckles. Some had straight teeth and some had big chins. But they were all sad, all thinking. Innocence died that day, the innocence that let us worry about the grades or the pimples on our noses, the freedom to do what we wanted, when we wanted, was lost somewhere in 100 stories of broken steel and dust. We didn't grow up when we got our driver's licenses, and we didn't grow up when we got our first jobs, or even when we turned 18. We all grew up when we had to. We heard a lot of talk after our abrupt maturation about freedom and responsibility. There were a lot of speeches, and everyone seemed very serious. But mostly, we knew. We knew we could never be kids again. We finally realized what it meant to be responsible. Being responsible was doing our best, even when no one was watching. The responsibility thrust on some of us unexpectedly one late summer morning opened our eyes. We learned to think with our minds and feel with our hearts. Now the people we heard speaking French or Swahili when we came to school each day weren't foreign, they were victims of reality, like the rest of us. We never knew how or when we would grow up. We didn't know why we had to. We saw the photos and the film clips of men and women leaping from flames only to careen hundreds of feet to their deaths. Again and again, we saw the missiles which we had all thought so harmless piloted to murder what could have been our entire school in an instant. Freedom wasn't a badge. Freedom isn't a badge. It isn't a prize trophy to be flaunted and waved in the faces of the enslaved. Freedom is a burden, but a burden worth its price. Responsibility is the price of freedom. Freedom does not unequivocally allow for self-indulgence. Self-indulgence and selfishness are not responsible, and it is irresponsible to self-perpetuate at anyone's expense. We think identities to be so important, and we imagine our lives to be so worthy of greatness that we forget the community of mankind of which we are so preciously minuscule a part. Obsequiousness and submission are not the stigmas they were before adolescence was made extinct. Freedom is not a right to individuality but a right to community. It is a right of individuals to determine their sociality within the bounds of a world not limited to oceans or lines drawn on a map, but one which spans the entirety of a globe, encompassing a myriad of peoples with innumerable concerns. It is the responsibility of the world's free people to determine which concerns take precedence. The free peoples of the world must recognize the greater good for which to strive. Absolute singularity is no longer an option. These are the words of John Mehrmann of New Hampshire.

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the defense authorization bill and commend Chairman Hunter, ranking member Skelton and the committee staff on their strong efforts in crafting this legislation. As our soldiers, sailors and airmen continue the global war on terrorism and as thousands of them return home from the liberation of the Iraqi people and elimination of the threat posed by Saddam Hussein, it is a fitting tribute to them and to their families that we pass this legislation. Our men and women in the military and their families are this bill's primary focus. This bill authorizes another 4.1 percent average pay raise and other incentives that are critical to maintaining retention, morale, recruitment, and quality of life. The thousands of men and women who get up and put on a uniform to serve their country abroad or on the seas should do so with the best equipment and the best training possible. Their service will protect our shores, provide stability in unstable regions, provide security to our friends and allies, and deter or destroy those who wish to harm us. A lesser-known aspect of our Operations Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom is the success of the logistical support structure of those operations. The logistical coordination that supported our efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq can be described as nothing less than an organizational marvel. It takes teamwork, training, skill and courage, Mr. Chairman, and critical to that achievement is the work of the 157th Air Refueling Wing of the Air Mobility Command based at Pease Air National Guard Base located in my district. In Operation Iraqi Freedom, tankers flew more than 17,050 refueling missions supporting aircraft from all services--the 157th Air Refueling Wing completed over 400 sorties, offloading over 26 million pounds of fuel to aircraft from all the services. In fact, the 157th was recently selected as the recipient of the Air Force's Most Outstanding Unit Award for the second year in a row due to their performance. Therefore, I am happy that this bill includes an airborne tanker initiative of $229 million that would give the Air Force the flexibility of retaining KC-135E aircraft, meeting unfunded requirements for depot maintenance of tanker aircraft. Mr. Chairman, yesterday I had the honor of meeting Air Force Capt. Jeremy Shane Carter and 1st Lieutenant Drew Bjerken, two courageous airmen who recently have returned from Operation Iraqi Freedom. They are part of the electronic warfare component of our military success that does not receive the full credit it deserves. Capt. Carter and Lieutenant Bjerken operated one of the real jewels in our electronic warfare arsenal, the Compass Call aircraft. This platform monitors and jams communications and targeting systems used by adversaries. Compass Call air crews flew over 200 combat sorties providing 24/7 coverage in all major combat engagements including the operations to recover POW Pvt. Jessica Lynch and the capture of the oil facilities at the Al Faw peninsula in Iraq. Saving Private Lynch is it own fantastic story. But it should be remembered that Compass Call aircraft were essential to the successful capture of Al Faw by special operations foiling the sabotage of oil facilities by Iraqi soldiers and averting a major environmental and economic disaster for the country and region. I am pleased that this bill includes an additional $9 million that will go toward the completion of upgrades to Compass Call aircraft to the block 35 configuration. Mr. Chairman, this legislation continues our efforts at transforming our military for the threats of the future. The bill contains $3.5 billion for the procurement of 21 F-22 fighter aircraft, ensuring that the U.S. maintains air dominance in any conflict in the years ahead. The bill also continues our efforts to have the Pentagon procure smarter and more efficiently through continued research and development of the F-35 Joint Strike Fighter. Variants of the F-35 will eventually replace four aircraft, the F-16, the A-10, and the AV-8B and F-18 C/D, bringing important cost savings to our taxpayers not only in production but also in the maintenance and operation over the life of each aircraft. Air dominance today and in the future is directly attributable to the electronic warfare capability of our aircraft, helicopters and satellite systems. BAE Systems' Electronic Systems division in my home state of New Hampshire is the world leader in electronic warfare systems, providing protection, surveillance, stealth and lethality for our pilots and aircrews in all the services. I am pleased with the programs included in this bill that fund research and development for countermeasures to protect our pilots and other important electronic systems. As every regional military commander will attest, our Navy is stretched thin, especially our submarine force. Although this bill does not fund the refueling of the USS Jacksonville, I would like to highlight the need to refuel all of the remaining Los Angeles Class submarines in our fleet. Taxpayers have already paid half the job. The reactors for these submarines have been procured at a cost of over $200 million each, it makes sense for us to finish the job and keep these boats in service for the remainder of their design life. Mr. Chairman, this bill is a good balance of our resources to continue our military's transformation to meet the challenges of tomorrow. It responds to the realities of the war on terrorism and sets us on course to meet the new challenges that unquestionably lie ahead. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Manchester's John Mehrmann, New Hampshire's winner of the VFW's Voice of Democracy Scholarship contest. This contest is held each year to give high school students the opportunity to voice their opinion on their responsibility to our country. The following is Mr. Mehrmann's essay: We were just kids. All our lives, everything was perfect; everything worked. Everything was planned. We went to school. We came home. We slept. We went to school. We came home. We slept. And somewhere along the road of our lives, we would graduate from school. After graduating from school, we would go to a new school, we would come home, and we would sleep. There was nothing to fear; there would always be food in the fridge and gas in the car. Every time we flicked the light switch, there would be light. Then something happened. Suddenly something, somehow, someway, somewhere--shattered. As the dust settled and the magnitude of what we'd lost became clear, it wasn't the death of an age for us, and it wasn't the death of jokes. But as we walked across the street or through the halls or drove our cars, something was different. The world was smaller that day, and all the faces--you with your expensive car, or you who always had something important to say--they all looked so much alike. They didn't all have the same hair color or number of freckles. Some had straight teeth and some had big chins. But they were all sad. All thinking. Innocence died that day--the innocence that let us worry about our grades, or the pimples on our noses. The freedom to do what we wanted, when we wanted, was lost somewhere in a hundred stories of broken steel and dust. We didn't grow up when we got our driver's licenses, and we didn't grow up when we got our first jobs or even when we turned 18. We all grew up when we had to. We heard a lot of talk after our abrupt maturation about freedom and responsibility. There were a lot of speeches, and everyone seemed very serious. But mostly, we knew. We knew we could never be kids again. We finally realized what it meant to be responsible. Being responsible was doing our best, even when no one was watching. The responsibility thrust on us some unexpectedly one late summer morning opened our eyes. We learned to think with our minds and feel with our hearts. Now the people we heard speaking French or Swahili when we came to school each day weren't foreign--they were victims of reality like the rest of us. We never knew how or when we would grow up. We didn't know why we had to. Then we saw the photos and the film clips of men and women leaping from flames only to careen hundreds of feet to their deaths. Again and again, we saw the missiles which we had all thought so harmless piloted to murder what could have been our entire school in an instant. Freedom wasn't a badge. Freedom isn't a badge. It isn't a prize trophy to be flaunted and waved in the faces of the enslaved. Freedom is a burden, but a burden worth its prices. Responsibility is the price of freedom. Freedom does not unequivocally allow for self-indulgence. Self-indulgence and selfishness are not responsible, and it is irresponsible to self-perpetuate at anyone's expense. We think identities to be so important, and we imagine our lives to be so worthy of greatness that we forget the community of mankind of which we are so preciously miniscule a part. Obsequiousness and submission are not the stigmas they were before adolescence was made extinct. Freedom is not a right to individuality, but a right to community. It is a right of individuals to determine their sociality within the bounds of a world not limited to oceans or lines drawn on a map, but one which spans the entirety of a globe, encompassing a myriad of peoples with enumerable concerns. It is the responsibility of the world's free people to determine which concerns take precedence. The free peoples of the world must recognize the greater goods for which to strive. Absolute singularity is no longer an option.

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire

Mr. BRADLEY of New Hampshire. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of the jobs and growth package and the rule that accompanies it. Mr. Speaker, our economy is in the doldrums. 525,000 Americans have lost their jobs since February; 95,000 Americans have lost their manufacturing jobs. In my State of New Hampshire, 21 percent of our manufacturing jobs have disappeared; 17,000 of my fellow Granite Staters are out of work. Mr. Speaker, businesses and families need the 1.2 million jobs represented by H.R. 2; but, Mr. Speaker, it always comes down to individual Americans, and a couple of weeks ago, I spoke with a high- tech worker in Bedford, New Hampshire, who had lost his job and been out of work for several months. That is just one American, but every American who cannot find a job is one American too many, and that is why today we need H.R. 2, to get Americans back to work. I urge support for the rule and H.R. 2.