Ginny Brown-Waite

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, pursuant to the Republican Leadership standards on earmarks, I am submitting the following information regarding earmarks I received as part of H.R. 2847, the Commerce, Justice, Science and Related Agencies Appropriations Act of 2010. I requested two projects in H.R. 2847. They include: $800,000 for the Lake County Board of Commissioners located at 315 West Main St., P.O. Box 7800, Tavares, FL 32778. This funding will help Lake County to fund an 800 Mhz radio system and go towards equipment and technology for the Emergency Operations Center of Lake County. $200,000 for the Marion County Board of County Commissioners located at 601 SE 25th Avenue, Ocala, FL 34471. This funding will help to fund the purchase of technology that captures fingerprints required for FBI criminal background checks, through the rest of the patrol vehicles. The equipment and software will collect demographic data and fingerprint scans and submit both to the appropriate background check authority, which will, in turn, provide instant feedback. The request is in accordance with priorities established by the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, who has indicated a desire for all law enforcement agencies across the state to have consistency in the equipment used for fingerprinting.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, an overhaul of our Nation's health care system is under way, and I am glad that people in my district are engaged in this critical issue. Unfortunately, the Democrats have shared very few details of the plan, except that there will be a public plan, which I have to tell you most people are frightened of. While I realize that we are in the minority party, I still have nearly 1 million constituents to represent, including more Medicare beneficiaries than any other Member of Congress. My Republican colleagues and I have made numerous attempts to reach across the aisle to share our ideas on how to improve the health care system and make it more affordable. So we are drafting our own bill. When President Obama invites Members of Congress to the White House to craft health care bills, he invites only Democrats. He has met with industry representatives but never with Republicans. Recently, the President sent a letter saying he expects a bureaucratic-run health system to be included in the final option, but again, he sent the letter only to Democrats. Hardly a gesture of bipartisanship.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Chairman, we have a problem. As every American in this Chamber knows, America is facing unprecedented trillion-dollar deficits, a ballooning national debt and steady-growing entitlement obligations. Yet, each and every time the House comes together to consider spending bills, evidence abounds that very few tough choices are being made. As I'm sure my colleagues will readily agree, never in the history of Congress has there been a line item that at least one Member did not support. There has not been a single program that somebody didn't think was worthy of the taxpayer dollars. In a perfect world where the United States is flush with money, very few spending ideas don't hold some merit. But simply having merit does not mean the American people have enough money to pay for it, nor do they have enough money around to fund this. It is not our job to come to Washington and put together a Middle East comprehensive and exhaustive list of worthy causes, Mr. Chairman. It is our job to make the tough choices. And that means denying resources to something that somebody somewhere thinks is a good idea. Frankly, if, as a body, we are unable to recognize that spending taxpayer dollars for the domestic distribution of a documentary film in a foreign affairs bill is not what the taxpayers need most at this time, if this is truly a choice that's too hard for us to make, then I think we owe it to our constituents to take a good long look in the mirror and decide what we are here to do. Some will probably point out that striking the authorization for this film is not important. Well, I would say to those colleagues it is important that we watch every single appropriation that comes before us. That is precisely what we are sent here to do. And this amendment is not just about striking a provision to authorize funding for the distribution of a documentary film. If it were, I would take time to point out that this is a domestic distribution in a foreign affairs bill. I would also point out that laws have been on the books for 60 years that prohibit the executive branch from distributing government-sponsored information campaigns domestically. I might even point out that the film is available already for every man, woman, and child in this country to see right now. I am not kidding. It is actually on YouTube, and yet we have this in the appropriations bill. The point is, Mr. Chairman, that the American people, those who voted for us and those who voted against us, all of them expect more from this body. I offer this amendment to my colleagues not to point out an absurd provision in an irresponsible spending bill. I offer this amendment to make a point about all of the absurd provisions in all of the bloated bills that this House has recently considered. The American people deserve more than this. I would point out to my colleagues they need to learn this is a voting card; it is not a credit card. I urge my colleagues to support this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I demand a recorded vote.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Chairman, just a few moments ago, I rose to point out what I believe is unnecessary spending. I suppose it is not a coincidence that I rise again to point out what I believe is another unnecessary spending item. Section 303 of the Foreign Relations Act before us authorizes funding for the establishment of a Lessons Learned Center. If money were no object, I think it may be a fine thing to do. In fact, it is hard to imagine that anything produced by the center would not be used. However, as you can imagine, many of my colleagues are wondering, why would anyone oppose this center? They might even point out that those who do not learn from history are doomed to repeat it. Mr. Chairman, in some ways, my colleagues may be right. But what is essential is that we do learn from our mistakes, and that is precisely why the State Department's exam to become a Foreign Service officer is so rigorous. That is why the intelligence agencies seek the best and the brightest. And, frankly, Mr. Chairman, that is why the entire academic community going back thousands of years studies history. Additionally, with 24-hour news events, we all become instantly knowledgeable. It is reviewed and reviewed. Anything that happens, has happened, gets reviewed ad nauseam. Section 303 is unnecessary precisely because learning lessons from history is so important and so widely acknowledged as being important that we already have tens of thousands of academies that do that every single day. The proposed Lessons Learned Center has a great name, yet I think it will be simply one more example of spending money on things that we want and not limiting ourselves to those things that we need. Listen. Just listen. You can hear the giant sucking sound of Washington finding new and different ways to spend dollars; spend, spend. I don't want to belabor the point, but Congress has already approved a $700 billion bailout package and an $800 billion stimulus package in just the last year alone. Meanwhile, our Medicare and Social Security trust funds that our constituents rely on will be exhausted sooner than we thought. And let me point out we are also fighting tough wars in two countries. And while my colleagues believe that a Lessons Learned Center might prevent such costly wars in the future, I would appeal to your intellect and your sense of fiduciary responsibility. With all the massive charges already on the people's tab, the American taxpayer tab, and with spending at government agencies going up dramatically this year across the board, I ask my colleagues to make tough choices that the American people expect us to make. All this portion of the bill does is create more government jobs. I urge adoption of this amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor all the families who have lost a loved one in defense of our great Nation and in particular, those gathered at Calvary Baptist Church in Lakeland, Florida. For over 225 years, the United States has been a beacon of hope and freedom throughout the world. That freedom comes at a price, however. Whether it is the original fight for independence during the American Revolution, the drive to defeat communism during the cold war, or the current battle in the Middle East, soldiers throughout our history have fought and given their lives to keep us safe here at home. I salute their sacrifice, the sacrifice of their families, and dedication to their fellow man. Our Nation has often had to defend itself from enemies, both foreign and domestic. Throughout these struggles, it has been our shared faith in our Lord that has given us the strength to soldier on during tough and trying times. America has seen both the good and the bad throughout our Nation's history, but in the end I firmly believe that each of us will heed the call to show our commitment to God when forced to make decisions that affect our fellow man. To those who will gather at Calvary Baptist Church to honor our ``True American Heroes,'' know this Congress thanks you and honors you. As Ronnie and Aileen Payne wrote to me, ``Our sons and daughters were more than just a name and a casualty number. They were the best that America had to offer. They ran in when others ran out. They answered when America called.'' America is the greatest Nation in the world. We have a proud history of service, faith and community ties that bind us to the common belief in the goodness of mankind. Our collective faith in God surpasses the fear and uncertainty we may feel from time to time. By working and praying together we can ensure that future generations of Americans will share the morals and values that brought us here today. Thank you and God bless the United States of America.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Speaker, I rise because April 26 was Debt Day. Debt Day is the day that the Federal Government runs out of revenue and starts paying for its reckless spending by borrowing more money. This means that all of the money spent by the Federal Government for the rest of the year will either be borrowed from other countries or, as the gentleman who preceded me here on this side of the aisle said, or borrowed from future generations. Deficits are nothing new in Washington. And it is not a one-party disease. However, American families and small businesses across the country are tightening their belts, and certainly Congress needs to do the same. Instead, the Obama administration offers a budget that doubles the national debt in 8 years, and by 2012, the American people will be paying $1 billion per day in net interest on that debt. The American people know that we cannot borrow and spend our way back to economic health. The path to economic recovery starts with fiscal responsibility. I believe that the Federal Government should follow the example set by our Nation's families and eliminate unneeded and excessive spending.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. I thank the gentleman. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of the supplemental funding bill that will provide the men and women of our Armed Forces with the resources that they need to do the job. Unfortunately this bill will not just fund operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. It seems to me as if my colleagues on the other side of the aisle never miss an opportunity to use the military to pack a bill with pork. Under the pretext of funding operations in Afghanistan and Iraq, this bill is loaded with billions of dollars worth of spending that simply does not belong there. It is obvious to me that these programs do not directly impact the ability of our servicemembers to do their job. They are priorities of the majority that should be voted on separately based on their own merits. We have a lot of questions about the Guantanamo detainees. Will they end up in Leavenworth, as the gentleman from Kansas mentioned? Will they end up in the largest Federal prison in the United States, which happens to be in my district? Let me tell you, I think Americans need to know the answer to that. Despite the political games that my colleagues are playing, I will support this legislation because I support our troops and believe it's our responsibility to give them the tools that they need.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Chairman, in the face of continuing economic uncertainty, I rise today in support of careful consideration, reasoned reluctance, and above all, the need for due diligence. As we have seen over the last 18 months, rapid changes in the structure of mortgage lending can have a profound consequence for the broader economy. No matter how one feels about the underlying legislation or its implications, we can all agree that this bill is designed to change the structure of lending. Among other things, H.R. 1728 will require lenders who make and sell nonqualified mortgages to retain a 5-percent stake in those mortgages if they choose to securitize or sell them. All other things being equal, that policy will increase banks' risk exposure. And given the close proximity between banks' risk exposure and the capital that they are required to hold in reserve, any significant change in one piece will clearly have an effect on the other. In other words, if mortgage risk increases, financial institutions will either have to hold more capital in reserve, or they will have to reduce their risk exposure elsewhere. That includes consumer loans and small business lending. While the underlying bill addresses the impact on lenders' capital reserves, the study required under this bill stops a little bit short of directing GAO to monitor and report on any changes in other types of lending, such as consumer or small business loans. Mr. Chairman, while it is not at all clear what the effects of this legislation will be, it is certainly reasonable to expect that there will be consequences--hopefully some good, and perhaps some not so good. The availability of small business loans may well increase as creditors shift away from nonqualified mortgage lending and into other forms of lending. Then again, it may not. The point is that we just don't know. This amendment acknowledges that there are uncertainties inherent in any major reform, and that affects people's lives and businesses. And it makes certain then that if there are any unanticipated consequences, those consequences will be quantified and reported so that Congress can make any adjustments, as necessary. In closing, I would like to ask my colleagues to remember that hundreds of billions of taxpayer dollars have either been loaned or invested in banks precisely to ensure that those financial institutions remain sound, that they meet their regulatory capital requirements, and that they regain their ability to loan to those who need it most. I urge adoption of the amendment. I reserve the balance of my time.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. I thank the gentleman from North Carolina. I enjoyed serving with him while I was on the Financial Services Committee. At this point I would urge the adoption of the amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of this amendment and the overall bill, the National Water Research and Development Initiative Act. As we all know, parts of the United States are currently in a drought situation. Even Florida, which many people think of as being water rich, is suffering from drought. Last year, for instance, the City of Tampa imposed a total restriction on lawn watering and other recreational uses for water. Our water resources are becoming scarce in various parts of our great country. In the short-term we will have to find temporary solutions to navigate through these droughts. But in the long term we will need a plan to prevent such a crisis from happening again. My amendment to H.R. 1145 adds to the water research outcomes a study of water- intensive sectors of the economy and industrial needs for water. Passage of my amendment will ensure that the interagency committee created under this bill will look at how water is used across the country, from golf courses and fast food restaurants to manufacturing plants and other industries. Understanding how such industries need and use water will be critical to meeting our future needs while stimulating economic growth. Without it, any water research plan would be incomplete. I certainly encourage my colleagues to support this amendment. Mr. Chairman, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Hall).

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I would like to reserve my time.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Mr. Chairman, I certainly thank the gentleman, who is very knowledgeable in this area for supporting this amendment. Economic development does depend upon water resources in so many sectors of our economy. I am very enthusiastically supporting his bill, and I am delighted that he believes that this amendment helps to make the bill, which is already a good bill, a little bit better. I yield back the balance of my time.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor John T. Asdal of The Villages, Florida. Mr. Asdal later this week will reach a momentous milestone. He will celebrate his 90th birthday. John is a decorated veteran of the United States Army, serving from the 25th of May 1942 to the 11th of October 1945. He served with Company B, 1st Battalion 16th Infantry Regiment 1st Infantry Division in North Africa and Sicily. He served with Company H, 36th (Texas) Infantry Division in Italy. Mr. Asdal participated in four major battles with the 1st and 36th Divisions, Kasserine Pass, Mateur Tunisia, Rapido River Italy and Monte Cassino Italy. The professional skill and personal devotion displayed by Mr. Asdal was repeatedly recognized by the military and reflects his immense commitment and sacrifice. A rarity to be so decorated, John was awarded the Bronze Star, Purple Heart, Combat Infantryman Badge, Good Conduct Medal, American Campaign Medal, European-African-Middle Eastern Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Honorable Service Lapel Button, and three Service Stars. His unit received Presidential Citations for Mateur Tunisia & Sicily, French Croix de Guerre for Kasserine, and an Arrowhead for Algeria French Morocco. Because of his extensive time on the front lines and immense sacrifice, Mr. Asdal was among the earliest troops to be able to return to the U.S. in 1944. I am honored to have such a decorated and respected citizen as a constituent. Madam Speaker, I ask that you join me in honoring John T. Asdal for reaching his 90th birthday. I hope we all have the good fortune to live as long as a life and with such distinction as Mr. Asdal.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the 125th Anniversary of St. Anthony Catholic School in San Antonio, Florida. Founded on April 29, 1884 through the tireless efforts of Father E.J. Dunne, the school grew out of a class of 14 children taught in the home of Mrs. Ceclia E. Morse. The first school house was a small 12 foot by 24 foot wooden structure. In 1892, the Benedictine Sisters, who remain involved with the school to this day, arrived from Pennsylvania and constructed two large wooden school buildings. In 1922, Bishop Barry of St. Augustine dedicated a three story, red brick building which opened to 100 students. Today, St. Anthony's campus includes seven buildings and the enrollment has doubled in just the last 10 years. As the oldest parochial school in Pasco County and in the Diocese of St. Petersburg, St. Anthony's strives to offer students the best educational start possible regardless of religion. In its 125th year, St. Anthony continues to welcome a new generation of young students with the goal of educating the total person: mind, body and spirit. Madam Speaker, it is truly an honor to have such an exceptional and longstanding school in my district. St. Anthony Catholic School and all who have contributed to its success over the last 125 years should be commended for their commitment to education, child development and service to the community.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Maitland Keiler, one of my accomplished constituents who dedicated his life to improving health services in his community and beyond. Mr. Keiler was born in 1933 in Royal, Florida to Will and Melbira Keiler. In the early 1970's, he moved to Apopka, Florida where he earned a living picking oranges. He then met four Catholic sisters who had worked to found a health clinic for farmers and migrant workers in the area, the West Orange Farmer's Clinic. Working with the sisters and at the clinic began a new chapter in Mr. Keiler's life. He eventually became one of the first African-Americans appointed to serve on the board of the West Orange Farmer's Clinic. Wishing to bring similar services to his community which was also in dire need, Mr. Keilier approached Mr. Ellery Gray, director of the West Orange Clinic, about opening a clinic in Sumter County. In collaboration with the county, Mr. Grey and Mr. Keiler succeeded in opening ``Project Health'' in 1974. Once a simple, modest clinic, Project Health is today the Thomas E. Langley Medical Center. The Center has expanded to more than 41,000 square feet of combined medical, dental, behavioral health, radiology, pharmacy and administrative services Madam Speaker, men and women like Meitland Keiler are the ones truly making a difference in their communities because of their passion and their drive. Mr. Keiler's story should serve as an inspiration to others, and I am proud to know that one of my constituents worked so hard to make his dream a reality and the lives of his fellow citizens better and healthier.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor an American hero and distinguished recipient of the Presidential Unit Citation. Mr. Edward J. Tinney of Spring Hill, Florida was a proud member of the Alpha Troop, First Squadron, 11th Armored Calvary Regiment in South Vietnam. The unit was awarded the rare and prestigious citation in recognition of their determination under extremely dangerous and hazardous conditions. In 1970 in the Republic of South Vietnam, Mr. Tinney's unit distinguished itself through a series of daunting combat missions over many months. After a five-year review, the Department of Defense recommended this small unit for the Citation, a very rare honor. The professional skill and personal devotion displayed by Mr. Tinney and his unit reflect their immense commitment and sacrifice. Since its inception in 1941, the Citation has been awarded fewer than 100 times to include the Second World War, the Korean War, the Cold War, the war in Vietnam, Operation Iraqi Freedom and Afghanistan and only five units as small as Mr. Tinney's have received the Citation. To be singled out in this manner is a distinct honor. Madam Speaker, soldiers like Mr. Tinney should be recognized for their service to our nation and for their commitment and sacrifices in battle. I am honored to congratulate Mr. Tinney and his unit on their long overdue Presidential Unit Citation. His family, friends and loved ones should know that we truly consider him one of America's heroes.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. I thank the gentleman for yielding. And I also thank the gentleman from Massachusetts for the speedy consideration of this bill. I rise today in support of H.R. 1516, which is the bill that I introduced to rename the post office in Dade City, Florida, after Sergeant Marcus Mathes. Marcus was a resident in my district who gave his life for his country while serving in Iraq. Inspired by the events of September 11, Sergeant Mathes joined the Army and left for boot camp on his 23rd birthday. He was proud to serve and hoped to make a career out of his service in the Army. Before serving in Iraq, Marcus was deployed to Afghanistan for a year and a half. He volunteered in not one, but two very dangerous war zones to protect the freedoms that all Americans hold dear. While repairing an equipment truck outside Baghdad 1 year ago this week, Marcus was struck and killed by enemy rocket fire. His brother- in-law, who was on patrol with Marcus at the time, recovered his torn Bible from the battle scene, which gave his brother-in-law strength throughout his multiple tours. Marcus leaves behind a young widow, Julia Mathes. All the people of Pasco County, where Dade City is located, mourn his passing. My heart goes out to this brave, young widow who stood behind her husband when he made the decision to serve our Nation in its time of need. Julia remembers that she used to visit the Dade City Post Office to mail packages to her husband in Baghdad. By passing this bill, we can make sure that all who visit the post office will remember Marcus and the sacrifices that he made. I hope that the very simple act of renaming this building will memorialize Marcus' brave and selfless life. Sergeant Mathes epitomized the courage and patriotism of our all- volunteer military, and we must never forget his sacrifice. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Chair, I rise today in opposition to the majority's Budget Resolution. cap and Trade The majority and President Obama's budget proposal calls for the passage of Cap and Trade legislation. The President estimates that the auction associated with Cap and Trade will bring in more than $640 billion. The administration admitted that number would be more like $1 trillion and possibly as high as $2 trillion. Cap and Trade is a regressive tax because those with less income spend more of their paychecks on energy. This plan will raise taxes on an average family by $1,600 annually. Furthermore, if the United States acts without the support of China and India, Cap and Trade will only force more jobs out of the country. Beyond the loss of jobs, Cap and Trade will tax every American for using energy. Size of Deficits/National Debt If raising your taxes by $1,600 a year wasn't enough; President Obama and the Democrat Majority's budget resolution will increase your share of the national debt by more than $20,000 in four short years. Today, every American's share of the National Debt is $36,000. By the end of President Obama's first term in office, the national debt will have exploded to $54,000 per American. This is a picture of my grandchildren. If you want to saddle your children and grandchildren with this type of debt then I would encourage you to vote for the majority's budget resolution. If you do not, there is an alternative way forward. The Republican budget alternative taxes you less, spends less and borrows much less.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I rise today to speak about H.R. 745, the Pancreatic Cancer Research and Education bill, which I introduced together with my colleague, Anna Eshoo. I just came from a meeting of the Pancreatic Cancer Network, and they are going to be lobbying on the Hill for additional funding for pancreatic cancer research, which is exactly what this bill does. Many in this chamber and many in my district know that my husband passed away from pancreatic cancer last August 19. This is a very, very special bill to me, because we will have the kind of funding so that there can be an early warning detection system for those who may have pancreatic cancer. Catching pancreatic cancer in the early stages is absolutely necessary. So, again, that bill is H.R. 745. I was a little disillusioned to hear one of the people who was at this event today tell me that when they went to their Member of Congress, their Member of Congress said, ``Well, I am sorry, but you are a special interest group.'' Yes, they are a special interest group. They lost a loved one to pancreatic cancer. I urge my colleagues to please listen to the family members of those who have lost loved ones to pancreatic cancer.

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida

Ms. GINNY BROWN-WAITE of Florida. Madam Speaker, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in support of H.R. 1377, a commonsense bill to reimburse veterans for emergency treatment in non-VA facilities. Our first Commander in Chief, George Washington, once said that the willingness with which our young people are likely to serve in any war, no matter how justified, will be directly proportional to how they perceive the veterans of earlier wars were treated and appreciated by their country. Taking care of those who have sacrificed for our Nation is truly our sacred duty. It is a national promise that goes back to Presidents Washington and Lincoln. Yet a couple of weeks ago, President Obama proposed billing veterans for treatment of combat-related injuries. Although the President announced that he was rescinding this proposal, it is nonetheless alarming to our veteran population. The courageous Americans who have served our country should know that all of us recognize their sacrifice, and this bill by Representative Filner will go a long way in doing just that. Back in Florida, I represent over 110,000 veterans, the second highest number of any Member of Congress. Many of these brave men and women are disabled either in battle or in the course of their service to the United States military. Yet, veterans in my district must frequently travel long distances to obtain care from a VA facility. As a result, those requiring emergency care must seek treatment in a private or a community-run hospital. Passage of this bill will ensure that veterans are not saddled with massive emergency room bills. I thank my colleague, Mr. Filner, for introducing H.R. 1377. And I would hope that all Members of this body can support such a worthy message of support for our veterans.