Michele Bachmann

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, this Sunday a beloved community leader in Elk River, Minnesota, will be retiring. Arlen Krinke has faithfully served as Principal of St. John Lutheran School for 34 years, pouring his heart into the school and earning the profound admiration of people throughout the community. Schools are the fertile ground where young minds are shaped, young hearts are filled with hope, and young dreams are given life. As generations of students can attest, Principal Krinke has made St. John Lutheran a place filled with hopes and dreams, and where mind, body and spirit are nurtured and fulfilled. There are few greater services one can render then to serve the young. And Principal Arlen Krinke truly has a servant's heart. He has given his all to this school--and made a real and lasting impact on those who walked through its doors. Most important, Arlen Krinke has helped foster a learning community that values not just facts and statistics and data--but faith and character and values. At a time when so many are trying to pull kids astray, Arlen Krinke helped to lead them down the right path. And so on this bittersweet occasion, it is my honor to join the families and students of the St. John Lutheran Community in recognizing Arlen Krinke for his 34 years of service and in wishing him well in his retirement.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. But the kicker of them all is the disposal process. Immediately a person must place all of the clean-up materials in an outdoor trash can or protected area for normal trash pickup. But make sure that you check with your local government. In Minnesota, my home State, it does not allow for normal trash disposal for mercury. Instead, they require that broken and unbroken mercury bulbs be taken to a local recycling center. There are so many rules that are contained on the EPA Web site that I don't have time to address them all, but while these clean-up guidelines are important and should be followed, the harm that just one broken light bulb can have on a child, senior citizen, or an animal is very real, which is why Congress should not embark on these fads. I hope none of us will have to respond to the news story of a girl or a boy or a senior citizen or an animal who is poisoned by a broken mercury-ladened light bulb. That would be horrible. I speak today to alert this body and the American people of this yet considerable loss of liberty.

Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, as the author of an amendment that was not made in order under this rule, I rise in opposition to this rule. My amendment would have prohibited taxpayer funds authorized by this bill from being used to purchase mercury-laden compact fluorescent light bulbs, also known as the CFL. Mr. Speaker, it is not my intention to take the choice away from public schools as to how to meet their lighting needs. In fact, I believe that Congress already makes, too often, decisions for our citizens. But it is Congress' single-minded dangerous pursuit of this environmental fad that has gotten us all to this point of silliness today. Congress must ensure that mercury-laden light bulbs are safe before we encourage their use in our child's classrooms. There are very serious health concerns about these light bulbs that are filled with mercury. They pose problems to humans precisely because of their high mercury content, and we must be sure of their safety before we force them on our public school children through this ill-conceived law. When mercury light bulbs break, let's remember, extensive cleanup is needed. That's what these regulations show us. This is very highly selective and very detailed clean-up regulations. What does this mean for school children that could be exposed to light bulbs of the broken mercury latent light bulbs? On the EPA's own Web site are these eight pages of instructions about how to deal with a mercury spill, specifically including spills due to broken mercury light bulbs. Let me run you through just some of the steps for cleaning up just one broken mercury light bulb. Before the clean-up ever begins, people must leave the room for 15 minutes as the room airs out putting a halt to the learning that's taking place in the classroom. The school then is told to shut off their central air-conditioning system, or, in Minnesota's case, central heating system, and then they're told not to use a broom to sweep up the broken light bulb as they could come in contact with mercury at a later time. This should give Congress pause to think about this next rule that says if clothing comes in contact with a broken light bulb and the mercury, it must be disposed of immediately. Imagine that. Children or teachers or the janitorial staff would have to remove their clothing immediately, and we're told that you are not allowed to wash your clothes. That's what the EPA rules say. You're not allowed to wash your clothes. That won't do the trick because mercury fragments in the clothing might contaminate the washing machine and also pollute sewage. Let's get this straight. Congress is worried about harming sewage and yet we're rushing to place these mercury light bulbs in our classrooms next to our children. That step alone should be a warning to the dangers of mercury-laden light bulbs.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, recently in Del Rio, Texas, the veterans of the U.S. Air Force's 4080th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing held their 52nd and final reunion. I am proud to say that many of Minnesota's finest have served in this distinguished outfit, including the man who shared with me their incredible achievements, Minnesota native Jim Wemple, Airmen 2nd Class, who joined the unit the year it was formed, 1956. The 4080th is one of the most distinguished units in the great history of the American armed services. In fact, it holds the distinct honor of being the highest decorated unit in the Air Force during peace time. The unit has received a Presidential citation, and its members have been awarded the highest honors afforded by the military, including the Silver Star and the Medal of Honor. With skill and courage, the 4080th flew critical recon missions time and again, including many daring missions during the Cold War. Their efforts and sacrifices averted conflicts, saved lives and secured peace. The brave patriots who served in this unit have played a pivotal role in many of the defining events of the 20th Century. With courage and dignity, they put their lives on the line to defend our flag and our freedoms and these men truly deserve our undying gratitude. And so it is my honor to recognize and pay tribute to the all the men of the 4080th Recon Wing. We must always hold the American serviceman in our hearts, for, as General MacArthur said, they hold America's destiny in their hands.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, as this resolution's author, I rise to support H. Res. 923. As Minnesota turns a proud 150 years old, I am honored to recognize the contributions she has made to America's economy and heritage. On March 3, 1849, Minnesota was established as a U.S. territory and later became the 32nd state on May 11, 1858. It is now home to over five million people and is renowned for its welcoming communities, quality schools and valuable natural resources. ``Minnesota Nice'' is more than a saying; it's a way of life. Minnesota is known as the Gopher State, the North Star State, and the Land of 10,000 Lakes; and its name comes from the Lakota word minesota, meaning ``water that reflects the sky.'' Native Americans continue to play a defining role in Minnesota's proud heritage. Their influence can be seen not only in the names of local towns and lakes and natural landmarks, but also in the enduring culture of conservation and love for the outdoors. In 1889, the Saint Mary's Hospital, now known as the Mayo Clinic, opened its doors to patients in Rochester, Minnesota and is now known worldwide for its cutting-edge care. And Minnesota houses over 30 institutions of higher education including the University of Minnesota--a world-class research university where the first open heart surgery and first bone marrow transplant were performed in the United States. Minnesota continues to be leaders in innovation. In fact, Minnesota is currently home to more than 35 Fortune 500 Companies. But our rise in corporate and technological prominence has not compromised our agricultural background. Farmland spans over half of Minnesota's 54 million acres and the agriculture industry is Minnesota's second largest job market, employing nearly 80,000 farmers. At a time when energy costs and production are dominating the headlines, Minnesota is a national leader in the production and use of renewable energy, which helps our nation reduce its dependence on foreign oil. For one-hundred and fifty years, Minnesota has attracted a special caliber of people, marked by their spirit and character. The citizens of our great state are dedicated to their families, their communities and their country. They are people of faith and charity, hope and dedication, love and compassion. Mr. Speaker, I hope you and my fellow colleagues will join me in recognizing the rich history and substantial contributions Minnesota has made to its nation. Minnesotans have a lot to be proud of, and this legislation marks another milestone in Minnesota's long history of success.

Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlewoman from North Carolina for yielding to me. This is a wonderful, delightful resolution to be able to speak on this afternoon. It is the State of Minnesota's 150th birthday. We have had a big party all year, we are going to continue to have a big party all year, and it is my honor to be able to present this resolution before our distinguished body and also to let the American people know the entire Minnesota delegation has joined me on this resolution. All Democrats, all Republicans, we are united in this great party of celebrating Minnesota's 150th birthday. Mr. Speaker, as this resolution's author, I rise to support House Resolution 923. As Minnesota turns a very proud 150 years old, we are no worse for the wear as a State, and I am very honored to recognize the contributions that Minnesota has made to the United States economy and to our great heritage of freedom and prosperity. On March 3rd, 1849, Minnesota was established as a United States territory as part of the Northwest Territory, and later we became the 32nd State in this great country, on May 11, 1858. Minnesota is now home to over 5 million very lucky people. Minnesota is renowned for our welcoming communities, our high quality schools and our valuable natural resources. Minnesotans take advantage of those resources every weekend that we can, our beautiful lakes, our forests, our prairies. ``Minnesota Nice'' is more than a saying for us; it is our way of life, and we welcome you to come and enjoy our hospitality any time you get to our great State of Minnesota. We are also known as the Gopher State. We are also known as the North Star State and the Land of 10,000 Lakes. But, truth be told, we actually have over 15,000 lakes in our great State. Our name comes from the Dakota word ``minesota,'' which means ``water that reflects the sky,'' in other words, sky blue waters. And it is that, and more. Native Americans continue to play an extremely important role in Minnesota and a defining role in our very proud heritage. The influence of the Native Americans can be seen not only in the names of our local towns, our local lakes and our natural landmarks, but also in the enduring culture of conservation of the land and the great love that every Minnesotan shares and our bond with the outdoors. It was in 1889 that the Saint Mary's Hospital, now known as the world famous Mayo Clinic, opened its doors to patients in Rochester, Minnesota. They are now known worldwide for their cutting-edge care, and quite often in the news we will hear of yet one more world leader who makes their way to little Rochester, Minnesota, to receive what we know in Minnesota is the finest health care system in the United States. Minnesota also houses, Mr. Speaker, over 30 institutions of higher education. Education is a very strong value in the State of Minnesota, including the world renowned University of Minnesota, a world class research university of which we are all extremely proud and where the Nation's and world's first open heart surgery was performed and also the first bone marrow transplant was performed in the United States. Minnesota continues to be a leader in innovation. In fact, Minnesota is currently home to more than 35 Fortune 500 companies. Yes, we are the State, Mr. Speaker, that gave you SPAM, and we are the State that gave you the Post-it note. But our rise in corporate and technological prominence has not compromised our agricultural background. Farmland spans over half of Minnesota's 54 million acres. My father was born on a farm and grew up on a farm, and farming is a way of life for many of our Minnesota people. The ag industry is a jewel in Minnesota and it is Minnesota's second largest job market, employing nearly 80,000 farmers that serve to feed the world. At a time when energy costs and production are dominating the headlines, Minnesota is a national leader in the protection and use of renewable energy. We are very proud of this fact, and it helps our Nation reduce our dependence on foreign oil. For 150 years, Mr. Speaker, Minnesota has attracted a very special caliber of people, marked by our spirit and by our character. The citizens of the State of Minnesota are dedicated to our families. Families are very important. Faith is very important in our State, our communities, and also in our Nation. We are people of faith. We are people of charity. We are people of hope and dedication, love and compassion. We have a very high rate of giving in the State of Minnesota. Mr. Speaker, I hope you and my fellow colleagues will join me in recognizing the rich history and the substantial contributions that Minnesota and Minnesotans have made to this great Nation. We have a lot to be proud of, Mr. Speaker, and this legislation marks yet one more happy milestone in Minnesota's long history of success.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Mr. Derek Olson of Afton-Lakeland Elementary School, a finalist for the prestigious Minnesota Teacher of the Year award. A sixth-grade teacher in the Stillwater School District, Mr. Olson's contributions to our children's education and our nation's future deserve the utmost recognition and respect. Derek Olson is viewed by his peers as an innovator in his field, pushing the standards of learning for his students in ways that show he genuinely cares about each and every one of them. He is said to ``really bring learning to life for kids,'' and ``likes to teach by example and experience,'' rather than solely relying on a textbook. Upon hearing the news of his nomination, Derek was hesitant to apply for not wanting to overshadow the great work of his colleagues. Derek went forward with the nomination in hopes that his recognition could bring to light the talent, commitment, and sacrifice of his fellow teachers in the district. Madam Speaker, it is my honor to stand today and honor Derek Olson's selfless service and dedication to teaching America's youth, our most valued treasure. I stand today and join his family, friends, and colleagues in wishing him a long career of success and look forward to seeing all that he does with his God-given talents.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise to recognize Denise Jorgensen, founder of Operation Minnesota Nice, which provides comfort and support to the American soldier fighting for freedom abroad. It is vital that we not forget those defending our liberty, and Operation Minnesota Nice does its part by sending care packages to troops from Minnesota serving in Iraq, Afghanistan, and Kuwait. Two months into its mission, Operation Minnesota Nice built its ranks up to ten volunteers and assisted 17 soldiers spread throughout Iraq and Afghanistan. Today, they have 1,100 volunteers. Perhaps the greatest contribution Operation Minnesota Nice has made to American soldiers is the inspiration they provide for others to start similar organizations. Floyd Olesen is one such individual. He and his wife started a local chapter of Operation Minnesota Nice in Becker, Minnesota, followed by another organization, Support Our Troops, headquartered in Elk River, Minnesota. Mr. Olesen clearly speaks with admiration for the work Denise Jorgensen has done. Madam Speaker, we're able to enjoy the freedoms we have today because of the selfless sacrifices so many brave Americans made to secure them, and veterans in America today deserve our utmost respect. The acts of generosity of men and women like Denise and her army of citizen- volunteers are just a sampling of the generous acts of kindness taking place across America to honor the bravest among us. Thank you for your dedication and sacrifice.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dennis and Megan Doyle, founders of the Hope for the City relief organization, and recent recipients of an honorary Doctorate of Humanities from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, Minnesota. Based in Edina, Minnesota, Dennis and Megan started Hope for the City in 2000 as a means to fight poverty, hunger, and disease by utilizing America's corporate surplus. Since its humble beginnings, Hope for the City has donated approximately $400 million in the wholesale value of goods, including products from top retailers, medical companies, and food distributors. Their impact not only touches those locally, but stretches across the Nation and around the world. The Doyles' service and sacrifice to their fellow man exemplifies the finest of American character and provides inspiration to us all. Not only is their founding of Hope for the City a triumph in itself, but the tidal wave effect their efforts have had on increased charity and service throughout the Nation is also to be commended. Hope for the City has developed an extensive national network of partner agencies that provide services to those who need it the most in their local communities. Madam Speaker, it is a privilege to honor the selfless service of Dennis and Megan Doyle to the most vulnerable among us. Their efforts will continue to inspire others locally and throughout the world to do their best to assist their fellow man.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise with great reluctance to oppose the bill before us, H.R. 2419. After more than a year of negotiations, this is heralded as the best compromise that this Congress could come to. But with commodity prices through the roof, this bill rejects the opportunity to make a difference and instead subsidizes millionaires making up to $2.5 million. It makes only a cosmetic cut at best to direct payments at a time when some farmers are receiving record prices for their commodity crops. Taxpayer dollars are not Monopoly money yet this $300 billion bill treats them as such and at a time when middle-class families are feeling the pinch at the pump and the grocery store and the college admission office that is simply unconscionable. Additionally, this bill creates a permanent disaster program that is costly, unnecessary, and bureaucratic. The federal government already pays for (1) crop insurance to assist farmers when a crop fails, (2) counter-cyclical payments when prices drop, (3) marketing loans to allow farmers to finance a crop and guarantee a price, and (4) Direct Payments for no particular reason. Adding a whole new program to these existing programs is simply wasteful. Mr. Speaker, simply put: This is not a farm bill. This is not a bill that provides a safety net for community farmers that need our help. This is not a bill that addresses the skyrocketing costs of farm products that struggling families experience every day. This bill is business as usual Washington-style. Our agricultural policies are in desperate need of commonsense improvements and this bill fails to deliver. We should reject this bill that does nothing to support family farmers and go back to the drawing board for real reform. Farming is an important part of Minnesota's culture. A true love of the land and of nature's beauty is ingrained in our collective psyche and I have too much respect for those who live by the land to support this bill which does nothing to reform our farm programs but soaks the American taxpayers--both those who farm for a living and those who do not--with a deluge of unrelated pork and wasteful spending.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, it was 60 years ago today that nothing short of a miracle occurred. A nation arose in a day seemingly in fulfillment of the words of the Prophet Isaiah. That nation is the State of Israel. In 70 A.D., Rome sacked Jerusalem, and the diaspora of the Jews occurred. History teaches that when a people are five generations removed from their homeland, the nation ceases. Yet after 2,000 years, Israel was reborn and today has reclaimed its language, people, and has once again become a land flowing with milk and honey. May God bless Israel. Happy 60th birthday to the State of Israel and many, many more.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, as this resolution's author, I rise to support H. Res. 789. It is vital that the organizations that are committed to improving the lives of foster care children be commended for their hard work and for their sacrifices. Today, there are over 500,000 children, that's over a half million children, in foster care across the United States of America, many of whom come from troubled homes and many of whom have been moved from family to family several times. My husband and I have been privileged to have 23 foster children live in our home, and we know from experience that these wonderful organizations that work with our foster children played a critical role in ensuring that they were matched with loving families and they grew up to achieve successful lives. These organizations are to be commended, Mr. Speaker. Dedicated to changing public policy and also to raising awareness related to the very special and individual needs of foster children, these groups sponsor research, they develop best practices, and they offer assistance to youth who are transitioning out of the system to ensure that they receive adequate support as they reach adulthood. They provide invaluable resources to foster families as well as to teachers, to counselors, physicians, clergy and other people who work closely with children who are being helped by the foster care system. These men and women and agencies are striving to consider the best interests of every child, and they work to keep families together whenever possible. Today, more Americans are beginning to understand the very real and very special needs of foster care children due to their dedicated public awareness efforts, and I am proud to honor these organizations that have touched the lives of so many of America's children and improved their lives and put them steadily on a path to success. To complement this resolution, it is my hope that the House will soon have the opportunity to consider H.R. 4311, the School Choice for Foster Kids Act, because this Act will allow foster children of all ages to stay at the school that they've grown comfortable with, even when they change foster homes, which all too frequently seems to happen in the lives of foster children. It will provide them with some stability in their own tumultuous lives. Mr. Speaker, I hope that you and our fellow colleagues will join us in honoring the contributions of all public child welfare agencies, nonprofit organizations and private entities who are sincerely dedicated to finding homes for foster children and to assisting foster families in securing the success of our future children.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise as the chief cosponsor of H.R. 4008 to support this important bill, and I want to associate myself strongly with the remarks from the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mahoney) and thank him for the important work that he brought to bear on this bill, also Ms. Bean for her work on the bill and also for Mrs. Biggert, as well, for working with me to help protect American business and consumers from frivolous lawsuits. Millions of consumers across America will experience a little extra pain in the pocketbook unless Congress passes The Credit and Debit Card Receipt Clarification Act and businesses across America, both large and small, from Main Street to Wall Street will be hurt as well. They are watching Congress this week to see if we care; and, second, to see if we are paying attention to them. They are watching us to see if we can work across the aisle, which I am happy to say we are working across the aisle, to pass a simple but critical update to The Fair and Accurate Credit Transaction Act, otherwise known as FACTA. In an effort to prevent theft and fraud, Congress required through FACTA that businesses print, as was stated earlier in our testimony, only the last five digits or less of a person's credit card or just the expiration date on transaction receipts. Many companies made sure that they printed no more than five digits of the receipt, but they also printed the expiration date. Many simply just weren't clear on the new requirement. Unfortunately, trial lawyers in America saw opportunity knocking, and they found a way to take advantage of this situation. Lawyers' eyes lit up with dollar signs, and they began filing suits against companies across the United States. Any company that kept printing the expiration date, along with a few of the cards' digits, instead of just one or the other, became a potential litigation target. However, identity theft prevention experts say that five digits of a credit card, plus an expiration date printed out on a receipt, are not enough to steal someone's account. All of these people, however, are being sued on a technicality that poses no threat to people's credit or their debit accounts. Take, for example, in my district, the Rockler Companies, Inc., one of the many family-owned businesses in my district. Rockler sells and distributes products to the woodworking community, and, unfortunately, they became a fallen victim to just such a frivolous lawsuit. Unfortunately, they have already had to pay out over $30,000 in legal expenses for this wonderful small business in Minnesota, not because they did anything wrong, but because Congress, because this body, accidently left open a legal loophole. That's $30,000, something that can mean life or death for one of America's small businesses. This bill on the floor today is very important. It may not seem like much, but H.R. 4008, The Credit and Debit Card Receipt Clarification Act, closes that loophole. It liberates American businesses, usually small businesses, from frivolous lawsuits. They still have to update their receipts. They still have to comply with FACTA, but they can't be dragged through years of lawsuits because they printed a credit card expiration date. If they print enough information to give thieves a toe-hold, they still can be sued. If they print over five digits of the card number, they still can be sued. If they do anything that puts customers' accounts in real jeopardy, they can be sued. They cannot be sued for this remote congressional technicality. That's only right. With H.R. 4008, consumers will be protected on both ends of the transaction. After all, who will pay the real price for this? Businesses across America will have to offset the cost of these lawsuits by raising their prices, if they can, and American consumers will be left holding the short end of the stick, or the business will suffer. At a time when Americans are already squeezed by the rising cost of living, by outrageous prices of gasoline at the pump, this is the last thing we need right now in our American economy. I am so happy that we are working together hand-in-hand across the aisle to show the American people that Congress is actually listening to them today, listening to their concerns and acting wisely on their behalf. The Credit and Debit Card Receipt Clarification Act is pretty simple, it's no nonsense, it's fair, it's necessary, and it's bipartisan. That is good for businesses, it's good for consumers, and I thank and urge all of my colleagues in the House and ask them to join both Congressman Mahoney and myself in supporting this wonderful bill.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I thank Mr. Baca of California for sponsoring this legislation that is very important. Thank you for being so persistent in seeking 406 cosponsors of your legislation. And I also thank Mrs. Biggert, as well, for her timely remarks. Mr. Speaker, I rise with regard to H.R. 406 honoring the early suffragist Alice Paul who worked hard to provide better treatment for American women in our legal and in our political system. As the congressional chairman of the National American Woman Suffrage Association in Washington, D.C., Alice Paul performed a critical role in persuading Congress to pass the 19th amendment which guaranteed American women the right to vote. She later stated that her work in passing this amendment was ``the greatest thing I have I ever did.'' Alice Paul is rightly venerated by American feminists. But few recall her work to also expose the effects of legalized abortion as ``the ultimate exploitation of women.'' In fact, toward the end of her great career, Alice Paul grew frustrated with America's women's rights movement as it drifted away from its original mission of advocating for a better life for American women and in favor of legislation for abortion. Alice Paul was highly critical of this shift, and she harbored grave reservations about abortion on demand. Mr. Speaker, I encourage you and my colleagues to join me in honoring this courageous women's career in its entirety. May this deliberative body take to heart her views on women's rights and its incompatibility with legalized abortion. I thank both Mr. Baca and Mrs. Biggert for sponsoring this legislation.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend seventh grader Gabrielle Thompson of Buffalo Community Middle School for her extraordinary commitment to her community and her compassion for young cancer patients. This week, Gabrielle will be one of only 102 state honorees from across the Nation honored with the Prudential Spirit of Community Award. Gabrielle has turned a difficult personal story into a story of healing and hope for children facing a life with cancer. When she was only 4 years old, doctors removed a malignant tumor from Gabrielle's abdomen. Now, with that successful surgery not long behind her, Gabrielle has committed to helping others who find themselves in similar situations. In addition to raising $5,000 for cancer research selling luminaries and to drawing public attention to Buffalo's Relay for Life, Gabrielle has written a book to help children cope with cancer, ``The ABCs of Childhood Cancer.'' Her book relates to children as only a young one can and relates to cancer patients as only one who has walked in their shoes can. But, in so many ways, her book demonstrates a young lady of startling maturity, grace, and poise. The Prudential Spirit of Community Awards were started in 1995 as a partnership between Prudential Financial and the National Association of Secondary School Principals (NASSP). It is the Nation's largest youth recognition program based solely on volunteerism. Two high school and middle school students from each state and the District of Columbia are honored each year, with an additional 234 distinguished finalists also receiving recognition for their public service. This year, in addition to Gabrielle, Shanna Decker, a senior at Plainview-Elgin-Millville High School, will represent the great state of Minnesota as recipients of the award for 2008. Shanna has also had a personal experience with cancer as a young child and has also turned her difficult life lesson into a powerful example of hope and courage for other young people in this situation, spending more than 300 hours a year visiting young cancer patients in the hospital. An additional six outstanding Minnesota teens will be honored as Distinguished Finalists: Daniel Chahla of St. Paul, Carly Fischbeck of Inver Grove Heights, Joshua Hiben of Bloomington, Carissa Loehr of Eagan, Laura Maciosek of Minneapolis, and Aisha Moghul of Fridley. It is a true privilege to join Prudential, the NASSP, and their communities in honoring these outstanding examples of compassion and service. With all the regrettable news stories about the wayward path of today's youth, these young men and women renew our faith and refresh our hope.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, today the House is considering H.R. 1195, a bill to make technical corrections to the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU). Included in this bill is an important technical correction to a previously authorized high-priority project (HPP) which would increase vehicle crossing capacity over the Mississippi River and provide congestion relief for many of my constituents in Anoka County. Development associated with population growth in the northwestern portion of the Twin Cities metro region has significantly increased traffic volume along the Highway 101, Highway 169, and 1-94 corridors. These increases currently cause significant delays at corridor crossings over the Mississippi River during the rush hours. Congestion experienced along these existing corridors will increase markedly as the area continues to grow. Unfortunately, H.R. 1195 includes an error in the language referring to this project, mislabeling US 169 as US 160. In the past, typo mistakes have held up funding previously authorized by the House. I hope that my statement will serve to clarify this typo now and in the future as this important project moves forward.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise to congratulate the Winona State University Men's College Basketball team, winners of the NCAA Division 11 College Basketball Championship. A proud Warrior myself, I am honored to recognize the accomplishments of the team and its talented members, and to acknowledge the contributions they make to the University and its surrounding community. I am especially proud of 3 Warriors from Minnesota's Sixth District: Mr. Ryan Gargaro, Mr. Travis Whipple, and Mr. Max Hintz, all of Woodbury. Their tireless hard work and dedication to their teammates and their University set a great example for all Winona State students. Senior Ryan Gargaro and junior Travis Whipple are also to be commended for their brilliance off the court. Ryan was named to the 2005-2006 and 2006-2007 NSIC All-Academic Teams. Travis was also named to the 2006-2007 Team, and will be a key leader as he returns next season. Max Hintz is a freshman, and our eyes will be on him as he explores his great promise in the years to come. Madam Speaker, it is my honor as a Winona State University Alum to congratulate the Men's College Basketball team on its second NCAA Division II Championship in its last 3 seasons. The contributions of its players and these Woodbury residents to the program and the greater University community will serve as a constant reminder to prospective and current students of the true pride and honor that goes in to being a Winona State Warrior.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H. Res. 1079. Financial stability is the foundation on which freedom and prosperity are built. It is vital that all Americans grab hold of their personal finances so that families and future generations of Americans have the opportunity to prosper. I rise to honor the goals and ideals ``Financial Literacy Month'' represents, and urge the nation to secure their finances and plan for the years to come. As a member of the Financial Literacy Caucus and co-sponsor of this resolution, I join my colleagues in acknowledging the importance of financial planning and encourage Americans to set goals rather than live from paycheck to paycheck. With the assistance of dedicated financial planners, Americans can be educated and assisted with setting up a sound financial plan and provide for their family a more secure life. Through a financial plan, we begin to dream. When we dream, we have the incentive to save; and through savings, we flourish financially. Through a variety of activities, workshops, and seminars in local communities, citizens will have the ideal opportunity to speak with knowledgeable financial planners and begin to paint a picture of a more sound and secure future of financial independence. Mr. Speaker, I am thrilled to co-sponsor this resolution so that many Americans, for the first time, can begin to dream of a life of financial security, and work to reach their highest goals and aspirations.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, today, the House is considering H.R. 5613, Protecting the Medicaid Safety Net Act of 2008. This legislation would place a moratorium on certain rules promulgated by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, CMS. While I applaud CMS for looking for ways to reduce the burden on taxpayers and to root out fraud which is regrettably rampant in the Medicaid program, some of these proposed rules simply go too far. They shift too great a cost to the States and leave many vulnerable Americans more vulnerable still. And so I will support this temporary stay to give the administration time to consider ways to meet its goals in a less draconian manner. To be sure, the Medicaid program has been abused. For instance, a CMS Inspector General report found $3.8 million in undocumented services in the targeted case management program, one which is impacted by these very rules. And CMS's regulations would certainly combat instances of waste and fraud. However, implementing a 1-year moratorium will give CMS an opportunity to review the regulations and give States and local providers an opportunity to prepare for pending implementation, each knowing that real reform is on the horizon. While I believe it is important to rein in entitlement spending, these rules, as currently formulated and immediately imposed, would jeopardize needed care for some of the most vulnerable populations of Americans. That being said, I am pleased that to address abuses of the Medicaid program, H.R. 5613 provides for anti-fraud enforcement activity in the interim. The bill also provides for the Department of Health and Human Services to hire an independent contractor to produce a report by March 1, 2009, on the proposed regulations and their impact on States. Moreover, all of these costs, as well as the foregone savings resulting from this moratorium are fully offset, meaning H.R. 5613 will not increase the national debt. The Medicaid program has helped millions of America's neediest individuals, including seniors, foster kids and the disabled, gain access to quality care, and while there have indeed been instances of misallocated funds, H.R. 5613 finds balance between regulatory restraint and financial flexibility, and it maintains a strong partnership with the States.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I move that the House do now adjourn.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. Mr. Speaker, I rise to support H. Con. Res. 322. As Israel celebrates the 60th anniversary of the founding of its modern state, I rise to recognize the bonds of close friendship and cooperation forged over the years between the United States and Israel. Since declaring its independence on May 14, 1948, Israel has been the shining symbol of freedom and democracy in an area historically rampant with violence and oppression. In just 60 short years, Israel has become the economic leader of the Middle East by proving to its people the rewards of capitalism, while also leading the region in other facets of a free society, including human rights and freedom of the press. Israel has worked hard to develop friendly working relationships with its neighbors, Egypt and Jordan, setting an example of leadership and peace while other countries around them spread hatred and terror. As the Middle East comes to embrace the liberties and freedoms of democratic societies, the United States will stand steadfast in its commitment to a free Israel. Mr. Speaker, it is my honor to recognize and congratulate the success of Israel on its 60th anniversary. It is vital the United States continue to develop its strong relationship with Israel so that many other countries around the world still oppressed and ruled by terror can see the true value of a free and democratic society.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. and Mrs. Thomas and Karen Loome of Stillwater, Minnesota for their steadfast and selfless sacrifices in honoring the God-given dignity of every human person. Through their work with the Catholic Worker Movement, Dr. and Mrs. Loome are symbols of Christ's love and devotion for all of God's children. Founded in 1933 by Dorothy Day and Peter Maurin, the Catholic Worker Movement is rooted in a firm commitment to nonviolence, voluntary poverty, prayer, and hospitality for the downtrodden. In seeing Christ's face in all human beings, Catholic Worker communities value lives above all else by serving Christ through works of mercy. Working as a Catholic theologian and antiquarian bookseller, Dr. Loome is co-founder of the Stillwater Catholic Worker Community, with three ``houses of hospitality'' for women and children. Along with his wife, Karen, who works as a nurse manager of Stillwater's crisis pregnancy center, the Loomes' faith in Christ is exemplified best through their righteous service and countless good deeds. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. and Mrs. Thomas and Karen Loome's unwavering faith in service of Christ and constant commitment to their fellow man. To quote Charles Dickens, ``Ours is the old firm, going about business with the old way.'' The Catholic Worker Movement is a steady hand in a society swept up in selfishness, and Dr. and Mrs. Loome provide great inspiration to us all by asking for nothing in return.

Mrs. BACHMANN

Mrs. BACHMANN. That is exactly right. You talked about Adams and Jefferson. We have the wonderful privilege, you and I and Congressman Davis, we have the wonderful privilege of being a part of that great cloud of witnesses that went before. They laid down the freedom. Just think, it was a stamp tax that our founders were willing to lay down their lives for, their fortune, their sacred honor. They were willing to give up everything, just to throw off a stamp tax. My goodness, we do that just in the morning before we have even gotten to lunch yet around here. I can't believe the level of tax increases we have seen, can you? Weren't you floored coming here as a new Member of Congress? I know if there is one thing that I have learned, Congressman Walberg, in the time I have been in Congress, what has been now maybe 15 or 16 months, it has been how easy it is to spend somebody else's money. How easy it is. I know it isn't for me. It is really hard for me to spend my own money, and it is really hard for me to spend other people's money. I am not there yet. I haven't drank that Kool-Aid. But I am floored when I see how easy it is for Members of this body to spend other people's money. What is your reaction to that?

Mrs. BACHMANN. If the gentleman will yield further, that has been my impression as well. It strikes me to think that the serfs in the Middle Ages paid over about 25 percent of what they earned in the year to a nobleman. We could only wish, many of us, that 25 percent was our total tax burden. We haven't seen that in this country for many, many years. It is almost unthinkable that the serfs in the Middle Ages would be better off from a tax point of view than the average American taxpayer today. We are far beyond 25 percent of our income. As a matter of fact, don't you agree, Congressman, that it would be I think very enlightening for most Americans to learn that they spend more on their tax bill, they pay more on their tax bill, than they do for food, clothing and housing combined? The average American works 108 days to pay for their food, their clothing and their housing. They work on average 113 days to pay their tax bill. Just think of that. Those are necessities that Americans can't do without. You have to have food, you have to have clothing, you have to have housing. But the one thing that will happen is that you will go to jail if you don't pay your tax bill. I am a former Federal tax litigation attorney. I tried a lot of cases in Federal Tax Court. The reason why people showed up when it was time for their court date was because if they didn't show up, the judgment may be that they go to jail. Because in this country if you don't pay your tax bill, you have the potential of going to jail. So that is the first bill you have to pay, because if you don't pay it, you may end up in a place you don't want to be, so a lot of sacrifices have to be made by a lot of people. I will tell you one thing, and I think you would agree as well, Congressman. You have probably seen a lot of waste, a lot of fraud and a lot of abuse in legislation that has gone through this body. We will be taking up legislation tomorrow that is trying to squeeze waste, fraud and abuse out of the Medicare system. Don't you agree, Congressman, that is something that the American people have been looking for for a long time? I know you are a reformer. I know you came here because you did not want to be part of the status quo. You are an outsider, and you came here because you wanted to change the way that Washington does business. I feel the same way. I know that Congressman Sali shares that opinion and Congressman Davis shares that opinion. We are not about continuing the levels of waste, fraud and abuse.

Mrs. BACHMANN. That is right. And if the gentleman would yield, I would absolutely agree. And that is why it is important and imperative, I believe, that we shout it from the rooftops. This is not a hypothetical we are talking about, this is reality that we are talking about tonight, the fact that these tax cuts right now are on automatic pilot. They are going away. They are the engines that have propelled the growth in this economy, both with the cuts on capital gains and on dividends, that has provided the jobs, the growth, the unparalleled level of prosperity that we have enjoyed. It is all going away if we don't stop that. That is why I thank you again, Congressman Walberg, for being willing to sponsor this important legislation. It is why I am on it, it is why Congressman Davis and so many of our colleagues are on it. As a matter of fact, there is a piece of legislation that I believe you signed on recently as well as I signed on; this is one that our colleague John Campbell came up with, and that is putting a spending ceiling on what Congress can spend. Because I think that Congressman Davis said it very well earlier: We have a spending problem. That is what leads to our taxing program. And John Campbell came forward, the Congressman from California, and he said, let's put a ceiling on government spending, and let's make sure it is not more than one-fifth of GDP. What is GDP? Gross domestic product. Well, what is that? That is basically everything that we produce in this country every year. Just think of that. Government eats up one-fifth, almost one-fifth, 20 percent, of everything that is produced in this country just to run the machine. Sometimes I think that government is just a big money eating machine, and we are all the people that are working to stoke that furnace to keep it going. But this legislation that we signed says that there is a limit. We are going to draw a line in the sand, and no more. And that is what your great legislation does as well, the Tax Increase Prevention Act, it draws a line in the sand and it says we are going to keep this prosperity going, and the way we do it is by cutting those taxes.