Ann Marie Buerkle

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. I rise this afternoon in support of the rule and the underlying bill in H.R. 4970. I am so pleased to stand here with my colleagues in support of this rule. This is a particularly meaningful bill for me because, in 1994, when I graduated from law school, I became aware of a program that the Women's Bar Association had. That was 1994, and that's when the original VAWA was enacted. The program was that we could do pro bono work and work in our domestic violence shelter. For all of these many years, I have been involved in domestic violence. So it's particularly meaningful to me that the time when I first got involved in this--and it was thanks to a very courageous law school professor I had--that we now are reauthorizing VAWA that was originally from 1994. Madam Speaker, I just become so distressed when I hear the allegations that there is a war on women. When we sat down and we began discussing VAWA, we sat down with the understanding that Americans deserve equal protection under the law. We are not going to single out. We are not going to distinguish one victim from another. Any person who is a victim of domestic violence is a victim of domestic violence. Beyond that, it should be of no concern. However, I will say this--and my colleague Sandy Adams has done such a magnificent job with this--when we began to have concerns after we dropped this bill last week, we went back to the table. We heard from Members who have large Native American populations in their districts and Members who are Native Americans with regard to the issue. We heard with regard to the illegal alien issue. We went back to the table and came forth with a manager's amendment to begin to address those issues. That's the right thing to do. That's what domestic violence victims should expect from this House--sit down, figure this out, and make sure we go forward with what is in the best interest of the victims. And that's what the House of Representatives did. I strongly support this rule and the underlying bill.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, today we have an opportunity to vote on a bipartisan initiative that will save our country's future leaders billions of dollars. Economists have resoundingly predicted that a student loan crisis may soon send America's fragile economic sector into shambles if it is not soon addressed. The New York Federal Reserve has reported that student loans are the leading cause of this debt, with $870 billion last month alone. This tops even credit card debt. My friend in Illinois has proposed a commonsense solution to halt an increase in Federal loan rates that everyone agrees is needless. But, Mr. Speaker, I must say to you, I was stunned to hear that leaders on the other side of our aisle, our good friends on the other side, were attempting to take this issue hostage. Our sons' and daughters' pursuits have been hijacked for political gamesmanship. Let me be clear, Mr. Speaker, the fund which is offsetting this looming rate hike is nothing more than a slush fund. The HHS Secretary has authority to use it without congressional discretion. It was yet another allowance given to an unelected, unaccountable bureaucrat to be used on things such as bike paths, jungle gyms, and worse yet, lobbying efforts. I am a woman who has worked for years as a women's health care practitioner, and on behalf of women's health care patients, I will tell you, for the other side, Mr. Speaker, to manipulate this issue does nothing to advance women's interests, but in fact demeans the accomplishments made in women's health over the past decades. Mr. Speaker, I implore my colleagues who are playing games with this critical issue to grow up. This is not kindergarten. This is the reality of crushing college costs. This bill will help our future by making colleges more affordable by leaving them with a country that is not inundated in debt.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor and pay tribute to our Veterans of the Vietnam War and to reflect upon their courage, strength, and love for the United States of America. March 29, 2012 has been proclaimed Vietnam Veterans' Day in the State of New York, but it is important that we recognize our Veterans of the Vietnam War not only today but every day. During the Vietnam War, of the more than 3.4 million Americans that were deployed, over 58,000 were killed, 153,000 were wounded, and over 2,000 remain missing in action. It is important that we remind our Vietnam Veterans and their families that we are a grateful nation. Our country recognizes and appreciates the bravery and steadfastness of every American soldier. These are the men and women who risked their lives so our country remains free. It is because of their service that the United States of America remains the greatest nation in the history of the world. The men and woman who served our country in the Vietnam War are shining examples of patriotism, strength, courage, and decency. It is with great pride and honor that I pause and reflect upon their sacrifice and thank our Vietnam Veterans for their dedicated service to the United States of America.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to speak out about an important issue that faces our society: domestic violence and sexual abuse. Our country has a moral obligation to stand up against those who exploit power to commit violence against men, women, and children. In an effort to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual abuse, my district kicked off the White Ribbon Campaign last week. The White Ribbon Campaign is led by men and encourages all members of the community--men and women, young and old--to join in their efforts. This male leadership helps to acknowledge the important contributions men have made towards this effort and invites others to take a role. From March 23 to April 1, thousands of my constituents in central New York will be wearing a white ribbon or a white wristband to raise awareness about domestic violence and sexual violence. I encourage my House colleagues to join me in wearing a white ribbon to put a spotlight on this very important issue. Wearing the white ribbon demonstrates a personal pledge never to commit, condone, or remain silent about violence against men, women, or children.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Barbara Davis for 25 years of service to the Hebrew Day School in Syracuse, New York. Dr. Davis earned her Bachelor's Degree from Barnard College and received an M.A. and Ph.D. from Columbia University. She began her relationship with the Syracuse Hebrew Day School in the mid-1980's. She was a parent volunteer and served as chair of the Education Committee. Her service escalated in 1986 when she agreed to serve as co-principal of the school along with Dr. John Blasi, a position she would hold for the next 25 years. For two and a half decades, Dr. Davis was the leader of the Syracuse Hebrew Day School. During her tenure there she was instrumental in the school's growth; a new wing was constructed, student enrollment hit record high numbers, and the endowment fund grew to nearly $500,000. In addition to her work at the Syracuse Hebrew Day School, Dr. Davis serves as a Professor Emerita of Modern Languages at Onondaga Community College. She was also a member of the first Lookstein Center Principals' Seminar at Bar Ilan University, a selective intensive program combining seminars in Israel and America. Dr. Davis' dedication to her community is not only seen in her role at the Syracuse Hebrew Day School, but also in her countless hours of volunteerism and participation in numerous organizations. She serves on the board of RAVSAK, the Jewish Community Day School Network, she is executive editor of the quarterly journal of Jewish education, Ha Yidion, and has co-authored a forthcoming history of the Syracuse Jewish Community. Dr. Davis has played a significant role in the lives of so many people, especially youths, with her dedicated service to our community. Her passion and leadership have made the Syracuse Hebrew Day School and the area it serves a better place. I thank Dr. Davis for her service and am proud to honor her here today.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 125th Anniversary of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Syracuse. Presided over by Bishop Robert J. Cunningham, the Diocese has been a beacon of hope and sanctuary for all those seeking assistance in the Greater Syracuse area. The diocese has 133 parishes, 9 missions, and 3 devotional chapels. In addition, the diocese has three Catholic hospitals that assist 650,000. There are people and seven special centers for social services assisting over 100,000 people. The Catholic Diocese oversees 42 residential facilities that care for the disabled, 24 Catholic schools, and 264 offices. Overall, the diocese employs approximately 3,000 people. Today, churches, schools, and community organizations of the Diocese serve much more than the Catholic population. The outreach programs established by parishes across seven counties in Central New York reach out to people of all beliefs and walks of life. In 125 years, the dedicated volunteers and clergymen of the Diocese of Syracuse have not stopped spreading the universal messages of peace and goodwill. I commend the members of the Diocese for holding to their founding principles of Faith, Hope, and Charity for all. I congratulate the Diocese of Syracuse on their 125th Anniversary and I thank them all for their good works.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of the Girl Scouts of America. On March 12, 1912, Juliette ``Daisy'' Gordon Low brought together 18 girls for the first ever Girl Scout meeting. One hundred years later Girl Scouts of America has 112 councils and more than 3.2 million members. Since being founded, the Girl Scouts has been devoted to providing opportunities for all girls to develop and grow physically, mentally, and spiritually. Through the work of dedicated volunteers, young women are given a firm foundation to build upon their strengths and learn other valuable life skills. Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways is the branch of the Girl Scouts of America that covers my district. It serves nearly 19,000 girls and over 7,000 adults in 24 counties in New York and two counties in Pennsylvania. Through activities that help girls discover their values and skills, Girl Scouts of NYPENN Pathways gives girls courage, confidence, and character; attributes that will serve them well in their future. I congratulate Girl Scouts of America on their 100th anniversary and offer my sincerest thanks to all of the Girl Scouts of America's volunteers, especially those from NYPENN Pathways, for their dedication and leadership to the next generation of young women.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 125th Anniversary of the Syracuse Rescue Mission. Since being founded in 1887, the Rescue Mission has served the homeless of Central New York from three different community locations. For 125 years, the dedicated staff and volunteers of the Rescue Mission have not only changed lives, but completely turned them around. The organization's mission is to help everyone move toward independence. They teach the unemployed skills needed to find a job, build housing for the homeless, provide assistance for addicts, and hold fundraisers and free meal programs for those in need. The Rescue Mission serves people with the dignity and respect that they deserve and understand that by helping an individual they are ultimately making their community a better place. I congratulate the Rescue Mission on their 125th anniversary and sincerely thank everyone at the organization for their dedication and service to the Central New York community. I know that they will continue to demonstrate integrity and excellence through their benevolent deeds and that the Rescue Mission will continue to be a beacon of hope for many years to come.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. I thank my colleague for putting together this hour that is so meaningful and so important not just for Democrats or Republicans but for every American, not just for people of faith but for those who have no faith. This is a First Amendment issue. I stand here tonight as a health care professional, someone who is so vitally aware of the importance of conscience and the protection of conscience rights. This HHS rule is the largest intrusion that we have ever seen from the Federal Government on our rights of conscience. Every American-- every American--must understand what an insult this is to our constitutional rights. I want to just take this opportunity, Mr. Speaker, to challenge our media as they listen to this debate, and it is a debate that really encompasses so many unlikely bedfellows, I would say, that you see liberals, conservatives, Catholics, atheists, Christians, and Jews coming together in an outrage because our First Amendment rights have been assaulted and have been attacked by this administration. But I would challenge the media to not be fooled by the red herring that this administration continues to throw out there. Mr. Speaker, this is not about contraception. This is not about women's health. This is not about Catholicism. This is about protecting the most fundamental right that we, as Americans, have. So many of my colleagues have mentioned about the reasons people came to this country and they continue to want to come to this country, because we ensure that you will not be persecuted for your beliefs, for your religious beliefs. That's the bedrock of the United States of America. That's why there's such outrage over this HHS rule. As my colleague from Maryland mentioned, this rule has not been changed. Do not be fooled by the smoke and mirrors of this administration. This rule remains the same. It remains an assault on our First Amendment rights. I plead with America and I plead with the media to understand what's at stake in this debate. I thank my colleague again for this opportunity.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. I thank my colleague. I feel a little bit out of my element. We've only dealt with Tennessee and Louisiana. So it's good to be here, and I appreciate the opportunity to stand here with my colleagues. I think it's so important that the Doctors Caucus have this conversation with the American people because we stand here tonight not as politicians but as people who care deeply about the health care profession and about patients getting the kind of care they need. So I hope that when we speak to the American people, and particularly our seniors, because tonight we're talking about saving Medicare, that they look at us as people who are deeply committed to making sure that they have the health care and the Medicare benefits that they deserve because they've paid into it. I guess briefly, because we have so many other colleagues here, I'd like to make just a couple of points to the American people. Number one, unfortunately, because of the current health care law, Medicare has been changed. When we talk about saving Medicare, it really means restoring it to what the American people know Medicare is, especially our seniors. I am so saddened when I see some of the senior groups like AARP. In fact, I've got a whole box of letters from people who belong to AARP, saying, Don't cut Medicare. I want to assure the American people and say to them that we are not cutting Medicare. For those who are 55 years and older and, as was mentioned earlier, for those who are on disability and getting SSI, their plans don't change. They remain the same. For those who are 54 and younger, we're talking about a premium support. The reason we're talking about that is, if we don't, there will be no Medicare for anyone. So we are intent on saving Medicare. We want to make sure that our seniors have what they deserve and what they've paid into all of their lives, which is good Medicare coverage. I'm not only a nurse; I'm also the daughter of a 90-year-old mother. She and I know very well how important Medicare is, so we have no desire to change Medicare as the seniors know it now. We're talking about making a change for those who are 54 years and younger. The sad part about this is that the health care law has changed Medicare, and now our seniors will have to be dealing with IPAB, and they'll have to be dealing with cuts in their Medicare services. We implore them, as my colleagues have said, to reach out to their senior groups and to say, Wait a minute. The real threat to our Medicare is the health care law, and that's what needs to be changed. Just before I end, I would say to all the American people that we are committed here in the Congress and on this side of the aisle in making sure that you get the Medicare services you've paid into all of your lives and that you so richly deserve and count on. We in the health care profession stand together, and we want to make that pledge to our seniors, not only to them but to all the American people.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, the President assured American seniors that under his health care package, their insurance plans would not be affected and that they would have the same health care choices as before the law. Sadly, Mr. Speaker, this is not the case. The President's health care law makes drastic cuts to the popular Medicare Advantage program of more than $136 billion. With these cuts, Mr. Speaker, Medicare Advantage plans will be forced to make significant adjustments, including reductions in what they cover. Those reductions will limit seniors' ability to choose the Medicare plan that best suits them. It is important to note, Mr. Speaker, that the cuts will hit low- income seniors and the disabled with disproportionate cuts. About 70 percent of the cuts will be imposed on those with incomes below $32,400 per year. The President's cuts will give the 120,000 seniors in my district who choose Medicare Advantage few choices and increased costs. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to work with me to protect Medicare Advantage.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, today I would like to call attention to type I diabetes, a disease that is plaguing the citizens of our great Nation. This disease strikes not only our youths, but the ailment is affecting much more of our population. In the last 30 years, the number of people known to have diabetes in the United States has quadrupled to more than 26 million. Another 7 million Americans are estimated to have undiagnosed diabetes. Bringing awareness to type I diabetes not only combats a devastating illness, but it also saves the country money. Accounting for hundreds of billions of dollars in healthcare expenses, diabetes is also responsible for almost a third of all Medicare costs. Mr. Speaker, type I diabetes is a problem this country cannot ignore. Today, I ask my colleagues and all Americans to join me in increasing diabetes awareness in our communities and throughout the Nation.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize National Marriage Week 2012. As our country faces challenging times, the value of a strong family is undeniable. Marriage is the foundation of family and economic prosperity in our nation. National Marriage Week reminds us of the importance of maintaining marriage as a sacred union. As the definition of marriage continues to be debated, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me in protecting the institution of traditional marriage as the centerpiece of the family.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Onondaga Community College for 50 years of service to the Central New York community. In 1961, Onondaga Community College board of trustees met to plan the college's upcoming first academic year. Though board members had originally planned to enroll 450 students in the first year, nearly 1,300 students enrolled, indicating the need for accessible higher education in Central New York. During its first years, Onondaga Community College was located in downtown Syracuse at Midtown Plaza. By 1973, the college had moved to Onondaga Hill, where a newly constructed campus would house over 5,000 students. Over the years, Onondaga Community College has increased its size, growing 65 percent from 2000 to 2010 alone. The college now hosts over 12,000 students, 1,700 faculty, and nearly 50 associate degree and certificate programs. The Onondaga Hill campus has grown to include several academic buildings, residence halls, and a newly constructed arena that will host sporting and entertainment events for the college, as well as the Central New York community. Today, under the leadership of President Debbie Sydow, Onondaga Community College has become one of the Nation's fastest-growing community colleges, providing affordable, high quality education to thousands of students. I thank Onondaga Community College for its dedicated service to the community and I am proud to honor the college upon the occasion of celebrating 50 years of excellence in higher education.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of the 20th anniversary of the Greater Rochester Area Partnership for the Elderly (GRAPE). GRAPE works to provide networking, education, and advocacy on behalf of the elderly population and has been very successful. Today, GRAPE has 300 members from over 200 agencies and organizations throughout the greater Rochester area. GRAPE is a non-profit organization that consists of professionals, students, and volunteers; citizens who are dedicated to caring for our elderly population. The group has not only personally assisted those in need, but has also produced a landmark health care publication: the Professionals Guide to Elder Services. This guide is the most current, accurate, and up-to-date listing of elder services in the greater Rochester area and has been of great assistance to healthcare professionals throughout upstate New York. I thank everyone involved with the Greater Rochester Area Partnership of the Elderly for their committed service to the elderly community. GRAPE's success is due to their efforts and I applaud their dedication.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. I thank my colleague and friend from Michigan for yielding to me, and thank you so much for having this evening's Special Order regarding health care. I think it is so important, Mr. Speaker, that the American people hear from health care professionals. There is such distrust of politicians in Washington, so for the American people to have the opportunity to hear from those who have invested their lives in health care and who really do care deeply about our health care system, I think it's so very important that we have this hour and this time together. Mr. Speaker, I ran for Congress because I was so concerned with regard to the health care law. I thought that it was substantively flawed. I thought that it was procedurally flawed. It was passed in secrecy at all hours of the night, and I thought that constitutionally it was flawed in that our government doesn't have the right to mandate our buying anything, let alone health care. So I ran on that. Now that time has unfolded--and we've been here a year now--what has come to light is how very flawed this health care law is. I speak to so many parts of it that are flawed, but I just want to focus on a couple of specific areas. I am the daughter of a 90-year-old woman. My mother is alive and well and lives in a small town in Auburn. I know how much she cares about her Medicare coverage, and I know how important that is to her and for her. Then last April, when the Republicans put out a budget proposal, Mr. Speaker, we were demagogued; we were demagogued that we wanted to cut Medicare for seniors. I am here tonight to reassure the American people, particularly our seniors, that this group--all the members of our caucus--and our conference understand and appreciate how important Medicare is to our seniors. We understand that. This budget proposal that was proposed last April and passed in the House is merely a proposal, a suggestion as to how we're going to save Medicare for those who are 54 years and younger. So I want to assure seniors that any changes we talk about with regard to Medicare have to do with only those who are 54 and younger. That's very important to emphasize. What I do want to talk about briefly is that this health care law, which is the law of the land and which will go into effect in 2014, does cut Medicare. I've heard from many of the seniors in the country, and I've heard from the hospitals in my district, and I've heard from the physicians in my district. This health care law cuts Medicare by $500 billion. Every senior is going to feel the impact of this health care law. So I want to be here tonight with my colleagues and with members of the health care profession to assure our seniors that we are here to protect you. We want to keep Medicare intact, and we want to alert you that the law that was passed is flawed on so many levels. We voted to repeal it, but it's flawed primarily. One of the biggest reasons is that it cuts Medicare, which will impact our seniors and the care they receive. We've heard about the IPAB, and you've heard about the CLASS Act; but this cut to seniors is something every senior should be concerned about, and they should be clamoring for the repeal of the law of this land because it will affect their care and their coverage. I've heard from so many hospitals in my district, and I have a list here. I have five hospitals in my district. All of the Members have hospitals in their districts. There are cuts to our hospitals because of this health care law. Hospitals receive what's called a ``disproportionate share'' for services they give to folks who don't have insurance--who are uninsured--or who maybe get Medicare or Medicaid. So hospitals get what's called a ``disproportionate share.'' Mr. Speaker, the health care law eliminates the disproportionate share. It's a problem for hospitals, and I've heard from my hospitals and I've had the privilege of representing my hospital for 13 years as a lawyer. I don't say that as much as I say that I'm a nurse. The cuts to Medicare to our hospitals will really force them into a very bad situation. And I want to talk just briefly, and then I want to yield to my colleagues, how important our hospitals are to our districts. In my district alone it employs 18,000 people. So when we've enacted a law, this health care law in this country, it's going to impact our hospitals and how viable they are. You can see the payroll and purchases from the hospitals. Just in my district, Mr. Speaker, over $2.5 billion; and State and local tax and revenues, 105 million. So this health care law--and my hospitals have said to me, it's going to hurt us. One has said it will put us into bankruptcy because we can't afford to do business because of the health care law. So a bill that was supposed to--a law that was supposed to increase access, decrease the cost of health care--as this bill and this law unfolds, we're seeing more and more that it's bad. It's bad for seniors, it's bad for hospitals, it's bad for our physicians. It's bad because it's the government telling the American people what they have to do. I'm so proud to stand here with my colleagues who have voted to repeal this health care law, and we want to make sure that the American people understand. We do realize we need health care reform, but it needs to be market based, as my colleague mentioned, and it needs to be care that doesn't hurt our seniors, doesn't hurt our hospitals, doesn't hurt our physicians and really does increase access to health care.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. And I thank the gentleman from New Jersey for his leadership in this issue. Mr. Speaker, I stand before you this evening as we commemorate the 39th anniversary of the infamous Supreme Court decision Roe v. Wade. And as we stand here and we reflect as a Nation the loss of millions and millions of unborn lives and the destruction and the damage that is done to the woman--there are two victims in an abortion, both the mother and the unborn--I think there is reason for us to be hopeful. This day we witnessed hundreds of thousands of Americans marching on the Capitol in support of life; and of those hundreds of thousands, so many of them were young people, high school students and college students standing up for life, doing the right thing. So I am hopeful we are changing the hearts and minds of the American people. The youth of today are willing to stand up for what's right, and they understand the words of the Declaration of Independence, that we are endowed by our Creator with unalienable Rights, among them, life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, and the most basic right is the right to life. So we celebrate those youth who have the courage to stand up on behalf of life, and we pray for the change of the hearts and minds of the American people to understand that every life, regardless of how that life was conceived, is valuable; it has intrinsic value, and we must protect that life.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. I thank my colleague from New York. You know, we prepare our remarks to come down here and speak, but as I listen to my colleagues across the aisle, I just have to comment on a couple of things here today. First and foremost, this is not a Democratic or a Republican issue. The debt that this Nation faces is not partisan. It's an American issue. We need to join together and figure out a path forward. And to hear my colleagues across the aisle demagogue our Republican budget--well, I challenge the Senate to put forth a budget, and let's put a spending plan in place. This debate about the debt ceiling is critical to this country because we can't get the Senate to the table to debate a budget, so we've got to somehow get their comments out and get to the American people how very important it is to stop the spending. The United States of America doesn't have a taxing problem; we have a spending problem. And until and unless we get our spending under control, we cannot move forward as a Nation. It isn't about taxing the American people anymore. They are taxed enough. We need a fairer and a flatter income tax. We need to revise our Tax Code. But, most importantly, we need to stop the spending. This past week, our President came out, Madam Speaker, and he talked to us about consolidating Departments within the Federal Government, about decreasing government, making it more efficient, and yet he comes to us and he asks us to increase the debt ceiling. That's talking out of both sides of your mouth, Madam Speaker. This President, I believe, thinks that government has the answers, and he wants to give the bureaucrats a blank check to move forward and to spend this country into oblivion. I came here as the mother of six children and a grandmother of 12 because I believe the best thing we can do for this country is to get our spending under control, stop spending money that we don't have so that the country that we give to our kids and our grandchildren is a better place with more opportunity to achieve the American Dream.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, the National Institute of Health estimates that over 15,000 American Women will die from ovarian cancer and an additional 22,000 new women will be diagnosed with the disease this year alone. Each year, ovarian cancer is a heartbreaking tragedy and a threat to the lives of thousands of women. To that end, Mr. Speaker, I would like to take this opportunity to recognize the remarkable inspiration of one mother who is taking up her daughter's passionate fight against ovarian cancer. In my district of New York, Frieda Weeks has dedicated her efforts to promoting research, awareness, and community support through ``Hope for Heather.'' ``Hope for Heather'' is a not-for-profit organization in memory of Heather Weeks, who lost her life to cancer at age 24. Heather was an advocate for women's cancer awareness, who was committed to educating all women on the symptoms of ovarian cancer and raising funds to find a cure. Mr. Speaker, I encourage all of my colleagues to join me in raising awareness of ovarian cancer, and today I honor Heather, whose dream remains alive and strong today within the central New York community.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to honor the victims of the bombing of Pan Am flight 103 and recognize the twenty-third anniversary of the tragedy. Pan American Airways Flight 103 departed London Heathrow Airport for John F. Kennedy Airport in New York City on December 21, 1988. The flight would never reach its destination as a bomb exploded on the aircraft killing its 259 passengers and crew, along with 11 people on the ground in Lockerbie Scotland. Among the passengers killed were 189 Americans, including 37 people from my own district; a couple from the Town of Clay and 35 Syracuse University students returning home from Christmas after a semester abroad in London. As we prepare to celebrate the holiday season with our loved ones let us remember those who can no longer do so because of this senseless act of terrorism. Twenty-three years have passed, but nothing can replace the loved ones lost in the attack. We must never forget the innocent victims who were killed on Flight 103, nor the families that they left behind. May we use their memory to remind us to stay vigilant in the fight against terrorism and in committing ourselves to creating a safer world.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember and pay tribute to our men and women in uniform during this holiday season. While we must always remember those who make the ultimate sacrifice for our country, it is especially important to remember them as we celebrate this holiday season. What should be a time of joy, will be a difficult time for many families who are dealing with the loss of a loved one who has died in service to our Nation. Two families in my own district are coping with the tragic loss of their loved ones this year. Marine Corporal Kyle Schneider of Phoenix, New York was killed by an improvised explosive device while serving in Helmand province, Afghanistan. He is survived by his parents, Richard and Lorie Schneider, his brother Kevin, and his fiancee Theresa Lynn Dodge. Chief Warrant Officer Brad Gaudet, a native of my colleague Mr. Gohmert's district, was killed in Afghanistan after his helicopter crashed near Kabul. He is survived by his wife Ginny, of Liverpool, New York, and two young daughters. In this season of giving we must remember not only those who have fallen, but also the families they have left behind. In addition to remembering those we have lost, we must continue to honor those who currently serve. We must remember that there are soldiers who will spend their Christmas in a war zone fighting for our freedom; soldiers who have not seen their families for months. We must also remember veterans at this holiday time. While their service is over, the debt of gratitude we owe to them for their sacrifice should never be forgotten. Christmas is an important time to stop and pay tribute to our men and women in our armed services. We are privileged to live in the greatest nation in the history of the world because of their service and sacrifice.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call attention to a looming crisis for our seniors. We are facing the very real prospect of millions of Americans losing their access to health care providers because of reductions in Medicare payments to physicians due to the flawed Sustainable Growth Rate, SGR, formula. Mr. Speaker, on January 1, 2011, the SGR formula will trigger a 27.4 percent pay cut across the board for Medicare physician services. According to the AMA, in my home State of New York, Mr. Speaker, the cut will amount to $28,000 per physician. That loss makes it harder for physicians to pay for office staff, space, and equipment, which translates, Mr. Speaker, to decreased access to care for many patients. Many physicians have indicated that they will no longer accept Medicare patients. Our seniors, Mr. Speaker, rely on Medicare, which they have paid into and has been there for them. Mr. Speaker, doctors want to provide care to our seniors, and we cannot allow Medicare payment cuts to prevent doctors from serving all of their patients. Our doctors deserve better. Our seniors deserve better.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. I thank my colleague from Louisiana. Mr. Speaker, I just want to say what an honor it is to be here tonight on the floor with my colleagues and the members of the Doctors Caucus. I do stand here as a nurse and also as the daughter of a 90-year-old mother. So Medicare for her, I know how she depends on the system. One of the things we didn't talk about and one of my roles in life was as an attorney, as an attorney who represented a large teaching hospital. About 2 weeks ago, I joined with some of my colleagues on the House floor, and we talked about what this health care law is going to do to our hospitals. When our hospitals and our doctors are affected by reimbursements, by Medicare cuts, that really affects our seniors. That reduces their access to care. So the first thing I want to do tonight as a health care professional and as someone who cares deeply--and I think that's the beauty of this tonight, of our getting together as people who have invested their lives in health care, who love people, who care about people. This isn't a Republican or a Democratic issue. This is an American issue because health care affects all of us. This is a group of people who really believes that there is a better way, that there is a much better way to provide access to health care in our country without jeopardizing that access and without jeopardizing the quality of care that our country has to offer. So the first thing I want to do tonight is reassure our seniors that we are talking about protecting and allowing the Medicare system to continue on. What they need to understand is that the health care law has changed Medicare forever. Medicare is different now than it was before the health care law passed. The health care law cuts, Mr. Speaker, $500 billion from Medicare. I just want to make clear on this graph what happens to Medicare reimbursements from 2012. You can see where we are. It's a minus, a cut of 9.7 percent; but here in 2018, the cuts to Medicare and the reimbursements to our hospitals are down 28.6 percent. I've had all the hospitals in my district come to me, and they were proponents of the health care law. They wanted reform. They've come to me and they've said, This health care law is going to bankrupt us because not only is the health care law affecting their Medicare reimbursements; it's affecting their disproportionate share reimbursements, which keeps many hospitals afloat that treat indigent patients and that treat Medicaid patients. It also affects their GME and their IME, which we talked about in the last Special Order we had in regards to how we're going to keep our teaching hospitals and keep all of our hospitals viable. So I just want to leave the message tonight with the American people that we care about preserving Medicare for our seniors. We are not proposing anything in our budget proposal that would affect our seniors and those back to age 55. We want to assure the American people that we care so deeply about health care and about the quality of health care; but we are very concerned about this health care law, and it's why we voted to repeal it several months ago. One of the first things we did when we came to Washington was to repeal the health care law because we know what it will do to our seniors and to our health care providers. I thank my colleague for organizing our time here tonight on the floor. Again, we just want to reassure the American people that we care about our seniors. We want to make sure they have access to quality care, to good health care.

Ms. BUERKLE

Ms. BUERKLE. Thank you, Mr. Speaker. Here in Washington, we are divided on many issues, but whether we are a Republican or a Democrat, Members of Congress recognize the essential role that our hospitals play in our communities. Hospitals provide care for the sick, and the clinics provide essential care to many. They are engaged in important medical research, and teaching hospitals are educating doctors and nurses to provide care for future generations. In many districts across the country, including mine, New York's 25th Congressional District, our hospitals are our major employers. They're perhaps the largest single employer a congressional district may have. The health care sector constitutes nearly 18 percent of the United States' economy, and it is one of the more stable portions of our economy. American hospitals employ more than 5.4 million people; and as hospitals and hospital employees buy goods and services from other businesses, they create additional jobs. The economic impact is felt throughout the community. Hospitals are a vital part of our local and our national economy. In New York State, particularly in my home district, hospitals are the largest single employer. I want to call your attention to this chart, Mr. Speaker, with data provided by the Hospital Association of New York, which shows the importance hospitals have on my district's local economy. Five hospitals in my district employ over 18,000 people. Together, payroll and purchases in my district alone amount to over $2.4 billion. They generate over $100 million in State and local income sales taxes. This is in my district alone with regard to the economic impact of our hospitals. Looking at New York State as a whole--and I hope some of my New York colleagues will join me here tonight--the hospitals contribute nearly $108 billion to our State and our local economies. Mr. Speaker, it is no exaggeration to say hospitals are a mainstay of our New York State economy; so when our hospitals are hurting, the effects extend to the entire community. Our hospitals are under assault. Not only will it affect our local and State economies, but it will also affect access to health care, to some of the most basic services that our hospitals provide to our communities. I now yield to the gentleman from Georgia, Dr. Gingrey.

Ms. BUERKLE. I thank the gentleman from Georgia for being here this evening. Mr. Speaker, as my colleague mentioned, the President's Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which became law in March of 2010, included some welcome provisions, such as allowing people to stay on their parents' insurance until the age of 26 and prohibiting insurers from denying coverage based on preexisting conditions. These positive provisions, which proponents quickly point to when facing criticism, are far outweighed by the negative consequences that the Affordable Care Act has on our providers and the health care system. These measures could have been accomplished in a much simpler manner. I say to you, Mr. Speaker, so many roads are paved with good intentions, but the unintended consequences are devastating to our hospitals. As a health care professional, my opposition to the Affordable Care Act has never been solely based on philosophical grounds, but on strategic and tactical ones. Most Americans--myself included and my colleagues here in Congress--recognize that health care needs to be reformed and that health care costs continue to rise. We need to figure this out. We disagree as to what the health care reform should look like. If I thought that the Federal Government could be the necessary agent of change, that would be one thing; but I don't believe the government can change health care. The Affordable Care Act affects our hospitals and our providers. This is not a Republican or a Democratic issue, but an American one--as access to health care affects every American. Mr. Speaker, I yield now to the gentleman from Michigan, Dr. Benishek.