Dennis Cardoza

Mr. CARDOZA

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor a great friend not only to the 18th Congressional District but to my family and I, Mr. Mike Salvadori. The Merced County Chamber of Commerce is honoring him as the 2003 Ambassador of Goodwill, and I know this is a well-deserved honor. Mike was born on December 2, 1936 in Merced County. He had the good fortune to be raised on his parent's dairy. Dairy work is not easy, and Mike quickly learned he had to work hard to be a success. Along with his brother and two sisters, the Salvadori family was taught to value and respect their neighbors and surrounding community. These two important life lessons are what have shape Mike into a caring citizen. After attending Modesto Junior College, Mike made the decision to serve his country. He enlisted in the United States Army, and he served our Nation for 2 years. Soon after, he met his wife Jeanne and the two were married in 1960. The Salvadori's made a home in Merced County and worked on his father's dairy where they enjoyed the experience of milking cows and riding horses together. Continuing his interest with the dairy business, Mike took a job with Berkeley Farms and the couple moved to San Jose. After a brief stint at Berkeley Farms, the two moved back to Los Banos, California where Mike then took a job with Wonder Bread. In 1963, Mike and Jeanne bought Bi-Rite Liquor Store in Merced, California. Mike and Jeanne were dedicated to turning their new investment into a success. They stayed focused and were soon able to open a new store. While Mike was now successfully running his own business, he became interested in real estate. Through his good friend, Lou Gonella, he was able to begin selling real estate in Merced County. Always the entrepreneur, Mike opened his own real estate office in Merced--Century 21 Salvadori Realty in 1975. Not only is Mike a very successful business man, but he is an incredible leader in our community. Always willing to lend a helping hand to any organization or charity, he has earned himself the respect of all of his neighbors and friends. As part of the Merced County Chamber of Commerce, the Italo American Lodge, and Kiwanis, he and his family have proven their dedication to all in our community. Mike's second passion in life is cooking. Merced residents know that if there is a large community event, they will find Mike cooking his famous pasta. Local organizations can always count on Mike to help cook for their events. He truly has a warm place in the hearts of locals who couldn't go without his services, or his wonderful meals. Along with his wife and two sons, Michael and Paul, I am honored to recognize the dedication of Mike to our community. He is truly an example for others to follow and I am proud to call him my friend.

Mr. CARDOZA

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the Energy Training Center, which was established by Pacific Gas and Electric in 1978 to help California's low-income residents cope with rising utility costs, thus becoming the first utility company to offer energy education to members of the community. Mr. Speaker, more than 46,000 people have been trained in the principles of energy efficiency, including employees from local community service agencies, private contractors, education specialists, and builders. Also, the Energy Training Center has provided training to employees of Pacific Gas and Electric Smarter Energy Line, which has assisted well over three million customer calls. The Energy Training Center's innovative teaching techniques utilize hands-on experience. This has helped students perform more than two million energy surveys for single-family households and conduct site surveys on common-use areas serving more than one million multi-family units. All of this hard work has created more energy efficient households, and has conserved over 264 million kWh and over 34 million therms of energy, which has prevented more than 276 million pounds of carbon dioxide from polluting our environment. Our community has greatly benefited from the Energy Training Center over the years, not only regarding energy conservation, but also from partnerships with local agencies. Throughout its years of operation, the Energy Training Center has made successful partnerships with the California Conservation Crops, California Energy Commission, and San Joaquin Delta College. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of all my colleagues, I send my congratulations on the Energy Training Center's 25th Anniversary, and for setting a fine example of cooperation between private enterprise and the people it serves.

Mr. CARDOZA

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Chief Larry D. Plants as he retires after 25 years of service as a member of the University Police Services at California State University, Stanislaus. Born on July 1, 1952, Chief Plants has spent his life as a public servant to our community. After obtaining an Associates Degree in Police Science from Butte Junior College he went on to receive a Bachelors Degree from California State University, Stanislaus in Organizational Communication. As a police officer with the City of Modesto Police Department and then with the City of Reno Police Department, Chief Plants earned the respect of his fellow law enforcement officers. Always a professional, he was then hired by CSU, Stanislaus as a member of the University Police where he excelled and earned the respect of students, faculty, and fellow officers. He was then promoted as Chief and Director of Public Safety. At this post, he was responsible for the Office receiving nearly $1 million in grant funds. Not only has Chief Plants been a dedicated member of the CSU Public Safety Department but also to his profession. He is a member of the Central Sierra Police Chiefs Association and the International Association of Campus Law Enforcement. Chief Plants has also been the Past President of the Stanislaus County Peace Officers Association and served as the 2003 President of the Stanislaus County Law Enforcement Executives. Chief Plants is an extremely dedicated member of the community. Further evidence of this commitment is his involvement in civic organizations such as the Civitan Club, Theta Chi Fraternity, and the Evangelical Free Church. Chief Plants' career as a dedicated police officer and community leader is a testament to his character. While being Chief of his Department was his second biggest honor in life, he quotes his first biggest honor as his family. As a fellow brother of Theta Chi Fraternity it is my honor to recognize all of Chief Plants' achievements and to congratulate him on his retirement.

Mr. CARDOZA

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Keith Schneider for his work as President of the Building Industry Association of Central California. As outgoing President of the Building Industry Association of Central California, it is only fitting that I take a moment to honor Mr. Schneider's life-long commitment to our community and to the building industry. Born on November 14, 1948, Mr. Schneider's dedication to his profession has only been surpassed by his dedication to his family. Raised in Eureka, Illinois with his two sisters and parents, Mr. Schneider excelled at school. As a member of the Boy Scouts he was able to earn the merit of Eagle Scout. Mr. Schneider participated in many other activities as he played the banjo and participated in musical competitions and he was also a member of his high school track team and the debate team. In 1966, Mr. Schneider attended Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa where he graduated with a degree in journalism. After graduation, he entered law school in Chicago in 1970. During this time, Mr. Schneider served two years in the Navy, stationed in San Diego and at the Great Lakes in Chicago. In 1973, Mr. Schneider worked at the Civil Defense Agency in Springfield, Illinois. He met and married his wife, Carol, two years later in 1975. While in Illinois, he joined the Home Building Association. In 1981, Mr. Schneider moved to Modesto, California where he became the Executive Officer of the Building Industry Association of Central California until 1990. In 1990, he then joined the staff of the Oakwood Builders until 1993. Mr. Schneider then accepted the position as Development Coordinator for the Diablo Grande and continues in this role by providing housing for this destination resort. Mr. Schneider's commitment to the building industry as well as to our community is undeniable. He certainly lives up to the motto of the California Building Industry: ``We're yesterday's shelter providers, today's problem solvers, tomorrow's dream builders.'' It is an honor to recognize all of Mr. Schneider's achievements and to thank him for his service to our community.

Mr. CARDOZA

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to pay tribute to Secretary William (Bill) Edward James Lyons, the V for his service to our Nation and to his community. Bill was born in Modesto, California to William, the IV, and Mary Lyons on July 4, 1950. He attended school at Modesto High School in Modesto, California. Bill then attended college at California State University, Chico where he received his bachelor's degree and secondary teaching credential. Throughout his career Bill has become a well-respected leader in the field of agriculture and is consistently sought out for his expertise. Appointed by Governor Gray Davis and confirmed by the California State Senate, Bill Lyons, Jr. served as the Secretary of the California Department of Food and Agriculture, from January 1999 to November 2003. As a rancher and businessman, Bill brought nearly three decades of leadership and business expertise to the department. As Secretary, Bill was responsible for a Department of 2,300 employees, and a budget of $250 million. Secretary Lyons' key responsibilities included policy development and implementation of programs that support California's $27 billion agricultural industry. He was responsible and successful in implementing the marketing campaign of the ``Buy California'' program in the state. While Secretary, Bill served as president of the Western Association of State Departments of Agriculture, chair of the Specialty Crop Task Force for the National Association of State Departments of Agriculture, and chairman of the Agricultural Worktable for the U.S.-Mexico Border Governors' Conference. In California's great Central Valley, the Lyons family has been engaged in production agriculture for more than 75 years. Secretary Lyons managed the 6,000-acre ranch located in the Modesto area from 1976 to 1999. The ranch produces a number of crop and livestock commodities. Bill currently serves as a member of the California Water Commission and on the Board of the California Department of Food and Agriculture. From 1993 to 1999, Bill served as chairman of the USDA's Farm Service Agency state committee. Bill was also appointed by the Stanislaus County Board of Supervisors to serve from 1996 to 1998 as founding director of the East Stanislaus and Toulmne County USDA Agriculture Stabilization and Conservation Service Committee, and the Stanisulaus/ San Joaquin Counties' Cattlemen's Association. Bill is a widely respected member of his community and has greatly contributed to his state and nation. The USDA has honored Secretary Lyons on three occasions: in 1998 with a certificate of appreciation; in 1997 with an award for excellence; and in 1996 with a national environmental award. In 1995, the California Farm Bureau Federation recognized him with a service award. The United States Jaycees named him the Outstanding Young Man of American in 1984 and both the City of Modesto and Stanislaus County has awarded him with various service commendations. In addition, California State University at Chico awarded Bill in 2000 with a Distinguished Alumni Award. Secretary Lyon's illustrious career also includes various elected office positions in Stanislaus County such as: Member of the Central Catholic High School Board of Directors, Chairman, Doctors Medical Center, and Director, Modesto Irrigation District. Bill also worked as a Religion teacher at Saint Stanislaus elementary school, in Modesto California. Throughout his lifetime, Secretary Lyons has demonstrated a deep commitment to community service. Throughout the years, he has worked with countless community organizations such as the Salvation Army, United Way, American Cancer Society, the Modesto Chamber of Commerce, and Camp Sylvester, a local youth camp. Additionally, he has coached sports teams for nearly two decades. It is my pleasure to join the Stanislaus community in recognizing Secretary Bill Lyons, Jr. for his commitment to his community, state and nation. I have personally known the Lyons family for over two decades. Bill Lyons, Jr. and the entire Lyons family have a passion for California agriculture and for the values of hard work and community service in the San Joaquin Valley. Bill is a trusted and dear friend. I look forward to our continued friendship and to his wise counsel, and know that Bill's future path will continue to benefit California agriculture and all of us in the San Joaquin Valley. It is a pleasure to represent Bill and the entire Lyons family in the 18th Congressional District of California.

Mr. CARDOZA

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor an ambitious and hard-working businessman, Mr. Larry A. Matos. Larry was born and raised in California's Central Valley, and was working hard on his parent's dairy at a young age. While growing up, Larry attended Turlock High School, and led his Future Farmers of America team to a 6th place finish at a national dairy competition. After graduating Turlock High School in 1992, he quickly received his Real Estate license at the age of 18. In 1994, Larry was approached by Mr. John Melo to purchase a Century 21 Real Estate office. Always ready for a new challenge, Larry and Mr. Melo formed a business partnership, and turned a three-man office into eleven office locations in four counties, four businesses, and over three hundred employees and realtors. Currently, Larry is the President/Broker of Century 21 M&M and Associates. Not only is Larry dedicated to his business ventures, but to the Real Estate industry as well. He has served as a local Board of Director for the Central Valley Association of Realtors. This past year, Larry had the distinct opportunity to serve his fellow colleagues as President of the Central Valley Association of Realtors. He was one of the youngest to ever hold that position. If not working hard with his business investments, Larry can be found spending time on his family's dairy, and being with his friends and relatives. He also dedicates his time to the community by serving on the Holiday Can Tree, and sponsoring a number of charitable events throughout the year. Mr. Speaker, Larry is a role model for our youth in the Central Valley. His positive attitude and work ethic have helped him achieve the American Dream. It is my honor to recognize him for his achievements, and to call him my friend.

Mr. CARDOZA

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the continued efforts of the Portuguese Education Foundation of Central California and their numerous contributions to our community. The Foundation works tirelessly to educate the community and to recognize individuals for such efforts. Tonight, the Foundation is honoring members of the community for their valued contributions and achievements. In addition, the Foundation is recognizing over 30 Foundation Scholarship recipients, lending these individuals strong support in their continuing pursuit of educational goals. It is my distinct pleasure to pay tribute to the Foundation's 2003 community honorees. Former Congressman Tony Coelho is being honored as the 2003 Citizen of the Year. Tony, my mentor and good friend, has been an exemplary member of the Portuguese community for many years. He served with distinction as Majority Whip in the United States House of Representatives and continues to think of our San Joaquin Valley as his home. I am delighted to also recognize the achievements of Maria de Lourdes Silva. Maria has been selected as the 2003 Student of the Year by the Foundation. She is being honored for her outstanding academic achievement and research for the Portuguese Heritage Community of California. I commend her on her dedication to the community. Finally, it is my honor to recognize Jose Luis da Silva, who has been selected as the 2003 Professor of the Year by the Foundation for his contributions and dedication to sharing the language and culture of the Portuguese community with the many students of the San Jose High Academy. Mr. da Silva is a tireless advocate and tremendous resource for his students and our community. The Portuguese Education Foundation of Central California continues to be a strong asset to our community. The Foundation's efforts are immense and I am honored to recognize them and their awardees this evening.

Mr. CARDOZA

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, H.R. 3157 would require USDA to designate employees of the Department to serve as disaster liaisons to State and local emergency agencies in a federally declared disaster area. These liaisons would be responsible for coordinating interagency programs and assisting agricultural producers in the area to navigate through the bureaucracy of Federal Government support. I want to thank Majority Whip Blunt for taking the initiative to introduce this legislation on behalf of farmers and growers in the United States. I was more than happy to sign on as the lead cosponsor because of a situation faced by a handful of growers in my congressional district earlier this year. During this past April, an unusual hailstorm descended upon Merced Country, ruining acres and acres of peach orchards. That event set off a chain of events involving numerous agencies within USDA, which in turn led to me and my staff to negotiate on their behalf with countless officials and administrators throughout USDA attempting to elicit some type of assistance from the Federal Government. It was a trying experience to say the least. When a disaster happens now, multiple USDA agencies involved with numerous programs actively assess damage in a disaster area, while compiling information from hundreds of phone calls and by talking to numerous disaster victims. This information is then assembled and sent to representatives of the State. The farmer is left to fend for himself or herself with no point of contact for follow up. Those situations are what Mr. Blunt and I are trying to avoid with this legislation. When enacted, H.R. 3157 will require USDA to recognize the importance of quick response time to agricultural disasters by deploying an experienced disaster specialist to an affected area. This official will facilitate such things as crop insurance claims processing and other applications for economic assistance as well as provide one legitimate source of information and comfort from the Federal Government. My growers affected by the hailstorm were continually given conflicting information from different USDA employees. It is imperative that growers, especially the more skeptical growers in my home State of California, be able to receive clear and concise information on how to proceed after a Federal disaster as been declared in order to most efficiently proceed to the next crop year. H.R. 3157 is the right thing to do for America's agricultural industry and I am proud to be a sponsor of this bill. Again, I would like to thank Chairman Goodlatte, Ranking Member Stenholm, and Majority Whip Blunt for recognizing the importance of the legislation. I urge an aye vote on this bill.

Mr. CARDOZA

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, on that I demand the yeas and nays.

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would first like to thank all of my colleagues who spoke on behalf of this motion today. I would like to thank my colleague from Texas (Mr. Brady) from across the aisle for participating in this debate. We may differ in our opinions about which way is the best way to reform Medicare, but I appreciate his willingness to engage, in any case. I would like to urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to consider supporting my motion to instruct. The premium support provisions in both the House and Senate versions of this bill are a recipe for disaster for our seniors. If premium support is enacted, our seniors will be subjected to vastly different premiums and benefits depending on where they live, they will be forced to assume all the risks associated with health care, and they will most likely lose their ability to choose their preferred doctor and hospital, that is, if the private plans even participate. In my district, all but one of the supplemental private insurance plans we have once had have pulled out of our area, leaving my constituents in a serious lurch. Let us not take this giant risk again, Mr. Speaker. Let us instead spend our resources helping our safety net hospitals survive. DSH hospitals are the backbone of our communities, and the number of uninsured continue to grow, as do their responsibilities to serve these populations. My motion retains the best provisions from both the House and Senate, and allocates any monies saved from dropping premium support to DSH hospitals across the United States. Mr. Speaker, I urge an ``aye'' vote. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 1\1/2\ minutes to the gentlewoman from Texas (Ms. Jackson-Lee).

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 2 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Strickland).

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would respond to the gentleman from Texas by saying it is my understanding that we have offered to do the Congressional plan both in committee and here on the floor, and I would just say to the gentleman from Texas that I would be happy to join with him in this. In fact, the gentleman from Texas is in the majority, and he could propose that proposal tonight, if he so chooses. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from Indiana (Ms. Carson), whose district is faced with a growing problem of uninsured.

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Sandlin), my fellow Blue Dog and a member of the Committee on Ways and Means.

Mr. CARDOZA. I yield to the gentleman from Texas.

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would like to first assure the gentleman from Texas that I have not attempted to score debating points since I graduated from high school, and I think this issue dealing with Medicare for our seniors, prescription drugs for our seniors, is far too important to consider debating points. What we are concerned about is the fact that we have been excluded, predominantly, from a conference committee that is critically important to the vast majority of our seniors in this Nation. So this is the only method we have to have input into that conference process. I would also like to make the point that administrative costs in private plans are approximately 15 percent and under the Medicare system that we have in this country is probably one of the most efficient possible ways of delivering health care to our seniors. We only have a 2 percent administrative cost. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps), my friend and colleague who has been a leader on the Committee on Energy and Commerce in fighting for maximum Federal dollars for Medicaid DSH hospitals.

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I would respond to the gentleman from Texas by saying that those seniors in my district are already scared. They are scared about the fact that they cannot afford prescription drugs now. They are scared about the fact that all of the HMO+Choice plans have pulled out. They are scared about the fact that, in some parts of this country, it will be $53 a month, and in my district the administration says it will be $117 a month, which they do not know where it is going to come from.

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Ohio (Mr. Brown), a member of the Committee on Energy and Commerce, who has over the years become a leader in this body on health care in America.

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I would say to the gentleman from Texas that it is my understanding that we have never offered a proposal that costs three times as much. In fact, the gentleman alluded to the fact that he favored a plan much like the plan that Members of Congress currently have. That is something that we have proposed. We have never heard that plan from the Republicans. We would certainly be willing to entertain a plan that was something similar to what Members of Congress have for our seniors, without a doughnut hole. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Stenholm), the ranking member of the Committee on Agriculture and the cochair of the Blue Dog Coalition.

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I offer a motion to instruct.

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, the motion we are debating tonight instructs the Medicare conference committee to reject the controversial plan of premium support and reallocate the money saved to increase payments to disproportionate share hospitals. As a representative of an area with multiple DHS hospitals, I feel it is vitally important to provide them with the maximum Federal funding possible. However, let me first discuss the issue of premium support, and why I am concerned that this plan could potentially dismantle Medicare. Under premium support, in the year 2010, private insurance companies and traditional fee-for-service would compete against each other to provide services to beneficiaries. Monthly premiums would be set according to an average and beneficiaries would then be given something similar to a voucher for which they could purchase coverage. However, premium support will create a system where seniors' benefits can vary widely from county to county, State to State, and their choice in doctors can be restricted, vital services may not be covered, and their monthly premium can radically fluctuate. That is if the private plans even participate at all. We need to look no further than the administration to find proof that this is an impending problem. A recent report by the Department of Health and Human Services actuary showed radical disparities in the monthly premiums by region. For example in Davidson County, North Carolina, Medicare beneficiaries would only pay $53 a month under premium support. However, my constituents in Stanislaus County would be forced to pay a whopping $117 per month, so more than double. I am very concerned about subjecting a trusted health care system like Medicare to the uncertainty of the private market. I am especially hesitant about a system that relies on HMOs and other private insurance plans to administer services to our seniors. In my hometown of Merced County, there is not one, not one Medicare+Choice plan that my constituents can participate in, not one. However, for someone residing in Los Angeles County, 200-250 miles down the road, they have a pick of 11 different plans. HMOs have made it abundantly clear that serving rural America is not profitable, and, therefore, they have pulled out of those regions in a mass exodus. Now, the House bill relies on these plans to provide services for Medicare beneficiaries. Mr. Speaker, to me it just does not make sense. So let us not take a gamble with our seniors. Instead, let us spend our resources on something far more tangible, disproportionate share hospitals. These are America's safety net hospitals caring for the sickest and poorest of our citizens, and they must not be abandoned in their time of need. Currently, there are over 40 million Americans without health insurance, and the number continues to rise. DHS hospitals accept every patient, regardless of their financial status, and provide the best possible care available day in and day out. In my district, my hospitals fall between the cracks of not quite big enough to be considered urban, and just a little too large to be considered rural; but we have one of the largest uninsured populations in the country and increasing DHS funds are absolutely essential for their survival. Mercy Hospital in Merced County is facing severe financial shortages because of a lack of payments in this area and because of a high indigent population. My motion not only directs the conferees to use funds saved by premium support for DSH hospitals but it also insists that the final legislation retain the most generous DSH provisions from the House and Senate versions of the Medicare legislation. As we all know, DSH hospitals are facing the possibility of falling off a proverbial cliff due to the drastic reduction in Federal funding as directed by the Balanced Budget Act of 1997. Section 1001 of this bill increases DSH allotments in fiscal year 2004 to that of 120 percent of fiscal year 2003. Section 602 of the Senate bill increases the floor for low DSH States from 1 percent to 3 percent of total Medicaid spending. This provision is extremely important for States of Alaska, Arkansas, Delaware, Idaho, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Minnesota, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Oregon, South Dakota, Utah, Wisconsin, and Wyoming who are bound by law not to spend more than 1 percent of their Medicaid dollars on DSH hospitals. Hospitals in these States are suffering as well, and we cannot let them fail, either. Mr. Speaker, I urge every Member of this body to support my motion to instruct the Medicare conferees. America's seniors deserve a guaranteed Medicare benefit and America's safety net hospitals deserve our assistance. Mr. Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CARDOZA

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, subject to rule XXII, clause 7(c), I hereby announce my intention to offer a motion to instruct on H.R. 1, the Medicare Prescription Drug and Modernization Act of 2003. The form of the motion is as follows: I move that the managers on the part of the House at the conference on the disagreeing votes of the two Houses on the Senate amendment to the bill H.R. 1 be instructed as follows: (1) To reject the provisions of subtitle C of title II of the House bill; (2) To reject the provisions of section 231 of the Senate amendment (3) Within the scope of conference, to increase payments under the medicaid program for inpatient hospital services furnished by disproportionate share hospitals by an amount equal to the amount of savings attributable to the rejection of the aforementioned provisions (4) To insist upon section 1001 of the House bill and section 602 of the Senate bill.

Mr. CARDOZA

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of this motion by the gentlewoman from California (Mrs. Capps), who has done fantastic work in this area. This motion instructs the Medicare conference committee to reject the controversial and risky privatization scheme of premium support and reallocate that money to increase the payment to physicians who care for Medicare beneficiaries. Let me first discuss the issue of premium support and why I am concerned that this scheme could potentially dismantle the program of Medicare. I am concerned about subjecting a proven health care delivery system like Medicare to the uncertainty of the private market. I am especially hesitant about the system that relies on HMOs to provide this service to our seniors. In my home area of Merced County, there is not one Medicare+Choice plan that my constituents can participate in. HMOs have made it abundantly clear that serving the rural areas and serving rural America is not profitable; and, therefore, they have pulled out of those regions in a mass exodus. Now the House bill relies on these private plans to provide services for Medicare beneficiaries. It just does not make sense. Additionally, since its inception, Medicare has been a defined benefit system for which seniors pay a guaranteed premium each month and receive a guaranteed benefit. In the House Medicare proposal, seniors' health care costs would be subsidized in the form of a voucher which they could then use to buy coverage in the private market. Their benefits can vary widely. Their choice of doctors can be restricted. Some services may not be covered, and so and so forth. In theory, this system is supposed to cut costs by introducing competition into a Federal entitlement program. Unfortunately, all this plan really does is pass the costs of health care on to our constituents. The basic foundation of Medicare is that we are all in this together and that everyone shares the risk. With premium support, the risk stays in the Medicare pool while healthy beneficiaries are picked off by private insurance companies in order to make a profit. Seniors do not want this. They do want their choice of doctor, they do want a choice of hospital, and most importantly, they want to be able to afford their health care. So let us not take a gamble with our seniors. Let us use the money that we will save by striking this provision and put it toward something more tangible. If we increase payments to doctors who see Medicare patients, we will ensure that they continue to offer the highest quality care and not be forced to drop Medicare patients because the system cannot cover the basic cost of their treatment. Mr. Speaker, physicians are being forced out of providing services to Medicare patients at an alarming rate. In fact, CMS just announced they would be imposing a 4.5 percent reduction in physicians' Medicare reimbursements effective January 2004. This is a disservice to our Nation's doctors and to our seniors. I urge a ``yes'' vote on this motion.

Mr. CARDOZA

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Ms. Sharon Schuchert of Stanislaus County who is being awarded the Department of Heath and Human Services Adoption Excellence Award. It is truly an honor to recognize all of her achievements as a dedicated social worker in our community. Ms. Schuchert is the recipient of the 2003 award of Adoption Excellence Award, for her outstanding accomplishments in achieving permanency for America's children waiting in foster care. In 1969, Ms. Schuchert began her public service career as a social worker for Stanislaus County Community Services Agency and in 2001, in collaboration with other community leaders, she founded Camp A Life With Adoption Yields Success (A.L.W.A.Y.S.). Camp A.L.W.A.Y.S. mission statement is to provide every member of an adoptive family with a supportive environment. At Camp A.L.W.A.Y.S. adoptive families spend time in Pine Crest, California learning about the unique challenges facing adoptive families in a positive family oriented setting. For many families who attend Camp A.L.W.A.Y.S. this is one of the few times they are surrounded by others with similar family structures. Ms. Schuchert's award is especially relevant as November is National Adoption Month. There are roughly 130,000 children ranging toddlers to teenagers who are currently in foster care waiting to be placed in a safe, permanent home. Recognizing their plight on a national level is an important first step to permanency. By providing children in need with the opportunity to grow and succeed through adoption, we can help them on their journey to becoming confident and successful members of society. Mr. Speaker, the county of Stanislaus, and the 18th Congressional District of California have been greatly strengthened by the efforts of Ms. Schuchert and Camp A.L.W.A.Y.S. America's children must not be forgotten and through the leadership of individuals like Ms. Schuchert we can continue to fight on their behalf. I ask my colleagues to help honor Ms. Sharon Schuchert today for her service to this great nation.

Mr. CARDOZA

Mr. CARDOZA. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Edward J. Chavez who is retiring as the Chief of Police for the city of Stockton, California. It is truly an honor to recognize all of his achievements as a dedicated law enforcement officer in our community. He has served the people of my district with integrity and he will truly be missed. Chief Chavez has shown his dedication to serving our community and our country in countless ways. As a member of the U.S. Air Force from 1962-1970, Mr. Chavez demonstrated this very commitment. Through hard work and a commitment to furthering his education, Mr. Chavez earned a Bachelor of Arts from California State University, Sacramento, a Master of Science from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and graduated from the prestigious Federal Bureau of Investigation Academy. In 1973, Chief Chavez became a police officer and his prestigious career began. As a leader in the Department, Edward Chavez rose through the ranks to become a Captain and Deputy Chief of Police in 1990, and finally to become the Stockton Police Department's Chief of Police in 1993. As a role model to law enforcement officials, Chief Chavez has served the city of Stockton with the utmost respect and honor for residents and coworkers alike. Not only has Chief Chavez been a leader to the Stockton Police Department, but has served his community by being a member of over twenty civic and professional organizations. He has been affiliated with the Board of Trustees for Humphreys College School of Law, Stockton Rotary, Hispanics for Political Action, Greater Stockton Chamber of Commerce, International Association of Chiefs of Police, California Peace Officers Association, and on the selection committee for the Stocktonian of the Year. Mr. Speaker, the city of Stockton has been greatly strengthened by the effort and dedicated service of Chief Chavez. I ask my colleagues to help honor Chief Edward J. Chavez today for his service to this great Nation. It is a privilege to represent him, and to call him my friend.