Jason Chaffetz

Mr. CHAFFETZ

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Texas (Mr. Gohmert).

Mr. CHAFFETZ. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, again, we congratulate the New York Yankees, but we also recognize that the administration, the people who work there, the guy who sells the popcorn, and the fans who go there are also going to have to deal with the realities of what's happening and what will potentially happen with this health care bill that we are dealing with. One of the deep concerns that we have about what these fans, the players, and particularly their wives, are going to have to deal with in our potentially passing this 1,990-page bill is that there are 118 new boards, bureaucracies, commissions, and programs that we believe are created within that bill. Let me just read the list. I'm going to go through this as fast as I possibly can. Bear with me here. The retiree reserve trust fund; the grant program for wellness programs to small employers; the grant program for State health access programs; the program of administrative simplification found on page 76; the health benefits advisory committee; the health choices administration; the qualified health benefits plan ombudsman; the health insurance exchange; a program for technical assistance to employees of small businesses buying exchange coverage as found on page 191; a mechanism for insurance risk pooling to be established by health choices commissioner; the health insurance exchange trust fund; the State-based health insurance exchanges as found on page 197; the grant program for health insurance cooperatives; a public health insurance option as found on page 211; an ombudsman for public health insurance option. No. 16, an account for receipts and disbursements for public health insurance option; the telehealth advisory committee; a demonstration program providing reimbursement for culturally and linguistically appropriate services as found on page 617; a demonstration program for shared decisionmaking using patient decision aids as articulated on page 648; an accountable care organization pilot program under Medicare; an independent patient-centered medical home pilot program under Medicare. No. 22, a community-based medical home pilot program under Medicare; an independence at home demonstration program; the center for comparative effectiveness research as found on page 734; the comparative effectiveness research commission; the patient ombudsman for comparative effectiveness research; a quality assurance and performance improvement program for skilled nursing facilities. No. 28, the quality assurance and improvement program for nursing facilities; a special focus facility program for skilled nursing facilities; special focus facility program for nursing facilities; the national independent monitor pilot program for skilled nursing facilities and nursing facilities, as found on page 859; a demonstration program for approved teaching health centers with respect to Medicare GME; pilot program to develop anti-fraud compliance systems for Medicare providers. We are up to No. 33. We have to get to 118. There is no possible way that this body understands the complexity and what all of these programs do--that's the point--let alone the American people. We need time to digest this. Somehow the President wants to take more than 60 days to study a program because it's of deep significance to what we will do or not do in Afghanistan; yet we have hours to digest what's going to affect 16-plus percent of our economy in all of these different programs. No. 34, the special inspector general for the health insurance exchange; the medical home pilot program under Medicare, as found on page 1,058; accountable care organization pilot program under Medicaid; the nursing facility supplemental payment program; a demonstration program for Medicaid coverage to stabilize emergency medical conditions in institutions for mental diseases; comparative effectiveness research trust fund; ``identifiable office or program'' within CMS to ``provide for improved coordination between Medicare and Medicaid in the case of dual eligibles,'' as found on page 1,191; the center for medicare and medicaid innovation. Again, this is No. 41 on the list. No. 42, public health investment fund; No. 43, scholarships for service in health professional needs areas; program for training medical residents in community-based settings; grant program for training in dentistry programs; public health workforce corps; the public health workforce scholarship program, as found on page 1,254; No. 48 on the list, public health workforce loan forgiveness program; No. 49, grant program for innovations in interdisciplinary care; No. 50, advisory committee on health workforce evaluation and assessment. Madam Speaker, I would like to inquire as to how much time we have remaining?

Mr. CHAFFETZ

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, all across this country there are families that are waking up concerned about their future. They are concerned about their jobs. They are concerned about what the direction of this country is. We read a new statistic that showed that only 2,500 of the supposed 640,000 jobs that were created or saved by the stimulus were manufacturing jobs. Only 2,500. Manufacturing is good. We need that in this country. At the same time, we hear this morning that the unemployment now has risen to 10.2 percent. At a time when our Nation is suffering, it is not the time, it is not the place to implement the proposed Nancy Pelosi health care bill. We need health care reform, but this is the wrong bill at the wrong time. It raises taxes on businesses and individuals. It raises taxes on medical manufacturers. I urge my colleagues to strike this down and kill that bill.

Mr. CHAFFETZ

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today in support of House Resolution 893, congratulating the 2009 Major League Baseball World Series champions, the New York Yankees. For the 27th time in the history of the World Series, the Yankees have once again proven to be the champions by defeating the Philadelphia Phillies to win the World Series. Again they have distinguished themselves as the dominant team in baseball. On a cold November evening, the game kept fans riveted to their seats until nearly midnight in the sixth game of the series with the Phillies until Mariano Rivera threw his 41st and final pitch of the game to end the game. The Yankees, also affectionately known as the ``Bronx Bombers'' because of their stadium's location in the Bronx, achieved another exciting victory for the storied franchise. After finishing the regular season with baseball's best record of 103 wins, they showed their consummate professionalism by winning it all. They finished the regular season by defeating the Minnesota Twins and then the Angels to capture the American League Championship. Moving on to the World Series, the Yankees defeated the National League's champion Phillies by winning four out of six games in the series even though the Phillies gave it their all to the very end. It is of particular note that the Yankees' 27th World Series wins puts them in an unequaled place in baseball history. They have now won 17 more World Series than their closest competitor. I also want to congratulate the rest of the Yankees organization, all of whom deserve credit for providing a terrific season for so many devoted fans. I would also like to congratulate the Philadelphia Phillies, their fans and their players for putting together an exciting season. On a particular note, I have the honor of standing here and helping to honor Harry Kalas, who affected so many people throughout his career. We were sad to see his passing earlier this year; but he touched the lives, in a very positive way, of countless Americans, and we will miss him. I reserve the balance of my time, Madam Speaker.

Mr. CHAFFETZ

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, one of the most troubling realities of the Nancy Pelosi health care bill is a new tax on medical devices. The so- called wheelchair tax imposes a new 2.5 percent tax increase at the very time American families don't need and don't want a tax increase. Yes, the Pelosi bill includes a new 2.5 percent excise tax on the sale of medical devices in the United States. It will cover everything from bandages to prosthetics, from glucose monitors to crutches, from hearing aids to pacemakers, and even thermometers to syringes. Weren't we told that there wouldn't be even one dime--not one dime-- of a tax increase for those earning less than $250,000 a year? This bill adds a tax increase that will hit each and every American. It will affect jobs in this country, and it will affect your ability to buy the very things that you need for your children, for your parents, for your own families. Think about all of the medical devices that you use within your family.

Mr. CHAFFETZ

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, across this country, we have millions of people who are concerned. Deep in their bellies, when they go to sleep at night, husbands and wives are concerned about putting food on their tables; they're concerned about their jobs, their futures, their kids, and their country. We have an opportunity to help them. You listen to the Democratic side of the aisle, and you hear them say, Oh, just trust us--$787 billion on the credit card. That will help the economy. It hasn't. Unemployment is getting worse. It's over 10 percent in many parts of this country. Cash for Clunkers: Oh, yeah, that will be a great program. We'll pull money out of everybody's wallets, and we'll hand it to a select few. It hasn't worked. I, for one, do not trust the Federal Government, and the one-size- fits-all, slam-it-down-your-throat Federal solution to government health care is not the solution for the United States of America. We need Americans across this country to rise up and to say, No, we are not going to stand for it anymore. We're going to be in control of our government. May God bless the United States of America. May God bless the men and women, our troops, who are serving across this country.

Mr. CHAFFETZ

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Madam Speaker, today, we have learned of the passing of two of America's finest soldiers when an improvised explosive device exploded in Afghanistan. Killed was Private First Class Kimble Han or Lehi, Utah, as well as Eric Lembke of Tampa Bay, Florida. Madam Speaker, I hope we will all pause to give thanks to the men and women who have served in our Armed Forces and that we remember their families and friends. May God bless these fine soldiers, and may God bless the United States of America.

Mr. CHAFFETZ

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I simply want to say I am happy to support H.R. 2092 and the economic development efforts of the District of Columbia. I rise in support of this bill. I will insert the remainder of my comments into the Record. The Kingman and Heritage Islands Act of 2009, passed out of Committee earlier in September, which amends the National Children's Island Act of 1995 to allow the District of Columbia to move forward with its economic development plans. The bill will make Kingman and Heritage Islands a center for environmental education and recreation, and will provide for restoration of the Anacostia River ecosystem. The renovated islands will include a particularly appropriate memorial tree grove dedicated to the three District of Columbia school children who were victims of the September 11 terrorist attacks. Kingman and Heritage Islands were created by the Army Corps of Engineers in the 1920s as part of the Anacostia Tidal Flats Reclamation project and were managed by the U.S. Department of the Interior and National Park Service through 1996. At the request of District officials, Congress originally dedicated the two islands to be developed as a child-oriented theme park. The Act transferred title of certain Park Service property in Anacostia Park, including Heritage Island and a portion of Kingman Island, to the District of Columbia. However, the law included a reversionary provision if a theme park was not built, necessitating this bill. The District has developed the ``Anacostia Waterfront Framework Plan'' to redevelop and revitalize the Anacostia waterfront, and this legislation will help them accomplish this goal. I am happy to support this bill and the economic development efforts of the District of Columbia, and I urge my colleagues to support passage of H.R. 2092. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, this is a good bill with a lot of good work behind it. I appreciate the work my colleagues have done on this bill. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CHAFFETZ

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, Clyde Hichborn was a great American and great public servant. I urge support of this bill, and I yield back the balance of our time.

Mr. CHAFFETZ. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself as much time as I may consume. I just simply want to rise in support of H.R. 2174, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 18 Main Street in Howland, Maine, as the ``Clyde Hichborn Post Office''. He's a great American and a great public servant. I rise in support of H.R. 2174, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 18 Main Street in Howland, Maine, as the `Clyde Hichborn Post Office'. A life long resident of Medford, Maine, Clyde Hichborn served his state and country throughout his life. Mr. Hichborn received a bachelor's degree in education from the University of Maine Farmington in 1933 and a master's degree in school administration. In 1942, he joined the army as a private and served in World War II. He rose to the rank of Captain in the Adjutant General's Corps when he left the Army in 1946. After returning from war, he taught for many years, was principal and ultimately went on to serve as Superintendent of Schools. In recognition of their service to the community, the Howland Middle School was named for Clyde and and his wife, Winona Hichborn in 1971. In addition to serving more than 60 years as an educator, Mr. Hichborn continued to serve his community in a number of ways including as a town selectman, town manager and state legislator. He served a total of 18 years in the Maine state legislature, serving in both the House and Senate. When he retired at the age of 86, he was the oldest member of the house and one of its longest-serving veterans. Mr. Hichborn was also an avid hiker, climbing Mount Katahdin, the highest mountain in Maine, several times. Most notable though was the seven-hour trek up the 5,267 foot mountain on his 80th birthday. ``I just wanted something to do,'' he said. ``I didn't want to sit in a rocking chair all summer.'' Mr. Hichborn's accomplishment even won him accolades from the director of Baxter State Park, where Mount Katahdin, is located, noting that ``there is no easy trail up Katahdin.'' Sadly, Mr. Hichborn's life ended on March 31, 2005 at the age of 94. He was best described after his death by the Governor of Maine, John Baldacci, ``Clyde was an extraordinarily caring and gentle man. He was a tireless advocate for the people and the region he served for so many years.'' In recognition of Mr. Hichborn's contributions to the country and the state of Maine, let us recognize his many years of public service by naming the post office in Howland, Maine as the ``Clyde Hichborn Post Office.''

Mr. CHAFFETZ

Mr. CHAFFETZ. I would simply thank Mr. Lynch for his kind words, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise in support of the H.R. 3547, a bill to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service located at 936 South 250 East Street in Provo, Utah, as the ``Rex E. Lee Post Office Building''. I happen to know Mr. Lee, as he served as the president of Brigham Young University. He was a great and amazing human being. All too often in our society we hope that our kids will emulate somebody of significance, and Rex Lee was certainly that kind of person. He was a joy. He was full of life at every step and one of the smartest people you could ever meet. In fact, he had many dealings with the Supreme Court. In fact, Justice Sandra Day O'Connor said this about the passing of Rex Lee: ``He inspired all of us with his courage in the face of a terminal illness. Knowing him was one of the greatest privileges of my life. Remembering him will be one of the easiest.'' Amazing words from an amazing person. In 1960, Rex Lee graduated with a BA from Brigham Young University. He served as the student body president. In 1963, Rex graduated first in his class from the University of Chicago Law School, and from law school he went on to serve as a law clerk for Byron White, Associate Justice of the United States Supreme Court. From Washington, D.C., he returned to his home in the State of Arizona as a partner in the Phoenix law firm of Jennings, Strouss & Salmon. While there, Rex argued his first case in the United States Supreme Court just 4 years after graduating from law school. In 1972, Rex returned to Brigham Young University to become the founding dean of the J. Reuben Clark Law School. From 1975 to 1976, he served as an assistant Attorney General in charge of the civil division in the United States Department of Justice; and from 1981 to 1985, Mr. Lee served as Solicitor General of the United States of America. In 1986, Mr. Lee retired as Solicitor General and returned to Brigham Young University. He was diagnosed with cancer shortly thereafter. Mr. Lee practiced law with Sidley & Austin law firm and returned to teaching constitutional law at the George Sutherland Chair of Law at the J. Reuben Clark Law School. Mr. Lee was then named the 10th president of Brigham Young University on May 12, 1989, and served in this capacity until December of 1995, just 2\1/2\ months before he passed away. All told, he argued 59 cases before the Supreme Court and won 23 of the 30 cases he argued as the Solicitor General. In fact, he was preparing for his 60th case just months before he passed away. He's known throughout the community in Utah for his great humility, for his great contribution to the United States of America. In fact, five Supreme Court Justices attended a memorial service for Rex Lee: Byron White, Justices John Paul Stevens, David H. Souter, Sandra Day O'Connor, and Clarence Thomas. This is a great man. He's worthy of recognition of the United States Congress, and it's my honor to stand here and encourage the passage of this bill. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CHAFFETZ

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to express my strong support for this bill designating the post office located at 630 Northeast Killingsworth Avenue in Portland, Oregon, as the Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Post Office. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., became one of the most important public figures of our times. His leadership during the Civil Rights Movement helped to make America the country it is today. Because of Dr. King's many accomplishments in the pursuit of justice and liberty, it is clear that he deserves this honor and recognition. Dr. King began his career as a Baptist minister who was also a leading civil rights leader during the 1950s and 1960s. It's hard to forget Dr. King's stirring and often quoted ``I Have a Dream'' speech that established him as one of the great American orators of all time. Dr. King's lifelong crusade to end all forms of racial inequity was instrumental in turning the entire country towards civil rights for all citizens. His cry against segregation and other forms of discrimination brought this issue to the forefront of American culture. Dr. King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, which helped show the world that racial discrimination could be ended through nonviolent means. He was also awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and Congressional Gold Medal. In recognition of his many accomplishments for our country, in 1983, Congress established a national holiday as a tribute to his memory. As one of the most pivotal figures in the battle to end bigotry and discrimination on the basis of race, Dr. King led the Montgomery Bus Boycott in 1955, helped found the Southern Christian Leadership Conference in 1957, and was instrumental in orchestrating the famous Birmingham, Alabama, protests. Realizing that his message of freedom applied to all impoverished Americans, Dr. King expanded his crusade for fair treatment for all citizens. Dr. King expanded his message to apply to impoverished Americans. Towards the end of his life, he expanded his outreach to all races and cultures. Dr. King dedicated his life to ensuring these principles this country holds so dear, those of liberty and justice for all citizens. I would like to thank my respected colleague, Earl Blumenauer, for introducing this important legislation. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CHAFFETZ

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I rise today to discuss House Concurrent Resolution 163, expressing support for the designation of September 23, 2009, as National Job Corps Day. The Job Corps organization has been training young adults for careers since 1964. Job Corps's mission is to ``attract eligible young people, teach them the skills they need to become employable and independent, and place them in meaningful jobs or further education.'' By committing to this mission, Job Corps is able to successfully train thousands of youth in the United States each year. Job Corps involves youth and a free career development program, which integrates the teaching of academic, vocational, employability skills and social competencies. This gives young people the opportunity to prepare themselves for a fruitful future, with help from the dedicated employees who ensure this program runs smoothly and effectively. These people should also be commended. Keeping our Nation's youth in productive programs like Job Corps helps to steer the youth of the United States in the right direction. The staff and students have contributed to their communities millions of hours of community service, showing the importance of giving back to the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CHAFFETZ

Mr. CHAFFETZ. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 2215, a resolution to designate the facility of the United States Postal Service, located at 140 Merriman Road in Garden City, Michigan, as the ``John J. Shivnen Post Office Building.'' I also commend Representative McCotter for bringing this forward to this body. A graduate of Garden City High School, John Shivnen believed in hard work, humility and community service, and he lived with these three qualities in mind throughout his life. Appointed postmaster as a young man, Mr. Shivnen served for 30 years, making him the longest-serving postmaster in Garden City. As postmaster, he was actively involved in the site selection and construction of the current Garden City Post Office. He was also an active member of the National Association of Postmasters of the U.S. for 41 years, serving in numerous leadership positions. Mr. Shivnen's passion for community service was shown through his many efforts to help the community where he spent most of his life. He established the Garden City Post Office annual Christmas Basket program, and was an active member of the Garden City Lions Club. Generous and compassionate, Mr. Shivnen's deep commitment to his community did not end after his retirement in 1996. He volunteered at the local senior center as a handyman, and his last large community project was his creation of a replica of a rural post office for the Garden City Historical Museum. Purchasing most of the replica items and working with others, the project continued until his declining health prevented him from leaving his home. His dedication and service for his community is exemplary, and it is fitting to name the post office in Garden City, Michigan, in his honor. Mr. Speaker, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CHAFFETZ

Mr. CHAFFETZ. I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of House Resolution 441, honoring the Catholic sisters in the United States, who have contributed greatly to the Catholic church and to the communities where they have lived and worked. The first Catholic sisters to live in the United States came from France in 1727 and settled in New Orleans. From this small beginning, their presence and contributions to society grew over the years. Today, there are about 59,000 Catholic sisters in the United States. Although their numbers have decreased over the years, their influence is strong and vital. Catholic sisters founded, staffed and managed the largest private school system in the United States. They founded more than 110 colleges and universities in the United States, thus providing educational opportunity for millions of young people. In addition to schools, the Catholic sisters established hospitals, orphanages and other charitable institutions that have served millions of Americans. Catholic sisters have long been recognized for their fair and equal treatment of all persons. They have worked tirelessly for the eradication of racism and poverty in the United States and around the world. In recognition of the women who have added substantially to the lives of many of our citizens, I stand to recognize the Catholic sisters for their untiring dedication and for their many contributions to the fabric of the United States of America. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this resolution, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CHAFFETZ

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, with no additional speakers, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield as much time as he may consume to the gentleman from Pennsylvania (Mr. Dent).

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, House Resolution 670 would congratulate the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary on the 75th anniversary of its establishment as the world's first refuge for birds of prey. From its humble beginnings in 1934 when Miss Rosalie Edge deeded 1,400 acres to the private nonprofit Hawk Mountain Sanctuary Association, more than 60,000 people visit this sanctuary each year to enjoy the majestic flights of more than 12,000 eagles, falcons and hawks that live there. This resolution also commends the sanctuary for its dedication to the conservation of wildlife and for its efforts to educate the public and the international community on the vital role that birds of prey play in the ecosystems throughout the world. I would like to compliment Congressman Charlie Dent of Allentown, Pennsylvania, for his outstanding leadership in proposing this legislation. I am happy to join with him in congratulating the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary on its 75th birthday. I urge an ``aye'' vote, and I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CHAFFETZ

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I urge the passage of H. Res. 688. Having no additional speakers on this topic, I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H. Res. 688, and I yield myself such time as I may consume. I want to commend the Nevada delegation for this resolution urging the public to adopt the 18,000 wild horses waiting for adoption. However, it is a little confusing. Just 2 months ago, both the Democratic sponsor and cosponsor of this bill voted in favor of H.R. 1018, a bill that even the Obama administration said would make the problem worse, not better. I am also perplexed, with Nevada's unemployment rate at 13.2 percent, how both of our Democratic colleagues from that hard-hit State could vote for a bill that would spend close to a billion dollars to expand a failed welfare program for wild horses. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. CHAFFETZ

Mr. CHAFFETZ. Mr. Speaker, with no additional speakers, I yield back the balance of my time.