Mike Coffman

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in support of House Resolution 4, the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011. Yesterday, we heard testimony in the Small Business Committee from the bill's author, Representative Dan Lungren of California. In addition, small business owners, including a constituent of mine, Mark Eagleton of Golden, Colorado, also testified. House Resolution 4 would repeal the provision from the recently passed health care reform law that requires every business to file a 1099 form with the IRS for every vendor with which they conduct business transactions of $600 or more on an annual basis. This requirement will force businesses to use scarce resources to comply with this burdensome government mandate, and it will take away from their ability to grow and create jobs. In these tough economic times, it is important for government to take proactive steps that will foster small business expansion and job growth. Unfortunately, the recently passed health care reform law will lead to the opposite. Increased government mandates, such as the 1099 reporting requirement, will lead to reduced revenues, job losses, and will only extend this economic downturn with its high levels of unemployment. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support the Small Business Paperwork Mandate Elimination Act of 2011, which will rid American businesses of this job-killing requirement. We must start over and pass meaningful reforms that will lower the cost of health care for all Americans while supporting growth of America's small businesses.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, on a warm summer morning in 1972 I stood outside of the Military Entrance Processing Station in downtown Denver. I was a volunteer for military service, but many of those around me were conscripts--draftees as they were commonly called. As the line moved slowly forward I listened as many of them rehearsed what they would say once they got inside to convince the Army why they were unfit for military service. The conscript Army that I joined in 1972 suffered from a fundamental lack of discipline and low morale. By 1976 conscription had ended and the last of the draftees had completed their military obligation--the U.S. Army was now an all volunteer force. Every year since then the Army has improved in the quality of its personnel, training, and professionalism. Today, it is a much smaller force but an extraordinarily elite one. In late 1979, the Soviet Union invaded Afghanistan and in 1980 President Jimmy Carter sought to demonstrate the resolve of the United States against the Soviet incursion. President Carter asked the Congress to reinstate the Selective Service System. Congress did so, and to this day all males are required by law to register with the Selective Service System within 30 days of their 18th birthday. However, conscription has not been requested by our military as a viable option during the first Gulf War, the Iraq War, or for Afghanistan--despite periodic shortages of military personnel. And while many draft age males have failed to meet registration requirements, no one has been prosecuted for failure to comply with this law since 1986. We have a requirement on the books that isn't used and clearly doesn't merit enforcement. The Select Service System was never meant to be permanent. Now, 31 years and over $700 million later, and with Congress never having given serious consideration to establishing a conscripted force, it is finally time to end the registration requirement and dismantle the Selective Service System. Today I introduce legislation to do just this. The bill will allow the President, if needed, to reinstitute national registration by executive order. Until then, my bill will end registration. It will do so without negatively affecting our defense capabilities and will save the taxpayers over $24 million annually. It also releases military personnel currently working within the Selective Service System to more pressing duties on national security, and removes an obviously moribund and outdated program that was never more than a symbolic gesture.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, today our national debt is $14,110,420,810,062.28. On January 6, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80. This means the national debt has increased by $3,471,995,063,768.40 since then. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and all future Americans.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, today our national debt is $14,099,823,671,305.06. On January 6th, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80. This means the national debt has increased by $3,461,397,925,011.20 since then. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and all future Americans.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, today our national debt is $14,062,239,904,820.69. On January 6th, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80. This means the national debt has increased by $3,423,814,158,526.89 since then. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and all future Americans.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, today our national debt is $14,052,380,830,542.80. On January 6, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80. This means the national debt has increased by $3,413,955,084,249.00 since then. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and all future Americans.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, as a former small businessman and former state legislator, I am horrified at the unlimited ability of the federal government to deficit spend. Small businesses have to balance the books, or they go out of business. And unlike the spendthrift ways prevalent in this building, state governments generally have to balance their budgets. Recently, at least 24 states, and nearly \3/4\ of a million workers, have undertaken a budget-cutting maneuver that I believe we should consider at the federal level: short term employee furloughs. These states, across the nation, along with city and county government counterparts, recognize that occasional worker furloughs are necessary to cut budgets and hold down spending. It also has the benefit of ensuring that federal workers are not sheltered from the realities of life in today's economy. The federal government continues to grow, and continues to rack up debt. I would like to make the U.S. Government as cost conscious as the states. My legislation is a start. It will make Federal civilian employees subject to a non-consecutive two week furlough next year, correspondingly reduce appropriations for salaries and expenses for offices of the legislative branch, and provide a 10 percent reduction in pay for Members of Congress. An exception is provided for national security or reasons relating to the public health or safety, including effective law enforcement. This bill will save the federal government over $5.5 billion. Furlough Fridays and other such ideas are becoming a common occurrence for state and local governments. They present slight problems but they provide large solutions to the budget troubles we face. I believe that managed appropriately, with due allowance for vital and national security implications, as specified in this bill, they can do the same for the federal government.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Mr. Speaker, today our national debt is $14,019,559,567,587.86. On January 6, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80. This means the national debt has increased by $3,381,133,821,294.06 since then. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and all future Americans.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of House Resolution 32. I had the opportunity to work with Representative Gabrielle Giffords over the last 2 years on the House Armed Services Committee, and I have always admired the gentlelady from Arizona for her dedication to her constituents and to our Nation. This resolution before us today condemns in the strongest possible terms the horrific attack which occurred last Saturday in Tucson, Arizona. This resolution offers the heartfelt condolences to the families, friends, and loved ones of those who were killed in that attack. It expresses a hope for the rapid and complete recovery of those wounded in the shootings. It applauds the bravery and quick thinking exhibited by those who prevented the gunman from potentially taking more lives. It recognizes the service of the first responders to race to the scene, and the health care professionals who tended to the victims. This resolution stands firm in the belief in a democracy in which all can participate and in which intimidation and threats of violence cannot silence the voices of any American. This resolution honors the service and leadership of Representative Gabrielle Giffords, a distinguished Member of this House, as she courageously fights to recover. Madam Speaker, when adjourning today, let us do so out of respect for the victims of this attack.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, today our national debt is $14.01 trillion. It rolled over to above $14 trillion for the first time on New Year's Eve last week. On January 6, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was at $10.63 trillion. This means the national debt has increased by $3.38 trillion since then--in just 2 short years. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and to all future Americans. I have been submitting, and will continue to submit, this debt to the Congressional Record daily, and I will continue to do so until Washington takes responsibility and ends its reckless spending addiction.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the coaches, athletes, and fans of Elizabeth High School for their outstanding performance during the 2010 football season. The grit, determination, and perseverance showed by these young individuals culminated with a 3A State Championship on December 4, 2010. Playing under intense pressure in front of a packed house at Legacy Stadium in Aurora the Cardinals exceeded expectations and fought through all odds to obtain a 29 to 6 victory over an extremely talented Glenwood Springs football team.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, today our national debt is $13,868,461,288,845.81. On January 6th, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80. This means the national debt has increased by $3,230,035,542,552.01 so far this Congress. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and all future Americans.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, today our national debt is $13,878,837,351,150.62. On January 6th, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80. This means the national debt has increased by $3,240,411,604,856.82 so far this Congress. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and all future Americans.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, today our national debt is $13,879,785,054,580.12. On January 6th, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80. This means the national debt has increased by $3,241,359,308,286.32 so far this Congress. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and all future Americans.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, today our national debt is $13,852,589,330,911.83. On January 6, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80. This means the national debt has increased by $3,214,163,584,618.03 so far this Congress. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and all future Americans.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, today our national debt is $13,848,017,156,749.09. On January 6th, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80. This means the national debt has increased by $3,209,591,410,455.20 so far this Congress. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and all future Americans.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, today our national debt is $13,834,918,581,977.03. On January 6th, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80. This means the national debt has increased by $3,196,492,835,638.20 so far this Congress. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and all future Americans.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, today our national debt is $13,860,773,759,018.43. On January 6th, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80. This means the national debt has increased by $3,222,348,012,724.60 so far this Congress. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and all future Americans.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, today our national debt is $13,794,243,004,364.88. On January 6, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80. This means the national debt has increased by $3,155,817,258,071.00 so far this Congress. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and all future Americans.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, today our national debt is $13,795,134,710,938.40. On January 6, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80. This means the national debt has increased by $3,156,708,964,644.60 so far this Congress. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and all future Americans.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, today our national debt is $13,721,979,465,685.30. On January 6th, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80. This means the national debt has increased by $3,083,553,719,391.50 so far this Congress. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and all future Americans.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, today our national debt is $13,468,173,874,830.08. On January 6, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80. This means the national debt has increased by $2,829,748,128,536.28 so far this Congress. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and all future Americans.

Mr. COFFMAN

Mr. COFFMAN. Madam Speaker, today our national debt is $13,472,761,083,757.88. On January 6th, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80. This means the national debt has increased by $2,834,335,337,464.00 so far this Congress. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and all future Americans.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, today our national debt is $13,471,094,170,316.20. On January 6th, 2009, the start of the 111th Congress, the national debt was $10,638,425,746,293.80. This means the national debt has increased by $2,832,668,424,022.40 so far this Congress. This debt and its interest payments we are passing to our children and all future Americans.

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado

Mr. COFFMAN of Colorado. Madam Speaker, United States Army Captain Dale A. Goetz, an Air Force veteran with ties to Colorado, joined the Army's chaplaincy out of a strong desire to help others. Captain Dale Goetz and his wife, Christy, both graduated from Maranatha Baptist Bible College in 1995. He was a former pastor of First Baptist Church in White, South Dakota, before being stationed at military bases throughout the world. Earlier this year, Captain Goetz was assigned to the 1st Battalion, 66th Armor Regiment, 1st Brigade Combat Team, 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado, and the family moved to Colorado Springs in January of 2010. This allowed his wife Christy, and their sons Landon, Caleb, and Joel to be closer to his mother, Hope Goetz, an Elbert County commissioner. Captain Goetz and his family joined High Country Baptist Church in Colorado Springs the day before he deployed to Afghanistan. Captain Goetz, who had previously served in Iraq, cared about the soldiers he worked with as an Army chaplain, and according to his pastor at High Country Baptist Church in Colorado Springs, ``His goal as a chaplain was not to be a social worker, but to be a spiritual guide.'' Captain Goetz is described as having ``a calm demeanor that helped soldiers find strength in the darkest of times,'' according to Reverend Stuart Schwenke, a fellow pastor he had gone through ministerial training with. On August 30, 2010, Captain Goetz was on a mission in Kandahar Province, Afghanistan, when insurgents attacked his unit with an improvised explosive device which detonated near their military vehicle. Captain Goetz was gravely wounded and died of injuries sustained during the attack. Four of his fellow soldiers from Fort Carson, Colorado, were also killed in action as a result of the incident. Captain Dale A. Goetz is a shining example of the United States Army's service and sacrifice. As a former member of the United States Army, and a retired Marine Corps combat veteran, my deepest sympathies go out to his mother, Hope Goetz, an Elbert County commissioner; his wife Christy; their sons, Landon, Caleb, and Joel; and his sisters, Ann Senetar and Kim Sumner.