Rick Crawford

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor George Dunklin on completing his term as an Arkansas Game and Fish commissioner. For the last 7 years, Mr. Dunklin has worked tirelessly to maintain a healthy wildlife population in Arkansas. From the time he took office in 2005, after being appointed by Governor Mike Huckabee, Mr. Dunklin has been a devoted public servant. One of the accomplishments he's most proud of is improving and restoring water flow habitat in crucial areas. Arkansas is world renowned for duck hunting, and restoring the water flow habitats will make for a better environment for the many ducks that over winter in Arkansas. Mr. Dunklin also worked on an agreement with the Army Corps of Engineers to provide minimum flow in the White River below Bull Shoals Dam and in the Norfork River below the Norfork dam. Always the gentleman, Mr. Dunklin maintained a healthy balance of opposing passions on the commission. I appreciate all of Mr. Dunklin's efforts and wish him well on his future endeavors.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor for me to introduce our guest pastor this morning, Dr. Stan Ballard. For the past 30 years, Brother Stan has pastored numerous congregations, and today he serves as a pastor of my family's church, Nettleton Baptist in Jonesboro, Arkansas. Brother Stan is a native Mississippian and earned his undergraduate degree from Mississippi State University. After graduating from Mississippi State, he earned a bachelor's degree from New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary in New Orleans and a doctorate degree from Luther Rice Theological Seminary in Atlanta. During his career in ministry, Brother Stan has pastored churches in Louisiana, Mississippi, Ohio, and Arkansas. The pride and joy of Brother Stan's life are his wife, Beth, and their children and grandchildren. During their 42 years of marriage, Stan and Beth have been blessed with three sons and, more recently, four grandchildren. On a personal level, I can say that Brother Stan has been a constant source of support and guidance for the entire Nettleton Baptist congregation. Any time a member of our congregation is in need, we can rely on Brother Stan. It's an honor to introduce Pastor Stan Ballard and welcome him to the U.S. House of Representatives.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Mr. Howarth Taylor on being inducted into the Arkansas Agriculture Hall of Fame. For over 60 years, Mr. Taylor has been a pillar of his community. Before starting a career in agriculture, Mr. Taylor demonstrated a strong commitment to our country as a member of the Greatest Generation. Mr. Taylor was a prisoner of war following the Battle of the Bulge in Germany. For his service, Mr. Taylor earned a Purple Heart and a Prisoner of War Medal. Mr. Taylor started out as a tenant farmer growing corn and soybeans. Soon after he moved to Hickory Ridge, Arkansas, he bought an 850-acre farm and established Taylor Seed Company. Today Mr. Taylor farms over 3,000 acres and grows, processes, stores, and sells rice, soybeans, oats, and wheat seed to farmers throughout Arkansas. By devoting his entire operation to seed production, Mr. Taylor is able to produce a very high-quality product. Mr. Taylor and his wife, Ella, raised six children on their farm and in 1969 were named the State's Farm Family of the Year. He has been an active member of the Cross County Farm Bureau board of directors since 1952 and served as president for 3 years. The Taylors are also active in their community, local schools, and the Hickory Ridge Missionary Baptist Church. Congratulations, Mr. Taylor.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that my name be removed as a cosponsor from H.R. 835.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, tomorrow the House Ag Committee will vote on a farm bill that will give producers across our country the certainty they need to continue producing the safest, most abundant, and most reliable source of food on the planet. As the committee works to produce a responsible farm bill that works for all regions of the country, I would like to recognize Farm Families in my home State. In my home State of Arkansas, farming is a family business. Young people begin helping with chores on the farm almost as soon as they can walk. In many cases, generations of family farmers work side by side cultivating the land. Families take great pride working together and continuing a tradition of hard work. Agriculture is the backbone of Arkansas' rural economy, and each year the Arkansas Farm Bureau recognizes families across Arkansas for their contributions to our State. I congratulate all the county Farm Family winners across Arkansas on this achievement. All Arkansans take great pride in our State's Farm Families that were recognized this year. Congratulations once again to all the county Farm Families recognized by the Arkansas Farm Bureau. I applaud them for their commitment to agriculture and hope for their ongoing success.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the members of the Mountain Home High School FIRST Robotics team, first known as the ``Baxter Bomb Squad,'' who recently won the For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology championship. The team was made up of 22 students and 14 adults, including several pairs of father-and- son teams. Together they spent hundreds of hours building a robot, which competed in the Rebound Rumble, a basketball-inspired game. The team competed in front of an audience of 30,000 people and against more than 400 other teams. The Baxter Bomb Squad has been competing for 17 years, and for the very first time this year, they won the championship. They were sponsored by local businesses, including Baxter Healthcare and Mountain Home High School. The For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology championship has helped influence thousands of students throughout the country to pursue higher education in engineering and related scientific fields. Students who participated in this competition are 50 percent more likely to attend college and twice as likely to major in science and engineering. Congratulations to the Baxter Bomb Squad. Best of luck of luck for years to come.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, last week this body took up H.R. 3541, the Prenatal Nondiscrimination Act, which would prohibit abortion on the basis of an unborn baby's gender. Many advanced nations around the world already have laws restricting sex-selection abortions. The United States of America should not allow abortions to be performed to select an unborn child's sex. Recognizing the importance of all life, I voted in favor of the bill and had high hopes it could be signed into law. Sadly, the measure failed to reach the majority needed for passage. As unbelievable as it may sound, some Members of Congress were unwilling to vote to restrict abortions based on sex. Aborting a baby based upon its gender undermines one of our Nation's founding principles that all human beings are created equal. Every Representative, every physician, every American needs to be reminded that at the center of our struggle is the protection of human life. We cannot live in a nation where some human life is valued and other life is not. All life has value, and the casual taking of life is morally wrong. Let's join together to pray for the protection of the unborn. The intersection of prayer and action can produce amazing results. Through prayer and perseverance we can accomplish our goals and innocent human life can be protected.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Donald Kaczynksi from my home State of Arkansas. Donald is a Marine veteran with a passion for serving other veterans who are living with a disability. After receiving an honorable discharge from the Marines, Donald was faced with the challenge of finding a new career. He saw firsthand the obstacles disabled veterans face and knew he wanted to help other veterans have a higher quality of life. After moving to Hot Springs Village, Arkansas, he started a mobile concession stand business. With his business, Donald drives to events throughout Arkansas, providing concessions for veterans' gatherings. In addition to his business, Donald serves Arkansas' veterans as commander and adjutant of the Hot Springs Village VFW. Most recently, Donald was elected to serve as the 2011 2012 State commander of the Disabled American Veterans Department of Arkansas. In 2004, Donald was recognized as the VFW Man of the Year for Arkansas, and in 2008 as the Disabled American Veterans Man of the Year. Madam Speaker, we honor Donald Kaczynski and his service to Arkansas' veterans.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the lives of two brave men who died serving their Nation. Explosive ordnance disposal technicians serve the important role of disarming explosive devices (IEDs) in war zones and here at home. As a former EOD tech myself, I know the dangers these soldiers face, and today I honor their ultimate sacrifice. Naval Lieutenant Christopher Mosko trained for more than a year to become an EOD technician. He was assigned to EOD Mobile Unit 3 for the past 3 years, and during that time, among other missions, he supported humanitarian operations following the earthquake in Haiti. He was killed in an IED blast in Afghanistan on April 26 of this year, directly supporting Navy and Army special operations forces. Lieutenant Mosko and his wife, Amanda, called San Diego home. Lieutenant Mosko was described by his command as a personable and outstanding leader who went out of his way to support his men. They also said he was a kind and gentle person who will be greatly missed by the EOD family. Twenty-five-year-old Marine Sergeant John Huling was killed by gunshot wounds inflicted by a person wearing an Afghan National Army uniform in the Helmand province of Afghanistan. Sergeant Huling enlisted in the Marine Corps in 2006. He deployed to Iraq in 2007 and was on his second combat deployment. As an EOD tech, he was assigned to the 7th Engineer Support Battalion, 1st Marine Logistics Group at Camp Pendleton in California. Sergeant Huling's mother said: ``He was brave and selfless and gave his life for his country so everybody could enjoy the freedom that we live now.'' Sergeant Huling is survived by his wife of 2 years, Priscilla; a brother, who is also a marine; and a sister. Mr. Speaker, Navy Lieutenant Christopher Mosko and Marine Sergeant John Huling are American heroes. Each brave man died in action defending the freedoms so many Americans take for granted. I did not know these two men, but to many, these men were sons, husbands, brothers and friends. Because they served, America and the world are safer and more free. Their families are in my thoughts and prayers, and I ask that all Americans remember the sacrifice they made. Explosive ordnance disposal technicians are the first line of defense in the war on terror, protecting our servicemembers from IED threats overseas and in homeland missions. The EOD community deserves the respect and full resources of the Department of Defense to continue their lifesaving mission. God bless the memory of Lieutenant Mosko and Sergeant Huling, and may God continue to bless the United States of America.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, on Tuesday, May 15, 2012 I was inadvertently detained on rollcall votes 250, 251 and 252. Had I been present to vote I would have voted ``yes'' on rollcall 250, ``yes'' on rollcall 251, and ``yes'' on rollcall 252.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. I rise today to honor Mr. Ralph Cheshier, a veteran teacher in the Valley View School District of Jonesboro, Arkansas. For 37 years, Mr. Cheshier has taught his students the principles of agriculture. Mr. Cheshier is also a longtime member of the Partners in an Active Learning Setting, or PALS program. PALS is a mentoring program that matches high school students in the Vocational Agriculture Leadership Class with kindergarten students to develop personal skills and explore interests in plants and animals. The Valley View PALS chapter is one of only 10 in Arkansas. Mr. Cheshier has a unique style of teaching through storytelling. He loves spending time with his students in the school greenhouse and shop, teaching them valuable skills and making his students become self-sufficient members of society. Mr. Cheshier will be remembered for his contributions to the academic and life development of his students. Many of the lessons he taught will go well beyond the classroom and will stick with those students forever. Mr. Speaker, I am honored to represent people like Mr. Cheshier, who make Arkansas a great place to live. Happy retirement.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, this week the postal service announced a new strategy to keep rural post offices open. My district in Arkansas could have lost as many as 100 post offices. This new plan from the postal service is not perfect. The retail window at many post offices will have limited operating hours. However, access to the retail lobby and post office boxes will remain unchanged. More importantly, towns will keep their ZIP codes, and community identities will be preserved. In November of 2011, I introduced H.R. 3370, Protecting Our Rural Post Offices Act, which prohibits the postal service from closing rural post offices that do not have an alternative office within 8 miles. Now that the postal service has announced plans to keep all post offices open, Congress can enact reforms that will ensure rural Americans no longer have to worry about access to mail services. So many of the challenges we face in Washington are not Democrat versus Republican; rather, urban versus rural interests. In small communities across Arkansas and across the country, the post office represents the town identity and lets the world know the community exists. If post offices were to completely close and small communities no longer had their own ZIP codes, cities' identities would be lost. For my part, I will continue efforts to ensure rural Arkansas communities keep access to postal services.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. I rise today to highlight a subject that is personal in Arkansas's First Congressional District: the proposed closure of thousands of rural post offices across the country. This week I sent a letter to Postmaster General Patrick Donahoe asking him to give the House of Representatives time to pass meaningful postal reform legislation. As it stands now, over 3,600 post offices are slated for closure on May 15. In my district alone, 100 post offices have been put on the closure list. In November, I filed the Protecting Our Rural American Post Offices Act of 2011. The bill would prohibit the postal service from closing rural post offices that do not have an alternative office within 8 miles accessible by public roads. The bill is an effort to level the field between rural and urban post office closures. So many of the challenges we face in Washington are not Democrat versus Republican, but rather urban versus rural interests. Americans living in rural communities rely on their post offices for medicine delivery and Social Security benefits and veterans benefits, among other things. Access to postal services should not be limited to urban families. I urge Postmaster General Donahoe to give the House time to pass meaningful postal reform legislation. The postal service cannot hope to cure all their budget woes on the backs of rural Americans.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. I rise today to recognize John Allen and his lifetime of service to his community, the State of Arkansas, and to our country. John currently serves on the board of directors for the Lawrence County Children's Shelter and Northeast Arkansas Public Water Authority. In the past, he served as an alderman of Hoxie; chairman of the Lawrence County Chamber; president of the Walnut Ridge Jaycees; a lay leader at Hoxie United Methodist Church; and president of the Walnut Ridge Lions Club. In the 1980s, John served on the Arkansas Transportation Commission and the National Motor Safety Regulatory Review Panel. During this time, he was instrumental in obtaining funding for Arkansas State University to start a transportation-related program within the College of Business. Thanks to John's efforts, ASU now has a Logistics and Supply Chain Management program. Additionally, John served as director of the Arkansas Assessment Coordination Department and Arkansas State director for the U.S. Department of Agriculture-Rural Development. John has achieved much as a public servant, but he would be the first to say that his family is the center of his life. John and Elaine Allen have been married for 49 years. Together, they have three children: Andy, Andrea, and Matt. John is also the proud grandfather of Anna, Hayden, and Ella. Mr. Speaker, today I honor John Allen for his lifetime of service. Arkansas, and indeed our Nation, is a better place to live because of John's efforts.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the 100th anniversary of Arkansas County Bank. The bank is a fourth-generation family-owned business. It serves Arkansas County and the Grand Prairie as a national- and State-chartered institution. Arkansas County Bank began with humble origins. At the end of their first year of business in 1912, the bank had just $64,000 in total deposits. By 1919, Arkansas County Bank had its first million dollars in deposits and has seen steady growth ever since. By 1985, Arkansas County Bank had expanded into Sevier County after purchasing the Bank of Lockesburg. Today, they also have a branch that serves the Stuttgart community. Giving back is important to Arkansas County Bank. Bank employees regularly volunteer over 1,000 hours annually to charities and service organizations throughout the Grand Prairie of Arkansas. As Arkansas County Bank celebrates 100 years of business, they are building on the past by looking to the future. With a record of service, Arkansas County Bank is dedicated to beginning a second century of community investment. Congratulations again to the leadership, employees, and the family of Arkansas County Bank on 100 years of business.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, the recently discovered GSA spending scandal is a prime example why Americans have lost faith in their government. This week, I questioned GSA officials about the now infamous conference hosted in Las Vegas. This one lavish conference left American taxpayers with an $822,000 tab. Let me list just a few of the expense items from Las Vegas that are sure to enrage the American taxpayers: $75,000 was spent on a bicycle- building exercise to encourage team building; $3,200 was spent on mind readers to entertain the attendees. Guess what I'm thinking now. The average cost for breakfast per attendee, $44--that's $44 per person per day. And I save the worse for last, a $30,000 pool party. Adding insult to injury, the chief organizer of the 2010 Las Vegas conference was approved for a bonus by senior Obama officials for his work in organizing the conference. Officials who organize and authorize wasteful spending must be held responsible. This body must work to end the culture of waste at GSA and other government agencies and ensure that taxpayer dollars are respected.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Betty Rose Stair Patchell. Betty's memory will continue to live on with her beloved family and friends. Betty was married to Jack Daves Patchell for over 45 years. Together they had three children: George, Jacque, and Mark. Betty was a devoted mother, grandmother of four, and great-grandmother of 10. Betty began her 50-year career as organist, at the age of 15, for the First Baptist Church of Heber Springs, Arkansas. She was an accomplished pianist and a member of the National Guild of Piano Teachers. Over the years, Betty served countless organizations as an accompanist. Betty had a love for the arts, as well, as an oil and water color painter. She also loved to garden. Betty was an avid golfer, and for over 20 years she assisted pro golfers in the annual Shell Open Golf Tournament. My thoughts and prayers are with Betty's family. While her presence here on Earth will be missed, her example will be a guide for her family and friends. God bless Betty Rose Stair Patchell, and God bless her family.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. As cochairman of the House Explosive Ordnance Disposal Caucus and as a former Army EOD tech, I address you today with a heavy heart. On Tuesday of this week, Staff Sergeant Joseph D'Augustine was killed in Afghanistan by an IED. He was 29 years old. Staff Sergeant D'Augustine was an EOD tech in the United States Marine Corps, and he had four tours of duty in Afghanistan and Iraq to his credit. He enlisted in the Marine Corps the day after he graduated from Waldwick High School in New Jersey in 2001. As an EOD tech, Staff Sergeant D'Augustine displayed the full extent of his bravery by clearing explosive threats in defending the lives of his fellow marines, soldiers, airmen, and sailors. EOD techs, like Staff Sergeant D'Augustine, play an invaluable role in securing our freedom and in combating terrorism, but too often their heroic deeds go unreported. Staff Sergeant D'Augustine is survived by his parents and three sisters. I am eternally grateful for Staff Sergeant D'Augustine's service to our country and for all the brave men and women who defend our freedoms at home and abroad as members of the armed services. On behalf of the Congressional EOD Caucus and the inter-service EOD family, our thoughts and prayers are with the family of Staff Sergeant Joseph D'Augustine.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. I rise today to recognize the achievements of the Mammoth Spring High School boys' basketball team. This season, the Bears went 36 and 7 and claimed Arkansas' Class 1A State Championship trophy after defeating the Sacred Heart Rebels by a score of 42 39. This is the first ever State championship victory for the boys' basketball team, and it is a great source of pride for the Mammoth Spring community. I would like to commend Head Coach Jeremy Cude for leading his team to a State championship. Additionally, I would like to recognize players Mason Brown, Seth Brown, Joby Busch, Wayne Coffey, Houston Cooper, Craig Hoover, J.D. Major, Tyler Mullins, Josh Parker, Ryan Roberson, Cortley Rutledge, Dylan Skaggs, A.J. Smith, Matt Turnbough, and Garrett Wooldridge for the leadership they have shown. Great accomplishments like a State championship don't happen without a great deal of dedication. The Mammoth Spring Bears and their head coach have put Mammoth Spring on the map and have brought a great deal of pride to their community. Now that the boys' basketball team has brought a State championship trophy home to Mammoth Spring, I have no doubt that the players will set new, even higher goals to achieve. Congratulations once again to the Bears and to the entire Mammoth Spring community for their State championship victory.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize Dr. Jerol Swaim, president of Williams Baptist College in Walnut Ridge, Arkansas. After 48 years of service to Williams Baptist, Dr. Swaim has announced his retirement. Although he will no longer be on the campus every day, his influence will certainly be felt there for years to come. Dr. Swaim started his career at Williams Baptist as a professor of history, government and economics. In 1973, he became academic dean of the college and has also held the titles of vice president for academic affairs and executive vice president. In 1995, he agreed to become the fifth president of Williams Baptist, a role he has filled since that time. Dr. Swaim is stepping down after presiding over a transformation of the Williams campus. Since the late 1990s, nearly every building on the campus has either been newly constructed or extensively renovated. Under Dr. Swaim, Williams Baptist has expanded its academic offerings as well as its academic reputation. It broke into the top tier of U.S. News & World Report college rankings in 2010 and climbed in the rankings again this year. Madam Speaker, today we honor Dr. Jerol Swaim for his 48 years of service to Williams Baptist College and the countless lives he has changed.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to voice my support for the Medicare Decisions Accountability Act that passed this body today. The measure will repeal the controversial Independent Payment Advisory Board, or IPAB, that would limit seniors' access to Medicare. In my rural Arkansas district, senior citizens rely on Medicare to see their doctor and get their prescriptions filled. Without the coverage, they would be in a world of hurt. IPAB has the real threat of limiting seniors' access to treatment. I won't stand idly by while the IPAB board of 15 unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats tries to deny Medicare services to my constituents. Members of IPAB are not subject to any real checks and balances. A huge amount of power is being given to this Medicare-cutting board that will be tasked with deciding who can and can't receive health care benefits. I am committed to strengthening Medicare for today's seniors and the next generation of Americans for this program. The Independent Payment Advisory Board will not protect seniors; it will only deny care. Mr. Speaker, the Medicare Decisions Accountability Act gives seniors in my Arkansas district the security of knowing that their Medicare benefits will not be denied by faceless bureaucrats. I hope the Senate will now take action and pass this important bill.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, as of today, the price for a gallon of regular gasoline in my hometown of Jonesboro, Arkansas, is $3.55. Just a year ago, that same gallon of regular gasoline would have cost $2.96. We've all heard the news reports that gas could hit a record of $5 a gallon this summer. The rising cost of gas not only affects my constituents at the pump, it will also drive up the cost of good and services. Congress can lower gas prices. We can require approval of the Keystone XL pipeline within 30 days. President Obama's rejection of the Keystone project will hit working families at the pump this summer. The American West is primed for oil shale development to provide oil and natural gas. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates we have the equivalent of more than 1.5 trillion barrels of oil in Colorado, Utah, and Wyoming. That's enough to provide the United States with energy for 200 years. The Obama administration recently announced plans to restrict offshore drilling. After the BP oil spill, strict regulations were put in place to allow for safe, responsible drilling. Now we need the Obama administration to lift the ban on drilling. We are blessed to live in a land with abundant natural resources. We need a Federal Government that will get out of the way so that we can develop those resources. Not only will these projects help American families meet our energy needs, they will also help create thousands of jobs in the process.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor the memory of Christine Parr. Although Chris passed away earlier this month, her memory will live on with her family and friends. For nearly 40 years, Chris was married to husband Al Parr. Together, they built a life and family in Harrisburg, Arkansas. Chris and Al have two children, Will and Angela. Chris joined Al in being active members of the Harrisburg Church of Christ where Al serves as pulpit minister. Chris was a homemaker and a collector of souvenir spoons, bears, and Russian stacking dolls, among other things. Years ago she also operated a sewing business and day care from her home. She enjoyed anything to do with a needle and thread and over the years has made many clothes and quilts for her family and friends. I will always remember Chris and the kindness that she showed my family and me. Chris had a passion for America. She loved people; and once she committed herself to a cause, she and Al devoted themselves completely and worked tirelessly. My thoughts and prayers are with Chris's family. As a person of great faith, I know that Chris is now in Heaven with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. While her presence here on Earth will be missed, her example will be a guide for her family and friends for years to come. God bless Chris Parr, and God bless her family.

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 79, I was unavoidably detained. Had I been present, I would have voted ``aye.''

Mr. CRAWFORD

Mr. CRAWFORD. Madam Speaker, I rise today to commend the House for passing the Budget and Accounting Transparency Act earlier this week. This much-needed reform will increase transparency and accuracy in budgeting for Federal credit programs like Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. In addition, this reform will require fair value accounting for Federal programs that make direct loans or loan guarantees. Earlier this year with the Solyndra debacle, we found out that when Washington makes a bet the American taxpayer is often left with the bill. The Federal Government should consider fair value and market risk before betting on companies like Solyndra. Since the financial crisis began, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac have become the financial responsibility of the Federal Government. However, the Office of Management and Budget has not accounted for the Fannie and Freddie burden. This bill will fix that mistake. If we're going to get out of this financial mess, we have to be honest about how much we're really spending. This is a commonsense reform that will help lawmakers be better stewards of our hardworking constituents' tax dollars.