Bob Dold

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to thank my good friend from California for yielding the time and for her leadership on the subcommittee. Mr. Speaker, global investment grows our economy right here at home. It means good-paying, solid American jobs. The United States is the premier location around the world for companies to invest and establish operations, but the reality is that other nations are getting better at challenging the United States for foreign direct investment opportunities. In fact, the United States share of global foreign investment has declined, as my friend from California pointed out, from over 41 percent in 1999 to what is under 18 percent--actually 17.6 percent in 2009. While America still leads the way in attracting this inbound or inward investment, the data make it clear that we must do better in order to remain the premier location for global investment in the 21st century. That's why I am proud to introduce and champion H.R. 5910, the Global Investment in American Jobs Act. I urge my colleagues who are focused on improving our economy and creating American jobs to vote in support of this legislation so that it can get signed quickly by the President. The Global Investment in American Jobs Act has earned broad bipartisan support both here in the House and in the United States Senate. And I want to thank Congressman Roskam, Congressman Barrow, Congressman Peters, as well as Senators Kerry and Corker, for helping lead the push for this legislation. I also want to thank the many cosponsors who recognize how important this legislation is to growing our economy and keeping jobs here at home. This legislation provides a road map for enhancing the U.S. competitiveness and attracting foreign direct investment into the United States. It does this by expanding on an existing Commerce Department report and charges the Commerce Department to identify certain policies and regulations--whether those are in existence intentionally or, more importantly, indirectly or unintentionally--that might uniquely create a barrier for investment here in the United States. It also helps us gain a better understanding of which current policies promote this much-needed global investment into the United States and into our communities. Mr. Speaker, in Illinois, insourcing currently accounts for a little over 273,000 direct jobs, including many great jobs in the 10th District of Illinois. But it's not just in Illinois. The benefits of this inbound investment is seen in literally every State, helping us to sustain innovation, manufacturing, trade, supplier networks, and over 5 million direct jobs throughout our Nation. But with other nations actively reforming their policies in an effort to make their countries increasingly more competitive for these global investments, it's critical that the United States do the same. Promoting and encouraging global investment into our country, and the jobs that will come with it, is something that we all should promote. It is something that has been identified as key to economic growth in our country, certainly in the Chicago region, and it is something that I'm proud to lead the charge on in Congress. I urge my colleagues to vote ``yea'' on the legislation, and I want to thank my colleague from Georgia for his help and leadership as well.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, this is not what economic recovery looks like. Last Friday's painful jobs report showed for every one American job that was created, four people simply exited the labor force. In fact, the percentage of Americans participating in the labor force today is lower than it has been at any time since September 1981. Mr. Speaker, this is a national crisis. Over 23 million Americans remain unemployed, underemployed, or have simply given up looking for work. Our Nation's GDP growth was lower in this year's second quarter than the first. The average monthly jobs created is less this year than last. Washington has tried a trillion dollar stimulus, 4 straight years of trillion dollar deficits, yet unemployment has remained above 8 percent for over 43 consecutive months. The American people are honestly asking themselves: Am I better off today than I was $6 trillion ago? Mr. Speaker, we need to work together to empower businesses to create jobs and grow our economy, which is why I've introduced a bipartisan, bicameral jobs bill, the Global Investment in America Jobs Act. This isn't about politics. It's about the millions of Americans who are unemployed and seeking opportunities for a better future.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, this is a tragic day for the United States and for all people across the world who stand for freedom--the freedom of speech and religious tolerance. It is also a day that serves as a powerful reminder of why we hold these core principles, of why each generation of Americans over the past two centuries has proudly fought to preserve and advance them, and of why we must confidently answer the call to do the same today. My thoughts and prayers are with Ambassador Stevens' family and with the families of the three American diplomats murdered in the attack in Libya. There is simply no excuse or rationale to be found here. There is absolutely no justification for violence and murder against Americans. This act of terror stands in direct opposition to the freedom and liberty that we champion throughout the world. This is an extraordinarily volatile time in the Middle East. As Americans, we should expect--we should demand--nothing less than strong leadership from the United States. As is shown by the murder of American officials in Libya today, by the storming of the U.S. Embassy in Egypt yesterday and, most certainly, by Iran's flagrant march toward nuclear weapons, this is no game. I am sickened and outraged by these recent events. It is time to lead.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to join my colleagues in honoring Congressman Jerry Costello on his 24 years of service to this body and the great State of Illinois. As dean of our delegation, Congressman Costello set a great example, especially for me and other freshman Members from our State. He has been a helpful institutional resource and a strong champion for the needs of Illinois. Congressman Costello has a long tradition of legislative leadership, particularly on transportation issues. During his time in the House, he worked diligently with Members on both sides of the aisle to improve transportation infrastructure across this country. I appreciate his strong work ethic, and commitment to achieving results through a bipartisan manner, and believe this chamber and this country is better for it. Most importantly, I want to applaud Congressman Costello's unwavering commitment to his constituents in the 12th District of Illinois. For the last quarter century, he has been their strongest advocate in Congress, and the communities in southern Illinois have benefited greatly from his leadership. I would also like to recognize Congressman Costello's family--his wife, Dr. Georgia Costello, and his three children, Jerry, Gina, and John Patrick--for supporting him during his storied tenure. I wish Congressman Costello and his family all of the best as he leaves Congress, and hope that he finds happiness and fulfillment in all his future endeavors.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 2139) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in commemoration of the centennial of the establishment of Lions Clubs International, as amended.

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and add extraneous material on this bill.

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, today I rise in support of H.R. 2139, the Lions Clubs International Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act. Mr. Speaker, this bill, which authorizes the minting and issuing of commemorative coins in 2017, celebrates the 100th anniversary of the world's largest service club organization, Lions Clubs International. Lions Clubs International empowers volunteers to serve their communities, meet humanitarian needs, encourage peace, and promote international understanding through service in Lions Clubs. The Lions Club was established, Mr. Speaker, in 1917 by Chicago business leader Melvin Jones after he posed this simple question to his local business club: ``What if people put their talents to work improving their communities?'' Now headquartered in Oak Brook, Illinois, the organization has grown over the years from that simple question, Mr. Speaker, to 46,000 clubs and 1.35 million members globally. In that time, the Lions Club has organized local youth programs, taken up the banner to try to eradicate blindness, and participated in the drafting of the United Nations charter. The Lions Club has worked in countless ways to improve the lives of people all over the world, Mr. Speaker. Here are just a few of the highlights from this storied and generous organization. In 1925, Helen Keller addressed the Lions Club at their international convention in Cedar Point, Ohio. She challenged them to become the ``knights of the blind in the crusade against darkness.'' The Lions embraced this challenge and have since helped in the effort to save the sight of more than 15 million children through eye screenings, glasses, and other treatments. They have established eye care centers that have reached more than 120 million children and prevented serious vision loss for more than 30 million worldwide. In 1945, the Lions Club became the first nongovernmental organization invited to assist in the drafting of the United Nations charter. Since then, the Lions Club has worked closely with the United Nations, providing aid and manpower for the United Nations Children's Fund; the United Nations Education, Scientific, and Cultural Organization; and the World Health Organization. Mr. Speaker, this legislation does not merely recognize the accomplishments of Lions all over the world. The people who voluntarily buy Lions Club coins each will pay a surcharge on top of the cost of producing and marketing the coin. The coins will be sold at a price which will recover all taxpayer costs, and the surcharges go to the Lions Club to further its work. Mr. Speaker, this legislation recognizes and celebrates the accomplishments of a truly selfless organization and all of its members, who give so much of themselves each and every day. I am proud to be one of the 292 cosponsors of this bill and of the 69 senators who have sponsored the companion bill introduced by my good friend, Senator Moran of Kansas. I look forward to its swift passage in this House and over in the Senate, and I want to make sure that it gets to the President's desk for signature. With that, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I yield 3 minutes to another Member from the State of Illinois, the chief deputy whip, (Mr. Roskam).

Mr. DOLD. I just want to wrap up by saying it is indeed an honor to be able to stand up here in a bipartisan way to pay tribute to literally the millions of members of the Lions Club that are doing such great work all across the globe. Mr. Speaker, I have no further requests for time, and I yield back the balance of my time. U.S. House of Representatives, Committee on Ways and Means, Washington, DC, August 1, 2012. Hon. Spencer Bachus, Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Bachus, I am writing concerning H.R. 2139, the ``Lions Clubs International Century of Service Commemorative Coin Act,'' which is scheduled for floor action the week of July 30, 2012. As you know, the Committee on Ways and Means maintains jurisdiction over matters that concern raising revenue. H.R. 2139 contains a provision that establishes a surcharge for the sale of commemorative coins that are minted under the bill, and this falls within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means. However, as part of our ongoing understanding regarding commemorative coin bills and in order to expedite this bill for floor consideration, the Committee will forgo action. This is being done with the understanding that it does not in any way prejudice the Committee with respect to the appointment of conferees or its jurisdictional prerogatives on this or similar legislation in the future. I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 2139, and would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration. Sincerely, Dave Camp, Chairman.

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

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science for 100 years of educating and training physicians and health care providers. Since they opened their doors in 1912, Rosalind Franklin has had a nondiscrimination policy in place and has embraced a diverse student body. These students have gone on to treat patients throughout the world and contribute to vital research. At Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science, their focus is on interprofessional education, where students are encouraged to learn and share experiences with members of the health care team outside of their chosen profession. This provides a strong foundation for graduates of the program and enriches their clinical practice. The president, Dr. Michael Welch, has received numerous accolades for his leadership, including winning the 10th District Congressional Leadership Award for education this year. I want to congratulate Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science for an impressive 100 years of educating some of our best and brightest health care providers, and for giving back to the community and working to better the world around them.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. I certainly want to thank the chairwoman for her leadership on this very important issue. I also want to thank the ranking member for his bipartisan leadership as well. Mr. Speaker, I believe that a nuclear-armed Iran is actually the greatest threat we have to our own national security here at home. This issue is not a right versus left issue; this is a right versus wrong issue. Mr. Speaker, this legislation is significant in its seriousness and its scope. By blacklisting virtually all of Iran's energy, banking, and transportation sectors, and specifically targeting those who enable Iran's attempted evasion of sanctions, this legislation sends a powerful signal to the Iranian regime that they should not ever question the resolve of the United States Congress to do what is necessary to confront Iran's illicit nuclear ambitions. This legislation is the product of bipartisan efforts and hard work of many people, and I certainly appreciate Chairman Ros-Lehtinen's and Ranking Member Berman's focus to try to get this passed as quickly as possible. I'm pleased to have contributed to strengthening this sanctions package with bipartisan proposals that I introduced with Representative Deutch from Florida, whom we just heard from, that declare the Iranian energy sector a ``zone of proliferation concern,'' and which will enhance the human rights portion of the bill. I also want to note the significant contributions by Senator Mark Kirk, who has been a consistent champion and leader on the forcefulness of Iran sanctions. I look forward to this legislation's passage today and implementation with urgency by the administration, and I look to continue to work with my colleagues in Congress on this issue until we can affirm that the Iranian regime is no longer pursuing a nuclear weapons capability. I urge adoption of this resolution and for the immediate implementation by this administration.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. I certainly thank the chairman for his leadership on this. Mr. Speaker, I'm confused. I think my colleagues on the other side of the aisle haven't read what H.R. 8 is. They keep talking about how my colleagues and I are looking to try to raise taxes on a segment of the population. Actually, what this does is extend current tax rates for everyone--for every single American. I can tell you that, for people all across the country right now, foreclosures are up. They're concerned about how they will send their kids to school. We've got energy prices that are on the rise. We want to make sure that the government is not taking more from them. I have to tell you that I think what we're talking about right now is trying to empower the American people. We want to make sure that we have upward mobility. We want to try to create growth in our economy. Mr. Speaker, in 2010, the President of the United States came before the American public and said that our economy was too fragile. The President said that our economy is fragile and that we should extend these tax rates. That's when the economy was growing at 3\1/2\ percent, Mr. Speaker. The Commerce Department just came out with statistics that we are growing at 1\1/2\ percent today. There is no way in the world that we should be taking more out of the pockets of the American public. It's just not feasible. Two-thirds of all net new jobs are created by small businesses, but this isn't just for small businesses--this is for every single American. We're running the experiment today. If you want to talk about higher taxes--more taking in the State of Illinois--if you want to take a look at what's going on in the State of Illinois, we are dead last in too many categories. We are not creating jobs. Jobs are picking up and they're going to neighboring States. They're leaving because we've decided to take more from hardworking taxpayers in the State of Illinois. What we want to do is to make sure that we extend these for an additional year so that we can have real tax reform. That's what this is about. We want to talk about pro-growth tax policies so that we can get the American public back to work. This is about jobs and the economy. Frankly, I tip my hat to my colleagues because, when I talk to my colleagues on the other side of the aisle, they also indicate to me that the number one issue is jobs and the economy.

Mr. DOLD. Let's come together. Let's not talk about how we want to raise taxes on the middle class because, frankly, that's just inaccurate, not true. We are looking to try to make sure these get extended for an additional year so that we can talk about pro-growth tax reform and get people off of the unemployment lines and back to work. So I applaud you for trying to get up there and plead your political point, but we need to come together. We need to make this happen for the American public.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and pass the bill (H.R. 3187) to require the Secretary of the Treasury to mint coins in recognition and celebration of the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the March of Dimes Foundation, as amended.

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, at this time, I would like to yield 2 minutes to my good friend, the gentlewoman from Illinois (Mrs. Biggert).

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days in which to revise and extend their remarks and to add extraneous materials on this bill.

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 3187, the March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act of 2011. I'm proud to have introduced this bill and to have worked closely with my friend and colleague from New York, Congresswoman Nita Lowey. This legislation authorizes the minting and issue in 2015 of a commemorative coin honoring the 75th anniversary of the March of Dimes and recognizes their landmark accomplishments in maternal and child health. Surcharges on the sales of these special coins will fund critical research and programs to support healthy mothers, healthy infants, and healthy families nationwide. Mr. Speaker, it's summertime across our Nation, and back home in our districts, children are playing outside with friends or are going swimming at the pool. But more than 75 years ago, children stayed indoors during the summer. Their parents wouldn't let them go to the park or to the pool because of outbreaks of polio. Polio back then could strike any child, and no one knew what the cause was. The March of Dimes is a nonprofit organization that was founded in 1938 by President Franklin Delano Roosevelt, with a mission to eradicate polio. In FDR's day, polio was an epidemic disease that paralyzed or killed up to 52,000 Americans, mostly children, every year. Even the President had polio. So during the Great Depression, citizens sent dimes--4 billion of them--to the White House to fund polio research. That effort funded the research by Doctors Salk and Sabin that produced the vaccines that have eradicated polio in the United States and in much of the world. In the quest for a vaccine, the March of Dimes supported many other research milestones in newborn and child health. For example, in 1953, Francis Crick and March of Dimes grantee Dr. James D. Watson identified the double helix structure of DNA and, in 1962, won the Nobel Prize for mapping the human genome. Another research breakthrough came in the 1960s when the March of Dimes supported research that developed the first screening test for PKU, a rare metabolic genetic disorder that causes intellectual disabilities. Since that time, the March of Dimes has led the effort to expand newborn screening. Now every baby born in the United States receives screening for dozens of conditions that have the potential to cause catastrophic health problems or death if not detected or treated promptly at birth. Today the March of Dimes is leading the national effort to reduce premature birth. Every year, nearly 500,000 infants are born far too soon. In my home State of Illinois, almost 13 percent of all infants are born prematurely. Preterm birth is the leading cause of death among newborns. Many of those who survive face a lifetime of serious health problems, including cerebral palsy, intellectual disabilities, chronic lung disease, and vision and hearing loss. Preterm delivery can happen to any pregnant woman, and in nearly half of the cases, no one knows why. The March of Dimes National Prematurity Campaign funds a robust portfolio of research and education programs designed to unveil the causes and address the risk factors of preterm birth. For example, the March of Dimes is working with hospitals to implement best practices that discourage early elective deliveries before 39 completed weeks of pregnancy. Thanks to the dedication of the March of Dimes and others, the United States has seen a decline in the prematurity rate for 4 consecutive years. Mr. Speaker, the March of Dimes has an extraordinary history of achievement. More than 4 million infants are born every year in the United States, and the March of Dimes helps each and every one through research, education, vaccines, and breakthroughs. The commemorative coin will help fund these vitally important activities. H.R. 3187 has broad bipartisan support in both Chambers of the Congress, with 304 cosponsors here in the House and 68 in the United States Senate. This legislation complies with all statutory requirements for the commemorative coin program, and the coins will be produced at no cost to the American taxpayer. To claim the surcharges, the March of Dimes will raise matching funds form private sources. Mr. Speaker, I am proud to have sponsored this bipartisan bill, and I would like to thank the Congresswoman from New York, Representative Lowey, for her steadfast leadership and hard work to see this day become a reality. I would also like to thank Chairman Spencer Bachus and Ranking Member Barney Frank for helping to get this bill to the floor today. I also want to thank my friend from Georgia, for him managing time on the other side today and for his leadership as well. Mr. Speaker, for 75 years, the March of Dimes has dedicated itself to helping all infants get a healthy start in life, which is what I think is very, very important. I ask my colleagues to join me in voting for H.R. 3187, the March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, before I yield, I do want to just thank my good friend from Georgia (Mr. Scott) for his leadership and support of the March of Dimes. He talked a little bit about the recent fundraiser that the March of Dimes held, where Members of Congress actually were cooking for this fundraiser. What he failed to mention was that I believe Mr. Scott--and Mrs. Scott, for that matter--actually won the cooking contest. So thank you again. It was one of the few places I know we went back for seconds. I really appreciate that.

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, in closing, I just want to again commend my colleague. This is a bipartisan bill, broad bipartisan support, talking about the Commemorative Coin Act for the March of Dimes, truly a wonderful organization that really helps protect our nearest and dearest, our children. I just want to thank my colleagues for their leadership and support, and urge swift passage. I yield back the balance of my time. Committee on Ways and Means, House of Representatives, Washington, DC, August 1, 2012. Hon. Spencer Bachus, Chairman, Committee on Financial Services, Rayburn House Office Building, Washington, DC. Dear Chairman Bachus: I am writing concerning H.R. 3187, the ``March of Dimes Commemorative Coin Act of 2011,'' which is scheduled for floor action the week of July 30, 2012. As you know, the Committee on Ways and Means maintains jurisdiction over matters that concern raising revenue. H.R. 3187 contains a provision that establishes a surcharge for the sale of commemorative coins that are minted under the bill, and this falls within the jurisdiction of the Committee on Ways and Means. However, as part of our ongoing understanding regarding commemorative coin bills and in order to expedite this bill for floor consideration, the Committee will forgo action. This is being done with the understanding that it does not in any way prejudice the Committee with respect to the appointment of conferees or its jurisdictional prerogatives on this or similar legislation in the future. I would appreciate your response to this letter, confirming this understanding with respect to H.R. 3187, and would ask that a copy of our exchange of letters on this matter be included in the Congressional Record during floor consideration. Sincerely, Dave Camp, Chairman.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to take from the Speaker's table the bill (S. 3363) to provide for the use of National Infantry Museum and Soldier Center Commemorative Coin surcharges, and for other purposes, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, I certainly want to echo the comments of the esteemed chairman from the Rules Committee about the effects the Russian PNTR is going to have for American businesses. It really is going to allow us to compete more on a level playing field. Mr. Speaker, I rise today also to recognize Bell Flavors & Fragrances of Northbrook, Illinois, who tomorrow will celebrate their 100-year anniversary on July 25. This is, indeed, a remarkable achievement and something that we should celebrate. Mr. James Heintz and his team at Bell Flavors & Fragrances are innovating and selling products that satisfy the needs of their customers. And their customers, Mr. Speaker, are literally all over the world. Headquartered in Northbrook, Illinois, Bell Flavors & Fragrances has sales offices in 40 countries around the world and tailors its products to meet the regional demands of its consumers. Bell is one of the many small businesses in my district that has utilized the Export-Import Bank. They've utilized it this year to support their export operations. As a member of the Financial Services Committee and a strong supporter of the Export-Import Bank, I'm proud that here in Congress we were able to work together on a broad, bipartisan basis to reauthorize the Export-Import Bank. So many of our small and medium-sized businesses rely on support of the Export-Import Bank in order to more efficiently and effectively compete in the global marketplace. Mr. Speaker, we don't always spend enough time, effort, or energy here in Washington, D.C., celebrating business growth and success. So today on behalf of the residents of the 10th District of Illinois, I want to congratulate the wonderful people who make up Bell Flavors & Fragrances on their centennial anniversary.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Will the gentleman yield?

Mr. DOLD. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, we're focused on finding savings in every area of government spending. Without a doubt, the Defense Department has made significant and painful contributions to our efforts to reduce the debt, and I want to make sure that we recognize that. The Defense budget actually accounts for roughly 17 percent of all Federal spending, yet it has contributed over 50 percent of the deficit reduction. I do want to recognize that we're already cutting a significant amount of money, Mr. Chairman, out of the Department of Defense. We need to be looking at commonsense ways for us to be able to save money. This amendment is about promoting efficiency in the Department of Defense and achieving valued savings wherever possible. The amount of funds provided in this bill for these ships is $1 billion above the Navy's own budget request. In the spirit of seeking to achieve cost savings throughout this government, I believe it's appropriate for us to act consistent with the Navy's view of allowing the competitive bidding process to play out, which, as the Navy acquisition executive has testified, may very well allow the Navy to acquire its 10th ship at lesser amounts included in the Navy's budget request. If these bids come back and a 10th ship cannot be realized this year, I'm certainly supportive of providing additional resources next year for the 10th ship. But I do believe we should allow the Navy to operate and try to maintain at lower costs while achieving our Nation's security.

Mr. DOLD

Mr. DOLD. Mr. Speaker, this week I welcomed 26 new citizens to this country. It was an inspirational event, and I'm so proud of all they have been able to accomplish. These individuals have worked hard to become citizens, and they are poised to go on and fulfill the American Dream. There is no doubt that times are tough, and yet these individuals have persevered despite all of the obstacles. As families all over the Nation are struggling with the lagging economy, we must remain focused on job creation and economic growth. As part of my Main Street jobs agenda, I'm focused on bringing opportunities such as STEM education for our students and for those looking for work. As part of this effort, I've cosponsored the bipartisan, bicameral Startup Act 2.0. The United States is the higher education destination for the world. This is a testament to the strength of these institutions and the value of the degrees. But too often, foreign students come here to learn, and then have little choice but to return to their home countries after they are through. Students with advanced degrees in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics are forced to go home with that knowledge, with the ideas and aspirations, aspirations to change the world and bring new technologies. Many of them want to stay here to make something of themselves here in our country because it is still the best place for ideas to become realities. And what we do is we force them to go back to their own country, to compete against us here in the United States. These ideas become solutions which, in turn, become job-creating companies. According to a study by the National Foundation for American Policy, immigrants founded or cofounded almost half of the top 50 venture-backed companies in the United States. Since our Nation's founding, Mr. Speaker, immigrants have flourished, along with our economy. America becomes a richer and more dynamic society by encouraging the best and the brightest from all over the world to set up shop here on our soil. That is why I'm honored to cosponsor the bipartisan, bicameral Startup Act 2.0 that will help get Americans back to work, and I encourage my colleagues to do the same. America becomes a richer and more dynamic society by encouraging the best and the brightest from all over the world to come here to our country. The people I welcomed as new citizens this week do not have time for gridlock in Washington, Mr. Speaker. The American public doesn't have time for gridlock in Washington. We must move forward and find common ground to help the millions of Americans who are working toward their American Dream, to help them get back to work.