Eliot Engel

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, let me just say that I have listened to everything that my good friend and colleague from Florida, Congresswoman Ros-Lehtinen, said and I concur with every word that she said. This is a very important bill. It's a very important subject, and I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the resolution (H. Res. 915) encouraging the Republic of Hungary to respect the rule of law, treat foreign investors fairly, and promote a free and independent press.

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the bill under consideration.

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, I thank my good friend from Indiana (Mr. Donnelly) for introducing this important resolution. Let me just say in 1989 Hungary joined its Central and Eastern European neighbors in throwing off the mantle of communist rule. By taking the brave and unprecedented decision in that year to open its borders to Austria and to allow East Germans to travel freely to the West, Hungary played a decisive role in bringing about the end of the Cold War. In the 20 years since, Hungary has become a member of NATO, the European Union and a strong partner of the United States. Hungary is working side-by-side with the U.S. in Afghanistan, where it leads the provincial reconstruction team in Baghlan Province, and it has been a partner in conflicts in Iraq and in the Balkans. We greatly appreciate Hungary's staunch support in these and many areas. However, we have become concerned about recent reports of possible unfair treatment of foreign investors in Hungary and possible efforts to inject politically motivated demands into the commercial process. In particular, we are concerned by the actions of the Hungarian National Radio and Television Board, ORTT, in deciding not to renew the national radio licenses for two foreign companies, one of which is American- owned, and to award them instead to two local bidders. In 1997, the ORTT awarded to the foreign companies the only two licenses to provide commercial, rather than state-owned, nationwide broadcast services. Those licenses expired on November 19 of this year. According to widespread media reporting, the two foreign companies have alleged that before their renewal bids were due, they were approached by representatives of Hungary's two leading political parties, offering to ensure their licenses would be extended if they agreed to the representatives' demands for a percentage of the company's equity and a say in editorial content. The two foreign companies refused, and the ORTT awarded the licenses to the two local bidders instead, who had submitted tenders that many outside experts have said are not commercially viable. The day following the award, the chairman of the ORTT resigned in protest, claiming that the two local bidders' contracts were flawed and economically unsound. Numerous commentators have indicated that on the face of it, the ORTT's decision clearly appears to have been politically motivated and have ignored the economic feasibility of the two local bidders' tenders. Madam Speaker, American companies have invested over $9 billion in Hungary since 1989. Hungary's economy, as with every other country, has been severely affected by the global economic downturn. We support U.S. companies' investment in Hungary, but we note that events such as this case give rise to questions about the fairness and transparency of doing business in Hungary. We welcome the Prime Minister's commitment to investigate any complaint relating to foreign investments, and the decision by the Hungarian Parliament's Constitutional and Justice Committee to set up a body to examine the radio license transaction. Hungary is a close friend and ally of the United States, and we urge the government to take all necessary steps to ensure that foreign investors are treated fairly. I urge all of my colleagues to support this important resolution. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent to split the time evenly in favor of the resolution with my colleague, Ms. Ros-Lehtinen of Florida. Parliamentary Inquiry

Mr. ENGEL. Let me just finish and I will be happy to yield. I would read the first sentence in this resolution, which says, ``Encouraging the Republic of Hungary to respect the rule of law, treat foreign investors fairly, and promote a free and independent press.'' I don't think anyone can disagree with that, not even my friend from Ohio. And I will now yield to him.

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I yield 5 minutes to the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Donnelly).

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I yield myself such time as I may consume. I just want to answer the gentleman from Ohio, for whom I have profound respect. And I want to do it by just reading what this resolution says because I don't think it implies what he thinks it implies. First of all, at the start of the resolution we talk about the brave people of Hungary and how they rose up against domination, Communist domination, Soviet domination in 1956, and whereas the Hungarian people fought bravely for freedom, democracy and human rights. And we talk about celebrating the fact that they have become a member of NATO and a member of the European Union. And at the end the bill simply says, and let me read it, ``Resolved, that the House of Representatives (1) condemns the recent action by the Hungarian National Radio and Television Board that awarded the national community radio licenses; (2) encourages the Republic of Hungary to respect the rule of law and treat foreign investors fairly; and (3) encourages the Republic of Hungary to maintain its commitment to a free and independent press.'' I don't think that implies anything; I think that it encourages them. And obviously this resolution is bipartisan. It was a company from Indiana that was wronged, and that is why you have Mr. Donnelly, Mr. Burton and Mr. Pence from different parties, but all from Indiana, very concerned about this as well. So I don't think this casts any aspersions on Hungary, its people, or its government; quite the opposite, I think clearly in the resolution it celebrates the great partnership and alliance that we have with Hungary and all the brave things that the Hungarian people did during the past 50 years. I just wanted to point that out. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I would just urge my colleagues to support this bipartisan bill. This really is not a controversial bill. This is really, with all due respect, a tempest in a teapot. I think that simply, again, I will read the first sentence----

Mr. ENGEL. Well, let me say to my friend that it is not my resolution; it is Mr. Donnelly's resolution. I don't think it is appropriate for me to strike anything. Parliamentary Inquiry

Mr. ENGEL. No, I have yielded enough.

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the author of this resolution, the gentleman from Indiana (Mr. Donnelly).

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, let me just say very quickly, it's been a pleasure to work with the gentleman from Florida (Mr. Mack), as well as the ranking member of our subcommittee. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL

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

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution. I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I move to suspend the rules and agree to the concurrent resolution (H. Con. Res. 218) expressing sympathy for the 57 civilians who were killed in the southern Philippines on November 23, 2009.

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I just would very quickly like to point out that, besides expressing our deep concern, we also express the concern about the culture of impunity that continues to exist among politicians, clans, armed forces, and other persons in the Philippines. And this calls on the United States to offer any kind of assistance, technical assistance, that we can, and we stand by the Philippine government's efforts to bring peace, rule of law, and security to the southern province.

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I yield 1 minute to the gentleman from Texas, Congressman Al Green.

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of this resolution, and I yield myself as much time as I may consume. Madam Speaker, this concurrent resolution extends our profound condolences to the people of the Philippines who witnessed the worst election-related violence in the country's recent history. I'd like to thank the chairman of our committee, Howard Berman, for his leadership in bringing this resolution before the House. On November 23, 57 civilians were killed in Maguindanao in the southern Philippines. They were on their way to file nomination papers on behalf of Ismael Mangudadatu, who intended to run against Andal Ampatuan, Jr., the son of the incumbent governor in next year's elections. Many of those killed were women and children, and at least 30 journalists were also killed, putting into question the safety of journalists and the integrity of independent journalism in the Philippines. I want to extend my deepest sympathy and support for President Gloria Macapagal Arroyo, who has taken strong measures to hold accountable those who are responsible for this atrocity, vowing that ``no effort will be spared to bring justice to the victims.'' The United States and the Philippines maintain strong bilateral ties based upon historical relations, common interests, and shared Values. This resolution underscores our commitment to its important relationship during these difficult times. Madam Speaker, I reserve the balance of my time.

Mr. ENGEL. Madam Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that all Members may have 5 legislative days to revise and extend their remarks and include extraneous material on the resolution under consideration.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. I thank my friend for yielding to me. You know, it is always amazing to me when my Republican friends lecture us about debt or fiscal responsibility when they were in the majority here for 12 years, and for six of those years they did nothing to stop the debt. They did nothing to balance the budget. And now we get lectured. But I rise in strong support of the Medicare Physician Payment Reform Act, a key component of comprehensive health insurance reform. It is providing our seniors with stable access to their trusted health care providers. Each year, due to a flawed Medicare payment policy, our physicians face mounting cuts which threaten their ability to care for the patients that depend on them, and at the 11th hour, we have done a short-term patch each and ever year. It is not a good way to run Medicare. This year we are doing it differently. We are ending that. Not only will we eliminate the scheduled 21 percent reduction, but we will replace the flawed sustainable growth rate formula which is responsible for these annual cuts with a more rational payment system. By doing so, we will preserve access to care and provide physicians with the financial stability they need. The 11th hour is not a way to do it. Our physicians face these mounting cuts, threatening their ability. This is the best way to go about it. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Affordable Health Care for All Americans Act. In my 21 year career, this is by far one of the most important votes I will take. I have spent the past ten months meeting with the people of Bronx, Rockland and Westchester Counties and have had heartbreaking stories shared with me about the inadequacies of healthcare. On this historic day, our Congress honors our country, honors our citizens, and honors our moral imperative to provide all Americans with comprehensive, affordable access to quality health care. This is the reason so many of us get up day after day after day. It is the reason why so many of us sought public office, and it is the reason why our constituents sent us to Congress--to right the wrongs of our broken healthcare system and steer our country back in the right direction. Never again will families worry late into the night over whether their pre-existing medical conditions will prevent their loved ones from getting access to health care coverage they so desperately need. Never again will insurance companies be allowed to drop coverage for those who have paid their premiums diligently, only to lose it when they get sick and need it most. Never again will families have to worry that if they lose their jobs, they will also lose their healthcare coverage. The underlying bill provides comprehensive reform to our nation's healthcare system and puts our nation back on the road to fiscal responsibility by reducing the deficit by $30 billion in the first 10 years. Regardless of who you are, or where you live, this bill provides significant benefits to all citizens. If you have health insurance, you can keep your doctor and your health plan. You like it, you keep it. It's that simple. But for those that don't have health insurance, we will change that today. Of the 46 million Americans that are uninsured, 85 percent of them are in working families. Millions of Americans desperately want to purchase health insurance and can't. They've been priced out of the system. They have been priced out of a basic desire to keep them and their families healthy. 53 percent of Americans postpone care or medication because of cost. 60 percent of bankruptcies were related to medical debt. It's unfair, unsustainable and un-American to allow this failed health care system to continue. Insurance companies have a chokehold on the market and we are breaking through that today. If you don't have health insurance, or lose your health insurance, the new health insurance exchange will provide a one stop comparison shopping market place for you of private insurance options or a new public health insurance option. While in my heart of hearts I believe a single payer system would be the best reform of our nation's health care, I have worked tirelessly over the last year to enact a strong public option. The public option included in the bill will undoubtedly inject competition into the market for better prices and coverage of quality health insurance. No longer will women be considered second class citizens when it comes to healthcare coverage. H.R. 3962 supports women's health care by ending the designation of pregnancy, domestic violence and caesarean sections as pre-existing conditions, and eliminating out-of-pocket expenses for preventive services including mammograms, well baby and well-child care visits. It also prohibits plans from charging women more for health coverage than men, and guarantees coverage for maternity care. H.R. 3962 invests in Medicare. Our seniors will see improved benefits, free preventive care, better primary care and lower drug costs. The donut hole, in which seniors pay monthly premiums for drug coverage without a drug benefit, will finally be closed. I have been fighting for this since the day we enacted the Medicare Prescription drug benefit. Young adults will have more access to affordable healthcare than ever before. Our bill allows adults to stay on their parents' healthcare plans until their 27th birthday. This measure alone will cover one out of three uninsured young adults. Additionally, small business owners will be granted access to affordable large group rates in the new insurance exchange and tax credits to help businesses insure employees across the 17th district and our nation. I met with the Rockland Small Business Association this summer and fought to make health insurance reform workable for small businesses. 98.8 percent of small business owners will pay no surcharge and 86 percent of America's businesses are exempt from the shared responsibility requirement to provide insurance. In fact, businesses with payrolls of $500,000 or below are completely exempt from provisions in H.R. 3962. Throughout this year, and in my role as the Senior New Yorker on the Energy & Commerce health subcommittee, I have worked hand and hand with Chairmen Waxman, Rangel, Miller, Majority Leader Hoyer and Speaker Pelosi to improve the underlying bill for New York State and people nationwide. Here are just a few of the provisions I was successful in inserting in the underlying bill. I am proud to have reformed the Medicaid program to serve people with HIV. Under current Medicaid rules, low-income people with HIV must wait until they are disabled by AIDS before they can get covered by Medicaid. In the House bill, states could cover all people with HIV infection under state disability income and resource levels until January 1, 2013, when the new health insurance exchange is operational, at an enhanced federal match. I worked to protect the ability of eight states, including NY to preserve Adult Day Health care programs in Medicaid. These community- based long term care programs provide comprehensive health care services in day settings. Beneficiaries are given nursing, case management, clinical management, medical, diagnostic, social, rehabilitative, recreational and personal care services on a routine, daily basis. Since my time in the New York State Assembly when I was the Chair of the Assembly Committee on Alcohol and Drug Abuse, I have been championing for mental health and substance abuse services. I worked to strengthen our capacity to serve people affected by these disorders through Federally Qualified Behavioral Health Centers. My provision will establish national standards of care for persons with serious mental illness and addiction disorders. Furthermore, new reporting and accountability standards for mental health care will better integrate its providers and services within the larger healthcare system. Many people have a family member, or are friends with someone who has autism. I worked with Rep. Doyle, the Co-Chairman of the Congressional Caucus on Autism on several provisions dear to me. We ensured that discrimination in benefits against persons with autism are prohibited by including behavioral health treatments as part of the essential benefits package in the House health reform bill. There is currently a shortage of appropriately-trained personnel who can assess, diagnose, treat and support patients with Autism Spectrum Disorders (ASD). These professionals require the most up-to-date practices to best care for those with autism and their families. And so we included a provision for the training for professionals working with children and adults with autism. I advocated to improve the healthcare for maternity and newborn care in the Medicaid program. H.R. 3962 will extend important child health quality improvement provisions to traditional-eligible childbearing women and newborns and other covered adults younger than age 65. As a result of my provision, the Secretary of Health & Human Services will collect data and make recommendations on improving care for these key populations. Finally, I was tireless in my advocacy for the Disproportionate Share Hospital (DSH) program, which assists with the cost of caring for uninsured and underinsured people at hospitals. These payments ensure that hospitals are not in financial distress from serving low-income people. We stand here as proud Americans determined and ready to transform a broken health care system into a model of care worldwide. The cost of inaction is too great. Today, we answer the call of history, and vote for health insurance reform for America. Our nation's future depends on it.

Mr. ENGEL. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of the Affordable Health Care for Americans Act. As a senior New Yorker on the Energy and Commerce Committee and on the Health Subcommittee, I am proud of the role I played in helping to make this bill a reality. On this historic day, our Congress honors our country; it honors our citizens; and it honors a moral imperative to provide all Americans with comprehensive, affordable access to quality health care. This is the reason why so many of us sought public office, and it is the reason why our constituents sent us to Congress, to right the wrongs of our broken health care system and to steer our country back in the right direction. Never again will families worry late into the night over whether their preexisting medical conditions will prevent their loved ones from getting access to the health care coverage they so desperately need. Never again will insurance companies be allowed to drop coverage for those who have paid their premiums diligently only to have their policies canceled when they get sick and need it the most. Never again will families have to worry that, if they lose their jobs, they will also lose their health care coverage. Don't believe the scare tactics you are hearing from the other side. This bill is good for seniors, good for young adults, and good for all Americans. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. ENGEL

Mr. ENGEL. I thank my friend from New York for yielding to me. I think the gentleman from Texas came out in favor of a public option, so I'm really happy about that. Madam Speaker, I rise this morning, of course, to congratulate the New York Yankees on its 27th winning of the World Series. I'm about as Bronx as you can get. I was born in the Bronx, and I've represented parts of the Bronx for the past 21 years. I still live in the Bronx. I always tease Mr. Serrano because, you know, we change district lines. Every 10 years, we get redistricted, and if we still had the 1992-2002 lines, Yankee Stadium would be in my district instead of in Mr. Serrano's. I was there at the World Series. I was there for game 6, and I can tell everyone that the celebration after the Yankees won, both in Yankee Stadium and outside of Yankee Stadium on River Avenue and 161st Street, was like New Year's Eve. I've never seen anything like it in my life. As we speak today, the Yankees are in New York, having a ticker-tape parade up Broadway. We all wish we could be there, but of course we have pressing business here in Washington, so we are in Washington, but if I could, I would be in New York for the ticker-tape parade, which is just a fantastic experience. Several years ago, I had the experience of riding in the ticker-tape parade. I am very proud of the Yankees and of what they have done. You know, the Bronx, for many years, has been maligned. Congressman Serrano and I, who both live in the Bronx, know what a wonderful borough it is, what a wonderful county it is, and what wonderful people live in the Bronx neighborhoods. Sometimes the media report on some of the negative things, and every time I go to a community meeting or see a civic association fighting for its community, I always ask, Why isn't the media here? Because this is the real Bronx. I am very, very proud of the Bronx and am very, very proud of the symbol of the Bronx--the New York Yankees. They're not called the Bronx Bombers for nothing. They're called the Bronx Bombers because they are bombers, and they're from the Bronx. I'm proud to be a Bronxite. I'm proud to live in the Bronx, and I'm proud of the New York Yankees. I know it's violating rules to put a hat on, but I'm going to do it just for 2 seconds because I think it's really important that I put this on. This hat is worn more than any other hat. We see people in far corners of the world who are wearing a Yankee hat. In Asia, in Africa, in Europe, in the Middle East, wherever we go, we see people wearing Yankee hats. So it's really a symbol of unity. It's a symbol at a time when we need unity, not only in this country but around the world. I'm just so proud of the New York Yankees--of the Bronx Bombers--and I'm proud to be a son of the Bronx.

Mr. ENGEL. Would the gentleman yield?