Bob Etheridge

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 5486, Small Business Jobs Tax Relief Act. Small businesses form the backbone of our economy, and this bill helps them grow and create jobs. H.R. 5486 incentivizes people to invest in small business by increasing the capital gains tax cut. In addition, this bill would make it easier for entrepreneurs looking to start their own small business. H.R. 5486 would quadruple the tax deduction for your start-up and allow more businesses to qualify for the maximum deduction. These entrepreneurs can recover more startup expenses, and then work towards growing, expanding, and hiring new workers. I have always been a supporter of budget discipline, and the investments we make in this bill are fully paid for. These small business tax measures are paid for by tightening rules for claiming the biofuels tax credit and the estate and gift tax rules. I am pleased that we are able to help grow our economy and reduce the national budget deficit. While there is solid evidence that the economy is beginning to rebound, the recovery is on shaky footing. Across North Carolina, unemployment is still in the double digits and some counties in the Second District still have unemployment rates of up to 13 percent. Helping private industry create jobs needs to be our top priority, and small businesses are responsible for as many as two out of every three jobs created in our country. This bill provides tax relief to help small businesses create the jobs that we desperately need, and helps them help Main Street America. As a Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, I support tax cuts that help small businesses contribute to our economic recovery. This should be a bipartisan effort, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for its passage.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Chair, I rise today in support of H.R. 5136 the Fiscal Year 2011 Defense Authorization Appropriations Act. It is fitting that we are considering this bill on the Friday before Memorial Day. In my state of North Carolina, patriotism never went out of style. We were patriotic before patriotism was cool. With Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base, other bases and our Guard and Reserve, units in my district, America's service members are our friends and neighbors, sons and daughters. We swell with pride at the work being done by our service members in Iraq, Afghanistan, and elsewhere. As we pray for their safe and speedy return, we also remember those veterans who came before them, who served their country and protected our freedom throughout history. I am proud every single day, not only on Memorial Day. Mr. Chair, this bill recognizes the service of our men and women in uniform, and gives our troops the resources they need. It provides $567 billion to the Department of Defense and Department of Energy, and commits $139 billion for today's active operations. In terms of future security, the bill strengthens our counterterrorism efforts, providing our military with the additional tools they need to disrupt, dismantle, and defeat al Qaeda and its extremist allies. Of particular importance to Fort Bragg, which houses the Special Operations Command, it enhances our capacity to directly act against terrorist forces. It also brings warfare into the information age by integrating cybersecurity protection with the protection of physical security. H.R. 5136 strengthens protection for our troops at home and abroad, and increases support for our soldiers and their families. It honors our covenant with the Guard and Reserve by raising their pay and by investing in new equipment. It strenthens our compact with the citizen soldier, so that when Guard and Reserve are called to active duty that they have the equipment and training they need to be effective. The bill contains an amendment that I offered with Congressman Larry Kissell and Congressman Sanford Bishop that reinforces the pact between the communities that host the military bases and the Department of Defense. The change confirms Congress' commitment to the quality of life of America's soldiers, officers, civilians and their families. While the Office of Economic Adjustment in the Department of Defense is tasked with providing technical and financial assistance to communities affected by Defense adjustments, there are often community needs that cannot be financed in a timely manner with local resources. Our amendment makes sure that Office now has the full authority required to fulfill its mission. The Department now has clear authority to roll up its sleeves, so the Department can help out while the changes are happening. I appreciate Chairman Skelton's willingness to accept this amendment, and I hope that we can work together to fund those needs. Mr. Chair, the members of our armed forces give so much to our country. Whatever we ask, even for the ultimate sacrifice, we know will be given. On the eve of our Memorial Day observation, I urge my colleagues to join me in voting yes on this bill, ensuring that our military is fully prepared for threats and challenges worldwide and that our troops get the benefits they deserve and have earned.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Jesse Clifton Alphin, Sr., for his continued service to his community, county and state. Jesse Alphin has been my friend for many years, and I am pleased to be able to honor him in recognition of his 90th birthday. Jesse had held many important posts throughout his career, including Rotary Club president, member and chairman of the Harnett County Board of Commissioners, and, notably, the less formal position as a prominent businessman and leader in Harnett County. A resident of Dunn, North Carolina, Jesse established Alphin Brothers, Inc. in 1947 and has since grown this small family-owned general store into a federally inspected meat manufacturer and food distributor. Alphin Brothers, Inc. provides meat to both small mom-n- pops diners and drive-ins and large distributors and corporate food conglomerates, testimony to its success in the food distribution business. Jesse's integral business leadership in Harnett County has resulted in hundreds of jobs and opportunities for fellow North Carolinians, in addition to quality food and service for over 50 years. Jesse's strong presence in the business community is matched by his leadership in his church, his community, and as a dedicated family man. His philanthropic endeavors include work with the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, Campbell University, and other civic projects to foster the local school system. Jesse's untiring commitment to his wife of over 69 years, Allene, and his children make him a man to be admired. It is a true testament of a man's success to look at the success of his family, and I can honestly say his family has sure shown him to be a mighty successful man. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing Jesse Clifton Alphin, Sr., a man who truly lived the American dream and is still living it. A great friend to me and to North Carolina, I take the time today to wish Jesse a happy birthday and many more.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4213, American Jobs, Closing Tax Loopholes, and Preventing Outsourcing Act. After losing over $17 trillion in total household wealth over the last 18 months of the Bush Administration, we have finally started on the path to economic growth. Thanks to the efforts of this Congress, we have had two straight months of job creation. Job losses have slowed dramatically, plummeting housing prices have stabilized, and our economy is beginning to produce again. Earlier this week, the Congressional Budget Office released a new report highlighting the job- creating impact of the Recovery Act. According to the CBO report, the Recovery Act boosted the Nation's economy by up to 4.2% in the first quarter of the year and has already supported as many as 2.8 million jobs. However, the recovery is fragile and we must continue to help businesses and individuals who are struggling. H.R. 4213 builds on earlier efforts to create jobs and support small businesses. The most important thing we can do to bolster our economy is to help provide opportunity to everyone who is willing to work hard to make the most of their God-given abilities. Earlier this week I visited two local businesses in North Carolina. I visited a coffee shop that is thriving after receiving a loan from the Small Business Administration, SBA, and a high tech company that is looking to grow. This bill includes a provision to extend the waiver of SBA fees and an extension of the Research and Development tax credit that boosts high tech companies like those in the Research Triangle Park. Among the other tax credits that aid small businesses, H.R. 4213 includes a provision that extends the special cost recovery period for restaurants and retail businesses that are growing and making capital purchases. This bill also extends the successful Build America Bonds initiative that has led to billions of dollars of infrastructure improvements around the country and thousands of new jobs. It supports summer jobs initiatives that provide young people with employment and prepare them for productive work in the private sector. It supports job creation in the energy sector, so that America remains at the forefront of technology and reduces its dependence on foreign oil. There are so many good provisions in this bill that it is hard to list them all, but I would like to call attention to two specific benefits that particularly affect North Carolina's second district. For years I have been working to correct an issue that prevents veterans from receiving the benefits they were promised and which they deserve on the basis of their service. I am proud to represent a large number of veterans in my district and many of these North Carolinians deserve ``concurrent receipt'' that allows our veterans to collect both disability and retirement pay. This bill provides concurrent receipt for the next 2 years. I have also fought to make sure that North Carolina's farmers, so hard-hit by the current economic downturn, receive support so that local agriculture can continue to provide quality food to America's dinner tables. As one of the Nation's leading poultry producers, North Carolina needs the agriculture disaster support provided by this bill, including assistance I demanded for poultry farmers who suffered catastrophic losses during this recession. Let us continue to empower Americans on Main Street. I support helping our hard-working Americans and strengthening our economy. I support H.R. 4213, the American Jobs, Closing Tax Loopholes, and Preventing Outsourcing Act, and I urge my colleagues to join me in voting for its passage.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Chairman, I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise today in support of the en bloc amendments to the National Defense Authorization Act and in support of the underlying bill. We in North Carolina are rightly proud of our military, and we understand that as they serve us, we must provide them with what they need to get their job done. This bill does just that, authorizing funds for troops, for our veterans, and for our military families. My amendment, which I offered with my colleagues Mr. Kissell and Mr. Bishop of Georgia, would enhance our support for the military and the communities they live in. It would reinforce Congress' commitment to the quality of life for America's soldiers, officers, civilians, and their families. Supporting our troops means supporting military families and the communities they call home. Military facilities bring significant benefits to our communities, but they also bring significant strain on those communities. Our amendment clarifies that when the military plans rapid growth in an area, the Department can join with the affected community to prepare for that growth. It empowers our communities to make strategic planned investments to respond to the strategic planned transition for BRAC. I thank the chairman for including it in the en bloc amendment, and I urge my colleagues to support the amendment and the authorization bill.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to call on this Congress to put the interests of the average American ahead of corporate special interests. In this tough economy, my three top priorities are jobs, jobs, jobs. That's true for America. We must provide opportunity to everyone who is willing to work hard to make the best of their God- given ability. There is an important piece of legislation on the House floor this week that will help to get our economy going and boost jobs. Yesterday, I visited a coffee shop in Raleigh, North Carolina, that's thriving now after getting an SBA loan from the Small Business Administration. I also visited a North Carolina high-tech company yesterday. Even in this tough economy they're growing, adding jobs, and hiring. And they're counting on the R&D tax credit. We need to act to empower local folks on the ground and get our economy running again. It's time to put aside politics to focus on the next generation rather than the next election.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise today in support of Early Detection Month for cancer. The House and Senate have concurred in a resolution that I introduced honoring Early Detection Month which is the current month, the month of May. Across the country, individuals and groups are organizing events to raise public awareness of cancer screening and early detection so that any person who gets cancer has a chance at survival. It is fitting that Mother's Day should be celebrated during Early Detection Month because our mothers, our sisters and our daughters are the victims of the second most common form of cancer, breast cancer. Just as it is for other forms of cancer, early detection is the key to reducing deaths from breast cancer. The 1 in 8 Foundation is one of the leading groups working to fight against cancer, and it is solely focused on early detection. From its headquarters in Cary, North Carolina, Ken Vrana is working to make sure women and men across this country are aware of the difference that early detection can make in the course of cancer. The foundation is engaged in educating and motivating people to become more proactive about their health and live longer. In fact, the concurrent resolution that honors the efforts of Early Detection Month for breast cancer and all forms of cancer only came about because of Ken and the foundation's efforts. I know personally the difference that early detection can make. Several years ago, I was diagnosed with melanoma. My cancer was found early because I saw my doctor regularly. I am living proof of the importance of early detection. As a cancer survivor myself, I want to enable all Americans to have the knowledge and access to care that early detection of cancer provides so that it can be treated, and cancer survivors can lead long and healthy lives. Every year, almost 2 million Americans are diagnosed with cancer. Tragically, more than one-quarter of these cases result in death. Early detection can help patients get early treatment. It can stop the spread of the disease before it becomes untreatable or before it requires expensive medical treatment and can be the difference between life and death. Early detection saves tens of thousands of lives annually but also greatly reduces the financial strain on the government and private health care services. For many common cancers, when the disease is caught early, nine out of 10 patients can be saved. Unfortunately, tens of thousands of people every year are diagnosed with advanced cancer, and all too often, they face painful treatments and poor chances of survival. Through forward- looking investment of taxpayer dollars, we have made great strides in cancer research, but treatment often needs to be provided early if we want cancer victims to become cancer survivors. Organizations like the 1 in 8 Foundation work tirelessly to promote early detection so that folks can do more than survive cancer; they can regain the full and active life they always enjoyed. Organizations like the 1 in 8 Foundation fights to make sure that Mother's Day is a happy day because moms get the caring treatment they need before it is too late. Madam Speaker, early detection reduces the tragedy of cancer deaths in America. I urge my colleagues to join me in fighting cancer, a disease that has claimed so many lives, but with support for early detection, it can be beaten, and more people will survive.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise in strong support of H. Res. 1361, which celebrates the centennial anniversary of North Carolina Central University, NCCU. Even in a state like North Carolina, which is blessed with many fine colleges and universities and which honors and respects higher education, NCCU stands out. It was recently ranked as one of the top HBCUs in the nation. Central has been responsible for the education of many distinguished North Carolinians. To name just a few, these include civil rights lawyer and educator Julius L. Chambers, basketball Hall of Famer Sam Jones, two- time Olympic track gold medalist Lee Calhoun, and former U.S. Congresswoman Eva Clayton. More personally, several of my staffers or former staffers received a fine education at Central. Carolyn Smith, who has served as a district representative in Raleigh for nearly a decade now, received two degrees in Public Administration from NCCU. Former staffers Courtney Crowder, Mercedes Rustucha, and Jake Parker also studied there. Central has survived and thrived for 100 years because of its dedication to the education of all Americans. As its founder, Dr. James E. Shepard, said, ``Education is a vastly expensive resource, but ignorance is incomparably more so.'' Our nation is well-served by its investments in education and by its commitment to fine institutions like NCCU. Madam Speaker, I am proud to be a cosponsor of this resolution. I commend my colleague, Congressman David Price for his leadership in authoring this measure, and I urge my colleagues to join me in celebrating 100 years of educational greatness in central North Carolina by voting yes on H. Res. 1361.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of a resolution that was on the floor earlier which I introduced with my friend Congressman David Price and which honors the historic and community significance of the Chatham County Courthouse in Pittsboro, North Carolina. I would like to thank Majority Leader Hoyer, Judiciary Committee Chairman Conyers, Subcommittee Chairman Johnson, and really the entire North Carolina delegation, each of whom helped bring this important resolution to the floor. On March 25 of this year, a tragic fire struck and almost totally destroyed the Chatham County Courthouse, which has been a beacon of justice and the rule of law for over 100 years. Anyone who has ever driven through Pittsboro, around the traffic circle surrounding the courthouse, can attest to its beauty and how central its presence has been to the Pittsboro community, the county, and the State of North Carolina. The entire community rose to its defense as the fire blazed and even now is working to rebuild it. Thanks to the heroic actions of the firefighters, first responders, community leaders, and Chatham County citizens, I am confident that Pittsboro will again have a courthouse that the town and the county can be proud of. I would like to particularly recognize some of the leaders who were instrumental in managing and alleviating this unexpected tragedy and really kept the building from being totally destroyed: Thomas Bender, who is the Chatham County fire marshal; Daryl Griffin, Pittsboro fire chief, and all of the adjoining fire departments that came to help; David Collins, Pittsboro police chief; Richard H. Webster, sheriff of Chatham County; Randy Voller, mayor of the town of Pittsboro; Larry Chisolm, Chatham County district attorney; Allen Baddour, superior court judge, Chatham County District 15B; and the entire Chatham County board of commissioners who rallied, who stood the streets, who brought the community together. I ask my colleagues, as this resolution comes to the floor, to join me in honoring these North Carolina leaders and those who love the community of Pittsboro and the Chatham County Courthouse, a cultural icon and a landmark that will not easily be forgotten. By supporting this resolution, it will be rebuilt by the people of Chatham County.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor the life of Congressman Ike Andrews, who passed away on May 10, 2010. A former lawyer and public servant, Mr. Andrews will be remembered for his lifelong dedication to his community and the State of North Carolina. Ike Andrews was born in Bonlee, NC in western Chatham County and always kept a piece of Bonlee is his heart. Ike's father ran the hardware store in town, and his mother was a school teacher, instilling the importance of community in Ike from a young age. At the age of 18, Ike enlisted and served as a field artillery forward observer in World War II. Wounded by enemy gunshot in the Battle of the Bulge, Ike was hospitalized in Scotland when the war ended. Ike traveled to London to No. 10 Downing Street to witness British Prime Minister Winston Churchill announce the German surrender. During his military service from 1943-1945, he attained the rank of Master Sergeant and received a Bronze Star and Purple Heart. After the war, Ike Andrews pursued an education at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill where he garnered both undergraduate and law degrees. Mr. Andrews opened a law practice in Siler City, NC, where he was elected district attorney and prosecuted criminal cases in Chatham, Orange, and Alamance counties. Mr. Andrews was always serving his community, and he took a further step in 1959 with election to the North Carolina Senate. He later served 4 terms in the North Carolina House of Representatives. In 1972, Mr. Andrews was elected to the first of 6 terms in the U.S. House of Representatives where he would be remembered for his dedication to education, the elderly and long-term care. He never forgot his home, and continued to spend warm Sunday afternoons on his front porch in Bonlee throughout his public service. Ike served in the U.S. House until 1985, then resumed practicing law in Siler City, and retired to Chapel Hill, NC. Mr. Andrews is survived by his wife, JoAnne Andrews, his daughter, Alice Andrews Joyce and her husband Bob, and his grandchildren, Kevin Joyce and Laura Joyce. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in honoring the life of former Congressman Ike Andrews, a North Carolina leader who served his community, his state and his country, while always keeping his Bonlee spirit and values in his heart. It is fitting that we honor him and his family today.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to recognize a friend to education and a leader among leaders who hails from my home state of North Carolina. Laura Bingham's service as President of Peace College officially began on July 1, 1998, but her leadership skills were forged and honed many years before. Laura was born and raised in Kings Mountain, North Carolina and is a 1977 graduate of Peace College. My colleagues in the House are well aware of how seriously we take our basketball in North Carolina and Laura Bingham has solid credentials from some of the top hoops institutions around. She earned her B.A. in Political Science from UNC Chapel Hill, a Master of Arts in Philanthropic Studies from Indiana University and completed coursework at Duke University and North Carolina State University. She cut her teeth in public service by helping lead major health, education, economic, environment and intergovernmental policy initiatives with my friend, former Lt. Governor Bob Jordan. Bingham served as director of a 1983 Governor's Conference on Women and the Economy for Governor Jim Hunt which was considered the first of its kind in the nation that yielded 125 policy recommendations. Since her appointment as President of Peace College in 1998, student enrollment has increased; the academic curriculum has grown, with Peace offering the first undergraduate major in Leadership Studies in North Carolina and an innovative teacher education partnership with Wake County Schools; and the campus footprint expanded to address the growth and provide enhancements. In 2007, Peace College celebrated its Sesquicentennial and launched a $30 million fund-raising campaign to boost academic and student endowments and fund new science labs, library renovation, and a campus commons. Laura plays an active leadership role in civic, business, educational, and philanthropic endeavors, including The Fifty Group and the World President's Organization, and serves as vice chair for the North Carolina Independent Colleges and Universities, as a Director of the Downtown Raleigh Alliance, and in 2008 became the first woman chair of Leadership North Carolina. As chair of Leadership North Carolina, Laura has helped shepherd the organization through one of the worst financial periods many of us can remember and positioned the program's sustainability for years to come. The measure of a good leader is the legacy they leave behind. Laura Bingham leaves North Carolina with 750 informed and engaged leaders to take the baton and help craft our state's future. Madam Speaker, at the conclusion of this academic year, Laura Bingham will complete her tenure as President of Peace College and Chair of Leadership North Carolina. We cannot afford a void in leadership at this point in our nation's history and Laura's work at Peace and with Leadership North Carolina has been focused on engaging, challenging and informing future leaders. I join the Board of Directors of Leadership North Carolina in recognizing Laura for her leadership, vision and determination. As the proud grandfather to two and soon to be three granddaughters, I am grateful for the example Laura has set for women from every corner of our state and the opportunities she has provided through the gift of education. She is the embodiment of our state's motto Esse Quam Videri, to be rather than to seem, and I ask all my colleagues to join me in thanking Laura Bingham for her service to North Carolina.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Chair, I rise today to support the Home Star Energy Retrofit Act of 2010, H.R. 5019. This legislation is an essential step to help Americans save on their energy bills while spurring the creation of good jobs and the development of new green industries that will help drive our nation's economic recovery and help us achieve a degree of energy independence. I commend Representative Welch for sponsoring this very important piece of legislation, which is bipartisan and supported by many pro- business and environmental organizations including the National Association of Manufacturers, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, the National Association of Home Builders, Home Depot, Laborers' International Union of North America, Natural Resources Defense Council, and the Home Star Coalition with over 1000 business and organization members nationwide. These groups agree that Home Star will spur much-needed consumer demand for energy-efficient products and building materials by providing significant and immediate rebates for home energy-efficient renovations. As a result, Home Star will quickly create jobs in the manufacturing, distribution and sale of energy- efficient products. These kinds of jobs are good for America, as construction jobs cannot be outsourced and 90 percent of the energy saving products needed for Home Star, including windows, doors, and insulation, are manufactured in the USA. In fact, according to a study conducted by the management consulting group McKinsey and Company, this legislation is expected to create 168,000 jobs. Madam Chair, this legislation is a win-win for our economy. It will reduce the grip of foreign oil on our nation while spurring economic activity and job creation. I strongly support this legislation and encourage my colleagues to do the same.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, this week is Teacher Appreciation Week, and I rise today to say a heartfelt ``thank you'' to the teachers across the country. This apple is but a symbol of my gratitude for all that teachers have given to me. I have been fortunate enough to live the American dream. My teachers were ones who made it all possible, whether it was Ms. Barber, who taught me in my early years at Cleveland School; or Coach Bruce Coats, who taught me that it was not enough just to work hard, but that you had to work smart; or Coach Fred McCall, who helped me focus my hard work in college both on and off the basketball court; or any of those who came in-between. My teachers helped shape who I am. I recently received a letter from a teacher in Johnston County who was worried about our children. And she said, ``In these tough budget times, cutting funding in education now means shortchanging an entire generation of learners for the future.'' I urge my colleagues today to join me in thanking teachers and working to support funding for the teachers who will shape our Nation's future. As Americans, let us work to make every day a day we say ``thank you'' to the teachers who mold the future.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, I rise today to honor Senator Joseph Bryant Raynor, Jr. for his continued service to his community, county and State. Born and raised in Fayetteville, NC, Senator Raynor learned early the value of hard work. Joe, like myself, grew up working on a farm and in his father's store stocking farm supplies and groceries. While attending 71st School in Fayetteville, Joe was active in Future Farmers of America (FFA) and also worked an after school job as a baggage boy at Efird's Department Store. After graduation he pursued a career in business, eventually leading him to start Raynor Business Supply Company, which has thrived for over 60 years. In addition to being a successful businessman, Joe Raynor served in the North Carolina General Assembly for 22 years. First in the House, and then in the Senate, Joe strongly supported the criminal justice system and advocated for law enforcement and first responders. Serving as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Law Enforcement and Crime Control, he introduced bills to benefit law enforcement, including subsidizing losses for families of police officers slain in the line of duty. He also found innovative, fiscally responsible ways to help the community, supporting halfway houses with his ``nickel a bottle tax'' on liquor sales, and expanding community efforts treat those suffering from alcohol addiction. After more than two decades of focusing his energies on serving police officers, the mentally ill, and the elderly, Joe Raynor retired from the General Assembly in 1992. Throughout his life Senator Raynor has served on a number of boards, commissions and committees in North Carolina, notably his position as Cumberland County Special Deputy Sherriff and Chairman of the Cumberland County Board of Elections. He has served the people of Cumberland County, the Sheriff's Department and the first responder community for over 50 years and has made a lasting impression on his county and the face of the North Carolina criminal justice system. Madam Speaker, I urge my colleagues to join me today in recognizing the service and achievements of a good friend and former colleague of mine, Senator Joseph Bryant Raynor, Jr. He is a hard-working man and a beacon of justice and service. Like many of my fellow North Carolinians, I am proud to call Joe Raynor my friend.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Chair, I rise in support of the amendment and thank the gentleman for yielding. This bill really reflects two major responsibilities of our government--keeping America safe and restoring discipline to our budget by eliminating unnecessary government spending--and I commend them. For too long, the unscrupulous defense contractors have been taking advantage of American taxpayers, which not only costs us money but restricts our ability to get our soldiers the equipment they need in a timely manner. This bill ends waste, fraud, and abuse and makes sure that we get five cents of value for every nickel spent. As a former small business owner in North Carolina, I know what it takes to balance the books and get value for the dollar invested. This bill and amendment modernizes the Defense Department's acquisitions by practices that are proven in business. More broadly, this bill makes sure that our men and women in harm's way can get the tools they need to protect our Nation quickly and efficiently. Simply put, this reform saves lives and saves money, Mr. Chairman. I thank the gentlemen for this legislation. I rise today in support of H.R. 5013, the IMPROVE Act for defense acquisition reform. This bill reflects two major responsibilities of our government: keeping Americans safe and restoring discipline to our budget by eliminating unnecessary government spending. For too long, unscrupulous defense contractors have been taking advantage of the American taxpayer, which not only costs us money but restricts our ability to get our soldiers the equipment they need. This bill ends waste, fraud, and abuse and makes sure that we get five cents of value for every nickel spent. As a former small business owner in North Carolina, I know what it takes to balance the books and get value from purchases. This bill modernizes Department of Defense acquisition using practices that have been proven to work in business. The IMPROVE Acquisition Act will boost DOD transparency and accountability, increase innovation and competitiveness in the acquisition process, and modernize the DOD workforce and financial management system. It reforms the business of our national defense, providing the military with the power to tackle greed, corruption and self-serving business practices that threaten our safety and waste our money This reform provides a fair and level playing field. Businesses that play by the rules should not be disadvantaged by those who don't. Businesses that have been giving fair value should be rewarded, and contractors that fail should not get another dime. This reform restores common sense to a system that should reward patriotic businesses who are trying to serve our nation. This acquisition reform provides incentives for acquisition managers to protect our investment, proud and certain that they can say ``No!'' to cynical manipulation of contracts. The bill also sets reasonable expectations for contractors, that, my North Carolina neighbors would be surprised aren't already in place. For example, if you owe taxes you should not be planning to be paid by the government. That is basic fairness and judgment, straight out common sense, and this reform provides more of that. More broadly, this bill makes sure that our men and women in harm's way can get the tools they need to protect our nation quickly and efficiently. Service men and service women commit their very lives to the service of the Nation. They deserve the best equipment, the best materials, and the best possible support. Bringing together all the materiel that makes the world's greatest military possible has been a continuous challenge. In addition to the process and business reforms in the bill, H.R. 5013 brings the commanders into the loop, so they can be confident that they will get the right tools to their soldiers in the field. The progress we have made in this bill will empower the Armed Forces to better meet the many challenges faced by our military. Simply put, this reform saves lives and saves money. Mr. Chair, I support this legislation, and I urge my colleagues to join me in passing H.R. 5013.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of S. 1963, the Caregivers and Veterans Omnibus Health Services Act. This legislation keeps the promises made to our troops, wounded warriors, and veterans. It is simply our duty as a Nation, when we put our men and women in harm's way, to care for them when they return home. S. 1963 will provide support to families and those who care for disabled or injured veterans. This bill helps ease the many hardships and sacrifices that many families face during lengthy recovery and rehabilitation of severe injuries of their loved one. S. 1963 will provide support services to family members and other caregivers of veterans, including education on how to be a better caregiver, counseling and mental health services. The bill also provides health care and a stipend for caregivers living with severely wounded veterans of the Iraq and Afghanistan wars. As a veteran myself, I strongly support making sure Congress honors its commitments to our veterans. Our support system should work for all those who sacrifice for our country and this bill improves health care for the women who have bravely served their country. It also improves mental health as an important part of overall health for our veterans. Finally, this bill recognizes that more and more of our soldiers are women, and it removes existing barriers to women veterans seeking health care. Our military health care needs to provide everyone who has served our nation receives the services he or she needs. In particular, the legislation enables female veterans to receive up to seven days of care for newborn children and enhances sexual trauma treatment for women at the VA. It is time to change the way we care for veterans by providing better support and training for those that care for them. The sacrifice of our veterans is appreciated by all Americans. S. 1963 represents compassion for those who served our country, and support for those who now serve them. Mr. Speaker, this bill takes care of those who are keeping America safe. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of S. 1963, to fulfill our continued obligations to our nation's military.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the 62nd anniversary of the founding of the State of Israel and join with the Israeli people in honoring the country's founders and marking its great achievements and successes. On May 14, 1948, Israel's founders declared that the country would be not only a Jewish State, but also a democratic one, where all citizens, regardless of religion, ethnicity, race or gender, would live in peace with equal civil rights. Since that day, Americans have stood side by side with Israel to form a strong bond of friendship. Even as we celebrate, we also look forward to the next 62 years and beyond. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again congratulate the Israeli Government, its people, and others on this, their 62nd year of independence. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Israel on her 62nd anniversary of independence. On May 14, 1948 the day the British Mandate expired, the new Jewish state--the State of Israel--was formally established in parts of what was known as the British Mandate for Palestine. With the establishment of the State of Israel in 1948, Jewish independence, lost two thousand years earlier, was restored. When Prime Minister David Ben-Gurion read the Declaration of Independence, 11 minutes later when those words had traveled halfway around the world, they were endorsed by United States President Harry Truman, the first to recognize a new member of the community of nations, and a new friend. President Truman said ``I had faith in Israel before it was created. I believe it has a glorious future before it--not just another sovereign nation, but as an embodiment of the great ideals of our civilization.'' The United States and Israel are close allies whose people share a deep and abiding friendship based on a shared commitment to core values including democracy, human rights and freedom of the press and religion. Israel stood by America in spirit and in action after the tragic events of 9-11. Israel has been the only democratic ally of the United States in the Middle East, as both our great nations fight the same scourge of terrorism and Islamic extremism. Like all North Carolinians, I stand united with our allies, like Israel, as we engage in this campaign to hunt down and punish the terrorist perpetrators. We must ensure that those who mean us harm can never again threaten innocent American men, women and children. A strong Israel is an asset to the national security of the United States and brings stability to the Middle East. Mr. Speaker, I would like to again congratulate the Israeli government and people on their 62nd year of independence.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4994, the Taxpayer Assistance Act of 2010. As we arrive at another tax filing deadline, I am pleased to support many of the measures to assist taxpayers and improve the Internal Revenue Code that have been discussed in the Ways and Means Subcommittee on Oversight. I just returned from a tax day event in my district, where I heard from several folks who live in the Second District about how they are saving money this tax year because of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act and other recent tax cuts. As North Carolina's only Member of the House Committee on Ways and Means, I am proud to work to promote tax fairness for all Americans. In fact, the vast majority of middle-class North Carolinians are receiving larger refunds or paying less taxes than they were last year or the year before because of our action. However, many Americans have difficulty navigating the complexities of the tax code. They need to know where to turn for information, which is one of the things we discussed at Monday's tax day event. I am pleased to support this bill because it will help taxpayers get assistance in filing their taxes. Under the Taxpayer Assistance Act of 2010, we will provide referrals from the IRS to Low Income Taxpayer Clinics (LITCs), increase funding for Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) sites, expand outreach for the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC), make sure the IRS notifies taxpayers of unclaimed refunds, and help protect taxpayers from identity theft. H.R. 4994 will also improve tax fairness by studying the delivery of tax refunds and the effectiveness of collection alternatives. The bill also fixes the outdated tax treatment of business cell phones, so that businesses do not face the double burden of providing phones to their employees and also paying taxes for them as a benefit. Our goal should be to make our tax code more fair and workable for individuals, families, businesses and employees across the country, and this bill does just that. Improving the process for millions of taxpaying Americans should be a bipartisan priority. I support H.R. 4994 and urge my colleagues on both sides of the aisle to join me in working together across party lines and voting for its passage.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise to support this bill for our small businesses and local communities. Small businesses are the engine of our economy and right now they need help in order to grow, expand, and hire new workers. Research shows that almost every ``new job'' in this country is created by entrepreneurs who simply have an idea and the energy and the vision to make it a reality. We should support them, and this bill does so. This bill also invests in our local communities by expanding successful Build America Bonds and water and sewer bonds which our communities badly need to restore our infrastructure and, more importantly, create jobs. I met recently with a North Carolina housing finance agency, and yesterday I received a letter from the National Association of Counties, who both support this bill. Helping our small businesses, investing in infrastructure, and creating jobs should be a nonpartisan issue. We must come together to fix our economy. And as a former small business owner, I support this legislation for creating jobs on Main Street. I urge a ``yes'' vote.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise on behalf of a young man by the name of Will Privitt who tonight will be able to get insurance for the first time. He was born with a preexisting condition. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of health reform. I have said all along that there are several goals that our efforts must meet to improve security and stability for North Carolinians. We need to reform health insurance to reduce costs for people who have insurance and those who have been priced out of the market. We need to increase consumer choices and make sure that insurance companies do not deny coverage because of preexisting conditions or technicalities. We need to shore up Medicare to improve security for seniors, reducing costs for medications and eliminating copayments. We need to make insurance affordable for businesses, so that they are not faced with the choice of providing coverage for their employees or making payroll. Finally, we must put discipline back in the budget and bring down the budget deficit. I rise in support of H.R. 4872, the Health Care and Education Affordability Reconciliation Act of 2010 and H.R. 3590, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act because together they meet these goals. The working families of the Second District need solutions, not more fear, neither the real fears of rising cost nor the false fears spread by special interests. We cannot continue to allow the current system to kill jobs and bust the budgets of our families and our Nation. After reading the legislation carefully, I have concluded that it will save lives and save money. This is the best chance we have to reduce sky- rocketing health care costs for North Carolina families. North Carolinians know that the current system is broken and that we need commonsense reform. For me, the effort to fix our health care system has always been about people not about politics. Our effort is about North Carolina families. We need reform for folks who are struggling with unbearable health care costs, rapidly rising premiums, bureaucratic meddling, and arbitrary denials of coverage and a system that is driving our Nation deeper and deeper into debt. Throughout this process, I have heard from thousands of folks from the main streets and country roads of North Carolina who are crying out for help. At numerous town hall meetings in North Carolina and over the telephone, as well as in other opportunities, I have spoken directly to North Carolinians. I read thousands of messages that come in by phone, email, fax, or letter every day. The vast majority say that change is needed. When North Carolina families are hurting, doing nothing really isn't an option for me. I have heard from thousands of my North Carolina neighbors who are suffering under the current system. Folks like a nurse from Sanford, North Carolina, who says that insurance industry bureaucrats are keeping her from providing her patients the care they need. Folks like a woman from Raleigh, who fears she will suffer the same fate as her sister who died from asthma because she could not get insurance coverage. Folks like a man from Louisburg, who cannot start a new business because he needs the insurance his current employer provides. His mother pleaded with me that they are not looking for a handout; just a fair playing field. Folks like a woman from Rocky Mount, who notes that the working poor, self-employed, part-time workers and others on the margins need relief. She called on me to not let the insurance companies win this time. These are the real people that convinced me that voting for these bills is the right thing to do. A lot of folks are afraid, both of the current system and of potential changes. Thousands of families without insurance, and individuals with pre-existing conditions, are an illness away from financial ruin. Reform needs to provide them security. Mr. Speaker, as we continue to address America's financial situation, health reform is absolutely necessary to get our economy growing again. This bill will reduce the stranglehold that insurance costs have on our small businesses and eliminate the threat of bankruptcy due to medical costs that hangs over so many North Carolina families. It will strengthen our rural communities, supporting the training of doctors and providing incentives for them to work in underserved areas. And the bill is fully paid for, so that not only will it bring down costs for individuals and businesses, but for the taxpayer and future generations. Mr. Speaker, making sure every American has access to affordable health insurance and high-quality health care is one of the most important challenges of our time. If we can afford to provide health care to Iraqi citizens, as we have over the past decade, we can afford a fiscally responsible reform that puts health care in reach for all Americans. The health reform debate is about saving money and saving lives. At its core, health reform is all about ensuring that American families and businesses have more choices, benefit from more competition, and have greater control over their own health care, while bringing down costs for individuals, our families and businesses, and for the Nation. These bills are fiscally responsible and will improve the health and health care of people across my district, North Carolina, and the country. I am pleased to be able to vote in favor of this historic legislation.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to discuss reforming the health care insurance market in this country. It is really time to put health insurance back on the side of the people back home. To me this issue has never been about politics; it's about people. It's about North Carolina families and small businesses. I have heard from thousands of North Carolinians from all perspectives. And I want to share some of their stories because my phones are still ringing. These are the stories of real people on North Carolina's Main Streets and country roads. I talked the other day to a farmer in Johnston County in North Carolina, the county where I grew up in a family of tenant farmers. This farmer has health insurance that costs him over $20,000 a year. He told me, We've got to fix this broken system that leaves too many families out in the cold. A woman from Raleigh, North Carolina, our State's capital city, fears she will suffer the same fate as her sister who died from asthma because she could not get coverage. There's a lot of fear out there right now. Her fear is real. It is the fear of the consequences of a health care system that's not working for everyone. She wrote me and said, Like many Americans, I take health care reform very seriously, and I feel that this is no time to bow to petty bickering or false arguments. This issue is also very personal to me. You see, my 33-year-old sister died just last December of asthma, a perfectly livable condition if only she had the right treatment. She didn't. She simply couldn't afford her medication, even with family help. I also suffer from the same condition as my sister, and I have to say, it scares me to think that if it weren't for my husband's job, I could end up like my sister. He's been at his company for less than a year now, and I pray he doesn't lose his job or his coverage. So as you see, Congressman Etheridge, health care reform is a deeply personal issue for me, and it is one that I hope will finally be resolved this year. It's too late for my sister, but I'm hoping this gets done soon, especially before her daughter gets out on her own. I don't want her ever to have to deal with what her mother and I are dealing with under this ghastly system. And a nurse from Sanford, North Carolina, recently wrote me in favor of health reform, and she said, Insurance premiums are too high. How can we wrestle the high cost of health insurance from the companies? When they tell a physician how much he can charge for a procedure or what medications he can prescribe, we are allowing untrained, uneducated individuals to dictate health care to our system in this country. And a woman in Louisburg, North Carolina, says, Please vote ``yes'' on health care reform. I have a very successful new business that my son would like to join me in, but he can't afford to leave his current employer's health plan because he has a child with autism. No private plan will provide coverage for him, even though he has never filed a claim for his treatment of autism. We are not looking for a handout, just a fair playing field. Everyone should be able to get insurance. And a young man from Raleigh wrote and said, I want to thank you very much for the work you have been doing in my district and urge you to vote for the health care reform bill. Despite the misinformation and outright lies that are being spread about the bill, I hope the House acts to pass comprehensive reform to our broken system. My girlfriend, whom I love very much, has a disease which prevents her from getting coverage. In fact, the insurance company dropped her when they found out she had it. This disease will very possibly lead to her death. While it is too late for this bill to help her, I do not want any other American to have to worry about how they will get treatment for any disease that they may have. I urge you to vote for the bill. Another woman from Clayton, North Carolina, tells me she has a brain tumor, and as of December of this past year, the insurance company dropped her coverage. She is talking now to an attorney and plans to file bankruptcy. And this is a tragedy. These are examples of why we need reform. Mr. Speaker, I'm listening to North Carolinians from all perspectives and a wide range of points of view about this system. We need reform that cuts costs, assures quality of care, patient choice and prohibits denials for preexisting conditions.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise in opposition to this resolution. As a proud veteran of the United States Army, I have always worked to serve our men and women in uniform, our veterans, military families and their communities. In the U.S. House, I have the honor of representing Fort Bragg and Pope Air Force Base. I recently traveled to Afghanistan to visit our troops and get a firsthand view of the situation on the ground. I met with 82nd Airborne troops as well as those from the North Carolina National Guard. They are doing a great job under the most trying of circumstances, and they make us all proud. After the end of the Soviet occupation of Afghanistan, the United States simply walked away from a failed state. We know the impact that that decision has had on our history. We cannot simply walk away again. We must empower the Afghan army, security forces and the Afghan people themselves to tend to their security needs and build functioning civil institutions. We must not allow the Taliban to return to power in Afghanistan and once again use that country to become a staging ground for Al Qaeda terrorists targeting America and our allies. And we must stabilize this fragile region that includes the nuclear armed republic in next door Pakistan. These are daunting challenges, but our military men and women and their civilian counterparts are making progress and deserve our support. Mr. Speaker, we should give our troops all of the resources they need, and make sure that we keep them in our prayers and appreciation. I am sure that my colleagues will join me in expressing our thanks. I thank first and foremost the Americans serving in Afghanistan. I thank their families for their tremendous sacrifice at home. I thank our allies, who would be left with an overwhelming task should we neglect our national commitments and suddenly depart. I thank the vast majority of the Afghanis, who are working with us for their own futures in a functioning state. It is for their efforts, and all of their reasons for continuing to work tomorrow, that we should reject this resolution. I urge my colleagues to join me in support of our troops and in opposition to this resolution.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to call on the United States Senate to follow the House's lead and pass the jobs bill. The House passed the HIRE Act last week, and now the Senate needs to send it to the President for his signature. Americans need jobs and we need them now. My constituents tell me they want Congress to quit the bickering and the partisan posturing and get to work and fix the economy. Wall Street may be doing well enough for the bankers to reward themselves with big bonuses, but folks on Main Street are still hurting. North Carolina's unemployment rate has been above 11 percent for too long, and some counties in my congressional district are experiencing unemployment as high as 14.6 percent. More than half a million North Carolina workers are unemployed according to the new figures released by the Employment Security Commission. I've said before and I'll say it again, my top priorities of what we need to be doing are jobs, jobs, jobs. The jobs bill will provide the incentive companies need to put people to work today, giving employers a tax credit for every new worker they hire. I recently visited with local business leaders at the Erwin Chamber of Commerce as well as the Benson Chamber of Commerce, and they told me that this is the kind of Federal assistance that they need to help jump-start hiring in their communities. I think that's true not only in North Carolina, but across the country, and Congress needs to take action on jobs now. The centerpiece of the jobs bill that the House passed last week is a hiring tax credit, similar to the one I proposed in my HIRING Act of H.R. 4437. The bill would encourage business to invest by putting labor on sale for a limited time, helping small businesses expand and grow. The bill provides a payroll tax holiday to businesses that hire unemployed workers that is estimated to support roughly 300,000 jobs and encourage employers to keep those workers longer term so they will receive a tax credit of $1,000 if they retain them. The jobs bill we passed last week also included another proposal of mine--to support local school construction building by providing a tax credit for Qualified School Construction Bonds that were included in the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act last year. It will allow the issuers of Qualified School Construction Bonds to receive a direct payment from the Federal Government equal to the amount of the Federal tax credit. This modification will help North Carolina schools access nearly $500 million in school construction bonds to address our students' needs and support more than 15,000 jobs just in North Carolina. You can imagine what it would do for the rest of the country. Last week I visited a school in Franklin County that was being built in my district from the first piece of these School Construction Bonds, and it's amazing to see what it does for a community and how it gives them an uplift. This provision will create jobs now, building the schools of the future. It's a win-win that makes sense, and I urge the Senate to pass the HIRE Act now. It'll be like CPR for our economy, and I hope the Senate will join the House in getting it done.

Mr. ETHERIDGE

Mr. ETHERIDGE. Madam Speaker, pursuant to House Resolution 1137, I call up the bill (H.R. 2847) making appropriations for the Departments of Commerce, Justice, Science, and Related Agencies for the fiscal year ending September 30, 2010, and for other purposes, with a Senate amendment to the House amendment to the Senate amendment thereto, and ask for its immediate consideration.

Mr. ETHERIDGE. I have a motion at the desk.