Phil Gingrey

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, it is an honor to rise today for, perhaps, my last time speaking as a Member of this institution. I rise this evening, first and foremost, to pay a debt of gratitude to Georgia's 11th Congressional District and to the people there, who have graciously allowed me the privilege of serving them for these past 12 years. Growing up modestly in Augusta, Georgia, I would never have dreamed that, someday, I would be standing where I am today, and I would not have had this opportunity if it weren't for my wonderful constituents in northwest Georgia. I may be biased, Mr. Speaker, but I think the people in my district are the nicest and the most hospitable in this country. So, to them, on behalf of myself, my family, and my staff, I extend my deepest thanks for allowing us to serve you in this House of Representatives. To my wife, Billie; my three daughters, Gannon, Phyllis, and Laura- Neill; and my son, Billy, I am forever grateful that you all have stayed by my side and that you have supported me throughout my public service. I wouldn't be where I am today without your sacrifices. To my family, a huge, heartfelt thanks. Mr. Speaker, to my colleagues, it has been the honor of a lifetime to serve with all of you. The respect I have for each and every one transcends ideology and party line. I have made some of the greatest memories of my life with you, and I hope to stay connected with all of you in the years to come. Of course, in order to be successful in this body, one must have a great staff. Thank you to each and every one of the staffers who has shown such great devotion in serving the people and in helping me to serve them in the 11th District of Georgia. Thank you all for joining in my fight to protect the freedoms of the Georgians we serve and for working tirelessly for me for a better America. I entered into Congress during a time of great unrest, not even 2 years after the 9/11 attacks in New York City. Since then, I have been honored to have been a part of this body as it has faced some of the largest challenges of the new millennia: the global war on terror, the Great Recession, Medicare part D back in 2003, the stimulus response to the financial collapse, the Central American Free Trade Agreement, fighting for fiscal solvency during the fiscal cliff, and a litany of new challenges facing the health care industry due to the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. It is my hope that as history examines my actions as a part of this body that the record will show that I always acted and voted the way I thought was in the best interests of the Georgians I served and, of course, this great Nation. Now, I can't claim to be perfect. Far from it. Not every piece of legislation I championed passed, but no matter the outcome, I take comfort in knowing that the work that I have offered this body has spurred important debate that betters this institution as a whole and, in turn, our country. It is that very spirit that led me to cofound the House GOP Doctors Caucus, a group of physicians and health care providers, medical professionals in Congress, people who had served in the medical professions prior to coming here, who utilize our collective firsthand medical expertise to develop patient-centered health reforms for all Americans. Since the group's founding, we have tackled ObamaCare's threat to the doctor-patient relationship head-on and have played a key role in the fight for SGR reform. That fight continues. Though it would be hard to let the Doctors Caucus go, to give up that leadership, to say good-bye to my colleagues, I extend my thanks to them, who joined with me as Members of that caucus. And I am confident that the group will continue its valuable work for many, many years to come. I would also like to take a moment to thank my Democratic colleagues, people like my good friend from New Jersey (Mr. Pascrell), who is sitting here in the Chamber. And I would also like to thank Representative Gene Green from Texas and many others for putting party lines aside and joining with me to lead on a number of fights, not the least of which is the threat of antibiotic-resistant ``superbugs,'' a growing threat in hospitals all across the country. We worked so hard on that legislation, and we were so proud to see it pass--yes, in a bipartisan fashion--through the Energy and Commerce Committee under the leadership of Chairman Upton; the vice chairman of the committee; the ranking member of the committee, Henry Waxman; the chairman of the Health Subcommittee, Joe Pitts; and the ranking member of the Health Subcommittee and now ranking member of the overall committee, Mr. Frank Pallone. We worked together. And this is the way that exemplifies what public service should be all about, identifying a problem and then working together to solve it without regard to party lines. But no matter how many problems we solve, there lay, of course, many hurdles ahead: immigration, continued reckless spending, these new, horrible threats in the Middle East, an ever-growing executive branch, and, of course, as I mentioned, health care. As an OB/GYN physician, it truly worries me to be leaving Congress at a time when our health care industry has been tipped on its side--I think because of the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. It is critical that this country find a more sustainable path to creating quality care and access to physicians. Government bureaucrats have no place between doctors and their patients. But still, in light of these few frustrations, I have great confidence in this body. If history shows us anything, it is that despite the day-to-day angst of gridlock--and there is plenty of that to go around--this institution remains the greatest representative body the world has ever seen. The hurdles we face in this institution are always overcome, sometimes with more grace than others, and it will survive, as it always has. Our system of government is durable, it is resilient, and it is designed to withstand the test of time. It has been my greatest honor to have played even a small part in it. But now it is time for my wife, Billie, and me to turn the page. We are looking forward to having the opportunity to check a few more boxes before we leave and then spend more time with all the grandchildren back home in Marietta. So in short, Mr. Speaker, I guess you could say I am proud of the past, and I am excited for what the future may hold. But today, I am just happy to say that I am leaving. I feel confident that this body is better prepared for the future than it was when even I got here. I want to thank, again, all of my colleagues on both sides of the aisle, Republicans and Democrats, and, of course, last but not least, the people of Georgia's 11th Congressional District for giving me this opportunity, this honor, and this privilege. And I would be remiss, Mr. Speaker, if I closed without honoring our military heroes, the men and women and their families who have paid so much sacrifice for this great country. I think over 40 have given their lives in Iraq and Afghanistan and have paid that last full measure. I just want to say, I will never forget you, Patti and Jamie Saylor, and your great son, your hero Paul, who gave his life for our country. Mr. Speaker, I thank you for this opportunity and the time tonight, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Chairman, thank you very much. I actually came down to the floor this evening, Mr. Speaker, to give my farewell remarks as I am retiring as well as my good friend, Doc Hastings. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to just say what a great human being Doc Hastings is and what a pleasure it has been for me in my 12 years. Of course, Doc has been here much longer than I, but to rely on his experience and to draw from that and his wisdom and his judgment and his kindness and his great representation of the people of the great State of Washington, it is a pleasure to say farewell to Doc. I hope I will see you again very, very soon. Thank you, Doc.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I ask unanimous consent that the Committee on House Administration be discharged from further consideration of House Concurrent Resolution 120, and ask for its immediate consideration in the House.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate the life of former Governor of Georgia and Chairman Emeritus of Troutman Sanders LLP, Carl E. Sanders, and thank him for his service to country and community. A Georgia native, Sanders excelled in athletics and attended the University of Georgia on a football scholarship. In 1943, he enlisted in the Army Air Corps to fight in World War II and served honorably as a B-17 Flying Fortress bomber pilot. After the war he completed his degree and entered the University of Georgia Law School. In 1947, he received his LL.B. degree, was admitted to the bar, and married Betty Bird Foy. They settled in Augusta, where their two children, Betty Foy and Carl Edward, Jr., were born. Sanders's political career began in 1954 when he was elected to the Georgia House of Representatives, and again two years later when he advanced to the State Senate. In 1962, Sanders became the first Georgia Governor elected by popular vote. At the time, he was the youngest governor in the country at 37. He substantially expanded and advanced transportation and education, and supported the Civil Rights movement in a place and in a time where the movement wasn't as popular. After leaving the Governor's office in 1967, Sanders founded the law firm now known as Troutman Sanders LLP, which has grown into an international firm with more than 600 attorneys. Sanders managed the firm for 25 years and continued to serve the firm as Chairman Emeritus and as a partner--who continued to come to the office most days until his passing. Sanders was a role model and community leader, his colleagues and friends will always remember Sanders as a mentor and inspiration to Georgians and Americans everywhere. Mr. Speaker, I extend my deepest condolences to Carl E. Sanders's wife of 67 years, Betty and the rest of his surviving friends and family during this most difficult of times.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to celebrate and celebrate the life of U.S. Navy Commander Christopher E. Kalafut, of Acworth, GA, and honor his service to this great nation. Commander Kalafut passed away in late October while serving at Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar at the age of 49. A native of Oceanside, California, Kalafut was a gifted student and athlete. Upon his graduation, he attended the prestigious U.S. Merchant Marine Academy in Kings Point, NY where he earned a Bachelor of Science and was commissioned into the U.S. Navy in 1987. Chris earned his pilot wings in 1990 and spent 23 years as an Active Duty and Reserve pilot flying the E-2C Hawkeye in support of combat, humanitarian, and disaster relief missions. Chris also served as a U.S. Customs pilot, flew for Delta Airlines, and was first an officer based out of Atlanta. In 2001, Kalafut and his family settled in Acworth, where they have lived ever since. Kalafut was a loving father to his 5 children and his wife, Mary Qualls-Kalafut. His unwavering devotion to his family and his country will be greatly missed. Mr. Speaker, I extend my deepest condolences to Commander Kalafut's family and loved ones during this most difficult of times.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Lieutenant Colonel Michael D. Miralles and to recognize his lifetime of service to our country. On April 1, Lt. Colonel Miralles retired from the United States Air Force Reserve after twenty-nine years of sacrifice and service to this great nation. Prior to his service as an American airman, Lt. Colonel Miralles was as a Petroleum Engineer and Polymer Chemist in Oil-Field Exploration and Drilling Operations. In 1985 he graduated from OTS and has since served our country in many different capacities. In his last assignment, he worked as the Deputy Commander of the 403rd Maintenance Group, Air Force Reserve Command, Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi. For his distinguished leadership and meritorious service throughout his career, Lt. Colonel Miralles has been awarded the Bronze Star, the Meritorious Service Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal with one oak leaf cluster, the Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, and the Armed Forces Reserve Medal with 2 M devices and Bronze Hourglass device. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 11th District of Georgia, I extend my deepest thanks to Lt. Colonel Miralles for devoting his life to upholding the Constitution of the United States and to the protection of its citizens. I wish him a happy--and well-deserved--retirement.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Parnick Jennings and to recognize his steadfast commitment to the Cartersville and greater Bartow County community, and for his exemplary leadership. Fifteen years ago, on September 11, 2000, Parnick Jennings sought to honor all of the wonderful men and women who serve not only Bartow County, but each of its seven cities. He did this by establishing an annual ``Public Servant's Luncheon'' to honor those that give so much to make Bartow County and each of its cities some of the best communities to live in all of America. During his time in Bartow County, Parnick was one of the founders, and now chairs the Annual Bartow County ``Can-a-Thon,'' which helped in the creation of the Bartow County College & Career Academy. He served on the committee that helped build the Clarence Brown Conference Center, served as Chairman of the Cartersville-Bartow County Chamber of Commerce, and along with Ms. Jessica Fleetwood, founded the Bartow Business Connection in 2009 as a way to help local businesses network with the goal of making it through the recession together. Parnick and his wife, Tina, organize and host the annual Toyo Tire Community Christmas Luncheon which feeds up to 1500 people annually during the Christmas season. Parnick's public service started thirty seven years ago, when he founded the Parnick Jennings Funeral Home in Cartersville, Georgia. The firm came to be nationally recognized for outstanding customer service, and in 1995 was sold to Service Corporation International. For the next 5 years, under Parnick's leadership, the firm was ranked #1 in Customer Satisfaction among the top 1500 funeral homes in the United States. I have been honored to call Parnick Jennings a friend for well over a decade and his selfless guidance has played a major role in helping me represent the 11th District of Georgia with a servant's heart. Bartow County is blessed to have such a fine shepherd like Parnick Jennings looking out for our community. A native of Rome, Georgia, Parnick attended the University of Georgia and graduated from Gupton-Jones College. Parnick and Tina are active members of Tabernacle Baptist Church in Cartersville, Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of the 11th District of Georgia, I offer my deepest thanks to Mr. Parnick Jennings for his unfailing commitment to the service to others; he is truly one of our country's ``points of light.''

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 3522, the Employee Health Care Protection Act. I would like to begin with the words President Obama first said to the American Medical Association in June of 2009 before any committee in Congress held a markup of what later became the Affordable Care Act. He said to that group of physicians, and repeated on many occasions after that: If you like your health care plan, you will be able to keep your health care plan, period. No one will take it away from you, no matter what. Unfortunately, Mr. Speaker, like many assurances that were delivered to the American people about the President's health care law, this has been nothing more than an empty promise. Since the enactment of the Affordable Care Act, or ObamaCare, millions have been notified their insurance plans have been canceled. I commend Chairman Pitts of the Health Subcommittee of Energy and Commerce for holding numerous hearings to examine this very issue. That is precisely why we need to pass H.R. 3522. Mr. Speaker, this commonsense legislation would simply allow health insurance companies to continue to offer group coverage that was in effect in 2013. I commend our physician colleague from Louisiana, Dr. Cassidy, for his leadership on this legislation. If the President will not keep his promise to the American people that ``if you like your health care plan, you will be able to keep your health care plan,'' then we need to do it for him. H.R. 3522 accomplishes that goal. Mr. Speaker, I ask all of my colleagues to support this important legislation.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to remember the life of distinguished entrepreneur and philanthropist S. Truett Cathy, who died early this week at the age of 93, and to honor him for the legacy he has left in Georgia and across the country. A native Georgian from Eatonville, Cathy moved with his family to Atlanta when he was four. There, he attended Boys High, now known as Grady High. In 1946, Cathy built a tiny diner in Hapeville, which would eventually develop into Chick-fil-A--the nation's largest quick-service chicken restaurant chain based on annual system-wide sales and one of the nation's largest family-owned companies. Cathy created the sandwich that became the company's signature item--the original Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich. Currently, Chick-fil-A has more than 1,800 locations operating in 40 states and Washington, D.C., and currently holds an unparalleled record of 47 consecutive years of annual sales increases. But Truett was much more than just a notable businessman: he was a devout Southern Baptist who was active in teaching the word of the Lord to youngsters. His devotion to his religion and ``principles before profits'' attitude showed in his ``closed on Sunday'' policy--giving employees time for family, worship, or rest. In addition, Cathy took a keen interest in his local community by creating the WinShape Foundation in 1984, an organization aimed at helping young people succeed in life through scholarships and youth support programs. Also, through Cathy's Leadership Scholarship Program, Chick-fil-A has donated more than $32 million in financial assistance to their employees seeking higher education since 1973. Truett Cathy exemplified what it meant to give back to the community. In his own words, ``I'd like to be remembered as one who kept my priorities in the right order. We live in a changing world, but we need to be reminded that the important things have not changed. I have always encouraged my restaurant operators and team members to give back to the local community. We should be about more than just selling chicken; we should be a part of our customers' lives and the communities in which we serve.'' Mr. Speaker, I extend my deepest condolences to Truett Cathy's family and loved ones during these most difficult of times. It saddens me to know that the world is now missing such an honorable man, but I am humbled to know that he is in a better place--now that he's left our world a better one.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Marietta native, Marietta High School Alumnus, and Vanderbilt second baseman, Dansby Swanson, on his accomplishments in the 2014 NCAA College World Series. Swanson was awarded the College World Series' Most Outstanding Player Award and was an incredible asset in helping Vanderbilt clinch its first College World Series Championship. Throughout the 2014 season, Swanson became one of the key players on Vanderbilt's tremendously talented roster and was key in Vandy's 3-2 victory over the University of Virginia in the final to cap off a landmark 50 win season. Just a sophomore, Swanson batted .323 with five runs scored and two RBI in Omaha--the most impressive performance of any player in the tournament. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Georgia's 11th Congressional District, I applaud Dansby for his achievement and look forward to his future successes. I extend my enthusiastic congratulations to him on achieving the highest level of recognition possible in the NCAA College World Series.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H. Res. 676, a resolution to authorize the House of Representatives to initiate litigation against the President, or any executive branch employee, for failure to act in accordance with their duties. Specifically, this resolution deals with the President's failure to implement the employer mandate required by his own signature law, the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act. While the scope of the litigation authorized is narrow, it is symbolic of a much larger problem--the President's continued refusal to faithfully execute the law, choosing, instead, to usurp Congress' exclusive constitutional right to legislate. Simply because Congress chooses not to be the President's rubberstamp does not bestow upon him the power to circumvent the law. Conversely, when the President decides enforcement of a law might be politically perilous, he can't simply choose to ignore it. Mr. Speaker, this is not about party politics. This is about the proper role of government, as defined by our Founders. The Federal Government was intentionally designed with three branches, each with their own separate powers and the ability to serve as a check and balance on the other two. Yet, the President--as a former constitutional law professor--refuses to recognize his proper role, defying the law and unilaterally enacting policies, or ignoring the law, at will. I took an oath to uphold and defend the Constitution as a Member of this institution, and I have taken that oath seriously every single day. Unfortunately, I believe the President's actions undermine the very same oath that he has twice taken, so I urge my colleagues to join me in this step to uphold the law and protect the balance of power by supporting the resolution.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 4935, the Child Tax Credit Improvement Act. Under current law, the child tax credit is not indexed for inflation. The bill before us today would index the child tax credit for inflation, as well as achieve the important step of abolishing the so-called ``marriage penalty'' in current tax code. Importantly, the Child Tax Credit Improvement Act also contains a provision to require those filers claiming the refundable portion of the tax credit to provide a Social Security Number. This seems like pure common sense, but right now, the IRS accepts the use of the Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to get this credit. An ITIN number demonstrates only that someone has taxable income, not that they are in the country legally. In fact, a 2011 Treasury Inspector General report found that $4.2 billion in refundable tax credits were issued to individuals not authorized to work in the United States. In this Congress and in the 112th Congress, I cosponsored legislation to require the inclusion of a Social Security Number on a tax return as a prerequisite to receiving the refundable portion of the child tax credit, and I am glad to see the inclusion of that language in the bill before us today. Mr. Speaker, while we must take steps to reduce the burden on hardworking parents in this nation, I also believe that we must work to ensure that people do not abuse our tax system to receive tax credits for which they are not eligible. The legislation before us today accomplishes both of those goals. I urge my colleagues to join me in supporting this bill.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in support of H.R. 4812, the Honor Flight Act. The Honor Flight Network is a non-profit organization dedicated to transporting our military veterans to Washington, D.C. to visit the memorials of their respective wars. The brave men and women who have fought for our country deserve the chance to see the memorials erected in honor of their sacrifices and contributions, and the Honor Flight Network provides that chance. I have had the opportunity to greet Honor Flights a few times, most recently last October. It truly is a privilege to shake hands with our nation's heroes as they arrive to see their memorials, and I was honored to participate in greeting them. These men and women put their lives on the line to protect our freedoms, and they deserve our deepest gratitude. I believe one small measure we can take to show that gratitude is to make the travel process for Honor Flight participants as smooth and easy as possible. The commonsense legislation before us today is a step to achieving that goal. It sets in motion a process for expedited passenger screening services by TSA for veterans traveling on an Honor Flight Network charter. It simply makes sense to authorize and facilitate collaboration between TSA and the Honor Flight Network to ensure that our veterans are treated with the respect they have earned and deserve when they come to visit the memorials dedicated to their service. Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support H.R. 4812 as a token of appreciation for our veterans' service.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Marietta native, Marietta High School Alumnus, and Vanderbilt second baseman, Dansby Swanson, on his accomplishments in the 2014 NCAA College World Series. Swanson was awarded the College World Series' Most Outstanding Player Award and was an incredible asset in helping Vanderbilt clinch its first College World Series Championship. Throughout the 2014 season, Swanson became one of the key players on Vanderbilt's tremendously talented roster and was key in Vandy's 3-2 victory over the University of Virginia in the final to cap off a landmark 50 win season. Just a sophomore, Swanson batted .323 with five runs scored and two RBI in Omaha--the most impressive performance of any player in the tournament. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Georgia's 11th Congressional District, I applaud Dansby for his achievement and look forward to his future successes. I extend my enthusiastic congratulations to him on achieving the highest level of recognition possible in the NCAA College World Series.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to recognize the 100th anniversary of what we now know as the Congressional Research Service. Today's Congressional Research Service--CRS--was first established in the Library of Congress in 1914 as the Legislative Reference Service to provide reference information to Members of Congress to assist in their legislative work. Over the past 100 years, the LRS evolved into today's CRS. Today, CRS employs more than 600 experts to assist Congress with research and analysis. CRS and its employees provide an invaluable service to Members of Congress and their staff. In an era of political gridlock and partisan rhetoric, CRS consistently provides in-depth, authoritative, and consistently non-partisan work product in order to ensure that we have an informed legislature. In the 1950s, the press called LRS ``Congress's right arm.'' I believe that description would be just as accurate about today's CRS. CRS has taken that role seriously--it has continued to modernize and evolve, while maintaining its core mission of independent research and policy analysis. It has kept up with modern technology, updating its website to be more user-friendly and providing Members and staff with quick access to timely reports and detailed analysis. Mr. Speaker, CRS at 100 is a critical tool to an informed Congress, and I look forward to working with CRS as it embarks on its second century of service.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, today I rise to honor Marietta native and Vanderbilt second baseman, Dansby Swanson, on his accomplishments in the 2014 NCAA College World Series. Swanson was awarded the College World Series' Most Outstanding Player Award and was an incredible asset in helping Vanderbilt clinch its first College World Series Championship. Throughout the 2014 season, Swanson became one of the key players on Vanderbilt's tremendously talented roster and was key in Vandy's 3-2 victory over the University of Virginia in the final to cap off a landmark 50 win season. Just a sophomore, Swanson batted .323 with five runs scored and two RBI in Omaha--the most impressive performance of any player in the tournament. Mr. Speaker, on behalf of Georgia's 11th Congressional District, I applaud Dansby for his achievement and look forward to his future successes. I extend my enthusiastic congratulations to him on achieving the highest level of recognition possible in the NCAA College World Series.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, on rollcall No. 355 on ordering the previous question on H. Res. 641, I am not recorded due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' On rollcall No. 356 on adoption of H. Res. 641, I am not recorded due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.'' On rollcall No. 357 on the DeFazio Amendment No. 3 to H.R. 6, the Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act, I am not recorded due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 358 on the Motion to Recommit H.R. 6, the Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act, offered by Mr. Garamendi of California, I am not recorded due to a family emergency. Had I been present, I would have voted ``no.'' On rollcall No. 359 on final passage of H.R. 6, the Domestic Prosperity and Global Freedom Act, I am not recorded due to a death in the family. Had I been present, I would have voted ``yea.''

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Mr. Speaker, I rise in strong support of H.R. 4631--the Autism CARES Act of 2014. As a member of the Energy and Commerce Committee, I would like to commend the author of this legislation, Chris Smith of New Jersey, for his leadership on this issue. I would also like to commend Full Committee Chairman Fred Upton of Michigan and Health Subcommittee Chairman Joe Pitts from Pennsylvania for moving this important, bipartisan, bill through regular order. Mr. Speaker, throughout the consideration of H.R. 4631, I have been pleased to collaborate with Atlanta's Marcus Autism Center. Those of us from Georgia and leaders in the Congressional Autism Caucus are very familiar with the innovative treatment offered to children with autism at the Marcus Autism Center and the cutting-edge research its scientists are conducting there. I am proud to say the Marcus Autism Center--which is part of the Children's Healthcare of Atlanta system-- is one of three National Institutes of Health Autism Centers of Excellence. Furthermore, I have enjoyed working with the Center's leadership, particularly Executive Director Don Mueller, to make sure that H.R. 4631--once implemented--will facilitate new breakthroughs in early diagnosis and intervention for children with autism. I have been impressed by the recent study authored by Marcus Autism Center researchers, Dr. Ami Klin and Dr. Warren Jones, which was published in Nature, a leading international scientific journal. This study showed that they detected signs of autism in the first two to six months of life using eye-tracking technology. This study opens a window for even earlier diagnosis and intervention in the future. By diagnosing and intervening earlier, we can reduce the most challenging disabilities related to autism and maximize the potential of children with autism. Mr. Speaker, today, the average age for diagnosing children with autism in the United States is around five years old. I have been informed by Marcus Autism Center officials that this study is the first step towards transformational future change and that if the medical profession can identify signs of autism in toddlers and then infants, we can capitalize on this window of opportunity to change the very course of autism. Therefore, as this reauthorization is being implemented, agencies must recognize the priority we place on facilitating improvements in early diagnosis and intervention of autism. I made this very point during the Energy and Commerce Committee mark-up, and I am pleased that Chairman Upton was willing to include important language to this effect in the Committee Report to accompany H.R. 4631. Mr. Speaker, I look forward to the continued advancements made at places like the Marcus Autism Center as we diagnosis and treat people with autism with the help of H.R. 4631. I urge all of my colleagues to support this legislation.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Chairwoman, I rise today to offer an amendment to H.R. 4745. This amendment would prohibit funds from being used to subsidize Amtrak food and beverage service. As my colleagues know, Amtrak operates at a loss every year, partially due to millions lost in the food service cost. In 2012, Amtrak lost $72 million on its food and beverage service, and that loss is just one in a consistent series of losses. This loss on its own would be cause for concern, but even more concerning is that the loss directly violates the law. Madam Chairwoman, in 1981, Federal law mandated that Amtrak break even on its food and beverage service by the following year, 1982. Despite this, Amtrak not only failed to break even, but it contracted with high-end chefs to develop gourmet recipes for Amtrak meals, to the tune of more than $905 million in the last decade. Heavily subsidized routes feature dishes such as lamb shank and Atlantic salmon, and Amtrak has a Culinary Advisory Team to develop new high-end recipes. In 2012, a hamburger cost Amtrak $16.15, with riders paying $9.50. This means that we, the taxpayers, are forced to pick up the tab for the remaining $6.65 through subsidies provided to Amtrak. On some routes, first-class passengers are offered complimentary cheese, wine, and champagne. While the passenger may enjoy these luxury items, it is not fair that the taxpayer is forced to subsidize these extravagances. Each spring, Amtrak brings together some of the best chefs in the country for a retreat of sorts. These chefs--several of them, of course, award-winning--come together for what The Washington Post has called ``an intensive 3-day session of cooking and brainstorming.'' At last year's gathering, chefs tasted more than 100 offerings. Of the recipes tested, including recipes for braised pork chop and a spinach and mushroom frittata, several will be deemed unsuitable for offering on Amtrak either due to kitchen limitations or due to a lack of cohesiveness with the rest of the menu. Madam Chairwoman, I ask you: When the average American is struggling to make ends meet, why are we throwing away money at Amtrak for these luxuries, especially when Amtrak consistently operates at a loss? If a private company wants to host a brainstorming weekend for top chefs, that is its prerogative, but the taxpayer should not be on the hook for a getaway focused on developing lavish meals for Amtrak passengers. Taxpayers should not be forced to subsidize Amtrak, and they certainly should not be forced to cover tens of millions of dollars in costs to pay for gourmet meals and first-class service on Amtrak. Amtrak's food and beverage losses violate the law. Yet this is flagrantly disregarded. Rather than taking steps to correct the problem, the service goes after more upscale options. We must end this cycle of wasteful spending and enact real change to get our fiscal house back in order. With a national debt of more than $17 trillion, we cannot afford to keep throwing money away, particularly on luxuries such as gourmet meals on a federally subsidized train service. For that reason, Mr. Mica and I are offering this amendment to prohibit funds made available by this act from being used to subsidize Amtrak food and beverage service. I urge my colleagues to support the Gingrey-Mica amendment. I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Chair, as the designee of Mr. Mica of Florida, I have an amendment at the desk.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Chairman, I rise today to offer a commonsense amendment to H.R. 4745. The Gingrey-Bridenstine amendment would prohibit funds in the underlying bill from being used to pay a Federal employee for any period of time that such an employee is using official time. As the author of H.R. 107, the Federal Employee Accountability Act, this amendment is a continuation of the work I have done over the last three Congresses to repeal the governmentwide use of official time. Under current law, Federal employees can use official, taxpayer- funded time to perform union functions or to participate in union activities when they would otherwise be on official duty status. Madam Chair, according to a FOIA request by the Americans for Limited Government, there are 35 employees at the Department of Transportation alone--making an average, by the way, of almost $140,000 a year--who spend 100 percent of their workday working on behalf of a union. These employees were hired to perform duties on behalf of the taxpayer--several are engineers or air traffic controllers--yet they are working exclusively for the union at the taxpayers' expense. In fiscal year 2011, the most recent year for which we have official time data, the Department of Transportation spent more than $17 million on official time. In the same year, the Department of Housing and Urban Development spent more than $2 million on official time. Across the entire Federal Government, more than 3 million official time hours were used in collective bargaining or arbitration of grievances against an employer--who, by the way, is us--in fiscal year 2011. These union activities were performed at taxpayer expense to the tune of $155 million for the same time period. While we are not voting on veterans funding today, it is timely, given recent events, to mention the impact that the use of official time has on the Department of Veterans Affairs. The VA is one of the largest abusers of official time, spending more than $42.5 million on this cost in fiscal year 2011. In 2012, more than 250 VA employees worked 100 percent of their day for the union, rather than working on behalf of our Nation's heroes. Over 100 of those same employees were health care professionals, including nurses, technicians, and mental health therapists. In the wake of the nationwide scandal of the VA, it is unthinkable that employees there are allowed to work on behalf of the union, rather than focusing on serving our veterans. It is particularly shocking that the use of official time by medical professionals and others at the VA continues, when the VA claims a shortage of health care professionals is what is contributing to the problems like the long waiting lists for people that are suicidal because of traumatic brain injury and posttraumatic stress syndrome. Madam Chair, we must demand accountability at the VA and across government to be sure civil servants are focusing on their positions of record, not serving unions at taxpayer expense. That is why stand-alone legislation I have introduced, H.R. 107, would repeal the governmentwide use of official time, saving over $1.5 billion over 10 years. While we are not considering my stand-alone legislation on the floor today, I am proud to offer this amendment as a small step toward reining in the use and abuse of official time. Simply put, a Federal employee hired to work as an air traffic controller should spend his or her time at work performing his or her duties as an air traffic controller, not serving as a taxpayer-funded union official. Madam Chair, I want to make it very clear that I am not proposing to do away with unions. However, I am working diligently to increase the efficiency of the Federal workforce. This amendment limits Federal activity during normal business hours to simply working, not carrying out union activities. We should not be forcing taxpayers to support private and often very politically active organizations. At $140,000 a year, Federal employees should spend their days performing the duties for which taxpayers hired them. While families all over the Nation are tightening their belts and cutting their own spending, it should not be the practice of the Federal Government to allow expensive, special interest handouts; rather the Federal Government should be reining in its spending and looking for ways to save money and function more efficiently. This amendment is an important first step. I urge my colleagues to support the Gingrey-Bridenstine amendment, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Chairman, I have an amendment at the desk, printed in the Congressional Record, No. 29.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. I thank the chairman, and I yield back the balance of my time.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Of course I will yield to the chair.

Mr. GINGREY of Georgia. Madam Chairman, I rise today to offer an amendment that will prohibit funds in the underlying bill from being used to provide mortgage insurance under title II of the National Housing Act for any mortgage on a single-family dwelling--to be used as a principal residence--to a potential borrower who provides only an individual taxpayer identification number--called ITIN--for identification. This includes usage for mortgage loans available under the FHA to ensure that an individual must use a Social Security number rather than an ITIN--individual taxpayer identification number--in order to secure government-backed mortgage insurance. The ITIN was first implemented by the IRS and is a 9-digit tax processing number. The IRS issues the ITIN to individuals who are required to have a taxpayer identification number but who do not have-- and are not eligible to obtain--a Social Security number. The IRS has indicated that the ITIN's only purpose should be Federal tax reporting. However, that has not always been the case. Unfortunately, Madam Chairman, it is relatively easy for illegal immigrants to attain an ITIN because proof of legal residency in the United States is not a requirement. Due to this practice, illegal immigrants have the incentive to obtain an ITIN as a means to become permanent residents by showing the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services that they have been paying taxes while residing illegally in the country.