Brett Guthrie

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. I thank my friend from Georgia for yielding. I appreciate him letting me be a part of the Doctors Caucus for tonight. I don't want to pretend that I am a doctor. I certainly am not, but I appreciate the opportunity to be here, Mr. Speaker, to talk about the health care bill. It's nice that this has been organized so we can be here tonight to talk about a topic that is critical to the American people, and that's the crushing mandates in ObamaCare. As we know, last week, Mr. Speaker, the House considered two bills to relieve the American people of these mandates: the Authority for Mandate Delay Act would give large employers a reprieve from compliance with ObamaCare's employer mandate until 2015, and the Fairness for American Families Act would grant individuals until 2015 to comply with the law's individual mandate. This one-size-fits-all health care law is a train wreck. It's been quoted as a train wreck by members of the other party who voted for it in the other body. The administration has clearly realized its employer mandate will hinder businesses in their ability to grow and, just a few weeks ago, announced their decision to delay the implementation of this bill. I appreciate being here tonight because I come from a small business manufacturing background that provides health care at a low cost to our employees. I believe I understand the complexities that an employer faces in providing health insurance for their workers. This law encourages employers to cut workers' hours, pare back their numbers of workers, and move workers from existing health insurance plans onto the exchange. Well, I'm glad to see the administration is finally paying attention to the disastrous consequences of this law. It is disappointing that they expect families and small business owners to comply with the crushing mandates while they give big businesses a break. Improving access to health care and making it more affordable should be the goal and the outcome. I will continue to fight for full repeal of this law, but in the interim, I'm glad the House moved last week to delay the implementation of the crushing mandates. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentleman from Georgia for yielding.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. Mr. Chairman, I rise in support of the Student Success Act. As a father of three children, I know the importance of a good education that ensures students graduate high school prepared for post- secondary education and the workforce. For years, States and school districts have been burdened by Federal overreach and red tape that has failed to improve the academic performance of our students. We can--and must--do better. Our State and local leaders have the best understanding of their own school districts and student populations. So we must get Washington out of our students' classrooms and equip them with the tools necessary to put our students on a path toward academic excellence. H.R. 5 has got about four key principles to do just that: reducing the Federal footprint, empowering parents, supporting effective teachers, and restoring local control. My colleagues and I share the belief that young people need to think big and dream bigger. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, just last week the administration chose to delay implementation of the employer mandate by 1 year. While this delay grants business owners more time to determine their options, it is not the repeal that we need. The House majority leadership sent a letter to President Obama today asking him to explain what prompted a delay in the employer mandate. The American people--families like yours and mine--are left wondering what led to this decision and why the individual mandate, which will be just as costly, remains in place. I join my colleagues in requesting this vital information. The requirements of the health care law have always left more questions than answers. I continue to hear from Kentuckians who wonder if they will lose their coverage, be forced to choose different providers, or be saddled with enormous new costs. ObamaCare continues to be the train wreck that will destroy jobs, and we have to stop it.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. When we were debating it, the number was always 40 million people uninsured. So we've completely upended the health insurance market and have put all this uncertainty into the economy. I think it's the biggest drag on the economy. Now, we haven't had growth, and we're going to have 31 million uninsured. That's not even by a bipartisan group. That's by the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office that we're going to have 31 million people uninsured--all of this because we had 40 million uninsured and, after all of this, 31 million uninsured. So did we get our $1 trillion worth?

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I thank the gentlelady for yielding. It seems there's no shortage of red flags regarding ObamaCare. The one-size-fits-all health care law is proving to be disastrous for consumers, for employers and health care providers alike. Just last week, as my friend from North Carolina said, the nonpartisan Government Accountability Office warned: Because government officials have missed multiple key deadlines to set up the new health insurance exchanges, there is serious concern that the exchanges will not be ready in October, as scheduled. Employers and families across Kentucky have expressed serious concerns about meeting the requirements of the law and wondering if they will lose their coverage, be forced to choose different providers, or be saddled with enormous new costs. Now these individuals are left with even more uncertainty. When talking with business leaders across my district, I hear a barrage of questions and concerns. Small businesses, the backbone of our economy, are likely the hardest to be hit. Some local insurers say the law could put them out of business. One restaurant owner says it will be a challenge for the whole industry and many will be forced to lay off employees. Others simply say it will be difficult to insure all of their existing employees. A Gallup poll released last week showed that 41 percent of small businesses, the engine of our economic growth, have stopped hiring new employees because of ObamaCare. The same poll also showed that one- fifth of those surveyed have reduced their workforce because of the law. Citing the uncertainty, these business leaders don't know what type of insurance programs they might be able to implement or if they will have to alter the shape of their workforce. The uncertainty seems likely to continue given the striking, but not surprising, report from the GAO. The Government Accountability Office warns that the Center for Medicare and Medicaid Services still has many duties to complete across core exchange functions, including eligibility and enrollment. With enrollment less than 4 months away, these missed deadlines will likely result in even more confusion as Americans are prepared to be placed into the exchanges. It's no wonder that this law is so wildly unpopular and individuals fear being placed in exchanges. But it's not just families and businessowners who are left in the dark. Insurance companies don't know what to plan for when the exchanges open, and some are already fleeing the market. Aetna recently announced they will not participate in any statewide exchanges and they will exit the individual insurance market in California entirely. This mood can set a dangerous precedent: insurers not being willing to take the financial risk to meet the demands of ObamaCare and not participating in the exchanges altogether. With competition dwindling and individuals not knowing what they can expect in terms of coverage and cost, we are left with a very scary and unacceptable reality. There are simply too many unknowns in the law that completely overhauls our Nation's health care system. This has led to unintended and negative consequences for employers, patients, and providers. This law is not the solution to our Nation's health care problems, especially given the lack of information and tools available for implementation. Instead, we need to enact a patient-centered plan that lowers cost and ensures access for all Americans.

Mr. GUTHRIE. We hear stories like that all the time when we're home. We had one in the Energy and Commerce Committee when we had a gentleman who had a chain of restaurants he's developing in New England, which isn't where I'm from, but he was before the committee. His testimony was that he had eight restaurants and planned to open a ninth, and he decided he had to wait because he has no idea what this health care bill is going to cost him when he has to provide health care for his employees. Of the net income of his eight restaurants, he estimated--if he could come up with it because, as we know, you still don't know exactly what the health care bill is going to look like. We know what the bill looks like, but what we don't know is what's really in it because the rules have not come out to say what you have to provide your employees. It's supposed to happen in October and be ready for January 1. So he has decided to just not open a restaurant until this gets implemented so he can then move forward. He said it's going to take half of his net income, he has estimated, if what's in the rules comes out. If you've ever been in business, it's something you always take home, but if you're growing a business, hoping to open a ninth, 10th, and so on and create a chain, the net income is what you put into the business to grow the business and move forward. It's half of his net income, according to his estimate and as best as he can estimate, because nobody knows the details of what's actually going to be required until, hopefully, we see it before October 1. It's just frustrating for him. It's frustrating for people. It's frustrating for employees. A guy stopped me in a store the other day. He just got a job at a retail store. He said, I was promised 40 hours, and I was just told I'm going to be working 29 hours. That's the new class of people working, particularly in retail. He was retired, and he was kind of looking for extra income, and he's going to be a 29er. That's a term that we hear quite a bit. So dealing with health care is something we absolutely have to deal with but not dealing with it in the way of this bill. They didn't try to cut costs, and it's actually implemented on top of the system even more, which is going to cost more. Employers are really concerned, not about being able to cover their employees, but they're concerned about, Are they going to be able to afford to stay in business and even have employees? That's the concern of most of them whom I hear talk about it. I'm sure you hear the same. I know our good friend from Texas is now here on the floor, and I'd like to give this back to my friend from North Carolina.

Mr. GUTHRIE. I don't think you were here when we were debating ObamaCare.

Mr. GUTHRIE. That's a great point that I brought up when we were debating it back in 2009. What people don't realize, as it didn't get a lot of coverage, Mr. Speaker, is that the Federal Government took over the student loans. So you're going to hear a lot about student loans in the next few days because after July 1 the student loan rates are going to go up. The House was active. We passed a bill. It's in the Senate. I've heard the President talk about it. What people need to realize is that when the health care bill passed--as my friend just said, the Federal Government can loan money at a low rate because we can pretty much borrow from ourselves at a low rate. When we loan it to students, they pay a little over 3 percent; and the difference, the flow, comes back to the Federal Government, the profit from loaning to our businesses. Do you know where $8.7 billion of that is going to? To pay for the health care bill. Instead of taking $8.7 billion and giving it back to students who are struggling with affordability of college--I'm in that world right now because my son is leaving this summer to go off to college and I have a daughter in college. So most of the people that are peers of theirs that I see, we talk about the affordability of college. One of the things that we did is we took money that students are paying back on their student loans to pay for the health care bill. Instead of rebating it back to the students to put it in their pockets to pay for their loans, it goes to the health care bill. As we hear a lot of people on the other side and in the White House this week talk about health care and that the Senate hasn't passed a bill to deal with student loan interest rates that will go up, I want people to remember, Mr. Speaker, that $8.7 billion of what people are paying back in interest is going to fund the health care bill.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor of Bardstown Police Officer Jason Scott Ellis. Officer Ellis was shot and killed while on patrol in the early morning hours of Saturday, May 25. Believed to be an ambush, this senseless act has left Bardstown and its surrounding communities mourning the loss of a husband, father and police officer. A seven-year veteran of the force, Officer Ellis also served as Bardstown's canine officer and training officer. He is the first police officer in the history of the Bardstown Police Department to be shot and killed in the line of duty. Bardstown Police Chief Rick McCubbin was quoted as saying Officer Ellis ``paid the ultimate sacrifice doing what he loved: being a police officer.'' Mayor Bill Sheckles said, ``The city and community of Bardstown lost a class act officer of the law in Jason Ellis, and his shoes will be hard to fill.'' I could not agree more. I join with the Bardstown community and all of Kentucky's Second District in sending my thoughts and prayers to the family of Officer Ellis, especially his wife Amy and their sons, Hunter and Parker.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in recognition of Chief Master Sergeant James K. ``Kenny'' Fogle. Joining the U.S. Air Force in 1977, Chief Fogle began his active duty career serving as an Airborne Cryptologic Linguist. He was assigned to the Kadena Air Base in Okinawa, Japan. Chief Fogle logged more than 450 hours of flying time with the RC135 and earned the Air Medal during this tour. Following his service with the U.S. Air Force, Chief Fogle enlisted in the Kentucky Air National Guard in several capacities. From 2000- 2003, Chief Fogle served as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Assistant Adjutant General for Air, Brigadier General Rick Ash. Chief Fogle also served as Assistant to the Secretary of Transportation in Kentucky's Transportation Cabinet from 1988-2003. Today, Chief Fogle serves as the Executive Director of the United Way of Nelson County. Chief Fogle's life of service has earned him many medals and ribbons, but perhaps most importantly, the gratitude of the Commonwealth of Kentucky. As Memorial Day approaches, I'd like to acknowledge Chief Fogle for his military service and for continuing that service in his personal life. I join with Kentucky's Second District in thanking you for your service.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today in honor and recognition of Lou P. Vincent. Lou dedicated her career to caring for patients and aiding them as best she could. A dedicated nurse, Lou worked for Dr. John Grise for 9 years and for Dr. Mark Yurchisin for 22 years. Specifically, Lou helped deliver my three children: Caroline, Robby and Elizabeth. Lou's smile comforted me as my wife was prepped for each delivery and her comforting persona helped both of us through the process. My family and I will forever be grateful for her service and thank her once again for helping us welcome our three amazing children into the world. It has been a pleasure knowing Lou and seeing her in the Bowling Green community. She will certainly be missed. Lou was present on three of the best days of my life, and my wife and I will always consider her a part of our family.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. I thank the chairman for yielding. Mr. Speaker, I rise in support of H.R. 1120. This bill is important for our employers, employees, and our Constitution. It has already been said, but I'd like to make that point again: the President does not have the authority to decide when the Senate is in session. His recess appointment of three members to the National Labor Relations Board was against the law and the tradition of separated powers inherent in the Constitution. Some on the other side will say that the impasse at the NLRB is the fault of Republicans, that our colleagues in the Senate are acting as obstructionists; but I will remind my colleagues that, during the Bush administration, Senator Reid used pro forma sessions to block recess appointments just the same, and he did not make recess appointments when the Senate was in pro forma session, which is different than the situation here. The real solution isn't to appoint board members that a Democratically-controlled Senate can't approve; it is to nominate reasonable individuals who will adjudicate our Nation's labor laws without bias and with an eye towards the goal we all share--a healthy economy with adequate worker protection. That's what this bill before us does. This bill would prohibit the NLRB from enforcing any actions that required a quorum, or from issuing new decisions requiring a quorum, until a Board quorum is confirmed with the advice and consent of the Senate, the Supreme Court rules on the constitutionality of the January 2012 recess appointments, or the term of the 2012 recess appointments expires. Unless Congress provides relief, employers and unions will be forced to either comply with costly orders that may be overturned or to litigate them on a case-by-case basis. Both of these paths are cost prohibitive. I urge the passage of this important bill.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Madam Chair, I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in support of the SKILLS Act. This legislation is a key tool to improve employee skills, and, in turn, strengthen our Nation's workforce. Jobs and growing our Nation's economy must be our top priority. There has never been a more critical time to make sure that our workforce has the opportunity to find new jobs or receive additional education. The bill includes a number of positive changes to the workforce system. Creating a flexible workforce investment fund to give local workforce investment boards additional flexibility is an important step to get more workers through the system. This bill also does away with the antiquated sequence of services which delays access to training. In addition, the bill enhances adult literacy, a cause that is particularly important to me. Today, approximately 12 million Americans are without work; yet jobs are open in many industries, especially in manufacturing. When I travel around my district, I continue to hear that employers are actively looking for workers but have difficulty finding the skilled workforce they need. Technology will always be advancing. We must ensure our workforce is armed with the skillset to perform the tasks that are required today and tomorrow. This bill will address this problem head-on and allow for the education these individuals need. These high-skilled, high-wage, and high-demand jobs are the pathways to the American Dream. I've seen firsthand, at my family's manufacturing facility, how lives can be transformed through additional skills and investing in our workforce. There are countless benefits to better educating our workforce as our economy continues to rebuild from the recession. We must do everything we can to put Americans back to work. I hope my colleagues will join me in supporting this effort for our Nation's workforce.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I'm pleased to see that President Obama now recognizes his proposed sequester is a meat-ax approach to cutting defense. Just a few months ago, in the third Presidential debate, he told the American people that these cuts were a well-thought-out plan to modernize the military. He said these cuts were nothing more than the equivalent of no longer spending money on horses and bayonets. He was wrong. He was correct in the State of the Union in saying some in Congress, meaning House Republicans, want to replace these cuts to our defense, but he wants to replace other spending, as well. My colleagues in the House have offered two replacement bills which the Senate has yet to act on. Let's not use our brave men and women in uniform and civilian workers who serve them as leverage for other spending. The Constitution states that Congress is to provide for our national defense and the President is Commander in Chief. I ask the Senate and President Obama to join the House in doing its constitutional duty and replace these devastating defense cuts now.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Bernheim Arboretum and Research Forest on being named one of ``America's Prettiest Parks'' by Yahoo! Travel. I am fortunate to know firsthand how beautiful this forest is and I am proud that it is located in the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Bernheim's mission and vision statements, ``connecting people with nature,'' and ``Bernheim will be a nationally treasured leader in ecological stewardship that inspires the exploration of deep connections with nature,'' are profound and true. Tom Block, a Bernheim Trustee and the great-grandson of founder Isaac Wolf Bernheim welcomed the distinction, calling it ``another branch on Bernheim's growing tree of awards and honors.'' Clermont, Kentucky and the surrounding community are fortunate to have this forest in their backyard. For those of you who have yet to visit Bernheim, I encourage you to do so. You will be overwhelmed by its beauty and peace.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate Perryene Lickert on retiring after 31 years dedicated to civil service at Ft. Knox. Since 1981, Ms. Lickert has served our nation in a multitude of capacities. From working in the Commissary as a Sales Store Checker to working as a Military Personnel Clerk in several departments, Ms. Lickert has dedicated her career to a greater cause. Next week, Ms. Lickert's civil service ends as a Human Resources Assistant in the Health Services Directorate with the U.S. Army's Recruiting Command. Upon Ms. Lickert's retirement, I want to wish her well and thank her for her service to both the Ft. Knox community as well as our great nation. You have made Kentucky's Second Congressional District proud.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, today I wish to recognize the dedication and selfless service of Major General Gina Farrisee, who will culminate her 34-year Army career as the Commanding General of Human Resources Command in Ft. Knox, Kentucky. As a Member of Congress, a Kentuckian, and a former Army Officer, it is an honor to recognize Major General Farrisee today before the United States House of Representatives. She is a native of Virginia, a 1978 graduate of the University of Richmond and the National Defense University in 1998. She was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Army, serving her career as an Adjutant General Officer. Major General Farrisee's career highlights include a variety of command and staff positions at Army installations around the world to include Germany, Ft. Bliss, TX; Ft. Lewis, WA; Ft. Benjamin Harrison, IN; and Ft. Jackson, SC. During several key assignments in the Pentagon she worked for the Chief of Staff of the Army, the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Force Management Policy and four years as the Army's Director of Military Personnel Management. Her highly successful command assignments included battalion command at Ft. Lewis, brigade command at Ft. Benjamin Harrison and the Army's Soldier Support Institute at Ft. Jackson. Most recently, Major General Farrisee headed Army Human Resources Command, at Ft. Knox in my district. Her selfless service, professionalism and expertise were highlighted while assigned as the 61st Adjutant General of the Army. Throughout her service, Major General Farrisee has been a shining example for our Nation. It has been my pleasure to highlight Major General Farrisee's long and decorated career today. On behalf of a grateful Nation, I join my colleagues today in commending and thanking Major General Farrisee for a lifetime of service during peace and wartime to her country. Her sacrifices and contributions will be forever remembered in the Soldiers and families she mentored and inspired. Those same Soldiers will miss her leadership, technical competence, mentorship and enthusiasm, as well as her daily inspiration--``It's a Great Day to be a soldier. . . . Hooah!'' For all she and her family have given to our country, we are in debt. We wish her and her husband David, all the best as they continue their journey.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the town of Bardstown, Kentucky on its recent honor of being named the ``Most Beautiful Small Town in America.'' This distinction was made by Rand McNally and USA Today after considering the 650 nominated towns. This is a tremendous honor for Bardstown and its residents. Whenever people visit Kentucky, I always tell them to visit Bardstown because I believe it best exemplifies the beauty of the Bluegrass State. I am proud to call Kentucky my home, and I hope this honor will continue to draw attention to this beautiful town and all that Kentucky has to offer. Bardstown, the second oldest city in Kentucky, has previously been named one of the 100 Best Small Towns in America and one of the 50 Best Small Southern Towns. Bardstown is home to many historic and notable sites, most notably ``My Old Kentucky Home,'' which was visited by American composer Stephen Foster. The legendary story says it was his inspiration for the Kentucky State Song. Bardstown holds another impressive title of ``Bourbon Capital of the World.'' Bardstown is home to Heaven Hill and Barton Brands and the distilleries at Maker's Mark and Jim Beam are just outside of town. It is important to highlight the wonderful leadership of Bardstown, and this honor reflects on their work within the community. Thank you for making Bardstown what it is today. I encourage everyone to visit beautiful Bardstown, Kentucky. You will fall in love with the majestic landscape and the sense of community.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to honor Colonel Michel Russell, on the occasion of his return home from duty in Afghanistan. In his role as a United States Army Brigade Commander, Mr. Russell was uniquely responsible for over 50,000 United States Army Soldiers, Department of Army Civilians and contractors from private industry, a command of equivalent size to an entire Army Corps. Colonel Russell was commander of the 401st Army Field Support Brigade (AFSB) during a unique period in time. As a result of the Presidential directed drawdown of military forces in Afghanistan, Colonel Russell was responsible for ensuring the redeployment of equipment in addition to the 401st AFSB's traditional functions of sustaining theater forces with quality of life products such as food, warfighting equipment such as MRAPS, and developing and fielding emerging technologies to increase force protection and quality of life for soldiers. Colonel Russell and his team of soldiers, Department of the Army Civilians and private industry contractors created from scratch the Afghanistan redeployment process. This process is responsible for maintaining, repairing, and removing thousands of pieces of equipment out of Afghanistan and back to the Continental United States or other locations where United States Forces are stationed. Colonel Russell and his team serve as the ``Face to the Field'' for the United States Army Materiel Command, the United States Army Sustainment Command and the 3rd Expeditionary Sustainment Command, providing all war fighters the equipment they need in the Afghanistan Theater to fight America's enemies who harbor ill-will toward freedom. I ask my colleagues to join me today in honoring Colonel Michel Russell for his steadfast commitment to the U.S. Army, his fellow soldiers, and his nation. We owe our freedom to men like Colonel Russell, whose devotion to our nation will forever be remembered and appreciated.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I appreciate the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in support of the legislation to reauthorize the Prescription Drug and Medical Device User Fee Act and authorize new user fee programs for generic drugs and biosimilars. The legislation also includes important reforms to grant patients improved access to new therapies and promotes innovation and job creation. Jobs and the economy are top issues for most Americans, and this bill focuses on that. As a manufacturer, I've heard many stories from many device manufacturers across the country about problems they face with the FDA and how those struggles are making it harder for them to manufacture in America. This bill includes important changes, including one that I championed, to reform the FDA's guidance process that will inject certainty into the process and create more American jobs. This bill is an example of working in a bipartisan way to achieve a quality product that creates jobs. I thank the chairman and the ranking member for their work. And, Mr. Speaker, I urge my colleagues to support this bill.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise today to congratulate the Carol Martin Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science for being named America's Best Public High School for 2012 by Newsweek magazine. Each year, Newsweek publishes a ranking of the Nation's top 1,000 public high schools. Schools are judged on criteria such as percentage of graduates accepted to college, advanced placement and international baccalaureate test scores, and average SAT scores. Year after year, one quarter of the schools making the list are located near major metropolitan areas. However, I am proud to announce that this year's number one school, the Gatton Academy of Mathematics and Science, is in my hometown of Bowling Green, Kentucky. I witnessed firsthand the Gatton Academy grow from a dream of a few committed individuals into a reality. I was serving in the Kentucky senate back in 2004 when rumblings of the school first began. Named after renowned Kentucky entrepreneur Carol Martin ``Bill'' Gatton, the school first opened its doors in 2007 to a select group of 126 public high school students. Aside from meeting stringent admission criteria, today's Gatton Academy students embody a love and talent for science and math. Students there also share a common hunger for college-level academics, and that is exactly what they get at Gatton Academy. Students are submerged in academics as they live and study in a residence hall built especially for them on Western Kentucky University's campus. Most classes are college level and are taken on the WKU campus alongside college undergrads. At the Gatton Academy, students break the traditional high school mold, trading locker-filled hallways and 8 a.m. bells for access to college-level innovative technology and the study of DNA and alternative fuels. Students work regularly with their instructors on scientific research projects, and also take advantage of the school's study abroad programs. This past winter, several students had the opportunity to study in Western Europe and Costa Rica. Students at the Gatton Academy graduate with more than just a high school diploma, as many students are well on their way to obtaining college and postgraduate degrees by the time they graduate high school. The Gatton Academy is one of 16 residential public high schools in the Nation specializing in science, technology, engineering, and math-- STEM subjects. In a world of increased global competitiveness, enhanced STEM education is critical if we want to remain one of the world's most technologically advanced nations. I applaud the faculty and staff at both the Gatton Academy and WKU for fully recognizing this and making a commitment to the education of the Commonwealth's best and brightest students. Specifically, I would like to recognize the Gatton Academy's executive director and visionary for the academy, Dr. Julia Roberts, and director Dr. Tim Gott, and congratulate them on this recognition, which is a testament to their years of hard work. I would also like to congratulate and thank Dr. Gary Ransdell, the president of Western Kentucky University, for making WKU's partnership with the Gatton Academy possible. Again, I offer my congratulations to the entire Gatton Academy community on this outstanding accomplishment. I look forward to following the future success of the Gatton Academy and its students.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I submit a clarification of my vote on rollcall No. 233 the Flores Amendment No. 10, to H.R. 5326. I mistakenly voted ``nay'' when I intended to vote ``yea''. The amendment would remove a standing prohibition on federal purchases of coal-to- liquid fuels, which have the potential to greatly increase our energy security. I am a strong supporter of coal-to-liquid technology and am a cosponsor of H.R. 2036, the American Alternative Fuels Act, which would repeal the very same prohibition this amendment defunds. My vote against the Flores amendment was accidental. I regret my error and appreciate the opportunity for clarification.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. Mr. Speaker, I rise to report the tragic loss of a young man who was born and raised in Kentucky's second district. Captain Dan Utley, born in Bowling Green, Kentucky in 1979, and who was raised and educated in Glasgow, Kentucky, before graduating from the University of Louisville, was killed in action while serving in the U.S. Army in Mali on April 20, 2012, while on a training mission to help the people of that country combat terrorism. Captain Utley was 33 years old. And I am told that in those 33 years he touched many lives with his intellect, his compassion, and his warmth. He was a sharp young man who, at every turn in his life, made the kind of selfless choices that define what it means to be an American hero. And make no mistake--Dan Utley and the members of America's Armed Forces who die defending our nation are indeed heroes. They put defending their country, their families, and our freedom ahead of their own lives. During his Army service, Captain Utley served in many posts, all of them challenging and proof of his skill and talent. His deployments included serving in South Korea for 24 months, in Kuwait for 12 months, in Afghanistan for 13 months, and in Mali for seven months. It was in that North African country that Captain Utley lost his life. A recent news article published by Reuters outlined the challenges facing Mali: Within weeks, Mali has plunged from being a sovereign democracy to a fractured territory without a state, occupied by competing rebel groups in the north while politicians and coup leaders in the south jostle for control of the capital Bamako. There is no sign the broken nation can be put back together soon--raising concerns among neighbors and Western powers of the emergence of a lawless ``rogue state'' exploited by al Qaeda and criminals. ``We have never been in such a dire situation at any other time in our history,'' said Mahmoud Dicko, influential head of the Islamic High Council in the poor former French colony once seen as a poster child for electoral democracy in West Africa. Captain Utley was there because America is engaged in a worldwide fight against al Qaeda and other terrorist networks. His devotion to his country and to the less fortunate people of the third world took him to one of the most dangerous places on Earth. He made the ultimate sacrifice while serving the people of Mali and so that everyone back home can continue to enjoy freedom and safety. I am humbled every time I hear of one of these young men and women who have given their life so that their fellow citizens can enjoy their own life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Dan served with distinction during each of his missions. He served as a tactical communications platoon leader, an operations officer while in Kuwait, as aide-de-camp for the 160th Signal Brigade, and as a brigade civil affairs officer in the 101st Airborne. After completing a civil affairs qualifications course, Dan was assigned to F Company, 91st Civil Affairs Battalion (Airborne) as a Team Leader. During the course of his service, Dan Utley won several awards and commendations, including the Bronze Star Medal, the Defense Meritorious Service Medal, the Army Commendation Medal, the Joint Service Achievement Medal, the Army Achievement Medal, the Joint Meritorious Unit Award, the National Defense Service Medal, the Afghanistan Campaign Medal with Combat Star, The Global War on Terrorism Expeditionary Medal, the Global War on Terrorism Service Medal, the Korean Defense Service Medal, the Army Service Ribbon, the Overseas Service Ribbon, and the NATO Medal. Captain Utley also received the Basic Parachutist Badge and his Thailand Jump Wings. What I've been told about Dan Utley is what I think every parent ultimately wants for their children--that they grow up with a strong desire to serve their fellow man, their country, and their community. That they grow up with an incredible work ethic. That they grow up with compassion and a desire to make a difference. Dan Utley lived that kind of life, and I couldn't agree more with Dr. Gary Gregg, the Director of the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville where Captain Utley was a graduate, who lamented, ``America has lost one of its rising stars.'' And to my friend, the Senior Senator from Kentucky, Mitch McConnell, I offer my sympathy on the loss of one of the greatest McConnell Scholars who has passed through the wonderful program that he set up at the University of Louisville to nurture the next generation of leadership for our Commonwealth. Dan Utley is no longer with us, but he had already grown into a great leader, an American hero, and will forever serve as an example to others who seek positions of leadership. If every person who desires a chance to lead had the heart and values of Dan Utley, I imagine we would be living in a much better world. Today, I offer condolences to Captain Utley's widow, Captain Katie M. Utley, who we also thank for serving in America's military; to Captain Utley's father, Charles L. Utley; his mother, Linda H. Utley; his brother and sister-in-law, Charles L. Utley II and Maria; his brother and sister-in-law, Matthew R. Utley and Michelle; his nephews, Matthew Ryan Utley and Mason Robert Utley; his niece, Marleigh Rose Utley; his maternal grandmother, Pauline Haynes; his parents-in-law, Chris and Peggy Michael; his brother-in-law, Matthew Michael; and many other friends and family members. I am saddened by this loss, but heartened at the enduring courage of those who serve in America's Armed Forces. Kentucky is home to a great many families who have lost loved ones in the War on Terrorism and in previous conflicts in which our country has been engaged. We mourn always for their loss, and remain eternally grateful for their sacrifice.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in support of H.R. 5, legislation to repeal the IPAB and make critical reforms to our medical liability system. The IPAB was created in the health care law as a way to contain growing costs, but the reality is those savings will likely be found by removing health care decisions from patients and doctors and placing them in the hands of unelected and unaccountable bureaucrats. H.R. 5 also addresses the critical issue of medical liability reform. Our current tort system is driving doctors out of the practice of medicine. Those who remain are forced to practice defensive medicine, further increasing health care costs. The Congressional Budget Office has estimated that medical-liability reform will save hardworking taxpayers over $40 billion. H.R. 5 makes two commonsense reforms to protect doctors and patients. I urge my colleagues to support the bill.

Mr. GUTHRIE

Mr. GUTHRIE. I thank the gentleman for yielding. I rise today in support of H.R. 1173, to repeal the CLASS Act established in the Patient Protection Affordable Care Act. The CLASS Act was unsustainable and unworkable from the time it was enacted. Even at the time the health care bill was passed, it was evident that the health care program was completely unworkable. The CLASS Act is such an egregious budget gimmick that even Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius has admitted the program is unsustainable. Repeal of the CLASS Act isn't as scary as those on the other side would have you think it would be. In fact, the Obama administration has already acknowledged the program is unworkable in its current form and has halted efforts to establish the program. However, the CLASS Act remains on the books. I strongly support ensuring Americans have access to long-term care. In order to move forward with a new plan, we need to get the CLASS Act off the books. I urge my colleagues to support this bill.